The Northern Rivers Times Edition 155

They have been forthright in their language, describing the council’s tactics as “blackmail”, the approach as “bully-boy”, the motivations for it as “empire building” and clauses in agents contracts as “gag orders”. said Grazier and Treasurer of the Richmond River Beef Producers Association Holger Zeiler

Former mayor slams NRLX lockdown

BY TIM HOWARD

Former Richmond Valley mayor Ernie Bennett has savaged changes to the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange fee structure which threaten to shutdown operations at the saleyards from next week.

Richmond Valley Council has given local cattle agents an ultimatum to sign a contract for a three-year permit to operate at the NRLX from July 1, when the last agreement expires.

The agents have all refused, creating the possibility there would be no auctioneers available to run cattle sales at the centre, which could affect the big All Breeds sale looming late in July.

Mr Bennett, who was mayor from 2012 to 2016 and instrumental in the the $14 million plans to upgrade the saleyards a decade ago, said the council plan was little more than a power grab at the expense of the local farming community.

“This threat of locking them out really disappoints me, that council would take that approach,” Mr Bennett said.

“Councils are meant to be there to help the people, not to hinder them and fight them.

“If they lock the agents out, well that’s all the grazing community locked out, interfering with our livelihoods, all for some power grab.”

The situation has developed since March when Richmond Valley Council resolved it would change the way it collected fees from the NRLX operation from

July 1.

The council also planned to increase the number of agents using the NRLX, including looking for agents outside the area.

It asked for expressions of interest from potential agents with a target of seven, but only five expressed interest and one of those has been rejected.

And to cap it off, the council said it would take over the handling of the cattle after they were sold, a task up to now covered by the agents.

The agents have been silent. Casino Auctioneers Association president Andrew Summerville said the agents would allow the current agreements to run, but with June 30 less than a week off, “the clock was ticking”.

While the agents are silent, others like Mr Bennett and grazier and treasurer of the Richmond River Beef Producers Association Holger Zeiler, have been

more than willing to speak out.

They have been forthright in their language, describing the council’s tactics as “blackmail”, the approach as “bully-boy”, the motivations for it

council has got them gagged. Too frightened to say anything,” Mr Bennett said.

Mr Zeiler also attended the meeting but had a more charitable interpretation of the agents’ actions.

“Part of the problem is the auctioneers feel that they can’t say anything, which is the first thing that piqued my notice when I was speaking to my auctioneer,” he said.

“There is a clause in their current contract saying that they cannot bring council into disrepute.

“The second thing is they’re in the EOI process, so the perception is that if they make too much noise about what they’re feeling, that’s going to compromise the EOI process “I’m sure council will say that they wouldn’t let that sway them, but if nothing else, that perception’s there.”

would be paid by the agents from their revenue of $45-$55 from each $1000, as agent commissions vary from 4.5-5.5 percent.

Mr Macdonald said gross revenue at the NRLX increased from $76,479,965 in 2017-2018 to $210,437,317 in 20212022 result in agents’ commissions jumping from $3,823,998 to $10,521,865 during the same period.

He said council must capitalise on this for the benefit of the Richmond Valley community, especially since it had been successful in obtaining $11 million in grant funding from the Federal and NSW governments to fully upgrade the facility to a modern roofed-and-softfloor livestock selling centre.

To achieve this council had invested more than $4 million as its contribution to the NRLX’s upgrade, requiring borrowings of $3.5 million.

sale fees and these fees will remain fixed to June 2026 – this means there have been no vendor sale fee changes in six years.” He listed the benefits for agents:

• NRLX gross sales revenue - $744,976,044

• Agent Business Usage fees to Council$549,915

• Agent Commission at five percent - $37,248,802

• Agent rent as a percentage of turnover1.5 percent

But there are some key figures, like Mr Bennett, who disagree with this assessment.

As a former mayor Mr Bennett said attempting to run the NRLX “profitably” was not in council’s remit.

He recalled when he had become Richmond Valley mayor one of his main challenges was to turn around a push to get rid of the Casino saleyards.

as “empire building” and clauses in agents contracts as “gag orders”.

On June 14 RVC and the cattle vendors met at Kyogle where saleyards manager Brad Willis explained the changes.

All the agents attended, but did not address the meeting, something that Mr Bennett noted.

“The agents were all there, but not one of them opened their mouth, so obviously the

At the meeting Mr Macdonald and Mr Willis said the council needed to get a better return from the saleyards for the ratepayer and the reforms it proposed would do that.

The key change has been transitioning of the agent business usage fee from a fixed per head charge to 0.2 percent of gross revenue.

He said this equated to $2 for each $1000 of livestock sold, which

“It is critically important council and all NRLX users work together to ensure the saleyards remain the number one cattle selling centre on the North Coast,” Mr Macdonald said.

“Vendors have historically contributed most of the fees to the NRLX business and council has been implementing an incremental realignment of the cost sharing between vendors and agents from the previous model since the completion of the upgrade.

“The 2023-2024 NRLX Revenue Policy shows no change in core vendor

“I’d been getting asked for years by business people in Casino and lots of farmers about council wanting to get rid of the saleyards,” Mr Bennett said.

“That was one of my main reasons for standing there.

“I thought I’d lost the battle when council voted to get rid of the saleyards by leasing it out for $1 a year for 60 years.

“And I was the only councillor that voted against. I was fortunate enough to get a rescission motion in as soon as the meeting was over.

“I held it up and was able to turn a situation around after we had a change of general manager.”

But Mr Bennett said

“The agents were all there, but not one of them opened their mouth, so obviously the council has got them gagged. Too frightened to say anything,” Mr Bennett said.

Former Richmond Valley mayor Ernie Bennett

trying to make the saleyards “profitable” would backfire on the council.

“I have always been a believer that council should be able to provide a facility like that and at a less rate than private enterprise,” he said.

“If council had leased it out at $1 a year private enterprise would have jacked the price up because they’re only in the game to make money.

“Council should be there to provide services and they do for every other part of the community.

There appears to be a dislike for the farming community in there.

“All the councillors that were there between 2012 and 2016. Everyone of them did not want the council to hang onto the yards.”

In the farming community there’s also a belief the council was there to provide services, not to make money.

Mr Zeiler said the council needed to be realistic about where the increased revenue it projected would come

from.

“I don’t think it’s council’s job to try and make money out of any of their facilities,” he said.

“Council’s job is to provide facilities and not make money off them.

“I know that every time that’s mentioned, the council talks about depreciation.

“I know it’s a cost, but it’s not a cash cost.

“At the end of the day the council didn’t pay $14 million for the saleyards. They paid $4 million out of their money.

“I find it very very difficult to think that in 15 or 20 years time, when they’ve got to do major upgrades at the saleyards, it’s the same as any other project, that council is just going to start looking for grants.

“That’s how councils work. All their big projects get done with grants.”

Mr Bennett was sceptical about the council’s altruism toward ratepayers, instead suspecting a case of “empire building” among some senior staff.

“It appears the council wants to take complete control and I can’t help but think it’s an empire building exercise for council employees, a justification for charging more, all that type of stuff,” he said.

“If you’re managing the saleyards and you have one person under you, your wage would be quite significantly lower than if you had 10 people under you, or 20.

were sceptical about the council’s plans to handle cattle after they were sold.

Mr Heiler wondered how an employment agency could train people effectively for this type of

“The whole training thing,” he said. “You can’t train people to handle cattle. It’s an experience thing.

“It’s something you learn. You can train people to get better at handling cattle, but you can’t train people to handle cattle.”

Mr Bennett was equally dismissive.

“If I was was looking for people to work cattle, I wouldn’t be looking in Byron Bay,” he said.

Mr Zeiler was worried

“For example, sometimes the cattle stay in the yard to collect truckloads from different centres and an animal has died,” he said.

“The auctioneer has gone down there and he’s removed the animal off his own bat.

“His opinion was in the system that’s proposed that’s going to cost $200+ for a call out fee, then that animal would go to the dump and that would be another $200 fee for animal to be put at the dump because its a biological thing that’s very expensive.

“Then that cost would go to the owner of the cattle. Like the buyer of the cattle.

“The auctioneer handles that because they want to keep relationships intact and he said to me if that happens a few times that buyer is not going to buy here.”

“The more people they take over, the more people underneath, the better your pay. That’s how it seems to me.”

Both cattle producers

there were other fees, like the cost of dealing with animals that died at the saleyards, which were not included in the new fee structure.

Mr Macdonald dismissed a lot of the criticism of the fee changes and operations at the NRLX, which was the culmination of work at the centre since 2016.

“We’ve invested $15

General Manager, Richmond Valley Counci Vaughn Macdonald

“The agents have gone from paying next to nothing in 2016. We’ve gradually increased it.” Mr Macdonald said

million into the facility with the support of the Federal and State governments,” he said.

“And we’ve been gradually adjusting the fees and charges and basically it’s the way the contributions are share between the producers, the agents and what council needs to continue to run it well.

“The agents have gone from paying next to nothing in 2016. We’ve gradually increased it.

“But even if with the increase council resolved to implement back in March – and we got no feedback on from any of the agents – we are still cheaper than equivalent standard saleyards anywhere else.”

He said other saleyards used a .3% of the sale price of an animal as their saleyard fee.

“We looked at that and our council certainly considered it, but our recommendation to go to the .2%, which is $2 in every $1000,” he said.

“Or $2 of the $45 to $50 the agents make in

commission.

“Anyone who looks at this can see it’s a very good deal.

“Our council is very strong on this. It’s a fair deal and they need to sign it.”

Mr Macdonald admitted the council would not have agents ready for the saleyard from July 1.

“Our preference is the local agents sign and get on with business,” he said.

“But they like a stoush and we’ll have to deal with that and pursue some other options to have the saleyards operating as we know it’s important for our community, for producers who work out there or work in an associated industry.

He shared concerns about the Allbreeds sale at the end of July,

“Yes, it’s at risk if there’s no agents operating at the saleyards at that time,” Mr Macdonald said.

“They’re the things the agents should be

considering because it’s going to have an impact on their business and those producers who have been loyal to them for a long time.”

But he said council had no choice about introducing the new fees.

“Councils are required to run in a financially sustainable manner and that’s what these fee increases will allow us to do,” he said.

“Vendors like Ernie Bennett won’t see a fee increase. Fees for vendors have not increased for three years and with what council had adopted they won’t increase for another three years.

“Vendors are not being impacted. The increase in fees is to the agent and if the agent is passing that on to the vendor, then the vendor needs to do something about that. Change agents or

challenge them.”

Mr Macdonald said the reason the council was taking over post-sale management of cattle was because the agents had not been doing a good job.

“We’ve been telling them for years and that’s not based just on our observations, but feedback from transporters and buyers.

“And this is what saleyards similar to ours are run like. You take control and actually employ staff, train them, look after them and have consistency.

“We’re taking over control of the feed because it’s been below standard.

“It’s all about continuing to improve the standard of how the saleyard operates.

“To take that on, yes there will be fees levied on the agents, but they’re

fees that they already have expenditure.

“That expenditure will no longer go to pay those people and outlay those funds. They will just pay a per head fee to us and we will manage the cattle from the fall of the hammer to make sure they are looked after.

“Eight of the top 10 saleyards in the country have that management model.”

He said the agents had been given opportunities to improve this aspect saleyard operations and failed to do it.

He also defended the choice of Byron Bay employment agency Spinifex to provide workers for the saleyards.

He said fact the company had an office in Byron Bay made them an easy target for doubters, but said he was confident they had a good grasp of the people needed at the NRLX,

Mr Maconald said it was likely many current staff would take the opportunity to work

were likely to be some who would not.

“We’re responsible for the saleyards and the best way to manage that is to have control of the operating environment: how long people work, how long they’re out there, how well they’re trained, all those factors,” he said.

He said the fee for dealing with dead animals would be met by council if it was proved the beast had died because of something that occurred after the sale.

He said beasts that were sick or injured when they arrived at the saleyard and subsequently died would not be covered.

The Northern Rivers Times has heard there are issues with contracts council has asked the agents to sign, but as the agents have failed to comment until after the expiry of the current licence on June 30, this will be tackled in a future article.

Mr Macdonald said the reason the council was taking over post-sale management of cattle was because the agents had not been doing a good job.

He has survived and now he thrives

BY SAMANTHA ELLEY

When Robbie Gambley successfully managed to have his sexually abusive school teacher charged with assaulting him when he was a young boy, he knew the healing could begin.

And while the healing was taking place, he also knew he had to work to protect other children from going through what he had experienced.

After working for many years with Dr Kathy Kezelman AM, CEO of The Blue Knot Foundation, an organisation that works against child abuse, Robbie gave evidence at the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

“Early last January, Dr Kezelman sent me an

email asking if I’d like to apply with The National Centre for a voluntary job,” said Robbie.

The National Centre for Action on Child Sexual Abuse was formed as a direct recommendation from the final report of the Royal Commission, as a way of bringing together the organisations working to prevent child abuse including Blue Knot, The Healing Foundation for Indigenous People and the Australian Childhood Foundation.

“We have been working very hard to get the website up and running and it will be followed up with a social media campaign,” said Robbie.

“I’ve always pushed for a continuous social media campaign to help children know about their rights.

“If (the information) is

online and on television all the time, children will get the message.”

The message the National Foundation wants to get across is very clear and it is for adults who have been sexually abused as much as it is for children.

“If you have suffered child sexual abuse, you haven’t got to worry about going to the police,” said Robbie.

“But please tell someone you trust and get help.

“Don’t suffer in silence.

“I’ve done that and it’s

a dreadful way to live.

“We are working on one of the most evil and insidious crimes in the world.”

Robbie was only 14 years old when the grooming from his science teacher started.

“The sexual, physical and psychological abuse started when I had just turned 15,” he said.

“The perpetrator introduced me to alcohol and used to call me a ‘dumb country hick’.

“That nearly brought me undone.”

Considering the battle Robbie has endured, he said he is immensely proud of what he has achieved and now being a member of the National Centre and the work it is doing has given him purpose.

“I am honoured to be chosen to work to help our precious children,”

he said.

“What I went through almost cost me my life.

“I drank heavily and used drugs.

“I thought I was a dirty, worthless human being.

“I didn’t care if I lived or died.

“I survived that and I worked very hard with the police and sent (the perpetrator) to prison.”

Robbie has a message for those who may be suffering from the after effects of childhood abuse.

“You can heal in time and you can get on with your life,” he said.

“It doesn’t have to define your life.

“I am happy in myself and I am happier now since I was a 14 year old before the abuse.”

To find out more of how the National Centre can help you, go to ncacsa.org.au

Robbie Gambley is an abuse survivor who is going from strength to strength

RAISING THE BAR: SANCTUS BREWING CO EXPANSION TO CREATE 27 FULL-TIME JOBS

Sanctus Brewing Co’s multi-million dollar, NSW Government backed brewhouse expansion at Townsend is in its final stages and is set to drive significant economic growth for the popular watering hole and the wider community through job creation.

Clarence Nationals MP Richie Williamson was onsite last Wednesday afternoon to witness the intricate operation led by local crane company, Wicks and Parker of lowering the impressive steam powered brewing vessels through the roof of the brewhouse.

“This is an exciting and cutting-edge project that will see the brewhouse triple its production capacity allowing it to tap into interstate markets while at the same time creating over 27 full-time jobs,” Mr Williamson said.

“This is wonderful for the Clarence Valley and I’m delighted the former NSW Nationals in Government was able to back this project with cofunding through its $100 million Regional Job Creation Fund, designed to support businesses fast-track innovative growth plans and support job creation in regional communities.

“Craft breweries and distilleries are becoming increasingly popular and by supporting them to expand their unique product offerings and enter new markets,

we’re helping to boost livelihoods and stimulate regional economies.”

The brewhouse upgrade, matched dollar for dollar, involves installing a steam powered, 15-hectolitre system, which will not only reduce emissions, but also increase production capacity through the use of a Cask Flex 2 canning line (the first of its kind in Australia) which is equipped with cuttingedge technology to efficiently package an impressive 100 cans per minute.

Sanctus Brewing Co spokesperson, Trent O’Connor said the company was thrilled to receive news of its successful funding application and was really excited about the opportunity to showcase world-class beer, produced in regional NSW, across the nation.

“We recognised the need to expand our

production capacity and enhance brewhouse efficiencies to propel our growth and broaden our distribution channels,”

Mr O’Connor said.

“The backing by the NSW Government not only validates our vision, but also empowers us to make significant strides in manufacturing growth within our region.

…../2

“It will benefit our local suppliers, trades and customers who have been so integral to our success so far and will also help regional industries such as Riverina grain growers, malt suppliers and hop growers.

Mr O’Connor said in the face of adversity, the brewery has proven its resilience.

“Despite being open for less than four years, we have weathered the storms of bushfires, floods, and even the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic,”

Mr O’Connor said.

“Through it all, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to delivering exceptional craft beer and supporting the Clarence Valley community. “At Sanctus Brewing Co we believe in the power of local manufacturing and this major upgrade is a significant step towards strengthening our position as a leading regional producer.

“We remain committed to providing exceptional craft beer to our valued customers while fostering economic growth and creating sustainable employment opportunities in the region.”

expansion with the Sanctus Brewing Co team L-R: Brewer Dale Johnston, Brand AmbassadorRenee Shepherd, co-owner, Nicole O’Connor, Brand Ambassador Kim Geritz and co-owner Trent O’Connor.

Council takes first step in upgrade of Byron Bay drainage system

Byron Shire Council has started working with consultants to design upgrades to Byron Bay’s drainage system as part of the Byron Bay Drainage Upgrade Project.

Byron Bay has a history of flooding during heavy rain, and this affects businesses and residents and is further compounded by the low terrain, ocean levels, Belongil Creek and the Belongil Creek floodplain.

Phil Holloway, Director Infrastructure Services, said Council has received grant funding for the design phase of the project.

“The design phase alone is costing approximately $1.2 million. We have received grant funding of just over $1 million from the Federal Government through the Preparing Australian Communities Grant, and Council is

contributing $200,000 to the project,” Mr Holloway said. “It will be a long project that will be done in stages; data collection, strategy review and a detailed ground survey have already been completed. We are now completing the concept design and hope to have the detailed design completed by mid-next year,” he said.

The project will inform Council as to how to best prioritise drainage upgrades that target existing deficiencies in the drainage systems. The concept design will be provided to Council for adoption once completed.

The upgrade to drainage is estimated to cost more than $20 million and will require more grant funding, it is hoped that completion of this project will assist Council in applying for and securing this funding.

Clarence Nationals MP Richie Williamson celebrates the exciting new

CITY COUNCIL SUBMISSION TO NORTHERN RIVERS RESILIENT LANDS STRATEGY

Lismore CityCouncil has expressed its ‘extreme disappointment’ in the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation’s Resilient Land Strategy, saying the scope of the strategy did not include any public/Crown Land or other potential residential sites nominated by Council, despite assurance it would.

In Council’s submission following the release of the Strategy, General Manager Jon Gibbons said: “By ignoring the sites that were put forward by LCC - that are zoned for residential use and generally with DA approvals in place – we believe the

Chef bakes her way to multiple awards

BY SAMANTHA ELLEY

The residents at Whiddon Grafton have a secret.

They are lucky enough to have award-winning Grafton woman, Cherrie Wilson, as a chef to cook for them.

Resilient Lands Strategy is missing opportunities to deliver its objectives faster and potentially cheaper than on some of the sites that have been included in the draft strategy.”

“We strongly urge NRRC to reconsider these sites and to engage directly with these landowners to understand the opportunities and roadblocks to delivering additional residential land more quickly in Lismore.

“LCC is also surprised and somewhat sceptical at the numbers presented as ‘indicative yield’ for the six short term sites that were included in the draft strategy in Lismore.”

For the past fve years, Cherrie has been an apprentice chef with Whiddon Grafton and has now fnished her Commercial Cookery Certifcate III.

During this time she has won the TAFE NSW Student of the Year for Tourism and Experi-ence at the Excellence Awards at Port Macquarie Sails Resort in May 2023 and was re-cently recognised as a fnalist for the Apprentice of the Year at the NSW Training Awards at Opal Cove Resort in Coffs Harbour on 8th June 2023.

For Cherrie, becoming a chef was a life goal that she has now achieved. But her goals don’t stop there, as she has now started a Certifcate III in Patisserie with the Whiddon Group at Kingscliff TAFE to further her skills.

As well as the awards mentioned above, Cherrie

was a two time fnalist for the Proud to be a Chef Program in 2022 and 2023, a mentoring programme led by three inspirational Australian mentors.

Each year, Anchor™ Food Professionals provide the opportunity for 32 aspiring, young apprentice chefs to embark on a remarkable culinary experience.

In February 2023, fnalists few to Melbourne for a 4-day food adventure, introducing apprentices to a series of extraordinary dining

experiences and trips to some of Austral-ia’s most famous food inspired locations.

Cherrie has taken it all in her stride as she continues on her culinary path.

“I am so thankful to The Whiddon Group for providing me with an opportunity to follow my dreams and become a professional chef,” she said.

“I have always enjoyed cooking.

“Completing my frst apprenticeship has opened my eyes to new experiences and chal-

lenges and my passion for cakes and pastries has grown.

“My family are so proud of me.”

Sandra Osborne, Director of Care Services, Whiddon Grafton said they are immensely proud of Cherrie’s recognition and her commitment to the organisation and the communi-ty.

“It is through the dedication of team members like Cherrie that we can continue to deliver award-winning care that connects, inspires, and enriches lives every day,” she said.

Diary of a food survivor

BY SAMANTHA ELLEY

Have you forgiven the food?

I know it sounds like a really strange question to ask, but bear with me.

If the food was a human being, that had come in and destroyed your home and your belongings and cost the good part of 16 months of your life, as you got back on your feet, would you be able to look them in the eye and forgive them?

While February 2022 (and March) was not human, it has been responsible for the situation you have found yourself in to date, and the difference of how you deal with it, maybe the difference

between forgiving or getting bitter over it.

I still am remembering certain items that I now no longer have and there is that little bit of hurt that accompanies it. That pashmina I bought in Malaysia many years ago, the only photos in existence of my greatgrand parents 50th wedding anniversary, the list goes on. But I don’t want to dwell on it. They were

Northern NSW Local Health District

things and I want to move on. Life is for living, not getting bitter over. Now I want to look at the positive elements that have arisen from the event. My lovely new kitchen and bathroom, the new design of the rest of the house and the intangible including the generosity and help poured out by family, friends and strangers.

Even stranger, I reckon there is a lot we can be thankful for because of the

food. If you can’t see it straight away in your personal circumstances, don’t give up looking. I want to get excited about the future, especially as we draw nearer to being empty nesters and the level of freedom that comes with that. I love the community I live in because I’ve seen how we have rallied, including the local Makers market that I was frst time involved with over the weekend. We have so many creative people and while I was there spruiking my book, I did buy a scented candle as did my friend who was selling her earrings. I believe she came away with some cookies as well.

North Coast NSW Human Research Ethics Committee seeks male community representative

The North Coast NSW Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) is seeking expressions of interest for a male community representative.

We’re looking for a member of the public with no professional or specialised knowledge in medical, scientifc, legal or academic work and with no affliation with NSW local health districts.

The North Coast NSW HREC provides advice and guidance on health-focussed research proposals, ensuring studies are high-quality and scientifcally valid and designed with the wellbeing of patients in mind.

The minimum HREC membership requires one male and one female community representative to be able to operate in accordance with the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007)

This is an unpaid volunteer position. To be eligible, you need access to a computer and a commitment to attend a monthly meeting online or via phone (generally the 2nd Thursday of each month) for up to 2 hours commencing at 1pm.

How to apply

If you would like to know more about the role or would like to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), please email Rebecca Lavery, Executive Offcer, North Coast NSW Human Research Ethics Committee: NNSWLHD-ethics@health.nsw.gov.au. Please use the subject heading: HREC EOI – male community representative.

To submit an EOI, please include:

• Name and contact details

• Current occupation

Any affliation/s with health, medical, legal, scientifc, academic institutions

• Any previous ethics experience in human research or other domains

Any additional information to support your application

• A copy of your resume/CV

Expressions of interest close 4.30pm Friday, 14 July 2023

For more information, visit nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/ human-research-ethics-and-governance/

NSW SES FLOOD RESCUE OPERATES TO ENHANCE CAPABILITIES THROUGH INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM

NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) members are in the USA to learn from other international emergency response agencies and further develop the Service’s capabilities as the lead agency for flood rescue.

Four members will spend a fortnight in America, joining other flood rescue experts at the International Association of Water Rescue Professionals annual symposium, and completing training at the state-of-the-art Swift Water Flood Training facility in New York.

NSW SES Director of Operations, Capability and Training Assistant Commissioner Dean Storey ESM, Senior Manager of Training Delivery Paul McQueen ESM, Sapphire Coast Local Commander and In-Water Flood Rescue Operator Trainer Michelle De Friskbom and Blacktown Unit In-Water Flood Rescue Operator Trainer Matthew Elliot, will attend on behalf of the NSW SES. NSW SES

across the state, we’re always looking at how we can improve our in and on water flood rescue techniques,” Commissioner York said.

“The NSW SES has the largest contingent of trained in water flood rescue operators, and we want to continue building our flood rescue capability through information sharing and partnerships, both nationally and internationally.”

Assistant Commissioner Dean Storey said while it is without doubt members will learn from this training opportunity, they will also be able to share their own knowledge and experiences on the newest skills and tools in flood rescue, by taking part in practical demonstrations.

“The state-of-the-art facility in New York simulates flooding of a residential block and will allow members to train for real-life rescues of people from inundated homes,”

Mrs De Friskbom, from Bega, has been a trained flood rescue operator since 2016 and was looking forward to advancing her knowledge to pass on to others.

“It’s an opportunity of a lifetime, and I want to be a sponge so I can bring back as much knowledge as possible to advance the capabilities of other flood rescue operators in the SES,” she said.

“I am looking forward to attending the training facility in New York as well. You think of something like Lismore, when an entire town is under water, these guys get to practice that and enter buildings and rescue people in roof cavities in a training environment.”

Mr Elliott from Blacktown was passionate about improving flood rescue capabilities and said the satisfaction of helping the community in an emergency kept him motivated to learn more.

Commissioner Carlene York APM said the members would bring back new skills and abilities to share with the Service, and further enhance flood rescue capabilities.

“As the legislated lead flood rescue response agency in NSW, and off the back of a busy two years of record flooding

Assistant Commissioner Storey said.

“Our members also have considerable experience in flood rescue, so this is a great opportunity for the NSW SES to share some of our capability and experiences by collaborating with the international community.”

“I’m hoping this symposium and training opportunity will teach me different types of skills and allow us to learn off other agencies attending to progress our flood rescue abilities even further,” he said.

“Flood rescue is a dynamic space, it’s always changing, and we are always adding to our toolbox.”

NSW SES Director of Operations, Capability and Training Assistant Commissioner Dean Storey ESM, Sapphire Coast Local Commander and In-Water Flood Rescue Operator Trainer Michelle De Friskbom, Senior Manager of Training Delivery Paul McQueen ESM, and Blacktown Unit In-Water Flood Rescue Operator Trainer Matthew Elliot in America.

Soaking up the creativity of community

BY SARAH WATERS

TWEED Shire Council will lift general rates by 6.35 per cent from July 1 after Council approved a Special Rate Variation (SRV) for the 2023/24 fnancial year.

At last Thursday’s Council meeting councillors approved the 2023/24 budget which will see the minimum residential rate, combined with annual charges of water, sewerage and waste, rise by an average of $104.25 for the year.

Councillors voted fve votes to two to accept the SRV, with councillors Warren Polglase and Reece Byrnes voting against the proposal.

Mr Polglase said he couldn’t support the SRV due to the fact councillors had voted (four votes to three) to give themselves a pay rise after Tweed Shire Council was reclassifed as a Regional Strategic Area by the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal.

“An increase in 25

Rates Are Going Up

and explained in detail why we had to do this, there was far greater acceptance of a rate rise after this process.”

Council sought to raise an additional $1.6 million through an SRV to cover the costs of additional cyber security, an IT upgrade, more planning staff and insurances.

per cent to councillors’ remuneration and in excess of 40 per cent increase in the mayor’s remuneration will not be acceptable in any terms, at all,” Mr Polglase said.

“The general perception by the community will be, well there they are voting for a rate increase of 6.35 per cent, so they can claim their additional remuneration that they are entitled to under the legislation.

“They average salary increase is nowhere near those percentages.

“We should be looking at a lesser amount.”

While, Mr Byrnes has always been openly opposed to the SRV since it was proposed.

He said he couldn’t support it at a time when people were already struggling.

“There’s probably no easy door to walk through with all this, I recognise that, and the efforts of my colleagues, but as things stand out there, I just can’t support adding to the burden of people when times are very diffcult,” Mr

Byrnes said.

“I’ll touch on what councillor Polglase said – the message we send to the community tonight if we do this, is that there’s one rule for them and one rule for us.

“No one wants to ever see service cuts, and no one ever wants to increase their taxes … but those are the choices that we make.

Councillor James Owen challenged councillor Brynes and asked what services he would cut and if he would get rid of council staff.

To which Mr Brynes said: ‘can you put it in an email and in writing to me James.’

Council had sought a 2.35 per cent special rate rise on top of the four per cent pegged rate rise already approved for 2023/24.

Combined it allowed general rates to rise to 6.35 per cent for the next fnancial year.

The vote was taken as part of the adoption of the Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework 2022-2026

Delivery Program

and the 2023-2024 Operational Plan, which includes Budget papers for the next fnancial year.

The decision followed the approval last week of Council’s proposed SRV by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).

Council have engaged with Tweed residents to explain the rate increase and allow residentsmany already feeling the pinch of the current cost-of-living crisis - to have their say.

Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry welcomed the decision.

“Nobody wants to see a rate rise, but ultimately Council services are all very important to our community, so I am supportive of this 6.35 per cent rate rise on the rates going forward,” Ms Cherry said.

“It was clear through our engagement process how valued Council services are.

“When we talked through the various options with residents

It also covered the cost of the removal of the Environmental Enforcement Levy. The decision will see ordinary minimum residential and farmland rates rise by $22.85 to $1,166.65 for the 2023/24 fnancial year, while ordinary minimum business rates will rise by $22.15 to $1,282.45 for the year.

Combining the minimum residential rate increase with the other typical annual charges of water, sewerage and waste, will see a rise of $104.25 for the year.

This will take the total minimum residential bill to $2,844.55 for the 2023/24 fnancial year –representing a 3.81 per cent increase.

Ratepayers are encouraged to assess the impact of the SRV on their properties by using the General Rate calculator available on Council’s website at tweed.nsw.gov.au/ general-rate-calculator. Anyone signifcantly affected by the rate

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

Tweed Shire councillors also approved the $287 million budget for 2023/24, which is comprised of three funds: $184 million from general funds, $51 million from water funds and $52 million from sewerage funds. Capital expenditure totalling $86 million is included in the Budget, with key capital works projects earmarked for the 2023/24 fnancial year including: $22 million for sewer infrastructure $15.2 million for various capital roadworks, not including food recovery works $8 million for the Murwillumbah Depot relocation $5.8 million for Waste Transfer Station infrastructure $5.2 million for the Animal Rehoming Centre relocation $5.2 million for the Clarrie Hall Dam wall raising.

increase is urged to reach out to Council at their earliest opportunity to discuss possible hardship assistance.

Find out more about how rates are calculated at tweed.nsw.gov.au/ rates-explained.

KEEP PEOPLE SAFE FROM INDUSTRIAL GATES

SafeWork NSW

SafeWork NSW is reminding those who own industrial gates to get them checked after a number of serious incidents, including two deaths.

While industrial gates are a great way to protect property at home or on worksites, they have the potential to be extremely dangerous if not properly maintained as they can weigh hundreds of kilograms.

A lack of maintenance can cause them to fall or become unhinged and cause serious injury or even death.

A 64-year-old worker died in 2020 after an electric industrial gate weighing nearly 260kg fell on him as he was trying to manually open it.

The gate and surrounding fencing had been damaged and was yet to be fully repaired.

From 2017 to 2022, there were 17 serious injuries to workers involving industrial gates, including two worker fatalities. The top cause of injuries by falling industrial gates are a fractured pelvis and a fractured vertebra.

SafeWork NSW

Inspectors are out and about checking industrial gates at construction, agricultural, transport and warehousing worksites.

Emergency Services Expo will showcase frontline heroes

Individuals may be fined up to $720 and businesses up to $3,600 for gates that pose a threat to the safety of workers and the community.

To find out more on industrial gate safety visit: https://www. safework.nsw.gov.au/ advice-and-resources/ campaigns/industrialgate-safety

The Head of SafeWork NSW Natasha Mann has said:

“It’s so important workers and members of the public are kept safe from falling industrial gates,” Ms Mann said.

“If industrial gates are not regularly inspected and maintained, the risk of serious injury increases dramatically.

“Employers must pay specific attention to the condition of industrial gates in their workplace or face the consequences, which is a fine of up to $720 for individuals and up to $3,600 businesses whose gates pose a threat to the safety of workers and the community.

“Worse still would be if someone was injured or killed in a preventable incident due to your negligence.

“If you own an industrial gate, answer this question - When was the last time you checked your gate?” Ms Mann said.

BY SARAH WATERS

Emergency service agencies from across the Tweed will showcase their skills at Jack Evans Boat Harbour this Saturday on July 1, from 10am - 2pm.

Residents have the opportunity to engage with frst responders from the NSW Police, NSW Ambulance Service, NSW SES, NSW Marine Rescue,

Surf Life Saving NSW, Red Cross Australia and more at the Emergency Services Expo.

The local heroes will demonstrate how they use cutting-edge disaster response equipment, while educating the community on emergency preparedness.

The free event will also provide a valuable opportunity to learn about volunteering opportunities.

Tweed Shire Mayor

Chris Cherry highlighted the importance of the expo in promoting disaster readiness and enhancing community resilience, especially in light of the 2022 foods.

“This expo reinforces the value of our frontline heroes and the importance of community preparedness,” Ms Cherry said. “Refecting on the

2022 foods, it’s vital to be informed, aware and ready in the face of an emergency.

“Residents can better understand the importance of preparation and planning to ensure their safety and that of their neighbours.”

Emergency response vehicles and equipment will all be on display including rescue boats, fre trucks, all-terrain vehicles and police cars.

Torch makes its way through the Northern Rivers

When Hazel Slaney was born, Legacy was just starting out.

Over the next 100 years, the charity would look after the families of veterans and soldiers who gave their lives or health for Australia.

Last week, the centenarian was part

of the Legacy Centenary Torch Relay, that started in Pozieres, France on Sunday,

23 April, 2023 and went through Casino, Lismore and Ballina last Friday.

As a widow, Hazel benefted from the support Legacy provided and last Friday she accompanied secretary of Legacy Casino, Robyn, Spruce into the fnal leg

of Casino’s portion of the relay.

Legacy is on a mission to raise $10 million to empower veterans’ families to build their best future.

The Casino branch of Legacy alone at one stage was looking after 185 widows and their families.

They are still supporting 56 widows who are mainly World War Two widows.

Currently, across Australia Legacy continues to support 40,000 individuals and families, with the help of over 3,400 volunteer members known as Legatees.

Gate involved in fatal 2020 incident

Meet the Tweed’s first responders at the All Emergency Services Expo at Jack Evans Boat Harbour this harbour

Torch relay 2 - Hazel Slaney in the fnal leg of the Legacy Torch Relay in Casino, accompanying secretary of Legacy Casino, Robyn Spruce.

The The Hillbilly Hillbilly Goats Goats

Nightmare in the outback Nightmare in the outback

Title: Alone

Author: Gillian Wells

Publisher: Shawline

Publishing

By Samantha Elley

Rachel is recently widowed and le with a large property in the remote outback of Australian. While it would seem that family is the most important at this time of loss, that isn’t the case for Rachel.

Her estranged son, who le many years ago, has come home, not to comfort and share the grief with his mother, but to demand a share of his father’s inheritance.

Rachel fears for her life when her son is around and the discovery of a dead body in her creek has her suspicions raised.

When she contacts

Last hoorah for hospital auxiliary group

the new local police sergeant, Mike, a healthy friendship develops, but not everything is at it seems.

As circumstances spiral out of control with her dog being poisoned, a gun ght and a motor cycle gang coming into town, Rachel will have to face some di cult results.

Gillian Wells has written another thriller to keep readers turning those pages.

I recently reviewed her book Inheritance in this paper, and Alone is just as engaging.

Gillian lives in rural Australia with her cattle dog Jess and travelled widely, having also lived in England and France.

BY SAMANTHA ELLEY

Try as she might, Robyn Spruce, president of the Casino Hospital Auxiliary could not get volunteers to join the group that organises fund-raising for patient care at the local hospital.

“We ran the kiosk at Casino Hospital, organised the vending machines, hired out televisions at a very reduced rate for patients and raised funds through morning teas on special days,” said Robyn.

Whether it was Mother’s Day, St Patrick’s Day, Soup and Sweets or a general fund-raiser, the auxiliary would be raising money to provide equipment needed to make a patient’s stay at the hospital more comfortable.

“We would ask the (hospital) executive for their ‘wishlist’ each year to purchase what they needed,” said Robyn.

Items included electric

beds, handheld pumps, a coffee machine for the kiosk, wheelchairs, trolleys and so much more.

Since Robyn has been president, from 2004, the auxiliary has easily provided nearly a quarter of a million dollars’ worth of equipment for the beneft of the patients at Casino Hospital.

And now it has all ended.

With their fnal meeting, the small group of older ladies celebrated their achievements.

“Through Covid things died down but our members were hanging on at the kiosk out of loyalty,” said Robyn.

“Our secretary Barbara (Thorley) was also kiosk supervisor and she worked nearly every day.

“She lives at Rappville and we gave her petrol money.”

The problem, however, was the lack of volunteers stepping up, according to Robyn.

“Our members are heading into their 90s

now and they can’t do the fund-raising like we used to,” she said.

“The last morning tea we held was on St Patrick’s Day in 2019.

“I’ve been asking for volunteers for the last two years, with an ad in the paper, but people are working and don’t have the time to give.”

With the loss of the auxiliary Robyn said the NSW Health System will need to step up and fll the gap.

“We are not the only auxiliary stepping down,” said Robyn.

“You have to have active members who are happy to roll up their sleeves and give of their time.”

The frst auxiliary at Casino Hospital was organised in 1903 and while the committee waned during major events such as the Great War, and thrived through the Depression and Second World War, it somehow always found its feet.

Now, however, with the

usual cohort of women, who would normally take up the reins of voluntary work, either working or caring for children and grand-children, it seems a 120 year old institution has seen its last days.

A garage sale of the equipment in the Casino Hospital kiosk will be held on 29th July, at the front of Casino Hospital, along with a sausage sizzle. All are welcome.

First and last executives of the Casino Hospital Auxiliary

1903

President – Gertrude Cope

Secretary – Alice Stewart Treasurer – Mary Fanning

2023

President – Robyn Spruce

Secretary – Barbara Thorley Treasurer – Deborah Jaynes

The motto of the United Hospitals Auxiliaries is ‘Let us hold high the lamp of service for the welfare of our hospitals’.

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

L to R: Betty Braithwaite, Deborah Jaynes, Barbara Thorley, Edna Fuller, Robyn Spruce, Margaret Evelyn, Marj Glasby, Noela King.

Ballina One Stop Shop Robbery

PUBLIC SUBMISSIONS OPEN FOR INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF COMMONWEALTH DISASTER FUNDING

BY KATE COXALL

Ballina One Stop Shop, on Bentick St, Ballina was robbed last week, where the shop’s attendee Bev told a member of the community “she had not even had time to put the foat in the till”, so the thieves who stole the till and took off, were apprehended by

Richmond Police District offcers, with the $20 they had stolen, since being returned.

Locals took to social media in an attempt to support Bev, and also, discussing what they believe is an increase in this type of crime in the area.

Whilst locals may be noticing more crime, the national record of crime

statistics, BOCSAR, paints a different picture, showing that in fact Ballina LGA has improved regarding theft since 2018, though has worsened again slightly, since it’s best performance over Covid, where the incidence of theft improved considerably.

Statistically speaking, many people were

supported through no evictions, covid payments and costs of living were reduced (in some ways e.g. due to the lack of movement allowed and retail or food/drink venues being accessed) at this time, proving studies of Criminogenic behaviour reduction, with what is known as Scandinavian Exceptionalism. These studies show that in countries where the population’s basic needs are met, all crime is heavily reduced, with some violent crime even becoming nonexistent. Scandinavian Countries tend to follow this mode of governance and provision for their constituents, such as Sweden and Finland. Lismore however has seen an increase since the foods hit, in theft, which is also representative of the community in it’s post-food state where people were left impoverished for over a year, relying on the efforts and generosity of the community to step up and step in, to fx their homes, provide basic food, shelter and clothing for that frst year, such as Resilient Lismore, Koori Kitchen, Sophia’s Kitchen and Tree’s Not Bombs for example.

Australians who have been through natural disasters are being encouraged to share their experiences as part of the Independent Review of Commonwealth Disaster Funding.

The review is seeking input on community experiences with funding programs, processes and support, understanding of the roles of the different levels of government during a disaster and thoughts on how the Commonwealth could support communities to reduce their disaster risk.

Public submissions opened last month, and will continue to accept feedback until 10pm AEST on Friday, 14 July 2023.

Mr Andrew Colvin APM OAM, a former Australian Federal Police Commissioner who led national recovery efforts after the 2019-20 Black Summer Bushfires, is leading the review.

The review is also considering how government investment in disaster risk reduction, preparedness, response, recovery and resilience can better support both a national system and the scale of transformation needed to build resilience to the extreme disaster events Australia is projected to experience over coming decades.

A final report is expected to be provided to Government in April 2024.

Minister for Emergency

Management, Murray Watt said the review was a significant step to ensure Australia is well positioned to respond to natural disaster events into the future.

“This review is the next step in the Albanese Government’s ongoing work to ensure Australia is better prepared for, and responds faster to, future natural disasters,” Minister Watt said.

“We want to make sure our disaster funding model is current, effective and best supports Australians before, during and following a disaster.

“Submissions have been open for a few weeks, but we want to make sure that everyone who wishes to contribute can do so – from councils to small business owners, primary producers and individuals.

“It is important that this review considers views across all sectors so that we can better understand how we can improve current disaster supports and response arrangements, and I’d encourage as many people as possible to get involved.”

To provide your feedback and input, ask questions about the public submissions, and access more information about the review, please visit the National Emergency Management Agency’s website https://nema. gov.au/about-us/ governance-andreporting/reviews/ Independent-ReviewDisaster-Funding

BANORA POINT RESIDENTS TAKE PART IN ONCE-IN-100 YEAR EVENT

By Sarah Waters

It had passed through hundreds of hands before them, but on June 19, Banora Point residents Ray and Rhonda Niland took part in a historical moment as they walked with the Legacy Centenary Torch down the east coast of Australia.

The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay, presented by Defence Health, started this year on April 23 in Pozières France.

After travelling through London, home to the only Legacy Club outside of Australia, the torch touched down in Albany, Western Australia, on May 3.

Two weeks ago, the torch made its way to Australia’s east coast when it was almost halfway through its journey to travel to all 44 Legacy Clubs in the country.

Mr and Mrs Niland were two of the 26 torchbearers who were each chosen to

walk 500 meters for the 13km Gold Coast leg of the relay.

Mrs Niland said it was an anxious wait as she sat on a park bench looking for Mr Niland to come down the path with the torch for the changeover.

“I was just sitting there nervously and then all of a sudden there he was

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.

coming towards me with the torch - I had to quickly scramble up and get ready,” Mrs Niland said.

“I was hoping we could do the changeover and torch kiss together and we did - it was a great moment to be a part of - I was anxious of course, Ray wasn’t, but it all went really well.”

Mr and Mrs Niland were among the last torchbearers and walked down a route named the Heroes Mile.

The fnal torch bearer, 100-year-old Legatee Morrie Hart, carried the torch and lit the cauldron at Gold Coast Legacy.

A reception took place afterwards and was attended by a number of dignitaries including Legacy Australia Chairman Eric Easterbrook OAM, Gold Coast Legacy President Mr Craig Kingston and Lieutenant Colonel Wendy Say.

Mr and Mrs Niland were chosen from more than 2500 applicants nationwide to be torchbearers in the Legacy Centenary Torch Relay.

The Legacy volunteers, otherwise known as Legatees, have volunteered for Legacy since 2012.

The couple said it was a great feeling to be chosen.

“We were a bit overwhelmed at frst and now feel very honoured and proud to have been chosen to carry the torch in the Legacy Torch Relay,” Mrs Niland said.

“We feel we are

continuing with the promise to ‘look after the missus and kids’ that was made in the trenches of WW1.

“By being a part of the relay, we were able to show that Legacy is still honouring that pledge 100 years later.”

The two Legatees have been involved in Legacy and the Coolangatta/Tweed Laurel Club for the past 11 years, where they dedicate their time to looking after war widows.

Not only have they organised social outings for war widows from the Coolangatta/Tweed Laurel Club, they have also installed key safe lock boxes for those who need it in their homes, provided them with assistance with personal emergency response alarms and continually looked out for their welfare.

Mrs Niland said she needs to put on her ‘mother hat’ with them sometimes as the stoic ladies, who are mostly the widows of WW2 and Vietnam veterans, are often set in their ways.

“They’re very resilient women - they’ve had to be,” she said.

“Most of them have family, some are not close by, or they live in other states, so we help them out.”

Mr Niland also stands in as a male fgure for some of the Laurel Club ladies and is always happy to lend a hand.

“Some of the ladies have been widows for a long time,” Mr Niland said.

“We’ve been to many (Laurel Club) Friendship Days over the years, and there’s always music and entertainment and some of the ladies want to have someone to dance with.

“I danced with a nice, little old 100-year-old lady a couple of years ago and she said to me ‘you can go a bit faster - I’m not going to break’.”

Mr and Mrs Niland both have extensive military connections in their family too.

Mr Niland served in the Royal Australian Navy for 20 years.

He initially started in

the Navy’s junior recruit program at the age of 15 in 1964 and went on to do his apprenticeship before he joined the feet with his frst draft at sea being on HMAS Anzac.

He later worked on guided-missile destroyers as a gun captain and went on to become a Chief Petty Offcer (CPO).

His career took him around the world, and he was part of Australia’s Indian Ocean deployment in the 1980s when tensions were becoming heightened in the region.

Mrs Niland said she could relate to the war widows/ Laurel Club ladies in a number of ways as she knew what it was like to have a husband away serving in the forces.

“Six months was the longest Ray was awayhe’d go and come back again and then go again – a lot of them had it a lot harder than me though.

“Most of the time I knew where he was and what he was doing, but not when he was part of the Indian Ocean deployment.

“Right before the week we were going to get married there was an earthquake in New Guinea and the (Navy) ship Ray was on, was turned around to help out, just as it was on the way back to Australia.

“It was very stressful, I couldn’t contact him when he was at sea, you just wait for the mail.”

Mrs Niland’s father was also a Korean war veteran, and her grandmother was one of the frst 12 women to join the Women’s Royal Australian Navy (WRANS) and also worked as a Blackout Warden.

When Sydney was shelled by Japanese submarines in 1942, her grandmother had to make sure residents had their lights turned off or curtains drawn.

But it was through her mother that she became involved with the Legacy Laurel Club.

“After my father passed away, I was looking at getting some (home help) services in for mum, which we couldn’t always get,” she said.

“I was also looking at socialisation for her and came across the Laurel Clubs and it all started from there.”

Mrs Niland has been the Liaison Offcer for the Coolangatta/Tweed Laurel Club since she became involved in 2012.

She is determined to keep the Legacy promise alive, by continuing to look after war widows throughout the Tweed region.

“When I lost mum, I said this is what I want to do – I want to make sure you ladies have got as much assistance as Legacy can provide for you, and I look

Ray and Rhonda Niland were two of the 1500 torchbearers who carried the Legacy Centenary Torch along its six-month, 55,000km journey, from Pozieres in France to Melbourne Legacy Club.

At each relay event, Army, Navy and Airforce members accompanied the torchbearers as it passed through different communities before fnishing at a reception at a local Legacy Club.

The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay celebrates 100 years as the only veteran service organisation in Australia dedicated to the care and support of Australian Defence Force veterans’ families.

It also hopes to raise $10 million to continue to support the families of veterans who have given their lives or health for the country.

Nationally, Legacy cares for 43,000 benefciaries including 1300 children and 1100 people with a disability.

It advocates for veterans’ families and helps with fnancial support, education and development opportunities and social connections through the Laurel Clubs.

For more information or to donate visit: www. legacy.com.au/centenary/

at you like my own mum.” Gold Coast Legacy representative Col Bob Sayce CSC (retired) said Mr and Mrs Niland embodied the Spirit of Legacy.

“They generously give their time to assist and support Legacy widows and their dependents,” Mr Sayce said.

“Rhonda nurtures the Coolangatta/Tweed Heads Laurel Club providing fellowship to the Ladies through social gatherings and outings.

“She cares deeply for all Legacy widows and helps them to sustain their interests in life when faced with challenges.

“Ray is similarly dedicated to helping our ladies and for some years has organised the Legacy ‘Tin Hat’ donations at a number of venues in our region.

“He is at the forefront of volunteering for tasks and fundraising to ensure the club is viable and can provide meaningful support to our widows and dependents.”

The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay passed through Lismore and Casino last week.

The relay will end on October 13 when it reaches Melbourne, where Legacy started 100 years ago.

CARRYING ON THE PROMISE: Ray and Rhonda Niland during The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay.

Colours change, but July Carnival prelude remains

BY TIM HOWARD

A change of sponsorship arrangements will mean the Black and Gold theme that has become synonymous with the opening day of the Grafton July Racing Carnival on Sunday has gone on a back burner, but nothing else will change.

Clarence River Jockey Club executive offcer Michael Beattie said with Westlawn Finance taking over the sponsorship of the carnival’s premier event, the Grafton Cup for the next four years, the Black and Gold Prelude won’t be happening.

“It’s still the Prelude and all the usual aspects

of that are unchanged, but we won’t be having the Black and Gold Fashions this year,” Beattie said.

He said the members of the July Carnival sponsors group The Kensei Club had taken over the sponsorship of this year’s prelude this year.

“This year the fve existing members, McKimms Real Estate, Grafton Gas & Plumbing, Southside Pharmacy, Blanchards Haulage, and the Maclean Hotel have been joined by two new members,” Beattie said.

“For the frst time in a little while we’re delighted to have new members in the club

and we’re delighted to welcome Hodders Cleaning Services and the Clocktower Hotel.

“They’ve picked up the gate and members tickets for the day, so it’s free entry to the course for the general public on Sunday.”

Beattie said while the black and gold fashions would not be part of this year’s carnival, it hasn’t been forgotten.

“It’s something we’re defnitely going to revisit down the track, maybe beginning next year,” he said.

“It was one of those events the punters loved to be involved, but with the changes of sponsorship arrangement this year we decided

to shelve it until we can decide on a format everyone’s happy with.”

The big fashion day, Grafton Cup Day on July 13, remains the main event in the fashion stakes.

“That’s when we want to see everyone in their fnest,” Beattie said.

On the racing side Beatties said the carnival is shaping up nicely with a bevy of metropolitanbased trainers contacting

the club.

“At the moment it’s a bit too early to say who’s coming and who isn’t, but judging by the number of calls we’ve taken for entries on prelude day, we’re going to have strong felds,” he said.

Beattie said there were fve races on the opening day that were qualifers for races later in the carnival and these were attracting plenty of

interest.

Beattie said all the Sunday events during the two weeks of the carnival, the prelude, South Grafton Cup and Maclean Cup days, were family friendly events.

“We’ve got great racing for the punters and for those who are not as keen on the racing side we have entertainment for the kids and music playing each day,” he said.

Our Food security challengers and opportunities

In the face of already, numerous adversities, the Northern Rivers of NSW is grappling with yet another concern: food security. Floods, bushfres, and the ongoing impact of the COVID pandemic have exposed vulnerabilities in the region’s food system but also presented an opportunity to re-think how food is grown, distributed and consumed.

A new study conducted by Plan C, UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures (UTSISF) and Wild Community, funded by the Northern Rivers Community Foundation, aimed to address these issues by exploring the state of food chains in the Northern Rivers. The study can be found at: https://www. planc.org.au/foodsecurity.

The scoping study began in late 2022 to develop an understanding of regional food networks in the Northern Rivers, identify food security challenges and opportunities during

recent disaster events and provide recommendations for developing greater resilience within the regional food system.

The study found that food insecurity is widespread across NSW and Australia and affordable and healthy food is not always accessible, particularly for disadvantaged communities.

Long food supply chains have compounded the vulnerability of the Northern Rivers food supply during disasters. Interviews underscored that while some opportunities arose during COVID for food businesses to shift their practices such as using online sales, the impacts on livelihoods

from the compounding events of 2019 bushfres, COVID pandemic and multiple unprecedented foods shed a light on signifcant problems.

For example, in the 2022 foods home kitchens were swept away, farms inundated, supermarkets empty, refrigeration in homes and businesses lost power and road freight ceased, highlighting key weaknesses in the system.

“When approaching this complex problem, a food systems approach is necessary” explains Fiona Berry, Research Principal at UTS-ISF. Food must be viewed as a complex system rather than a linear supply chain, with its activities having far-reaching impacts on the environment, populations, and economies.

One of the major fndings of the study is the lack of a coordinated government approach to disaster food security, with the burden of addressing food insecurity

falling on the community.

“The strength of the community response in the Northern Rivers is a hidden contributor to food supply during disasters” said Jean Renouf, CEO of Plan C. Community-led local farmers markets, social networks activating pop up kitchens, farmer networks and locally supplied retailers, adapted quickly following the foods and were able to continue supplying food to the region.

“Northern Rivers community champions have been localising the food system for years and our social capital is a hidden strength” said Sheriden Keegan, a Griffth University PhD researcher on the study.

The study provides 10 key recommendations for creating a resilient and thriving food system in the Northern Rivers. These echo the recently released CSIRO Reshaping Australian Food Systems

2050 Roadmap (which can be found at: https:// www.csiro.au/en/news/ All/News/2023/June/ CSIRO-roadmap-chartsAustralias-food-andnutrition-security-by-2050) and other initiatives happening elsewhere in regional Australia like the Canberra Region Food Collaborative, Sydney Food Futures, Logan Local Food Map, Cardinia Food Circles and Bega Circular Valley. Expanding existing local food initiatives to make the transition to a circular food economy for the Northern Rivers in 2023 will require:

• enhanced food infrastructure

• support for food produced in the region to be bought and sold locally

• arable land protection

• accessible food hubs

• awareness and education on the benefts of local food

• listening to traditional knowledge

• strong governance through a community-led regional food plan and policy

Arapaho with Rachel King aboard, hits the line to win the 2022 Southside Pharmacy Grafton Cup.

An immaculately dressed Fletcher Don and mum Katrina Don in their fnest on South Grafton Cup Day at Grafton Racecourse in 2021

MIGRATING HUMPBACK WHALES WOW NORTHERN RIVERS LOCALS

NEW LISMORE HOUSING GRANT PROGRAM

Lismore City Council will launch a $1.2 million Lismore Housing Grant program on 1 July, providing grants of $15,000 to eligible landowners to stimulate the construction of new affordable housing.

BY SARAH WATERS

As humpback whales make their way north to sub-tropical waters, Northern Rivers locals are managing to capture some spectacular sights of the majestic creatures.

Chinderah residents

Glenda and Col Henderson recently spotted about four groups of humpback whales breaching 20 meters from the shore at Hastings Point.

Mrs Henderson said it was the frst time she had seen the whales so close.

“They were fapping around everywhere, it was just amazing,” she said.

“These ones were so close in and there were just so many of them.

“There would have been four groups of them, and they were all playing together.”

Mr Henderson, an amateur wildlife photographer, managed to capture some striking images of the whales.

The last time he saw humpback whales so close, was when he was a seven-year-old boy

growing up in Byron Bay.

Unfortunately, it was at a time when The Byron Bay Whaling Station was in operation, from 1954 to 1962, and the mammals were considered more valuable dead than alive.

Mrs Henderson said

the whaling that took place during that time, was a ‘terrible thing’ for her husband to see at a young age.

“He saw them all being hauled in and pulled onto the fatbed trucks … it was a different time in life back then,” she said.

“Whaling was just something that used to happen down there,

and they didn’t think anything of it at that time.

“Thank goodness they don’t do that anymore.

“Taking photos of them in the wild now is a real change, compared to how Col used to see them.”

Mr and Mrs Henderson

Up to 50,000 humpback whales are expected to pass Australia’s east coast during their annual migration from Antarctica to the Great Barrier Reef.

After a summer of feeding on krill in Antarctic waters, the whales move north to sub-tropical waters where they mate and give birth.

The majority of humpbacks in Australian waters migrate north from June to August, and back towards the Southern Ocean from September to November.

Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg said a total of 80 grants will be available on a ‘first-come-first served’ basis until such time as a pool of the available funds are fully committed.

“Affordable housing is really the responsibility of the State Government, however Council did receive some Federal Government funding that must be utilised to facilitate new affordable housing opportunities,” he said.

detailing eligibility. Simply go to www.lismore.nsw.gov.au

The application can only be considered once a Development Application (DA), Complying Development Certificate (CDC) or a Section 68 Application has been lodged on the NSW Planning Portal. Council will then assess the application with the determination made within 30 days. Grant monies will be paid upon completion of construction of new housing and the issuing of an Occupation Certificate.

both enjoy spending their retirement among nature and taking photos of the wildlife in the Northern Rivers.

They both get especially excited whenever they see a whale’s tale splashing in the ocean during the annual humpback migration.

Humpback whales travel up to 10,000km during the migration. Groups of young males typically lead the migration while pregnant cows and cow-calf pairs are at the rear.

Adult breeding animals form the bulk of the migration in the middle stages.

“The Lismore Housing Grant program will go some way easing the housing crisis to help our community, and importantly is also open to flood-affected residents who want to relocate their home within the Lismore Local Government Area.”

The program has six eligibility criteria that are designed to create more diverse and affordable housing options for the Lismore community.

The application form is now available on Council’s website, as well as a factsheet

Once the program opens, Council will create a Housing Grant Dashboard on its website showing the total pool of money that is available, how many applications have been received, how many have been accepted and the amount that remains available.

Any DA, CDC or a Section 68 Application that has already been lodged through the Planning Portal, but not determined before 1 July, will be eligible to apply for a grant. Those that have been determined will not be considered. The grants are funded by the Federal Government’s Building Better Regional Cities program.

A DARKER TIME: Col Henderson and his brother Ray in front of a dead whale at Byron Bay in the late 1950s.

WHALE-WATCHING: Humpback whales have been seen 20 meters from the shore as they pass the eastern coastline. Image: Col Henderson

Win or lose – you can choose…

by Nigel Dawe

Flood rescue capabilities enhanced through interagency training in Lismore

INa world that is now seemingly arranged by a budding cohort of easily offended propriety specialists, that’ll cancel you out in a flash should you dare transgress beyond their fickle and enforced sensibilities; it is ironic how the old F-word has become acceptable and even replaced by a new one – Failure.

From everyone in an 8-person race gaining ribbons to ‘celebrate’ their efforts, and scores not even being kept in junior sport events; it seems modern culture has veered down the padded rabbit hole of ensuring we’re all spared the subject position of loser. As such, we can’t all be winners, and most of the time who’d even want to be? But to make everyone (first-place getters included) part of a collective “there-there” middle ground is mind boggling.

Defeat, or dare I say failing (or just the sense of having failed) at something should never be eradicated from anyone’s experience: it is one of the most invaluable lessons we can learn, and history in every field is full of individuals that have risen from some of the toughest tumbles caused by defeat. Relatedly, Winston Churchill once enthused, “Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”

Hot on the heels of Churchill’s countergrounding pearl is an even better one from his fellow Nobel Prize laureate, Samuel Beckett, who once famously expounded, “Ever tried? Ever failed? No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.” The overwhelming essence and message of which is to just

keep persisting, refuse to be deterred by setbacks; and what’s more, make it your motivating force and mission to improve, just keep trying – because true failure only ever occurs when we curl up and call it quits.

One of my favourite examples of defeat followed by triumph relates to Kevin Sheedy, the former Essendon coach in the AFL (and a distant relative of mine on my mother’s side). Following Sheeds’ Bombers being demolished in the 1983 Grand Final (by a then record margin of 83-points) he famously growled at his club’s official postgame function: “If I see anybody in this room with a smile on their face, I’ll throw you out!” Over the top some might say, until you learn his team won the next two premierships in a row –against Hawthorn both times, the same team that inflicted the belting of ’83. Which is easily one of the most literal embodiments of Roy T. Bennett’s notion, “Failures are the stairs we climb to reach success.”

Silver spoons and mollycoddling interactional styles aside, not having failed at something (and acknowledging it) at some stage is akin to an incurred developmental curse, and one that warps, albeit limits your very understanding of not just life, but self and overall circumstance. Or as Maya Angelo once confided, “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, and how you can still come out of it.”

The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is enhancing its food rescue capabilities by developing the skills of volunteers through an interagency training

Pelican, a one-day training event on the Wilson’s River, which saw emergency services combine forces to simulate real-life food rescue scenarios to

follows last year’s unprecedented fooding and took learnings from recent natural disasters. It simulated in-water and on-water food rescue capabilities, mass rescues

exercise held on the weekend.

More than 150 people took part in Exercise

improve techniques and response times during severe weather events.

and evacuations during a food, and saw dummies and realvpeople pulled to safety.

An Incident Management Team was also stood up in a training environment at thevNSW SES North-Eastern Zone Headquarters in Goonellabah as part of the exercise,vfurther developing emergency management techniques and response capabilities inbthe NSW SES. As the lead agency for food rescue, the NSW SES coordinated the training exercise which involved teams from Fire and Rescue NSW, the Volunteer Rescue Association, NSW Police, NSW Rural Fire Service and Marine Rescue.

From down under to top shelf: Australian rum is making waves

• The Australian rum market is worth over $600 million with just under half (46%) of the domestic market made up of Aussie distillers

• Rum has over a 200-year history in Australia, dating back to the arrival of the First Fleet and was even an offcial currency

• The next chapter of Australian rum history is being led by innovative local distillers crafting new, innovative expressions of rum refective of the land

EMBARGO: 8

May 2023 – Whether you love the golden liquid or are yet to be convinced, rum holds a unique and rich history in Australia since it arrival with the First Fleet in 17881. As well as two years of food rations, Governor Arthur Phillip also brought a four-year supply of rum! This was just the beginning or rums long and colourful history in Australia and more than 200 years later, Australians are now moving beyond the rum and coke and discovering adventurous favours and new styles of rum that refect the land where it’s made.

Following from the success of the craft gin boom, the premiumisation of rum is now undeniable in Australia. A rising interest in artisanal and high-quality rum is due to a growing appreciation for unique favour profles with an infux of new brands into the domestic market. In fact, there has been a 20% market growth in Australia with 48 brands offering 111 rum products currently available compared to just 21 brands with 38 products in 2012. This follows a greater global demand for craft and premium rum, which has seen a 16% increase

over the last three years2.

While rum’s roots are in South America and the sugarcanerich islands of the Caribbean, it’s made in just about every country with a distilling scene, with Australia’s east coast providing the perfect climate for sugar cane production. However, as a British colony, Australian rum has been made in the British style for over 160 years and infuenced the way Aussies think about the spirit.

The heavy and sweet notes of sticky toffee and vanilla from the dark aged rum made from molasses – known as English-style Rum, has been the style of choice in Australia since rum production begun in the late 1800s. Bundaberg Rum has long dominated the Australian market but new consumer demand for premium spirits is making the domestic market more diverse3.

Consumer drive has been instrumental for the growth of Australian rum market - worth over $600 million.

Quentin Brival, Head Distiller at Husk Rum, says that the innovative spirit of Australian rum producers has brought forth a new wave of unique expressions of rums.

“Australian producers are exploring new opportunities to unlock rum’s potential and that is creating new styles and favour profles not currently seen on the international market.” says Brival.

“As Australia’s only farm to bottle rum distillery, we make Husk Rum using fresh cane juice grown on our farm and have focussed on creating a favour profle refective of our local region, the Caldera Coast”

Husk Rum has spent

more than 10 years developing a new style of Australian spirit made from freshly crushed cane juice, a style of rum frst developed in the French Caribbean islands more than a 100 years ago. Their new release Rare Blend is a prime example of the new taste of Australian rum.

“Rare Blend is a made from two styles of rum. The frst is a seasonal 100% single estate cane juice rum, our signature style which is dry and adds complexity and depth to the fnal product. The second is a rum made from Tweed Valley cane honey, which is evaporated cane juice. Cane honey is sweet, rich, and pure which creates a very smooth and round rum with fruity and foral notes,” added Brival.

The resulting blend uniquely refects the Provenance, or terroir, of the Caldera Coast the strip of coastal land that straddles the Queensland/NSW border from Burleigh Heads to Byron Bay. Centred on Mt Warning/Woolumbin, this is the deepest caldera in the southern Hemisphere and Husk Farm Distillery lies in the heart of the caldera.

Rum has primarily been produced in the Caribbean, dominated by heavy British and light Spanish styles as well as the much rarer French style rum which is dryer with a complex profle of zest, grass and herbaceous notes. However, as Australian rum producers craft more diverse favour profles, their focus is on expressions that refect Australian heritage, climate and circumstances.

This development is leading to a rum resurgence Down Under. Aussies are now able to explore and appreciate the depth

craft of rum now on offer, leading to a new understanding and appreciation of this colourful and versatile spirit.

Paul Messenger, CEO and Founder of Husk Rum, says this growth refects evolution in the rum category.

“As rising consumer interest and the emergence of premium brands expand the category, modern perceptions of rum extend well beyond the traditional rum and coke. New styles and favour profles present opportunities to showcase the versatility of rum in high-end cocktails and new consumer trends elevating the category and educating consumers,” says Messenger. Launching at good retailers and online from 8 May, Husk’s Rare Blend Rum is a modern Australian rum designed to be consumed neat, with ice, Indian tonic with a thick slice of orange, or in a rum Old Fashioned with triplesec, Angostura bitters and an orange zest. To fnd out more about Husk Rum’s distinctive cane spirit and spiced rum, head to https://www. huskdistillers.com/

About Husk Rum

Husk Rum launched in 2012 with a dream to create sipping quality Australian cane juice rum. As Australia’s frst and only agricultural rum distillery they developed this style of rum with a farm to bottle™ philosophy, using sugar cane grown 100% on their farm. The volcanic soil, sub-tropical climate and local cane varieties combine each harvest to create something unique. The terroir of the Caldera Coast is refected in every dram of Husk Rum.

Kyogle Show Secretary Finalist at State Awards.

The Agricultural Shows NSW held their annual conference Saturday 17th June in Dubbo. The Kyogle Show Secretary, up there with the best in the state for a resilience award.

Lauren Schottelius joined the committee as secretary in 2019. Following our 2022 AGM held early February, most of our executive positions were flled and it was decided that all systems were go for the 2022 Show! With Lauren as our secretary, who later took on the marketing and sponsorship for our show offered to also support the treasurer position.

The Country Shows Support Package allowed the 2022 show to be bigger and better than ever after a two-year gap. Lauren worked tirelessly using part of the grant funds building a new website to increase our exposure and the show movement while also fnding an opportunity for rebranding our logo which led to a new professional look for our Show Society.

Lauren’s positive attitude is infectious, her drive to do better is refreshing and her respect for all helpers is never unheard. Lauren and her husband work full-time, have a young family and still fnd the time to give back

to the Show Society. The day after the 2022 show, Lauren was applying for the RAS of NSW Foundation Christmas Toy distribution, securing a trade space at our Kyogle local Christmas Street Party where the Show Society was able to give children wonderful presents and spread joy to the community. Lauren spent days decorating the town’s public show window into a Christmas Wonderland, she approached local schools to make paper snowfakes to hang from the ceiling. The Kyogle Show banner was in the background promoting awareness of our Show, the town loved it! With planning for the 2023 show well underway, and some big announcements to come soon we are all looking forward to Friday 6th and Saturday 7th of October for the “Big Little Show 2023”. The show society meets on the 1st Tuesday of the month at 7pm in the Luncheon Pavilion on the show grounds. Like all community groups, we are always looking for more volunteers. Get involved, shows change lives visit our website to register to volunteer https://kyogleshow. com.au/get-involved/ or simply join us at our monthly meetings.

New Deed of Agreement Adopted for the Richmond Tweed Regional Library Latest update on the Yamba Community Precinct

The member councils of the Richmond Tweed Regional Library service have recently established a new Deed of Agreement to uphold the provision of public library services throughout the Lismore, Tweed, Ballina, and Byron local government areas by leveraging a regional library model.

This new Deed of Agreement guarantees that the four member councils will maintain their collaboration to provide exceptional quality public library services to their respective communities while benefting from the fexibility and expanded access to resources and services that the regional library model facilitates.

Richmond Tweed Regional Library Committee Chair, Councillor Darlene Cook, expressed her satisfaction with the adoption of the new Deed, stating, “The

new Deed being adopted is a clear sign that the member councils are dedicated to collaborating and maintaining a thriving library service. Our partnership across the region generates greater services and benefts

diverse communities.”

“From baby bounce sessions, computer access, school holiday, and senior’s programs, and much more. It’s a win-win situation with Councils working together to share collections and

Yamba will soon be home to a modern, spacious cultural and educational hub with the construction of the Yamba Community Precinct.

The new building will be located on the site of the existing Treelands Drive Community Centre, and designed to create a precinct integrated with the TAFE NSW Connect Learning Centre and Yamba Community Health.

It will include a new art space, dedicated

youth space, outdoor communal areas and additional public parking. Flexible confguration of up to eight meeting spaces will be able to cater to a wide range of small and large user groups as well as a new library twice the size of the current facility.

The centre will be closed from 30 June 2023. Current hirers have been accommodated at Wooli Street Hall if appropriate, or alternate venues found.

Clarence Valley Council plans to award the contract to a successful tender at the Ordinary Council Meeting on 25 July. Site handover will take place in early August for the contractor to start demolition works and construction of a new public carpark behind the TAFE.

The project is majority funded by a $11,087,000 grant under the Bushfre Local Economic Recovery (BLER) program cofunded by the NSW and Federal governments.

to wider regional communities.”

Mayor Sharon Cadwallader of Ballina Shire Council also commended the initiative, emphasising the evolving role of libraries in today’s society, “libraries are not just about borrowing books and movies, they have evolved over time to become important social hubs for our

resources so that our libraries can deliver even more,” added Mayor Cadwallader.

The new Deed of Agreement will be effective from July this year until 2027, solidifying the commitment of the member councils to enhance library services and ensure their accessibility to all residents.

Southern Cross Credit Union announces partnership with Hockey Tweed and Casuarina Beach Club

Southern Cross Credit Union (SCCU) expands its community reach, announcing a new partnership with Hockey Tweed and Casuarina Beach Hockey Club.

It is important for SCCU to be involved in the community across different felds that are

union and hockey association share the belief that sport improves social connectivity and inclusion, develops skills, educates, and promotes teamwork. It builds communities, enables diversity through larger social networks, and creates friends for

this reach into local hockey. We want to help drive engagement and awareness, support training and development programs and be a part of the growth of this sport within our area. We have shared values and are looking forward to bringing this partnership

sponsorship. It has been a challenging few years after pandemics and foods for our regional hockey centre. Our centre was slowly recovering from the pandemic as membership was adversely affected. Then, during the foods, our facilities suffered

Our membership was also affected as many of our members have suffered fnancial hardship over the past 3 years. This sponsorship will contribute to the replacement of equipment loss during the foods and also allow our centre to keep

this partnership means to the club. “Casuarina Hockey Club are very pleased with the new sponsorship deal with Southern Cross Credit Union. This money will be used to build the capacity of the club to support Umpiring throughout our club

important to our region, and sport is one of those sectors we want to encourage well into the future.

Both the local credit

life.

“We have a long history of supporting local sporting groups in our region and we are excited to expand

to life.” Cassie Nicole, Sponsorship Specialist.

“Hockey Tweed would like to acknowledge The Southern Cross Credit Union for their

major damage including loss of the whole bottom level of our clubhouse. This literally wiped out one of a main income sources, our canteen.

our registration fees affordable.” Margaret Coleman, President President of Casuarina Hockey Club, Jason Ellem also shares what

and also the Tweed District. In turn, this will strengthen the sport locally and provide further avenues of participation and success for athletes of all ages.”

NEWCOLOUR • NEWCOLOUR

‘ at is a most ni y engaging question Leems my boy. ere is a possibility it may well have done so…but remember, ‘INFORMATION BOUGHT IT BACK.’ So let’s talk about it.’ (Oh, by the way, it’s ‘Leemo Cat’ here chatting to ‘Mum Jane.) ‘Leems, do you realise how much curiosity you exhibit in your daily life? Like, you sit, think & stare at ants, grass, trees, leaves, clouds, water drops, patterns, your food bowls & stu

Why do you do this?’

Ooooh. I need to think about this. A small meditative ‘paws in the air tail swish’ rest might help here. AND, it did!

Goodie. ‘Well, Mum, it’s simply because everything in the world is fascinating and curious to me. I ‘spose it’s kinda like your own curiosity. WHY did you want to go live in Africa? And, why do you reckon people go all over the world to look at stu like the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Wall of China, Petra, Jordan, the Okavango Delta, the Animal Migration on the Serengeti & stu ? Well, Mum, my belief is that it is simple curiosity and a desire to experience something outside the sphere of our day-to-day lives.

When I’m watching ants scurry in the grass Mum, I kinda wonder where they’re all going, what they’re doing, how many kids they have, do they have jobs or own their house & so on.

AND, Mum, did you know that curiosity is widely recognized as a hallmark of intelligence, so I, ‘Leemo Cat,’ show a high inclination toward smartness. Gottit?’

Mum’s measly eyebrows

did raise ever-so-highly at my words but, bless her heart she said nothing. Just pondered! I spoke again. ‘Mum, I know you have been closely following the truly dreadful loss of life in a submersible diving deep to view the wreck of the ‘Titanic’ for themselves. And, I know how shocked you were that they died. I was too. But Mum, why are some people saying mean things about them? ings like ‘More money than sense’ and so on. I don’t get it.’ Mum responded. ‘Well, Leems, there are unfortunately some people who truly don’t appreciate what it takes to be CURIOUS, some might say, ‘adventurous.’ An example is the Wright Brothers. ey were publicity shy and most secretive about their invention. Had they not been curious and adventurous in their thinking, we may well not have the amazing thing called ‘air travel’. e press and public were dismissive, saying they were foolhardy about any claims to have achieved sustained ight…but they DID it in 1903!! And, Leems, are you aware that a er years studying Orville and Wilbur’s past, novelist Tara Staley said she believed both brothers had Asperger’s Syndrome but still achieved their ‘curiosity’ about ying. So, Leems, anything involving curiosity and pursuing that curiosity with adventure is mighty impressive AND POSSIBLE in my view, no matter how rich or poor you are. AND, Leems, when it comes to ‘Information Bought it Back,’ well, research, curiosity and human determination will tell us all one day what did actually happen to those people and what went wrong. ey simply, out of curiosity, wanted to view the wreck of the ‘Titanic.’ RIP with the greatest of respect to them all.’ Oooh, I

LISMORE ARRESTED IN MAJOR PROTEST ACTIONS TARGETING EAST COAST PORTS

BY KATE COXALL

Last week Naomi Shine was just one of a number of protesters who blocked roads, railway corridors, coal trains and access points for the transport of coal around the country, and offshore in an attempt to create awareness of the impacts of Australia’s coal and gas export activities in the Climate crisis.

Blockade Australia, the group responsible for the rolling protest which lasted for 5 days and disrupted Melbourne, Brisbane and Newcastle Ports, made headlines across Australia and even Internationally, with their clear message to decision-makers “that they plan to increase disruption as necessary, to stop the export of coal, and our contribution to the Climate Crisis”.

A spokesperson for the group also spoke about the reason they were specifcally targeting the Newcastle Coal Terminal, “the largest Coal Port in the world, produces 1% of total global emissions alone, which is a highly signifcant fgure, when looking at global emissions reduction as a whole”.

“Why Ports? The Australian system is designed to funnel wealth into the hands of the corporate and political elite. Australia exploits life and turns the natural world into private proft.”

“The Ports of Brisbane, Newcastle and Melbourne are three pieces of infrastructure that are critical to Australia’s export economy. Shutting them down halts global supply lines.”

Naomi Shine, Lismore resident, locked herself to two cars on the on ramp to the Brisbane Port on Wednesday 21st June saying “I’m doing this because otherwise I’d be miserable watching the ecosystems

around me be destroyed. Direct Action is a method for creating change because it speaks truth to power and demonstrates the urgency of the situation. I really wish for humanity that we can fnd common goals and a sense of purpose, and more loving ways of existing with the earth.”

The protestors were not all met with positivity however, with some being physically and verbally assaulted by truckies, and others refused bail by magistrates. Protestors are now facing the new NSW Anti-Protest Laws which include jail time and fnes of up to $20,000.

Northern Rivers local, founder of the Environmental

forcibly remove her from the lock-on device she was attached to, requiring surgery whilst in custody, however she

ecosystems that we continue to take action to protect life.”

“Activists who disrupt destructive projects have

Defenders Offce and NSW MP Sue Higginson, recently told The Northern Rivers Times that these antiprotest laws “are putting our Democracy at risk”.

Naomi has since been released on bail, after police attempted to

is expected to make a full recovery.

Naomi said ‘this injury is so much less than the

experienced police and human violence since the earliest days of nonviolent intervention.”

damage being done to ecosystems, to water, to climate, to all beings.”

“The violence that this state enacts on the climate itself will have dire consequences for all life on earth, it is because of the states threat of violence against

“Meaningful resistance is by its nature, uncomfortable. It is also the purpose of resistance because change only comes through discomfort. How we move through discomfort and care for each other is how we show what a different world could look like. To reconnect with each other and continue to take action is what’s needed if we are going to dismantle this system and build a world of care.”

“Addressing violence against each other and against our biosphere is the challenge we must all face, together.”

think Mum has kinda explained things ‘in her view.’ Nite with curious pondering purrsies, Leemo

“Leemo has views on just about anything” ‘DID Curiosity REALLY kill the CAT Mum?’

Limited options in buy-back scheme for Richmond Valley residents

RICHMOND Valley Council has cautiously welcomed the release of new food mapping by the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation (NRRC), saying the maps provide further clarity for food-affected residents who have been waiting for answers.

Council’s General Manager Vaughan Macdonald said if the

maps had been available earlier, it might have saved a lot of community concern and people could have moved on sooner.

Mr Macdonald said the maps showed there was limited opportunity for people in the Richmond Valley to take advantage of the buy-back scheme, as most activity was centred on Lismore.

He said this was

disappointing, as it left Richmond Valley homeowners with fewer choices to rebuild.

“The NSW Government needs to fnd better solutions for people in Coraki, Woodburn, Broadwater and Rileys Hill,” Mr Macdonald said.

“Council will continue to work with the Government to fnd solutions for our

communities.”

Mr Macdonald said Council supported the Resilient Lands Strategy’s identifcation of Fairy Hill as a suitable site for housing and would be working closely with NRRC to support the investigation of this land.

He said Council presented further options to the Resilient Lands team for affordable

housing on local Crown land, and it was disappointing these were not included in the strategy.

“Council has been focussing on residential supply in and around Casino for some time now as this area can accommodate the main development demand on food-free land over the next 20 years, allowing for more managed

growth in our sensitive coastal and rural areas,” Mr Macdonald said.

“We will continue our discussions with NRRC and other government agencies to make sure all suitable housing options are on the table as our growth can also contribute to the region’s recovery by providing homes, jobs and a lifestyle so many already enjoy.”

CAREER DAY AIMED AT BUSTING MYTHS ABOUT WORKING IN AGRICULTURE

agriculture industry.

“One of the biggest challenges startups in the agritech space are facing is how to attract talent that hasn’t nec-essarily grown up in agriculture, but is passionate about its future. A contributing factor to this challenge is the belief that agriculture is old fashioned or stuck in the past,” said Olympia.

“The reality is Australian agriculture remains on the forefront

of innovation in the sector and is so diverse in opportunity it can almost be diffcult to choose where to put one’s attention. Events like the Ag Industry Days are critical in showcasing the opportunities available and as always, I’m so pleased Goterra is able to support and participate.”

According to Katie Friedlieb, Senior Project Offcer at Training Services NSW, the

workshop will give students insights into an industry that may not be on their radar.

“Agriculture is no longer just about the traditional farmer, and we need professionals working in the sector in an off-farm capacity,’ said Katie. “The Ag Industry Days will be an informal and interactive day for students to see the bigger picture.”

AgriFutures Australia and Training Services

NSW to host tech-savvy, socially minded Gen Zs at inaugural Ag Industry Days, a new event showcasing the diverse career opportunities in Austral-ia’s agricultural industry.

At the one-day workshops, taking place in Albury/Wodonga on 21 June and Wagga Wagga on 22 June, Year 9 and 10 school students can engage with some of the most dynamic young professionals at the forefront of innovation in agriculture. They’ll also get the opportunity to visit local businesses that are transforming the industry.

AgriFutures Australia hopes to inspire the next generation of agriculture professionals and highlight the exciting career opportunities in agriculture from biotechnicians and marine scientists to agricultural engineers and economists.

AgriFutures Australia Manager, Workforce Delivery, Abbey O’Callaghan said the workshops respond to rec-ommendations from a recent community perceptions and worker experiences report that included broadening the conversation about roles in the industry and showcasing new technology as a selling point.

“Some of the world’s biggest challenges are directly related to agriculture: food security, sustainability and cli-mate change. The Ag Industry Days will challenge perceptions of the agriculture industry and galvanise the next generation of agricultural innovators.”

“Importantly, we really want to inspire students to embrace STEM and agricultural subjects as they progress into their senior school years.”

At the Ag Industry Days, attendees will be challenged to answer

the question ‘How do we rethink agriculture?’ Back in the classroom, participating students can refne their answer and submit their ‘pitch’ to AgriFutures Australia. The responses will offer AgriFutures Australia important insights into the perspectives of young peo-ple considering their career options.

Innovative food waste management company, Goterra is just one of the diverse local industry organisations who will be hosting students for feld trips during the days. Other feld trip hosts include TAFE NSW Primary Industries Centre, My Chef, Riverina Oils, CSU Global Digital Farm, Goterra, Wolki Farm and TAFE NSW National Environment Centre. Goterra CEO and 2023 ACT Australian of the Year, Olympia Yarger recognises the role events like these play in dispelling misconceptions about the

Latest update on the YambaPrecinctCommunity

Yamba will soon be home to a modern, spacious cultural and educational hub with the construction of the Yamba Community Precinct.

The new building will be located on the site of the existing Treelands Drive Community Centre, and designed to create a precinct integrated with the TAFE NSW Connect Learning Centre and Yamba Community Health.

It will include a new art space, dedicated youth space, outdoor communal areas and additional public parking. Flexible confguration of up to eight meeting spaces will be able to cater to a wide range of small and large user groups

as well as a new library twice the size of the current facility.

The centre will be closed from 30 June 2023. Current hirers have been accommodated at Wooli Street Hall if appropriate, or alternate venues found.

Clarence Valley Council plans to award the contract to a successful tender at the Ordinary Council

Meeting on 25 July. Site handover will take place in early August for the contractor to start demolition works and construction of a new public carpark behind the TAFE.

The project is majority funded by a $11,087,000 grant under the Bushfre Local Economic Recovery (BLER) program cofunded by the NSW and Federal governments.

Artist’s impression of the new Yamba Community Centre

Students attending a workshop

The beauty of Sri Lanka and why its an amazing travel destination.

Sri Lanka, often referred to as the pearl of the Indian Ocean, continues to be a captivating destination that beckons travellers from all corners of the globe. With its blend of natural

palm-fringed beaches and azure waters along the coastline to lush tea plantations that carpet the rolling hills, the country offers diverse and picturesque vistas. Explore the misty peaks

ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which offers panoramic views and intriguing frescoes. Explore the sacred city of Kandy, home to the Temple

for wildlife enthusiasts. Here you can embark on thrilling safaris in national parks like Yala, Wilpattu, and Udawalawe, where you can spot elephants, leopards, and an array of exotic bird species. Head to the coast of Mirissa or Trincomalee for unforgettable encounters with gentle giants— whales and dolphins.

Sri Lanka’s biodiversity will leave nature lovers in awe.

balance and well-being. Retreat to yoga and meditation centres in serene settings, such as the hill country or coastal areas, to nourish your body, mind, and soul.

Sri Lankans are

fights, trains, and buses provide convenient options for exploring different regions of the country. Additionally it provides excellent value for travellers, with a range of accommodation

wonders, rich heritage, and warm hospitality, there are numerous compelling reasons to visit Sri Lanka.

of Ella, hike through the scenic trails of Horton Plains, or relax on the golden sands of Mirissa Beach—the choices are

of the Tooth Relic, and witness traditional Kandyan dance performances. Discover the well-preserved

Indulge your taste buds in Sri Lanka’s vibrant culinary scene. Sample a variety of aromatic curries, seafood delicacies, and tropical fruits. Don’t miss the opportunity to savour hoppers, a traditional Sri Lankan pancake, and kottu roti, a favourful street food dish. Exploring local markets and dining at family-run restaurants will give you a true taste of Sri Lankan favours.

It offers plenty of opportunities for adventure seekers.

Surf the famous breaks in Arugam Bay, go hiking in the Knuckles Mountain Range, or white-water raft down the Kelani River. Engage in thrilling experiences like hot air ballooning, zip-lining, and trekking, all while surrounded by stunning natural landscapes.

renowned for their warm and welcoming nature. From the moment you arrive, you will be greeted with genuine

options to suit various budgets.

From its stunning landscapes and cultural treasures to its warm

Sri Lanka boasts an abundance of stunning landscapes that cater to every traveller’s preference. From pristine

endless. You can yourself in Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and historical marvels. Marvel at the

colonial architecture in Galle Fort, a testament to the country’s colonial past.

Sri Lanka is a paradise

Find solace and rejuvenation in Sri Lanka’s tranquil wellness retreats. Experience traditional Ayurvedic treatments and therapies aimed at restoring

smiles and kind-hearted hospitality. Engage with the locals, learn about their traditions, and experience their genuine warmth, which will make your journey all the more memorable. Sri Lanka is the true of of the smile!

Due to the small size of Sri Lanka, it offers ease of travel with a wellconnected transportation system. Domestic

people and tantalizing cuisine, Sri Lanka offers a truly unforgettable travel experience. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, Sri Lanka has it all, making it an ideal destination to explore today.

Produced with the assistance of Chat GPT and a traveller who has been to Sri Lanka.

2023 NEW ZEALAND BEAUTIES OF THE SOUTH ISLAND ESCORTED GROUP TOUR

Departure Date: 31 October 2023

$6,700 per person

Single Supplement - $1,600

This 12 day Casino Travel Shoppe Escorted Garden tour on New Zealand’s South Island will have you enjoying all the best that the South Island has to offer. The must do things when visiting the South Island plus the must see gardens are all included and then some more on this fantastic tour. Sit back and travel in comfort, everything taken care of with this escorted small group.

Price Includes:

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

• Return airfares from including taxes

• 11 Nights quality accommodation with breakfast daily

• 6 dinners and 2 lunches

• Visit 5 exquisite gardens including Larnach Castle & Gardens

• TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Evening Dining

• TranzAlpine Train from Christchurch to Greymouth

• Air conditioned buses throughout

• All sightseeing entry fees per itinerary

PUBLIC SUBMISSIONS OPEN FOR INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF COMMONWEALTH DISASTER FUNDING

Australians who have been through natural disasters are being encouraged to share their experiences as part of the Independent Review of Commonwealth Disaster Funding.

The review is seeking input on community experiences with funding programs, processes and support, understanding of the roles of the different levels of government during a disaster and thoughts on how the Commonwealth could support communities to reduce their disaster risk.

Public submissions opened last month, and will continue to accept feedback until 10pm AEST on Friday, 14 July 2023.

Mr Andrew Colvin APM OAM, a former Australian Federal Police Commissioner who led national recovery efforts after the 2019-20 Black Summer Bushfires, is leading the review.

The review is also considering how government investment in disaster risk reduction, preparedness, response, recovery and resilience can better support both a national system and the scale of transformation needed to build resilience to the extreme disaster events Australia is projected to experience over coming decades.

A final report is expected to be provided to Government in April 2024.

Minister for Emergency

TAFE NSW HELPING LOCAL HAIRDRESSERS TO ‘SPOT A SPOT’ AND SPEAK UP TO SAVE LIVES

Management, Murray Watt said the review was a significant step to ensure Australia is well positioned to respond to natural disaster events into the future.

“This review is the next step in the Albanese Government’s ongoing work to ensure Australia is better prepared for, and responds faster to, future natural disasters,” Minister Watt said.

“We want to make sure our disaster funding model is current, effective and best supports Australians before, during and following a disaster.

“Submissions have been open for a few weeks, but we want to make sure that everyone who wishes to contribute can do so – from councils to small business owners, primary producers and individuals.

“It is important that this review considers views across all sectors so that we can better understand how we can improve current disaster supports and response arrangements, and I’d encourage as many people as possible to get involved.”

To provide your feedback and input, ask questions about the public submissions, and access more information about the review, please visit the National Emergency Management Agency’s website https://nema. gov.au/about-us/ governance-andreporting/reviews/ Independent-ReviewDisaster-Funding

Northern Rivers hairdressers, barbers, and beauticians can access a new TAFE NSW course to gain the skills to ‘spot a spot’ and speak up if they see something.

Australia has the highest rate of melanoma in the world, with one Australian diagnosed every 30 minutes and around 1300 deaths every year.

Developed in collaboration with TAFE NSW, the Australian Melanoma Research Foundation, Hair and Beauty Australia, Keune, and Airyday, the course aims to increase early awareness and prevention of skin cancer in communities across Australia.

TAFE NSW

Hairdressing and Barbering Head Teacher Vanessa Grant said the ‘Spot a Spot’ course

is the frst to focus on hairdressers, barbers, and beauticians working in a salon environment.

“The course showcases real-life case studies of hairdressers and beauticians with their clients and the process they went through to raise concerns about skin changes that turned out to be skin cancer,” said Ms Grant.

TAFE NSW will offer free places to TAFE NSW apprentices studying Certifcate III in Hairdressing and Barbering and Certifcate IV in Beauty to help skill the future workforce in these important conversations.

“It’s a powerful tool for the hair and industry, and arms TAFE NSW apprentices with real-world skills to confdently communicate concerns with their

clients.”

Maureen Harding, the National President of HABA, said the course will help hair and beauty staff to start the conversation with their clients.

“I’ve been a hairdresser for 50 years and have had these conversations with my clients, including ones that turned out to have lifesaving outcomes,” said Ms Harding. “What’s great about this course is that it can be completed in an hour and on a mobile device. It offers practical information about what makes a spot suspicious, and different ways to start a conversation with a client about a subject that can be very scary.”

Dr Wayne Harvey from the Australian Melanoma Research Foundation said the

survival rate from advanced melanoma has improved over the last decade, largely due to improvements in detection and treatment.

“We know 90% of melanomas can be treated successfully if caught early. Early detection is associated with high survival rates. Hairdressers and barbers are in regular contact with their clients and access hard-to-see spots, so they are very well placed to recognise skin changes,” said Dr Harvey.

“Helping the industry to develop the skills to recognise a suspicious spot and then confdently talk about skin changes with their clients has the potential to signifcantly contribute to reducing the incidence of melanoma long term.”

Registration deadline for Project Intervene extended

The NSW Government will extend the Project Intervene program to ensure existing homes are up to standard and restore integrity in the construction and building industry.

The program allows Owner Corporations to use the expertise of the NSW Building Commissioner and his team with negotiation and mediation with developers in buildings that may have defects.

By preventing strata committees and developers engaging in costly and lengthy court battles, Project Intervene offers fnancial savings to eligible apartment owners let down by poor quality construction work.

Registrations will be extended to November instead of wrapping up at

the end of this month.

Since the program launched in mid-2022 about 100 owners corporations let down by developers have taken up the support provided and 49 building inspections have been completed.

The assistance includes help repairing serious defects in the common property of buildings, including waterproofng, fre safety systems, structural systems, building enclosure and building services.

The NSW Government has also announced plans to restore confdence in the sector and to ensure we have quality built homes in NSW.

The Government’s reform agenda will ensure those who purchase property in NSW can have even greater

confdence in the quality of the work by:

• Creating the state’s frst NSW Building Commission - a single body to oversee the regulation, licensing and oversight of the industry.

• Creating a new Building Act which utilises plain English. The new Building Act will consolidate and modernise many pieces of legislation, some decades old, scattered throughout the state’s statute books. Project Intervene to ensure residential apartment buildings with defects are brought up to an acceptable standard.

“The housing supply crisis that our state is facing will require a surge in construction, if NSW is to retain its young people and families.

“Ensuring existing apartment buildings are good quality, well constructed buildings will give families greater confdence in this critical industry.

NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler said:

“Project Intervene uses the powers of the Residential Apartment Building Act to compel developers and builders to remediate serious defects.

“While all owners corporations should always take their own legal advice, Project Intervene offers an alternative or parallel pathway to getting serious defects rectifed in apartment buildings.”

RECENT CATTLE MARKET REPORTS

CASINO

NRLX MARKET REPORT

WEEK ENDING FRIDAY 23 JUNE

Agents yarded a total of 1,378 head at the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange regular prime sale on Wednesday 21 June. The yarding consisted of a good supply of young cattle and increased numbers of cows. The yarding of young cattle was comprised mainly of vealers and weaners, along with a few pens of yearlings. Quality of the young cattle was fairly good with several runs of well bred and well presented young cattle through the sale.

GRAFTON

BROUGHT TO YOU BY DONOVAN LIVESTOCK & PROPERTY PH: 02 6643 4411

GRAFTON FAT CATTLE SALE 20/06.2023

325 TOTAL HEAD YARDED 140 EXPORTED 185 YOUNG CATTLE

Numbers were back for Grafton’s fortnightly Fat Cattle Sale, most categories saw a good representation. There was only one processor operating on Bullocks while Cows saw improved competition and a small rise in price. Restockers were very selective with their purchases, which saw the good quality Angus type Steers sell solid. However, Heifers and mixed breeds were very hard to shift.

FORTHCOMING SALES

Saturday 24th June 2023 – Hillview Herefords & Tyler Angus Bull Sale, On Property

Tuesday 27th June 2023 – Grafton Fat Cattle Sale, 8:00am, Grafton Saleyards

LISMORE

LISMORE CATTLE MARKET REPORT BROUGHT TO YOU BY IAN WEIR & SONS - 02 6621 2768

By Glenn Weir

THURSDAY JUNE 22, 2023

1,000 cattle were sold at the Lismore Saleyards on Thursday 22nd June.

TENTERFIELD

BROUGHT TO YOU BY HAROLD CURRY

PH: 02 6736 1344

Cows sell to $1,309.62

Sale Date: 19.06.2023

Number Yarded: 212

Numbers decreased this week with a total yarding of 212 head, with the market trend in line with last week’s markets. A small yarding of steers reached 220 cents while

WARWICK

MC DOUGALL & SONS LIVESTOCK MARKETS WARWICK WEEK ENDING

23/06/2023

Numbers were back this week for most of the main sales as the Southern States are still bringing larger numbers onto the sales agendas for both of the bovine and ovine trades. Cattle numbers saw 748 meet the market whilst sheep and lamb numbers saw 1027head meet the market. Pig and poultry numbers were slightly down . The main exporters and the local trade buyers were still supporting the sales but at the lower rates applicable to the Southern markets. Mutton may have been one area to improve as long as there was cover on the stock as well as fnish.

Vealer steers av 303c/kg topping at 340c/kg or $728.61 to $1003.00

The largest percentage of young cattle went to restockers, with only a very small number being acquired by the trade.

Cow prices held frm on last week averaging 182c/kg and reaching a top price of 237c/kg. Heifer prices also saw little change with an average of 206c/kg and $526 and top of 276c/kg and $1,428.

Bull prices fell slightly with 17 head sold averaging 195c/ kg and $1,363. Steer prices were easier with an average of 283c/kg and $686 and top of 366c/kg and $1,539. A small number of bullocks sold on the day averaged 201c/kg and reached a top of 204c/kg.

Thursday 6th July 2023 – Grafton Store Cattle Sale, 9:00am, Grafton Saleyards Sale Highlights

Grafton Fat Cattle Sale Tuesday 20th June 2023

A/c Leo Carlton sold a Braham Cross Bullock 245c/kg weighed 685kg - $1,678.25

A/c Springwood Grazing sold Braham Cross Bullocks 250c/kg averaged 635kg - $1,587.50 p/hd

A/c F & S Kelly sold Braham Cross Cows 216.2c/kg averaged 625kg - $1,351.25 p/hd

A/c SE & TJ Kelly sold Angus Cross Cows 216.2c/kg averaged 580kg - $1,253.96 p/hd

A/c Nattai Investments sold a Braham Cow 215.2c/kg weighed 590kg - $1,269.68

A/c Charles Falzon sold Angus Cross Cows 219.2c/kg averaged 597kg - $1,309.72 p/hd

A/c IM & JL Fahey sold a Braham Cow 215.2c/kg weighed 570kg - $1,226.64

A/c Leo Carlton sold Braham Cross Heifers 225c/kg averaged 505kg - $1,136.25 p/hd

It was a good quality yarding with most cattle in good condition.

The sale kicked off with meat works cows and bulls. The top cow was sold by Peter King for $2.09/kg for a return of $1,474.

A good run of heavy feeder steers sold from $2.70 to $3.20/kg depending on weight and age for returns of $1,150 to $1,637.

bullocks topped at 173.2 cents.

In the cow section heavy weights sold to 178.2 cents, medium weights reached 140 cents, while no light cows were yarded, heifers sold to 170 cents.

The trade section made up the largest percentage of the yarding with weaner steers topping at 355.2 cents, whilst the heifer portion reached 272 cents, both returning to the paddock.

The yarding of bulls sold to 184.2 cents.

Vealer heifers av 227.2c/kg topping at 350.2c/kg or $555.32 to $1204.50

Feeder steers av 301.3c/kg topping at 351.2c/kg or $1150.45 to $1533.86

Feeder heifers av 245.7c/kg topping at 306.2c/kg or $834.68 to $1224.80

Yearling steers av 297.9c/kg topping at 514.2c/kg or $887.46 to $1782.56

Yearling heifers av 263.5c/kg topping at 362.2c/kg or $825.26 to $1847.88

Steers av 288.3c/kg topping at 378.2c/kg or $1696.07 to $2161.50

Heifers av 234.1c/kg topping at 263.2c/kg or $1170.26 to $2064.12

Manufacturing steers av 219.2c/kg to return $1139.84

Cows av 172.5c/kg topping at 300.2c/kg or $863.36 to $1893.14

Bulls av 235.4c/kg topping at 260.2c/kg or $1264.50 to $2587.36

Ramsey & Bulmer held the annual Casino Bull & Female sale on Friday 23 June with 62 top quality Hereford and Santa Gertrudis stud bulls & females going under the hammer. Current market trends saw vendors facing a tougher market and smaller crowd then last year with a clearance rate of 68%. The top priced bull of the day was sold by McPherson Herefords for $11,000 to Peterson Partnership of Old Koreelah. Bulls averaged $5,400 for the day and heifers averaged $4,000.

NRLX livestock agents will hold a combined store sale this Friday 30 June with large numbers expected to fnish off the end of fnancial year. Bookings are welcome.

A/c PH & GJ Ballard sold a Droughtmaster Bull 213.2c/kg weighed 920 kg - $1,961.44

A/c CDA Rogers sold Angus Cross Steers 280.2c/kg averaged 318kg - $889.64 p/hd

A/c GJ & RJ Gillfeather sold an Angus Cross Steer 318.2c/ kg weighed 245kg - $779.59

A/c AD & D Casey sold an Angus Steer 294.2c/kg weighed 260kg - $764.92

A/c DJ & CA Atkinson sold an Angus Steer 356.2c/kg weighed 200kg - $712.40

A/c PA & TM Waghorn sold Angus Cross Steers 280.2c/kg averaged 215kg - $602.43

A/c JS & ML Gorrie sold an Angus Heifer 228.2c/kg weighed 230kg - $524.86 p/hd

A/c AR Watkins sold Angus Steers 358.2c/kg averaged 188kg - $671.63 p/hd

A/c AR Watkins sold Angus Heifers 240.2c/kg averaged 161kg - $387.32 p/hd

A/c PT & J Wills sold Speckle Park Cross Heifers 290.2c/ kg averaged 141kg - $410.43

Weaner steers and heifers were bought by buyers representing re-stockers in Southern Queensland, the New England and Riverina

Well bred Euro x British steers sold from $2.70 to $3.10/ kg for returns of $550 to $902. Most heifers sold from $1.90 to $2.58/kg for returns of $420 to $690.

Once again lightweight weaners/calves sold at low rates of $1.50 to $1.80/kg.

TENTERFIELD TOP PRICES

BULLOCKS :JP Byrne $ 1215.29

STEERS: AJ Sweeney $ 1283.04

COWS: JP & KM Newsome $ 1309.62

HEIFERS: P&G Armand $ 748.00

YEARLINGS: JR Willcocks & L Cox $ 820.00

VEALERS: KJ & JM Pitkin $ 904.41

BULLS: WL Mclaughlin $ 1703.85

NEXT SALE: 3rd July 2023, 9:00am Start

Sheep and Lamb numbers were back with 1027 head meeting the market, the quality was good for most lamb and mutton types and these articles were the lynch pins for the stability of the market.

Lambs topped at $148 to av $119.66 ($8up)

Hoggets topped at $121 to av $78.83($10down)

Ewes topped at $110 to av $81.40($26up)

Wethers topped at $120 to av $100.89($37up)

Rams topped at $250to av $86.50($9up)

Lamb Rams topped at $148 to av $50.29($24down)

Ewe lambs topped at $84 to av $84 ($22down)

Sale total averaged $103.17 a rise of $2/head week on week.

Sows sold to $232, Baconers from $170 to $190, Light pork from $148 to $158, Pork from $110 to $156, stores from $20 to $146

Geese sold to $35, Call Ducks trio to $60, Call duck to $40, trio to $20, Turkey stags to $22.50, Turkey hens to $27.50, Hens to $12.50, Roosters to $20

Warwick Market report continued on page 30

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WARWICK

MC DOUGALL & SONS SHEEP & LAMB REPORT

Agents today yarded a smaller yarding for the weekly sale, the stock was drawn mainly from local vendors as well as some Twin Rivers and Goondiwindi stock making the trip. Also, good to see was some quality Merino and Xbred sheep making the sale. The lamb market was weaker for the trade and export stock and the light end was up and down according to fnish ,weight and sex. Mutton was frm to a shade dearer for the better fnished types and cheaper for the light and unfnished.

Lambs topped at $148 to av $119.66($8up), hoggets topped at $121 to av $73.83($10down), ewes topped at $110 to av $81.40($26up), wethers topped at $120 to av $100.89($37up), rams topped at $250 to av $86.50($9up), lamb rams topped at $144 to av $50.29($24down), ewe lambs topped at $84 to av $84 ($22down), The total

yarding averaged $103.17/head a jump of $2/head week on week.

Norma Chalk sold Dorper x lambs 51.3kg to Bell Past Co for $141

Lara P/S sold Dorper x lambs 47.8kg to GR Prime for $130

Cooinda P/S sold Dorper x lambs 48kg to Grants Meats for $143, 45kg to GR Prime for $98, 60kg to GR Prime for $140

Gooroo Grazing sold Dorper x lambs 55.2kg to Thomas Foods , 54.2kg to Eversons for $136, 51.9kg to Warwick Meats for $132, 49kg Ram lambs 48kg to restockers for $144, ewes to Eversons for $110 Hurley & Weiss sold Dorper lambs 59.01kg to Eversons

for $147

Vermont Past Co sold Xbred lambs 53.8kg to Eversons for $141.56

Leon Osbourne sold Dorper lambs 35.5kg to Armac Properties for $60

Gradenfoe Past Co sold Merino wethers av 71.25kg with a third wool skin to Eversons for $116.50, to Grants Quality Meats for $120

Dugald & Vicky Marshall sold Xbred ewes in the wool to Eversons for $80, 75.8kg hogget and lambs making a price of $116.50, rams to restockers for $110 and to Eversons for $76

The sale average was $103.17/head which was $2/head dearer week on week.

THE HYPE CYCLE IS OVER FOR DISRUPTIVE FOOD PRODUCTS, INCREMENTAL INNOVATION IS BACK ON

In the next few years, the global consumer food industry will see a shift in innovation strategies with fewer total “disruptive” innovations as large food companies – including those here in Australia – refocus their attention on incremental changes, according to a new report by agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank.

In the new report, Disruptive Food Products Prove To be More Hype than Bite, Rabobank says the consumer food industry has witnessed an explosion of disruptive innovation for food products over the past decade – with examples including plant-based meats, insect protein bars, synthetic fat replaces, and precision fermented milk proteins – but that this disruption has already reached its peak.

“Weaker demand for

disruptive innovations, economic uncertainty, and the higher interest rate environment have exacted their toll on many disruptive products coming to market,” Rabobank senior consumer food analyst Thomas Bailey said.

“The same group of investors that drove the 288 per cent increase in deals from 2010 to 2022 appears to have put the brakes on deals so far in 2023.”

“Moving forward, disruptive innovations will likely face more rigorous evaluation, resulting in fewer but potentially more successful disruptive products that have endured more intensive vetting.”

Incremental change in food innovation is back

According to the report, consumer food companies will likely focus more on commercially viable

incremental innovation, prioritizing improving taste, convenience, and health rather than being caught up in the hype of disruption.

Mr Bailey said incremental innovation – creating new value through minor product or service adjustments – is considered safer.

“In food, incremental innovation looks like line extensions, packaging changes, new favours, and functionality twists,” he said.

“The main beneft of incremental innovation is that it offers more immediate benefts: supply chain simplicity, sustainability, cost reduction, and generally keeping customers happy and interested. Furthermore, it is better suited to keeping prices low for consumers in an infationary environment like the one we have today.”

The report says some big

names in the food space have recently announced moves to incremental innovation.

“American food maker Chobani has spent years expanding from Greek yoghurt into coffee, dips, creamer and oat milk but have recently announced they will focus on innovating in their existing core product range which means incremental innovations in favours, packaging formats and convenience,” Mr Bailey said.

“We’ve also seen McDonalds announce that it will shift its innovation strategy to one that is incremental, for example McDonalds will be revamping older products with a twist, such as the limited Chicken Big Mac, and optimising existing traditional products for taste.”

Fewer, but better, disruptive innovations

moving forward

The report says it is safe to assume that those who continue to invest in disruptive innovations will need to exercise even more prudence when it comes to food products.

“They will need to take more steps to ensure product alignment with consumers in terms of taste, health, and convenience. Investors who choose to continue to seek out disruptive

innovations will be a good source of insight for large food companies that are currently shifting to incremental innovation but need to keep an eye on the longer-term horizon”, Mr Bailey said.

“While disruptive innovations underperformed against our expectations this time around, the quality of the disruptive food products will be higher in the future and may catch us off guard.”

Rabobank senior consumer food analyst Thomas Bailey

BEST ON THE BOX

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TEN, 7.30pm

MONDAY BACK ROADS

FRIDAY

BRAM STOKER’S DRACULA

ABC TV PLUS, 8.30pm

The Aussie spin-o of this long-running British franchise – once a stalwart of pay TV – was last seen almost a decade ago, receives a vibrant makeover for its new home on Network 10. In this highly anticipated return, The Block favourites, fun-loving couple Mitch Edwards (below left) and Mark McKie (below right), have pocketed the keys to the presenting duties; their bubbly banter (backed by some serious real estate nous) infuses the house-hunting with welcome wit and pizazz. This fresh batch of episodes sticks to the tried-andtrue formula of helping people nd their dream home. Tonight’s premiere kicks o in booming Brisbane with new parents Brooke and Peter.

ABC, 8pm Presenter

Heather Ewart has possibly seen more of Australia and its myriad tiny towns than anyone. She’s back for season nine of this warm and fuzzy series that celebrates the people living in rural Australia and the beating heart of their tight-knit communities. Ewart (above) kicks o her adventures on the dusty and long Strzelecki Track, which is now in the process of being sealed. Beginning near Lyndhurst, South Australia, and heading into the Strzelecki Desert, at Lyndhurst Station she meets Adam and Kate Litch eld and their two children. While Adam grew up on the track, it’s a big change for Sydneysider Kate, who helps run their 35,000 square km property.

Francis Ford Coppola’s blood-soaked epic is a visuallyarresting piece of darkness that re-tells Stoker’s 1897 novel about a 15th-century Romanian warrior in Victorian London, who lives on through the ages avenging the death of his beloved wife. As Dracula, Gary Oldman is magni cent. The ensemble cast –Anthony Hopkins, Winona Ryder, Richard E. Grant and Sadie Frost (above), all lavishly costumed and looking the part against the sumptuous set design – give rich performances in a lm which sometimes favours style and pyrotechnics over content. The only real let-down is doe-eyed lead Keanu Reeves as preyed-upon lawyer Jonathan Harker. 3006

FRIDAY, June 30

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

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

7.30 Gardening Australia. Advice for the home gardener.

8.30 Utopia. (PG, R) Jim heightens security while trying to sway the outcome of tenders for an international partnership.

9.00 Smother. (Final, Malv) The courts and the Gardai question whether they have accused the right person of Paul’s murder.

9.55 MOVIE: The Australian Dream. (2019, MA15+l, R) Explores the life of Adam Goodes. Adam Goodes, Stan Grant.

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

11.10 The Split. (Ml, R)

12.10 Harrow. (Mav, R)

1.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

TV PLUS (22)

(1992, MA15+) 10.35 Documentary Now! (Final) 11.00 Doctor Who. 11.45 QI. 12.20am We Hunt Together. 1.05

Eve. 1.45 Brassic. 2.30 Friday Night Dinner. 2.55 Miniseries: Tipping The Velvet. 3.55 ABC News

4.00 Close. 5.00 Buddi. 5.10 Book Hungry Bears. 5.20 Ana Pumpkin. 5.25 Late Programs.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 World’s Most Scenic River Journeys: River Bure (Norfolk) (R)

8.30 Hampton Court: Behind Closed Doors. (PG, R) Part 1 of 2.

9.25 Legends Of The Pharaohs: Downfall Of A Dynasty. (PGasv, R) Explores the end of the age of pyramids.

10.20 SBS World News Late.

10.50 MOVIE: The Final Quarter. (2019, PGa, R)

12.15 Miniseries: True Colours. (Mlv, R)

4.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

4.30 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 7News Local.

6.30 7News @ 6:30.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs and Pete Colquhoun visit Sydney’s Middle Harbour House. Karen Martini cooks some Thai spiced coconut chicken rice. Graham Ross visits Professor Brett Summerell at the Australian Botanic Garden.

8.30 MOVIE: Murder On The Orient Express. (2017, Ma, R) After a ruthless businessman is murdered while travelling aboard the Orient Express, one of the passengers, renowned Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, tries to solve the case before the killer strikes again. Kenneth Branagh, Daisy Ridley, Judi Dench.

10.50 To Be Advised.

12.30 Home Shopping.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 18. Melbourne Storm v Penrith Panthers. From Marvel Stadium, Melbourne.

9.55 Golden Point. A wrap-up of the Melbourne Storm versus Penrith Panthers match, with news and analysis.

10.40 MOVIE: Assault On Precinct 13. (2005, MA15+lv, R) A cop battles rogue colleagues. Ethan Hawke, Laurence Fishburne.

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

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Postcards. (PG, R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

6.30 The Project.

7.30 Location, Location, Location Australia. (Premiere) Property experts search for homes.

8.30 Have You Been Paying

Attention? (Malns, R) Celebrity panellists include Kitty Flanagan, Ray O’Leary and Bron Lewis.

9.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Ml, R) Irish comedian Graham Norton is joined on the red couch by Dame Helen Mirren, Sir Patrick Stewart, Ariana DeBose and Pedro Pascal, with music from Freya Ridings, who performs her single Weekends

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)

GET THE CHAROLAIS CROSS PREMIUM IN THREE WAYS

• Through extra KG to sell from Charolais growth.

• The Charolais premium when marketed to buyers who will pay premiums for CHAR X cattle.

• Higher calving % from the added libdo of Charolais Bulls putting more claves on the ground.

• Buy a Glenlea Bull and get the advantages of dealing with a profession team were our business is adding extra $$$ to your bottom line!

Glenlea Charolais was established in 1973 with the simple vision to produce more kg of beef from our cows and existing land base using Charolais genetics. That productivity boost still drives our program today.

From modest beginnings

Glenlea Charolais found innovative pathways to grow through good and tough times. Our plans are to establish a base in North QLD in the near future. We are now a major Charolais seedstock producer in Australia as Glenlea Beef with the goal to grow more and cement our position as a Charolais seedstock producer of infuence, supplying large lines of quality bulls to Australian beef producers.

In 2021 we purchased the entire herd of Fairfeld Charolais females from

Lindsey and Belinda Hindle to add to our growing Charolais cow herd now numbering 1000 cows.

Glenlea Beef’s future aspiration is to grow to be Australia’s Largest Charolais seedstock Business and supply large numbers of bulls throughout QLD and NSW to our existing and new clients. Our cow herd is located across several properties in sub-tropical coastal far north NSW, an environment that quickly fnds out any poor doing cattle, only the best doing females are retained to enter the herd.

During the last 18 months we have added a large herd base in central western NSW at Coonabarabran. With 3 bull sales again this year in Winton, Clermont and Roma, all in Qld and paddock sales in NSW. Our performance recording and genetic testing is a key part of our growth.

In 2023 we have nearly 300 bulls to offer at our sales and in the paddock! Our stud cattle are our primary business and selling bulls that add value to our client’s bottom line, and the entire supply chain is what we strive for in everything we do with our cattle. Our after sales service we take very seriously and back our stock with 100%

guarantee. Our bulls have thrived in all western locations having been breed on the coast. Feedback has been very positive with repeat buying the benchmark, we attribute this easy adaptability to having generationally bred cattle with natural doing ability as our number 1 selection criteria, with performance recording and all the other selection and breeding tools we use being applied after that.

Our genetic base We have a blend of many bloodlines and that meet our criteria and with the heart being a number of Glenlea cow families that have origins going back over 40 years, with descendants not only directly in our herd but

many studs throughout the country.

The Glenlea herd is now as diverse as the breed in Australia, with a blend of many bloodlines and different phenotypes to produce an Australian type Charolais. We have a degree of type variation, which is necessary with our range of markets and geographic footprint, from higher growth and yield types for northern markets over bos indicus cows to more moderate, early maturing types that suit more southern markets, but all assessed through the same process for all economic traits. Our breeding strategy is to produce powerful performance cattle in a medium to moderate frame

score with a complete carcass. By that we mean above average yield, EMA, fat cover and IMF%. Measuring birthweights to be able to assist our bull clients to make the best selections for their operation and maintaining calving ease through BW and early gestation length. Maternal strength focus on fertility, milking ability with great udders and moderate sized teats for longevity. While we are primary a terminal breed, in northern markets especially, Charolais x heifers are retained in there 1000’s, so as seedstock producers we must always have our customers and in turn their customers in the front of mind in our breeding decisions, as those

decisions ripple down the supply chain and leave big impacts, both positive and negative.

Polled genetics have progress in our breed to match horned bloodlines for every economic trait. Our herd still has a number of horned females and these are joined to homozygous polled sires. 98% of our calves born in the last 5 years are polled, many homozygous.

g Strategy & Customer Service

BREEDPLAN is a genetic evaluation tool now over 30 years old and proven across many breeds and countries. We are happy to explain any of the fner points of EBV’s as they relate to the Charolais breed and specifcally to our cattle. Customer Service is at the heart of what we do, we spend much of our time travelling to clients both commercial and stud to help with a full range of services. We provide many services to all our clients from the most basic to full stud breeding and marketing support. Your success is our success. We are here to assist and work with you and your agents to help you achieve the highest possible price for your Glenlea sired stock

Glenlea are actively breeding Red Factor bulls, photo is of one of our Red sire’s Glenlea Pheonix (PP) R/F a Homozgous polled (100% no horns) bull.

Timber Plantations Boosted with $73 Million in Grants

The Albanese Government is strengthening Australia’s sustainable timber supply, with $73.76 million in federal grants to establish new forestry plantations.

The Support Plantation Establishment program will provide grant funding over four years to help establish new long-rotation softwood and hardwood plantation forests. The program will seek to establish up to 36,000 hectares of new plantation across Australia.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said the program further emphasises the Albanese Government’s commitment to supporting the forestry industry and regional communities, while reducing our carbon footprint.

“The Albanese Government has delivered the most signifcant forest industry support package in Australia’s history, investing over $300 million to help improve the capacity and capability of the sector,” Minister Watt said.

“By stimulating new growth in Australia’s plantation forest estate, we are helping meet future demand for timber, increasing our carbon stocks, creating regional employment opportunities, and building a sustainable and prosperous future while meeting our climate emissions reduction commitments.

“Under the previous Coalition Government, the size of Australia’s plantation forest estate declined, and estimates predict a shortfall of 3.4 million m3 in 2050

between domestic production and demand for softwood sawlogs— we have acted to prevent that from happening.”

Australian Forest Products Association

Acting CEO Natasa Sikman acknowledged the importance of the grants to the future of Australian forestry.

“AFPA welcomes this stimulus to drive the planting of more and much needed timber production trees to help secure Australia’s sovereign capability in timber and wood fbre supply, while helping Australia fght climate change and underpin regional jobs in key areas,” Ms Sikman said.

“We thank Minister Watt and the broader Government for its support in ensuring this program is being delivered.”

The grants are open to private industry, First Nations businesses, farm foresters, and state and territory government forestry bodies. Applicants are required to provide a co-contribution at least equal to the grant amount awarded. This can be demonstrated by the value of the land the

new plantation forests will be established on, fnancial means, or state, territory, or local grant funding.

The Albanese Government will provide funding of $2,000 (GST exclusive) per 1 hectare of new long-rotation plantation forest established, with a minimum plantation

area of 20 hectares to be eligible for a grant.

Applications for round 1 of the Support Plantation Establishment program opens today, 21 June, and close on 24 January 2024.

To learn more about the Support Plantation Establishment program visit www.grants.gov.au

IS GOVERNMENT FAILING AUSTRALIANS ON

CANEGROWERS

is calling on the federal, state and territory governments to redouble their efforts to halt the march of Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA), following the release of a damning report on the failure of the current eradication program.

The report, which has been kept under wraps for two years, makes clear that the current strategy will not only fail to eradicate RIFA, but will be unable to stop the global super-pest from spreading beyond southeast Queensland.

‘To prevent RIFA spreading beyond SEQ, building up more around Brisbane, and eventually becoming entrenched throughout Australia, a larger, more comprehensive

and inevitably more expensive program will be needed,’’ the report states.

Failure to do so would lead to ‘inevitable future costs of major public health impacts and billions worth of damage per year to Australian agriculture and the wider economy.’

If governments are not serious about eradication or containment, the report suggests the national eradication program should be wound down and transition to state-bystate management should occur.

CANEGROWERS

Environment and Sustainability Senior Manager Mick Quirk said Red Imported Fire Ants are one of the worst invasive species to ever reach Australia

and failure to eradicate the pest would have dire consequences for the entire community.

“The report states that the current fre ant program is not ft for purpose and is grossly under-resourced,” he said.

Mr Quirk questioned why the Queensland and Federal governments sat on the report for two years.

“Why has there been no sign of any decisions or actions in the two years since the report was completed. Where is the urgency and the transparency?” he said.

“We call on all states and territories and the Federal Government to re-commit to a properly funded and coordinated national program that will eradicate fre ants once and for all.

“Failure to do so will have a devastating impact on a whole range of agricultural industries and on the Australian way of life,” Mr Quirk said.

Rocky Point cane farmer Ben Spann said growers in the district were upset and frustrated by the lack of action and transparency by the government.

“Fire ants have been a huge problem in our area for years and we’ve always suspected that

the government wasn’t taking it seriously enough or committing the funds and resources necessary to properly tackle this massive environmental and societal problem,” Mr Spann said.

“But to see that in black and white, and to fnd out that they’ve known for two years but have sat on this report is very upsetting and frustrating.

“We’ve been let down badly by our state and federal politicians and by

Biosecurity Queensland. And I don’t just mean the sugarcane industry here in Rocky Point. If not addressed, this failure will eventually impact every Australian. “But if our local industry does end up failing because of the impact of fre ants, especially on the sugarcane mulch side of the industry, the Queensland Government will have a very large bill on its hands in the future.”

SOIL PRACTITIONER ACCREDITATION HITS THE GROUND RUNNING

Farmers and land managers can have more confdence in soil practitioner knowledge thanks to a new $1 million accreditation funded by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

The Registered Soil Practitioner (RSP) accreditation, which was developed by Soil Science Australia in

collaboration with soil scientists, industry, government and land and natural resource managers, opened for applications on 22 May.

The RSP accreditation recognises the expertise of soil practitioners like agronomists, national resource management (Landcare) offcers, consultants and others working in the soil space.

It gives farmers and land

managers confdence in the competence, ability and integrity of the practitioner they have engaged.

The department’s First Assistant Secretary of Sustainability, Climate and Strategy Division, Nick Blong, said the accreditation would help soil professionals enhance and standardise their expertise across Australia.

“RSP accreditation can be achieved through training, mentoring, workforce experience or recognition for prior learning,” he said.

“For those working in soil-related industries, the accreditation will build knowledge, enhance career pathways, and ensure professionals can provide practical and scientifcally valid

advice to farmers and other land managers.

“It helps address a gap in accreditation and training between university-educated soil scientists and those who have developed their soil expertise through practical, hands-on knowledge of soil.”

The development and implementation of the

accreditation is funded over two fnancial years (2021-22 to 2022-23). It is part of the National Soil Strategy and National Soil Action Plan.

For more information visit Registered Soil PractitionerSoil Management Accreditation - Soil Science Australia.

ACCC CONCERNS ABOUT MITSUBISHI DISCOUNT OFFER RESOLVED FOLLOWING CONSUMER REFUNDS

circulated as a targeted offer to QFF members.

FARMERS, TRADIES FRUSTRATED BY GOVERNMENT REFUSAL

Following ACCC concerns that Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (Mitsubishi) may have made false or misleading claims to members of the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) about discounts available to them off the price of vehicles, Mitsubishi has provided partial refunds to affected consumers.

The ACCC received a complaint alleging that in September 2022, Mitsubishi made false or misleading representations about the discounts available on a range of its vehicles in an advertisement

Key points

The Mitsubishi fyer sent to QFF members stated that they were entitled to a 15 per cent discount off the entire range of Mitsubishi vehicles, when in fact the 15 per cent discount only applied to a specifc variant of the Mitsubishi Triton vehicle, and different lower discounts applied to other vehicles.

After the ACCC raised concerns with Mitsubishi, Mitsubishi provided partial refunds to affected consumers so that they received the full 15 per cent discount off the price they paid for their vehicle. Mitsubishi has also committed to updating its compliance handbook and implementing a formal Australian Consumer Law compliance program.

“We welcome Mitsubishi’s cooperation and the steps it has taken to provide consumer redress, as well as its commitment to implement a compliance program that should reduce the risk of similar conduct occurring in the future,” said ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh.

“This should serve as a timely reminder to the motor vehicle industry to closely review all marketing material before it is published or distributed to ensure compliance with the Australian Consumer Law.”

“Ensuring that small businesses in the agricultural sector receive the protections of the competition and consumer laws is one of the ACCC’s current Compliance and Enforcement priorities,” Mr Keogh said.

The Federal Government has refused to consider a common-sense reversal of a Budget decision that will see thousands of farmers, tradies and small business owners worse off after July 1. Changes to the Instant Asset Write-Off in the May 9 Budget meant anyone who had ordered vehicles or equipment only had until June 30 to take delivery before the threshold dropped to just $20,000.

With many businesses still facing lengthy supply chain delivery delays, NSW Farmers joined other industry groups in calling for a “common sense extension” to the Instant Asset Write-Off.

But this week Agriculture Minister Murray Watt wrote to NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin to advise no extension would be granted. Mr Martin said the tineared decision would see farmers, tradies and small business owners thousands of dollars out of pocket.

“People have ordered expensive equipment and placed deposits or paid outright under the belief they could use the Instant Asset Write-Off, but now they’ll be caught short through no fault of their own,” Mr Martin said.

“The right thing to do would be a grace period where anyone who paid for a tractor or piece of equipment before the Budget was handed down, but whose dealer can’t get it to them by June 30, will still be able to claim the write-off.

“As it stands, this decision will leave them thousands of dollars out of pocket at the worst possible time for business with soaring infation and costs.”

Under the changes anyone who has not taken delivery of an order by

June 30 – regardless of when the order was placed or paid for – would have to depreciate the asset over many years. Some farmers had ordered expensive equipment such as tractors more than a year ago, Mr Martin said, and were still waiting to take delivery.

“This decision will leave farmers out of pocket because the government won’t do the right thing,” Mr Martin said.

“We’ve got this absurd situation where someone has paid for a tractor, but because they can’t get it by June 30 because of delays, the farmer will be left fnancially much worse off.

“It’s not fair and it will place a lot more unnecessary pressure on a lot of businesses.”

Australia’s cattle herd reaches highest level in a decade

• The national herd continues to grow, reaching 28.7m head, its highest level in a decade.

• Cattle slaughter is forecast to rise strongly from 2022 lows as processing capacity improves.

• Production forecast to increase strongly in 2023.

The growth of the Australian national cattle herd is on track to increase throughout 2023, resulting in a high supply of both young cattle and fnished weight animals to market well into 2024.

This is according to the latest Cattle Industry Projections update from Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), which notes that the national cattle herd will reach its highest level since 2014

at 28.7m head.

With the national cattle herd reaching its highest level since 2014 this year, stocking rates in southern Australia, particularly in New South Wales, are at levels well above longterm averages. Northern Australia will develop its herd rebuild on the back of a very strong wet season generally.

According to Senior Market Information Analyst at MLA, Ripley Atkinson, a continuation of female retention in northern Australia will ensure the rebuild for this region continues, while the breeding herd in southern Australia will reach levels above long term averages in 2023.

“The longer-term outlook of higher supply is ensured, with the above-average marking rates continuing despite a

forecast return to average or below-average seasonal conditions,” Mr Atkinson said.

“The genetic investment producers have made in building a productive, fertile breeding herd during the past three years will contribute signifcantly to delivering continued high supplies of young cattle into 2024.”

Beef production is forecast to strongly increase this year as a result of improvements in processing capacity so far in 2023, higher slaughter volumes and historically elevated carcase weights.

Slaughter for 2023 is forecast to reach 6.95 million head, a revision upwards of 5% or 325,000 head on MLA’s January fgures. Driving the higher volume this year will be:

• Strong numbers of grassfed steer turn-off from key production regions of Queensland, including the Channel Country.

• Signifcantly higher numbers of cast-for-age cows as numbers of breeding females on-farm allow the turn-off of older stock.

“Processors are continuing to manage higher supplies of slaughter weight stock and this trend is expected to continue for the remainder of the year,” Mr Atkinson said.

“So far in 2023, the cattle market has operated as it typically does throughout the frst six months of the year,” Mr Atkinson said.

“It’s not uncommon for higher turn-off of stock leading into winter

to place downward pressure on price.

“However, the previous three years have been the exception due to the rebuild following years of drought, and the impacts of COVID.

“In considering these major events, it is important to acknowledge these years were outliers when it comes to examining trends in cattle prices.”

As part of the report, MLA also collates price forecast information from industry analysts. These analysts’ forecasts to the end of the year indicate a stabilisation in prices relative to the volatile market of 2022, although with forecasted levels to be below longer-term averages for both the EYCI and the Feeder steer.

Based on current rates, analyst forecasts to 31

December are for the EYCI to be 546¢, a 10¢/ kg carcase weight (cwt) or 2% decline. If this forecast eventuates, the price would be 13.5% or 85¢ lower than the 10-year average.

The remainder of 2023 is expected to see continued improvements in both supply of cattle and beef to market as slaughter rates increase.

“This places Australia in an enviable position to take advantage of shifts in the global marketplace, including greater market access for Australian beef, supply adjustments to key competitors and a continued strong domestic market,” said Mr Atkinson.

BAD NEWS FOR RENTERS AS NATIONAL SURVEY FINDS A MAJORITY OF LANDLORDS INTEND TO PASS ON COST OF LATEST INTEREST RATE RISE

A survey of 315 landlords throughout Australia has revealed that 55.9 per cent or more than half plan to pass on the cost of June interest rate rise by the RBA onto their tenants.

The snap survey of landlords was

undertaken during the week by Property Club which is the largest independent property investment group in Australia.

Kevin Young, President of Property Club said that the survey was terrible news for renters throughout Australia who are fnancially struggling with rising rents.

“This snap survey of Property Club members throughout Australia reveals that more than half of all renters will have to fnancially absorb the latest rise in interest rates.

“The survey found that 55.9 per cent would increase their weekly rents to pay for the interest rate rise, 14 per

cent were unsure and 30.2 per cent said they would not increase their rents.

“Property Club has been warning the government for many months that increasing interest rates is voodoo economics because it only pushes up rents which are a key component of the infation basket of goods that measure infation,” he said.

Kevin Young added that renters were now suffering because of higher interest rates.

“Rents have exploded in Australia and will continue to do so as long as the RBA keeps increasing interest rates.

“Mum and dad property investors cannot be

expected to constantly absorb the cost of rising interest rates as many are having to deal with cost of living pressures like everyone else.

“Higher interest rates have also seen a major fall in lending to property investors which means fewer rental properties are becoming available at a time when we are experiencing a housing crisis.

“Property Club is predicting that rising interest rates will result in the median weekly rent in Australian capital cities rising by over 20 per cent during the coming year.

“This will force many renters to live below the poverty line and even lose their home – a tragedy that should be frmly placed at the feet of the RBA Governor Philip Lowe.

“Property Club is urging the Federal Government to increase the supply of rental properties by removing recently imposed restrictions on interest only loans and restoring tax depreciation benefts to second hand properties that will result in lower priced rentals quickly entering the rental market”, he said.

Real Estate. Think TCR

Safety Corp RTO 91694

QUICK CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 One who believes in sharing evenly amongst the community (9)

6 Temperate (4)

10 Poem (3)

11 Armour that covers the chest (11)

12 To make more attractive (8)

13 Di cult (6)

14 Puerto Rican actor, – Guzmán (4)

15 Expresses disapproval (7)

20 Supervisors (7)

21 Landlocked West African country (4)

25 Discharge (6)

26 Producing haze (8)

28 Ornamentation (11)

29 Phone program (3)

30 Preservative (4)

31 Visible features of an area (9) DOWN

1 Grow rapidly (8)

2 A species of buttercup (8)

3 Heads of a monastery (6)

SUDOKU

4 Beyond words, indescribable (9)

5 Examine (4)

7 Roma is its capital (6)

8 Dragnet (6)

9 Work (7)

16 Height (9)

17 Line dividing the earth and the sky (7)

18 Vista (8)

19 First name of Italian composer Verdi (8)

22 Hens (6)

23 Sudden gust of wind (6)

24 Indicates (6)

27 One of the seasons (US) (4)

No. 152 No. 152

1 By what name is William Michael Albert Broad better known?

2 In medical science, what is the equivalent of gynaecology for men?

3 Panama is bordered by which two countries?

4 What word in English is formed by two words that end in -gry, and is also a combination of their meanings?

5 The astronomical theory that the planets revolve around the sun is known as what?

6 Dhivehi is the o cial language of which country?

7 Viola, Olivia and Sebastian are all characters in which Shakespearean play?

8 The city of Darwin (pictured) has had to be almost entirely rebuilt twice as a consequence of which two events?

9 Which religion follows the Eightfold Path?

10 What is the country of origin of that religion?

ACROSS

1 Flower; symbol of love (4)

5 In bed (4)

6 Skin opening (4)

7 Adolescent (4)

DOWN

1 Fascinated (4)

2 Slender woodwind (4)

3 Dry (4)

9-LETTER WORD No. 152

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”.

WORD FIND No. 152

The leftover letters will spell out a secret message.

Secret message:

4 Paradise (4) BARN

F R

WORD FILL

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

CROSS MATH

HIDDEN WORD

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

1 Where mouths, noses and eyes are found

2 Delhi is the capital of this country

3 Respond

4 A four leaf clover is a type of lucky –

L V

C V C

B C Insert

L L S

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

5 The opposite of elderly

6 School theatre subject

7 Event where people ride bulls

8 What toast is made of

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW...

1. Which Australian city did Neeson visit in November to film scenes for action thriller Blacklight?

A. Sydney

B. Brisbane

C. Adelaide

D. Melbourne

2. In which Star Wars film did he star as Jedi master Qui-Gon Jinn?

A. Episode I – The Phantom Menace

B. Episode II – Attack of the Clones

C. Episode III – Revenge of the Sith

D. Episode IV – A New Hope

3. Who stars opposite Neeson in The Marksman?

A. Travis Fimmel

B. Katheryn Winnick

C. Alex Høgh Andersen

D. Gabriel Byrne

4. What is the job of the characters he voices in The LEGO Movie?

A. Police o cer

B. Doctor

C. Pilot

D. Soldier

ANSWERS: 1D, 2A, 3B, 4A

Byron Music Festival – the good times rolled

A unique blend of electronic music artistry and community choir had a rapt audience singing along at the top of their voices in the closing hours of Byron Music Festival 2023.

Groove Terminator and the Shire Choir’s goosebump-inducing renditions of classics such as I Feel Love and Love is in the Air proved irresistible, with the huge crowd joining in what is certainly the happiest musical experience of the year.

The feelgood session summed up the atmosphere of the entire Saturday in the park event, which saw kids dancing on dads’ shoulders to the funtime rock of Bunny Racket and devoted fans soaking up the eclectic sounds of an exhilarating range of bands, from the emerging, such as Band Called Stereo, to the established (JK-47, Resin Dogs, Hussy

Hicks) – all of them having some connection with the Northern Rivers region.

Fifty bans altogether played across a variety of stages in Byron Bay, from the opening night at the Great Northern Hotel to the closing party at the Treehouse at Belongil.

Saturday’s main event was held in balmy weather with the panorama of Byron’s glittering sea-scape as its backdrop. The beachside Dening Park featured three stages and 35 acts, each with a hard core of followers in attendance, and fresh converts to music that was stunning in its diversity and excellence.

Punters took to social media to broadcast their enthusiasm: “The best festival in Byron Bay,” enthused one; “Defnitely the best festival Byron Shire has to offer,” echoed another; while pinkzinc entertainment simply said: “Was

PH: 6686 9600

ballinafaircinemas.com.au

Thurs June 29th - Wed July 5th

ELEMENTAL PG 109 Min

INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY M 154 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

EPIC.”

Their delight was shared by Byron Music proprietor and BMF Director, Nick Sergi, who said the 2023 festival proved to be the gift to the community he had hoped for.

“Our local musicians have faced a huge struggle in recent years with the pandemic stopping all live performances, and audiences have also been denied the experience of joining with other music fans in a celebration of what they passionately love.

“This weekend we were able to give them that experience in spades: everyone was happy – the paramedics, who didn’t have to deal with any dramas, the police, the musos, and all of the locals who were able to enjoy the talent and warm vibe and the reminder of why this is such a special place to live.”

The family-friendly event lived up to its multiple objectives, summed up in three words: Community, Culture, Country. “We are grateful to have been supported by a number of wonderful local businesses who enabled

us to and provide a safe and friendly venue for families to have a day out enjoying a range of locally-made musical experiences,” Nick said.

“BMF also encouraged and supported the region’s performing artists; and demonstrated

care for country and respect for its traditional custodians, from the opening welcome to country featuring Arakwal and Bundjalung Dancers to our ‘no plastics’ rule to the Sunday morning beach clean-up, alongside sustainability partners Positive Change for Marine Life (PMFL).”

• Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (M)

• No Hard Feelings (MA15+)

• Spiderman: Across the SpiderVerse (PG)

• The Little Mermaid (PG)

• Elemental (PG)

• The Flash (M)

• Indiana Jones & the Dial of Destiny (M)

• The PilgrimageUnlikelyof Harold Fry (M)

• Cats in the Museum (G)

The clean-up collaboration saw 27 community members, festival crew and PCML volunteers prevent 33kgs of waste from washing into the ocean – nearly 4000 separate pieces of litter, from cigarette butts, balloons, aluminium cans and food containers.

HANS: DISCO SPEKTAKULAR TOUR

Home Shows

THE JOHNNY CASH SPECIAL

pm

Saturday August 12, 2023 @ 7:30pm

RHYTHMS OF IRELAND

Monday August 14, 2023 @ 6:30pm

BJORN 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.

Although the waste didn’t come from the Festival site, organisers were determined to go beyond the Festival’s covenant with Byron Shire Council, the town’s residents and traditional owners and leave the area better than they found it.

“We are grateful for the support we have received from the community to bring BMF back to Dening Park. To express our appreciation we were committed to ensuring that our footprint was light, and we fulflled that commitment,” Nick said.

Plans for a Byron Music Festival in 2024 were already underway, he said.

BMF23 Groove Terminator and Shire Choir Photo Lyn McCarthy Niche Pictures

Northern Rivers Community Gallery (NRCG) presents four diverse exhibitions this July from local and interstate artists. The exhibitions include a photographic journey through Afghanistan, explorations upon the essence of landscape, traditional textile art and cultural practices of Iran and a collection of artworks celebrating the 12th Annual Grace Cruice Memorial Exhibition.

Imagined Peace – A Portrait of Modern Afghanistan | Mark Isaacs This exhibition is a portrait of Afghanistan before the Taliban regained control of the country. The images were taken in 2016-17, at a time when people dared to dream in the Western occupation’s promises of peace,

prosperity, and freedom. The exhibition delves beneath the news reports to remind us that even in the most challenging circumstances, hope, love, and peace can fourish.

SCU Graduate Award

Grounding (States of Flow) | Jemima Patch -Taylor The recipient of this year’s SCU Graduate

rhythms of nature and cyclic dispositions of the universe and how this can relate to human consciousness. It provides glimpses of moments of time, stillness, and refection, expressing a

Mohammadi explores the traditional Iranian

Mohammadi fowers of Qamsar. This exhibition

Gruice Memorial Exhibition | BACCI

Presented by the members of the Ballina Arts & Crafts Centre (BACCI), this exhibition is a tribute to founding member Grace Cruice, showcasing the best works created by BACCI members over the

Award Exhibition, Jemima Patch-Taylor, explores the essence of landscape in her exhibition Grounding (States of Flow). This exhibition touches on

synergy between the spirit of human emotion and ever-changing natural phenomena.

The Making of Mohammadi | Prita Tina Yeganeh The Making of

scent of rosewater and its imprint on the desert landscapes of Qamsar. Every spring, the arid terrain blossoms into a wild feld of sacred roses, famously known as the

showcases Abrī prints (adapted for the silk medium) presented in light boxes to emphasise this metamorphosis from desert to rose garden.

12th Annual Grace

Buffet Fridays

Starts 2nd June

“Brilliant

“Riveting”

“Powerful”

“Engaging and authentic”

past year. This is the twelfth Annual Memorial Exhibition to be hosted by NRCG and coincides with BACCI’S 25-year anniversary.

All exhibitions open Wednesday, 28 June and continue until Sunday, 20 August. The offcial exhibition launch will be held 5.30 – 7.30pm, Thursday, 6 July.

The Northern Rivers Community Gallery is located at 44 Cherry Street Ballina and is open Wednesday to Friday from 10am until 4pm and weekends from 9.30am until 1pm. For further information contact the Gallery on 02 6681 0530 or visit the website www. nrcgballina.com.au

The story of Frankie from “I Was Only 19”, in the 40th anniversary year of its release as told by his son.

performance by the son of a Vietnam vet”

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

So much adds so little to be thankful for.

It is unclear when the practice began or from whence it came, although the USA and Netfix could be implicated, but it’s become so wide spread, indeed almost ubiquitous, it has cheapened the meaning of important human interaction and it must stop.

Thank you so much for reading this far, but who doesn’t agree that the addition of So Much to

Allegiance Wines

Coonawarra The

Artisan Cabernet

Sauvignon 2013, $40 (on release). A client donated this to the cause for services rendered and said, Youve got to try this. I said I already had but he insisted. Thank you so much. Ten years is perfect for cabernet as evidenced by the rate at

a simple Thank You has gotten completely out of control?

The person who just made your medium, skinny cap, extra hot, low-tide cappuccino didn’t just stop the war in Ukraine and cure all cancers known to mankind, they just made you a coffee, albeit an annoying one, and okay, maybe this is a bad example, but it’s still

which this disappeared at the party and how much people overflled their glasses.9.6/10.

Cox Family Wines

Tumbarumba Pinot Noir 2022, $35. Tumbarumba is a beautiful word to say but uses lots of ink on labels. Beautiful place for pinot too, markedly different to those of other regions,

pushing the boundaries when you add so much.

Maybe if they’d just pulled you back from the edge of a cliff Thank you so Much might be appropriate.

If your lawyer got you off drug charges before a Saudi court or landed the plane you were on with only one wing you might say Thank you so Much, perhaps adding an apology sorry about the smell, but

with a bit more body and mainstream appeal than some cherry bombs of elsewhere. 9.4/10.

Wild Ren Wines Hunter Valley/Hilltops Shiraz 2022, $40. The cool and clever labels will offer enough talking points if at dinner you’re stuck next to someone who is stuck for conversation. The wine

not when you just paid too much for an awful coffee.

If you are paying a restaurant bill, you don’t need to say thank you so much unless your credit card was rejected, and the other guests paid.

If someone opens a door for you or lets you in a line of traffc, a simple thank you will suffce. Adding so much is condescending and about as sincere as if it were

is a fne distraction if that fails, and magically, eventually it will happen. That it’s young Hunter shiraz is blatant, but the Hilltops adds a cool touch.9.5/10.

Wild Ren Wines

Hunter Valley Untamed Semillon 2022, $35. Semillons sometimes smell somewhat subdued, so you should

coming from Siri and risks completely reversing the intent of the gratitude which is the last thing you want during a motoring incident.

Thank you so much for not smashing my mirror off and punching me in the head for being a rude and insincere twat, might be an exception.

So, when You’re picking up your next box of wine at the bottlo, just say thank

sip it to snap out of it as you might terrible alliterations. The bright lemony taste will take over and the unexpected depth will linger. Yes, this hasn’t been tamed or trained like typical semillon. 9.4/10.

Grower Gatherer

Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 (latest vintage 2021), $27. Bright and shiny Barossan cabernet has

Max Crus

you unless the attendant slips in an extra bottle, then it should be Thanks a lot. Nothing more.

If that extra bottle is a Hill of Grace, then and only then you should have the good grace, and the right, to say thank you so much.

Of course, that’s never going to happen, but you might get one of these, so be grateful, in the right manner.

certain appeal. It’s easy to quaff and when you overcome the fruit sweetness, you’ll enjoy yourself 9.1/10.

Grower Gatherer

Barossa Shiraz 2020, $27. Equally bright and lively shiraz with a fair punch but you’d hardly notice from the basket of fruit that leads the way and brings up the rear too. 9/10.

BUILDERS: PRODUCTIVITY STIFLING LASSO MUST BE CUT

The Australian economy is at risk of further slowdowns if productivity challenges continue to be ignored and the Government ties the hands of business says Master Builders Australia Acting CEO Shaun Schmitke.

“Australia’s economy grew by only 0.2 per cent over the quarter heavily infuenced by the strength of engineering construction which is up by 3.1 per cent.

“A strong building industry means a strong economy. The inextricable ties between construction activity and the broader health of the economy are again on display.

“However, there is no getting away from the fact that economic growth is weak.

“There continues to be signifcant uncertainty and volatility in the sector with the combination of rising infation and interest rates and labour shortages which are adding to the growing list of pressures on the industry.

“Looking ahead, we cannot continue to rely on the tightening of business and mortgage holders’ purse strings to steer the ship.

“Governments must lift the handbrake on the building and construction industry by bringing down the cost of doing business and addressing supply side barriers.

“Productivity performance in construction is going backwards. There have been too many missed opportunities to unlock productivity in building

and construction to support the effcient delivery of projects.

“We should be promoting productivity in the sector and not tying its hands.

“The proposed changes to workplace laws are

contributing to ongoing uncertainty, and we urge the government to avoid productivitysapping policies that undermine the very fabric of small business: fexibility, entrepreneurship and choice.

“We should not be creating a more complex and disincentivised environment that deters people from the industry with an urgent need of half a million new entrants by 2026. “Governments need to look at what impact

their regulations and policies have on the cost of building homes and on the cost of building social infrastructure; that includes workplace laws, the cost of planning and the need for more titled land,” Mr Schmitke said.

PERSONAL GUARANTEES CAN SINK BUSINESS OWNERS: DON’T GO INTO THEM BLINDLY, URGES INSOLVENCY SPECIALIST

Personal guarantees can sink business owners

Understand the risks of ‘personal Kryptonite’, urges insolvency specialist

Personal guarantees can lead to bankruptcy, and SME owners should understand the risks – and the ‘rewards’ –of personal liability on business debts, urges Jirsch Sutherland, national insolvency and turnaround solutions specialist.

A personal guarantee

(also known as a director’s guarantee) gives lenders and credit providers a written promise by a director (or directors) to accept liability for a business’s debt. Which means if the business defaults, the director’s home, car and money in their personal account could be used to settle the outstanding debt. And if you co-own your home with a spouse or partner, it doesn’t automatically provide protection, as they will also have to sign the guarantee.

“Personal guarantees are commonplace, and with the current economic volatility, more and more lenders and creditor providers are requiring them. They’re usually provided for vehicle fnance, debtor factoring/invoicing facilities, overdrafts, term loans, and for credit applications for the supply of goods,” explains Malcolm Howell, a Jirsch Sutherland Partner and Bankruptcy Trustee.

“But as common as they are, they’re also often

described as a business owner’s ‘Kryptonite’.

“The use of personal borrowings and mortgage guarantees for business borrowings increases household and individual fnancial vulnerabilities. They have the potential to bring you down fnancially and ruin your fnancial freedom. That’s why speaking with a trusted adviser early on should be at the top of your list when you’re starting or running an existing business.

Understand the risks

and how to protect your assets and yourself.”

A signifcant proportion of personal insolvencies is the result of a failed business, adds Howell.

“I’ve seen many SME directors go into bankruptcy because they’ve provided personal guarantees on business debts. In the event of a default on a loan, or if the business goes into external administration, if the guarantee holder (creditor) doesn’t receive suffcient funds, which is often the case, they can pursue the director for

the debt owned by the corporate entity.”

Howell also urges individuals to be aware of the impact of personal guarantees on personal debt, such as for cars and personal loans.

Jirsch Sutherland’s tips for protecting your personal exposure

•  If you’re setting up a business / corporate entity, seek advice on the appropriate type of structure.

•  Seek advice on how to structure personal assets and/or jointly held assets.

•  Read the fne print! Review every loan or credit application to understand exactly to what extent the personal guarantee is being offered.

•  Negotiate and amend any document to limit your personal exposure to corporate debt (e.g., to a dollar value).

•  Keep a register and copies of all documents/credit applications that have been signed and that contain personal guarantee clauses.

Personal guarantees can lead to bankruptcy. It’s crucial to be aware of the risks and the benefts.

Hyundai confrms electric ute, diesel Kia twin unlikely

By Jeffrey GIBBS

With their latest roadmap update Hyundai has announced their ambition to sell two million EVs yearly by 2030 and have confrmed the development of an electric ute

To rival popular competitors like Ford F150 Lightning and Rivian R1T alongside Tesla’s Cybertruck in this segment of electric pickups trucks market battle feld is what Hyundai aims for.

Snapshot

• Hyundai confrms second-gen IMA electric vehicle platform

• The new platform is set to underpin a total of 13 vehicles by the year of 2030 and one of them is an electric Ute

• We shouldn’t expect a diesel Kia Tasman twin to join the Electric Hyundai ute

At an investor conference in Seoul held overnight Hyundai Motor gave additional details for its nextgeneration electric vehicle platform.

Nearly all vehicle classes will be represented in the new Integrated Modular Architecture (IMA) platform with a selection of 13 models that include small and large SUVs along with pickup trucks and fagship Genesis vehicles.

The next generation of Hyundai and Kia models such as the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Kia EV9 will feature a different architecture instead of the current Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP).

Before 2025, the

E-GMP platform is expected to support various future vehicles from Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. This lineup includes popular models like the Hyundai Ioniq 7 large SUV and Kia EV5 small-to-midsize SUV.

With a projected 50 per cent increase in driving range, Hynudai Motor has revealed two electric vehicle platforms -eM and eS - which were announced last year. However, we are currently unsure if IMA is a progression of these plans or the overarching designation for the two architectures.

The UTE Hyundai and Kia’s upcoming pickups will be of a standard size

Just like Geely’s Radar RD6, the electric Hyundai ute will have a unibody platform shared with cars and SUVs-instead of having a body-on-frame design like the Ford F150 Lightning. With their hybrid platforms integrating unibody and body-on-frame features together. The Rivian R1T and Chevrolet Silverado EV stand out.

Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger are leading in sales charts for utility vehicles in Australia – an important market where diesel models dominate. The local arm of Hyundai is expected to closely observe regulatory developments including the Federal Government’s National Electric Vehicle Strategy.

Kia intends to release an all-electric pickup truck designed specifcally for North America sometime after 2025 and the company

plans on utilizing the same IMA platform used in their vehicles and could potentially incorporate design elements from Hyundai in order to improve both battery effciency as well as overall performance. Cheaper, better, further...

By emphasizing up to 80 standardised components,the group’s second-gen EV platform aims at reducing production costs and making smaller electric cars more affordable.

By capitalizing on its knowledge and success

in producing internalcombustion cars

Hyundai & Kia pouring billions into EVs

The automaker is planning to invest ₩35.8 trillion (AU$41 billion) in electrifcation over the next ten years with a goal of achieving annual Hyundai and Genesis electric vehicle sales of 2 million units by 2030 – exceeding their current fgure of 1.87 million units

By allocating ₩109 trillion (AU$125 billion), the company is positioning itself as a leading smart mobility

solution provider through investments in autonomy technology and hydrogen fuel cells alongside other sectors like robotics and aircraft.

It is predicted by Kia’s sister brand that electric vehicles will outpace internal-combustion vehicles in 2030

To meet the surging demand for EVs in North America, Hyundai Motor plans on starting production at its frst dedicated EV factory by late 2024. With an anticipated annual output capability of 300,000

vehicles, this facility aims to cater effectively.

By 2025 a new manufacturing facility will be operational in South Korea to manufacture electric vehicles for the domestic and international markets.

Hyundai has confrmed that their vehicles including Kia and Genesis will offer overthe-air software updates and connected-car services by 2025.

By the year 2030 Genesis will exclusively produce electric vehicles

Fire-breathing GR Corolla Morizo Edition lands in Oz

By Jeffrey Gibbs

With the arrival of the Morizo Edition, Toyota has brought performance to a whole new level following the launch

hundred Newton-meters originating from the 1.6 litre three cylinder turbocharged motor. The power remains consistent at 221kW. With adjusted gear ratios

treatment to improve shock torque strength. The spring inside the synchroniser has been made stronger to improve shifting performance during sports driving. Around 8.6-litres/100km is the expected fuel economy with these changes.

The Morizo Edition has also adopted monotube shock absorbers. This results in improved roll rigidity and responsiveness of both the MacPherson strut front and double-wishbone rear suspension.

braces inside the cabin and is superior in structure to its GTS sibling. A new foor brace is installed instead of the rear seats to join a suspension tower brace between the rear wheels. Having shed around 30kg of weight, the Morizo Edition no longer features various damping and silencing material or the rear wiper with its motor. Constructed with carbon fbre reinforced plastic, its roof also lowers the centre of gravity.

in Brin Naub perforated suede feature extra side and seat-base bolstering. The steering wheel, manual parking brake and shift boot have all been treated with suede. The steering wheel centre marker and shifter showcase alumite red metal accents. The seats, steering wheel, shifter, and parking brake feature red stitching too.

A comprehensive suite of active safety technologies is included, retaining all the features of the GTS but not including parking sensors. You can get the Morizo Edition in Frosted White Pearl, Tarmac Black Metallic and Matte Steel.

of the hotly anticipated GR Corolla hatch in February. Australia has only 25 examples available.

To maximize precision handling and track-day performance, it is designed with a range of focused enhancements over the GR Corolla GTS. Amongst the changes implemented is an increase in torque by an extra thirty Newton-meters, resulting in a total output of four

for frst and third gears, engineers have optimized usage of engine power band in their recalibration of closeratio six-speed intelligent manual transmission. Confguring the fnal gear ratio has also resulted in optimized drive torque. By adopting high-strength gear material, durability has been enhanced. The frst, third, fourth, ffth and fnal drive gears have undergone shock

The ftment of sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber in size of 245/40ZR18 improves the handling grip. It is wrapped around 10-spoke, 18-inch BBS forged alloy wheels. The outer edge of the rim features an engraving that says “TOYOTA GAZOO RACING”, with a red fnish applied to letter “R”.

To bolster structural reinforcement, the limited edition model incorporates two new

Extra steps to save weight encompass removing the steering wheel heater, parking sensors, and wireless charger along with converting the dual-zone air conditioner into a single-zone unit. Also, a two-speaker setup now replaces the previous eight-speaker JBL audio system.

The Morizo Edition on the inside includes several race-inspired details to aid in highspeed driving and cornering. The race bucket seats upholstered

With its 8.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, just like the GTS, the Morizo Edition is designed. Included is a colour head-up display and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. They have removed the native sat nav.

The standard offering includes Toyota Connected Services. Among its enhanced safety and convenience features are remote checking of the vehicle’s status and automatic communication with emergency services if there is a collision or crash.

The Morizo’s front intercooler has a ‘GR-FOUR’ emblem, which keen observers will notice for a subtle but dynamic touch. It benefts from a warranty lasting 5 years with unlimited mileage coverage. There is also an extended warranty of 7 years specifcally covering the engine and driveline.

The frst 3-years or 60,000km (whichever comes frst) offer capped-price servicing. If you are eager to get one, you will have to spend $77,800 plus on-roads. To get more information, reach out to your nearby Toyota dealer.

NEW STUDY: 2-IN-3 AUSTRALIANS AT RISK OF DEVELOPING HEART FAILURE, LIVING UNAWARE

• Affecting up to half a million Australians, heart failure is a leading cause of death in Australia.4

• Two in three (66%) Australians at risk of developing heart failure, living unaware.1

Eight in ten (82%) Australians aged 65 or over did not recognise age as a risk factor.1

• Each day, eight Australians lose their lives to heart failure, and it ranks as the number one cause of hospitalisation for those over 65.5

• Leading charity puts heart failure on national agenda with launch of Australianfrst Guide at Parliament House.

Monday, 19 June 2023, Sydney, Australia: Leading charity hearts4heart has commissioned new Australian research, uncovering a concerning lack of awareness regarding risk factors associated with heart

disease1 - a condition that can lead to heart failure.

Heart failure, a leading cause of death in Australia,4 affects up to half a million Australians3 and is responsible for eight lives lost each day.5

According to the study, two in three (66%) Australians who are susceptible to heart disease fail to recognise their risk, with an astonishing eight in ten (82%) Australians aged 65 or over not identifying age as a risk factor.1 However, as Australians live longer, the incidence of heart issues leading to heart failure increases.2

“Heart failure doesn’t mean your heart has failed, but rather that it’s failing to keep up with your body’s demands,” 7 said Associate Professor John Amerena, Director of the Geelong Cardiology Research Unit.

“When left untreated, heart

failure progressively worsens,6 but with early diagnosis, treatment and lifestyle changes, a person with heart failure can reduce their risk of hospitalisation and improve their quality of life.”

The research also found that six in ten (61%) Australians with a family history of heart conditions and six in ten (60%) Australians with high blood pressure were unaware of the potential link to heart disease,1 including heart failure.

“Unfortunately, dangerously low levels of awareness are leaving Australians vulnerable to this longterm condition,” said hearts4heart CEO Tanya Hall, who lost her father to heart failure when he was just 59.

To address this issue and support current and future patients, hearts4heart is launching an Australian-frst guide in Parliament House this week, in collaboration with patients, clinicians,

and the Parliamentary Friends of Heart and Stroke Foundations.

‘Understanding Heart Failure: A Practical Guide for all Australians’ is a comprehensive resource that supports individuals at risk of heart failure, and those living with the condition, offering

valuable insights from clinicians and patients. The guide features personal stories and experiences, including that of Katrina Tenne,who initially underestimated her risk despite her family’s history of cardiomyopathy.

Katrina is now sharing her story during Heart

Heart Failure Awareness Week

Last week (June 1925) was Heart Failure Awareness Week, but every day we should be aware of the following: Heart Failure Awareness Week which educates about the risk and prevalence of heart failure. hearts4heart says more than 500,000 Australians experience heart failure, which will rise with the prevalence of heart attacks, longer life expectancy, and shifting health and lifestyle trends.

What is heart failure?

Heart failure doesn’t mean that your heart has stopped, but it is ‘failing’ to keep up with your body’s demands. The heart is unable to pump enough blood through

the body to meet its nutritional needs, either because it is unable to fll with enough blood, or its pumping action isn’t strong enough, or both.

Symptoms can include any of the following:

• Shortness of breath during minimal exercise or exertion

• Needing to use extra pillows when lying down to breathe easier

• Irregular heartbeat or palpitations

• Swelling of legs, feet or stomach

• Coughing/wheezing

• Weight gain over a short period of time (e.g., more than 2kg over 2 days)

• Extreme tiredness, low energy or no energy

• Loss of appetite Courtesy of https://www.mayoclinic.org

Failure Awareness Week [June 19-25] to encourage Australians to prioritise their heart health and seek support when needed.

“Heart disease is all around us, but we don’t think it will actually happen to us. If you are always feeling tired, your body is trying to tell you something. Speak to your GP about your symptoms,” Ms Tenne said.

In May 2023, the Heart Health Check program, subsidised by Medicare, was extended for another two years, allowing people aged 45 and over and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 30 and over to assess their risk of heart disease during a 20-minute consultation with a medical practitioner.

“If you have family members with a heart condition, get your heart checked, and get your kids’ hearts checked,” urged Ms Tenne.

“You’ve only got one heart – don’t fail it!”

INQUIRY TO HEAR FROM DIABETES ADVOCATES AND PEOPLE WITH LIVED EXPERIENCE

A parliamentary committee inquiry will hear from Diabetes Australia, the Australian Diabetes Society and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) at a public hearing on Tuesday 20 June 2023. The hearing will be held at Parliament House as part of the Health Committee’s inquiry into diabetes in Australia

The Chair of the Committee, Dr Mike Freelander MP, said: ‘The Hearing will be an opportunity for the Committee to hear from major peak bodies which each play a critical role in improving diabetes prevention, treatment

and care, advocating for policies and funding

around diabetes, and supporting Australians

living with diabetes.’

‘The Committee looks

forward to hearing evidence from these organisations, including about new advances in the prevention, diagnosis and management of diabetes that may be emerging either in Australia or internationally’ stated Dr Freelander.

The Deputy Chair of the Committee, Mrs Melissa McIntosh MP, said: ‘The Committee will also hear from a 15-year-old girl in my community living with type 1 diabetes and her mother, about their personal experiences with this health condition that affects more than 130,000 Australians.’

‘Since my athletic and healthy 20-year-old son

was recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes after having COVID-19, I am learning frsthand about the signifcant impacts that type 1 diabetes can have on people’s lives’, Mrs McIntosh said.

The Committee intends to hold more public hearings in due course. Interested parties are encouraged to make a submission to this inquiry by 31 August 2023

Further information about the Committee’s inquiry, including the full terms of reference and details on how to lodge a submission are available at the Committee’s website.

Low-dose aspirin may increase anaemia risk in healthy older adults: study

A new study analysing data from the landmark ASPREE trial has found that prolonged daily aspirin use increases the risk of anaemia by 20 per cent in people mostly aged 70 and over. The results have prompted researchers to suggest that regular monitoring for anaemia be considered for older adults who take lowdose aspirin, and if older adults have concerns about their health or medications they should discuss them with their GP.

The Monash University-led study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, followed 18,153 initially healthy older adults in Australia and the USA and recorded incidents of anaemia over an average 4.7 years.

The risk of developing anaemia was found to be 20 per cent higher in the aspirin group compared to those in the placebo group.

It was the largest study to investigate anaemia in older people as part of a randomised controlled trial, ASPREE (ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly) – with half the participants taking a placebo and the other half a daily low dose (100mg) of aspirin.

Anaemia is commonly experienced by older adults, potentially affecting overall function and increasing fatigue, disabilities, depressive symptoms and cognitive problems.

In addition to a higher

risk of anaemia, blood tests revealed a faster decline of haemoglobin and reduced ferritin (a protein that carries iron) levels in the aspirin group compared to the placebo group.

Lead author, Associate Professor Zoe McQuilten from Monash University’s School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, said while bleeding was a known side-effect of aspirin, few previous studies had looked at the effect of prolonged aspirin use on the

progressive development of anaemia in older adults.

“This study gives a clearer picture of the additional risk of becoming anaemic with aspirin use and the impact is likely to be greater in older adults with underlying diseases, such as kidney disease,” Associate Professor McQuilten said.

Associate Professor McQuilten said the new data gave doctors insight into the risk of anaemia from prolonged aspirin use by their

older patients. “Older adults are more likely to become anaemic generally and now

doctors can potentially identify patients at higher risk of developing anaemia,” she said.

Associate Professor McQuilten urged patients to follow the advice of their doctor about their daily use of aspirin. She cautioned that for some older adults, aspirin was recommended as a valuable therapy to prevent recurring heart attacks or stroke. “Patients should not change their aspirin regimen without speaking to their GP,” she said.

For all your aches, pains, strains and migraines THINK BOWEN THERAPY (THE AUSSIE THERAPY)

Practicing Bowen Therapy for

the past 27 years

Protecting Plants from Frost Damage in the Northern Rivers Area, NSW

The Northern Rivers area is renowned for its lush green landscapes and diverse plant life. However, this region is not immune to the occasional frost event, which can pose a signifcant threat to plants. Frost damage can cause wilting, browning, and even the death of vulnerable plants. To safeguard your garden and ensure the health of your plants in the Northern Rivers, it is essential to take preventive measures.

Understanding Frost Patterns:

To effectively prevent frost damage, it is crucial to understand the frost patterns in the Northern Rivers. Typically, frost occurs during the cooler months, particularly from late autumn to early spring. Monitor local weather reports and keep track of frost warnings to stay informed about potential frost events.

Plant Selection: Choose plants that are well-suited to the climate of the Northern Rivers and have a higher tolerance for cold temperatures. Opt for native Australian plants or those adapted to the region’s subtropical climate. These plants are more likely to withstand frost and recover better after an episode. Consult with local nurseries or gardening experts for specifc recommendations.

Site and Bed Selection: Careful site selection plays a vital role in protecting plants from

frost damage. Opt for planting locations that receive maximum sunlight during the day, as this helps raise the temperature of the surrounding soil. Additionally, avoid lowlying areas where cold air tends to accumulate. If possible, create raised beds to improve drainage and reduce the risk of frost formation.

Mulching and Insulating: Applying a layer of organic mulch around the base of plants is benefcial for insulating the soil and protecting roots from freezing temperatures. Mulch acts as a barrier, preventing rapid temperature fuctuations and reducing the risk of frost damage. Use materials such as straw, sugar cane mulch, or bark chips and apply a generous layer, ensuring it does not touch the plant stems.

Watering Techniques: Proper watering practices are crucial in preventing frost damage. Water plants deeply but avoid excessive watering, as this can lead to waterlogged soil. Moist soil retains heat better than dry soil, providing some protection to plants during frost events. Watering in the morning allows the foliage to dry out during the day, reducing the risk of frost damage.

Protective Coverings: Covering vulnerable plants during frost events can provide an extra layer of protection. Use frost blankets,

hessian sacks, or even old bedsheets to create a barrier between the plants and the cold air. Ensure the covers reach the ground to trap heat radiating from the soil. Remember to remove the covers during the day to allow sunlight and air circulation.

Windbreaks and Microclimates: Creating windbreaks around your garden can help reduce the impact

of frost. Planting dense shrubs or erecting temporary barriers on the windward side of your garden can protect vulnerable plants from cold winds. Additionally, consider utilising microclimates within your garden by using structures such as hoop houses, cloches, or cold frames. These structures trap heat during the day and provide additional protection against frost.

Monitoring Weather Conditions:

Stay informed about local weather forecasts, especially during the colder months. Keep an eye out for frost warnings and take necessary precautions in advance. Consider investing in a weather station or thermometer to monitor temperature fuctuations in your garden. Being aware of the conditions will allow

you to act promptly and protect your plants effectively.

Preventing frost damage in the Northern Rivers area requires proactive planning and implementing preventive measures. By understanding the frost patterns, selecting appropriate plants, choosing suitable planting sites, and utilizing protective strategies such as mulching.

20m prep

6 servings

13 INGREDIENTS

• 3 cups sliced cold cooked chicken

• 1/4 wombok (Chinese cabbage), shredded

• 1 carrot, cut into thin matchsticks

• 2 green onions, thinly sliced

• 100g packet crunchy fried noodles

• Extra sliced green onion

Dressing

3 METHOD STEPS

Step 1

Make Dressing: Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic and ginger in a screw-top jar.

Season with salt and pepper. Secure lid. Shake well to combine.

Step 2

Place chicken in a large bowl

Drizzle with half of the dressing Toss to combine

20m prep

4 servings

10 INGREDIENTS

• 1 continental cucumber

• 500g cooked prawns, peeled

• 2 shallots, fnely sliced diagonally

• 1/3 cup fresh mint leaves

• 1 small red chilli, halved, deseeded and fnely sliced

4 METHOD

Step 1

Peel the cucumber, and cut in half lengthways. Use a teaspoon to scoop out the seeds, and discard. Cut the cucumber into thin slices.

Step 2

Combine the prawns, cucumber, shallots,

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 2 tbsp oyster sauce

• 2 tsp brown sugar

• 1/4 cup vinegar

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• 1 clove garlic, crushed

• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger

Stand for 5 minutes

Step 3

Add wombok, carrot, onion and noodles to chicken Toss to combine.

Transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle with extra onion.

Serve immediately with remaining dressing.

CHOW MEIN SALAD CUCUMBER AND PRAWN SALAD

• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice

• 1 tbsp peanut oil

• 1 tsp fsh sauce

• 1 tsp brown sugar

• 30g peanuts, chopped

mint and chilli.

Step 3

Combine the lime juice, oil, fsh sauce and sugar in a small bowl. Drizzle over the salad and toss to combine. Scatter with the peanuts and serve immediately.

LEMON CUSTARD DUMPLINGS

30m prep 25m cook

12 INGREDIENTS

• 225g (1 1/2 cups) self-raising four

• 35g (1/4 cup) custard powder

• 60g butter, chilled, chopped

• 70g (1/3 cup) raw caster sugar

• 1 tbsp fnely grated lemon rind, plus extra to serve (optional)

• 185ml (3/4 cup) milk

3 METHOD STEPS

Step 1

To make the sauce, combine lemon juice, lemon rind, brown sugar, golden syrup, butter and 375ml (1 1/2 cups) water in a large saucepan.

Stir over a low heat until melted

Step 2

Meanwhile, combine the four and custard powder in a large bowl.

Use your fngertips to rub the butter into the four mixture until it resembles fne crumbs.

Stir in the caster sugar and lemon rind.

Make a well in the centre. Pour in the milk.

4 servings

• Thick vanilla custard, to serve Lemon syrup sauce

• 125ml (1/2 cup) fresh lemon juice

• 3 pieces lemon rind

• 155g (3/4 cup) brown sugar

• 60ml (1/4 cup) golden syrup

• 60g butter, chilled, chopped

Use a fat bladed knife to mix until just combined

Step 3

Spoon dessertspoonfuls (about 16) of the dough into the sauce.

Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre of the dumplings comes out clean.

Divide the dumplings among serving bowls. Spoon over the sauce and serve immediately with a dollop of custard and some extra grated lemon rind.

DEREK CHARLES MITCHELL

04.03.1932 ~ 19.06.2023

Passed away peacefully at Lismore Base Hospital, late of Lennox Head.

Dearly loved father of Anne and John and father-in-law of Alan.

Much loved Pop of Tom and great grandfather to Max. A private cremation will be held.

McMURTRIE (NEE ANGER), BETTY ANNE

30.07.1929 ~ 24.06.2023

PAULA NATALIE CHESTNUT

30.08.1927 ~ 24.06.2023

Passed away peacefully at Adventist Senior Living, Alstonville. Dearly loved wife of John (dec). Beloved mother of Colin and Suzanne. Loving grandmother of Anne and Avril. Adored great grandmother of Coco, Moe, Ernest and August.

“Forever In our Hearts”

Ballina 02 6686 7036

Passed away with her loving family by her side. Formerly of Ballina. Dearly and deeply loved wife of Gordon (dec) for 37 years. Devoted mother to David, Garry, Phillip, Gail (dec), Dianne, Micheal, Mark, Tony and their partners. Proud nanna and great nanna

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Betty’s life to be held at Rainbow Chapel, Rainbow Avenue, Ballina on FRIDAY (June 30, 2023) commencing at 2.00 pm. A er the service a private cremation will take place.

Ballina 02 6686 7036

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Paula’s Memorial Service to be held at the Seventh-day Adventist Church, 77 Pearces Creek Road Alstonville on WEDNESDAY (July 5, 2023) commencing at 11.00am. No owers by request, donations in lieu to the Seventh-day Adventist Vietnam Mission may be le with the Funeral Director.

Ballina 02 6686 7036

RITCHIE, Peter Laurence

17/09/1972 – 31/05/2023

Loved Partner of Lucinda Wilde

Adored and much-loved Father to Leah & stepdad to Alex Loving Son to Patricia & Wayne Ritchie and Brother to Heath, Danielle and Lauren “Forever

in our Hearts”

Relatives and Friends are invited to attend Peter’s Funeral Service to be held at Windara Gardens, 253 Sextonville Road, on Friday 30th June 2023 commencing at 11.00am.

This page is dedicated to all that have passed. May they rest in peace.

Public Notice

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE TELSTRA

MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT:

LOT 4 Plan 787361 Ellangowan Road Yorklea, NSW 2470. https://www.rfnsa.com.au/2470015/

Remove six existing panel antennas, each 2.53m in length, at a height of 30m. Install six new panel antennas, each 2.53m in length, at a height of 30m.

• Ancillary work involves replacing six existing 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

13th July 2023.

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 plateau - Alstonville & 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 also has facilities for research about Ballina Shire families, as well as books about local history and commemorative wineglasses and keyrings

for sale. The museum is at 10 Wardell Road

Alstonville and is open Fridays 10am-4pm and Sundays 1pm-4pm or at other times by appointment for groups. Enquiries (02) 6628 1829

By the way, we have openings for people of any age to volunteer in administration or in the museum and, if you’re on a JobSeeker payment and 55 or older, it’s a great way to meet your mutual obligation requirements. If you’re interested, visit us at the museum or phone.

EMBROIDERERS

GROUP

Meetings are 9.30am2.30pm 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

SUB-BRANCH

Alstonville RSL subBranch 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 COUNTRY MUSIC CLUB

“LIVE COUNTRY MUSIC DAYS” of The Ballina Country Music Club are scheduled for the frst Sunday of every Month. The big celebration we had in JUNE was a resounding success thanks, mainly to the fantastic non-stop music that prevailed all day, so now we move on to the 1st Sunday in July. Our “Live Music Day” will be celebrated with the ever popular band “THE CLASSICS” on SUNDAY 2nd JULY, 2023 at THE BALLINA RSL CLUB, Grant Street BALLINA getting underway at 10.45am. With a host of “WALK UP-ARTISTS”, together with our “Special Guest Artist”, “Doug Liebe”. What more can you want than a “Country Music Fun Day” of breath taking music that will be something to remember, while not forgetting the Line Dancing that will

leave you breathless. Along with the Great Country Music, there are Raffes with great prizes, Lucky Door Prizes, BCMC Members draw and Walk-Up Artists Draw.

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 LADIES

PROBUS CLUB

The next meeting of the Ballina Ladies Probus Club will be on July 5th at the Ballina RSL Club at 10am. The guest speaker will be John Tranter, a retired scientist, working in the hospital. All visitors are welcome.

Ballina Ladies Probus Club welcomes new

members, we meet at the Ballina RSL Club on the frst Wednesday of the month at 10am to enjoy the company of like minded ladies and listen to an interesting Guest Speaker. We have outings and Coach Trips throughout the year. For more information contact Wendy 66860916 or Beryl 66816360.

The trip to Robina Town Centre on July 12th is fully booked, but we are taking names for the one to Pacifc Fair on Wednesday, November 29th. Cost $26.00. Contact Wendy 0419560916 or Pamela 6681 1022

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 1pm3pm, 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

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 gives a big thanks to everyone who helped make the Casino Golf Club Charity Golf Day held 25th June such a success. Held for Casino toddler Arlo Sonnex who suffers from Congenital Insensitivity to Pain.

Anyone still wishing to donate can deposit into the SLCU account, CWA Casino Branch – Arlo Sonnex. BSB: 728 728 Account :22330235. 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 BinneySolicitor, information on necessity of wills, power of attorney and guardianship.

10.45am: ViviannaPharmacist @ Scrivener & Webb, information about available and supplied services.

11.00am: Gerard DunlopSeniors 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 LADIES AND

FRIEND CRAFT GROUP

Meets 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month. Bring your own morning tea. Names to be in by lunch time Monday. Phone Vivian on 66621838 or Jan on 66626424.

CASINO MEALS ON WHEELS

If you would be interested in volunteering your time to help with meals on wheels give the offce a call on 66621217.

WEEK 3 MONDAY V.Gray & N.Nowlan TUESDAY S.Forrester WEDNESDAY H. Hurst N.& K.Ryan THURSDAY B. Bennett FRIDAY Richmond Valley Council B & H.Elford

CASINO MINI RAIL

Every Sunday 10am to 4pm. Weather permitting. West Street Casino. Phone 0455673722.

CASINO MIXED PROBUS CLUB

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/RICHMOND VALLEY BLIND CITIZENS AUSTRALIA BRANCH

Casino /Richmond Valley BCA Branch July meeting is in the Casino Baptist Church Hall on the corner of Canterbury and West Streets Casino on Monday 3rd July at 10am. This is out AGM meeting. And new members are most welcome. Come along and enjoy a “Cuppa” with friends before the meeting.

Special outing for July is “Christmas in July” on Sunday 23rd July at the Casino RSM club. Contact Denise for bookings. Free transport is available. Phone Denise: 0448 014 682

CASINO UNITING CHURCH

Is holding an Induction Service for Pastor Mark Callaghan on Sunday 2nd of July 2023 at the 9.00am Service followed by Morning Tea and BBQ Lunch.

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 0448014682

LISMORE CASINO

NAVAL ASSOCIATION

Meets bi-monthly at Casino RSM, new members welcome. Ph: Chris 66293269 or Jim 0427400625.

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 3pm5.30pm @ $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 NOTICES

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.

WINDARRA VOLUNTEERS

Windara Volunteers are once again holding BINGO FOR KIDS on Wednesday, 12 July 2023, 10am start, suits ages 5 - 14 years. Cost only $10pp which includes bingo, chips and lollies. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please book with Windara 66623800.

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 9am12noon in the Recreation Hall (opposite the Kiosk). We invite you to join us for a relaxing morning of crafting, friendship and sharing ideas. Beginners are very welcome. Finishing UFO’s, Embroidery, Gold Work, Hexagons, & Group Projects are just some of the crafts done.

GOONELLABAH

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 3.30pm4.45pm, $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 is on Thursday July 6 at the Joan Muir Centre, 194 Turf St Grafton from 10am till midday.

Entry is $2. Please bring morning tea to share if you are able…we will supply coffee and tea. There will be the regular Bring and Buy table so if you have plants, cuttings or produce you would like to donate it would be greatly appreciated… labelling plants and cuttings will help others know what they are buying. All proceeds go to the Club.

Our guest speaker will be Janeen speaking about

native bees; this topic always generates a lot of interest so I hope you can make it.

Public Offcer: Carolynne Taylor: 0421 270 596

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. Our next meeting will be on Friday, 14th July, when guest speaker will be Mark Poole, NBN Ambassador.

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.

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.

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

8 day tour to Narrabri, Dubbo, Tamworth, from 12 August, still requires more bookings. 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 never-ending story in your “Story House” museum. Our vintage clothing collection will soon be stored away to make way for a new display, so pay a visit soon to Your Schaeffer House Museum! Don’t forget we have nine other great museums in the clarence Valley just waiting for another visit from you!

PS: Our resident gnomes can be found somewhere in the garden. Others are tiny and hiding away!!

Museum 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 COUNTRY MUSIC

Kyogle Country Music’s next music day is to be held at KYOGLE BOWLING CLUB on Sunday 9th July with short meeting at 11am followed by Music, Music, Music. All Welcome. $2 Donation at Entry Point to help pay Room Hire.

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 9.30am-12noon in the community centre at Lennox Head. Call Jan on 66816150.

LENNOX HEAD DAY

VIEW CLUB

The Lennox Head Day VIEW Club meets on the frst Monday of each month at the Lennox Head Community Centre with the meeting starting at 11am and includes an interesting speaker and concludes with a light lunch. An informal Coffee and Chat meeting is held on the third Monday of the month. The Club sponsors three students through The Smith Family Learning for Life scholarship program that provides educational items for disadvantaged Australian children. New members and guests are most warmly welcomed, and enquiries may be made to Enid 047187511 or Dawn 0466717435.

LENNOX HEAD

EVENING VIEW CLUB

Meets on the second Tuesday of each month upstairs at the Lennox Hotel at 6.30pm for dinner at 7pm. Guests are welcome. “VIEW members support the education of disadvantaged Australian children by raising much needed funds for The Smith Family. Through fundraising activities and social events in local communities, members raise money that goes directly to The Smith Family’s learning and mentoring programs for disadvantaged. students.” Lennox Head Evening VIEW Club currently sponsors two Learning for Life students.

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 semi-retired people wishing to join our non-service club to hear interesting guest speakers and to join in trips and outings are invited along.

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, 6.15-7.45pm at Southern Cross University. If you can play a concert band instrument: brass, woodwind, or percussion, please come and join us! All ages welcome. We have some instruments available for loan. 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 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/coffee 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 PARKINSONS DISEASE SUPPORT GROUP

Parkinsons NSW Lismore Regional Support Group. We meet every third Friday of the month. Next group Meeting is Friday, 21st of July. Commences at 10am to 12pm at the South Lismore Bowls Club, 25 Wilson Street South Lismore. New members welcomed. Snacks & cold drinks available. Tea and Coffee with a Gold Coin Donation. Social Networking with Coffee and Tea, Special Guest Speaker, PD Nurse Tim Ayers, and Companion Support Group. Any inquiries contact Marie 0448871290

LISMORE SENIOR CITIZENS

Meet at the Goonellabah Community Centre every second Thursday starting at 9am where we have morning tea followed by games bingo how etc we play cards Monday and Friday and play bowls Tuesdays and craft every second Tuesday afternoons come and join our friendly group you will be very welcome.

LISMORE SPINNERS & WEAVERS

Please join us…... Weaving, Spinning, Felting, Dyeing, Knitting, Crochet, Workshops, Chat….

Sharing Craft & Ideas. From 10am, on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Fridays of each month. (Formal business meeting is 10.3011.30 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 like-minded people and make new friends.

The last three years have been diffcult for us as they have for everyone, and we are on a recruitment drive to meet and greet you!

We start 2023 with a choice of at least 30 classes, which include, Languages, Photography, Science, History, Qigong, Genealogy, and many others. We also have a social calendar each term. 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,

COMMUNITY NOTICES

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 7:00-8:30pm. 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.

TWIN TOWNS DAY VIEW CLUB

V I E W as in Voice, Interests, Education of Women (not many people are aware of what ‘VIEW’ club stands for!)

AND NOT ONLY IN NAME: We are a group of ladies who care what will become of our youth! Our heritage – Their heritage – It is sad but true that many of our young people have no direction in their lives. Every morning we wake to the news that violence has occurred overnight in what was once considered a safe neighborhood. How do these offending children/ youth feel the next morning knowing they have caused so much heartache - is this why we also hear of youth harming themselves so they can spread the pain? So this is where VIEW Clubs and other similar clubs are starting from the bottom of the ladder by providing much needed funds to educate our youngsters so they will WANT to become the very best person they can not only in education but in their community and being proud of themselves and giving their parents hope for their child’s future. We at TWIN TOWNS DAY VIEW CLUB PROVIDE

THE NECESSARY FUNDS to educate just 7 of these children. We know not where they come from, but someone in their community has contacted THE SMITH FAMILY and they in turn contact VIEW CLUBS OF AUSTRALIA who anonymously contact a VIEW Club who in turn take over the responsibility for these worthy children’s fees and so year after year their tertiary fees are paid. These fees are raised by VIEW Club members who attend meetings, listen to interesting guest speakers and regularly have days out at each other’s homes – so FUN and a tremendous satisfaction of knowing we are helping our future generation. More information can be gleaned by contacting our President Kathie on 0407709629.

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 nonproft 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 EVENING PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

The next meeting of the Northern Rivers Evening Prostate Cancer Support Group is to be held on Wednesday 5th of July at 7pm until 9pm at the Lismore Workers Sports Main Club @ 202 OLIVER AVENUE, GOONELLABAH. Meals available at the club if required.

Men previously and newly diagnosed with prostate cancer are urged to join with the group to experience the personal cancer stories told, which give a great opportunity for all to share, learn and beneft from each other. Partners and carers are also most welcome to attend as family are very much involved with the process and treatment of those with the diagnosis. This will be a time of sharing and caring.

Enquiries phone Bob Johnson: (02)66225792

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:

Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower in the afternoon and evening. Light winds.

Thursday. Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower, most likely in the morning and afternoon. Light winds.

Northern Tablelands District:

Cloudy. High chance of showers, most likely in the afternoon and evening. Light winds becoming westerly 15 to 20 km/h during the day then becoming light during the afternoon. Thursday. Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers on and west of the ranges, slight chance elsewhere. Light winds becoming west to southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day.

TIDES,

Sun6:40am4:59pm Moon12:40pm12:56am

New South Wales:

Widespread rain over the north and west, central and northern slopes and plains. Showers elsewhere, clearing from the south west in the evening. Showers falling as snow above 1300 metres along the southern Alps and higher terrain in the South West Slopes. Daytime temperatures below average west of the ranges and inland, tending slightly below average elsewhere. Winds tending southerly and easing, while remaining westerly along the ranges.

Thursday. A shower or two, falling as snow above 1000 metres along the Alps and southern ranges. The chance of a shower about the central ranges. Dry and partly cloudy elsewhere. Areas of frost and patchy fog along the ranges as well as the central and southern inland. Daytime temperatures below average on and west of the ranges, tending a little below

average along the coast. Winds southerly inland, tending southeasterly over the ranges and coast.

Byron Coast:

Winds: W/NW about 10 knots becoming S/SW in the morning. Seas: Below 1 metre. Swell: Southerly 1.5 to 2 metres, decreasing to 1 to 1.5 metres during the morning. Weather: Cloudy.

Coffs Coast:

Winds: West to northwesterly below 10 knots becoming south to southwesterly during the morning. Seas: Below 1 metre. Swell: Southerly 1.5 to 2 metres, decreasing to 1.5 metres during the afternoon or evening. Weather: Cloudy.

Gold Coast Waters:

Winds: West to northwesterly about 10 knots becoming south to southwesterly during the afternoon. Seas: Below 1 metre. Swell: Southerly 1 to 2 metres, decreasing to 1 to 1.5 metres during the morning. Weather: Partly cloudy.

Kicking woes cost Rebels

By Tim Howard

South Grafton Rebels

captain Grant Stevens made a heartfelt apology to team fans who had just witnessed their team

slump to a heartbreaking 24-18 loss to the Coffs Harbour Comets at McKittrick Park on Sunday.

With both teams scoring four tries apiece,

it was goal kicking that was the difference. And a fearsome penalty count in favour of the visitors.

Twice Rebels players were sin binned, bizarrely with one player

leaving the feld as the other came back on.

First to go was prop Bailey Sinclair whose marginally late hit on Comets half Nathan Curry left him stretched

out on the ground for several minutes just before half time.

Ten minutes into the half it was centre James Torrens who was binned on a touch judge’s report after the Rebels were pressuring the Comets line.

Playing 20 minutes of the game a player down cost the Rebels just eight points on the scoreboard, but it drained them and eventually they fell just short as they tried to rein in the Coffs Harbour lead.

The game began in promising fashion for the Rebels who were quickly into the attack and scored after four minutes.

Five eighth Hugh Stanley unleashed a towering torpedo bomb which neither fullback Ayden Baloh nor winger Bennet Bar Reech had any interest in catching on the full.

The Rebels pounced on the mess at the back and from the next play the ball centre James Torrens

sprinted onto a short pass to dive over and score.

The Rebels seemed to be in total control and were soon pressuring the Comets line again, but this time a Stanley kick exploded in their faces.

Attempting a delicate chip over the ball bounced into Bar Reech’s hands and with no-one ahead of him, he sprinted 90m to score.

Curry converted and the Comets, who had spent most of the frst 10 minutes of the game defending, were in front 6-4.

A few minutes later the Rebels were treated to the sight of talismanic skipper Stevens returning to the feld, with the number 16 jersey on his back.

Not due to return for another three or four weeks since breaking a hand against the Ghosts on May 27, Stevens suited up and was pacing the sideline ready to resume battle.

He relished the early return.

Within minutes the Comets were pounding the Rebels’ line only to be repelled in a dynamic

Ballina Mahjong 23rd June2023

Wendy Thornton 1, Ann Hewitt 2, Lorna Simpson 3, Kath Hubbard 4, Joy Lowien

5, Coral Lavelle, Lisa Wong 6, Kathy Pickles

7, Bev Lasater 9, Ronda Taylor 10, Lesly Richie

11, Pauline Bolte 12, Jan Small 13, Yvonne Weddup 14, June Greenaway 15, Jenny Lang, Vanessa Reynolds

16, Pauline Kearney

18, Barbara Ellan 19, Pam Farrell 20, Val Heinritz 21, Deborah Green, Sally Lowry 22, Margaret Bryant 24, Janene Jarvis 25, Valda Mclerie 26,Diana Auret, Shirley Atkinson 27, Shirley Henry 29, Jan Henley 30, Cindy Smith 31.

Mahjong is played on Friday at 12:30pm at the Ballina Bridge Club North Creek Road. Enquiries for new players phone Vanessa on 66874181.

Casino Social Golf Results 25-06-202

The single stableford

on the bottom 10 last Sunday was won by Fred Bruni with 23 points from Trevis Jenkins with 20, The putting trophy went to W.Jackson with 15 putts and G.Skennar won the players draw. Nearest to pins: 1st, T.Jenkins.

2nd & 5th, J.Rankin. 3rd & 7th, G.Randall. 4th, G.Skennar. 8th, R.Ruttley. 17th & 18th, Vinny. Next Sunday’s event sponsored by Newstead Automotive Services Casino will be a single stroke on the top 11 holes for the monthly medal and visitors are welcome to play with hit off from 6-30am till 7-30am.

Casino Womens bowls results

2023 Minor Consistency Club

Champion: J. Dwyer

On Wednesday 21/6 J. Dwyer def T. Maxwell in the fnals for the Minor Consistency Club Championship.

Congratulations to J. Dwyer on becoming the

2023 Minor Consistency Club Champion & well done to T. Maxwell for becoming Runner Up. There were 2 social games & Winners for the day were:

C. Doyle, D. Skinner & A. James def J. Cooke, R. Skirrey & H. Lavelle

The other rink winner was:

L. James, C. Haynes & M. Hellyar def J. Creighton, D. Grice & I. Watson

New members welcome if you haven’t bowled before coaching is available, the ladies play on Wednesday from 9.00am to 12.30pm

ASSOCIATION

CROQUET : P. Waters G.Porter 13 d

S.Hume G.Drew 13

L.Hardy 12 d P.Hume

B.Hardy 10

RICOCHET

CROQUET : C.Lane 18 d B.Wellings

17

G.Kerr P.Waters 14 d

R.Poynting D.Scott 11

N.Barnes J.Hannigan

14 d N.Watts M.Russell

13

P.Scott N.Poynting 14 d

P.Bolte B.Waters 9

J.Doust R.Chapman 12 d G.Kerr B.Wellings 10

H.Young C.Lane 13 d

M.Field 6

J.Copeland P.Scott 10 d

P.Bolte N.Poynting 9

R.Poynting J.Hannigan

9 d N.Barnes N.Watts 9

TOURNAMENTS :

NSW Division 2 Golf Croquet Doubles : I.Donald, I McRae 1, J.Wilson, J.Gaskell 2, B.Mitchell, P.Wormleaton 3, J.Howchin S.Howchin 4, E.Friend, C.Cox 5, D.McCann, P Dale 6.

4, A.Matlawski 5, B.McAlray 6, I.McRae 7, P.Wormleaton 8.

NSW ACA Golf Croquet Bronze Medal : J.Gumbrell 1, P.Landrebe 2, M.Powys 3,

P.Freer 4, S.Harden 5, M.Scruton 6, D.Scott 7, H.McPherson 8. Robyn Poynting & Jim Hannigan Contestants in the NSW Advantage Golf Croquet Singles & Doubles Championships played this week at Ballina, Byron Bay.

Thursdays event winner G Brown, 2nd T Woods, 3rd A Parr, free game D Vagne, chicken/ball winners J Celich, J Sheridan, T Duff, N Cupitt, G Gibson, T Patch, J Lassig, B Waterson, I Welsh, S McDonough, T Beemster, A Ganter. Nearest pins 3rd/12th R Earnshaw, 6th/15th R Rodda.

This Thursday 29/6/23 will be a single stableford hit off time 8.30am please note the barbque has been tranfered to the 6/7/23 from this coming week. AS USUAL TILL THEN GOOD GOLFING.

EVANS HEAD WOMENS BOWLS

CHERRY STREET CROQUET CLUB SPORTS RESULTS

NSW Division 2 Golf Croquet Open Singles : B.Mitchell 1, R.Uptin 2, J.Gaskell 3, C.Cox

CORAKI VETERANS GOLF RESULTS

THURSDAY 22/6/23

49 golfers contested

Ladies Social Day- 2106-23 - 2 Bowl Triples - J. Beckett, M. Playford, J. Fernance. Club Championship Singles - Semi Finals - T. Cselka defeated E. Gollan. P. Freeman defeated G. Marczan. Final to be played on 5th July.

Dynamic Rebels centre James Torrens opens the scoring in Sunday’s game against the Coffs Harbour Comets at McKIttrick Park.

Photo: Gary Nichols.

set of six which saw the skipper pull off two bone-crunching front-on hits.

Midway through the half the Rebels snatched back the lead when another Stanley kick put them in excellent feld position.

A rare chance to execute some quick play the balls split the defence and hooker James Olivero darted over near

a torpedo bomb that so thoroughly mesmerised the Coffs Harbour back three they let it bounce twice.

Back rower Aidan Hyland grabbed the chance and crashed over about 10 metres in from the left touchline.

A change of kicker to Stanley did not have the desired effect, missing the conversion.

But the drama was not

The Rebels were forced to dig deep, with super veteran playmaker Steve Kirby, whose son, Damon was playing on the wing, brought onto the feld with 25 minutes to go.

Coffs scored their decisive try midway through the half when a foating cut out pass found centre Paul Pen Simona, who crashed over near the sideline.

march upfeld. A couple of passes set Torrens free down the sideline and his pass to winger Jamal Laurie allowed him to shoot down the sideline and run around under the posts to score.

Stanley converted and the South Grafton fans waited for the grand stand fnish.

It almost came just a few minutes later when

through from Stanley two plays later.

With time running out, players suddenly started to go down injured and were slow playing the ball.

A Torrens knock on with a minute left summed up the Rebels day.

Spotting a hole up the middle Torrens tried a quick pick up from dummy half, only

from the offcials.

“We did plenty of silly stuff ourselves, but every 50/50 call seems to go against us,” he said.

“I know there’s issues with the referees, but every week we get these young refs.

“We’re leading the comp, surely the group could make sure we got the top referee for our games.”

He said the club was looking forward to hosting Nambucca next week for the Indigenous Round.

“We’re got some stuff organised in memory of Auntie Irene Daley and I’m confdent the players will be fred up for that.

He said hard-tackling back rower Nick Torrens would be back for the game.

Stevens had nothing to apologise for. His team will play worse than that some days and get the points.

Scores

Coffs Harbour 24: Tries: Bennet Bar Reech, Kahn Masen, Paul Pen Simona, Lewis Hall.

Goals Nathan Curry 3 conv. 1 penalty def

South Grafton: 18: Tries James Torrens, James Olivero, Aiden Hyland, Jamal Laurie.

Goal: Hugh Stanley.

The Grafton Ghosts have grabbed the lead of the Group 2 competition with a 24-10 win over Sawtell.

the posts from a deft short ball.

A missed kick at goal, when McGrady’s kick slammed into the uprights and bounced out was the frst sign the footy gods might be against the Rebels.

Then an awkwardly bouncing, shanked kickoff bounced past centre Jay Boehme to put the Comets on attack and bullocking forward Kahn Mason charged over. Curry’s conversion regained the lead for the visitors.

Eight minutes from half time, the visitors added another four points on the back of a series of mistakes.

A clearing kick that went into touch on the full, plus a penalty for a high tackle gave the Comets a glut of possession, which they turned into points with a try in the left corner.

South Grafton hit back quickly when Stanley hit

over.

With a couple of minutes left in the half, Coffs regained possession and Curry kicked high near the Rebels goal line.

Prop Bailey Sinclair launched himself at the half and crunched him with a massive hit.

Sinclair was given 10 in the bin and Curry recovered to slot a penalty goal to give his team an 18-12 lead at the break.

Tries were harder to come by in the second half.

Stanley taunted the Coffs defence with another bomb that forced a knock on from Baloh, but after 10 minutes and with the Rebels close to scoring in the left corner a touch judge made a report.

Just as Sinclair made his return from the bin, the ref had his hands aloft sending Torrens from the feld.

Curry’s successful kick gave his team a 12-point lead.

The Rebels, restored to a full complement for the frst time in began to threaten.

With 12 minutes left on the clock a punishing hit from Nick McGrady jolted the ball free allowing the Rebels to

Stanley sent another torpedo bomb soaring skyward.

The winger never looked like catching it and fullback Keiron Johnson-Heron pounced on the ball only to be held up over the line.

Curry saved the day for the Comets diving to brilliantly catch a chip

to fumble the ball. In frustration, he kicked the ball away.

It had been that type of day for the Rebels. A lot of effort, but everything that could go wrong, did go wrong.

After the game a frustrated Stevens wondered what his team had to do to get a break

Big prop Mitch Garbutt scored his frst try for the Ghosts and Cooper Woods, Rhys Hambly and Brett Wicks also crossed the paint. Woods kicked four goals.

Scores

Grafton Ghosts 24: Tries Mitch Garbutt, Cooper Woods, Rhys Hambly Brett Wicks.

Goals: Cooper Woods

4 def

Sawtell: Tries: Damon McDonald, unknown.

Goal: Damion Dumas

A ferocious hit from Rebels second rower Nick McGrady is about to jolt this ball free and set up another South Grafton attack against Coffs Harbour Comets on Sunday. South Grafton attack against Coffs Harbour Comets on Sunday.