Diary of a Flood Survivor

By Samantha Elley

Those in the know have probably already experienced the delights of Frida’s Field, a 120 acre regenerative farm and restaurant located in the tiny village of Nashua, just 10 minutes from Bangalow in the Byron Bay hinterland.

The three set menu lunch service has bolstered the establishment’s reputation for distinctive country cuisine, providing seasonal and local produce.

Frida’s Field is now offering a Summer Sundowners sitting starting this Saturday, November 11 from 4pm.

Come and enjoy the al fresco setting on the venue’s expansive lawns where you will enjoy casual snacks and drinks while you take in the colourful sunsets over the green pastures, framed by the orchardlined hills and the newly-planted 500 tree rainforest regenerations project.

With a selection of Ploughman’s Plates with house-made terrines, pickles, chutneys, locally-made cheese and vegetable crudites, plus a selection of tartines (open-faced sourdough sandwiches), you will not go hungry. orientation to see the sun setting and capture that incredible golden hour light which makes all the trees and felds sparkle.

There is also the grilled beef with café de Paris butter, fsh rillette with farm pickles or grilled zucchini and ricotta.

“Our long lunches will always be our signature experience where Chef Ally’s talent absolutely shines, but we can’t wait travelled up to Surfers Paradise and explored around there.

We’ve just come back from a weekend away on the Gold Coast at a small family reunion. We stayed at Broadbeach split between two apartments at one of the many high rises that clutter that strip of beach front.

I have to say, if you love shopping and gambling, then it was very convenient to Pacifc Fair and the Star Casino, so once we’d parked our cars, we had no need to use them until we were going home.

As fun as it was, I was so glad to come home.

The noise and crowds do not compare to the peace and beauty of where we live.

On the Saturday night alone, police cars tested out all their siren sounds in the early hours of the morning.

Sure, we could see the beach, but we don’t live far from it ourselves, and our outlook is of hills in the distance with cane felds in the foreground, accompanied by the sounds of birds, and yes, the ever present barking dog.

As the golden hour approaches, raise your glass with a range of cocktails made from local spirits and house-made syrups, using Frida’s grown ingredients of lemon myrtle, elderfower and fresh herbs.

Local beers and wines are also on offer.

“Those few hours around sunset are just the most magical time of day at Frida’s Field,” said co-founder Jeanie Wylie.

“The venue faces northwest, which is the perfect to welcome people onto the terrace to enjoy a casual sundowner.”

Walk ins are welcome, but bookings are encouraged, so you don’t miss out on this amazing experience.

It is located at 76 Booyong Road, Nashua and bookings can be made for either the long lunches or Summer Sundowners at restaurant@fridasfeld. com

Find out more at www.fridasfeld.com or Instagram @fridas.feld

Also, the tram was right at our door so we had a day where we

As the Gold Coast car racing was on the same weekend, I think every hotted up car and motorbike rider tried to emulate the speeds and sounds of the race track on normal thoroughfares.

Ok, our town tends to food, quite dramatically as last year attests, but it feeds the soul when all is well.

The Gold Coast was fun, but it gave me an appreciation of our half-fnished house and the surroundings where we live.

Little steps.

Infation and Government Policy: A Growing Concern

In recent times, infation, a persistent economic concern, has assumed a new dimension. Many now view it not merely as a result of market forces but as a government-induced issue. This perspective is supported by the signifcant uptick in government-imposed fees, charges, and taxes, resulting in a staggering 7.5% increase, surpassing the standard infation rate by 2%. One noteworthy contributor to this phenomenon is the government’s regular hike in petrol prices every 90 days, causing a ripple effect across the economy, infating prices across the board.

The clarion call is evidentit’s high time for state, local, and federal governments to re-evaluate and scale back these escalating charges.

Concerned citizens are making a simple plea: no more rate hikes. This sentiment stems from the belief that such increases primarily bolster bank profts rather than the welfare of the general populace.

Moreover, if these rate hikes are intended to curtail consumer spending, it’s time for a reassessment. Retail spending has reached an all-time low, indicating that the strategy has indeed achieved its intended purpose. Voters have prudently tightened their fnancial belts, restraining their expenditures, and it’s now incumbent upon governments to follow suit by discontinuing the unrelenting 7.5% tax increases.

A pivotal moment on the horizon is Melbourne Cup Day, prompting speculation about potential actions by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). This occasion offers a unique opportunity for the RBA to address the issue of government-induced infation and capture widespread attention. It’s a chance to chart a new course, one aimed at alleviating the fnancial burdens faced by everyday Australians.

The frst step in this direction could involve alleviating cash fow diffculties, offering much-needed relief to businesses and individuals grappling with escalating costs. By addressing these concerns collaboratively, the government and fnancial institutions can tackle the root causes of infation and usher in much-needed economic stability. The time has come to transition towards fscal responsibility and create a more consumerfriendly economic landscape.