Refections Holidays and OzFish Embark on NSW Community Roadshow Partnership

Refections Holidays, the premier holiday park and adventure camping group in NSW, has initiated a statewide roadshow to announce its collaboration with OzFish and unveil its refreshed identity.

Marking a pioneering partnership between Refections, the sole holiday park group in Australia certifed as a social enterprise, and OzFish, the nation’s sole fshing conservation charity, this alliance aims to identify projects enhancing fsh habitats within Refections Holiday parks across NSW.

Kicking off the roadshow at Byron Bay Refections on Wednesday, April 3, Refections CEO Nick Baker and OzFish Director of Habitat Programs Cassie Price launched the tour, which will traverse south along the coast to Eden and inland to engage Refections parks and communities in promoting the OzFish program.

With the objective of aiding recreational anglers and communities in enhancing the health of rivers, lakes, and estuaries, Refections will facilitate ‘voluntourism’ at its parks, inviting OzFish to conduct programs for habitat restoration, waterway cleanup, and sustainable angling education for future generations.

OzFish CEO Craig Copeland expressed the charity’s commitment to empowering fshers to play an active role in preserving their beloved fshing spots. “Through partnerships and community engagement, we aim to drive positive change, fostering healthier waterways and enhanced fshing experiences,” said Copeland.

Mr. Baker affrmed that the OzFish partnership would be implemented across Refections’ 40 holiday parks, campgrounds, and 45 nature reserves across NSW. “By leveraging OzFish’s expertise in fshing conservation, we can make a tangible difference by encouraging anglers to safeguard our waterways and initiating projects in areas requiring assistance,” Baker stated.

Celebrating a decade of operation, Refections unveils its refreshed brand identity, transitioning from Refections Holiday Parks to ‘Refections Holidays.’ This rebrand underscores the company’s commitment to reimagining camping, fostering nature-centric experiences for guests, and preserving the land under its stewardship. “Our new identity advocates for reconnecting with nature, enjoying outdoor experiences with loved ones, and contributing to the community,” Baker explained. “While we’re renowned for our campsites in stunning NSW locales, we also oversee vital community reserves, reinvesting profts to maintain these spaces for future generations.”

Refecting on Refections’ economic contributions, Baker highlighted a $121.5 million boost to the NSW visitor economy in the 12 months to January 31. Moreover, the company allocated $18.5 million to park renovations during the same period, benefting both local communities and tourists.

As Refections anticipates a 15% increase in tourist revenue in FY24, recent data from the Caravan and Camping Industry Association NSW reveal a record-breaking 5 million visitor nights recorded in the state in the 12 months to September 2023.

Farmers Call for Urgent Action on Rural Road Infrastructure Funding

Farmers are calling for urgent action from federal and state governments to address the deteriorating state of rural road infrastructure in the wake of ongoing damage caused by major fooding events in the Northern Rivers region three years ago.

Xavier Martin, President of NSW Farmers, highlighted the urgent need for increased funding to repair and upgrade rural roads and bridges, which have been left damaged and impassable since the foods of 2021.

“The condition of regional roads is unacceptable, and it’s clear that repair efforts have fallen short,” stated Mr. Martin. “For far too long, rural communities have been forced to navigate dangerous roads or seek alternative routes just to carry out everyday tasks.”

While acknowledging some initiatives such as the Regional Roads and Transport Package and the appointment of a new CEO for the NSW Reconstruction Authority, Mr. Martin emphasized that much more substantial action is needed to address the extensive damage to rural infrastructure.

“With the federal and state budgets approaching, it’s imperative that adequate funding be allocated for rural road repairs and upgrades,” Mr. Martin asserted. “Failure to prioritize this essential infrastructure will impede farmers’ ability to transport their goods effciently and safely.”

He emphasized the critical role that well-maintained roads play in ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality agricultural products to consumers nationwide. Without adequate investment in road maintenance and improvement, the task of supplying the nation with food and fbre becomes increasingly challenging and costly.

“It’s time for meaningful action to address the longstanding neglect of rural roadways,” Mr. Martin concluded. “Rural communities have endured substandard infrastructure for far too long, and it’s imperative that tangible steps are taken to rectify this situation.”

Commodities

Marquis Macadamias Reveals Uplifted 2024 Price Strategy and Shareholder Dividends

Following the strategic restructuring that led to Marquis Macadamias Australia parting ways with its South African partner, the prominent player in the Macadamia industry disclosed its 2024 Notional Price Offer at the end of March.

The 2024 Notional Price was set at $3.20/ kg, considering a 33% Premium Kernel Recovery and 10% moisture content, marking a signifcant increase from the 2023 Notional Price of $1.80/ kg (which included a $0.10/kg Shareholder NIS bonus). Despite this increase, Marquis acknowledges the price is still lower than what is required on a long-term basis to maintain a healthy industry.

The boost in the 2024 Notional Price has been attributed to the combined impact of the improved selling prices and the marginally weaker Australian dollar, which has bolstered the valuation of exports.

“As part of our strategic efforts to elevate returns for our Shareholders, Marquis Macadamias is seising every opportunity, with a renewed focus on markets that appreciate the premium quality of Australian macadamias,” said CEO Ben Adams (pictured). “The company recognises that the pace of recovery in farm gate prices is slower than desired. Hence, it is committed to enhancing operational effciencies and diversifying the product range to optimise Shareholder value.”, concludes Mr Adams.

Marquis has also introduced a “Variety Bonus” of $0.05/kg for growers delivering segregated A203 suitable for the Chinese NIS market, rewarding the extra effort in segregation through the harvest, processing, and transportation phases. This bonus is slated for end-of-season payment.

Mr. Adams shared insights on the sales dynamics, “Our Sales Team has reached a substantial increase in sales value for both

Kernel and In-Shell products, although with slightly extended negotiations due to the revised pricing structure in 2024.”

During the 2024 Season Opening Sessions held in Lismore and Bundaberg at the end of March, Clayton Mattiazzi, Marquis Board Director and Chair, announced that a dividend of $1.00 per share will be paid to all Ordinary-class Shareholders in April.

“Our priority is to maximise returns to our Shareholders,” Mr Mattiazzi stated. “The $1.00 per share dividend refects Marquis’ strong performance despite the adversities encountered during the 2023 Season. Thanks to increased sales and decreased inventory, the company fnished the fnancial year in a strong working capital position, which permits the distribution of dividends to Shareholders.”

In light of an anticipated increase in the Australian crop, with forecasts suggesting an annual production of 60,000 tonnes, Marquis is expanding its intake this Season, including NIS from non-shareholders. For individuals interested in becoming a Marquis Shareholder or supplier, the company directs them to their offcial website for more information.

By Helen Trustum

On 4th April 1964 Max married Marie Scheibel from Jiggi. Marie’s parents were Jim and Josie Scheibel. They were married in the Catholic Church in North Lismore (opp timber yard). Their family; Joanne, Darren, Jamie and Donna. The family frst lived at 20 Tweed Street, North Lismore until 1971 before moving to Clifford Street, Goonellabah.

In 1967 Max and Marie started their own business calling it “Mahers Car Sales”. This business was at the BP Service Station on the corner of Woodlark and Dawson Street. They were there for 3 years, from September 1967 to September 1970. From Woodlark Street to Ballina Street near the Ballina Street Bridge (a little Volkswagen still on the roof) they built a second car yard on the corner of Molesworth Street and Ballina Street.

Max owned a 1964 EH Holden called “Any Plum”. With this car he went drag racing at Surfers Paradise. He competed at 24 meetings, winning 21 of them.

In 1969 Max started racing cars at the speedway on Lismore Showground. President of the North Coast National Spencer Spinaze felt the Lismore in starting speedway on the grounds. They were already running speedway in Kingaroy and Toowoomba. After a hurried show meeting answer for the Society to achieve extra funds. A special fence had to be erected to comply with Police safety regulations. The fence was built by voluntary labour

Showground had to be used more than the Annual Show. Midway through 1969 Spencer was approached by Neil Mansell and Dutton Stibbard to see if the North Coast National might be interested

Tom Somerville, Murray McKinnon, Ken Somerville and Spencer Spinaze joined Max, Charlie Austen, Richard Rugendyke and Neil Priestly and travelled to Kingaroy for the next race meeting. They were convinced this was the from the show society members and Lismore Car Club members.

The speedway is still going and has raised considerable money over the years for charity.

Speedway was Max’s way of life from then on. Within 2 years there were over 200 cars competing. A regular tradition of a barbeque following the speedway was always welcome at the Maher Family Home in Tweed Street. Then in later years the barbeque was held under the Members Grandstand at the showground. how spectacular it was. The car had a massive amount of power and torque where it would lift the inside front wheel at least a foot off the ground under power for almost a lap of the showground.

Remembered is Max’s four door Monaro, after a couple of seasons attending speedways and

During the 1970’s Max remembers the Americans that would come out to Australia and compete against one another. There were four Americans against four Australians. Max was selected on many occasions to compete against them. Driving his Holden 350 Monaro at the Brisbane Exhibition Ground in 1976 against these men in the 6 events, Max won 5 of them. A great feat and one where he will always remember. These events were also run on the Lismore Showground. Max gave speedway

By Helen Trustum

away in 1980 and made a return to racing for a couple of meetings in 1987.

In 2009 a reunion was held at the Italo Club, North Lismore Lismore where 200 people turned up for the reunion dinner.

People including George Jetson, Geoff Limbert, John Leslight, Gerry Flood and of course

Max. A great night was had by all.

Lismore Speedway has produced some of the top drivers in Australia. They are Grenville Anderson, Bob Worling, Stuart Herne, Paul O’Neill, Steve Robinson, Robert Armstrong and Neville Pezzutti. These men raced in the 1970’s.

After retiring from speedway, the family purchased a ski boat upon which many wonderful weekends were held. All the family learnt to ski spending time at Bungawalbyn and Swan Bay where all including Max who was in his 40’s when he learnt the art of skiing.

Not to be sitting idle Max decided to give fying a go. In the 1980’s he obtained his fying licence and the training was held. The entire family all learnt to barefoot ski, pilots licence for plane travel did not come easy

Country Music Festivals and enjoying this part purchased a plane. One particular time, along with Marie, her parents Jim and Josie Scheibel, their son Darren and Greg Goulding few right around the coast of Australia. The trip taking them six weeks, site seeing on the way.

Max has fown through the centre of Australia and seeing Ayres Rock/ Uluru landing at the airport. There were times when he would fy to Canberra just for the day when there was boat racing on. Achieving his for Max, as his school days were very sparce specially High School.

In 2001

Max and Marie purchased 2 acres in Sherwood Park, North Casino. It is here in Hereford Drive that they have retired in 2013.

For a short time, Max worked for Keyside Motors in Ballina travelling from North Casino down to Ballina.

Since Max and Marie have retired, they have travelled to a lot of of their lives. Max has taken up singing again at these festivals which he rather enjoys. It was at the Ulmarra Country Music Festival that his good friend Ray Essery encouraged him to get up on stage. A long way from the family farm at Goolmangar, where it was an aspiration and now fully realizing his dream.

Now with 4 children, 10 Grandchildren and 11 Great Grandchildren, what more would you want in life.

Ref: Max and Marie Maher, North Casino22/1/2024