The Northern Rivers Times ED154

BY SARAH WATERS

MORE than 100 senior residents from the Banora Point Community Centre are expected to attend the Tweed Shire Council meeting this afternoon.

The residents are outraged by Council’s decision to discontinue a contract with the federal government for the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP).

Federal funding provides a number of programs and services offered by Council’s Community Care Unit and also pays for a Project Support Offcer (PSO).

The Project Support Offcer runs a muchloved, and needed, program known as FABS (Fun Activities for Banora Seniors) every Tuesday and Friday at the Banora Point Community Centre.

The activities have been running for the past 15 years and have grown to include walking groups, stretch your mind, scrapbooking, book club, mosaics, ukulele and craft.

About 200 senior residents enjoy the activities and classes each week.

The Project Support Offcer also organises bus trips for seniors, facilitates committee meetings and events and organises exhibitions and shows that raise money for charities.

But the Project Support Offcer position became jeopardised after Council offcers reviewed the Community Care Unit earlier this year.

A confdential report

was presented to Council with recommendations on the future of the programs and services offered through the Community Care Unit.

On March 16 Council voted to discontinue the contract with the federal government for the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) which funds community-based activities.

In doing so, they lost federal funding which also supported the Project Support Offcer position.

It is believed that Council wanted to get another provider to take over the communitybased activity classes so it could focus more on its core operations such as food recovery, fxing roads, water supply etc.

Banora Point Community Centre committee member

Vickie Mussio said Council inadvertently cut off the funding, without realising it supported a job which was greatly needed.

“The Council have

come along in all their wisdom and decided the funding that supports her position will no longer

anymore.”

Mrs Mussio said the FABS program contributed signifcantly

“We’re trying to prevent isolation, depression, health issues and hospitalisations.

“Senior residents need these activities and holding them all together is the Project Support Offcer.

“She’s absolutely brilliant, she pulls everything together and we need her to lead it.

“They’ve blatantly said ‘we’re not going to pay for it’ (the PSO position) and they want to try and integrate other models.

“Now they’re talking about getting a ‘consultant’ in to work with us - at what cost we ask?”

In a statement, Council’s Director of sustainable communities Naomi Searle said the provision of the services and programs Council withdrew from are not considered its ‘core business.’

seniors’ programs, can be delivered into the future,” Ms Searle said.

“There are a number of examples across the Shire where programs like this are successfully run - the Murwillumbah Community Centre and Pottsville Beach Neighbourhood Centre are two good examples of this.

“One option is to work with the Banora community to replicate a similar model.

“Having said this, the Banora community is different from others throughout the Shire, therefore other models and/or other programs could be developed and progressed.”

Ms Searle said over the coming months consultation will be undertaken with the community to determine how these programs can sustainably continue into the future.

“It is our intention that appropriate services are provided to the community that refect their needs.

“In the meantime, programs will operate as they have been.”

Committee members from Banora Point Community Centre sent a petition to Council to get the topic put on this afternoon’s council meeting agenda.

A submission has also been made to Tweed Shire Council’s general manager, councillors and Ms Searle.

be available and they are not funding it through council funds,” Mrs Mussio said.

“So, they’re basically telling us we don’t have a Project Support Offcer

to the health and wellbeing of senior residents in the community.

“The benefts of having active seniors are signifcant.

“Council recognises the value of the FABS program and is reviewing how the outcomes derived from this program, and more broadly

The committee members are asking Council to consider the welfare of seniors and seek an avenue of funding that will continue to support the PSO position.

‘They think we’re just old, grey hair ladies that are going to go away - but we’re not.’

One of the many activities provided at Banora Point Community Centre

Banora Point resident Vickie Mussio is concerned that a review of council services could leave senior residents without a Project Support Offcer who holds their activity classes together

Bushfre prone land map updated for the Tweed Shire

BY SARAH WATERS

NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) and Tweed Shire Council have updated mapping of bushfre prone land across the Shire.

The 2023 mapping is an update of the former 2012 mapped areas.

A new vegetation category 3, considered medium bushfre risk, includes grassland and pastures as bushfre prone vegetation types.

The category has been introduced to refect the bushfre risk presented by grasslands and includes areas of unmanaged grassland (cattle grazing), cane land, cleared and unmanaged banana plantations and melaleuca tea tree.

Most land in Tweed Shire is considered bushfre prone, with only the more urbanised areas along the Tweed Coast, Tweed Heads and larger centres not considered at risk.

Council’s Planning

Director Vince Connell said an additional 20 per cent of rural land had been newly mapped.

“The new mapping takes into account changes to the environment, including climate change, and the additional risks posed by grasslands and pasture under these conditions.

“In the Tweed, about 25,000 additional hectares of land have

now been designated as bushfre prone under the new map.

“This means approximately 94 per cent of the Tweed Shire is now classifed as bushfre prone land.

“If you live in bushfre prone land, you should have a bushfre survival plan - this is about keeping our community safe.”

The 2023 map was

reviewed and certifed by the NSW RFS Commissioner in May this year and is also used to ensure new developments have adequate protection from bushfre.

Depending on the level of risk, mitigation measures may need to be incorporated into development, ranging from metal fyscreens and gutter guards, to

modifying the style, construction material or location of a building.

Mr Connell said land which was mapped as bushfre prone did not prevent development from happening and existing buildings would not require retrospective modifcations simply because they were now mapped.

“The new mapping will only affect you if

you are planning a new development on your property, such such as building, renovating or starting a home-based business.

“We want to work together to plan for the future, to ensure the Tweed grows and evolves in a sustainable and safe way,” Mr Connell said.

To prepare your bushfre survival plan, visit rfs.nsw.gov.au/ plan-and-prepare/bushfre-survival-plan.

For additional information on the NSW Government and Council’s development controls for bushfre prone land, and access to the mapping, visit tweed. nsw.gov.au/ bushfreprone-land.

Council’s Development Assessment and Building Units will work with the applicants of existing development and modifcation applications to ensure new bushfre prone land planning controls are addressed.

BUSHFIRE THREAT: Residents whose properties are located on land classifed as bushfre prone are advised to prepare a bushfre survival plan.

The Drover’s Daughter rides again

BY SAMANTHA ELLEY

When she was only three months old, Patsy Kemp’s parents went droving.

She was the ffth child in the family, and two more were born after her.

“We ended up with seven children and in those days when we frst went droving, we only had a small cart,” Patsy said.

“You can imagine seven kids with two or three workmen with horses and dogs and all the rest of it.”

It was these memories and many more that Patsy frst compiled in her book The Drover’s Daughter, which was published in 2017.

This has now been followed up with The Drovers Daughter Rides Again.

While Patsy’s frst book regales stories of life on the road while droving sheep in the ‘long paddock’ and growing up in interesting circum stances, her second book is a prequel.

“It starts before I was born, talking about how Mum started droving with Dad when she had fve children under six to look after,” Patsy said.

“A few of my readers (from the frst book) also said they were interested in what I did next.

“I have included my living in Melbourne, getting married, and divorced, travelling overseas and when I got

back into Aussie to get a job, as a shearers’ cook, jackaroo cook and a farm hand.”

As a child, Patsy saw plenty of Australia.

“We went into Queensland up as far as Charleville, round Roma way, did a lot of work in Dirranbandi,” she said.

“The majority of the work was mostly around Moree and Bourke and all those places.

“We’ve been everywhere man.”

Patsy’s idea to write her books came about when she started telling droving stories to friends overseas.

“They all used to say, ‘you’ve got to write about this’ and so from that time on I started to collect my memories,”

she said.

“Just on a piece of paper, I’d just end up with a whole shoebox full.”

Finally, the stories were compiled in her frst book.

When she started on her second book, Patsy worried she wouldn’t have the material.

“I had no reason to worry,” she said.

“The stories just kept coming.”

Patsy said it is the only story that has ever been written, not just by a female, but of a family droving together.

Both The Drover’s Daughter and The Drover’s Daughter Rides Again are available at patsykempdrover.com.

Change is afoot at Ballina Shire Meals on Wheels

Meleta Wood is retiring as Service Coordinator of Ballina Shire Meals on Wheels after 16 years of service. Dan Davidson is stepping into the role this month.

Ballina Shire Meals on Wheels has been operating as a community-based not for proft food service since 1967. The service provides reasonably priced nutritious meals delivering daily hot,

cool or frozen by volunteers to our client’s

doors. We cater for a variety of nutritional

needs including gluten free, diabetic and pureed food.

Meleta has overseen the growth of the service into the recent inclusion of a social support / activities program for people 65 years and over. Meleta has seen many changes over the years including moving to the new site at 62 Crane St in 2008. Meleta’s dedication and hard work over

her 16 years of service will be missed by staff, volunteers and clients.

New Service Manager Dan has a background as a business owner/ head chef and working as a Service Coordinator in aged care services.

Dan says ‘I’m looking forward to working with the dedicated team of staff and volunteers and continuing on with the vital community service. To keep the

service thriving we hoping to attract some new volunteers as meal deliverers and to help at the services’ social activities’.

For more information about getting meals, volunteering or our social activities contact the offce on 0266862636 or email bsmow@bigpond.com. au

Outgoing Coordinator Meleta Wood & Incoming Service Manager Dan Davidson

My family has gotten into the Alone Australia series that has recently been on SBS.

This is where 10 people go into the wild, with only 10 items (plus safety gear) and have to make their own accommodation, get their own food and water and flm the whole process.

It started when I did a story on Josh King, the Director of Photography for the show, who hails from Evans Head.

From there I have watched the series through four times!!

Each time showing it to a different member of the family and watching them get addicted.

Now we all sit and watch the American version on a regular basis.

Gotta love On Demand streaming.

I think one of the aspects about the show that has resonated with us is the determination of the contestants to not just

survive in the conditions they fnd themselves, but to also thrive.

After the food impacted everyone, it was interesting to see the reactions from ourselves and those around us.

On Alone, there is always a small percentage of competitors (and that is what they are, as they are fghting to be the last person there to win a cash prize) will tap out after the frst night. This is where they ring the producers of the show and an ‘extraction’ team comes in and takes them out.

If only we’d had that post food although the tinny heroes did a good job of that during the food.

We watched some residents do their own form of tapping out when they put their houses straight on the market, or if they were renters, move out of the area. Not that they had much

choice as rentals were at a premium.

On Alone the bulk of contestants lasted until the hunger or loneliness

village, often wondering when it will be fnished, but continuing on regardless. And that’s what the

Diary of a Flood Survivor

took them over, then decided their lives back home were worth more than the cash prize.

Many residents have stoically rebuilt their homes in our small

fnal winner of the Alone series does. They don’t know when other contestants are tapping out, so are never sure when the show will actually end.

Each of us who has worked hard to regain our lives know there is no tapping out.

I built my own fre pit recently, using the river stones around

our defunct pool, in a possible nod to the ability of the Alone contestants to at least be able to make a fre.

Little Steps...

Can marine oil help with healthy ageing in women?

Southern Cross University’s NatMedResearch Unit is looking for healthy female volunteers aged between 40 and 65 years of age to participate in a research study looking at the effectiveness of a marine oil supplement in healthy ageing.

The study is being led by Adjunct Senior Lecturer Chris Oliver and Emeritus Professor

Stephen Myers and follows on from preliminary trials carried out over several years which looked at the effect of a specifc marine oil in both men and women with osteoarthritis.

“In preliminary studies in persons with osteoarthritis, we demonstrated that a standardised marine oil extract derived from New Zealand greenlipped mussels and krill oil can positively

modify certain body composition parameters,” said Professor Myers.

“We are now looking to see if these study results can be replicated in healthy persons who do not have osteoarthritis.”

Maintaining a healthy body composition, particularly skeletal muscle mass, is a critical factor in successful ageing. Changes to our body composition can begin during the

fourth decade of life. Supplements which are found to help maintain a healthy body composition could play an important role in healthy ageing along with a healthy lifestyle.

The researchers are looking for 60 women aged 40 to 65 years who are healthy, post-menopausal or pre-perimenopausal and who are from the NSW Northern Rivers region to participate in this clinical trial.

Participants who have met all inclusion criteria will attend three clinical meetings over 20 weeks at the University’s Lismore campus. Participants will receive an assessment of their body composition and muscular strength, along with a measure of their blood fatty acids and several infammation markers.

The research is funded by Pharmalink International Pty Ltd and is being conducted

Are you interested in staying healthy while you age?

The NatMed Research Unit is investigating the use of a natural marine product on body composition and muscular strength in women

We are seeking non-smoking generally healthy volunteers (aged 40-65 years of age) for our 20 week clinical trial.

Participants will be asked to attend 3 clinics at Southern Cross University, Lismore.

This trial will NOT suit those with a shellfsh allergy, are vegan or currently peri-menopausal.

This clinical trial has approval from the Southern Cross University Human Research Ethics Committee (ECN: 2020-117).

If you are interested in participating, please contact the clinical trial coordinator Shelley Robinson.

Email marine2023@scu.edu.au

independently by Southern Cross University. The study has been approved by the Southern Cross University Human Research Ethics Committee (ECN-2020117).

If you would like to know more about the study, contact the study coordinator Shelley Robinson at marine2023@scu.edu.au

Advertorial

LABOR ADDS INSULT TO INJURY ON BUYBACKS

Member for Page

Kevin Hogan said Labor’s decision to drastically cut back the Northern Rivers homes buyback scheme was made even worse by an announcement that it would be boosting buybacks in Queensland.

“In the same week Labor let the bad news out that the buyback numbers for Lismore and our region had been halved, Federal Emergency services

Minister Murray Watt announced the same scheme in his home state of Queensland would be boosted by another 300 homes,” Mr Hogan said.

“I don’t know what sort of game Labor thinks it’s playing here, but it really adds insult to injury.”

”We still have no answers on why the

Bosom buddies get out on the waves

original 2058 homes identifed for buyback in our region has been halved back to just 1091. Labor didn’t even have the decency to be upfront about the cutback, letting the news slip out via the release of barely legible maps from the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation.

“There seems to be a disturbing pattern here, with Minister Watt earlier in the month announcing $250 million for food warning systems, with Queensland getting priority on that as well.

“I shouldn’t have to remind the Prime Minister that he promised to govern for all Australians and that we are still trying to get back on our feet after the biggest disaster Australia has seen this century.”

BY SAMANTHA ELLEY

When one in seven women in Australia will be diagnosed with breast cancer, it is not just a pun to say this issue is close to many women’s hearts.

For this reason, the Evans Head Malibu Club are once again organising the Breast Competition Ever, a women’s only longboarding surf competition, on the weekend of June 24-25.

“It was a one day event last time,” said Mal Club’s Wendy Roberts.

“This time we have made it over two days.”

For those who don’t surf, there will also be a Breast Competition Ever 4km walk on Jun 25 at 9am.

It will start and fnish at Main Beach, taking in paths around Shark Bay.

“In 2021 we raised over

$50,000 so this year we are aiming for $75,000,” said Wendy.

“Last time $23,000 of that money went to Northern Rivers’ breast care nurses and the rest to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.”

The walkers and the surfers are getting ready to paint Evans Head pink and they want as many people as possible to join in.

The idea for the day came about when 20 year old Emma Perrier lost her aunty to breast cancer.

Although the family live in Queensland, Emma had been a grommet in the Evans Head Malibu Club and had strong connections with the town.

With the inaugural event held in 2021 being a huge success, the club is hoping to repeat the performance.

“We will have some celebrity surfers over the weekend, including Women’s World Champion surfers Pauline Menczer and Pam Burridge,” said Wendy.

“Along with Australia’s own Gidget, Robyn Harvey who is an adaptive surfer.

“Then there’s the Push the Bush girls from Port Macquarie who are also coming up.”

The Malibu girls are encouraging everyone to help in any way they can.

“You can participate in the walk, sponsor a surfer, watch the dragon boat races, buy some merchandise, join the raffes and so much more,” said Wendy.

To fnd out more about the weekend, visit The Breast Comp Ever Facebook page.

The Federal Government wants to introduce a new law called ‘Same Job, Same Pay’.

It doesn’t mean equal pay for men and women. It means that if you’ve chosen to work hard because you want more pay - by law - you can’t be paid more than someone who doesn’t want to work hard at all.

Same

same job same pay takes your reward for your hard work away

same job same pay takes your reward for your experience away

Supported by:

same job same pay takes your reward for your hard work away

We all want a fair system, so let’s find a better way because ‘Same Job, Same Pay’ takes your reward for your hard work away. findabetterway.com.au

same job same pay takes your reward for your experience away

If you believe in being rewarded for working harder, ‘Same Job,

Pay’ will take that away.

Authorised by Tania Constable, Minerals Council of Australia, Canberra.

They just want to go home

BY SAMANTHA ELLEY

“You can not build a community without certain things and they are a church and a school and they are gone.”

These were the passionate words of mother Shandell Parkinson, whose children attend St Joseph’s Primary School, once located in Woodburn, but temporarily established in Evans Head since the February 2022 food.

The words were said

Woodburn community members, crowded into the Evans Head church to hear what Mr Spencer had to say about the decision to not rebuild St Joeys at its Woodburn location.

Mr Spencer acknowledged the pain and hurt the community was feeling and what they had been through, but his words rang out with an air of fnality.

“(St Josephs) is not going to be rebuilt in the existing place,” he said.

“I wish it was different, but the decision has been

decision by the Catholic Block Grant Authority to not provide capital

“The school is unique where you go there and know everyone.

the process of coping with the food and the changed premises.

battle to save St Joeys with signs and cartoon drawings of young school children posted across the area.

“We are all doing our best in the changing landscape of our town,” said Ms Popp.

“What it feels like (from the Catholic Schools Offce Lismore) is that Woodburn is being abandoned.

“We have a connection to this church and the school can’t be underestimated.”

at a community meeting held in the temporary premises of the school to the Catholic Schools Lismore CEO, Adam Spencer.

Over 200 parents and staff of St Joeys, Woodburn, along with

made.

“We are committed to rebuilding in the parish, but it must be in a food free area.”

Mr Spencer said the decision was made due to the inability to obtain food insurance and the

funding in food affected zones.

Michelle Popp’s 10 year old son Jake attends St Joeys and she was also at the meeting last week.

“It’s a bitter pill to swallow,” she said.

“After the food last year, the frst people to help us were the teachers.”

Ms Popps said the teachers had also provided counselling for the children as they navigated through

“I feel like it is very important to get back to Woodburn,” she said.

“This is about working hard to rebuild our town.”

Residents of Woodburn and Evans Head have been reminded of the

It was deliberated by a Catholic School Review Commission report that three of the 10 food impacted schools across the parish would not be rebuilt on the same food affected sites. These included: St Josephs, Woodburn; Our lady Help of Christians, South Lismore, and Trinity Catholic College in Lismore.

Beekeeping Supplies

Some of the pictures around Woodburn reminding people St Josephs Woodburn students want to go home. Photo Samantha Elley

The beginning of the meeting at Evans Head with Woodburn residents and the Catholic Schools Offce. Photo Jo Cleland

TWEED VALLEY FLAGGED AS CRITICAL GLOSSY BLACKCOCKATOO HABITAT

By Sarah Waters

NESTLED among the bush in the Tweed Valley is a highly monitored site.

Three sensor cameras are strategically placed in old gum trees at the only known active glossy black-cockatoo nesting site in the Northern Rivers.

The cameras are trying to capture any signs of activity following the successful nesting and fledging of a female glossy black-cockatoo chick named Firefly.

The site was discovered last year by the Mullumbimby-based Wildbnb team after a tip off from a citizen scientist from the Glossy Squad.

It has been the subject of intense interest from ecologists and conservationists since.

South-eastern glossy black-cockatoos are listed as vulnerable in NSW and nationally.

On August 3 last year, a breeding pair of glossy black-cockatoos - Prez and Mr Prez - were found at the nesting site, which opened up a rare opportunity to observe the elusive birds in their natural habitat.

Wildbnb team member Locky Cooper captured incredible footage of the birds.

The mother Prez incubated her single egg (with Firefly inside) for about 30 days in the hollow of a dead tree.

Father, Mr Prez foraged all day and returned at dusk.

Prez flew out to meet him, got her daily feed of regurgitated she-oak seeds,

chicks.

Firefly hatched and was successfully raised.

After 12 weeks, Firefly flew off (fledged) with her parents to learn where

known if the breeding pair would return or not, but glossy black-cockatoos show high fidelity to nest sites they have used previously.

“It’s still not clear if those birds will breed again this year or if they are still looking after Firefly,” Ms Hackett said.

“Technically she should be old enough to feed herself and those birds could breed again, but we don’t totally understand enough about their breeding habits in Northern Rivers NSW.

“It’s thought to be once every one to two years - if the conditions are right.

“And we don’t understand how far they’ll take that young bird to show her where the reliable food sources are.”

The nesting site discovery has helped to identify at least one area of remaining critical habitat.

Juvenile glossies were also spotted on the coast in February and March this year.

range, which may involve other areas,” she said.

The Wildbnb team has installed 48 artificial nest hollows across the region, near the known site and in other strategic locations, in the hope of supporting other breeding pairs.

In the meantime, yellowtailed black cockatoos and little gliders have been seen on camera checking out the hollows at the site.

Residents are asked to keep a look out for glossy black-cockatoos as the breeding season is now underway again.

Last year, at the beginning of the project, the Glossies Northern Rivers team conducted surveys in the project area for nearly three months before any glossies were sighted.

With the Glossy Squad’s help, it is hoped the number of sightings being reported will increase.

new Glossy Squad recruits and their sightings are valuable to the project’s work.

In September this year, the national Great Glossy Count will be held, run by the Glossy Black Conservancy and Birdlife Australia. There will be opportunities for interested residents to attend Field ID workshops and learn more about glossy blackcockatoos.

Visit the Conservancy’s website for further information https:// glossyblack.org.au/ Or contact Harry Hackett at: harry@wildbnb.com.au

The population of glossy black cockatoos has been undergoing a decline of 30 - 50 per cent over the last 45 years.

Senior manager of species conservation at WWF Dr Leonie Valentine said the story of Firefly surviving to fledging was very uplifting.

and returned into the nest hollow.

A Wildbnb nestcam also captured Prez in predatordefence mode with ‘back off’ warnings to a threat out of the camera shotpossibly possums which are known to eat eggs or

their ‘feed trees’ are and how to survive on her own.

October 26, last year, was the last sighting of the family of glossies.

Glossies Northern Rivers Project Manager Harry Hackett said it was not

Ms Hackett said now there’s knowledge of the one nest site in the Tweed Valley, it is important to continually monitor it and collect data in the surrounding areas.

“What we’re observing is that glossies have a breeding season range and a non-breeding season

Glossies Northern Rivers is supported by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) for Nature-Australia, as part of its Regenerate Australia program, and the NSW Government’s Saving our Species program.

The ‘Glossy Squad’ is made up of citizen scientists, which help the project by documenting sightings of the birds.

Ms Hackett said she is always happy to hear from

“Glossy blackcockatoos, spectacular long-lived birds, were already in decline throughout southeastern Australia, when the catastrophic bushfires severely impacted the species,” Ms Valentine said.

“Then in another blow, the 2022 floods further impacted glossy nesting and feeding habitat in the Northern Rivers.” WWF’s Regenerate Australia is the largest and most innovative wildlife recovery and landscape regeneration program in Australia’s history.

The female glossy black-cockatoo chick dubbed ‘Firefly’ waits to

Firefly’s parents, father Mr Prez (left) and mother Prez (right)

Glossies Northern Rivers team members with Minyumai Rangers

THE LEGACY CENTENARY TORCH RELAY SET TO LIGHT UP NEW SOUTH WALES

Iconic commemoration travels through New South Wales from 23rd June to Wednesday 9th August

The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay 2023, presented by Defence Health, officially reaches New South Wales on 23rd June as part of its Australian journey to commemorate Legacy’s Centenary.

The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay 2023, presented by Defence Health began its journey in Pozières France on 23 April, with an official Opening Ceremony, then travelled to Menin Gate, Belgium and onto London before arriving in Australia where it is undertaking a six-month

journey visiting all Legacy Club locations around the country, before culminating in Melbourne.

The first New South Wales relays will be in the Far North Coast towns of Casino, Lismore and Ballina on Friday 23rd June at 9:00am. The flame will travel over 150km throughout the state, with further relays in Grafton, Inverell, CoffsHarbour, Armidale, Tamworth, Port Macquarie, Taree, Forster, Maitland, Newcastle, Gosford, Sydney, Penrith,

Wollongong, Goulburn, Orange, Forbes, Cowra, Wagga Wagga, Albury and Queanbeyan.

Featuring 500 torch bearers in total including Legacy beneficiaries, Legatees and Defence Personnel, torch bearers of note include Blue Wiggle Anthony Field, Former Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove, former Olympian Jana Pittman, Victoria Cross recipient Mark Donaldson and Assistant Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Thistlewaite.

The Legacy Centenary

Sydney Community Day on 23 July brought to you by Lockheed Martin at Bradfield Park, North Sydney is an opportunity to connect members of the public and those associated with Defence to Legacy. The military and wider community are all invited to this free family fun day with live entertainment, market stalls, activations to celebrate the relay and commemorate Legacy’s Centenary and its 100 years of supporting veteran’s families.

During the Centenary

tour, the torch will travel 50,000 kilometres, with 100 stops over 75 days, and be carried by over 1300 Torch Bearers, all with a personal connection to Legacy Australia.

Eric Easterbrook OAM, Chairman of Legacy Australia, says “The torch relay is a fitting commemoration of a century ofservice. Over the decades, Legacy has had a significant impact on many spouses, partners and children of veterans in the state of New South Wales.

From Coffs Harbour

to Wollongong and everywhere in between, we hope this relay will raise awareness of the important work Legacy does across the state in supporting our veterans’ families.”

Legacy Australia has been supporting Veteran’s families since 1923 and was founded on a Promise made from one digger to another.

Today, Legacy supports over 40,000 partners and children of veterans’ who put their health and lives on the line for our country.

To date torch bearers have raised over $180,000 for Legacy. Donations allow Legacy to keep the promise to veterans’ families. To donate visit https:// legacy.com.au/donate.

They wanted to start a new life full of hope

Title: Paradiso: A Novel

Author: Steve Capelin

Publisher: AndAlso

Books

Price: $30.00

By Samantha Elley

If you have lived in the Northern Rivers long enough, you will have heard of the story of the Italians who migrated to Australia via the dodgy scheme by the French entrepreneur, the Marquis de Rey, in the 1880s.

Long story short, they settled in the New Italy area, hence the name, and started a new life.

Steve Capelin has written the long story in a captivating novel.

As a descendant of one of the families of Italian refugees, he has provided an insight into the depravations experienced by the 300+ peasants who boarded

Tiny school fights back from the flood

Nestled near the shores of the Tweed River, Tumbulgum Public School did not escape the drastic events of February 2022 when the flood waters swept through the small village.

“Only one of the standing buildings can be used, with others needing to be demolished,” said relieving principal Genevieve Esgate.

“The admin building and two classrooms were completely flooded but they will be refurbished.

“Currently, the children are in demountable buildings.”

The school lost a few enrolments as people weren’t able to live in their homes in the small village and higher rents drove others out of the area.

“Families and the

the ship, India in 1880 in the hope of a better life in New Ireland, situated in the remote jungles of New Guinea.

e story is told through the eyes of two of the children, ancestors of the author, who witness the events they experience and as they unfold around them.

While the story is a ctional account, it is based on true events and will leave the reader with a better understanding of what the refugees went through.

e book can be bought through the New Italy Museum shop at New Italy and Hemlocks Bookstore and Café on River Street, Woodburn.

children went through a great deal of trauma last year,” said Genevieve.

“But this year, there is a more positive vibe.

“We’ve started up a playground and we are having a movie night next week where we are inviting the community to come along.

“We’ve been involved in the small schools

athletics and swimming carnivals and Anzac day.

“It has boosted our confidence.”

community really rallies around the school, as they want nothing more than its success.”

With the after effects from the flood still in the forefront of people’s minds, the children have been well supported in this area too.

“The kids take it all in their stride,” said Genevieve.

“We have done some well-being programs such as Stormbirds, that is specifically floodrelated.

“Seasons for Growth has helped the children build resilience towards things that life can bring.

exciting to see so much potential growing for the children, their families and the community.

“There’s so many great things about to happen for us and I think a few years down the track it’s going to be awesome,” she said.

“Some people are concerned about small schools, but we really cater for everything.

“We get the same opportunities you get in a bigger environment but in a more nurturing way.

It is also available online for purchase through abbeys.com.au

This confidence continues to grow as teachers feel supported in their training, the technology is all up to date and refurbishment is underway.

“We are definitely supported by the community with fundraising and donations,” said Genevieve.

“The Tumbulgum

PATCHWORK FABRICS at GR AFTON

“Kids may not display trauma the way you think they might, so the Smiling Minds program also deals with mindfulness.

“Next term the Royal Far West Support program will work with us to make sure we are in the best place we can be.”

Genevieve said it was

“We are really close and there can be real merit in a smaller setting.”

Genevieve said the way the local community has looked out for one another is so inspiring.

“We have a great heart and we are a great place to be,” she said.

If you would like to know more about Tumbulgum Public School, you can contact Genevieve at 6676 6237.

Relieving Principal Genevieve Esgate

HASTINGS POINT - A BEAUTIFUL HEADLAND IMPACTED BY TOO MANY VISITORS

BY SARAH WATERS

AN increase in visitors at Hastings Point headland could be impacting a large range of species and habitats at the popular coastal location.

Tweed Shire Council have initiated a new draft management plan to help protect the diverse and sensitive ecosystem and cultural values of the area.

Hastings Point headland and the adjacent Cudgera Creek have always been a focal point for recreation.

Team Leader Coast and Waterways Tom Alletson said based on anecdotal reports from Council staff and locals, there had been an intense use of the area over the past few years.

“The key issues include degradation of

littoral rainforest by access/trampling, the proliferation of weeds, collection of firewood, camping and litter,” Mr Alletson said.

“Birds are another important feature of the headland, particularly the endangered Beach Stone Curlew that nests on the foreshore - one of the few remaining breeding pairs of this species in NSW.

“This bird is highly sensitive to disturbance by people and dogs and predation by foxes or cats.

“Other notable bird species in the area include pied oyster catchers and osprey, both are impacted by litter - particularly discarded fishing line.”

The disturbance of rocks in the creek mouth, which are inhabited by a

variety of small worms and crustaceans, affect the food source of shore birds.

There is also pressure on marine organisms that inhabit the rocky ocean

foreshore, with locals reporting an overcollection or trampling of them.

Increased traffic congestion and overnight camping in vans have

also been flagged as concerns.

Tweed residents have until July 31 to have their say on how they would like to see Hastings Point headland used in the future.

Residents can fill in an online survey available at yoursaytweed.com.au/ hastingspointheadland

The draft management plan will be informed by community feedback and consultation with local stakeholders including the Hastings Point Progress Association, Tweed Coast and Waterways Committee and Tweed’s Aboriginal Advisory Committee.

When feedback is collated and the draft finalised, further consultation, including drop-in sessions for the community will be held. The project area

includes the Hastings Point headland and carpark, Fig Tree Park, Cudgera Creek Park, the Cudgera Creek, the rocky foreshore surrounding Hastings Point headland and the land from the carpark at Peninsula Street to the northern side of the creek mouth.

Littoral Rainforest is a closed forest ecological community recognised by its close proximity to the ocean.

What was once an almost continuous patch of forest along the eastern coast of Australia, has been reduced and fragmented primarily by coastal development, sandmining and agriculture.

Plans to preserve Hastings Point Headland are underway to help protect the natural environment for generations to come.

The scope of the study area for the Hastings Point headland draft management plan.

Romance of the steam train returns

ADVERTORIAL

By Tim Howard

The romantic age of the steam train will return to the North Coast with the arrival of The Picnic Train for a series of tours around Coffs Harbour and Grafton next month.

It will be the frst time since 2015 since the group has brought one of their feet of steam locomotives north, but the excitement locally has been palpable.

The group’s train operations manager, Sam Roach, said they had four 80-minute runs between Coffs Harbour and Coramba, plus day trips to Nambucca and Grafton.

He said The Picnic Train is a non-proft organisation dedicated to the operation of vintage steam and diesel locomotives and carriages.

The organised was relied on a dedicated team of volunteers from all walks of life and backgrounds, dedicated to bringing the magic of steam to its passengers.

“We have everything set up for families and young children for the shuttle trips to Coramba,” Mr Roach said.

“We go out over the beaches, up through the hills and into the tunnels and come out at Coramba. It’s absolutely beautiful.”

He said the longer day trips were more designed for the train lover and tickets had been going fast.

“I think one’s sold out or just about and the other one’s close too,” he said.

Mr Roach, who at 35 is the youngest qualifed steam train driver in NSW, can understand the love affair with the steam train.

“I saw one when I was

young and I said I wanted to drive one of those,” he said.

Reality set in later and Mr Roach earned his keep driving freight trains on the main rail lines around NSW. But the steam train bug was still in him.

He said he spent quite a few years hanging about, “flling oil cans and that sort of thing” before he graduated to freman, where he shovelled coal into the frebox of the train.

“After a certain amount of time I graduated and after a completing a course I graduated to train driver,” he said.

“I signed on as a train driver four years ago, when I was 31.”

Mr Roach said his title as the State’s youngest driver is about to fall.

“We have a couple of young blokes coming through and it’s a title I’m more than happy to let go,” he said.

“The company has been working toward making sure we always have a group of young drivers and fremen, so we’re aiming to bring some more on later this year,” Mr Roach said.

“It’s a young person’s sport, shovelling 10 tonnes of coal a day, although some of those old blokes I started with were truly exceptional.

“Even at 80 they could get in a train and it was like they were 15 again. But times have changed, I don’t think they make them like that any more.”

While he earns a living as a train driver, it’s the work of hundreds of volunteers that keeps the romance of the steam train alive.

“If it wasn’t for all the hours they put keeping everything in shape and going, this would happen,” he said.

Mr Roach said the Picnic Train would be bringing an old favourite locomotive, 5917, north for this trip.

“It’s the same engine we brought eight years ago,” he said.”It was brought over from the USA to come into service in NSW in 1953, so it’s actually one of the most modern steam trains around.

“It’s actually a fairly common sight around the Hunter and we’ve got to the stage where it would probably be doing as many kilometres now as it was a when it was in service.”

He said 5917 was in Maitland now and would make the journey north on Wednesday, July 5.

“It’s about a 13-hour trip from Maitland to Coramba,” he said. “We have timetabled it in with the other passenger and freight train services.

“During the ride up, we’ll have to pull over onto sidings to let the XPT and freight trains pass us.

“We’ll get into Coramba, where we’re staying, on Wednesday, take a day to get set up and then we’ll start the next day.”

The program is: Coffs Harbour shuttles

Friday 7 July, 2023

Saturday 8 July, 2023 - plus special Coffs Harbour to Nambucca Heads day trip

Sunday 9 July, 2023

Monday 10 July 2023 Grafton shuttles

Tuesday 11 July, 2023 - plus special Coffs Harbour to Grafton day trip/

Prices range from $85 for two people up to a $320 for a first class private compartment with a maximum of eight people. Full details are available at https://www. picnictrain.com.au

Coffs/Clarence top cop awarded Police Medal

The Coffs Clarence Police District Commander Steven Clarke’s stellar record in his 35-year career has been reward with the Australian Police Medal in the 2023 Kings Birthday Honours.

Detective Superintendent Clarke joined eight officers who were awarded the medal when the award NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb congratulated the APM recipients who have each provided decades of service to the NSW Police Force and brought a high-level of dedication to the job.

“Through their selfless duty to the people of NSW, these officers embody the values and standards of the NSW Police Force,” Commissioner Webb said.

“This award honours that duty and I thank each of them for their exemplary dedication, compassion and leadership within their teams and communities.

“I have worked alongside many of these officers and know each is deserving of an APM.” Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley thanked the officers for their commitment to the state and the policing profession.

“Policing is such a rewarding profession, it allows people to give back to their communities in a meaningful way,” Minister Catley said.

“I want to personally thank each of these officers who have gone above and beyond in their duties as a NSW Police officer.”

Nominations for the awards can be by an officer’s peers, commander or a member of the community, and are announced twice a year, in January (Australia Day) and June (King’s Birthday).

Det Superintendent Clarke commenced duty at Scone Police Station

in 1988.

In 1992 he transferred to Inverell and in 1997 commenced his career in criminal investigations.

In 2002 he was promoted to Detective Sergeant at Inverell. In 2005 he was promoted to Detective Inspector as Crime Manager at Richmond Local Area Command.

In 2009 he transferred to Mid North Coast Local Area Command as Crime Manager. He relieved extensively as Commander at Mid North Coast Local Area Command and Hunter Valley Local Area Command. In 2016 he was promoted to Superintendent and Commander of the Hunter Valley Local Area Command. While Commander he oversaw the challenging process of establishing the new Hunter Valley Police District comprising of the former Hunter Valley Local Area Command and portions of the Central Hunter Local Area Command. During this process he was required to manage significant issues within the new district and Hunter Valley community.

In 2018 he transferred to the Coffs Clarence Police District. In 201920 as Local Emergency Operations Controller (LEOCON) he oversaw

the local response and recovery phases for widespread and extreme bushfire season that NSW experienced. He has spent his 35-year career in operational policing and has been an exceptional leader, displaying courage, resilience, and fortitude. He lives and works in the local community and is a well-rounded leader who continues to perform his duties to the highest standards, setting an example to the police that he leads.

The other eight APM recipients are:

Detective Inspector Virginia Gorman – State Crime Command, Homicide Squad

Detective Superintendent Albert Joseph – Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Command

Assistant Commissioner Stacey Maloney –Communication Services Command

Detective Superintendent Bradley Monk – Aviation

Command Sergeant Stephen Rae – Police Prosecutions

Command

Chief Inspector Paul Smith – Protocol and Awards Unit

Detective Superintendent

Grant Taylor – State Crime Command, Criminal Groups Squad

Detective Superintendent

John Watson – State Crime Command, Drug and Firearms Squad

Det Superintendent Clarke

“GREEN VALLEY FARM” The Bush Oasis

Wings & Wheels soars again

BY TIM HOWARD

There was something for motor enthusiasts of just about every kind at the Grafton Aero Club’s Wing & Wheels open day on Sunday.

Crowds focked to their eyes over almost a century worth of vehicles that have carried us around on the road or in the air.

Hundreds took the

opportunity to get off the ground with joy fights in recreational fxed wing aircraft or in the Coffs Harbours Precision Helicopters joy fights.

The open day is a magnet for the rev heads enthralled by the technology of the last

“We had more than a metre of water through here for days after the rains last year,” he said.

Mr KIng said the club had improved the drainage at the aerodrome, to help remove water, although he doubted it would make much difference if last year’s rain event repeated.

“When the council closed the food gates, there’s

more recent models came equipped with a machine gun.

What was not a joke for potential buyers has been the price hike of around $50,000 as the war in Ukraine has cut off supply of the aircraft.

Very popular with training pilots, the Vixxen has the ability to be deployed with a “ballistic parachute” a device which when activated

better take off and cruising speed, but the biggest difference for him was the suspension.

“With the Piper, there’s no give on landing,” he said. “When you hit the runway, it’s bang and you’re down.”

Plane envy

Long-time Lawrence pilot Lee Harrington found himself with a case of plane envy at Wings & Wheels

airborne, a powered plane, or tug, which towed them aloft, or using a winch.

The Grafton club has a winch, powered by an 5.8 litre Ford V8 engine which can haul a glider aloft at about 45-50knots or around 95kmh.

He said the winch winds in 1.5km of rope attached to the glider which is hauled in, dragging the glider into the air at an angle of 45°.

He won’t say what he believed the car to be worth now, but it’s safe to say it’s been a wise investment.

Mr Mortimer said the attraction of the Torana, when “my hair was black” was it was so easy to hot it up.

Thankfully he kept the original parts and once the thrills of youth wore off, the Torana was rebuilt to its

century when the piston was king.

To an outsider listening to many groups of mainly males yakking about the different characteristics of the displays, it was like hearing a second language.

Aero club president Bob KIng was thrilled at the response to the open day,

nowhere for the water to go, so it just flls up like a bath,” he said.

It was impossible to describe every exhibit on show, but there were a couple of interesting exhibits that were topical.

fres a parachute from the fuselage which allows the plane, with pilot aboard, to foat gently to the ground.

Mr Kee said his aircraft has a space for the parachute, but he had not ordered it to be installed.

when he spotted a Bristell Classic parked among the aircraft on display.

The Czech-built low wing ultra-high and light sport aircraft caught Mr Harrington’s eye immediately and he spent

“The glider has a release switch and drops the tow rope at around 1200ft,” he said.

He said fights could last anywhere from fve minutes

factory foor condition.

“It’s been fully registered for the past 53 years,” he said. “All the kids grew up with it.”

which was cancelled last year after heavy rain and fooding over months made the venue, South Grafton Aerodrome, a bog.

From Ukraine with love Harvey Bay couple Gayle and Trevor Key few their two-seater Aeropract-32 Vixxen into Grafton on Sunday morning as part of a weekend jaunt around Queensland and NSW.

The plane, which has the couple’s wedding date stencilled on the fuselage as

He said the the plane’s 27knot stall speed was another feature popular with new pilots.

“The only thing that can fy slower than this and stay in the air is a helicopter,” he said.

“It cruises at around 115knots at 7500ft and it’s so easy to fy, it’s a dream.” Have plane, will fy

several minutes looking lovingly over its controls.

So what was the attraction?

The answer was surprisingly brief.

“It’s so sleek and very fast,” Mr Harrington said. “I normally fy Cessna’s but this would be a lot more fun.”

Non-powered fying fun Aero club president Bob

to fve hours, depending on conditions.

“You need to fnd thermals (columns of rising warm air) so you gain altitude,” he said.

Wheels on the ground Across the runway from the from aircraft a lot of pretty sleek machinery built

The Mortimore family had to wait until they were grown up before they got the experience of buying a new car.

“I bought a Daihatsu Charade, I think, way back, then I got a RAV 4 and a Commodore,” he said.

“This one (the Torana) only comes out for the car

its call sign, is a Ukrainian built aircraft very popular with new pilots.

Mr Kee joked the aircraft was much sought after, but

Last year’s foods look to have grounded Lismore pilot Dave Michel when his Maule M4 and the wings of a Skyranger were caught in foodwaters and destroyed.

But call of the sky was too strong and he began looking around for a replacement to get him back off the ground.

In a remarkably short time he was able to fnd a Piper Pacer, named Peggy Sue, which has been a capable replacement.

“I was very lucky to fnd one so quickly,” he said.

He said the new plane does not have the capabilities of his Maule, which had far

King enjoys his fying without the roar of a piston engine, preferring to soar in his German-built Sleicher K7.

Built in 1965, it has fown 30,000 fights and spent about 10,000 hours in the air.

He likes nothing more than to get trainee pilots into the glider with him, where they’re seated in up front.

“The view is so much better from up there,” he said. “I’m quite happy to sit in the back and take control if necessary.”

Mr King said there were two ways of getting gliders

to fy on the ground were attracting plenty of attention from the crowds who focked to South Grafton for the open day

But among the many lovingly restored cars that demonstrated the evolution of car design over the past century, was a a mintcondition 1970 GTR Torana, recognised as the best of its kind in Australia.

Waterview car buff Ken Mortimer has owned the car since he bought it in 1970 from long-departed Lismore Holden dealership W Robinson & Son for the princely sum of $2884.

shows now.”

But the car makes it all worthwhile.

At the Torana in Australia

Show in Tamworth 2021 Mr Mortimer picked up two of the most coveted awards: the Best unrestored Torana in Australia and the Leo Pruneau Award for the top overall point score among the show exhibits.

Mr Mortimer said the show was due to be held later this year in Tasmania, but he wouldn’t be going.

“I love Tasmania, it’s a beautiful place, but it’s a bit too far to take the car to show,” he said.

The size of aircraft on display at Sundays Grafton Aero Club Wings & Wheels Open Day, varied from models up full sized air planes, ultra-lights and helicopters.

Lismore pilot John Michel hooked up with Peggy Sue, a Piper Pacer, to continue his love of flying after losing a couple of planes in the Lismore floods last year.

Ken Mortimer’s 1970 GTR Torana is acknowledged as the best unrestored car of its type in Australia and he’s very proud to own the car and the title.

Coffs Harbour helicopter charter company Precision Helicopters did a roaring trade at the Wings & Wheels Open Day.

Hervey Bay couple Trevor and Gaye Kee brought their Ukrainian built A-32 Vixxen into Grafton for Wings & Wheels during a weekend jaunt around Northern NSW and Queensland.

Grafton car enthusiast Trevor Berry is impressed with Ken Mortimer’s 1970 Torana, still in showroom condition 53 years after it was built.

This classic vintage car, a 1925 Studebaker was on show to commemorate a local vintage car enthusiast, Tyndale’s Ronny Lee

The sleek lines of a 302 Ford Cobra caught the admiring eye of Brenden Worthy, of Grafton, during the Wings & Wheels Open Day on Sunday.

Lawrence pilot Lee Harrington was drawn irresistibly to this Bristell Classic. He loved the sleek lines and fast look of the popular recreational aircraft.

Former Qantas pilot Gary Hearns about to take another delighted customer aloft for a joyfight in his Yak. He later demonstrated the aircraft’s acrobatic abilities for the crowd.

“MAKE me a beautiful word,” once said Bernard Shaw, the self-taught Irish luminary, “for doing things tomorrow, for that surely is a great and blessed invention.”

As a tribute to the first person to win both a Nobel Prize in Literature and an Academy award, I’d like to offer up to the ever-wicked wit from the Emerald Isle who passed away in 1950, the word ‘Delazitra’ (which may have never appeared anywhere before, as it is literally a combination of the Czech words for ‘do’ and ‘tomorrow’).

What defined Shaw, besides his ability to thread thoughts into words with such unrivalled precision, was his knack of identifying gaps, if not easily missed swathes of ‘givens’ that could do with improvement here and there. An example of which was the fact he set aside money in his will to create a new 40-letter alphabet, to help humans better think, or in the least, express themselves more thoroughly.

When it comes to expression, none are more memorable than those who are able to condense their thinking into the sublime sum of one impeccably pitched sentence. The most celebrated seem to embody an elusive mix of wit, flow, wisdom, humour and deep irony. Relatedly, we refer to a person’s time in jail as a prison sentence, and in many ways, the well written sentence ‘captures’ something that is ever transferable, albeit vibrantly retrievable at any time.

Some of my personal favourite one-liners are derived from the German speaking world; a culture that is largely defined by thinking that is superbly tinged with

Nigel Dawe

provocative insight. As such, no practitioner of words more embodied this inclination than the cultural icon, Goethe.

Some examples of his ever-deft expressions are as follows: “If monkeys could reach the point of being bored, they could become human beings.”

Not to mention, “Even a shabby camel can carry the load of many donkeys.”

Little wonder that the English word for ‘wit’ also shares a common lineage with the German word ‘witzig’ which means ‘amusing, funny or entertaining’. Another doyen of German culture was the inter-war luminary, Karl Kraus, who aside from Mark Twain or Oscar Wilde could well be considered the greatest master of sardonic quip. Some of Kraus’ measured pearls include, “You can pack plenty of knowledge into an empty head”; “Life is an effort that deserves a better cause”; “The devil is an optimist if he thinks he can make people meaner.”

Venturing slightly east, the title of Dean of Snide surely belongs to the Polish WWII concentration camp escapee and eventual diplomat – Stanislaw J Lec. In a book titled Unkempt Thoughts, Lec unleashed lines such as, “The moment of recognizing your own lack of talent is a flash of genius.”; “Some like to understand what they believe in. Others like to believe in what they understand.”; and, “Never saw the branch you’re sitting on, unless they’re trying to hang you from it.”

In the same vein and rather fittingly, the Polish Nobel prize-winning poet Wislawa Szymborska once discerned: “Life, however long, will always be short. Too short for anything to be added.”

PROTECT

YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY THIS WINTER: LEAVE BBQS AND OUTDOOR HEATERS OUTSIDE

As the days and nights get colder, NSW Health is reminding people to never use outdoor heaters or BBQs inside their home due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. NSW Poisons Information Centre’s Medical Director Dr Darren Roberts said outdoor heaters and BBQs produce carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas you can’t see, taste or smell. “Last year, we received an increase in the number of calls related to carbon monoxide poisoning so we are warning people to be safe in how they

heat their homes this winter,” Dr Roberts said. “Any outdoor device that burns fuel can produce carbon monoxide, even if there is no smoke. This includes barbeques using charcoal beads or briquettes and outdoor gas heaters and lanterns. “When carbon monoxide is breathed in it decreases oxygen use by the heart, brain and other vital organs. This can cause unconsciousness and, in some cases, result in death.” Carbon monoxide poisoning can affect anyone, but babies, pregnant women, the elderly and

people with chronic medical conditions are at higher risk. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and weakness. People with more severe poisoning may faint or lose consciousness, and in some instances, suffer permanent brain injury or death. If you suspect someone has been exposed to carbon monoxide, call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26. In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000). If English is not your main

language and you need an interpreter, call TIS National on 131 450 and ask to be transferred to the Poisons Information Centre. More information about how to reduce risk and exposure this winter is available at Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.

20 weeks with no money! Where’s the help for families hit by the Clarence prawn disaster?

Member for Page Kevin Hogan has slammed the Federal Government for its lack of care for Clarence families affected by the White Spot Disease (WSD) outbreak.

“20 weeks have passed since this disaster became apparent and there’s been zero help from the Federal Labor

Government as many of the families struggle to put food on the table” Mr Hogan said.

“They needed help four months ago. Now it’s beyond urgent.

“The lack of a response from Labor’s Primary Industries Minister is appalling considering a State and Federal WSD rescue

package was negotiated by the former Coalition Government and implemented following an outbreak in the Logan River in 2017.

“So it’s not as though they have to reinvent the wheel here, there’s already a formula in place. It really seems to me like they just don’t care.

“Confirmation the lockdown will continue for the next two years makes it even more traumatic for those families waiting desperately for help.

“The Albanese Government needs to get its priorities right and help these families now,” Mr Hogan said.

FOOD-AFFECTED RESIDENTS JOIN GMP LAW’S CLASS ACTION INVESTIGATION

Hundreds of floodaffected residents in the Northern Rivers community have registered to join a potential class action lawsuit against the government.

Gerard Malouf & Partners (GMP Law) is investigating the impact of the M1 Pacific Highway

construction between Ballina and Grafton, and its relationship to the flood damage caused to the Northern Rivers community.

Residents report that the highway acted like a dam, exacerbating the floods that caused devastation to the community in February and March 2022.

GMP Law’s objective is to uncover the truth and where possible, bring a claim for the significant damages caused, including future anticipated losses.

The firm has made significant progress in its investigations, retaining a leading hydrologist and barrister to assist them.

To join the class action

and stay up to date, all affected residents can register by scanning the QR Code below..

Neatly in Line… by

Supporting our amazing volunteers by Kevin Hogan MP

Supporting our amazing volunteers

Our communities would cease to function without the many hours of work put in by volunteers and the various clubs and associations they belong to.

Recently I’ve been able to assist with Volunteer Grants to support these groups to help purchase new equipment, or in some cases, replace items damaged in the floods.

The successful applicants for 2023 are: 1st Iluka Scout Group, 2nd Casino Scout Group,

Scouts Club, Lismore Croquet Club, Lismore Rugby Club, Lismore Thistles Soccer Club, Nana Glen Memorial Hall, Northern Districts Rebels Cricket Club, Grafton Girl Guides, Northern Rivers Flood Action Group, Grafton Basketball Association, Iluka/Woombah Rotary, Casino Little Athletics,Woolgoolga Red Cross, Woolgoolga Athletics Club, Tomki RFS, Kyogle Boxing Club, South Lismore Celtics Football Club and the Red Rock Corindi SLSC.

King’s Birthday honours

It was great to see some of our outstanding citizens recognised in our very first King’s Birthday holiday honours.

Congratulations and thanks to you all.

The Australian Fire Service Medal was awarded to long-time RFS worker Stephanye Holden of Ashby. Wooli Marine Rescue stalwart Jacquelyn Taffs received the Emergency Services Medal and a Public Service Medal was awarded to Alstonville’s Stuart Campbell for his efforts coordinating the disaster response and recovery after the Northern Rivers Floods.

The Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) was given to; Helen Brown of Yamba for service to the local indigenous community, Lorraine Burt of Kangaroo Creek for service to veterans and their families, Ronald Johnson of Woolgoolga for service to the community through music and to Jane Thomson of Eltham for service to women in the wine industry.

Casino Golf Club

Assisted by CWA Casino 25th June 2023 for Casino toddler Arlo Sonnex

 Mult Prize Rafe & Aucton of items donated by numerous local businesses

 Book early to avoid missing out!!

 Great Family Day

 Lots of actvites for the kids

Casino Pony Club, Evans Head District Cricket, Glenreagh

Casino Pony Club

Lismore Croquet Club

Jane Thomson

Easy Crafts Ideas For Kids School Holiday Fun!

How to make a rainbow wand

Make your little ones’ wishes come true with this craft to make their own magical rainbow wands. Just add a sprinkle of glitter to get the magic working.

Complete your kid’s wizard or fairy dressup games with this enchanting rainbow wand. It’s easy to make, so get the little ones involved in this craft project that requires only some card, rainbow ribbons, glue and a stick or paper straw. What you’ll need:

• Glitter card

• Pencil

• Scissors

• Glue

• Rainbow ribbons

• Dowel stick or paper straw

• Pegs

Heres how to make your rainbow wand:

1. Begin by drawing two star shapes on the reverse of the glitter card

and cut out. If you’re struggling to draw the star shape, draw around a star cookie cutter or print out a star shape from Google images as a template.

parents frst to make sure there’s no risk of getting splinters) or a paper

How to make rainbow decorations

straw to the middle the star cutout and on top of the ribbon.

2. Cut the rainbow ribbon into 30 cm lengths. For our rainbow wands, we’ve uses ribbon in red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple colours. But you can use any ribbon colours that you have in your craft stash. If you don’t have ribbon, try creating your rainbow wand with yarn or thin strips of tissue paper.

3. Glue the ribbon pieces onto the reverse of one of the star cutouts. Glue a 30cm piece of wooden dowel (this should be sanded by

4. Glue the other star onto the back of the rainbow wand and hold in place with pegs until completely dry.

Get your kids involved with making their own rainbow decorations this weekend with this paper craft project. Made with some strips of rainbow-coloured paper and glue, this is a great project to get the kids involved with some crafting. If you’re worried about your little ones using scissors, you can always cut the strips to the correct sizes beforehand.

You will need:

• Rainbow coloured paper or card

• Scissors

• Pritt stick or PVA glue

• Brightly coloured ribbon

• Pegs How to make rainbow decorations:

1. Begin by cutting the coloured paper into 3cm wide strips. To make a rainbow decoration like ours, you’ll need

two strips in each of the following colours: purple, blue, green, yellow, orange and red paper strips. But you can mix and match different colours together depending on what you have at home.

2. Now you need to cut the rainbow of paper strips into varying lengths. If you want to have purple on the outside, that should be the longest strip and every colour after that needs to be at least an 2cm shorter than the last.

For example, our purple strips measure 30cm, then the blue strips measure 27cm, the green strips measure 24cm, yellows measure 21cm, oranges measure 18cm and the red strips measure 15cm.

3. On one of the shortest red strips, dab a little glue on the ends and press together to form a tear shape. Continue dabbing glue onto the ends of the orange strip and form the tear shape this time around the red one. Repeat until you’ve used up all the colours in that set of strips. Create a second teardrop with the rest of the rainbow paper strips. Between gluing you might need to use the pegs to keep the teardrop base together, or simply place the pegs on at the end whilst the glue dries.

4. Once dry, remove the pegs. Cut a length of ribbon to about 30cm and fold in half to create a loop. Apply some glue on one side of each of the teardrops

and sandwich the ribbon in-between. Press the teardrop shapes together until they look like a heart and peg together to dry.

How to make Playdough

Give this quick and easy play dough recipe a go to learn how to make play dough at home and keep the kids entertained all day long! Plus, we’re got loads of fun play dough game ideas below to inspire the kids with even more play dough crafts and things to make.

1. Add the four, salt, cream oftartar and vegetable oil to the saucepan.

2. Add some food colouring to a cup of water, then pour into the saucepan.

3. Stir over a medium heat, until the mixture becomes a sticky, combined dough. Allow it to cool.

How to turn a paper plate into a rainbow

This kid-friendly rainbow craft is one of the easiest to make, all you need is a paper plate,

yellow paint and allow to dry completely. Once dry, cut the plate in half.

2. On the reverse of the yellow and orange card or paper, draw some triangles with the pencil and ruler. Cut out the triangles.

5. Once dry, remove the pegs and hang up around your home or in your window for all of your neighbours to see.

Play dough ingredients you will need

• 1 cup plain four

• 1/2 cup salt

• 2 tbsp cream of tartar

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1 cup of water

• Food colouring

• Large saucepan

• Spoon

4. Remove the dough from the saucepan and knead into a smooth ball of play dough.

Now that you’ve made, rolled, squished or cut it, you may be wondering what else there is do with your play dough.

some paint and glue. With this fun paper plate rainbow craft, you and the kids can create fun rainbow hangers, with paper plates transformed into a shining sun or a happy cloud, to hang up in your child’s room or in your living room.

Add a touch of brightness to any space with our other fun rainbow crafts, like this one for making your own rainbow decorations.

You will need:

• Paper plates

• Yellow paint

• Paintbrush

• Yellow and orange paper or card

• Scissors

• Ruler

• Pencil

• Rainbow tissue paper

• Pritt stick or PVA glue

• Pink colouring pencil

• Black felt tip pen

• Ribbon

• Washi tape

Steps on how to make a plate into a rainbow.

1. Paint the reverse side of a paper plate with

3. Apply some glue to the edge of the unpainted side of the paper plate and stick the cut out triangles on, alternating between orange and yellow. Allow to dry.

6. Cut a 30cm length of ribbon and fold in half. Secure at the back of the paper sun with a small piece of washi tape or some glue. Allow to dry if you’ve used glue before hanging.

7. To create the cloud

4. Cut the rainbow tissue paper pieces into 2cm wide strips. We’ve used red, pink, yellow, blue, dark blue and lilac for our rainbow but you can use whatever colours you have already.paper plate rainbow Glue the tissue paper strips to the bottom of the paper plate to form a rainbow cascade and allow to dry.

5. Using the black felt tip pen, draw on eyes and a mouth in the middle of the paper plate sun. With the pink colouring pencil, colour in rosy cheeks to make it look like the sun is blushing.

version, cut out a cloud shape from the paper plate instead. Omit the sun ray steps and continue from step 4 instead.

“Leemo has views on just about anything”

‘MUM, what ARE Nuisance Phone Calls?’

Lismore Zine Fair- A first for Lismore as Artists come together

By Kate Coxall

It’s ‘Leemo Cat’ back. Following my recent unwellness, ‘Mum Jane’ now puts me inside our house when she goes out in our car. According to her, this is for my own well being. I am only allowed go outside when she is at home. (I personally think this is all a great load of malarkey.) I KNOW I have to be inside every night and I most certainly am. I am not, however, joyous about Mum’s plan of making me stay inside during the day time just ‘cos she’s not here. It’s winter a er all, and I used to, in ‘pre-illness’ times, be able to go outside and lie on the grass in the warm sun just whenever I felt like it. Oh, well, not to worry. I admittedly do nd diversions in these times of con nement which keep me entertained. One was answering our landline phone if it rang and Mum wasn’t here. (I’m not allowed do it any more?!) I would answer politely pretending to be Mum. Ooooh, the people I spoke to were so interesting and had so much ni y stu to tell me. ings like ‘You’re in the draw for a free holiday to Antarctica’s Polar Plateau.’ ‘You are owed heaps of money by the Government.’

‘I am an investigator from the Government and have questions for you regarding your Tax Return in 1970.’ e one that truly sparked an instant reaction in me was the nice person telling me they were from our Electricity Provider and that we owed them $932.31 and we had to pay it by 5pm

or our house would be ‘cut o ’. ey told me this would mean no lights, no fridge, radio, stove, NO HEATING, no phone or computer, hot water & so on. BUT, the words that hit me were ‘NO TV.’ Crikey, how would I watch my permitted number of episodes of ‘Bluey’ I ask you? Hmmm. I had to give this urgent contemplation. I knew it meant having to ‘fess up to Mum that I’d been answering our phone and chatting to nice people. OMG! Ponder!! ( e nice person said I could pay it by telling them our bank details and all would be good!) I made the wise decision to talk to Mum as soon as she got home. ‘Mumsie, I wish to talk to you about a serious matter.’ She looked at me fondly, patted & kissed me, and told me to go right ahead. I kept it brief and told her a nice person would be calling back on our phone asking for our bank acct. details and to have them ready or we would be very cold tonight. I really can’t explain the look on her face but it was akin to, hmmm, ALARM with a titch of fright. A countenance awful to behold! She spoke in a tight shaky erce tone. ‘Leemo, could you kindly extrapolate on what you have just told me about this phone call.’ SO I DID. I told her if we didn’t pay the money to the nice person when they called our power supply would be stopped. BUT that all she had to do was give them our bank info. Easy Peasy Mum!! I felt rather pleased with my calm informed response. Well, su ce to say, I am in rather deep stu and was told that if I EVER answer our phone again, all watching of ‘Bluey’ will be cancelled forthwith. I ‘spose I didn’t really want to go to Antarctica’s Polar Plateau anyhow ‘cos it gets to 40 to 94 °F. Brrrrrr, even with my thick glossy feline coat. Mum is coming with me now to sit on the sunny warm grass. Purrsies, Leemo.

Held on the same day as Lismore’s Lantern Parade Festival, this Saturday June 24th, Lismore will host it’s first ever Zine Fair, where artists from the region come together with Zine’s they have written and designed, and prints they have developed (screen, limo etc).

A Zine is often a piece of “old-school, DIY, A4 paper, folded into a booklet, which can be informative, creative, artistic and use both words and images.”

“Whatever you are passionate about, whether it’s cats, poetry, how to make your own Banjo or Underground Music, you can write

about it and make more art and perspective around your passion to share with others”.

The Zine Fair will be held at the collective art space Elevator ARI, 3 Rural St from 11-6pm.

Event Organiser, Chris Lego from the Make-Do Collective says “we are a group of 8 or 9 Queer Lismore folk, who put on events, and this will be another, where artists in the community can come

together, with music on the day, supporting what is being created in our rich and diverse community”

“I have been creating Zines for almost 30 years, and was one of the first reasons I came to Lismore as a teenager, and have covered everything from Indie Rock, Punk Rock, to Queer Art, Politics and Writing and interviewing different people from counter culture.”

“Lismore has such a strong, creative community, I’m hoping people who have written things in the past, or are willing to do so now, will come together and create opportunities for new collaborations, and friendships.”

Casino forum to discuss inclusive emergency planning

RICHMOND Valley residents living with a disability are invited to participate in a Disability Inclusive Emergency Planning Forum in the Casino Community Centre on Monday 26 June.

Getting underway at 9.30am, the forum is being hosted by Richmond Valley Council in partnership with St Vincent de Paul Society, Bushfire Recovery and Community Development Program NSW and the University of Sydney.

Emergency services personnel are also invited to attend and develop an understanding of how the community needs to be supported during times of emergency.

At the forum participants will learn about:

• People-centred approaches to emergency management.

• Factors that increase risk for people with disability in emergencies.

• Strategies to reduce risk and increase the

resilience of people with disability to disaster.

• Local community resources which can be shared before, during and after an emergency to keep people safe.

Council’s Director Community Service Delivery and Local

what worked, where the gaps were and how to successfully plan for emergencies.

She said the forum was a great opportunity for Council and the community to work collaboratively to ensure disability inclusive emergency planning

“Council is pleased to host this forum to give people living with a disability a voice on their preparation and recovery from disaster.”

St Vincent de Paul Society, Bushfire Recovery and Community Development Program NSW spokeswoman Tracey Doherty congratulated Richmond Valley Council for bringing the first of many discussions together to formulate a united plan for diverse emergency preparedness.

Emergency Management Officer Angela Jones said some people needed additional support, resources or advocacy to prepare, respond and recover from disasters.

Ms Jones said the aim of the forum was to bring people of all abilities, carers, emergency responders and Council together to identify

was present in Council planning, as well as the Local Emergency Management Committee Emergency Plan.

“The fires, floods and pandemic of recent years have shown us that disasters happen fast and can have longlasting impacts on our communities,” Ms Jones said.

“Hosting this forum in partnership with Council and the University of Sydney means support can be provided for everyone in our community, regardless of age or ability and can assist in equipping them with the skills we all need to better prepare, respond and recover from disaster,” Ms Doherty said.

Numbers will be limited for this event, so people are encouraged to register via bit. ly/3JaAQeF or using the below QR code.

Lismore Lantern Parade Festival

$500,000 upgrade of Manns Road starts in mid-June

Council is starting the long-awaited upgrade of Manns Road in the Mullumbimby Industrial Estate in midJune which includes the reconstruction of a 400m section of road.

The upgrade has been made possible thanks to $500,000 funding from the NSW Government.

By Kate Coxall

This Saturday a Northern Rivers favourite returns, for it’s 29th year of “bringing light to the city”, the warming Winter Festival that

candle/ flame’s. There will be the popular Lantern Decorating stall at the festival, before the parade starts as well.

The theme this year is “Gates of Renewal” which organisers say

forward with renewed hope and energy”.

brings the light, to the darkest time of the year.

Lismore Lantern Parade. The festivities will last from 12 noon to 8:30pm.

The parade is set to depart from Magellan St at 5:30pm, then will depart from Magellan St at 5:30pm and head down Molesworth St, passed the Memorial Baths to Victoria St,into Riverside Park, and back to it’s original home on the banks of the Wilsons River, where the finale can be enjoyed by young and old alike.

This year, unlike any other before, families who want to bring their own lanterns are allowed to do so, however lanterns must only have LED/Battery operated lights, no

“reflects the history of the lantern parade, which celebrates Winter Solstice, the changing from the longest nights, to the return of the sunknown as liminal space, where optimism and magic happen. We hope this will bring positivity and happiness to our community- moving

Commencing during the day in the heart of Lismore, the CBD, there will be a musical program and markets, known as the “Market deLight.” Organisers say “The Northern Rivers Conservatorium and Southern Cross University will once again present a fabulous musical program on the Heartbeats Festival Stage in Carrington St”. With activities all day for the kids, and enchanted windows, and many popup and regular eateries,putting on something extra special for the event, it’s always worth heading along early, to enjoy the whole experience, and support the Lismore community. After the Fiery Finale, the iconic Jimmy Willing and the Hotel Metropole will entertain those who wish to celebrate the return of the sun, even longer!

The Lismore Lantern Parade is run by LighnUp Inc, which is a community, artsbased, not for profit organisation based in Lismore, who has a strong commitment to social inclusion and access to the arts.

“Manns Road has been in terrible condition for a long time which is why we’ve sought funding for a full reconstruction of what is the main road of this industrial estate area,” Council’s Director Infrastructure Services, Phil Holloway said.

“This will be a gamechanger for residents, workers and customers of the Mullumbimby Industrial Estate – a brand new, smooth road that is made to last for the long-term and has a design life of around 20

years,” he said.

Council crews will be setting up the works from Wednesday 14 June, with removal of the current surface starting from Monday 19 June, weather depending.

“We want to notify the wider Mullumbimby community and everyone who visits the industrial estate and the rugby league grounds about the timing of these major works because there will be some traffic impacts and delays,” Mr Holloway

said.

Traffic management will be in place throughout the project and vehicle access will be reduced to one lane at times.

There will be a detour around Towers Drive for the duration of the project and electronic signage will be in place. Both lanes of traffic on Manns Road may need to be closed at certain times during the works but will be limited to 10-15 minutes in duration.

2024 15 DAY EXPLORE SRI LANKA GROUP TOUR

Departure Date: 18 February 2024

$4,700 per person Single Supplement - $1,200

A smiling sun all year round, golden beaches, ancient cities, exciting safaris, colourful culture, adventure sport and lovely people! Few places in the world can offer you such a remarkable combination of stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, captivating cultural heritage and unique experiences including 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites! Visit an animal sanctuary, enjoy a Jeep safari in Yala and Wasgamuwa National Parks, take a train ride from Kandy to Nanuoya, visit tea and cinnamon plantations, have High Tea at the Grand Hotel and enjoy a traditional Ayurveda massage! This tour lets you truly explore Sri Lanka! Sit back and travel in comfort, everything taken care of with this escorted small group.

Price Includes:

Fully escorted tours are escorted by a Director, member of staff or trusted traveller from Casino Travel Shoppe!

• Home/airport pick up and delivery from the Northern Rivers & surrounds

• All transport including return airfares in economy class

• Quality accommodation

• Sightseeing entry fees and tipping (excludes driver and guides)

• Breakfast & dinner daily, 3 lunches plus a High Tea

ATO expands data matching to ensure fair play

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) continues to expand its datamatching capability to ensure taxpayers don’t leave out income or inflate deductions this tax time.

New data is now rolling into the ATO from property managers, landlord insurance providers, financial institutions providing loans for residential investment properties and sharing economy providers, as well as income protection policy information.

ATO Assistant Commissioner Tim Loh said ‘this isn’t a game of Guess Who, as our sophisticated data-matching programs provide us with all the clues we need to track down taxpayers with incorrect information in their tax return.’

‘We will use this information to identify and educate taxpayers who have made incorrect claims in their return, with a longer-term plan to pre-fill as much information as possible in future years,’ Mr Loh said.

Residential investment property loans and landlord insurance

The ATO’s review of income tax returns show 9 in 10 rental property owners are getting their return wrong.

Mr Loh confirmed two new data-matching protocols start this year for rental investors, including investment loan data and landlord insurance policy

information.

‘Around 80% of taxpayers with rental income claimed a deduction for interest on their loan, and this is where we’re seeing mistakes. For example, you can’t refinance an investment property to buy personal items, like a holiday to Europe or a Tesla, then continue to claim the interest expenses as a tax

deduction.’

With the new landlord insurance data-matching protocol, the ATO is reminding taxpayers that insurance premiums paid for rental properties can be claimed as a tax deduction. Similarly, any insurance payouts received in relation to an investment property must be reported as income.

‘This new data provides us with crucial intelligence to paint a picture of what’s true and accurate in tax returns,’ Mr Loh said.

87% of taxpayers who own rental properties use a registered tax agent to lodge their return. It is important taxpayers provide their agent with the right information to prepare their return correctly. Taxpayers are responsible for what they include in their tax return, even when using an agent.

Sharing Economy Reporting Regime (SERR)

Record numbers of taxpayers are now working multiple jobs or supplementing their income with side hustles or sharing economy

activities.

The SERR starts from 1 July 2023, requiring more electronic distribution platforms to report payment information to the ATO. This will come into effect in two phases:

• electronic distribution platforms that provide taxi services, ride-sourcing, and short-term accommodation must report income data from 1 July 2023

• all other electronic distribution platforms must report from 1 July 2024.

‘While the ATO has received data from a number of digital platforms in the past, this legislative change means more platforms will be required to regularly report into the future’ Mr Loh said.

‘These new rules will give the ATO clear visibility of people who are earning income using these platforms.’

The information from platforms will be matched against what is reported in tax returns or activity statements.

Income protection

insurance

The new income protection data-matching protocol was published this month, meaning the ATO will know premiums paid for income protection insurance policies as well as payouts received.

‘You can generally claim a deduction for income protection insurance you buy but remember you can’t claim the deduction if the insurance policy is paid by your super fund.’

‘If you receive an income protection insurance payout from either your personal insurance policy or from your super fund policy, you must include the income in your tax return,’ Mr Loh said. Ensuring a level playing field and protecting taxpayers who do the right thing is crucial.

‘We are here to help people get their tax return right the first time, but our message is clear – we’re not playing Guess Who with tax returns this year,’ Mr Loh said.

Australian unemployment drops to 8.4% in May – the lowest since September 2022 (8.1%)

In May unemployment dropped 0.1% points to 8.4%, according to the latest Roy Morgan employment series data – the fourth straight monthly drop.

Unemployment is now at its lowest since COVID-19 restrictions lifted in late 2022.

However, there was a rise in under-

employment in May, up 0.9% points to 9.8%, to its highest level this year. The rise in underemployment came as part-time employment increased to 4.86 million – a fourth straight month of increases. The rising cost of living, with high inflation and increasing interest rates, are leading

to more Australians in part-time employment needing to work more hours to earn a sufficient income. These people in part-time employment looking for more hours are considered underemployed – now nearly 10% of the workforce.

• Employment was down in May, but still near record highs as part-time employment increased:

Australian employment was down 107,000 to 13,707,000 in May. The drop was due to a fall in full-time employment, down 215,000 to 8,843,000, while parttime employment was up 108,000 to 4,864,000.

• Unemployment (full-time and part-time workers) dropped in May with fewer people looking for full-time and part-time work:

1,258,000 Australians

were unemployed (8.4% of the workforce) in May, a decrease of 28,000 from April with fewer people looking for full-time work, down 6,000 to 514,000 and fewer people looking for part-time work, down 22,000 to 744,000.

• The workforce dropped to its lowest so far this year in May, but still up over 500,000 from a year ago: The workforce in May was 14,965,000 (down 135,000 from April) –comprised of 13,707,000 employed Australians (down 107,000) and 1,258,000 unemployed Australians looking for work (down 28,000).

• Overall unemployment and under-employment up 0.8% points in May to 18.2%:

In addition to the unemployed, 1.46

million Australians (9.8% of the workforce, up 0.9% points) were under-employed –working part-time but looking for more work, up 125,000 from April.

In total 2.72 million Australians (18.2% of the workforce) were either unemployed or under-employed in April, up by 97,000 from April.

Compared to early March 2020, before the nation-wide lockdown, in May 2023 there were more than 550,000 more Australians either unemployed or under-employed (+2.6% points) even though overall employment (13,707,000) is over 800,000 million higher than it was preCOVID-19 (12,872,000).

Roy Morgan’s unemployment figure of 8.4% is more than double the ABS estimate

of 3.7% for April and is comparable to the combined ABS unemployment and under-employment figure of 9.8%.

The latest monthly figures from the ABS indicate that the people working fewer hours in April 2023 (398,600) due to illness, injury or sick leave was around 58,000 higher than the prepandemic average of the five years to April 2019 (340,880) – a difference of 57,720.

If this higher than pre-pandemic average of workers (57,720) are added to the combined ABS unemployment and under-employment figure of 1,414,000 we find a total of 1,471,200 people could be considered unemployed or underemployed equivalent to 10.2% of the workforce.

ATO Assistant Commissioner Tim Loh

RECENT CATTLE MARKET REPORTS

CASINO

NRLX MARKET REPORT WEEK ENDING FRIDAY 16 JUNE

Agents yarded a total of 846 head at the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange regular prime sale on Wednesday 14 June. The yarding was dominated by vealer and yearling steers and heifers with an improved line up of well fnished cows. All the regular buyers attended along with a fair panel of local restockers.

WARWICK

Cow prices saw a slight increase on last week averaging 179c/kg and reaching a top price of 220c/ kg. Heifer prices fell marginally with an average of 199c/kg and $488 and top of 254c/kg and $1,186. Bull prices held frm with 13 head sold averaging 201c/kg and $1,468. Steer prices saw minimal change with an average of 306c/kg and $783 and top of 392c/kg and $1,300. A small number of bullocks sold on the day averaged 206c/kg and reached a top of 206c/kg.

George & Fuhrmann held a store sale at the NRLX on Friday 16 June with 2,650 head going under the

Vealer steers av 300.6c/kg topping at 375.2c/kg or $751.29 to $1272.00

hammer. Steers topped their category at 368c/kg and averaged 329c/kg and $828 whilst heifers reached a top of 330c/kg and averaged 234c/kg and $555. Cows reached a top price of $1,520 whilst cows & calves topped their market at $2,360.

Ramsey & Bulmer will hold the annual Casino Bull & Female sale this Friday 23 June with 65 top quality Hereford and Santa Gertrudis stud bulls & females on offer. For those unable to make it out to the NRLX, the sale will be streamed live and online via Stocklive. Further information including the catalogue can be found on the Stocklive website.

$1617.00

Bulls av 243.1c/kg topping at 355c/kg or $1237.60 to $2830.50

MC DOUGALL

16/06/2023

&

SONS LIVESTOCK MARKETS WARWICK WEEK ENDING

Lighter numbers were the norm as we move further into the winter period. Cattle numbers saw 715 head meet the market with Sheep and Lamb numbers coming in at 1860 head. The poultry and pork sections saw increases in their numbers for the weekly sale. Most of the livestock prices are in a slump from the highs achieved when numbers were lacking and values pushed up, but the good, fnished articles are slowly stemming the falls seen. There has also been some movement for replacement stock, not in vast numbers but pleasing to see buyers looking to upgrade.

WARWICK

MC DOUGALL & SONS SHEEP & LAMB REPORT

Agents today yarded a total of 1860 head to the local and export buyers, with buyers coming from near and far. One of our repeat buyers was all the way from Townsville looking to purchase some replacement breeding stock. Stock was drawn from nearly as far with some lambs coming from Longreach as well as local, South-west and New England along with Kingaroy just to name a few. The bulk of the stock presented was in the lamb categories with some good export weight and fnish lambs as well as good trade lambs. The lighter end of the market was varied with some fresh light lambs as well as some light lambs lacking fnish.

Vealer heifers av 238.8c/kg topping at 284.2c/kg or $575.96 to $966.28

Feeder steers av 314c/kg topping at 368.2c/kg or $1211.16 to $1612.98

Feeder heifers av 251.9c/kg topping at 346.2c/kg or $862.97 to $1523.28

Yearling steers av 324.5c/kg topping at 404.2c/kg or $973.38 to $1288.00

Yearling heifers av 223.1c/kg topping at 330c/kg or $596.66 to $1270.50

Steers av 260.2c/kg topping at 350.2c/kg or $1663.34 to $2314.37

Heifers av 249.2c/kg topping at 336.2c/kg or $1165.13 to $1743.72

Cows av 171.8c/kg topping at 220c/kg or $885.10 to

The mutton job was frm to a shade easier. Lambs topped at $161 to average $111.36 ($ 10 down), hoggets topped at $126 to average $83.61 ($ 8 down), Ewes topped at $103 to average $55.30($ 10 down), wethers topped at $111 to average $63.44 (Par), Rams topped at $185 to average $$77.62($32up), Lamb rams topped at $140 to average $74.95($22down), Ewe lambs topped at $106 to average $106 ($62up). The sale total of 1860 head averaged $101.82 a rise of $12/head week on week.

Armstrong Family sold White Dorper lambs 60.7kg to Thomas Foods for $151, 53.8kg to Warwick Meats for $146 and to Eversons for $146, Dorper lambs 49.5kg to GR Prime for $144, Dorper rams to restockers for $90, White Dorpers to restockers for $70 and $30

Trevor Bavington sold Dorper x lambs 52.5kg to

Lambs topped at $161 to av $111.36 ($10down)

Hoggets topped at $126 to av $83.61($8down)

Ewes topped at $103 to av $55.30($10down)

Wethers topped at $111 to av $63.44 (Same as last week)

Rams topped at $185 to av $77.62($32up)

Lamb rams topped at $140 to av $74.95($22down)

Ewe lambs topped and av $106 to be ($62up)

Sale av was $101.82 an av increase of $12/head.

Sows sold from $220 to $360, Boars sold from $95 to $180, Pork sold from $26 to $190, Stores sold from $28 to $166.

Pullets sold to $17.50, Roosters to $20, Hens to $17.50, Chickens to $10, Drakes to $37.50, Ducks to $15, Male Peacock to $20

Eversons for $144, 37kg to Townsville restockers for $78

Carmichael & Galloway sold Dorper lambs 49.2kg to Grants Meats & Tonys Supa Meats for $146

Vermont Past Co sold Dorset x lambs 52kg to Thomas Foods for $134, 51kg to Eversons for $134

Robinson & Elder sold Dorper lambs 48.5kg to Eversons for $135, ewes to Eversons for $50

Lloyd Hulin sold Dorper x lambs 46.5kg to GR Prime for $146

Warren & Wendy Schelbach sold Dorper lambs 46.1kg to Highchester Meats for $140

Mc Lean Farms sold White Dorper lambs 32.7kg to restockers for $65, 29kg to restockers for $49

Ray Auchter sold 47.5kg Xbred lambs to Eversons for $99, 46.2kg ram lambs to Whites Trading for $70, Ewes & wethers to Eversons for $72, Ewe & lamb units for $115 to Moniel Chand

$11 MILLION FOR TECHNOLOGY TO BOOST AUSSIE AG TRADE

The Albanese Government is turbocharging Australia’s agricultural traceability systems, with $11 million in government grants available to make it easier for farmers to get their goods to consumers and overseas markets.

The Government will fund $6 million for innovative solutions through the RegTech grants round and $5 million for the Food Agility Co-operative Research Centre (CRC) to invest in leading digital solutions.

RegTech grants will help businesses and exporters meet regulatory requirements more effciently, giving Australian agriculture a trade advantage. The $5 million grant to the Food Agility CRC will drive industry-led innovation to streamline and modernise Australia’s food data.

“The Albanese Government is turbocharging Australia’s agricultural traceability systems, having invested over $55 million just this year,” Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said.

“Strong regulation is one of Australia’s selling points in trade, but there are always ways we can streamline and modernise our systems, particularly as more farmers use innovative technologies themselves.

“These grants will go towards RegTech projects that inform us how to improve and streamline regulatory

compliance with technology.

“Having a transparent, traceable supply chain means consumers in overseas markets can be reassured that Australian agriculture is clean, green, and sustainable.

“The research and activities funded through Food Agility CRC will support smarter traceability solutions and data standards that allow systems to talk to each other — allowing producers to safely share and reuse data to ‘tell their story once.”

Food Agility CEO Mr Richard Norton said his organisation was delighted to be part of national efforts between industry and governments to improve Australia’s traceability systems and bring value to farmers.

“The Australian agricultural sector’s data

is among the best in the world, and this pilot will transform that data so that our global trading partners can not only understand it, but also trust it,” Mr Norton said.

“The outcomes will be world-leading and will have tangible benefts to producers, growers, and the agrifood sector by allowing their sustainability credentials to be demonstrated to customers at home and abroad.”

These investments and projects are part of over $100 million the Albanese Government has committed to agricultural traceability. They will support action to meet the objectives of the National Agricultural Traceability Strategy 2023-2033. The Strategy will be launched in the coming months. The draft is available here:

National Agricultural

Traceability Strategy. Grant details are available online at www.agriculture.gov. au/biosecurity-trade/ market-access-trade/ national-traceability/ grantsprogram

A total of 15 projects were successful in the popular funding round and they will share in $6 million of funding. The projects will run over two years from May 2023 to June 2025. The successful projects under the National Agriculture Traceability Regulatory Technology (RegTech) Research and Insights Grant Round are:

• FreshChain Systems Pty Ltd$497,000 - Enhancing and validating additional standardisable features on traceability platforms for RegTech applications in agri-food supply networks.

• University of Adelaide - $500,000Eliminating illegitimate timber and plant derived products from global supply chains.

• University of Tasmania - $333,649Assessing traceability RegTech applications for honey bee and cherry industries and related supply chains.

• Ricegrowers Limited - $493,389Digital traceability of carbon emissions in rice.

• Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited - $471,000Developing a RegTech applications across horticultural value chains.

• Seafood Industry Australia Limited$499,840 - A traceability and verifcation RegTech solution to increase effciencies for the Australian seafood industry.

• South Australian Dairy Farmers Association Inc$402,488 - Algorithmic auditing of milk supply chains.

• CSIRO - $500,000 - A digital exchange to streamline data collection and fows in the red meat supply chain.

• Venturenauts Pty Ltd - $500,000 - Halal beef e-certifcation and traceability.

• Agrifood Connect Limited (AFC)$500,000 - Agrifood Connect Trace2Place project - mapping the red meat supply chain.

• National Farmers’ Federation Limited$108,000 - Examining industry-led, crosscommodity RegTech in cross-commodity production systems.

• University of Newcastle - $203,734

- Global agricultural trade and traceabilityinternational models and future architecture.

• T - Provenance Pty Ltd - $175,000Digital traceability to streamline pest and chemical management in the Australian grain industry.

• RegSoft Pty Ltd - $315,400 - Using rulesas-code to create farmto-export traceability for agriculture supply chains.

• Meat & Livestock Australia Limited - $500,000Australian AgriFood Data Exchange - an interoperable data platform and exchange to transform agricultural traceability.

80 NEW PURPOSE BUILT 4WD AMBULANCES WILL REACH PATIENTS IN CHALLENGING TERRAIN

The NSW Government has rolled out 80 new four-wheel drive ambulances across the state, which will allow paramedics to access patients in challenging terrain, the NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park announced today.

These purpose built 4WD ambulance vehicles are used to access patients in situations where standard ambulances would not be able to, particularly in regional and remote areas.

The new vehicles give paramedics greater ability to reach patients in the bush, on sand, through water, mud, and snow.

This enables paramedics to provide

FARMERS WELCOME NEW OFF-ROAD AMBULANCES

The state’s peak agricultural body has welcomed the

lifesaving treatment and stabilisation, while organising a suitable method of moving the patient.

The new Toyota Landcruiser 200 series was modifed to a

announcement of 80 new four-wheel-drive ambulances.

NSW Farmers health spokeswoman Sarah Thompson said the speciallymodified Toyota Landcruiser 200

3-seater to allow for the inclusion of a stretcher and medical equipment.

The 4WDs will not be used in place of standard patient transport ambulances, but will complement the standard

series ambulances –announced by Health Minister Ryan Park on Tuesday – would give paramedics greater ability to reach patients in difficult terrain throughout regional and remote

stretchered ambulance feet.

In some cases, the vehicles will also be used to retrieve the patient and deliver them to standard stretchered ambulance for further

areas.

“The people who grow our food and fibre and keep our regional communities moving often work in hard-to-reach places,” Mrs Thompson said.

“It’s comforting

transport.

If paramedics identify that a location cannot be reached due to road conditions or diffcult terrain, they can advise the Control Centre and a specialist resource such as these 4WDs can be deployed from nearby ambulance stations.

“I want our paramedics and frst responders to have the most modern and up to date equipment, to help them deliver the highest quality care,” said Health Minister Ryan Park.

“This announcement means that our paramedics will be better placed to reach patients in the most challenging and harshest of environments.

“These special purpose

to know that if something goes wrong, help will be able to get to you.

“This is a common sense move, replacing the old Troop Carrier ambulances with their modern equivalents.”

built ambulances will enhance health care in our regional and rural communities.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan welcomed the new additions to the feet.

“The new Toyota Landcruiser 200 Series vehicles replace an aging feet of Toyota Landcruiser Troop Carriers, which were sturdy work horses but no longer ft for purpose.

“These new vehicles will make it easier and safer for our paramedics to continue carrying out diffcult rescue missions while delivering the best possible pre-hospital care.”

According to the NSW Government, the new off-road ambulances will be used for rescue and recovery operations in difficult terrain where standard ambulances cannot go.

Canberra creates farmer confdence collapse in WA

Startling fndings from two different surveys have highlighted the devastating impact the proposed live sheep export ban is having in Western Australia, according to the country’s peak farm body.

Data released today from Rabobank shows that while confdence edged higher nationally, WA bucked the trend recording a further dip into negative territory. The same survey showed overall confdence in the sheep industry is down from last quarter, and there was an 8% jump in the number of producers nervous about government policies and intervention.

Just last week, data from Australian Wool Innovation and Meat & Livestock Australia showed a staggering 90 point drop in sentiment among WA sheep producers – making that the only state to have a negative outlook for the coming 12 months.

NFF President Fiona Simson said the results should be a wake-up call to the Government and

prompt a rethink of its activist-led live sheep export ban.

“Confdence among WA sheep producers is through the foor. It’s no surprise given the cloud of uncertainty Canberra has blown their way.

“We’re starting to see the real cost of this policy, and it’s still only early days.

“These aren’t just numbers. They’re real farming families who don’t know what their future holds. They can’t plan or invest because they don’t know if they’ll have a market to sell to.

“This is the chaos that happens when you have animal rights extremists dictating the agenda in Canberra.

“The Government needs to look closely at these numbers and decide whether it wants to listen to the evidence, or the activists.”

Chief Executive of Sheep Producers Australia, Bonnie Skinner, said the sudden drop in sentiment in WA was cause for concern.

“Sheep producers need confdence that the government sets policy

that is responsible and considered in order for producers to continue to invest their time and livelihoods into agriculture.

“Producers are losing confdence that a commercial sheep industry will still exist should live sheep export by sea be phased out.

“Live export plays a vital role in underpinning competition that drives a viable and sustainable sheep industry,” Ms Skinner explained.

Ms Simson also called on the Government to consider data from research frm Voconiq released last week, showing an uplift in community support for the live sheep trade.

“The Australian public understands the importance of this trade to the diet and nutrition of people in the Middle East, and they don’t want to see the trade shut down at any cost.

“The Government’s argument that this trade has lost social licence isn’t backed up by the evidence – just activist talking points.”

BEST ON THE BOX

SUNDAY MASTERCHEF AUSTRALIA

TEN, 7.30pm

For a foodie, cooking is an intoxicating adventure –they’re taking notes while watching MasterChef each night. For others, watching the series’ luxurious, highconcept creations is akin to a fantasy – those viewers might also consider scallops with wattle seeds a bit fancy as we dig into a meat-and-three-veg dinner. But tonight, extravagance and artistry rule; aspiring chefs and casual viewers alike will be inspired to visit their local gourmet deli. There’s a caviar taste test in store for the contestants, as well as a challenge to whip up a dish that highlights a particular colour. Tune in to see the reactions from judges Andy Allen (above left), Melissa Leong and Jock Zonfrillo (above right).

FRIDAY, June 23

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. Hannah visits a dreamy design.

8.30 Utopia. (PG, R) The government stalls on an election promise of the NBA moving to independent status.

9.00 Smother. (Mlv) Gabriel confesses to Elaine that he was driving her car the night of the accident.

9.50 Mayfair Witches. (Final, Malsv) Rowan discovers her role in the prophecy.

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

10.50 The Split. (Mals, R) Hannah and Nathan negotiate their divorce.

11.55 Harrow. (Mav, R)

1.40 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

TUESDAY THE BLACK HAND

ABC, 8.30pm

Jump into the heady depths of true crime hidden among Queensland’s cane elds in the 1930s. Presented by award-winning actor Anthony LaPaglia, this is a gripping and unsettling three-part doco that unearths a dark part of the Lantana star’s family story, as well as a dangerous chapter in Queensland’s history. LaPaglia explores the violent reign of the Black Hand – an Italian organised crime gang that operated in Australia’s deep north – and the stigma against Italian Australians between the wars. Featuring cases of arson, extortion, kidnapping and murder, it’s nonetheless a story grounded in hope and optimism as Australia’s new migrants tried to break free from the ma a’s grip.

WEDNESDAY RIPTIDE

TEN, 8.40pm

Sun, sand and surf go handin-hand with in this new soapieesque mystery thriller. A British and Australian co-production, this four-part

Jason Herbison

), who both cut their teeth behind the scenes Neighbours, is essentially a whodunnit set by the beach. EastEnders’ Jo Joyner (above) and Neighbours’ Peter O’Brien play a newly married middle-aged couple whose seemingly idyllic life is shattered when O’Brien’s Sean disappears after his daily surf. His wife Alison soon suspects something sinister. Filmed in Melbourne, Riptide is a by-the-numbers thriller buoyed by its leads’ performances.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 New Zealand From A Train. (PG) Part 2 of 2.

8.30 Greenland: Survival At The Edge. (PG) Part 2 of 2.

9.25 Legends Of The Pharaohs: Secrets Of The Sphinx. (Masv, R) Takes a look at the Great Sphinx of Giza.

10.20 SBS World News Late.

10.50 Vienna Blood. (Mav)

12.40 The Investigation. (Ma, R)

2.25 The Hunt For A Killer. (Malv, R)

4.10 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.40 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 7News Local.

6.30 7News @ 6:30.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs checks out some funky new accommodation in Bathurst. Adam Dovile meets shearing champion Nicki Guttler. Ed Halmagyi cooks some smoky bacon and egg rolls.

8.30 MOVIE: Fatherhood. (2021, PGalv) A man is determined to raise his daughter as a single father after the unexpected death of his wife on the day of her birth despite some concerns from his family who are unsure if he is up to the task. Kevin Hart, Alfre Woodard, Lil Rel Howery.

10.50 To Be Advised.

12.30 Home Shopping.

5.00 NBC Today. News and current a airs.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current A air.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 17. St George Illawarra Dragons v New Zealand Warriors. From WIN Stadium, NSW.

9.55 Golden Point. A wrap-up of the St George Illawarra Dragons versus New Zealand Warriors match, with news and analysis.

10.40 MOVIE: Collateral. (2004, MA15+lv, R) A taxi driver is taken hostage. Tom Cruise, Jamie Foxx.

1.00 Hello SA. (PG, R) The team takes a look at Mt Gambier.

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. (Final, PGan) Lifeguards use spotlights when Bondi hosts 15,000 World Pride Beach Party revellers.

8.30 Have You Been Paying Attention? (Malns, R) Celebrity panellists include Anne Edmonds, Tim McDonald and Lizzy Hoo.

9.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Mls, R) Guests include Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Hugh Jackman, Michael B. Jordan, Dame Judi Dench, Eugene Levy and P!nk.

11.30 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news and events.

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

NSW FARMER SENTIMENT STABLE AS CONCERNS OVER EASING COMMODITY PRICES AND RISING INTEREST RATES SUBSIDE

Fewer New South Wales farmers are concerned about falling commodity prices and rising input costs this quarter, however, drought and rising interest rates were cited as a worry by an increasing number of the state’s farmers, the latest quarterly Rabobank Rural Confdence Survey has shown.

The survey, released today, found farm sector sentiment in the state had remained unchanged in the latest quarter, after a combination of concerns about softening commodity prices, higher interest rates and dry conditions saw confdence slip in the frst quarter of 2023.

Rabobank regional manager for Central and Northern NSW Toby Mendl said farmers’ concerns about softening commodity prices, higher interest rates and drier conditions in some parts of the state ate away the positivity generated by recent good agribusiness conditions – after backto-back years of good seasonal conditions and often record commodity prices.

The survey, completed last month, found respondents who expect the agricultural economy to worsen were less concerned about falling commodity prices (60 per cent, down from 68 per cent previously) and rising input costs (26 per cent, down from 29 per cent previously). However other concerns increased with 30 per cent of NSW farmers now nominating drought (up from 19 per cent) and 24 per cent nominated rising interest rates (up from 20 per cent) as reasons for pessimism. Just under half (49 per cent) of NSW farmers surveyed believed agricultural business conditions would remain

stable (down slightly from 50 per cent last quarter).

Mr Mendl said, after seeing confdence slip in the frst quarter of the year, it’s not unexpected that farmers are taking time now to evaluate the situation this quarter, as operating conditions returned to more average settings.

“There is a sentiment amongst farmers that they have enjoyed three good years – in terms of rainfall and season – and they are now due for more average weather conditions,” he said.

“While there is growing concern about a return to drier seasonal conditions, much of New South Wales is well positioned for the year ahead, having enjoyed quite a wet April, particularly in eastern areas. However, there are parts of the north west of the state and pastoral zones that have missed out on rain and that is refected in the survey – with over half of the farmers in those areas concerned about the return of drought conditions,” he said. The survey found the largest decline in confdence to be observed within the state’s grain sector – with 48 per cent expecting economic conditions to worsen in the year ahead (up from 36 per cent last quarter) and only eight per cent expecting an improvement (compared with 12 per cent previously).

Easing commodity prices were identifed as the chief concern by 57 per cent of grain producers who had a negative view on the coming 12 months (down from 64 per cent last quarter).

“There are a lot of grain growers with canola currently stored on-farm who will be disappointed

by the easing prices,” Mr Mendl said “Despite concerns about prices,” he said, “grower’s confdence has been buoyed by good soil moisture profles across much of the state – setting growers up for the season ahead albeit noted that some areas are still waiting for some pre-sowing rain to link up the good base of sub-soil moisture to planting depths”.

“NSW grain growers have experienced some challenging harvests in recent years, with lengthy delays in getting the crop taken off due to extremely wet seasonal conditions across much of the state. While the above average rainfall delivered high yielding crops, wet conditions made it diffcult for farmers to get into the paddocks to harvest these crops. More average seasonal conditions predicted for 2023 may mean farmers can look forward to more normal harvest conditions later in the year.”

This quarter, 37 per cent of NSW beef producers surveyed believe the economic conditions would worsen in the coming 12 months (slightly down from 38 per cent last quarter), while 16 per cent are expecting business conditions to improve – up from 11 per cent previously. And 44 per cent of growers are anticipating conditions to remain unchanged.

“While cattle prices have eased this year, this had been expected for quite some time, and producers with breeding stock are still in a good position,” Mr Mendl said, “Cattle producers are not surprised by the correction, just disappointed the record high prices could not continue – there is still money to be made at current prices”.

Sheep producer confdence across NSW has increased slightly this survey, with the majority of producers expecting farm business conditions to improve or remain the same.

And like the beef sector, concern about easing commodity prices was the key driver of declining confdence in the sheep sector, cited by the majority of producers reporting a pessimistic outlook.

For the cotton sector, Mr Mendl said, “Whilst the season has had its challenges given a wet and mild start, most

valleys are showing sound yields around or slightly above average, while the southern valleys, south of Griffth, are below average.”

The survey found the majority of NSW cotton producers are expecting agricultural economic conditions to remain stable this quarter.

Investment intentions amongst NSW farmers have fallen this quarter, down from 30 per cent of farmers expecting to increase the total investment in their farm business over the next 12 months, to 22 per cent holding that intention this quarter.

Mr Mendl said farmers are looking at “conserving cash-fow”, as they factor in rising interest rates and easing commodity prices and are re-evaluating business spending.

“Farmers are winding back on the big-ticket investment projects, but they are still comfortable investing in key on-farm infrastructure that drives productive capacity.”

More farmers are looking to invest in adopting new technologies (45 per cent, up from 37 per cent), increasing labour (31 per cent up from 21 per cent) and participation in education opportunities (30 per cent, up from 20 per cent).

Of those farmers looking to increase their investment, the number looking to purchase additional property has fallen from 28 per cent last quarter to 16 per cent in this quarter.

“Some apprehension on the current season, squeeze in margins with rising costs and the increase in property prices is having an impact on farmer appetite to expand their businesses through property purchases at present,” Mr Mendl said.

A comprehensive monitor of outlook and sentiment in Australian rural industries, the Rabobank Rural Confdence Survey questions an average of 1000 primary producers across a wide range of commodities and geographical areas throughout Australia on a quarterly basis.

The most robust study of its type in Australia, the Rabobank Rural Confdence Survey has been conducted since 2000 by an independent research organisation. The next results are scheduled for release in September 2023.

NEW STUDY TO HELP AUSSIE FARMERS CURB CHRONIC PAIN

wellbeing.

“We also know that farmers face multiple barriers to accessing mainstream health care services, including health professionals’ lack of understanding of their way of life.

“This new study is all about giving farmers a voice so that we can gain insight into how they perceive chronic pain, how it impacts upon their work and life, and importantly, how they would like to be assisted to manage it, in a way that fts with their preferences and lifestyles.

“This is important because there are practical things people can do for themselves and with health professional input, that research has shown really do help.”

Whether it’s a lack of appropriate services, time or simply a ‘she’ll be right’ approach, farmers often face many barriers when it comes to seeking health care, say researchers at the University of South Australia.

One condition that farmers experience a lot, but rarely seek professional help for, is the management of chronic pain. Untreated, chronic pain can cause serious distress and diminished productivity.

Now, a team of UniSA experts are exploring

what chronic pain means to Australian farmers in a move to improve the way chronic pain management strategies are delivered in rural communities.

They are currently seeking farmers who have experienced chronic pan to participate in this ground-breaking study.

Rural health expert, UniSA’s Associate Professor Kate Gunn, says the study will address a serious gap in pain management among farmers.

“Agriculture is a great

industry to work in, but one of the down sides is the physical injuries that can result, which can have long term consequences on farmers’ ability to work, and their wellbeing” Assoc Prof Gunn says.

“Musculoskeletal disorders are very common in this group and due to the unrelenting nature of farm work, farmers often return to work without accessing best-practice treatments, and without being aware of what this means for their long-term health and

Chronic pain is a common and complex condition characterised by persistent pain experienced on most days of the week. In Australia, chronic pain affects almost one in fve people, or 1.6 million.

Renowned neuroscientist and pain expert, UniSA’s Professor Lorimer Moseley AO, says that all Australians should have access to the knowledge, skills, and local support to prevent and overcome persistent pain.

Four month Trout fshing closure is now in place

Recreational fshers are reminded that the annual fshing closure, in trout streams and rivers across NSW, is in place from today (Tuesday 13 June 2023).

NSW Department of Primary Industries

(DPI) Deputy Director General Fisheries, Sean Sloan said the closure allows salmonid species to breed uninterrupted during their annual spawning run, ensuring we protect our fshing assets for future seasons.

“Fishing is now prohibited in trout rivers and streams until the start of the October long weekend (Saturday, 30 September 2023),” Mr Sloan said.

“The good news is that during the annual closure, people can continue to wet a line, at any of our popular trout dams across NSW such as Lake Jindabyne and Eucumbene Dam in the Snowy Mountains, Oberon Dam near Bathurst, Tantangara

and Talbingo Dams near

Tumut and Malpas Dam near Armidale.”

Mr Sloan said it is an offence to fsh in trout streams during the closed season and that DPI Fisheries Offcers will be out and about across the trout closure period patrolling the State’s waterways to

ensure that fshers are doing the right thing.

“Fishers heading to any of the trout dams this winter are reminded that they are required to have a current NSW recreational fshing fee receipt (fshing licence) on them at all times while fshing,” Mr Sloan

said.

“A combined bag limit of fve and a size limit of 25cm applies to trout or salmon in all trout dams except in artifcial fy and lure dams where the bag limit is 2.

“Fishers also have more opportunity to enjoy quality angling

with rule changes for the Macquarie River (excluding tributaries above its junction with, and including, Lewis Ponds Creek) and the Turon River and tributaries below the Upper Turon Road crossing, which are now open to fshing during

the annual trout closure.

“Fishing rules for Lake Crackenback, near Thredbo in the Snowy Mountains, and Lake Pillans at Lithgow have also recently changed with Lake Crackenback now listed as an artifcial fy and lure trout dam and Lake Pillans now listed as a general trout dam.”

Detailed information on trout fshing rules, including changes to the Macquarie and Turon rivers, Lake Crackenback and Lake Pillans, can be found on the DPI website, in the NSW DPI FishSMART app and the NSW Freshwater Fishing Guide, which is available from NSW DPI Fisheries offces and most bait and tackle stores.

Any suspected illegal fshing activity can be reported through the FishSmart app or to the Fishers Watch phone line on 1800 043 536 or via the online form - https:// fal.cn/3fMUz

State-of-the-industry report delivers critical insights into Australia and New Zealand’s strata sector

BY JEFFREY GIBBS

In Australia & New Zealand it appears that living arrangements for many are changing with at least one-outof-six Australians &One-out-of-Twenty Kiwi’s now residing within Strata titled apartment or townhouse dwellings according to an innovative new study carried out by UNSW’s City Future Research Centre which shows an expansion rate nearing on 7 percent growth over recent times.

If you are interested in gaining full insight into both Australia’s and New Zealand’s stratum industry along with updated information on the previous year’s report, then look no further than The Australasia Stratum Insight Reports from both years. This is an indispensable resource for decision-makers initiating changes in the framework of the strata industry.

The Australian Strata Insights report series brought together formerly separated strata data from different state and territorial bureaus with inconsistently recorded information in addition to a number of companies who work in this area.

Australian residents are known for their love of owning strata-titled properties with up to a quarter (26%) residing under this arrangement according to this recent report. The research showed that one out of every ten people lived within apartment buildings whilst an additional six per cent resided elsewhere within other strata titled housing options.

Within this report, you can fnd statistics on both quantity and value of strata properties in addition to a comprehensive list of professionals employed to serve them across national territories. Moreover, the demographic makeup of occupants in private apartments is made known to the

public through strata titling which most such buildings have.

Quick report highlights:

• Over the past two years there has been a 7% growth in the number of strata-titled lots in Australia.

• There exists now more than 3 million strata and communitytitled properties which include units or townhouses in Australia.

• Strata-titled properties are valued at an estimated insured amount close to $1

• During the past two years there was a rise in strata lot numbers for each state/territory of Australia as well as New Zealand.

• Over the last couple of years there has been a development where more than 200000 new units were built that comprise mainly of lots and townhouses.

• A signifcant percentage (48%) of residents living in private apartments throughout Australia fall into the age bracket spanning from 20 to 39 years.

• Retroftting demand is emphasized by the fact that approximately one half of Australia’s strata buildings were erected before the year 2000.

• With a remarkable 9% growth rate within two years NSW has made its way to the top among all Australian states by surpassing one million strata lots.

• Over the last two

years there has been an outstanding climb in lot purchases recorded in the ACT with a growth rate of 19 percent since 2020.

• The number of arrangements or schemes that divide up the land into segments for use is representative with New Zealand containing roughly in the middle with its count being someplace amid SA & WA

• The report has estimated that there are upwards of 10k individuals who work directly within the strata sector each year with a resulting annual economic impact exceeding $7bn.

Recent studies conducted by Professor Hazel Easthope’s research project team at UNSW found that strata-titled dwellings have undergone rapid development within the last ten years; a trend which has continued into more recent times for both Australia and New Zealand. Both population growth and governmental support for building upwards instead of outwards have contributed to an increase in vertical expansions within established metropolitan areas.

As per her comments, Strata developments have become a crucial aspect of residential landscapes in both Australia and its neighbour country

New Zealand since its inception in the 1960s.

As per Chris Dugganthe National President of SCA, this data indicates how vital strata-titled living is for Australia.

The popularity of strata-living is growing rapidly in both Australia and New Zealand People in 2023 prioritize accessibility to work and entertainment like never before - a challenge was successfully taken on by strata living.

For those who desire exceptional location and facilities in their homes or are looking to overcome high living expenses through renting or owning property in the current real estate market situation have found strata living ideal.

To allow for an enhanced standard of living for all hundreds of thousands of occupants currently residing within Australian Strata’s as well as those yet to come it is necessary to have improved architectural designs through proper regulation.

To tackle issues like ageing building stocks, a fall in construction speed, growing populations, and lack of housing supplies, both Governments and the Real estate sector must unite their efforts by adopting coordinated policy measures after considering these variables. The spokesperson confrmed they would utilize insights from this study.

QUICK CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Commend (6)

4 Well-known (6)

10 Picture puzzle (5)

11 Rule of the few (9)

12 Bandit (9)

13 Select group (5)

14 Marriage partner (6)

15 Ale (4)

19 Leg joint (4)

20 Egg dish (6)

24 Tests (5)

25 Baltic region (9)

27 Ancient Roman aristocrat (9)

28 Hidden treasure (5)

29 Former glacial geological period (3,3)

30 Mixed crew (6)

DOWN

1 Heaven (8)

2 Fire-resistant bre (8)

3 Family members (7)

5 Hobbyist (7)

6 Flower (6)

7 Modes (6)

SUDOKU

8 System of

16

WORD No. 151

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included, and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

1 For which 1999 lm did R.E.M. write The Great Beyond?

2 And which US entertainer is the lm about?

3 True or false: bull sharks can tolerate both salt water and fresh water?

4 The Swiss food product Cenovis is similar to what Australian product?

5 What is the term for an infant cockroach?

6 What is the most abundant protein in the human body, constituting roughly 25 to 35 per cent?

7 Thessaloniki is the capital of which region of Greece?

8 Name the 2009 advice book for teens written by Kelly Osbourne (pictured).

9 What are the two primary ingredients of marzipan?

10 For which art movement is Émile Gallé known?

ACROSS

1 Rainproof cover (coll) (4)

5 Wound-mark (4)

6 Operatic air (4)

7 Fissure (4) DOWN

1 Russian ruler (4)

2 Land measure (imp) (4)

3 Precipitation (4)

4 Incompetent person (4)

WORD FIND

The

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

G A

CROSS MATH

HIDDEN WORD

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

1 An animal astronaut in a space movie

2 Quasimodo is the –back of Notre Dame

3 Sister and brother, Bindi and Bob

4 She marries Prince Eric, and has a daughter named Melody

I E

A K E

5 A dwarf from Snow White and the Seven Dwarves who does not talk

6 The alligator in Penguins of Madagascar

7 E.T. stands for the what Terrestrial?

8 Elsa in Frozen is a Snow what?

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW...

1. Which comedic actor directs Stevens in new horror film

E D R

solution

may be possible

E V Insert the missing letters to make 10 words –ve reading across the grid and ve reading down.

The Rental?

A. James Franco

B. Seth Rogen

C. Dave Franco

D. Jonah Hill

2. What country did his Eurovision Song Contest: TheStoryofFireSaga character, Alexander Lemtov, represent?

A. Iceland

B. Russia

C. Ukraine

D. Estonia

3. Which BeautyandtheBeast character did Stevens bring to life in the 2017 live-action adaptation?

A. Lumiere

B. Gaston

C. Cogsworth

D. Beast

4. Stevens stars as a psychic skeptic in BlitheSpirit, a film based on the comic play by which writer?

A. Oscar Wilde

B. J. M. Barrie

C. Noël Coward

D. George Bernard Shaw

ENTERTAINMENT

The Lower Clarence Music Eisteddfod is in Full Swing.

A new performance space at the River Rooms in River Street, Maclean is the venue for 2023 Lower Clarence Music Eisteddfod which commenced on Saturday 17th June. President, Mr Doug Towner, speaking for the organising committee, said that this is the biggest yet since it started in 2012. Over 613 performances are scheduled for this week - long festival of music. Entrants are coming from the North Coast Region down to the Coffs Harbour area and one of our regulars from Brisbane is returning to perform. Because of the increase in numbers the eisteddfod has scheduled an extra three evenings of evaluation on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. This is a frst.

On Saturday 24th June the eisteddfod will conclude with the Championship events and a Celebration Concert commencing at 2pm. With over $5,000 in prizemoney on offer, the committee makes a big effort to reward and encourage the musical skills and talents of our young people and even adults in their pursuit of musical excellence.

Not to forget the Speech and Drama sections of the eisteddfod which will be presented on Friday June 23rd.

The adjudicator Mrs Sabina Turner from Sydney was welcomed to the eisteddfod last Saturday and has already given strong praise to the performers for their high standards of musical performance.

Mrs Turner said that it is a credit to the teachers and parents of the region for guiding and encouraging such diverse and talented musicians.

Strong support from our service and sporting clubs along with local businesses, individuals and the Clarence Valley Council is especially welcomed and valued. Donations and sponsorships are directly returned through the eisteddfod to our community.

Morning Sessions commence at 9.30am, afternoon Sessions at 1.30pm and evening Sessions commence at 6.30pm. For a small entrance fee of $5 for adults (children are free) a wealth of musical enjoyment awaits the audiences.

The Saturday afternoon

Celebration Concert on June 24 starting at 2pm has an entry fee of $8.00 for adults and again children are free.

All are welcome to come along, enjoy, and support the fne young musicians performing at the Lower Clarence Music Eisteddfod.

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival is coming to Tenterfeld with a bumper line up of festival favourites!

Australia’s biggest and best comedy festival is on the road again for a huge 25th year, home delivering some of the fnest and funniest comedians to every corner of the nation.

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival has kicked off in April with the ultimate comedy road trip! With over 70 stops on its journey, neighbourhoods across Australia can expect to see familiar favourites from

this year’s Festival line-up, alongside the most talkedabout breakthrough stars of the moment all jam-packed into one show-stopping night of laughs.

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow is coming to Tenterfeld on Saturday

8th of July from 6 pm – 9 pm, with the line-up of comedians; Daniel Connell (MC), Blake

Freeman, David Quirk and He Huang performing at Sir Henry Parkes Memorial School of Arts - 205 Rouse Street Tenterfeld NSW 2372. Contact the Sir Henry Parkes Memorial School of Arts venue team for more information by phone 02 6736 6100 or email soa@tenterfeld.nsw. gov.au or to book your ticket online visit www.tenterfeldcinema. com.au .

PH: 6686 9600

ballinafaircinemas.com.au

ELEMENTAL M 109 Min

INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY M 154 Min

JOHN FARNHAM: FINDING THE VOICE M 95 Min

NO HARD FEELINGS MA+ 103MIN

SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE PG 140 Min

THE FLASH PG 144 Min

THE LITTLE MERMAID PG 135 Min

TRANSFORMERS: RISE OF THE BEASTS M 127 Min

HANS: DISCO SPEKTAKULAR TOUR

Home Shows

AGAIN: THANK ABBA FOR THE MUSIC 2023

Friday August 25, 2023 @ 8:00pm

MUSIC OF THE NIGHT TRIBUTE TO ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER

Sunday August 27, 2023 @ 2:00pm

MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL

Saturday, September 2, 2023 @ 7:30pm

Thursday, September 21, 2023 @ 7:00pm

SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR: HOPE

Friday, September 22, 2023 @ 7:30pm

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

Friday October 6, 2023 @ 7:30pm

THE AFTERNOON AT THE POPS:

THE MUSICALS OF BROADWAY

Sunday October 29, 2023 @ 2.00pm

THE AUSTRALIAN INXS SHOW

Saturday December 9, 2023 @ 7.30pm

RUNNING INTO THE SHADOWS OF FLEETWOOD MAC (PG)

Friday May 17, 2024 @ 8.00pm.

Mrs Sabina Turner – Adjudicator for the 2023 Lower Clarence Music Eisteddfod.

A SITAR RECITAL FEATURING

JOSH FEINBERG

Virtuoso sitarist Josh Feinberg from USA is visiting Austraian shores and will be holding a recital at Bangalow A & I Hall Friday 30th June, from 6.30pm. He’ll be joined by accomplished Classical Indian Musicians Shen Flindell on Tabla and Shivam Rath on

York jazz scene. In his teenage years, and after being exposed to sounds of Indian Hindustani music via Ustad Ali Akbar Khan and Pandit Nikhil Banerjee, he became enamoured by the Sitar. During his Bachelor studies at New England Conservatory in Boston, he shifed his focus

16th Arakwal NAIDOC Week

Short Film Screening 2023

for a younger player, has performed with many of the top tabla artists in the world.

Josh’s vibrancy and dynamism combined with his deep roots and respect for the lineage and tradition, is a potent combination for a remarkable musical

Presented by Arakwal Corporation, Flickerfest & iQ Inc

6.30pm, Tuesday 4th July

The Arakwal Corporation, Flickerfest & iQ Inc are thrilled to present their annual evening of inspiring aboriginal storytelling celebrating NAIDOC Week 2023 and this year’s theme ‘For Our Elders’.

This year’s Indigenous Spotlight programme of Flickerfest favourites is curated from the recent Flickerfest Academy® qualifying Australian competition and will take

Hunter)’ a story told in the language of Pitjantjatjara, as an Aṉangu elder gives a beautifully expressive account of a day hunting in the bush and ‘Tangki (Donkey)’ where three Anangu women of different generations recount how donkeys came to be well loved in their desert communities of the APY Lands before modern things like cars.

Further highlights include ‘Bunker: The Last Fleet’ a futuristic First Nations sci-f set in 2057

for her Island home, winner of Best Australian Short Film at Flickerfest 2023 by acclaimed First Nations flmmakers John Harvey and Gillian Moody, starring Bangarra talents Elma Kris, alongside Waangenga Blanco, who lives in Byron Bay.

A local Arakwal Traditional Custodian will welcome us all to their Country on the night.

Come along & enjoy these unique stories from incredible First Nations flmmakers championing Aboriginal voices through this year’s NAIDOC theme; ‘For Our Elders’ & support the celebration of Aboriginal culture during NAIDOC Week.

Chaturagnui (Indian Slide Guitar).

Self confessed ‘musical immigrant’, Josh Feinberg’s musical journey began at 4 years old with Western Classical Piano, and then jazz on both Piano and Bass. He was hailed as a prodigy, performimg in venues within the New

to Sitar and Hindustani music.

Since those days, he has studied with a number of esteemed teachers and has earned the love and respect of the Indian Classical world. Josh is one of the frst non-indian players to be accepted as a lead performer and,

experience.

We hope you can join us.

DETAILS

Bangalow A & I Hall

6.30pm – 9.30pm

Tickets available via Humanitix website – search

Mala

Contact 0428 539 232 (www.joshsitar.com)

you on a special journey with some incredibly strong and powerful stories, who’s compelling voices will inspire, move and delight.

The flmmakers and flm creatives featuring in the 16th Arakwal NAIDOC week screening are some of the leading lights in indigenous flm today, blazing brightly on Australian screens and stage.

The programme features 9 multi award winning short flms with highlights including the timely and insightful ‘Bangay Lore’, awarded Special Mention Of The Jury at Flickerfest 2023, shot in Brunswick Heads and Byron Bay by awardwinning local First Nations Filmmaker Jahvis Loveday, the Tjanpi Desert Weavers delightful animations ‘Kukaputju (The

written, co produced and starring acclaimed actor Natasha Waganeen (Rabbit Proof Fence, Limbo) and ‘Katele (Mudskipper)’ a stunning Torres Strait Island flm about a women longing

A fundraiser for the Arakwal Corporation & supported by the Indigenous Coordination Centre & The Byron Theatre.

Tickets: The Byron Theatre, byroncentre.com.au & at door $17/ $15 con

Book early - Don’t miss out! Programme details & info: fickerfest.com.au/tour/ byron-naidoc | 0414 779881

Starts 2nd June

Grape Expectations by Max Crus

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

PWC takes the P out of WC.

Like many small to medium enterprises, (SMEs BTW), Max Crus Industries (MCI) has been doing it tough.

Energy prices are sky high, rents are through the roof and infation has made everything, with one notable exception, more expensive, and MCI needed to cut back, so off to the accountant, PWC.

Sure, they’re ‘exxy’ but they have a great record feecing, sorry advising,

Margan Broke Fordwich Ceres

Hill Albarino 2022, $40. Doesn’t seem as sharp and bright as previous vintages but is nevertheless a delightful variation on the white wine form and the real deal and not savagnin in disguise. 9.4/10.

Margan Broke Fordwich Single Vineyard Fordwich

our government, so who better understands the rules for cutting costs than the very people who helped the government devise them?

PWC advised that the frst thing every business should do is cut wages, and even though MCI only has one employee, that’s still the best option. More money for the boss, yoohoo.

PWC said use a labour hire company so I could pay myself less, legally, for doing the same amount of

Hill Semillon 2022, $35. Sometimes, when you’re down and troubled and you need a helping hand, you turn to PWC (just kidding) or James Taylor, a reliable friend and an equally reliable bottle of Hunter semillon, like this. 9.5/10.

Parker Estate Kongorong ‘King Kong’ SWB Fumé Blanc 2022, $28.

work, leaving more money left over to enjoy the fner things that I should be accustomed to.

So I engaged a labour hire frm and paid myself less, except I had to pay the labour hire frm too, and PWC, which meant overall I was paying the same as before but getting less in my pocket.

“But there’s no sick leave, holiday pay or any other expenses, and you can sack yourself immediately if it

SWB is Small Batch Wine, BTW, not Sonny Bill Williams. Cool, interesting stuff from South West of Mt Gambier (south of Coonawarra) which is roughly the Southern Ocean, so it’s cool in both senses. A sauv blanc by any other name but in the style of a complex chardonnay. Fragrant, full and fabulous value.

looks like you might trigger entitlement to a permanent position”, PWC boasted. Oh, okay. Excellent. “But what about this Government proposal thingy about equal work, equal pay? Won’t I have to pay myself what I used to earn as a permanent employee but then also have to pay the labour hire frm and PWC so I will end up paying more than if I just employed myself as I used to in the olden days?”

9.6/10. Parker Estate Coonawarra Kidman Block (Shiraz) 2021, $65. Thai food is not an easy match with reds, but while pinot goes nicely with Thai curries, shiraz works with red meat stir fries or pad Thais. It cuts through everything including chilli, god bless it. 9.5/10.

Robert Oatley

“Yes, and that is why the sky will fall if this legislation goes through”, said Chicken Littleproud, leader of the Nationals and staunch supporter of handouts to farmers, miners and fossil fuel producers only. “Why should someone who has been there only fve minutes earn as much as someone who’s been there ten years and is still on the minimum wage?”

Gosh. I asked PWC, “Is there any other way to

McLaren Vale Finisterre Grenache 2022, $40. Finisterre roughly translates to ‘Ends of the Earth’, which is usually a laudable and ambitious thing, but that’s how far PWC are prepared to go to save you, if not Australia, tax. This fts nicely into the laudable and ambitious camp.9.5/10.

save?”

Max Crus

“Stop paying tax”.

“How much will that cost”?

“Well, 66 millionaires in Australia paid their accountants up to $200,000 to reduce their tax to zero in 2020-2021”.

“Anything else?”

“Cut back on everything except wine. Wine prices have been immune from infation for ten years.”

At last, something to celebrate. Unless you’re a winemaker.

Robert Oatley Margaret River Signature Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, $50. That’s a bargain for plenty of predictably purposeful plonk from WA, and with twice the volume, twice the party potential. Just enough for a Max Crus Industries staff function. 9.3/10.

How Porsche will take on the world’s fastest cars, and there electric

BY JEFFREY GIBBS

By challenging the quickest and costliest supercars globally is how this celebrated sports car manufacturer intends to succeed.

To mark its spectacular achievement of completing 75 years in business the manufacturer has created a futuristic “Mission X” prototype which alludes to an advanced highperformance electric vehicle.

Porsche has once again set its sights on exotic supercars with their latest offering which follows in the footsteps of their previous milliondollar cars.

The Rimac Nevera and Tesla Roadster are among other notable electric vehicles that would be accompanied by this addition.

According to Porsche’s chairman Oliver Blume, Mission X is a promising indication of how cutting-edge technology can shape up the new-

age sports car. In his opinion, Mission X provides significant momentum to the future vehicle concept’s evolutionary journey.

Constantly changing has been the key to success for Porsche: Dreaming big and dreaming about cars have been our motivations.

The design of the Mission X features upward-swinging doors that pay homage to Porsche’s iconic Le Mans racers.

Additionally, elements present in the new interior such as cuttingedge high-performance seats and modern digital readouts may soon become standard features on upcoming production models.

The decision to mount a battery at the rear of the car delivers superior handling capability comparable to Porsche’s halo models with their mid-mounted engines.

The use of the Mission R electric

concept car allowed for experimentation by Porsche There is no clear indication from the manufacturer that Mission X will be made available for sale.

The sports car maker has always firmly believed that futuristic concept vehicles pave the way for new advancements in technology and their newest study is proof of that belief.

Reading between

the lines suggests that this isn’t a far-fetched thought.

Though unpublished are its technical specs at present but according to Porsche officials, their vision for Mission X is to make it number one in terms of speed among all road-legal vehicles driving on the famous track of Nurbugring Nordshleife.

A powerful punch can be expected from cars with horses as sturdy as their weight - based

on the company’s claim regarding matching figures between these two elements, it can be inferred that in this particular example where we have a vehicle weighing around 1.5-tonne, it will possess approximately 1500-horsepower which is equivalent to about 1118kW.

The target is for it to take on charge twice as quickly as the Porsche Taycan can already manage.

Details revealed: 2023 Volvo EX30

BY JEFFREY GIBBS

Volvo continues to lead the way in electrification with its latest release - a zero-emission small SUV called EX30. With the introduction of this new model Volvo takes another stride towards selling only electric vehicles in Australia within the next few years.

Stephen Connor revealed that with their latest vehicle release - The EX30 - Volvo has joined a rapidly expanding segment in Australia: small luxury SUVs with full electric capabilities.

Three variants of vehicles are set to be sold by Volvo Australia at a starting price point of around $59k and the maximum price reaches close to about $70k.

Lower costs of particular models make them eligible for lucrative benefits from State Government Incentives that may cut down on your overall

Drive-Away Price. While the Extended Range Plus and Ultra models come with one electric motor generating around200Kw coupled with high torques resonating at approximately343NM

,the Performance model opts for two motors offering total horsepower worth over309 KW on tap complemented by intense torques totaling

around543 NM. With a capacity of 69kWh that powers both Extended Range versions and dual motor variant ,all models offer a good range upto400 km.

The automaker declares that the small-size SUV represents its latest and greenest model so far.

Wool and denim fabrics from discarded fashion products are utilized instead of

leather to create a more environmentally conscious vehicle.

In addition to various advanced technologies on board,the EX30 contains a comprehensive suite of safety features.

You’ll find a 12 You have the option of using wireless Apple CarPlay

The conventional stereo surround-sound configuration has been

substituted by a soundbar that extends across the whole dashboard.

The same wireless update process that is used by smartphones is used to update this software

With the help of a downloaded digital key on their smartphone,the owners will have access to unlocking and starting their car without using traditional keys.

The dedicated electric car platform used in making the EX30 ensures that although smaller in size when compared with the current Volvo XC40 and C40 Recharge models , it has just as much interior space.

Older cars that were not intended for electric motors and batteries have them added later on.

By using a dedicated EV platform with advanced packaging design electrical cars can have more spacious interiors.

Wheel power propels each corner of the car and there are no conventional transmissions or exhuast systems present. Beneath a smooth surface lies the housing for the batteries.

Five year/unlimited km protection covers all types of vehicles with service appointments scheduled only twice in a year.

Leading research program targets the biology of eating disorders

A revolutionary Monash University-led eating disorder research program launched tonight (Sunday 11 June) will target biological causes and possible new treatments including novel drugs, brain stimulation and hormones.

The world class Li Transformative Hub for Research in Eating Disorders (THRED) will be coordinated through Monash University’s HER Centre Australia, which was launched in 2022 to consolidate and expand research into and treatment of women’s mental illness.

Researchers from the HER Centre and the Department of Neuroscience in Monash’s Central

Clinical School will work collaboratively on the disorders.

An estimated one million Australians, or four per cent, live with an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. The THRED program will have three key pillars: delivering new, effective treatments, enhancing current treatments and uncovering biological causes.

It was made possible by a generous donation by THRED’s Founding Patrons, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra chair and former professional violinist David Li AM and his pianist wife, Angela Li. They provided seed

For all your aches, pains, strains and migraines THINK BOWEN THERAPY (THE AUSSIE THERAPY)

Practicing Bowen Therapy for the past 27 years

funding and HER Centre Australia and the Central Clinical School will align its philanthropic vision and goals with generating additional funding to achieve THRED’s full potential.

HER Centre Australia Director Professor Jayashri Kulkarni AM said as the incidence of eating disorders (EDs) continued to rise in the wake of Covid-19, a new approach was needed. She said most treatments focussed on talking therapies, with varying success, and effective biological treatments had not been developed.

“Over the past 60 years there has not been any real change in how treatments for eating disorders, which cover a spectrum ranging from various disordered patterns of eating to anorexia nervosa, have been delivered,”

Professor Kulkarni said.

“We need a new approach. We want to provide a better understanding of why EDs occur and how to treat them from a biological perspective. We will do this by conducting clinical trials that will investigate possible treatments. These trials will be informed by investigation into the

biological abnormalities that underpin eating disorders”

THRED will conduct clinical trials of new treatment approaches for serious eating disorders, and hopefully deliver more effective treatment options.

Expected to start in the second half of 2023, its clinical trials will assess brain stimulation, hormonal manipulation and novel drug therapies as well as developing new treatments as they are generated based on their own and other research fndings from Australia and around the world.

To this end, discovery science uncovering the role of genes and proteins in a personalised medicine approach will be undertaken and linking all this will be novel artifcial intelligence driven smartphone technologies to deliver personalised care to people experiencing an eating disorder.

Professor Kulkarni said eating disorders could develop due to biological changes related to genes, RNA, and proteins, yet not much had been invested in developing treatments that targeted brain biology and/or biological factors. She

said a holistic approach was needed.

“For too long, eating disorders have been surrounded by ignorance about their cause and stigma that often assigns blame to the person with the ED ‘if only she would eat … the problem would go away’,”

Professor Kulkarni said.

“It’s not that simple. These are complex conditions that require multi-faceted solutions. Psychotherapy is important but does not encompass the big picture, or the possibility of biological causes.

“The impact of eating disorders also worsened during Covid, with some people eating too much and others developing anorexia. We have a condition that has a high mortality and a very high morbidity but the only treatments available are ‘talking therapies’ that haven’t provided patients with the treatment they deserve.”

Eventually, THRED hopes to move into a second phase of research investigating biomarkers that could help defne ED subtypes and pave the way for new treatments.

“This program won’t be a ‘silver bullet’ for eating disorders, which are notoriously diffcult to treat,” Professor

“But we hope our focus on the biology will result in improved treatments that will make a real difference.

“There have been very few biological eating disorder treatment trials, and what has been done has been very patchy. We believe this program is unique in Australia and possibly a world-frst in terms of its combination of neurological trials in a clinical setting, with a focus on brain stimulation, hormones and new medications, coupled with discovery sciences approaches to discover root causes.”

The Dean of Monash University’s Sub-Faculty of Translational Medicine and Public Health, Professor Stephen Jane, emphasised the importance of the initiative.

“A new lens for examining the causes of eating disorders and for the development of new treatment paradigms is desperately needed – the combination of discovery science coupled with clinical trials represents a unique approach that we believe will positively re-sculpt the landscape for patients with eating disorders,” he said.

Kulkarni said.

ANYWHERE & ANYTIME COVID-19 & INFLUENZA CAN CATCH YOU

As we head into a new wave and one of the coldest winters on record, COVID-19 infections are beginning to surge, putting strain on our hospital systems and all Australians are urged to not only protect themselves and their loves one, but also the most vulnerable in our community.

Over the last week, 32,994 cases of COVID-19 were reported across Australia, an average of 4,713 cases per day, with a 5.4% increase in hospitalisations1.

Anywhere and Anytime – COVID-19 and Infuenza can catch you, was launched this week by the not-forproft Immunisation Coalition to raise awareness and urge Australians to get up to date with their 6-month COVID-19 booster and

fu vaccinations.

Kim Sampson, CEO of the Immunisation Coalition said as many people enjoy social events this winter, whether that be AFL, FIFA Women’s World Cup, interstate, or overseas holidays, or simply catching public transport to work, COVID-19 and Infuenza may catch up with you for the ride.

“COVID-19 and Infuenza do not discriminate by age or gender, so it’s important to protect yourself and loved ones at all times this winter.

Now is the time to get both your COVID-19 and Flu vaccines to stay well during the colder months,” Mr Sampson said.

“Infuenza is a highly contagious disease, and many parents are not aware that Flu can cause

serious illness in normal healthy children and can have serious implications for those most vulnerable in our community.

“We know vaccines save lives; however, many Australians underestimate the benefts vaccinations have on our health and well-being, now and into the future.

“The best thing people can do right now is speak to their GP or pharmacist to discuss which vaccines are recommended for them and their family,” Mr Sampson said.

Dr Rodney Pearce AM and Immunisation Coalition Chair said Covid-19 infections in the community are on the rise around the country, and includes our most vulnerable within residential aged care, disability communities, our First Nations People,

and young families.

“Vaccination remains one of the most important steps you can take to reduce the severity of the illness and remain out of hospital,” Dr Pearce said.

1 Source: Australian Government, Dept of Health and Aged Care, Weekly COVID-19 Reporting

“The most recent Australian Government data reveals a concerning trend that shows cases are increasing, while COVID-19 & Infuenza vaccination uptake remains very low around Australia.”

Generally, COVID-19 vaccination rates are particularly poor, as are infuenza vaccination rates in children under 5 years of age suggesting a potential increasing of pressure on our national healthcare system. Data shows that COVID-19 and Infuenza

cases are rising across States in the past weeks:

The meteorological winter season runs from June 1 through to August 31 so now is the time to get your 6 monthly COVID-19 vaccination from your local GP or pharmacist. It’s never too late to get your latest vaccination in preparation for winter.

It is equally important that Australians with

underlying comorbidities such as heart disease, diabetes or asthma amongst other medical conditions can impact on symptoms experienced. Pregnant women who are not up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines are also considered to be at risk and best speak to their GP on recommended vaccines.

HOW TO GROW AND CARE FOR WATTLE

This spring make the atmosphere of your garden sunnier!

BY JEFFREY GIBBS

Wattles always leave us stunned with their stunning bright yellow fowers and lovely aroma, and Acacia species truly excel and impress with their performance.

Wattle is forgiving of neglect and grows quickly to bloom plentifully with its gorgeous fowers, and the number of species present in Australia is astounding - with estimates placing it at upwards of 850 distinct kinds!

Their growth habits can be incredibly diverse - some are large trees while others are tiny ground covers or screen plants. In the current years, there have been some new compact plant breeds that have stunning foliage. These make them great for growing in bigger pots or tubs.

Quick to shine.

Growing quickly and fowering abundantly when young - that’s the lively wattles for you! Similarly, their lifetime may be limited lasting anywhere from seven to twelve years. On the other hand, you can make use of this in your favour.

Wattles excel at colonising making them well-suited for growth on freshly cleared or disturbed ground, and one of their benefts is that they provide protection to more vulnerable understorey plants from above.

When confronted with barren land in one’s

to see their tendencies towards colonization in person is by observing an area of burnt-out foliage and taking note that wattles usually sprout up frst - acting as true trailblazers for others.

Aspect

The growth of wattles is highly favourable in spots that experience abundant sunshine as well as areas with some shadow, but good tolerance towards extreme temperatures doesn’t necessarily

Soil

While wattles can tolerate various soil types, they do require proper drainage. Therefore, avoid growing them in boggy locations that fail to dry out quickly following heavy rainfall.

Watering

Young tree growth can fourish by consistently watering them during their establishment stage, while wattles prove to be sturdy and frugal once they have found a resting place; they require minimal moisture from rainfall to prosper. Your plants need extra care when temperatures rise don’t forget to hydrate them during heatwaves or droughts

Fertiliser

Since wattles have the capacity to fx their own nitrogen there is no need to feed them, they can coexist alongside other local fora even if given just a little bit of blood and bone or a lowphosphorus diet.

Maintenance

By tipping young plants or those recently in fower you can remove

optimal growth put the plant in an area with some shade and make sure that the soil remains moist. Within just days or perhaps even weeks at most, you may see the seeds sprout. How to grow wattle in small pots

If you are looking to plant an Acacia cognata species such as “Limelight” in a limited space then these tips will be useful.

1. Choose a pot that is at least twice the size of the selected plant. Choose a spot for your garden where it can get both full sunshine as well as some shade

2. Position in hole and backfll with potting mix, gently frming down.

elegant look to cute with a small stature accompanied by rippling borders or standing proud on the wall as specimens - these plants draw attention when they produce their signature blaze of scarlet blooms

Check with your local council frst Consulting with your local authority is crucial before buying a wattle, despite the fact that they come from Australia certain plants could still be considered weeds within your region and referred against. Examples show that planting Cootamundra wattle (Acacia baileyana) along with the silver or Mount Morgan

wood thicker than a pencil.

In order to keep roots cool and maintain adequate levels of soil moisture while limiting weed growth, it’s recommended that you apply a layer of natural leaf litter or chunky bark. Ensure that there is enough space between it and the trunk.

How to propagate wattles

Wattles are usually propagated by using seeds and long seedholding pods are created by the plant during growth. For successful germination of the seeds with tough coats, they should be soaked in hot water for a period of 24 hours. Take only those seeds that are swollen or abrade them by rubbing them with sandpaper to ensure proper growth. Ensure that you properly space your individual plants about 5 cm apart within a seed-raising mixture having a good drainage system. After that, you are to press gently downwards on all plants, and it is important to water. For

Drawing water from the well is possible

3. Feed in Autumn and Spring with a fertiliser to ensure strong root development.

4. However, water is only required for young plants, but for older wattles showing signs of distress give a soak in a very dry period.

Wattle for small gardens

Wattles that are unattractive or big in size when not blooming may not thrive in your garden, but breeders have managed to produce many different types of smaller wattles that suit the needs of an Australian garden. Whether tall with an

variety (A beyond the borders of NSW is not recommended, as the growth of podalriifolia occurs elsewhere rather than in Queensland.

Wattle seeds

Wattles produce a lot of hanging seed pods once their fowering period comes to an end, and it’s been a dietary staple among Indigenous communities for over 60k years with versatile applications. If you’re looking for ideas with your four, try it out in some damper or bread recipes – otherwise, put your skills to the test with this recipe for Kakadu plum and wattleseed brownies.

SLOW COOKER BRAISED STEAK AND ONIONS

6 servings

13

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1kg whole topside roast, cut into 3cm-thick steaks

• 20g butter

• 2 brown onions, halved, thinly sliced

• 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 500ml (2 cups) Massel Liquid Stock

5 METHOD STEPS

Step 1

Heat the oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Cook the steaks,in 2 batches,for 3 minutes each side or until browned. Transfer to the slow cooker.

Step 2

Add the butter to the pan. Cook until foaming. Add the onions Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring often, for 10 minutes or until browned and tender.

Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until aromatic.

Step 3

Add the tomato paste to the frying pan and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.

Chicken Style

• 11/2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 6 fresh thyme sprigs

• 3 dried bay leaves

• 11/2 tbsp cornfour

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh continental parsley, plus extra,

• Mashed potato, to serve

Add the stock, Worcestershire sauce, thyme and bay leaves.

Bring to a simmer. Pour over the steaks in the slow cooker.

Cover and cook on High for 5 hours or until beef is tender.

Step 4

Combine the cornfour with 2 tbsp water. Add to the slow cooker. Cook for 20 minutes or until the liquid has thickened slightly. Season.

Stir though the parsley.

Step 5

Sprinkle with extra parsley. Serve with mash, if using.

TUNA MORNAY

14

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tsp olive oil

• 1 onion, fnely chopped

• 2 celery sticks, fnely chopped

• 1 large carrot, peeled, fnely chopped

• 2 zucchini, thinly sliced

• 200g green beans, cut into 1cm lengths

• 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil spread

• 2 tbsp plain four

4 METHOD STEPS

Step 1

Preheat oven to 190C/ 170C fan forced. Lightly spray a 2L(8-cup) ovenproof baking dish with oil

Step 2

Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.

Cook the onion, celery and carrot, stirring, for 5 minutes or until softened.

Add the zucchini and beans and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes or until just tender.

Transfer the vegetables to a bowl.

Step 3

Return same pan to medium heat and heat the spread until melted.

6 servings

• 500ml (2 cups)reduced-fat milk

• 425g can tuna in spring water, drained, faked

• 40g (1/2 cup) grated parmesan

• 270g (2 cups) Australian brown rice

• 120g baby spinach leaves

• Mixed salad leaves, to serve

Add the four and stir until well combined. Slowly start adding the milk, stirring constantly, until well combined and smooth.

Bring to the boil, reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Stir in the vegetables, tuna and half the parmesan. Season.

Step 4

Spread the rice over base of baking dish. Top with the spinach, then the tuna mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining parmesan. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbling.

Set aside for 5 minutes before serving with salad leaves.

Death Notice

Death Notice

Lorraine Monica Clarke

13/11/1941 -3/6/2023

Late of Spring Grove formally of Dobies Bight

Dearly loved wife of George much loved mother and mother in law of Wayne and Vicki, Paul and David. Cherished Nan of Caitlin and Nicola. Special thanks to staff at the Kyogle Hospital. Ingrid from the Palliative care service.

A private family service has been held.

Funeral Notice

STAVERT, Lola Narelle

Of Casino

03.12.1921 – 12.06.2023

Aged 101 years.

Passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones, Monday June 12. Loved wife of Jack (decd).

Dearly loved mother & mother-in-law of John & Ruth of Tamworth

Cherished grandmother of Jason, Kellie, and Emma. and her two great granddaughters Hollie and Olivia. Loved sister and sister-in-law of Reg and Eunice Grainger (both decd)

Irene and Len Hunter (both decd)

Norma and Frank Lynch (both decd) and Monica and Vince (decd) Boyle

‘Rest in Peace’

Funeral Notice

Funeral Notice

Relatives & friends of Lola are invited to attend her Requiem Mass for the repose of her soul to be o ered Friday 23rd June 2023 commencing at 11.00am at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Canterbury Street, Casino. Followed by Burial in Casino Lawn Cemetery. Live streaming link: https://vimeo.com/event/3494086

16.04.1941 – 11.06.2023

Judy’s compassion touched many lives.

Much loved wife of Don; loved mother of Kellie and Peta, Adored grandmother of Louis, Rubie, Kane, Sophie, and Alexander; Great grandmother of Ashton and Arlo. Loved Stepmother of Petrina and Kate treasured Step Grandmother of Georgia.

ALWAYS IN OUR HEART

Family and friends are invited to join us to farewell Judy with a Requiem Mass, to be held at St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Cherry Street BALLINA on Friday 30 June, 2023 commencing at 10 am.

Funeral Notice

MORRISSEY, Patrick Francis

17.8.1943 – 14.6.2023

Passed away peacefully at Tweed Heads Hospital

Dearly loved Husband of Janice.

Much Loved Father of Bernadette, Peta and Francine. Loved Pop to Tara, Steven, Ashlee and Great Grandfather to Hailee-Jade and Evi. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Pat’s Funeral Service to be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Canterbury Street Casino on Friday 23rd June 2023 Commencing at 2.00pm.

Following the Service there will be a Private Cremation.

Funeral Notice

COLES, GORDON HAROLD

08. 09. 1924 ~ 13. 06. 2023

Formerly of Coorabell Scenic Drive for over 94 years, late of Byron Bay.

Carrier and farmer who loved to dance and enjoyed many happy hours over a cup of tea and a chat. A man devoted to his family and community. Dearly beloved husband of Ellen ‘Nel’ Coles – nee Bottrell (dec). Son of Percy and Elizabeth (both dec). Father of Pamela, Nola, June, Je rey (dec), Susan and Harvey (dec). Grandfather, great grandfather and great-great grandfather. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Gordon’s Funeral Service to be held at All Souls Anglican Church, Ashton Street, Bangalow on THURSDAY (June 22, 2023) commencing at 11.00 am. A er the service the cortege will leave for Bangalow Cemetery.

Ballina 02 6686 7036

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE

TELSTRA MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT:

existing Telstra Omni Antenna from the existing 30m concrete pole. Install six new panel antennas each of length 2.53 m on the existing headframe. Installing a new panel antenna of length 1.6m at a height 58m.

• Ancillary work involves replacing TMA radio boxes with new ones, transceivers, amplifers, antenna mounts, cable trays, feeders, cabling, combiners, diplexers, splitters, couplers, jumpers, flters, electrical equipment, security fencing, handrails, kick plates, signage, and other associated equipment.

The proposal is to improve Telstra’s mobile phone network. Telstra regards the proposed installations as Low Impact Facilities under the Telecommunications (Low Impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”) based on the descriptions above.

In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Ash Mathulla, 0467953938 community.consult@downergroup.com by COB 30th June 2023.

Position Vacant

Registered Nurse (30 beds)

We’re excited about the Federal Government’s announcement to increase wages for RNs and are now looking for the right person to join our clinical team. Wages are set to increase by 15% in July. Opportunity for Free onsite accommodation. Part & full time positions.

Our RNs enjoy working closely with sta , consumers and their health practitioners in a small friendly home. Most importantly you will be in a position to bring a high level of care and satisfaction to our residents in their later years.

Essential:

• Full unrestricted AHPRA registration as a Registered Nurse

• Experience in Aged Care Nursing but not essential. A willingness to learn.

• An individual who values compassion, respect, integrity, kindness, and inclusiveness.

Bene ts and Perks

• From $50 ph. + Plus super and leave loading.

• Salary packaging options (up to $15,900 living expenses & $2,650 entertainment bene ts, tax free)

• Access to a Wellness Program & $200 annual payment

• Up to $500 retention bonus for permanent appointments

• Financial support for AHPRA registration (including payment of annual fees)

• Supportive and friendly work environment

• Work/life balance and exible working arrangements available

Pre-employment screening e successful candidate is required to complete UPA’s pre-employment screening process including a police check.

Interested?

Please email your interest/application to careers@northcoast.upa.org.au or call 02 6628 5559 for a chat.

Kathy’s Kleaning SERVICE

Kathy’s Kleaning SERVICE

NORTHERN RIVERS

Kathy’s Kleaning SERVICE

NORTHERN RIVERS

NORTHERN RIVERS

Casino, Kyogle, Lismore and Goonellabah 0466 029 862

Casino, Kyogle, Lismore and Goonellabah 0466 029 862

Casino, Kyogle, Lismore and Goonellabah 0466 029 862

THE

Concrete

ALSTONVILLE

ALSTONVILLE BRANCH OF THE RED CROSS

The Alstonville Red Cross branch meets monthly in Alstonville. As meeting dates sometimes vary, please call Carol on 0424 742 774 for details of our next meeting.

ALSTONVILLE & DISTRICT

CRICKET CLUB

Alstonville & District Cricket Club will be celebrating its 50th year of existence since the amalgamation of the two village clubs on the plateauAlstonville & Wollongbar on 10th July 1973.

The reunion of former and current players will take place on Sat 21st & Sun 22nd October weekend. Plans include a Welcome BBQ luncheon at one of the home competition games being played at either Hill Park, Wollongbar or Geoff Watt Oval, Alstonville on the Sat 21st Oct. (Cricket draw for season 2023/24 still to be determined). Drinks will continue to fow from 4:00pm onwards at the Alstonville Plateau Sports Club. On Sun 22nd Oct, a special luncheon will be held from mid-day onwards at the Sports Club. Guests will be entertained with cricket stories from each decade and all attending former and current 1st Grade players will receive a keyring with their playing number attached (in line with the sequence of selection).

Leading into the reunion celebrations, an ‘Old Mates’ group will meet every month at ‘The Crossing Cafe’ Main Street, Alstonville for a social gathering and beverage to renew old

friendships and forming new ones. For further enquiries for cricket reunion contact Jack Oates (mob: 0429 533 940) or for ‘Old Mates’ contact Garry Ensbey (mob: 0403 033 227)

ALSTONVILLE PROBUS CLUB

Alstonville Probus Club meets on the last Thursday of each month at Plateau Sports Club at 10.00 am. This commences with a cuppa and chat, with the formal meeting commencing at 10.30 which includes an interesting guest speaker. All visitors are welcome.

ALSTONVILLE QUOTA CLUB

A local women’s service club that meets on the 1st Tuesday of the month at the Plateau Sports Club. Quota is committed to supporting and improving the physical and mental wellbeing of the disadvantaged in our community through local projects.

CRAWFORD HOUSE MUSEUM

Come and celebrate the centenary of Legacy and its important work at the latest exhibition at Crawford House Museum at Alstonville. Legacy is dedicated to caring for the families of fallen or seriously injured veterans. The Far North Coast Branch of Legacy is partnering with the Alstonville Plateau Historical Society to present this exhibition. It runs until Friday 30th June and the Society will donate all entry fees to Legacy. 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

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.

MCLEANS RIDGES CRAFT GROUP meet at the McLeans Ridges Hall, Cowlong Road, McLeans Ridges on the 2nd Saturday of each month from 9.30am to 3.30pm. Scrapbooking, card making, paper craft, knitting whatever takes your fancy. Come along for an enjoyable day. Bring your own morning tea and lunch. Coffee, tea, milk provided. A small fee to cover hall hire. Ph 0401 047 513.

SQUARE DANCING

Summerland Larrikins Squares

Alstonville, Fridays 7.30pm-9.30pm at Uniting Church Hall, 59 Main Street, Alstonville. Contact 0407663017 for further information. New dancers welcome.

THE RETURNED AND SERVICES LEAGUE OF AUSTRALIA (NSW Branch) ALSTONVILLE SUBBRANCH

Alstonville RSL sub-Branch will now hold their monthly meetings on the second Wednesday of the month at 11am 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!

BALLINA

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.

Ph: 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. Call Judy Forsyth: 0407664337.

BALLINA CWA BRANCH

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. If you have any UFO’s (unfnished objects) 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 every Wednesday and Thursday from 12.30pm at a cost of $4.

Everyone 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.

Ph: Julie Stephan 0434988770.

BALLINA FREE COMMUNITY HOT BRUNCH

Ballina Free Community Hot Brunch, First Saturday of each month. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy a hot brunch of sausages, rissoles bacon & eggs, cereal, tea and coffee. Or just come for a chat. Frozen take away meals available.

Carol: 0438812235

BALLINA LIGHTHOUSE RSL DAY CLUB

A Day Club for elderly and isolated people in our community, held every Thursday at the Richmond Room Ballina. Enjoy morning tea and a mental stimulation exercise like Tai Chi, followed by lunch and afternoon musical entertainment.

Every Thursday 10am to 2pm cost $10 Richmond Room, Regatta Avenue

Ballina

RSVP Lorraine Fox 66874350, 0439301249

BALLINA SENIOR CITIZENS BRIDGE CLUB

Social Bridge Play in Seniors Hall. Swift Street Ballina on Wednesday & Saturdays @ 12.05 pm

Enquiries Phone: 0493425002 for details.

BALLINA TOY LIBRARY

Welcomes families from Ballina Shire. 9 Regatta Avenue, Ballina. Open Tuesdays 1pm - 3pm, and Saturdays 10am - 1pm. Ph. 0411719074.

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.

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). Ph: Allan Watt: 0402 749 582

BROADWATER

DUNGARUBBA

COUNTRY MUSIC

being held at Broadwater Hall (until our Hall is repaired)

Sat 24th June 1 to 5pm.

$5 entry Lucky Door, Raffes, Afternoon tea, Variety of Artists Enquires: Joy: 0400 372 948

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 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. 1800 805 366

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

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. For a small fee we can do research for you as well. Call 6664 1118

CASINO CWA

The CWA Casino Day will be assisting the Casino Golf Club with a Charity Golf Day 25th June (this coming Sunday) for Casino toddler Arlo Sonnex who suffers from Congenital Insensitivity to Pain. All interested in playing a game of golf for Arlo contact the Casino golf Club. Everyone is invited to our next monthly meeting at the Casino Community Centre 9.00am Thursday July 20th (3rd Thursday of the Month) 2023. All welcome, come and have a cuppa and see what we are about.

Enquires Margaret Good 66621746, Jennifer Baker 043892060.

CASINO EVENING

BRANCH OF CWA

The Casino Evening Branch of the CWA meets on the frst Thursday of the month at the Casino Uniting Church Hall at 6pm. Come along and have supper and fnd out what we do.

All welcome. Enquiries to: Jo 0417798622

CASINO FUN DAY OUT FOR SENIORS

A day out for ALL LONELY PEOPLE of our aged communities from Casino, Kyogle, Lismore, Coraki, Woodburn and Evans Head. Feel free to get your own group together for a great day.

Where: Casino RSM Club

Date: Friday 15th

September 2023

Time: 10.30am-2.30pm

Cost: $10

10.30am: Sandra

Binney-Solicitor, information on necessity of wills, power of attorney and guardianship.

10.45am: ViviannaPharmacist @ Scrivener & Webb, information about available and supplied services.

11.00am: Gerard Dunlop- Seniors Right Service, information about rights as older citizens.

11.20am: Lucky Door Prizes and Raffes

Drawn.

12.00pm: Light lunch served with tea/coffee.

12.45pm: Entertainment from The Minstrels.

Contact: Jan Danaher0414625680 for Transport, Seating, Catering Purposes and any other Enquiries.

CASINO GALLERYART at the CASSINO GALLERY.

The Casino Art Group meets here every Thursday to Saturdays 10am to 3pm Interested in promoting YOUR medium? Come to the gallery for information.

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 2

MONDAY B.McEnerny & C.Moulden

J. Yates

TUESDAY B.Bennett

K.O’Reilly & L&N

O’Reilly

WEDNESDAY M.&M. Ayshford

G.Mannix

THURSDAY

J.Crooks

S. Garrard & E. Grogan

FRIDAY M.Anderson

J.Connell

CASINO MINI RAIL

Every Sunday 10am to 4pm. Weather permitting. West Street Casino. Phone 0455673722.

CASINO MIXED PROBUS CLUB

Our Meeting is on fourth Thursday of each month at Casino RSM Club at 10:00am.

Contact Kathleen Griffns, President phone 0427622470 or Daphne Boyd, Secretary phone 0400070085.

CASINO UNITING CHURCH

CAFÉ PRAISE…. Every Wednesday @ 10-11am. All Welcome 10am Morning Tea Fellowship. Welcome and Chat 10.30am Praise and Worship

CASINO VIEW CLUB Monthly luncheon meeting at Casino RSM Club at 11am, second Thurs of every month. Contact Jan on 0418715374

AA-LIVING SOBER MEETING is held every Tuesday 12:00-1:30pm

At the Casino Baptist Church Cnr. West & Canterbury Streets Casino each week The group will discuss a chapter on living sober out of the AA Living Sober Book. Contact George 0427133372

FAIRY HILL CRAFT GROUP

Thursday July 6th, 10 a.m. at Fairy Hill Hall on Summerland Way. Christmas in July lunch. Please bring a plate to share with our friendly group and your current craft project. New and former members always welcome. Please phone Sue 66633233 for more details.

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

COMMUNITY NOTICES

0448014682

LISMORE CASINO NAVAL ASSOCIATION

Meets bi-monthly at Casino RSM, new members welcome. Ph: Chris 66293269 or Jim 0427400625.

ST MARK’S SINGERS, CASINO “Love is in the Air” concert on Saturday 24th June @ 1.30pm at the Anglican Hall Barker Street.

$10 admission includes afternoon tea with homemade biscuits. All Welcome.

ST MARKS OLD TIME NEW VOGUE DANCE CLUB

St Marks Anglican church hall Barker Street Casino. Old Time and New Vogue. Revision & Beginners. Every Tuesday from 3pm-5.30pm @ $5 per head.

First Saturday night of each month from 7pm -10pm @ $10 per person.

Live music Judy Johnson New members, all ages most welcome. Bring a plate to share in a supper.

Contact Ronald: 66623328 / mob: 0449710552

THE PLATYPUS RSL DAY CLUB operates every Tuesday at the Community Centre from 10am to 2pm. The day consists of gentle exercises, mental stimulation, games and entertainment. Members are asked to pay $7 for their morning tea and lunch. Transport can be provided within the town limits. If you are feeling socially isolated or just need a day out, please contact Robyn on 66623871. New members are welcome.

EVANS HEAD

EVANS HEAD CWA BRANCH meets every third Tuesday for lunch at noon. New members welcome. More info Roz 0427825560

EVANS RIVER RSL DAY CLUB

The Evans River RSL Day Club meets each Monday in the Remembrance Room at Club Evans RSL Evans Head from 10am until 2pm Cost $10 includes Morning Tea

and Lunch. We have several vacancies for volunteers and members, anyone who is feeling in need of some company are welcome to attend. Come along and join in the fun. Contact Merilyn on 0401493316.

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

LIFE & RELATIONSHIPS FOR WOMEN- 6 Sessions

Would you like to have closer, more harmonious relationships with others?

This small confdential group is for women who want to move from surviving to thriving in their relationships and lives. Learn new skills, discuss new ideas and have fun.

When: Mondays 22nd May-3rd July

Time: 9:30am-12:30pm

Where: Child and Family Health Centre, Oliver Ave. Goonellabah.

Facilitator: Pamela Craven. Women’s Health Matters

Cost: FREE

Bookings: 66202999

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

THE PROBUS CLUB of Goonellabah meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month at the Workers Sports Club in Oliver Ave. All welcome. Goonellabah Probus is solely a social club. We have a guest speaker

each month and go for outings throughout the year. Meetings on Thursday commence at 10am and fnish at midday. For further information, please contact Gloria Francis on 02 6629 1442.

GRAFTON

GRAFTON AND DISTRICT GARDEN CLUB

“Connecting people with an interest in gardening, plants, fowers and nature.”

Our next meeting will be on Thursday 6th July at the Joan Muir Centre, 194 Turf St Grafton. 10am to midday. Entry is $2, please bring morning tea to share if you are able. We will supply coffee, tea etc. There will also be the regular Bring and Buy table so if you have some plants, cuttings or produce you would like to donate, they are greatly appreciated. Please label plants and cuttings to help others know what they are buying. All proceeds go to our Club.

Our guest speaker Janeen will be speaking on the topic of native bees.

This topic always generates a lot of interest so I hope you can make it.

Publicity Offcer: Jane Rhodes 0438593032

GRAFTON CWA

Meetings of Grafton CWA are held on 2nd Friday of each month in the CWA Rooms, cnr Duke and Pound Sts. Morning tea is at 9.30am, followed by the meeting at 10am. At our last meeting, Casey Hemming from “Home Instead” gave an interesting and informative talk. Our next meeting will be on Friday, 14th July, when guest speaker will be Mark Poole, NBN Ambassador.

Several outings are planned for the next few months, including visits to Schaeffer House on 28th June to see the Bridal Exhibition and have morning tea, the Lawrence Museum on 25th July and Yvonne McSwan’s home to view her doll collection on August 25th. Some members will also be attending the Bellingen CWA’s 90th Birthday

Morning Tea on 1st July, and the Friendship Morning at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Hall on 20th July.

Craft mornings are held on 2nd and 4th Mondays at 9.30am-a good opportunity to get together to do some craft, meet other people, have a cuppa and a chat.

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.

GRAFTON SENIOR CITIZENS

Next trip, Fri,23 June, to mystery venue, some seats available.

8 day tour to Narrabri, Dubbo, Tamworth, from 12 August, still requires more bookings. Soup day, Mon, 19 June, still taking bookings, which close 13 June for catering. Enquiries, Sandra, 66427720 or 0417464946.”

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 10.30a.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 66447347 or 0416067315, or from Dot on 66423248 or 0477213017

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. It’s a neverending 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 opening 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

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 0414794380

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

KINGSCLIFF 500

CARD CLUB

Kingscliff 500 Card Club. Monday and Wednesday afternoons

1pm to 4pm Cudgen Surf Club

New players

WELCOME

Contact: GARY 0499869992

KYOGLE

KYOGLE SUNSHINE CLUB

Meets every Thursday at 9.30am. For more details contact 0499824274.

KYOGLE TIDY

TOWNS FARMERS

MARKET

Held every Saturday morning in Stratheden Street from 8am -12. Come along grab some local fruit & veggies, experience all Kyogle has to offer. New Stall Holders welcome. Ph: 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. 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. Ph: Jan on 0427293455.

ROTARY KYOGLE BAZAAR

Fourth Saturday of every month.

See Rotary Kyogle Bazaar on social media for all the details or call 0459512249.

LENNOX HEAD

LENNOX HEAD CWA

Handy Craft Mornings on Mondays 9.30am12noon 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.

Ph: 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 semiretired people wishing to join our non-service club to hear interesting guest speakers and to join in trips and outings are invited along. Ph: June Zentveld on 66871004

LISMORE

LISMORE BASE HOSPITAL AUXILIARY

Lismore Base Hospital

Auxiliary are holding a Christmas in July on 22nd of July at 12 noon at the Lismore Heights Bowling Club 181 High Street Lismore Heights. Tickets are $35.00 a head for a two Course meal.

We will be having games, Raffes, lucky door prizes and a Hundred club. Come along and have a great day out with friends. Contact Carol on 0414847199 for tickets. Money raised goes towards buying vital equipment for Lismore Base Hospital.

LISMORE CITY CONCERT BAND

Rehearsals are held during school terms on Mondays, 6.157.45pm 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. Ph: 0432575911

LISMORE CWA

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.

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 0437465642.

LISMORE HOME GARDEN CLUB

Next Morning Tea

Saturday 24th June at Esther Burn`s Place. More info contact: 0448294496

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.

Free Tech Help Lismore Pop-up Library every Tuesday and Thursday by appointment

Our tech team can help you master your phone, tablet, or laptop. Email, Facebook, Apps, Photos…even how to turn the thing on! Make sure to book a one-on-one, 45-minute session, that can be tailored to your individual needs! For more information and to book an appointment phone Lismore Pop-up Library on 0266212464.

LISMORE MEN & COMMUNITY SHED

President: Don Abrahams 0437576837

Vice President: Bob Greig 0404860504

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/cofffee

Location: 15 Industry Drive East Lismore

LISMORE ORCHID SOCIETY INC.

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. Ph: 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

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).

CO-DEPENDANTS

ANONYMOUS (CoDA)

Co-Dependants Anonymous is a Twelve Step Fellowship of people whose common purpose is to develop

healthy relationships. The only requirement for membership is a desire for healthy relationships. The CoDA meeting in the Lismore area meets on Mondays from 6.30pm to 7.30pm at Riverland’s Drug and Alcohol Centre. 75 Hunter Street, Lismore. For further information call 0456178826 or 0408336143

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. Ph: Fay Ross 0412910487. 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 likeminded 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.

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. 66227408

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 on the 2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month at 5.30pm at The Civic Hotel (210 Molesworth Street Lismore). Ph: 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. Ph: 0435990919

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.

SUMMERLAND BONSAI SOCIETY INC.

Come and learn an addictive hobby with us. We provide personal support from experienced teachers as well as demonstrations and Bonsai information. Club days are held on the second Saturday of every month at 1pm in the Arts Pavillion at Lismore Showgrounds. Be inspired about the art of creating little trees.

Ph: 0438103601

THE ROTARY CLUB OF LISMORE

The Rotary Club of Lismore – Book Sale

Date Saturday 8th July 2023

Venue – Lismore

Showground – Norma’s Kitchen Pavilion – 8 a.m.

All Books $1.00 and $2.00 – Children’s Books are Free (2 per Child)

Further donations of books are welcome – For

pick up please phone Terry 0427 500610

All proceeds support local community projects.

For more information phone Terry 0427500610 or Brian 0429129573

ZEN AND INSIGHT MEDITATION –LISMORE HEIGHTS INSIGHT (VIPASSANA) MEDITATION and practice: This mindfulness-based meditation group sits on Wednesdays from 7:008:30pm. The evening includes meditation instructions, sitting and walking meditation, Dharma talks and discussion. For further details, please contact Rosie0402682925

ZEN MEDITATION and practice The Zen meditation group sits on Mondays from 6:30pm8:15pm. The evening includes instructions, sitting meditation, Dharma talks and individual interviews with the teacher. For further details, please phone: 0427778837

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! Ph: Peter 0498399640 or Sue 0408493253.

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. Ph: Bob Johnson (02)66225792.

NIMBIN

OLD TIME NIMBIN CENTRAL SCHOOL REUNION

We are pleased to invite you and your partner to join your fellow classmates for drinks and lunch at the Nimbin Bowling Club Sunday the 10th of September 2023.

Club opens at 10am. Bistro opens for lunch at 12pm. Approximately $20. Chefs’ menu will be provided closer to the day.

Photo ID will be required for club entrance. We will need numbers for catering by the last meeting in mid-August 2023, please reply to an organiser by this time.

Royce Andrews: 0477006140, Rhonda Ryan (Whitney): 0448234254

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.

POTTSVILLE LADIES LIFEBALL

Every Thursday morning 9.30am to 11.30am. Pottsville Community Hall, $5 per session includes morning tea. No joining fees. Ph: 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.

RICHMOND-TWEED FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY INC

The Society holds its monthly general meeting on the frst Saturday of every month at Players Theatre, 24 Swift Street, Ballina, from 2pm-4pm and at each meeting we have a presentation of a topic at that meeting we hope you will continue to support us announcing this through your relevant media outlet, I have listed some upcoming meetings:

Saturday 1 July Meeting: A Photograph That Tells a Story. Co-ordinated by Jackie Chalmers.

Saturday 5 August Meeting: AGM plus talks on The Black Sheep in the Family co-ordinated by Joy Conlon

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

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. Ph: 0499862886

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.

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.

Warnings

See www.bom.gov.au/australia/warnings

Northern Rivers District:

Mostly sunny. The chance of morning frost inland. Light winds. Thursday. Cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Light winds.

Northern Tablelands District:

Mostly sunny. Areas of morning frost. Light winds. Thursday. Cloudy. Areas of morning frost on and east of the ranges. Medium chance of showers in the afternoon and evening. Light winds becoming north to northwesterly 15 to 25 km/h during the morning.

New South Wales:

Dry and mostly sunny near the coast and across the northern inland. Cloud increasing with the chance of a shower or two developing in the far west during the day. Cold morning with

widespread frost across all but the far west and some fog patches across the southern inland. Daytime temperatures below average, mainly in the south. Light and variable winds becoming northerly in the west during the day. Thursday. A few showers developing across the state, more likely about the southern half of the inland and ranges. Snow possible on the Alps above 1300 metres. Areas of morning frost about the ranges, western slopes and plains. Daytime temperatures below average, mainly in the south. Northeast to northwesterly winds, freshening about the ranges and in the far west during the day. Winds turning westerly in the west. Byron Coast: Winds: Southerly 15 to 20 knots decreasing to about 10 knots during the evening. Seas: 1 to 1.5 metres, decreasing to 1 metre during the morning. Swell: Southerly 1.5 to 2.5 metres

inshore, increasing to 2.5 to 4 metres offshore. Weather: Partly cloudy.

Coffs Coast:

Winds: South to southwesterly 15 to 20 knots decreasing to about 10 knots during the evening. Seas: 1 to 1.5 metres, decreasing to 1 metre during the morning. Swell: Southerly 3 to 4 metres, decreasing to 2.5 to 3 metres during the morning.

Weather: Partly cloudy.

Gold Coast Waters:

Winds: Southerly 15 to 20 knots decreasing to about 10 knots during the evening. Seas: 1 to 1.5 metres, decreasing below 1 metre during the afternoon or evening. Swell: Southerly 1 to 1.5 metres inshore, increasing to 2 to 3 metres offshore. Weather: Partly cloudy.

SPEEDWAY RESULTS

Results from Castrol Edge Lismore Speedway, Saturday June 10, 2023.

AMCA Nationals

Fallen Memorial Fallen Memorial (In honour of Kevin Everingham).

Heat 1: Kevin Stow 1, Jarrad Eveleigh 2, Max Cotton 3. Heat 2: Tony Blanch 1, Steve Potts

2, Steve Price 3. Heat

3: Lewis Gamble 1, Bruce Marshall 2, Andy Wilcox 3. Heat 4: Tony Blanch 1, Steve Potts

2, Paul Reeves 3. Heat

5: Tim Gamble 1, Steve Price 2, Brett Cotton 3. Heat 6: Nathan Tomkins

Tony Blanch 1, Bruce Marshall 2, Kevin Stow

3. Preliminary Feature B: Nathan Tomkins 1, Steve Potts 2, Tim Gamble 3.

SSA Junior Sedans

NSW Title. Heat 1: Brodie Hollyman 1, Indi Butcher 2, Braydon Steffens 3. Heat 2: Aidan Rigby 1, Jayden Hancock 2, Jackson Kunny 3. Heat 3: Jaiden Santin 1, Jayden Hancock 2, Aidan Rigby 3. Heat 4: Riley Killick 1, Poppy Airey 2, Hayley Spence 3. Heat

5: Aidan Rigby 1, Brodie Hollyman 2, Jaiden

Ross 1, Mason Cattell

2, Michael Butcher 3. Heat 3: John Egan 1, David Eggins 2, Errol Campbell 3. Heat 4: Jacob Waller 1, Ian O’Toole 2, Michael Butcher 3. Heat 5: Jacob Jolley 1, Kyle Nock 2, David Eggins 3. Heat

6: Andrew Seery 1, Ray Eggins 2, Errol Campbell 3. Preliminary Feature A: David Eggins

1, Ray Eggins 2, Kyle Mock 3. Prelimnary Feature B: Jacob Jolley

1, John Egan 2, Mason Cattell 3.

Production Sedans. Heat 1: Felicity Roycroft

1, Myles White 2, Sam Mooney 3. Heat 2: Stuart Fawcett 1, Kenneth Mankey 2, Steve Hogan

3. Heat 3: Madison Harkin 1, Sam Mooney

2, Nathan Gordon 3. Heat 4: Steve Downes 1, Dale Corbett 2, Jordan Biviano 3. Heat 5: Stuart Fawcett 1, Ash Graham

2, Jordan Biviano 3. Heat 6: Jack Murphy

Lesha 1, Connor Reeves

2, Nathan Diews 3.

B-Scramble: Adrian Williams 1, Toby Hunter

2, Glen Sturrock 3. Legends. Heat 1: Robert Rawlings 1, Rieley Fisher 2, Adam Fisher 3. Heat 2: Troy Bolton 1, Matt Gordon

2, Brock Bolton 3. Heat 3: Matt Gordon 1, Colin Crepin 2, Adam Fisher 3. Feature: Robert Rawlings 1, Matt Gordon 2, Adam Fisher

3.

Results from Castrol Edge Lismore Speedway, Sunday June 11, 2023.

AMCA Nationals Fallen Memorial Fallen Memorial (In honour of Kevin Everingham).

Heat 10: Nathan Tomkins 1, Graham Holland 2, Tony Blanch

3. Heat 11: Paul Reeves

1, Steve Price 2, Andy Wilcox 3. Heat 12: Darren Miller 1, Jarrad Eveleigh 2, Russ Hardy

3. B-Main (Top 6 into A-Main): Graham Holland 1, Brett Cotton

2, Andy Wilcox 3, Jim Knight 4, Nash Granger

Jaiden Santin 2, Jayden

Lock 3. Feature (New Stars): Lawson Clark 1, Erica Robinson 2, Ellie Wilson 3.

Wingless Sprints. Heat

7: John Egan 1, Jacob

Jolley 2, David Eggins 3.

Heat 8: Robert Mazzer

1, Ray Eggins 2, Errol

Campbell 3. Heat 9: Timothy Harris 1, Bruce Hill 2, Ian O’Toole 3.

Biviano 1, Stewart Fawcett, 2 Aaron Hall 3. RSA Street Stockers.

Heat 5: Gavin Wade 1, Robert Grill 2, Shane Carlson 3. Heat 6: Nathan Diews 1, Jakob Lesha 2, Connor Reeves

3. Heat 7: Jakob Lesha

1, Shane Carlson 2, Harry Fowler 3. Heat 8: Connor Reeves 1, Trent Morgan 2, Tayler

1, Bruce Marshall 2, Lewis Gamble 3. Heat

7: Tony Blanch 1, Russ Hardy 2, Tim Gamble

3. Heat 8: Nathan Tomkins 1, Kevin Stow

2, Steve Price 3. Heat

9: Steve Potts 1, Bruce Marshall 2, Jai Jones 3. Preliminary Feature A:

Santin 3. Heat 6: Jackson Kunny 1, Indi Butcher

2, Ben Frasle 3. Feature: Jaiden Santin 1, Jayden Hancock 2, Jackson Kunny 3. Wingless Sprints. Heat

1: Andrew Seery 1, Tony Watkins 2, Robert Mazzer 3. Heat 2: Shane

1, Felicity Roycroft 2, Aaron Hall 3. RSA Street Stockers. Heat 1: Robert Grill 1, Jakob Lesha 2, Connor Reeves 3. Heat 2: Joel Williams 1, Steve Hall

2, Daniel Williams 3. Heat 3: Connor Reeves

1, Tayler Lofthouse 2, Jakob Lesha 3. Heat

4: Adrian Williams

1, Andrew ButcherPlim 2, Steve Hall 3. A-Scramble: Jakob

5, Mark Taylor 6.

Feature: Tony Blanch 1, Tim Gamble 2, Nathan Tomkins 3.

SSA Junior Sedans. Heat 1: Indi Butcher

1, Jayden Hancock 2, Jaiden Santin 3. Heat

2: Jaiden Santin 1, Ellie Wilson 2, Jayden Hancock 3. Heat 3: Jayden Lock 1, Jaiden Santin 2, Lachlan Goldie

3. Feature (Top Stars): Jayden Hancock 1,

Heat 10: David Eggins

1, Ian Milnes 2, Tony

Watkins 3. Heat 11: Kyle

Mock 1, Jacob Waller 2, Ian O’Toole 3. Heat 12: Michael Butcher 1, Luke

Sayre 2, Mason Cattell

3. B-Main: Luke Sayre

1, Neil Howard 2, Peter

Granger 3. Feature: Kyle

Mock 1, Jacob Jolley 2, John Egan 3.

Production Sedans.

Heat 7: Madison Harkin 1, Aaron Hall

2, Ash Graham 3. Heat

8: Jordan Biviano 1, Nathan Gordon 2, Car

#5 3. Feature: Jordan

Lofthouse 3. Feature: Shane Carlson 1, Connor Reeves 2, Adrian Williams 3.

Legends. Heat 1: Troy Bolton 1, Geoff Hodgess 2, Rieley

Fisher 3. Heat 2: Matt Gordon 1, Brock Bolton

2, Robert Rawlings 3. Heat 3: Rieley Fisher

1, Matt Gordon 2, Adam Fisher 3. Heat 4: Robert Rawlins 1, Geoff Hodgess 2, Troy Bolton

3. Feature: Robert Rawlings 1, Rieley Fisher 2, Matt Gordon 3.

CASINO SOCIAL GOLF RESULTS

18-06-2023

The winner on Sunday was Darryl Green with a net score of 22 from John Vinecombe with 33 on a count back. 3rd, Gary Skennar also 33.The putting trophy went to R.Ruttley with 15 putts and D.Hampson won the players draw. Nearest to pins: 8th, M.Gooding. 9th & 17th, P.Piccoli. 10th & 11th, R.Ruttley. 12th, D,Hampson. 13th, W.Jackson. 14th & 15th, J.Cornwell. 16th, G.Randall.

18th, G.Shephard. Next Sunday’s event sponsored by Richmond Valley Meats in the RSM shopping centre, Casino

is yet to be decided but visitors are welcome to play with hit off from 6-30am till 7-30am.

CHERRY STREET

CROQUET CLUB

SPORTS RESULTS

ASSOCIATION

CROQUET :

G.Drew P.Hume 12 d

S.Hume B.Hardy 5

S.Hume G.Porter 14 d

D Scott P.Waters 7

Handicap Club

Championships : P.Waters R.Chapman

15 d L.Hardy G.Porter 13

G.Drew 20 d

C.Woodlands 5

RICOCHET

CROQUET : C.Lane N.Barnes 13 d

J.Copeland J Doust 10

N.Poynting 13 d P.Scott

M.Russell 12

P.Bolte H.Young 19 d M.Field 9

J.Hannigan D.Scott 11 d N.Watts R.Chapman 10

N.Watts C.Woodlands 13 d M.Russell C.Lane 12

J.Copeland P.Scott 14 d

J.Hannigan 10

R.Poynting P.Waters 9 d N.Poynting D.Scott 7 Division 3 Singles Club

Tournament Southport.

M.Campbell 1, J.Tai 2, J.Wright 3, L.Rolls 4, B.McAlister 5, G.Porter 6.

OBE Over Eighty

Years : Northern Rivers Area Golf Croquet

Championships: Jean Hill, Richard Edwards Ballina 1st.

Norma Watts, Joan Doust Cherry St 2nd.

CORAKI VETERANS GOLF RESULTS

THURSDAY 15/6/23

and surrounds were presented was amazing, lots of accolades from visitors who thought it was magic.Thanks to all the volunteers who make this possible. The organisation and running of this day was great well done to all concerned.

Last Thursday 56 golfers played a two man ambrose, winners

T McBurney P Micheal,

2ndB Bolger P Smith, chicken/ball winners

G Flaherty J Braby, B

McDonald B Collyer,

hole single stableford will be played commencing with a shot gun start at 8.30am.

AS USUAL TILL THEN GOOD GOLFING.

EVANS HEAD WOMENS BOWLS

Major Singles Championship - Quarter Finals played 14-06-23

T. Cselka defeated K. Hickey. - E. Gollan defeated V. Hart. - P. Freeman defeated K. Townsend.

Championships : H.Young 17 d J.Doust 7

TOURNAMENTS : MSOB Ricochet

Well what a week on Tuesday 13/6/23 we hosted the annual NRVGA masters golf championships. Lots of winners congratulations to all who collected trophies, however the way the course

P Bruggy P Muldoon,

T Newton W Swindle,

P Brophy G Gibson,

J Nilsson G Brown, S Smith J Kelly.

Nearest pins3rd/12th

T Newton 6th/15th R Earnshaw.

This Thursday an 18

G. Marczan defeated K. Keevers. - Semi-Finals to be played 21-06-23.

Ladies Social Day -14-06-23 - 2 Bowl Triples - Highest scoreWinners - M. McPherson, A. Viney, A. Gaunt.

Grafton’s Tony Blanch, right, winner of the inaugural AMCA Nationals Fallen Memorial, in honour of the late Kevin Everingham, with his father, George Everingham, owner of the pace car and its driver Paul Smith. Looking on, left, is Miss Lismore Speedway Tina Louise.

Photo: Shaq’s Speedway Pics

Winner of the SSA Junior New Stars, right Grafton’s Lawson Clarke, with from left Miss Lismore Speedway Tina Louise, Erica Robinson, who was second and Ellie Wilson, who came third.

Photo: Shaq’s Speedway Pics

Rebels snatch competition lead

By Tim Howard

The South Grafton Rebels have jumped to the top of the Group 2 rugby ladder with a rugged 22-16 win over Sawtell at Allan Gillett Oval on Sunday. Battling a penalty count and a torrent of

Rebels ahead 10-0. Sawtell was on the board a few minutes later with a try to Kalani Morris, which was converted.

But the Rebels increased the lead soon after when centre Aidan Hyland crossed and McGrady converted to

the Rebels interchange bench.

The Panthers crossed in the shadow of full time to bring the scores closer but the Rebels were able to cling on.

South Grafton coach

Ron Gordon said the two points from the game and outright competition

“It got to the stage on Sunday where we were just playing to hold onto our lead, which is not the way we want to play footy.”

Overall Gordon is pretty happy with his team’s position coming into the second half of the season.

frst grade clash in the afternoon when the call came that Bellingen had pulled out.

It ignited commentary that the Group should not have allowed the Magpies into the competition when they revealed they could not feld under-18 and reserve grade teams.

Group 2 chairman

Warren Gilkinson said the Group had asked Bellingen, which

season.

“Bellingen are gone if they forfeit again,” he said.

He said the Ghosts would receive compensation for the loss of a home game.

possession to the home side, the Rebels clung onto their early lead as the Panthers clawed their way back into the game.

It was only two tries against the run of play that gave the Rebels a buffer to see out the game.

Rebels prop Bailey Sinclair opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a good try to give the visitors a 4-nil lead.

The heartbreak for the Sawtell team and fans began less than 10 minutes later when the Rebels scored against the run of play.

After repelling repeated Panthers attacks on their line, Sawtell resorted to the bomb only to have winger Jamal Laurie soar above pack, snatch the ball and race the length of the feld to score.

Nick McGrady knocked over the conversion to put the

make it 16-6 which was the score at half time.

Big centre Jye Boehme scored the Rebels only try of the second half as the crowd was still settling in their seats.

With the Panthers hot on attack, the Rebels pounced on some loose ball about 70m out and sent the young star on a sprint to the line. McGrady converted giving the Rebels a 22-6 lead.

But the scoreline was misleading as the Panthers received the lions share of possession. Tested to the limits the Rebels defence held until midway through the half when prop Jovan Robinson crashed over and Damion Dumas converted to make the 22-12.

Wth very little ball coming their way, the Rebels had to dig deep in defence and the rising injury took its toll of

lead were the only silver linings from the game.

He said he is becoming concerned at the number of high tackles his players are receiving without the referees stamping it out.

“It’s getting ridiculous,” Gordon said. “We had a set where three of our players received high tackles and there wasn’t a penalty.”

“Then we get penalised because the ref thinks we’re lying on the tackled player too long. Which is worse?”

Gordon said he understood the Group’s struggle attracting enough referees to offciate at games, but player welfare was becoming a concern.

“I don’t know what it is,” he said. “Maybe the refs become a bit intimidated with our boys’ style of play, but I don’t think we’re getting a fair share.

“To be on top when we’ve had fve away games is very satisfying. We’ve got fve of our last seven games at home, so we’ve got a good run into the semi-fnals.”

The Rebels host Coffs Harbour Comets in the frst of those home games on Sunday.

Coffs Harbour beat the Rebels earlier in the season, but Gordon was confdent his team has come together since then.

“They’re a bogey side for us down there, but they don’t have a lot of success when they come up here,” Gordon said.

On Saturday the Grafton Ghosts secured two competition points when Bellingen disappointingly forfeited on the morning of the game.

Grafton offcials were setting up the ground for a day’s football action culminating in the

forfeited a replay game to the Rebels earlier in the season, for an explanation.

“Until we hear back from them I’m not going to say too much,” he said.

Gilkinson said the Group 2 constitution would ban a club after two consecutive forfeits or three in total in a

“Bellingen will be fned and the proceeds from the fne will go to the Ghosts,” Gilkinson said. The two points from the forfeit puts the Ghosts into outright second spot on the ladder, just one point behind South Grafton. Scores South Grafton 22. Tries: Bailey Sinclair, Jamal Laurie, Aidan Hyland, Jye Boehme. Goals Nick McGrady 3 (4) def Sawtell 16. Tries: Kalani Morris, Jovan Robinson, Jordan Starr. Goals: Damion Dumas 2 (3).

The Rebels defence has been a cornerstone of their rise to the top of the Group 2 competition ladder midway through the season, as this fle photo from Rebels game against Woolgoolga reveals.