The Northern Rivers Times Edition 168

Picture: Richmond Valley Councillors

NRLX LEASE WON’T GET SALES BACK SOON

By Tim Howard

The Richmond Valley Council has voted itself out of the cattle selling business, but it will do nothing to get cattle sales back at the saleyards anytime soon, says Casino auctioneer Matt McCormack.

After more than two months of bitter conflict with Casino cattle auctioneers over a proposed new licence agreement to sell cattle at the council-owned Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange, council voted unanimously to cease management of the saleyards and tender on the open market for a long-term lease.

A public meeting was called for Monday in the Casino Golf Club to discuss issues arising from the decision.

Mr McCormack, the vice president of the Casino Auctioneers Association Inc, was critical of the decision, mainly because it did nothing to help the community by getting cattle sales back in the NRLX “yesterday”.

“After the public meeting (on September 4) the message was ‘get cattle back into the place’ and they say they think it’s going to take three months,” Mr McCormack said.

“The short term is there is no sales in Casino and we need one there yesterday.”

Mr McCormack said an obvious solution would be to begin selling again under the rules that existed prior to the July 1 lockout.

“We’re more than willing to be back there selling under the old

agreement,” he said.

But the resolution adopted by the council stipulated sales held between now a new lease agreement, must follow the council’s new guidelines, which rules out local agents.

“We can’t sign that agreement that was put to us,” he said. “And it’s clear nobody else can either, or there would be other agencies there doing it.

Mr McCormack said an unfortunate side effect has been “a lot of business getting shot in the crossfire”.

“There’s a bigger picture than RVC versus the agents,” he said.

“It’s affecting the town, it’s affecting people mentally, financially and for what reason, why can’t both sides get in and do a deal?”

Mr McCormack said CAAI members had talked about the possibility taking on the NRLX lease, but they were preliminary discussions and there would need to be more formal talks.

The future of the NRLX, which has been in virtual lockdown since July 1, was the main item on the September 19 council meeting agenda.

In addition to the general manager’s report, which recommended an open market tender process for a long term lease, Mayor Robert Mustow presented a late mayoral minute and two community members, Roger Bailey and Allan Berry, presented delegations.

The decision and the reasoning behind it does not sit well with the community.

Mr McCormack dismissed many of the arguments the council has used to say why the new agreement is necessary.

He said the figures showing an operating deficit of $469,282, a program deficit of $647,303 leading to each ratepayer paying $60 a year to fund the NRLX as “scare tactics”.

Mr Bailey made similar arguments in his deputation to council ahead of the decision.

“Then we come to the most outrageous claim that the NRLX quote: ‘continues to run at an operating deficit of $469,282 and an overall program is in deficit by $647,303’.

That ‘each ratepayer is in effect subsidising this operation at $60 per year for each rateable property’. This is clearly not the case.”

Mr Bailey said the the NRLX, like most local government programs, ran a restricted asset fund, which had a balance of $574,945

“Other programs like quarries, cemeteries and libraries where similar restricted accounts fluctuate too,” Mr Bailey said.

“They exist to support the named program as a bank account would. Funds are also protected, unable to be accessed for any other purpose, except by council resolution.

“I would venture to say that not $1 of ratepayers money has ever gone into that account that wasn’t paid back.”

General manager Vaughan Macdonald confirmed Mr Bailey’s figures were accurate, when answering a

question about them later in the meeting.

Mr Berry in his deputation, said the council had ignored the wishes of more than 700 people who attended the September 4 meeting.

“These included that the NRLX be opened immediately under the previous licensing agreement until a long term solution is negotiated,” he said.

“While the general manager acknowledged the impact of the NRLX closure on farming families and the wider community, his short term solution is to persist with the controversial and confrontational 2023-26 agreement, which is already deemed unacceptable.

“The GM’s recommendation fails to show a will to quickly open the NRLX.”

Mayor Robert Mustow presented a late mayoral minute, which he had promised to organisers of the September 4 community meeting, to answer the six resolutions arising from it.

But he also attacked the meeting, saying it “called for council to disregard its new license agreement and allow the stock and station agents to formally trade at the NRLX to walk back in under the old agreement and ultimately take control of the facility.”

He defended the council’s procurement process for the new agreement and savaged the approach of the agents, saying they tried to, “dictate to their landlord how much they are prepared to pay in rent, in which conditions of their lease they are

willing to comply with.”

He also brought up issues of animal welfare and staff behaviour, claiming the RSPCA and police had been called to the NRLX to handle breaches of regulations.

“NSW work health and safety legislation is very clear, that council, as the owner and operator of the NRLX is responsible for safety at this facility,” he said.

“Apart from the serious risk of death or injury to workers are members of the public, we also face potential prison sentences of up to five years and fines of up to $3.8 million for not upholding council’s duty of care.”

Cr Mustow said the NRLX dispute was distracting attention from the good work the council was doing in the community and exposing councillors to attacks from the public.

He ended his mayoral minute with a call for unity.

“I ask my fellow councillors to join with me in bringing this stalemate to an end,” he

said.

“The bitterness and accusations have gone on for far too long.

“It is time to move forward and find a solution that allows sales returned the NRLX as soon as possible and secures its long term future.”

The recommendation in the general manager’s report was, that council:

1. Reaffirms its commitment to position the NRLX as one of the leading saleyards in NSW, and notes the significant investment in upgrading the facility since 2016, including $10.5m in government funding and $4.5 million by council, including a $3 million loan;

2. Notes the history of negotiations and stakeholder feedback when the issue of operational changes and user fees and charges at the NRLX have been proposed, consulted and determined by consecutive Councils;

3. Notes the detailed procurement process that has been implemented since December 2022 to

Mayor Robert Mustow

secure Agent Licences for 2023-26 and the negotiation opportunities that have been offered;

4. Approves an open market tender process for a long term lease of the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange to an appropriately experienced entity in line with the details in this report, with the appointment of a suitably qualified independent contractor to manage the procurement process;

5. As a short term measure to re-commence

sales at the NRLX, continues with the existing open EOI process for interested businesses, including but not limited to previously successful agencies, on terms consistent with the 2023 – 2026 Agent licence agreement and in line with the adopted revenue policy, until a lease agreement is executed;

6. Notes that a further report will be brought to Council to consider the recommendations of the open market tender

process and to determine the successful lessee.

There were two speakers for the recommendation and only Cr Patrick Deegan asking questions of the motion.

Cr Robert Hayes led off making his key argument the NRLX was not as many claimed, a council service, but a councilowned business that must be run accordingly.

“The NRLX cannot be classified as a community facility as it is located on operational land and should be classified as a council business operation like our quarries,” he said.

“That was suggested in one of the professional presentations tonight. but it’s like our quarries. And if it cannot pay its way, we need to consider council’s ownership.

“Council has not afforded any other industry this kind of assistance by purchasing land, constructing and upgrading facilities and applying for grants and taking out ratepayer funded loans to maintain such a complex.”

Cr Hayes said analysis had shown the community benefited

from the operations of the NRLX, but this benefit would occur, whoever owned the facility.

He said the council’s new agreement had tried to bring the NRLX into line with modern local government practice.

“This was another important step to achieving important financial results for the NRLX and further attempt to relieve the business of further reliance on ratepayers funds,” he said.

“A further study of other saleyards has made it clear that the NRLX fees will still remain below current industry standards.

“My role as a councillor is to get the best outcome I possibly can for my community.

“The agents chose not to accept the new agreements and wanted to go back into the complex once again, with the ratepayers picking up the deficit.”

He said it would have been unfair to ratepayers to continue the old agreement.

“If the NRLX wants to continue under the old agreements, our

rural ratepayers, who are also vendors at the NRLX would be subject to possible passing on of these fees as well as subsidising the NRLX through their rates,” he said.

“This would not be the same for vendors who reside outside the Richmond Valley Council area and vendor fees would not have increased for six years of a six year period under the new license agreement.”

Cr Sandra Humphries

Wanting to Buy

said under the old agreement between the council and agents, ratepayers had been cross-subsidising the NRLX.

“I can understand why some residents might see that as it’s a an acceptable donation to the industry,” she said.

“However, since the inception of Richmond Valley Council, I’m not so sure that all ratepayers in the valley are keen to continue to forgo

continued on page 5

Councillor Robert Hayes

Councillor Sandra Humphries

Community group wins twice at IPC

By Tim Howard

A Yamba community group, forced to lodge GIPA requests seeking information from Clarence Valley Council, has racked up two wins in the past two months.

In March and May this year, Yamba Community Action Network lodged GIPA request with Clarence Valley Council seeking access to information on two separate matters.

On both occasions the council failed to supply all information in the GIPA requests.

Yamba CAN secretary Lynne Cairns applied to the NSW Information and Privacy Commission, a independent statutory authority that administers legislation dealing with privacy and access to government held information in NSW, for a review of the council’s decisions.

In both cases the IPC found in favour of Yamba CAN and recommended the council review its decision.

In March Mrs Cairns said Yamba CAN applied to council for access to correspondence between the council and the Department of

Regional NSW about the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery grants for the Treelands Drive Community Centre project.

It also sought access to correspondence between the NSW Office of Local Government and council advising it on the status of a controversial rescission motion that came to council at its February 28 meeting.

In reply to the GIPA requests on April 28 the council decided it would supply partial information with some information redacted and that a crucial email Mayor Ian Tiley relied on to allow the rescission to proceed, was not in the council’s possession.

In early May Yamba CAN appealed to the IPC about the council’s decision

In the 14-page document advising the council to review its decision, the IPC made

some telling findings.

It found there was evidence the council did have access to the email of February 27 to Cr Tiley.

The IPC review said: “The Applicant (Yamba CAN) provided evidence of the possible existence of the email to the review, in the form of an email exchange with the Mayor dated 9 May 2023. It is noted that one of the emails from the Mayor states:

“‘I confirm I was reading from an email from Mr Davies of OLG. This email was received on 27th February and his view was provided to all Councillors by the GM on the same day’.

The review was also critical of the search terms the council used to scour its database for the document.

“Overall, I am not satisfied that the searches of the Agency were reasonable in accordance

with section 53 of the GIPA Act with respect to Item 3 of the Applicant’s GIPA request. Evidence has emerged that further information could exist, suggesting that further searches of electronic systems, email accounts and consultation with relevant areas of the Agency and staff may be warranted.”

The IPC also found the council’s charges for processing time for these searches was not reasonable.

In its decision dated August 17 the IPC also found the council had not met the public interest tests in the GIPA legislation and recommended the council “make a new decision by way of an internal review.”

Yamba CAN found itself writing to the IPC

again in the May after the council again refused to supply information in response to a GIPA request.

The group had asked the council for statistics about the high turnover of employees at the council, the number of vacancies, the time taken to fill them and how many positions were filled by casuals or temporary staff.

The council’s reply that there was a public interest against full disclosure and that the council did not hold some of the information requested, did not satisfy the commissioner.

The commissioner in a 10-page finding said “on the information available, I am not satisfied that the Agency’s decisions under review are

justified”.

The commissioner found the the council had not met the clauses of GIPA act it relied on withholding information and on the basis of public interest.

And it found the council “had failed to demonstrate it conducted relevant inquiries and employed responsive keyword terms when carrying out electronic searches”.

Mrs Cairns said the these two IPC decisions were not the only times she been involved in reviews where the IPC recommended the council review it’s decisions.

“It makes you wonder how seriously they take the regulations around open and transparent decision making,” Mrs Cairns said.

Treelands Drive Community Centre

continued from page 3 services in exchange for the facility’s losses, when the projected loss to each rate payer has been calculated as $60 per rate payer.”

She pointed to the fluctuation of costs and charges over the years at the NRLX, while the council’s fee of $1 a head had remained the same.

“Agents receive their percentage commission from the vendors and hence council’s recent move to the percentage commission as per the structure used by the agents with their clients,” she said.

Cr Humphries said it had also been necessary to for council to take control of the NRLX’s cattle handling.

“The requirements under the Work Health and Safety Act are specific, failing to follow the rules places people in the way of injury and death,” she said.

“It is essential for council to have the support of all users of the facility agree to accept

the regulations.”

But Mr McCormack said the agents had concerns about the council’s claims RSPCA and police involvement at the NRLX.

He did not dispute there had been RSPCA inspectors called out, but said this had mostly been during the recent drought when cattle in poor condition arrived at the saleyards.

He said the only police matter he could think of was an issue at least four years ago and it was handled in a manner which reflected well on the agents’ management.

But Mr McCormack said there was a current RSPCA matter on foot involving the council not providing sufficient water for cattle arriving at the facility.

Cr Patrick Deegan posed a series of questions to the general manager about the EOI process, the council move to take over cattle handling, what sort of lease agreement the council would seek and the time frame to implement it.

Mr Macdonald did not provide many surprises in his answers.

He defended the council’s handling of the EOI and the aftermath, saying the council made “genuine attempts” to negotiate with the four local agents they accepted, but described it as one sided.

“We’ve been negotiating, we haven’t been getting much back,” he said.

Mr Macdonald said the changes in cattle handling, including using the Byron Bay-based company Spinifex, would not cost local people jobs.

“Just because they’re based somewhere else doesn’t mean that we’re not employing local people,” he said.

Mr Macdonald said the council would offer a long-term lease, which could mean teams of five up to 30 years, but did not provide many details about a timeline for reopening of the NRLX, but volunteered “three months” as a minimum time limit.

“I would expect

that it can take up to three months from the time we go through a process of preparing less documents, putting it out the market,” he said.

“You’ve got to have it out to market for a period of time, then you need to assess that, which certainly, as suggested in the report, would recommend that procurement process being managed by an independent group. So we seek appropriate bodies to do that.

“And for us, that would certainly be involved to ensure that the best interests council and ratepayers is considered through that process.”

Cr Hayes queried Mr Macdonald on the $4 million surplus the NRLX account has in the bank, which Mr Bailey mentioned.

He asked if projects, such as repairing the sediment ponds, could erode that amount quickly.

Mr Macdonald said the council was chasing grant funding for that work, but said local government had

been told it must fund depreciation of assets.

“We’ve been through it in the past period where we’ve relied on federal and state government funds and loans to fund it,” he said.

“The principles of how local government you know is heading and that government wants us to get to is that we have those money had the funds in reserves to invest in those renewals and new facilities.”

In his right of reply, Cr Hayes said the lease proposal was the only way break the stalemate between the council and agents.

“It is time to move on from the current situation to get sales back at the NRLX,” he said.

“And this recommendation is the first step in the right direction in achieving the best outcome for our entire community.”

Councillor Patrick Deegan

Chris Cherry re-elected Mayor of the Tweed Shire, despite two councillors refusing to vote

By Sarah Waters

Councillor Chris Cherry will remain Mayor of Tweed Shire for the remainder of the current term after being reappointed to the role unopposed at the Tweed Shire Council meeting last Thursday.

Ms Cherry was the only nomination for the mayor’s position. She will serve in the position for another year, until the upcoming NSW Local Government election on Saturday, September 14, 2024.

During the extraordinary meeting, Ms Cherry was unanimously declared Mayor by five of the seven councillors in attendance - Meredith Dennis, Reece Byrnes, Nola Firth, Warren Polglase and herself.

Councillor James Owen and councillor Rhiannon Brinsmead chose to abstain from the vote as they do not support the current process of electing the Tweed Shire Mayor.

Councillor Owen moved a Notice of Motion at a previous council meeting on August 17 asking fellow councillors to allow the community to decide how the mayor is elected

– by the public or by the councillors.

In a joint media release councillor Owen said none of his fellow councillors supported him and councillor Brinsmead in the vote, meaning the community does not have the opportunity to decide how their mayor is elected.

“Based on the volume of community feedback that we have received, we strongly believe that had the elected body supported a process to allow a referendum on how the mayor is elected, that the

interpretation of democracy, the current process is not what we deem to be democratic.”

Councillor Owen and councillor Brinsmead

and democracy.’

“The current elected body has a huge focus on community engagement and consultation, and we are proud of that, but

our support; we do not support the process by which she was elected.”

Under NSW Local Government legislation, the position of Mayor is

Dennis will remain in her role as Deputy Mayor until December when the term of her position expires, and an election is undertaken.

Addressing a full Council Chamber, Mayor Cherry thanked her fellow councillors for their support and said she remained committed to working hard for Tweed residents.

“I thank everyone for their continued faith and trust in me,” Ms Cherry said.

“For the next year, I will be concentrating on trying to address the housing crisis, which is the biggest issue facing us today, along with the impact of climate change.

“I will continue to work hard to ensure every decision we make is done in the best interest of the community at large,” she said.

community would have overwhelmingly voted to choose their own mayor,” they said.

“Whilst we have the utmost respect for people’s individual

said abstaining from the vote was not a reflection on the job that Ms Cherry was doing as mayor but was based on their ‘principles and firm beliefs in consistency

we can’t be picky and choosy with what we listen to the community about.

“We must be consistent with our approach.

“Councillor Cherry has

for a period of two years.

Council has resolved to have a Deputy Mayor, which is not mandatory, to be appointed for a one-year term.

Councillor Meredith

This is Ms Cherry’s third term as Mayor, after holding the position from September 2020 until the election in December 2021. She was first elected to Tweed Shire Council in September 2016 as an independent and previously served as Deputy Mayor in 2016/17, 2018/19 and in 2019/20.

Councillor Chris Cherry has been reappointed as Mayor until September 2024.

Councillor James Owen abstained from voting for the mayor. He wants the community to elect the mayor instead of the councillors.

NO VOTE: Councillor Rhiannon Brinsmead also abstained from voting at last Thursday’s Tweed Shire council meeting

Car horns honk support for Yes Vote

By Tim Howard

There could be a surprise level of support for the Yes Vote in the Aboriginal Voice to Parliament referendum next month going by an unoffcial “poll” conducted earlier this month.

On September 17 around 80 people gathered in Grafton for the Walk for Yes to waving banners to spread a positive message of support for the proposal.

They joined hundreds of thousands of Australians who took to the streets around the country for the walk.

Local walk organiser

Sharryn Usher was delighted with the crowd that turned up, with placards at the ready, for the walk.

“I told police when we were organising it we might get 30 or 40,” she said.

“So when we saw so many people turning up it was a real thrill.”

Support for the Yes Vote was struggling according to published opinion polls, but walk organisers were pleased with the Impromptu response from drivers as they passed the walkers with their signs.

Ms Usher christened the experience the “carhorn-honk poll.”

“It was overwhelmingly supportive,” she said. “So many people honked their horns and waved in support for us.

“There was the odd person yelling out ‘no’ but not many. It was mostly supporters, which was a really good outcome.”

She said it was good to see the Yes Vote getting support in the Clarence which was home to three different Aboriginal peoples and had a higher than the Australian average indigenous population.

“The issues facing indigenous Australians are occurring here,” she said. “Having a their voice to advise the parliament on what they

need to deal with those issues, is something we must support here.”

Ms Usher said she was also delighted with the number of walkers who have signed on to work in pre-polling booths and on October 14 polling day.

“It’s important we have people at the booths to promote our message as people go in to vote,” she said.

“There’s a lot of polling places and we still need more people to make

sure we’ve got them all covered.

A veteran Grafton

walker, Barbara Fahey shared her views on the referendum.

“At long last we have an opportunity to do something about the problems facing indigenous people by taking advice from them,” she said.

“We need to close the gap, make sure they have the same educational opportunities as us and end the shameful incarceration rate.”

Ms Usher said there would be more events supporting the Yes Campaign in the Clarence Valley between now and referendum day.

“We’re planning a few events and we’re going to be doing letterbox drops too,” she said.

More than 80 walkers gathered near the approaches to the Balun Bindarray Bridge at Grafton for Walk for Yes on Sunday morning.

The Walk for Yes group heads onto the Balun Bindarray Bridge for the walk from Bundjalung land in Grafton to Gumbaynggirr country in South Grafton.

Walk for Yes participants stop for a picture with the bridge sign. The words Balun and Bindarray are from Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung language and both mean river.

The Walk for Yes group heads to its halfway point in South Grafton during Sunday’s successful event to support the Yes campaign for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.

Yes vote support Barbara Fahey was in high spirits as Grafton’s Walk for Yes returned from South Grafton on Sunday. She wants to see the gap between indigenous and white people close and believes the Voice to Parliament is a long awaited opportunity to do it.

Where to house Byron’s population

By Sarah Waters

Lack of affordable housing has been a major issue in the Byron Shire for many years - only to be magnifed by 2022 foods.

To comply with housing targets set by the NSW Government, council staff are refreshing the Shire’s Residential Strategy. The document provides the vision and framework

Locally

for how council intends to provide future housing over the next 20 years.

Mayor Michael Lyon said the frst step was to identify areas in the Byron Shire, which are suitable for residential development.

“The NSW Government recently reviewed its housing targets, and it is Council’s job to make sure that we have the planning frameworks in place that will allow for

residential development to happen,” Mr Lyon said.

“Housing is the number one issue for our community and lack of affordability and supply is having a massive impact on the social fabric of our shire as well as the economy.

“We have the highest rate of rough sleepers in NSW; we have a community still reeling from the foods; we have people who cannot fnd affordable long-term housing and we have businesses who can’t fnd staff because workers can’t afford to live here.

“This refresh of the Residential Strategy is a step forward in the long-term planning for population growth – put simply – where people are going to live,” he

said.

A Housing Options Paper, which is part of the Residential Strategy, sets out where housing will be delivered in the Shire, including present and future land release areas and infll development.

Mr Lyon said council not only had a

responsibility to ensure it delivered housing for the community into the future, but it had to do it in a way that respected the environment.

“We also have to consider and respect the identity and character of our towns and villages.

“How to fx the housing crisis is a question being

echoed across all levels of government and as a council we need to be leading this conversation to ensure we deliver the best solutions for our community,” he said.

The Housing Options Paper will go will on exhibition for community comment in early October.

WHERE TO BUILD: Byron Shire Council’s ‘refreshed’ residential strategy will show where new houses will be built in the Shire

HOUSING CHALLENGE: Byron Shire Mayor Michael Lyon says lack of affordable housing is having a massive impact on the social fabric of the shire

Fletcher Street Cottage forced to cut vital homeless services

Byron’s only homeless hub reduces services due to increase in demand and lack of government funding Byron Bay, NSW - Fletcher Street Cottage, Byron’s only homeless services hub, is regrettably faced with the necessity of reducing its services from fve days to four days a week, operating from Tuesday through Friday. This decision is due to the lack of government funding causing a signifcant funding shortfall, jeopardising the crucial support provided to our community’s most vulnerable.

Shocking statistics* reveal that Byron Shire has the largest cohort of rough sleepers in NSW, higher than the City of Sydney. Since its establishment in April 2022, Fletcher Street Cottage has been a beacon of hope for the Byron Shire community, with over 13,000 visits by locals seeking help.

The rapid increase in

demand for homeless services underscores the critical role this facility plays in addressing the housing crisis, rising cost of living and rental stress experienced by many in the region.

Byron Community Centre General Manager Louise O’Connell emphasised the importance of addressing

these issues, stating, “The Byron Shire is grappling with a severe affordable housing crisis, which is exacerbated with each passing day. We urgently seek government support and sustainable funding to continue assisting the growing number of people in need.”

Though the

organisation successfully raised $400K through its Emergency Appeal, regular donors and generous support of the community, this funding falls $600K short of the required annual amount. This gap highlights the urgent need for ongoing support, ideally government funding to ensure the facility’s

sustainability and uninterrupted services for its community.

Louise expressed the organisation’s commitment to its clients, explaining, “It’s devastating for all of us at Fletcher Street Cottage to cut services, but most of all for our service users. It is a lifeline for many people in our community who are doing it tough. There has never been a more critical time to provide support to individuals and families faced with housing insecurity.”

In response to the mounting challenges, Fletcher Street Cottage has announced that the reduced hours will commence from October 23, 2023. The facility currently has no ongoing state or federal government funding, and relies solely on grants and the generosity of donors and partners to assist Byron’s homeless and disadvantaged community.

People not only rely

on access to everyday needs like free breakfast and showers, but also for counselling, emergency relief, housing assistance, medical care and legal aid, through Community Support Workers and visiting specialist services such as Centrelink and Social Futures.

Louise stressed the urgency of the situation, adding, “We are seeing people who have never come to Fletcher Street Cottage before. Families, young people and older women who have nowhere else to turn.”

The funding challenges at Fletcher Street Cottage highlight the need for immediate and sustained support from the government and the community to ensure the ongoing provision of essential services for those experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity in the Byron Shire.

To get involved or donate go to: www. giveheart.au.

NEW SHADE AND MAT FOR BOWLS CLUB

Café owners struggle with visa application

By Samantha Elley

Since opening six months ago, Heike’s Café in Coraki has become a frm favourite with locals and visitors alike.

By Samantha Elley

No longer will members of the Lismore Workers Sports Bowls Club have to play their favourite game in the direct sunlight.

opened the new facility.

General Manager

Steve Bortolin was the master of ceremonies and described the fnished greens as frst class.

However, a missing visa application and a few bungles along the way mean that Reto and Heike Bodenburg may be in danger of having to close down their new business before they have had a chance to grow it.

The Swiss/German couple arrived in Cairns from New Zealand, where they had been living, two and a half years ago for a holiday.

For various reasons they chose to stay and Heike used her skills baking goods for the nearby Eumundi markets while they lived in Maroochydore.

which was impractical as winter approached.

me to stay until I want to leave,” said Reto.

sent an application.

This friendly little club has waited over two years to have its retractable shade cover and synthetic mat installed so they could get back to playing bowls.

“The installation was only meant to take

“This is a show piece for everyone in the region to come along to,” he said.

Other members of the club also gave donations for the betterment of the club.

Long term members,

Dishes such as Swiss raclette, currywurst and shashlick were on the menu, as well as Black Forest cake, baked cheesecakes and apple strudel, and all were very popular.

“My wife would cook with generators,” said Reto very proudly.

“She is very clever.”

They continued their travels south and were in Byron Bay in January 2022.

“We were in Byron when the food hit,” said Reto.

“We were living in a tent and we lost everything.

“We moved down to Wardell and what we saw made us cry.”

“We managed to get a cabin at Camp Koinonia, and started baking and selling our food to the Evans Head and Lismore markets,” said Reto. Eventually they came across the empty shop with a two-bedroom unit attached, in Coraki and were able to establish a lease and Heike’s Café was born.

“But my wife was on a 12 month visitor’s visa which, when we decided to stay in Australia, we had to renew.”

The frst visa they submitted was declined as it said Reto was not a valid sponsor, being a New Zealand and not an Australian citizen.

“I went back and looked in our fooded gear and found my old wallet with the receipts in them some months later,” he said.

“But by then it could not be tracked.”

about six months,” said club member and grant writer Keith Morrow.

“The mat was lifted in 2021 revealing the bare metal, but then Covid hit and afterwards the foods so it didn’t get completed until this year.”

Members had to fnd other clubs to go and play their games, but now the band is back together and everyone was in a celebratory mood on Saturday when Lismore mayor, Steve Krieg and State member for Lismore, Janelle Saffn offcially

Alan Davis, donated 16 bowls mats and Dawn and Sandy Smart provided 12 posts around the green to help ageing members navigate the step up and down to play.

The new mat and shade cover are at least 40 x 40 metres at a cost of $311,000 which was jointly funded by the NSW Government in association with Lismore Workers Sports Bowls Club Inc. Members attended lunch and a social afternoon of bowls after the formalities.

The couple wasted no time going to the Wardell hall which was a hub for the community during the food and asked what they could do to help.

“We were told they needed hot food for lunch so we served up hot food for 10 weeks,” said Reto.

“We ended up serving around 7,500 meals and cakes and breads as well.”

By this time Reto and Heike had replaced much of their items with second hand camping gear, but instead of a tent, they were living under a 6 metre x 3 metre gazebo,

“We were welcomed from day one,” said Heike.

“The business has been growing ever since, which tells us we are doing the right thing.”

While all this was going on, the couple were working at making sure their visas were renewed and correct to be able to stay in Australia.

“I am a New Zealand citizen, so I came in on a 444 visa which allows

“We had submitted an 820 visa when a 461 visa was the one we needed,” said Reto.

Finally, Reto and Heike have gone to a local immigration service where it will cost them over $10,000 for someone to go through their case.

“We don’t have a guarantee that it will work out in the end,” said Reto.

“Heike is allowed to stay in the country while they sort the visa out, but she is not allowed to study.”

Reto said this was a concern as being in the food handling industry, they need to be up to date with all their certifcations.

“So we sent all the details off and Heike remained on a bridging visa.

“A year later she did not receive her renewed bridging visa and they said it was because they did not receive her application.”

Reto had lost the Australia Post receipts in the food, so there was no evidence of them having

Heike is also not allowed to leave the country otherwise she will be blocked for two years, according to Reto.

“We have plans for the shop but we don’t know if we are allowed to (go ahead with them) and we are unable to get fnances,” he said.

It has been suggested the couple reach out to the Federal member for Page, Kevin Hogan, but meanwhile they are waiting to hear back from the immigration service.

Diary of a Flood Survivor

Well since I’ve last written, our status has now changed to empty nesters.

Yep, our baby, who is now nearly 19 years old has moved out of home.

He and his girlfriend have rented a unit in Ballina, closer to both their places of employment.

I have to give it to him, he has been incredibly resilient since and during the foods.

While we all evacuated and stayed with friends, he was not only doing his Year 12 studies but also holding the position of school captain and fulflling all the tasks that role entailed.

During that time he also managed to secure a cadetship in a local accounting frm and early entry at university for his part-time study.

We couldn’t be more proud, and now knowing he is making his way out into the world, just as his older brother did before him, our responsibilities have been fulflled for the frst part of his life. Mind you, we won’t be repainting and changing the room just yet, in case in six months’ time he comes a-knocking. We never stop being parents.

On another note, the change of weather we had recently from incredibly hot, to cold southerlies has done wonders for ensuring my hay fever acts up. But that’s nothing compared to how our pool reacted. Because it is empty and the back panels

have rusted, the wind managed to get in and blow it up like a balloon.

I had some very interesting comments when I shared it on my Facebook page, from a pregnant pool looking like it was about to have twin hot tubs, to an ingrown pool to a jumping pillow. As much as we have had diffculties coming to the realisation we need to get rid of it, the weather may have prompted the push.

I think I will be putting a call out for someone to come and dismantle a much loved but sadly food-affected part of our lives for us very soon. Little steps.

G E T T I C K E T S

SUSPICIOUS FIRE IN TWEED HEADS

Award served up to new café

By Samantha Elley

Earlier in the year

The Northern Rivers Times wrote about a new business in Ballina called, Dinner is Served.

Founded by the business’ managing director, Claudia Lawrence, it provides ready made gourmet meals for families and people on NDIS or home care plans.

By Sarah Waters

Last Saturday (September 23) at 8.45am Firefghters from Tweed Heads attended a fre at a singlestory unit on Altair Street, which was fully engulfed in fames.

The unit was one of four in an apartment block.

A statement on the Fire and Rescue NSW Tweed Heads Facebook page said frefghters worked tirelessly to prevent the fre from spreading to adjacent units.

“Unfortunately, the unit

Residents were unable to return to unaffected units as police established a crime scene due to the suspicious nature of the blaze.

Investigations are still ongoing with the cause of the fre yet to be determined.

Superintendent Adam

They must be doing something right as they recently walked away with an award at the Ballina Business Awards recently.

“We were delighted to win the 2023 award for Excellence in Retail and Personal Services at this year’s Business NSW Awards,” said Claudia.

“Over the last 12 months, since opening our commercial kitchen and café space in Ballina, our goal has been to create a beautiful food service and retail space, where we could bring to life our vision for a European style food hall, café venue and commercial kitchen which would allow us

to meet the demand of our gourmet ready-meal business and sought after catering service. “

Claudia said they wanted to create a space which felt incredible from the moment you walked in.

“You feel nourished and nurtured by the décor and surroundings as much as our food and

service,” she said.

“To have achieved this in what was a very diffcult year, and to take home the award in a category with such esteemed competition is incredibly humbling.

“We’re grateful for the recognition of our passion and commitment to delivering the highest quality food and service to our community across the Northern Rivers.”

KEVIN HOGAN MP

LOWER CLARANCE GRANTS

Yamba Surf Life Saving Club is one of the longest serving clubs on the North Coast. I was pleased to announce a grant for them to upgrade their telecommunications for the important work they do.

The 92 year old

Club to upgrade the lighting. The club is a wonderful resource in our community.

LISMORE CBD BUSINESSES REOPENING

It has been fantastic to see so many businesses reopen in the Lismore CBD. I had the opportunity last week

so many people attend the opening. Shop local, Support Local.

CASINO SALE YARDS

A public meeting was held on Monday for the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange. Since July 1, Richmond Valley Council has refused to let Casino

call on the council to formally consider all four motions carried at the public meeting and give the public answers.

ILUKA PUB

Sedgers Reef Hotel Iluka is really coming along on the rebuild. Such great history of

was totally destroyed by fre and some smoke damage was observed to other units due to shared roof space between them.

“More than 16 Firefghters from fve local trucks attended the incident.

“A number of residents were evacuated to a safe area; one resident was treated for minor burns but was not transported to hospital.”

Once the fre was extinguished crews searched the apartment and performed salvage and overhaul procedures.

Dewberry from Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) said it was a timely reminder that calling Triple Zero (000) for a fre emergency can be the difference between life and death - or a building or other property being saved or destroyed.

“The Triple Zero (000) service is the quickest way to get the right resources from emergency services to help you.

“It should be used to contact Police, Fire or Ambulance services in life-threatening or timecritical situations.”

clubhouse looks fantastic after a recent paint job as well. Thank you to all the volunteers for their work and for the upcoming season.

I also announced a grant to the Iluka Bowls

to speak with some of the business owners on a walk through town to see how they are travelling.

Best and Less had there grand opening last week, it was great to see

livestock agents use the facility until they sign new selling agreements.

I have been calling for independent mediation for months and I encourage the council to undertake this. I also

operating on the same beautiful site since 1874. This rebuild is a fantastic project for the local community. I look forward to Sedgers Reef Hotel reopening.

More than fve local fre truck attended the fre on Altair St

A unit in Tweed Heads was engulfed by fames last Saturday Right: The nature of the fre is considered suspicious

OzFish UnlimitedAustralia’s fshing conservation charity and NSW DPI Fisheries through their Fish for Life program are looking for recreational fshers to help clean up their favourite spots in and around the Richmond River this Saturday (September 23).

No one wants to catch a plastic bag when they’re out on the water. Clean-ups like this will make for a better fshing experience for all involved in this picturesque area.

This is the third of 30 clean-up projects that will take place along the NSW coastline over the next 18 months after the series successfully kicked off with events

at Yamba and Batemans Bay over the past two weekends.

Volunteers who would like to help out can meet the clean-up crew at Missingham Beach at Ballina at 10am on

Saturday to get started. Join like-minded individuals who share a love for fshing and a commitment to environmental stewardship. Together we’re not just picking

up litter, we’re forging connections that amplify the impact of our actions.

When you dedicate your time to cleaning up our shorelines and riverbanks, you’re not only preventing plastic

and debris from harming marine life, you’re also creating change and inspiring others to follow suit.

This event is also a Yabby Trap Drop Spot. Bring down any old and

unwanted opera house yabby traps and swap it for an Oar-Gee Plow lure at the event to support sustainable fshing practices.

Opera house nets are now illegal in NSW and those collected will be recycled into useful products for anglers, with the proceeds being used to support habitat restoration.

Keep it Clean is a partnership with OzFish and the NSW Department of Primary Industries. It is made possible through funding by the Recreational Fishing Trusts and Marine Estate Management Strategy.

Volunteers needed at Richmond River to Keep It Clean Research reveals $1.2 billion proft from food waste

Australian food retailers make $1.2 billion in proft each year from selling food that households waste, according to new research from The Australia Institute.

This proft means that the major food retailers, such as supermarket duopoly Coles and Woolworths, have a strong incentive to delay reforms that would reduce food waste.

Progress has been slow on reforms such as removing ‘best before’ dates from products that do not need them, and Australia looks unlikely to meet the goal of

halving food waste by 2030.

Key points:

• The 2021 National Food Waste Strategy Feasibility Study found Australia wasted 7.6 million tonnes of food a year, equivalent to 152 Sydney Harbour Bridges.

• Households wasted food worth $19.3 billion in 2018-19, or an average cost of between $2,000 and $2,500 per household.

• Calculating the average food retail industry proft at 6%, Australia Institute analysis has found supermarkets are making

$1.2 billion annually from wasted food.

• This provides food retailers with a strong incentive to delay reforms that would reduce food waste, such as changes to ‘best before’ and ‘use by’ date labelling, as recommended in the National Food Waste Strategy Feasibility Study.

• Australia Institute polling shows strong support for policies that would reduce food waste, including labelling reform (78% support), relaxed cosmetic standards (72%) and kerbside

collection of food waste (75%).

“We know how to reduce food waste, but the supermarkets have $1.2 billion reasons to delay reforms that would reduce this proft,” Australia Institute Senior Economist Matt Grudnoff said.

“Labelling reforms would help reduce food waste, but companies like Woolworths insist such discussions ‘are in their infancy,’ years after being proposed.

“Whether the food is consumed or wasted is beside the point as far as supermarkets are concerned. But reforms

to reduce the amount of food people purchase –and in turn waste – will inevitably lead to reduced profts.

“The government should pick a side – are they trying to help consumers or supermarket profts? If they are serious about tackling the cost of living crisis they should be helping consumers with one of their biggest hip pocket burdens –groceries.

“It’s high time for the government to act on food labelling reform and the other recommendations of the National Food Waste

Strategy Feasibility Study.”

It proposed removing ‘best before’ dates from products that do not need them, scrapping ‘sell by’/’display until’ dates and extending allowable ‘use by’ dates for long life products.

“If that means trimming the profts that Coles and Woolies make from food waste, well that’s a price I think most Australians would be happy to pay,” Mr Grudnoff said.

NSW Budget 2023-24Highlights for Ballina Shire and our region

The NSW Budget 2023-24, released on Tuesday 19 September, has outlined several key projects and funding for Ballina Shire and the Northern Rivers region.

Relocation of Lennox Head Public School and planning for the redevelopment of Ballina District Hospital are included in the budget.

Other highlights for our shire and the Northern Rivers region include:

• $70 million to continue to repair and replace food-damaged housing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

• $60 million to support Build to Rent trials in the South Coast and Northern Rivers NSW.

• $312.8 million Lismore Hospital Redevelopment Stages 3A, 3B, and 3C.

• $390 million to establish the Regional Emergency Road Repair Fund to support regional councils in managing existing roads, particularly those damaged by natural disasters.

• $334 million to establish the Regional Roads Fund to build new roads in rural and regional areas.

• $350 million for a new Regional Development Trust Fund to improve local amenities, social cohesion, and job opportunities.

• $100 million from

the new Housing Infrastructure Fund to deliver infrastructure projects in regional New South Wales to unlock housing supply. While support outlined in the budget is welcomed, Ballina Shire Council was disappointed to see that the Regional Road Transfer and NSW Road Classifcation program has been discontinued.

“The NSW Government proposed to reclassify parts of the local road network as state roads. The purpose of this process was to assist councils as the transfer meant the State Government would be responsible for the funding for these roads,” explained Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader.

“Council was supportive of this approach and had identifed several signifcant roads in Ballina Shire that met the qualifcation criteria. Accordingly, we had an expectation that these roads would in time be reclassifed.

“Council faces signifcant challenges to maintain, renew and upgrade our local road network and the State Government should seek to further assist councils if it no longer intends to reclassify the proposed roads.”

For more details of the NSW Budget 2023-24 visit www. budget.nsw.gov.au

Storytelling booms in the Northern Rivers

The Northern Rivers is set to see the world premiere of Totem, a collaborative storytelling event that will tour preschools throughout our region in October.

Totem tells the tale of a boy fascinated by all the little things in life – aka, bugs! – and is the newest addition to the creative library of professional storyteller, Leanne Logan.

“I wrote Totem in February, inspired by my collaborative storytelling work with children at Cawongla Playhouse last year,” Leanne explained. “Our focus was on the concept of ‘home’ and, given so many people in the wider community had lost their homes in the food, this concept seemed more relevant to explore than ever.”

Leanne said the deeper they went into ‘home’, the more obvious the connections were. “We could see lines weaving from our homes to the natural world - home to so many creatures and sentient beings - and of course to the Earth as home to us all.

“But in that mix I wondered where all the little, often unseen, creatures ftted in? Around that same time, the director of another preschool I work with said: ‘When are we getting an insect story?

The kids are nuts about them this year.’ So I wrote Totem, a story that celebrates insects and their vital role in the cycle of life, and incorporated the fact that it is often children who notice them more than anyone else.”

Totem is the 10th tale in Leanne’s residency lineup, which includes an array of captivating stories from goats and unicorns to snakes and space rockets.

“Audiences – adult and child – are hungry for

oral storytelling,” Leanne told the Northern Rivers Times. “This year I am Storyteller in Residence at six Northern Rivers preschools. Next year it will be double that number. That means I’ll be telling stories every week to between one and two hundred children and educators. I can’t tell you how exciting this is!

Leanne said the boom in storytelling on the Northern Rivers mirrored a revival worldwide.

“Storytelling hubs are popping up everywhere, and there is good reason for this - stories transform us,” Leanne explained. “Through story we learn and connect. We hypothesise and wonder. And we tap into an age-old, proven knowledge transferral system that dates back millennia. My collaborative storytelling inspires children and educators to become the storytellers that we are all innately meant to be.”

And if recent feedback is anything to go by, Leanne’s onto something.

Melissa Leeson, Director of St Mary’s Community Preschool in Casino, said: “Storytelling honours the power of oral language and when Leanne delivers a story

in their own versions of storytelling.”

Driving Leanne’s work now is a deep desire to grow the culture of oral storytelling within our educational settings.

it becomes an interactive experience that speaks to the imagination of every child!”

St Mary’s educator, Kristy Murphy, added: ‘I just love the way Leanne engages the audience. It’s not one thing, but rather everything together that makes her stories so special.”

Bentley Community Preschool director, LeeAnne Gibson, agreed: “The children are invited to fll in parts with their own imagination, making them an important part of the story. After Leanne’s last story, a group of children gathered some resources for themselves and began singing the “Storyteller” song. I love how they utilize elements of Leanne’s Storytime into their own play, to become storytellers themselves.”

“To become storytellers themselves” is the theme across many preschools.

Coraki CWA Preschool Teacher, Suzie Carey, said: “Leanne’s stories provoke interest. The children will talk about her stories for hours and days afterwards. This provides the educators with an avenue to extend on the children’s voices following a storytelling session, and encourages the children to engage

“I hear preschool directors lamenting the fact that young educators coming out of training are lacking the skills of oral storytelling that were the norm 30 years ago,” Leanne said. “We are in a screen age where everything a child sees moves. Even reading a book is challenging for some children today. But with oral storytelling, you can use all sorts of props and unexpected elements to hold children’s curiosity and interest. It really is like waving a magic wand over them – they are mesmerized.”

According to Leanne, the key to great storytelling is simple - a good story and the confdence to tell it.

“Eight years ago, I would have described myself as a shy person. I was terrifed presenting stories at the preschool where I worked. But mastery of anything comes only with practise. I heard recently that it takes a decade to be a true master of any skill. Looks like I’ve got a couple more years to go! And the great thing is, in the meantime, many others are taking up the baton.”

Bentley Preschool Director, Lee-Anne Gibson, is one of those people. “I love the inspiration Leanne gives me to use different storytelling techniques and the confdence to try these.”

At the end of a storytelling session at Bentley recently, one fve-year-old told the group: “I’m going to be a storyteller when I grow up.”

Leanne practises puppetry for Totem

A thought-provoking literary exploration of mental health challenges

To shine a spotlight on the importance of mental health, leading mental health service provider in Northern Rivers NSW, Momentum Collective is proud to announce the forthcoming launch of an inspiring creative writing book.

The creation of the book has been a collaborative initiative involving more than 20 clients who shared their mental health journeys through therapeutic creative writing. The stories serve as a testament to resilience and the power of selfexpression in the face of adversity.

With this initiative, Momentum Collective aims to foster understanding, empathy, and dialogue surrounding mental health conditions, showcasing the creativity and resilience of individuals on their journey to wellbeing.

Momentum Collective’s CEO, Tracey Mackie, described the creative workshops as empowering.

“The writing sessions have been providing individuals with means to express themselves and navigate the complexities of mental health challenges. The Connections Program

offer a pathway to enhance our client’s quality of life and community engagement through a diverse range of social group and therapeutic activities.

So far, the program has supported over 500 people in the Tweed and Brunswick regions to manage mental health conditions”, said Tracey.

The book will be available for order and pre-order at the launch event. The morning tea is being held on Thursday, 12 October, from 10am to 12pm at the Connections Centre, 34 Cunningham Street, Tweed Heads.

CONNECTIONS BOOK LAUNCH

Join us in celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month at our Connections Book Launch! Our clients who have experienced mental health challenges have crafted this special book through therapeutic creative writing.

Come for a morning tea, meet our talented writers and learn about the benefits of their creative writing journey. You can also buy your own copy of the book!

When: Thursday, 12 October | 10am - 12pm

Where: 34 Cunningham Street Tweed Heads

To RSVP please call 07 5524 6927 or 1300 900 091 Alternatively you can email communications@mymomentum org au

Have your say on Wade Park Master Plan

Lismore City Council is calling for public submissions on the draft Master Plan that will guide the future upgrade of the popular Wade Park in East Lismore which was damaged by the February 2022 natural disaster.

Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg said the draft Master Plan establishes a framework of phased upgrades to the 5.5-hectare site that has community inclusion and climate-resilience at its heart.

“Wade Park is one of the most popular parks in our Local Government Area and is well used by families. Unfortunately, it sustained damage in the February natural disaster and major March food in 2022,” he said.

“It was developed following extensive consultation with park users and the wider community. I am looking forward to hearing what people think of the result.”

Taking cloning to a whole new level

Title: No Time for Second Thoughts

Author: Megan Egglestone

Price: £11.99

Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers

By Samantha Elley

When author Megan Egglestone read about Dolly the sheep, the frst cloned animal, she was fascinated. Her fascination led to her imagination exploring the idea of what could possibly happen if experimentations into cloning went that step further and we cloned humans.

Out of that came her debut novel No Time for Second Thoughts.

Droshky is a geneticist working at the forefront of genetic cloning who is confronted with the desperation of a woman and her husband who are unable to have children. He has a limited life span.

Droshky, along with her co-worker Janson implant a genetically cloned

foetus into the woman’s uterus.

Thus begins an idea in Janson’s head which, when shared with his two friends Malcolm and Zev, becomes a full blown plan.

As if they are three mates hatching a plan to travel the world or start a band, they initiate the beginnings of a new colony where women can incubate cloned babies. Not just any babies, but the progeny of long dead masters, what the trio see as genetically superior beings.

The world is scoured for the remnants of Nostradamus, Galileo and many more and brought back to Droshky who manages to extract the DNA needed to impregnate the willing participants of their growing colony.

The colony becomes a unique breeding ground as the residents grapple with issues of morality, human development, sexual attraction and the goal of their existence, with potentially devastating ramifcations.

You can order your copy at austinmacauley.com.

October 2023.

The draft Master Plan includes an inclusive fenced-play space with a bus/transport theme suitable for all ages and abilities, new toilets/ amenities, accessible BBQs, shelters, seating areas, and an upgrade to the existing pathways to improve shared cycling and walking experience.

It also features new multi-purpose sports courts with seating and drinking fountains, a designated fenced dog park for small and large dogs with dog agility equipment, drinking stations and seating, formalised car parking at the north side of the park to increase car parking capacity and remove the car parking within the centre of the park, and improved drainage and food resilient designs.

NSW/ACT (PLA ACT/ NSW) following its annual conference held in Lismore in 2022. It is a pro-bono (cost-free) initiative with many member organisations and consultants donating their time and expertise to develop the plan.

“Lismore City Council is very grateful for the care, time, and dedication each project team member has contributed to the Wade Park Masterplan,” Mayor Krieg said.

“A special thanks go to PLA NSW/ACT, CONTEXT Landscape Architecture, Cred Consulting, Peak Water Consulting, Armsign and Lark Industries for their work to date on this important community project.”

Parks and Leisure Australia NSW/ACT

to make it more resilient to extreme weather events.”

“We’d like to see more government funding allocated to projects like this, for parks and sport and leisure infrastructure to better withstand the impacts of a changing climate.”

With a brief to create an ‘all-inclusive park’, CONTEXT Senior Associate, Baz Richards said the draft Masterplan was developed to provide a space for all members of the community to come together, regardless of background, age or ability.

Submissions are now open on Council’s Your Say site that can be found via www.lismore. nsw.gov.au. Submissions close on Friday, 20

Mayor Krieg said the plan identifes individual stages for the park upgrades to be completed when grant funding becomes available.

The Wade Park Masterplan is the result of a legacy project instigated by Parks and Leisure Australia

Vice President Simon James said: “Our members understand the importance of high-quality parks and open spaces to the health, well-being and recovery of the Lismore community. For us, the Wade Park Master Plan is a fantastic example of this while also planning

“Following extensive site surveys, detailed reviews of local planning policy, design guidelines and community consultation, our proposed framework has been tailored to the area’s unique topography and local community needs. A stepped approach, each intervention will serve to bolster the park’s resilience to future weather events, and serve all users for years to come,” he said.

What’s your vision for the future of Burringbar Street?

Over the next few months, Council will be out talking to the Mullumbimby business community and wider community, about a ‘concept design’ for Burringbar Street – the priority project of the Our Mullumbimby Masterplan.

“The purpose of developing a concept design is so that we have a shared vision for Mullumbimby’s main street – one that is shaped by what the community wants,” Council’s Place Planning Coordinator, Andrew FitzGibbon said.

“Council can then use that high level design to see what simple permanent changes can be made in the shortterm, while also looking for funding for more signifcant changes if they are identifed,” he said.

The concept design will consider ways to

make Burringbar Street a more accessible, safe, inclusive, vibrant, and enjoyable place to be - a main street ft for the colourful, diverse, and active community and businesses of

Mullumbimby.

“We’re circling back to the business and community groups as well as the wider community now to check-in on whether the values articulated in the

masterplan from 2019 still stand – especially after the disaster events we’ve experienced in recent years,” Mr FitzGibbon said.

“In 2021, we had the talking street trial

project which allowed us to experiment with ways to make temporary improvements in Burringbar Street to see what worked and what didn’t, and importantly, what the community

valued and supported.

“We learnt a lot through that process but we will also need further input from businesses and the community to make sure the concept design is on the right track.”

A survey is available on Council’s website and Council staff will also have an information stand on Burringbar Street on Thursday 28 September out the front of the old Bridglands. Drop by any time between 2pm and 4.30pm.

After Council has heard from the community, a draft Concept Design will go on exhibition for further community feedback.

You can also register your interest to stay informed about the project or reach out directly to Andrew FitzGibbon via Council’s website at www.byron. nsw.gov.au/burringbarstreet

GOLD COAST CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

In September and October we have two great performances coming up.

From Perth, Western Australia, violin and piano duo, Margaret Blades and David Wickham present:

A RECITAL on

Sunday, 17 September at Bond University.

We are very pleased to announce that Margaret will be continuing in the role of Concertmaster with the GCCO and we welcome her with this wonderful recital.

Margaret and David will be playing the outstanding César Franck Sonata in A Major for violin and

EDITORIAL

piano and the muchloved “Spring “ Sonata by Beethoven along with Estonian composer, Arvo Pärt’s Fratres, meaning Brothers.

Margaret Blades is a former Concertmaster of the Adelaide and West Australian Symphony Orchestras. She has also played with the Australian Chamber Orchestra and

Sydney and Melbourne Symphony Orchestras.

David Wickham is one of Australia’s preeminent accompanists and music directors having had a pivotal role with The Australian Opera Studio and been a principal coach for West Australian Opera.

SEASON 2 GOLD COAST CHAMBER

ORCHESTRA

“CLASSICAL GEMS”

conducted by Chen Yang

CONCERT 1 Sunday

24 September at the Murwillumbah Civic Centre

CONCERT 2 Sunday

8 October at Bond University

This, our second full orchestra concert as Orchestra in Residence

at Bond University, will feature works by Holst, Sculthorpe, Suk, Piazzolla and several others.

For more details and booking through TryBooking, go to our website: gcco.com.au

Hoping to see you in our audience, The committee and players of GCCO.

“SPRING IS IN THE AIR”

$650,000 IN FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR NORTHERN RIVERS NOT-FOR-PROFITS AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS

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

“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 disabilities, such as Cerebral Palsy and dysplasia.

• $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-For-Proft 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

TIDE TURNING ON RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERSHIP IN BYRON SHIRE

Ten months on from the launch of Council’s Dogs in Public Spaces strategy, increased enforcement and more education and signage is helping people to do the right thing when they’re out and about with their dogs and at our Shire’s dog beaches and foreshore areas.

“We still have plenty of work to do but I am pleased to report our rangers are starting to see shifting behaviours and greater awareness about dogs in our public spaces,” Council’s Manager Public and Environmental Services, Sarah Nagel, said.

Between March and May this year, Animal Enforcement Offcers issued 53 percent more animal-related fnes than between the same dates in 2022.

“Our fnes are up because we’ve been rotating shifts for our staff to actively patrol hot spots, dog prohibited areas and dog exercise areas at different times throughout the day – on foot and in cars,” Ms

Nagel said.

“Whilst we cannot be everywhere at once, our approach is to ensure our patrols include an element of surprise.

“Dog owners are surprised to see us early in the morning or late

in the evening and it’s a good opportunity for us to get our messages out to a wider cross-section of the community,” she said.

Council also recently installed footpath stencils in Byron Bay,

Brunswick Heads, Ocean Shores, Bangalow and Mullumbimby to increase awareness, with more coming in other locations around the Shire.

“The footpath stencils are easy for everyone

to understand including visitors who are here with their dogs,” Ms Nagel said.

It’s encouraging more involvement from the whole community who are calling out bad behaviours.

“We have also been busy on the education front with our dedicated Animal Education and Enforcement Offcer doing a great job through the school education program,” she said.

“It’s pleasing to see positive results and shifting behaviours in this frst important year of our 10-year strategy; however, the most vital part is that dog owners must be responsible” she said.

For more information on Dogs in Public Spaces go to Council’s website.

Northcott’s Amanda Dawson and Berta Youakim

Councillor Chris Cherry reappointed Mayor for remainder of term

Cr Cherry appointed to role until NSW Local Government election in September 2024

Councillor Chris Cherry will remain Mayor of Tweed Shire for the remainder of the current term after being reappointed to the role unopposed at Tweed Heads today.

At an Extraordinary Council meeting in the Harvard Room at Tweed Heads, Cr Cherry was reappointed to her role as Mayor after being the only nomination for the position.

She will serve in the position of Mayor for another year, until the upcoming NSW Local Government election on Saturday 14 September 2024.

In a show of hands, Cr Cherry was unanimously declared as Mayor by the fve Councillors in attendance, being Crs Meredith Dennis, Reece Byrnes, Nola Firth, Warren Polglase and herself.

Under NSW Local

Government legislation, the position of mayor is for a period of two years.

Council has resolved to have a Deputy Mayor, which is not mandatory, to be appointed for a one-year term. Cr

Meredith Dennis will remain in her role as Deputy Mayor until December when the term of her position expires and an election is undertaken.

Addressing a full

Council Chamber, Cr Cherry thanked her fellow Councillors for their support and said she remained committed to working hard for Tweed residents.

“I thank everyone for

their continued faith and trust in me. It is a massive job to represent the people of the Tweed and I am committed to continuing to work well with my fellow Councillors,” Cr Cherry

said.

“For the next year, I will be concentrating on trying to address the housing crisis, which is the biggest issue facing us today, along with the impact of climate change. I will continue to work hard to ensure every decision we make is done in the best interest of the community at large.”

This is Cr Cherry’s third term as Mayor, after holding the position from September 2020 until the election in December 2021. She was frst elected to Tweed Shire Council in September 2016 as an independent and previously served as Deputy Mayor in 2016/17, 2018/19 and in 2019/20.

To view the meeting minutes and webcast, visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/ CouncilMeetings.

Housing Byron Shire’s future population – how and where

Affordable and diverse housing options have been hot topics in the Byron Shire for several years, but the 2022 foods highlighted the problem.

Moving forward after the foods, and to comply with housing targets set by the NSW Government, Council staff are refreshing the Shire’s Residential Strategy, a document that provides the vision and framework for how Council intends to

provide future housing over the next 20 years.

The frst step in this process is the development of a Housing Options Paper that identifes the areas of the Shire that are suitable for residential development.

“The NSW Government recently reviewed its housing targets, and it is Council’s job to make sure that we have the planning frameworks in place that will allow for

residential development to happen,” Mayor Lyon said.

“Housing is the number one issue for our community and lack of affordability and supply is having a massive impact on the social fabric of our shire as well as the economy,” he said.

“We have the highest rate of rough sleepers in NSW; we have a community still reeling from the foods; we have people who cannot fnd

affordable long-term housing and we have businesses who can’t fnd staff because workers can’t afford to live here.

“This refresh of the Residential Strategy is a step forward in the long-term planning for population growth – put simply – where people are going to live,” Mayor Lyon said.

The Housing Options Paper sets out where in the Shire housing will be delivered, including

present and future land release areas and infll development.

“Not only do we have a responsibility to ensure we are delivering housing for our community into the future, but we also need to make sure we do this in a way that respects the natural environment.

“We also have to consider and respect the identity and character of our towns and villages,” Mayor Lyon said.

The Housing Options

Paper will be presented to Council on 28 September and go will on exhibition for community comment in early October.

“How to fx the housing crisis is a question being echoed across all levels of government and as a Council we need to be leading this conversation to ensure we deliver the best solutions for our community,” Mayor Lyon said.

Councillor Chris Cherry has been reappointed as Mayor until September 2024

THEREare two places in the world where I’ve experienced pure self-invigorating solitude, one was near my hometown of Broken Hill at a place called Mundi Mundi Plains (which was ironically where the bulk of the Mad Max films were shot) and the other was at Walden Pond just outside of Boston.

In many other locations, and at different times in my life I’ve experienced solitude, loneliness too; but solitude is almost the opposite to being left all alone or feeling deserted – it is an abundant sensation that teems with a tranquil zest and a reassuring awareness that you are alive, and that anything is possible.

“Solitude,” once said Wayne Cordeiro, “is a chosen separation for refining your soul. Isolation is what you crave when you neglect the first.” Which could almost outright define the reasoning behind Henry David Thoreau’s decision to live at Walden Pond for two years by himself in the 1840s. What’s more, chapter five of ‘Walden’, the classic book Thoreau would go on to write about his time in the wilderness, was simply titled – Solitude. It is a misconception that solitude is only possible in isolation, or in a state that is conjured, albeit manifested far removed from the madding crowd. Relatedly, one of Thoreau’s dearest friends and mentors, Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “It is easy in the world to live after the world’s opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great person is the one who in the midst

RESEARCH REVEALS $1.2 BILLION PROFIT FROM FOOD WASTE

of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude.”

Essentially, what Emerson was saying, revealed the iridescent vital essence of solitude: that being independence – or the ability to stand unflustered, if not influenced by no-one and nothing except for your own ever-centred sense of good, or a good that is bolstered by the triplicate forces of calm, sound principle and purpose.

Once you are acquainted, even intermittently, with the potent quality and liberating potential of solitude, you gain an appreciation of self and others in such a way that lends more than a sacred weight and measure to the comments of Rainer Maria Rilke, who once noted, “I hold this to be the highest task of a bond between two people: that each should stand guard over the solitude of the other.” Or simply, give people in your life the space and freedom to be who they are and want to be, devoid of any pressure or overlyencroaching expectation placed on them by you.

Relatedly, the American writer Bell Hooks once shone a rather piercing light on the topic by suggesting, “Many of us seek community solely to escape the fear of being alone. Knowing how to be solitary is central to the art of loving. When we can be alone, we can be with others without using them as a means of escape.” Thus, we in turn become our own comforting destination of choice, at all times, for everyone that we invite into our lives – our own inner selves included.

Australian food retailers make $1.2 billion in proft each year from selling food that households waste, according to new research from The Australia Institute.

This proft means that the major food retailers, such as supermarket duopoly Coles and Woolworths, have a strong incentive to delay reforms that would reduce food waste.

Progress has been slow on reforms such as removing ‘best before’ dates from products that do not need them, and Australia looks unlikely to meet the goal of halving food waste by 2030.

Key points:

• The 2021 National

Food Waste Strategy Feasibility Study found Australia wasted 7.6 million tonnes of food a year, equivalent to 152 Sydney Harbour Bridges.

• Households wasted food worth $19.3 billion in 2018-19, or an average cost of between $2,000 and $2,500 per household.

• Calculating the average food retail industry proft at 6%, Australia Institute analysis has found supermarkets are making $1.2 billion annually from wasted food.

• This provides food retailers with a strong incentive to delay reforms that would reduce food waste, such as changes to ‘best before’ and ‘use

by’ date labelling, as recommended in the National Food Waste Strategy Feasibility Study.

• Australia Institute polling shows strong support for policies that would reduce food waste, including labelling reform (78% support), relaxed cosmetic standards (72%) and kerbside collection of food waste (75%).

“We know how to reduce food waste, but the supermarkets have $1.2 billion reasons to delay reforms that would reduce this proft,” Australia Institute Senior Economist Matt Grudnoff said.

“Labelling reforms would help reduce food

waste, but companies like Woolworths insist such discussions ‘are in their infancy,’ years after being proposed.

“Whether the food is consumed or wasted is beside the point as far as supermarkets are concerned. But reforms to reduce the amount of food people purchase –and in turn waste – will inevitably lead to reduced profts.

“The government should pick a side – are they trying to help consumers or supermarket profts? If they are serious about tackling the cost of living crisis they should be helping consumers with one of their biggest hip pocket burdens –groceries.

There’s nothing rude to solitude….by Nigel Dawe

Rous urges community to use less water to delay need for restrictions / Rous urges community to reduce water use as the Bureau of Meteorology announces El Nino

Rous County Council is asking the Northern Rivers community to use less water now and help delay the need for water restrictions.

The forecast for a drier-than-average spring combined with higher temperatures is expected to put more pressure on the region’s water sources. Water levels at Rous’s primary water source, Rocky Creek Dam, have steadily dropped due to low infows and people using more water. The dam is currently at 86 per cent capacity. Water restrictions may be introduced early in response to continued low infows and a dry seasonal outlook, according to Rous’s General Manager, Phillip Rudd.

“As a community it’s important we make every effort to conserve water now. While many in the Northern Rivers will be grateful for the spell of dry weather, without rain we will

enter water restrictions. If the prolonged dry period continues and people do not reduce their use, we are likely to face restrictions before Christmas,” Mr. Rudd said.

“During long periods of dry weather, the demand on our water supply increases. People use water to wash their properties, cars and to water their gardens. We’re asking

the community to think twice, especially before using water outdoors. Water is a limited natural resource, and we are all responsible for its effcient use,” Mr. Rudd said.

During dry weather, Rous also experiences an increase in demand for water from water carters who are contracted by residents to replenish rainwater tanks. Permanent conservation

measures include:

• Water outdoors in the early morning or late afternoon, between 6.00am and 10.00am or

• between 3.00pm and 10.00pm.

• Use hand-held hoses that are ftted with an on/off trigger nozzle.

• Clean vehicles and boats on your lawn using a hose ftted with an on/off nozzle; and

• Don’t use water to clean driveways, paths or paved areas, except for health and/ or safety reasons or when using a high-pressure cleaner. Indoors, replacing a shower with a watereffcient model is one of the easiest and most costeffective ways to reduce water use. An ineffcient shower can use between 15L and 25L of water every

minute, whereas an effcient WELS 5 star rated one uses as little as 4.5L every minute.

Rous is actively working to ensure the Northern Rivers has a secure and resilient water supply that will meet the community’s needs through its Future Water Project 2060.

Phillip Rudd said in addition to the St Helena Pipeline Project “we are taking immediate steps to secure water for the region now by developing new and enhanced groundwater schemes at Alstonville and Woodburn. To meet the challenge of a growing population and an increasingly variable climate, we are taking an ‘all options on the table’ approach to long-term planning. This involves also investigating a range of potential water supply options including new groundwater sources, purifed recycled water for drinking, desalination and surface water”.

NEWCOLOUR • NEWCOLOUR

“Leemo has views on just about anything” ‘NEEDFUL OR FUNCTIONAL?

at’s the question.

most reasonably well. This may include food, blankies, shelter; Vet costs including medicine, and of course, a brush.

SECONDLY, ensure that anything you list is FUNCTIONAL, and is designed to be practical & USEFUL in your life, NOT the usual frippery choices you are inclined to make, just ‘cos you WANT it’. I feigned a faint in horror but she just ignored me, and, can you believe it, kept talking.

Northern Rivers Rail Trail launches business Connect Program

Goodie! ‘Mum Jane’ has discernibly noticed how studious and busy I am, and asked me ‘Leems my boy, what on earth are you writing on that big notepad that’s taking you so long? You’ll get ‘paw-cramp’ syndrome.’ (It’s Leemo Cat here) Crikey, I ‘spose I’d better tell her. ‘Well ‘Mumsie Wumsie my Precious’, Christmas will be here soon, and there are many things I really do so want. Therefore, I’m starting my list early to help you get organised. Gottit?’ Mum spoke. ‘Leems, cut the suck-up crapp please; I simply cannot abide it. You either address me properly or not at all.’ It crossed my thoughts that her frame of mind DID NOT bode well for my LIST. Hmmm? Oh NO, she kept talking. ‘Leems, I urge you strongly to listen closely to what I have to say ref. your Christmas

List expectations, ‘cos the rules have changed appreciably since last year. Gottit?’ (OMG, I’m getting a bad feeling, aaargh!) On she droned. ‘With the cost of living the way it is, please adhere to these guidelines when writing your fnal list, keeping frst & foremost in mind Leems, our Aged Pensioner Budget. Gottit?

FIRSTLY, anything on your list must come under the TRUE meaning of A NEED…in other words, something that is totally essential for you to live and function

‘OK Leems, show me the list you have prepared and I shall decide on whether any of the items listed fall under the umbrella of the new rules I’ve clearly outlined. (If I’ve ever had a huge desire to bite Mum Jane’s ankles on the hurty part it is now. She is, much to my dismay, wearing boots.) I handed over my list, & she asked for a cup of tea whilst she read it. My paws shook when I delivered her tea (whilst secretly wishing I could fnd some Castor Oil to pop into her Koala cup) which she accepted with a ‘raised eyebrows’ acknowledgement. After a most uneasy wait, I was told to SIT AND LISTEN. ‘OK Leems, I’ve read through your list, and hold uncertainty about you sticking to the rules. Could you explain to me how needful or functional in your life a small ‘Electric Vehicle for Cats’ might be? You don’t have a Licence? And more, how needful or functional might ‘Surfng Lessons & a Champagne Breakfast Hot Air Balloon Ride’ with my Buddies’ be? Your request for a ‘Fur Lined Litter Tray’ is quite beyond the pale. Frankly, I suggest you discard this list and start a new one, beginning with the concept; “Is what I’m asking for NEEDFUL or FUNCTIONAL” to my life, then bring your new and enlightened list back to me. OK?’ Well, I tell you, I’m outta here to go climb a tree. Nite with disheartened purrsies. Leemo.

Tweed Shire Council is inviting businesses and commercial operators to share in the success of the popular Northern Rivers Rail Trail (Tweed section) and sign up to its new Connect Program.

Trail.

Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry said the Connect framework would not only offer a smart and affordable link to the Rail Trail for businesses but would provide an important revenue stream for

to bolster our long-term future.”

The Connect Program caters for three business needs – commercial operations, marketing and signage – and is a way for adjacent landowners, businesses and tourism operators to

and map listings to social media exposure.

3. The Signage Program: available to Marketing Program members, the signage program provides opportunities for exclusive on-trail signage options and sizes within the rail corridor.

“Six months on from opening the Rail Trail, we are pleased to now be able to launch the Connect Program,” Cr Cherry said.

Launched today, the Connect Program is designed to connect commercial operators and businesses to the award-winning Rail Trail which opened in March. Figures show more than 70,000 people used the Rail Trail in the frst four months of operation, with projections indicating it will attract more than 150,000 users and guests annually.

The Connect Program will enable business partners to highlight their guest experience offerings, focusing on the ways users can taste, stay, move, explore and enjoy along the Rail

Council to contribute to the ongoing operation and maintenance costs of the Rail Trail.

“The Connect Program provides great value and is a fair and open framework to ensure those benefting from commercial gain from the Rail Trail also contribute to its maintenance, while receiving a wide range of business benefts to promote their experience or service to Rail Trail guests,” Cr Cherry said.

“This is all about supporting our local economy to thrive by generating sustainable economic opportunities

access potential visitors to the Rail Trail.

The Connect Program features:

1. The Rail Trail Pass: an affordable annual fee and other charges for commercial operators undertaking business and activities on and in association with the Rail Trail.

2. The Marketing Program: a tiered program offering a range of cooperative marketing opportunities with affordable gold, silver and bronze entry points to suit all budgets and marketing goals. This offers a wide range of benefts from website

“This will see us move into an exciting operational phase to facilitate collaboration with commercial businesses to help us truly unlock the potential for sustainable experiences that stretch across the Tweed. This not only benefts our local businesses but also enriches the overall trail experience for visitors to the region.

“Our goal is to develop and support a thriving community of operators who are wholeheartedly committed to growing the Northern Rivers Rail Trail. Through collaboration and innovation, we’re shaping an exciting future for our region.”

If you offer guest experiences, services or products in categories like Taste, Stay, Move, Explore or Enjoy, we want to hear from you! For more information or to join the Connect Program visit the Northern Rivers Rail Trail website.

The Connect Program provides a smart and affordable link for adjacent landowners, businesses and tourism operators to access potential Rail Trail visitors.

The Connect Program will enable business partners to highlight the ways users can taste, stay, move, explore and enjoy along the Rail Trail.

By Sarah Waters

It is estimated more than 4000 people have used the park since it opened just under six weeks ago on August 19.

Tweed Council’s manager of parks and active communities Murray Smith said on the weekend, about 100 riders are on the track at any time.

“So far we know biking enthusiasts from as far afeld as Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast have travelled to the park and we expect it to continue to attract visitors from outside the area,” Mr Smith said.

“We are excited by the enthusiasm and excellent feedback we have received from the mountain bike community and local residents so far with business understood to be booming in the nearby village of Uki,” he said.

Final preparations are underway for the offcial opening of Uki Mountain Bike Park, on Saturday, October 7, with new trail markers, park maps and a water fll station being installed.

The event is a sell-out with the 120 available tickets snapped up within hours.

It will mark Tweed’s

frst offcial mountain bike park and pump track, which has been 10 years in the making.

The Tweed Valley Mountain Bike Riders club played a signifcant role in the park’s establishment.

Members of the club helped to source funding with a $430,000 grant awarded through the NSW Offce of Sport.

They also helped with tree planting and rehabilitation of the site.

Club president Hugh Flower said the new park was a fantastic asset to mountain bikers and the wider community.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be part of this project and see it come to fruition,” Mr Flower said.

“This will be a huge drawcard for local mountain bike enthusiasts, as well as visitors to the region.

“The facility will be a great outdoor space for everyone to get involved and for new riders to try the sport, providing more opportunities for kids in the Tweed to get outside and get active,” he said.

Tweed Shire Council, in partnership with Tweed Valley Mountain Bike Riders, engaged outdoor trail design and construction specialists

Trailworx to build the mountain bike trails on council-owned land next to the Uki Wastewater Treatment Plant at Uki.

The park features 6.4kms of track across eight mountain bike trails including one climbing and seven descending trails.

The tracks are made up of four green trails (beginner), three blue trails (more diffcult) and one black diamond trail (very diffcult).

A pump track has also been designed to suit children aged 5 - 12 years old.

Uki Mountain Bike Park is open to mountain bikers of all

ages and abilities. It is located at 165 Smiths Creek Road, near Uki.

Entry to the park is free. It is open from 6am to 6pm daily.

Users of the park are advised it may close at any time due to weather conditions (rain, wet or muddy tracks, high winds, fre danger).

Future concept plans for the site include shade structures, seating and tables, landscaping, pathways, and permanent toilet facilities. Find out more at tweed.nsw.gov.au/ mountain-biking.

Offering six comfortable en-suite, air-conditioned rooms to suit any budget, tropical gardens and an elevated communal verandah with sweeping views of Lillian Rock and the Border ranges.

By Sarah Waters

The Uki Mountain Bike Park has generated its own host of publicity since it unofficially opened its gates on August 19.

Apart from a large eastern brown snake which was recently found on the track by former pro surfer Joel Parkinson, the new park has received high praise.

Mountain bike enthusiast

and YouTuber JohnnyThe_G has given the track a big thumbs up stating it was the best mountain bike jumps trail he’d ridden.

Taking viewers on his ride through the black (advanced) trail he commented on the size of the jumps.

“It’s time to hit these huge jumps on the black trail … let’s try and get a full run down the whole trail,” he said.

“After these top four

(jumps) I haven’t seen what’s further down, I assume the jumps get smaller, but as you’ll see they definitely don’t.

“Although the hill isn’t huge, they have done an incredible job keeping this place as flowy as it is, it works so well, the jumps are all amazing.

“Seeing all the riders flying down the hill across all the trails is just so sick – this open area is just so different

to what we’re all used to seeing.

“The dirt is just perfect also - you can really rip into all the corners and trust your tyres.

“This place is basically just a big, downhill pump track and I couldn’t recommend riding here anymore.”

Fellow mountain bikers have shared their experiences of the park via Facebook and echoed the same

thoughts.

With riders commenting ‘this new bike park is so good’ and ‘it’s so good to see so many out there enjoying it.’

Another Facebook user said it was ‘a great asset to a hugely underrated and underutilised part of NSW. It Looks amazing and well done on creating a healthy and fun outlet for the community and adding value for tourism’.

Demo Day Uki MTB Trail opening

Saturday 7 October - 9:30am

Join us for the Specialized Australia and MURWILLUMBAH CYCLES Demo Day at the official opening of the Uki MTB Trails and test ride your dream bike! The Specialized Levo, Tero and Stumpjumper will be available to test ride as well as the Specialized Levo 24" Kids E-Bike for the little Shredders.

Our local Specialized Ambassador Dane Folpp, recently crowned QLD Slopestyle State Champion, will be present throughout the day to answer any questions and share tips and tricks about Slopestyle. Come and learn more about what Slopestyle is all about from the expert himself and celebrate with us.

More info on our Facebook page or via Webchat.

By Sarah Waters

It’s been more than 10 years in the making, but Tweed Valley Mountain Bike Riders (TVMTBR) can now fnally enjoy riding on a specially built bike track without having to travel out of the region.

The TVMTBR club was established in 2012 to advocate for a legal mountain bike riding area in the Tweed region.

It has taken countless hours of negotiations and planning over the years, but on October 7, they can celebrate with the offcial opening of the Uki Mountain Bike Park. President of the TVMTBR Hugh Flower said the primary objective was to always have publicly accessible trails for the community.

“Initially the club was just going to have a small, single-loop trail that was going to be club built and used by about

40 people a week,” Mr Flower said.

“Council approved the DA but said it could only be used by club members, so anyone who wasn’t a club member, couldn’t ride there.

“It went against what the club wanted, which was a free, open to the public facility,” he said.

After two years of negotiations with council, eventually an agreement was reached to allow the facility - next to the Uki Wastewater Treatment Plant - to be used by all members of the public.

In 2020 the TVMTBR and Tweed Shire Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the establishment and management of the proposed track.

Council contracted Dirt Art to design a masterplan for the facility and realised the full potential for the site.

The masterplan assisted with the approvals

process and a signifcant fund to the tune of $430,000 was secured through the NSW Offce of Sport - Regional Sports Facility Fund 2021-22.

The funds allowed professional trail designers, Trailworx, to build eight varied mountain bike trails (one climbing and seven descending) over 6.4kms of track.

It included the much hoped for black diamond trail for advanced riders, which includes large jumps, for users who want to push themselves to the limits.

A pump track/skills park for all ages, but specifcally designed for kids aged 5 - 12 years, was also included.

Mr Flower rode the track many times during its development to ensure the trails fowed well and contained a good number of jumps.

He said since the Uki Mountain Bike Park

was unoffcially opened on August 19 it has exceeded expectations.

“We’re averaging about 60 cars per day and on the weekend, we’re getting up to 180 cars.

“It’s mainly because people are coming from up to two hours away and typically stay for two-three hours, so there is a good turn over of traffc.

“We’ve got a lap counter on the riding trail and 21,000 laps have gone past that, which means we’re averaging about 160 people per day and that’ll be 60,000 people per annum riding up the trail.

“That’s more than the population of Tweed riders, so the majority of people are coming from outside the Tweed.

“It’s very good from an economic standpoint.

“It takes a while to get these things throughlike the Northern Rivers Rail Trail - but once they’re there people can

realise the advantage of them,” he said.

The absence of a proper mountain bike track in the Tweed, has made it diffcult for local people to get involved in the sport.

Prior to the Uki Mountain Bike Park being built, mountain bikers in the Tweed had to travel out of the region to access a track to ride on.

Privately-run trails were once used by mountain bike club members, but insurance was required as well as a change in land use, which made the trails too hard to legalise.

Mr Flower said the MVMTBR club has grown signifcantly in membership since the Uki Mountain Bike Park was opened.

“At the start of the year we only had fve members, but now it’s built we have 160 members.

“That was always the

aim - once we have a place where people can ride, they’ll be able to get involved in the mountain biking community.

“The facility is designed as a rider development network, with an emphasis on green and blue trails where riders can progress their skills to gradually more diffcult features.

“Once locals can ride everything here, they are well prepared for anything.

“What’s more remarkable is we are pulling riders from as far away as the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.

“It’s a great facility for all riders, from within and outside the region, as well as young people in Tweed wanting to get involved it the sport,” he said.

RECENT CATTLE MARKET REPORTS

WARWICK

LIVESTOCK MARKETS ACROSS SOUTHERN DOWNS W/E 22/09/2023

Again, the Gods were against the weekly cattle sale as the equipment was still creating problems hopefully this will be rectifed by next week.

Sheep and Lamb numbers took a fall as there were 1655 head for the sale, The market was cheaper for most descriptions with very few bonuses paid by the buyers.

Lambs topped at $100 to av $49.07 $1 up on last week

Hoggets topped at $60 to av $20.41 $14 down on last week

Ewes topped at $45 to av $16.50 $2 down on last week

Wethers topped and av $10 $33 down on last week

Rams topped at $64 to av $27.96 $16 down on last week

Lamb Rams topped at $73 to av $19.18 $13 down on last week

Ewe Lambs topped at $26 to av $23.20 $37 down on last week

Total yarding of 1655 head av $38.22 a drop of $6/head on last week.

Pork market remains strong as the processors seek stock.

Boars sold from $38 to $66, Sows from $28 to $360, Pork to $242, Stores from $25 to $163 Roosters sold to $17.50, Hens to $40, Trios to $32.50, Bantam pairs to $45, Quails to $25, Hen & chicks to $75, Ducklings to $25, Goslings to $25

MC DOUGALL & SONS SHEEP & LAMB REPORT

How low can the market go? This was the question being asked by most vendors as we moved through the weekly results. Agents yarded a total of 1655 head to the weekly sale. The sheep were drawn from near and far with the Maranoa , Western plains and local and Traprock areas supplying stock. The buyers were short one in the export lines and there were limited re stocker interests.

Lambs topped at $100 to av $49.07 ($1up), hoggets topped at $60 to av $20.41($14down), Ewes topped at $45 to av $16.50($2down), wethers topped at $10 to av $10 ($33down), Rams topped at $64 to av $27.96 ($16 down), Lamb rams topped at $73 to av $19.18 ($13 down), Ewe lambs topped at $26 to av $23.20 ($37 down). The sale av of $38.22 for the 1655 head yarded was $6/head down on last week.

Lloyd Hulin sold Dorper lambs 58kg to Grants Quality

Meats for $96, 40kg to Highchester Meats for $66, 60 kg hoggets to Grants quality Meats for $60

Rory & Kathy Frost sold Dorper lambs 43.6kg to GR

Prime for $79

Robinson & Elder sold Dorper x lambs 45.4kg and 43kg to restockers for $57 and $43

Bellvue Cattle Co sold Border Leicester x lambs 62kg to Thomas Foods for $80, 57.5kg to Take IT Easy Meats for $80

RPC sold Dorper lambs 50kg to Warwick Meats for $70, 42kg to Warwick Meats for $45, 41.7kg to Leslie Lamb for $38, 54 kg to Thomas Foods for $73, 50kg to GR Prime for $70, 45.7kg to restockers for $40, 36.6kg to restockers for $31, 41kg ram lambs to Whites Trading for $12, 58kg hoggets to Granta Quality Meats for $45, 58kg to restockers for $25Dorper x ewes to Thomas Foods for $28

Wonga Dell P/L sold Merino wether lambs 58kg to Warwick Meats for $35, 53.6kg to Gr Prime for $30, 44 & 43 kg to restockers for $24, Ewe Lambs 44kg to 49kg to restockers for $26, 37kg to 40kg to restockers for $23, 32kg to restockers for $10Merino ewes and wethers to Thomas foods for $10, to restockers for $2.

Nic & Penny Carey sold Dorper x ewes to restockers for $31

Gallery wins 2023 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award

The Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre (TRG MOAC) has been announced as a Travelers’ Choice award winner by global travel review website, Tripadvisor.

It marks the third time the Gallery has been recognised with this award, also receiving the Traveler’s Choice Award in 2015 and 2016. It has also previously ranked the fourth best museum in Australia and number nine in the Top 25 Museums - South Pacifc.

The coveted award celebrates attractions that have consistently received great traveller

Reviews are in: Gallery one of best cultural attractions of its kind

reviews on Tripadvisor over the past 12 months and ranks the Gallery in the top 10% of attractions worldwide.

Gallery Director Susi Muddiman OAM said it was fantastic to be among some of the top attractions of the world, showing regional galleries can have their place on a global stage.

PH: 6686 9600

ballinafaircinemas.com.au

Thurs September 21 - September 28

BARBIE (PG)

BLUE BEETLE (M)

PAW PATROL: THE MIGHTY MOVIE (PG)

RUBY GILLMAN, TEENAGE KRAKEN (PG)

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA

TURTLES: MUTANT MAYHEM (PG)

THE CREATOR (M) NFT

THE NUN II (M)

“The award is such as achievement, not just for the Gallery but for the Tweed and for Council,” Ms Muddiman said.

“For a regional gallery from Murwillumbah to be up there with some of the biggest attractions worldwide is just incredible - we are immensely proud.

“What makes this

award exceptional is that it’s determined by those who visit the Gallerypeople who have taken the time to share their positive stories and experiences.

“There are so many that contribute to the Gallery’s success: our wonderful staff, volunteers, Foundation members and Friends of

the Gallery. I thank them also for being part of this achievement, for making it possible once again.”

This year, the Gallery is celebrating the 100-year birthday anniversary of Margaret Olley with a range of events, including an exhibition of her works – Margaret Olley: Far from a Still Life - which tells the

story of her incredible life and career.

The Gallery was also recently selected as the pilot venue to host a $174 million masterpiece by French impressionist Claude Monet –Meules, milieu du jour [Haystacks, midday], 1890 - and other notable works as part of the Australian Government’s Sharing the National Collection initiative.

To fnd out more about what’s on at the Gallery, please visit Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre.

To fnd out more about the Traveller’s Choice Award recipients, visit Tripadvisor.

• Saw X (MA 15+) The Creator (M)

• Blue Beetle (M)

• 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)

The Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre (TRG MOAC) has been announced as a Travellers’ Choice award winner by Tripadvisor

The Gallery is celebrating 100 years of Margaret Olley. Pictured is the recreation of part of Olley’s famous home studio which is viewable at the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre all year round

Crossword 19 x 19

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

TARGET TIME

E L S I P R H E N

Today’s target: 37 words average 42 words good 47+ 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)

with

It’s a terrific time to travel, teach, publish, study, nurture a close relationship, learn something new or share an adventure with someone special. Plus keep yourself mentally sharp and physically strong. Then you can bounce back from any stressful setbacks that come along. There’s a fiery Full Moon in Aries on Friday, so do your best to get the ratio right between personal requirements and relationship responsibilities. The buzz word for the week is Balance.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

Expect an emotional rollercoaster ride this week, Taurus, as disruptive Uranus stirs up problems in a partnership or unpredictable moods at home. And you may have to deal with a gob-smacking surprise that really rocks your world! So be patient and avoid making any important long-term decisions until things settle down. The weekend looks promising, as the universe provides an opportunity for you to do something creative or learn something new.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

This week is all about learning, education and communication as your ruler, Mercury, links up with clever Jupiter and curious Uranus. It’s also time to dream big – and often – as Friday’s fiery Full Moon activates your ‘hopes, dreams and wishes’ zone. Be inspired by Superman actor and birthday great, the late Christopher Reeve: “So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable. And then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable.”

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

It’s Full Moon week! Time to connect with colleagues and clients at work, plus family and friends from within your local community as you talk, text, tweet, publish, podcast or post up a storm. Other people are expecting you to come up with some clever ideas and smart solutions, so put on your thinking cap, Crabs! And don’t persist with outdated old ways of doing things. Be proactive about initiating exciting,adventurous and creative new strategies.

QUICK WORKOUT

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

The sparks are set to fly as Venus (in your sign) plus temperamental Uranus and the fiery Full Moon all amp up your feisty side. Expect some annoying frustrations and delays on Friday, especially involving a personal project or a work matter. You’ll have to dig deep to find a quality that you usually have in short supply … patience. Monday and Saturday are the best days to push an ambitious project ahead with renewed motivation and plenty of Leo passion.

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

Virgos love things to run smoothly but there’s unpredictable planetary energy about this week and carefully-laid plans could veer off in unexpected directions. Which could be wonderful or stressful, depending on the circumstances. Whatever happens, drop the perfectly-planned schedule, and go with the flow. When it comes to money matters, joint finances, taxes or trust issues, avoid being uncharacteristically rash. Slow down and take a second look.

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

Unpredictable Uranus is disrupting relationships or finances, so tread gingerly with a sulky partner, an unreliable lover, a grumpy housemate, a frustrated family member or a cranky client. The more diplomatic you are, the less stressful the week will be. Don’t let other people deter your ambitions or derail your dreams! Be inspired by Libran birthday great, actor and disability rights activist, the late Christopher Reeve: “Don’t give up. Don’t lose hope. Don’t sell out.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

You’re keen to power ahead with a romantic relationship, a business partnership or a joint venture. But expect some disruptions as Uranus upsets the applecart. Don’t stress, Scorpio! Review your approach and reassess your plans. The Full Moon fires up your wellbeing zone, so it’s a good week to exercise, hit the gym, play sport, participate in a Fun Run or enjoy bushwalking. As birthday great, the late Olivia Newton-John reminds us: “Let’s Get Physical!”

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

There are two ‘lucky’ aspects this week. Jupiter (your power planet) trines Mercury, which gives you the gift of the gab and is particularly good for work involving writing, teaching, performing, publishing and public relations. And then Uranus trines Mercury, which is fabulous for original ideas and exciting new friendships. Throw in a fiery Full Moon and you’re set for an action-packed, stimulating week! If you want to last the distance, pace yourself.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

The Sun and Mars are both moving through your career zone, which boosts your capacity for hard work and your ability to lead others. But don’t do so at the expense of your home and family life. The Full Moon highlights the importance of getting the balance right between professional success and domestic harmony. Be inspired by fellow Capricorn, writer A. A. Milne: “You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

This week, restless Uranus and the fiery Full Moon boost your bohemian side and your adventurous nature. You’re itching to explore! But avoid being too recklessly impulsive (especially on Friday) otherwise you could find yourself involved in an argument, accident, financial fiasco or domestic drama. Astute Aquarians will choose creative problemsolving over unpredictable shenanigans, as you slow down and think things through before proceeding.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

You could be walking on a financial or communication tightrope this week! With the Sun, Mars and the fiery Full Moon stirring up your money and intimacy zones, you’re primed for a spontaneous spending spree or a relationship glitch. In order to avoid messy (and unnecessary) problems, make sure you pause before you spend … and think before you speak. The Mercury/Jupiter/Uranus trines encourage being proactive and inventive within your local community.

pier, pile, pilsner, pine, pirn, plenish, plier, preen, prese, prise, repel, repine, REPLENISH, reship, ripe, ripen, seep, sheep, ship, sleep, slip, snip, snipe, sniper, sphene, sphere, spier, spile, spin, spine, spinel, spire, spleen, spline, spree.

help, helper, herpes, leper, lisp, lisper, neper, peel, peen, peer, penile, penis, pensile, peri, peril, peris,

ASTROLOGY

Joanne Madeline Moore

BEST ON THE BOX

MONDAY THE ROOKIE

SEVEN, 9.15pm

SUNDAY

THE GRAHAM NORTON SHOW

TEN, 7.30pm

The celebrity guests who drop by this long-running chat show must wonder if there’s something in the water they’re served up because even the most guarded of A-listers are won over by cheeky Irishman Graham Norton. His group-interview format always seems to elicit candid confessions. Despite the ongoing actors’ and writers’ strikes somewhat shrinking his Hollywood guestlist, Norton’s got a slew of stars and fascinating folk lined up for season 31. Falling under his spell in tonight’s premiere are pop superstar Kylie Minogue (pictured), Stephen Graham (Peaky Blinders), Peep Show star and author David Mitchell, comedian Mawaan Rizwan and Eurovision nalist Mae Muller.

FRIDAY, September 29

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

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

7.30 Gardening Australia. Costa

Georgiadis tours a high-rise haven.

8.30 Sherwood. (Malsv) As the hunt for the killer continues, Kevin Salisbury from the MET arrives to assist in the investigation.

9.35 Midsomer Murders. (Mv, R) Attendees of a party celebrating a sparkling wine launch are endangered when the glasses are laced with slug poison.

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

11.20 Silent Witness. (Ma, R) Nikki investigates a private jet crash.

12.20 Harrow. (Mav, R)

1.10 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

When this popular police drama started out in 2018, Nathan Fillion’s middle-aged rookie John Nolan was one of the oldest recruits LAPD had ever seen. Five seasons in and Nolan is now a training o cer with a rookie of his own – but far less catchy title. This week’s episode features a case that hits close to home for rookie Celina (Lisseth Chavez, pictured) when a girl goes missing on the anniversary of her sister’s death. While Nolan has been working with Celina on her tendency to let emotions cloud her judgment, her personal connection to this case and its victims proves crucial. It seems former rookie Nolan still has a few lessons left to learn.

THURSDAY LUKE NGUYEN’S INDIA

SBS, 8.30pm

A able chef

Luke Nguyen returns with another foodie travelogue, exploring the sights, sounds and smells of southern

somewhere Nguyen has dreamed of visiting for decades, and his enthusiasm for the region’s avours and understanding its traditions shines through. Tonight’s premiere nds Nguyen in the thriving city of Bangalore. His rst stop is the Mavalli Ti n Rooms, one of Bangalore’s oldest institutions, where generations of locals have met to catch up over co ee.

East of the city, he learns how to make Idli, a breakfast staple, before checking out a truly unique restaurant set amid a 100-year-old wrestling arena.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 South America With Simon Reeve. (PGa)

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

9.40 Tony Robinson: The Thames At Night. (R) 10.35 SBS World News Late.

11.05 Unseen. (Mals)

12.00 Furia. (MA15+av, R)

3.40 Italian Food Safari. (R)

4.10 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (R)

4.40 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 7News Local.

6.30 7News @ 6:30.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs catches up with Sunrise weatherman Sam Mac in the middle of his home renovation.

8.30 MOVIE: Father Of The Bride Part II. (1995, G, R) A father, already traumatised by his daughter’s marriage, is shocked by the news that both her and his wife are pregnant. At a loss about how to handle the life-changing announcement, he sets out to recapture his youth. Steve Martin, Diane Keaton, Martin Short.

10.45 The Voice. (R) In the semi- nal, eight artists battle it out in hopes of proving they have what it takes.

12.30 Home Shopping.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current A air.

7.30 Mega Zoo. (PG, R) A crocodile su ers a ruptured cornea.

8.30 MOVIE: The Expendables 2. (2012, MA15+lv, R) A group of mercenaries sets out to get revenge after one of their own is murdered during a mission. Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Liam Hemsworth.

10.30 MOVIE: Creed. (2015, Malv, R) A boxer recruits his father’s rival as his trainer. Michael B. Jordan.

1.00 Chicago Med. (MA15+am, R)

2.45 9Honey Hacks.

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. (Ma, R) Graham Norton is joined by actors Claire Foy and Sarah Michelle Gellar, comedian Rob Beckett and director M. Night Shyamalan. Musical guest is Sam Smith, who performs Not Here to Make Friends

10.30 To Be Advised.

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

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

PUZZLES AND

Here is a crossword with a di erence, all the letters of the alphabet are represented by a number in the grid and there are no clues. Some letters have been given as clues to get you started, use the code cracker grid below to keep track of each letter and their coded number.

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

WHICH WORDS

Which is the correct meaning for these words?

1 NUCIVOROUS (a) Hurtful (b) Nut-eating (c) Having no faith

2 OPPILATE

(a) To block up

(b) Conveniently presented

(c) Inducing sleep

3 QUOKKA

(a) An extinct South African wild ass

(b) A small Western Australian marsupial

(c) A small tree of the sandalwood family

ALFAKODO

Letters A to Z have a number value

4 RESONANCE (a) Sympathetic vibration

(b) Elasticity

(c) Compensation

5 SISAL

(a) An Indian timber tee

(b) Agave fibre

(c) An ancient Egyptian wire rattle used in Isis-worship

6 LUMBRICAL (a) Worm-like

(b) Mournful (c) Clumsy

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

Some are shown in the right hand cells Create remaining values using clues in centre cells

Longest Running Exhibition in the Region Set to Open its 63rd Annual Art Show in Lismore

The Lismore Art Club is set to open its annual art show this coming October, with members preparing to celebrate its 63rd exhibition, making it the longest running art exhibition in the region.

Lismore Art Club was established in 1960 and has maintained a healthy and enthusiastic membership throughout the decades of change in Lismore. Always welcoming new artists and people open to developing their art skills, The Lismore Art Club invites new members regardless of their art background or training. “Its quite a feat that The Lismore Art Club

has actively continued to hold their annual exhibition for 63 consecutive years, despite foods, the pandemic and everything else that has happened in Lismore for the past 6 decades” said Lismore Art Club President and local artist Jeht Burgoyne. “Its a great club to be involved with. Even if you only have a small creative bone in your body, the club welcomes people from all walks of life from beginners to professional artists”.

The Lismore Art Club would like to extend an open invitation to attend the opening night of the show, set to be held on Friday October

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS FUN AT THE SANCTUARY

Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary have plenty planned to keep the whole family busy these school holidays!

The Sanctuary.

The Wildlife Twins Performances on:

6th from 5-9pm at the Flourish Gallery, 15 Casino Street South Lismore. The exhibition will be opened by Dr Jenny Dowell OAM. Drinks and nibblies will be provided and the venue is wheelchair accessible. All are welcome.

The exhibition will run at Flourish Gallery until October 27 and can be viewed during gallery opening hours: Wednesday-Fridays 10am-4pm & Saturdays 10am-2pm.

For more information contact Lismore Arts Club President and owner at Flourish Gallery/StudiosJeht Burgoyne on 0427545398 or email jehtburgoyne@yahoo. com

We’ve got everything you need to keep the kids busy these school holidays at The Sanctuary! Exciting day programs like Wildlife Guardians and Keeper for a Day are back again plus, Puggles Vacation Care and lots of other fun experiences for the whole family... read on to see what’s coming up and book your place!

Family Fridays w/ Bunny Racket Are you ready to rock? Bunny Racket will be rocking out at Family Fridays this Friday, September 29th from 5 pm. We’ll also be serving delicious food and a great bar stocked with some local favourites! Head to our website to book your ticket! All funds raised go back to our wildlife projects at

Tuesday, September 26th and Monday, October 2nd at The Sanctuary from 11am. Their incredible wildlife show features some gorgeous native wildlife including the ultra-famous, Barty the wombat. The show is free with a Day Pass ticket to The Sanctuary and free for members!

Come along and have a great day out #forthewildlife

Wildlife Guardians

Your children can become Wildlife Guardians and spend the day with the keepers behind-the-scenes in the Wildlife Sanctuary, learning about conservation and caring for our wildlife.

Days offered:

27 of September | 29th of September | 4th of October - SOLD OUT | 6th of October | 7th of October.

Keeper for a Day

If you’re aged between 12 and 18 you can spend

a day behind the scenes with one of our senior keepers during these school holidays.

Days offered:

26 of SeptemberSOLD OUT| 28th of September | 30th of September | 3rd of October | 5th of October. Paper Making Class

You’ll learn how to make handcrafted paper in this morning art class!

Sunday October 8th from 10 am-12pm Book a wildlife experience

You can now have an unforgettable experience at the Sanctuary by selecting one of our experience packages! Meet one of our amazing snakes, get up close and personal with Socrates the Barn Owl, or meet our cute Sugar Gliders Sebastian & Samson who are guaranteed to make you smile.

To book or fnd out more information about these upcoming events, www.byronbay wildlifesanctuary.com.au

Farmers workshop the bill-busting benefts of renewable energy

Farmers for Climate Action

Farmers from across northern Victoria will come together at a series of free On-Farm Renewables workshops to hear about the benefts that renewable energy, storage and electrifcation can bring to their farm business and communities.

Farmers for Climate Action is delivering workshops in the frst week of October for farmers and community

members in Seymour, Echuca, Bendigo, Mildura and Euroa. Farmers can hear from experts in electrifcation and renewables, and other farmers who have made the switch to cheaper, cleaner energy.

“I’ve been talking with producers across northern Victoria who are excited about the opportunities from switching to renewables and electrifying their farms, but want to know more,” said Atienne Bakker-Szumer, Community Programs

Manager at Farmers for Climate Action.

“Climate change is making farmers’ jobs harder, but primary producers are keen to do what they can to protect their business and the future of farming in our regions.

“Embracing renewable energy and storage solutions is one thing farmers can do to lower their power bills and increase their resilience in the face of a hotter climate,” said Mr Bakker-Szumer.

Key speaker

Russell Klose, based in Yackandandah, brings extensive practical experience in electrifcation and renewables to the workshops. A long-term regional Victorian, Mr Klose’s background is in the auto industry and he now imports used electric vehicles and consults on electrifcation and practical applications of renewable energy systems. Additional local speakers will join the events, bringing

information and examples to share with fellow farmers. The workshop series will take place in the frst week of October. The events are free to any farmer or community member. Locals can register to attend the event at the Farmers for Climate Action website here. https:// farmersforclimateaction. org.au/portfolio/on-farmrenewables-roadshownorthern-victoria/ On farm renewables workshop times and dates:

Seymour: Monday 2nd of October, 5:30pm, The Prince Hotel Echuca: Tuesday 3rd of October, 10:30am, Echuca Neighbourhood House

Bendigo: Tuesday 3rd of October, 5:30pm, Queens Arms Hotel Mildura: Wednesday the 4th of October, 6pm, the Gateway Mildura Euroa: Thursday the 5th of October, 4pm, Seven Creeks Hotel

El Niño offcially returns, heralding hotter, drier conditions and increased fre danger for Australia

Climate Council

AUSTRALIANS are urged to prepare for hot, dry and potentially dangerous fre conditions, as the Bureau of Meteorology has offcially declared an El Niño event underway.

The Bureau of Meteorology’s update comes as fres burn across the Northern Territory, Queensland and New South Wales. In Sydney, today marks the hottest three consecutive days ever recorded during September alongside the announcement of a total fre ban, catastrophic fre conditions for the south coast, and school closures in some areas. At the same time abnormally high sea temperatures over recent months have triggered a red alert among scientists. They warn that we’re speeding towards uncharted and dangerous territory.

The Climate Council has reinforced the need to move away from fossil fuels and strengthen Australia’s environment laws to consider climate impacts of any new projects. Tomorrow, the organisation will release a report that warns of the scorching consequences of a failure to reduce our emissions this decade.

Climate Councillor and leader of the Emergency Leaders for Climate Action (ELCA) group, Greg Mullins said: “An El Niño event can be like putting fre weather

on steroids. With the warmer and drier conditions it usually brings, we could be looking at an extended and potentially volatile fre season. Already signifcant fres have been raging nationwide, including in NSW, Queensland, WA and the NT. A fre near Tennant Creek has already burned hundreds of thousands of hectares, and the entire Northern Territory has been declared a fre danger zone until next March. Nationally, we’re warned of a hotter, drier Spring and Summer.

“Climate change just adds to what El Niño conditions can bring, by driving even higher temperatures and extreme weather including strong winds that can turn fres into

infernos.

“Aussie communities are resilient, but let’s not forget that being ready, staying alert and listening to fre service warnings are our best defences when facing heightened fre danger brought on by an El Niño event, worsened by climate change.

“The Government needs to implement all 80 recommendations of the Bushfre Royal Commission without further delay, and signifcantly increase disaster adaptation and resilience spending as we do everything we can to drive down greenhouse gas emissions.”

Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie said: “The era of climate consequences is all around us and it is being

driven by the burning of fossil fuels - coal, oil and gas. Australians are right to be concerned about what an El Niño period will mean for us. That’s why the Climate Council is calling on the Australian government to accelerate their review of Australia’s environmental law to make sure that it deals with climate change.

“Right now, coal and gas corporations can get away with building projects that pollute our air, our waterways and the atmosphere. A strong national environment law will safeguard our health, grow the economy and protect our treasured natural places.”

Climate Council Research Director Simon Bradshaw added: “The devastating extreme

weather we’re seeing around the world is exactly what climate scientists have been warning us about for decades. That same science tells us we can still choose what our future looks like. Through stronger action now we can substantially limit future climate harms.

“In recent months we’ve seen southern and central Europe, the US, China, North Africa, and Japan all experience extreme heatwaves. India and South Korea have suffered deadly foods. Canada has just experienced its worst wildfre season on record, with scenes eerily reminiscent of Australia’s Black Summer. This is what climate change looks

like.

“Climate changedriven by the burning of coal, oil and gas - is supercharging the impacts of El Niño events, and is likely also increasing the frequency of strong El Niño events.

“The prospect of a powerful El Niño, against the backdrop of a warming planet, is another urgent call for faster action to move beyond fossil fuels and get emissions plummeting. Our very way of life, the vitality of the ecosystems that support life, and the safety of all communities are at stake.”

Editor’s Note: Climate change is supercharging extreme weather events such as fres and foods, and threatening Australia’s way of life. The CSIRO says strong El Niño and La Niña events have become more frequent due to increasing greenhouse gas emissions from the burning of coal, oil and gas, which are driving dangerous climate change.

The return of El Niño is likely to see unprecedented heat extremes globally and the return of dangerous fre conditions to parts of Australia, particularly the east. El Niño largely affects eastern Australia and typically brings drier and hotter conditions. This can lead to an increased risk of more frequent and severe heatwaves, bushfres, and drought across parts of the country.

Designing an award-winning future for ag

The prestigious Good Design Awards has recognised Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), Tobias and Thinkplace for two projects in ag policy and trade spaces.

The Compliance Capture and Compliance Insights digital tools and the Modern Workforce Management and Planning Practices Project were announced as winners on Friday 8 September.

Acting Deputy Secretary for Agricultural Trade Nicola Hinder PSM said the digital tools have reshaped the landscape of regulatory compliance by removing obstacles and improving services for exporters and for DAFF.

“The tools are the result of a partnership between Tobias, a strategic design and innovation consultancy and DAFF’s Taking Famers to Market

program team,” Ms Hinder said.

“These tools give government a real opportunity to make

streamlined export experience.

“I’m pleased to see hard work and collaboration recognised

Project, a project by strategic design consultancy, Thinkplace, provides practical support for agricultural

under the AgFAIR program.

Deputy Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Policy

years to come.

“This award recognises the rigorous work it took to develop a set of practical tools and materials to assist employers to navigate disruptions and challenges in the labour market,” Ms Deininger said.

“Adoption of modern workforce management and planning practices will help reposition the agriculture sector as an employer of choice and assist in securing skilled workers in a highly competitive market. Helping employers attract and retain staff will in turn help the agriculture sector get closer to its goal of being a $100 billion industry by 2030.”

it easier for producers and exporters to get their goods to overseas markets through a more

with this award.”

The Modern Workforce Management and Planning Practices

employers for implementing modern workforce management and planning practices

Rosemary Deininger said the project will help to strengthen the agriculture workforce for

The Australian Good Design Awards are the country’s oldest international awards for design and innovation, established in 1958.

NSW DPI to support beekeepers in transition to management

Following the recent decision of the National Management Group (NMG) to transition the Varroa mite emergency eradication response to a Management Response Plan, NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is working with industry on next steps.

NSW DPI Director General Scott Hansen said that NSW will operate under an interim management strategy, which has been published in a new Emergency Order, while a National Management Plan for Transition to Management is being developed.

“Following the NMG decision yesterday to transition to management, the NMG also agreed to an interim strategy to limit the impacts and slow the spread of Varroa mite, which NSW DPI has begun working with all our stakeholders to implement today,” Mr Hansen said.

“We will continue to provide information and

support to industry, using learnings from the past ffteen months during which the spread of this invasive mite has been signifcantly delayed thanks to the tireless efforts of the response team.”

NSW DPI Deputy Director General Biosecurity & Food Safety, Dr John Tracey said under the conditions of the interim

management strategy, the whole state will either be in a Suppression Zone or Management Zone.

“The only Management Zones will be in the existing Emergency Eradication Zones in the Kempsey, Hunter and Central Coast regions,” Dr Tracey said.

“Free movement will be allowed within Management Zones, and movement outside

Management Zones will be allowed under risk-assessed permit conditions.”

“The rest of the state will be classifed as being in the Suppression Zone, where hive movements will be allowed so long as movement declarations are completed.”

Dr Tracey said the interim management arrangements are

designed to balance risk with business continuity.

“Beekeepers in all current Emergency Eradication (red) Zones will have the option of voluntary euthanasia of hives and subsequent access to Owner Reimbursement Compensation payments if they meet certain conditions,” Dr Tracey said.

“NSW beekeepers have

been through a lot over the past ffteen months, so I want to remind them to reach out to DPI as we have a range of tools to support them through these challenging times.” Under the interim strategy, all beekeepers in NSW will still be required to complete hive testing (alcohol washing, soapy water wash or miticide strip and sticky mat) and report results to DPI every 16 weeks. Where results indicate a mite infestation DPI will supply miticide strips to be installed in infested hives.

Hive movement declarations must be submitted to DPI for all movements of hives and all miticide treatments must be recorded and reported to DPI.

For more information visit the NSW DPI Varroa mite website at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/ varroa or contact the Varroa mite Hotline on phone 1800 084 881.

Weather bureau confrms what farmers are already experiencing - it’s getting hot and dry

Farmers for Climate Action

Farmers for Climate Action is calling for urgent action to limit climate change as it emerges farmers are offcially facing an El Niño weather pattern after three years of La Niña.

The Bureau of Meteorology today declared Australia

is offcially in an El Niño weather pattern, meaning warmer drier conditions are more likely for south-eastern Australia, and this will be made more extreme by climate change.

Already some farmers, including Farmers for Climate Action member Peter Lake who farms near Grafton on the NSW North Coast, are offcially in drought

conditions after battling foods 12 months ago.

“It turned from mud to concrete in a couple of weeks and suddenly everything was just dry. From food to drought, climate change is making the changes more extreme,” Mr Lake said.

Farmers for Climate Action Chair Brett Hall, who farms in the Derwent Valley in Tasmania, said

many farmers were concerned about the possibility of warmer, drier conditions and increased weather variability for eastern Australia this spring and summer.

“Although some farmers have had reasonable conditions recently, we know things can change in a few months.”

Mr Hall said that Australian farmers are

great at adapting, but that ultimately we need to address the driving cause of climate change - emissions.

“Farmers are always looking three steps ahead to the next event but there are limits to their adaptation. While we adapt and mitigate on-farm, we need to know the rest of the economy is doing its bit to reduce emissions and tackle climate change,

which is causing more frequent and severe weather events.”

Farmers for Climate Action, an organisation representing 8000 farmers, hosted a webinar “El Niño explained” in July bringing together a range of speakers, including from the BoM and Birchip Cropping Group to help farmers prepare.

Three individuals have been penalised after an attempt to import succulents was intercepted by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

Deputy Secretary of Biosecurity Dr Chris Locke said these outcomes are a warning to anyone who ignores Australia’s biosecurity laws.

“We have three individuals who had the potential to seriously endanger Australia’s environment through the illegal importation of a high volume of succulents from overseas,” Dr Locke said.

“The plants were discovered in packages that had been misdeclared in order to circumvent the department’s biosecurity controls.

“Some of the plants imported were considered high-risk as they could have been carrying dangerous pathogens, including Xylella fastidiosa. Others in the collection

Thorny end for cactus racket

were at serious risk of becoming weeds and causing irreversible harm to Australia’s environment and

agricultural industries.”

These individuals attended court in New South Wales and Queensland and have

all been found guilty of serious offences under the Biosecurity Act 2015, resulting in fnes of up to $20,000 being

applied to one individual and a 12-month good behaviour bond applied to the other.

The third individual

was found guilty of 30 contraventions of the Biosecurity Act 2015 and sentenced to 10-months imprisonment. However, they were released immediately upon entering a 12-month, $2,000 good behaviour bond.

“Any breach of Australian biosecurity laws is taken extremely seriously, and huge penalties await those who deliberately break the law,” Dr Locke said.

“An attempt to make a quick buck has now cost these individuals thousands. It’s a sharp lesson for them and a sombre reminder for us that we cannot afford to be complacent about biosecurity.

“Our strong biosecurity laws are there to protect more than $90 billion worth of agricultural production and $5.7 trillion worth of unique, environmental assets.

“Biosecurity is a shared responsibility, and we all need to play our part to keep our country safe.”

Varroa mite decision requires response

Today the National Farmers’ Federation Horticulture Council is calling on the Albanese Government to respond to the decision to stop the Varroa Mite eradication effort with a clear commitment to conclude its review of the legality of levying containerised cargo under international law before the end of the year.

Council Chair Jolyon Burnett said while a funding increase for biosecurity activities was welcomed as part of the last Federal budget, it is abundantly clear more support for the biosecurity system will be required.

“The Varroa Mite cat is now out of the bag in Australia, and there’s no putting it back in.

This is devastating for the apiarists who are now faced with living with a pest that has fundamentally changed

the beekeeping industry wherever it has been endemic overseas,” he said.

“It’s also going to have signifcant impacts on the commercial horticulture industry and many unforeseen consequences for the

wider agricultural industry and food supply.

“But we should be under no illusion this incursion will be the last. We have no time to spare in investing in our system, to keep other threats out of the

country and to prepare for the next emergency response.

“The most comprehensive review of our biosecurity system and its funding arrangements was led by eminent Australian scientist Wendy Craik

and reported back in 2017. One of its leading recommendations on funding was the creation of a charge on containerised cargo arriving by sea as a primary risk creator for our biosecurity system.

“It’s a

recommendation the last Coalition Government committed to before buckling, presumably under pressure from importing industries.

“It’s now a recommendation the current Albanese Government is at risk of kicking down the road or dodging altogether.

“By all means test its consistency with international obligations, but if its good enough for Wendy Craik to recommend and the last government agree to, then we can’t see why a review shouldn’t be fnished before the end of 2023.

“Any lack of urgency from government to review the cargo charge will be compared unfavourably by farmers with the government’s rush to design and impose a new biosecurity levy on industry from July next year.”

Seasonal and market concerns weighing on Australian farmer sentiment

Australian rural confdence has declined in the latest quarter, with increasing concerns about lower commodity prices and the prospect of a return to drought weighing on farmer sentiment.

However, Australian farmers are feeling less pressure from interest rates and overseas markets/economies, according to the latest quarterly Rabobank Rural Confdence Survey, released today.

Overall, national rural confdence was found to have dropped to the fourth lowest level in two decades.

More than half of Australian farmers (51 per cent) surveyed expect the agricultural economy to worsen over the next 12 months (up from 35 per cent with that view last quarter).

A total of 10 per cent expect an improvement (back slightly from 13 per cent last survey), while 37 per cent expect the agricultural economy to remain stable in the year ahead.

Among those farmers reporting a negative outlook, there were increasing concerns about lower commodity prices – cited as an issue by 60 per cent, compared with 56 per cent last quarter. Drought was also a growing worry – nominated by 32 per cent with a pessimistic outlook (compared with 20 per cent previously).

Of those producers with an optimistic outlook this survey, expectations of rising commodity prices were a key driver (for 61 per cent). While fewer were expecting good seasonal conditions (19 per cent, compared with 33 per cent in quarter two) but more were confdent in overseas markets (20 per cent, up from 14 per cent).

Rabobank group executive for Country Banking Australia, Marcel van Doremaele said farmers with a positive outlook were refecting the hope that the sector had weathered the worst of price cycles and was now coming out the other side.

“It has certainly been a period of adjustment for

our agricultural sector, as we come off historicallyhigh commodity prices, especially for the cattle and lamb sectors,” he said.

“Last quarter we saw stabilisation of confdence in some states, but now it’s fallen consistently across the nation on the back of dry seasonal conditions paired with softer commodity prices.”

Mr van Doremaele said seasonally, farmers had been dealt a mixed hand across the country.

“While some winterrainfall-dominant regions have received benefcial falls to set them up for spring, other areas are grappling with the double-whammy of both a dry start and a dry fnish for crops,” he said.

“It’s fair to say the potential of what may happen through the crucial spring period does have many producers on a knife’s edge, especially in regions where winter didn’t deliver rain as hoped.”

States

The survey, completed last month, found farmer sentiment to be down across all states this quarter, with New South Wales and Western Australia reporting the lowest levels of rural confdence and both recording signifcant declines from the previous survey.

Mr van Doremaele said there were “two very different seasonal situations at play” in New South Wales – with central, western and northern areas very dry – while in southern regions and through the Riverina, farmers have generally been enjoying good seasonal conditions.

For WA – unlike other states, where falling commodity prices consistently topped the list of concerns this quarter – government intervention/policy was the leading factor for half of the state’s farmers who expect the agricultural economy to worsen.

Mr van Doremaele said this refected the looming phase out of live sheep exports, which was an issue for many

farmers in that state.

South Australian farmer sentiment also declined signifcantly this quarter, after holding steady in the previous survey, with worries about a drier fnish to the cropping season adding to commodity concerns.

For Tasmania, Mr van Doremaele said, the downward trend in red meat prices was the major factor driving lower farm sentiment.

In Victoria, while rural confdence was down on last quarter, the decline was comparatively small, with the state’s farmers also more positive than in the rest of the nation.

Mr van Doremaele said Victoria was currently enjoying “generally good” seasonal conditions in most areas.

Farmers across much of Victoria have enjoyed a strong start to the season, but they are now very aware of the potential of drier conditions ahead, and this outlook will be weighing on their minds,” he said.

Commodities

Mr van Doremaele said while confdence had declined across almost all commodities in the latest quarter, cotton had bucked the trend with increasing optimism found among growers.

And, while there was otherwise declining sentiment among the other commodity groups, there were “nuances” in their concerns.

“For example, in the sheep industry, softening commodity prices have been compounded by the federal government’s planned phase-out of the live export industry, which is weighing on the minds of producers especially, but not only, in WA,” he said.

“And while competition for milk among processors has delivered strong prices locally, Australian dairy farmers are now assessing the impact of industry events further afeld, such as what will happen with the heifer market into China and how Fonterra’s announcement of reduced milk payouts in New Zealand could

impact our domestic market.”

As livestock producers deal with easing commodity prices, along with the prospect of a drier year ahead, confdence dropped across the board in these sectors.

Sheepmeat producers were found to have the lowest levels of sentiment of all the individual commodity sectors.

More sheep producers expect the agricultural economy to worsen (61 per cent, up from 40 per cent last quarter), driven by increased concern about falling commodity prices (71 per cent, up from 57 per cent) and drought (21 per cent, up from eight per cent).

Confdence also declined in the beef sector, falling from net -21 per cent to -37 per cent quarter-on-quarter. However, there was positive movement in the number of beef producers who believe the economy will improve, up from 11 per cent last quarter to 13 per cent this survey.

In the dairy industry, confdence dropped back to -29 per cent from -15 per cent with fewer respondents expecting conditions to improve. Although falling commodity prices remain a concern, it was less of a worry (64 per cent, back from 69 per cent last quarter) but dairy farmers had increased concerns about rising input costs (40 per cent, up from 28 per cent) and drought (nominated by 19 per cent as a cause for concern, up from seven per cent).

Cotton was the only sector to buck the negative trend, with net confdence bouncing from -20 per cent to fve per cent this quarter.

“Although there has once again been a mixed bag of seasonal conditions for cotton producers, the cotton industry – contrary to the majority of agricultural commodities – has welcomed price improvements in markets in recent months which has buoyed confdence,” Mr van Doremaele said. Sentiment among

sugar cane growers was also down, despite sugar prices reaching record levels.

“Some of Queensland’s sugar producers have been challenged in recent months by harvest delays created by wet weather,” Mr van Doremaele said. “These delays have not affected quality and yield, just slowed the crush down considerably.”

Farm performance and investments

In line with concerns about commodity prices and the seasonal outlook, more than half of Australian farmers surveyed expect their gross farm income to decrease in the year ahead (54 per cent) and only 14 per cent anticipated incomes to increase.

Overall, this survey found more producers are looking to rein in their investment plans for the coming year, with net investment intentions declining to the fourth lowest level in the survey’s history.

Only 15 per cent of Australian farmers expect to increase investment in their farm business in the coming year (back from 21 per cent last quarter) while 22 per cent plan on reducing investment (up from 13 per cent). However 62 per cent still intend to maintain investment at existing levels.

“Farmers are becoming increasingly cautious as reservations about declining seasonal conditions dovetail into general apprehension about markets. As budgets tighten, appetite for spending is naturally curtailed,” Mr van Doremaele said.

“That’s not to say there isn’t still interest in strategic investment such as land expansion, however farmers are factoring in interest rates, softer commodity prices and the seasonal outlook before committing to investment projects.”

This was refected in how Australian farmers plan on allocating new investment over the next 12 months, with more nominating purchasing

property to expand their operation (26 per cent, up from 21 per cent last quarter). However, investment plans across almost all other areas reduced this quarter.

“We see that prices for land are holding up really well, especially for cattle properties, but there are just fewer buyers,” Mr van Doremaele said.

Across sectors, there were mixed investment intentions.

“While fewer sheep and beef producers plan on increasing investment in their businesses over the next 12 months, the competition for raw milk by processors has maintained strong dairy farmer confdence about investing back into their businesses,” Mr van Doremaele said.

More dairy farmers indicated they plan on investing in their business (31 per cent, up from 25 per cent last quarter) whereas 12 per cent of beef producers and nine per cent of sheep producers intend to increase investment (down from 16 per cent and 15 per cent respectively, quarter-onquarter).

And, even though confdence among cotton growers had improved in the latest survey, this wasn’t enough to drive up investment enthusiasm and only 20 per cent of cotton producers plan on increasing investment in their businesses, a drop from 42 per cent in the previous quarter.

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.

Barrington Tops: A Natural Wonder of New South Wales

By Liam Jennings

Nestled in the lush embrace of the Hunter Region in New South Wales, Australia, Barrington Tops stands as a testament to nature’s grandeur. This rugged wilderness is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, and for a good reason. Spanning over 2,000 square kilometres, Barrington Tops is a treasure trove of biodiversity, striking landscapes, and outdoor adventures that beckon nature enthusiasts, hikers, and explorers alike.

The Natural Diversity of Barrington Tops

One of the most captivating aspects of Barrington Tops is its astounding diversity of ecosystems, which range from subtropical rainforests to subalpine meadows. The region’s altitude varies from around 200 meters to over 1,500 meters above sea level, creating a mosaic of habitats that support an array of fora and fauna.

• Ancient Antarctic Beech Forests: Barrington Tops is renowned for its ancient Antarctic Beech forests, which date back over 100 million years. These towering trees create a magical, moss-covered world where sunlight flters through the dense canopy, casting an ethereal glow.

• Gushing Waterfalls: The park is punctuated with pristine waterfalls. A visit to places like

Williams River Falls and Antarctic Beech Forest Walk reveals the captivating beauty of these cascading waters, often surrounded by vibrant ferns and lush greenery.

• Alpine Meadows: At higher altitudes,

adventure.

• Hiking Trails: There are numerous hiking trails catering to various ftness levels.

The Gloucester Tops Circuit is a moderate 8-kilometer hike that takes you through lush rainforests and offers

situated in the alpine meadows, is a popular choice for its pristine surroundings.

powerful owls. Bring your binoculars and keep an eye out for these feathered treasures.

Barrington Tops transforms into a subalpine wonderland. In the warmer months, wildfowers bloom, carpeting the landscape with vivid colours. In winter, these meadows become a snowy haven, perfect for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

• Unique Wildlife: The park is home to an abundance of wildlife, including eastern grey kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, and a variety of bird species. Lucky visitors might even spot the elusive platypus in the park’s crystal-clear streams.

Outdoor Adventures in Barrington

Tops

For outdoor enthusiasts, Barrington Tops offers an array of activities to quench your thirst for

stunning views. For the more adventurous, the challenging Corker Trail provides a multi-day trek through the heart of the wilderness.

• Camping: Barrington Tops offers several wellmaintained campgrounds where you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the park. Polblue Campground,

• 4WD and Mountain Biking: If you’re looking for a thrilling off-road experience, Barrington Tops has a network of 4WD tracks and mountain biking trails that wind through the rugged terrain. These paths take you deep into the park, where you can encounter its wild heart.

• Birdwatching: Birdwatchers will be in paradise here. Barrington Tops is home to a diverse avian population, including lyrebirds, crimson rosellas, and

Stunning Lookout Points

Throughout Barrington Tops, there are numerous lookout points that provide panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Each offers a unique perspective on the park’s diverse scenery.

• Thunderbolts

Lookout: Named after the infamous bushranger Thunderbolt, this viewpoint offers stunning vistas of the Gloucester Valley and Barrington River.

• Careys Peak: At an elevation of 1,544

conservation efforts. The park’s UNESCO World Heritage listing underscores its ecological importance and the need to protect its unique ecosystems. Sustainable tourism practices are encouraged here to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy this pristine wilderness.

Barrington Tops is approximately 200 kilometres north of Sydney and can be reached by car in around three to four hours. The park is open year-round, but conditions can change with the seasons, so it’s essential to check for park alerts and road closures before your visit.

meters, Careys Peak is one of the highest points in Barrington Tops. The view from here is truly awe-inspiring, with uninterrupted vistas stretching as far as the eye can see.

Barrington Tops is not just a place of natural beauty; it’s a testament to successful

For those seeking accommodations, there are camping facilities within the park, as well as a range of lodges, cabins, and cottages in the nearby towns of Gloucester and Dungog. Barrington Tops is a natural wonder that beckons adventurers and nature lovers from around the world. Its diverse ecosystems, breath-taking landscapes, and outdoor adventures make it a destination that truly encapsulates the beauty of Australia’s wilderness. Whether you’re hiking through ancient rainforests, camping under starlit skies, or simply revealing in the serenity of nature, Barrington Tops is a place where you can reconnect with the natural world and create memories that will last a lifetime.

HYUNDAI I20 N AND I30 N HATCH AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AGAIN

THE JEEP DUAL-CAB WRANGLER OVERHAUL COMING

By Jeff Gibbs

Ordering options for the Hyundai i20 N and i30 N performance hatchbacks have offcially reopened in Australia. Hyundai’s local division has confrmed a waiting period of approximately six months for new customer orders, dependent on the specifcations.

A spokesperson from Hyundai Australia stated, “We are pleased to announce that i20 N and i30 N (hatch) will re-

open for customer orders effective immediately. Our existing order backlog has gradually reduced over the past year, and we now have adequate production supply to fulfll existing backorders.”

This announcement comes after nearly 14 months since Hyundai Australia temporarily halted orders for the i20 N and about seven months after a pause in sales for the larger i30 N hatch due to challenges in meeting high demand.

CRAIGS FLOAT HIRE

Consequently, the waiting times had surged to two years for the i20 N and over a year for the i30 N.

Approximately half of the six-month waiting period is attributed to transport, given that the i20 N is manufactured in Turkey and the larger i30 N hatch is sourced from the Czech Republic.

With upcoming facelifted versions of both models set to be unveiled in the coming months, it remains unclear whether customers will receive the current or updated versions.

Hyundai has indicated that the majority of outstanding orders, comprising around 240 i20s and 380 i30s, are already in transit. While specifc reveal dates are yet to be confrmed, it’s likely that the updated versions will arrive in the frst half of the next year.

Previously, there were indications that the facelifted i30 N hatch would be revealed next month and released locally alongside the updated i30 Sedan N next quarter. However, the release of the fagship four-door model has been postponed to early 2024.

Current pricing for the i20 starts from $34,990 plus on-road costs, and for the i30 N, it starts from $46,200 plus on-road costs. However, potential customers should be prepared for possible price adjustments if their orders are not fulflled before the release of the facelifted models, as Hyundai typically doesn’t price-protect existing orders.

By Jeff Gibbs

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator Dual-Cab Ute Showcased at Detroit Motor Show with Comprehensive Updates

The rejuvenated 2024 Jeep Gladiator dualcab ute has made its inaugural appearance at the Detroit motor show, incorporating numerous enhancements witnessed in the recently revamped Jeep Wrangler.

The makeover encompasses restyled features such as a compact seven-slot grille, redesigned indicators, updated bumpers, fresh tail-lights, and seven modern wheel designs adaptable to 32- and 33inch tyres. Jeep has also seamlessly integrated the previous truck’s antenna into the front windscreen, providing a sleek appearance.

Under the hood, the 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel, prevalent in overseas markets, has been replaced. Jeep now exclusively offers the larger 3.6-litre naturally-aspirated Pentastar V6, generating an impressive 213kW and 353Nm of torque. In the US, the petrol V6 is paired with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. A 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain, akin to the Wrangler, is expected in

the future.

The updated Gladiator now features three underbody bash plates safeguarding the fuel tank, transfer case, and automatic transmission oil pan. The Mojave and Rubicon model grades include steel rock rails as a standard addition. Furthermore, two luxurious grades, Mojave X and Rubicon X, have been

updates, two new dealer-ft American Expedition Vehicle (AEV) packs have been launched. These packs add a two-inch (50mm) suspension lift and larger 35-inch all-terrain tyres, with the Level II pack featuring even bigger 37-inch rubber, providing up to 16 inches (406mm) of ground clearance.

The interior of the

introduced, offering Nappa leather poweradjustable seats, an integrated off-road camera, a full-time transfer case, and steel bumpers.

Safety measures have been amplifed, with all models now equipped with front and rear side curtain airbags. Structural modifcations have been implemented to enhance side impact crash performance. The Premium Sun-Rider retractable soft-top has been upgraded to offer superior sound insulation and increased durability.

In addition to these

new Gladiator boasts a standard 12.3-inch touch-screen that operates the Stellantis group’s latest Androidbased UConnect 5 operating system, offering over-the-air updates and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Amazon Alexa is also available as a convenient onboard assistant.

The 2024 Gladiator is set to hit US dealerships before the year’s end, but details regarding pricing, full specifcations, and arrival times for Australia are yet to be disclosed.

“Retailers who sell deadly products should pay a price”: Research prompts calls to introduce tobacco retailer licensing fees in NSW

New research has prompted public health experts to call on the NSW Government to introduce tighter tobacco retail regulation and annual tobacco retailer licence fees to help continue to drive down smoking rates.

Across the country there are a mishmash of licensing laws applied to retailers wishing to sell tobacco, also with varying fees. In NSW, there is no positive licensing scheme in place with retailers only having to notify Government once if they intend to sell tobacco, with no fees attached.

A new article published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health looks at the impact of significant changes to tobacco licensing introduced in SA in January 2007, when the annual cost of retail tobacco licences rose 15-fold from $12.90 to $200. It builds on prior research that showed that the initial fee increase led to an almost 24 percent decrease in the number

of tobacco retailers within two years.

Co-author Professor Caroline Miller, Director of Health Policy at the South Australia Medical Health Research Institute (SAHMRI), says the latest analysis of what happened in SA between 2009 and 2020 shows large fees are needed to prompt retailers to re-evaluate their selling of tobacco.

“Since 2007, the fee in SA has only gradually been increased in line with indexation,” Prof Miller says.

“In the latest analysis, we found that the number of licences has continued to fall from 2,707 in 2009 to 1,810 in 2020, a 33 percent decline over 11 years. However, this is only an incremental change. The research suggests significant fee introductions or hikes help prompt retailers to revaluate being in the unethical business of tobacco.”

Ms Anita Dessaix, Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA)

NSW Spokesperson and Director, Cancer Prevention and Advocacy at Cancer Council NSW says it’s extremely disappointing and concerning that NSW lags behind most

tobacco, a product that if used as intended kills, while nearly all other states have licensing schemes with yearly fees attached.

“Tobacco is still the leading preventable

and more than 62,900 hospitalisations were attributed to smoking.

NSW retailers who sell these deadly products get off scot-free, without paying a licensing fee, while people who smoke pay the ultimate price with their health or life.

“Tobacco is sold in most supermarkets, in corner stores, petrol stations and tobacconists across the state – undermining NSW residents genuine attempts to quit. A positive licensing scheme could instead help fund compliance and enforcement efforts, as well as broader efforts to encourage and support people to quit.

It’s time to put tobacco retailer licensing on the radar.”

The Public Health Association of Australia is calling on all Governments to adopt a higher standard of licensing laws, including higher licensing fees, across the country to help drive down smoking rates.

other states that have a higher standard of tobacco licensing.

“It’s ridiculous that in NSW retailers only have to notify Government if they are intending to sell

cause of death and disability in NSW, and the social costs of smoking have been estimated at about $8.4billion. In NSW around 6,700 deaths

“While current smoking among across the NSW adult population has steadily declined over the past 20 years and is now sitting at 11.4%, among the most disadvantaged quintile current smoking is significantly higher at 19.4%.

“To help drive down smoking rates in NSW the Government needs to ask themselves – are we doing all we can?

The Federal Government has committed to a target of decreasing smoking rates to below 10% by 2025, and to 5% or less by 2030.The National Tobacco Strategy has a number of actions relating to licensing, including considering restricting or prohibiting the sale of tobacco products in premises where alcohol is consumed, including vending machines; banning or restricting the sale of tobacco online and through smartphone applications; and considering a framework for a national licensing scheme, but these strategies are yet to be funded or implemented.

NSW Budget a solid advance for essential workers

Unions NSW

Unions have commended the first Budget in more than a decade to be handed down without a cap restricting the wages of essential workers.

Critically, today’s

Budget creates a substantial $3.6 billion fund, dedicated to higher wages for vital workers.

It also sets aside $3.5 billion for 15 new schools, $3 billion for Western Sydney hospitals, $1.4 billion

for regional school upgrades, $572 million for additional health care workers and $438 million for an additional 500 regional paramedics.

Mark Morey, Unions NSW Secretary, said NSW Labor’s first budget laid solid foundations.

“Paying public sector workers enough to attract and retain them is absolutely critical to our state. The morale and goodwill of these workers was absolutely cratered by the Liberals. This Budget is the beginning of the rebuild.

“Today’s Budget recognises just how critical essential workers are, both by lifting the public sector wage cap and creating a new $3.6 billion fund for decent pay rises for the people who keep our state functioning.

“This is a very solid foundation to begin stemming the flow of essential workers interstate after 12 years of wage suppression. We won’t fix the essential worker shortage immediately, but we will make a dent in it.”

A previous Unions NSW survey of 2893 workers in the state’s schools, hospitals, prisons, transport network and emergency services outlined the dramatic impact of the Liberal wage cap. 27% of workers had considered or were considering moving and working in the public sector interstate, with 54% of workers that have considered or are considering moving interstate thinking about Queensland. An alarming 62% were considering leaving the public

sector in the next five years, rising to 75% in education and 70% in healthcare

The establishment of a $3.6 billion fund dedicated solely to providing higher wages demonstrates the State’s commitment to ensuring that the public sector remains competitive, attracting and retaining the best talent to serve the people of NSW.

“This $3.6 billion fund is a significant step forward in ensuring that our public sector workers are compensated fairly and competitively. Our teachers, health care workers, firefighters, police and so many others are the backbone of our state.

“Their pay must reflect their skills, experience, and dedication.”

Expert warns federal government’s new housing policy won’t work

RMIT University

The $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund is set to pass parliament after a deal with the Greens. An RMIT social housing expert warns it won’t solve the problem – not even close.

Liam Davies, RMIT lecturer in housing and urban planning:

“Investment in social housing in Australia is very welcome, but the new Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) is unlikely to provide enough support to suffciently increase supply.

“The HAFF is a $10 billion fund which will spend its interest earnings on social housing. It is like a

term-deposit for social housing, where the money will not actually be spent, just the investment earnings.

“According to the government, the $10 billion HAFF will support construction of 30,000 dwellings over the next fve years. This is an average of 6,000 dwellings per annum.

“The social housing system has not grown at the same rate as the general housing stock for many years. According to the Productivity Commission, between 2011 and 2021 social housing shrunk from 4.6% of all dwellings to 3.7% of all dwellings.

In proportional terms Australia has almost 69,000 fewer social housing dwellings

today than ten years ago. That is an average proportionate decline of 6,900 dwellings per annum.

“Meanwhile, Productivity Commission data shows that the waitlist has increased from 140,578 in 2018 to 174,624 in 2022.

“National Cabinet has agreed to a target of 1.2 million new dwellings over the next fve years.

To maintain current social housing stock of 3.7%, around 45,000 of these dwellings would need to be social. This is much more than what the HAFF is promising.

“To get social housing stock back to 2011 levels, we need around 124,000 social housing dwellings over the next fve years (69,000 to

cover the shortfall and 55,000 to maintain social housing as 4.6% of stock). This is over four times what the HAFF is promising.

“Evidently the HAFF will not get us close to where we need to be. At best, the HAFF will slow down the decline of social housing in

Australia.

“Much more investment is required to deliver the amount of social housing Australia needs, and while the HAFF won’t hurt, it won’t come close to solving the problem. What would make a real difference, would be a commitment to spending

the whole $10 billion on housing, not just the interest.”

Liam Davies is an academic in the School of Global, Urban and Social Studies. His research looks at state and commonwealth government policies that affect affordable housing.

Housing and homelessness funding amounts to crumbs

Homelessness NSW

Homelessness NSW says the government’s $224 million housing package amounts to crumbs and barely scratches the surface of the state’s homelessness crisis.

“We should not let the pursuit of budget savings punish the state’s most vulnerable people by putting off meaningful investment in housing and homelessness,” said HNSW A/CEO Amy Hains.

“We need to be honest about the scale of the challenge and the need for signifcant new investment – not

window-dressing commitments.

“NSW does not need more vehicles for housing and homelessness fnance; we need direct investment – now – in housing and services at a scale that is going to make a real difference in this crisis.”

NSW has a shortage of 221,500 social and affordable homes, rents are hitting record highs and demand for homelessness services soared 10 per cent in the frst three months of this year.

“The $5.9 million in homelessness services funding still leaves

frontline services facing a huge funding shortfall given the increased cost of delivering services,” said Ms Hains.

“The reality is, services need $50 million over two years to ensure they

can continue operating and are not forced to make heartbreaking decisions about who to turn away.”

HNSW had called for a 10 per cent funding boost to homelessness

services, $400 million to build and acquire more social housing, and $50 million for the Together Home program that has helped house more than 1000 rough sleepers since 2020.

“The $11 million allocated for Together Home means that hundreds of rough sleepers will miss out on the chance to access safe, stable and secure housing,” said Ms Hains.

“Social housing has suffered from decades of underinvestment.

The $70 million to build more social and affordable housing, and $35 million to maintain existing stock barely

scratches the surface of what’s needed to reverse this.

“Failing to invest suffciently in social housing will only result in higher demand for hospitals, police and other community services because vulnerable people do not have access to a safe and stable home.

“More and more people are being priced out of the private rental market amid tough competition for a tight supply of homes. Building enough social housing will ease this pressure, ultimately helping bring down rents and reducing homelessness.”

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

All let us rejoyce, Alan has checked out.

All let us rejoyce, Alan has checked out. Aussies love nothing more than a public holiday, a barbecue and sticking it up Collingwood, however even more than that, Australians love lopping tall poppies.

Remember when Christina Holgate was so profigate that she gave $25,000 worth of watches as a bonus to four clever Aussie post employees who saved and made the public a heap of

Clandestine Vineyards

Frankland River/ Margaret River ‘Hearts & Minds’, Cabernet Malbec 2021, $60 (3,000 bottles made). While we debated whether the graphic-designheavy label would lure or repel buyers we managed to drink the lot and decided such a gorgeous wine, like Alan Joyce, could do what

dough, and Scomo sacked her?

Lopped her off at the head even though it wasn’t his job - which kind of proved to be his thing – and oh how the public ignored such brazen toxic masculinity until we fnally woke up to ourselves and lopped him at the ballot, but alas not enough. Anyway those tall poppies pale into puffy white clouds by comparison to Alan Joyce, who earned more than $25,000 per

it liked. 9.5/10.

Clandestine Vineyards

Frankland River Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, $35. Alas poor Alan may need to live out his days in ‘clandestiny’, or outside Australia at least. Sensible cabernet with which to toast his departure. 9.2/10.

Patrick of Coonawarra Grande Reserve Cabernet

day and looks set to claim $squillions as a parting gesture after steering Qantas to the number one spot on Australia’s most complained about institutions. Wouldn’t that make a great TV show!

Who can resist sticking the knife into Alan now and even more entertaining, who can resist employing a pun while doing so?

It’s become a national sport with headline and letter writers falling over themselves to push poor

Sauvignon (V.)2013, $125. (3000 bottles made).

Three years in new oak then seven years just lying around in a cellar, this is in the prime of its life and it’s almost a shame to drink it. This is the sort of stuff Alan will be drinking in retirement. At $25k per day (that’s 100 bottles btw), we all would. 9.8/10.

Alan out the cargo door. Okay, poor is probably not the right word and anyway the more than $100million he creamed from Qantas during his tenure buys a pretty cool pair of earmuffs.

Among the best letters, “Joyce has managed what Qantas planes failed to do… taken off early and kept his baggage”. Along the same lines, “Joyce has taken off but left his baggage behind”.

Many resorted to parachute puns, others the jump seat

Patrick Limestone Coast

P-Series Sauvignon Blanc 2023, $?? This is likely the most vibrant SB we’ve had this year and harks back to why the breed was so popular 20 years ago. The P-series is perfect for puns and pub tests. 9.3/10.

Hancock & Hancock McLaren Vale Home Vineyard Shiraz

or the ejector seat or sitting in the exit row, fying high on his severance pay, and taking cancel culture to a new level.

Still more picked on his name, somewhat cruel which one should never be with names, nor their physical stature or Irish heritage…unless you have lost your baggage or booked a cancelled fight, or lost your job to illegal outsourcing, or spent 5 hours not getting a refund

Grenache 2020, $25. Shove those three words together, McLaren, shiraz and grenache and you might as well pre-book an Uber (who knew you could do that?) coz you won’t be driving the McLaren even if you had one. Alan might.

9.4/10

Hancock and Hancock McLaren Vale Malbec,

Max Crus

or paid tax, more than $1 billion+ of which was given to Qantas as a covid bail-out before they recorded a $1 billion+ proft, in which case anything about Alan is fair game.

Yes, another thing Aussies love is someone failing the pub test. Why not order one of these while you take the test on Joyce?

2022, $25. Feel like throwing a huge Argentinian steak or some bulls testicles (or maybe Alan’s) on the barbie and have a bit of a multicultural night? What better match than a classic Argentinian wine, Malbec, albeit from McLaren Vale and with a rooster on the label? 9.4/10.

RACGP: General practice care crucial in helping patients with rare cancers

Royal Australian College of GPs

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has called on government to institute key reforms to help GPs and practice teams improve the health and wellbeing of people diagnosed with rare and less common cancers.

It comes following the College’s submission to the Senate Standing Committees on Community Affairs inquiry into equitable access to diagnosis and treatment for individuals with rare and less common cancers, including neuroendocrine cancer.

Chair of the RACGP Expert Committee on Quality Care, Professor Mark Morgan, said that GPs must be front and centre when it comes to helping people with rare cancers.

“GPs play a vital role in the diagnosis, screening, treatment and care coordination of patients with a rare cancer, and

government policy must refect that,” he said.

“As outlined in the National Strategy Action Plan for Rare Diseases, GPs are often the frst point of contact for people with rare diseases and if we are included in the care of patients with cancer this will ultimately improve the quality of care they receive and their overall wellbeing.

“It is vital that patients with cancer are encouraged to see their GP during their treatment to monitor progress and ensure that other health conditions and preventive screens are not overlooked. We shouldn’t just be focussed on treating cancer in isolation, other health activities and interventions must also be front of mind as part of a shared care model to improve care for people with complex chronic conditions. GPs are key to multidisciplinary teams and care coordination, and we need models in place to enable GPs and other

health professionals to work collaboratively at the top of their scope, so that patients get the best outcomes.

“Greater investment in general practice care would also make a real difference. This year’s federal Budget, including a new Medicare Benefts Schedule item for consultations lasting more than an hour, was a positive step forward. However, the job is not done because the MBS still rewards shorter, episodic care rather than long-term management of complex diseases.

“The MBS also doesn’t adequately support direct communication between GPs and other specialist providers leading to an over reliance on periodic letters or waiting for MBSfunded consultation visits. Basically, patient care coordination is not funded under this system. It’s important to keep in mind that patients might beneft from opportunities to engage in physical activity or being

connected to a peer support group. They might need to receive care from specialist teams based within a hospital and allied health providers in the community.

“GP teams are ideally placed to connect all these services, but current funding models are inadequate. Particularly when it comes to rare cancers, we may need to undertake further research and talk to other health professionals caring for the patient. So, what we really need is more investment in the MBS and the introduction of payment models to better support longer complex consultations and shared care to get the best possible results for our patients.

“Making clinical information more accessible for GPs would also be very benefcial. The College backs expanding HealthPathways, a system developed through Primary Health

Networks, which features links to clinical guidance for assessing and managing a patient with a particular symptom or condition and locally relevant information on referrals to existing services and specialists.

“Ask any GP and they will tell you that rare and less common cancers can be challenging to diagnose and it’s diffcult to identify patients who are at higher risk of rare cancers to institute regular surveillance. In addition to further research into rare and less common cancers, we also back further funding to investigate the feasibility of an urgent cancer referral system that includes people with suspected rare and less common cancers, like the one that operates in the United Kingdom. Under that system, anyone with symptoms that might indicate cancer is seen by a relevant specialist within two weeks, which means patients beneft from early diagnosis and earlier access to

treatment.

“We have come a long way in Australia in treating and caring for people with rare and less common cancers, but there is still great room for improvement. The College looks forward to working with government to ensure all possible measures are in place to help patients with cancer get the best possible care.”

The RACGP is currently updating the Guidelines for preventive activities in general practice 9th edition(the Red book). The Red Book provides the general practice team with guidance on screening, case fnding and proactive preventive care. These guidelines do not receive any public funding but are critical source of advice to GPs and other health professionals. Public funding would enable the RACGP to invest greater resources in the development and implementation of the guideline’s recommendations.

Numbers don’t lie: increased investment in rural health care urgently needed

National Rural Health Alliance

New data released today shows a strong correlation between reduced access to primary healthcare in rural Australia and high rates of potentially preventable hospitalisations, as well as highlighting the need for increased investment in rural health care.

The National Rural Health Alliance (the Alliance) is concerned about new rural and remote health data released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) which shows potentially avoidable deaths and hospitalisations were two to three times higher in remote and very remote areas compared with major cities. In addition, the number of non-hospital, nonreferred attendances per person were lowest in remote and very remote communities.

“The Alliance urgently calls for increased investment in rural health care, given the appalling health spending defcit in rural Australia which has compounded the health problems faced by

Sahaja Yoga Qld announces a free meditation tour of the South on Saturday 30th September, starting on the Gold Coast and ending at Ballina.

our rural communities,” said the Alliance Chief Executive Susi Tegen.

“We know the biggest defcits are in accessing primary health care as well as other MBS expenditure and private hospitals from a research report the Alliance released in June 2023, ‘Evidence base for additional investment in rural health in Australia’ compiled by Nous Group. The defcit in accessing primary health care then leads to increased hospital expenditure.

“The Nous report quantifed the rural health defcit at $6.55 billion annually. That equates to approximately $850 per person per annum in the context of a population of more than 7 million people living in rural Australia.

“There is clear evidence that per-person spending on healthcare is not equitable, and that this inequity is contributing to poorer health outcomes experienced in rural areas,” said Ms Tegen.

The numbers released today by AIHW confrm that rural areas also continue to have low levels of health workforce and higher rates of burden of disease

and preventable death.

The total burden has risen to 200 and 204 disability-adjusted life years (DALY) per 1,000 population for inner and outer regional areas, respectively, and 244 DALY per 1,000 population in remote and very remote areas.

“The Alliance is working with Federal, state and local governments, as well as communities to ensure that we develop solutions which are ft for purpose and sustainable. However, these require innovative thinking, equity and funding fexibility, because a city plan, often does not ft, nor work in rural Australia.

“Current funding models and service delivery arrangements create signifcant barriers to workforce recruitment and retention, further exacerbating the funding shortfall. Providing rural people equitable services is crucial. The need for greater and more strategic investment in the health of rural Australians is urgently felt and must be addressed. We have a social and economic contract to do so,” concluded Ms Tegen.

Brisbane, September 8/9/23, Sahaja Yoga

Queensland, announced today their south of Brisbane tour offering free public meditation programs. The group has been providing free meditation programs for years as a community service, to assist people of all backgrounds to better cope with todays’ life challenges.

Sahaja Yoga is based on an ancient powerful meditation technique that has been transforming lives for over 50 years. Through Sahaja Yoga meditation, one may awaken an innate power to achieve what’s known as the fourth state of consciousnessthoughtless awareness. With this new ability, we can minimise or remove our thoughts. Thus, be in the present moment, which is reality. Once we are in this thoughtless state, we can achieve real peace, joy and balance. There are many forms of meditations being taught. However, true meditation is achieved when one reaches this fourth state of consciousness through a process known as Self Realisation, experienced through Sahaja Yoga meditation.

Stress, anxiety and negative emotions are some key factors that impact us in a negative

EDITORIAL

way.

By practising thoughtless meditation for just ten to ffteen minutes a day, one can achieve a state of emotional and mental balance. Millions of people around the world have turned their life around, beyond their daily struggles to attain the state of joy, peace and harmony with Sahaja Yoga meditation.

Sri Mataji Nirmala Devi, the founder of Sahaja Yoga, since childhood concerned herself on how to help people deal with the daily struggles of human life. She was able to discover a method for en-masse Realisation which is a simple but effective way to get into the thoughtless meditative state.

In May 1970 Sri Mataji founded Sahaja Yoga and started teaching it to a few people that since has spread to over 120 countries. Sahaja Yoga meditation is free, enjoyable and easily practised by people of all

ages and races.

“There can be no peace in the world until there is peace within.” - Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, founder of Sahaja Yoga.

TOUR LOCATIONS:

GOLD COAST QLD

Saturday 30th Sep, 1pm

Labrador Community Centre - 57 Billington Street, Labrador Qld

LISMORE NSW

Saturday 30th Sep, 1pm

Goonellabah Community Centre - 27 Oliver Ave, Goonellabah NSW

COFFS HARBOUR NSW

Saturday 30th Sep, 1pm

Cavanbah Centre - 191 Harbour Drive

BALLINA NSW

Saturday 30th Sep, 6.30pm - Lennox Head Cultural Centre - Meeting Room 4 - 1 Mackney Lane, Lennox Head NSW

REGISTRATION: sahajayogaqld.com/ register

MORE

INFORMATION: sahajayogaqld.com/ country-tours

Sahaja Yoga is an ancient and unique meditation technique to awaken our innate power and achieve thoughtless awareness. In the present, thoughtless state we can achieve real peace, joy and balance.

Sahaja Yoga meditation is always free, enjoyable and easily practised by people of all ages and races.

Mataji Nirm ala Devi -

By Liam Jennings

In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become a ubiquitous companion for many of us. The constant demands of work, technology, and daily life can take a toll on our mental well-being. Fortunately, there’s a therapeutic escape waiting just outside your door: gardening. Gardening is not only about nurturing plants; it’s also a powerful tool for stress relief and mental rejuvenation.

The Stress Epidemic Stress is a natural response to life’s challenges, but when it becomes chronic, it can have detrimental effects on both physical and mental health. Chronic stress has been linked to various health issues, including heart disease, depression, and anxiety. In a world characterised by constant busyness and digital distractions, fnding effective methods

to manage stress is essential.

The Therapeutic Power of Gardening

Gardening has long been recognised for its therapeutic benefts. The act of tending to plants, whether it’s digging in the soil, planting seeds, or nurturing fowers, can have a profound impact on your overall wellbeing. Here are some ways gardening can help you combat stress:

• Connection with Nature: Gardening allows you to connect with the natural world. Spending time outdoors, surrounded by greenery, can reduce stress and promote a sense of peace and connectedness.

• Mindfulness and Presence: Gardening encourages mindfulness, as it requires you to be fully present in the moment. Focusing on the task at hand and immersing yourself in the sights, smells, and textures of the garden can help

alleviate stress.

• Physical Activity: Gardening is a form of physical activity that doesn’t feel like exercise. Digging, weeding, and planting can provide a lowimpact workout, releasing endorphins that elevate your mood and reduce stress.

• Creative Expression: Designing and arranging your garden allows for creative expression. Experimenting with different layouts, colours, and plant combinations can be a source of personal satisfaction and stress relief.

• Sense of Accomplishment: Watching your garden grow and thrive can provide a profound sense of accomplishment. This tangible progress can boost self-esteem and reduce stress-related feelings of inadequacy.

• Natural Healing: Some

plants, like lavender and chamomile, have natural calming properties. Cultivating these plants in your garden can provide additional stress-relief benefts.

Practical Tips for Gardening Stress Relief

Now that you understand the benefts of gardening for stress relief, here are some practical tips to help you get started:

• Start Small: If you’re new to gardening, begin with a small area or a few pots on a balcony. You don’t need a large garden to experience the benefts.

• Choose LowMaintenance Plants: Select plants that are easy to care for and suited to your local climate. Lowmaintenance options can reduce gardeningrelated stress.

• Create a Relaxing Space: Design your garden with relaxation in mind. Consider adding a comfortable

seating area, wind chimes, or a water feature to enhance the calming atmosphere.

• Garden Mindfully: When you garden, be present in the moment. Focus on the sensations, sounds, and scents of the garden rather than racing through tasks.

• Set Realistic Goals: Don’t overwhelm yourself with an overly ambitious garden project. Set realistic goals and enjoy the process rather than fxating solely on the end result.

• Practice Patience: Gardening teaches patience. Understand that plants grow at their own pace, and setbacks are a natural part of the process.

• Garden with Others: Gardening can be a social activity. Consider involving friends or family members to share the joys and benefts of gardening together.

• Seek Professional Help: If you’re unsure about gardening techniques or need guidance, consider consulting with a local nursery or hiring a professional gardener. Gardening is more than just a hobby; it’s a therapeutic journey that can transform your life by reducing stress and promoting overall well-being. Whether you have a green thumb or are a gardening novice, you can experience the myriad benefts of nurturing plants and cultivating your own green sanctuary. In a world flled with digital distractions and constant demands, the simplicity and beauty of gardening can provide a much-needed respite for your mind and soul. So, grab your gardening tools, immerse yourself in nature, and let the stress melt away as you cultivate tranquillity in your own backyard.

Death Notice

BAVEA Edna Violet

4th August 1928 – 6th September 2023

Passed away at her home in Goonellabah, aged 95 years.

Funeral Notice

COWAN, COLIN OSWALD

07/10/1932 – 19/09/2023

90YRS

Loved wife of Sunny (Dec’d).

Adored mother & mother in-law of Jennifer & Malcolm Causley, John & Jan, and Mark (Dec’d). Cherished grandma to her grandchildren Karen (Dec’d), Paul & Robyn, Tony, Michael & Carly, Andrew, Karen, Nicolas, and Benjamin. Great Grandma Edna to Rebecca, Emily, Sophie, Ellie, Charlie. Loved sister of Ivy Norman and Olive Smith (both Dec’d), Loved aunt to their families. Loved by the extended Green and Bavea families. Special friend of many.

In keeping with Edna’s wishes a private family cremation was held Friday 15th September 2023.

Family & Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Edna, to be held at e Chapel of the Lismore Memorial Gardens, Skyline Road, Goonellabah, Saturday 7th October 2023 commencing at 11:30 AM

ose unable to attend with the family can do so via the live stream link: https://streaming.naoca.com.au/e/b15f73f3-614b4505-9aeb-cbed82a82b4a?pin=3999

This page is dedicated to all those that have passed

Passed away peacefully at Feros Care Bangalow Beloved Husband of Eileen (Patty) Dearly loved Father of Jacqueline & Terry, Debbie, Joanne & Simon Loved Father-in-Law of Michael & Robert (Both Dec) Adored and Loving Grandfather of 5, Great Grand Father of 8 and Great Great Grandfather of 1

Family & Friends are invited to attend Colin’s Funeral Service which will be held at St. Marks Anglican Church, Barker Street Casino.

On Wednesday 4th October 2023, Commencing at 10.30am Following the Service, the cortege will leave for the Casino Lawn Cemetery.

CWA Day Branch AGM

Position Vacant

aged care solutions

Registered Nurse

Richmond Lodge, Casino (30 beds)

Richmond Lodge is a beautiful small Aged Care home in Casino. The Lodge has both full and part time RN positions available due to the new RN 24/7 requirement in aged care. This is a fantastic opportunity for all RNs to apply and start a new rewarding career in Aged Care.

Our RNs enjoy working closely with staff, consumers and their health practitioners in a small friendly home to ensure quality best practise care is provided to all residents. Most importantly you will be in a position to bring a high level of care and satisfaction to our residents in their later years.

Essential:

• Full unrestricted AHPRA registration as a Registered Nurse

• Experience in Aged Care Nursing but not essential. A willingness to learn.

• An individual who values compassion, respect, integrity, kindness, and inclusiveness.

Benefts and Perks

• Up to $53 per hour + Plus super and leave loading.

• Salary packaging options (up to $15,900 living expenses & $2,650 entertainment benefts, tax free)

• Access to a Wellness Program & $200 annual payment

• Up to $500 retention bonus for permanent appointments

• Financial support for AHPRA registration (including payment of annual fees)

• Supportive and friendly work environment

• Work/life balance and fexible working arrangements available

Pre-employment screening

The successful candidate is required to complete UPA’s pre-employment screening process including a police check.

Interested?

Please email your interest/application to info@ northcoast.upa.org.au or call 02 6628 5559 for a chat.

GRAFTON SPECIAL STORE CATTLE SALE

Thursday 5th October, 2023

Grafton Saleyards, 9.00am Consisting of Bullocks, Steers, Mixed Sex Weaners, Cows, PTIC, Cows & Calves

ALSTONVILLE

ALSTONVILLE RSL

SUB-BRANCH meets on the second Saturday of the month, with morning tea at 10am followed by the meeting, then a light luncheon from 1200. All ex-service persons and families are welcome to attend the lunch.

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

sub-Branch will now hold their monthly meetings on the second Wednesday of the month at 11am at the RSL Hall, 13 Bugden Ave (next door to the Alstonville Medical Centre). All ex-Service persons are welcome to attend, and we have a convivial morning tea on completion of the meeting. Alstonville RSL sub-Branch have a ‘Lower Deck Luncheon’ at 1200 each Friday, everyone is welcome, we sit out the back of the Hall, order lunch from local suppliers, and have great conversations with good mates. There is always plenty of support & advice on any issue!

BALLINA

BALLINA 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 8:15 am at Alstonville, 8:30am opposite Westower Tavern and 8:35 ay Ballina RSL at the bus stop in front of the car park. For more information and to book a seat call Pamela on 0405 776 977.

The 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. The guest speaker for 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 Beryl on 0419 258 282

AUSTRALIAN SEABIRD & TURTLE RESCUE

It seems most people love turtles and art, so this month BACCI’s Annual Spring Art Show will be fundraising for ASTR (Australian Seabird & Turtle Rescue). ASTR are in desperate need of funds to refurbish their sea turtle hospital – the busiest in Australia – which treats well over 100 turtles per year. BACCI (Ballina Arts and Crafts Centre Inc.) members have been working hard all year to produce their wares for this show. They will be showcasing an amazing array of items available for purchase, including (but not limited to), jewellery, ceramics, woodwork, paintings, and cards.BACCI love to support local charities and feel ASTR is a worthy recipient this year to proft from the sales of their exciting Raffe. when: 9am – 3pm Sat 7 th – Sun 8 th Oct 2023 Where: Ballina Masonic Centre, 56 Cherry St, Ballina Entry is FREE but don’t forget your wallet/ credit card for not only the fabulous artworks on sale, but also the great Raffe and the Café. Mark it in your calendar and see you there.

BALLINA COUNTRY MUSIC CLUB

LIVE COUNTRY

MUSIC DAYS of the Ballina Country Music Club happen on the frst Sunday of every month. Our next Live Music Day is on Sunday, 1 October at Ballina RSL Club, Grant Street, Ballina, starting at 10.45 am. Remember daylight saving! “The Classics”, one of our popular regular bands, will be playing. And Graeme Ryce is the feature Showcase Artist. There are also many regular and some visiting Walk-Up Artists. The experienced line dancers demonstrate their skills and others take to the foor dancing however they want! There are great raffe and lucky door prizes, as well as Club members’ and Walk-Up Artists’ draws. Come along and enjoy the company and music.

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

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

Ballina Ladies Probus Club welcomes new members, and visitors are welcome to attend a meeting to see what we are like. We meet at the Ballina RSL Club the frst Wednesday of the month at 10am. After the business meeting and a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit or two, we listen to a guest speaker. For more information call Wendy 0410 560 916 or Beryl 0419 285 282

This year we are having a Friendship Coffee Morning once a month at a variety of cafes around Ballina.

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

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 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.

THE CWA CASINO DAY’S next monthly meeting is at the Casino Community Centre 9.00am Thursday October 19st (3rd Thursday of the Month) 2023. This will be followed by our AGM. The Land Cookery entry for October is an apricot roll, 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.

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 9.00am-1.00pm

THE PROBUS CLUB of Goonellabah meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month at the Workers Sports Club in Oliver Ave. All welcome. Goonellabah Probus is solely a social club. We have a guest speaker each month and go for outings throughout the year. Meetings on Thursday commence at 10am and fnish at midday. For further information, please contact Gloria Francis on 02 6629 1442.

GRAFTON

GRAFTON AND DISTRICT GARDEN CLUB

“Connecting people with an interest in gardening, plants, fowers and nature.” Our next meeting will be on Thursday 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.

Last Thursday we visited the Bush Tucker Garden established by the Mudyala Aboriginal Corporation at Woodford Island. Jo showed us around all the plantings and the young trees look really well established. The area next to Roberts Creek looks wonderful, some rain would be nice. Lots of Finger Limes, some Davidson Plums, native Hibiscus, River Mint, Bunya Pines, Wattles, Prostanthera and lots more. Thanks so much for sharing your garden.

GRAFTON CWA

CWA GRAFTON BRANCH

will be holding their Land Cooking Competition Days on Saturday, 18th November 2023 and Saturday, 17th February 2024. This cooking is open to CWA and members of the public and judge’s decision will be fnal.

The categories for 18th November are:

S1- Boiled Fruit Cake S2Sultana Cake S5- Chocolate Cake S7- Moist Apricot Roll

S9- Gluten Free Whole Orange Cake S11Remembrance Biscuits S13Lemon & Carrot Marmalade

Entries for the frst Cooking

Competition are to be in by the 10th of November 2023 Nominations are to be given to the Cookery Offcer, Narelle Saunders, ph. 0428415512, no later than the above dates, and brought to the Grafton CWA rooms no later than 9.30am, on the days of judging.

First and second place winners will be cooking for Group Cooking Day, March 2024 at Glenreagh. If either of frst or second place winners are unable to do so, consideration will be given to the other entries. Grafton Branch meets on the 2nd Friday of each month in CWA rooms, cnr Duke and Pound Sts. Morning tea is at 9.30am, followed by the meeting at 10am.

New members are always welcome. On 13th October, we will be starting with the Annual General Meeting, followed by the monthly meeting. Craft mornings are held on 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month, starting at 9.30am.

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.

COMMUNITY NOTICES

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, 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 non-service club to hear interesting guest speakers and to join in trips and outings are invited along. Ph: June Zentveld on 66871004

LISMORE

LISMORE PARKINSON’S DISEASE SUPPORT GROUP.

We meet every third Friday of the month. Next group Meeting is Friday, 20th of October 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. Any 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 Popup 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, learnto-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 likeminded people and make new friends.

The last three years have been diffcult for us as they have for everyone, and we are on a recruitment drive to meet and greet you!

We start 2023 with a choice of at least 30 classes, which include, Languages, Photography, Science, History, Qigong, Genealogy, and many others. We also have a social calendar each term.

U3A is entirely run by volunteers, with the committee and tutors coming from our membership. The joining fee Is $50 for 1 year and entitles you to attend any course you choose throughout the year; you can go every day if you wish.

Why not peruse our site to see if there is a course that would be of interest to you. There is an online enrolment form that you can complete and any queries you have can be directed to our secretary, Pat, McLaren- Smith Ph. 66227408

PROBUS CLUB OF LISMORE HEIGHTS

Our mixed group meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month at the Lismore Heights Bowling Club in High St. Our brief meeting is followed by morning tea and a guest speaker. Senior’s lunch for $15 at noon is optional. Guests and visitors are welcome. Ring/text Pam on 0418766247 for details of our other monthly social gatherings and outings.

ROTARY CLUB OF LISMORE NETWORKING

Want to be part of an innovative, interesting, and inclusive networking group who meet fortnightly

to share ideas, meet other professionals and work together to make a difference in your community? Then Rotary Club of Lismore Networking could be the answer for you! Meets on the 2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month at 5.30pm at The Civic Hotel (210 Molesworth Street Lismore). Ph: Rita on 0413300578 or Gae 0412742095.

ROTARY CLUB OF LISMORE WEST INC

East Lismore Bowling Club each Thursday at 6pm. New members would be made most welcome. Further information available on 0428151934.

ROTARY CLUB OF SUMMERLAND SUNRISE

Interested in contributing to community? Local and international?

The Rotary Club of Summerland Sunrise meets every Friday at 7.05am for Breakfast at Options Cafe, Main St. Alstonville until further notice. Join us at Options please. Ph: 0435990919

SUMMERLAND AMATEUR RADIO CLUB

Meetings of the club are normally held on the second Sunday of each month at the clubrooms: 412 Richmond Hill Road, Richmond Hill at 1pm. Visitors are welcome. The clubrooms are usually open on Sunday afternoons from about 1pm onwards. We are primarily amateur radio enthusiasts and welcome persons interested in radio, electronics, astronomy, and similar subjects.

SUMMERLAND BONSAI SOCIETY INC.

Come and learn an addictive hobby with us. We provide personal support from experienced teachers as well as demonstrations and Bonsai information. Club days are held on the second Saturday of every month at 1pm in the Arts Pavillion at Lismore Showgrounds.Be inspired about the art of creating little trees. Ph: 0438103601

ZEN AND INSIGHT MEDITATION – LISMORE HEIGHTS INSIGHT (VIPASSANA)

MEDITATION and practice: This mindfulness-based meditation group sits on Wednesdays from 7:00-8:30pm. The evening includes meditation instructions, sitting and walking meditation, Dharma talks and discussion.

For further details, please contact Rosie - 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

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

POTTSVILLE 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 VIEW as in Voice, Interests, Education of Women (Not many people are aware of what ‘VIEW’ club stands for!)

ANDNOT ONLY IN

NAME: We are a group of

COMMUNITY NOTICES

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

NORTHERN RIVERS

EVENING PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

The next meeting of the Northern Rivers Evening Prostate Cancer Support

Group is to be held on Wednesday 4th October - 7pm until 9 pm at the

LISMORE WORKERS

SPORTS MAIN CLUB –

202 OLIVER AVENUE, GOONELLABAH – Meals available at the Club if required -Men previously and newly diagnosed with prostate cancer are urged to join with the group to experience the personal cancer stories told which give a great opportunity for all to share, learn and beneft from each other - Partners and Carers are also most welcome to attend as family are very much involved with the process and treatment of those with this diagnosis This will be a time of quality sharing on current health and wellbeing ph Bob Johnson (02) 6622 5792

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.

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:

Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower in the afternoon. Chance of a storm in the afternoon. Light winds becoming east to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h in the afternoon then light in the evening.

Thursday. Cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely in the morning and afternoon. Chance of a storm. Light winds becoming southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h in the day then light in the evening.

Northern Tablelands District:

Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower in the afternoon. Chance of a storm in the afternoon. Light winds becoming northwest to southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h in the morning then light in the evening.

TIDES,

& MOON Ballina

Thursday. Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers on and east of the ranges, slight chance elsewhere. Chance of a storm. Light winds becoming easterly 15 to 20 km/h in the afternoon.

New South Wales: Shower or two and possible storms in the east, stretching into the northern inland. Storms most likely in the afternoon. Partly cloudy. Daytime temperatures well above average in many parts. North to northwesterly winds in the east, turning to a fresh south to southwesterly in the west. Winds tending east to northeasterly along the coast in the afternoon and becoming fresh at times.

Thursday. A shower or two and possible storm for the northeast. Mostly sunny elsewhere. Daytime temperatures near average in the northeast, tending well above average through the central west of the state. South to southeasterly winds.

Byron Coast:

Winds: North to northwesterly 15 to 20 knots becoming variable about 10 knots in the evening. Seas: 1 to 1.5 m, decreasing to 1 m in the afternoon. Swell: Easterly around 1 m inshore, increasing to 1 to 1.5 m offshore south of Yamba. Weather: Mostly sunny. Chance of a storm in the afternoon.

Coffs Coast:

Winds: North to northwesterly 10 to 15 knots shifting south to southeasterly in the morning. Seas: Around 1 m. Swell: Easterly around 1 m, tending southeasterly 1 to 1.5 m in the evening. Weather: Sunny morning. Chance of a storm in the afternoon. Gold Coast Waters:

Winds: North to northwesterly 10 to 15 knots. Seas: Around 1 m. Swell: Easterly around 1 m. Weather: Sunny.

Woolgoolga Wolves and Boambee Eagles Crowned Grand Final Champions

The Woolgoolga Wolves smashed a 52 year drought winning the Men’s

the same season is something great for not only the club but for the Woolgoolga

Ruben Smith State

Tigers (Orange) 3-0 in the Men’s Premier League .

First goal scorer James gorrie 2nd scorer Daniel latinovic 3rd scorer James Palmer (all goals and genral play included on the below dropbox link)

In Women’s Division One the Boambee Eagles defeated Urunga 1-0. A Kylie McDonald penalty

Ruben Smith is a 10 year old learner from Evans River K-12 who has made it through to the State athletics championship in October at Sydney in discus. His journey started when he smashed the school record for junior boys discus with a massive throw of 23,64m. From there he went

on through to the Northern Rivers Zone Championship where he received a frst place in both shot put and discus and received an overall second place for junior boys. He then competed in Regionals where he made it through to State in discus and will compete in Sydney on the 25th of October

2023. He is very excited to attend this event for the very frst time. We have received wonderful support from our community including Evans River PC and Old Boys raffes with donations. We thank everyone who is supporting and contributing to Ruben’s journey.

Premier League AND Men’s Reserve Grade on Saturday evening at C.ex Coffs International Stadium.

Quote from Woolgoolga FC Club President Peter Knott “The club has waited 52 years for one premiership but to achieve dual premierships in

Woolgoolga (blue) defeated Coffs Coast

(vision included) was the difference between the two teams.

BALLINA MAHJONG

22ND SEPTEMBER

2023

Susan Scott 1, Bev Lasater 2, Eve Chapman

3, Lorna Simpson 4, Jan Small 5, Janene Jarvis

6, Shirley Coleman

7, Jane Fenech 8, Pauline Learney 9, Barbara Ellan 10, Kathy Pickles 11, Val Heinritz

12,Shirley Henry 13, Shirley Atkinson 14, Rosemary Russell 15, Sally Lowry 16, Ronda Taylor 17, Jan Rhodes 18, Ramsay Roper 19, Joy Lowien, Margaret Bryant 20, Yvonne Weddup, Valda McLerie, Kath Hubbard 22, Gladys D’Anna 25, Susan

Allan 26, Jenny Lang 27, June Greenaway

28, Anne Hewitt 29, Jan Boardman 30, Jan Henley 31, Vanessa Reynolds, Pauline Bolte 32, Diana Auret 34 Mahjong is played on Friday at 12:30pm at the Ballina Bridge Club North Creek Road. Enquiries for new players phone Vanessa on 66874181.

CASINO RSM WOMENS BOWLS RESULTS

On Wednesday 20/9 the fnal for the minor singles was played, C. Haynes def D. Grice. Congratulations to C. Haynes on becoming the Minor Singles club champion for 2023. Winners in the social games were: J. Cooke & A. James def J. Carthew & N. Moran

In the other game: T. Maxwell, J. Creighton & K. Jonsson def L. James, M. Jordan & I. Watson

Next week we have the Major Singles rounds starting.

CASINO SOCIAL GOLF RESULTS

24-09-2023

The winner of social golf on Sunday was Ray Ruttley with a stableford score of 21 points from Troy Hook with 20 on a count back. The putting trophy went to R.Ruttley with 13 putts and D.Green won the players draw.

Nearest to pins: 2nd, D.Hampson.3rd, R.Ruttley.5th & 8th, T.Hook. 7th & 17th, B.Yates.18th, D.Roberts. Next Sunday’s event sponsored by Gumbo Pies and soups Ph 0421423575, will be

the monthly medal on the top 11 holes and visitors are welcome to play with hit off from 6-30am till 7-30am. Remember daylight saving starts.

CHERRY STREET CROQUET CLUB SPORTS RESULTS

W.McFie 5. Australian Golf Croquet Singles

Championships :

Men : R.Fletcher 1, M.Fletcher 2, T.Bak 3, M.Clarke 4, C.McWirten 5, A.Mathews 6, S.Condous 7, D.Bull 8, D.Scott 14.

Women : J.Gumbrell 1, V.Arney 2, M.McMahon 3, P.Barnwell 3, G.Spencer 5, E.Coverdale 6, L.Montague 7, K.Logan 8. Cherry Street Croquet Club team to play

Tournaments : Gold Coast Tweed

Region Ricochet Singles

Championships : Div 1 : Y.Rowell 1, D.Luxmore 2, R.Smillie 3, G.Hull 4. Div 3 : G.Porter 1, S.Scrimgeour 2, J.Wright 3, V.Smith 4,

Sutherland Intercept Adv Golf Croquet

Singles 30/ 9/2023 : Joan Doust Captain, Christine Edlund, Helen Young, Rosalie Offey, Wendy Gilmore, Jim Hannigan.

Lismore Friendship Day 90th Anniversary Celebrations 26/10/2023

Centaur Primary Sporting Achievements

The sporting stars of Centaur Primary School are on a winning streak like never before, with both the Netball and Touch Football teams achieving outstanding results at the state level.

Netball Glory

The Centaur Primary School Netball Team has left a trail of victories in their wake as they progressed to the top 4 in the state in the prestigious New South Wales Primary Schools Sports Association (PSSA) Knockout competition.

Their remarkable journey has earned them a spot in the semifnals at Wollongong on Friday, September 22nd, where they will battle it out for the championship title. But their success doesn’t end there. The team also displayed their prowess in the All School Netball Competition organised by NSW Netball, where they faced off against a diverse range of schools, including private, Catholic, public, and independent

institutions. The Centaur girls were declared Far North Champions, a testament to their exceptional talent and dedication. Their next stop is Sydney Olympic Park on November 7th, where they will compete in the top 8, aiming to secure another championship title and add to their growing list of accomplishments.

Touch Football Triumph

Not to be outdone, the same group of

girls from Centaur Primary School has also excelled in the NSW PSSA Touch Football Knockout competition. They’ve secured a spot in the top 8 in the state, showcasing their versatility and athleticism across different sports. Their journey continues as they head to Canterbury on November 23rd, with their eyes frmly set on clinching the championship title. With their outstanding performance in netball

and touch football, these young athletes have proven themselves as true all-rounders, capable of conquering any challenge they face.

Community Pride

The entire Centaur Primary School community is rallying behind these exceptional athletes, cheering them on as they aim for state glory. The dedication, teamwork, and sportsmanship displayed by these young girls serve as an inspiration to their

fellow students and a source of pride for their school.

The upcoming competitions in Wollongong and Canterbury hold the promise of more thrilling moments and unforgettable achievements for the Centaur Primary School Netball and Touch Football teams. As they continue to pursue excellence on the sports feld, they are sure to leave a lasting legacy of success for their school and community.

FAR NORTH COAST SURF LIFE SAVING RAISES THE FLAGS FOR ANOTHER SEASON

With record numbers expected to fock to beaches as temperatures soar this summer, Far North Coast Surf Life Saving (SLS) is marking the beginning of the season with its annual Raising of the Flags event at 8:30am this Saturday 23 September at Ballina Surf Life Saving Club.

An iconic part of the community, Far North Coast SLS has been supported by Newcastle

Permanent for more than 15 years.

Newcastle Permanent Branch and Lending Manager, David Parker, said the customer-owned organisation is proud to see the fags fy once again this season.

“Far North Coast SLS play an important role in our community, and I look forward to seeing our local volunteers down on the sand each summer,” Mr Parker said.

“Last year there were nearly 3,000 members on duty, together dedicating close to 450,000 hours to keeping our beaches safe.

“We are extremely proud of our partnership with Far North Coast SLS, which provides equipment and resources required to ensure our region’s beachgoers are in safe hands.

“It’s fantastic to see the iconic fags raised for another summer!”

Far North Coast Director of Life Saving, David Rope, said safety is more important than ever this year, as evidenced by how busy his volunteers were last summer.

“Our volunteers rescued 105 people last year, provided frst aid 210 times, and took 7,500 preventative actions to keep the community safe,” David Rope said.

“We had close to

300,000 visitors to our beaches last summer, and we expect that number to increase with reports of a hot, dry summer on the way. The simple message is swim on a patrolled beach between the fags.

“We are grateful for Newcastle Permanent’s support, which assists with the recruitment, training and retention of our life savers.”

Every year, Newcastle Permanent invests

almost $1.5 million into local communities through its partnerships, employee donations, volunteering and fundraising programs.

Far North Coast branch has ten clubs, from Yamba to Fingal Heads. People interested in joining the Surf Life Saving movement can fnd their local club at www.slsfnc.com.au