Locally owned and independent
November 30, 2023
The Northern Rivers Times
NEWS 19
Tweed Shire Council Unveils Visionary Plan to Elevate Region as Premier Sustainable Tourism Destination Have Your Say: Tweed’s Updated Destination Plan Aims for Sustainable Excellence. Tweed Shire Council is seeking community input on the revised Tweed Destination Management Plan 2024 - 2030 (DMP), a blueprint aimed at positioning the Tweed as a premier sustainable tourism destination in Australia. Collaboratively crafted by Council, The Tweed Tourism Company, and industry partners, this updated DMP builds upon the 2019 version to adapt to evolving community needs and chart a course for sustainable tourism
growth over the next six years. Mayor Chris Cherry highlighted the revised DMP’s ambition for the Tweed to gain recognition as a leading sustainable destination. Emphasizing the region’s abundant natural beauty, outdoor activities, and diverse cultural experiences, Mayor Cherry stated, “Our vision is for the Tweed to stand out as one of Australia’s foremost sustainable destinations. We aim to showcase our natural wonders while nurturing the region’s cultural, culinary, and creative offerings. We welcome visitors who share our commitment
to sustainability and responsible tourism.” The plan centres on five key pillars and corresponding objectives: 1. Beyond Recovery 2. Building the Tweed Brand 3. Showcasing the Tweed’s Strengths 4. Investment in Uniquely Tweed Events 5. Facilitating Sustainable Growth Robbie Cornelius, Director of Tweed Tourism Company, noted the DMP’s timely review in light of recent challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, border closures, and severe floods. Recognizing the resilience of Tweed’s
tourism sector amidst these adversities, Cornelius commended their adaptability and contributions to the plan’s review. He encouraged broader community participation to provide feedback on the draft Tweed DMP 2024-2030. The revised Destination Management Plan is open for public review until 4 pm on Friday, January 10, 2024. Residents and stakeholders are invited to contribute their thoughts and ideas. Additional information and access to the plan are available at yoursaytweed.com.au/ destination.
Paddling on one of the Tweed’s many pristine waterways is a great way to explore the coastal region.
New CEO to lead Casino RSM Club into promising future THE CASINO RSM Club, known for its rich history and dedication to the community, is pleased to announce the appointment of John Walker as the Club’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Mr Walker is known locally as a former general manager of both Richmond Valley and Lismore City councils and brings with him a wealth of experience and a proven track record in strategic management, strong leadership and good governance, making him an ideal candidate to lead the Casino RSM Club into its next chapter of success. With a keen understanding of the RSM Club’s values and a passion for community engagement, Mr Walker is poised to guide the Club to new heights. Mr Walker expressed his delight about joining the Casino RSM Club, saying he was honoured to be chosen as the new CEO. “The Casino RSM Club is a great community asset with a bright future,” he said. “I look forward to working with the dedicated staff, Club members and the Board
of Directors to continue building on the Club’s success and fostering a culture of excellence.” Casino RSM Club Board President Brad Birney shared his enthusiasm for the appointment, saying the Board was pleased to welcome John Walker to the Club. Mr Birney said the Club and Casino RSM Properties had welldeveloped strategic plans in place and Mr Walker’s appointment was key to providing a clear roadmap for the organisation’s future. “By investing in innovation, fostering a culture of excellence, and expanding our market presence, we aim to be at the forefront of industry transformation,” he said. “John’s leadership skills, strategic vision, and commitment to our values makes him the perfect fit to lead us forward. “We believe John will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Casino RSM Club.” Mr Walker officially assumes the role in mid-December, and the entire Club community is eager to witness the positive impact he will undoubtedly bring to the Club.
Funding disparity disadvantages rural residents La Trobe University Rural health researchers at La Trobe University say the funding disparity between rural and metropolitan Australians is “inequitable and unfair” and are calling for greater investment in rural health research. Professor Jane Mills, Dean of the La Trobe Rural Health School, co-authored an opinion piece with Dr Leesa Hooker and Dr Fiona Burgemeister. They say the
discrepancy is particularly concerning as rural residents already have poorer health than their urban counterparts. Professor Mills said new models of health care are need in rural areas to address the inequities in outcomes. “We already know that ‘what works’ in metropolitan areas does not automatically translate to rural and remote areas due to issues of setting and scale,” Professor Mills said.
“Funding research that goes beyond the remit of hospitals and enables the testing of novel place-based approaches, to rural health and health care in partnership with a wide range of industry partners, must be part of the solution to reducing the inequity gap.” It is estimated that only 2.4 per cent of National Health and Medical Research Council funded projects are aimed specifically at improving the health of Australians living in
rural and remote areas. The La Trobe Rural Health School (LRHS) demonstrates the value of investment in rural health and its meaningful impact on communities. The LRHS has used small grants to test new approaches on the delivery of healthcare with a range of industry partners. In Mildura, La Trobe has partnered with Sunraysia Community Health to transform community health outcomes in various
projects, such as extending the reach of place-based research. La Trobe is working with McMaster University in Canada as part of a worldwide trial to introduce community paramedicine. In just a short amount of time, the trial has expanded to five different locations and engaged with more than 100 clients. Dr Hooker, a rural nurse and midwife and LRHS Dean of Research Engagement, said available data from various projects has
shown improved patient satisfaction, health outcomes and reduced hospital admissions. “While these projects have often been funded by small grants, evidence shows they are having a significant, meaningful and lasting impact on communities,” Dr Hooker said. “The research partnerships have led to ongoing trusted relationships with industry providers.”
