Embrace Country Life at Casino Beef Week’s MJ Smith Group Breakfast with the Butchers

Casino Beef Week is excited to announce an extraordinary day of community spirit and celebration at the MJ Smith Group Breakfast with the Butchers Presented by ZZZFM. This year’s event is set to surpass all expectations, encapsulating the essence of country life in a morning flled with fun, food, and festivity.

Thanks to the generous support of The MJ Smith Group, our 2024 Major Sponsor, the annual Free Community Breakfast will offer attendees a delightful taste of the local life with complimentary sausage or steak sandwiches, chocolate milk, and fresh fruit, generously donated by Woolworths Casino. This partnership exemplifes The MJ Smith Group’s deep commitment to the local community, showcasing a shared passion for uniting and enriching our region.

Brody Lisha, President of Casino Beef Week, expressed his enthusiasm about the event: “We are overjoyed to have The MJ Smith Group as our Major Sponsor this year.

Their dedication to the community mirrors our mission to celebrate our country life and bring people together. This event is more than just a breakfast; it’s a showcase of what makes our community so vibrant and unique.”

The event will feature an impressive display of machinery, allowing attendees to witness the remarkable work of The MJ Smith Group frsthand. “Seeing the machinery up close is a testament to the innovation and hard work that drives our local industries. It’s an honor to highlight this aspect of our community at the event,” said Lisha. Adding to the excitement, the annual Richmond Dairies Cow Pat Lotto, presented by Bently Community Preschool, returns with a larger prize pool thanks to Richmond Dairies and Macdonalds Pharmacy. “The Cow Pat Lotto is a tradition that everyone looks forward to. It’s a fun, quirky way to engage with the community while supporting a great cause,” Lisha remarked. Butchers from the region will compete in the Verto Sausage Competition, aiming for the titles of Best Beef Sausage and Best Gourmet Sausage. Lisha commented, “Our local butchers are incredibly talented, and this competition is a fantastic way to showcase their skills and the quality of our local produce.”

The day will also feature live entertainment from Sam Handford and the grand fnale of the CiCom Busking Championships on the Jack Links Stage. “The talent we have in our community is astounding, and the

Jack Links Stage is the perfect platform to showcase it. It’s going to be an unforgettable day,” Lisha added.

Casino Beef Week invites everyone to join in celebrating our country life, embodying the community spirit that makes our region so special. Don’t miss this outstanding day of free food, fantastic entertainment, and family-friendly fun.

The Breakfast will be lived streamed via ZZZFM and 2LM.

North Coast residents urged to boost their immunity by getting their fu vaccination

Healthy North Coast is reminding residents across our region to book in for a fu shot this month, to ensure they boost their immunity leading into the winter fu season.

Whilst fu can circulate at any time, it’s more likely to happen in the colder months of the year, between April and September.

A yearly fu shot is recommended for everyone aged six months and over, and the vaccine can often be given with other vaccines, including COVID-19.

In 2020 and 2021 there were historically low levels of fu across the North Coast as a result of COVID-19 restrictions, however in 2022 and 2023 there was a resurgence due to the reopening of international borders, with cases peaking in June each year. In June 2023, there were around 1,800 notifcations of infuenza (all strains) in Northern NSW and Mid North Coast local health districts.

Healthy North Coast CEO Monika Wheeler is urging the community to think now about their options for receiving a fu shot:

“Last year, many in our community left it too late, with particularly high numbers of residents suffering from infuenza due to the early start to the winter fu season,” Ms Wheeler explained.

“The highest level of protection happens in the frst 3 to 4 months following vaccination which is why it is so important to receive a fu shot now.”

“We are urging North Coast residents to ensure they book in for a fu shot with their GP, local pharmacy, health professional or Aboriginal Medical Service as soon as possible,” Ms Wheeler added.

Local GP, Dr Debra King, emphasised the importance of keeping up to date with vaccinations: “Not only does getting vaccinated against infuenza protect you from the debilitating effects of the fu, it also plays a crucial role in keeping our hospitals and health services from becoming overwhelmed. “Vaccination is a simple yet powerful tool in safeguarding our communities’ health and preventing unnecessary hospitalisations.”

FREE fu vaccines are available for those considered to be at higher risk of severe illness from infuenza including:

• children six months to under fve years

• people 65 and over

• Aboriginal people from six months of age

• pregnant women

• those with serious health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, immune disorders, obesity, severe asthma, kidney, heart, lung or liver disease.

There are some simple precautions you can take to minimise the risk of catching the fu and passing it on including: hnc.org.au 2

• staying at home if you are sick and avoiding close contact with other people

• wearing a mask in indoor spaces if you are unable to physically distance

• sneezing into your elbow instead of your hands

• washing your hands thoroughly and often.

For further advice on how to protect yourself and loved ones this fu this season visit health. nsw.gov.au/Infectious/ Infuenza.

You can also fnd your nearest vaccination clinic by using the Service Finder at healthdirect. gov.au.