The Northern Rivers Times Edition 167

Clarence Valley Mayor Cr Ian Tiley. Debrah Novak.

Steven Pickering.

Peter Jo.

By Tim Howard

By this time next week the Clarence Valley will know which of its nine councillors will be mayor for the remainder of this term of council.

The election for Mayor will be the first order of business of the September 26 Clarence Valley Council meeting, with at least four councillors including current mayor Cr Ian Tiley, nominating. Three other councillors, Debrah Novak, Peter Johnstone and Steve Pickering have also nominated.

Cr Tiley, the first Clarence Valley mayor after the 2004 amalgamation, did not comment about his decision to run, other than to say councillors were

Challenges face next Clarence mayor

well aware of what he had to offer.

Cr Novak has been a councillor since 2016 and Crs Pickering and Johnstone were elected in December 2021 poll.

Nominations for deputy mayor are not so clear cut, with current deputy Mayor Cr Greg Clancy yet to decide if he’ll run.

Cr Jeff Smith has expressed interest in the deputy’s job and enjoys popular support from the community.

Cr Novak has also ruled herself out of the deputy mayoral race if her tilt for the mayor’s job proves unsuccessful.

She has fashioned herself as a people’s champion and as Mayor has promised she would be advocating for community interests.

Cr Karen Toms, who ran for mayor unsuccessfully in 2022, said she would not be contesting either position on Tuesday.

Cr Johnstone said as mayor he would focus on service provision in line with community wishes without cost increases and try to build trust in the council.

“Developing trust and transparency across our community is an essential task for whoever is the next mayor and I commit to achieving this,” he said.

He said he had learned a lot in a little under two years on council.

“During Ian’s term as mayor I have watched, listened and learnt from Ian, our community, council staff and the other councillors and believe

that at this time I am best placed to lead the council forward,” he said.

Cr Pickering said he would focus on unifying the council after a fractious first half of its term.

Whoever is elected, he or she faces a Herculean task uniting a council that has failed to live up to hopes and ambitions talked up after the election.

And with the next council elections due in September 2024, he or she has limited time to do it.

In January 2022

Cr Tiley talked of “reimagining the Clarence Valley” and said a “goal … for this council to be a leading council [in NSW] … admired and respected [across] the

community/“

Most would agree the council has fallen short of these aims, although leading during a pandemic and dealing with a massive flood disaster in its first months was a massive challenge.

As Mayor Cr Tiley has instigated changes that have streamlined council’s operation.

Abandoning committee meetings in favour of more intense premeeting workshops and overseeing more sprightly debates during the monthly meetings has been a positive.

But Cr Tiley has not been able to create a unified council.

In-fighting began almost immediately as the new council dealt with issues handed down from the

previous regime, such as sale of the South Grafton Visitor Information Centre.

This issue cost Mayor Tiley some skin when some off-the-record comments found their way into the local media. And it set a pattern of infighting and squabbling within council.

It has meant issues such as the Treelands Drive Community Centre and the 2022 closure of the Grafton Olympic Pool continue to be controversial as council fails to settle on a position.

The new mayor will get a look at both these issues as they are sure to be in same business paper as the mayoral vote.

COUNCIL AIMS TO LEASE NRLX

By Tim Howard

The latest dispute over the management of the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange in Casino might be the last straw for owner Richmond Valley Council.

Failure of talks between the council and the five local stock auctioneers appears to have forced the council’s into reducing its role at the NRLX.

A report to Tuesday’s council meeting from council general manager Vaughan Macdonald recommended the council opt out of managing the facility and enter into a leasing arrangement on the open market.

A public meeting at the Casino RSM, called by local businesses seeking a resolution to the dispute which has halted cattle sales at the centre for nearly three months, first broached a possible lease agreement.

A motion from the floor advocated for industry

representatives to take on the role after Mayor Robert Mustow told the meeting council was standing firm and the agents attempts to reach consensus failed.

In Mr Macdonald’s report to this week’s council meeting he agreed a solution had to be found

“Council now finds itself at the point where a long-term solution is required, to ensure that cattle sales can resume as soon as possible, and the NRLX continues to play a pivotal role in the regional economy,” he wrote.

“Accordingly, it is recommended that Richmond Valley Council now proceeds to an openmarket tender process, seeking applications from suitably qualified and experienced entities to lease the NRLX facility for a long term period. In the interim, council will continue to explore avenues to re- establish sales at the facility.”

Between the September

4 meeting and this week’s council meeting the two parties could not find a resolution.

A leaked report of a meeting between the auctioneers, some councillors and local business people on September 14, called to discuss the progress of the the motions put to council at the September 4 meeting, revealed both sides were unwilling to compromise.

The agents revealed they were prepared to begin selling cattle at the NRLX on September 27, but Cr Mustow said he could not make any undertakings because the agenda for the council meeting was not finalised.

He said there would be an announcement at that council meeting.

It was also learned Mr Macdonald had met with agents Andrew Sommerville and Matthew McCormack and a further meeting with the Mayor was needed.

One attendee, Roger

Bailey, said the agents were prepared to negotiate on the 0.2% yard dues fee, but the agents were worried the council was “building an empire” at the saleyards.

The meeting raised the issue of council taking over cattle handling, but the mayor stood firm on this.

He said the council was confident it could attract suitably qualified people, including some of those already employed by the agents to do this work.

Businessman Allan Berry asked how long the council was prepared to keep a community asset like the NRLX closed when it was having such a detrimental effect on the community.

Cr Mustow, with backing from Cr Robert Hayes, replied the NRLX was not a community asset, but a council-run business.

They said it was on council land and was run along similar lines to council’s quarries.

The reluctance of the council to budge in negotiations has been matched by the level of support the community has put behind the auctioneers.

As the September 4 meeting revealed community support is solidly behind the agents, who have stuck to their guns in refusing the council’s offer.

The council report noted RVC has experience leasing out quarries which provide a return to ratepayers.

“Council has previously considered other operating models for the NRLX facility and it would appear that the beef industry is ready to take on a more active role in managing the facility.,” the report said.

“Throughout Australia, saleyards are moving away from small council-owned operations to regional facilities, operated by private entities.

“There are a number of

specialist operators who would be well placed to take on the challenge of returning the NRLX to business and achieving continued growth so that the saleyard’s contribution to the Richmond Valley and Northern Rivers economy can continue.

“A lease could be structured, offered and negotiated to remove any financial burden on council and its ratepayers and provide a return on the asset to the community.

“Council has successfully leased its Peterson and Woodview Quarries along similar lines, ensuring a positive return to ratepayers.”

Because of its publication deadline, the Northern Rivers Times was unable to bring readers the result of this item at the council meeting and will do so next week.

‘In

the spirit of reconciliation The Northern Rivers Times acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.’

THIRTY-ONE YEARS OF SOLVING AND PREVENTING CRIME

Detective Chief Inspector of Tweed-Byron Police District Luke Arthurs is honoured for his service

By Sarah Waters

When Luke Arthurs graduated from The NSW Police Academy at Goulburn in 1990, he was given a six-shot handgun, a baton, a pair of handcuffs and sent out to serve the community as a probationary constable.

The bright eyed 18-year-old wasn’t sure where he was going to end up, but he had a desire to help people and work in an environment where no two days were ever the same.

Thirty-one years later, he has retired as Detective Chief Inspector of TweedByron Police District and was recently honoured for his years of distinguished service.

His extensive career has taken him across NSW where he has helped to solve, and prevent, some of the state’s biggest crimes.

“As an 18-year-old who had just left school, I didn’t really know what I was doing,” Mr Arthurs said.

“But I caught on pretty quickly and I started to enjoy investigating serious criminal offences.

“As my career progressed, I don’t know how this happened, but I actually ended up being quite good at what I did,” he said.

Mr Arthurs gained his initial policing experience as a constable in Wentworthville, Sydney.

The police station only had one electric typewriter and crimes were solved without the help of the internet, CCTV footage, forensic DNA analysis and satellites.

An interest in detective work led Mr Arthurs to the Blacktown District Special Operations

Group a few years later.

It was the early 1990s and a heroin epidemic was gripping Cabramatta, in Southwestern Sydney.

A young Mr Arthurs could easily pass as someone who was involved in the drug market at the time.

He went undercover and arrested street dealers for the sale and supply of heroin.

“I used to borrow my younger brother’s clothes to change my appearance and dress style daily,” he said.

Even when dealing with petty crimes as a police officer and trainee detective in Nowra, situations could ‘evolve quickly’.

In the remote suburb of Bomaderry, Mr Arthurs and his police partner came across five young people tearing down a street sign.

The two police officers confronted the offenders only to be attacked minutes later.

Armed with just a baton

and portable radio, Mr Arthurs called for urgent backup, but the nearest car was an hour away.

“I ended up holding four of them back from me with my baton, but I knew we wouldn’t last another 10 minutes before we were both overpowered,” he said.

“I requested an officer and radio operator (civilian) both at Nowra Police Station come in marked police cars with lights and sirens on to assist.

“Luckily the four that surrounded me backed off and began walking away when they saw the two police cars coming.

“I went to my partners aid and the male he was wrestling with on the road was arrested.

“You really need to be able to think on your feet, because you not only have to protect the community you have to protect yourself and your partner.”

Mr Arthurs transferred to Sydney in 1997, which was the robbery

capital of the Southern Hemisphere at the time.

He spent nine months with the Homicide Squad investigating the murder of a man near Sydney Central Railway Station.

Afterwards, he returned to Sydney City Police Area Command and was appointed head of the robbery unit.

He solved many highprofile cases.

“There was a serial armed robber in Sydney, who was following females through Darling Harbour in the darkness and robbing them at knife point,” he said.

“He got charged with 18 offences, convicted, and put in jail.

“There was another one, targeting women working in clothing stores … he was robbing them of their floats for the day, he got charged and was convicted of about 16 offences,” he said.

In 2001, Mr Arthurs was given the case of a 17-year-old girl who was sexually assaulted

on Dee Why Beach in Sydney.

It was a case he spent 12 years working on and with the help of DNA analysis he eventually identified the offender.

The advancement of DNA technology in early 2000, also helped to solve many cold cases, he said.

“The good thing about the NSW Police force is they kept all the DNA on record and as technology evolved, they were able to go back and make more matches to people’s DNA.

“To where it was in 2000 to the current day is years apart - you can get DNA off pretty much anything these days.”

After leading undercover crime teams as a detective sergeant, and later a detective inspector, at different locations throughout NSW, Mr Arthurs transferred to Manly Police Command in 2010.

As Crime Manager and Detective Inspector Mr

Arthurs played a key role in transforming Manly’s culture of high crime, fuelled by alcohol and drugs, into the safe and family-friendly coastal suburb it is known as today.

His expertise eventually led him to the Tweed-Byron Police District, which he joined as Detective Chief Inspector in 2017.

He recalls a few stand out moments, including the time he led a month-long drink and drug driving blitz, where officers caught 11 drink drivers in one week alone.

He also recalls the time he had to close down the Mullumbimby CDB and evacuate the Byron Shire Council chambers when a pipe bomb was found. But, simply protecting the community and working with them to help solve crime, which he set out to do from the start, has given him the most fulfilment in his career.

“I’ve got no regrets - I can’t say I loved every bit of it, but the majority of the time it was fantastic,” he said.

“Of course, there are things you don’t want to see and there are things you don’t want to tell people - it’s a tough job, but it has given me a very rewarding career.

“I went from being a young school leaver to a fully qualified detective chief inspector.”

Mr Arthurs was honoured at Tweed Heads Police Station with a March Out Parade for his 31 years of service on September 8. The occasion was attended by Superintendent David Roptell and Mr Arthurs friends, family and colleagues who recognised his significant contribution to the NSW Police Force.

Luke Arthurs first joined the NSW Police Force in 1990

Retired Detective Chief Inspector Luke Arthurs and Superintendent David Roptell

River inspires indigenous art award winner

By Tim Howard

A Western Australian who moved to Grafton a little more than a year ago has won the $5000 Clarence Valley Indigenous Art Award.

Judges named Kristal Russ the 2023 award winner at a gathering at the Grafton Regional Gallery Saturday.

Born and raised in Western Australia, Ms Russ said the Clarence had similarities to her home in Derby where her family were members of the Jaru people living on Ngaranyin country.

I feel very welcome here,” she said.

“Where I come from is very tidal and related to rivers, but not as much as I was feeling it when I

came here.”

He winning work, title Ngaba, which means water in Jars language, was influenced by her experiences of being welcomed here.

“That’s why I did this piece, the journey lines in my piece represent a bit of a story from where I come from and where I am now.”

The win shocked the artist.

“This is the first time I’ve ever won an art prize or an exhibition,” she said.

“It was a very proud moment.”

She said winning an award was not her motivation for entering the award.

“I more entered it because I wanted to be a proud indigenous

person and part of my community.

“And to get my work and the stories from home out there as well.”

Ms Russ said the the other reason she had not expected to win was the quality of the competition she faced.

“There’s so many amazing local artists,” she said. “It was definitely the last thing I thought was going to happen.

“Big respects to all of them for entering and the beautiful work all our local artists do.”

Ms Russ said the award would be a big boost for her career.

“I am hoping more than anything it will help launch me more into the gallery space,” she said.

“And just get my name

out there as a known artist as well.”

The 2023 judges were former CVIAA winner and Indigenous Arts Officer at Arts Northern Rivers, Kylie Caldwell and Githabal man and artist Luke Close.

Other winners were, the $1000 Highly Commended Emerging Artist award to Jenna Randall for her work Coast Country and the $250 Youth Prize went to Janalie Mercy for a basket weaving piece.

Gallery director Sarah Gurich was the MC for the event attended by around 70 people in the Grafton Regional Gallery courtyard.

The audience was treated to a Welcome to Country from Gary Brown and deputy

Mayor Greg Clancy officially opened the event in the absence of Mayor Ian Tiley.

In addition Dean Loadsman and the Berinbah Dance Troup provided a captivating performance of indigenous dancing.

And there was a contribution from the artistic endeavours to the culinary delights, with native bee honey from one exhibit use to flavour ice cream served to guests.

Saturdays event was also a chance to open two other exhibitions at the gallery, Relative Terrains and School of the Living and the Dead

In School of the Living and the Dead, artist Dr Bill Platz investigates the histories and applications

of puppets in studio drawing.

He includes recent experiments that aim to demonstrate the practicality and effectiveness of using modern technological fibres as a base for drawing, painting, and printmaking.

Relative Terrains is a collaborative exhibition from artists Karma Barnes and Robèrt Franken.

This immersive exhibition celebrates the power of collaboration and the profound impact of relationships on our lives.

Through a series of large-scale installations, visitors delve into the intricate web of connections that shape and transform us.

The Berinbah Dancers performed some traditional and original dancers for the crowd attending the 2023 Clarence Valley Indigenous Art Awards on Saturday at the Grafton Regional Gallery.

Grafton artist Dani Gorogo admiring some of the sculptural exhibits at the Clarence Valley Indigenous Art Awards on Saturday.

Sisters Frey and Amete Baume, left and centre with their mum Ness Baume at the Clarence Valley Indigenous Art Awards on Saturday.

Bearing a platter laden with delicious ice creams topped with native bee honey gathered from an exhibit at the awards is Maggie McDade.

Local Elder Uncle Gary Brown gives the Welcome to Country at the 2023 Clarence Valley Indigenous Art Awards on Saturday at the Gallery.

The 2023 Clarence Valley Indigenous Art Award winner Kristal Russ, centre, with judges Kylie Caldwell and Luke Close and her winning entry Ngaba, at the awards ceremony in the Grafton Regional Gallery on Saturday.

Australian musicians come together to raise funds for Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital

Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital is a registered charity licensed by the Veterinary Practitioners Board of NSW.

It is the only all-species wildlife hospital in NSW outside of Taronga Wildlife Hospitals in Sydney and Dubbo.

The mobile hospital is custom-built inside a 22-wheel semitrailer. It is capable of being deployed anywhere across the country to provide emergency treatment and care for native animals affected by natural disasters.

Its professional veterinary services are provided to native wildlife rescued by wildlife carers, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and members of the community.

It is open seven days a week and has treated over 4000 animals, free of charge, since opening.

By Sarah Waters

Australian rock band The Cruel Sea will play their first show in ten years to headline Wild Aid 2023, a fundraiser for wildlife in association with Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital and Bluesfest.

‘inadequate value for money’.

The announcement left the mobile wildlife hospital - which has treated 4000 animals since it opened in 2020 after the Black Summer bushfires - with an uncertain future.

lifesaving care.

“Consequently, more animals will die unnecessarily from road accidents, natural disasters, disease, and attacks by domestic pets and feral pests.

and wildlife ambassador Tex Perkins said he was shocked when he heard the wildlife hospital had lost $6 million in funding.

Noble said.

“We simply cannot let more wildlife suffer and die needlessly in our backyards.

The five-piece band will play the exclusive benefit gig on Saturday, October 21, at Byron Events Farm (formerly the Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm) as a warmup to their recently announced national tour.

The event aims to raise awareness and funds for Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital’s life-saving veterinary treatment and care for sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife.

In June this year, the recently elected NSW Labor government revoked a $6 million, four-year funding grant one week before it was due to commence, citing

Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital chief executive Dr Stephen Van Mil said his entire team was deeply grateful for the support of such a brilliant group of musicians.

“We were left reeling after the NSW government told us they wouldn’t approve the funding they announced in February,” Dr Mil said.

“The financial uncertainty this creates means if we must close, members of the public and volunteer wildlife carers will have nowhere to bring sick and injured native animals for

“Having The Cruel Sea play their first show in ten years to help raise money for us is mindblowing.

“We’re so thankful and proud to have Tex as an ambassador,” he said.

The Cruel Sea frontman

“I’ve seen what these incredibly caring humans do to help wildlife,” Mr Perkins said.

“Losing that vital funding was a brutal shock, and I really wanted to help.

“The Cruel Sea had started to jam again.

“It feels and sounds really good; the guys were keen, so playing a benefit gig made sense to kick start getting back on the road to play a bunch of shows,” he said.

Bluesfest executive chairman Peter Noble said he was delighted to provide the venue for the fundraiser.

“Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital is unique in Australia, and we’re lucky to have it in the richly biodiverse Northern Rivers,” Mr

“We’re excited to play host to The Cruel Sea’s first gig in a decade here in Byron and to help raise much-needed funds for wildlife,” he said.

The Cruel Sea will be joined at Wild Aid 2023 by solo artist and Magic Dirt singer Adalita, Byron Bay band Loose Content and singersongwriter Jez Mead.

Proceeds from Wild Aid 2023 will go directly towards veterinary treatment for sick and injured wildlife admitted to Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital.

Live and silent auctions will also take place during the night.

Tickets for the 18+ event are available at Moshtix: moshtix.com. au or byronbay wildlifehospital.org/ wildaid/

The Cruel Sea will play their first gig in 10 years to raise funds for Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital

Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital hopes to stay open despite the NSW Government revoking a $6million funding grant.

Twelve months to go until NSW local government elections

In just over a year, local government elections in NSW will take place with polling to be held across the state on Saturday, September 14, 2024.

All seven councillor positions will be contested at the poll in the Tweed.

Current councillors elected in December 2021 are serving a reduced term of two years and eight months as the 2020 election was postponed due to COVID-19.

The September 14 poll next year will not include a mayoral election.

In the Tweed, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor are elected by the councillors.

The Mayor is elected at the frst meeting of the council for a period of two years.

If council chooses to

COFFS HARBOUR BYPASS DETAILED DESIGN CONSULTATION SUMMARY REPORT RELEASED

have a Deputy Mayor, they are elected for one-year terms.

Manager Corporate Governance Stephanie Papadopoulos said preparations had already begun for the 2024 election.

“For those who may have an interest in becoming a councillor and want to know more about how to stand for election, briefng sessions for potential candidates will be made available in the Tweed in the frst half of 2024,” Ms Papadopoulos said.

Those considering standing for election as a councillor can fnd out more at Become a Councillor - Offce of Local Government NSW.

For more information visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/ council-elections.

The start of work on Coffs Harbour bypass interchanges at Korora Hill, Coramba Road and Englands Road is one step closer following the release of the project’s Detailed Design Consultation Summary report today.

The NSW and Australian governments are funding the $2.2 billion Coffs Harbour bypass project to improve safety, travel times and lifestyle in this popular coastal city.

A Transport for NSW spokesperson said the release of the consultation summary report for detailed design meant work would be able to start on these important interchanges.

“The bypass project will result in massive improvements to travel and the quality of life in and around Coffs Harbour,” the spokesperson said.

“We received a strong response to our call

for submissions from the public following the release of design refnements in February, with 57 unique submissions and 233 form letter copies, for a total of 290 written submissions.

“We also engaged with 171 people and organisations during eight drop-in sessions between January to February.

“One of the key themes to come from the community consultation was the desire for simplifed interchanges, and these have now been included in the detailed design.”

The spokesperson said changes to the detailed design following this consultation would deliver an improved result for the community and road users once the bypass is complete.

“We’re confdent the changes will reduce impacts to nearby residents, including

noise reduction during construction,” the spokesperson said.

“At the Coramba Road interchange there will be less traffc from heavy and light vehicles. The design changes will also mean traffc control on Coramba Road will end almost two years sooner, with most of the construction not on existing roads and less impact on Coffs Creek with less bridge work required.

“Changes to the Englands Road interchange include two small roundabouts to improve safety and traffc fow, while access has been improved with a two-way local service road to improve safety and connectivity.

“To reduce operational noise at Korora Hill interchange, the major on and off ramps have been lowered, making them a similar height to the existing highway, while Bruxner Park Road

and James Small Drive are now elevated to an overpass.

“The improvements at the three interchanges also reduce the project’s construction carbon footprint as they require fewer bridges, meaning less truck movements for steel and concrete.”

The fnal design changes are consistent with the project’s environmental approvals.

The project team is developing a Place Design and Landscape Plan (PDLP) and will be seeking community feedback on this plan when it is displayed for public consultation later in 2023.

The consultation summary report is available at pacifchighway.nsw.gov. au/coffsharbourbypass together with the September project update, which contains the latest information about work on the bypass.

Coramba Road Interchange DD map

Local government elections will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2024.

ART, LIFE SIZED PUPPETS AND MUSIC SET TO LIGHT UP BALLINA

By Sarah Waters

The creative talent of artists in the Northern Rivers region will be showcased at the inaugural Ballina Contemporary Art Market on Saturday, October 14, from 10am - 7pm.

The fun-flled arts and cultural event will feature more than 50 arts and crafts stalls located within the Northern Rivers Community Gallery, Ignite Studios and surrounding gardens. Throughout the day, free creative workshops will be available for market goers, including weaving with Jugan Dandii, collage workshops with Claudie Frock and clay modelling sessions facilitated by local ceramicists.

Local visual artist Kate Stroud has developed a range of installations, including a skill testing machine, a cloud

corridor and a series of augmented reality portraits for market attendees to engage with and discover.

Northern Rivers Community Gallery coordinator Imbi

Davidson said the contemporary art market was set to be a fantastic community event.

“There will be many talented artists from across the Northern Rivers selling their

works and wares as well as an incredible program of free, hands-on activities and entertainment for all the family,” Ms Davidson said.

“We welcome the

whole community to come along and enjoy a fun, engaging and creative day,” she said.

Roving performances and workshops will take place by internationally acclaimed immersive

theatre company Erth Visual & Physical Inc.

Erth is renowned for its puppetry-based theatrical productions and innovative community projects seen at the Sydney Festival, the Sydney Opera House and Vivid Sydney.

Live music will keep the event swinging, with a twilight laneway party from 5pm, featuring local six-piece Byron band the Versace Boys. A busking competition, run by local radio station Paradise FM, will also take place.

For the chance to win a recording in their studios and other prizes, register interest at info@ paradisefm.org.au before September 30.

The inaugural Ballina Contemporary Art Market is free, familyfriendly event.

For more information visit: www. ballinacontemporary artmarket.com.au/

Artists from across the Northern Rivers will showcase their work at the inaugural Ballina Contemporary Art Market. Pictured Lismore artist Kate Stroud. Image: Elise Derwin.

Missing swimmer in Byron Bay

Tweed-Byron Police offcers were called to Tallow Beach at Byron Bay last Saturday, September 16, following reports of a man in distress in the water.

At about 3pm emergency services were called to Tallow Beach and immediately started to search for the man, aged in his ffties and of Caucasian appearance.

Surf Lifesavers, Marine Rescue

NSW, a Queensland rescue helicopter, and local police were all involved in the search.

By the time this edition went to print (September 18) the man was still missing, Police are appealing to anyone who might have seen the man last Saturday.

As inquires continue police are urging anyone with information to contact Byron Bay Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Tamara Smith secures new public preschool for Lennox Head as Minns Government announces 100 new public preschools across NSW

Today, Greens MP for Ballina Tamara Smith has welcomed a move from the Minns government to deliver 100 new public preschools across NSW.

Tomorrow’s NSW Budget will reveal the State Government is investing $769 million to deliver 100 new public preschools, including building a preschool on the grounds of every new public primary school built in NSW.

Smith, who is the NSW Greens’ Spokesperson for Early Learning, welcomed this announcement.

South Ballina Beach: fox and wild dog control to protect priority threatened species

The Department of Planning and Environment - Crown Lands is running a targeted Fox-baiting program at South Ballina beach using sodium fuoroacetate products, also known as ‘1080’ baiting. Baiting will be done from Monday 25 September 2023 until Monday 18 December 2023 on Crown land (Lot 7303 DP 1163711 –including the beach and some dunes) between Boundary Creek Road in the south and Richmond River Nature Reserve in the north. Departmental contractors will place 1080 baiting signs at all beach entrances along the beach where baits have been laid.

The program aims to protect the breeding of threatened shorebirds by strategically managing Fox pests – which is a priority action of the NSW Fox Threat Abatement Plan.

Keep dogs and pets safe

During and after 1080 fox baiting, visitors to Crown land between Boundary Creek Road in the south and Richmond River Nature Reserve in the north should keep domestic dogs on a leash and prevent them from eating any unknown items on the ground. Muzzling your dog while in the area can help prevent accidental poisoning. If you suspect your dog has taken a 1080 bait, contact your vet immediately.

For more information, call DPE - Crown Lands on 1300 886 235.

The construction of 100 new NSW government preschools was a key plank of the NSW Greens’ election platform at the March 2023 state election.

The Minns government has also unveiled that one of the 100 new public preschools will be located in Lennox Head. The preschool will be located on the Montwood Drive site purchased by the Department of Education for the Lennox Head Public School.

Smith also noted that increased investment in early learning

infrastructure needs to be accompanied by better pay and conditions for early childhood educators.

Quotes attributable to Tamara Smith MP, Member for Ballina and NSW Greens Early Learning Spokesperson:

“It’s very good news to see the government announce plans to deliver 100 public preschools for NSW.

The Greens took the policy of 100 new publicly owned preschools to the state election, and I’m pleased to see the Labor government putting this

plan into action.

As the Member for Ballina, I’m particularly excited by the announcement of a new preschool in Lennox Head.

Lennox Head is one of the most desirable locations for young families, and a huge number have moved there over previous years. This has dramatically increased the demand for early childcare services, and I’m incredibly glad to see the new government appreciate this need and announce a new public preschool today.

Calling Youth Mentors: Clubhouse Needs You!

Clubhouse Ballina and Lismore, creative tech-learning spaces, are looking for mentors to work with young people aged 12 to 17 years one or two afternoons a week.

The not-for-proft organisation Social Futures manages the Clubhouses, and Social Futures CEO Tony Davies, said he is keen to hear from people with expertise in areas such as music, flm, robotics, coding, electronics, computer science, creative arts, animation or photography.

“If you have an interest in any of these felds, then consider sharing your skills with the Northern River’s young people,” Mr Davies said. “But really, any skills or experience you have to share will be valued.”

“Mentoring at the Clubhouse could appeal to people who have retired and have some spare time to give back. Or people who are studying youth work or teaching and who

want some hands-on experience volunteering with young people to get ahead.

“Mentors tell us that volunteering at the Clubhouse is incredibly rewarding and a journey of creativity and discovery for both mentors and the young people who come to the Clubhouse.”

The world’s frst Clubhouse was set up in Boston in 1993 by two MIT education researchers – now

there are more than 120 clubhouses in 19 countries, including Ballina Clubhouse.

“It’s basically a free after-school program where young people have freedom, in a safe, inclusive environment, to explore technology and other crafts, and unleash their creativity, and express themselves,” Mr Davies said.

“We’re proud that we’ve created an environment where young people can get

hands-on experience making and creating, and seeing their visions realised as art, or on the screen, or as music or in the garden.”

Mr Davies said Clubhouse was looking for mentors who could commit to a couple of hours a day for a day or two per week during school terms.

“Our mentors play a vital role in challenging these young minds to think critically, develop new concepts, and fnd

the technologies to bring their ideas to life,” Mr Davies said, “but it can also just be as simple as asking a young person how their day was and sharing a cup a tea.”

Australian rock legend Ray Arnott has been a long-serving mentor with Clubhouse Ballina. He was a sessional drummer for Albert Music and played with all the greats – John Farnham, Rick Springfeld, John Paul Young, Cold Chisel and ACDC in the 1970s

and 1980s. Ray is based in Ballina and was also a member of Spectrum (1970–1973), which had a number Australian one hit with ‘I’ll Be Gone’.

“It is so important to give back. These young ones are keen to learn and it’s amazing what you know, and what you can pass on,” Mr Arnott said.

“One of the most incredible things about being a mentor is watching young people grow in confdence and believe in themselves. They begin to understand what they themselves can do and can give to their community and to the world.”

Social Futures is a Centrelink approved volunteer organisation meaning dedicated volunteering hours can count towards Centrelink payments.

If you would like to learn more about being a mentor, visit our website at www.socialfutures. org.au/clubhouse or call 1800 719 625.

‘Get cracking’ pool petitioners tells council

By Tim Howard

More than 1400 residents have signed a petition demanding Clarence Valley Council get cracking on construction of a new aquatic centre on the site of the old Grafton Pool.

Around 30 pool users gathered at the pool gates on Friday afternoon to deliver the petition, to Cr Alison Whaites, the council’s liaison between councillors and the public on this issue. Organisers said it had 1421 signatures as of Friday, September 15 and would accept signatures until the September 26 council meeting.

Cr Whaites said she would immediately lodge the petition with the council.

The petition reads:

“We the undersigned, are requesting the Mayor and councillors of Clarence Valley Council to fnalise a decision and commit in writing to one of the following actions to be put in place with a commencement date for construction to start immediately for

the Grafton Regional Aquatic Facility (Grafton Olympic Pool) on Crown land.

“With Option 1 being 100% build of the Grafton Regional Aquatic Facility. Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3.

“Option 2 being to revise the aquatic centre project to begin with replacement of the 50m pool built to FINA standards for competition

Inaugural National Country Swimming Championships that was held at Parap Swimming Pool in Darwin.

“Jamie is a member of the Grafton Amateur Swimming Club and did all her training at the pool,” Mrs Plunkett said.

“Other children will be missing out on the opportunities she had swim and compete, as well as the health

could come to swim and compete, have birthday parties, meet friends and family, cool off or just hang out.

“We need to get a 50m pool happening here and that means moving ahead with the tender process without delay.”

She said the council’s fnancial state put it in a good position to borrow the amounts necessary to get the pool built as soon

swimming lesson,” Mrs Mackay said.

“We’ve been taking the kids down to the river to swim, but that’s so risky.

“When they go under the water, you can’t see what they’re doing.”

For Mrs Vickery, a grand mother of fve, the situation was more drastic.

“I’ve just been diagnosed with lung cancer and the doctors have given me 19 months,” she said.

“I need to swim at the to keep up my lung capacity.”

She said swimming at the South Grafton Indoor Pool did not help as the humidity and chlorine fumes in the enclosed space did not suit her condition.

“I need this done before I’m not around anymore,” she said.

The council provoked the community response

note the progress of the negotiations, the council voted against it.

Details of costs were kept confdential, but it appeared the tenderers’ inability to meet the $24 million price tag proposed for the project was the main stumbling block.

Cr Peter Johnstone has been persistent in his criticism of the council pushing ahead with the project and needing to borrow heavily.

He has consistently argued the council should proceed with a 50m pool and put the other parts of the project on the back burner until grant funds become available.

He wanted to discuss these options at the extraordinary council meeting but Mayor Ian Tiley ruled against allowing him to raise alternative proposals to

level (stage 2), with the completion of the other works for which grant funding has already been received, and any other matters that will need to be completed to ensure the operation of the new 50m pool is actioned immediately. With the additional completion of the Grafton Regional Aquatic Facility (Grafton Olympic Pool) to come when funding is sourced.”

Local mum and the driving force behind the petition Karina Plunkett has personal experience of the value of the pool and the need to get the new version open soon. Her daughter, Jamie, 18, last year won nine medals at the

benefts, physical and mental.”

Mrs Plunkett described the pool as a “safe haven” for children and families who could come to the pool and be guaranteed safety.

“This was a community hub,” she said. “People

as possible.

Local pool users like Grafton’s Heidi Mackay and Jenny Vickery have been shocked at the thought council could impose more delays on the pool project.

“My boy is in year 4 and hasn’t had a

at an extraordinary meeting last month called to hear details of negotiations between the council general manager Laura Black and companies tendering for the regional aquatic centre project.

But instead of voting to

the one before council.

He said with fve councillors prepared to vote against noting the information, it showed there were a majority of councillors who had some misgivings about the approach the council had taken.

Some of the more than 30 people who gathered when the community presented a petition to Clarence Valley Council aquatic centre liaison person Cr Alison Whaites on Friday.

Grafton mum and pool user Karina Plunkett gets the signatures of Heidi Mackay, left and Jenny Vickery, centre, on a petition calling for Clarence Valley Council to cease delays on the Grafton Aquatic Centre project.

Blooming great success for orchid show

By Samantha Elley

It is as if some of the fowers have faces and they are looking back at you, willing you to enjoy their colour, shape and size.

These are the aspects the orchid judges looked for in the recent show held at the Woodburn Memorial Hall by the Woodburn/Evans Head and District Orchid and

Foliage Society Inc. at their annual Orchid Show.

Kevin and Kathryn Rose are president and secretary respectively of the society and are pleased with the nearly 300 plants that were entered for display this year.

“We held the show last year as well,” said Kathryn.

“It was a good show as Kevin had gone to all the

other societies and asked them to bring plants.”

Considering some of the main growers in the Woodburn area lost all their stock of orchids and plants in the February 2022 foods, Kathryn said it was encouraging to see so many growers from other societies supporting them.

“We have members from Maclean to the Tweed and we put it out there that (the Woodburn

members) had lost their plants,” she said.

“So at the next meeting other members brought plants and we divvied out what was brought and we got them going again.

“There is a great friendship between the societies.”

The weekend got off to a good start with Friday being very busy and many of the plants for sale, disappearing

quickly off the table.

“Some people have come to buy plants as they have lost their orchids,” said Kathryn

“Our membership is growing, but that may be because Ballina’s society has just closed.”

With membership ranging in ages from 10 to 86 years old, the society can be assured of plenty of growth over the coming years.

Racheal Windress

of Karina & Co Consultancy had brought two members of her photography workshop to capture the beauty of the many blooms on display.

“We made the suggestion for them to see if they wanted to come and take photos,” she said.

“They were keen, so I just facilitated what they want to take photos of.”

Orchids welcoming ladies

Orchids frst place A Cymbidium standard yellow K and K Rose

Orchids Rachael Windress and Viv McDermott

Orchids frst place A Cymbidium K and K Rose

Orchids Foliage champion by Pam Watson

Orchids frst place cut fowers gerbera B Donaghy

Orchids enjoying a cuppa

Orchids frst place cut fowers hippeastrum Pam Watson

Orchids jams and pickles on sale

One lane on Murwillumbah bridge to close for essential works

Traffc delays expected Monday to Thursday from late September

Tweed Shire Council is urging motorists to plan ahead and seek alternative routes between the CBD and South Murwillumbah for up to four weeks from 25 September when essential works to upgrade the town’s main sewer main are undertaken.

Traffc delays and detours can be expected during these vital works, when the Wollumbin Street bridge will be reduced to a single lane –one way traffc only into the Murwillumbah CBD – to allow workers to complete the necessary upgrade safely. Detours will be in place for outbound traffc.

Acting Director Engineering Tim Mackney said the current upgrade follows the successful completion of the preceding sewer upgrades along Wollumbin Street last year and Alma Street the year before.

“This project is critical to replace essential sewerage infrastructure –which is approaching the end of its serviceable life – and connect previously upgraded infrastructure on either side of the bridge,” Mr Mackney said.

“This upgrade will not only prevent service failure and potential pollution of the Tweed River but also paves the way for future development in South Murwillumbah, including the industrial estate. Council is

committed to delivering essential infrastructure upgrades to meet the growing needs of the community.”

To ensure the project’s success and the safety of both road users and our workers, site preparation works will commence on Wednesday 20 September. These initial preparations will not impact traffc fow and will allow Council to proceed smoothly into the next phase.

From Monday 25 September, one lane on the bridge will be closed during work hours, which will cause delays. The other lane and footpath will remain open under traffc control measures.

The works are expected to take up to four weeks to complete, weather permitting.

“Council is particularly conscious of the potential impacts of these works and will ensure one lane of the bridge remains open for motorists inbound to the CBD, meaning residents and businesses continue to have access to this essential thoroughfare,”

Mr Mackney said.

“Detours will be in place for outbound traffc via Cane Road, using Queensland Road or Tumbulgum Road, or Bakers Road and Mistral Road.

“Following feedback from the community, we have altered our traffc arrangements to lessen the impact on surrounding businesses.

Crews will now work Monday to Thursday to allow easier access on Fridays which businesses tell us is a busy day. Work hours will also now be from 6 am to 6 pm to complete as much work as possible before schools return.

“We understand the inconvenience this may cause and apologise for any disruptions however this approach ensures the safety of our workers and minimises any potential risks associated with working at height and conducting works at night.

“Importantly, we have scheduled the start of these works to coincide with the September school holidays when traffc volumes are reduced. We are also considering weekend work after school resumes, dependent on traffc impacts and work progress. Our primary goal is to complete this project effciently while minimising inconveniences to the community.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation during this essential project, which will beneft our community in the long run.”

Electronic signage will be in place before works start. Information about traffc disruptions will be published on Council’s roadworks and closures page at tweed.nsw.gov. au/roadworks as well as Live Traffc NSW

The Wollumbin Street Bridge will be reduced to a single lane – one way traffc only into the Murwillumbah CBD - for up to four weeks from 25 September.

The painter who brings history to life

Title: Colonial Artist

S.T. Gill

Author: Doug Limbrick

Price: $28.95

Publisher: Shawline

Publishing

By Samantha Elley

His watercolours were proli c and are of a time that has long since passed, but kept alive on the canvases that now hang in many art galleries.

Samuel omas Gill was a 19th century painter who is best known for his paintings of the gold rush era from the 1850s onward.

He arrived in Australia in 1839 at the age of 21 and settled in South Australia.

In his new book, Doug Limbrick traces the rise and rise of the talented painter who would visually detail some of Australia’s great historical moments.

From the early days of Adelaide, to the gold rushes in Victoria and even the beginning of Charles Sturt’s expedi-

Diary of a food survivor

LETTERS & OPINION

CASINO BLACKSPOT

I have expressed concerns about the Walker and Johnson Street, Casino intersection being unsafe for drivers. Being a resident on the corner of this intersection, I see daily near misses due to impatient drivers, turning right or cutting across the intersection.

In particular, seeing 3 close calls within 10 minutes as the sun is going down.

only is this unsightly, but it also poses health risks.

The town is visibly impacted, evident in the many vacant shops. Urgent efforts should be made to attract businesses back into the area. Additionally, taking note of the deteriorating state of shop awnings and taking necessary actions to repair and revitalize them would greatly contribute to the town’s aesthetics.

tion in 1844 and more detail of the Horrocks expedition in 1846 which Gill was a part of.

e book holds many illustrations of the paintings that Gill completed and outlines the stories behind them.

As Limbrick describes, Gill not only captured major Australian events, but also the lives of ordinary people going about their business.

e book truly captures Gill’s ability to help the modern reader see how people lived in another time.

Doug Limbrick worked for many years in the area of social policy.

Over the last twenty years he has focused on 19th century emigration to the Australian colonies.

His previous book, Death Ships, is also available through Shawline Publishing. is title, Colonial Artist S.T. Gill, will be available for purchase from 25th September, 2023.

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

You know that saying ‘There is always someone worse off than you’?

Well, it makes me wonder, who is the worst off person in the world, where they can actually say, ‘No one is more worse off than me’?

I know there must have been many of us on the Northern Rivers 18 months ago who were thinking we were that person.

We had lost our possessions, our home, our cars, our livestock, our jobs or businesses and weren’t seeing a clear way out of the mud and muck that seemed to suck us in.

But while there were some tragedies where lives were lost, most of us survived.

Not to downplay the loss of the people during the food, there were many lives saved thanks to the hero-ism of the tinny army and those who rallied to rescue, feed and house the thousands of misplaced people during that time.

I recently went to see the movie Sound of Freedom which shines a light on the disgusting industry of child sex traffcking.

The story centres on the true story of two little children who were taken from their father in Honduras to be sold as sex slaves to rich, powerful and depraved individuals, and the man called Timothy Ballard, who goes to rescue them.

As a parent, I would be thinking that father was the worst off, not to mention the children and what they experience.

To lose both of your children to such a depraved evil is incomprehensible.

It is defnitely a movie worth seeing, if only to open your eyes to what goes on around us.

I came away from it, thankful that my children were safe and knowing I would be willing to lose my possessions all over again than any of my loved ones.

Little steps.

As a reseident of this location and area for over 10 years, I would like to see measures taken for pedestrian safety in crossing the road. This in conjuction with an investigation in to what could make the intersection safer would allowfor a much safer environment for everyone.

Brian Crittenden Casino

CASINO CBD

There has been a notable increase in discussions concerning Richmond Valley Council, the NRLX, and the Livestock Auctioneers recently. It is disheartening to witness a council engaging in persistent bullying of the Auctioneers.

The Livestock Auctioneers and the NRLX play a crucial role in sustaining businesses in Casino. Since this unfortunate situation arose, the vitality of the town has signifcantly diminished.

A suggestion worth considering is for the RVC is to take a more proactive role in managing the town while refraining from interfering in its local businesses. An initial step could involve installing roundabouts on Johnson and Center Streets, enhancing safety for those driving into and out of the CBD—a current situation that poses evident dangers.

Furthermore, addressing the issue of bird droppings covering the footpaths in the CBD caused by overnight perching on powerlines is vital. Not

It is the responsibility of the Richmond Valley Council (RVC) to prioritize the needs of their ratepayers. It is high time they live up to this obligation.

In conclusion, the concerns regarding re-election need not be a worry, and a call is made to local business leaders to initiate discussions about the upcoming round of councillors and Mayor in September 2024. It’s time to advocate for passionate individuals from small and large businesses who genuinely care about our community to lead the Richmond Valley Council.

Name withheld by request Casino resident and business owner.

THANK YOU NRTIMES

Guys this newspaper just keeps getting better and looking great, the recent addition of the Puzzle pages with cartoons is a very welcome look. I love the puzzles pages, after reading through the newspaper every Wednesday, I sit down to my second cup of tea, do the puzzles and then read the newspaper again. I can imagine you may get negative feedback because you have changed the puzzles but just remember, some people can’t handle change plus, this is a newspaper not a puzzle book.

Anyway, keep up the great work and Thank you for giving us a great newspaper each week.

Kelvin Radcliffe Tweed Heads South

It’s time to jump in!

CASINO POOL FREE FAMILY FUN DAY

SATURDAY 23 SEPTEMBER

GATES OPEN 9AM

ACTIVITIES | FOOD

Be one of the frst to see the amazing upgrades to our new pool

Casino Auctioneers Association Incorporated were overwhelmed with support from the community at the latest public meeting

CASINO AUCTIONEERS ASSOCIATION INCORPORATED (CAAI)

The Casino Auctioneers Association Incorporated (the CAAI) were overwhelmed with the support shown by the community at the public meeting held on the 4th of September at the Casino RSM club.

The CAAI fully support the six motions put forward by members of our community.

The CAAI are calling upon the Mayor and the Councillors to listen to the community and reopen negotiations

to allow the selling of cattle at the NRLX to re-commence as soon as possible for the beneft of the livestock vendors and buyers, the Casino business community, the citizens of Casino and the CAAI agents.

Andrew Summerville, President of the CAAI said:

“The CAAI are non-negotiable on relinquishing the responsibility for livestock Pre and Post delivery. This is an important role within the processing of cattle, ensuring animal welfare, vendor satisfaction and guaranteed buyer delivery and is a task best performed by

experienced livestock handlers on behalf of their clients. Beyond this, everything is on the table, and we want to have an open dialogue with the Mayor and the Councillors about getting the yards back open as soon as possible. As agents, we can function without access to the yards but both ourselves and our clients want to be there because we can see the harm the closure is doing to Casino which we all know has always been the real beef capital of Australia. It is a travesty”

Mr Summerville went on to explain that despite the plea of the Casino community at last

Monday’s community meeting, little progress has been made with respect to the negotiation of the terms of the proposed the Agents’ Licences:

“To be frank, we are a little in the dark. At the meeting the consensus of the Community was clear with the Council indicating that they would give all concerns raised due consideration and the General Manager, Vaughan McDonald, making it clear that he would move to implement whatever decisions the Council made about the matter. We were therefore surprised when having made it clear that all

options were on the table, a meeting we had expected to occur with the Mayor, to progress things, was cancelled by the General Manager.”

“We were also disappointed by the comments on social media by Councillor Robert Hayes who criticised the attendees of the meeting by stating:

“I am estimating that 50% of them don’t even reside in the RVC area”. Not only do we disagree with his assessment, it is unhelpful and failed to recognise the presence of livestock vendors from beyond the RVC who pay fees to utilise NRLX to the beneft of the Council. These are

people that also want to see cattle back in the yards and we should be supporting them because they are on our side.”

A copy of Cr Hayes statement has been attached.

When asked about what the future holds Mr Summerville remains optimistic but also realistic:

“We have not been idle here at the CAAI. We remain optimistic that a deal can be reached with the Council and promptly. This remains the most sensible and best approach for all involved and we remain very hopeful that cool heads will prevail, and an understanding can be reached.”

“That being said, and despite the clear will of the community at the meeting, nothing has yet been achieved to bring us any closer to cattle being back in the NRLX. Council needs to act quickly. If they don’t, we’ve been taking legal advice in the background and understand there are various steps we can take to review the Council’s decision making processes. Obviously, that would be a regrettable step when all parties here appear to want the same outcome, but it is one we are prepared to take if need be.”

“The vendors want us there and they want us responsible for their cattle. That’s the way its always been and it’s a special relationship of trust and mutual confdence that develops between vendor, agent and even the buyers. It is not something that can just be undone or replicated; it has been like that since time immemorial and if it comes to it we will fght to preserve that.”

“THEroute we pursue in time,” once said Henri Bergson, “is strewn with the remains of all that we began to be, of all that we might have become.” Which is not a bad comment for a guy who actually went on ‘to become’ a Nobel Prize winner in Literature, some 20-odd-years after having penned this.

But who each of us might’ve been, or all the things we came within a whisker of having done (things in the end we’ll never know) are equally a part of who we are, just as much as the very things we managed to bring about or do. Alternate history is another name for it: the eventualities that slipped through our grasp, or simply failed to come to fruition.

When you think about it – every minute of every day – so many decisions that determine who we are and where we find ourselves, are made and unmade with such rapidity, that none of us can fully fathom the sheer array of alternatives that are open to us at any moment. Life is such an eclectic accumulation of results, many of which have nothing to do with our sincere aims or personal intents whatsoever.

The overwhelming influence of chance and pure happenstance that hardens into what we couldn’t imagine otherwise is mindboggling. Or as Ralph Waldo Emerson, the American thought meister himself once said, “Time dissipates to shiny aether the solid angularity of facts.” A line of thinking that pertains to every facet of life you can think

Stabilisation works to begin at Riverside Park near Uki

Works to reduce future food impacts at Riverside Park near Uki will get underway from Monday 18 September 2023.

Last year’s food was the largest on record and caused severe erosion along the middle reaches of the Tweed River downstream of Uki, resulting in major damage to riverbanks, roads, bridges and riparian vegetation.

further loss of riparian vegetation and agricultural lands and increased sediment loads in the Tweed River estuary.

“Rebuilding the riverbeds and stabilising vegetation will help

sand and gravel to rebuild riverbed levels

• installing rock revetment along unprotected sections of riverbank

• planting stabilising vegetation to minimise erosion in future foods.

than $600,000 to restore this 700 m stretch of the Tweed River below Cudgenbil Waterhole.

Mr Bloor said the project addressed actions in Council’s Marine Estate Management Strategy (MEMS) to

of; from the other top 10 designs of the Sydney Opera House (which dramatically differ from the white sails that we ended up with) to the British PMs either side of Lord Melbourne (which our southern capital is named after) – just imagine if it had been called Wellesley or Peel, Russell or Smith-Stanley?

One of the most fascinating conversations I’ve ever had was with a very elderly German man (the grandfather of my then partner) on my first trip to Germany. In the course of our discussions, I asked him a question he said he’d never been asked before, let alone ever thought of. I simply enquired, “What if Hitler had been more like a Gandhi, in terms of being a spiritual leader instead of merely a psychopathic tyrant?” I wasn’t being flippant, I was being deeply reflective, and he acknowledged my honest line of enquiry with clear engagement and a recognitional demeanour of “what might have been”.

Relatedly, the American writer Patricia A. McKillip once said, “Every moment is like a wheel with a hundred spokes in it. We ride always at the hub of the wheel and go forward as it turns. We ignore the array of other moments constantly turning around us. We are surrounded by doorways; we never open them.” But sometimes that is not such a bad thing, for the sake of our own sanity, being happy or at least content with the doors we do open, constitute the substance of the lives we actually get the chance to live.

The disaster left Riverside Park, opposite Glenock Road, in critical need of restoration after it lost more than 45 m of vegetated bank, leaving parts of the bank just 5 to 15 metres away from busy Kyogle Road. This reach of the river is part of the Tweed’s drinking water supply and supports platypus and other threatened species.

Project Offcer Waterways Matthew Bloor said major environment and infrastructure impacts could occur if these stabilisation works did not go ahead.

“A dominant process observed following the 2022 food event has been the erosion of riverbanks and foodplains on the inside of bends associated with the scour of point bars. Major channel scour, bank retreat and signifcant channel straightening and widening are the result,” Mr Bloor said.

“If the Tweed River continues to straighten, there will be signifcant impacts on road infrastructure,

restore the natural channel shape, reducing erosion and future food impacts.

“Restoring river health and revegetating food-damaged banks will support platypus and other key freshwater species and improve fsh habitat further downstream by reducing sediment loads in the Tweed River estuary.”

Restoration works will involve:

• installing timber piles into the riverbed in rows to capture natural

Construction will commence on 18 September 2023 and will take approximately 6 to 8 weeks to complete.

The works require the closure of one lane of Kyogle Road for the safety of workers and road users and to allow for construction vehicle access.

Council acknowledges the support of the North Coast Local Land Services and the NSW Government in funding this project, who provided more

improve water quality for the beneft of marine habitats, wildlife and the community.

For more information contact Project Offcer Waterways Matthew Bloor on (02) 6670 2400 or visit the QR Code below.

Who we could’ve been…by Nigel Dawe

Aerial view of Riverside Park, November 2021. The riverbank lost 45m of vegetation following last year’s food, leaving parts of the bank just 5 to 15 metres away from Kyogle Road.

Café operator sought for upgraded lighthouse at Point Danger

Expressions of Interest

(EOI) are now open for anyone seeking to operate the new café at the iconic lighthouse at Point Danger.

Straddling the NSW and Queensland border, the Captain Cook Memorial and Lighthouse offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Tweed/Gold Coast coastline and the Pacifc Ocean.

Tweed Shire Council’s Acting Director of Engineering Tim Mackney said the landmark site was a treasure of the region, drawing visitors from far and wide.

“We are excited to welcome visionary organisations to express their interest in becoming the steward of this important community asset,” Mr Mackney said.

“The Point Danger

lighthouse, which is currently undergoing a signifcant upgrade, presents an unparalleled opportunity for enthusiastic entrepreneurs and established café operators to become an integral part of this historic site’s future.”

The lighthouse was built in 1971 as a joint project between City of Gold Coast, Tweed Shire Council and the Commonwealth Government to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the voyage along the east coast of Australia by Captain James Cook. The building was extended in 1990 to accommodate the Volunteer Marine Rescue NSW service.

The site also has signifcant cultural heritage for the First

Nations people of the region, with renowned local Bundjalung/ Yugambeh artist

Christine Slabb engaged to provide Indigenous storyboards and artworks for the facility.

New public toilets and a gallery in the café area will be added as part of the upgrade.

Mr Mackney said the upgrade would signifcantly enhance the site’s appeal, with a café at this iconic location promising to be a destination that combines history, culture and breathtaking scenery.

“The EOI process provides an opportunity for forward-thinking organisations to propose innovative ideas for the café’s operation, ensuring it becomes a vibrant and sustainable part of our community,” he said.

“We are seeking a partner who shares our vision for this unique space, someone who can offer exceptional service, quality cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere that refects the warmth of our community.”

The contract for the café presents a chance for entrepreneurs to not only operate a successful business but also contribute to the preservation and celebration of the area’s cultural heritage. The EOI process will allow interested parties to outline their concept for the café, showcasing their vision for an enticing dining experience that complements the site’s historical signifcance.

“We encourage all organisations with a passion for hospitality and an appreciation

for our local history to consider this exciting opportunity,” Mr Mackney said.

“Together, we can create a vibrant café experience that complements the magic of this site.”

Council’s website provides detailed information on the EOI process, including submission requirements and evaluation criteria. The deadline for submitting expressions of interest is 12 noon on Wednesday 20 September 2023.

For more information and to access the EOI documentation, please visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/ tenders-contracts.

The lighthouse upgrade is expected to be completed by December 2023, weather permitting. Construction updates can be found at

yoursaytweed.com.au/ captain-cook-memorial, allowing interested parties to stay informed about the progress of this exciting project.

The upgrade project is made possible through the generous support of funding partners, including:

• NSW Government’s Cross Border Commissioner’s Infrastructure Fund ($2,023,449)

• NSW Government’s Restart NSW Regional Growth – Environment and Tourism Fund ($798,000)

• NSW Offce of Environment and Heritage ($50,000)

• Joint funding from the City of Gold Coast ($1,950,000) and Tweed Shire Council ($1,264,000).

Lismore welcomes our newest Australian Citizens

Lismore City Mayor

Steve Krieg welcomed seven new citizens at an Australian Citizenship Ceremony held at the Council Chambers today.

The new citizens came from the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Belgium and now call Bexhill, Tucki Tucki, Goonellabah, Richmond Hill and Bentley home.

The citizenship ceremony is held in recognition of Australian Citizenship

Day, which is celebrated every year and provides an occasion for individuals, schools, community groups and

organisations to refect on the contributions of citizens to our local communities.

Mayor Krieg said

Australian Citizenship Day was an opportunity for all Australians in our community, whether by birth or choice, to

refect on and celebrate what’s great about being Australian.

“Australia is one of the most culturally diverse

nations in the world, and since 1949 we have welcomed more than fve million new citizens to our shores,” he said.

“Congratulations and welcome to our new citizens who are now part of the common bond that unites all Australians and respects diversity.”

For more information about Australian Citizenship Day and Australian citizenship visit www.citizenship. gov.au.

Concrete pour of the viewing deck at the Point Danger lighthouse construction site (Source: Multi Span Australia)

View from the lighthouse, looking south over Duranbah Beach and the Tweed River mouth.

An artist’s impression of the new Captain Cook Memorial and Lighthouse at Point Danger. The upgrade is set to be completed by the end of the year and will include a new café and accessible facilities.

“Leemo has views on just about anything” ‘NO

MORE KISSES for Mum Jane’

swift adjudication of my thinking. But, OMG, ‘the Old Woman’ spoke frst. Aaaargh! ‘Leems, do pray tell, what on earth has inclined you toward this attitude of ‘no kissing’ stuff, please elucidate CLEARLY!’ OMG, time for some quick meditation on the grass Mum has been raking all day to smooth it for me. OK, I’m up for it. ‘Mum, you keep telling me to read.

Opportunity to run community markets across the Tweed

Expressions of interest (EOI) are now open for individuals or groups seeking to operate a community market in towns across the Tweed, including Kingscliff, Tweed Heads, Pottsville and Murwillumbah.

Once selected, successful applicants will manage day-to-day operations, advertising and bookings for these community markets for the next three years.

diversity and upholding sustainable practices,” Ms Lopez said.

“We’re eager to partner with individuals and groups who share our vision for these markets as vibrant hubs of cultural exchange and

economic growth.”

Interested parties are asked to read the Market Management Plan Guidelines 2022 on Council’s website before beginning their EOI. The guidelines provide valuable information for

prospective operators, covering topics such as sale of food, stall types, waste reduction, sustainability and enhancing community and cultural experiences. These guidelines also outline the location, frequency, operating times of individual markets and the terms of development consent for each location.

Crikey, I had to ponder on how to break the news to ‘Mum Jane’ about my decision to no longer give her purry licky kisses on her mouth.

(It’s ‘Leemo Cat’ here). Well, I tell you, I was a little disorientated by her response to my words? She looked a tiny bit disconsolate; BUT THEN, her wrinkled visage brightened quite noticeably. Hmmm? This made me most uneasy & suspicious so I asked ‘Mum, is there anything you have to say to me about what I have just told you, anything AT ALL?’ She had one of those self-satisfed smuggy ‘smarty-pants’ looks on her face, and spoke. ‘Well then Leems, what is it you are going to do at 4.11am sharp every morning when YOU feel like a little treat? Like slinking up, patting my face, purring, and, if that fails, giving me a big kiss on the mouth to wake me; this forces me to arise from my much needed repose, out of bed, go to kitchen, and make you a snack. So, the deal is, no purrs or kisses for ME means no treats for YOU!

Gottit?’ (Hah, I’m gonna win this debate.) I gave her a ferce glare and advised her that I would therefore simply maul and bite her instead of kissing.

Ooooh, her response was immediate. ‘Well, Leems, has it entered your feeble brain that biting and mauling me will also cancel any treats you may be anticipating, ‘cos I could well be on the way to hospital. So, suck it up, that’s the end deal!’ I miaooweed crossly & loudly, stomped my paws and tried a

SO, I’ve been doing so. I READ in the newspaper about that bloke from Spain who was the President of the Spanish Women’s Football League. When his team won the Women’s World Cup, Mr Rubiales kissed one of the players on the mouth ‘cos he was so so happy and full of joy and elation about their win. Well, Mum, look what happened to him. He was accused of ‘harassment’ and hounded by the media to the point he up resigned from his job.

SO, as I am older than you (x cat years) I am not kissing you any more for fear of being put in the same situation ‘cos I’m male and you’re a girl. (but OLD!) It is not as IF I would truly want to kiss your ‘prune-like’ lips anyhow Mum, but when I’m really hungry at 4.11am, my generally well judged actions go out the window. Eeeek!

I do reckon she’s having those ‘vapours’ that ladies are prone to. If an ‘attack of the vapours’ means losing all sane mental focus & braying like a donkey, Mum is clearly having one. Oh horror, she spoke between laughing ‘Leems, how are you going to lose your job when you don’t have one? The only connection to the word ‘jobbie’ you exhibit in your daily life is left in your litter tray.

‘MUM, that is NOT true. My job is to look after you, which I do, so there! AND I promise I WILL kiss you on New Years Eve ‘cos that’s when we all kiss just anyone silly enough to be nearby. I got a pat, a bemused smile and a big hug. Nitey with debatable & confused purrsies, Leemo. (I think I lost?)

Successful applicants will begin operation on Tuesday 7 November 2023.

Acting Manager Building and Environmental Health Marcela Lopez said these markets play a vital role in supporting local charities, businesses and producers.

“Tweed’s community markets are more than just commerce; they are platforms for sharing enriching experiences, championing local goods, embracing

Council is seeking comprehensive submissions that address all aspects outlined within the guidelines. Expressions of interest close on Wednesday 4 October 2023.

For more information on the submission requirements and assessment process, please contact Council’s Environmental Health Unit on (02) 6670 2400 or email tsc@tweed.nsw. gov.au

To register your EOI visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/ Tenders/Current

Call for volunteers to count coastal emus this October

If you live in or around the Clarence Valley or Bungawalbin, or plan to visit the area in October, the NSW Government’s Saving our Species program invites you to be part of a vital mission to count and protect the region’s endangered coastal emu population.

NSW Department of Planning and Environment

Threatened Species Offcer Lia Hooper said the coastal emu is a genetically distinct population and these remarkable birds are found exclusively on the North Coast of NSW.

“Formerly widespread across north-eastern New South Wales, coastal emus are now restricted to an area between Evans Head, Red Rock and Bungawalbin,” said Ms

Hooper.

“These birds play a crucial ecological role by aiding in the dispersal of fruits and seeds over vast distances across the landscape. Coastal emus also hold signifcant cultural importance to local Aboriginal communities, further underscoring the need for their protection.

“With an estimated population of fewer than 50 individuals, every single bird counts.

“The Coastal Emu Population Survey is happening from Friday October 13th to Sunday October 15th, and your participation will make a substantial difference to our conservation efforts,” said Ms Hooper.

There are multiple ways to get involved:

• Join a registered

volunteer team: Partner with a threatened species offcer from the Saving our Species program to explore designated coastal emu habitat areas.

• Conduct surveys on your property: If you own property within the coastal emu habitat area, you can conduct surveys on foot or by vehicle. Report your sightings using the population survey app or provided paper survey sheets.

• Set up motion cameras on your property: If you have a property within the habitat area, you can also assist by monitoring a site using motion camera devices provided to you.

“Participating in the survey will provide the Saving our Species team with valuable data that will aid in

the protection of this unique and endangered population of birds,” said Ms Hooper.

To fnd out more about the 2023 Coastal Emu Population Survey and to register, visit: www. environment.nsw.gov. au/coastal-emus

The NSW Government’s Saving our Species program leads the delivery of the coastal emu conservation project, in collaboration with project partners and stakeholders including Clarence Valley Council, Lions Club of Clarence –Environmental, Glen Ian Ostrich and Emu Farm, Yaegl Traditional Owners Corporation, Transport for NSW, private landholders, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and North Coast Local Land Services.

Expressions of interest are invited for community market operators across the Tweed, including at Kingscliff, Tweed Heads, Pottsville and Murwillumbah.

Less than 12 months to go until NSW local government elections

Poll to be held in the Tweed on Saturday 14 September 2024

It’s just under a year until local government elections in NSW, with polling to be held across the State on Saturday 14 September 2024.

All seven Councillor positions will be contested at the poll in the Tweed, with the number of Councillors confrmed by a resolution at the 7 September 2023 Council Meeting.

Current Councillors elected in December 2021 are serving a reduced term of 2 years and 8 months as the 2020 election was postponed due to COVID-19.

The election process will be managed by the NSW Electoral Commission.

The 14 September 2024 poll will not include a Mayoral election.

In the Tweed, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor are elected by the Councillors in a process managed by Tweed Shire Council. The Mayor is elected at the frst meeting of the Council

for a period of 2 years. If Council chooses to have a Deputy Mayor, they are elected for one-year terms.

Manager Corporate Governance Stephanie Papadopoulos said preparations had already begun for the 2024 election.

“For those who may have an interest in becoming a councillor and want to know more about how to stand for election, briefng sessions for potential candidates will be made available in the Tweed in the frst half of 2024,” Ms Papadopoulos said. Those considering standing for election as a Councillor can fnd out more at Become a Councillor - Offce of Local Government NSW. For more information visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/ council-elections.

WILLIAMSON DEMANDS GOVERNMENT ACTION ON ‘SENSELESS AND ILLEGAL’ PROTESTS AGAINST SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY

While everyone has a right to protest, recent law-breaking and disruptive demonstrations against renewable timber harvesting in Northern NSW are causing widespread harm and the NSW Government needs to take action, Clarence Nationals MP Richie Williamson has told Parliament.

“I’m speaking both in support of the timber industry and everyone’s right to a peaceful and lawful protest,” Mr Williamson told the NSW Legislative Assembly earlier this week.

“However, some of the behaviour on display in State Forests in Northern NSW right now and over the recent past is shameful and unlawful. Continual attacks on this lawful industry by protesters illegally entering an active harvest site are disgraceful and should be denounced.

“This selfsh behaviour by a hardcore few is taking its toll on good hard, working men and women.”

Mr Williamson said there were widespread consequences to the radical activities of the extreme green minority.

The livelihoods of

timber workers and their families were being jeopardized, the safety of regional communities was being put at risk as police had to divert huge resources in remote areas, and protesters themselves were risking their lives with increasingly dangerous covert activities.

“You can’t have a right to protest without a responsibility to frstly do it safely and lawfully, and secondly not infringe on another person’s right to work and provide for his or her family,” Mr Williamson said.

The irony, according to the Clarence Nationals

MP, is that the NSW timber industry is not only sustainable and environmentally responsible, it is the most highly regulated forestry industry in the world.

“With, among other measures, one million hectares of State forest estate is set aside for conservation forever, sustainable forestry through responsible management signifcantly improves not destroys biodiversity in a forest, including supporting and improving koala habitat,” Mr Williamson said.

“Mr Speaker, this

unlawful behaviour must stop and I urge this Government to provide the legislation and support to our police to ensure it does,” Mr Williamson concluded.

** A full copy of

Mr Williamson’s contribution to the debate can be found here - https://www. parliament.nsw.gov.au/ permalink?id=HANSA RD-1323879322-134461

The local government elections will be held on Saturday 14 September 2024.

Libs and Nats attack pay rise for 925 local teachers

The Minns Labor Government is calling on the Liberals and Nationals to end their repeated attacks on NSW’s hard-working teachers after a senior Liberal MP dismissed the teacher shortage crisis as a “fairytale”.

The Liberals and Nationals have repeatedly refused to support making NSW public school teachers the highest paid in the country, with Opposition MPs trying to block a motion in the NSW Parliament to recognise the historic pay rise.

In an attempt to gag parliamentary debate, the former Treasurer Matt Kean accused the Minns Labor Government of “caving in” to teachers and said the teacher shortage crisis was a “fairytale” and “an invented problem”.

This is a slap in the face for the 925 hard-working teachers in the Lismore Electorate.

When the Liberals and Nationals left offce, they left a blowout in the number of teacher vacancies across NSW in their wake. In Lismore the number of vacancies skyrocketed by 310% leaving many local schools stretched and causing classes to merge.

By the time the former Liberals and Nationals left offce teacher resignations were outstripping retirements, the number of teachers leaving within fve years had reached a peak and thousands of students were taught in merged or cancelled classes.

The Liberals and Nationals have ramped up their attacks on teachers in recent days by demanding NSW

educators be more productive, with the Deputy Nationals Leader Bronnie Taylor telling local radio “when you get a pay rise, you normally need to do a bit more”.

“Where are the productivity gains? And where’s the beneft?”, the Deputy Nationals Leader told radio station 2CC on Tuesday.

“Wage increases with no productivity gains; no one can run a business like that”.

The demands for NSW’s burnt-out teachers to work harder were backed by other senior Liberal MPs including the Shadow Treasurer Damien Tudehope

Shadow Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Justin Clancy, whose Albury seat has 792 teachers,

denied it was a problem in NSW.

The Minns Labor Government’s oncein-a-generation uplift in salaries will help address the state’s teacher shortage crisis and ensure NSW has the teachers it needs to improve student outcomes.

Previously, teachers in NSW were constrained by the former Liberal National Government’s now defunct wages cap, degrading their pay to among the worst in the nation and creating a teacher shortage crisis.

In fact, under the former Government, for the frst time in recent memory, teacher resignations outstripped retirements in NSW.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“The Liberals and Nationals need to stop their attacks on our teachers who have felt undervalued and demoralised for far too long.

“As a community we need to value teachers and the vital role they play in educating our children.

“The disgraceful comments by Liberals and Nationals MPs that over-worked teachers need to work harder, are not only outright wrong, but are insulting and potentially harmful.

“We need to do everything we can to retain all our committed, hard-working teachers, not drive more of them out of the classrooms.

“The Minns Labor Government believes our teachers deserve a signifcant uplift in their salaries and is committed

to supporting them in their work to improve educational outcomes for NSW students.”

Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffn said:

“Earlier this week I put out a statement welcoming the pay rise as a huge fllip for the teaching profession in our state after a dire 10 years which saw teachers quitting in droves by the time we won offce.

“To see this feral response by members of the State Opposition is nothing short of a disgrace, given their shameful neglect of public education while they were in power.

“We want to allow teachers to get on with the job of teaching our children with the knowledge that we are backing them in.”

Council welcomes $15 million grant funding announcement

Lismore City Council has welcomed the State and Federal Government’s announcement of grants totalling $15 million to assists Lismore’s City Hall and, arts and cultural sector as they continue to rebuild after the February 2022 natural disaster.

Mayor Steve Krieg said the announcement was great news for the community and will allow popular services like the library and art gallery to continue to provide services while their buildings are being repaired, as well as delivering food resilience and functionality enhancements to Lismore City Hall.

“This is great news for the entire community, including library users and our arts community,” he said.

“Our community has missed City Hall, the Lismore Library and the Regional Art Gallery since the natural disaster and these grants are a signifcant step in Lismore’s rebuild.

“I would like to thank

local State Member Janelle Saffn and Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan for their assistance in getting these important grants.”

About $8 million

food mitigation and sustainable improvements

• $177,240 for the Lismore Library to create a meeting and workshop space at Lismore Central

important to help re-open arts, cultural and community spaces.

“They are at the very heart of community life,” she said.

communities so they can fourish.”

Member for Page Kevin Hogan said the grants will play a role in our recovery.

work commencing.”

of the total package will go to community organisations within the local government area, with Council receiving almost $7 million, which comprises of:

• $5.2 million for Lismore City Hall

Shopping Centre, and

• $1.3 million for the continuation of the Pop-Up Regional Art Gallery and offce space in Magellan Street.

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffn said the rebuilding is vitally

“We rely on our galleries, museums and cultural hubs to revive our spirits and tell our stories and they are critical to the identity of our cities and towns.

“Investing in these spaces is about investing in the future of our

“The restoration of our

civic buildings after the foods is an important stage of the recovery and the creation of cultural facilities and activities is essential to restoring our community wellbeing,” he said.

“I look forward to the

The projects were successful through the second round of the Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Package – Arts and Cultural Assets Program, designed to support medium to long-term recovery under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Work about to begin for Mullumbimby roads

Road work is about to begin on Prince Street, Poinciana Street and Morrison Avenue in Mullumbimby. The work is scheduled to start on Monday 25 September, and it will take approximately two weeks to complete.

The work will involve minor drainage and road surface improvements, as well as reconstruction of the intersection at Prince Street and Argyle Street.

Phil Holloway, Director Infrastructure Services, said that residents will still be able to access their properties, but that they should expect some delays and noise, while work is being completed. “While we will try to minimise noise and interruptions to residents

accessing the roads, there may be some lengthy delays at times, particularly when the road is being sealed,” Mr Holloway said. “We recognise that residents have had to put up with a lot of noise and traffc from construction of the nearby pod village, and are pleased that this road work is about to begin,” he said.

The work is being funded by the Australian and New South Wales governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangement. Further information about the improvements is on Council’s website.

Bluff Point Quilters Exhibition

- Saturday 23 September

After the amazing success with the Bluff Point Quilters exhibition held at The Lawrence Museum in 2022, the exhibition will be held again this year at the Lawrence Museum, on Saturday 23 September.

There will be an array of quilts to view, some available for purchase, as well as other needle craft items. Visitors will be able to wander through the exhibition, quirkily arranged with the museum artifacts.

The exhibition will be supported by trade stalls from Grafton Textiles, the Handstitched Owl, New Horizons Quilting, and the Grafton Floral Art Group. Knife and scissor sharpening will also be available, so bring along your blunt knives and scissors.

For the bargain hunters, there will be a massive Trash & Treasure stall, and the Museum Recycle and collectors’ shop be open too. The Museum Gardening Grannies will have both indoor and outdoor plants for sale.

As always, the admission $10, includes a delicious, country

style morning or afternoon tea.

Visitors will be asked to participate in the Viewer’s Choice for best quilt, and raffes will offer great prizes.

The Bluff Point Quilters have worked together for many years for charities, they meet once a fortnight now, in addition to their usual group meetings.

In the past year they have made over 200 children’s quilts, which are donated to organisations such as Sydney Children’s Hospital, Lismore Hospital, Mental Health, Archies Army at Harden, and when needed for events such as fres and foods.

Profts from this event will donated by the Bluff Point Quilters to the ongoing operation of the Museum.

Roz Jones, Lawrence Museum vice president said, “We are delighted The Bluff Point Quilters have decided to hold their popular Quilt Exhibition at the Lawrence Museum again this year. The exhibition will be open from 9.30am – 4.00pm. There is plenty of free parking space.

$650,000

IN FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR NORTHERN RIVERS NOT-FOR-PROFITS AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS

Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation funding round opens next Tuesday!

Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation’s fnal funding round for 2023, opens next Tuesday, 19 September, with more than $650,000 available for local charities and community groups, including those in the Northern Rivers region.

Applications close on Tuesday, 24 October.

To assist prospective applicants with the application process, the Charitable Foundation is hosting a free, online workshop on Wednesday, 20 September from 10:30 am – 12:00 pm (AEST). Groups can register here: https:// events.humanitix.com/ npcfworkshop-sep23

Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Executive Offcer, Carly Bush, said project partners with a focus on important community issues are encouraged to attend the session and apply.

“Everyone is welcome to attend our workshop, which will be a fantastic opportunity

for those interested in building capability and knowledge about grant writing, as well as the application process,” Ms Bush said.

“We are really looking forward to collaborating

facing food insecurity, homelessness, and family and domestic violence.

disabilities, such as Cerebral Palsy and dysplasia.

with partners with initiatives supporting inclusivity, education, and cultural diversity.

“We understand that times are challenging for Northern Rivers communities, leaving many who, amidst the current cost-of-living pressures, are also

“We know there are organisations across Northern Rivers with innovative ideas who are making great strides for the community, and we encourage them to apply!”

Recent Northern Rivers projects include:

• $120,000 for Northcott Society to deliver localised orthotic care for Northern Rivers children with physical

• $32,000 for Cancer Council Australia to provide a vehicle to transport patients to treatment and medical appointments, better supporting them to access care.

Applications can be submitted via the Charitable Foundation website and close at 11:59pm Tuesday, 24 October.

Eligibility information

To be eligible for funding, a group must be endorsed by the Australian Taxation Offce as a Type 1 Deductible Gift Recipient and hold Tax Concession Charity status, be registered with the Australian Charities and Not-ForProft Commission, and be a not-for-proft organisation which is charitable at law, and a legal entity such as an incorporate association of corporation. Groups are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria available at https://www. newcastlepermanent. com.au/funding-guide

Northcott’s Amanda Dawson and Berta Youakim

NPCF Executive Offcer Carly Bush

RECENT CATTLE MARKET REPORTS

Lismore’s ceramic artists are back with a bang!

Clay Northern Rivers presents a ceramic pop up show at Elevator ARI, 3 Rural St, Lismore from 8am - 3pm on 14th October 2023.

The artist collective announced today that 28 local artists will showcase their work for sale, following a

successful event last July at the Clunes Coronation Hall.

The pop up offers a variety of functional ceramics, sculpture, ceramic jewellery, unique, handmade pottery and features a children’s workshop facilitated by local artist

PH: 6686 9600

ballinafaircinemas.com.au

Thurs September 21 - September 28

A HAUNTING IN VENICE (M) BARBIE (PG)

Blue Beetle (M)

DUMB MONEY (MA15+) PREVIEW

MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 3 (PG)

PAW PATROL: THE MIGHTY MOVIE (PG) NFT

RUBY GILLMAN, TEENAGE KRAKEN (PG) NFT

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA

and business owner, Emma Lang from The Maker Place.

In addition to the diverse array of ceramic creations, local food vendors offer pastries, coffee and gelato on site.

CNR organisers Trudy Gould and Brooke Jenkins say that Lismore’s ceramic artists

are excited and ready to share their creations with the community. For many artists, this show will be their frst one back since the devastating foods in 2022.

The group expects visitors from all over the region to visit. Elevator ARI is located right in

the heart of the CBD, where the increased foot traffc benefts local businesses and reminds travellers and locals that lismore is still a thriving hub for the arts.

Clay Northern Rivers is a collective of ceramic artists local to the Northern Rivers region. The group comes

together to support each other in their practices and hold community events to raise the profle of their members and engage with customers through markets. Makers of all skill levels are welcome and the artistic diversity within the group is celebrated.

• Blue Beetle (M)

• A Haunting in Venice (M)

• The Equalizer 3 (MA 15+)

• Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie (PG)

• The Nun 2 (M)

• My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 (PG)

• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mayhem (PG)

• Retribution (M)

• Ruby Gillman: Teenage Kraken (PG)

Home Shows

HANS: DISCO SPEKTAKULAR TOUR

Thursday, September 21, 2023 @ 7:00pm

SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR: HOPE

Friday, September 22, 2023 @ 7:30pm

TURTLES: MUTANT MAYHEM (PG)

THE CREATOR (M) PREVIEW

THE NUN II (M)

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 ANH DO: THE HAPPIEST REFUGEE

Thursday November 9, 2023 @ 7.30pm MANPOWER AUSTRALIA

Wednesday February 7, 2024 @ 7.30pm

RUNNING IN THE SHADOWS OF FLEETWOOD MAC

Friday May 17, 2024 @ 8.00pm

Crossword 19 x 19

XPRESS. VER.4.03 publication can be separate text box.

Safety Corp RTO 91694

Tweed Heads

BIG CROSSWORD ACROSS

N

TARGET TIME I E O T V E N L A

with

Today’s target: 34 words average 40 words good 52+ words excellent

Find words of four letters or more. Every word must include the centre letter and each letter is used once only. Find at least one nine-letter word. No colloquial or foreign words, capitalised nouns, apostrophes, hyphens. No verbs or plural words ending in ‘s’. Solution list is not exhaustive. Ref: Macquarie Dictionary

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

No. 3039

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Auspac Media

When it comes to professional or volunteer work, do you feel as if you’ve been going backwards? Prepare to take a welcome leap forward as the Sun, Pluto and Mercury move things in a positive direction. So don’t waste precious time procrastinating! Be upfront with work colleagues, clients or customers, and keep them up to date with current plans and changes. The more creative and proactive your approach with family and friends, the better the week will be.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

Hey Bulls – are you making the most of Jupiter moving through your sign? The planet of good fortune is transiting through Taurus for another eight months, and then it won’t be back again for eleven years. So don’t rest on your lovely laurels! It’s time to turn dynamic opportunities into productive, prosperous projects. Ultimately, it’s up to you. Birthday great Bruce Springsteen (who turns 74 on Saturday) reminds us: “When it comes to luck, you make your own.”

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

On Tuesday, nebulous Neptune sucks the wind out of your sails (especially at home or work) and you may feel disappointed or confused. Don’t despair and give up, Gemini! Instead, get your creative juices flowing in imaginative new directions. Thursday’s Sun/Pluto trine focuses your busy mind and sharpens your cerebral talents. So it’s the perfect time to analyse, study, research and dig deep as you uncover a mystery or solve a perplexing problem.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

On Monday and Tuesday, resist the temptation to retreat inwards (and be moody and mysterious) to cover up your emotional insecurities. Clear and honest communication (with yourself and loved ones) will get you a lot further than sulky Crab behaviour! And are you overdue for some creature comforts and a touch of luxe? With Venus visiting your money zone, raid your piggy bank and treat yourself to a restaurant meal or some indulgent body pampering.

There’s the tendency to become obsessed about an idea (or person) as you focus with Leo tunnel-vision. You’re putting in 100% effort but don’t be disappointed if the results aren’t perfect. You’ll learn more from perceived ‘failures’ than you will from successes. Draw inspiration from film star Sophia Loren (who was born on September 20, 1934): “It’s better to explore and make mistakes than to play it safe. Mistakes are part of the dues one pays for a full life.”

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

With Mercury and the Sun visiting your sign this week, you’ll find brains and confidence are a winning combination. It’s also a wonderful time to boost your self-esteem with a physical makeover, tap into your latent talents, and believe in yourself – even when other people disagree with you and the going gets tough! So your motto for the moment is from Virgo actress Jada Pinkett Smith (born on September 18, 1971): “Don’t allow anyone to dictate who you are.”

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

This week is all about bringing more balance and harmony into your busy world. We celebrate the Equinox on Saturday – when the Sun transits into Libra, and day and night are of equal length. With Mars also moving through your sign, it’s time to tap into your passion and creativity. So your motto is from fellow Libran, legendary stage actress Sarah Bernhardt: “Life begets life. Energy creates energy. It is by spending oneself that one becomes rich.”

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

The magnetic Sun/Pluto trine boosts personal power and encourages passionate communication and purposeful transformation. But the overall message this week is patience, as Mars (and then the Sun) transit through your solitude zone. Rest, relaxation, reflection and rejuvenation are just what the doctor ordered. If you look to the future with a positive attitude, then fabulous opportunities will manifest – eventually. But you must be extra patient.

You love to hear the sound of your own voice as you chat, converse and communicate. However, sometimes you can confuse talking about something with actually doing it! If you think things through and then act with passion and purpose, the week will go well. But if you don’t walk your talk, expect delays and disappointments at every turn. Be inspired by music legend (and birthday great) Bruce Springsteen: “Talk about a dream and then make it real.”

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Early in the week you could feel doubtful or disappointed, as the Sun/Neptune opposition dulls motivation and confuses communication. Then your Capricorn confidence starts to return, as the Sun/Pluto trine boosts your earthy energy and natural enthusiasm. Personal projects, holidays, travel and education are highlighted. Remember it’s Equinox week so the more you relax and tune into your inner equilibrium, the more productive (and attractive) you’ll be!

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

An unreliable relative or a questionable acquaintance could lead you astray. So keep your realism radar set on high and avoid getting caught up in dubious schemes. You’re learning some hard financial lessons, as penny-pinching Saturn stirs up your money zone. Astute Aquarians will budget wisely and prioritise saving over spending. Strive to build your outer material security – as well as your inner emotional security. Both are equally important to future success.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

If you daydream the week away, you’ll just end up feeling dazed and confused. Try channelling your creative energy into relationships, joint ventures, group projects or helping others. When it comes to a partnership, you’re keen to pursue a particular course of action but is a loved one on the same page? Take the time to double-check, otherwise you could find you are veering off in completely different directions. Communicating clearly is the key.

vial, vile, vine, viol, viola, violate, violent, violet, vital, voila, voile, volant, vole, volt, vote.

ASTROLOGY

Joanne Madeline Moore

BEST ON THE BOX

SUNDAY THE BLOCK

NBN, 7pm

FRIDAY

SHERWOOD

ABC, 8.30pm

Another top- ight British crime drama kicks o on the ABC tonight with a fascinating, fact-based political undercurrent. Created by acclaimed writer James Graham (Quiz), Sherwood tells of a ba ing double murder in a mining village in Nottinghamshire, where tensions linger following a miners’ strike. On the case is police chief DCS Ian St Clair (David Morrissey, pictured) who quickly nds there is no shortage of suspects as he navigates an uneasy alliance with an old colleague, London cop DI Kevin Salisbury (Robert Glenister, pictured, left, with Morrissey). Full of unexpected plot turns and compelling characters, Sherwood is an exceptional political murder mystery.

FRIDAY, September 22

Whether you’re an enthusiastic cook, baker, or someone who lives and dies by their microwave, the old adage rings true: “kitchens and bathrooms sell houses”. Since The Block’s producers aren’t quite sadistic enough to give the contestants a week where both these big-ticket rooms are on the renovation schedule, we’ve had to settle with the next best thing: kitchen and laundry week, one of the biggest in their threemonth build. Now, it’s time for feedback from the judges –Shaynna Blaze, Neale Whitaker (pictured) and Darren Palmer. Tune in to nd out whose kitchen is the “sexiest”, what they think of that orange oven, and exactly what “Japandi” means.

WEDNESDAY WHILE THE MEN ARE AWAY

SBS, 8.30pm

With a fresh, cheeky and attimes historically inaccurate take on 1940s Australia, this gutsy dramedy shakes up established ideas of what life was like for those left behind during the war. Premiering with two episodes tonight, it follows Women’s Land Army recruits Gwen (Max McKenna, pictured) and Esther (Jana Zvedeniuk), two naïve city girls assigned to work on Harry Whitmore’s farm while he joins the war e ort. Joining Harry’s Italian wife Frankie (Michela De Rossi), Indigenous farmhand Kathleen (Phoebe Grainer) and cowardly Robert (Matt Testro), the wide-eyed ladies are set for a spiritual and political awakening. While the cat’s away, the mice will play, and this group certainly have some tricks up their sleeves.

6.00 The Drum.

7.00 ABC News. Takes a look at the top stories of the day, including coverage of developing stories and events.

7.30 Gardening Australia. Hannah Moloney visits a small garden. Costa Georgiadis explores ferns.

8.30 Sherwood. (Premiere, Malv) After a murder occurs in an ex-mining town, DCS Ian St Clair is called in to investigate.

9.30 Midsomer Murders. (Mv, R) A folk festival organiser is killed in a manner reminiscent to that described in a ballad.

11.00 ABC Late News.

11.20 Miniseries: Innocent. (Mal, R) Part 4 of 4.

12.05 Harrow. (Mav, R)

Two men die in a duel.

1.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 South America With Simon Reeve. (Ml)

8.40 Ancient Egypt: Chronicles Of An Empire. (Mav)

9.40 Tony Robinson: The Thames At Night. (R)

10.35 SBS World News Late.

11.05 Unseen. (Malnv)

11.55 Romulus. (MA15+av, R)

3.45 Destination Flavour. (R)

4.15 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (R)

4.45 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 explore a terrace home that looks small on the outside but is packed with features. Karen Martini cooks a Turkish pizza. Graham Ross visits Boongala Gardens in Kenthurst.

8.30 MOVIE: Father Of The Bride. (1991, G, R) A father stresses after learning his only daughter is to wed a man she has known for only six months. His reluctance to accept the coming union is only heightened as he struggles to deal with the details of the wedding. Steve Martin, Diane Keaton, Kimberly Williams.

10.45 To Be Advised.

12.30 Home Shopping.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 Rugby League. NRL. Finals Series. First preliminary nal. Penrith Panthers v Melbourne Storm.

9.45 NRL Finals Footy Post-Match. A post-match NRL wrap-up of the rst preliminary nal, with expert analysis and player interviews.

10.45 MOVIE: The Expendables. (2010, MA15+lv, R) Mercenaries try to assassinate a dictator. Sylvester Stallone.

12.45 MOVIE: Good Kill.

(2014, Malsv, R) Ethan Hawke.

2.35 It’s All Greek To Me. (R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Postcards. (PG, R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

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

7.30 Have You Been Paying Attention? (Malns, R) Celebrity panellists compete to see who can remember the most about events of the week.

8.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Mal, R) Graham Norton is joined by legendary singer Bruce Springsteen, actors Anya Taylor-Joy and Anna Maxwell Martin, and comedian Mo Gilligan. Florence and the Machine perform their single Dream Girl Evil

10.30 To Be Advised.

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

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert. 1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

CARTOONS Call 07 5534 4494 or jump onto cunninghamvaluers.com.au to see what services we can offer you! Email admin@cunninghamvaluers.com.au Email admin@cunninghamvaluers.com.au Office Suite 2, 34-36 Griffith St, Coolangatta

CROSSCODE

Fill in the blank cells using numbers from 1 to 9. Each number can only appear once in each row, column and 3x3 block.

WEEKLY CROSSWORD

WHICH WORDS

Which is the correct meaning for these words?

1 GUANACO

(a) Any large lizard

(b) A large noisy American arboreal game-bird

(c) A wild llama

2 HUMA

(a) A fabulous restless bird

(b) An unnecessary outcry

(c) An Aboriginal hut

3 INTUMESCE

(a) To turn inwards

(b) To give vigour to (c) To swell up

ALFAKODO

Letters A to Z have a number value Some are shown in the right hand cells Create remaining values using clues in centre cells

4 JUGATE

In botany, paired

Pertaining to the neck

(c) Discreet

5 LITHOIDAL (a) Learned (b) Like stone

Supple

6 MOULDWARP (a) A woolly growth on bread

(b) A shaft in a glacier worn by water running down a crack

(c) A mole

ALFAKODO 6 21 10 7 4 9 22 11 15 25 16 3 12

N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

6 21 10 7 4 9 22 11 15 25 16 3 12

1 17 8 5 13 23 2 24 14 20 18 19 26 ALFAKODO

1 17 8 5 13 23 2 24 14 20 18 19 26 © Ken Egan - AK1252 A B C D E F G H I J K L M

MEDIUM HARD 8 1 4 5 6 1 6 3 7 4 9 8 5 1 6 2 5 7 3 7 4 9 6 7 2 9 7 4 3 8 9 1 2 6 5 8 6 9 5 4 2 1 7 3 2 5 1 7 6 3 8 9 4 5 2 4 3 1 9 7 8 6 9 8 6 4 2 7 5 3 1 3 1 7 6 5 8 4 2 9 1 9 5 2 8 6 3 4 7 4 3 2 9 7 5 6 1 8 6 7 8 1 3 4 9 5 2 SUDOKU 7 8 3 5 1 2 4 6 9 5 6 4 7 9 8 2 3 1 9 2 1 4 6 3 7 8 5 4 9 2 3 8 6 1 5 7 8 1 7 9 4 5 6 2 3 6 3 5 1 2 7 8 9 4 3 7 8 2 5 4 9 1 6 1 4 6 8 3 9 5 7 2 2 5 9 6 7 1 3 4 8

Science in the Pub - Celebrating the Science Behind Ecosystem Revival

Prepare for an enlightening evening of science and discussion at the Eltham Hotel as we present “Science in the Pub: Celebrating the Science Behind Ecosystem Revival” on Wednesday, 11th October, from 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm.

This exceptional event will feature distinguished speakers who are at the forefront of ecosystem restoration, making it a must-attend for anyone interested in environmental conservation and restoration.

Speakers for the evening include:

Jim Hallett PhD - An international scientist and notable contributor to the “Principles for Ecosystem Restoration

to Guide the United Nations Decade 20212030.” Jim’s expertise in this global initiative will shed light on the critical principles shaping the UN’s mission for

ecosystem restoration and how they are being applied globally.

Professor Jerry Vanclay - A renowned authority in the feld of forest restoration. Professor

Vanclay will share his extensive knowledge and insights into the science and practice of restoring our precious forests. The event will take place in the welcoming

ambiance of the Eltham Hotel, where attendees can enjoy the lively atmosphere of a pub while diving deep into the world of ecosystem restoration.

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday, 11th October

Time: 5:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Venue: Eltham Hotel 441 Eltham Road, Eltham NSW 2480

Admission to “Science in the Pub: Celebrating the Science Behind Ecosystem Revival” is free, making it accessible to everyone interested in learning and engaging with these important topics.

Join us for an evening of enlightening talks, engaging discussions, and an opportunity to

network with fellow enthusiasts and experts in the feld. Food and drinks will be available for purchase at the venue. We encourage people to arrive early to enjoy a meal before the talks get underway at 6 pm.

Space is limited, so to reserve your spot please register using the QR Code.

Let’s come together to explore the paths toward restoring health to our fractured ecosystems.

Strong Interest in Sugarcane Farming

Sugarcane has been grown in the NSW Northern Rivers region for over 150 years and has been a stable source of livelihood for hundreds of farming families and provided thousands of employment opportunities for the local community.

Throughout this time, the industry has weathered many challenges and navigated fuctuations in agricultural commodity prices on the back of a remarkably resilient crop - sugarcane.

This was demonstrated again in the catastrophic foods that impacted the region in early 2022.

Despite sugarcane crops being inundated under metres of water, in most cases, growers were able to harvest a crop during that season. Many other crops in the region did not fare as well.

The recent surge in sugar prices has further bolstered the strength of the NSW sugar industry,

with growers poised to receive over $55 per tonne of sugarcane for at least the next three seasons.

This combination of factors has prompted a renewed interest in sugarcane production in the region.

Chris Connors, Chief Executive Offcer of

Sunshine Sugar, noted, “In the last 6 to 12 months we have received numerous inquiries from both existing and prospective sugarcane growers looking to expand their cane production or venture into the sector.”

Mr. Connors attributes this surge in interest to a

combination of factors, including attractive sugar prices, the resilience of the sugarcane crop, the positive outlook for the sector and farmers looking to diversify their cropping operations and spread risk.

The Sunshine Sugar Board has recently approved applications

for more than 1,000 hectares in the Richmond Valley area to transition to sugarcane this season. The property owners are keen to tap into the opportunities the local sugar industry provides, and as such have been granted a production entitlement.

With planting season

having just started, anyone holding land in the Northern Rivers region and interested in sugarcane cultivation, is encouraged to reach out to their nearest sugar mill or contact the Sunshine Sugar corporate offce situated in Ballina.

Canefeld and mill

RASF backs research into macadamia sustainability thanks to Nuffeld Scholarship

The RAS Foundation will be investing $35,000 into macadamia researcher Leoni Kojetin as part of the renowned Nuffeld Scholarship program to help support vital research that could help advance the Australian Macadamia industry.

Kojetin, a current industry development manager for the Australian Macadamia Society, will be exploring the effects of climate change on macadamias, as well as sustainability practices from around the world that can provide solutions for Australian growers.

Visiting macadamia

producing countries such as South Africa, Kenya and Brazil, Kojetin hopes to discover new and viable practices that will allow Australian macadamias to be more competitive on an international market.

RAS Foundation Manager, Cecilia Logan says the Foundation is delighted it is able to help fund such important research.

“The core of what we do as a wider organisation is to support the advancement of agricultural practices, primarily through the Sydney Royal competitions, while the RAS Foundation focuses on investing

in people and projects in regional and rural areas. The Nuffeld Scholarship program, and in particular Leoni’s research, work towards both of these important missions,” Cecilia Logan said.

“As our world continues to change and exporters are consistently dealing with external pressures, research like Leoni’s is vital to the advancement of the industry.”

In her Nuffeld scholarship interview, recipient Leoni Kojetin praised Australian macadamia growers on their dedication to best practice but said there is research required to

ensure the longevity of the industry.

Leoni says Australian macadamias are viewed as a premium product around the world, “thanks to the commitment of Australian macadamia growers to clean, green, sustainable production and world’s best practices”.

To enhance this reputation, she wants to research innovative solutions for tree crops and agriculture more broadly – “so we remain competitive, and the most sought-after origin for macadamias, while continuing to champion our environment”.

Leoni says she has

seen both the highs and lows in Australia’s macadamia industry, but one constant challenge remains.

“More than 80 per cent of Australian macadamias are exported all over the world, however one of our main challenges lies in the fact we are competing with developing countries that have very low costs compared to us.

“To remain viable, we need new, cost-effective, agronomically sound and sustainable practices.

“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be able to pursue solutions for our industry and would like to thank the

RAS Foundation for supporting me in this Nuffeld scholarship”.

Access the 2023 Nuffeld Scholarship offcial media release here or explore how the RAS Foundation is giving back to communities at www. rasf.org.au

To continue to help build brighter and more sustainable regional and rural communities, the RAS Foundation has a range of grants and education scholarships on offer including the RASF Community Futures Grant program which is currently open for applications.

OzFish Unlimited

Southern Pygmy Perch are small in stature, but they are in danger of disappearing altogether in NSW without efforts to restore habitat and create new breeding populations to give this little fsh a fghting chance.

OzFish Unlimited

- Australia’s fshing conservation charity, Landcare NSWand the NSW Department of Primary Industries - Fishing have been working hard in a collaborative project to help restore their numbers.

The organisations have restored fsh habitats at Oolong Creek, 80km north of Canberra, to support the dwindling population of the species (Nannopercaaustralis), a small fsh that grows to a maximum size of a mere 85mm.

OzFish’s River Repair

Bus members and a hardy band of volunteers from Gunning District Landcare have remove invasive woody weeds from the tributary of Jerrawa Creek.

They have also helped renowned fsh ecologist Associate Professor Mark Lintermans from the University of

Canberra and staff from the NSW Department of Primary Industries Fisheries to catch Southern Pygmy Perch at a wild breeding area. A variety of nets were used to take a subset of around 200 of them to a site upstream of a waterfall so they can establish a population away from the threat of alien species.

In NSW there are only three populations that remain after widespread loss of habitat and predation from alien species like redfn and carp. The Southern Pygmy Perch is listed as an endangered species in

Oolong Creek

NSW.

They are a great natural indicator of the health of our waterways – in larger streams they are an important food source for larger fsh like golden perch and Murray cod as well as birds like wild heron.

“Once abundant across the state, the species has suffered major population declines and is now only found in minimal locations in NSW,” Braeden Lampard, OzFish’s Murray-Darling Basin Senior Program Manager, said.

“If action isn’t taken to preserve and support

their numbers, there is a very real threat they could become extinct.”

Professor Lintermans said they would continue to monitor the site and translocate more Southern Pygmy Perch in the coming years.

“For threatened fsh translocation, the ideal measure is that you have offspring of offspring. The fsh that you’ve put in there have grown up and bred and then the offspring from that breeding have grown up and bred so you have three generations of fsh in a population.

“Then you’re confdent that you know it’s going

to stick.”

Luke Pearce, the NSW Department of Primary Industries Senior Fisheries ManagerHabitat & Threatened Species Unit, said further potential sites had been identifed to be natural hatcheries that would continue repopulation efforts in the region.

He added that it was important to highlight that redfn are not only an alien species but highly damaging, along with carp, to native fsh, particularly small-bodied species like the Southern Pygmy Perch.

“It’s astounding how many people I come

across who think redfn are a native species and that they’re benign in their impact. They’re so voracious and abundant and they breed up in big numbers,” he said.

“They invade new areas and there’s an explosion in the population where they dominate the system. In that initial boom is when the real damage is done - they can decimate populations of natives and wipe them out.”

The frst stage of the Oolong Creek project involved removing woody weeds, such as crack willow, blackberry, and white poplar, which are negatively impacting the waterway habitat along a 2km stretch of the creek from the Gary Cosgrove Bridge.

The project is part of OzFish’s Driving Fish Habitat Action partnership with Landcare NSW, in collaboration with Dalton Community Association, NSW DPI Fisheries, and renowned researcher Mark Lintermans, with funding support from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trusts, the Australian Government through the CRC Program, and BCF – Boating, Camping, Fishing.

The Southern Pygmy Perch is an endangered species in NSW.

Dry seasonal conditions and softer commodity prices drive fall in NSW farmer sentiment

Rabobank

Results at a glance:

• NSW farmer sentiment has declined in the latest survey after stabilising last quarter.

• More of the state’s farmers are concerned about dry seasonal conditions and softer commodity prices, while input costs are still being reported as a worry.

• Farm investment intentions have softened.

An increased number of New South Wales farmers are concerned about the outlook for the year ahead, with dry seasonal conditions and lower commodity prices weighing on sentiment, the latest quarterly Rabobank Rural Confdence Survey has found.

The survey, released today, found farm sector sentiment in the state had recorded a considerable decline after stabilising in the previous quarter.

A total of 60 per cent of NSW farmers indicated they expected conditions in the agricultural economy to deteriorate in the 12 months ahead (compared with 36 per cent in the previous quarter). While 29 per cent anticipated the agricultural economy would remain stable, only eight per cent were forecasting an improvement (down from 14 per cent).

Of those NSW farmers expecting business conditions to worsen, falling commodity prices were the primary reason – mentioned by 64 per cent. And increasing number were also concerned about drought – 45 per cent (up from 30 per cent in quarter two).

And despite returning to more average levels over the past year after spiking in mid 2022, input prices were still factoring as a worry for the state’s farmers –cited by 29 per cent as a reason for their negative outlook.

Interest rates, however, were found to be slightly less of a concern –nominated by 19 per cent

of those with a negative outlook on the economy (down from 24 per cent previously).

Commodity prices were also cause for optimism for some though – for 51 per cent of those New South Wales farmers with a positive outlook on the 12 months ahead, albeit down from 60 per cent with that view in the previous quarter.

There was also increasing optimism about overseas markets/ economies – nominated by 19 per cent of farmers with a positive outlook (up from eight per cent in the previous quarter).

Seasonal conditions though were less cause for optimism this quarter – nominated by 16 per cent of farmers holding positive expectations, compared with nearly 30 per cent the previous quarter.

Rabobank regional manager for Riverina

Sally Bull said “it’s chalk and cheese” with two very different seasonal situations at play in NSW – with central, western and northern areas being very dry – while in southern regions and through the Riverina, farmers have generally been enjoying good seasonal conditions.

“While the season is

good across much of the south of the state, southern farmers are still conscious of the prospect of drier seasonal conditions forecast in the year ahead and this is weighing on their minds,” Ms Bull said.

“The growing worry about declining seasonal conditions has dovetailed into general concern farmers have held about softening commodity prices – this is particularly the case for livestock producers.”

The survey, completed last month, found the largest decline in confdence to be observed within the state’s mixed farming sector (grain and livestock) – with 75 per cent of NSW mixed farmers expecting economic conditions to worsen in the year ahead (up from 48 per cent last quarter) and only two per cent expecting an improvement (compared with 18 per cent previously).

Easing commodity prices were identifed as their chief concern.

This quarter, 59 per cent of NSW beef producers surveyed believe the economic conditions would worsen in the coming 12 months (up from 37 per cent last quarter), while nine per cent are expecting

business conditions to improve – down from 16 per cent previously. And 32 per cent are anticipating conditions to remain unchanged.

Of those NSW beef producers expecting economic conditions to decline, falling commodity prices are the primary concern (for 64 per cent) and dry seasonal conditions are a worry for 50 per cent.

“While cattle prices have eased this year, seedstock producers have generally enjoyed positive results this selling season,” Ms Bull said. “Though at bull sales held in recent weeks we have started to see lower price averages, in some cases up to 30 per cent less.”

Sheep producer confdence across NSW also declined this survey, with the majority of producers (at 66 per cent, up from 25 per cent previously) expecting farm business conditions to worsen.

Over half (56 per cent) of the state’s grain growers believe agricultural economic conditions will decline in the next 12 months (up from 48 per cent previously), with 12 per cent anticipating an improvement (up slightly from eight per cent in quarter two).

“The situation across the state is patchy – with the dry conditions meaning some grain growers in the north of the state chose not to plant a crop this season,” Ms Bull said, “while in parts of central NSW, crops are good to average – but contingent on receiving rain in the next month or two. And there are some very good crops through the Riverina – though with some impacted by the inability to add urea when needed due to insuffcient supply.”

The survey found NSW cotton grower confdence overall had picked up, with 23 per cent of growers expecting agribusiness conditions to improve in the year ahead (no cotton growers held this view in the previous survey), while 40 per cent expect no change and 33 per cent are expecting conditions to decline (29 per cent previously).

For the cotton sector, Ms Bull said, southern NSW has experienced one of its worst production seasons on record – with very poor harvests in the southern valleys. “Cotton growers in northern valleys though have generally fared better and are looking forward to the next season knowing

they have full water allocations,” she said.

Investment intentions amongst NSW farmers have fallen this quarter, with 25 per cent planning to reduce the amount of investment in their farm business over the next 12 months (up from 10 per cent with that intention last quarter) and 18 per cent to increase investment (down from 22 per cent).

Ms Bull said farmers are becoming increasingly cautious on all spending –considering the outlook for commodity prices and the season –before committing to investment projects.

Of those farmers looking to increase their investment, the number planning to purchase property has increased from 16 per cent last quarter to 23 per cent this quarter, while 52 per cent intend to invest in new plant/machinery (compared with 34 per cent in quarter two).

The survey found farm debt is expected to rise, with 22 per cent of NSW farmers looking to increase their debt (up from 15 per cent) and 18 per cent expecting to decrease (down from 21 per cent).

NSW farmers overall expect their incomes to fall in the year ahead –53 per cent expecting their income to decrease (up from 41 per cent last survey) and just 16 per cent expecting incomes to increase (down from 19 per cent).

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

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

Elders launches new community giving project at Regions Rising Summit

Elders has announced a national grant program to further support the needs of rural and regional communities with its launch of the Elders Community Giving Project, at the Regional Australia Institute’s (RAI) Regions

Rising National Summit.

Run by Elders, for Elders’ communities, the Elders Community Giving Project will open applications in March 2024 offering grants of up to $20k for grassroots initiatives that will promote sustainable, focused, and long-term change in communities. Purposely curated to have targeted impact, grants must align to one of the following pillars:

• Investing in people and regions

• Environmental consciousness

• Innovation into the future

• Healthy bodies and healthy minds

• Encouraging and celebrating diversity

• Safety frst

• People’s choice, which will be voted on my Elders employees

The new grant scheme will complement the existing work been done by Elders branches which gave over $2.69 in sponsorships and donations in FY22.

The announcement comes on the back of the Regional Australia Institute’s progress report on the Regionalisation Ambition, released this week which demonstrates several concerning disparities between country Australians and their metropolitan

counterparts, particularly in the areas of housing and workforce.

The Project is purposely aligned to the RAI’s pillars to ensure synchronicity and targeted efforts towards identifed areas of focus.

CEO Mark Allison said the grant program aims to kickstart innovative initiatives and projects which may begin to start addressing some of these challenges.

“The Elders culture is true to the value of community spirit, it’s something our people embody, and this program will help both strengthen and spotlight this,” Mr Allison said.

“This initiative is one way we will give back and invest in initiatives that will support in building further connections and

capability in our towns.

“There is much creativity and ingenuity in our regions, and I am so pleased that we can play our part to bring these to life, alongside our village of people and partners.”

Elders recently signed a three-year partnership with the Regional Australia Institute to advance its work to ‘rebalance the nation’ and create a more equitable future for the 9.5 million Australians who live outside of city bounds.

Grant applications will open in March 2024 and are open to all not-forproft organisations in regional, rural and remote communities (please note additional application criteria will apply).

$1.6 million for Nuffeld scholarships with a focus on drought resilience

The Future Drought Fund (FDF) is investing $1.6 million through the country’s leading agricultural scholarship organisation, Nuffeld Australia, over the next two years for scholarships and training.

The frst 5 Drought Resilience Scholars supported by the FDF were announced overnight. They are:

• Caitlin Herbert from Eugowra, NSW, researching the rolle cattle feedlots can play in helping the beef supply chain prepare for drought.

• Michael Taylor from Kentucky, NSW. The former Australian Farmer of the Year will study solutions to the challenges that hinder the widespread adoption of agroforestry.

• Claudia Benn from Injune, QLD, will extend on the work of previous Scholars to help Australian farmers farm more proftably in alignment with natural systems.

• Ben Poschelk farms at Glenn Innes, NSW. Ben will undertake a global analysis of resilience thinking and change in people and communities who have adapted to adverse weather conditions.

People Product Partnerships

Beekeeping Supplies

• Natalie Schlitz from Kerang, VIC, will investigate weaknesses that threaten the viability of the Australian fodder export sector in a water-limited future.

The FDF Drought Resilience Scholarship Program will support farmers across 2024 and 2025 to increase their knowledge of new tools and practices helping the agricultural sector

respond to a changing climate.

Scholars will travel overseas to study drought resilience and learn from international leaders in the feld.

The FDF’s investment will also see all Nuffeld Australia scholars supported to increase their knowledge of drought resilience to better prepare themselves and their communities for drying conditions.

First Assistant Secretary of Farm Resilience, Mel Brown, said the scholarships provide farmers with a valuable opportunity to gain an international perspective on drought resilience activities.

“The FDF supports scholars to build drought resilience expertise, adapt innovate technology and practices from overseas, and allows these learnings to be shared to advance Australian agriculture,” Ms Brown said.

“The department congratulates the 5 Drought Resilience Scholars awarded for 2024 and looks forward to seeing what can be accomplished through this important investment.”

For further information or to learn how to apply for the 2025 Drought Resilience Scholarship Program visit the QR Code bellow.

CEO & MD Mark Allison announces new Community Giving Program

World-frst research suggests natural capital impacts farm performance

In a study of global signifcance and at a scale never previously undertaken, Phase 2 of the Farming for the Future research program has collected fnancial, ecological and social data from 130 Australian grazing and cropping enterprises, the preliminary results of which were unveiled today at the National Farmers’ Federation & Farming for the Future Natural Capital Summit in Canberra.

Dr Sue Ogilvy, Program Director, Farming for the Future said the initial research fndings demonstrate that it is possible to establish and quantify the relationship between a farm’s natural capital, and its productivity and proftability.

“This is the prototype phase of our program, but already we have evidence that shows there is great potential to be realised by being able to quantify the value of investing in a farm’s natural capital,” Dr Ogilvy said.

“The methods developed for the project will help to provide a baseline for both emissions and natural capital condition and value in productive landscapes, and support policy and private investment to realise a more fnancially prosperous, climate-resilient, and environmentally positive agriculture sector in Australia.

“Importantly, our analysis has identifed the real possibility of an ‘opportunity zone’ where investment in the ecological condition of a farm is associated with fnancial benefts.”

Preliminary results from Farming for the Future Phase 2 research indicate that:

• High levels of farm productivity are possible from both intensive livestock enterprises (with low natural capital) and those with higher of natural capital, but high natural capital farms are more proftable in fnancial terms.

• There are different ‘beneft pathways’ through which natural capital can support farm businesses, including via improving productivity, and/or by reducing input costs.

• Most of the relationships between natural capital and farm business performance that we observed were positive and linear. This means that most farms in our sample, and similar farms within the broader farming population, could improve their business outcomes by improving their natural capital.

business performance is, for the most part, a positive one with clear evidence of the ‘opportunity zone’ for all farm metrics tested.

“As natural capital improves, so too can farm performance. It is possible that there is some trade off point at very high levels of natural capital, but our research has found that most farms haven’t reached a trade-off point so there is still scope to realise productivity and proftability benefts from further investment in natural capital.

The Farming for

to develop the tools and benchmarks to inform decisions about investment in a farm’s natural capital and the opportunity for improved fnancial performance,” Dr Ogilvy said.

Initiated by philanthropic foundation, the Macdoch Foundation, Farming for the Future, is industryled and supported. Funding for the frst phases has been secured from a broad network of supporters, including philanthropists, government, banks, and industry bodies including Meat & Livestock

what you don’t value. There is already an extensive knowledge base and capability amongst farmers but there is not currently a comprehensive and consistent set of natural capital measures to support widespread adoption of natural capital measurement across Australia.

“By empowering farmers to invest in natural capital for climate resilience, and providing the tools to support how farmers interact with markets, supply chains, banks and governments, farmers

that are in the public good.

Program Director, Dr Sue Ogilvy said, “Farming for the Future is a program designed to achieve public interest goals and collective impact via crossdisciplinary and crossindustry collaboration. Our philanthropic mission frees us up to work across disciplines, establish unique collaborations, take calculated risks, go fast, and achieve breakthroughs that others are unable to. We have now proven that relating natural capital to farm business performance is possible, and we have done it. Philanthropy has acted to create this ‘proof-of-concept’, reducing the risk and paving the way for future investment by others for us to scale.

• Our landholder surveys show that the potential for private fnancial benefts is the most compelling reason for farmers to invest in natural capital improvements.

• Delivering insights into natural capital-farm business relationships across a broader range of focus regions and enterprise types would help to drive large-scale industry adoption of improved natural capital management (+38% of farms beyond forecast baseline levels).

Results of analysis show that the relationship between natural capital and farm

the Future research team is supported by a multidisciplinary network of farm advisors, natural resource management (NRM) experts, and scientists to conduct the program of research, analysis, and systems change activation.

“Importantly, we have been able to tease out individual natural capital measurement indices that can be directly related to farm management actions.

“By working hand-inhand with farmers and their advisors during the research to understand what information would be useful, we can start

Australia, and Australian Wool Innovation.

At the joint Farming for the Future and National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) event in Canberra today, Tony Mahar, CEO, NFF spoke about the opportunity for Australian agriculture to employ initiatives that build farm-level information that deliver returns to farmers and rewards them for compiling that information.

“One of the key premises for practice change with respect to natural capital is that you can’t manage what you can’t measure, and you won’t invest in

will be better equipped to make decisions about natural capital to make their businesses productive, proftable and resilient under climate change and be recognised for good management of natural capital,” Mr Mahar said.

Future research will be expanded to include a diversity of farming businesses across Australia with the intent of revealing the value of natural capital to agriculture by quantifying the private benefts to farmers that accrue when they manage natural capital in a way that also delivers environmental outcomes

“Funding is now being sought to expand our research activities to incorporate 1,500 livestock, cropping and mixed cropping-grazing farm businesses as well as horticulture and rangelands pastoral enterprises across all Australian states and territories. Completion of the research program will see consolidation of program outputs and generation of capability to enable mainstream farm management and reporting to include natural capital business value benchmarking and enable farmers to effciently report their performance to stakeholders.

“Ultimately, program assets will be transferred, as a nationally signifcant information capability, to a long-term, trusted institutional owner who will continually update the evidence base and make the fndings widely available for the empowerment of farmers to assure healthy productive landscapes and resilient rural communities that are ready to face future challenges from emerging markets and a changing climate,” Dr Ogilvy said.

By Liam Jennings

Travelling has become an integral part of modern life, offering the chance to explore new cultures, landscapes, and experiences. As travellers embark on their journeys, they often face a choice between two popular modes of travel: backpacking and suitcase traveling. While both styles offer unique advantages and challenges, they cater to different types of travellers and create distinct travel experiences. While they may not seem so different, you might be surprised.

One of the most defning differences between backpacking and suitcase traveling lies in the method of carrying one’s belongings.

Backpackers, as the name suggests, rely on a backpack to carry their

essentials. This choice provides an unmatched sense of freedom and mobility. With everything strapped to their backs, backpackers can easily navigate crowded streets, traverse uneven terrains, and hop on and off various modes of transportation without being encumbered by the need for wheeled luggage. On the other hand, suitcase travellers opt for the ease of rolling luggage. This style appeals to those who value comfort and convenience. Wheeled suitcases allow for smoother navigation through airports, train stations, and well-paved streets. This choice often suits travellers who prioritise a relaxed approach to travel, with minimal physical strain from carrying heavy loads.

Another signifcant distinction between backpacking and suitcase traveling

is the philosophy behind packing. Backpackers tend to adopt a minimalist mindset, focusing on essential items to keep their backpacks light and manageable. This approach encourages a deeper connection to the travel experience, as individuals prioritise experiences and interactions over material possessions. It also requires a strategic approach to packing, as each item must serve multiple purposes to justify its inclusion. In contrast, suitcase travellers often embrace a broader range of creature comforts. With more space and organisational options, they can pack items that might not be deemed essential but contribute to a more comfortable journey. This style is ideal for travellers who appreciate having a variety of clothing options, accessories, and

personal items readily available. Backpacking is synonymous with a sense of spontaneity and fexibility. Backpackers often have the freedom to change their plans at a moment’s notice, adapting to new opportunities or unforeseen challenges that arise during their journey. This approach allows for a more adventurous and off-thebeaten-path exploration, as backpackers can easily pivot to uncharted destinations. In contrast, suitcase travellers often opt for a more structured and pre-planned approach. With the convenience of pre-packed suitcases, they tend to have well-defned itineraries and accommodations in place. This style is particularly appealing to travellers who prefer a certain level of predictability and seek to maximise their limited

vacation time effciently. Backpackers often fnd themselves deeply immersed in the cultures they encounter. The choice to travel with a backpack encourages interactions with locals, as backpackers are more likely to use public transportation, stay in hostels, and dine in local eateries. This leads to authentic experiences and a more profound understanding of the places visited. Suitcase travellers, while still capable of engaging with local culture, may fnd it easier to stick to well-trodden tourist paths. The comfort of familiar accommodations and amenities can inadvertently limit the extent to which they connect with the destination’s heart and soul.

In the end, whether one chooses backpacking or suitcase traveling comes down to personal preferences and travel

goals. Both styles have their merits and cater to different types of travellers. Backpacking offers a liberating experience, fostering a closer connection with the surroundings and an adventurous spirit. On the other hand, suitcase traveling provides a more comfortable and organised journey, perfect for those who prioritise relaxation and a predictable itinerary. Ultimately, the choice between these two approaches to travel is not about determining a winner. Instead, it’s about recognising the variety of ways in which people can explore the world and embracing the style that aligns best with their own preferences and aspirations. Regardless of the chosen method, the magic of travel lies in the journey itself, the memories made, and the stories shared along the way.

Hyundai Santa Fe: New Model in Australia Ditches Diesel, Embraces Petrol and Hybrid

BY JEFF GIBBS

The new Hyundai Santa Fe is bigger, bolder, safer, and more technologically advanced than before. But it will drop the option of a diesel engine – which accounts for about two-thirds of sales in Australia.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe, a seven-seat family SUV, will undergo signifcant changes when it arrives in Australia in the frst half of next year. Notably, it will no longer offer a diesel powertrain option, instead opting for petrol and hybrid propulsion. This shift is part of the ffthgeneration Santa Fe’s transformation, which boasts a more dynamic appearance, increased dimensions, and a cutting-edge interior.

The diesel engine, previously a staple in the

Santa Fe line-up, will be discontinued both in Australia and globally. Despite the diesel’s historical popularity, it has gradually been eclipsed by the introduction of hybrid variants.

For the Australian market, two powertrain options will be available:

1. A new 2.5-litre turbocharged fourcylinder petrol engine, replacing the outgoing 3.5-litre petrol V6.

2. A 1.6-litre turbocharged petrolelectric hybrid carried over from the current model.

The latest Santa Fe is larger than its predecessor, boasting an imposing design reminiscent of the Land Rover Defender, an enhanced interior, increased passenger space, and advanced technology. While these improvements are

expected to lead to a rise in prices compared to the current model’s entry point of $46,050 plus on-road costs, they also offer tangible benefts to consumers.

Hyundai’s design approach focused on expanding luggage space and enhancing comfort for rear passengers. The vehicle showcases distinctive

arches, and blacked-out window pillars to create a ‘foating roof’ appearance.

The interior features a pair of 12.3-inch screens—one for

In terms of powertrains, Hyundai is expected to offer a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol fourcylinder hybrid for the Australian market. The 2.5-litre turbo engine generates 207kW and 422Nm, while the hybrid combines a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine with an electric motor.

The new Santa Fe is estimated to weigh 2155kg for the 2.5-litre turbo model and 2225kg for the 1.6-litre hybrid model. These fgures represent an increase in weight compared to the current model.

One notable change is a signifcant increase in claimed boot space, expanding from 634 litres to 725 litres.

design elements such as H-shaped LED headlight and tail-light designs, 21inch wheels on top-tier models, prominent wheel

infotainment and one for the instrument display. These screens are integrated into a curved panel across the dashboard and run on Hyundai’s latest software, offering overthe-air updates, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. The gear selector has been relocated to the steering column, freeing up space on the centre console.

Hyundai emphasizes “best-in-class” comfort for passengers in the third row, with improvements in headroom and legroom. Second-row legroom has also increased, especially in the petrol and hybrid variants.

Acceleration fgures for the 2.5-litre turbo and 1.6-litre hybrid are 8.0 seconds and 9.5 seconds, respectively, for the 0 to 100km/h sprint. Fuel economy estimates are 9.1 litres per 100km for the petrol variant and 6.5 litres per 100km for the hybrid.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe will come equipped with an array of advanced safety features, including autonomous emergency braking, lane-centring assist, adaptive cruise control, driver attention warning, and more.

Hyundai plans to release the new Santa Fe in the Australian market in the frst half of 2024, following its launch in South Korea later this year.

The latest Hyundai Santa Fe boasts increased size, enhanced boldness, upgraded safety features, and a higher level of technological sophistication compared to its predecessor. However, it will no longer offer a diesel engine choice—a change signifcant for the Australian market, where diesel engines have historically accounted for roughly two-thirds of sales.

Introducing the Honda ZR-V: Finding the Sweet Spot with the VTi L Model

BY JEFF GIBBS

The Honda ZR-V, the latest addition to Honda’s line-up, is strategically designed to capture Australia’s popular mid-size family SUV market. Spanning 4568mm in length, it fts snugly between the smaller HR-V (4335mm) and the newly enlarged CR-V (4704mm, up from 4635mm), available in showrooms from September 1.

Nearly identical in length, width, and height to the Mazda CX-5, the ZR-V is slightly shorter bumper to bumper than the best-selling Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson. The hybrid power option is presently exclusive to the top-of-

2021.

Comparing it to its competitors, the Mazda CX-5 G25 Maxx Sport petrol front-wheel-drive starts at $39,910 plus

petrol, starts at $40,150 plus on-roads, or $44,013 to $44,680 drive-away, as per Hyundai’s website. In terms of space, the

cupholders, and more. Moving to technology features, the Honda ZR-V boasts a 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple

braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, traffc sign recognition, and more. It features a total of 11 airbags, including front-centre

Fuel effciency for the 1.5-litre turbocharged ZR-V VTi L is claimed at 7.2 litres per 100km in mixed conditions, with real-world usage slightly higher at 8.9L/100km over a week of testing.

Driving the ZR-V is powered by a perky 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, providing suffcient performance for the class. The continuously variable automatic transmission is smooth and responsive, contributing to a comfortable ride over bumps and confdent handling. Visibility is excellent, but there may be some road and wind noise at higher speeds. In conclusion, the Honda ZR-V is a

the-line model grade.

If you fnd the HR-V too compact and the new CR-V too spacious, the Honda ZR-V might just be in your Goldilocks zone. The ZR-V VTi L, the model under review, sits as the second most affordable variant in the four-model Honda ZR-V range, priced from $43,200 drive-away nationwide since July

on-road costs, or $43,508 to $44,755 drive-away, depending on the registration location.

Similarly, the Toyota RAV4 GX 2.0-litre petrol base model is priced at $39,760 plus on-roads, or $43,318 to $44,641 drive-away, as per Toyota’s website. Another competitor, the mid-trim Hyundai Tucson Elite 2.0-litre

Honda ZR-V shares many design elements with the latest Honda Civic hatch, evident in its well-designed cabin. The front seats offer a balance of long-distance comfort and support in tight corners, with various adjustment options. Storage options include door pockets, a glovebox, a roomy centre console storage box,

CarPlay and wired Android Auto. It also offers Bluetooth, AM/ FM, DAB digital radio, and embedded satellite navigation in higher-end models.

The digital instrument cluster, measuring 10.2 inches, provides clear graphics and minimal customizability.

In terms of safety, the ZR-V is equipped with advanced safety technologies such as autonomous emergency

airbags, knee airbags, and rear-side airbags, although blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffc alert are absent in lower specifcations.

Regarding maintenance, the Honda ZR-V offers cost-effective servicing at $199 per service, scheduled every 12 months or 10,000km. The vehicle is covered by a fve-year/unlimitedkilometre warranty.

commendable mid-size SUV option, offering a well-rounded package of performance, comfort, and technology. If you’re considering a purchase, the VTi LX model may be worth the slight increase in price for additional features and safety inclusions.

As of September 2023, there is suffcient stock of the ZR-V VTi-L in showrooms, with longer wait times for the higherend models.

Registrations open for NSW Small Business Month events throughout October 2023

NSW Small Business Month 2023 is coming this October!

Local chambers, industry associations, not-for-profits, large businesses, and all levels of government will be coming together to provide learning and skill development opportunities for small businesses.

The Events Calendar https://www. smallbusinessmonth. nsw.gov.au/ for NSW

Small Business Month 2023 is now available for you to search and book your events.

At Small Business Month events, you will gain valuable knowledge and skills

Businesses urged to remove unfair contract terms ahead of law changes

in a range of areas such as:

• navigating current market conditions

• developing your team

• protecting your business online

• building your brand

• finding success through social media

• and much more!

With this great range of topics, there is sure to be an event that matches up to your individual business needs. Events are available virtually and face-to-face across New South Wales.

Check out www. smallbusinessmonth. nsw.gov.au to find the event for you!

From 9 November, changes to the Australian Consumer Law will prohibit businesses from proposing, using, or relying on unfair contract terms in standard form contracts with consumers and small businesses.

The changes will allow Courts to impose substantial penalties on businesses and individuals who include unfair terms in their standard form contracts. Currently, a Court can only declare specific terms of a contract unfair and therefore void.

The changes will also expand the coverage of the unfair contract term laws to apply to more small business contracts than before.

The threshold for small business contracts will increase to apply to small business that employ fewer than 100 persons or have an annual turnover of less than $10 million.

The ACCC is encouraging businesses to review their standard form contracts and remove or amend any unfair contract terms before new penalties take effect.

Tips for businesses to consider when reviewing their contracts

• Consider both points of view: if you think a term is necessary to protect your business’s legitimate interest, consider the term from the other party’s point of

view.

• Include counterbalancing terms: check that your contract has appropriate counterbalancing terms. For example, if you consider that your business reasonably needs the ability to unilaterally change the product or service being provided under the contract, does the contract also allow your customers to exit the contract without penalty when this occurs?

• Avoid broad terms: don’t have terms that are as broad as possible. Make sure terms are only as broad as reasonably necessary to protect your business’s legitimate interests.

• Meet your obligations under the Australian Consumer Law: don’t have terms that seek to avoid your business’s obligations under the Australian Consumer Law. For example, don’t include terms that seek to limit your customers’ consumer guarantees rights, or terms that seek to disclaim any representations your business may have made outside of the contract.

• Be clear: Use clear and simple language in your contracts.

• Be transparent: ensure key terms are clearly drawn to the attention of your customers during the sign-up process, and any renewal process.

Passage of housing reforms a strong step forward

National housing and homelessness peaks

The nation’s peak housing and homelessness bodies have strongly welcomed the agreement between Labor, the Greens and crossbench to pass laws that establish the Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF).

The $10 billion HAFF will create a pipeline of funding for social and affordable rental housing. The package of laws will also establish the National Housing Supply and Affordability Council as an independent statutory advisory body to plan the delivery of new social and affordable housing. It will also establish Housing Australia as the national housing agency.

An additional $1 billion will also be invested in the National Housing Infrastructure Facility to support new

homes.

Wendy Hayhurst, CEO of Community Housing Industry Association, said the agreement would give community housing associations the confdence they needed to plan and deliver sorely needed homes.

“The passage of these laws is critically important,” Ms Hayhurst said. “This is the frst step to easing the housing crisis and expanding the right type of housing supply, so that people on low and modest incomes have genuine housing options.

“We thank the Government, the Greens, and the crossbench in both houses for their focus and determination to give more Australians the housing security and certainty they need.”

The Housing Australia Future Fund is projected to help the Government deliver on its commitment of 30,000 new social and

affordable rental homes in its frst fve years, including 4,000 homes for women and children impacted by family and domestic violence or older women at risk of homelessness.

It will also set aside $200 million for the repair, maintenance and improvement of housing in remote Indigenous communities; $100 million for crisis and transitional housing options for women and children impacted by family and domestic violence and older women at risk of homelessness; and $30 million to build housing for veterans who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.

Emma Greenhalgh, CEOof National Shelter said: “We are pleased to see an agreement between the Government and the Greens. The crossbench and the Greens have

strengthened the Bills and responses to housing for those in need. We must now turn our attention to the development of a coordinated National Housing and Homelessness Plan to provide a clear blueprint for solving the housing crisis.”

Kate Colvin, CEO of Homelessness Australia said: ‘The homes delivered through the HAFF will each make

an enormous difference to people who would otherwise be homeless. It’s welcome to see that increased resources have been added to the amount of social and affordable homes to be built, as the number of people in desperate need of affordable housing continues to increase.”

Rob Macfarlane, CEO of NATSIHA said: “For decades, the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

individuals have been overlooked. NATSIHA views these fresh resources as a crucial initial step in tackling the long standing issue of unmet housing needs within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. NATSIHA urges the government to persist in its efforts to guarantee that First Nation Australians are well housed.”

Housing supply bills to fnally pass Parliament

Master Builders Australia

The building and construction industry today applauds the Government with the support of the Greens to pass the housing supply bills currently before the Senate.

Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn said: “The combination of the Housing Future Fund, the National Housing Supply and Affordability Council, and Housing Australia embeds housing as a core infrastructure priority for the Federal Government.”

“Master Builders thanks the Greens, Senator Jacqui Lambie, Tammy Tyrrell and David Pocock who have come out to support the passing of the HAFF.

“The cooperation

seen across all levels of government to prioritise tackling the housing crisis is a relief to many doing it tough.

“Whether it is social and community housing, rental properties, or owneroccupiers, the common constraint is supply.

“The Housing Australia Future Fund legislation is a vital piece in the housing puzzle by encouraging investment in the social and community housing sector.

“Passing this legislation is imperative to delivering the National Housing Accord target of 1.2 million new, welllocated homes in the next fve years.

“Master Builders acknowledges the tireless efforts of Minister Collins in ensuring this legislation passes and thanks her for the ongoing

collaboration with the industry.

“The Government has rightfully not bowed to pressure for harmful rental market interventions that would do nothing to boost housing supply.

“We know the biggest handbrake on housing supply is making it easier for new projects to get the green light by kickstarting private investment and reducing development costs and delays.

“To improve housing affordability across the market, all levels of government must continue to work together to implement continuous land supply through rezoning and planning, and taxes on the development and buying process should be reduced,” Ms Wawn said.

Master Builders is part of the National Affordable Housing

Alliance (NAHA)of peak bodies, unions, the superannuation and community housing sectors. This alliance supports the objective of enabling a perpetual pipeline of investments that delivers an annual additional supply of housing that leverages taxpayer and private investment.

The Housing Australia Future Fund starts delivering on this framework with a $10 billion investment to deliver 30,000 new social and affordable dwellings in its frst fve years. The funding is targeted at areas of greatest need including crisis housing for women and children leaving/ experiencing domestic violence, improving housing in indigenous communities, specialist services for veterans and frontline worker accommodation.

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

It’s not easy being Green, or a renter, apparently.

Australia has a housing crisis, apparently, although you’d probably only know this if you rented which is only, um, a piffing 31 percent of the population.

To address this there have been suggestions of a freeze on rents and a cap on rent rises linked to the CPI to help ease the pain while a million houses get built.

But apparently this isn’t a good idea. Sure it will ease the pain for renters, but allegedly increase the pain for investors who will sell

Winesmiths SA ‘The Billie Justice Thomson Edition’ Shiraz, 2022, $16. (2 Litre cask). While it’s not clear on the cask who or what Billie Justice Thomson is, it’s a great stage name, and an equally impressive and egalitarian Kool-aid for the money (and volume).

up and put their money into other widgets thus increasing rents. Um, yeah, get it?

Well, this is what Labor and the Coalition have been saying for 70 years (the last time a government built housing for people) during which time things have gotten, well, worse.

Yet still we vote for them.

Similarly there are people who reckon a nice, clean planet free from fossilfuelled climate change and its associated health problems, species extinctions, bizarre and extremely extreme

Billie is an artist BTW, and responsible for the arty packaging. 9.2/10.

Winesmiths SA ‘The Billie Justice Thomson Edition’ Sauvignon Blanc , 2022, $16. (2 Litre cask). Just the right amount of sauv’ bite, not too pungent and not too insipid. A baby bear kind of

weather is a good thing.

Apparently not so either, and for those same 70 years respective Labor and Coalition governments have been telling us either climate change is a fction or we can’t afford it during which time things have been getting, well, worse.

Yet we still vote for them.

Equally there are those who reckon the increasing inequality of wealth contributing to job insecurity, homelessness, social division, crime and poor health, particularly mental

social tonic in a box. And a nice box too, thanks Billie.

9.1/10.

Mount Eyre Vineyard Hunter Valley Honeytree Semillon 2022, $33. Don’t be misled by the sweet name Honeytree. This is seriously sharp and dry as are Adam Bandt and Ms L,

health, isn’t that good.

Apparently this is not true. Market forces will bring about a better result and accordingly we have voted Labor and Coalition for 70 years during which time things have defnitely been getting, well, um, worse.

And we vote them in again.

There are people who reckon whistleblowers who expose criminal activity in government and public organisations, or gross wastage of public monies and nepotism in the public arena, should have protections from

and as semillon should be.

9.4/10.

Mount Eyre Vineyards Monkey Place Creek Semillon 2017, $28. This is pre-aged semillon which tempts you to ponder should I keep it for another fve years. It’s yummy now so maybe drink it in case

prosecution and gaol.

Apparently not according to the voting public, but should we change?

Yeah, nah.

As for Truth, Treaty and Voice, some people want all three implemented, but who would vote for that?

Equally, many good, taxpaying citizens will dispute the statement by Alan Joyce that Qantas’s record proft actually benefts everyday Australians, ditto his refusal to return the billions Qantas received in covid payments, but will they vote for it?

the end of the world really is nigh. 9.2/10.

Enotria Wines Bungendore Riesling 2022, $30. Not as bright as some rieslings go but if you close your eyes and don’t think of Eden or Clare, you are rewarded with pleasing riesling indeed. 9.1/10.

Max Crus

Um, probably not.

Yes, there is one mob who want all the above, the Greens, but do we vote for them? Not much.

Anyone would think we didn’t know what was good for us.

We’re a funny lot, perhaps drinking a bit too much of the Kool-aid.

Maybe cut back a bit on the following and see how you feel (and vote) :

Enotria Wines Bungendore Winemaker’s Barrel Selection Pinot Noir 2017, $40. Even softer and rounder than its 2018 reserve sibling, which, come to think of it, is not a bad description of moi. What a difference a year makes perhaps? 9.5/10.

BREAKFAST EGG AND HAM MUFFINS

4 servings

5 INGREDIENTS

• oil spray

• 4 (English) muffns, halved and toasted

• 120g shaved leg ham

3 METHOD STEPS

Step 1

Spray a frying pan with oil. Heat over medium heat. Cook ham, turning, for 2 to 3 minutes or until light golden. Transfer to a plate. Cover to keep warm.

Step 2

Preheat grill on medium. Lightly spray pan with oil. Heat over medium heat. Cook eggs for 4

• 4 eggs

• 4 slices tasty cheese

minutes or until cooked to your liking.

Step 3

Place 4 muffn halves on a baking tray lined with foil. Place 1 egg on each muffn. Top each with ham and 1 slice cheese. Grill for 1 minute or until cheese has melted. Top with remaining muffn halves. Serve.

SLOW COOKED TUSCAN BREAD SOUP

16

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tsp olive oil

• 1 brown onion, fnely chopped

• 2 carrots, peeled, chopped

• 2 celery sticks, trimmed, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, crushed

• 1 tsp fennel seeds

• Pinch of dried chilli fakes

• 400g can crushed tomatoes

• 400g can Cannellini Beans, drained, rinsed

• 1L (4 cups) Massel vegetable liquid stock

• Bouquet garni (4 fresh or dried bay leaves, 4

2 METHOD STEPS

Step 1

Set a 5L slow cooker to Browning. Heat oil. Cook onion, carrot and celery for 5 minutes or until tender. Add garlic, fennel and chilli. Cook for 1 minute. Add tomato, beans, stock and bouquet garni. Season. Change cooker setting to High. Cover. Cook for 3-4 hours or until vegetables are

4 servings

fresh sprigs thyme, 2 fresh sprigs rosemary)

• 200g cavalo nero (Tuscan cabbage), stem removed, leaves shredded

• 2 thick slices Italian bread (pane di casa), lightly toasted, torn into chunks

• 40g (1/2cup) fnely grated parmesan, (or vegetarian hard cheese) plus extra shaved, to serve

• 1 lemon, juiced, zested

• Finely chopped continental parsley, to serve

almost tender.

Step 2

Stir in cavalo nero, bread and parmesan. Cover and cook on High for 30 minutes or until soup has thickened slightly. Stir in lemon juice, to taste.

Serve topped with parsley, lemon zest and extra parmesan.

BEEF BURGER WITH FRESH TOMATO SALSA

4 servings

9 INGREDIENTS

• 500g Burgers patties

• 4 Tasty Cheddar Slices

• 2 vine-ripened tomatoes, fnely chopped

• 1/2 red onion, fnely chopped

• 1 tsp olive oil

2 METHOD STEPS

Step 1

Heat a chargrill on medium-high. Cook the burger patties for 4-5 mins each side or until just cooked through. Top each patty with a slice of cheese. Cook, without turning, for 1-2 mins or until cheese begins to melt.

Step 2

• 4 Bread Rolls, split, toasted

• 60g Baby Rocket

• 8 drained canned beetroot slices

• Halved dill cucumbers, to serve (optional)

Meanwhile, combine the tomato, onion and oil in a small bowl. Season.

Step 3

Divide the roll bases among serving plates. Top with rocket, beetroot and burger patties. Spoon over the tomato mixture and top with roll tops. Serve immediately with cucumber, if using.

“Cooking is about harnessing creativity, attention to detail, and patience to create something beautiful and nourishing.”

- Curtis Stone

Assessing Generational Change to Reduce Dementia Impact

Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), UNSW Sydney

A frst-ever national study to be launched today will investigate whether there has been a generational change in brain health, including an increase in the incidence of dementia, following major increases in the number of Australians aged 65 and over.

Researchers at UNSW Sydney’s Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) are calling for 1500 Sydney-based volunteers aged 70 to 90 to participate in the study that will explore the possibilities of unidentifed risk factors for dementia and the reevaluation of previously established risk factors.

The new research is led by internationally renowned ageing expert Professor Henry Brodaty AO.

Professor Brodaty joined CEO of HammondCare and former NSW Premier, Mike Baird, to launch the new study to coincide with today, 21 September - being World Alzheimer’s Day - at a time when major demographic shifts are dictating a fundamental need to acquire a clearer picture on the ageing

brain.

Volunteers are wanted from Sydney’s Wentworth and Kingsford Smith electorates who do not have dementia and were born between 1933 and 1953.

The study will ascertain what changes have occurred in Sydney’s next generation of 70-90 year olds across four health domains–physical, psychological, social and cognitive/ brain health – by repeating comprehensive assessments of a defned older population and of associated health services and comparing fndings with those from an earlier study commenced in 2005.

It will incorporate novel approaches including recently developed blood tests for Alzheimer’s disease, digital biomarkers, computerised neuropsychological assessments and blood pressure measurements, evaluation of new risk factors for dementia and new tools for measuring resilience to better target preventative strategies.

Professor Brodaty, who is Co-Director of CHeBA and a founding member of Alzheimer’s Disease International, says the greatest burden

on the aged population, and thereby society, is imposed by brain diseases – particularly Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

For the frst time in history, the number of Australians aged 65 and over has overtaken the population under the age of 15. The ramifcations of this are far reaching, from the challenges of reduced workforce participation to increased burden on the health and social security systems.

“As a nation, we have reached a tipping point with a critical need to understand the risk factors associated with health issues in older Australians, specifcally brain diseases,” says Professor Brodaty.

“Our vision with this study is to challenge the status quo and question

whether cognition is better than it was a generation prior and identify risk factors for, and protective factors against, cognitive decline,” says Professor Brodaty.

“As well as examining risk factors, we will be asking whether the incidence of new cases is changing. Ultimately this will help health bureaucrats plan for our ageing population, services for the older people and aged care facilities.

Mr Baird says it’s good news that more Australians are living longer, but the impending demographic changes will see a growth in the number of people being diagnosed with dementia and a corresponding need to ensure they receive

proper care. The current direct economic cost of dementia in Australia is more than $15 billion and will rise proportionally as an increased number of people are affected. By 2036, the total cost of dementia is predicted to increase by 81% to $25.8 billion in today’s dollars, and by 2056, to $36.8 billion which represents a 2.6-fold increase in costs from 2016.

“To cope with this expected growth, the aged care workforce will need to triple by 2050,” says Mr Baird. “Government policy will need to cater for the growth of people living with dementia living in their own homes with a carer.

“There will need to be more programs like Dementia Support Australia’s Staying at Home program to equip carers with the right skills and there will need to be available respite options to ensure those carers can get time to recharge.”

“For those people living with dementia who need residential aged care, there will need to be more investment in small household models that offer a small, domestic and familiar

environment that research shows improve health and quality of life outcomes.”

While there are new trial drugs that are offering hope of slowing down disease progression, there is no cure for dementia.

CHeBA’s project will expand upon the previous 14-year Memory and Ageing study, which confrmed known risk factors for cognitive decline such as age, heart disease, other cardiovascular risks including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and poor diet. The research also reported that poorer smelling ability and poor social health defned by the number of social connections were linked to dementia.

The volunteers who participate will do an initial assessment includes tests of cognition, physical function including blood pressure, fasting blood tests and completion of several questionnaires. Volunteers will also be given the options to participate in add-on studies to have an MRI brain scan, have their vision and hearing tested as well as their balance, risk of falls, and cardiac status.

BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR SERIOUS BACTERIAL ILLNESSES

NSW Health is advising the community to be aware of the signs and symptoms of rare but severe, invasive bacterial infections following recent increases in cases.

Dr Trevor Chan, Clinical Director, Emergency Care Institute at the Agency for Clinical Innovation said late winter and spring are usually peak times for meningococcal disease in NSW, while cases of invasive group A Streptococcus (iGAS) are steadily increasing.

“It’s very important the community is aware of the risks of these infections. While meningococcal and iGAS are rare, both can be very serious and can cause death or permanent disability,”

Dr Chan said.

“So far, 28 cases of meningococcal disease have been reported in NSW this year. 544 cases of iGAS have been notifed in NSW to the end of August this year.

“In the early stages, invasive bacterial infections can appear similar to more common viral illnesses. Occasionally they can occur at the same time, or follow a viral infection.

“Rapid intervention and treatment for invasive bacterial infections are available and can be lifesaving.

“We urge people to pay close attention to symptoms, trust their instincts, and seek urgent medical care if symptoms worsen or if they or the people

they care for are getting worse.

“Bacterial infections, like meningococcal and iGAS can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition. Intervention and treatment for invasive bacterial infections are available and can be lifesaving,”

Dr Chan said. A person with sepsis often reports feeling the sickest they have ever

felt. Other indicators of serious illness include fever, a fast heart rate, diffculty breathing, cold hands and feet or a mottled look to the skin, diffculty waking or increased lethargy or confusion. The person looks unwell and may also have nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea, headache or muscle aches and pains.

Symptoms to look out

for in young children that may indicate severe illness include irritability, diffculty waking, high-pitched crying, refusal to eat/ feed, fewer or no wet nappies or decreased urination, cold or mottled limbs, and diffculty breathing. For more information see the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network website – signs of serious illness in children.

People with meningococcal disease may experience severe headache, neck stiffness, dislike of bright lights, or unexplained joint or limb pain. A nonblanching rash of red-purple spots may also occur but often presents later in the illness. Do not wait for

a rash to occur to seek urgent medical care. People with iGAS may develop a red, warm, painful, and rapidly spreading skin infection which may have pus or ulceration. Children may present with a sunburnlike rash. The rash and skin changes are not always present so do not wait for a rash to seek care if the person is very unwell.

For more information on iGAS, meningococcal disease and sepsis see the NSW Health website. If you are concerned about your or your child’s health call your GP or healthdirect on 1800 022 222. If you or the person you care for is seriously unwell call 000 or go to your local Emergency Department.

Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) is a leading not-for-profit aged care provider that has been caring about people for more than 50 years.

We want to support you to stay living at home, active and connected within your community. If you’re aged 65 years and over, or Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander aged 55 years and over, why not enquire about how home support services could assist you.

Our trained, local staff will guide you through the services available and create a flexible, personalised plan that helps you live life to the full at home.

“We have a fairly big yard, I’ve tried to keep it nice. The Southern Cross Care team have organised mowing the lawns for me. Gardening makes me feel a lot better. It keeps the mind active.”

– Home Care Client Bill

“I like going to the pool. I’ve noticed it’s easier for me to get up and down, and I’m walking a bit easier.”

– Home Care Client Judith

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HYDROPONIC GARDENING: CULTIVATING NATURE’S WONDERS WITHOUT SOIL

Hydroponic gardening, a revolutionary method of growing plants without the use of traditional soil, has taken the world of horticulture by storm. Offering a soil-less approach to cultivating various plant species, hydroponics has captured the imaginations of gardening enthusiasts and professionals alike. Whether you wish to grow fowers, herbs, or vegetables, all can thrive using this innovative technique. Instead of soil, plants are supported in an inert growing medium, such as gravel, scoria, vermiculite, sand, perlite, or rockwool—a fbrous material made from rock and sand. The secret behind successful hydroponic gardening lies in the way nutrients are delivered to the plants. In this unique method, nutrients essential for plant growth are dissolved in water and then fed directly to the plants. This approach eliminates the need for plants to develop elaborate root systems to search for nutrients, as everything they need is readily available in the nutrient-rich water. As a result, plants grown through hydroponics often experience faster and healthier growth compared to their soilgrown counterparts. Hydroponic gardening offers a myriad of advantages, making it a popular choice for gardeners with limited space or those seeking effcient and productive ways to grow plants.

Since hydroponic systems don’t require soil, they can be set up in confned spaces, such as balconies, patios, or even indoors. The versatility of hydroponic gardening allows you to adapt it to your specifc needs, whether you are a city dweller with limited outdoor space or a rural gardener looking to maximise your crop yield.

To embark on your hydroponic gardening journey, the frst step is to ensure that your plants receive adequate light, either from natural sunlight or artifcial light sources. The amount of light your plants require depends on the specifc species you choose to cultivate. Many hydroponic gardeners use LED grow lights, which provide a spectrum of light tailored to plants’ needs, promoting optimal growth and fowering. The scale of your hydroponic garden depends on the number of plants you wish to cultivate and the available space. Beginners can start with something as simple as a small glasshouse ftted out with hydroponic equipment, a few well-drained outdoor containers, or even a vertical garden attached to a wall. For those who prefer simplicity, a basic container such as a window box flled with vermiculite or perlite is an easy and costeffective way to dive into hydroponics.

As you gain experience and confdence in hydroponic gardening, you may opt for a more advanced system that recycles water and nutrients. This may involve electric pumps or an automated system that releases nutrients at predetermined intervals, all without requiring electricity. The possibilities for customisation are vast, allowing you to tailor

mindful not to let the plant dry out during this process, as moisture is crucial for successful transplanting.

For those starting from seeds, direct sow them into the chosen medium, and nurture them with care. Hydroponic gardening often allows for faster germination and seedling growth, owing to the precise control over the growing environment and nutrient

and well-maintained promotes healthy plant growth and reduces the risk of disease.

Regularly monitoring and replacing the nutrient solution is vital to ensure your plants receive the nutrients they require to fourish. Replacing the nutrient solution every four weeks ensures a constant supply of essential minerals for your plants, promoting robust growth and productivity.

Keeping an eye on the nutrient requirements and following instructions carefully is paramount for successful hydroponic gardening. The nutrient solution provides the foundation for your plants’ growth, so maintaining a balanced and adequate supply is essential for optimal results.

offers a unique and rewarding way to cultivate plants with precision and care.

One of the signifcant advantages of this method is that plants grown hydroponically are less susceptible to pests and diseases that are prevalent in soil mediums. As a result, you can enjoy the sight of thriving, healthy plants without the constant worry of combating pests or applying chemical pesticides.

your hydroponic setup to suit your gardening aspirations and lifestyle. Transferring plants from garden beds or pots to a hydroponic system is entirely possible, adding a new dimension to your gardening experience. To do so, choose a healthy and disease-free plant, and gently remove all the soil or potting mix from around its roots. Place the plant or seedling immediately into the desired medium, be it perlite, vermiculite, or rockwool cubes. Be

availability. As a result, you may witness your plants reaching maturity and producing harvestworthy yields in a shorter time frame compared to conventional gardening methods.

One of the remarkable benefts of hydroponic gardening is how fast plants grow using this method. As a gardener, it is crucial to regularly harvest and remove any old plants that have passed their prime. Keeping your hydroponic garden tidy

Although hydroponics uses water as the growing medium, it actually consumes less water compared to conventional gardening methods, as the water can be collected and pumped back for re-use. In manual systems, monitoring and topping up water regularly, especially on hot or windy days when evaporation occurs, is essential to prevent water stress in your plants. Many hydroponic gardeners opt to store rainwater in tanks for their plants’ use, minimizing water wastage and supporting sustainable gardening practices.

Hydroponic gardening

With regular attention and maintenance, your hydroponic garden will fourish, providing you with a bountiful harvest and a remarkable connection to the wonders of nature. The sense of accomplishment from nurturing plants through this innovative method will surely inspire you to expand your hydroponic garden and explore new and exciting plant varieties. Hydroponic gardening is a captivating and effcient way to cultivate plants without soil. With the right setup, nutrients, and care, your hydroponic garden will transform into a lush and abundant oasis, blooming with greenery and life. Delve into the world of hydroponics and witness the magic of nurturing plants with the perfect balance of water, nutrients, and light—an experience that will leave you deeply connected to the marvels of nature. Happy hydroponic gardening!

Death Notice

IN MEMORIAM GRANT VIRTUE

27.7.1927 - 19.9.2020

Listen to your life, see for the fathomless mystery that it is. In the boredom and pain of it no less than in the excitement and gladness; touch, taste, smell your way to the Holy and hidden heart of it because in the last analysis all moments are key moments and life it self is GRACE

by Rev. Frederick Buechner

Sadly missed but lovingly remembered every day by his beloved wife Elaine and all of his loving Virtue & McAnelly Family

SEE YOU IN THE MORNING

Funeral Notice

Margaret Flora Hilda Smart

16.03.1939 – 07.09.2023

Formerly of McDonald Street, Broadwater

Passed away peacefully at Bupa Aged Care, Ballina on ursday 7th September 2023. Aged 84 years.

Beloved wife of Snow for 62 years. Loved mother of John (deceased 1964).

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a graveside service for Margaret at Evans Head Cemetery, 145 Woodburn Street, Evans Head on Monday 25th September 2023 commencing at 10am.

Rest in Peace

Funeral Notice In Loving Memory

George Parker

31/8/1937 and 23/9/2022

McMANUS, PHILLIP JOHN

16.

In Our Hearts

We thought of you today, But that was nothing new, We thought about you yesterday, And days before that too, We think of you in silence, We often speak your name, Now all we have are memories, And your picture in a frame, Your memory is our keepsake, With which we’ll never part, God has you in his keeping, We have you in our heart. Your loving Wife Gloria and all your family & friends

Funeral Notice

GWENDOLYN JOAN DOYLE (nee SELLARS)

19.09.1926 ~ 07.09.2023

Passed away peacefully in Ballina. Dearly loved wife of Bill (dec). Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Peter and Lynne, Karen and Geo , John and Sally, Elizabeth and Tom and Leanne. Cherished gran to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Beloved sister to Lorna, Noel (dec.) and Yvonne (dec.). Relatives and friends are invited to attend Gwen’s Funeral Service is to be held at the Rainbow Chapel, Ballina on FRIDAY (September 22, 2023) commencing at 2.00pm.

Ballina 02 6686 7036

Passed away peacefully in Ballina. Dearly loved son of Robert and Joyce (both dec.). Loving brother and brother-in-law of Peter and Janelle, Jenny (dec.) and David. Adored uncle of Scott, Kate, Siann and Kalee. Cherished great uncle of their children.

A private service and cremation will be held for Phillip. Ballina 02

Funeral Notice

ROGERS, Evelyn Elsie

28.6.1933 - 9.9.2023

Passed away peacefully at St.Mary’s Aged Care Coolum Beach Queensland, formerly of Kingscli

Beloved Daughter of the Late Stanley and Vera Rogers of Casino and Loved Sister of Ron and Athol, both deceased. Loving Aunt to Stephen, Lisa, Andrew (dec) and Kym, Jenny and Melissa, Lynn and Mark and their Families. Evelyn will be forever in Our Hearts.

“Relatives and Friends” are invited to attend Evelyn’sFuneral Service to be held at the Simplicity Funerals Chapel 60 West Street Casino on Wednesday 27th September 2023 commencing at 11.00am. Following the Service the Cortege will leave for the Casino lawn Cemetery.

This page is dedicated to all those that have passed

list and mention.

Details of sale can be found here: https:// ianweirandson.com.au/listings/machinerysale/

ALSTONVILLE ALSTONVILLE & DISTRICT CRICKET CLUB

To celebrate the 50 years since the amalgamation of Alstonville & Wollongbar Cricket Clubs, the Alstonville & District CC have planned several reunion activities for a reunion of former and current players to be held on the weekend of 20/21/22 October. Friday

20th October - Informal Welcome drinks/dinner at the Federal Hotel from 6:00pm; Saturday 21st October - “Old Mates Day” at Geoff Watt Oval which includes a BBQ luncheon from 10:30 am and drinks from 4:00 pm at the Plateau Sports Club and on Sunday 22nd October a special luncheon at the Plateau Sports Club from 11:30 am onwards. Signed cricket memorabilia will be auctioned from 2:00pm

ALSTONVILLE BRANCH OF THE RED CROSS

The Alstonville Red Cross branch meets monthly in Alstonville. As meeting dates sometimes vary, please call Carol on 0424 742 774 for details of our next meeting.

ALSTONVILLE PLATEAU HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Join Alstonville Plateau Historical Society for a celebration of all things gardening, past and present, from botanicals to gnomes. Our latest exhibition, Spade Work, features the garden at Crawford House Museum through the ages, as well as the award-winning gardens of the Alstonville area. It will run until Friday 24th November. Crawford House Museum is at 10 Wardell Road Alstonville and is open on Fridays 10am-4pm and Sundays 1pm - 4pm or at other times by appointment for groups. There are facilities for research about Ballina Shire families, as well as books about local history and commemorative wineglasses and keyrings for sale. For enquiries, call 6628 1829 or visit. 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 Jobseekers 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 call us.

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 cupper 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.

QUILTERS

ALSTONVILLE

We are called Plateau Quilters Alstonville we meet the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the Month at the RSL Hall Alstonville from 1pm until 4pm New members would be most welcome. Rhonda Bonner 66298267

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.

THE RETURNED AND

SERVICES LEAGUE OF AUSTRALIA (NSW Branch ALSTONVILLE SUBBRANCH

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

Fellowship of First Fleeters

The next meeting of the Northern Rivers Fellowship of First Fleeters will be held on Sunday 24th September 2023 at the Cherry Street Sports Club, Ballina at 10.30 am. Anyone interested in their convict family history from any of the many feets who journeyed here are very welcome to join our group. Our guest speaker will be Alan Hicks speaking on the history of trains in Ballina. If you wish to attend, please contact Roddy Jordan on 66875339

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A NEW HOBBY???

COME AND JOIN THE HEADLINERS CHORUS

We are an all-female group of all ages who love to sing “Acappella” in 4-part Barbershop harmony. We are well known in the Northern Rivers community and would love you to join us. Come along to a rehearsal on Monday nights from 7pm and for more information see our website or enquire to Tracey Ezzy on 0438 446 809

BALLINA ARTS & CRAFTS CENTRE INC. (BACCI)

We are a diverse group of Artists and Crafters that participate in wonderful group exhibitions. Over 50 members are from all over the Northern Rivers. Meetings are usually on the 1st Monday of every month at the Cherry Street Sports Club. Social gathering at 5, for a 5.30 start.

Ph: Deb on 0432105540

BALLINA BRIDGE CLUB

“Social play every Monday 9-11.30am”. Sessions for all levels of players on Mon, Wed, Sat from 1pm to about 5pm. Be seated at 12:45. Restricted session (under 300 Masterpoints) Thu 1pm – about 5pm. Friday mornings, Help with Play. Open to anyone who would like some help with their game from teachers on duty. 9am to about 11:15pm. Sessions are $5 for members and $7 for visitors at 13 North Ck Rd, Ballina. Call Judy Forsyth: 0407664337.

BALLINA CWA BRANCH

Ladies that are at a loose end on a Wednesday morning, might like to come and join our happy band of members. We meet every Wednesday from 9.00am to noon and can learn many crafts from fellow ladies. Barbara, our Handicraft’s Offcer (0428116668) is there to lend a hand when help is needed. She also teaches us new handicraft techniques. If you have any UFO’s (unfnished objects) why not call in to see us for the morning? Morning tea is served at a cost of just $3. All are welcome.

Mahjong is played in our rooms every Wednesday and Thursday from 12.30pm at a cost of $4. Everyone welcome.

BALLINA COASTAL QUILTERS

We meet at the North Lakes Community Hall in Whiting Way, Ballina on a Wednesday twice a month from 9 am to 2 pm. The group gives opportunities for friendship, support, and socialisation. and to celebrate our creative achievements in the area of quilting and related stitchery. We encourage our members to seek and share knowledge of their skills. New members would be most welcome. The cost is $5 per session Georgia 66876834

PROBUS CLUB OF BALLINA WATERS

The Probus Club of Ballina Waters will hold its next monthly meeting on Wednesday 20th September at the Cherry Street Sports Club commencing at 10.00 a.m. The guest speakers will be Pip Carter, who will inform members of some of the issues to be aware of when contemplating moving into care or retirement accommodation. The end of month luncheon will be on Friday 29th September. This club is a mixed club and both men and women are invited to join us for a range of interesting social functions. Further information is available from the Secretary Brian on 0432277170

BALLINA LADIES PROBUS CLUB

We are taking a bus to Pacifc Fair for a shopping trip on Wednesday, November 29th. Cost is $26.00. Non Probus Club members are cordially invited to join us. Pick up times are 8:15am at Alstonville, 8:30am opposite West Tower Tavern and 8:45 at Ballina RSL at the bus stop in front of the car park. For mor information and to book a seat call Pamela 6681 1022.

Ballina Ladies Probus Club meets on the frst Wednesday of the month at the Ballina RSL Club at 10 am for a business meeting, a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit or two and a guest speaker.

For more information call Beryl on 0419 258 282

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. Held at the Ballina Presbyterian Hall Corner of Cherry & Crane st Ballina 10AM TO 12PM Carol: 0438812235

BALLINA LADIES PROBUS CLUB

We are taking a bus to Pacifc Fair for a shopping trip on Wednesday, November 29th. Cost is $26.00. Non Probus Club members are cordially invited to join us. Pick up times will be 8:15am at Alstonville, 8:30am opposite Westtower Tavern and 8:45 at Ballina RSL at the bus stop in front of the car park. For more information and to book a seat call Wendy 0410 560 916 or Pamela 6681 1022. Ballina Ladies Probus Club meets on the frst Wednesday of the month at the Ballina RSL Club at 10am for a business meeting, , a cup of tea or coffee, a biscuit or two and a guest speaker. The guest speaker at the October meeting will be Jo Parker from the Northern Rivers Animal Services. There will be a donation box available if anyone would like to donate to this valuable service. For more information call Wendy 0410 560 916 or Beryl 0419 258 282

BALLINA LIGHTHOUSE RSL DAY CLUB

A Day Club for elderly and isolated people in our community, held every Thursday at the Richmond Room Ballina. Enjoy morning tea and a mental stimulation exercise like Tai Chi, followed by lunch and afternoon musical entertainment.

Every Thursday 10am to 2pm cost $10 Richmond Room, Regatta Avenue Ballina RSVP Lorraine Fox 66874350, 0439301249

BALLINA SENIOR CITIZENS BRIDGE CLUB

Social Bridge Play in Seniors Hall. Swift Street Ballina on Wednesday & Saturdays @ 12.05 pm Enquiries Phone: 0493425002 for details.

BALLINA TOY LIBRARY

Welcomes families from Ballina Shire. 9 Regatta Avenue, Ballina.

Open Tuesdays 1pm - 3pm, and Saturdays 10am - 1pm. Ph. 0411719074.

IN FOCUS TOASTMASTERS

CLUB

How about trying something different? If you would like to improve your communication and leadership skills or simply make new friends and have fun, you are warmly invited to attend the In Focus Toastmasters Club. We meet the 3rd Wednesday evening of each month. You may attend either from the comfort of your own home via zoom or join us in person at the Cherry Street Sports Club, Ballina.

NORTHERN RIVERS

NAVAL & MARINERS ASSOCIATION

This association was formed to attract veterans for companionship, wellbeing and to supply advocacy to veterans. We hold an informal gathering every Friday, 2.30pm at Ballina Angling Club (families are welcome). Ph: Allan Watt: 0402 749 582

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

BROADWATER

DUNGARUBBA COUNTRY

MUSIC AFTERNOON at Broadwater Hall Saturday 23rd

September 1pm - 5pm

$5 entry plus raffes & afternoon tea.

Special Guest Artist

Rex Baldwin

Contact Joy 0400 372 948

CASINO

CASINO COUNTRY MUSIC CLUB INC

Please note change of day and date for September Social It will be held upstairs at the Casino RSM Club on Saturday the 30th of September from 10.00am Come along and enjoy some great country music and take advantage of the meals & drinks offered by the RSM Club. New Artists always welcome. Free entry, raffes, and lucky door prize contact Carole 0438641500

CASINO UNITING CHURCH

HARVEST FESTIVAl 9am

17th September Auction of Produce 11am Bring a plate to share 12.30pm All very welcome.

THE CWA CASINO DAY’S next monthly meeting is at the Casino Community Centre 9.00am Thursday September 21st (3rd Thursday of the Month) 2023. The Land Cookery entry for September is Remembrance Biscuits, you do not have to be a member to submit an entry. All cookery enquiries -Rita Nicholls 0429364160. All welcome, come and have a cuppa and see what we are about. Enquires Margaret Good 66621746, Jennifer Baker 043892060.

THE CWA CASINO with the generous help of the Casino Golf Club ran a very successful

Charity Golf Fundraiser on the 25th of June 2023 for Arlo Sonnex and his family. Over 60 local businesses, individuals, groups, and media sponsors united to make the event successful, donating goods and vouchers for the BBQ, raffes and auction as well as further monetary donations. The Casino and the Northern rivers showing its outstanding community spirit and generous heart. Arlo was born 30th Jan 2022 with congenital insensitivity to pain which means he will never feel pain at all, like a pinch, a broken bone, appendicitis or even a heart attack. A very rare and dangerous medical condition. Arlo has congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis or HSAN4= the inability to feel pain and regulate his body temperature and Hypotonia- low muscle tone He has already and will continue to have a lot of self-injury and mutilations and has developed a speech and language delays due to permeant tongue injury.This is a lifelong disability with a signifcant functional impact on his physical development, cognitive capacity, future social development and vocational endeavours

CASINO COMMUNITY

MEN’S SHED

Mon, Tues, Wed, attendance limited to 50 members, 8am1.30pm. 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 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 GALLERY-ART 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 & DISTRICT ORCHID SOCIETY Meet the 4th Thursday each month. At St Marks Anglican Hall @ 6:30pm

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.

WINDARA BINGO for Kids at WINDARA again this holiday, Wednesday 4 October, starting time 10am. Great prizes, free chips, and lollies, only $10pp. Kids must bring an adult! Book by phoning Windara 66623800.

SAVE THE DATE

MELBOURNE CUP luncheon

7th November 2023 at WINDARA. More details next month.

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

Peter Michael

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 UNITING CHURCH

CAFÉ PRAISE…. Every Wednesday @ 10-11am. All Welcome

10am Morning Tea Fellowship. Welcome and Chat 10.30am Praise and Worship

CASINO VIEW CLUB

Monthly luncheon meeting at Casino RSM Club at 11am, second Thurs of every month. Contact Jan on 0418715374

AA-LIVING SOBER

MEETING is held every Tuesday 12:00-1:30pm At the Casino Baptist Church Cnr. West & Canterbury Streets Casino each week. The group will discuss a chapter on living sober out of the AA Living Sober Book. Contact George 0427133372

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 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.

ELTHAM ELTHAM MASONIC LODGE

The Eltham Masonic Lodge welcomes all masons, to attend their monthly meetings, which are held on the fourth Tuesday, each month (except in January, at the Eltham Masonic Temple. The meetings commence at 7.30 pm, but we have a few savouries & a drinks beforehand, as a welcome. Information ring Col 0416530456

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

TABLE TENNIS AT GOONELLABAH Tuesday and Thursday mornings social playing: 9am-12noon; Monday and Wednesday nights social playing: 7-9pm; Training Monday mornings: 9am12noon; Junior coaching after school Wednesday 3.30pm-4.45pm, $6 a session. Everybody is welcome – all levels. Phone centre on 66251602. Mon-Thurs 9.00am1.00pm

THE PROBUS CLUB of Goonellabah meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month at the Workers Sports Club in Oliver Ave. All welcome. Goonellabah Probus is solely a social club. We have a guest speaker each month and go for outings throughout the year. Meetings on Thursday commence at 10am and fnish at midday. For further

information, please contact Gloria Francis on 02 6629 1442.

GRAFTON

GRAFTON AND DISTRICT

GARDEN CLUB

“Connecting people with an interest in gardening, plants, fowers and nature.” Our next meeting will be on Thursday 5th October but this time at a different location. See you at Junction Hill Nursery, still 10am to midday. But this time please bring a mug, morning tea to share, if possible, no entry fee and no Bring and Buy Table. A chair would also be a good idea. There will be a guest speaker from Rocky Point Products and lots of new plants and pots to browse, thanks to Patti.

GRAFTON SENIOR CITIZENS “SENIORS SEPTEMBER MEETINg

attendance 52, apologies

9. Guest speaker: Christine Stephenson, from safe To wear medical alert, spoke on all details of this device.

Sympathy: to Brian & Yvonne Hall, June & Barry Cavanagh, on death of Brian & June’s brother. New members: welcome Barbara Smith; RussellFitchett: Peter Hoffman; Faye Waterhouse; Ann Godwin. Correspondence: ln, letter fom CVC; Westlawn investments interest rates; letters of thanks Richie Williamson acceptance of Patron; Out, to Fish Farm” & Tractor Shed, Narrabri; sympathy cards; welcome letters new members. Bus Trips: 8-day tour successful; day trip, Kings Plains Castle, 1 7 Nov, bus full, reserves will be noted. Trips for 2024 now being considered.

Barbecue: Mon, 9 Oct, now on sale, more needed. for catering, bookings close 3 Oct. Christmas Party: Fri, I Dec, on sale at Oct meeting.

Entertainment arranged. General Business; mention BCU new location; seniors self-funded retirees can now apply for electricity rebate; changes to Bigpond E mails.

Father’s Day competition winners: A. Campbell; B. Jefferies; Y. Chard; M. Moran Meeting Competition winners: S. Connelly: P. Cooke; D. Bailey; R. Foley; B. Perrett; D. Mclean; G. Hunter-Blanch; M. Sales. Enquiries: Sandra, 66427720; or 0417 464 946. Next meeting: 10.30am, Tues, 10 OcL Guest speaker, Federal member, Kevin Hogan

GRAFTON CWA: Grafton CWA meets on the 2nd Friday of each month, starting with morning tea at 9.30am, followed by the meeting at 10am. The next meeting is on Friday 13th October. The Annual General Meeting will be held frst at 10am, followed by the monthly meeting.

Memberships are due on 1st October.

Dates for the diary: 18th November, 2023 and February 17th 2024, Grafton Branch are holding Land Cooking Competition Days. Cooking open to CWA and members of the public, watch for more details!

2nd November- Jacaranda

Morning Tea in CWA Rooms 15th November- chocolate making demonstration with Dean Agic, the Artisan Chocolatier, 11.00 a.m. and Craft mornings on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each

month, all are welcome.

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 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 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 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 Thurs and Sunday 1pm to 4pm $12 – Family $5 – Adult and $2 – Child. Research hours are Tues to Thurs only from 9am to 3pm. There is a small charge for researching.

COMMUNITY NOTICES

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, Thurs, 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

TWEED COAST U3A

(University of 3rd Age) established with the aim of providing a supportive and engaging environment for people over 45 years not working full-time, in promoting active aging, fostering social connections, and empowering older adults to lead fulflling lives. At the heart of our community are the friendships that bloom and fourish.

There are over 44 Classes available for example – art, craft, book chat, yoga, Pilates, tai chi, canasta, brain games, languages, writing life stories, walks, cycling.

Membership for Term 3 & 4 (July to Dec 2023) only $40 –No limit on number of classes you can attend.

Join us to create meaningful connections, share stories, laughter, and create lasting memories.

Contact Julia 07 5524 8995

KINGSCLIFF 500 CARD CLUB

Kingscliff 500 Card Club.

Monday and Wednesday

afternoons 1pm to 4pm Cudgen

Surf Club

New players WELCOME

Contact: GARY 0499869992

KYOGLE

KYOGLE SUNSHINE CLUB

Meets every Thursday at 9.30am. For more details contact 0499824274.

KYOGLE TIDY TOWNS

FARMERS MARKET

Held every Saturday morning in Stratheden Street from 8am -12. Come along grab some local fruit & veggies, experience all Kyogle has to offer. New Stall Holders welcome. Ph: Anne 66321851

LION’S CLUB OF KYOGLE

Meeting is held on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday each month at the Kyogle Lion’s shed from 6.30–7pm.

Contact Neville Moon on 0448222334.

RICHMOND RIVER

BEEF PRODUCER’S ASSOCIATION

Meet on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at Kyogle Showgrounds in the luncheon room at 7pm. Ph: Jan on 0427293455.

ROTARY KYOGLE BAZAAR

Fourth Saturday of every month.

See Rotary Kyogle Bazaar on social media for all the details or call 0459512249.

LENNOX HEAD

LENNOX HEAD CWA

Handy Craft Mornings on Mondays 9.30am-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 nonservice club to hear interesting guest speakers and to join in trips and outings are invited along. Ph: June Zentveld on 66871004

LISMORE

Lismore Home Garden and Education Club next Meeting will be held on Thursday 14th September 1pm East Lismore Bowling Club . Special for September is Orchid or Iris please bench fowers by 12.30pm. bring and Buy Table. Membership Fees now due. New Members welcome and will be followed by Annual General Meeting. Please bring plate of food to share for Morning Tea. Members and friends are invited to attend. Further info please contact Secretary 0448294496

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. LISMORE

CWA AGM will be held at ‘Norma’s Kitchen’ at Lismore Showgrounds on FRIDAY OCTOBER 13th commencing at 10:00am.

RETURN TO JIGGI EVENT

Come along to Jiggi Hall for a back to Jiggi afternoon tea. Saturday 23rd September, 2pm - 4pm, bring a plate to share. Guest speaker is Jiggi-born author Gary Davis who will present his book Tom Mortimer Pitt Street Bankers which is set in Georgica and the Richmond Valley region.

Lismore Parkinson’s Disease Support Group. We meet every third Friday of the month. Next group Meeting is Friday, 15th of September 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 Tea and Coffee, Companion Support Group. Parkinsons Nurse Tim and Parkinsons NSW Stacey Foster as special guest inquiries contact Marie 0448871290

TEXTILE ARTIST WORKSHOP

Anne Stewart, Textile

Artist Extraordinaire from Toowoomba will be conducting a Workshop in Lismore on SEPTEMBER 15TH from 10am to 3pm. Create an exquisite Needle Case Book. As places are limited BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL For all Workshop information contact Vicki Boyle on 0437 465 642

LISMORE LIONS CLUB

Please save your used stamps to raise funds for The Australian Lions Children’s Mobility Foundation. Stamps are collected & forwarded on to be sorted & sold at Auction, to raise money for Children’s Mobility

For further information, please contact Margaret Boxsell on 0427141425

LISMORE CITY BOWLING AND RECREATION CLUB COMMUNITY BINGO every Monday morning 10 am to 12 noon. Morning tea and Progressive Jackpot. All welcome. Phone 66 21 5991.

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! 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 15 Industry Drive East Lismore

LISMORE ORCHID SOCIETY INC.

Lismore Orchid Society now meets 3rd Wednesday each month, 1:30pm to 4:00pm at Goonellabah Community Centre in the Goonellabah Public Library, 27 Oliver Ave Goonellabah. Ph: Bev on 0400326289

LISMORE SENIOR

CITIZENS

Meet at the Goonellabah Community Centre every second Thursday starting at 9am where we have morning tea followed by games bingo how etc we play cards Monday and Friday and play bowls Tuesdays and craft every second Tuesday afternoons come and join our friendly group you will be very welcome.

LISMORE SPINNERS & WEAVERS

Please join us…... Weaving, Spinning, Felting, Dyeing, Knitting, Crochet, Workshops, Chat…. Sharing Craft & Ideas. From 10am, on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Fridays of each month. (Formal business meeting is 10.30-11.30 every 1st Friday) McLeans Ridges Hall Cnr Cowlong and McLeans Ridges Rds. (off Bruxner Hwy) Morning Tea provided. Bring your lunch (and a mug) Contac: Kim: 0423935060, Linda: 0419489987

LISMORE TARGET RIFLE CLUB for .22 calibre rifes, meets Wed nights from 6.30pm & the 1st & 3rd Sat of each month from 1.00 pm. Air rife shooting for .22 & 177 air rifes will also be available at the Saturday shoots. For more information, please phone Derek on 66282082 (ah).

MORTGAGE STRESS AND COST OF LIVING

PRESSURE WORKSHOP Lismore Pop-up Library, Thursday 14 September, 5.30pm

Are you having money problems? Do you have trouble paying your bills? Are you unsure of what happens if you can’t pay your mortgage? Do you want to learn how to budget your money better, but you don’t know where to start?We can help. The Richmond Tweed Regional Library and the Lismore & District Financial Counselling Service are offering a one-hour workshop about mortgage stress and the cost of living. It will be presented by professional fnancial counsellors. This is the frst in a series of workshops on helping you manage money. The workshop is free. To book, call (02) 6621 2464. We hope to see you there!

CREATIVE AUTHORS OF LISMORE – Raimond de Weerdt. Lismore Pop-up Library, Monday 9 September,

10:00am Raimond de Weerdt will take you on a journey through the largely unknown and fascinating history of portraiture in photography. Moreover, Raimond will share the story behind his book ‘Creatives of the NSW Northern Rivers,’ a remarkable collection of 340 photographic portraits capturing the essence of the creative individuals residing and working in the NSW Northern Rivers region. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the artistry of portraiture and learn more about the making of his book.

LISMORE CHILDREN’S

LIBRARY Now Open

Come visit the brand-new Lismore Children’s Library at the top of the escalators at Lismore Central Shopping Centre. We have all your favourite library services, including Baby Time, Toddler Time and Story Time events, picture books, learn-to-read books, junior fction, and junior non-fction, as well as a dyslexia collection and sensory development kits. Read in the comfort of the library or borrow to take home!

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, 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

ZEN AND INSIGHT

MEDITATION – LISMORE

HEIGHTS

INSIGHT (VIPASSANA)

MEDITATION and practice: This mindfulness-based meditation group sits on Wednesdays from 7:008:30pm. The evening includes meditation instructions, sitting and walking meditation, Dharma talks and discussion. For further details, please contact Rosie - 0402682925

ZEN MEDITATION and practice The Zen meditation group sits on Mondays from 6:30pm-8:15pm. The evening includes instructions, sitting meditation, Dharma talks and individual interviews with the teacher.

For further details, please phone: 0427778837

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

MURWILLUMBAH

TWEED COAST U3A (University of 3rd Age) established with the aim of providing a supportive and engaging environment for people over 45 years not working full-time, in promoting active aging, fostering social connections, and empowering older adults to lead fulflling lives. At the heart of our community are the friendships that bloom and fourish.

There are over 44 Classes available for example – art, craft, book chat, yoga, Pilates, tai chi, canasta, brain games, languages, writing life stories, walks, cycling. Membership for Term 3 & 4 (July to Dec 2023) only $40 – No limit on number of classes you can attend. Join us to create meaningful connections, share stories, laughter, and create lasting memories. Contact Julia 07 5524 8995

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. Mummulgum

POTTSVILLE

POTTSVILLE ALCOHOLICS

ANONYMOUS: Is drinking costing you more than money?

AA works and is very active in Pottsville.

We meet every Thursday 7pm at St Marks 15A Coronation Ave Pottsville and local contact 1800 423 431 or 04019 45671

TWEED COAST U3A

(University of 3rd Age) established with the aim of providing a supportive and engaging environment for people over 45 years not working full-time, in promoting active aging, fostering social connections, and empowering older adults to lead fulflling lives. At the heart of our community are the friendships that bloom and fourish.

There are over 44 Classes available for example – art, craft, book chat, yoga, Pilates, tai chi, canasta, brain games, languages, writing life stories, walks, cycling. Membership for Term 3 & 4 (July to Dec 2023) only $40 – No limit on number of classes you can attend. Join us to create meaningful connections, share stories, laughter, and create lasting memories. Contact Julia 07 5524 8995

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

TWEED COAST U3A (University of 3rd Age) established with the aim of providing a supportive and engaging environment for people over 45 years not working full-time, in promoting active aging, fostering social connections, and empowering older adults to lead fulflling lives.

At the heart of our community are the friendships that bloom and fourish.

There are over 44 Classes available for example – art, craft, book chat, yoga, Pilates, tai chi, canasta, brain games, languages, writing life stories, walks, cycling.

Membership for Term 3 & 4 (July to Dec 2023) only $40 –No limit on number of classes you can attend.

Join us to create meaningful connections, share stories,

laughter, and create lasting memories. Contact Julia 07 5524 8995

POETS AND WRITERS ON THE TWEED meet every Tuesday at the South Tweed Sports Club 1.30-3.30pm. Beginners welcome. Phone 0755248035.

TWEED HEADS PROBUS CLUB

Probus Club, Coolangatta/ Tweed Heads. Be at Club Tweed at 10-00am on the frst Wednesday of the Month. Visitors and new members are very welcome.

TWEED PATCHWORK GROUP

Meet the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at South Tweed Community Center from 9-1pm at 18 Heffron Street Tweed Heads south all beginners welcome phone Moira on 0418686643. A friendly group of people with common interest in seeing, quilting and related craft.

TWIN TOWNS 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 neighbourhood. 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 non-proft community group that is part of a worldwide organisation. The Hash House Harriers meet every Monday at 6pm for a run/walk from various locations around Lismore, Alstonville, and Ballina. The run/walk lasts for approximately an hour, followed by friendship, banter and grub. We are very friendly and welcome new members.

NORTHERN RIVERS PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP

Covering Wollongbar to Ocean Shores.

Meets 2nd Friday of each month at Summerland Farm, Wardell Road, Alstonville. A general catch up & chat

with the opportunity to join in a casual Q&A session with Rebecca, our Parkinson’s nurse. She will be there to answer any questions that you may have about anything to do with living with Parkinson’s or supporting or caring for a loved one. Maybe you want to know about symptoms, medication, treatments, or services etc. Rebecca is there to support us and help you manage your disease so that you live your best life. All those living with Parkinson’s Disease or those supporting them are most welcome.

Please RSVP Cheryl 0428286753.

NORTHERN RIVERS DAY PROSTATE

CANCER

SUPPORT GROUP

The next meeting of the Northern Rivers Day Prostate Cancer Support Group is to be held on Wednesday September 13th - 10am until 12 noon at the Alstonville Plateau Sports Club (previously known as Bowling Club), Deegan Drive, Alstonville 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 present 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 this diagnosis Enquiries phone Bob Corney 0493 075 612 –ALCOHOLICS

ANNONYMOUS

The doors of AA are open -7pm Friday 8th September. AA is holding a LOCAL PUBLIC AA MEETING Open to anyone who might want more information about what AA is, what AA does and what AA doesn’t do. It’s a Free Event @ The Bangalow A&I Hall. Phone the National AA helpline 1300 22 22 22 Local helpline 1800 423 431 or 0401 945 671

FORECAST

Warnings

See www.bom.gov.au/australia/warnings

Northern Rivers District:

Sunny. Light winds becoming northwest to northeasterly 15 to 25 km/h during the day then becoming light during the evening.

Thursday. Sunny. Light winds becoming northwesterly 25 to 35 km/h during the morning then shifting southerly during the afternoon.

Northern Tablelands District:

Sunny. Winds west to northwesterly 15 to 25 km/h.

Thursday. Sunny. Winds west to northwesterly 20 to 30 km/h tending west to southwesterly 25 to 35 km/h during the day then tending southeast to southwesterly 15 to 25 km/h during the evening.

TIDES, SUN & MOON Ballina

New South Wales:

Very warm to hot in the north and east, with daytime temperatures well above average, tending near average elsewhere. Dry apart from the chance of a late shower in the far south. Partly cloudy. North to northwesterly winds, fresh to strong across the south, shifting cooler west to southwesterly in the west and south.

Thursday. A possible shower or two in the east, more likely along the southern coast. A snow shower or two on the Alps above 1200 metres. Dry and mostly sunny in the west. Daytime temperatures above average in the northeast, and near average elsewhere. Cooler south to southwesterly winds extending throughout, fresh to strong along the coastal fringe.

Byron Coast:

Winds: Northerly 15 to 25 knots. Seas: 1 to 1.5 metres, increasing to 1.5 to 2 metres during the afternoon or evening. 1st Swell: Northeasterly 1 to 1.5 metres, tending easterly 1 to 1.5 metres during the afternoon. 2nd Swell: Southerly around 1 metre. Weather: Sunny.

Coffs Coast:

Winds: Northerly 20 to 30 knots. Seas: 1.5 to 2.5 metres. 1st Swell: Southerly around 1 metre. 2nd Swell: East to northeasterly around 1 metre. Weather: Sunny.

Gold Coast Waters:

Winds: North to northwesterly 15 to 20 knots. Seas: Around 1 metre. Swell: East to northeasterly 1 to 1.5 metres. Weather: Sunny.

Men’s Premier League and Reserve Grade

After one of the closest seasons in North Coast Football history, just one game now remains for grand fnal glory.

The Coffs Coast Tigers and Woolgoolga Wolves are set to play off in the Men’s Premier League grand fnal at the C.ex Coffs International Stadium this weekend.

The Wolves earnt the chance to play for the grand fnal trophy after a 2-0 win in their preliminary fnal against the Northern Storm in Korora.

The Tigers had the week off after qualifying for this season’s grand fnal with a 1-0 win against the Northern Storm in their semi-fnal.

The Tigers and Wolves each had one win against the other and two draws in their four meetings this season, including a 2-2 draw when they last played.

The Woolgoolga Wolves and Coffs Coast Tigers will also play off

Grand Finals Previews

Raiders prevailed in a thrilling penalty shootout victory.

The Raiders booked their place in the season fnale with a 5-2 win against the Coffs City United Lionesses in their preliminary fnal at Urunga.

The Eagles had last weekend off having already earnt a grand fnal berth with a 2-1 semi-fnal victory against the Raiders in their most recent meeting.

The Eagles will look to cap of their season premiership with a grand fnal victory, as they take on a Raiders side which inficted their only loss of the season.

in the Men’s Reserve fnale, during a big day of grand fnals at the C.ex Coffs International Stadium on Saturday.

The Tigers qualifed for the grand fnal having a 4-2 win in extra time against the Northern Storm, after their

preliminary fnal was locked at 2-2 after 90 minutes.

The Tigers now face the Woolgoolga Wolves who fnished as senior premiers.

The Wolves have won all fve of their matches against the Tigers this

Sophie Pendrigh & Ruby Biffn

Sophie Pendrigh & Ruby Biffn from Evans Head have made the far nth Coast under 13s rugby 7s girls squad and will be competing in Forster in the state championships mid September

Sophie and Ruby both go to Evans River

and are both in year 7.

They both played in the girls killer whales team this year and have been stand out players for there age

Sophie and Ruby have been selected alongside 10 other girls from the surrounding areas from Kingscliff North to Grafton

south which is a great achievement for 2 of our local girls.

We would like to give a shout out to Gary and the oldboys Club for there generous support and donation to help get the girls to Forster

season, including a 3-2 victory in their recent semi-fnal.

Women’s Division One

The two powerhouse women’s teams of recent seasons are set to meet again on the biggest stage, as the Boambee Eagles and Urunga

Raiders prepare to face off in the Women’s 1st Division grand fnal at the C.ex Coffs International Stadium.

The Eagles and Raiders meet in a rematch of last season’s Coastal League One Women’s grand fnal, in which the

The Eagles were dominant with 17 wins and two draws on their way to becoming season premiers, while the Raiders fnished second on the ladder.

The Eagles have taken the honours in their head-to-head meetings so far this season, with three wins from their fve matches including a draw.

Broadwater Public School’s soccer team heading to the fnals in Sydney

Broadwater Public School’s soccer team has worked and played hard through four rounds of the NSW PSSA Small Schools Soccer Knockout Competition and are now heading to the fnals day in Sydney!

The fnals are being held at Valentine Park in Glenwood, where the school will play in

the Semi-Final at 9am against Barrington Public School.

The winner of this game will progress to the Grand Final with the other team playing off for third place.

All fnals games will be held on Wednesday 20th of September.

The school has qualifed in Division

Two of the competition which includes schools with enrolments between 31 to 60 students.

The dedication and commitment of the students and their coach (Mr Pearce) to make it to the top four in the state, particularly considering the continued impacts of the fooding event last year and the

displacement of the students from their school site, is a real credit to them.

The team is made up of almost the entire senior class, so the school has decided to embrace this opportunity and turn this trip into their senior class excursion.

What an amazing opportunity for the

students and staff of the school.

As you can imagine this excursion is not cheap and with many of the school community still involved in rebuilding their homes, a trip to Sydney can be fnancially challenging.

Broadwater Public School and the Broadwater School’s

P& C Committee would like to thank the Old Boy’s for their generous donation that will directly reduce the expenses for the families of the school.

Without the support of the local community and organisations such as the Old Boys, this trip would not be possible.

CASINO SOCIAL GOLF RESULTS 17

09-2023

The winner of social golf on Sunday was Garry Randall with a stableford score of 23 points from Steve Ensby with 21 on a count back

The putting trophy went to R.Ruttley with 16 putts and M.Gooding won the players draw Nearest to pins:8th & 11th, B.Yates. 9th, Vinny. 10th, D.Hampson. 12th, R.Ruttley. 13th, W.Jackson.14th, P.Piccoli.15th & 17th, S.Ensby.16th, J.Rankin. 18th, T.Hook.

Next Sunday’s event

Sponsored by Just Brakes And Exhaust Casino will be a single stableford on the bottom 10 holes and visitors are welcome to play with hit off from 6-30am till 7-730am.

W.Borkhardt 3rd, G.Hull

A.Rawding 4th, J.Finlay

B.Linaker 5th, T.Smith Mcghee 6th.

B.Block.

B.Parker C.Parker 1st, S.Scrimgeour

K.Harris 2nd, J.Manning

Croquet Tournament

31st October / 5th

November. 2023

Entries Open.

Lismore Croquet Club Friendship Day 90th Anniversary 26th

October 2023.

CORAKI VETERANS

GOLF RESULTS

THURSDAY 14/9/23

gun start at 8.30am. Golfers are asked to make sure they repair divots on the golf course as the dry weather sets in.

CHERRY STREET CROQUET

CLUB

SPORTS RESULTS

Tournaments : Tweedheads Spring Golf Croquet Festival. Shaws Memorial. Mixed Doubles. A Block.

B.Rubock E Berridge

1st, R.Chapman P.Waters 2nd, D.Simmons

D.Smith 3rd, L.Condon M. Ashford 4th, J.Cox B.Phillips 5th, B.Peters B.Peters 6th.

Australian Gold & Silver Medals Golf Croquet Singles.

Gary Phipps WA 1, Jamie Gumbrell NSW 2, Owen Dickinson VIC 3, Barry Jennings SA 4, M.McMahon QLD 5, Phil Roach TAS 6.

NRCA Association

Association Croquet Club Champion Division

A smaller feld played on Thursday Winner G Gibson, 2nd K Rogers, 3rd R Rodda, free game B Watersonm chicken/ ball winners B Collyer, S Smith, T Beemster, W Lunnon, J Nilsson, E Reddell. J Perkins.

Nearest pins 3rd/12th

L Bonner, 6th/15th S Toms.

Next Thursday 21/9/23 will be an 18hole 4 bbb stableford off club handicap will be played commencing with a shot

AS USUAL TILL THEN GOOD GOLFING

EVANS HEAD WOMENS BOWLS

Ladies Social Day - 13-09-23 - Win & Ends - Winners - V. Forshaw, M. Gibson, K. Townsend, J. Fernance.

Congratulations to Gail, Pam & Tania who competed in the District Triples this week. Well done Ladies.

3 Bill Hardy 1st , Liz Hardy 2nd, Cheryl

Woodlands 3rd.

By Tim Howard

The Grafton Hockey Association Mens A grade grand fnal was a match that lived up to the occasion as raging favourites Royals downed Bears 3-2 in a see-sawing game.

Coming into the game after despatching Bears 7-1 in a semi-fnal only weeks ago, most predicted the game would be a one-sided affair.

The star studded Royals outft boasting Australian under-21 star Jake Lambert and NSW under-21 goal poacher Reece Cropper, had swept all before them.

But the big stage of a Grafton grand fnal day brought out the best from the Bears including veteran Dave Dart.

He said Bears went into the game knowing they were up against it and decided had devised tactics to attempt to nullify their opponents big game players.

“We knew we had to defend well and keep their big guns under control,” he said.

“Mitch Lollback had a blinder for us. We basically put him on Lambert because he was quick enough to go with him and just stayed on him all game.”

The Bears stunned the

Royals snatch grand fnal thriller

crowd in the frst quarter courtesy of an Eli Fahey goal from a short corner.

They were able to hold the lead until Cropper

answered with a penalty corner goal of his own to level up at 1-1 going into half time.

Bears repeated their frst half performance snatching the lead back

with another Fahey goal from a short corner. But the lead was short lived, as Cropper scored his second for the game, again from a penalty corner.

Going in a threequarter time Dart said the game was there to be won for either team.

“Our defence had done

everything we’d asked of them it was going to be pretty much who scored frst in the last quarter that would be decisive.

couldn’t claw their way back into the game after that score.

“They got a lot short corners in the fourth

the Grand Final.”

Dart has been playing hockey in Grafton since the 1980s and said this grand fnal signalled a return to glory days.

“We had a couple of bad years with Covid, but this year I think it’s getting back to its best,” he said.

He said the decision of players of the quality of Lambert and Cropper to continue playing in the local competition has been a big boost.

“The new Pacifc Highway has been the main reason,” he said. “Reece and Jake play hockey in Brisbane on Saturday and are able to come back here for our competition.

“It’s just made the local competition so much stronger and gives players that extra level of competition to measure themselves against.”

He said Lambert was one of the most exciting talents he had seen come out of Grafton, comparing him to Kookaburras captain Brent Livermore and long-time NSW star Robbie Green.

It was Royals who snatched the lead when Rob Third defected a shot past Bears goalie Kael Cook for the winner.

Dart said his team

quarter and it was hard for us to get an attack going,” he said.

“Our goalie Kael Cook was immense. At just 16 he kept us in the game and won the Player of

“Brent and Robbie had basically left Grafton to play in Sydney by the time they were about 17,” he said.

“So to have players like Jake and Reece still playing here is just fantastic.”

Bears player Josh Nilon, right, fghts off a challenge from Royals player Harry Hughes in the Grafton Mens A grade hockey grand fnal on Sunday. Photo: Shirleyanne Blanchard.

Bears player of the grand fnal, goalie Kael Cook and defenders Justin Alford and Jarred Greensill deny Royals a scoring chance. Photo: Photo: Shirleyanne Blanchard.

Bears super veteran Dave Dart, left, and 14-year-old Max Oxenbridge, the youngest player to make an A grade grand fnal enjoy a moment in the game. Photo: Shirleyanne Blanchard.