Letters

LETTERS, FEEDBACK AND OPINION

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COALITION ATTACKS ABC

It really makes one’s day to know that when one aims at a certain target, one hits that target dead centre. Oh, the desperate squeals of the extreme right are becoming more shrill and deafening by the day. These infantile ramblings of the vanishing right do not even warrant a berated by these poor misguided soles is like being lectured on quantum physics by Fred Flintstone.

And there’s more bad news for the rightist antiABC knuckleheads and their constant bleating about ABC bias and taxpayer funding. Upon coming to Govt., the Labor Party has pledged to restore punitive Coalition funding cuts and to protect both the ABC and SBS against any future ideological cuts and any political interference by granting the public broadcasters cycles.

Recent polling by the Australia Institute found that a majority of two to one want the $84 million cut in the last three years restored. A massive 61% of respondents also agreed that a strong independent ABC is critical to a healthy democracy with only 19% disagreeing.

There have been $526m in cuts to the ABC budget since 2014, with an ongoing reduction to base funding of $106m per year by 2021-22, the ABC has told Senate estimates. In a world of right-wing misinformation and outright lies Australians are relying now more than ever on honest and quality news reporting, emergency broadcasting and great documentaries that tell Australian stories.

In the unlikely event the Coalition is re-elected, they will double down on what Tony Abbott set in motion when he blatantly and infamously lied about no funding cuts to the ABC or SBS. that immediately occurred under his Govt. in the 2014 budget.

Keith Duncan

Pimlico

GREAT PUBLIC SERVICES ARE BETTER FOR THE ECONOMY AND OF COURSE THE COMMUNITY

According to economist Richard Deniss, the richest, happiest, and healthiest countries in the world have the highest tax rates and the most public services, (In the National Interest, SMH, 12 Feb 2022).

He says Australia has been obsessed with balancing the budget and cutting public services since the 1990’s and it’s not good for the community or the economy. “Governments in Australia that underinvest in our people and our infrastructure have been setting us up to fail, not to prosper.”

We can see this clearly in NSW where governments have been cutting rail services in regional areas for decades. An obvious example is the recent destruction of the Murwillumbah end of the Casino to Murwillumbah railway line.

This line runs through the middle of Byron Bay which gets over 2.4 million tourists Byron is congested and barely moving 15 kms back to the highway. It’s clear that the government wants to destroy the whole railway supposedly for a bike trail. Given that the railway land covers most of Byron CBD it’s more likely to see it eventually end up in the hands of developers.

Other countries have great public transport systems and are building more railways right now. Cutting public transport hasn’t helped our economy and it’s left the most vulnerable groups without transport. It’s time to return to effective, accessible public services for all. It’s better for the economy.

Beth Shelley Booerie Creek

LISMORE COUNCIL’S LAND HAND BACK

When white Europeans took this country they made no payment to the original owners, offered them no compensation, no treaty, no thanks. Soon the Aboriginals had no land they could call their own. If they resisted, they were killed. But as a race they refused to die out despite the dispossession, massacres, inequality, and blatant racism. Over the intervening years they’ve never ceded their sovereignty to their country’s land and waters. And we’re the from the loss of their rights. The decision by Lismore City Council to return 37 miserable hectares of land that was never rightfully acquired isn’t about Council’s debts or the rates they charge or the potholes in their roads. It’s about having a conscience and that is often more important than paying the bills.

Barry Walsh

Lismore

RAILWAY COMPANY FARCE

The ‘return the train’ folk are being completely disingenuous claiming two railway companies have expressed interest in bringing rail back. These “companies” have no meaningful funds behind them, no government support and a look at their Facebook pages reveal that the Northern Rivers Rail Ltd and the Northern Rivers Rail Action Group have identical pages! A closer look reveals the people behind both are the same. Please be more honest about HOW you will FUND the return of the trains. You have had since 2004 and have been unable secure funding support from the Byron Solar/Diesel private train, Simon Mitchell, and his Vintage Railway Journeys company and neither State nor Federal governments. There is people to economically train track would only service people who live in Casino, Lismore, Bangalow, Byron, Mullum and Murwillumbah (plus some small whistle stops between). So, move on and get behind a genuine public transport action group which could run electric buses across our numerous villages and towns.

The Community pathway for walkers and cyclists IS HAPPENING, the governments have so far invested $20 million dollars. Let businesses grow and develop as into fruition by the end of THIS year. Let local families, school kids and many others get out and at last enjoy this corridor that will join together 4 local government areas.

Richard White

East Ballina

ROYAL COMMISSIONS

It’s about time those senators and politicians Who implement royal commissions should not implementing recommendations from royal commissions. It’s such a waste of taxpayers’ money and a complete farce that should be outlawed we should only have royal commissions if the recommendations are implemented a hundred percent or don’t bother wasting tax payers money.

Alan Mosley

Yamba

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RICHMOND VALLEY COUNCIL BRIEFS

Structure change

The time has been deemed right to conduct a redetermination of organisational structure within RVC.

Its aims will be to strengthen leadership and operate as a progressive team.

Destination plan

The Richmond Valley Destination Management Plan 2021 - 2025 has been adopted and will be open to the public for consultation.

ePlanning process

Cr Hayes was assured by Director Jones acknowledged delays, but said that the ePlanning implementation is being processed, and are working towards having RVC operating by the July 1 deadline.

includes a provision for to be funnelled into other communities program projects.

Stay NSW vouchers go live

A $50 accommodation voucher will be available from today as part of the NSW Government’s $250 million Stay NSW program.

Applications for the vouchers will be made available by Local Government Area in a staggered approach. Every community will have access to them by March 3.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the voucher initiative is a commitment to bolster the accommodation industry while getting people excited to travel in NSW.

“This is a win-win for NSW – the vouchers will give hard hit businesses much needed stimulus, while also encouraging residents to explore our great State,” Mr Dominello said.

“The Stay NSW program has been expanded and fasttracked, so people can enjoy a staycation sooner. Whether it’s a quiet country inn, the family-run caravan park or a hotel in the Sydney CBD, every budget needs a boost this year.”

Mr Dominello said the state-wide rollout follows a successful pilot in the Sydney CBD.

“Applying is fast and simple via the Service NSW mobile app, through the Service NSW website or by calling 13 77 88 for assistance,” Mr Dominello said.

“People can pool the $50 Stay NSW Vouchers with relatives or mates, with no redemption limit. Apply as soon as you can so you can check-in somewhere special and check-out somewhere new.”

There are more than 1,200 Stay NSW businesses registered across the State but it is not too late for accommodation premises to get on board. Stay NSW Vouchers are valid until 9 October, 2022.

Participating businesses will be able to redeem vouchers seven days a week, including public holidays. Customers will be able to search for places to stay on the easy-to-use business finder.

For more information, including details on eligibility plus how and when to apply, visit www.service.nsw.gov. au/stay-nsw.

Funding needed to ensure care for people living with dementia

Dementia Australia is calling for support of three crucial initiatives to build on existing measures designed to deliver quality care and inclusion for people living with dementia.

The three initiatives outlined in Dementia Australia’s 2022-23 Federal Pre-Budget Submission are focused on the introduction of compulsory dementia education for aged care workers, the establishment of a national dementia palliative care program and renewed funding for the awardwinning Dementia-Friendly Communities program.

Speaking at an online Parliamentary Friends of Dementia event, Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe AM said whilst many of the key priorities in The Roadmap for Quality Dementia Care have been supported by government through the current aged care reform process and the 2021 Federal Budget, there is still much to be done.

“Dementia Australia is asking for funding for three priority areas in the 202223 Federal Budget to ensure everyone receives the standard of care we would all expect for ourselves.”

Jenni Lawson, who is living with Lewy body disease with Parkinsonian features, used today’s event to share about how important it is for her to have support workers who have been appropriately educated in dementia.

“People with dementia all have a story, a background, a history, they still deserve a place in our families and in our community,” Ms Lawson said.

“They deserve respect, and to have capable, informed people caring for them.”

Dementia Australia’s 2022-23 Federal PreBudget Submission calls for compulsory dementia education for the aged care workforce through an investment in training and education programs and tools.

Coralee Milne, whose father John lived with vascular dementia and was a client of Dementia Australia’s palliative care Nightingale program, said the program was there for her family when they needed it the most.

“Dementia is traumatic for families who are suddenly caring for a loved one and have little to no experience with the steps and progression ahead,” Coralee said.

“This is where the Nightingale program is so important and comes into play.”

A summary of Dementia Australia’s 2022-23 Federal Pre-Budget Submission is available at dementia.org.au.

LARA LEAHY

Australia’s borders have now fully reopened, welcoming back overseas tourism to the area, as well as allowing us to make plans to travel ourselves.

The government hopes that, “These changes will ensure we protect the health of Australians, while we continue to secure our economic recovery.”

“Australia’s health system has demonstrated its resilience throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, including though the recent Omicron wave. With improving health conditions, including a recent 23 per cent decline in hospitalisations due to Covid, the National Security Committee of Cabinet agreed Australia is ready to further progress the staged reopening of our international border.”

Health and vaccination concerns are addressed thus, “Visa holders who are not fully vaccinated will still require a valid travel exemption to enter Australia, and will be subject to state and territory quarantine requirements.”

Michael Thurston, from Destination North Coast reports, “When people have had the freedom to travel into regional areas the North Coast has been a consistent favourite for travellers with demand for travel to our region very high. Sectors have faired differently throughout this period with accommodation, food and beverage operators in general performing well whilst the likes of excursion providers and attractions who traditionally appealed to international markets on average finding it challenging to attract domestic audiences. “In addition to consumer preferences the ability to retain the critical mass of operational staff has had a huge impact on businesses fortunes.

“Demand for travel to the North Coast remains very high and with each barrier that is removed such as the consistent opening of state and reopening of national borders the industry will continue to rebuild.

“There is a variety of support available for tourism businesses looking to adapt and grow their businesses in the current climate. Destination North Coast have a variety of free opportunities for businesses to leverage including a Business Accelerator, Aboriginal tourism product, Northern Rivers Rail Trail and accommodation reinvestment mentoring programs available. Additionally we have launched the North Coast Festival of Flavours ( www. visitnsw.com/north-coast-festival-offlavour ) which is a dynamic opportunity for food, beverage and agri-tourism businesses to participate in a unique event that is supported by a robust marketing campaign aimed at local and interstate markets.

“Likewise Destination NSW offer a variety of free industry training courses and resources through their NSW First program and TAFE have a host of free courses that staff can tap into and build their skillset and levels of accreditation.”

Tempted travel? by

Planning a trip?

The Casino Travel Shoppe has reported their busiest ticketing week last week since covid began. “Europe is the hottest destination right now, followed by the United States,” Izaak du Plooy, the Managing Director tells me.

At this time, however, Izaak advises the necessity of professional assistance when planning to travel internationally, “The complexity of organising international travel has compounded with Covid requirements.”

Izaak goes on to describing the myriad of paperwork needed, and testing required for destinations.

“It isn’t just about being vaccinated or tested, but how far in advance you need to be tested, and some tests are not valid in certain places. English certificates are not recognisable by foreign speaking countries,” showing me the letter of admission for Italy - basically, a translation needed to be carried with your travel documents.

“Every step of travel potentially carries a different set of regulations. Airports, regions, and moving around the destination countries. You need a Green Pass which is imperative to enter venues and shops in Europe.

“The trickiest part is that all these requirements are subject to change. We are in constant contact with our clients, sending reminders and letting them know about the latest information. If you don’t use a travel agent, you really are on your own!

“People are being turned away,” Izaac relates about a woman travelling to Thailand without travel insurance and being turned around to return home. “Updating visa requirements, and weather conditions are also playing havoc with travel arrangements.” Izaac explains how Tony Mota, senior consultant, had just arrived after being stuck in Norfolk Island for three days with a travel group because of a cyclone.

“Group travel with a travel professional is popular right now, but there are some great package deals available - with so many bonuses. Flights accommodation, drinks and tours included to places like Bali, Fiji, Hawaii, Thailand and Vanuatu with more specials coming up all the time.”

Getting around the Northern Rivers

The travel options for our region are as follows (current at time of printing):

Ballina Byron Airport

Ballina’s flights have increased from 40 to 45 a week pre covid, to 62-63 flights a week. Airlines include Qantas, Qantaslink, Jestar, Virgin, Rex and Fly Pelican. Destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Newcastle, and Dubbo.

Clarence Valley Airport Lismore Airport

Rex flies three mornings a week - arrivals from Sydney at 9.30am and departs for Sydney at 10am.

Trains

Trains are running at their normal schedule, however Covid has affected rail staff. Buses are currently replacing trains from Casino to Brisbane due to Brisbane’s Cross River Rail Project.

NSW rail asks you to check transportnsw.info for the latest information.

Buses

Northern Rivers Buslines run all over the Northern Rivers area, including out to Tenterfield and up to Nimbin.

Premiere run services daily between Brisbane and Sydney.

Greyhound have services four times a week up to Coolangatta, but will build their post covid schedule with time.

Road

Check livetraffic.com for the latest traffic updates.

Resident reveals ‘errors’ in council’s annual report

TIM HOWARD

A Yamba resident who feels Clarence Valley Council has unfairly targeted her, her husband and a neighbour, says she has uncovered a mass of errors in the last council annual report.

The 2020-21 annual report was contentious for the council. It was delivered late and sent Local Government just inside its November 30 deadline.

After Cr Karen Toms uncovered errors in the report, a corrected version was approved and sent to the OLG without informing the council, which was a breach of procedure.

With another opportunity to send the report further errors were uncovered, and the corrected came to the December 3 extraordinary meeting for approval.

Ironically in an answer to a question from Cr Peter Ellem, if she was sure this document was free of errors, Ms Black replied “100%”.

But Yamba resident Lynne Cairns begs to differ, having scrutinised the document carefully and uncovering a swathe of questionable entries.

Mrs Cairns, her husband Bob and a nearby resident Shane Powell are well known to the council.

Midway through 2021 the council’s acting general manager, Laura Black, placed the trio on the council’s Unreasonable Complainant Category list.

She said the trio had been too persistent in seeking information about a development at 19 Gumnut Rd, Yamba, next door to Mr Powell’s residence.

She said this had exposed staff to unreasonable levels of stress, which could have posed a health risk.

She also turned down a GIPA request for the information.

A report from the NSW Privacy Commissioner found council had erred in not providing the residents with the information they required.

At the same extraordinary meeting on December 3, council met to discuss removing the Cairns and Mr Powell from the UCC and apologising to them. staff decision and the council policy.

Mrs Cairns compared last year’s report with the 2019-20 document and found the most recent one appears to have the previous year.

She has sent an email to Ms Black detailing where the errors occurred on pages 3, 9, 13, 16, 21 and 22 of the report. obviously duplicates,” she said.

“It would be extremely pool entries or online library visits to be identical year to year.”

In addition to the errors in the reports, Mrs Cairns has already informed the council its minutes from the meeting don’t accord with the video recording of it.

She said at one stage an amendment from Cr Andrew Baker to a motion was voted on without being seconded, which is a clear breach of meeting procedure. Clarence Valley mayor Ian Tiley has already gone on the record describing the meeting as a shambles.

He said the council should have admitted its mistakes and apologised to the residents.

Cr Tiley said a course of action for the council could be to not recognise the minutes from the meeting of the new council on February 22.

Mrs Cairns said while it was important the council cleared the residents of any wrongdoing, it was also vital council become more transparent. She said she would make a deputation to the council on February 22 detailing the errors she has uncovered.

Mrs Cairns said she had also received an apology from Ms Black over an entry in the council business paper to the December 3 meeting, which claimed council had mentioned the behaviour of the residents to police. See article on P19 of last week’s Northern Rivers Times.

While she accepted the apology, she described it as “hollow and disingenuous”. She said council’s actions over the past three years had been stressful and humiliating for them.

“Not only with what is in the 3 December 2021 Business Paper, but how we have been treated by Council executive and senior staff since 2019 to our reasonable and valid questions. This also included having received the UCC and having no right of reply or natural justice.”

NEWS BRIEFS

Take the Plunge

Photographer Susan Fletcher has picked up $500 major prize in the ‘Home’ is where the art is — InFocus photography competition. photographers have been awarded prizes and will feature in the Plunge Art & Culture Festival program for 2022. Ms Fletcher won the for her image ‘Water Soothes the Soul’ — taken on the riverbank at Ulmarra.

The Plunge festival is held from April 1-30 and features music, dance, theatre, exhibitions, open studios, artist trails, workshops for all ages, art, craft and food markets.

Zig zag pathway takes shape

Workers are catching up work on the new zig zag pathway to Main Beach Yamba after delays caused by recent wet weather.

The new raised boardwalk will replace the old concrete path and assist with bank stabilisation. Local vegetation will also be used to stabilise the slope to the beach. Weather permitting, this project is slated for completion in March. When complete the path will offer improved pedestrian access, continuous ramp access through removal of steps and a safer and more comfortable experience.

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Merits of long-term recycled, sea, ground and surface water sources on the table

Alongside groundwater, and desalination, a new has joined the diverse 2040. for the proposed Dunoon with relevant Traditional not approve, nor seek approval for, Mustow said.

“The three-stage make sure the merits of a to inform the future stage. means stage three will now depend on further investigations into the potential use of either desalination, more 2040. these options have been assessed further the relevant approval Manager Phillip Rudd said.

Work on the detailed for the proposed Dunoon start in 2022 and take has started implementing stage one of its Future with planning and other investigations for stage Moreton Basin and to boost the regional demand until 2040 is the two stages over the next

Stages one and two also prioritise development of water plant, transforming more innovative water

“The new groundwater demand management will give us the time and various longer-term added.

For more information about the Future Water nsw.gov.au/futurewaterfor-our-region.

LARA LEAHY

of investigations into the proposed Dunoon heritage, landholder views, environmental assessments and the potential for state and federal government funding

COUNCIL BRIEFS

make representations to the federal and state governments position.

Pool plan

people of all ages.

The development will be

Food Coop

have submitted a DA to retaining walls and sewer / trade waste drainage. at 36 & 38 Mangrove St, the properties well below the permitted.

Parks get the chop

sites have been deemed and are proposed for disposal. Russell Park.

Safety concern

to move the motion that

Roundabouts and pedestrian

Heritage, graves and koalas at risk from ‘one-track’ dam thinking

WATER Northern Rivers Alliance, Widjabul Wiabal Traditional Owners, Friends of the Koala and concerned people from Byron, Lismore, Ballina and Richmond Valley rallied to oppose Dunoon Dam.

A crowd of about 150 people rallied at 9am outside Rous Water to protest the motion by new Rous Councilor Rob to bring the Dunoon Dam back as one of the options for the Future Water 2060 plan.

“We are here today in support of a droughtresilient water system for the Rous region that does not include the destructive and unnecessary Dunoon Dam. We stand for protection of the Widjabul Wia-bal burial sites, the rare rainforest and the critical koala habitat that would be destroyed,” said WATER Northern Rivers spokesperson Terri Nicholson.

“Many of the Rous councilors are completely new to their position. They should not have been put on the spot to make a decision of such import as this, before being fully informed. They should have listened to the Widjabul Wia-bal whose ancestors’ resting places would be drowned, as well as the water experts who consistently say a new dam is not the answer to water security.”

Widjabul Wia-bal woman Skye Roberts spoke powerfully on behalf of her Elders, addressing both the rally and then the Rous Councilors in the meeting.

“I am bringing the message from my people, my elders. We must protect these sacred sites; burials and men’s and women’s sites. We will not give up. I will keep standing up and speaking for my people and our sacred places and living connection to this land and our culture,” Ms Roberts said.

Elder Aunty Leonee Roberts Nowta said: “This Dunoon Dam motion is disrespectful to our people. It shows an unwillingness to listen to Traditional Owners. His motion is deeply offensive to us. We must protect the resting place of our ancestors. No dam at Dunoon.”

Ros Irwin, as spokesperson for Friends of the Koala, spoke of the recent listing of koalas as Endangered, and the importance of the Dunoon population which has the genetic diversity and health needed for the survival of koalas around Lismore.

“If 72 hectares of koala habitat was to be destroyed, damaged or fragmented in Ballina Shire, there would be public outcry. Koalas are on a direct path to extinction unless we preserve their habitat. This can not be offset or mitigated,” Ros said.

Water expert Professor Stuart White (UTS) has over 30 year’s experience in urban water supply demand planning sent a written submission to Rous councilors prior to their meeting.

“I am of the view that the Dunoon Dam should be ruled out as an option for water supply for the region, on the grounds that it is not needed and has too high a marginal cost relative to other options, as well as the environmental and cultural heritage risks,” Prof White said.

WATER Northern Rivers is deeply disappointed that the newly elected Rous councilors voted 6:2 to put Dunoon Dam back on the Future Water 2060 plan.

“This decision is reckless and irresponsible,” said Ms Nicholson.

“The Cultural Heritage, rare rainforest remnants and Endangered koala habitat are all of National, and indeed, action today will come under wide scrutiny.”

Two Cultural Heritage reports were conducted by archeologists. Both found that the area of the proposed dam contains multiple grave sites that predate European settlement, and other sites of huge cultural

“There was global shock when Rio Tinto blew up the Juukan Gorge. Would we let this happen here? RousTinto does not have a good ring to it,” said Ms Nicholson.

“It is a step backwards. Instead of continuing with leadership in sustainable water security, environmental protection and reconciliation for Traditional Owners, this move is an embarrassing and dangerous diversion. It is deeply harmful to genuine reconciliation with the Traditional Owners which Rous has prided itself on.”

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS

IR ACCESS WHEELCHA

Storyteller takes up residence

Northern Rivers storyteller, Leanne Logan, is “Storyteller in Residence” at both Bentley Community Preschool and Cawongla Playhouse this year.

And according to the preschool children in her realm, it’s a good fit.

“I like it when you sing a song and it has a funny thing in it,” 4-year-old Ellie said of the first storytelling session at Bentley recently.

Her friend, 4-year-old Harry, added: “I like it when I listen to the story and it sounds so beautiful.”

“When will you be back again?” Jack, 4, asked.

The Bentley residency will see Leanne visit the preschool every month to deliver a program of storytelling, imaginative play and learning. At Cawongla Playhouse, the program is weekly.

“These storytelling residencies are an opportunity to deeply engage children and educators in the rich and living world of story,” Leanne said.

“From narrative creation to character development, from promoting empathy and solving problems to exploring important local and world themes, storytelling packs an exciting and meaningful program. And it has the ability to bring about change.”

Cawongla Playhouse director, Stephen Gallen, said while the tradition of oral storytelling was at the heart of the residency, the weekly experiences also incorporated many other aspects of the arts and the curriculum.

“Leanne’s sessions are as much about theatre, music, poetry, mime, puppetry and ritual,” Stephen explained.

“Her stories themselves ‘teach’ emotional literacy, explore communication and relationships, and deal with sustainability and global concerns in relatable and compelling ways.

“This is a powerful way to help children ‘unpack’ and reflect, consolidate their learning and experience agency as coauthors and storytellers.”

Bentley Community Preschool director, Tracey Ezzy, said Leanne’s storytelling residency was the result of a successful grant application last year and was valuable to this year’s preschool program.

“Leanne has been a treasured resource over the past few years, bringing beautiful oral stories, singing, music and delightful props to our preschool,” Tracey said.

“The grant means we can now embed the regular storytimes within our program, planning the content to meet the children’s interests and needs throughout the coming year. Our educators also learn so much from her for their own professional practice. We are very excited.”

Leanne began storytelling around the age of nine and, decades on, is still smitten.

“My intention with these residencies is to offer a shared cycle of learning - weaving the known and the unknown, providing a conduit for curiosity, a space for wonder, and a place where we all belong.”

Alongside this year’s residencies, Leanne will continue to bring storytelling incursions to preschools and primary schools throughout the Northern Rivers through her business, Storytelling at your Service.

Following in Attenborough’s footsteps

Marlon Denning first came to the attention of the local community back in late December 2020 when his story about meeting an octopus became inspiration for the amazing Lennox Skate Park mural painted by artist

Austin Nitsua.

Marlon has now taken out first place at the famed Flickerfest International Short Film Festival in the SAE FlickerUp Youth Shorts category having written, directed and produced ‘Rockpool Waltz’.

The film is about Marlon’s affinity with nature and how an incredible friendship nurtured during lockdown eased his loneliness and sparked an adventure.

“I am pretty excited about this award. It means a lot to me that I might have helped some people to think a bit differently about nature,” Marlon said.

Flickerfest has been an institution for over three decades with this year’s festival held over 10 days at Bondi Beach.

“I am really thankful to the Flickerfest organisers, the other finalists, my family and all of the creatures who took part in the film. I can’t wait to tell them they are now famous!” Said Marlon.

The judging panel feedback was amazing, with one judge taking a moment to encourage Marlon to share his achievement with the famous naturalist and wildlife documentary filmmaker, Sir David Attenborough suggesting he might like to pass the baton on. Marlon said he would love to meet his hero.

The film will now be shown at Flickerfest Mullumbimby on Saturday, April 2.

“Leemo’s View”

“LEEMO has views on just about anything”

OH, to be a cat in Ancient Egypt

‘LEEMO CAT’ again. ‘Mum Jane’ has been, she informed me, ‘downsizing’. This means her wandering around our house, hummming & haaaring, grabbing stuff & putting it in a large box. When full, the box gets taken to the Op Shop. Then she starts again. I am keeping a close spylike eye on proceedings ‘cos I don’t want any of MY treasures going into that box... no sirreeee!! I have already snuck back a couple of items and hidden them. She picked up 2 kinda pottery urn things and kept looking at them. I astutely noted each had a medal attached... one said ‘Cissie’ and the other said ‘Rosie’. I asked Mum what they were. Eeeek! She told me they contained the ashes of previous cats she loved. Hmmm? I shivered, realising that when it comes time for me to go to Heaven, MY ashes are also going to end up in one of those ugly looking urns. YURRRK, what an ignominious ending for a feline such as myself. I had envisaged a fine casket with gold trim and photos of me all over it & stuff. I told her I wanted someone to relate wondrous tales about my life achievements, with hymful hymns playing. Mum asked WHY I would want something so selfishly grandiose and started ‘droning’ on like “Scrooge McMum” about her household budget & other nonsense. I put a stop to this pronto with a quick ankle nip and told her to JUST be quiet. “Mum, I WANT to be accorded the respect the Ancient Egyptians showed to their cats when they died. When a cat died, it was embalmed,

mummified, coffined

with fine jewels and buried in a special cat cemetery. As a sign of mourning, the owner of the cat shaved off their OWN eyebrows and mourned until the eyebrows grew back.” HAH, that produced a look of stupefaction on her wrinkled old countenance didn’t it!! I went on to tell her that she has such feeble eyebrows she would undoubtedly get her mourning done real quick. Oh, the glare I received was of total disdain. It got worse. Mum then went on to tell me that if I was so against an urn, she would simply bury me down the back yard along with ‘TE’ & ‘Scottie’, another 2 of her much loved cats. The only thing that might stop this is her old arthritic back and her inability to dig big holes any more. OMG...what a nightmare discussion. Thank the Lord we’re back to downsizing. I told Mum NOT to put any more of my “tiny” hoard of treasures in the big box PLEEASE. I also told her how lucky she is that I am not like ‘Kylo’, the infamous thieving ginger ‘Pirate Kitty’ of Ferny Hills in Qld. who has been stealing many things from all over his neighbourhood for yonks and bringing his booty home as gifts for his owners. Mum just shook her head...Leems, “you truly fascinate me in the most bewildering ways.” I then received a HUGE hug. Hmmm?? Nite now with a ½ purr from a most confused Leemo.

Last man standing

JAMIE BROWN

It’s a bit ironic that one of the greatest explorers of modern

lands.

Last man standing

projects, but not this one. The ships turned out to be woefully under-equipped. When the government could not pin blame on the right people – as the skippers had the nearest suspect in jail. Norm remained under house arrest in his Mogadishu weeks while Lil called Post Master General every night to seek their help in connecting her to the shrouded country. Norm was eventually freed and took over the whole dud project. That’s the sort of bloke he was. barometer began to fall at an alarming rate and Norm suggested the two ships - one skippered by Lil’s cousin Smokey Norton - hide in the mangroves atop the Malacca straight to see what might come of the barometer glass falling so rapidly. Smokey called his bluff and away they went – straight into 13 days of cyclonic weather. There wasn’t just the Indonesian crew and the Somali representatives to worry about on board – there was also Lil and their four children and at times the water which was up over the again Norm found himself deep in the bilge, bailing seawater with a bucket while the rest of the crew lay in their bunks, fearful and green to the gills. The convoy put into Mali for a rest, soaked to the skin with their electronics suffering and no radar at all but found themselves in a forbidden sea. The skippers and the engineers were escorted off their ships and straight into house arrest. Lil and the kids and the Somalis - who didn’t know one end of a ship from another - remained on board waiting for an uncertain future. When they realised the ships belonged to a letter of apology, the authorities let them continue their journey.

More travel followed, with Norm appointed general manager of Northern Bluff Fisheries in Dubai, a businessman Vince Lombardo and looking after their young children.

In Iran, while the Shah was in power, international supply blockades were having the effect of starving the population. There was a dire need for sugar and Norm knew where to get some – right here on the Northern Rivers, at a time when the international price was ordinary. Lil went to school with June Causley whose husband was then minister for Primary Industries Ian Causley and he was urged to strike a deal with the NSW Sugar Milling Co-operative. The project was for humanitarian reasons only, with not one red cent to be skimmed from the pile. But the agreement fell through because a price could not be reached. In the end Norm helped to get sugar from Madagascar and shipped it to Dubai from where dhows could carry it across the troubled strait. as replacement engineer on an badly, with a bout of the Thiamine fresh vegetable on board. Norm campaigned for that crew and appealed to the skipper to put ashore for supplies but to no avail, and the disease he contracted ended his career at sea.

Vale this remarkable human, known an icon, a modern day Captain Cook who lived to see other places; loved the people he met there, and tried his hardest to do them right. Goodbye Norm Colless, a man of the world with a heart just as big.

Rescue crews save couple from creek

difference between life

Upgrades for Men’s Sheds

A study by Beyond Blue

Chairperson elected to lead Rous County Council

Rous County Council’s new governing body

“I would like to fellow county councillors county councillors Rous County Council’s governing county councillors – two constituent councils councillors to deliver • Cr Andrew Gordon

Intersection widening works to start

The Angels Beach Drive and Bangalow Road Lane Improvement project is progressing well, with works currently underway to extend Sheather Street and connect it with Angels Beach Drive.

Intersection widening works started along Bangalow Road on Wednesday 16 February, between the Angels Beach Drive/Bangalow Road roundabout and Kerr Street.

These works are expected to continue until July (weather and site conditions permitting).

During this time the will be in place: be maintained, however motorists are encouraged to use alternative routes via Kerr and Fox Streets where possible. • Speed limit will be reduced to 40kmph in construction zones. • Temporary pedestrian and cyclist detours will be in place around work zones.

To alleviate congestion and avoid travel delays please: • Allow extra travel time. • Avoid non-essential travel during peak morning and afternoon periods.

Ballina Shire Council thanks the community for their patience and understanding during this essential upgrade.

A new survey of more than 100,000 parents and carers and staff has revealed high levels satisfaction in the way students returned to school.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the survey, which was conducted towards the end of the most students, attracted huge responses with 29,238 public school staff and 84,025 parents participating in the survey.

“Schools are enjoying high levels of attendance the sentiment from the survey,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Our Covid Smart measures have helped reduce the impact of Covid in schools, allowing students to learn safely in the classroom, which is so important.”

Covid Smart settings to start the term have included free rapid antigen test (RAT) kits for students and school staff, mask wearing indoors, vaccination for school staff and restricting access to schools for visitors and non-essential personnel.

Minister for Education and Early Learning, Sarah Mitchell, said that Covid Smart measures in schools have not only kept schools safe and free from major disruption, they have being back on site.

“I am particularly pleased that our comprehensive RAT program has helped school staff and students about being back on school grounds, according to the survey,” Ms Mitchell said.

According to NSW Health and Service NSW, parents reported more than 12,000 positive RAT tests among schoolaged children during the week commencing 7 February.

Research conducted by the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance showed that in Term 4 2021, two to four per cent of people exposed to a positive case in school settings contracted Covid-19, compared to around 70 per cent in residential settings.

University maintains global top 200 place

Southern Cross University has maintained its global position among the 2022 Times Higher Education Young University Rankings.

The global ranking focusses solely on the 500 or so institutions established 50 years ago or earlier and

Southern Cross, only 28-years-old, is among the top 200, coming in at 164th this year.

Mr Ben Roche, Vice President (Engagement), said given the challenges the pandemic presented over the past two years, it’s a solid result.

“Asa 28-year-old regionally-based University, Southern Cross continues to punch above its weight globally,” he said.

“These rankings are a timely reminder of the calibre of education and research being undertaken in regional Australia and, in the case of Southern Cross University, activity that has been recognised as at world standard.

“Our research is sector leading and our education programs are distinctive. There really is a world-class option for students right here in some of the most sought-after locations in Australia.”

Times Higher Education applies the same methodology as its World University Rankings to assess research-intensive universities across core missions of teaching, research, knowledge transfer and international outlook, but weightings are universities.

Southern Cross ranked 163rd in the 2021 Young University rankings.

With less than three weeks until the start of Term 1, Southern Cross University has recorded an increase in the number of high school graduates accepting their offers of study.

Top marks for return to school

FOR THE DIARY

Clean Up Australia Day – Sunday 6 March Schools Clean Up Day – Friday 4 March Business Clean Up Day – Tuesday 1 March

Ballina Shire Council is encouraging residents to participate in Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday 6 March. Thousands of Australians nationwide have already registered for Clean Up Australia Day, but more support is urgently needed. As the country’s largest community based environmental event, Clean Up Australia Day is an opportunity to tackle our country’s increasing waste problems.

Clean Up Australia Chairman, Pip Kiernan, says it’s more important than ever to get involved.

“Our environment is experiencing the impact of the pandemic,” said Ms Kiernan.

“We’re seeing a huge surge in single-use plastics and unprecedented numbers of face masks, takeaway coffee cups and food packaging littering our footpaths, parks and beaches.

“For every little bit that we all do on Sunday March 6, we are showing that we care and that we all have a role to play in protecting the environment around us.”

Registration is easy and all community based participants receive a free Clean Up kit containing gloves, bags and other resources. Packs are available for individuals, families or groups.

If you can’t join a Clean Up, Ms Kiernan urges Aussies to make a donation to Clean Up Australia.

One hundred per cent of funds raised through donations provide educational resources and clean up materials free of charge to community, school and youth groups across the nation. To register or donate visit cleanup.org.au.

Clean Up Australia Day

Unfortunately it’s becoming common to see disposable face masks littered around our beautiful Ballina Shire. But this year’s Clean Up Australia Day aims to address this waste crisis.

Playground upgrade open for comment

Ballina Shire Council is asking the community to provide feedback on how we manage and develop our shire’s playgrounds.

Council is currently exhibiting a draft Playground Upgrade and Management Plan, an important strategic document which outlines the provision, management and upgrade of playgrounds across the Ballina Shire over the coming years.

“Playgrounds play an important role in our community and provide hours of fun for children. Our shire is home to many young families who regularly enjoy our local parks so it’s important they have a say on their future,” said Cheyne Willebrands, Ballina Shire Council’s Manager of Open Spaces.

The plan also explains how Council manages playgrounds to ensure they are safe and meeting the needs of our community.

“When it comes to managing playgrounds, safety is paramount. Council staff regularly inspect and maintain equipment to ensure they are safe for use,” explained Mr Willebrands.

“Council frequently receives community feedback about playgrounds, so we want the community to take this opportunity to help shape the future of our shire’s playgrounds. Residents can read through the plan and provide feedback online via Council’s website,” added Mr Willebrands.

For more information or to make a submission before Friday 4 March visit, ballina.nsw.gov.au/ playgrounds.

Weaving Circle weekend masterclass

Northern Rivers Community Gallery’s popular public programs relaunch in February with our ever-popular Jugan Dandii Weaving Circle Adult Masterclass weekend.

Join local weavers Tania Marlowe and Deb Cole from Jugan Dandii in a series of weaving circles throughout the year. Participants will be guided through a range of new techniques over a twoday program for each weaving circle.

The February ‘Weaving Circle I’ session will focus on coil basketry with one or all circles throughout the year to build your skills and techniques.

This Adult Masterclass program will run over two days on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 February from 9.30am – 12.30pm both days at Ignite Studios in Ballina. All weaving materials are provided.

Ignite Studios is located adjacent to the Northern Rivers Community Gallery in the former Ballina Fire Station at 60 Crane Street Ballina. To book your place visit the NRCG website at nrcgballina.com.au or phone the Gallery on 6681 0530.

The Northern Rivers Community Gallery is located at 44 Cherry Street Ballina and is open Wednesday to Friday from 10am until 4pm and weekends from 9.30am until 2.30pm. For further information contact the Gallery on 6681 0530, www. nrcgballina.com.au

Military history lesson on offer

Students studying modern history can now apply for a Premier’s

Anzac Memorial

Scholarship, which will provide opportunities to develop their knowledge and understanding of the history of Australians at war.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said up to 20 selected students would join a two-week historical sites to learn about the service of Australian men and

“This offers a unique learning experience that complements the NSW History Syllabus, which on history studies in the classroom,” Mr Perrottet said.

“I encourage students in Year 10 and 11 with a keen interest in history to apply as this is a hands-on learning opportunity to represent their school and community.”

Minister for Transport and Veterans David Elliott said the 2022 study tour will take place during the Term 3 school holidays (26 September to 7 October) and will visit locations in Sydney, regional NSW and the ACT.

“The tour will be accompanied by a military historian to teach students about our nation’s military past and help them understand the importance of commemoration,” Mr Elliott said.

“This is an especially important tour in 2022, a year that commemorates 80 years since our veterans fought for our freedom during the Second World War.”

One of the 2021 scholars, Ryan Muscat from Marian Catholic College Kenthurst, described the tour as truly incredible.

“It was a once in a lifetime experience, not just because of the fascinating stops but the friendships that I made with my fellow scholars,” Ryan said.

“It helped me to better appreciate the breadth that personnel from NSW have made in the defence of Australia and how our state’s role continues to evolve.”

Students can apply online by submitting a short personal essay, a letter of recommendation, a parent consent form and a copy of a marked history assignment.

Registrations close 28 March. Visit www. veterans.nsw.gov.au/ education/premiersanzac-memorialscholarship.

NSW arts and culture to hit the road in 2022

Audiences across regional NSW will enjoy more performances and creative experiences as arts and cultural organisations and groups take their shows on the road in 2022, supported by the NSW Government.

More than $660,000 will be delivered through NSW Government’s Regional Arts Touring fund supporting 11 arts and cultural organisations and groups to tour their works to 60 regional towns and villages across the state.

Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said the targeted funding would deliver more arts and cultural experiences for regional audiences, create more opportunities for NSW artists, and strengthen local economies.

“The NSW Government is serious about creating in regional touring, improving access to exceptional arts and cultural offerings and investing in our talented artists and organisations,” Mr Franklin said.

“Our investment of over $660,000 for this round of regional touring will ensure the best seats in the house are reserved for regional audiences, and will deliver communities.

“Audiences from Coffs Harbour to Cootamundra and countless towns in between will delight in the 11 touring works, including the immersive dance theatre production, The Rivoli, from Dance Makers Collective, Pat Trotter touring as Kobie Dee playing live shows as part of Gomeroi Nations Tour, and a selection of silent an original music and foley score performed live in South East Arts’ presentation of Leonard’s Beautiful Pictures.”

Funded tours in Round 1 of Regional Arts Touring cover visual arts, theatre, dance, classical music, dance and physical theatre, and multi-arts. The full list of recipients is available here.

Applications for Round 2 of Regional Arts Touring, and a new funding round for multiyear support open on Monday 14 March. For further information on arts, screen and cultural funding, including targeted support opportunities, visit the Create NSW website at www.create.nsw.gov.au.

Ballina Shire Council and Transport for NSW are offering 40 free vouchers valued at $50 for local families to get their child restraints checked or installed at Dancer’s Car Care.

Parents, carers and grandparents can apply for the vouchers online to have their child car seats, restraints, harnesses and booster vouchers are part of a road safety initiative to improve children’s safety in cars.

Apply for a voucher online on the Ballina Shire Council website at ballina.nsw.gov.au/ CarSeatVoucher.

To be eligible for a voucher, you must be a resident of Ballina Shire and vouchers must be used by the end of April. Vouchers can be used for one vehicle per household. Each voucher entitles the holder to one maximum of three seats checked at a time. Any additional parts required (such as extension straps, gated buckles and so on) are not covered by the voucher, and must be paid by the customer.

Once you receive your voucher by email, you can contact Dancer’s Car Care (a Transport for NSW Authorised Restraint Fitter) to make an appointment. Appointments are available Monday to Friday, at either 11am or 2pm, from 21 February to 29 April.

Choosing an appropriate child restraint can be take into consideration the age and size of your child.

Discovering the past has a new look

Discovering the past has taken on a new look at the Tweed Regional Museum with the launch of an updated website.

The website features a cleaner, more vibrant look, is easier to navigate and contains all the information you need to know about the Museum and its branches.

Museum Director Molly Green said Tweed residents and visitors can stay up to date with what’s on at the Museum regarding exhibitions, displays, events and other news.

“You can explore our extensive collections online,” Ms Green said.

“The Tweed Regional Museum Collection includes more than 20,000 images and 15,000 objects that tell stories of the history and culture of the Tweed, from 20 million years ago to the present day.

“For those who love searching through history, there are more than 5,500 records available to search right now,” she said.

How well do you know Murwillumbah or Uki?

“Though the website, you can download heritage walking guides which take you either through the Murwillumbah town centre or along Uki’s main road,” Ms Green said.

“Brochures of heritage walks are also available at the Museum along with a guide to the many art deco features of Murwillumbah.”

For schools and groups, the new website features an online booking form, making it quick and easy to organise a visit to the Museum.

This feature will be especially helpful for schools planning class visits.

“There is material which will be helpful for teachers such as guides explaining our hands-on activities, facilities and information to make a visit both enjoyable and educational,” she said. on at the Museum, both permanent and temporary exhibitions, visit museum.tweed.nsw. gov.au.

University geochemist’s research to unlock secrets

Southern Cross University Associate Professor Renaud Joannes-Boyau will track back in time using pre-historic teeth to observe how our earliest human ancestors co-existed alongside two other ‘prehuman species’.

One of the tools to do this, newly set-up at the University’s Lismore campus, is a specialised laser sampling technique that vaporises microscopic portions on the surface of the tooth.

Associate Professor Renaud Joannes-Boyau’s groundbreaking research is one of four Southern Cross University-led projects successful in the latest announcements of Australian Research Council (ARC) funding – with more than $1.94 million awarded to the University, described as a ‘stunning result for Southern Cross and for all the researchers involved’ by Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) Professor Mary Spongberg.

His Discovery Project ‘Decoding the geochemical record of early human fossils’ (DP220100195) was awarded $368,118 and aims to use cutting-edge geochemical imaging of fossil teeth from South Africa, to reconstruct the behaviour of our earliest human ancestors.

“These teeth date as far back as two million years, and can be used as a roadmap to the behaviour of early hominin species, such as diet, breastfeeding habits, migration and seasonal behaviour, and ageing,” said Professor Joannes-Boyau from Southern Cross University’s Faculty of Science and Engineering.

“Five years ago, I started working with an international team excavating the site. In age of the site and hominin fossils in Science. We had found three different and contemporary species in the year I’ll travel to South Africa to bring back fossil teeth from about 10 to 15 distinct individuals, including from the oldest Homo species found in South Africa.”

Professor Joannes-Boyau said the project will leverage Southern Cross University’s new $2 million, cutting-edge tandem trace element and isotopes equipment established at the University’s Lismore campus in 2020 and 2021, funded by an ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities (LIEF) grant secured in 2020 (LE200100022).

The state-of-the-art equipment uses a specialised laser sampling technique to vaporise microscopic portions on the surface of the tooth. The gas containing the sample is then analysed for chemical signatures with a mass spectrometer – enabling researchers to develop geochemical imaging at a microscopic scale relating to diet and health of prehistoric individuals.

He explained how teeth grow similarly to trees, developing sequentially.

“Teeth form by adding layer after layer of dental tissues every day and are particularly valuable for reconstructing the biological events occurring during the early period of an individual’s life. They preserve precise temporal changes and chemical records of key elements incorporated in the food we eat,” he said.

“The aim of this project is to reconstruct the infanthood records of our earliest human ancestors, to shine a light on adaptive strategies that allowed our genus to outcompete other hominin species during a time of climate variability. We don’t know much about the behaviour of these species, such as whether they were co-habiting or whether they were competing for the same resources, so this project could completely transform our understanding of early human evolution in South Africa.”