plague’ threatening our rainforests.

rainforests, including the World Heritage-listed Big Scrub and Border Ranges National Park among many other important environmental sites,” Rhett Patrick said.

“Miconia thrives in tropical and subtropical areas. Our climate and terrain in the Northern Rivers provide the perfect environmental conditions for a potential outbreak.

“Commonly known as the ‘purple plague’ in Hawaii, it has wiped out natural forests by replacing the native vegetation. In Tahiti, it is estimated that Miconia has destroyed and invaded 65% of the island and endemic plant species are now directly endangered.”

Miconia seedlings are spread by birds that eat the fruit. A mature Miconia tree can fower and fruit three times per year producing up to fve million seeds. These seeds can remain viable in the soil bank for up to 16 years.

Since 2003 almost 200 seedlings have been collected by Rous’ Weed Biosecurity Offcers in the Northern Rivers.

“Although 200 known plants doesn’t seem like many, given how long the Miconia seeds remain dormant and how quickly it takes over, we cannot let our guard down.

“With the outbreaks our partners in Queensland are facing, we must ensure we continue to stay vigilant and prevent it from also taking hold in the Northern Rivers, NSW.

“However, we cannot take on this challenge alone. We need our community’s help with fnding new, potential, locations so we can continue to stay on-top of this weed.

“If you think you may have seen Miconia growing in NSW, please contact Rous right away so we can stay one step ahead and stop the spread.”

To report potential sightings, the community is encouraged to call Rous on (02) 6623 3800 or visit: www.rous.gov.au/ miconia

DO YOU KNOW A YEAR 10 OR 11 STUDENT IN THE CLARENCE OR RICHMOND VALLEY WHO LOVES BOTH HISTORY AND TRAVEL?

The NSW Government is sending a group of students on a scholarship study tour to Japan to learn more about the history of Australians at war, and Nationals MP for Clarence, Richie Williamson would love to see as many Year 10 or 11 history students from Clarence and Richmond valley schools apply and be in the running for this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Mr Williamson said the Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship gives NSW Year 10 and 11 history students the opportunity to travel on a study tour in the Term 3 school holidays to develop their knowledge and understanding of the history of Australians at war. “This is a wonderful opportunity for students with a keen interest in history to be in the running to embark on a tour with a military historian and visit signifcant historical sites and learn more about and commemorate the service of Australian men and women in the World Wars and other conficts,” Mr Williamson said. “I’d love to see a Clarence or Richmond valley student selected to represent the community and embark on this tour and gain a better understanding of the Anzac legacy.”

Mr Williamson said as part of the application, students are required to submit a 1000-word essay in response to the following question:

The Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park was designed by architect Charles Bruce Dellit who said that it was an expression of ‘those nobler attributes of human nature which the tragedy of Nations so vividly brought forth –Courage, Endurance and Sacrifce.’

Using examples, explain how Australians have shown courage, endurance and sacrifce in wars and peacekeeping operations. Using examples, describe how these values inspire you and explain why you think it is important to learn about the commemorate service.

“Successful applicants will have a remarkable educational opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the Anzacs and enhance their understanding of a legacy that has shaped Australia’s military story,” Mr Williamson said.

Applications are now open and close on 3 March 2024. Further information around applying can be found via the QR Code below.

Integrity is a verb…by Nigel Dawe

Measles Alert Issued for Northern NSW Residents

IT’S fascinating, out of all the qualities that defne the most admirable human beings, it is integrity that out-gleams all other ‘indicators’ of character, like a phosphorescent fsh in a raging surf at midnight. But it is also the one that most disappears within the blurb of verbal parroting, and one that exclusively reveals itself – via deeds, and deeds alone.

The truly impressive individual with unquestioned integrity is sadly, and most often, the least prevalent type of person in any room; akin to the athlete that goes to an Olympic Games, this doesn’t automatically make them a gold medallist.

Having integrity is very similar, its worth and prestige comes from the actual proving of it as a strength, not in the mere display or referencing of it as such.

Relatedly, the word integrity itself comes from the Latin ‘integer’ which means ‘whole, complete or unbroken’; in ancient Roman times, when daily inspections of soldiers were conducted, they would strike their right fst across the armour on their chest and shout “integritas”, confrming that their breastplate was sound, and their body, mind and hearts too.

I’ve often thought how would a Donald Trump appear if he were to somehow be in the same room as Abraham Lincoln, America’s most revered President of all time. No less than Ralph Waldo Emerson once said of Lincoln, “He had a face and manner which disarmed suspicion, which inspired confdence, which confrmed goodwill. He was a man without vices.

He had a strong sense of duty, which it was very easy for him to obey… This man was sound to the core, cheerful, persistent… he had a vast good nature, which made him tolerant and accessible to all.”

Like just about anything in life, maybe integrity has reached its used by date, has it somehow ‘gone off’, what does it even stand for if it doesn’t incite an all-out, non-negotiable defence of it? That ‘qualities’ like dishonesty, deceit and fagrant self-righteousness have somehow replaced it in the public appeal stakes, is just as much a shame, as it is a shameful refection of where we are at as a society, let alone as individuals.

Not unlike a beacon that has lit the way from the earliest days of Western civilisation, the Greek philosopher Heraclitus once noted, “Allow yourself to think only those thoughts that match your principles and can bear the bright light of day. Day by day, your choices, your thoughts, your actions fashion the person you become. Your integrity determines your destiny.” You’re ultimate worth, reputational standing, and credibility too. So often in life, it’s not easy, or even seemingly practical to do the right thing, but taking that challenge and proving that you have the fortitude to do so, is its own reward, albeit irreversible blessing.

As Erik Pevernagie once refected, “If we remain rooted in our integrity and envision life in its intense, original beauty, we can create an authentic mindset allowing us to surf freely on the waves of our aspirations.”

NSW Health has issued a measles alert for residents in northern NSW following confrmation of one measles case. The individual recently returned from Asia, where measles outbreaks have been ongoing, particularly in countries such as Pakistan and India. Those who may have been exposed to the virus are urged to monitor for symptoms. Locations where exposure may have occurred include:

• The Singh Company school bus route in the Murwillumbah area on Monday, February 5th, for both morning and afternoon trips.

• Murwillumbah Hospital’s Emergency Department on Friday, February 9th, between

1:15 pm and 4:00 pm.

• Murwillumbah Hospital’s Emergency Department on Saturday, February 10th, between 12:15 pm and 8:00 pm.

Dr. Valerie Delpech, North Coast Regional Director of Population and Public Health, reassured the public that while these locations do not pose an ongoing risk, individuals who visited them should remain vigilant for symptoms.

Measles symptoms typically include fever, runny nose, sore eyes, and a cough, followed by a red, blotchy rash spreading from the head to the body. The disease spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes and symptoms can appear between 7 and 18 days after exposure.

Dr. Delpech emphasized the importance of seeking medical advice promptly if symptoms develop, urging individuals to call ahead to their GP or emergency department to avoid spreading the virus to others. She stressed the signifcance of vaccination, noting that two doses of the measles vaccine are required for full protection, particularly for those born after 1966. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is available free of charge in NSW for individuals born during or after 1966 who haven’t received two doses.

Parents of children aged 6 to 12 months who plan to travel to high-risk measles areas are advised to consult their GP about the possibility of vaccinating their child before traveling. Additional doses of the vaccine are considered safe and are recommended if vaccination status is uncertain, especially before traveling.

MMR vaccine is accessible through GPs for all ages and pharmacies for individuals over 5 years old. Anyone experiencing measles symptoms or seeking further information is encouraged to contact their GP or Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

For comprehensive information on measles, visit the NSW Health website fact sheet https://www.health. nsw.gov.au/Infectious/ factsheets/Pages/ Measles_Factsheet.aspx

Meet the Captains THE RIVERS SECONDARY COLLEGE

Riley Harlow - School Captain

“As school captain for 2024, I will work to support students and sta in building meaningful relationships and improving the vibrant Kadina High Campus community.

I am excited to use this role to the bene t of all my peers, to act as a positive role model as well as a friend and leader to all students. In this role, I will develop leadership skills to draw on in future, and hope to use these skills for the betterment of our school.”

Chloe Allen - School Captain

“School captain for 2024 is a title I am very honoured to have been given. is year I hope to be a person that will listen and that others are easily able to talk to and share their ideas with. School captain has given me the opportunity to further my connection with the school and students and better my leadership abilities. Given this opportunity, I am positive we will be able to make improvements to our school where needed and strengthen our school community.”

Aaron Everson - School Captain

“I believe I have been chosen to represent my school because of my school spirit and passion for the school along with my great leadership skills. Ever since the 2022 oods, I feel that Richmond River High Campus has come together as a community, and our campus is a diverse and inclusive community, which is why parents want to send their children to our school. I believe that community is not the only thing holding our school together, it is our school culture and traditions that have kept us stable through the years. roughout my schooling years I have participated in all sporting events, giving me the passion I have for sport in all aspects of my life. So I feel like a er my schooling is complete, I want to nd employment in the sporting industry where I can help young athletes achieve their dreams.”

Natalia Hickling- School Captain

“Being the school captain at Richmond River High Campus means the world to me as it signi es not just a title, but a commitment to leading by example and fostering a positive and inclusive environment within our school community. I am honoured and excited to represent our school because it allows me to contribute to the voice and growth of my fellow students. Being in this role means embracing the responsibility to inspire others, be a role model to other indigenous students and work collaboratively to make our educational journey memorable and exciting for everyone. Still a er several years in school, I am still deciding what to do with my journey a er completing year 12. It’s never too late to start something but being the school leader has improved my self-con dence and determination to achieve greater opportunities.”

Equity, Excellence & Engagement

Chris Williams Principal, Lismore High Campus.

Jethro Bolliger - School Captain

“Being elected as one of the leaders of Lismore High Campus allows me to represent our school in a positive light. I am immensely proud of our school and even more proud to be the school captain. Lismore High is a place with fantastic sta who provide many opportunities and extracurricular activities that make it enjoyable and outstanding. rough the role of school captain, I wish to advocate a voice for our student body that gets heard and makes change. By being punctual, reliable and honest, I hope to be an ideal role model and further resonate our school motto, “let us be judged by our actions”, within the wider community. My primary goal as school captain is to foster a healthy learning and social environment where all feel welcome so we can achieve our best both inside and outside the classroom. Next year, I hope to enter university and further pursue my studies. I look forward to representing our school and am excited about the year ahead.”

Katie Johnson - School Captain

“I’m extremely excited to be elected as one of the School Captains at Lismore High Campus, as it allows me to be a positive role model, create a lasting positive change and to represent Lismore High to the best of my ability. Within my role as Captain, I aim to promote and advocate for the importance of the student voice and to make sure everyone’s voices within the school community are heard. I am so proud to be elected as school captain at Lismore High Campus, with all the incredible opportunities, outstanding learning facilities and amazing sta . To me, being a role model for the school means being respectful, hard working and reliable, and trying my best to upload and portray our school motto “Spectemur Agendo”, meaning, “Let us be judged by our actions”. Next year, I would like to further my education at university and pursue my passion in Veterinary Medicine. Lismore High has done so much for me over the past 5 years and I feel it is now my time to give back to the school community by being the best leader I can be.” e Rivers Secondary College consists of three campuses: Kadina High, Lismore High and Richmond River High. e college focus is on working together to ensure every student is safe, supported and successful with a bright future. Our structures enable students to excel in academic, sporting, cultural and extra-curricular endeavours that may otherwise not have been available to them.

While each of our campuses have their own special avour and areas of strength, what links us is that e Rivers Secondary College is the heart of secondary education for Lismore.

Bree Harvey-Bice

Relieving Executive Principal

Meet The Captains Of Casino Christian School

Our Senior Captains

CAPTAINS:

Julia Rankin

Has been a student with Casino Christian School since Year 7 and travels from out of town to come to School. Julia is in Year 12 and is studying Physics and Business Studies for her HSC. She is a diligent student and exhibits many qualities of a good leader.

Matthew Behrens

Matt comes from a local farming family and has been a student at Casino Christian School for all of his school life. Matt has a strong work ethic and is completing his HSC studying Advanced Maths, Information Processes

Our Primary Captains

PRIMARY CAPTAINS:

Frankie Benn-van Beers

Frankie has been a student at Casino Christian School since Kindergarten. She has shown integrity and the characteristics of a good leader, and has been involved in a number of school community activities including a lead role in last year’s school play.

Ollie Fisher

Ollie joined Casino Christian School early last year, but has proved himself well in being suitable as a school leader. Ollie has shown that he has a heart and Technology and is doing Modern History through Distance Ed.

FORMAL COORDINATOR:

Tess Jackett

Tess is a Casino local and has been with CCS since Year 4. She has long had a passion for organising the Year 12 Formal, and has made good progress for student wellbeing and will regularly be looking out for his peers.

PRIMARY VICE CAPTAINS:

Rory Galligan

Rory has been a kind and thoughtful student in the Primary School and seeks for this year already. Tess is completing her HSC this year and has studied Graphic Technologies and Legal Studies through Distance Ed. ASSEMBLY COORDINATOR:

Isaiah Hull

Isaiah has been a student at Casino Christian School to show a servant heart in leadership.

Mikayla Hartley

Mikayla loves to see everyone included and is passionate about sponsoring and fundraising.

PRIMARY LEADERS (SRC)

Esther Callaghan-Lake since Year 7, when he and his family moved to Casino. He is keen to make his mark in the organisation of our School Assemblies and has the skills required to do so. Isaiah is completing his HSC studying Advanced Mathematics and So ware Design through Distance Ed.

Lietta McElligott-Nott

Esther & Lietta are caring students who are passionate about sharing the Student Representative Council’s ideas for student wellbeing, fundraising and general improvements around the school