34 minute read
NSW Budget 2022
Budget lages behind Qld’s billions for food recovery
Lismore MP Janelle Saffn believes the NSW Budget handed down lags behind Queensland’s simultaneous $1.7-billion allocation for disaster recovery and resilience in 2022-23.
“I’m disappointed that the NSW Government did not use this Budget to unlock serious funding to ‘build back better’ here in the Northern Rivers region,” Ms Saffn said. “After all, the February food hit both states just as hard.
“I can only hope that Queenslandstyle funding announcements will fow once the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation stands up from July 1, and it underlines the need for a NSW version of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority.
“There really is an urgent need to secure a joint NSWCommonwealth Flood Reconstruction Recovery Package and I’ve put forward suggestions at the highest levels based on my observations and advocacy since the food. “Budget confrmation of a $132.7-million investment in the State Emergency Service is a welcome start, particularly for a new Incident Control Centre in Lismore and a facility upgrade for Murwillumbah SES.”
However, Ms Saffn said the Murwillumbah community continued to be cheated because the Budget had nothing for a longpromised 24-hour police station for the town.
Ms Saffn welcomed Budget confrmation of an extra $149.5 million to expand the Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS) as long overdue.
“It’s an utter disgrace that there is no new money indicated for housing needs and the housing crisis right across the Northern Rivers, which was dire before the foods and is now calamitous. “No continuation of the 16 weeks of rent assistance or acceleration of housing for food-impacted communities, no jobs economic development program, no budget for fxing potholes or landslips, no river clean-up, and no school upgrades in the Lismore Electorate.”
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Steadfast support for families and businesses
The NSW Government is setting the stage for the State’s prosperity, delivering a transformational budget that will secure a brighter future for New South Wales by offering steadfast support for families and businesses.
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said: “The people of New South Wales have stood tall through enormous challenges over the past few years, and this budget backs in their efforts, with more steadfast support, stronger services, and strategic reform to set our State up for a brighter future.
Key highlights from the Budget for North Coast include:
EDUCATION New funding: • $3.2 million in 2022-23 to expand the TAFE campus at Kingscliff • $2.9 million in 2022-23 for the Coffs Harbour TAFE Optimisation. • $2.5 million in 2022-23 for the Northern Rivers Education, Training and Research Hub • $886,000 in 2022-23 to relocate the Lennox Head Public School Continued funding: • $70.1 million in 2022-23 to deliver major upgrades at Kingscliff Public School, Tweed Heads South Public School, Kingscliff High School, Bangalow Public School, Hastings Secondary College, Teven –Tintenbar Public School and Bexhill Public School • $40.2 million in 2022-23 to deliver the new Murwillumbah Education Campus • $10.1 million in 2022-23 to deliver skills facilities at Tweed River High School for the VET Pilot Program, in conjunction with ongoing major upgrades
HEALTH New funding: • $4.2 million for the Medical Equipment upgrade across Mid North Coast Local Health District • $2.5 million for the Kempsey Heritage Building refurbishment • $2.0 million for planning for the Ballina Hospital redevelopment • $1.7 million for the Imaging Service upgrade across Mid North Coast Local Health District
Continued delivery of the: • $723.3 million Tweed Hospital and Integrated Ambulatory Services and car park • $312.8 million redevelopment for the Lismore Hospital redevelopment (Stages 3A, B, and C) • $263.8 million redevelopment for the Grafton Base Hospital • $194.0 million Coffs Harbour Hospital expansion • $21.5 million Port Macquarie Hospital Helipad Relocation and car park
REGIONAL NSW
Grants to boost local economies, including: • $11.1 million to support the expansion of the Treelands Drive Community Hub and improve the accessibility of services to the community • $10.0 million to upgrade and install new infrastructure in Casino to develop a 13 ha industrial park to facilitate the growth and expansion of local industry • $4.9 million to upgrade the Astronomy Science Centre in Port Macquarie TRANSPORT • $1.4 billion over four years to continue construction of the Coffs Harbour Bypass, which will improve safety and reduce travel time, as well as removing through traffc from local roads (state and federally funded) • $39.3 million to deliver road improvements along Waterfall Way from the Pacifc Highway at Raleigh to Armidale • $2.0 million, as part of the $20 million commitment, to fast track the Oxley Highway/Pacifc Highway Interchange at Port Macquarie, as part of the Oxley Highway Future Growth Program STRONGER COMMUNITIES • $52.7 million for the construction of new regional police stations to maximise productivity and meet the current and future needs of the NSW Police Force and community at Port Macquarie and Byron Bay • $3.5 million to ft out premises for the Firearms Registry
CUSTOMER SERVICE • $14.6 million for the Mission Critical Emergency Services Messaging Program, a centralised mission-critical emergency services paging network including upgrade and consolidation of existing agency networks into one whole-of-government paging network
PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT • $168.0 million to deliver new social and police housing, as well as repair and replace existing homes damaged during the foods • $70.0 million to repair and replace food-damaged housing for First Nations people across the mid and north coast regions of New South Wales • $56.4 million for the Dorrigo Escarpment Walk and Arc Rainforest visitor experience • $32.9 million to enhance biosecurity for Lord Howe Island to
Little for social housing in New South Wales budget
Social Futures is disappointed that the New South Wales government passed on the opportunity to invest in social housing in the recent state budget. Social Futures CEO Tony Davies has welcomed the government’s funding for food recovery in northern New South Wales, but was disappointed the budget did not include more for low-income communities. “As a result of the foods, the Northern Rivers, which was a very vulnerable community, is now more vulnerable,” Mr Davies said.
“I would have liked to have seen a massive commitment to social housing in this budget. Around New South Wales there are around 50,000 households on the waiting list for social housing.”
Mr Davies said before the foods many Northern Rivers towns, including Lismore, had waiting lists of more than 10 years for social housing and the foods had clearly exacerbated homelessness.
“There have been statements from government saying they will commit to social housing, but in reality, there has been virtually no social housing built in the Northern Rivers by government in the last decade,” he said.
protect the ecological values of this World Heritage listed site • Continued delivery of the $54.7 million new offce hub in Coffs Harbour, to accommodate 430 workers from across government agencies, improving cross-agency collaboration and service delivery across the North Coast
Member for Tweed Geoff Provest said: “Thanks to the NSW Liberals and Nationals in government, the 2022-23 NSW Budget provides both capital and program enhancements in Tweed. I particularly welcome the major upgrade to
“Kingscliff TAFE, a new ambulance station, the ongoing works at the new Tweed Valley Hospital and major works at local schools. The commitment to providing more nurses, doctors and allied health workers, and the expanded child care and early education programs is also of great beneft to Tweed residents.”
Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said: “The 2022-23 budget sees a lot of investment in the Coffs Harbour electorate by the Liberal-Nationals Government. Continuation of major projects like the Coffs Harbour Bypass are matched with cost of living support for families. We are working hard to make the Coffs Coast an even better place to live and the 202223 budget delivers on this commitment.”
Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis said: “The NSW Government’s 2022-23 Budget proves that the North Coast, including the Clarence and Richmond Valleys I represent continue to beneft from the Nationals strong voice in State Government.”
“Huge completed infrastructure like the Pacifc Highway upgrade and the new Grafton Bridge are being followed with more major investments headlined by the $263 million redevelopment for the Grafton Base Hospital.
“Given the string of natural disasters we have endured in the region, the Liberal and Nationals record investment in emergency services infrastructure, personnel and equipment could not come at a better time.”
Long term gains, short term cuts
Ballina MP Tamara Smith said the budget handed down by the NSW Treasurer will support women and families over the long term and there are some solid investments in infrastructure in the Ballina electorate.
“However, in the short term there is nothing that addresses the acute housing shortage or cost of living pressures.
“I welcome the fact that the treasurer has committed to a universal free year of pre-kindergarten and the budget addresses the cost of child care and offers some relief to working families from next year.
“Lennox Head Public School will see some money this budget going towards the relocation and planning for the new school, and there is money for the Ballina Hospital redevelopment.
“It is pretty shocking I think for people in our community that there is nothing in the budget that addresses our acute housing crisis or cost of living pressures in the here and now. Nurses and teachers are getting a pay rise slightly above the public sector wage cap – 3% this year and 3% next year, but when you consider that the cost of infation is above 5% this represents a pay cut.”
Mr Davies said on the Tweed, a not-for-proft had secured funding to build some houses, but much more is needed with this year’s fooding leading to more homelessness in the area.
“Property is so valuable, so it’s actually a good idea for government to build and hold housing – it builds the wealth of the state, and there are so many benefts to the community if people have safe housing,” he said.
“To have a wellfunctioning harmonious community we need more social housing – insecure housing damages people’s mental health – children drop out of school, relationships break down and that’s a cost to our community.”
Mr Davies did welcome increases to the Energy Accounts Payment Assistance program to help struggling households cover the rising cost of energy and also more investment in the Early Childhood Education and Care sector. ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY NSW
The NSW Government has delivered a State Budget that is future focussed and will lead to positive impacts for women, children, First Nations Peoples, and people struggling to afford homes.
There are people in deep need who will miss out.
“The initiatives encouraging women’s participation in the workforce, early education and childcare, partnerships with First Nations Peoples, and making home ownership more affordable are all very positive.
“The Treasurer is right to point out that housing security is the foundation of both economic security and a good life.
“The reality is that for far too many people, the idea of buying a home is not within their grasp.
“It is these people, on the margins of society, who need more substantial support,” St Vincent de Paul Society NSW CEO, Jack de Groot, said.
All charges were dismissed in Kyogle Court on Friday for the four forest protectors arrested in November for defending Cherry Tree State Forest from logging.
Malveena Martyn, Naomi Shine, Ian Gaillard and Dee Mould, collectively known as the “Cherry Tree Four” who had their fnal day in court after over six months of legal action were relieved and proud to have had their efforts exonerated by the court.
Ms Shine said she was proud of what she had done.
“Cherry Tree is a beautiful native forest and the wildlife corridor is part of is so valuable,” she said.
Ms Martyn was clear about why she was involved in the protest.
“We want logging in public native forests stopped,” she said.
“The Forest Corporation has been doing what it likes for decades.”
The group’s lawyer, Eddie Lloyd said, “Today I had the honour of representing these incredible climate change warriors who were arrested for trying to protect Cherry Tree State Forest from logging by the Forestry Corporation.”
“In submissions today, the Magistrate accepted that we were living in a climate crisis and agreed that these climate change warriors were just trying to protect endangered & threatened species from death by Forestry Corp logging in Cherry Tree State Forest. All charges were dismissed.
“These warriors of the forest, who are held in high regard and seen as leaders in our community, should never have been dragged to court. There is something seriously wrong with laws that criminalise community leaders for trying to save our planet. There is something seriously absent in our laws that this forest was not protected and that the Forestry Corp were able
to log in this signifcantly biodiverse hotspot.
“Civil disobedience is what activists are forced to do when the Government prioritises protecting vested interests over the protection of our planet.” Ms Lloyd said.
In recognition of the urgent need to reduce development application (DA) times, Tweed Shire Council is embarking on a concerted program to address the backlog.
The DA Backlog Reduction Program is recognition by Council for the need to tackle a problem which is state-wide and has been compounded by a number of factors.
Tweed is not alone when confronted by a high number of undetermined DAs however Council has identified a number of measures which it hopes deliver a more manageable, efficient workload over the next 6-12 months.
After consultation with the local development industry, strategies put forward to Council by Council officers were endorsed at the 2 June Planning Committee meeting.
To achieve strategy goals, a cooperative effort between Council and the development sector was developed, resulting in certain trade-offs of current Council assessment services.
These include: • Council officers providing a greater focus on problem solving regarding any technical and infrastructure delays between its DA assessment and internal referral units • Seeking responses for further information from applicants where required to achieve quicker determination of applications, including a new requirement of only one Request for Information (RFI) to address outstanding matters • Limiting the amount of staff time currently applied to pre-lodgement advice and checking of new applications into the State Planning Portal • Advising applicants to minimise contact with assessing officers throughout the DA process to allow for time to be spent on applications.
Council’s General Manager Troy Green said there had been many significant factors impacting on DA approvals across NSW.
“There has been a huge upswing in the property market and housing construction in particular due to Federal and State Government incentives and low interest rates,” Mr Green said.
“The job market is highly competitive and experienced planning and engineering staff have been drawn to the private sector. When coupled with COVID-19, flood events and capped income streams, this has caused challenges to DA processing times.
“Other challenges to our DA assessment processes have included technical input on major State infrastructure projects, new State planning policies and changes to planning legislation and the new State Planning Portal which is presenting challenges in the lodgement requirements.
“Our Council officers are aware of the issues and frustrations caused by DA delays and are committed to working on practical ways to reduce the backlog as quickly as possible.
“We continue to work with our State counterparts and continue to seek a range of alternative resourcing methods to address the issue at hand.”
For more information go to tweed.nsw.gov.au/ da-backlog-reductionprogram
Young and old encouraged to enter new art award
Tweed Regional Gallery is encouraging all artists – including First Nations and young artists - to head to the Gallery’s website to enter the inaugural Wollumbin Art Award (WAA).
The exciting new award is open to artists from the local government areas of Tweed, Byron, Ballina, Lismore and Kyogle as well as the Scenic Rim and Gold Coast City. A $15,000 frst prize is on offer and a two-week residency at the Gallery’s Nancy Fairfax Artist in Residence Studio.
Interest in the WAA has been strong and Gallery Director Susi Muddiman OAM is urging artists not to leave submitting their entries until the last minute.
“The online entry process is very straight forward and you can save your entry before submitting it as long as you submit it before 5 pm on Sunday 17 July 2022,” Ms Muddiman said.
“I am really proud of the resilience shown by artists who have faced so many challenges in recent years. The WAA offers another fantastic opportunity for them get their work out there.
“In addition to the frst prize, we have the $10,000 First Nations Bundjalung Award which includes an exhibition at the Gallery as well as a $5,000 prize and an Emerging Artist Award.
“We are also delighted to be able to include the Wollumbin Youth Art Awards for young talent aged from 5 – 18 years which includes prizes for the various age groups.”
Ms Muddiman said the Gallery was looking forward to working with the 2022 pre-selection panel members including respected local elder Aunty Joyce Summers and Indigenous art offcer at Arts Northern Rivers, Kylie Caldwell.
“We can’t wait to see the entries as they come in and I hope to see some ambitious and exciting artworks,” she said.
The Gallery has secured the services of respected curator and editor of VAULT Magazine, Alison Kubler, as judge for the 2022 WAA and acclaimed artist Hiromi Tango as the 2022 WYAA judge.
Finalists will be informed on Monday 8 August and will have their works displayed at the Gallery from Sunday 30 September to Sunday 20 November 2022.
For more information, go to gallery.tweed.nsw. gov.au/whats-on/prizesawards/wollumbin-artaward.
The North Coast Public Health Unit is urging local residents to book their fu vaccination now, to get protected against severe illness this fu season.
North Coast Public Health Unit Director,
Don’t delay your fu shot this winter
Dr Paul Douglas, said fu cases and hospitalisations have been rising, which is concerning at this early stage in winter.
“During the week ending 11 June, 247 people presented to Northern NSW emergency departments with Infuenza,” Dr Douglas said.
“That takes us to more than 1,000 fu presentations this year already.
“Due to the high rates of PCR testing in the community, we have also detected 551 fu infections across the District for the month of May, which is higher than usual.
“Infuenza is now spreading quickly as we are now interacting with each other once again after the last few years of social distancing and mask wearing.
“If you haven’t already booked your fu shot, please do it now as it provides essential protection for people of all ages against severe illness from infuenza.”
During June, the fu jab is available for free to all NSW residents who are six months and older at GPs and pharmacies across NSW.
Grafton’s heritage on display for tourism leaders
A successful bid by Clarence Valley Council will see the 2022 Destination North Coast Tourism Symposium showcase two of Grafton’s most iconic heritage-listed venues in July.
The industry conference brings together key regional stakeholders, strategists and tourism experts to discuss and consider issues, challenges and opportunities impacting tourism across the North Coast.
The Saraton Theatre will be the venue for the Tourism Symposium on 28 July, followed that evening by the Awards Gala Dinner at The Barn (pictured) in the Grafton Showgrounds.
“The two host venues are both heritage-listed buildings that showcase Grafton’s rich and proud history,” Clarence Valley Mayor Ian Tiley said.
“Clarence Valley Council is proud to partner with Destination North Coast to co-host the annual event.
“Holding this event in Grafton presents an opportunity to showcase the Clarence Valley to tourism industry leaders from across the country.
“More than 100 key stakeholders including Tourism Australia representatives will see what Grafton has to offer and we are hoping that many of these visitors stay over and enjoy the weekend in our beautiful region.”
Clarence Valley Council made the successful bid to host the annual event with the aim of promoting Grafton and its heritage.
The original bid was submitted in March 2020, just before Covid-19 struck.
“It was an opportunity for Grafton to host tourism delegates from the North Coast following the impact of the 2019 bushfires and boost the local economy after a significant fall in visitation to affected areas,” CVC Acting General Manager Laura Black said.
“Fast forward to 2022, following the impact of border closures and travel restrictions during the pandemic, and more recently floods, we’re now ready to put Grafton in the spotlight.
“The two venues, accommodation providers, local producers, entertainers, transport and tour operators are all set to benefit from this event.”
This year’s Symposium theme is Evolution for Success which aims to stimulate a strategic outlook for tourism for the North Coast region, and inspire passion, enthusiasm and resilience to invigorate tourism post the pandemic and natural disasters. Renowned futurist Steve Sammartino is the opening keynote speaker for the event.
The Gala Dinner provides a networking opportunity and will recognise and celebrate the region’s finest tourism operators, including a Local Hero awards ceremony.
Early Bird Combo Event tickets ($145 + booking fee) are currently available at https://events.humanitix. com/2022-north-coasttourism-symposiumand-gala-awards-dinner.
Caring people wanted to help seniors stay at home longer
Older Australians aren’t the only ones beneftting from remaining in their homes longer, now a national home care provider is offering 750 people the opportunity to earn extra dollars to care for them.
Five Good Friends CEO, Simon Lockyer said they were on a nationwide hunt to fnd 750 kind, caring and compassionate people who wanted to contribute to senior and disabled Australians.
“Being a home carer is very rewarding - it keeps our older and disabled Australians happier and safer for longer,” Mr Lockyer said.
“The fexible contract roles are perfect for anyone looking for fulltime hours right through to those who need a few hours of care work a week to help make ends meet.
“We want people from 18 up to retired folks who still have a lot to give. What they all need in common, a willingness to help and care for people.”
On average a Five Good Friends home carer earns $37 an hour, works between 14 and 20 hours a week, which equates to $2,500 to $3,650 in monthly income.
The number of older Australians using home care has tripled in recent years, growing 25 per cent last year alone. The aged care sector will have a labour shortage of 110,000 within a decade.
Home care will remain in high demand with a peak due in 2031, when nearly 20 per cent of the population is expected to be aged over 65, compared with around 16 per cent in 2021.
At the end of 2021 some 217,724 senior Australians had access to a home care package with just over 824,000 others having received support through the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP)i.
The on-the-road contract role of home carer is suitable to helpful people 18 years or older. They must have a clear National Police Check or National Disability Worker Screening Check and be up to date with their Covid vaccinations.
Celebrating resilience in relationships
Community groups in Lismore are coming together to promote healthy relationships and to celebrate resilience in people that have experienced domestic abuse, family violence and sexual assault. ere is a greater need for us all to be aware of language, situations and what we can do to contribute to a kinder, more understanding and safer community.
A spokesperson for the Lismore Domestic Violence Liaison Committee (LDVLC), Jillian Knightsmith said, “Our committee acknowledges that domestic and family violence has escalated in communities across Australia and around the world this year in the wake of COVID-19 and is now at risk of further escalation due to the impact of the recent natural disaster.”
About 20 organisations come together to form the committee (LDVLC). is includes services helping women, men and children as well as whole family and gender support.
Ms Knightsmith talks of the nature of aggression at home saying there is a wide spectrum of types and severity of abuse, “Domestic and family violence is o en a pattern of controlling or coercive behaviour.
“Where it o en begins is with controlling behaviours that may involuntarily take away your freedoms to be with others, or control nances or monitor your social and communication avenues. is can also look like threats to the safety of pets or other family members and the person being coercive can even manipulate the situation by speaking of self harm. If you don’t feel comfortable with a situation, it is good to address it, as over time, the severity can become more serious.”
Healthy relationships provide autonomy over decisions about your body, mind and life. Discomfort in a decision or undue pressure over determining what is best for yourself can be an indicator that it is time to address what is really needed.
Responsibility for this kind of safety is the same as taking precautions when driving on the roads or working with tools. Ms Knightsmith says, “Organisations like ours play only a small part of the response to abuse and neglect. Family, friends and neighbours are the unsung heros - those that are there before, in the middle of a crisis or situation, and a erwards.
“ e national initiative “Stop it at the Start” says it all. We need to be more aware of our own mannerisms that may be contributing to the problem, as well as how to talk to people when you see something concerning in others.” Like anything that doesn’t go right - it is best to address it before it takes too serious a turn and breaks up a family. Or worse... e community is the front line - they are the ones that have the capacity to stop it before it starts. e best way is to be alert to language - behaviours, patterns, prejudices or preferences towards negative bias can become automatic. Bringing it up in conversation by drawing attention to it, “You o en say that, whatever made you feel that way?” Or perhaps call out behaviour, “ at’s not respectful” or “there is another way to discuss this.” You may be able to say, “Wow, they are some strong opinions, have you spoken to a counsellor about that?” If we consider the way we interact, Ms Knightsmith draws attention to the probability that we have made a choice and helped. She hopes that, “everyone that reads this can think of something that they can do or have done to make us a more resilient and kind community.”
Breaking these habits are key to making changes in our communities. “Children are learning from us all the time - they learn these negative traits. It’s about adults - the decision makers breaking the mould setting a better example.”
When considering your own situation, sometimes we need to put ourselves in anothers shoes - if a friend came to you and told the story that you are living, what advice would you give them?
Now has never been a better time to acknowledge awareness and cause change. e Lismore digital campaign is designed to share stories on the website that celebrates the resilience of individuals and families who have experienced domestic and family violence.. You are invited to get involved, help share stories, celebrate resilience and healthy relationships as well as build awareness.
e images with this story are from the Love Bites initiative at secondary schools. A program designed to promote healthy relationships in young people. “A er covid and oods interruptions, the program is hoping to be back in schools by the end of the year.”
“Leemo has views on just about anything”
OOOH... all those REMARKABLE WOMEN...
‘Leemo Cat’ here. Crikey, ‘Mum Jane’ asked me a most perplexing question just now. ‘Leems, do you appreciate and even understand how remarkable women are? Well, do you really?’ Hmmm? I mused before giving a response. I grasped that my answer could have a negative impact on my daily treat supply & the administration of brushing & stuff. These necessitous but small ‘crucials’ in my life could be at great threat. More ponders? My answer had to be articulate, brilliant, conservative, informed, appreciative and supportive. Hmmm, CRIKEY? ‘Well Mum, yes siree, I agree with you. I think women are certainly truly outstanding’. (Hoping for a rewarding pat which did not happen.) She responded, ‘Well, Leems, your answer is pitiful. Elucidate in more detail please. WHY this conclusion?’ OMG! OK, here goes. ‘Well Mum, women can make stuff like cakes & soup & pies. They can sew things, and iron. They can vacuum, dust, mow grass, drive cars and clean windows. They know how to ‘bustle’. They can have babies if they want and raise them to be fne adults, like you’ve done with ME, beloved Mum’. I ascertained by the stunned stare-glare on her face my answer was defcient in every possible way. ‘Leems, you ignoramus cat. What a ‘suck-up’ that last bit was. I’m not falling for it.’ She droned on. ‘Leems, it’s time you learned and valued more about the remarkable things women have achieved, so sit down and listen. Nooooo!! ‘Right Leems, have you heard of Christine de Pizan? She died in Italy in 1430 aged 66. The frst professional woman writer who earned money through her pen. Dr. Mae Jemison, Leems, the frst African American female astronaut. Madame Curie, the frst person to win two Nobel Prizes. Journalist Nellie Bly, who left New York in 1889 on a 24,899-mile journey around the world?’ OMG, I’d had enough of this stuff and spoke up. ‘OK, Mum, I get your drift (bloody boring). You’ve read about these remarkable women but have you actually met or know any yourself?’ Well, that opened the foodgate from ‘Leemo hell’! Aaargh! ‘YES I HAVE (snappy tone) Leems. My Mum, your Grandmother, bore 8 children in 10 years. Your aunty, one of my Sisters is, AM, RN, LLB, MCrim; Barrister-at-Law of the Inner Temple London; Former New South Wales’s frst female Chief Magistrate, Judge and Politician. There is Liz Taylor, Leems, who I met in Botswana. AND, there is Shayne. A lady I met at Farmer Charlies in Lismore. I had a fat tyre. She just stepped in and changed it for me. Another started a newspaper. These women are all amazing, as are many others I know. Some lost their homes during our foods. SO, any comment you blockhead Cat?’ ‘Mum, I am a Warrior feline, I will face many defeats in life, but never be defeated. YOU are the most remarkable woman I know.’ End of THAT! Purrsies, Leemo. (do your reckon I won with that suck-up stuff?)
Northern Rivers Food Harvest Trail returns in 2022
After a postponement from their usual schedule in May due to the foods, it is fantastic to see that Northern Rivers Food (NRF) have announced the return of their annual Harvest Food Trail in 2022, allowing locals and visitors the much needed opportunity to come together to experience, celebrate and enjoy our amazing food & beverage offerings in the Northern Rivers NSW region.
Held over the weekend of July 30 and 31 this year, the event is guaranteed to be a very Northern Rivers experience, refecting on and celebrating the distinctive provenance of our region’s food. The Trail will offer lots of wonderful eating and drinking experiences, jammed-packed with our most-acclaimed restaurants, producers, farmers and growers.
‘Our Harvest Food Trail is a carefully curated collection of very special food and beverage experiences for you, showcasing our amazing food and beverage producers in this region,’ said Anne Briggs, NRF Executive Offcer.
‘Part of enjoying the food is knowing the story, understanding where your food was grown, the regenerative methods the farmer used to produce your food, the families behind the brands and their unique stories. Our Harvest Food Trail offers a range of special food and beverage experiences over the weekend, including unique farm tours, ‘behind the scene’ insights, tastings, chef workshops, lunches and so much more.’
‘The Harvest Food Trail offers something for everyone. You can create your own food discovery trail visiting farms, restaurants, distilleries, breweries and food outlets, whilst enjoying a leisurely drive at your own pace, choosing your own itineraries over the weekend.’
So what is on offer over the weekend July 30 and 31st?
Celebrated chef, nutritionist and author Sam Gowing will be running a full day class at her new Tweed Cooking School. Tweed Escapes and Blue Ginger Picnics have a top desk cruise on the magnetic Tweed waterways all the while enjoying a platter of 100% local produce.
Norco and Cheeses Loves You have joined forces, opening Allard’s Dairy in Burringbar to demonstrate how a dairy farm operates with cheese making and tastings. Table Under a Tree in Rosebank will showcase their ethical Boer goat farming operations will have talks on the incredible favour and health properties of goat meat and product for sale.
Zentveld’s Coffee Farm & Roastery in Newrybar will open the farm gate doors and offer regular farm and roastery tours. Enjoy superb views from the verandah overlooking the farm, while you taste coffee grown organically and learn how they care for their soils, bees and wildlife. Brookfarm are providing a special morning tea and regenerative farming tours on their macadamia farm at McLeods Shoot, all with wonderful Hinterland views. Australia’s Manuka in Tyagarah will open their apiary with the worlds’ most potent and pure bioactive Jellybush honey.
At The Farm in Byron Bay there will be a behind the scenes tour to learn about their paddock to plate journey with drinks and a tasting plate from Three Blue Ducks afterward. Duck Creek Macadamias in Brooklet will also be opening their farm gate and offering free tastings of their top quality chocolate macadamia products.
Explore Byron Bay and Playing with Fire Native Foods will provide walking tours to discover our local edible bush tucker plants in both Bangalow and Mullumbimby, sharing insights of our indigenous history and traditional stories. Afterwards you can taste some of our amazing Australian native foods and purchase plants to grow at home. Karkalla Byron Bay has a local lunch special on Saturday featuring local indigenous ingredients.
The Oyster Shed on Birds Bay is participating, with waterfront dining overlooking their oyster farm, where you can feast on oysters with local fnger limes and a paired gin cocktail. Bellingdale Farm in Nunderi have prepared a special long lunch, with a shared feasting menu overlooking Mount Warning. At Pipit Restaurant in Pottsville there is a special six course seasonal menu on offer, where guests can glimpse the cooking process in their open-plan kitchen. In Burringbar local favourites Mercado Juarez offer a three course lunch celebrating authentic Mexican food.
Further south, Barrio at Habitat in Byron are putting on a special barbecue with an emphasis on sustainable regenerative practices and Crystalbrook Byron has a ‘meet the maker’ Pork and Pinot Long Lunch featuring Bangalow Sweet Pork. Harvest Newrybar are offering a special long lunch in their bakery, using their wood-fred oven, bringing together produce that is native to the region. Ballina RSL will also have a Boardwalk Lunch with a Bangalow Sweet Pork roast - enjoy local produce at its fnest overlooking the beautiful Richmond River.
Beanies and balloons to celebrate three years of parkrun
It was a beanie led recovery and birthday celebration in one when Queen Elizabeth parkrun, Casino celebrated its third birthday on June 25, after three years of weather and COVID disruptions.
Luisa Grace, one of the event’s team of Run Directors said the weekly event has experienced drought, heat, cold, bushfre smoke, COVID, rain and fnally the recent catastrophic food which have made conditions diffcult at times and led to many periods where the event has been cancelled.
Despite these obstacles the event averages close to 50 locals and visitors a week, and has seen 1,059 people run, jog or walk the 5km course; 699 have recorded a personal best time and visitors from over 100 clubs and running groups have travelled to Casino to take part.
Luisa, who loves a party, reckons it’s time to celebrate these ups and downs. The event has brought an economic beneft to Casino with many parkrun tourists chasing the letter ‘Q’ to complete their alphabet of parkrun names.
Queen Elizabeth parkrun, Casino is a free 5km free weekly timed community event where participants run, jog or walk 5km every Saturday (weather permitting!) at Queen Elizabeth park beside the community garden at 6.45 for a 7am start. Locals and visitors are welcome to join in.
To fnd out more go to www.parkrun.com.au/ queenelizabethcasino, visit the Queen Elizabeth parkrun, Casino Facebook page or email queenelizabethcasino@ parkrun.com. (From left) Erin Green holding Ilya Farr, Luisa Grace, Therese Schier, Donna and Kate Mison and Logan visitor Garth Klee celebrated Queen Elizabeth parkrun, Casino’s third birthday on June 25.
It Takes a Town
NAT MCCOMAS
The Northern Rivers Flood Relief Fund, a partnership between Northern Rivers Community Foundation and Byron Community Centre, raised an incredible $1,308,655 in a matter of weeks.
An incredible 103 grants have reached community organisations who are imbedded, trusted and already connected on the ground in flood affected Northern Rivers.
One of those recipients is It Takes A Town (ITAT).
ITAT used the funds to employ a GIVIT coordinator at the Murwillumbah Volunteer Hub and the results were significant.
“We’ve done a calculation on how much flood-impacted households have received via GIVIT, as compared to the money that has been invested in employing a GIVIT coorinator,” the organisation said.
“So far, for $3000 worth of staff time via the NRCF grant, we’ve generated around $40,000 in goods and trades for households.”
ITAT worker Soraya says what the grant has contribiuted to their efforts has been received whole heartedly by the local community.
“The whole community is so grateful for every cent that has come from anywhere to help pour back into the rebuild of this town. It’s not cheap – there’s so much to be done, and people cannot financially afford to get these jobs done themselves,” Soraya says.
Any support helps so much. It’s really hard to put into words, but people are so, so grateful for every little bit of help,” she said. (ITAT) @ittakesatown was launched in March 2017, the same weekend that the devastating flooding of Cyclone Debbie hit our region. The generosity that followed those floods provided the perfect segue for ITAT. They didn’t have to educate anyone in the 2484 postcode area about the benefits of generosity and responsiveness, the community were seeing it in action before their eyes. ITAT helped to keep the door of generosity and responsiveness open, after the crisis ended.
Since launching in 2017, over 1100 residents have become members of ITAT. One third of these have offered their resources and skills for sharing in the local area. Over 80 local schools, tertiary institutions, businesses, groups, clubs, churches and spiritual movements, sporting groups, Government agencies and services, are also engaged in activating our shared vision of thriving for all. ITAT provides a platform for collaboration within our community.
It Takes a Town is working with the volunteer hub to support recovery in towns between Burringbar and Chinderah with the goal of contacting all estimated 3,000 homes that were impacted by the disaster. A large number (500 – 1,000) residents / homes have been contacted so far, and survey research identified clear emergency needs.
These everyday needs, such as vouchers for food and fuel, are being matched with donations and funding received, including the grant from The Flood Relief Fund. It Takes a Town will also hire a paid emergency relief coordinator to oversee the contact of the additional 2000+ homes, to support the volunteers, and to facilitate the matching of funding to needs.
FLOOR SANDING
FREE QUOTES • QUALITY WORKMANSHIP SUPPLY & INSTALL SOLID TIMBER FLOORS LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED SPECIALTY TIMBER FINISHES ALL ECO-FRIENDLY COATINGS
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