The Northern Rivers Times
August 11, 2022
24 NEWS
Party kits help families celebrate without single-use plastic Ballina Shire Council and Richmond Tweed Regional Libraries have joined forces to offer reusable kids’ party kits as part of their ongoing commitment to reduce single use items across the shire. The kits are available for loan to library members at Alstonville, Ballina, and Lennox Head libraries. Each kit consists of a drinks jug, tablecloth and a set of bowls, plates, cups, and cutlery to serve 12 people, which are made from recycled plastic. Parties can generate a lot of waste, explains Council’s Waste Education Officer, Samala Heart. “A public bin audit showed that on weekends, some of our park bins can be sadly clogged with single-use partyware”, said Ms Heart. “Switching to reusables
reduces a party’s carbon footprint as well as waste going to landfill. The new kits provide a fun and colourful way to participate in a circular economy.” Our local libraries are equally keen to support the community. “The reusable party kits will support parents to model cost-effective sustainable practices to their children,” said Ballina Librarian Taryn Kelly. “With 12 colours, they also allow for each child to colour match their partyware, ensuring simple yet achievable hygiene.” Loaning a party kit is cheaper than buying disposables and after each loan the equipment is returned to be used by other community members. For more information contact your local library Richmond Tweed Regional Library staff Clancie Flick and Taryn Kelly join Samala Heart, Waste Education Officer at Ballina Shire Council to show off the new reusable party kits available for loan. branch.
NORTHERN RIVERS MAGICAL QUEST FOR KIDS AT LISMORE QUAD RECONSTRUCTION (available for download magical quest is taking CORPORATION ADVISORY Aplace in Lismore Quad from www.lismorequad. from 15-23 August. BOARD APPOINTED org.au) Eight local and technical experts have been appointed to the advisory board of the corporation tasked with rebuilding flood-affected Northern Rivers’ communities. Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said board members have the knowledge and practical skills needed to guide the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation (NRRC). “The board will advise on the flood recovery work already underway, providing on-the-ground feedback on the rebuild of large and complex infrastructure,” Mr Toole said. “We’re not just building back for now – this is about future-proofing communities by ensuring they are better prepared for future disasters.” Members of the NRRC Advisory Board are:
Mr Gary Barnes, Chair, Secretary, Department Regional NSW; Mr Michael Cassel, Secretary, Department of Planning and Environment; Mr Peter Duncan, Commissioner and Deputy Chair, NSW Independent Planning Commission; Former CEO of Roads and Maritime Services; Mr Andrew Hall, CEO Insurance Council of Australia; Mr Darren Kershaw, Executive Chair, North Coast Aboriginal Development Alliance; Ms Jane Laverty, Regional Director Northern Rivers, Business NSW; Ms Sharon Cadwallader, Chair Northern Rivers Joint Organisation; and Mr Michael Rayner, Former General Manager Tweed Shire Council, Tweed community member, Technical Expert.
Deep underground, right beneath the town (and unknown to the human inhabitants of Lismore) there has lived, for thousands of years, a community of tiny magical beings called The Miniatures. During the last floods, cracks and portals throughout the city were opened up by the power of the water and an amazing thing has happened, the Miniatures have found pathways into the Up-top land of Lismore. A very brave Miniature called Mirabelle was the first to find her way up and is busy making doorways for her friends to come up through. Mirabelle would like to invite the (small) Giants of the Up-top land to play a game she is setting up in Lismore Quad in August. You can play any time you like between 15-23rd August
(during daylight hours is best). Parents/Guardians: To play the game with your child download and print the game invitation from www.lismorequad.org. au and head to The Quad
between 15-23 August to find the Miniatures. There is also a lovely letter and activity from Mirabelle that parents/ guardians can give their child once they have completed the game
Mirabelle’s Game is a new self-led theatre game created by Valley Lipcer of Roundabout Theatre for The Lismore Quad and The Lismore CBD. ‘Mirabelle’s Game is a magical adventure hunt, designed to be experienced in people’s own time and at their own pace. The story re-frames The Lismore Quad as a place of wonder, colour and possibilities from the perspective of the Miniatures - who have discovered it for the first time. The game is a gentle invitation to indulge in some imaginary play together. At a very challenging time for our community I am hoping this game will inspire some smiles and joyful silliness.’ More info www. lismorequad.org.au
