The Northern Rivers Times Newspaper Edition 193

Youth engagement helping to combat crime in the Tweed

By Sarah Waters

New recreational facilities in the Tweed have helped to decrease youth crime in the Shire.

Last Friday, TweedByron Police District Superintendent Dave Roptell, attended the opening of the Shire’s new youth recreation area at Jack Evans Boat Harbour.

Mr Roptell said the new space, designed for families and young people, fostered a positive community environment.

“We get down here on a daily basis and engage with people in the park - we move people on that need to be moved on - but people are just generally here having a good time,” he said.

“Like anywhere it’s always good for us to be around, to be seen and to engage, but having a park like this for families to congregate with their young ones is always something that

is great for the local community.”

Mr Roptell has been widely recognised for his efforts in youth crime prevention.

In his previous role he worked as the NSW Police Youth and Crime Prevention Commander.

He has played a key role in enhancing and implementing youth diversionary programs throughout his career.

When it came to addressing youth crime locally, he said police took an active approach and there were a number of different programs in place to prevent at-risk

young people from going down the wrong path in life.

“When we do have youth crime, we address it appropriately,” he said.

“We review it weekly; we follow up on engagements… people who need to be spoken to are and we make sure we are right across it.

“Some of them (at-risk youth) come from not the best family life and that’s something that is out of our control and we’re not going to be able to save everyone, but what we can do is be mentors, be role models and actually show that we care.”

At-risk youth in the community are offered the chance to turn their life around through programs offered at Tweed Heads PCYC (Police Citizens Youth Club).

Mr Roptell has been highly involved in the PCYC’s Fit For Life early intervention program, which has been designed for youth aged 10 to 17 who are at risk of poor choices and anti-social behaviour.

Through physical fitness, including free weekly boxing classes, nutrition and social engagement, the program aims to improve overall wellbeing and prevent/ divert youth from offending behaviours.

Positive role models, including players from the Gold Coast Suns and Brisbane Broncos also come down and engage with young people.

Mr Roptell has been able to share his love of sport with the young residents who attend

the program, which has helped to break down barriers, build trust and empower youth.

He said Fit For Life was one of many programs offered at Tweed Heads PCYC which has an incredibly positive impact on young people.

“They can see that we (police officers) are humans, and we have that side to us where we would actually rather help them.

“It is something that is open to the whole community and all kids, not just ones that are at-risk.”

Meanwhile Tweed MP Geoff Provest said he volunteered with the local police once a week. He often speaks to young people who have told him if they didn’t have access to recreational facilities, including basketball courts and sports fields, they would instead get into trouble.

April Falls Month is a National campaign to raise falls awareness

The Rotary Clubs of Lismore West, Ballina on Richmond, and the Satellite Club of Ballina Lifestyle, in conjunction with NSW Health and International experts, will host a community information stand on Falls Prevention.

The event will be at Bunnings Lismore and

Ballina from 10 am until 4pm on Friday April 12th, Saturday April 13th and Sunday April 14th 2024.

Falls by older Australians, is a little known daily National tragedy.

Nine out of Ten hip replacements are due to a fall.

Falls are the biggest reason for premature admission to Hospitals and Aged Care facilities.

In NSW alone, falls result in over 40,000 hospitalisations each year and cost in excess of $750 million.

There are also many multiple effects from falls, including increased demand for Ambulance Services, loss of independence and impact on families.

“Falls are unnecessary, and often preventable,”

said Rotarian Bob Barnes of the Rotary Club of Lismore West, the founder of the Falls committee and spearhead of the information campaign.

“We all know someone who has had a fall, and it can be devastating for them, with a domino effect on their family and friends, so we want to get a message out to the community that they can do something about preventing falls”.

Members of the

community are invited to come along to the information stand and learn from Health professionals, on how they can help to prevent falls for themselves, family, and neighbours.

The stand will contain a variety of products that assist in the prevention of falls.

April Falls Day is a project of the Rotary Club of Lismore West as part of a broad initiative to reduce falls in Australia.

The basketball key, which is part of the new youth recreation area at Jack Evans Boat Harbour in Tweed Heads.

Celebrating Women on the Mid-Richmond

By Samanth Elley

High tea at the Woodburn Hub was a happening event last Friday morning.

As part of the celebrations of International Women’s Day, the Mid-Richmond Neighbourhood Centre invited local women to

enjoy a smorgasbord of delectable treats as they honoured three of their own.

“We are honouring Millie Trustum, Robyne Wood and Norma Thomas,” said coorganiser Bianca Rayner.

“We wanted to highlight different women across the

generations, who have served in their communities and often taken on different battles.”

At only 12 years of age, Millie Trustum has had to fight a cancer diagnosis, but rather than just going with the flow, the young warrior has raised much needed

funds to help battle the insidious disease.

Robyne Wood has worked tirelessly for her community through co-founding Richmond Valley Radio 88.9FM, providing a platform for the community to increase inclusivity and cultural awareness with shows like the

Indigenous Talk Show and highlighting local members with disabilities.

Norma Thomas is a recipient of the Order of Australia medal and is a stalwart in the Coraki area having worked with the Lions Club and promoting hockey on the Northern Rivers.

A team of strong women, as part of the Woodburn Hub, supported by the Neighbourhood Centre, worked to set up the day that celebrated achievement and diversity.

By Tim Howard

A community group’s bid to use information from staff exit surveys to get to the bottom of the exodus of staff from Clarence Valley Council has been blocked.

The NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) has backed council’s call to protect the personal and confidential information of its employees in response to requests received from YambaCAN to release staff exit interviews over a two-year period.

Council’s Corporate and Community director Alex Moar said NCAT’s findings confirmed that council had struck the right balance between protecting the personal information of its employees and acting in the public interest.

“It is a vital part of our governance framework that we remain committed to transparency and accountability, however we must also abide by the Government Information Public Access Act’s public interest test,” she said.

“Put simply, that means

NCAT rules against exit survey access

we must make decisions that satisfy the GIPA’s public interest test, and when council applied that test to the staff exit reasons, the public interest consideration against disclosure outweighed those in favour.”

Ms Moar said she had welcomed the opportunity to demonstrate that council’s review and response process to the GIPA request received was appropriate, and that additional information had been provided in line with an Information Privacy Commission (IPC) recommendation.

“We cannot simply

release information because it has been requested, and NCAT’s findings demonstrate that council is well placed to review, assess and make public interest legislation-based decisions that protect the rights of past and present staff members,” she said. The NCAT hearing, on February 28, came about when YambaCAN’s GIPA requests for the exit interviews was refused.

YambaCAN secretary Lynne Cairns said many in the community were concerned the council would be unable to perform its duties with so many staff leaving.

“Ninety staff left council between May 2021 to May 2022 and another 85 left council between May 2022 and May 2023,” Mrs Cairns said.

“To see 175 staff in a total of 500 leave in two years is a huge staff turnover and will be affecting how council fulfils its obligations.”

Ms Cairns said while the NCAT ruling was disappointing, the group would continue to press the council for information about staffing issues.

“We know staff turnover is having an effect,” she said. “When the general manager was asked why the council’s annual report missed its deadline last year, she told the council it was due to lack of experienced staff.”

Ms Cairns said it was important to remember that YambaCAN’s reasons to seek this information were purely to get to the bottom of council’s staffing issues and there was no intent to access personal information.

“Our application for the reasons given by staff for leaving always

emphasised that these would be anonymised and we did not want access to any personal information,” she said.

“Our application was made on May 12 2023. YambaCAN was concerned about the number of staff leaving CVC and choosing to work elsewhere.

“Many residents shared their view with YambaCAN that CVC did not have a positive workplace culture.”

She said the decision to appeal to NCAT was the final option for YambaCAN.

Ms Cairns said by June 27 2023 CVC determined to refuse access to any information at all.

YambaCAN requested the Information and Privacy Commission review council’s decision and on September 8 2023 the IPC advised council that it should make a new decision and advise YambaCAN within 10 working days.

CVC did not notify YambaCAN of any intention to make a further decision.

On the October 8 2023 YambaCAN lodged an appeal with NCAT.

Only after YambaCAN lodged its NCAT appeal did council contact YambaCAN to provide a new decision on October 16 2023.

In the new decision council did provide statistics of the number of staff leaving in the year to May 2023 which was 17.5%, although council publicly reported that figure as being 14% to June 2023 in the council’s resourcing strategy.

Ms Cairns said YambaCAN continued with the NCAT appeal because the council still refused to provide the reasons for the staff leaving council. She said this was still important information for the public to know.

“Despite the NCAT decision YambaCAN still believe it is in the public interest for the community to know what reasons staff give for leaving our Council,” she said.

But Ms Cairns said it was unlikely YambaCAN would appeal the matter, but this would be something for the group to decide at its next meeting.

Burnout workshops to support local community

The Northern Rivers community will have an opportunity to learn from leading burnout experts across March and April in a series of free workshops presented by Ballina Shire Council.

In the wake of the devastating floods in 2022 and through community consultation, Council has identified an increase in community and volunteer burnout and has developed a series of workshops aimed at burnout prevention and

recovery to support the local community.

“Our community is experiencing high levels of ongoing stress and burnout,” said Laura Woolcott, Community Recovery Officer from Ballina Council.

“The floods have added to the workload of the entire community, service providers, organisations, businesses and especially our volunteers. We want to better support people to take care of themselves

with tangible strategies as well as wellbeing programs.”

The first free Burnout Prevention and Recovery Essentials Workshops will take place on Wednesday 20 March at 12 noon in the Richmond Room in Ballina with lunch provided. The second workshop will take place online at 5:30pm on Thursday 4 April, with a possible third workshop on Wednesday 8 May 2024.

Leading Australian burnout researcher, Sally

Clarke is part of the team from Human Leaders who have designed the tailored workshops, and with colleague Alexis Zahner will be delivering them directly to the local community.

“Burnout is rife at the moment, but it’s also very preventable,” Clarke said, “It’s a result of chronic workplace stress — which also impacts carers and volunteers — and has been so normalised in our modern society.”

“And whilst burnout is a result of stress, it directly impacts the individual, so there is a lot we can do to empower people to take care of themselves to prevent burnout or support them to recover from it.”

The burnout workshops will focus primarily on identifying burnout, its symptoms and causes, and offer support to people to put personal strategies in place to protect themselves from burnout.

Supported by the Ballina

Council’s Community Recovery team, these events are part of various community wellbeing activities taking place from March to May. All events are open to the entire community to attend. Registration is appreciated.

To register for the burnout workshops or learn more about any of the upcoming community wellbeing activities, visit ballina. nsw.gov.au/communitywellbeing-activities

YambaCAN secretary Lynne Cairns

BEST MEAT IN TOWN

$15k disability access audit for Clarence beaches

By Tim Howard

A charity devoted to making Australian beaches more accessible for disabled people will get up to $15,000 of ratepayers money to audit Clarence Valley beaches.

At its first meeting of the year, Clarence Valley Council approved a notice of motion from Cr Karen Toms to engage Accessible Beaches Australia to audit the accessibility of Main Beach Yamba, Main Beach Minnie Water and Turners Beach, Yamba.

The findings of the audit should be in a report to the May council meeting.

Most councillors supported the proposal, but there was some questioning of why the report came to council as a notice of motion.

Cr Greg Clancy quizzed Cr Toms, about the need for a notice of motion instead of council receiving a report from the council’s Access Committee.

And during debate Cr Ian Tiley linked Cr Toms bringing a NOM, instead of a committee report, to the September council election.

Cr Toms said her NOM was a result of recommendations from the committee, which she chairs and has sat on since 2008.

consultation for the council’s Disability Action Plan last year, 66% of people who took part said there should be better disabled access to beaches.

Cr Toms said members of council’s Access Committee were eager to advance improvement to accessibility at several beaches.

At its August 23 meeting the Access Committee moved, that: Clarence Valley Access Committee advise council to engage Accessible Beaches Australia to conduct an audit on Yamba Main Beach, Minnie Water and Turners and identify any other beaches that may be a suitable, in addition.

Cr Toms said while the council had a DIAP and work had been done around beaches, it had not improved access to them.

Poor access for disabled people to Valley beaches has been on council’s books the best part of a decade with the report referencing the matter coming to council in 2016.

During community

“The Access Committee acknowledges that the current Operational Plan includes delivering accessible pathways to a viewing platform at Pippi Beach (note not access) and planning and seeking funding for Turners Beach (all accessible improvements). Future

improvements to include Main Beach Yamba and Minnie Water Main Beach,” the report noted.

“The Access Committee understands many of our beaches are not suitable due to high wave action and erosion.

“However, there are many components that make a beach accessible that need to be explored which is why we are seeking support for this motion.”

Cr Toms defended the cost of the audit, saying it was a “small amount of money”.

“This is a very small amount of money, possibly $10,000, maybe up to $15,000,” she said.

“But it could actually save us a lot of money because we haven’t been successful in any grant funding to do any works on our beaches, but this audit could possibly be the difference.”

It was also a point raised by the motion’s seconder Cr Debrah Novak, who said having this type of audit ready would make grant applications easier.

Cr Tiley was not won over.

“While the project is indeed very deserving, so will be a number of others that we will need to consider over the next few months,” he said.

Cr Toms disagreed with Cr Tiley’s point and said it misrepresented her.

“I don’t know what he’s talking about,” she said. “But he has certainly implied wrongdoing by me and breaking rules and that is not correct.”

Cr Steve Pickering supported Cr Tom’s NOM.

Next Mr Mayor I’ll be speaking in support of Cr Toms’ NOM.

He said the matter had been to the Access Committee multiple times and was the number one requirement or concern with disability access in our LGA.

“We’ve had a NOM put forward by Cr Kingsley back in the day, for beach access,” he said.

“We’ve had reports to council for beach access, we had requests for grant funding for beach access.

“We’ve had recommendations made by the Access Committee for beach access. Still we have nothing. We have no beach access.”

We have a huge number of people with accessibility needs which we’re not meeting as a council.

He said the NOM should expedite the process of getting an audit done on some beaches for disability access.

“It’s $15,000 which will go to an audit of three locations to allow people to access our beaches and hopefully and maybe get into the water,” he said.

“Wouldn’t that be amazing if people with access needs could actually get into the water. That would fantastic.”

Cr Toms said there were more than 4 million Australians with a disability, so it was essential the Clarence Valley had beaches that were accessible to them.

Council voted 8-1 for the audit with Cr Tiley against.

Announcing the appointment of Alex Smith to the role of Director of Regional Development

The Hon Don Page, Chair of Regional Development Australia

Northern Rivers is pleased to announce the appointment of Alex Smith to the position of Director of Regional Development, RDA Northern Rivers.

Alex has a long career in management across government, industry

and agriculture and has been a Commissioner in the NSW Government, Executive Manager for the Berry industry across Australia and General Manager of several commercial entities. He brings a wealth of knowledge of the region to the role and previously held the position of CEO with RDA

Northern Rivers from 2015 to 2018. During this time he worked closely with community stakeholders, politicians and industry to focus on programs that targeted youth unemployment, economic resilience and environmental initiatives. He also worked closely with Local Governments across the region to

assist in managing the relationships between the Commonwealth Government and local councils.

Mr Page and the RDA

Northern Rivers Board welcome Alex and look forward to working with Alex to assist in delivering measurable results for the Northern Rivers community.

Cr Steve Pickering

Fanny’s Knickers revives theatre group

Their last production

‘The Cemetery Club’ in 2019 may have seemed like the death knell for the Evans Head Village Players, but despite Covid, foods and food recovery, that is not the case.

The community theatre group is back on its feet with a new production in the pipeline called ‘Fanny’s Knickers’.

“(It is) a tale of love, lust and greed,” said Village Players member, Jo Boucher.

“Some of you may remember the melodrama from many years ago when it was staged in Coraki and Woodburn.”

This new production will star Leslie Carroll, Jo Boucher, Lisa Davis and Warren Sparkes.

“Our wonderful appreciation to all cast and crew (including) the expertise of our costume manager, Lorraine Pedder, the tireless efforts from production and behind scenes

all-round, Neridah Pickering and shout out also to Paul Johnson for workshops on melodrama,” said Jo.

Be sure to get your tickets early as they are bound to sell out.

You can buy them from the Club Evans RSL reception desk for $15 or $20 on the night.

The performance will be at the Club Evans RSL on the 5th and 6th April at 8.30pm and 7th April at 2.30pm.

Diary of a Flood Survivor

About midway through last year our builder had other commitments and we thought it would be a good time to actually take a break from renovating.

Don’t get me wrong, I was already to sign up for The Block after having quite a bit of fun picking colours, styles and improving a number of places in the house from before the food.

But pretty much everything upstairs has been completed, except the outside deck, so that only left downstairs.

Now our builder is back and, like most, we have to work to a budget with quite a lot of downstairs to fx.

We have no ceiling or walls; we need a new front door and a door between the garage and house (we are getting sick of dragging the board of gyprock across the doorway to stop the

dog getting out).

Depending on costs, it looks like we will be prioritising what will get fxed frst.

One reason that stopped us from fxing downstairs in a hurry was it had been the second living space for our teenage boys and the spare room.

Now they have moved out, we have a spare room upstairs and no need for a second living area.

I do plan on making it my gym area when it is fxed.

Then of course there is all of the outside to

repair. We have new gates on the fence needed, someone to readjust the water tank which had been moved by the food waters, the never-ending sad saga of the pool and a repaint of the deck.

This food recovery is expensive and time consuming business.

That’s why the phrase ‘little steps’ has been so helpful.

None of the above is life-threatening, so to stop the stress, we accept that we will only get things done one by one.

Little steps.

Playing worthwhile games in the classroom

By Samantha Elley

Richard Warden is a creative problem solver.

The retired teacher, now living in Bonalbo, has nearly three decades of teaching experience and six years in family counselling, where he has created many useful resources for teachers in the classroom.

“I had tried lots of different schemes,” he said.

“I saw that there should be a way of being able to manage the children (in the classroom) without raising your voice, or threatening or keeping them in, or giving them extra work.”

With this in mind, Richard used his creative methods and items from Lost and Found to set up some social training, by auctioning off the unclaimed items.

“At that time I had a scheme working…and this dealt with paying the children to come to

school, $2 a week,” he said.

“I had paper cut out coins with a stamp on the back so they couldn’t photocopy them.

“I’d reward them for getting their targets in spelling and behaviour.

“The more money they had, the more money they could use in the auction.”

Richard also rewarded the class in total where they would all receive “money”.

“We had a book and had the columns, teaching them a bit of book-keeping with debits and credits,” he said.

“I had to initial every deposit.”

One area that he saw a marked improvement through the scheme was in the weekly spelling tests he held.

“I found that the spelling mistakes were dropping down,” Richard said.

Richard would work out the average number

of mistakes across the class, assigned handicaps to each of the children so there was a level playing feld.

“If they got their handicap they got ten cents, even if they made mistakes, as it was an improvement on what they were doing,” he said.

Then came the day when, across the class, there were no spelling mistakes at all.

“I saw that that was working well with money but we needed something more than that,” he said. “What the kids needed most was character development.”

So again, Richard put into a practice a creative solution, by introducing the ‘Becoming Responsible Citizens’ booklet, with the subtitle ‘A Model for School and Classroom Behaviour Management.’

“I needed to look at homework, I needed to look at behaviour in the classroom and I needed to have a place where I can reward kids for what they are doing,” he said.

“Kids appreciate a commendation far more than a little trinket or even a lolly.

“They’d much rather parents say they are proud than buying them something.”

The booklet showed different faces from smiley to sad and this would be flled in according to the child’s achievements, or lack thereof.

Parents had to sign the booklet each week.

“I’d say to the parents, all you have to do if your

child is doing well, or improving on not doing well, commend them,” Richard said.

“It shows how responsibility comes in, honesty comes in, attendance comes in and reliability, cooperation etc.”

In one case, a parent approached Richard and asked what he was doing with her son in the classroom, as he was cleaning up his room and being so much nicer at home.

Richard has continued with many other resources that he said have shown results in the classroom and has shared them on his website betterhomesandschools. com free of charge.

Richard has more resources coming up where he would be willing to provide more information and even run seminars for teachers and parents for both school and home

Mayors of Regional Cities Urge Action on Affordable Housing Crisis

Regional city mayors are urgently rallying the NSW Government to address the critical shortage of affordable housing outside of Sydney, as regional areas confront a pressing housing crisis exacerbated by an infux of new residents.

The call to action emanates from Regional Cities NSW, the premier advocacy body championing regional communities in NSW, which unanimously endorsed a motion highlighting the deepening housing crisis in regional areas. Presented during a recent gathering in Wagga Wagga, the motion

aims to draw attention to the dire situation and implore NSW Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Rose Jackson, and CEO of Homes NSW, Rebecca Pinkstone, to take swift action.

The motion seeks an immediate audience with housing leaders to delve into the NSW Government’s investment plans for regional cities and devise on-the-ground solutions over the next two years to tackle the shortage of social and affordable housing.

Additionally, it urges exploration of potential incentives to expedite

private residential developments and expedite their entry into the market.

Mayor Chris Cherry of Tweed Shire spearheaded the motion, highlighting the challenges faced by the Tweed community due to escalating levels of homelessness and disadvantage stemming from the housing shortfall. He emphasized the urgent need for tangible outcomes to alleviate the crisis, particularly as the Tweed’s housing affordability worsened following the COVID-19 pandemic and devastating foods of February-March 2022.

Chair of Regional Cities NSW and Mayor of Dubbo Regional Council, Mathew Dickerson, echoed these sentiments, stressing the necessity for innovative solutions to address the long-standing problem of housing scarcity in regional areas. He underscored the paradoxical situation where regional cities remain desirable destinations for residents, yet the housing supply consistently fails to meet demand, resulting in myriad housing-related challenges.

In its submission to the NSW Government’s draft Budget, Regional

Cities NSW delineates key housing-related priorities, including sustained support for regional housing needs, collaboration with Local Government to bolster social and affordable housing supply, and advocacy for incentive mechanisms to stimulate land development and the Build to Rent initiative. The submission also advocates for measures such as annual indexing of developer contributions, support for the Local Infrastructure Renewal Scheme (LIRS), investment in regional planners, and augmentation of existing

affordable and social housing density across regional NSW. Representing 15 major regional cities in NSW, including Albury, Armidale, Bathurst, Broken Hill, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, Goulburn Mulwaree, Griffth, Lismore, Maitland, Orange, Queanbeyan Palerang, Tamworth, Tweed Shire, and Wagga Wagga, Regional Cities NSW aims to address housing challenges and enhance liveability across regional communities through concerted efforts and collaborative advocacy.

Thank you.

Richard Warden

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RC of Ballina-on-Richmond Temporary Home Project

January 2023 the Rotary Club of Ballina-onRichmond embarked on the biggest projects it has ever undertaken in its 38 years ; The Temporary Housing Project which supplies small homes on people’s properties where their homes are unliveable due to the devastating foods of 2022.

A recovery team from the Rotary Club comprising Col Lee Flood Recovery coordinator, marketing and fnance, Donella Kinnish Project manager and Paul Sleeth builder was set up. The team is involved in all the interviews, site inspections and the building program. The criteria is : the applicant must have had their home food affected and unliveable. They must have running water, a working toilet of some sort and some form

of electricity which are State Government requirements.

The homes come as a fat pack and open out when raised. They are positioned on footings concreted into the ground and elevated around 110-150ml off the ground to allow adequate air fow under the temporary house to limit mould. They are built in China, have all the electrics and ADR compliance carried out in Australia before the are transported to the site for erection. They come with full security bars on the windows, LED lighting, multiple power points and 15 amp circuit breaker and wiring. The erection of the homes takes around 20 minutes after the crane truck positions the home on the footings . Once secured in place they are ftted out with a kitchenette, gas hot water service, fre alarm, microwave

and fridge. Some also have showers added externally.

The project has supplied homes in all local LGAs with the latest 5 x homes going into Nimbin due to landslides . In all 36 homes have been supplied with a further two to be erected in Nimbin when the access to the properties dries out. Once completed it will be a $630,000 project providing a warm, secure and solid temporary home for up to fve years.

A great advantage with this product is that once the recipients have repaired or replaced their original home to a liveable standard , the temporary home can be easily dismantled, transported and reused on another site where a natural disaster has occurred. Not going into landfll which is often the case for other temporary homes.

Boxing titles see plenty of results for Maddog

The Maddog Boxing gym has done it again with a swathe of medals earned at the Australian Boxing Council’s State Novice Titles, held on March 2 at Deception Bay in Queensland.

The Meerschaumvale gym has been nurturing some young talent for a while now and it is paying off with results such as this.

Gym owner Scott Smith said all the boys did incredibly well, but special mention should go to young boxer from Woodburn, Sunny McLean.

“He stepped up two weight divisions and took on a kid two years older than him and won every round to take the gold,” said Smith. “He’s a freak.”

The night had a jam-packed card of 30 evenly matched bouts with many split decisions, but Maddog Boxing certainly made their mark.

Other local results include Dylan Wright and Reef Dufner bringing home gold and Jett Smith obtaining silver.

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9.00 am ~ Ballina 11.00am ~ Ballina

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Phn: 6686 1048

email: admin@sfxballina.org.au

Website: www.sfxballina.org.au

L to R: Dylan Wright, Sunny McLean, Scott Smith, Reef Dufner, Jett Smith and Josh Dufner, trainer

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A smiling sun all year round, golden beaches, ancient cities, exciting safaris, colourful culture, adventure sport and lovely people! Few places in the world can offer you such a remarkable combination of stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, captivating cultural heritage and unique experiences including 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites! Visit an animal sanctuary, enjoy a Jeep safari in Yala and Wasgamuwa National Parks, take a train ride from Kandy to Nanuoya, visit tea and cinnamon plantations, have High Tea at the Grand Hotel and enjoy a traditional Ayurveda massage! This tour lets you truly explore Sri Lanka! Sit back and travel in comfort, everything taken care of with this escorted small group.

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Historic ferry on chopping block says MP

By Tim Howard

Ulmarra residents fear their iconic river ferry could be on the chopping block due to maintenance failures that have been causing daily disruptions to the service.

Residents have been invited to a public meeting in Bailey Park on Monday to take the opportunity to voice opposition to the idea. The meeting will begin at noon and residents are encourage to take part and send a message to the NSW Government that they want to keep their ferry.

Ulmarra resident John Leask said in recent weeks disturbing rumours have emerged that the ferry could shut down, because it grounded on the river bottom at low tide.

Mr Leask said this has resulted in the ferry going off line at least twice a day and making it unreliable for local users.

“It’s come about now that the local member (Member for Clarence Richie Williamson) has got a petition out there for people to sign to keep the ferry going,” Mr Leask said.

Mr Williamson said the NSW Government continued to cut regional services and the Ulmarra Ferry would ft right into that target range.

“Shutting down our historic ferry service would have major consequences for Clarence Valley residents,” Mr Williamson said.

“It would turn a return trip between Southgate and Ulmarra from 4km to 60km.

“This extra mileage, time, and cost will be devastating for the

many families and small business operators who use this service.”

Mr Leask said locals there were other developments which led residents to believe the ferry could be in danger.

“A big punt from Boral used to come up with excavators on it and dredge the sand out from where the ferry would ground out,” he said.

“It was a big bit of gear, you couldn’t miss it and we use to see it come up here regularly, but couldn’t remember the last time I saw it here.”

Boral quarry manager Brad Doyle said he didn’t know anything about the matter.

Mr Leask said losing the ferry would be a blow to the Ulmarra community as it was an important part of the village’s identity as a river port.

“Having boats and a ferry is an important part of our history and identity,” he said.

“People come here and one of the frst things they ask is ‘where’s the ferry?’”

Mr Leask said the ferry was important for local

businesses.

“A lot of people from the other side of the river catch the ferry over to go to the pub, or come to the visit the cafes and art gallery,” he said.

“For people who work at the new jail the ferry means a 10 minute trip across the river, then a quick drive to work instead of a 30 minute drive back through Grafton.”

Mr Williamson said he put a Question on Notice to the NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny

Aitchison questions in Parliament this week about the Government’s intention regarding the ferry service and will be interested in her response.

“I have it on good authority that the Government is considering a proposal from its Sydney bean counters to shut down this essential and long-held link between Southgate and Ulmarra, which has served the community well for so many years,” Mr Williamson said.

Mr Williamson encouraged locals who back the retention of the ferry to email him at clarence@parliament. nsw.gov.au.

“The more support I can get from the local community, the better the chances of convincing the Government not to make this cruel decision,” Mr Williamson said.

Transport for NSW, which operates the ferry service through a local private contractor, has been contacted for comment.

Maintenance issues could result in the Ulmarra Ferry service being cancelled claims the Member for Clarence Richie Williamson.

Samantha’s Book

Ballina Byron Gateway Airport Unveils $20.68 Million Runway Upgrade, Paving the Way for Future Aviation Excellence

A Little Hero in a Big Adventure

Title: Hexatron Tales –

Respect

Author: Craig Cardenas

Price $36.95

Publisher: Shawline

Publishing

By Samantha Elley

Torbiro knows what it feels like to receive prejudice.

He is a hal ing in a fantasy world that only values the strong, the handsome and the tall.

All attributes that Torbiro sadly lacks. at doesn’t stop him from dreaming big, however, and he will do whatever it takes to achieve that dream.

Along the way, he will encounter many di erent characters and trials.

He is surrounded by two worlds that are clashing, that of

Ballina Byron Gateway Airport has undergone a transformative upgrade, marking a signifcant milestone in its journey towards meeting the evolving demands of aviation. The recently unveiled $20.68 million enhancement promises to not only bolster local tourism and businesses but also carve out promising career pathways for residents.

The comprehensive upgrade initiative, offcially opened today, encompasses a spectrum of improvements aimed at fortifying the airport’s infrastructure.

Key highlights include the overlay of the existing runway surface, integration of a state-of-the-art visual approach slope indicator system, and the adoption of energy-effcient LED lighting for enhanced runway edge illumination.

Diligently executed, the upgrade endeavours encompassed a meticulous process spanning the design and construction of

science and magic, and Torbiro is stuck in the middle as he weaves his way through many adventures. is is a lighthearted read with great imagination and very funny moments.

Craig Cardenas is a game player and a Dungeons and Dragons enthusiast. His enthusiasm for the fantasy game got him into reading and eventually writing in the same genre.

He never graduated from the University of Western Sydney when he went to study engineering, majoring in robotics, but his love for adventure gives him a wild drive and his fear of danger gives him a wild imagination. is is evident in Hexatron Tales.

You can order your copy of Hexatron Tales from www. shawlinepublishing. com.au

an 80mm overlay complete with full-width grooving. Furthermore, meticulous attention was devoted to landscaping enhancements and meticulous line marking on both the runway and taxiway. The installation of cutting-edge runway edge lights, alongside a sophisticated pit and duct runway lighting cable system, further underscores the airport’s commitment to safety and effciency. Notably, the incorporation of a precision approach path indicator promises to elevate operational precision to unprecedented levels.

In addition to bolstering the airport’s operational effciency, the upgraded runway stands poised to provide vital support to emergency response aircraft servicing the Northern Rivers Region. This critical aspect was underscored during the region’s response to natural calamities, including foods in early 2022 and bushfres in 2019 and late 2023.

A testament to

collaborative efforts, the project received substantial backing from the Australian Government, with a commendable contribution of $5.5 million. The remainder of the funding was generously provided by the Ballina Shire Council, underscoring a shared commitment to advancing regional infrastructure.

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Local Government Minister Catherine King lauded the project’s signifcance, emphasizing the Australian Government’s unwavering commitment to fortifying regional connectivity. Federal Member for Richmond, Justine Elliot, echoed sentiments of pride, emphasizing the economic stimulus and job creation potential intrinsic to the upgrade.

Refecting on the airport’s pivotal role, Ballina Byron Gateway Airport Manager Julie Stewart highlighted its burgeoning signifcance

as a key regional gateway. With passenger numbers poised to soar, the enhanced infrastructure promises to not only accommodate increasing traffc but also ensure heightened safety standards.

Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader emphasized the upgrade’s multifaceted benefts, heralding it as a testament to the community’s resilience and economic vitality. She underscored the upgrade’s pivotal role in sustaining reliable air services vital for tourism, commerce, and emergency response efforts, while also heralding a new era of aviation opportunities for residents.

As the region looks towards a future defned by enhanced connectivity and resilience, the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport’s runway upgrade stands as a beacon of progress, poised to catalyse growth and prosperity for years to come.

Next round of investigations at Butler Street Reserve start this week

Council will start the next round of contamination investigations at Butler Street Reserve in Byron Bay in response to a request from the Environment Protection Authority (EPA).

The Butler Street Reserve was an unlicensed landfll up until the mid-1970s and Council has been conducting a series of site investigations for a number of years to determine the type and

extent of contamination on site and in the areas surrounding it.

“Council will start the next round of investigations this week which will include testing an additional eight holes at the Butler Street Reserve site,” Council’s Acting Manager Assets and Major Projects, Chris Soulsby said.

“We are letting nearby residents and the public know that these drilling works will not create

vibration and use of a small generator will reduce noise impacts. We will have traffc control in place to re-direct pedestrian traffc while the works are taking place,” he said.

“The level of PFAS detected underlying the reserve is comparatively high and that’s why, in partnership with the EPA, we’re conducting further investigations,” Mr Soulsby said.

The investigations will

continue over the next three to six months and will be reported to the EPA to determine next steps.

“Our long-term goal remains for the site to be returned for community use for a mixture of green space, markets and car parking,” Mr Soulsby said.

“We are hoping this next round of investigations moves us another step closer to that outcome,” he said.

Inclusion - the key part in Tweed’s CBD revamp

By Sarah Waters

Banora Point resident Kyle Sculley, 23, says the one thing that makes him proud is knowing he has played a part in giving back to the community.

Kyle has been a member of Tweed Shire Council’s Equal Access Advisory Committee for fve years.

He has used his voice to help guide the designs of Council’s recreation facilities to create inclusive environments for everyone to enjoy.

Last Friday, he was able to see one of the key projects, he has been involved in, brought to life at the offcial opening of the new youth recreation area at Jack Evans Boat Harbour.

The precinct is stage two of the Tweed Regional Inclusive Parklands, known as Goorimahbah.

It features a skateboard area, basketball key, picnic facilities and striking wildlifethemed art murals, created by two local

artists - Michael Shmick and Bundjalung artist Christine Slabb.

Kyle said it gave him a sense of achievement to see the new space offcially opened.

“It’s been very fulflling and very rewarding,” he said.

“A lot of thought and a lot of planning goes into it.

“It’s really important that anyone can come

to a park and access the same things as everyone else.”

Kyle has cerebral palsy and depends on a wheelchair at times.

But he has refused to let that defne him and is committed to being a strong advocate for people who have additional needs.

He said society was slowly shifting its language and perspective

towards people, who may need extra help in

life, and the new youth precinct refected that.

“I personally feel like language is sometimes used that might not be that positive and it’s time for that to change.

“Yes, I do need a wheelchair to get around, so I am a wheelchair user, but that is only one aspect of me.

“It’s about realising that we’ve come to a point where we can come up with better wording - and places - for all members of the community so everyone can feel supported, heard and safe,” he said.

The upgrade of Jack Evans Boat Harbour started last year with the opening of the highly popular and inclusive

playground - Livvi’s Place at Goorimahbah Place of Stories.

Further enhancement

to Jack Evan’s Boat harbour will begin at the end of the month with the creation of an accessible swimming area for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.

The upgrade is part of Tweed Shire Council’s plans to revitalise its CBD and provide its younger demographic with vibrant and inclusive spaces.

Among the guests at the offcial opening of the youth precinct were Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot, Tweed MP Geoff Provest, Deputy Tweed Mayor Meredith Dennis and offcers from the Tweed Byron Police District.

The Goorimahbah parkland upgrade was funded by the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund, Tweed Council and the NSW Government’s Stronger Communities Fund.

Saffn welcomes $1.78-million boost for Women’s Health Centre

LISMORE MP

Janelle Saffn has welcomed the Minns Labor Government’s announcement of a $1,780,500 boost in funding to the Lismore Women’s Health and Resource Centre over the next fve years.

Ms Saffn said the doubling of recurrent funding would make the world of difference to the Northern Rivers Women and Children’s Services Incorporated (NORWACS), the charity which runs the health centre and an outreach service in the greater Lismore area.

“Increasing funding by $34.3 million over fve years to 19 women’s health centres across New South Wales was

long overdue because they’ve had to make do with tight budgets for decades,” Ms Saffn said.

“I am pleased that our Government is delivering on this major election commitment to recognise the essential communitybased healthcare and domestic violence

support these centres provide to women and children.”

NORWACS Chief Executive Offcer Kelly Banister said she and her team were delighted with the frst increase in funding to the sector since 1986 because delivering services had

been pretty challenging to say the least.

“Conservatively, this funding means that we will be able to increase the services we offer by 50 per cent, reaching many more women, and taking the funding cycle from three to fve years helps us plan for the

future and gives us more stability,” Ms Banister said.

“We’ll have more hours for counselling staff, social workers, health promotion staff, and importantly, our women’s health nurse clinic will be more frequent and

expand from primarily educational and referral services to screening and pathology.

“In addition, this funding will signifcantly increase our capacity to deliver therapeutic group workshops to the women in our community who need this support.

“Our intention is to also run a pop-up women’s health centre in places like Murwillumbah and Kyogle from time to time.”

The Lismore Women’s Health & Resource Centre is a safe place run for women by women providing confdential, friendly health and well-being assistance for women in Lismore and surrounding areas.

RIGHT CREATION: Banora Point resident Kyle Sculley, left, with local artist Michael Shmick, who painted the mural at the new youth recreation area at Jack Evans Boat Harbour in Tweed Heads.

A SPACE FOR ALL: NSW MLC Emily Suvaal, federal MP Justine Elliot and Tweed Deputy Mayor Meredith Dennis enjoy some time out with fans of the Tweed Regional Inclusive ParklandGoorimahbah.

2023 VISIT: Lismore MP Janelle Saffn and NSW Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison met with NORWACS representatives last year, from left, Board Chair Jane Gold, CEO Kelly Banister, Women’s Health NSW CEO Denele Crozier AM (peak body), and Operations Manager Jacqueline Alinaitwe.

“Leemo has views on just about anything”

‘SOMETIMES’ no NEWS ‘IS’ GOOD NEWS’

I asked ‘Mum Jane’ what the word ‘NEWS’ means. She appeared impressed by my perceptive inquiry.

Goodie!! (it’s ‘Leemo Cat’ here!) She ‘politely’ asked for a cup of tea which I made pronto.

‘Well my special Boy, let me tell you that in the 14th century, news literally meant, “NEW THINGS” from a Latin root, nova, or “new.”

e phrase “no news is good news” has been around since the 1600s and the de nition of news is information about recent and important events. is is provided through di erent media: word of mouth, printing papers, postal systems, broadcasting, electronic communication, or through the testimony of observers and witnesses to events.

‘Ooooh, Mum, I’m glad you told me this ‘cos I have serious questions to ask you; is that OK?

Do you have the time in your busy day to talk?’

Crikey, she was almost purring with at my polite, keen approach to stu . A er a slurp or 5 of tea, she asked how she could assist. ‘Well Mum, you know I use my keen & inquiring mind; I’ve been reading stu about what has been rated as NEWS over the years, whilst keeping a close eye & ear on our television & ABC Radio channel to determine for myself what NEWS really is. Mum, I’m confused.

‘Oh dear my clever boy, do tell me more.” I had to take a BIG breath.

‘Well Mum, you said that news consists of stu that is recent and IMPORTANT. My

research has given me a rather cynical view about what news really is. Mum, for example, how can a newspaper headline saying ‘British Le Wa es on Falkland Islands’ be proper news? Or another headline that said ‘Cold Wave Linked to Temperature’ or ‘Typhoon Rips rough Cemetery; Hundreds Dead’ or ‘Enraged Cow Injures Farmer with Axe’ and then I read ‘Iraqi Head Seeks Arms’. Don’t any of these reporters know how to phrase words? And, more recently, Mum, is where Princess Charlotte’s hand is in a family photo truly newsworthy? Or a news HEADLINE on our TV saying ‘Taylor Swi ’s Plane has just landed? (like, who cares?) OR, ‘Rupert Murdoch’s latest engagement announcement? As a most wealthy and smart man does he not learn and again, who cares? Mum, my understanding of REAL NEWS would be more akin to ‘Cost of Living DROPS, Fuel & Electricity Prices Go DOWN: Health Insurance NOT going up: Housing & Homelessness Crisis eases in Australia & all over the World; People on the Gaza Strip nally receive URGENT food & medical help or the people close to starving in the Sudan? THAT is, to me & my Buddies Mum, proper real newsworthy stu . We are concerned about of what constitutes NEWS in newspapers, on our TV, Radio & whatever. Truly Mum, what proper good news have you heard lately that is actually true? Come on, out with it!! She did a bit of a ponder. ‘OK Leems, it may NOT be World news, but both Branches of the CWA in Lismore, will soon move back to their wonderful and historic CWA rooms in Spinks Park, that were devastated in the 2022 Flood. THIS MEANS, they can get on doing what they do best which is assisting women & children in our Community! Well, on that sorta positive note I shall now slink o for a well deserved cat-nap. Purrsies, Leemo.

Westlawn Finance lending a hand to Our Kids in Grafton

The Westlawn Finance and Insurance Charity Golf Day, held recently in Grafton, has raised $18,000 to help purchase a Telehealth Enable Cart and a portable Nitrous Oxide Machine for the Children’s Ward at Grafton Base Hospital. Telehealth Enable Carts give doctors and nurses a fully mobile, ultra-high quality and secure telehealth solution that can be wheeled to any bed in the children’s ward, nursery or emergency department. A Portable Nitrous Oxide Machine assists with light sedation when a medical procedure is required for our

paediatric patients.

Our Kids is a selffunded trust whose auspice is the Northern NSW Local Health District. Our Kids aims to improve the health services for children in the Northern Rivers area. Our Kids raises awareness and vital funds through local events and donations. With the funds raised, Our Kids works with the local medical team to purchase lifesaving medical equipment for children receiving care in hospitals in the Northern Rivers. This can include the Children’s Wards, Special Care Nursery and emergency departments

in local hospitals.

Our Kids also issues annual Community Grants for families or organisations caring for children with special needs. These grants can be used to purchase equipment, medicine, and therapeutic items to help the children in their care.

Thanks to the generosity of local bequests, Our Kids has been able to set up educational funds for Continuous Education Scholarships for midwives, paediatric nurses, and allied health staff who work in our local hospitals.

“Thank you to Geoff

Schofeld, Mark Dougherty and the Westlawn Finance and Insurance team for organising such a magnifcent day for Grafton and Our Kids,” Rebekka Battista, Our Kids Fundraising Coordinator, said.

“The telehealth enable cart and portable nitrous oxide machine will be a great addition to Grafton Base Hospital.”

If you would like to help Grafton Base Hospital, Children’s Ward and Special Care Nursery, please get in touch with Our Kids on info@ourkids.org.au.

LABOR’S REGIONAL CRIME PACKAGE DOESN’T GO FAR ENOUGH

Richmond and Clarence Valley people power is needed to encourage the Government to take real action against the current regional crime crisis, local State MP Richie Williamson has declared.

“Richmond and Clarence Valley police offcers do a great job day in day out, not least because the previous Liberal and Nationals Government funded a massive boost in numbers,” Mr Williamson said.

“However, even the Sydney Labor Government acknowledges that crime is now higher in regional NSW than in Sydney.”

Mr Williamson said Labor’s regional crime package doesn’t go far enough and he needed Richmond and Clarence Valley locals to share their experiences of

crime on a new website, www.regionalcrime.com. au.

“This will help me and other regional MPs to be successful in our efforts to convince the Government to take real action,” Mr Williamson said.

“I acknowledge the Government announced an anti-crime pilot program for Moree to

help fnd solutions in that regional town, but that is not much use if you live in the Richmond or Clarence valleys or other regional communities.

“It also doesn’t take away the need for a Parliamentary Inquiry to look at the core issues of the problems and give our police the backing and resources they need to address the issue.

“We need real solutions to a real and growing problem and the Government needs to respond to and provide support to each regional town’s individual needs.

“Residents should also report all crime to the police, because these statistics are used when decisions are made about offcer allocations,” Mr Williamson concluded.

What’s your purpose?...by

Nigel Dawe

IF your answer to the question, “What gets you out of bed in the morning?” is nothing more than, “the next 8-hours of work, so as to be paid my wage”, then it’s time to take even just a simple, cursory look at your life. While it’s not realistic to suggest that life should always be a stroll in the park, by the same token, it shouldn’t ever be drained away via the sweat off your brow, doing a job you loathe.

Relatedly, one of my favourite writers, the Belgian Nobel Prize-winning Maurice Maeterlinck once professed, “Not a single day is trivial. It is essential that this idea should sink into our life and take root there.”

Take root, so as to sprout a principle within our deepest self, that grows into the solid semblance of a life that refects at all times: the gleaming 3-Ps – of passion, practicality, and purpose.

How many times have you done a job that either your manager saw you as nothing more (if not much less) than what you could do for them, or for customers that couldn’t care as to whether you were there or not? I know I have, and I’ve since vowed never to put myself through that ever again. None other than Leonardo da Vinci once refected, “Make your work to be in keeping with your purpose.”

While this might sound lofty to some, it does bring each of us to account, albeit into the ultimate account of all: ‘Am I doing what I’m good at, love doing, or even mildly enjoy?’

The eternally uplifting, not to mention deaf and

Lismore City Council unveils insights from record Customer Experience Survey

Lismore City Council has unveiled the fndings from its most comprehensive Customer Experience Survey to date, shedding light on community perceptions of the council’s performance, areas of strength, and opportunities for improvement.

their voice in our plans from early in the design phase.”

blind academic, Helen Keller once said, “Joy is the holy fre that keeps our purpose warm and our intelligence aglow.” And thus, without a warm purpose and a stimulated mind, we are merely undertaking ‘autopilot’ tasks that anyone could do, devoid of any passion, or enthusiasm at all. Because without a meaningful purpose, whatever it is we do, becomes a souldestroying chain of personally worthless activity and toil.

“Purpose,” once very aptly said Aaron Hurst, “is not a noun, it’s a verb. It is about how we work. We experience purpose when we do something that’s greater than ourselves. We experience purpose when we push ourselves and grow. We experience purpose as part of a community.”

And there’s the rub, community – being part of something that far transcends what we do, and who we are ‘in ourselves’. Making the world somehow better, fairer, or more acceptable because of what we choose to do, is near on the ultimate defnition of purpose.

That said, the twin poles of my own sense of purpose I try to navigate within, are the following two admissions; the frst by the Middle Eastern poet, Rumi: “Be a lamp, or a lifeboat, or a ladder.

Help someone’s soul heal. Walk out of your house like a shepherd.” And Steve Maraboli’s consummate missive, “I want to live my life in such a way that when I get out of bed in the morning, the devil says, “aw shit, he’s up!”

The survey, conducted over a three-month period, engaged a record-breaking 530 participants through face-to-face interactions at prominent local spots such as the 2023 Back Lismore Show, The Quad, Nimbin, as well as online platforms.

Council’s Executive Offcer for Customer Strategy, Don Wilson, said the substantial response rate underscores the survey’s statistical signifcance, boasting a confdence level of 95% in terms of accuracy.

“This kind of feedback and data plays a critical role in providing Councillors and senior management with actionable insights to enhance community engagement and service delivery,” he said.

“I want to extend my gratitude to all participants who dedicated their time to complete this pivotal survey.

“It provides Council with a baseline that not only shows us where we should focus our efforts but also lets us measure the effectiveness of our actions. It’s important we listen to our community and insert

The survey delved into various themes, gauging perceptions on accessibility to assistance, familiarity with Council services, preferred communication channels, perceived value of time, sense of being heard, and levels of trust in Council’s commitments.

Encouragingly, 80% said it was easy to connect with Council with 61% saying their issue was resolved during frst contact, 65% preferred direct human contact and 34% preferring self-service. One of the key messages was that Council’s communication must be diverse with 63% preferring an email advising of any delays, while 24% preferred a text.

Of the topics people wanted to hear about, 70% nominated community events, followed by roads (54%), environmental initiatives (49%), grants (44%) and recovery (41%).

Slightly more than 70% said they wanted to interact with Council at a time that suited them, 96% wanted simple processes to resolve an issue with 70% saying current processes are too time consuming. 89% said they only wanted to tell their story once, rather than repeat it if they are referred to another staff member.

Showing room for improvement, only 43%

said Council resolved issues promptly and 67% saying Council represented all customers across the Local Government Area.

Mr Wilson said the fndings refected a constructive dialogue between Council and the community.

”Listening to our community directly and integrating their feedback into our strategies from the outset is critical,” he said.

“Many of the results would not surprise those who have dealt with Council in the past, what’s exciting is the commitment from council to make things better.

“While it shows some areas that Council is doing well, it also reveals the areas we can improve. This may be as simple as changing a process or introducing new software and technology to make sure we are ft for the future. That will now form part of the work going forward.”

Demographically, the survey achieved balanced representation across gender, age groups, and geographical locations, encompassing feedback from 40 distinct villages.

Council received 60 responses from those aged between 12 and 17 who wanted more activities, improved facilities and fxing food-affected roads.

About 60% said they would become more involved if given the chance with 42% telling

Council they do not feel consulted on matters that affected them.

Of the 156 people who have specifc needs, 32% said more should be done to help and wanted better communication, consideration of their needs when designing new infrastructure, enhanced engagement, quiet spaces at events and better promotion of services.

Of the 240 who said they were environmentally engaged, 49% said they wanted to hear about Council’s environmental initiatives and 40% said they were interested in koala management but only 3% knew about Council’s Environment Team.

Lismore City Council’s General Manager Jon Gibbons affrmed the organisation’s readiness to translate survey fndings into tangible actions.

“We know we have the right team in place to deliver on what our community has told us,” he said.

“The past year has been focused on stability and we’re excited that our future work will be informed by this extensive community research.”

The research fndings are being used to inform Council’s customer strategies, which set the direction for how council engages with our community and delivers customer service.

Another Quality Field Heading for the Pipe Band Competition at the 119th Maclean Highland Gathering

Maclean’s reputation as one of the premiere pipe band competitions in Australia will be further enhanced with another quality feld heading for the Clarence Valley to compete in the 119th Maclean Highland Gathering on the Saturday of the Easter Long Weekend. Eighteen bands will compete across fve grades on Saturday 30 March 2024.

All the bands set to compete on the day will begin the festivities with the Pipe Bands on Parade. The competing band will be joined for the Street March by four additional bands; Armidale Pipe Band, Coffs Harbour Pipes & Drums, Grafton & District Services Club Pipe Band and the Murrumba Pipes & Drums Society Inc. The Pipe Band Competition will commence from 9.55 am at the Maclean Showgrounds as part of a full day of events.

All events including the Highland Sports and Highland Dancing, along with the band competition are held in the main arena of the Showground ensuring that all the action can be viewed from the main

grandstand and other vantage points around the picturesque grounds. Chief of the Lower Clarence Scottish Association, Peter Smith said “This year we were struck by the quality of bands joining us for the competition. We have three Grade 2 bands, St Andrews and The Emmanuelle College Highlanders from Queensland, as well as The Pipe Band Club from Sydney, which will make this the strongest Grade 2 competition in Australia this year. I’d particularly like to acknowledge The Pipe Band Club. It is a huge undertaking to bring the band up from Sydney and we a glad of their

support.” The Grade 3 competition will also feature three high quality competitors, BBC Old Collegians, the City of Ipswich and BBC College No. 1. He also thanked the Queensland Pipe Band community for their continued strong support with 14 of the 18 competing bands travelling across the Queensland border to participate in the Easter Gathering.

“Bands will be judged by one of our strongest panels we’ve had at Maclean with three international judges Donald McPhee (USA/ Scotland), Glenn Brown (Canada/ Scotland) and Brian Switalla (NZ). They will be joined by

some of Australia’s fnest adjudicators,” Mr Smith said.

Chief Peter Smith also praised the contribution of country bands like Warwick Thistle, Toowoomba, Moree Caledonian, the NSW Highlanders and the local favourites, the Maclean and District Pipe Band. “Our aim is to continue to nurture the Scottish culture and it is only with the great support we get from the bands that we can continue to do this”

At 4.00 pm all 21 visiting bands join together at the Maclean Showground for the Massed Bands display, a not to be missed climax to an amazing day of

events.

The full list of bands attending is:

• BBC Old Collegians Pipe Band

• Brisbane Boys’ College No.1

• Brisbane Boys’ College No. 2

• Brisbane Pipe Band No. 1

• Brisbane Pipe Band No. 2

• City of Ipswich Pipe Band No. 1

• City of Ipswich Pipe Band No. 2

• Emmanuel College Highlanders at the University of Queensland

• Gold Coast Tweed Pipes & Drums

• Maclean & District Pipe Band

• Moree Caledonian

Society Pipes and Drums Inc

• Murrumba Pipes & Drums Society Inc.

• NSW Highlanders Pipe Band Inc

• Qld Police Juvenile Pipes & Drums

• Queensland Irish Association Pipe Band

• St Andrew’s Pipe Band, Brisbane

• Toowoomba

Caledonian Society Pipe Band

• Warwick Thistle Pipe Band

• Grafton and District Services Club Pipe Band

• Armidale Pipe Band

• Murrumba Caledonian Society Pipes & Drums

• Coffs Harbour Pipes & Drums

The Lower Clarence Scottish Association would like to thank all competing bands for continuing to support our event and making the day such a wonderful spectacle for our town.

The 119th Maclean Highland Gathering will be held on Friday 29th and Saturday 30th March 2024. For more information check our website – www. macleanhighland gathering.com.au or check the Lower Clarence Scottish Association Facebook and Instagram pages.

LAND NEAR DRAKE VILLAGE SITE RETURNED TO ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY

The NSW Government will return a large parcel of land near Drake Village west of Tenterfeld to the local Aboriginal community following a successful land claim.

A total of 104.4 hectares of Crown land across two adjoining blocks at the western edge of the village will be returned as freehold land to the ownership of Jubullum Local Aboriginal Land Council following the land claim by the NSW Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC).

Under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983, Local Aboriginal Land Councils and the NSW

Aboriginal Land Council have a right to lodge land claims on Crown land.

Land claims must be assessed against nondiscretionary statutory criteria in the Act, including whether the land was lawfully used or occupied at the time of the claim, or was needed for an essential public purpose.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“The return of this land to the Jubullum Local Aboriginal Land Council will ensure the future of this important site can be put to productive use for the beneft of the local community.”

“Returning land to Aboriginal people provides tangible economic, social and cultural benefts to Aboriginal and broader communities and we are pleased to see a positive resolution for this land.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“The resolution of land claims such as this is a key aspect of Closing the Gap, empowering Aboriginal people and communities.”

“It delivers on several Closing the Gap targets including supporting economic participation for Aboriginal communities

and maintaining the connection of Aboriginal people to land and water.”

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffn said:

“With the return of this land, we pay our respects to the Traditional Owners, the Ngarabal people, alongside the Jukembal, Bundjalung, Kamilaroi, Githabul and Wahlubul peoples who share a connection to the area. We are proud and privileged to share a rich local history.”

“Through acknowledging the past and our local Aboriginal communities’ connection to Country we will all beneft from deeper cultural understanding,

which forms a stronger foundation for a more prosperous future.”

Jubullum Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO Michelle Nagas said:

“The approval of this land claim is very exciting. It involves a substantial block of land close to Drake Village which provides strong opportunities.”

“We will have discussions with the land council and consultations with the community on future use of the site.”

NSW Aboriginal Land Council CEO Yuseph Deen said:

“The NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC)

congratulates the Jubullum Local Aboriginal Land Council on the return of country to Aboriginal hands.”

“A key strategic goal of the NSWALC is pursuing economic self-determination, independence and prosperity for Our people.”

“Central to this is land acquisition and activation; securing the highest and best use returns and generating ongoing benefts fosters prosperity for Local Aboriginal Land Councils and Aboriginal communities.’

“This is particularly important in rural and remote areas of NSW.”

The 118th Maclean Highland Gathering. Photo sourced from Clarence Valley Council.

RECENT CATTLE MARKET REPORTS

TENTERFIELD

BROUGHT TO YOU BY HAROLD CURRY

PH: 02 6736 1344

TENTERFIELD MARKET REPORT

Sale Date: 11/03/2024 - Number Yarded: 376 Steers sell to $1746.77

Numbers decreased this sale with a yarding of 376 mixed quality cattle, meeting a softer market across the board. Quality bullocks topped at 273.2 cents, while a run of

WARWICK

MC DOUGALL & SONS

LIVESTOCK MARKETS WARWICK & DISTRICT WEEK ENDING 15/03/2024

Cattle numbers were similar to last weeks sale with Sheep and Lamb numbers falling by ½ for the week. Pork and Poultry numbers were larger than last week and prices were frmer. The prices for the processing beef and lamb were determined by the weight / fnish ratio with the better fnished types in all categories stronger. Prices may set back as we move towards the shorter weeks as Easter and local shows tamper with the working weeks along with the frst term holidays for the younger generation.

Vealer steers av 318.7c/kg topping at 362.2c/kg or $806.51 to $1083.37

Vealer heifers av 256.6c/kg topping at 326.2c/kg or $622.46 to $1182.48

Feeder steers av 309.2c/kg topping at 350.2c/kg or $1083.90 to $1639.05

Feeder heifers av 253.5c/kg topping at 302.2c/kg or $902.69 to $1213.84

Yearling steers av 322.7c/kg topping at 388.2c/kg or $1006.96 to $1477.84

Yearling heifers av 269.8c/kg topping at 338.2c/kg or $845.57 to $1378.17

Steers av 277.8c/kg topping at 330c/kg or $1466.44 to $2265.00

Heifers av 251.6c/kg topping at 299.2c/kg or $1148.03 to $1817.80

Manufacturing steers av 217.6c/kg topping at 223.2c/kg or $1085.96 to $1283.40

Angus feeder steers sold to 259.2 cents.

In the Cow section heavy weights sold to 239.2 cents, medium weights to 230.2 cents and light weights topped at 210 cents, heifers sold to 280 cents.

A smaller yarding of trade cattle saw weaner steers top at 360 cents, whilst the heifers sold to 250 cents, both returning to the paddock.

A mixed yarding of bulls sold to 232.2 cents.

NEXT SALES

25th March 2024, 9:00am Start

Cows av 213.9c/kg topping at 248.2c/kg or $1093.48 to $2064.00

Bulls av 256.1c/kg topping at 334.2c/kg or $1509.91 to $2758.14

Lambs topped at $174 to av $109.10 ($2/head down )

Hoggets topped at $200 to av $86.89 ($27/head up )

Ewes topped at $89 to av $45.44 ($9/head up )

Wethers topped at $79 to av $74.27 ($34/head up )

Rams topped at $100 to av $58.63 ($21/head up )

Lamb rams topped at $107 to av $67.31 ($5/head down )

Sale total was $93.85 / head av a rise of $5/head.

Sows sold from $60 to $$210, Boars sold from $60 to $170, Pok sold to $172, Baconers sold from $220 to $238, Stores sold from $64 to $170

Roosters sold to $17.50, Hens sold to $10, Pullets sold to $25, Guinea fowl sold to $17.50, Ducks sold to $25, Drakes sold to $15

MC DOUGALL & SONS SHEEP & LAMB REPORT

The yarding halved with a total of 1403 head meeting the market. The break up between mutton and lamb categories was at a 70/30 ratio of lamb to mutton. The market varied between weight types and prices , with the most important factor being fresh and fnished to get the better results. Lambs topped at $174 to av $109.10($2/head down), Hoggets topped at $200 to av $86.89 ($27/head up), Ewes topped at $89 to av $45.44($9/head up), Wethers topped at $79 to av $74.27($34/head up), Rams topped at $100 to av $58.63 ($21/head up ), Lamb rams topped at $107 to av $67.31 ($5/head down), Ewe lambs topped at $145. The sale av of $93.85 was $5/head up on last week with a few good lines of fnished lambs deciding the result. Peter Gray sold Dorper lambs 57.5kg to Thomas Foods

TOP TENTERFIELD PRICES

ML & SJ Hughes

ML & SJ Hughes

Gungel Pastoral

Brian Smith

John & Lea Campbell

Jesse Little

Michael Combe

for $174, 55kg ewe lambs to Eversons for $145

JCD Past sold Dorper lambs 53.6kg to Eversons for $160

Carel Rothman sold Dorper lambs 49kg to Thomas Foods for $147John & Regina Henry sold Dorper x lambs

49.6kg to Thomas Foods for $140

Greg & Clancy Mc Gahan sold Dorper x lambs 46.5kg to Warwick Meats for $135, Ewes to Eversons for $45

Giltrow Family sold Dorper x lambs 51kg to Thomas Foods for $150, 49.4kg to Leslie Lamb for $145, 46.4kg to Eversons for $119 & $118, 45.8kg to Thomas Foods for $121, 43kg to Warwick Meats for $116, 40kg lambs & Ram lambs to GR Prime for $107.

Russell & Jackie Hughes sold Suffolk lambs 50kg to Thomas Foods for $120

Bodumba Farming sold 48.5kg Dorper x lambs to Careys for $119, 46kg to GR Prime for $1150 & $110, 65kg hoggets & Mutton to Eversons for $61

Gwenda Batterham sold Xb lambs 57.5kg to Take IT Easy Meats for $160

Landers & Little sold feed on Dorset lambs 37.5kg, 35.8kg, 32.6kg to re-stockers for $72, $71, and $63

Dave & Wendy Rogers sold Dorper x lambs 39.6kg to GR Prime for $80 and 37kg to re-stockers for $62

Ian Hughes sold butterball sucker Dorper lambs 33.3kg to Tonys Supa Meats for $82

Anthony Halter sold Aussie White 47.4kg lambs to Eversons for $125, 50kg ram lambs to Take IT Easy Meats for $90, 70kg hogget ram to re-stockers for $200, Ewes to Thomas Foods for $50

Rose Pugh sold Merino ewes cfa to restockers for $30

Craven Farms sold 1st x ewe hoggets 45kg to re-stockers for $56, Ewes to Eversons for $24

Carmichael & Galloway sold White Dorper ewes to restockers for $89

DAIRY CO-OP TAKES STOCK OF FARMER MENTAL HEALTH WITH GRASSROOTS SUPPORT

Northern Rivers ‘Farmer Army’ expands with new mental health recruit

Norco, Australia’s largest and oldest dairy cooperative has announced the expansion of its ‘Farmer Army’ with new mental health recruit and dairy farmer veteran, Craig Waddell.

Norco recognised the crucial need for the newly created role of Mental Health Support Offcer, following its own research about farmer mental health, which found close to half (45%) of Australian farmers had thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

Coined the National Farmer Wellbeing Report and in partnership with the National Farmers Federation, close to half of Australian farmers (45%) have felt depressed and nearly two thirds (64%) have experienced anxiety in the past few years.

Additional fndings from the report found two of the top three factors

impacting Australian farmer mental health were fnancial stress (36%), and infation and cost pressures (35%). Adding to this, more than half (51%) of Australian farmers who struggle, do not want to burden their family or friends.

Michael Hampson, Norco Chief Executive Offcer said the newly created position of Mental Health Support Offcer will provide support exclusively to their farmer members who may need to talk to someone during challenging times or simply want to have a chat with another farmer.

“Craig has extensive farming experience and brings a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by farmers and will be available to all our farmer members to lend a supportive and empathetic ear.

“The commitment Craig brings to the role of helping others and fostering a support network aligns with our mission of making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve,” Mr Hampson concludes.

Craig Waddell, Mental Health Support Offcer for Norco who was a dairy farmer for 45 years, was announced to Norco members this month and is excited to commence his role supporting farmers who are struggling with their mental health.

“I bring a deep understanding of the unique challenges farmers face, and some farmers get tested every day, with some days better than others.

“If there are farmers out there that need someone to talk to, I am just a phone call or farm visit away to have a yarn and help make sense of their

feelings and thoughts.

“Helping our farmers is not only a great thing to do for our industry, but I feel like I am giving back to an industry I have worked in for so long,” Craig adds.

Whilst Craig’s services, are exclusive to Norco members, his role will support the incredible work already being done by Norco member Ross Blanch and the Queensland Lifeline Farmer to Farmer program.

Ross Blanch who saw a 30 per cent increase in Norco farmer referrals after the National Farmer Wellbeing launch in 2023, welcomes the additional support from Craig Waddell.

“I have been helping farmers for the last fve years by empowering them to express their feelings and show them that it’s ok to feel overwhelmed and

challenged.

“Farmers aren’t built to talk and so it’s really important that they have someone they can connect with who speaks their language and understands the unique struggles they face.

“I welcome Craig in his new role; the more farmers we have in the army the better. Giving farmers greater access to mental health support is vital for our industry and sometimes all it takes is for them to be heard and understood,” Ross adds.

Norco, Australia’s oldest and largest 100% farmer owned cooperative, frmly believes that mental health is an integral part of overall well-being and is dedicated to creating a supportive environment for its farmer members, ensuring it is improving the lives of their farmers, people and the community.

Norco Chief Executive Offcer, Michael Hampson will be attending the National Farmers Federation National Forum on Mental Health and Wellbeing in Agriculture on 13 March, a forum where leaders across the agricultural sector can further discuss what can be meaningfully implemented to improve mental health and wellbeing across the agricultural industry.

For more information about Norco’s commitment to farmer mental health please read the commissioned Report via the QR Code below.

Farmers Urged to Prioritize Safety Around Farm Vehicles Following Three Fatalities This Year

SafeWork NSW is issuing crucial safety reminders to farmers regarding the use of sideby-side vehicles, quad bikes, and motorcycles, emphasizing the importance of wearing seatbelts, helmets, and selecting appropriate vehicles. This initiative comes in response to a series of incidents resulting in severe injuries or fatalities, including children, involving farm vehicles.

In the most recent incident on February 14 in Coonamble, a 37-year-old man and a four-year-old child sustained serious injuries after being ejected from a quad bike. Initial investigations suggest that neither individual was wearing a helmet. SafeWork is actively investigating this incident, alongside three other fatalities that have occurred since January 1.

The frst incident, on January 8 in Goohli,

involved a side-by-side vehicle driven by an adult with two child passengers, mustering cattle. Tragically, the ATV rolled into a dam, resulting in the death of one child occupant. Initial fndings indicate that none of the occupants were wearing seatbelts.

On January 25 in Narromine, a 51-yearold man died after being ejected from a moving

side-by-side vehicle while undertaking farm-related work. Once again, initial inquiries suggest that the seatbelt was not utilized. Subsequently, on February 1, a 32-year-old female contractor suffered fatal injuries after being thrown from a motorbike on a property east of Tibooburra, while not wearing a helmet.

SafeWork emphasizes

the importance of utilizing all available safety features when operating side-by-side vehicles, including seatbelts and helmets. These measures signifcantly reduce the risk of fatal or serious injuries in the event of a rollover.

Statistics reveal the severity of farm vehicle incidents, with more than 56 deaths in NSW from quad bike accidents

since 2001, and an additional 20 fatalities involving side-by-side vehicles. Rollovers can occur even at low speeds and on fat terrain, leaving riders trapped or crushed under the quad bike.

For farmers continuing to use quad bikes, SafeWork advises strict adherence to manufacturer instructions, particularly regarding load limits

and load balance. Heavy or unstable loads, such as chemical tanks for spraying, can compromise braking, shift the vehicle’s center of gravity, and increase the likelihood of rollovers.

SafeWork NSW remains committed to raising awareness and promoting safety measures to prevent farm vehicle-related incidents, urging farmers to prioritize the use of seatbelts, helmets, and appropriate vehicle selection for enhanced safety on the farm.

For more information on Farm Safety, pleasescan the below QR Code

Grain Price Dip Bolsters Lot Feeder Proftability

Key Takeaways:

• Current feed wheat and feeder steer prices offer favourable conditions for lot feeders.

• Darling Downs Wheat prices have dipped to $360 per tonne, the lowest since March 2022.

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• Feeder steer prices are at 316 cents/kg live weight (lwt), showing a decline from earlier in the year.

Grain prices have been on a downward trend since the beginning of 2024, presenting a signifcant opportunity for lot feeders to enhance their margins and instil confdence in the industry.

The Australian lotfeeding sector has seen steady growth, supported by robust infrastructure, access to export markets, and a stable domestic supply. According to the Australian Lot Feeders Association’s quarterly survey, the industry has reached record levels of feedlot capacity and cattle numbers. With

1.3 million head on feed and capacity reaching 1.6 million head, this growth underscores the positive outlook within the sector, buoyed in part by smaller lot feeders re-entering the market.

Feeder cattle and feed grain prices typically exhibit an inverse relationship, infuenced by factors such as climatic conditions affecting supply and demand dynamics.

Last year, this inverse relationship peaked, with wheat prices soaring to $463 per tonne while feeder steer prices hit 211 cents/kg lwt, the lowest nominal price since 2011. This trend refected the national herd rebuild, increased cattle supply, and poor harvest projections in key grain-producing regions.

However, recent trends show a narrowing of this gap, with wheat prices dropping to $360 per tonne, down 22% from the previous year’s peak. Meanwhile, feeder steer prices have experienced

a modest rebound to 316 cents/kg lwt, marking a 53% increase from the lowest prices observed last year. These shifts refect market dynamics observed in late 2020, following post-drought livestock market recoveries and improved feed grain supply.

With weekly wheat prices remaining low and feeder steer prices continuing to ease, lot feeders are presented with an advantageous opportunity to bolster their proftability. By closely monitoring these market dynamics, lot feeders can capitalize on longer fed programs and potentially secure premiums for heavier cattle, maximizing their returns on investment.

Looking ahead, the trajectory of feed wheat prices will likely infuence next quarter’s turn-off numbers. Lot feeders are poised to leverage this opportunity and adapt their strategies to optimize proftability amidst evolving market conditions.

Complete

Harnessing AI for a Flourishing Agricultural Sector

The advent of Artifcial Intelligence (AI) in quality assessment promises to usher in a new era of trust, traceability, and transparency within the Australian agricultural landscape. With the potential to revolutionize grain assessment and trading, AI stands poised to offer unprecedented accuracy and effciency, presenting numerous opportunities for farmers and industry stakeholders alike.

In recent times, key industry bodies such as the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and Grain Trade Australia (GTA) have actively sought proposals to leverage AI technologies, recognizing its transformative potential. While previous attempts at developing imaging and generative AI faced technological barriers until 2014, breakthroughs in machine learning algorithms have now paved the way for Australian grain corporations to embrace AI-driven solutions.

Traditionally, quality

assessment has been machine-centric, primarily serving the interests of buyers.

However, a new wave of smartphone-powered AI assessment solutions is emerging, poised to shift the paradigm towards farmer-centric approaches. This evolution opens doors to myriad possibilities beyond mere quality assessment, empowering farmers to make informed decisions to maximize the value of their harvest.

AI and blockchain

technologies are set to intertwine seamlessly, enabling the creation of transparent quality assessment records, and transforming agricultural products into tradable digital assets. Digital platforms will facilitate electronic trade, akin to modern stock trading systems, offering enhanced effciency and accessibility.

Transforming Quality Assessment for Australian Farmers

assessment promises immediate benefts such as optimizing machine settings, assessing downgrade risks, and aiding in cleaning decisions. As the technology evolves, farmers will gain greater control over storing, selling, and blending decisions, harnessing AI insights for strategic advantage.

For farmers, AI

The integration of AI

assessment devices onto harvesting machines represents the next frontier. Already underway in protein measurements, where machines generate protein maps for variable rate fertiliser application, this trend is poised to expand. Machinemounted AI technologies will not only reduce input costs but also enhance precision in quality assessment, revolutionizing traditional sampling methods.

Moreover, AI

offers objectivity in assessment, mitigating subjectivity and reducing the risk of malpractice. As AI assessment gains wider acceptance among buyers, it will level the playing feld, offering farmers and trading companies a competitive edge through enhanced risk management and quality assurance.

Internationally, countries like Argentina and India are leading the charge in establishing AI standards for grain assessment, signalling a global shift towards AI-driven quality assessment practices. In Australia, AI is poised to become a cornerstone of industry-wide quality standards, bolstering the global reputation of Australian agricultural produce.

In embracing AI for quality assessment, Australian farmers stand to beneft from enhanced credibility, global demand, and sustainable growth. As AI takes centre stage in the agricultural realm, its transformative potential holds the key to a prosperous future for Australian agriculture.

Australian Milk Production Poised for Growth in 2023-24 Season

According to the March 2024 Situation and Outlook Report released by Dairy Australia, the national milk production is expected to experience a modest increase, projecting a growth of close to one percent compared to the previous season. The report attributes this growth to favourable weather conditions, which have surpassed the lower fgures recorded in the previous season.

Eliza Redfern, Dairy Australia’s analysis and insights manager, expressed optimism among Australia’s dairy farmers due to the improved weather conditions, recovering milk production, and positive trends in retail and global commodity markets. She highlighted

the resilience of the domestic market, with notable increases in the sales volumes of cheese, dairy spreads, and yoghurt over the past 12 months.

Despite challenges posed by the global

economic environment, including weak global demand and shipping disruptions, the report indicates a rebound in export commodity prices driven by a decrease in global milk supply. However, ongoing

issues such as drought conditions affecting water availability for the Panama Canal locks and tensions in the Red Sea have led to vessel delays, tightened container availability, and increased freight costs.

Looking ahead, Dairy Australia anticipates continued pressure on farm proftability in the 2024-25 season due to global economic uncertainties. Nevertheless, Australian dairy farmers are in a

favourable position to tackle these challenges, having experienced proftable seasons in the recent past. Many farmers have reduced their debt exposure, which provides some resilience against potential increases in interest rates expected later in 2024.

Overall, while the Australian dairy industry remains subject to global dynamics and challenges, the outlook for the upcoming season is cautiously optimistic. The industry’s resilience and adaptability, coupled with favourable domestic market conditions, position Australian dairy farmers to navigate the challenges ahead and continue contributing to the growth and stability of the sector.

Weekly Australian Climate, Water and Agricultural Update

In the week ending 13 March 2024, the Top End and northern and the interior of Western Australia received signifcant rainfall, and decent rainfall was experienced along the coastal east and tropical areas of Queensland.

A lack of rainfall in most cropping areas, coupled with elevated temperatures, particularly in southern areas, is likely to have led to a reduction in soil moisture levels, particularly in the upper soil profle.

Over the coming days, the tropics and the interior of Western Australia will continue to receive rainfall, and eastern Queensland and New South Wales are expected to experience showers and storms.

A dry week in Queensland and northern New South Wales cropping regions will support uninterrupted harvest of summer crops.

Rainfall totals up to 50 millimetres are forecast for central New South Wales and Western Australia cropping regions.

The national rainfall outlook is for a heightened probability of below average rainfall for much of Australia over the next three months.

Considering the recent declines in upper layer soil moisture levels, suffcient and timely rainfall will be required in the coming months in order to facilitate the sowing and

establishment of winter crops.

Availability of accumulated standing dry matter and ample conserved fodder is likely to enable most livestock producers to maintain current production levels and stocking rates.

Water storage levels in the Murray-Darling Basin (MDB) decreased between 7 March 2024 and 14 March 2024 by 190 gigalitres (GL). Current volume of water held in storage is 17 553 GL, equivalent to 78% of total storage capacity. This is 13 percent or 2536 GL less than at the same time last year.

Allocation prices in the Victorian Murray below the Barmah Choke increased from $26 on 7 March 2024 to $27 on 14 March 2024. Prices are lower in the Murrumbidgee due to the binding of the Murrumbidgee export limit. The most recent rainfall outlook for April 2024 provided by the Bureau of Meteorology indicates a high likelihood (60 to 80% chance) of below-median rainfall across a signifcant portion of Australia.

Notable exceptions being Tasmania, along with much of New South Wales and southern areas of Queensland, which are showing an equal probability of below or above median rainfall.

According to Bureau of Meteorology’s climate model, there is a 75% probability of rainfall

totals exceeding 25 millimetres in coastal eastern and northern Australia, as well as in western Tasmania and southern Victoria, for April 2024. Northeastern coastal Queensland and western Tasmania are anticipated to receive rainfall totals surpassing 100 millimetres. Within cropping regions, there is at least 75% chance of rainfall totals exceeding 25 millimetres along the eastern fringes of New South Wales and Victoria. By contrast, April rainfall totals for the remaining cropping regions have a 75% chance of exceeding 5-10 millimetres.

A lack of suffcient rainfall in April is likely to result in an increased disconnect between upper- and lower-layer soil moisture, meaning that there would be limited opportunities to plant winter crops under ideal conditions. This may see many grain producers opt to dry sow crops, which presents some production risk outcomes if May rainfall is not suffcient to support germination and establishment, until plant roots are able to tap into stored lower layer soil moisture.

Rainfall totals that have a 75% chance of occurring in April 2024

Map showing the rainfall totals that have a 75% chance of occurring during the next month in Australia. Image provided by the Bureau of Meteorology. Please

refer to accompanying text for a more detailed description. For further information, go to http:// www.bom.gov.au/ climate/ahead/about/

The El Niño event of 2023 persists in its weakening trend, with the anticipation of a transition to neutral ENSO conditions during the current 2024 autumn. The rainfall outlook for April through June 2024 indicates a probability of below-median rainfall across much of Australia.

Across cropping regions, the odds of exceeding median rainfall range between 35 and 45% across most growing regions. The chance of exceeding median rainfall is lower (25 to 40% chance) in Western Australia cropping regions.

Chance of exceeding the median rainfall April to June 2024

Map showing the chance of exceeding median rainfall during the next three months in Australia. Image provided by the Bureau of Meteorology. Please refer to accompanying text for a more detailed description.

The outlook for April to June 2024 suggests there is at least 75% chance of rainfall exceeding 25 millimetres throughout much of southern and eastern Australia, with notable exceptions in large sections of the interior and northern regions where rainfall below 25 millimetres is more likely. Along Australia’s eastern and

southern coastline, as well as western Tasmania, rainfall totals in excess of 200 millimetres are expected during this period.

Across cropping regions, there is at least a 75% chance of receiving 25 millimetres or more.

Considering the recent declines in upper layer soil moisture levels and the heightened probability of below average rainfall over the next three months, suffcient and timely rainfall will be required in the coming months in order to facilitate the sowing and establishment of winter crops. Livestock producers, especially those in southern Australia, are expected to experience below-average pasture production due to reduced rainfall. However, the availability of accumulated standing dry matter and ample conserved fodder is likely to enable most producers to maintain current production levels and stocking rates.

Rainfall totals that have a 75% chance of occurring April to June 2024

Map showing the rainfall totals that have a 75% chance of occurring during the next three months in Australia. Image provided by the Bureau of Meteorology. Please refer to accompanying text for a more detailed description.

Rainfall forecast for the

next 8 days

Over the 8 days to 21 March 2024, monsoon lows will generate rain and storms in the tropics extending to the interior of Western Australia with anticipated accumulations of up to 200 millimetres. Humid and unstable atmospheric conditions are expected to generate showers and storms across areas of eastern Queensland and New South Wales.

Across cropping regions, rainfall totals up to 50 millimetres are forecast for central New South Wales. If realised, these falls will boost soil moisture levels for pasture growth. With the harvest of early planted summer crop now underway, mainly dry conditions over the next 8-days would support an uninterrupted harvest in Queensland and northern New South Wales.

Large areas of Western Australia are expected to receive up to 50 millimetres of rainfall. If realised, these falls will continue to build soil moisture levels ahead of the upcoming winter cropping season. However, timely falls will be required closer to planting of winter crops to consolidate this recent boost in soil moisture.

Little to no rainfall is expected across remaining cropping regions.

Total forecast rainfall for the period 14 March to 21 March 2024

Rainfall totals that have a 75% chance of occurring in April 2024

Livestock Industry’s Sustainability Efforts Shine in Award Finalists

The Australian red meat industry’s unwavering commitment to sustainability has garnered recognition with two distinguished meat and livestock enterprises named fnalists at the esteemed 35th National Banksia Sustainability Awards.

As Australia’s most esteemed sustainability awards, the Banksia Awards attracted a record number of entries this year, with Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) proudly sponsoring the event.

Jane Weatherley,

General Manager of Communications and Adoption at MLA, views the Banksia Awards as a platform to showcase innovation within the Australian red meat industry.

“The Banksia Awards, set to take place on April 4, 2024, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, will spotlight two remarkable meat and livestock organizations shortlisted as fnalists for the Agriculture and Regional Development Award,” Dr. Weatherley stated.

Among the fnalists are Argyle Foods Group, which is spearheading sustainability initiatives across its vertically integrated supply chain, and HW Greenham & Sons Pty Ltd, whose Greenham Beef Sustainability Standard empowers producers to validate their sustainability commitments in the market.

Argyle Foods Group, an Australian farmerowned agricultural company, is dedicated to producing sustainable land, cattle, and beef.

Through its Argyle Carbon program, the company has implemented sustainable projects across its operations to mitigate the climate impacts of its business.

Lachlan Graham, Founder and Co-CEO of Argyle Foods Group, emphasized the impetus behind the focus on Argyle Carbon, citing a recognized need to enhance their land management practices.

“In the aftermath of the recent drought, Argyle endeavoured to effect genuine environmental

improvements across our managed lands to mitigate the intensifying impacts of climate change on the land, livestock, and our business,” Mr. Graham explained.

“Through collaborative efforts with our partners, Argyle has pioneered the implementation of sustainable projects, including the registration of a soil carbon sequestration project to generate Australian Carbon Credit Units.

Additionally, we have supported the

development of renewable energy through wind farm lease holdings, adopted regenerative agricultural practices across our cattle herd, and registered biodiversity sites to bolster ecological health.”

Meanwhile, Peter Greenham, Managing Director at HW Greenham & Sons, highlighted how their Greenham Beef Sustainability Standard has facilitated producers in showcasing their sustainability credentials.

ENTERTAINMENT

8 PAGE LIFT OUT

THE WORLD OF MUSICALS IN CONCERT RETURNS TO AUSTRALIA WITH AN ALL-NEW SHOW IN 2024

Following the overwhelming success of its 2022 tour across Australia, The World of Musicals in Concert is making a muchanticipated return in 2024, promising an all-new show that’s set to captivate audiences once again. This internationally acclaimed production has delighted audiences around the world, showcasing a spectacular ensemble of multi-talented artists known for their extraordinary performances of musical theatre’s most beloved songs.

The World of Musicals in Concert brings to the stage an eclectic mix of musical

masterpieces. From the haunting melodies of The Phantom of the Opera and the poignant narratives of Les Misérables, to the lively tunes of Guys & Dolls and the exotic rhythms of South Pacifc, this show offers something for every musical theatre enthusiast. Audiences can expect a mesmerising evening

flled with classic hits, emotive ballads, thrilling big-screen anthems, and iconic show tunes that have defned a genre. Described as a celebration of all the hit songs in one show, The World of Musicals in Concert delivers an unparalleled musical concert theatre experience. From the moment the

curtain rises to the fnal encore, attendees are transported into a world of unparalleled artistry, emotion, and musical magic. This is a show where every note resonates with the heart and the melodies linger long after the night ends.

Tailored for fans of all ages, the production invites families to come together and enjoy an

unforgettable evening. It’s an opportunity to sing along to all your favourite songs from the rich and diverse world of musical theatre. The promise of an evening that’s “inspired by many but unlike any other” ensures that this concert is not just a performance but a journey through the very best of musical theatre.

Tickets are already on sale, and with the popularity of its previous tours, securing your seats early is highly recommended. Prepare to be spellbound by The World of Musicals in Concert, a show that encapsulates the spirit, the drama, and the joy of musicals. Whether you’re a seasoned theatregoer or new to the world of musicals, this concert is guaranteed to be an evening of entertainment that you won’t want to miss.

EVENT DETAILS:

When: 10 April 2024, 7:30pm

Where: QPAC

Tickets: www.qpac. com.au

TARGET TIME

N I E D A O D L N

Today’s target:

38 words average

44 words good

50+ words excellent

Find words of four letters or more. Every word must include the centre letter and each letter is used once only. Find at least one nine-letter word. No colloquial or foreign words, capitalised nouns, apostrophes, hyphens. No verbs or plural words ending in ‘s’. Solution list is not exhaustive. Ref: Macquarie Dictionary

ASTROLOGY with Joanne Madeline Moore

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

This week it’s the Equinox on Wednesday, and the Sun shifts into Aries and then links up with Pluto. Plus, Mars (your ruling planet) moves into Pisces. So the current astrology is all about maintaining your equilibrium, celebrating your individuality, and pursuing your dreams within a climate of transformation and reflection. Draw inspiration from birthday great Reese Witherspoon: “I believe ambition is not a dirty word. It’s just believing in yourself and your abilities.”

TAURUS (Apr 20 – May 20)

The buzz word this week is confidence! Confidence to learn, to dream, to grow. With no less than six planets activating your career and aspirations zones, your motto is from birthday great, actress/ producer Reese Witherspoon: “With the right kind of coaching and determination, you can accomplish anything.” Venus (your boss planet) links up with Saturn on Thursday/Friday which means your hard work, patience and persistence will pay off … in the end.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 20)

Are you being too subjective and short-sighted about a current issue? It’s the Equinox on Wednesday when day and night are of equal length. So take a step back, adjust your focus, and view things from a much broader and wiser perspective. Balance is the key. Saturn hooks up with Venus in your career zone, so it’s also time to get serious about your professional ambitions. Roll up your sleeves and get to work, as you power through projects and tie up loose ends.

CANCER (June 21 – July 22)

Have you been avoiding a tricky person or a difficult situation? Crabs tend to side-step problems (or just put their heads in the sand). With Mercury and the Sun moving through dynamic Aries (in your work zone), try a more direct approach as you face challenges head on. Aim to communicate your ideas in positive and proactive ways. As birthday belle Reese Witherspoon observes: “Confidence is everything.” Travel and adventure are also on the menu.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

On Wednesday, the Sun (your ruling planet) transits into fellow fire sign Aries, and then links up with powerful Pluto. From mid-week onwards you’ll be at your feisty, fabulous best – and your belligerent, bossy worst! It’s Equinox week, so try to find an outlet for your fiery energy, and a way to bring more balance and harmony into your busy world. Thursday and Friday boost personal magnetism and favour taking an ambitious project a step further.

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

You’re impatient about making things happen according to your strict timetable but the planets caution you about taking shortcuts and relying on others. Don’t expect family, friends or colleagues to drop everything and hand you your dream. There is just no substitute for hard work and thorough preparation. It’s also Equinox week, so stop overcommitting! Smart Virgos will calm down and recalibrate to a slower, steadier and more sustainable pace.

LIBRA (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Is a close relationship stuck in a stultifying rut?

This week the Sun and Mercury encourage you to blast away the cobwebs and look at things from a fresh angle. But how well do you really know your nearest and dearest? Powerful Pluto is in your romance, children and friendship zones, plus Venus (your patron planet) links up with Saturn. So it’s time to dig deeper and gain valuable insights into the inner motivations of a lover, friend or family member.

SCORPIO (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Sensitive Scorpio – you’re a capricious creature, constantly buffeted by intense emotions and deep desires. This week we celebrate the Equinox (when day and night are of equal length) which will help to stabilise your temperamental moods and balance your brooding nature. Attached Scorpio – remember there’s a fine line between ardent affection and clingy obsession. Unhappily single? You could find yourself drawn to someone with a powerful personality.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Sagittarians can be selfish, self-indulgent souls. This week, with the Sun and Mercury spotlighting your leisure-and-pleasure zone, you’ll be preoccupied with your immediate entertainment wants and personal pampering needs. However, over the next few years, you’ll gradually shift your focus further afield as Pluto teaches you that family matters, local community connections and social responsibilities are just as important as individual priorities.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Venus and Saturn highlight long-term relationships and local community connections. And the Sun visits your domestic zone, so it’s a good week to support a family member, get stuck into a DIY project or clean and declutter your living space. But how will you decide what to keep and what to discard? Draw inspiration from designer and birthday great William Morris: “Have nothing in your house which you know not to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Money matters should start to improve, as Venus moves through your finance zone (until April 5). The Sun and Pluto send a confidence boost your way (especially involving a personal project or social media) and a local community connection could prove fortuitous. So be on the lookout for a lucky opportunity when it appears. It’s time to turn an abstract dream into a rock-solid reality! If you hesitate or procrastinate, then you’ll miss the boat.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

On Wednesday it’s the Equinox (when day and night are of equal length), which favours meditation and contemplation, as you aim for more equilibrium and perspective. Pluto is powering through your solitude and spirituality zones, which further highlights peace-of-mind and strong self-esteem. Then mighty Mars moves into Pisces (until April 30) so strive to be more proactive about pursuing your creative and spiritual goals. No procrastination allowed, Pisces!

FRIDAY

BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS

SEVEN, 7pm

SATURDAY JIMMY DOHERTY’S NEW ZEALAND ESCAPE

SBS FOOD, 7.30pm

TUESDAY DARK SIDE OF COMEDY

SBS VICELAND, 9.25pm

ABC Late News.

11.20 Grand Designs. (PG, R)

12.10 Tenable. (PG, R)

12.55 Belgravia. (PG, R)

1.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

Perhaps it’s unfair to declare that New Zealand’s sublime natural scenery eclipses the genial manner of presenter Jimmy Doherty (pictured), but in this gorgeously shot series that’s the only way it should be. Dotted with snow-frosted mountains, heavenly blue expanses and even some topnotch whiskey and bu alo milk, it’s an expedition lled with the scenic spoils of Kiwi produce and spirit. It’s a happy-go-lucky four-part travelogue, kicking o with the British presenter and farmer visiting the haven of Stewart Island, where he learns to gravity sh. A women-only deer farm and the country’s oldest distillery are also on the fun- lled itinerary.

After 30 years, we all know this veteran family lifestyle show is about more than just complicated DIY projects. Sometimes food is the hero and what better time than Easter to pander to your tastebuds. As much concerned with nourishing the soul as simplifying DIY, the friendly, inspirational content magically makes us feel like we could build or whip up anything – perhaps even an award-winning garden? Outdoor inspiration blooms tonight with Charlie Albone, Melissa King (pictured) and Graham Ross like kids in a candy store at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. Colin Fassnidge also has the ultimate seasonal treat – a delectable hot cross bun and butter pudding. 2203

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 The Good Ship Murder. (Final, Mv)

8.25 Treasures Of Gibraltar. (PG, R) Bettany Hughes visits Gibraltar.

9.20 Queens That Changed The World: The Warrior Queen – Boudica. (Final, PGav) Takes a look at Boudica.

10.15 SBS World News Late.

10.45 Departure. (Final, Mav)

11.35 Devils. (Mals, R)

4.15 Bamay. (R)

4.40 Destination Flavour Scandinavia Bitesize. (R)

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

7.00

Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs. 8.30 MOVIE: Maid In Manhattan. (2002, PGls, R) A US senatorial candidate falls for a mysterious woman he meets while visiting New York. However, unknown to him at the time, she is a single mother who works as a maid at the hotel where he stays. Jennifer Lopez, Ralph Fiennes, Natasha Richardson.

10.45 MOVIE: Argo. (2012, Malv, R) A CIA agent launches an undercover operation. Ben A eck, Bryan Cranston.

1.15 The Arrangement. (Mav, R)

2.30 Home Shopping.

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

5.00 NBC Today.

It’s not all giggles in this documentary series. Featuring et of comedians and talking heads, who all seem to secretly delight in revealing and recounting a gritty and shadowy side of the making-people-laugh business. Encino Man star and stand-up veteran Pauly Shore cryptically declares, “You can’t light the fuse that hard and expect to survive”. Across 10 episodes, issues such as depression and addiction are explored through the life stories of Joan Rivers, Tracy Morgan and even ’80s sitcom Family Ties Tonight’s premiere begins with funnyman Robin Williams (pictured), one of the most beloved performers of all time, but who was struggling privately with crushing health and psychological issues.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current A air.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 3. Sydney Roosters v South Sydney Rabbitohs. From Allianz Stadium, Sydney.

9.55 Golden Point. A wrap-up of the Sydney Roosters versus South Sydney Rabbitohs match, with news and analysis.

10.45 MOVIE: The In ltrator. (2016, MA15+adlv, R) A US agent tries to bring down a drug kingpin. Bryan Cranston, Diane Kruger.

1.10 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

(PG, R)

Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Postcards. (PG, R)

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Contestants compete in a high-stakes game where they must beat The Banker to win a cash prize.

6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news.

7.30 Ready Steady Cook. Hosted by Miguel Maestre.

8.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Final) Irish comedian Graham Norton presents the second of two compilations of highlights from the recent series.

10.50 Albert Park All Access. (R) Commentary and analysis ahead of the race.

11.50 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news.

12.50 Fire Country. (Mmv, R)

1.40 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

Here is a crossword with a di erence, all the letters of the alphabet are represented by a number in the grid and there are no clues. Some letters have been given as clues to get you started, use the code cracker grid below to keep track of each letter and their coded number.

ALFAKODO

WHICH WORDS

Which is the correct meaning for these words?

1 ATTAINT (a) To convict (b) To bind or fasten (c) To waste away

2 BRUCELLOSIS (a) Habitual grinding of the teeth (b) A disease of animals communicable to man (c) Inflammatory swelling of the lymph nodes

3 HORAL (a) Migratory

JACK McCOY PRESENTS THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE OCCUMENTARY AND OCCY’S 1999 ASP WORLD TITLE!

To celebrate the 25th anniversaries of Mark Occhilupo’s 1999 ASP World Title and multi award winning flm The Occumentary, legendary surf flm maker Jack McCoy and Occhilupo will be hitting the east coast of Australia.

It will be the frst time ever the flm has been shown in cinemas on the big screen and to commemorate the event, McCoy has remastered the flm to give it a complete new look.

“I’ve spent hundreds of hours blowing up the flm from its original VHS release as a 4:3 aspect, to 16.9 widescreen. When I watched it back for the frst time it was like watching a whole new movie, people’s minds are going to be blown!”

“Occy managed to do what many believed was the impossible. It’s truly one of the most inspirational and motivational stories in the history of Australian sport.” says McCoy

Following his ‘hiatus’

from competitive surfng, Billabong founder, Gordon Merchant, sent Occhilupo to WA to live and train with McCoy and his family, and begin the comeback of all comebacks. He shed 30kg, cleaned up his lifestyle and they began documenting Occhilupo’s journey back to the pinnacle of professional surfng.

It began with his iconic performance at the Bells Beach Skins event, and ultimately led to Occhilupo becoming (at the time) surfng’s oldest world champion at the ripe age of 33. The flm was the frst ever feature documentary

of a surfer and instantly became a cult classic, with many still regarding it as one of the best surf movies ever produced. As with all of McCoy’s flms, the soundtrack is next level and features the likes of the Foo Fighters, Ed Kuepper, Powderfnger and Yothu Yindi.

Throughout the tour, the audience will be treated with McCoy, Occhilupo and special guests sharing untold stories and never seen before footage from Occhilupo’s career, as well as a Q and A session to delve deeper into this special moment in time.

“I look back at this

period as one of the most amazing experiences of my life and to have it documented in such a way is so special. I can’t believe it’s been 25 years but it’s going to be great to hit the road with Jack and friends to celebrate the occasion with the surfng tribe.” says Occhilupo

To purchase tickets, head to www.jackmccoy. com

“The best surfng bioflm ever made.” - The Surfers Journal

“One of surfng’s most inspirational stories. The comeback to end all comebacks. A classic tribute to a unique character. This

video should be sitting alone, on a shelf, next to burning candles and your favourite photos of Occy” - Surfer Mag

One of surfng’s most inspirational stories. The comeback to end all comebacks. It is a classic tribute to a unique character.

“The Occumentary” follows the “Raging Bull” from his days as a Cronulla grommet to his amazing comeback, with great interviews, classic footage, and plenty of Occy personality.

“... another one of those McCoy classics, entertaining enough to watch 10, 20, or 100 times.

TOUR DETAILS:

• Wednesday, May

1 – The J, Noosa

• Thursday, May 2 –Byron Theatre, Byron Bay

• Sunday, May 5 –HOTA, Gold Coast

• Wednesday, May 8 – Gala Cinema, Wollongong

• Thursday, May 9 - Event Cinema, Newcastle

• Friday, May 10 – Orpheum Cinema, Sydney

• Saturday, May 11 –Avoca Beach Theatre, Central Coast

• Wednesday, May 15 – Astor Theatre, Melbourne

• Friday May, 17 –Lorne Theatre, Surf Coast

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY: Billabong, Balter Brewing, AGI, JS Surfboards, FCS, Pure Scot, Wave Ki, Perfect Wave, Epokhe, Surfng World, Surfrider Foundation, Globe, Ghost Racks

BLISS N ESO AT KINGSCLIFF BEACH HOTEL

9 x ARIA nominated hip-hop giants Bliss n Eso are back with their highly anticipated, 7th studio album The Sun. Featuring tracks with Chillinit, Dizzee Rascal and Kasey Chambers, The Sun is the massive follow up to 2017’s critically acclaimed ARIA #1 album Off The Grid, which featured their

triple-platinum smash hit single ‘Moments (feat. Gavin James)’, which has amassed 60+ million streams across platforms and received the ARIA Award for Best Music Video. With their last three albums debuting at #1, selling close to half a million records in Australia alone, various prestigious awards and accolades,

an unprecedented live presence and the most loyal fanbase in the country, Bliss n Eso return to the forefront with an album that nods to their biggest hits, with an entirely current sound.

EVENT DETAILS:

When - Sat 23rd Mar, 5:00 PM

Where - Kingscliff Beach Hotel Tickets - Via oztix

JACK 1st Bolex W=House PIPE

Occy Dolphins

Jack shooting Occy snap

Jack McCoy on tour

JACK seabob

Bridging The Gap In Remote, Rural & Regional Skills Training

Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA)

A new assessment of skills training across remote, rural and regional Australia highlights the complementarity of independent Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and public TAFE colleges. The 2024 Remote, Rural and Regional Skills Training Snapshot is published by the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia

(ITECA), the peak body representing independent skills training, higher education, and international education providers.

Data in the 2024 Remote, Rural and Regional Skills Training Snapshotshows that approximately 1.12 million students engaged in skill training in remote, rural, and regional settings choose to study with an independent RTO. This is 87.3% of all students in skills training across these regions.

“Investing in skilling, upskilling, and reskilling workers in remote, rural, and regional Australia drives economic vitality, fosters community resilience, and bridges opportunity gaps. This is what makes the work of ITECA members so critical to these communities,” said Troy Williams, ITECA Chief Executive.

ITECA’s view is that the data shows the need for the Australian, state and territory governments to put students at the heart of

the skills training system, ensuring that they are supported to study with the provider of their choice.

“The key to improving skills training across remote, rural and regional Australia relies on a mutually supportive network of quality independent RTOs and public TAFE colleges,” Mr Williams said.

The offcial data on student satisfaction shows why students trust independent RTOs to deliver the training to help them achieve their

life and career goals.

“When supporting remote, rural and regional students to get into a job and secure, private RTOs achieve great outcomes with 84.8% per cent of students employed after training. Independent RTOs achieve some of the highest levels of student satisfaction,” Mr Williams said.

The 2024 Remote, Rural and Regional Skills Training Snapshot also highlights that 86.4% of female students in remote, rural and

regional areas study with independent RTOs, that’s 505,255 students.

In the Regionalisation Ambition 2032 vision statement, the Regional Australia Institute (RIA) sets a national goal to increase the share of skilled workers employed in regional Australia to 80% of the regional workforce.

“It’s clear that both students and employers trust independent RTOs to help achieve this target,” Mr Williams said.

National forum tackles farmer mental health

Leaders in agriculture and mental health will meet today at a national forum to zero in on farmer mental health and wellbeing and what needs to be done.

National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is

convening the forum in Melbourne following a survey last year revealing almost a third of farmers reported a decline in their mental health.

NFF President David Jochinke said it was vital to get people in the same

room to take stock of the situation and agree a pathway forward.

“Life on the land comes with pressures from unpredictable seasons, natural disasters, fnancial stress and isolation and most of these are outside

of anyone’s control.

“Access to support in the bush can be limited and couple that with a culture of farmers having to be ‘resilient’ all the time and it can feel like your back is against the wall.

“Awareness around mental health is growing which is a positive step in the right direction but we need to build on that and explore new ideas.”

The event will hear frsthand what it’s like engaging with mental

health services from the farm, how to engage effectively with farmers, about examples of business-led interventions and how the construction industry is taking a lead in this space.

Supermarkets gouge growers millions in rebates alone

The Senate Select Committee on Supermarket Prices continues its hearings in Melbourne today, having heard repeated incidences of poor - if not unconscionable - behaviour by supermarkets from consumers and growers alike in Hobart and yesterday in Orange.

Chair of the NFF Horticulture Council Jolyon Burnett said evidence and testimony from growers and industry representatives had already painted

a bleak picture of the unbalanced trading relationship between major supermarkets and fresh produce suppliers.

“What should now be clear to the Committee and anyone following these proceedings, is that the rock-bottom prices offered by supermarkets is just one of the many ways they’re extracting maximum value out of Australian farmers and regional communities,” Mr Burnett said.

“One of the most common and

problematic ways growers are gouged is through rebates, a type of supermarket tax where suppliers incur a deduction of between 2.5 and 5 percent on their fnal payment.

“Unlike a tax raised by government, rebates are too often opaque and arbitrary with little transparency from a supermarket on how they’re calculated and then spent or what direct value suppliers get in return.

“In some instances, rebates are levied on

suppliers for simply getting paid within a reasonable timeframe. Many levies are inserted into agreements at the start of a trading relationship and never revisited.

“Supermarkets are likely gouging growers annually tens of millions through rebates. We can only assume this falls straight through to their billion-dollar bottom lines.

In 2015, Coles refunded suppliers $12 million having been found by the Federal

Court to have engaged in unconscionable conduct related to the 2011 roll out of a rebate program that growers were pressured to accept and which delivered no obvious beneft.

“Unfortunately, we have little confdence rebates put in place since are any better, considering the serious cash recouped by supermarkets, the non-existent oversight of these arrangements by regulators, and the relatively minor repercussions

when shown to be unconscionable.

“The Council and its members expect the Senate Committee, and separately the ACCC in their own inquiry, to apply serious scrutiny to supermarket rebates,” Mr Burnett said.

“If supermarkets can’t assure the Senate Committee, the ACCC and especially their own suppliers that they’re using rebates fairly, then they shouldn’t be able to use them at all.”

National forum tackles farmer mental health

Leaders in agriculture and mental health will meet today at a national forum to zero in on farmer mental health and wellbeing and what needs to be done.

National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is

convening the forum in Melbourne following a survey last year revealing almost a third of farmers reported a decline in their mental health.

NFF President David Jochinke said it was vital to get people in the same

room to take stock of the situation and agree a pathway forward.

“Life on the land comes with pressures from unpredictable seasons, natural disasters, fnancial stress and isolation and most of these are outside

of anyone’s control.

“Access to support in the bush can be limited and couple that with a culture of farmers having to be ‘resilient’ all the time and it can feel like your back is against the wall.

“Awareness around mental health is growing which is a positive step in the right direction but we need to build on that and explore new ideas.”

The event will hear frsthand what it’s like engaging with mental

health services from the farm, how to engage effectively with farmers, about examples of business-led interventions and how the construction industry is taking a lead in this space.

The Commonwealth Government’s draft framework for recovering another 450 GL water is poorly thought out and will hurt farmers and their communities without delivering signifcant environmental benefts.

NSW Irrigators’ Council CEO Claire Miller said the framework fails to provide essential details crucial for informed decision-making by individuals, industries,

Buybacks to be fast-tracked in water recovery framework

irrigation districts, and local governments.

“This framework’s lack of clarity fies in the face of meaningful consultation and those stakeholders who have spent countless hours meeting with offcials and making submissions along the way,” Ms Miller said.

“Furthermore, it is hard to see this consultation process as anything other than token given the extremely tight timeframes, the lack of

detail and the clear intent to fast-track purchases in early 2024 before any other option has been fully developed.

“NSWIC’s submission on the draft framework makes several recommendations, including releasing a comprehensive strategy, funding for local governments to undertake benchmark socioeconomic condition assessment, and more extensive consultation.

Ms Miller said more

water buybacks from farmers are unnecessary, on top of the 2107 GL already recovered under the Basin Plan and 875 GL recovered under earlier reforms.

“More water will not fx what is still making the rivers sick, such as invasive European carp choking the waterways, wrecking water quality and habitat for native species,” she said.

“Further, the Productivity Commission review

released last month warned against trying to recover 450 GL by 2027. It said only a limited volume could be purchased each year without paying high premiums, and increasing prices in ways that cause excessive disruption to water markets and Basin communities.

“If the Government was serious about delivering the Basin Plan’s environmental objectives, it would

be investing billions of dollars in a war on invasive species, building fsh passageways and installing fsh screens, and addressing cold water pollution and other major degradation drivers.

“Instead, the Government is wasting billions of dollars of taxpayers money buying water at infated prices to deliver a political promise and win votes in South Australia.”

Putting the spotlight on inspiring women in agriculture

Women are increasingly staking their claim in the agricultural sector, with more than 88,000 women working in agriculture in 2023.

Celebrating International Women’s Day on Friday 8 March, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Deputy Secretary Tess Bishop said women account for more than a third of the agricultural workforce, making signifcant yet often unrecognised contribution to businesses and communities across Australia.

“International Women’s Day celebrates the contribution women make to society and women are increasingly recognised for their achievements in the agricultural sector,” Ms Bishop said.

“Women have long played a vital role in agriculture and have often been overlooked. Today is about celebrating and recognising the diversity of our sector and the key role women hold now and for future growth.

“An increasing number of women are achieving qualifcations in agriculture, including agricultural science, animal husbandry and wool science.”

Earlier this year, the department announced a new online portal to increase the diversity of candidates for our board

appointment processes.

“Our department is very proud to have a gender balance on portfolio boards of 48% but we are keen to see more talented women embrace those opportunities,” Ms Bishop said.

Ms Bishop said among the impressive women working in the sector is the recently appointed Australian Chief Veterinary Offcer (ACVO), Dr Beth Cookson. Dr Cookson is the frst woman to hold the position. She is based in Cairns, Queensland, where she lives with her husband and their two young daughters.

Dr Cookson studied veterinary science in Brisbane before being employed in veterinary positions in Darwin and Cairns. In these

roles Dr Cookson was heavily involved in the surveillance for exotic animal pests and diseases in Northern Australia and worked closely with producers and First Nations communities as well as other government and non-government organisations to design and deliver these programs.

In 2015, Dr Cookson was appointed as the District Manager for the department’s Darwin offce and was closely involved with biosecurity operations and leadership of its diverse northern workforce.

Following a stint in Canberra in the animal biosecurity and then the national disaster recovery space, Dr Cookson was appointed Australian Deputy Chief

Veterinary Offcer in 2022, before being appointed to the role of ACVO following the retirement of Dr Mark Schipp in December 2023. As ACVO, she is Australia’s delegate to the World Organisation for Animal Health and chair of the national Animal Health Committee.

“My career is really important to me, and it gives me a lot of energy, which I enjoy. This makes it easy to continue to be fully engaged in a busy career and enjoy a rewarding family life with my husband and daughters,” Dr Cookson said.

“When my children were young, my husband took time out of the workforce to be a stay-at-home-dad and

and underpins our agricultural production and trade.

She is particularly passionate about regional Australia and supporting the prosperity of our communities. Dr Cookson looks forward to recognising the signifcant contributions made to our biosecurity and agriculture successes by those across Australia, including celebrating the many inspiring women in diverse agriculture roles today, and championing those of tomorrow.

Fast facts:

supported me to work full time. I know not everyone has that choice for their family, but it is important to continue to strive to create workplaces and societal norms that allow families more fexibility in the way and pattern they work and which supports more women to focus on their careers, if that is what they want. I try to create that space for the people I work with and encourage a healthy work-life balance”.

Dr Cookson said her key focus as ACVO is to ensure Australia maintains its domestic and international reputation as having a strong national animal health system and robust biosecurity controls that safeguard our animal health status

• From 2016 to 2021, the number of women employed in agriculture grew by 7,105 workers, representing almost two-thirds (66%) of the overall expansion in the agricultural industry.

• Sheep, beef cattle and grain farming accounted for 42% of women working in the agricultural sector.

• According to the latest Australian Census, almost half (48%) of women working in agriculture were employed as managers in 2021, down from 52% in 2016. However, their number still increased between 2016 (37,787 female managers) and 2021 (38,275 female managers).

• The department’s gender balance for women on portfolio boards is 48%, with 52% held by men.

Australian Chief Veterinary Offcer Dr Beth Cookson - Image DAFF

Streamlining Genomic Testing for Cow-Calf Producers

In the intricate world of cattle ranching, every producer faces their strengths and weaknesses. However, with the evolving landscape of technology and resources, there are now viable options available to bridge these gaps effectively. Whether it’s delving into research, embracing technological advancements, outsourcing tasks, or delegating responsibilities, the journey to improvement is multifaceted.

Navigating the myriad variables of cow-calf production can often pose challenges, leaving producers grappling with decision-making uncertainties. Yet, in 2024, ranchers fnd themselves armed with an array of tools to bolster their confdence in managing their operations, with genomic testing emerging as a pivotal asset. Nick Hammett, Key Accounts

5700 HEAD

1. Genomic Testing Revolutionizes Decision-Making: The article underscores how genomic testing, once associated primarily with seedstock operations, has become a game-changer for commercial cow-calf producers of all scales. By providing comprehensive insights into production characteristics and genetic profles, genomic testing empowers producers to make informed decisions regarding replacement heifers, bull selection, and marketing strategies.

2. Enhanced Effciency and Proftability: Through genomic testing, producers can strategically breed heifers with optimal maternal traits, performance, and feed effciency. This selective breeding approach not only mitigates input costs but also enhances overall proftability. The article highlights how genomic testing serves as a key tool in driving down costs, optimizing resource allocation, and ultimately improving the bottom line.

3. Parallels to Technological Advancements in Farming: The article draws parallels between genomic testing in cattle production and variable rate application in farming. Just as variable rate application optimizes input allocation in farming, genomic testing optimizes breeding decisions in cattle production. Both technologies represent transformative tools that enable producers to maximize effciency, minimize costs, and drive overall productivity.

Manager for Neogen®, sheds light on how genomic testing, such as Igenity® Beef, is revolutionizing decisionmaking processes for commercial cow-calf producers, as highlighted in Season 7, Episode 11 of the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast. Traditionally associated with seedstock operations, genomic testing has now transcended its boundaries, proving to be invaluable for operations of all sizes.

“I think that’s maybe one of the biggest values of genomics is that you don’t have to be a seedstock operator,”

notes Hammett. With a mere tissue sample from the animal’s ear, genomic testing unveils a wealth of information by

they empower producers to make informed decisions when selecting replacement heifers, purchasing bulls,

A Gateway to Confdent Decision-Making

scrutinizing the animal’s genome, offering insights into production characteristics and genetic profles.

Once the tissue samples undergo analysis, producers receive comprehensive reports encompassing 17 different traits and 3 indexes. While these scores do not constitute true EPDs,

A/c P & J Fuhrmann & Family, Mummulgum, EU Acc

350 Charolais X weaner steers

350 Charolais X weaner heifers

Sired by AYR Charolais bulls out of Santa Hereford Cows

A/c BD, JB & WD Cooke, Stratheden

50 Charolais X weaner steers

30 Charolais X weaner heifers

A/c IM Hewetson, Mallanganee, EU Acc

200 Simmental X weaner steers

200 Simmental X weaner heifers

A/c R & C Dean, Culmaran Creek, EU Acc

75 Hereford Simmental weaner steers

A/c G & V Love, Murwillumbah

10 Charolais X weaner steers

15 Charolais X weaner heifers

A/c Charters Family, Coraki, EU Acc

50 Charolais weaner steers

20 Charolais weaner heifers

DAY THREE

Friday 22nd March 2024

10:00AM DST

Bos Indicus Breeds Sale 2200 Head

Weaners

Comprising:

1000 Santa Hereford weaner steers

300 Brangus weaner steers

200 F1 Brahman X weaner steers

800 Santa Hereford weaner heifers

and even marketing opportunities. “The best starting point with the greatest return on investment is testing your potential replacement females to make more accurate decisions on which ones will stay in the herd longer,” Hammett emphasizes.

Moreover, genomic testing extends its

benefts to bull selection, enabling commercial cattlemen to make discerning purchases with confdence. By objectively measuring strengths and weaknesses, producers can hone in on areas requiring improvement and align their breeding decisions accordingly. Seedstock producers, in turn, play a pivotal role in guiding their commercial counterparts towards sounder purchasing decisions. While genomic testing may not feature prominently in operational budgets, its impact on effciency and productivity cannot

be overstated. By selectively breeding heifers with optimal maternal traits, performance, and feed effciency, producers can mitigate input costs and enhance overall proftability. Hammett draws a parallel to variable rate application in farming, underscoring the transformative potential of genomics in driving down costs and optimizing resource allocation.

As the spring calf crop arrives, producers are urged to contemplate the transformative potential of genomic testing in enhancing herd performance and bottom-line proftability. In an era defned by technological advancement, embracing genomic testing emerges as a strategic imperative for cow-calf producers striving for operational excellence and sustainability.

A/c D & S Summers, Mallanganee, EU Acc

20 Brahman Hereford X weaner steers

18 Brahman Hereford X weaner heifers

100 F1 Brahman Hereford weaner heifers

UOW graduate doctors more likely to live and work in

rural areas

NEW RESEARCH SUPPORTS GRADUATE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE’S APPROACH TO ADDRESSING MEDICAL SHORTAGE IN RURAL HEALTH

The University of Wollongong’s (UOW) Graduate School of Medicine is leading the way in addressing the crippling shortage of doctors in the bush, with new research showing that the School’s graduates are more likely to work in regional and rural areas and more likely to specialise in general practice than graduates of other medical schools in Australia.

Published in The Australian Journal of Rural Health, a paper from a team of UOW academics shows nearly a third of all UOW medical graduates are working in rural areas up to a decade after fnishing their training, a number that is on par with the proportion of the Australian population who live in rural and remote areas.

Co-authors Dr Colin Cortie, Associate Professor David Garne, Associate Professor Lyndal Parker-Newlyn, Professor Rowena Ivers, Professor Judy Mullan, Professor Kylie Mansfeld, and Professor Andrew Bonney used statistics gleaned from the Medical Schools Outcomes Database to highlight that UOW’s focus on producing outstanding medical practitioners for regional and rural communities is thriving.

The Medical Deans of Australia and New Zealand Medical Schools’ Outcomes Database is an ongoing longitudinal study of medical students that informs medical workforce planning in Australia and New Zealand. It is a valuable and unique source of data for those involved in medical education, health workforce policy and allows researchers to compare graduate outcomes across all Australian medical schools and universities.

UOW’s Graduate School of Medicine, which launched in 2007, was built on a foundation of improving the health and wellbeing of regional and rural Australia by helping to end the crippling rural doctor shortages.

This long-term, meticulous approach to increasing the number of trained medical practitioners has encompassed recruiting students from rural backgrounds, providing opportunities for longitudinal, long-term clinical placements in rural areas, and building strong community and education networks through regional and rural outreach.

Dr Colin Cortie, a PostDoctoral Researcher in UOW’s Graduate School of Medicine, said the research demonstrated

that the University’s initiative to boost the number of doctors in regional and rural areas was having a positive and far-reaching impact.

“Training rural doctors has been a focus of the Graduate School of Medicine and, for the frst time, this valuable dataset shows just how effective UOW’s approach has been. The government has recognised how valuable these outcomes are by increasing the number of medical student places in the Graduate School of Medicine from 2024 onwards.”

Associate Professor David Garne, Associate Clinical Dean Rural at UOW’s Graduate School of Medicine, said the University has been working for more than a decade to address the crippling shortage of medical specialists in rural communities and was thrilled that this dedication was making a tangible difference.

“Rural medicine is at the heart of everything we do. And for the frst time, this valuable dataset shows just how effective our multifaceted approach to improving the health and wellbeing of regional communities is.

“There are now UOW Graduate School of Medicine alumni practising in every Australian state

and territory, from Kalgoorlie to Alice Springs to Cooktown, from Warrnambool to Yackandandah to Launceston, from Broken Hill to Grafton to Wagga Wagga. “The UOW graduate medical program is rurally focused, and the students know what they are signing up for when they enrol. We give a positive weighting to applicants with a rural background and 70 percent of UOW students spend a full year of clinical training in rural communities, an experience that prepares them for the rewards and challenges of practicing in these regions and opening their eyes to the benefts of living in these areas.”

The database showed UOW graduates tended to be older and were more likely to have a partner, dependent children, or other dependents. They were also more likely to come from a rural background and have strong connections to a rural community.

With an ageing and growing population, demand for general practitioner (GP) services in Australia is projected to increase by 38 per cent by 2032, according to the ‘General Practitioner workforce report 2022’. At the same time, the number of GPs

is projected to decrease by 4 per cent resulting in a shortfall of 11,000 GPs by 2032.

UOW produces more general practitioners than other universities; 42 per cent of UOW graduates chose to specialise as GPs, compared to 27.7 per cent of graduates from other universities, a number that has been steadily declining over the years.

The database shows that fewer than 20 per cent of all graduates want to work in regional areas, smaller towns or communities. By comparison, more than 70 per cent of all UOW doctors would prefer a career working outside of a capital city.

About one-third of Australia’s population lives in a rural or remote area, which creates challenges in terms of equity of access to health care.

Last December, Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips MP announced that the Australian Government would fund an extra 15 medical students each year to undertake their studies at the Graduate School of Medicine, refecting UOW’s outstanding reputation in rural medicine. The funding is part of a $90 million Australian Government investment to support rural medical students nationally.

Students in the rural end-to-end education undertake all of their studies in a rural setting.

Associate Professor Garne said the research showed the true impact of UOW’s long-term, measured approach to regional and rural health.

“Rural and remote populations face unique health and social issues, such as Indigenous health needs and inequities, farm safety, social isolation, and natural disasters. These issues are compounded by higher rates of chronic disease, substance abuse and suicide in these settings.

“This is in addition to the basic, day-today healthcare that all citizens expect and deserve. A robust, well-trained medical workforce is fundamental to this, but as we all know, many rural communities lack these vital resources.

“Giving back to rural communities and helping to address the rural doctor shortage has long been the foundation of UOW’s Graduate School of Medicine; we have built this initiative from the ground up, brick by brick, and as the research shows, it is having a true impact on rural Australia.

“There is much more work to do but we are excited that our approach is achieving its aims.”

PERSONALISED TRIP PLANNING

AI has transformed the daunting task of trip planning into a personalised and hasslefree experience. Through machine learning algorithms, AI-powered platforms can analyse your preferences, past trips, and even social media activities to recommend destinations, accommodations, and activities that match your interests and budget. For instance, AI chatbots like those integrated into travel websites and apps can provide instant responses to queries, suggest itineraries, and even book fights or hotels based on your preferences, saving you hours of research.

SMART PACKING ASSISTANTS

Packing for a trip can be stressful, especially when considering the weather, local customs, and activities planned. AI comes to the rescue with smart packing assistants, which, based on your destination, length of stay, and itinerary, can generate a packing list tailored to your needs.

These AI-driven tools consider factors like weather forecasts and

cultural norms to ensure you’re well-prepared for your trip without overpacking.

REAL-TIME LANGUAGE TRANSLATION

Language barriers can be a signifcant challenge when traveling to foreign countries.

AI-powered language translation devices and apps have made real-time communication with locals in their native language a reality. These tools not only translate spoken words but can also convert text from images, such as menus or street signs, making navigation and basic communication in a foreign language much more accessible.

ENHANCED SECURITY AND EFFICIENCY AT AIRPORTS

AI is making airports smarter and more effcient, signifcantly improving the travel experience. Facial recognition technology is being used for identity verifcation, reducing waiting times and enhancing security.

AI-powered systems are also optimising airport operations, from managing fight schedules to predicting luggage arrival times, ensuring smoother transitions for travellers.

PERSONALISED TRAVEL

HOW AI CAN HELP YOU TRAVEL

EXPERIENCES

Once you’ve arrived at your destination, AI can continue to enhance your travel experience by offering personalised recommendations for restaurants, attractions, and events based on your preferences and realtime location data. Some AI platforms can even adjust recommendations based on your feedback, ensuring that the suggestions become more accurate and tailored to your likes and dislikes as your trip progresses.

TRANSPORTATION NAVIGATING

transportation in a new city can be challenging.

AI is being used to optimise public transport

schedules, predict traffc conditions, and suggest the best routes, making it easier for travellers to plan their journeys. Ride-sharing apps use AI to match passengers with drivers effciently, reducing wait times and creating a seamless travel experience.

VIRTUAL TRAVEL ASSISTANTS

AI-powered virtual travel assistants are like having a personal travel concierge at your fngertips. These assistants can manage your itinerary, send reminders about fight times or check-in deadlines, and provide real-time updates on changes or disruptions to your plans. Some

even offer 24/7 support, answering any travelrelated questions or solving issues that may arise during your trip.

SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL

AI is also playing a crucial role in promoting sustainable travel practices. By analysing large datasets, AI can help travellers make environmentally friendly choices, such as recommending eco-friendly accommodations, sustainable tour operators, or the most carbon-effcient modes of transport. This not only enhances the travel experience but also contributes to the preservation of destinations for future

generations.

THE VERDICT

AI is redefning the travel experience, making it more personalised, effcient, and enjoyable. From the planning stages to the moment you return home, AI technologies are there to assist, guide, and enhance every aspect of your journey. As AI continues to evolve, we can expect even more innovative solutions to emerge, further transforming the way we explore the world. The future of travel is here, and it’s powered by Artifcial Intelligence, ensuring that your next trip is as seamless and memorable as possible.

Grape Expectations by Max Crus

Max Crus is a Clarence Valley-based wine writer and Grape Expectations is now in its 27th year of publication. Find out more about Max or sign up for his weekly reviews and musings by visiting maxcrus.com.au

Kerr’s slur stirs Tory tempers after Sam spews forth following taxi chuck.

Oh, Sam, you’ve let the team downteam Australia that is, no-one gives two hoots about Chelsea.

Equally we’re not talking about what she said.

Calling someone a ‘stupid white bastard’ is hardly a jailable offence when most Australians know it’s a term of endearment, well, two thirds endearment, one third embarrassment.

Calling someone stupid

(Witches Falls/Ricca

Terra) ‘Orange you glad we did this? (Skin contact wine)’, Grenache Blanc / Zibibbo, 2023, $30. Reminds one of that annoying knock-knock joke…’orange you glad I didn’t say banana’. And you would be. And what’s wrong with a little skin contact? Or a lot. The more skin the better I say. From

is a slur, and therefore endearing if you know them well enough to know they are stupid, or not, in which case it is ironic and why you should never call Americans ‘stupid’ because they won’t understand it or may vote for Donald Trump and/or have a gun and don’t understand the term ‘insurrection’.

Similarly, the word bastard is high praise whether they are or not,

the obscure grenache blanc and zibibbo grapes, this is remarkably favoursome, satisfying and interesting stuff. 9.4/10.

(Witches Falls) Bird Dog

SA Rosé 2023, $19. T”A simple pleasure”, says the label, such are dogs (bird or otherwise) and wine and they go together so well. Just be careful what you throw when it comes to

and generally is reserved for occasions where friends surprise us with either their good fortune or cleverness.

So Sam’s legal team have many avenues of defence should it come to that, notwithstanding that since she is unlikely to have been friends with the arresting offcer, certainly not now, none of them will work if the police invoke that they are offended by either being stupid or bastards,

playing fetch. Warm rosé with enough acid for any lunchtime fare. 9.2/10.

(Witches Falls) Bird Dog SA Pinot Grigio 2023, $19. The tell-tale pink of pinot grey gets the palate ready, and it needs to be. This is a favour packed PG that leads serious wine types straight to the thesaurus and others straight back to the bottle while the fnish

regardless of truth, unless as GK Chesterton observed about one’s anger at libel and satire (one because it is false and the other because it is true) given that bastards outnumber nonbastards two to one, hardly a minority, it will likely not be seen by a judge or jury as justifable cause.

Regarding someone’s whiteness as slur of either a racist or colourist nature, good luck prosecuting that

is typically slightly bitter grigio. 9.1/10.

Margan Hunter Valley Verdelho 2023, $17. Verdelho can be insipid stuff, indeed that often seems its purpose, so it’s a delight to get one that has depth and character. Perfect for a well-acted SBS Viceland series, with cheese and biscuits. Go easy on the cheese. 9.2/10.

when there is only one single recorded instance of anyone being offended by the term, which is Andrew Bolt, who clearly has good cause to be ashamed of his whiteness, although he’s not, and therefore insulted, which he is.

No, Sam, you should be ashamed frstly for backchatting a police offcer, something you would never do on the pitch, but more so for chundering in a taxi.

Margan Broke Fordwich

Ceres Hill (Single Vineyard) Semillon 2022, $40. NWhich came frst, long lunches or the perfect wine for them, semillon?

You can see why there’s so many long lunches in the Hunter, it’s clearly the go to (and from) place for the breed, and the more you spend the better they get. 9.5/10.

Max Crus

Disgraceful. What sort of example is that for the million kiddies who adore and emulate you.

That sort of behaviour is the exclusive domain of male footballers. You have let the team down Sam, unless it was a dodgy curry…but good luck prosecuting that.

Warning : Drink in moderation, and don’t abuse umpires or police.

Margan Broke Fordwich

Ceres Hill Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2022, $60.

Ceres Hill grows some ‘ceriously’ good grapes, and lots of them. There’s barbera, semillon, albarino and of course chardonnay and they’re all cerious stuff, as evidenced by this lemony, limey, lovable adaptation. 9.5/10.

BREAKFAST EGG AND HAM MUFFINS

5m prep

8m cook

4 servings

WHATS ON THE MENU TONIGHT?

5 INGREDIENTS

• oil spray

• 4 eggs

From simple meals to show-stopping feasts, there’s something for everyone.

• 4 (English) muffns, halved and toasted

• 120g shaved leg ham

3 METHOD STEPS

Step 1

Spray a frying pan with oil. Heat over medium heat. Cook ham, turning, for 2 to 3 minutes or until light golden. Transfer to a plate. Cover to keep warm.

Step 2

Preheat grill on medium. Lightly spray pan with oil. Heat over medium heat. Cook eggs for 4

• 4 slices tasty cheese

minutes or until cooked to your liking.

Step 3

Place 4 muffn halves on a baking tray lined with foil. Place 1 egg on each muffn. Top each with ham and 1 slice cheese. Grill for 1 minute or until cheese has melted. Top with remaining muffn halves. Serve.

LAMB SKEWERS WITH GREEK SALAD

SLOW COOKED TUSCAN BREAD SOUP

20m prep

4h 40m cook

16 INGREDIENTS

• 2 tsp olive oil

• 1 brown onion, fnely chopped

• 2 carrots, peeled, chopped

• 2 celery sticks, trimmed, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, crushed

• 1 tsp fennel seeds

• Pinch of dried chilli fakes

• 400g can crushed tomatoes

• 400g can Cannellini Beans, drained, rinsed

• 1L (4 cups) Massel vegetable liquid stock

4 servings

fresh sprigs thyme, 2 fresh sprigs rosemary)

• 200g cavalo nero (Tuscan cabbage), stem removed, leaves shredded

• 2 thick slices Italian bread (pane di casa), lightly toasted, torn into chunks

• 40g (1/2cup) fnely grated parmesan, (or vegetarian hard cheese) plus extra shaved, to serve

• 1 lemon, juiced, zested

15m prep 15m cook 4 servings 641 calories

INGREDIENTS

• 2 x 300g pkts Lamb Strips in Souvlaki Seasoning

• 4 pieces pita bread

• 2 tsp olive oil Greek-style salad

• 1 Lebanese cucumber, chopped

• 1 red capsicum, seeded, chopped

• 1 vine-ripened tomato, chopped

• 1 red onion, thinly sliced

• Bouquet garni (4 fresh or dried bay leaves, 4

INDIAN CHICKEN WITH RICE

• Finely chopped continental parsley, to serve

2 METHOD STEPS

Step 1

15m prep 1h cook 4 servings 1083 calories

almost tender.

INGREDIENTS

• 3/4 cup plain Greek-style yoghurt

• 1/3 cup rogan josh curry paste

• 3 garlic cloves, crushed

• 1/4 iceberg lettuce, shredded

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Set a 5L slow cooker to Browning. Heat oil. Cook onion, carrot and celery for 5 minutes or until tender. Add garlic, fennel and chilli. Cook for 1 minute. Add tomato, beans, stock and bouquet garni. Season. Change cooker setting to High. Cover. Cook for 3-4 hours or until vegetables are

Step 2

METHOD

• 8 chicken drumsticks (about 1.2 kg)

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1 brown onion, thinly sliced

Stir in cavalo nero, bread and parmesan. Cover and cook on High for 30 minutes or until soup has thickened slightly. Stir in lemon juice, to taste. Serve topped with parsley, lemon zest and extra parmesan.

• 2cm piece fresh ginger, peeled, fnely grated

• 1 sprig fresh curry leaves

• 1/3 cup unsalted roasted peanuts

• 1 1/2 cups basmati rice

• 1 1/2 cups Chicken Liquid Stock

• 400ml can coconut milk

• 1/2 cup frozen peas

• 2 tbsp fried shallots

1. Preheat oven to 180C/160C fan-forced. Place yo ghurt, paste and garlic in a large bowl. Add chicken. Stir to coat.

2. Heat oil in a heavy-based, fameproof roasting pan over medium-high heat. Add onion. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until light golden. Add ginger, curry leaves and peanuts. Cook, stirring, for 2 to 3 minutes or until nuts are golden. Add rice. Stir to coat.

• 100g drained marinated fetta, crumbled

• 1/2 cup (75g) pitted kalamata olives

METHOD

1. Thread the lamb onto 12 metal or soaked bamboo skewers. Heat a greased barbecue grill or chargrill on medium-high. Cook lamb for 2-3 mins each side or until lightly charred and just cooked through. Transfer the lamb to a plate. Cover with foil. Set aside for 5 mins to rest.

“Good food is the foundation of genuine happiness.”

• 1/2 cup fresh coriander sprigs

• Sliced long red chilli, to serve

• Curry leaves (optional), to serve

3. MAdd stock and milk to rice mixture. Bring to the boil, stirring occasionally. Place chicken on top. Cover tightly with foil. Bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil. Move chicken to one side. Fluff rice with a fork. Arrange chicken and peas over rice. Bake, uncovered, for 5 to 10 minutes or until rice is tender and chicken is browned and cooked through.

4. Serve chicken sprinkled with shallots, coriander, chilli and curry leaves (if using).

2. Meanwhile, to make the Greek-style salad, combine cucumber, capsicum, tomato, onion and lettuce in a large bowl. Season. Add oregano, vinegar, oil, fetta and olives. Toss to combine.

- Auguste Escoffer

3. Brush bread with oil. Cook on grill, in batches, for 1-2 mins each side or until lightly charred. Transfer to a plate.

4. Arrange the bread, salad and lamb on a serving platter.

via an increase in taxes or implicitly via a reduction in Government provided services (such as education or health care). We estimate the extra tax burden to peak at around $150 per taxpayer per annum in the 2060s, with those in their late 40s and early 50s having the highest tax burden (see table 1). Over the course of a lifetime, a person currently aged 20 could be expe cted to pay an additional $2,900 in income taxes in today’s dollars (see chart 1b) as a result of the COVID Early Release Scheme.

Pandemic super withdrawals could cost taxpayers $85 billion

Chart 1: Long-term cost of the COVID Early Release Scheme

Aggregate cost Tax burden for individual aged 20 now

Source: SMC analysis using the SPROUT model.

New analysis shows the COVID-era Early Release of Super Scheme could hit Australian taxpayers with an up to $85 billion bill (in today’s dollars) - mostly due to the higher pension costs of those who withdrew their savings needing to rely more heavily on government support in retirement.

All of today’s 20-yearolds are projected to pay about $3,000 more tax to cover the higher pension bill caused by the scheme, which saw 3 million Australians withdraw $38 billion from super before retirement.

peak at $2.5 billion a year by the mid-2060s.

SMC cameo analysis shows that a 30-year-old who withdrew $20,000 from super could be left with about $93,600 less at retirement – leaving them dramatically worse off in their lifetimes.

super and all Australian taxpayers for decades to come.

have to pay higher taxes to pick up the bill for higher pension costs.”

more tax over their lifetimes

The Super Members Council analysis of the Early Release of Super scheme found:

ensure super stays strong and secure – and continues to deliver a financially secure retirement for millions of everyday Australians.”

The new Super Members Council modelling shows the early release scheme’s costs in higher pensions and lower super tax receipts are expected to

Compound earnings makes up three quarters of a super balance at retirement making it difficult to recoup those losses. People who accessed their super before retirement are projected to need to draw more heavily on an age pension, which hikes the pension bill for future taxpayers.

“In the early stages of the COVID pandemic, before Government assistance kicked in with JobKeeper, many Australians were encouraged to sacrifice their retirement savings to support themselves. Tragically, that will now leave many people significantly poorer in retirement.”

• A person aged 30 (the median age of withdrawers) who withdrew the full $20,000 (as around half of people did), is expected to retire with around $93,600 less in superannuation

1 We consider two deflators: (1) the median yield on 10-year Commonwealth Government bonds over the past 10 years; (2) a weightedaverage yield on long-term debt (maturity to June 2051) issued during the COVID period, 2020 -2022 (the Government issued close to $19 billion of debt during this period).

“Those withdrawals will also cost the next generation of taxpayers in a case of fiscal longCOVID.”

Super Members Council CEO Misha Schubert said the financial toll of the early release scheme would cost both the people urged to withdraw their

“These are the devastating consequences of schemes that break super’s preservation rules. People are left with far less money at retirement, and the next generation – our children and grandchildren – will

• The early release scheme will cost taxpayers between $75 billion and $85 billion by the end of the century in higher pension expenditure and lower superannuation tax receipts – which is around double the amount withdrawn from super during the scheme

• All Australians will pay more to meet the cost of the scheme – either through higher taxes or fewer government services – it is estimated today’s 20-year-olds will pay $3,000

• Approximately 725,000 Australians effectively wiped out their superannuation accounts - of these, 45 per cent were aged 25 and under, and 70 per cent were aged 30 and under

The analysis shows the Australian Government is right to safeguard super’s preservation policy – the principle that the clear purpose of super is to deliver retirement income – in legislation.

smcaustralia.com 1

The Super Members Council analysed the Early Release of Super Scheme’s impact to inform its submission on the Australian Government’s proposal to enshrine super’s purpose in law. The Objective of Super Legislation is before Parliament this week.

SMC strongly supports the passage of the legislation – which reflects the views of everyday Australians.

“Ask Australians what super is for, and they’ll tell you it’s their money for retirement. The ‘objective of super’ legislation will reflect that clear and compelling purpose in ironclad law. It will be a guiding light for all future super policy development.”

“We strongly support the legislation. It will

Other proposals that promote the early withdrawal of super would similarly leave people worse off in retirement, push up costs for taxpayers, and risk weakening super returns for all Australians.

Recently, these proposals have included using super for:

• to quarantine for health and aged care costs

• a house deposit

• to meet every-day cost of living expenses

• purchasing household electric appliances

• to pay off HECS and other debts.

The Super Members Council supports the Australian Government’s proposal to enshrine the purpose of super in law. The legislation says super’s role is to preserve savings to provide income in retirement in an equitable and sustainable way.

Long-term cost of the COVID Early Release Scheme

Using super for house deposits increases property prices by $75,000

Super Members Council

Allowing frst homeowners to withdraw their super for a house deposit could see property prices rise by nearly $75,000 across Australia’s fve largest capital cities, new modelling from the Super Members Council shows.

Pouring retirement savings into housing would infame an already-infated property market – pushing up the major capital city median price by an estimated 9%.

The Super Members Council (SMC) modelled a scheme that would allow a frst home buyer to take $50,000 from their super for a deposit – as has been proposed.

The rigorous econometric model found the scheme fuelled demand in capital cities and led to price increases that quickly exceeded the $50,000 frst homeowners could withdraw from super.

The model showed prices would hike in all capital cities, with the Sydney median ballooning by almost $80,000, in Melbourne by nearly $70,000, Brisbane by $78,000 and in Perth by a whopping $86,000. (See Table 1)

Super Members Council CEO Misha Schubert said allowing withdrawals from super for house deposits could

raise prices for everyone - meaning all home buyers would pay higher mortgages for longer, exacerbating the cost-ofliving crisis.

“Using retirement savings for house deposits would just unleash a huge price hike,” Ms Schubert said.

“That would mean higher and longer mortgages for Australians – and would quickly make capital cities even less affordable for new home buyers struggling to get into the market.”

“We all desperately want more Australians to own their own home, but this idea won’t achieve that – it would just make that goal even harder for frst home buyers by making house prices even more expensive.”

Ms Schubert said a growing list of policy ideas that encourage

people to raid their retirement savings come with long-lasting consequences for everyday Australians and the country.

“Breaking the seal on super leaves people poorer in retirement and costs every Australian taxpayer more from higher age pension costs.”

SMC analysis shows a 30-year-old couple who withdrew $35,000 each from their super could retire with about $195,000 less in today’s dollars. People retiring with less super increases age pension costs, which would likely be met by higher taxes – a price every Australian will pay.

Robust international studies confrm schemes that allow people to access retirement savings for house deposits do not lift rates of home

ownership.

A Mercer study of its Global Pension Index found that countries that allow early access to retirement savings for housing did not have higher rates of home ownership than Australia.

The study also concluded the common

feature of the best global retirement systems were that they ‘preserved’ savings until retirement.

An academic review of the New Zealand super scheme, Kiwisaver, that allows withdrawals for housing, found balances were far lower partly due to the country’s frst home deposit withdrawal

scheme. New Zealand also has a lower rate of home ownership than Australia.

A chorus of credible economists, Retirement Income Review author Mike Callaghan, the RBA, APRA, Coalition PM Malcolm Turnbull and OECD General Secretary Mathias Cormann have all cautioned using super for housing deposits could infate property prices.

“The Super Members Council works with Parliamentarians and policy makers across the full breadth of the Parliament to ensure super policy is stable, effective and equitable,” Ms Schubert said.

“We produce rigorous research and analysis to help inform policy development that protects and promotes the interests of the 10 million everyday Australians we represent.”

Impact on capital city prices of allowing a frst home buyer to withdraw $50,000 from super

*CoreLogic Hedonic Home Value Index as at 31 December 2023. Prices rounded to the nearest hundred. Property prices encompass both houses and units. Source: SMC analysis

By Jeff Gibbs

Unleashing the Powerhouse: Tesla Model Y Performance Review

In the ever-evolving landscape of electric vehicles, the arrival of the 2023 Tesla Model Y Performance heralds a new era of electrifying performance and cutting-edge innovation. As Tesla’s latest offering in the electric SUV segment, the Model Y Performance commands attention with its formidable acceleration, advanced technology, and uncompromising safety features. In this review, we delve into the intricacies of Tesla’s fagship SUV, exploring its performance, features, and overall driving experience.

Performance Prowess

At the heart of the Model Y Performance lies its dual electric motors, delivering a combined output of 393kW and 690Nm of torque. This formidable powertrain catapults the SUV from 0 to 100 km/h in a blistering 3.7 seconds, rivalling even the most spirited sports cars on the market. The Model Y’s instantaneous acceleration and precise handling make every drive an exhilarating experience, whether navigating city streets or conquering winding mountain roads. Additionally, the Performance variant’s lowered suspension and Performance Brakes further enhance its agility and responsiveness, ensuring a thrilling driving experience at

every turn. Technological Innovation Tesla’s relentless

into every aspect of the driving experience. While the absence of Apple CarPlay and

commitment to technological innovation is on full display in the Model Y Performance. Central to the SUV’s futuristic cockpit is a massive 15-inch touch-screen interface, providing access to a plethora of features and functions. From overthe-air software updates to advanced navigation systems, the Model Y seamlessly integrates cutting-edge technology

Android Auto may disappoint some, Tesla’s native mapping system and entertainment options, including streaming services like Netfix and Disney+, more than compensate for any shortcomings.

Safety and Security

Safety is paramount in the Model Y Performance, with a suite of advanced safety features designed to protect occupants and

mitigate the risk of collisions. Autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, and adaptive

Inside the Model Y Performance, occupants are treated to a spacious and luxurious

cruise control provide an added layer of security, while seven airbags and a robust body structure earned the Model Y a maximum fve-star ANCAP crash test rating. Furthermore, Tesla’s Autopilot capabilities offer an unparalleled level of autonomous driving, allowing drivers to navigate highways and traffc with ease.

Comfort and Convenience

cabin, outftted with premium materials and cutting-edge amenities. Power-operated and heated seats, a panoramic glass roof, and dual wireless phone chargers elevate the driving experience, while ample cargo space and clever storage solutions ensure practicality and versatility. However, the lack of a spare tire may pose a concern for some drivers,

underscoring the Model Y’s focus on effciency and performance over traditional SUV attributes.

Verdict: A New Standard in Electric Performance

In conclusion, the

2023 Tesla Model Y Performance sets a new benchmark for electric SUVs, combining blistering performance, advanced technology, and uncompromising safety in a sleek and stylish package. While its premium price may deter some buyers, those seeking the ultimate driving experience will fnd unparalleled thrills behind the wheel of this ground-breaking vehicle. With its impressive acceleration, innovative features, and cutting-edge design, the Model Y Performance reaffrms Tesla’s position as a leader in the electric vehicle market and paves the way for a future of sustainable mobility.

2023 Tesla Model Y

Price: $99,855 (plus on-road costs)

Available: Now

Powertrain: Two permanent magnet synchronous motors

Output: 393kW/690Nm

Transmission: Singlespeed reduction gear

Battery: 79kWh lithiumion

Range: 514km (WLTP)

Energy consumption: 15.6kWh/100km (WLTP)

Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2022)

Jaguar Announces Transition to All-Electric Lineup, Phases Out Petrol Cars by 2024

By Jeff Gibbs

In a bold move towards sustainability and electrifcation, Jaguar has announced its decision to discontinue all petrol-powered vehicles, marking a signifcant shift in the automotive landscape. By June 2024, the iconic British marque will cease production of all models reliant on traditional internal combustion engines, paving the way for a fully electric future. This transformative

decision refects Jaguar’s commitment to environmental stewardship and aligns with global efforts to combat climate change. With concerns over carbon emissions and air quality mounting, the automotive industry is undergoing a profound transition towards cleaner, greener technologies. Jaguar’s move to axe petrol cars underscores its dedication to this paradigm shift and positions the brand as a trailblazer in the quest for sustainable mobility.

In place of petrol vehicles, Jaguar will focus exclusively on electric propulsion, aiming to offer a comprehensive line-up of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) by 2025. This strategic pivot signals a departure from conventional automotive norms and heralds a new era of electrifed luxury vehicles bearing the storied Jaguar emblem. Central to Jaguar’s electrifcation strategy are three brand-new models slated for release, all sharing

a common platform known as the Jaguar Electric Architecture (JEA). This innovative platform represents the foundation for Jaguar’s next generation of electric vehicles, designed to deliver unparalleled performance, effciency, and driving dynamics. The frst of these electric offerings will be a four-seater grand tourer, anticipated to debut by 2025. Boasting remarkable power and range capabilities, this fagship model is set to

redefne expectations for electric performance vehicles, with an estimated base price of AUD$154,000. With upwards of 428kW of power and an approximate range of 692km, it promises to be the most potent Jaguar yet, embodying the brand’s relentless pursuit of automotive excellence.

Subsequent additions to Jaguar’s electric line-up are scheduled for late 2025 and 2026, further expanding the brand’s electric portfolio and

solidifying its position as a leader in electric vehicle innovation.

While this transition may entail challenges and adjustments, Jaguar remains steadfast in its commitment to sustainability and innovation. By embracing electric mobility and phasing out petrol cars, Jaguar is not only futureproofng its brand but also contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future for generations to come.

By Jeff Gibbs

The Kia EV6 GT 2023 emerges as a formidable force in the electric vehicle landscape, blending extreme performance with everyday practicality. Despite its unassuming appearance, this electric wagon packs a punch that will leave you exhilarated and wanting more. Priced at $99,590 plus on-road costs, it’s the most expensive Kia ever offered in Australia, but it’s also the most potent, boasting a staggering 430kW of power that propels it from 0-100km/h in just 3.5 seconds, accompanied by a drift mode for added excitement. This makes it a true giant-slayer, solidifying its position as a high-voltage hoon version.

In terms of pricing, the EV6 GT stands at the top of the Kia EV6 line-up, with a starting price that requires a signifcant investment. However, its performance credentials justify the cost, setting it apart from its siblings and making it a worthy competitor against electric vehicles like the Porsche Taycan and Audi e-tron GT.

When it comes to

Kia EV6 GT 2023 Review

equipment, the EV6 GT doesn’t disappoint. It comes loaded with features, including twin 12.3-inch digital screens, a premium 14-speaker Meridian sound system, a large sunroof, wireless phone charger, dual-zone automatic climate control, and ambient LED cabin lighting. Additionally, it sports larger 21-inch alloy wheels, Matrix LED headlights, neon green brake callipers, and lightweight sports seats with faux leather and suede upholstery, further enhancing its performance-oriented appeal.

In terms of safety, the EV6 GT offers a comprehensive suite of

driver assistance features, although it’s worth noting that it hasn’t been tested for a safety rating due to its sports seats. However, it boasts eight airbags, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot detection, and semi-autonomous driving capabilities, ensuring a safe driving experience.

Technologically, the EV6 GT shines with its dual 12.3-inch curved screens, providing crisp visuals and intuitive controls. The inclusion of twin V2L ports adds versatility, allowing users to power various devices directly from the vehicle.

Under the hood, the EV6 GT is powered by a dual-motor setup that

generates a whopping 430kW and 740Nm of torque, delivering exhilarating acceleration and impressive handling dynamics. Despite its weight, it offers exceptional cornering balance and grip levels, making it a joy to drive on both the racetrack and everyday roads. When it comes to range, the EV6 GT offers a respectable 424km on a single charge, complemented by fastcharging capabilities for quick top-ups. Charging times vary depending on the power source, with ultra-fast chargers capable of replenishing the battery to 80% in just 18 minutes.

shift in the electric vehicle market, offering extreme performance and everyday versatility in a stylish and practical package. With its impressive power, advanced technology, and comfortable interior, it’s undoubtedly a top contender in its segment, setting a new benchmark for electric vehicles from mainstream brands like Kia.

2023 Kia EV6 GT at a glance:

Inside, the EV6 GT offers a comfortable and modern cabin, with supportive sports seats and ample storage space. While it lacks some creature comforts like auto up/down rear windows, it makes up for it with its overall spaciousness and relaxing ambiance.

In conclusion, the Kia EV6 GT 2023 represents a paradigm

Price: $99,590 (plus on-road costs)

Available: Now

Powertrain: Two permanent magnet synchronous motors

Output: 430kW/740Nm

Transmission: Singlespeed reduction gear

Battery: 77.4kWh

lithium-ion

Range: 424km (WLTP)

Energy consumption: 20.6kWh/100km (WLTP)

Safety rating: Not tested

Toyota Secures ‘Land Cruiser FJ’ Trademark for Downsized Model Development

By Jeff Gibbs

Toyota has recently taken a signifcant step forward in the development of a downsized LandCruiser model by securing the trademark for the ‘Land Cruiser FJ’ name with IP Australia. This move mirrors a similar trademark application made in Japan towards the end of last year.

The specifc nature of

this new LandCruiser FJ remains somewhat uncertain. It’s unclear whether it will directly compete with vehicles like the Suzuki Jimny XL or the GWM Tank 300, or if it will take the form of a smaller SUV built on a unibody platform rather than a traditional ladder frame. Additionally, whether it will be an electric vehicle (EV) is yet to be confrmed.

However, Toyota’s intentions to introduce a sub-Prado off-road SUV have been evident for some time. The concept of such a vehicle was teased during the global unveiling of the new Prado last year. Drawing from Toyota’s previous FJ Cruiser model, which was essentially a retro-inspired off-road variant of the outgoing Prado, there’s speculation that the new iteration will follow a similar design approach. This speculation is reinforced by the similarity in size between the upcoming Prado and the LandCruiser 300 Series.

A teaser released by Toyota in August showcased a vehicle

with a shortened wheelbase, generous ground clearance, a spare wheel mounted on the tailgate, and a front fascia reminiscent of the 2021 Toyota Compact Cruiser EV concept—a compact off-roader believed to offer a glimpse into Toyota’s plans for a smaller off-road vehicle. Reports from Japanese media suggest that the production version of the FJ will initially feature various internal combustion powertrains, with an EV variant expected to join the line-up later, mirroring the concept. The choice of internal combustion engines is said to be tailored to specifc market preferences.

Insider sources suggest that the new FJ will share dimensions with the current Toyota Corolla Cross, albeit with increased height due to its enhanced ground clearance. For power, the FJ is rumoured to adopt the 2.5-liter petrolelectric hybrid system from the larger RAV4 for most markets, positioning it between the Jimny XL and Tank 300 in terms of

size while matching the latter in power output.

Toyota has maintained secrecy regarding further details since the initial teaser release. However, indications suggest that the baby LandCruiser will be unveiled sometime this year. With the recent trademark application dated February 23, an Australian release seems imminent.

Healthy ageing a key priority for the North Coast

The North Coast region of NSW faces unique challenges and opportunities due to an ageing population.

Currently, 138,000 or 25% of people between Port Macquarie and the Tweed are aged 65 or over. This compares to 16% Australia-wide.

Additionally, 30% of the North Coast population is expected to be over 65 by 2030, and the number of people over 85 will almost double in the next twenty years.

CEO of Healthy North Coast, Monika Wheeler, said that as our population ages, the demand on the healthcare system grows, impacting people being able to easily access the services they need, and placing a strain on healthcare resources.

“People are living longer, but not necessarily healthier. We want to shift the focus to improving health now so that people might live the best life they can irrespective of their age,” said Ms Wheeler.

“Healthy ageing is a

journey that begins at birth. As we live longer we need to ensure all our living years have choice, dignity and control.”

To address these ageing challenges, Healthy North Coast has developed a Healthy Ageing Strategy with the vision to help people on the North Coast live well, age well, and have ongoing opportunities to contribute and stay connected to their communities and Country.

Developed in consultation with the community, aged care industry stakeholders,

and primary and acute care clinicians, the Strategy focuses on wellness, independence and enablement.

A 54-year-old woman from Coffs Harbour who participated in the social research for the Strategy highlighted:

“I guess it is a daily decision to keep well as much I can.

“For me, that’s a holistic approach, with every part of my life included… keeping mentally well, physically well, spiritually well and emotionally well.

“I think that ageing well has got very much

to do with what we do day-to-day, it doesn’t happen by chance, it’s an investment into the future. It starts now, it starts every day.”

The Healthy Ageing Strategy contains a number of key initiatives, many of which are already underway on the North Coast.

These include digital health within residential aged care, the North Coast Care Finders Program, aged care disaster management planning and the Greater Choice at Home Palliative Care program.

Owen Lednor, Clinical Project Consultant at The Shoreline Luxury Retirement Living in Coffs Harbour, enthusiastically welcomed the Healthy Ageing Strategy at a launch event held this week.

“Ensuring our residents have access to the right kind of primary healthcare has been a challenge in the past, but now we’re seeing a lot of enthusiasm and uptake on digital telehealth services,” Mr Lednor explained.

“This new technology allows our residents

to avoid unnecessary hospital visits and to get the healthcare they need while remaining comfortable at home.

“It’s great to see a focus on digital health technology in the Healthy Ageing Strategy, so that some of those barriers to healthcare might be removed.”

For more information about the Healthy Ageing Strategy 20232027 and its initiatives, including downloadable resources, visit hnc.org. au/healthy-ageing.

HELPING SENIORS MAKE SAFER TRANSPORT CHOICES

Older people are being encouraged to use a valuable new Transport for NSW resource called “The Road Ahead” to help them make safe and informed choices about driving and navigating

transport networks.

Launched to coincide with this year’s NSW Seniors Festival (March 11-24) this 28-page booklet was created as a direct response to the growing number of the

state’s drivers retaining their licence for longer.

Statistics show that with increased age, the number of fatalities also increase. For example, in the fve years between 2018 to 2022, drivers aged over 70 accounted for 10 per cent of all road fatalities.

Transport for NSW created The Road Ahead to assist older people in making safer decisions when driving, riding, walking, or catching public transport.

for NSW, said this digital booklet contains resources for older drivers on how to make informed decisions about driving safely.

“Older drivers are encouraged to consider the impact their health may be having on their driving ability. Seeking advice from their GP to properly assess how their health may impact their driving ability is crucial,” Ms Webb said.

said.

Additionally, in April 2022, Transport for NSW and the University of Wollongong released the ‘Driving and staying independent: A decision aid for older drivers’ to help empower older adults to make informed decisions.

2023 indicates older drivers (aged 70+ years) accounted for 9 per cent of all road fatalities in NSW.

• Of the 49 pedestrian fatalities in 2022, 55 per cent were aged 60 years or older. Preliminary data for 2023 indicates that there were 47 pedestrian fatalities in 2023, 60 per cent were aged 60 years or older.

This is part of the NSW government’s 2026 Road Safety Action Plan which features new targets to halve deaths and reduce serious injuries by 30 percent on NSW roads by 2030.

Sally Webb, Deputy Secretary of Safety, Environment and Regulation at Transport

“The resource encourages older adults to consider their transition from full-time driving to getting around using other modes such as public transport.”

“It is everyone’s responsibility to be on the lookout for warning signs that an older family member or friend may have reduced driving capabilities,” Ms Webb

To access a copy of the guides and other relevant information for older road users visit www. transport.nsw.gov.au/ TheRoadAhead, visit your local Service NSW or call 13 22 13.

FAST FACTS:

• The NSW population in 2022 continues to age, with 17.5 per cent (1.4m) aged 65 years and over.

• Over the fve-year period 2018-22, older drivers accounted for 10 per cent of all fatalities. Preliminary data for

• Drivers aged 75 years or over are four times more likely to be killed in a crash than drivers in their twenties, and drivers aged 85 or over are at least fve times more likely.

• The growth of driver licences for older drivers has increased – 2019 to 2022 there was an increase of 10 per cent (60-74 yo), 29 per cent (75-84 yo) and 26 per cent (85+).

Breaking Boundaries: Ageless Unveils a New Era of Ageing on Australian TV

A ground-breaking Australian television series is set to revolutionize perceptions of ageing, spotlighting everyday Australians who defy stereotypes and exude vitality well beyond their years.

“Ageless,” premiering on the Nine Network starting March 23rd, promises to inspire viewers to reimagine the concept of growing older through the remarkable journeys of 11 individuals who embrace life with unparalleled zeal, disregarding the mere number of candles adorning their birthday cakes.

The red carpet was unfurled for the grand premiere of this eightpart series on March 12th at GemLife Maroochy Quays on the Sunshine Coast. Among the esteemed guests was Sharon Lagden, a vibrant 64-year-old resident of GemLife Palmwoods, whose battle with breast cancer and subsequent struggles with depression fueled her determination to compile a bucket list that invigorated her spirit. In Episode Five, aptly titled “Taking a Leap,” host Grey Rogers delves into Sharon’s story alongside her husband Kevin, exploring the essence of living without regrets

before she triumphantly checks off one of her top aspirations — skydiving.

“Surviving cancer and battling depression instilled in me a fervor for experiences that make me feel truly alive,” shares Mrs. Lagden. “Creating my bucket list, embracing the leap into skydiving, and seizing new opportunities like joining the Ageless series have been pivotal for me. Age should never shackle you from embracing life to its fullest extent. I hope my journey inspires others to realize that age is but

a number. Don’t allow it, or fear, to hinder your pursuit of what sets your soul ablaze.”

Featuring individuals ranging from 56 to 81 years old, “Ageless” showcases a diverse array of inspiring narratives, including that of a 56-year-old blind motorcyclist striving to claim the title of the fastest vision-impaired person on the planet, and a 70-year-old widow single-handedly managing a vast outback property spanning 20,000 hectares.

In the inaugural

episode, “As You Age You Get More Cool,” Grey Rogers meets the captivating Sarah Jane Adams, an inner-city Sydney icon celebrated for her audacious style and rebellious spirit. Adams, an international antique jewellery dealer catapulted into Instagram fame in her 50s, emphasizes that every dawn heralds a precious gift and asserts that age should never curtail one’s pursuit of passion or novelty.

“Life’s brevity underscores the importance of

continually challenging oneself, regardless of age,” asserts Mrs. Adams. “As you age, you grow increasingly ‘cool’ because you become more attuned to your authentic self. Embrace that authenticity and discard societal expectations dictating how one should age gracefully. If your actions do no harm, follow your heart and lead a life aligned with your truth.”

Commissioned by leading over-50s lifestyle resort developer GemLife, “Ageless”

seeks to embolden older Australians to seize life’s opportunities and dismantle outdated stereotypes about ageing. Adrian Puljich, GemLife’s Director and CEO, anticipates the series sparking transformative conversations.

“We envision the show prompting viewers of all ages to reconsider their perceptions of ageing and embrace the notion of agelessness,” asserts Puljich. “In our communities, we witness individuals who defy stereotypes daily, and it’s imperative for the broader community to recognize that age transcends mere numbers. While the conventional defnition of ‘ageless’ suggests appearing younger than one’s years, this series challenges that notion by spotlighting individuals who epitomize the ageless mindset. Each narrative is profoundly personal, and it has been an honour to contribute to such an uplifting series.”

Tune in to “Ageless” airing every Saturday from March 23rd to May 11th on Channel Nine, or stream online via the GemLife website: https:// www.gemlife.com.au/ ageless.

In Ageless episode fve – ‘Taking a Leap’, host Grey Rogers meets with 64-year-old Sharon Lagden and her husband Kevin (pictured, above)

9 TYPES OF GARDEN PATHS

Garden paths do more than just guide us from point A to point B; they invite us into a world of beauty, mystery, and tranquillity. The right path can transform a simple garden into a captivating journey through nature’s wonders. Here, we explore nine different types of garden paths, each offering a unique blend of aesthetic appeal and practicality.

GRAVEL PATHS

Gravel paths exude a natural, understated beauty that complements cottage-style gardens with grace. They’re not only cost-effective but also relatively simple to install. The soft crunch underfoot adds a sensory pleasure to garden strolls. For a more refned look, bordering them with bricks or stones can elevate their charm signifcantly.

PAVER PATHS

Pavers present an array of design possibilities. The wide selection of colours and shapes available allows for customised patterns that can ft any garden theme, from formal to contemporary, making paver paths a favourite among landscapers.

CONCRETE PATHS

Concrete paths cater to gardens with a modern or minimalist ethos. Available in poured or precast forms, they can be customised through stamping or dyeing, providing a sleek, uniform appearance that emphasises clean lines and geometric shapes.

STEPPING STONE PATHS

Stepping stones create a playful yet rustic path that encourages a leisurely exploration of the garden. Whether embedded in lush grass or nestled among sandy beds, these paths can seamlessly blend into both formal and informal landscapes, adding a touch of whimsy and wonder.

FLAGSTONE PATHS

For those seeking to create a garden path with natural charm and a sense of age, fagstones are an ideal choice. Their irregular shapes and varied sizes lend a rugged beauty to rustic or cottage gardens, inviting visitors to meander with anticipation.

MULCH PATHS

For a garden path that blends seamlessly with its surroundings, mulch is an excellent choice. Though it requires more maintenance than some other materials, its soft texture and natural look make it ideal for woodland or naturalistic gardens.

BRICK PATHS

With their rich colours and versatile laying patterns—ranging from herringbone to straight lines—brick paths evoke a sense of timehonoured tradition. They are particularly suited to complementing traditional and colonial garden styles, offering durability and a classic appeal that never fades.

WOODEN BOARDWALKS

Wooden boardwalks are reminiscent of serene beachside walks, perfect for coastal or woodland gardens. They offer a warm invitation to explore, gracefully navigating through damp or sandy areas with a sturdy, elevated surface.

CRUSHED STONE PATHS

A more polished cousin to gravel, crushed stone offers stability underfoot with a refned appearance. It’s well-suited for formal gardens or those seeking a minimalist aesthetic, providing a clean, crisp pathway through green spaces.

Choosing the right path for your garden involves considering not only the style and atmosphere you wish to create but also practical aspects such as cost, maintenance, and installation requirements. Whether you’re drawn to the natural elegance of fagstone or the playful charm of stepping stones, the perfect garden path can enhance your outdoor space’s beauty and functionality, inviting visitors to discover the joys and serenity of your garden.

Funeral Notice

HUDSON, SHIRLEY ANN (Nee HENRY)

85 Years

Passed away 11TH March 2024, late of Casino, at Lismore Base Hospital, in the presence of her family.

Dearly and very much loved Wife of John (Dec).

Dearly and very much loved Mother and Mother -in -Law of Michael, Susan, Scott & Julia and Lynnette and John Halliday. Grandmother of Luke, Ashleigh and Matthew.

Great Grandmother of Ayla and Colten.

Sister and Sister-in-Law of Robert(Dec) & Fay Black.

Shirley will also be sadly missed by the members of her extended family and friends.

Relatives and Friends are invited to attend

Shirley’s Funeral Service will be held at the Casino Community Centre, Walker Street, Casino

On Monday 25th March 2024 Commencing at 10.30am Followed by a private cremation.

Warnings

See www.bom.gov.au/australia/warnings

Northern Rivers District:

Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers. Light winds becoming northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the afternoon then becoming light during the evening.

Thursday. Cloudy. High chance of showers. The chance of a storm in the south. Light winds becoming southerly 20 to 30 km/h during the morning.

Northern Tablelands District:

Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers in the south, slight chance elsewhere. The chance of a storm in the south in the afternoon and evening. Winds northwest to northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h tending northwest to southwesterly during the day then tending northeast to southeasterly during the afternoon.

Thursday. Cloudy. High chance of showers. The chance of a storm. Winds southeasterly 25 to 35 km/h.

New South Wales:

Widespread showers across the eastern half, including the ranges, western slopes and plains where showers are likely to tend to areas of rain. Scattered showers elsewhere. Isolated storms possible across all but the far northeast and far west, most likely about the ranges and western slopes. Daytime temperatures above average in the northeast and below average elsewhere. Northeast to northwesterly winds in the east ahead of a cool and fresh southerly change spreading across the state. A cool, strong and gusty southerly change moving along southern and central parts of the coast during the day.

Thursday. Scattered showers and isolated storms possible across the northeast quarter. Scattered showers possible elsewhere in the east. Dry and mostly sunny in the west. Daytime temperatures below average. South to southeasterly winds, becoming fresh easterly about the ranges and western slopes. Fresh to strong and gusty southerly winds along central and northern parts of the coast.

Byron Coast:

Winds: North to northeasterly 15 to 20 knots. Seas: Around 1 metre, increasing to 1 to 1.5 metres south of Coffs Harbour. Swell: Easterly 1 to 1.5 metres. Weather: Mostly sunny. 60% chance of showers. The chance of a storm.

Coffs Coast:

Winds: North to northeasterly 15 to 20 knots. Seas: Around 1 metre, increasing to 1 to 1.5 metres south of Coffs Harbour. Swell: Easterly 1 to 1.5 metres. Weather: Mostly sunny. 60% chance of showers. The chance of a storm.

Gold Coast Waters: Winds: Southeasterly 15 to 20 knots turning easterly during the evening. Seas: Around 1 metre, increasing to 1 to 1.5 metres offshore. Swell: Easterly 1.5 metres inshore, increasing to 1.5 to 2 metres offshore. Weather: Mostly sunny.

BROOME

By Baiden Forster

My name is Baiden Forster and I recently committed to “Run to combat suicide in Australia” fundraising operated by The Shaka Project, a not-for-proft organisation.

The motivation for this commitment is the

impact suicide has had on myself, family and friends. Last year my younger brother lost his good friend at the young age of 14. Another one of my brothers has endured his own battle with depression, as have I.

I chose this running challenge as I fnd

running promotes good physical health and it’s a mental test to be able to stay motivated to complete the monthlong challenge. I put my cause on social media to rally support. My aim was for $1000 and at the moment I have raised $2350. This past week I was presented by the

Secretary of the Evans Head Old Boys, Gary McDonald with a muchappreciated donation of $250 at Club Evans.

The biggest surprise doing this challenge has been the amount of support and stories I have encountered from other people in the community

who have also been personally impacted by suicide. This past week we experienced loss within our football club with the passing of a mate; and our local community lost another young friend. All of this emphasises the need for support from mates and has motivated me

more to complete this challenge.

My football club, the Evans Head Bombers are planning to dedicate the profts from their regular Thursday night raffes (with additional prizes) on 4th April at the Evans Head Bowling Club to this cause.

15.03.2024 BALLINA

MAHJONG

1. Barbara Ellan, 2. Joy Lowien, 3. Lisa

Wong, 4. Coral Lavelle, 5. Sally Lowry, 6. Kathy Pickles, 7. Vanessa Reynolds, 8. Valda McLerie, 9. Ramsay Roper, Cindy Smith, 11., Pauline Kearney, 12. Lesley Ritchie, 13. Carol Meyer, 14. Jane Fenech, 15. Val Heinritz, Gail McDonagh, 17. June Greenaway, 18. Wendy Thornton, 19. Yvonne Weddup, 20. Pauline Bolte, 21. Gladys

D’Anna, Susan Allan, 23. Linda Lloyd, 24. Susan Scott, 25. Lynda Lovett, 26. Jan Henley, 27. Kath Hubbard, 28. Shirley Coleman, 29. Diana Auret, 30. Lorna Simpson.

CASINO SOCIAL GOLF RESULTS

17-03-2024

The 2 ball Mexican stableford was won by Trevis Jenkins & Wayne Jackson with a score of 54 points. The players draw went to Vinny. Nearest to pins:1st, 5th & 6th, T.Jenkins. 2nd & 3rd, W.Jackson. 4th, Vinny. 7th, G.Shephard. 17th, G.Randall. 18th, G.Skennar. Next Sunday’s event sponsored by Newstead Automotive Services Casino Will be a single stroke on the bottom 10 holes and visitors are welcome to play with hit off from 6-30am till 7-30am.

CASINO WOMENS BOWLS RESULTS

On Wednesday 13/3 there were 2 rinks of social bowls & the result was:

The winners for the day were Nancy Moran,

Annette James & Mary Mead who def Marlene Jordan, Raelene Skirrey & Ivy Watson The other rink winners were Denise Grice, Jan Cooke & Maria Hellyar who def Judy Carthew, Denise Skinner & Helen Lavelle.

New members are welcome, we play on Wednesdays from 9.00am to midday at the RSM club.

CHERRY STREET

CROQUET CLUB

SPORTS RESULTS

ASSOCIATION

CROQUET :

R.Chapman 18 d

D.Simmons M.Donati

10, G.Drew P.Waters 19

d G.Porter 14

RICOCHET CROQUET :

B.Bill N.Poynting 11 d

P.Scott M.Russell 6

P.Waters N.Barnes

19 d C.Woodlands

R.Chapman 5

W.Gilmore 10 d

R.Offey J.Hannigan 9

P.Bolte J.Doust 17 d

B.Wellings B.Waters 9 Club Championships

Handicap Singles

R.Poynting 12 d

D.Scott 11

PENNANTS :

Cherry Street 9 d Byron Bay 1

Casino 7 d Lismore 3 Alstonville 7 d Ballina 3

TOURNAMENTS :

Australian Mens Association Croquet Singles Championships

R.Fletcher 1, S.Forster 2, S.Pearce 3.

Mike Gidding Ballina

9th & winner Y Div.

Margaret Mitchell Memorial Association

Handicap Doubles :

M.Campbell & C.Parker 1, P.Waters & R. Chapman 2, J.Hughes & P.Behrens 3, V.Smith & G.Porter 4.

Sawtell Ricochet Tournament

Block A K.Munro 2, R.Mulvaney 2, P.Deeth 3, D.Scott 4 .

Block B H.Chalmers 1, P.Scott 2, W.Forbes 3

C.Brooks 4.

Croquet for Kids commences 9th April 4pm.

Free Lessons, All equipment supplied.

Age Required 10 years plus.

Contact Robyn Poynting 0414700512

CORAKI VETERANS GOLFRESULTS

THURSDAY 14/3/24

52 golfers played nthe single stableford winner S Ormond, 2nd P Bruggy, 3rd T McBurney, free game P Smith, chicken/ball winners W Swindle, G FDlaherty, S Dawson, J Savins, A Ganter, S

Toms, M Fairfull, T Doyle, D Vagne, D Knox, G O,Connor, W Lunnon, R Gacioppa, J Nilsson. Nearest pins 3rd/12th R Mackay, 6th/15th R Mackay. This Thursday will be another single stableford event commencing with a shot gun start at 8.00am.

AS USUAL TILL THEN GOOD

GOLFING

EVANS HEAD WOMENS BOWLS

Fours Championship

Semi Finals played 13-03-24

L. Vidler, A. Eyles, G. Marczan, M. Carey defeated B. Hancock, I. Bale, L. Hayes, P. Freeman.

T. Bell, K. Hickey, J. Fernance, K. Robson defeated V. Forshaw, K. Townsend, V. Hart, E. Gollan.

By Tim Howard

Lawerence skipper

Nathan Ensbey had his hands all over his team’s 199-run win over Tucabia Copmanhurst in the CRCA preliminary fnal at the weekend.

Ensbey fell just three runs short of a century as he inspired his team to 8/322 and then helped secure the win with a pair of stumpings as his team roared to a decisive win.

Ensbey fell in the penultimate over of the Lawrence innings, caught by Kyle Hancock from the bowling of Jaxon Moran, searching for the three runs to bring up his ton.

Despite the disappointment of missing a milestone, he has the satisfaction of leading to his team

to a massive total that dominated the rest of the game.

After being on the receiving end of a fnals lesson from Harwood in the qualifying fnal, Lawrence showed it was capable of dishing it out.

After winning the toss and batting, opener Ben Hill, 58, made sure his team didn’t squander the opportunity.

Left arm bowler Dylan Lucas made a couple of early breakthroughs, but Hill and the middle order put together a series of partnerships that blunted the Tucabia bowling.

Luke Maloney 33, and Doug Harris 32 batted steadily with Hill to ensure the Lawrence total was . Ensbey, batting at number six, rammed home the advantage.

Aided by a stubborn

tail Ensbey built the total to 7/274 at stumps on Saturday.

Resuming at 72no, he and Chris Townson, 29no, took the total past 300 but were running out of time for the skipper to get his 100.

Townson found himself on strike with two overs left in the innings but was unable to get his skipper on strike until the ffth ball of the over, when Ensbey lost his wicket.

It was the only downside for Lawrence, who never relinquished control of the game.

Lucas, 3/84 bowled 30 overs for those numbers and Matt Pigg 2/44, was tight, but Tucabia couldn’t follow up on Lucas’s two early wickets and Harwood continued to build handy partnerships between

wickets.

Tucabia started slowly gambling on keeping wickets in hand and hoping to pick up the pace later.

But it never eventuated. Tucabia struggled to 50 for the loss of just one wicket, but that milestone proved an illusion.

They lost wickets at 50, 53, 55 and 63, which effectively ended the game as a competition.

Rohan Hackett, 15 and Travis Anderson, 21, battled hard and Derek Woods had a bright cameo of 19no as wickets tumbled.

In the end it became a matter of by how much Lawrence would win and it was a handsome margin.

Jarrod Ensbey was easily the pick of the bowlers with 4/30 from

19 overs.

Anderson chimed in with two wickets at the end – the stumpings by Ensbey – and Darby Rouse fnished the game, bowling Moran for a duck.

The Harwood/ Lawrence grand fnal makeup shouldn’t surprise anyone.

The Lawrence outft contains several players, including its skipper, who learned their cricket at Harwood, which has prided itself on consistently playing fnals cricket.

The Harwood formula, bat long, bowl tight and build scoreboard pressure, is easy to say but harder to do.

The approach makes winning the toss vital and puts pressure on both teams to have a plan B if the coin falls the wrong

way. Both skippers, Ben McMahon for Harwood and Ensbey will be key players. Both relish big matches and hold key roles in the team apart from their captaincy.

McMahon, who scored two centuries during the season and consistently takes big wickets with his fast-medium bowling could be the difference between the two sides.

But it will be a game of attrition with both sides fghting for each run and determined to seize any advantage they can.

Which is just what you want to see in a grand fnal.

The game begins at 12.30pm on Saturday and 10.25am on Sunday at Ellem Oval, Grafton.

Whether batting, bowling or with his captaincy Ben McMahon will be one of the key players in this weekend’s frst grade cricket grand fnal at Ellem Oval in Grafton.

Rainbow Dragons (Lennox Head Ballina)

had a fantastic weekend of fun, ftness, friendship and competitive racing at Grafton Dragon Boat Club’s regatta, and came home with three trophies.

Eight boats raced in steamy 30+o conditions in Saturday’s 6km Around the Island (Peanut) Marathon where Rainbows won 3rd place. The resulting

times were wide ranging with the top three teams under 31minutes whilst the eighth boat was 9 minutes slower.

Sunday’s 200m sprint race placings were based on total times over two heats which meant a crew could look good in a heat, but not be guaranteed a place. Race conditions were blustery too which impacted on the times.

However, the Women 10s and Open10s teams managed the conditions well coming home with a frst place and third place respectively.

Rainbows’ head coach, Mary Davis said “Lots of comments were made about how well the Rainbow teams looked on the water with their smooth, synchronized stroking. This is something the teams

have been training hard to perfect.”

Now, the club wishes the very best to eight Rainbows and a Ballina Dragons who have been selected in the Northern Region team for the Region v Region competition, at NSW State Championships in Sydney on Sunday 7th April.

They have all trained hard to get there.

Shakyia and The Gambrill Family

We would like to thank the Old Boys Of Evans Head for helping Shakyia reach her Goals of getting to Next Gen Down Under 2024.

Shakyia 15 has been a part of the cheerleading community since 2017 and is currently on the Mega Cheerleading

Worlds Level 5 team and will travel with to Disney land Florida in 2025 to compete on the World Stage against many teams.

Over the Next 12 months Shakyia will be fundraising for her Road To Worlds Journey and will be awesome if our local communities can get behind her and help get her there.

Thank you again.

SKIPPER’S

97 GUIDES TEAM TO GRAND FINAL