A chance to find out all about building

By Samantha Elley

Tiny homes were certainly a drawcard at the Lismore Housing Expo last weekend.

Held at the South Lismore Bowling Club, the expo saw a steady stream of people who wandered the booths of house builders, financiers, insurance companies, council staff, Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation and even well-being groups such as Social Futures.

Examples of tiny homes were set up for the public to peruse and that is where Pauline Luethi of Alstonville, along with Jenny Luethi of Lismore and Regi Lippuner of East Lismore, were, inspecting the latest in this housing phenomenon.

“I am genuinely interested in tiny homes,” said Pauline.

“I was looking four years ago, but wasn’t ready, but now we are looking again as it is probably a good time.”

Co-owner of Tiny Homes Australia, Dang

Nguyen said she and her partner, Peter Wigley had started their company because they believe passionately in tiny homes.

“We push for tiny home communities,” said Dang.

“So that people will be with each other but separate in their own space.”

The tiny homes are made from trailers and can be added to, to make room as space is needed.

The tiny home on display at the expo had a kitchen and dining area in the first trailer, then a couple of bedrooms in the second one, as an example.

For the Lismore area, Dang said the benefit of a tiny home is that it is moveable.

“The home has wheels which are lifted up when in one place, but can come down and be moved as needed,” she said.

For Richmond Hill couple Donna and Antonio Cruz, the home expo was a chance for them to do some investigation work.

“We are looking at building a granny flat onto our house,” said Donna.

“It will be an investment.”

Suncorp’s Senior Mobile Lending Manager, Grant Burdon and Design and Resilience specialist, Tegan Mortimore were on hand to discuss all things finance and insurance, for people looking to build, invest or renovate.

“Each loan is assessed under normal home loan conditions,” said Grant.

“Serviceability is important, such as can you pay back the loan.

“Some homes may not fit the mortgage conditions but each situation is treated individually.”

For people wanting to build that extra granny flat on their property Tegan said its important to ensure the new building meets insurance requirements.

“We want to educate people and encourage them to speak to their insurer,” she said.

“There may be a number of underwriting issues such as separate metering, that needs to be addressed.”

By Tim Howard

Re-dedicating the Grafton Cenotaph 100 years to the day after its original dedication plays a vital role in keeping alive the memory and ideals of those who made the supreme sacrifice in current and future generations.

The secretary of the Grafton RSL subBranch, Denis Benfield, said the service in Grafton’s Memorial Park on Saturday, immediately after the Remembrance Day service was an important event.

Mr Benfield said the cenotaph deserved to maintain its place as a shrine to servicemen and women who gave their lives for their country.

“It’s a 100 years old and still has great