The Northern Rivers Times Newspaper Edition 218

By Tim Howard

Former Clarence Valley Council deputy Mayor Craig Howe has cast his eyes over the feld

the 2024 Clarence Valley Council elections and thinks preferences will play a bigger than usual part

Ballina candidates make their fnal pitch

The candidates for Mayor and councillor in Ballina were invited to make their fnal pitch to voters.

Michelle Bailey

Born and raised in Ballina Shire, known to many as Wittleton

Been in local business for over 25 years employing and supporting locals

Committed to the community. Showcased by Community fundraising involvement, currently President of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Support Group Ballina.

Leadership and effective team skills with role in the successful car show and Love Lennox , highlights ability to coordinate signifcant community initiatives and team collaboration.

Worked in local government many years bringing knowledge / understanding of processes within and between Management and Councillor roles.

I am running, to drive business focus / economic and development growth while working within the Council to implement change, streamline processes and seize opportunities.

A focus to bring the positive vibe to Shire I grew up with, when we had street parades, riverbank events, food festivals

Advocate for safety :Businesses and community through support safety initiatives for those impacted by theft and crime

Envisioning a Council operating with sound business structure, collaboration with community to achieve progress whilst respectful to each other’s views and to our electorate goals

Advocating Business – economic/ development growth opportunities – better DA process

Shire revitalisationsafety and reducing crime initiatives

Supporting projects to bring the positive community vibes back thus strengthening

Community

Facebook: Michelle Bailey, for Ballina Shire

Council

Michelle voting

Preference : Mayor Vote

1 Sharon Cadwallader

(her preferences will not

be shared amongst other candidates in Mayor run) unlike Greens/Labor and Meehan as declared at Lennox Meet the Candidates.

Councillor voting preference: Vote 1

Michelle Bailey 2 Sharon Cadwallader 3. Tom Berry 4 Independent 5 ?? 6?? 7 ??

Phil Meehan

It’s time for positive change. Phil Meehan for Mayor and A Ward councillor.

I have been an A Ward councillor in Ballina for eight years, serving the community in a fairminded way.

I consider each matter on its merits, without taking sides with groups or individuals.

The most important value that guides me is ‘Social Justice’.

It is vital that councillors treat everybody fairly and without bias. I am proud of my record of integrity and achievement.

Ballina Shire has a budget greater than $100 million dollars.

The bottom line, which is always very tight, requires high understanding, careful planning and effcient service delivery.

I have contributed to the council being in a fnancial position that is sustainable into the future.

Understanding community needs and opinions is vital to good representation.

With a family in Ballina that spans four generations I know the needs of all age groups.

Our environment, both locally and globally, is what sustains our lives.

As a councillor, I recognise the community’s concern for climate change and that collectively we must adjust our ways of life to sustain a healthy environment for our children and future generations.

I am a true Independent candidate with no affliations to political parties or electoral groups.

Alexander Sharkey

I’m running for council because I believe Ballina Shire deserves bold, community-driven solutions that help both long-term residents and newcomers thrive.

As a local business owner, renter for eight years, now frst-time homebuyer, and

someone who deeply values this community, I understand the challenges we face: housing affordability, staffng sustainability, supporting local businesses, and maintaining our beautiful natural environment.

I want to ensure that the shire remains a place where everyone—regardless of background—can build a future, support their families, and enjoy the lifestyle we love.

I’ll prioritise affordable housing solutions, push for innovative renewable energy initiatives, and advocate for better infrastructure to meet the demands of our growing population.

Our team, including Kiri Dicker, Simon Chate, and Erin Karsten, has a strong vision for the future, but we need your support to make it happen. Vote Green to make Ballina Shire more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous.

Ward B Preferences

1. Dicker

2. Sharkey

3. Broadley

Kay Oxley

Independent A Ward If elected to Council I will work hard to fnd a solution for the upgrade of the Cumbalum Interchange, campaign for Ballina regarding food mitigation and emergency management, uphold sustainable development principles, support local businesses and focus on community safety, connection and wellbeing.

Highly qualifed, I have worked in senior roles for state government and private industry in the environmental, planning, assessment, regulation, remediation, emergency management and Crown Lands area.

I have been awarded the National Emergency Medal.

My experience and expertise put me at the forefront in making the right decisions on council.

I am active in the Ballina community holding several positions on voluntary committees including a member of the A Ward Council Committee.

I have proactively campaigned for better infrastructure including a shopping village for Cumbalum, Child Care Centre, bus stop facilities, roads and recreational space.

Andrew Broadley

I am proud to be your Labor candidate for Ballina Mayor and B Ward councillor.

It has been a privilege to work and raise my children in this district.

I am hoping to step into this role as mayor, not for a career, but for an opportunity to give back.

For too long, our council has been hampered by division and self interest. I stand for transparency and integrity.

I am here to re-empower the community and restore confdence in the processes of local government.

My successful advocacy has delivered results for public sector workers and local primary industries.

With more than three decades of experience in the classroom, and in my role as president of a local teachers association, I have a working relationship with the NSW State Government and a direct connection with the youth of our community, allowing for more opportunities for our areas families and to help improve the lives of all constituents in this LGA.

The cost of living is the major issue in our area.

This is clearly experienced through the scarcity of affordable housing and energy prices.

As mayor, I will work tirelessly to manage the costs of delivering Council services so that there is no additional burden placed on families in these diffcult times.

I will use my vote on council to ensure that council resources are managed prudently to provide continuity of service to the community.

The health of the Richmond River has been neglected for too long.

Multiple reports have been tabled, the recommendations ignored.

Ballina Council must commission regular water quality testing and publish the results.

In 2019 a report to the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment recommended the establishment of a Richmond River coordinator.

An employee who would work with all stakeholders to coordinate on ground works, arrange funding for repairs and plan for the restoration of the river.

It is imperative that this happens quickly. The new Ballina Council must do

this.

The Richmond River is too important to the economy and our lifestyles to be ignored any longer!

I have experienced life as a member of a working family, balancing the cost of providing for a family while encouraging my children and partner to excel at their chosen activities.

I have the shared experience of many, which is commuting to work on the Bruxner Highway, involvement in local sporting clubs, volunteering in cultural and community activities.

I am here to listen and serve the people of our community, remember, vote for Andrew Broadley, Mayor and B Ward.

Kevin Loughrey

If elected, I will bring a unique set of experience and abilities to Ballina Shire Council.

I graduated from RMC Duntroon with an honours degree in engineering and served for a total of 32 years in the army.

During my service, I conceived, specifed and commenced the introduction of all of the army’s computerised maintenance management systems.

In private enterprise, I frstly held senior appointments in mining, aviation and technology development.

I then created my own companies focused on consultancy services, software development, systems support and the commercialisation of various inventions.

Over the years I have been granted patents in Australia, the USA, China, the EEU and India. My wife and I came to Ballina to be near our grandchildren.

I designed and built our house at Keith Hall.

If elected as councillor, I believe my responsibility is to represent the concerns of my constituents and safeguard their interests; particularly their property rights.

If elected Mayor, I see myself acting as the chairman of a board of directors representing the interests of the shareholders who, in this case, are the residents of the shire.

Most importantly, I feel council’s core role is not so much to regulate but to continued next page

facilitate.

My how to vote card is:

Mayor: Vote 1 Loughrey; 2 Cadwallader; 3 Meehan, 4 Broadley; 5 Dicker.

Councillors: Ward A: Vote 1: Loughrey, 2 Loone, 3 Oxley; 4 Paterson. Ward B: 1 Cadwallader; 2 Bailey; 3 Ramsay; 4 Berry. Ward C: 1 Kinny; 2 Crollick; 3 Barrett.

Mark Paterson

I am standing as a candidate for A Ward and I have Sharon Cadwallader’s endorsement. I likewise endorse her re-election for Mayor.

As a volunteer presenter at 101.9 Paradise FM and as The Computer Guru, I get to put my skills and 50+ years of IT experience

into helping Paradise and many locals with their technology challenges. I have volunteered all of my life and I intend to give back to our wonderful community and to help ensure that Ballina Shire remains in the safe hands of independent locals. I strongly believe that Local Government is all about locals working together to address the needs of locals – it is no place for party politics. My campaign theme is people frst; always with a focus on representing the interests and needs of locals; on the prudent management of our shire’s resources; on working diligently to fnd sensible and effective ways to address the housing shortage; on dealing

with the upsurge in crime, particularly youth crime, and on developing solutions like automation to rectify the signifcant delays with DAs.

I seek to build a resilient, engaged and healthy community so that there is work and opportunity for all - if you agree then I ask that you:

Vote 1 for Mark Paterson, 2 for Damian Loone and 3 for Kay Oxley in A Ward. Absentees

Other candidates who did not meet the deadline for pitches are: Shona Barrett, Tom Berry, Lois Cook, Therese Crollick, Kiri Dicker, Erin Karsten, Simon Kinny, Damian Loone, Maria Marshall, Stephen McCarthy and Eva Ramsay.

Rental pain still acute in Lismore

Lismore has made it into the top 5 of the Rental Pain Index for September 2024 in New South Wales.

And Mark Ezzat, his

“Then I thought, maybe it would be better to come here and go to the inspections.

“However, at every inspection there are at least 10 people, sometimes 20, so there is a lot of competition.”

the report, 38 per cent of income is being spent on rent alone.

Bellingen was at the top of the list where renters in the Mid-North Coast area were paying on average 41 per cent of their income on rent

wife, Caroline, and their little boy, Andy, who is 2.5 years old, are the faces of the pain many renters who are moving to Lismore, are feeling when it comes to fnding accommodation.

“I am facing a big problem,” said Mark.

“Before moving to Lismore, we were living in Tamworth and now we are currently living in a motel while we look for somewhere to live.”

As a pharmacist, Mark and his little family have moved to Lismore to take up work and while, they are excited to start a new life on the Northern Rivers, they are effectively homeless.

“I had started looking for a house here, while I was in Tamworth,” he said.

Mark said his family aren’t looking for a big house, even a unit would be fne.

“We would be happy with just two bedrooms, somewhere in Goonellabah or Lismore Heights,” he said.

With many stories like the Ezzat family, it is no surprise the new data released by Suburbtrends’ Rental Pain Index on Local Government Areas has been described as sobering.

Many regions are still experiencing extreme rental stress due to low vacancy rates and a shortage of affordable rental stock.

Over the last 12 months Lismore has seen a rental increase of eight per cent.

This means that on average, according to

Diary of a Flood Survivor

It boggles the mind when you realise that it has been just over 2.5 years since the devastating foods hit the Northern Rivers. But it is good to know there are still people working to help people move back into their homes.

Recently, Resilient Lismore announced the return of the Repair to Return Project, which has been working to getting homeowners back to their homes.

And while they have already restored over 600 homes to a liveable condition, they want more members in the community to get assistance through this program.

Work they will undertake includes reinstating bathrooms and kitchens, electrical support, resheeting walls, installing and repairing stairs, repairing and replacing foors and providing lockable windows and

doors. You can contact them at their website resilientlismore.org.au or phone 0455 218 692.

The Hands and Hearts Project recently teamed up with the Mid Richmond Neighbourhood Centre in an auspicing partnership to raise essential funds to purchase trades time and materials for home repairs.

Find out more at their website www. handsandheartsproject. com.au.

The Rebuilding NR

2022 initiative has also announced on their Facebook page the revitalisation of their plans dedicated to assisting the original 100 homes on their list. You can fnd out more on their Facebook page Rebuilding NR 2022 Connecting and Supporting the Flood Affected.

As for the stage we are at, we have decided to get more solar panels on our roof, upgrade the front door and fnally get the water tank fxed. It was moved in the food and hasn’t been connected to the house since that time. These are tactics to try and save money in the long run with our electricity bill and water charges. Oh, and also to make the front of the house look nice again. Then we concentrate on getting the downstairs area fxed again, but it is still a long road.

Little steps.

and dealing with a vacancy rate of only 0.8 per cent.

Other more painful areas before Lismore included Fairfeld, Cowra and Singleton. Solutions proposed by the People’s Commission into Australia’s Housing Crisis report include implementing caps on rent increases, abolishing no-cause evictions and enforcing minimum housing standards.

Faith-based groups, such as Sydney Anglican Property (SAP), which manages property assets of the Anglican Church in Sydney, is leveraging its land and buildings for broader community benefts.

SAMANTHA ELLEY

Richmond Valley - Many made it to Meet the Candidates

SAMANTHA ELLEY

It was standing room only at the Casino Arts and Culture Centre in Walker Street as Richmond Valley mayoral and councillor candidates gathered to introduce themselves last week.

Hosted by Bruce Lyle and MCed by ex-Lismore mayor, Jenny Dowell, mayoral candidates were given three minutes to outline their reasons for being deserving of ratepayers’ votes.

This was followed by two minutes for each councillor candidate to speak or be introduced by their group leader. Common topics covered included the need for transparency and accountability, streamlining red tape when it comes to development applications, food mitigation, listening to constituents, waste management, the Northern Rivers Live Stock Exchange, business sustainability, youth crime, housing affordability and water security.

Newcomers, Group C – Lyndall Murray, were quick to point out they were not career politicians but emphasised heavily on listening to residents, with an online survey for people to be a part of at richmondvalleyvoices. org.

Current mayor, Robert Mustow heads Group D and outlined achievements of the council so far, including his availability in his role, where he has attended more than

2,200 events across the Richmond Valley since taking offce.

Current councillor, Robert Hayes leads Group B and is keen to stand again to be able to complete existing projects, with a heavy emphasis on maintaining the status quo.

Previous Richmond Valley Council general manager, John Walker, heads Group A and his team believe now is the time for change, where we can learn from the mistakes of the current council.

Outlier and lone voice, William Drew, made a promise to all voters that he would be the thorn in the side of council, if he were elected. Aware that one person can’t change major policy, his focus will be on calling others to account.

There were a number of questions from the audience as follows with highlighted responses: What do you see as the major challenge for Council and how will you address it?

Group D – Sewerage upgrades, where $10m is being spent in Evans Head very soon.

Group B – Water security. Existing water contracts need to be looked at.

Group C – Community consultation and future planning for natural disasters.

Group A –

Infrastructure delivery and food recovery. Finances need to be looked at.

Mr Drew – Passionate about Salty Lagoon as it is an Aboriginal area and needs cleaning out. What needs to be done about the Casino saleyards?

Group B – the lease set in place is for a long period of time now and will get us to a break even point and that shouldn’t change.

Group C – Advisory group needs to be consulted as rate payers shouldn’t be subsidising a council asset. It should be making money, not costing money.

Group A – The community is in the dark over the details of the saleyards and there should be an independent inquiry.

Mr Drew – No comment.

Group D – The community asked council to lease the saleyards to the real estate agents but we couldn’t do that. Council didn’t make the decision to lease the saleyards. Will community members still need prior approval at council meetings?

Group C – We need 100% transparency

Group A – We need to open up all information sessions to allow public access.

Mr Drew – We need

transparency and as councillors are elected, they should be available to talk to ratepayers.

Group D – Mayor already has an open door policy and current policies are around who can come and talk to council.

Group B – Public access should be through the right channels so certain people aren’t talking on their grievances till midnight. What will you do for the homeless food survivors?

Group A – There are a number of us doing rebuilding as many of us were rejected from government funding.

Mr Drew – No comment.

Group D – Lobby the federal and state governments hard to provide the right funding.

Group B- Fight hard to state and federal governments for funding and processes.

Group C – Work on the front line of food recovery with organisations. Look into acquisition of land for new development.

Will you agree to an industrial incinerator in the LGA?

Unanimous no.

Waste management?

Mr Drew – I am for roadside pickup and vouchers.

Group D – Government charges a levy and

a study showed that kerbside collection costs about $40 per household.

Group B – There is a cost involved and somewhere the ratepayer will pay.

Group C – Resource, not waste. Reduce waste and recycle more. Let’s see it as an asset.

Group A – We can learn to recycle with an emphasis on Armidale’s recycling system.

How will you represent those in other areas apart from where you live?

Group D – The current mayor has proved he is across events in all areas of the Richmond Valley.

Group B – Current councillor is very adamant to connect Casino with lower river area.

Group C – Wants to hear from all people across the Richmond Valley.

Group A – All represents all. It’s not about where you live.

Mr Drew – I will be a thorn in everyone’s side to make sure all are represented. What measures will you take to stop corruption and do you have a personal agenda?

Group B – There is no room for conficting interests as there are processes in place.

Group A – The personal agenda we have is what we are standing for.

Group C – We represent diverse voices not our own agendas.

Mr Drew – I am all about transparency.

Group D – The policies in place are already very strict and with pecuniary and non-pecuniary interests, we believe if there is doubt, we walk out and don’t have any

discussion in the matter at hand.

Flood and storm water and food mitigation?

Group C – We will wait for the CSIRO report and then ask the hard questions. Flood mitigation is critical and we need funding from federal and state governments.

Group A – Great believers in food mitigation and will be open to the CSIRO report suggestions.

Mr Drew – Climate change is making a difference and we should have policies around that. Building dams will help with food mitigation.

Group D – Work is currently underway with Evans Head drainage and Casino will be looked at in time.

Group B – the CSIRO report is so important. Flood mitigation is the answer.

What will you do about roads?

Group A – Roads are the most important thing but it is a matter of money.

Mr Drew – Roads are a priority and I support any work to be done there.

Group D – Roads are a priority. We live in a very high rainfall area and when potholes appear, people need to be patient. It also comes down to funding.

Group B – We have 500km of gravel roads. The road program needs to move quicker than it does but getting workers on road crews has been an issue too.

Group C – We also need to improve consultation with neighbouring councils on shared roads.

TIM HOWARD

Richmond Valley candidates vie for your vote

Candidates for the Richmond Valley Council election have largely organised themselves into four voting groups and have made their pitches to voters accordingly.

John Walker and Group A

John has been a successful executive in local government and the private sector, doing diffcult jobs that require hard decisions.

He has a reputation for leading from the front, getting things done, and delivering what he promises.

John was CEO at fve councils and a Councillor at another. He is a former general manager at RVC where he introduced improvements to its fnances, amenities and services.

Group A has strong links to the Richmond Valley community.

Stuart George Stuart was born and bred in Casino and lived in the area for 95% of his life with strong family and community ties in

Richmond Valley. Reason for standing: I want to see unity between RVC and the community/ ratepayers, especially after the saleyards and the unsettling divisiveness it caused. We need to unify the community again and get back to where the RVC was the envy of the Northern Rivers communities.

Bridge the disconnect and dismantle the perception of arrogance.

Kylie O’Reilly

Kylie is running for Richmond Valley Council with a dedicated team that supports my role while addressing other key areas.

My primary goal is to be a strong advocate for the lower river areas, including vital infrastructure, ensuring these communities receive the attention and resources they need.

Scott Brereton Scott has lived in this community for more than 50 years.

He owned and managed a family tyre and mechanical business for more than 18 years, which they sold in 2022.

I am currently a standing

board member of the Casino RSM Club.

I believe in the importance of listening to the concerns and needs of our residents and working together to fnd solutions that beneft our community. As a councillor, I will prioritise transparency, accountability, and communication with the people I serve.

Anne Toohey

Anne is running for council to bring fresh perspectives and new energy to the council.

Raised on a beef property and now running our family dairy farm business, sheI understands the unique challenges facing the region.

Anne is the company secretary at Casino Food Co-op, (Casino meat works) and has an extensive background in corporate governance at an executive level.

She is passionate about creating an environment where businesses can thrive and backs policies that attract investment, support local businesses, and create jobs that will boost our region’s economy and ensure its

sustainability and growth.

Robert Hayes and Group B

Vote for Group B to keep the lower river area connected to the rest of the Richmond Valley Council.

I have been fortunate to be one of the local representatives for the past 12 years.

During this time on council the councillors have largely worked well together, and we have been able to secure a reasonable amount of funding for projects in the Lower River Area, which has been rewarding and credit to the existing 7 councillors.

We are running a group of non-political candidates, that has a mix of local business people, some with prior council experience and some new candidates who are prominent members of the lower River Community with connections throughout the broader community.

show your support for the good work from the existing council by:

Voting 1 For Robert Hayes for Mayor

Voting 1 for Group B above the line for Lower River councillor representation

To give the entire community a workable council please aid us by: Placing The Number 2 on the mayoral ballot paper beside Robert Mustow and a 2 above the line for Group D If our team are successful we will

• Keep Airforce Beach open to 4 wheel drives

• Maintain the current leasing arrangement for the NRLX and guarantee the operation will not be at any expense to ratepayers.

• Re-visit current water supply contracts to get a balanced water rate across the entire RVC.

• Guarantee that the public get an opportunity to address council prior to a decision to appeal the Iron Gates court decision by having it included as a meeting agenda item.

• Not allow a Waste to Energy incinerator to be established in the RVC.

Thanks to the community Robert Hayes for Group B. Neale Genge Casino/Evans Head I am excited to announce

my candidacy for the Richmond Valley Council. With deep roots in our community and a passion for its continued growth, I am eager to bring my experience and dedication to this important role.

My background includes degrees in Business, Accounting, and Law, and a strong foundation in leadership from my time as the former CEO of the Casino RSM Club.

I have also had the privilege of serving as President of the Casino Chamber of Commerce and Industry, President of the Richmond Valley/ Kyogle Liquor Accord, and as a council member of Southern Cross University.

My current role as CEO of the Evans Head RSL enables me to engage with both the Lower and Mid Richmond communities, while I remain a proud resident of Casino.

I believe my diverse experience will allow me to add signifcant value to the council, particularly in supporting the implementation of its strategic plans.

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continued from page 5

My commitment to our community is unwavering, and I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to its bright future.

Lyndall Murray and Group C

Lyndall Murray is your candidate for mayor bringing 20 years of executive experience in sports, entertainment, and tourism marketing with brands like the Wests Tigers, GWS Giants, NRMA Holiday Parks, AUSTAR TV, and Foxtel.

After moving to the Richmond Valley in 2017, Lyndall ran a successful business consultancy, supporting startups and scale-ups in eCommerce, cyber security, superannuation, tourism, and manufacturing.

During the foods, Lyndall coordinated more than 1100 rescues and aid drops through a makeshift triple zero call centre from her home.

In June 2023, she co-founded a fundraising platform Hands & Hearts Project with Bianca Rayner, raising $185K in cash and $180K in-kind donations to repair 48 homes, with support from Mick Fanning & the Charity Golf Day.

Bianca Rayner

As a ffth-generation Coraki local, Bianca Rayner carries a proud family legacy of community service.

With roots in Coraki dating back to the 1800s, Bianca’s deep connection to the region fuels her commitment to fostering growth and resilience in the Richmond Valley.

Bianca played a pivotal role coordinating an evacuation centre in Coraki during the 2022 foods, and has since worked on the frontline of

the recovery effort.

Bianca is committed to improving outcomes for disadvantaged minorities, particularly youth and families.

Having grown up in a time where Coraki was a vibrant community with local sport played every weekend at Windsor Park, Bianca plans to advocate for a reinvestment in sports infrastructure to bring hockey back to Coraki.

Simone Barker

I am an Aboriginal Education Offcer at the Evans River K-12 School and Traditional Knowledge Holder and Custodian for the Bandjalang People and Bundjalung Nation.

I strongly support public education because of the opportunities it provides for our young people.

I have joined Lyndall Murray’s team as I believe they represent the best opportunity to lift Richmond Valley out of its current socioeconomic disadvantage through progressive housing and social policy, encouragement of diverse economic opportunities and sustainable use of our acknowledged advantage, and our wonderful natural resources.

Samuel Allis I’m passionate about making a positive impact.

Coming from a family of business owners, I learned early on that excuses were unacceptable, and you could achieve anything with determination.

I started working at 15, making coffee, and by 18, I was managing a café bar restaurant.

At 19, I moved to Tabulam, where I gained practical skills in building, welding, fencing, and bushcraft. My love for animals led me to rescue

dogs and study veterinary nursing.

I am running as an independent voice without any party policy infuence with Group C to be a true voice for our community. Richmond Valley has incredible potential, and by promoting a circular economy and sharing our natural assets with visitors, we can thrive.

Kylie Maunder

Kylie Maunder has called the Richmond Valley home for more than 15 years, with time spent in both Evans Head and Rileys Hill.

She grew up in the small village of Drake, where she experienced frsthand the challenges that come with living in regional and rural communities, especially the lack of services and opportunities.

She believes in the importance of supporting rural communities and is committed to advocating for better funding for NGOs that deliver essential services. She is running for Council to help create lasting change, ensuring that the community thrives for the next generation.

Nathan Scully

Nathan Scully, born and raised in Casino, has been a dedicated member of the Richmond Valley community since beginning his butcher apprenticeship in his hometown in 1995.

Nathan is committed to the development of grassroots sports and has been instrumental in enhancing the Richmond Valley’s sporting facilities, making them some of the best in the Northern Rivers.

His work aligns with local government policies focused on improving community sports infrastructure and

bringing larger sporting events to the area, thereby boosting both community engagement and local pride.

Hanabeth Luke

I am passionate about improving the ability of our rural communities to actively respond to change, while maintaining what keeps them special.

Richmond Valley Voices is an important forum to have a say and express your views about what you would like to see from our next council.

We need fresh faces on council – smart young people who know, love and value what makes our towns and our region special. I would like to see safe homes become a reality for all of us, including from domestic violence, crime and natural disasters.

Councils can and should play a strong advocacy role in ensuring that the basic needs of all community members are met.

Robert Mustow and Group D

Robert was born in Casino and schooled at Casino Public and Casino High, and was a panel beater by trade.

He owned and operated my successful smash repair business for 15 years.

Since becoming mayor I am very proud of the council’s achievements during some very trying times, drought, horrifc bushfres, covid, six natural disasters, including the 2022 devastating food event. Each of these challenges has tested our community, but they have also highlighted our collective strength and commitment to recovery and rebuilding.

I acknowledge that

the path ahead remains challenging yet I am confdent in our ability to overcome these obstacles together.

With the council’s focus on housing, intergenerational infrastructure renewal (sewer and water), economic development and attracting business, I am hopeful children fnishing their schooling will be able to fnd employment in our Local Government Area instead of needing to leave.

Steve Morrissey

Born and raised in Casino, I attended St Mary’s Primary School and Marist Brothers’ High School before becoming a butcher, running my own shop for 17 years.

Happily married to Angela, I take pride in our three children, two of whom live in Casino with our grandson.

Throughout the years, I have participated in numerous sports, notably as a member of the Casino Rugby League ‘Cougars’, along with playing cricket, touch football, squash and basketball.

My community involvement spans over 25 years at Jumbunna Community Preschool and Early Intervention Centre, including a decade on the board and currently as vice president.

Currently serving as deputy mayor, I am proud of this council’s achievements and what is planned for the Richmond Valley’s future.

Sandra DuncanHumphrys I’ve been a councillor on and off, since 2000 and am standing for re-election, as I’d like to be involved in the progress of plans and projects developed and designed over the past

Square Dancing

Do you love music, movement and meeting new people? en you should join us for square dancing! Square dancing is a fun and easy way to exercise your body and mind, while making friends and having a blast. No experience or partner needed, just bring yourself and your enthusiasm. We’ll teach you everything you need to know, step by step, in a friendly and supportive environment.

Come to the Lismore Presbyterian Church Hall, 188 Keen Street, Lismore, Tuesday nights 7pm to 9 pm. $12pp. First night is free. Commencing 24 September. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover the joy of square dancing. You’ll be hooked in no time!

few years. Knowing that the Regional Job Precinct Master Plan alone has the potential to build on economic prosperity throughout the Valley, I believe it is important to maintain forward momentum.

Volunteering within the community began in 1994 as the inaugural secretary for COWFM107.9. It was an honour to have been awarded Life Membership a few years ago.

It was also an amazing experience to be the president of Casino Beef Week 2001. Fast forward to 2024, the Casino Country Music Muster was a new venture for me. I believe this event has the potential to spread new tourism dollars throughout the Valley as the ‘Fans in Vans’ explore all the wonders of our Valley. Getting on with the job would be a priority for me.

Sam Cornish Having served the Richmond Valley for the past eight years as an elected member, the current council and I have helped secure $200 million worth of State and Federal funding to better improve infrastructure and liveability within the Richmond Valley, including disaster recovery funding in the wake of droughts, bushfres, pandemics, and fooding.

During my time on council, it has been pleasing to deliver multiple signature projects including, NRLX upgrade, Woodburn Riverside Park upgrade, Evans Head lookout and Stan Payne Oval upgrade, Coraki Riverside Park, Casino Memorial Baths, and most recently the Casino to Bentley section of the Northern River Rail Trail.

SAMANTHA ELLEY

Imagine you need to leave your family in the middle of the night. It all happens so quickly that you don’t have time to pack, or you don’t have anything to take with you.

You are sent to an emergency foster care home and you turn up without any clothes, toiletries or toys.

This is the experience of many young people on the Northern Rivers whose lives, due to circumstances beyond their control, are not settled in their homes.

Rotary Club of Lismore Networking, in conjunction with CASPA, are working to at least give the children some security thanks to the Smiley Suitcases project.

“The Smiley Suitcase

Group A

John Walker

Smiley suitcases for vulnerable children

idea came from an article in the Women’s Weekly,” said Rotary Club of Lismore Networking’s media and publicity offcer, Kerry Leitch.

“They had hope in a suitcase and I got information on what they did and how we could do something similar here in Lismore.”

The project involves packing age and gender appropriate bags with clothes, toys, books and toiletries that are given to the children when they have to go into emergency foster care.

“The bags then belong to those children and they take everything with them,” said Kerry.

“The way it works is CASPA gives us a ring, lets us know the age of the child in need and our Smiley Suitcase coordinator, Maureen Williams, purchases the articles and buys the bag

and continually liaises with CASPA.

“We support newborns to 16-year-olds and last year we assisted four new babies who had to go into emergency care.”

The club recently won the Best New Project Award for their work.

Due to the ongoing need to raise money to fund the project, the rotary club is holding a Bootscootin’ at the Bowlo night to be held at the Lismore City Bowling Club on September 14, starting at 6.30pm.

“Last year we had a Bollywood theme, so this year we are bootscooting,” laughed Kerry.

“We had about 100 people last year, so hope to get the same again.

“There will be a DJ, a line dancing demonstration and plenty of prizes to be won.”

Kerry said if they raise $2000 this would mean they would be able to support CASPA for another year.

“We receive feedback from CASPA that the kids are overwhelmed by their new cases,” said Kerry.

“This gives them their own possessions that belong to them. It empowers them.”

To support this wonderful cause, you can buy your tickets at https://www.trybooking. com/CTULM by 9th September at $50 each.

If you would like to donate to Lismore Rotary directly for the Smiley Suitcases, go to: Rotary club of Lismore Networking BSB 728-728 Ac 22331838 Please put Smiley Suitcases and your last name in the information.

Richmond Valley- John Walker

I am a candidate for Mayor and the leader of the “A Time for Change Group”. I frst moved to the Richmond Valley after being appointed as council’s General Manager in late 2011. I left temporarily to be closer to my family in WA for a few years but returned to Casino 3 years ago because my wife and I chose it as the place we wanted to live for the rest of our lives and because of the extensive friendships we had made here.

I am running for council because I am

passionate about my community, believe there is so much more that can be done to improve the Richmond Valley and believe the current council has become increasingly disconnected from community with a lack of transparency and openness. I want to serve with a talented and independent group of people who are successful in their own right and will always speak up for what they believe. My group of candidates is just that. The urgent issues are:

• Increased transparency and

openness at all meetings by allowing public access and questions at all meetings and making information sessions open. The council is too secretive.

• Fresh ideas and new energy. Independent

voices that challenge

• An independent review and publication of all aspects of the Casino Saleyards fasco

• Acceleration of food recovery efforts

• Streamlining planning and development processes to improve the current shoddy outcomes

John is an experienced and successful senior executive across both local government and the private sector. He is known for his ability to deliver on his promises and get things done. He is currently CEO of Casino RSM Club

Goodbye to Terania Street Rail Bridge

ROBERT HEYWARD

The disused rail-overroad bridge on Terania Street in Lismore is set for demolition starting Monday, 16 September, with plans to reopen the street to all traffc by mid-October.

Terania Street has faced intermittent closures for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists since late last year due to vehicle strikes that damaged the bridge, leaving it unsafe.

The street remains closed to heavy vehicles.

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffn expressed relief that the demolition is moving forward, particularly for local motorists and businesses impacted by the closures.

“It’s taken time due to the heritage listing of the bridge, but now that the Heritage Council of NSW has processed the application, work can begin,” she said.

Road Closures and Detours

During demolition, Terania Street will be closed to all traffc between Tweed and Peat streets from Monday until work is completed, expected by 18 October.

• Heavy and light vehicles will be detoured via Wilson Street, Elliott Road, and Ballina Road.

• Light vehicles can access Bridge and Terania streets via Dawson and Woodlark streets. These roads are unsuitable for heavy vehicles. Motorists

should allow up to 10 extra minutes for their journey.

• Pedestrians and cyclists can detour via Pine, Crane, and Tweed streets.

Motorists are advised to plan ahead, drive to conditions, and follow signs and traffc control directions.

Transport for NSW thanked motorists for their patience during the demolition process.

CVC Candidates make their fnal pitch to voters

The Northern Rivers Times has asked each candidate for Clarence Valley Council to make a fnal pitch to votes ahead of Saturday’s poll.

They’ve also been asked to provide how to vote information to give voters an idea of the shape of the council they would like to work in.

Andrew Baker

When frst elected to council in 2012 my outlook was quite simple. I wanted a better standard of governance and the governing body to focus on fundamentals - such as; fnancial restraint, the roads, water supply and sewer systems, food mitigation infrastructure, rubbish and the effcient handling of development and building applications.

Once elected; councillors were soon informed the previous two terms of council had simply borrowed – some $30 million – to cover spending every year in excess of income.

A bigger shock was to come soon enough when a state government audit revealed council was not Fit for the Future and required drastic action.

By the end of my second term on council in 2021 after nine-plus years, many tough decisions, cutbacks, a Special Rate Variation (increase) about half that originally proposed, council was assessed Fit for the Future.

That delivered this latest term of council a fnancially strong organisation with debt

down to safe working levels and capacity to increase debt if necessary.

Having had those previous two terms as councillor until almost three years ago and having watched this recent term with great interest, I think I can offer much more yet as a councillor.

Des Schroder

A vote for me is a vote for experience. I’ve held executive director positions for more than 20 years at both state and local government level; the last 14 as a director at this council attending more than 300 council meetings before retiring three years ago.

Council is a huge diverse business of enormous complexity spending more than $150 million dollars a year, employing more than 500 staff, where you want to know you have put it in good hands.

I know our communities backwards every village, town and our city. I have cried with many of you in our villages as we recovered from the terrible fres in 2019, and the foods too, and I know how important safe roads are to all of us.

I have consulted with you, designed services and provided major infrastructure upgrades.

I have a strong relationship with the Aboriginal community and I pledge my ongoing support.

I don’t just watch I participate in our communities contributing more than

500 volunteer hours a year. I am vice president for the Jacaranda committee and a big supporter of our youth, I’m on the Country University and the CVAS Boards. In council I facilitated bringing Headspace and the PCYC to us.

My policies are simple I want to see a cohesive inclusive united council supporting all our communities; delivering services cost effectively with high staff morale; providing affordable and social housing; supporting our amazing youth and a strong cultural sector.

I understand the cost of living pressures on all of us and the importance of keeping costs down, and supporting a thriving small business sector.

Vote 1 - three up from bottom of the ballot for Des Schroder for Experience.

Justin James

It is no secret that one of my main focus points will be the Valley’s Small business and economy, promoting new business ventures in the Clarence Valley and to simplify business operations for those already established here. Our region boasts numerous exceptional attributes that are under utilised. We must spotlight these features to attract tourism and new residents, thereby fostering a thriving local economy.

It is however important to note that if elected, my commitment to transparency will be unwavering.

By implementing clear communication, fostering public engagement, making information accessible, practicing proactive disclosure, building a culture of openness, establishing feedback mechanisms, and upholding ethical standards, I aim to build trust and accountability between the council and the community.

Whether my perspectives are agreeable or not, I am dedicated to being open and transparent in all my dealings.

Lynne Cairns

My husband, Bob, and I lived in Grafton for 20 years and retired to Yamba 11 years ago.

With Bob’s engineering background in the Valley’s food mitigation and highway upgrades, along with my broad experience encompassing infrastructure, planning and natural resources, compliance, information technology, and aged care and welfare services, I’m well equipped to undertake responsibilities as a councillor.

I have advocated for people across the Clarence Valley, listening, engaging, and caring for our community.

People have sought my assistance, with formulating reports and letters.

I am strong, resilient, honest and open and possess good coping skills.

My key aims include improving community consultation, ensuring sustainable development and affordable housing in appropriate locations, responsible spending of ratepayers’ money, opposing special rate variations and lobbying for improved health services.

I will promote a healthy environment including opposition to all mining in the Valley and protection of our waterways and am against detrimental impacts on residents’ lives and livelihoods.

A high priority for me is to rebuild confdence and trust in our council, working

collaboratively as a team, in the best interest of the community.

My preferences are 1. Lynne CAIRNS, 2. Cristie YAGER, 3. Melissa HELLWIG 4. Greg CLANCY and 5. Ray SMITH. https://www.facebook. com/LynneCairnsCVC/

Ray Smith

With more than 50 years of local government experience and a wealth of knowledge on local government legislation, regulations and procedures, combined with my continuing strong desire to serve my community, evidenced by my membership of Rotary over the past 30 years, I believe that I would be an effective councillor and, in a position, to contribute in a positive way to the future of the Clarence Valley.

My focus is on the future with a strong emphasis on achieving the objectives identifed in the Community Strategic Plan - The Clarence 2032 in the areas of Environment, Leadership, Infrastructure, Society and Economy. I have not shown preferences on my How to Vote card because I do not want to create a perception within the community that I have any pre-conceived alliances.

If elected I will work with the other eight councillors in a cohesive and collaborative manner.

The only promise I can make is that I will do my best on behalf of the Clarence Valley community and I will strive to reinstall faith and confdence in the council by being honest, open, transparent and accountable.

VOTE 1 Ray Smith.

Cristie Yager

I’ve run my campaign backwards. I let you get to know me; So, you knew who you’d be electing.

It has taken me eight months to participate, observe, listen and learn, fguring out what WE all need moving forward as a community.

Should I be elected I am

going to ask my fellow councillors to.

• recognise the costof-living crisis, make decisions accordingly.

• support reintroducing community hall meetings, address community in person to discuss contentious and large projects.

• support in transforming dropin sessions into presentations followed by questions.

• support visiting contentious developments to see and experience, in person.

• request information put out to the community be simplifed.

• value fairness in the distribution of services and infrastructure maintenance across our entire LGA.

• help me hold council staff to a higher standard of accountability.

• make items of interest known to the community members of which proposals directly effect.

• support me in regaining the trust of our community.

• help bring back community spirit.

• consider the impacts their choices have on our environment.

• support acting on behalf of our community not our council.

• put community before corporations.

• people before profts. This is our Valley, this is our council, we must improve.

So please, vote 1 Yager.

Peter Johnstone

I am an experienced councillor with a year’s experience as Mayor.

My attention to detail, respect for others and intelligent contribution to debate has been observed directly by many in the community and can be seen by anyone on the recordings of meetings.

As a leader, I show compassion, kindness and empathy to others, and seek to develop and celebrate the strengths of others.

I am a keen participator in the community. An RFS frefghter who has fought fres in almost every part of the Clarence Valley and a

continued next page

committee member of a sporting club.

As a councillor I attended all the councillor visits to the smaller communities in the valley and as Mayor I attended every community event I was invited to - unless already committed to another event elsewhere.

As Mayor I have represented the Clarence Valley to state and federal politicians and agencies and formed excellent working relationships with the Mayors of neighbouring LGAs.

However, I have only just started and with more time I could do so much more.

Please give me your number 1 vote to ensure that I continue as a councillor.

If you are a future councillor, please vote for me as Mayor.

Debrah Novak

We should elect nine people who represent and embody the diversity and values of our unique Clarence Valley, from the coast to our hinterland.

As we navigate changes

beyond our making, we need leaders who respect our past, are prepared and fexible for the future, and who are committed to listening and learning from our community to ensure everyone feels heard.

When elected, councillors pledge to uphold the Local Government Act, follow regulations and statutory requirements, complete mandatory training, and adhere to a strict code of conduct.

This professional framework supports our local democracy, enabling constructive debate, informed discussions, and the opportunity to guide the community through important policies and council decisions.

Importantly, electing councillors is not the end of your involvement. Local government operates as a ‘participatory’ democracy, unlike state and federal levels. You the people are our eyes and ears, and your voice is essential to shaping decisions, and ongoing input from

residents is vital for addressing the issues that matter to you and our community.

I encourage everyone to remain engaged and continue sharing their perspectives on the future of our community whatever the outcome of this election.

I have not done:

• a ‘How to Vote Card’

• any deals to be elected

• any posters or t-shirts

Amanda Brien

I am standing for election to Clarence Valley Council because I believe in a connected and supported community.

I believe in approaching decisions with a focus on core values:

• reducing social isolation to support a safe, well and healthy community

• strengthening our local economy to support wellbeing

• strengthening planning for natural disaster risk to protect our community

• balancing economy and environment.

I have committed

my life to the service of youth and families through education. Through my work in state government infuencing what education looks like for NSW kids and teachers, I have an understanding of what it means to listen and refect our different needs in the decisions our council makes for our community.

I bring perspectives beyond the Clarence Valley to help address issues with new ideas. I represent that authentic difference our community says they need.

If this resonates with you, when you vote, go to the last name on the list on the ballot paper and place the number “1” in the square next to “BRIEN Amanda”. Then place the numbers “2”, “3”, “4”, “5” next to 4 other names to make your vote count.

Greg Clancy I would ask for your number one vote on September 14 to allow me to continue my work on council in protecting the area’s unique natural

values and in supporting the community.

I have achieved many things in my eight years on council despite often being a lone voice.

I was able to get a Biodiversity Advisory Committee established as was the inaugural chair.

I also chaired the Community Climate Change Committee and the Coast and Estuary Committee. I was deputy mayor and am a member of the Northern Region Planning Panel.

I had my notice of motion to divest from banks that support fossil fuels approved.

I lobbied for ending development on foodplains and supported a Biodiversity Committee motion to lobby the state government to transition from native forest logging to plantations. The logging motion was lost with me being the only councillor supporting it, but it raised the issue publicly and it will eventually happen.

I have responded to numerous emails and ‘phone calls

from members of the community and will continue to be the voice of local people on council.

I have taken a strong stand on many issues and am not a ‘rubber stamp’ with respect to council decisions.

James Allan

I have always been a leader, from sport to business and now as a member of my community who, through genuine care and a sense of civic duty, has spent years working toward an improved business landscape with the Yamba chamber of commerce.

I believe that the people of the Clarence Valley, whether you are a business owner, an employee, a retiree or a youth need leadership from their council.

A council who inspires its community to work together to become all it can be and a council who the community knows it can trust.

With me as a councillor this is what you will get.

continued page 12

continued from previous page

Honesty, hard work and care for my fellow citizens, treating each individual the way I would expect to be treated is how I live my life and run my business and this is what I will bring to the table as a councillor.

I will work with my fellow councillors to do what is right, not what is easy.

councillors to fnd ways to increase infll so there can be more affordable housing options. Affordable housing is a complex issue which council needs to investigate.

I will work with the mayor and councillors to streamline DA approvals on small lots and speed up the building approval process.

choose to stand alone and who are authentic.

I’m looking forward to these people being elected. They are a diverse, caring and interesting bunch who also appear to be mild and measured.

I suggest voting for (listed alphabetically)

record of serving my community; I stood with our community to try to save the Ulmarra Ferry, and as a director on the board of Arts Northern Rivers, I played a key role in promoting and supporting the arts and creative sector.

There are many great councils all up and down the NSW coast, we must take pride in our town centres and ensure they are beautiful, safe and inviting, for our residents and for visitors alike, we must also protect the natural beauty of the region so that it can be enjoyed and adored for generations to come. Vote 1 for James Allan for a vibrant and amazing future.

Shane Causley I would like you to vote for me.

I am a local. I have lived in the Clarence Valley all my life. I know the area and understand local issues. I am a cane farmer from Warregah Island.

I am a family man. I have been married to my wife Tracy for 29 years. I have two children and fve grandchildren.

I am passionate about the area we live in and will fght to have its natural beauty, and the relaxed lifestyle of our communities maintained. We need sustainable development; we don’t want development to overwhelm our infrastructure.

I will advocate for all the clarence valley, primary producers, small businesses, sporting groups and local communities.

I will advocate to have money invested in local communities to improve lifestyle and liveability.

I would like to see the Clarence River Way Masterplan 2, which was adopted by council in 2021, completed.

This is important for our smaller communities and helps showcase our magnifcent river.

If elected I will work with the mayor and

The way in which council communicates their activities to the public needs to be improved and I will work with the new council to improve this.

Openness and accountability should be forefront. The council should listen to the residence that live in the communities I will advocate to have our road network maintained to an acceptable level.

I am a hard worker, honest and willing to represent you on the new council.

I will work with all councillors and the mayor to bring positive outcomes for our communities.

Melissa Hellwig I’m going to be direct: people should vote for me because I value integrity above all.

I am a political moderate and good listener.

I may not have much wow factor–I am the kind of classic invisible, middle-aged woman that people often underestimate.

From a life perspective, I’m a bit of a contradiction and am not at all interested in parochial pigeon-holing.

I’m extremely local (since 1856) and madly passionate about the Valley yet only new back to town, having spent more of my life overseas and interstate than here.

I’m a super-practical farmer and yet idealist and sometimes artist. I like to keep ‘em guessing !

I lean towards new candidates over old.

I haven’t done a “how to vote card.” I chose early-on to try to remain fairly independent.

That said, I do have favourites. Those who provoke, who often

Allan, Cairns, Clancy, HELLWIG and Yager as your fve or part of your top nine.

Karen Toms

I have 16 years’ experience as a councillor for the Clarence Valley.

I am seeking your support once more so I can continue serving our community.

My passion is disability inclusion, and I am grateful for the dedication of each member of Council’s Access Advisory Committee.

We have worked hard to increase the liveability of our communities. There is so much more to do like providing better beach access for all, providing better footpaths, shared paths and bike lanes as set out in our recently adopted Active Transport Strategy.

I have focused on reducing debt and effciency savings, made tough decisions with councillor colleagues putting us in a place where we are now delivering replacements of the old assets no longer meeting the needs of our community. Treelands Drive

Community Precinct, a new accessible Aquatic Centre to replace the old Grafton pool and a modern 270-tiered seating auditorium Maclean Cultural Centre are all long-term community aspirations.

I have a positive attitude and have demonstrated my ability to get things done.

This term, council has delivered an impressive list of achievements that make me proud.

Our staff are our greatest asset, and I thank them for their contribution to our success.

Steve Pickering

I have a proven track

I worked with the City of Coffs Harbour to renew our Bulk Regional Water Supply Agreement, a review that was long overdue.

I have made personal representations to the Parliamentary Inquiry into the Insurers’ Response to the 2022 Floods, the Federal Government Regional Telecommunications Review, and the NSW Productivity Commission investigation into Water Funding.

I am committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive community, making thoughtful planning decisions, and taking a measured approach to environmental issues. If re-elected, I will continue advocating for, supporting, and encouraging our artists and creators.

I will focus on improving communication with the community and completing key projects like the Grafton Pool, Treelands Drive Community Centre, and the Maclean Cultural Centre.

Once these projects are completed, we can shift our focus to future initiatives, such as water fltration, constructing the Nymboida Weir fsh ladder, enhancing active transport links for walkers, cyclists, and people with mobility aids, and ensuring all-inclusive beach access for everyone. I am civic-minded and driven to serve our community.

Vote 1 – Steve Pickering, and remember to choose at least four other candidates. For a strong, progressive, responsible council, vote 1 Steve Pickering.

Abentees

Phil Provest and Alison Whaites had not submitted pitches by the paper’s deadline.

New Roundabout to Improve Byron TAFE Access Road and Byron Arts and Industry Estate

Byron Shire Council will begin construction of a new roundabout at the intersection of the access road to the new Byron TAFE and Byron Bay Fair (IGA complex) on Bayshore Drive starting at the end of September. The project, part of the $2.4 million development, is required under the Development Application (DA) for Council’s Lot 12 Bayshore Drive estate, where the new Byron TAFE facility is located.

The construction, expected to take around fve months, will include:

• Building the roundabout

• Road and footpath improvements

• Garden bed installations

• Replacement of kerbs and gutters

• Installation of lighting

• Water and sewer infrastructure upgrades

These upgrades complement recent improvements to Bayshore Drive between Grevillia Street and Banksia

Drive in the Byron Arts and Industry Estate, including roadworks, footpath upgrades, and parking enhancements.

Phil Holloway, Council’s Director of Infrastructure Services, emphasized that while the roundabout is a necessary part of the development, efforts will be made to minimize disruptions to local businesses and residents. “One lane will remain open for local traffc, and traffc management plans will be in place to lessen impacts.”

Holloway added that businesses and residents, especially those around Byron Bay Fair, are understandably concerned about the potential economic and traffc disruptions.

“We’ll work closely with businesses to support them during the project, and we encourage everyone to keep shopping and using the services at Byron Bay Fair— everything will remain open for business as usual.”

Lismore Confrmed as One of Two Regional Drug Summit Forum Locations

ROBERT HEYWARD

Regional Health Minister Ryan Park has confrmed that Lismore will host one of the NSW Government’s two Drug Summit regional forums on Monday, 4 November.

These regional forums are designed to ensure that the unique experiences of communities in regional NSW are refected in the larger discussions at the Drug Summit.

The summit will bring together a diverse range of participants, including medical experts, police, individuals with lived experience, drug user

organizations, families, and service providers. These forums aim to build consensus on how NSW should address drug use and the associated harms.

Minister Park also announced that former NSW Deputy Premier Carmel Tebbutt and former NSW Leader of the Opposition John Brogden will co-chair the NSW Drug Summit. The Co-Chairs will collaborate with attendees to develop and prioritize solutions focused on improving community health, safety, justice, and integrated social support systems.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“Bringing the summit to regional areas like Lismore is essential because drug use impacts communities in different ways.”

“It’s important that Lismore’s experiences with illicit drug use are refected in the summit’s deliberations.”

“Janelle [Saffn] has been a strong advocate for her community, and it’s ftting that we can return to hear from Lismore in 2024.”

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffn added:

“I’m thrilled that Lismore will be hosting one of the two regional

forums of the Drug Summit.”

“We have unique challenges here, and I am determined that Lismore’s voice will be heard in this statewide conversation.”

“In 1999, I participated in a successful Drug Summit, and I am excited to bring forward local perspectives once again in 2024.”

The Lismore forum will be an opportunity for local voices to contribute to a broader statewide effort aimed at addressing drug use and improving public health outcomes across NSW.

LGNSW Welcomes Progress on Councillor Conduct Framework Review

the long-standing discussions around the need for such reforms.

Local Government NSW (LGNSW) has expressed strong support for the next step in the review of the Councillor Conduct Framework, following the release of the Discussion Paper by Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig. The paper outlines potential reforms aimed at enhancing integrity, transparency, and trust within local government.

LGNSW President Darriea Turley AM welcomed the framework, acknowledging its importance for councils and highlighting

“This is a signifcant step forward in maintaining the highest standards of probity across all levels of local government,” Turley said. She added that LGNSW looks forward to collaborating with councils and the government to ensure that the fnal framework works for everyone, ensuring effciency, clear expectations for elected offcials, and confdence for the community.

Key highlights of the proposed framework include:

• Reduction in Costs: The framework

may reduce costs by eliminating the need for private investigators. Instead, complaints about conficts of interest would be directed to the Offce of Local Government (OLG), while complaints about misbehaviour would go to a Local Government Privileges Committee.

• Mayoral Powers: Mayors would gain additional powers to sanction councillors for disorderly conduct during meetings. However, signifcant penalties like suspension or disqualifcation would only be issued by appropriate bodies like the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal

(NCAT), rather than by a government offcial.

Turley emphasized the importance of all councils reviewing the Discussion Paper and submitting feedback before the 15 November deadline, despite the busy lead-up to the 14 September council elections.

The Councillor Conduct Framework Discussion Paper is available for review on the Offce of Local Government website.

JEFF GIBBS

Preferences will be vital in Clarence poll

candidate of choice. But more on that later.

Some of your candidates don’t want anything to do with them, others wish they could ignore them and some will live and die for them.

They’re preferences and they are what are troubling the minds of a good number of candidates as time ticks away toward Saturday’s Clarence Valley Council election.

We talked with former Clarence Valley Council deputy mayor and election tragic Craig Howe about how preferences could play out in this year’s vote.

Mr Howe, who served two terms on council and fnished as deputy mayor in 2016, has been happy to step away from local government, but he maintains a fascination with the electoral process.

At each local government election since 2016 he’s created and moderated a Facebook pages, Clarence Valley meet the candidates, where people can ask candidates pertinent questions about their reasons for running.

The page also runs mock poll where people can “vote” for their

Mr Howe said the 2024 poll differs from any of the elections he has contested or witnessed since 2008.

“I can’t see there being a ‘Richie vote’,” he said, referring to the wildly popular vote the current Clarence MP Richie Williamson attracted when he stood for council from 2005 to 2021.

“When Richie left in 2021, people wondered who was going to pull those big numbers and it was Jeff Smith.”

He said the crucial thing was candidates reaching their quota.

The quota is determined by frst dividing the aggregate number of formal frst preferences by one more than the number of candidates to be elected. The quotient (disregarding the fraction) is increased by 1 to give the quota.

The NSW Electoral Commission has the number of electors in Clarence standing at 41,890.

In the voting system used in local elections once a candidate reach his or her quota the preferences were distributed to other candidates. Continued

“Greg’s in one, Hellwig two, and Lynne Cairns three.” He said. “But then, if you look at Hellwig, she’s gone her one, and then Lynne Cairns at two, which what they’re hoping will happen is Greg’s preferences will fow from him to Hellwig, and then she’ll get her quota, and then the rest of them will fnd Greg’s will fow down to them.”

about 35 votes cast.

“It’s too small to be a really good sample at the moment,” he said.

“But even in 35 votes you can see a trend and at the moment some of those trends are very interesting and might worry a few candidates.”

candidates also received the preferences of candidates who were eliminated during counting.

Mr Howe said it anyone was going to poll big numbers this year it would most likely be someone well known in Grafton.

“Jeff Smith got it, and that’s because he owned the ice cream shop in Prince Street,” he said.

“You got a lot of votes from Grafton, and Grafton the big voter base, you know. So that that’s why I think Ray Smith might be a chance to pull in those sort of numbers.”

But Mr Howe said while this year Ray Smith and shared a surname, the recognition

factor might not be the same.

“He hasn’t been around for a while, either, so maybe, you know, the younger people don’t necessarily know him,” he said.

He said Greg Clancy might be a chance to poll well, but he doubted if the numbers would as high as Williamson’s or Smith’s in previous elections.

But he said a new candidate might consider joining a ticket with someone like Dr Clancy, who has served two terms on the council.

Mr Howe said if you looked at the how to vote choice of candidate Mellissa Hellwig and Lynne Cairns you could see that pattern.

But Mr Howe said these ideas were conditional on candidates reaching their quotas, which might not happen.

He said there a lot of candidates from down river, who would be contesting a smaller voter base.

“It might not shape up this way at all,” Mr Howe said. “Voters might decide they want a balanced council and decide to pick someone from the conservative side and some from the not-so-conservative side.

“So then you have someone like Cristie Yager or Amanda Brien. Where do they ft into that.

“It could be the preferences don’t follow the how to vote cards and go everywhere.”

Mr Howe said his Facebook poll had been disappointing so far, with

Pushed to tip who he thought might make the council this year, Mr Howe said Ulmarra’s Cristie Yager was his bolter.

“She’s done very well getting recognition on social media and I like what she’s saying’ he said.

“She seems to be a person who cares about people and that’s what people want.”

Of the incumbents he thinks the Mayor Peter Johnstone would be reelected, despite his rocky start to the leadership role.

He thought Steve Pickering and Debrah Novak were also likely to be re-elected but thought some of the incumbents might struggle.

“With the ones that retired this time, there could be fve maybe even six new faces on council when the counting’s down,” he said.

RRISK Program Returns to Equip Teens with Life-Saving Skills

ROBERT HEYWARD

High school students in Northern NSW will soon have the chance to gain crucial knowledge about safe driving, drugs, alcohol, peer infuence, and partying as the Reduce Risk and Improve Student Knowledge (RRISK) webinars return this November. Registrations are now open for Year 11 students to participate in the webinars, which

will be held from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM on November 13, 14, and 15, 2024. Kathryn Watson, Acting Director of Integrated Care and Allied Health at Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD), emphasized the importance of the program. “The purpose of these webinars is to help young people stay safe on our roads and at parties. They learn how to support their

friends and make safer decisions,” said Ms. Watson.

In NSW, young drivers under the age of 26 represent 14% of all licence holders but account for nearly 25% of accidental road fatalities. RRISK, a locally developed program, has been addressing these alarming statistics for over 20 years. Research shows that RRISK has a signifcant impact, with a 13-year study revealing that

participants are 24% less likely to experience a crash and 42% less likely to crash at night compared to nonparticipants. To enhance the program’s effectiveness, participating schools receive lesson plan ideas to supplement the webinars. These include life-saving skills like placing someone in the recovery position, responding to drug and alcohol-related emergencies, and understanding the risks

of vaping.

In addition to safety advocate Paul Dillon from Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia, the webinars will feature contributions from NRMA and Southern Cross University, offering students a wellrounded educational experience.

Last year, over 2100 students from 28 schools took part in the program, with around 80% of participants reporting increased confdence

in their ability to stay safe while celebrating or driving. Follow-up surveys conducted fve months after the webinars showed students engaging in signifcantly more protective behaviours, such as looking out for intoxicated friends and calling for medical help when necessary.

Schools can now register for the RRISK program by visiting healthupnorth.info/ RRISK24

Former Clarence Valley Council deputy Mayor Craig Howe has cast his eyes over the feld for the 2024 Clarence Valley Council elections and thinks preferences will play a bigger than usual part in deciding who will be on the next council.

TIM HOWARD

Alpaca Picnic at the Summer Land Bush Festival - September 14

JEFF GIBBS

The price we pay for beauty

Title: Cassie’s Song

Author: Robert Barclay

Price: $34.95

Publisher: New Found

Books By Samantha Elley

This is the third book in the trilogy of three very strong women who overcome adversity and celebrate the wins through their lives.

I’ve already reviewed The Diary of Katy Yehonala and The Girl in the Orphanage and Cassie’s Song is the next instalment.

One woman needs to overcome the tragic murder of her husband, one is a world famous concert pianist and the third is passionately fghting for the environment against greedy corporations who are exchanging the life of the world’s rainforests for short term gain.

Katy returns to England where she was

Join us at Summer Land Camels in the Scenic Rim for an unforgettable celebration of country life at this year’s Summer Land Bush Festival! Happening on September 14, the event highlights the United Nations International Year of Camelids, focusing on camels, alpacas, and llamas.

What to Expect:

The country market is a treasure trove for early Christmas shoppers, featuring over 100 stalls packed with food, gifts, baked goods, relishes, clothing, and more—most sourced from regional and rural Queensland. The festival atmosphere is made even better with live music, delicious food, and breathtaking views from Summer Land Camels. Sample local wines, beers, vodkas, and gins, showcasing the best of Queensland’s produce. Festival Highlights:

educated and enjoys the English countryside, but thinks nothing of visiting the glamorous fashion capitals of the world with her famous daughter Clara, nor traipsing through the prehistoric rainforests with Cassie.

Each of them must face the devastating price of what the world pays for beauty and lay bare the ugly secrets of human rights abuse and environmental rape.

Robert Barclay is an author with a beautiful writing style which has the reader invested in his characters from the beginning.

He was once a clearance diver in the Mekong Delta throughout the Vietnam War, where he received two bravery awards.

His story-telling is inspired by his life in Asia and his experiences of living around the world.

Visit his website at www.robertbarclay. com.au or order his book from www. newfoundbooks.au

• On-stage Entertainment: Live music and guest speakers throughout the day.

• Working Dog Demonstrations: Watch skilled dogs in action.

• Meet the Alpacas and Llamas: Up close encounters with these adorable camelids.

• Heritage Displays: Dive into Australia’s rural past.

• Blacksmithing Demonstrations: See traditional blacksmiths at work.

• Camel History Tour: A self-guided tour that tells the story of camels in Australia.

• Damper and Billy Tea: Enjoy authentic outback refreshments.

• Cooking Demonstrations: Scenic Rim local chef Dylan Gittoes will be showing off his culinary skills.

• Army Camels: Meet the army mascots, Penny and Vernon, and discover the role of camels in Australia’s military history.

• Kids’ Activities: From face painting to gem fossicking, there’s plenty for children to enjoy.

• Camel Rides: Experience the thrill of riding a camel.

• Farm Tours: Explore

Australia’s largest camel farm and learn about the health benefts of camel milk.

Whether you’re in it for the alpaca selfes, camel rides, or to just soak in the vibrant festival atmosphere, this event promises something for everyone. So gather your friends, family, and loved ones for a day flled with fun, learning, and a true celebration of rural heritage.

Mark your calendars for September 14, and don’t miss out on this spectacular day at Summer Land

Heritage Park Upgrade Begins in Mullumbimby

The Mullumbimby Council has commenced a signifcant $850,000 upgrade of Heritage Park, as part of the Heritage Park Landscape Masterplan. This project includes several new features aimed at enhancing the park’s appeal to the community.

Key improvements

include:

• New Pathway and Boardwalk: A 2-metre-wide pathway will link the entrance at Brunswick Terrace to the playground at Mill Street, offering better accessibility.

• Play Equipment: A new climbing structure for older children will

be installed, along with additional nature and imaginative play features.

• Seating and Shelter: More seating will be added, and the existing shelter will be refurbished.

• Off-Lead Dog Area: The section along Mill Street, currently an unoffcial carpark, will be turned into an off-lead dog area with new turf, providing a safe space for dogs and their owners.

Malcolm Robertson,

Manager of Open Spaces, said the project is based on feedback from the community and aims to improve the park as a valuable community space.

The work is expected to take around six months, and certain areas of the park will be closed during this time.

For more information, visit the Council’s website at Heritage Park Accessible Pathway and Playground Upgrade.

Camels!

“

has views on just about anything”

FRISK IN A MEADOW MUM?

Oooh, what a ni y day I’m passing (so far) with ‘Mum Jane’. She’s reading her paper and I’m reading mine; calm & tranquillity abounds in our house.

(It’s ‘Leemo Cat’ here.)

Oh NO, Mum started muttering cross words to herself & writing stu in a notebook. Hmmm?

I must ask what she’s on about now? Drat.. She got in before me.

‘Leems, you’ve gotta read this utter tripe as spoken by some bloke called JD Vance who is a Republican candidate standing in the USA Elections this year. I WANT you to read it and tell me what you think.

Here’s what JD said.’ “ e Democratic Party (his opposition) is a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable in their own lives and the choices that they’ve made and so they want to make the rest of the country miserable too.”AND, he went on, saying “it’s just a basic fact; the entire future of the Democrats is controlled by people without children. How does it make any sense that we’ve turned our country over to people who don’t really have a direct stake in it?”

(Eeek, she was almost burbling with outrage (a gross visage!) by the time she’d read this out for me.) ‘Well, Leems, tell me your honest opinion on his words. Gottit?’ ‘Errrm, well Mum, let me just have a quiet contemplate will you?’ (Crikey, it’s a good thing I’m a voracious reader ‘cos it helps me in these contrary ‘Mum’ chats.) ‘OK Mum, rstly, you MUST answer my questions with truth. Do you consider yourself

as a ‘childless single miserable cat lady?’ Oooh, she SHOUTED. ‘NO I DO NOT; nor do I consider ANY childless single woman who may or may not own a cat or cats to be so.’ (She went on) ‘Leems, how on earth could I ever claim to be living a miserable existence?’ ‘Well, you DO get crabby at times Mum? Doesn’t that indicate you’re miserable & discontent?’ Well, I tell you, her face fell as at as a Flounder; aaaargh! ‘Leems, bear in mind, there are many things in life that can make me feel out of sorts; for instance – feeling unwell; frizzy hair; being tired; being misinterpreted; gossip; a cake not rising; the paper not being delivered; a ‘certain’ cat biting my feet & coming in a er curfew; letting our house get untidy; a romantic let-down; blocked sewer pipes; all these & many other life occurrences can most certainly create a miserable, crabby mindset in me & I express perfectly normal human responses. I cannot gaily go skippety-dooo through a meadow of daisies in a yellow frock singing ‘I’m So Happy’ every minute of every day. Per chance, should a bee sting my nose in a joyous ing in a meadow, I reckon it would change my happy mindset quick smart. Comprende? AND, moving right along Leems, I’ll tell you something more. I AM quite happy & content with my life. I had a ni y happy upbringing with ni y parents. I have brothers & sisters I love dearly. I’ve had great travel adventures; I have lovely friends I care about; it just so happens, Leems, I simply forgot to have children; I instead have adopted many cats in my almost 75 years. In my view that JD VANCE bloke has kinda got things all out of skew. I gure he should go undertake an ‘adVANCE’ training session on what is, & what is not appropriate to sprout on the campaign trail.’ Well, Mum’s now had her say & she’s calm. is bodes well for my next words: ‘Mum, can we go out in our car and nd a meadow to frisk around in?’ Oooh, I got a huge hug & pat, and out came the car keys. Nitey, Leemo.

SAVE THE DATE

18th Byron Bay Film Festival, October 18-27

The Byron Bay International Film Festival, the town’s world-renowned 10-day celebration of independent cinema, returns in October for its 18th year, with screenings scheduled at Palace Cinemas Byron Bay, Lennox Head Cultural Centre, Brunswick Picture House and for the frst time in nine years, Ballina Fair Cinemas.

An outstanding feature of the Northern Rivers cultural calendar, BBFF has for nearly 20 years brought the work of innovative flmmakers from all around the globe to the region and championed a diverse range of flms made by local screen creatives.

Some of the area’s most outstanding and consistent flmmaking talents are in this year’s line-up.

The 18th Festival promises to provide a window into the world, delving into personal and social stories, with well over 100 flms set for screening, including documentaries focussed on the region’s counterculture and surfng

legends, Australia’s music, environment and indigenous issues, and penetrating behind-thescenes examinations of some of the global frontlines, to the weird and not so wonderful shenanigans of the so-called free world.

Feature dramas, short flms and experimental works offering human interest stories that explore the familiar and the far-out – the full range of human experience – will ensure audiences are captivated, enthralled and entertained.

The Festival will also once again be offering a full programme of altered and virtual reality experiences from the pioneering edge of visual media as well Q&As and panels providing opportunities to connect with the flmmakers and the people whose stories they are sharing.

“We have a particularly exciting programme this year, with something to offer everyone,” says Festival Director J’aimee Skippon-Volke.

“I am proud to say that the Festival is continuing to go from strength

to strength, in an arts/ entertainment market that is sadly seeing many iconic festivals having to pull the plug. It’s a tough space to be in but BBFF is resilient, like the people of the region, and committed to thriving, not just surviving.

“It means that we have to have audience satisfaction and delight as our absolute priority and my team and I are highly conscious of making sure that each year we build an event which sparks connection for our audience – to the flms, the flmmakers, the stories shared and to each other through the collective experience of watching flm in a cinema

“We are very fortunate to have the support of directors, actors, writers, producers and flm buffs from all over Australia and the US, UK, Europe and Asia. Many are regulars at the Festival, which along with our focus on exciting fresh talent cements BBFF as a pivotal Australian gathering for those invested in the future of cinema and eager to see it fourish despite the rise

of competing media.

“They come here for the vibe, which is always uplifting, inspirational and fun, and for the kind of conversations they crave, where ideas are thrown around, connections made, and creative visions shared and workshopped.

“All this and the opportunity to experience some of the best independent flms on offer in the world, some fresh from the screens of festivals like Sundance and Cannes and others screening for the very frst time.

“We’re here to give bold and brilliant flmmakers the best shot at having their work seen and appreciated, and to introduce the community to flms they would not have seen otherwise.

“Please join them, and us, for a really good time.”

The 18th Byron Bay International Film Festival runs from October 18-27, with screenings at Byron Palace Cinemas, Lennox Head Cultural Centre, Brunswick Picture House, and Ballina Palace.

Leemo

Yama 1

Sandra Huller in Anatomy of a Fall

Miriam Margolyes in H is for Happiness

New Low and Mid-Rise Housing Reforms Introduced in Lismore Electorate

The Minns Labor Government’s frst wave of low and mid-rise housing reforms has come into effect across all Local Government Areas (LGAs) within the Lismore Electorate, bringing expanded housing options to the region.

Janelle Saffn, Member for Lismore, highlighted the signifcance of the changes, which now permit development applications for dual occupancies and semidetached dwellings in more R2 low-density residential zones.

“This is an important reform that provides more housing options suitable to people’s needs across our region,” said Ms. Saffn. The new housing policies aim to offer families and

individuals more fexibility, especially those looking for extra space or wishing to stay within their community as their housing needs evolve.

Key benefts of the reforms include:

• Multi-generational housing: Families needing more space can now explore dual occupancy options, potentially curbing the outfow of young people from the area.

• Downsizing opportunities: Well-designed dual occupancies create avenues for downsizers to remain in their local communities, contributing to a diverse housing mix.

• Increased housing capacity: Property owners with suitable blocks can double their housing potential by adding a second dwelling or replacing one home with two,

easing housing pressures in the region.

Ms. Saffn emphasized the critical role these reforms play in addressing housing shortages in foodaffected towns and cities, where the need for diverse and affordable housing options is acute.

“This broader range of housing options will beneft everyone—renters, families, empty-nesters, and single people— providing more fexibility and choices,” she added.

Effective from July 1, 2024, the reforms require councils to focus on increasing housing supply and offering more choice. However, local councils will retain the responsibility of assessing individual development applications.

ROBERT HEYWARD

Performance-orientated…by

Nigel Dawe

THERE’S something about September, being finals time in our key footy codes, that rouses not just my inner sports fanatic, but also my competitive nature, albeit the will I have to get the best out of myself, with regards to whatever it is I do.

As such, I feel for the meagre-souled fobs that dismiss sport outright, as if it were entirely the testosterone-tainted bastion of social toxicity.

Ever since I was a child I’ve been fascinated by coaches and teams (regardless of the sport or their chosen pursuit) that seem to have cracked the optimal performance puzzle.

From Vince Lombardi’s Green Bay Packers in the ‘60s, to Norm Smith’s Melbourne Demons of the same era (though they were on opposite sides of the Pacific Ocean) there was something about their approach, or understanding of success that raised them not just above their contemporaries, but also above everyone else in their entire ‘chosen field’.

Like two sides of a brilliantly crafted coin, Lombardi and Smith (whether they ever met or knew of each other, I don’t know) but their beliefs, as captured in their expressed output, read as though they were made by the same person. From Smith’s notion, “Anything you do is worth doing well - anything less than that and you’re wasting your time… do the common things uncommonly well.”; to Lombardi’s, “I tend to believe in catching stars, and have been willing to take my chances on the hernia.” These two giants of sport were

Clarence Valley Orchestra Medical Student Scholarship

somehow referencing and conjuring success from the very same hymn sheet. While the bash and crash of competitive sport is one thing, the pressure and grind of any given creative pursuit, is certainly another. There is no vocation or focus in life that when pursued far enough, doesn’t become a gladiatorial quest for the attainment of excellence. As such, one book that has inspired me over the years is called The War of Art: Win Your Inner Creative Battles, written by Steven Pressfield. You can’t read it and not come away thinking – I can do much more. Upliftingly, Pressfield notes, “Most of us have two lives. The life we live, and the unlived life within us.”

It is the ‘unlived life within us’ that so much of our purpose, potential, joy, and reason for being resides; but sadly, for far too many people, this promise of greater things withers into little more than narky and defeated frustrations that amount to a life half-lived. None other than Martin Luther King, Jr once said, “You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” Or in other words, just take 5-minutes to think about where you genuinely want to be, and then devote yourself to doing whatever you have to do, to get there.

As if prescribing a ‘next step’ for each of us on our chosen paths to success, the backto-back winning Super Bowl coach Jimmy Johnson once chimed, “Don’t watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going…The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.”

Valley

is proud to announce their frst scholarship candidate for their new Rural Medical Student Scholarship worth $5,000 to Mattea Lazarou in Grafton. Mattea says, “I have been fortunate enough to complete the beginnings of my medical education as part of the Graduate School of Medicine at University of Wollongong. With a strong focus in contributing to the health and wellbeing of rural Australia, the program sees students undertake a year-long placement within a rural community. With personal connections to the local community, I was thrilled to be placed in the Clarence Valley to complete this stage of my training. It is through my placement in Grafton and surrounds, that my own passion

for practising rural health and contributing to the wellbeing of rural communities was encouraged. It was a privilege not only to be surrounded by enthusiastic mentors and teachers within the hospital setting, but to connect with and hear the stories of community members, both within the hospital and beyond. I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to return to the Clarence Valley in this latter half of the year and undertake additional experience in both Grafton and Maclean hospitals. I am grateful to complete this fnal stage of training with the support of the Clarence Valley Orchestra’s generous scholarship. I look forward to returning to Grafton to work as a doctor throughout my career to give back to the community that has showed me so

much kindness and opportunity”.

The University of Wollongong’s Dean of the Graduate School of Medicine, Professor Zsuzsoka Kecskes has commented that “we are very excited about the recent awarding of the frst Clarence Valley Orchestra Medical Scholarship and would like to once again congratulate Mattea on her successful application. In times when living costs continue to rise, it’s vital for our students to have external support and encouragement to stay on track toward their dream careers and to feel the impact their efforts can have on our communities. We want to express our gratitude to the Clarence Valley Orchestra for their incredible support - our partnership is a fantastic example of how community efforts

can uplift and empower future generations.”

The idea of Artistic Director and Conductor of the CVO Dr Greg Butcher, says “the Orchestra is thrilled and has agreed to keep the $5,000 scholarship going over the next 2 years (3 years in total) as a way of ‘thinking outside the box’, hopefully attracting GPs to the Clarence Valley and wider area in the future. These scholarships along with other major community donations are funded from tickets sales from the orchestra’s major concerts. CVO’s next concert, An Afternoon at The Pops, will be their 10th anniversary and will be on Sunday 27th October at the Saraton Theatre Grafton, performing with the Comedy Trio the Kransky Sisters, with compere comedian Anthony Ackroyd”.

The Clarence

Orchestra (CVO)

A Message from Professional and Amateur Beekeepers

Spray chemicals are an essential part of agriculture, and there are some crops for which the yield would be minimal without the use of pesticides.

Bees and other pollinators are an old but important part of agriculture, and in some crops are essential for getting a commercial yield.

However, some chemicals are damaging to pollinators, and others are really deadly.

This presents a range of problems for farmers, but there are ways in which these two essential components of farming can both operate successfully, without deadly overlaps. This has been recognised by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), who issue permits allowing the legal use of chemicals in

HELP THE BEES

certain ways in certain crops. Pesticides that are deadly to bees are clearly labelled on the instructions for use. For example, the permits and labels for Bulldock and Lepidex clearly state “Dangerous to bees. DO NOT spray any plants in fower while bees are foraging”. There are a limited number of situations where plants have to be sprayed while in fower. One of the above chemicals has a permit to control lace bugs in macadamias. Because bees will be in the fowers during daylight (bees rush out at dawn to get the nectar and pollen that have been produced overnight, and the bee activity falls off towards dusk), this condition dictates that this spraying can only be done at night. Most macadamia farms in the Northern Rivers are small holdings less than 40 ha, and the district also has many rural residential properties down to 2 ha embedded in it. Bees

forage over more than 3 km radius, covering an area in excess of 2700 ha. Because the farms are small, they are often fully developed, and it is not possible to fnd a suitable area for the apiary that is away from spray drift. In many cases, the apiary would be placed on a neighbouring property with cleared areas, and there will be a number of macadamia farms well within foraging range. They may have different varieties of trees, and spray at different times. It is not reasonable for growers to expect beekeepers to keep track of spraying schedules and move bees in and out as needed. Locking up is not an option, as bees generate heat, and hives quickly overheat when closed.

Moving beehives for professionals involves a lot of work at night. They need somewhere over 10km away to store the hives, and when they are returned each hive should be put back in the

same place. This moving is quite hard on the bees, which are adapted to a stationary hive in a particular location. Pollination time would be lost with the moving and the reorientation of the bees.

Hobby beekeepers in foraging range have little hope if the grower sprays in the daytime; they will not be told when spraying will occur, and the hives are not set up for moving. They may have a lot of boxes of honey on them, making them very heavy. Most growers or managers have got the message and do their spraying at night. Those growers and contractors who do spray in the daytime kill not only bees from commercial managed hives, but also bees from feral hives, bees from their neighbours’ hobby hives, native bees and other pollinating insects, reducing the overall number of pollinators not only for themselves, but for all their neighbours.

Beekeepers are attached to their livestock like any farmer, and to see them killed wantonly is disturbing.

It is not a major impost for growers or managers to spray at night for most sprays. Even when the plants are not in fower, they should spray at night for other pests like nut weevil, for there may be fowering weeds and groundcover in their orchard.

It is incumbent on growers to obey the permit and label instructions, and to remind neighbours to do so as well. It may cost a little more to spray, but that is a cost of doing business. Spraying at night also leads to fewer problems with drift of sprays, because of the reduction in wind. Inversion layers are a minor problem. Much of the pollination of macadamias by bees is done on a win-win basis, with no money changing hands. Where the apiary is located on a

property which does not have macadamias, the beekeeper usually gives honey to this property owner.

The big scrub country on which the macadamias are grown has always been used by beekeepers in Spring, because the fowering of trees, weeds etc gave the hives a good start. This happened for years before macadamia plantings became common.

At present, many beekeepers will not put managed hives near the macadamias, because of losses that they have had in the past. If the macadamia industry lifts its game and the poisoning is reduced, it will beneft as more beekeepers move managed beehives into the area, increasing pollination and the yield of nuts. It has been shown that cross pollination by the wide-ranging European honeybee can lead to improved macadamia yields.

Rural Schools Invited to Apply for Fully Funded Sydney Royal Easter Show Excursion

The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) Youth Group is excited to announce that applications are now open for the 2025 All Roads to the Royal program. This initiative offers one rural school a unique, allexpenses-paid, three-day excursion to the Sydney Royal Easter Show—a remarkable opportunity for students to gain hands-on agricultural experience and insight into one of Australia’s most iconic events.

Launched in 2019, the All Roads to the Royal program is designed to enrich syllabus-based agricultural education by providing students with experiences that are diffcult to replicate in remote classroom settings. Participants will enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Show, allowing them to engage directly with the agricultural industry and learn from experts in the feld.

The program is open to students in years 7-12 and will run from Monday, 14th April to Thursday, 17th April

2025. The package includes return transport, accommodation, and meals for up to forty participants, including students, teachers, and guardians.

Sarah Stanbury, Chair of the RAS Youth Group, emphasized the educational and networking benefts that the program offers to rural and regional students.

“The All Roads to the Royal program is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for students to not only experience the Sydney Royal Easter Show but also to gain a deeper understanding of its signifcance to the agricultural industry and community,” Stanbury said.

“Students will have the chance to explore various career paths

within the agricultural sector and connect with industry leaders who can provide valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges of working in this feld.

The RAS Youth Group is proud to offer such a special experience to schools that may not have the resources to attend otherwise, and we hope that students return with a renewed passion

and appreciation for agriculture.”

Heather Earney, an Agriculture and Science teacher at Trundle Central School in Central West NSW, which was the recipient of the 2024 All Roads to the Royal program, refected on the program’s impact.

“The All Roads to the Royal experience was a highlight of the year for both our students and

teachers. It broadened the students’ horizons and provided them with lasting memories and valuable networks,” Earney said.

“The students were grateful for the opportunity, gaining practical knowledge about the Show that they could apply at our local event. They also developed a greater appreciation for the agricultural industry and the effort involved in organizing such a large-scale event.”

The All Roads to the Royal program was created by the RAS Youth Group to address the fnancial and accessibility barriers that prevent many rural students from attending the Sydney Royal Easter Show. For the 2025 program, the RAS Foundation will contribute up to $25,000 towards bus travel, food, and other expenses.

Schools interested in applying can fnd more information about the program criteria and application process on the RAS website.

Applications must be submitted by close of business on Saturday, 18th November 2024.

Lismore Memorial Baths Ready to Dive Into Summer Season

ROBERT HEYWARD

As the temperatures rise, Lismore Memorial Baths is set to welcome swimmers back for the summer season starting Friday, 13 September 2024. The reopening follows the completion of the fnal food-restoration work, including the installation of a new moveable dividing block to restore the pool’s full 50-meter length.

Located at 179 Molesworth Street in the heart of Lismore, the Memorial Baths offer top-tier facilities, including an eightlane 50-meter lap pool, a four-lane

25-meter lap pool, and a toddlers’ splash pool. All pools are solar-heated, ensuring a comfortable swim no matter the weather.

The facility also hosts the Swimsations Swim School, catering to swimmers of all ages and abilities.

The Memorial Baths will be open Monday to Friday from 6am to 6pm, and on weekends from 9am to 5pm. From Sunday, 6 October 2024, the weekday hours will extend to 7pm to accommodate Daylight Savings.

In addition to its superb swimming facilities, the Baths feature a kiosk offering a range of snacks,

including espresso coffee, hot chips, and ice cream, available during operating hours. Pool entry is affordably priced at $6.35 for adults and $5.55 for students and concession card holders, with visit packs, season passes, and monthly memberships available.

On weekends, kids can enjoy the popular infatable obstacle course from 12pm to 3pm for an additional $4.40.

For those needing swim gear, the facility also sells a variety of merchandise, including Vorgee goggles, swim caps, ear putty, and more, ensuring all your swimming needs are

met.

The long-awaited dividing block, which was delayed last year, is

set to be installed next week, just in time for the season’s opening, marking the complete

restoration of the pool and an exciting start to the summer at Lismore Memorial Baths.

ROBERT HEYWARD

Lawson Street Drainage Upgrade to Begin Soon

Byron Shire Council will commence a signifcant drainage upgrade on Lawson Street, between Fletcher Street and Middleton Street, from early September to November. This project is part of the broader Byron Bay Drainage Upgrade initiative.

Christopher Soulsby, Byron Shire Council’s Manager of Assets & Major Projects, explained that the work will include renewing the water supply, resurfacing the road, and implementing other improvements to enhance the area.

“The stormwater drainage system on Lawson Street will be upgraded to improve water fow. Following this, the road surface will be repaired, and parking along this section will be reorganized. Additionally, we’ll install new garden beds and repair the broken kerb and gutter,” Soulsby said.

The footpath will also be made more accessible by replacing the existing pavers with concrete, accommodating people with mobility devices.

The project will also see the installation of additional bike racks, benefting cyclists.

To complete these

works, Lawson Street will be closed to through traffc, although local traffc and pedestrians will still have access. Traffc control measures will be in place to manage the fow of vehicles and pedestrians.

Soulsby encouraged residents and visitors to continue supporting local businesses on Lawson Street during the construction period, as they will remain open and accessible by foot.

What to Expect During the Works:

• Timing: The work will take place Monday to Friday between 7 am and 5 pm.

• Noise: There will be periods of machinery noise, including drilling and vacuum excavation.

• Access: There will be temporary closures and redirection of roads, footpaths, and parking spaces. Through traffc will be detoured, and local traffc will be reduced to one lane. Traffc control, electronic message boards, and signage will be used to manage access and deliveries.

This project is made possible by $1.3 million in funding from the NSW Government.

Unlocking the Future: Students Explore Careers at Lismore City Council

JEFF GIBBS

In a forward-thinking initiative aimed at cultivating Lismore City Council’s future workforce, 41 students from four local schools participated in an immersive experience at the newly upgraded Crozier Field pavilion. This event provided them with a hands-on introduction to the diverse and essential roles within the Council. The event was designed to showcase potential career pathways, develop practical skills, build community connections, and prepare students for the workforce, all while ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience for the community.

Lismore City Council General Manager, Jon Gibbons, emphasized the signifcance of the event, stating, “Today offers students a rare glimpse into the complex world of local government operations. Through interactive sessions, students will explore the inner workings of vital community services, including waste management, feet and open spaces, water and wastewater, law enforcement, and roads and engineering.”

Council’s Acting Manager of People

and Culture, Alex Geikie, highlighted the broader impact of the event, saying, “This showcase benefts not only the students but the entire community. By sparking interest in local government careers, we inspire students to consider roles that contribute directly to the wellbeing of their community. The hands-on activities help students gain a deeper understanding of how local government functions, which can lead to more informed and rewarding career choices.”

Students from Nimbin Central School, St John’s College Woodlawn, Summerland Christian School, and The Rivers Secondary College Kadina Campus participated in the event,

supported by the NSW Government’s Regional Industry Education Partnerships Training Services.

Key Learning Areas:

• Waste & Services Education: Students learned about waste management systems, recycling processes, and their importance in maintaining a clean and sustainable environment.

• Fleet and Open Spaces: An exploration into how the Council manages its vehicle feet and ensures public spaces are well-kept and accessible.

• Water and Wastewater: Insights into the processes that provide clean water and effective wastewater management.

• Roads, Construction, and Engineering: An understanding of the

planning, construction, and maintenance of vital infrastructure.

Bridging Education and Career Opportunities

This seminar served as a pivotal moment for students, helping them recognize the career paths available within their community. By understanding the essential services that keep Lismore running smoothly, students were encouraged to consider careers that have a direct and positive impact on their hometown.

Building a Stronger Community

When young people are informed about local government careers, they are more likely to pursue these paths, leading to a stronger, more resilient local workforce. This initiative not only secures the future of Lismore’s essential services but also invests in the future leaders and innovators of the community. For more information on career and training opportunities at Lismore City Council, visit the QR code below.

Unlocking the Future: Students Explore Careers at Lismore

This information session hosted by the Department of Home Affairs, in collaboration with Lismore City Council and RDA Northern Rivers, provides a great opportunity for businesses in regional Australia to explore visa options for employing overseas workers. The session is particularly valuable for businesses experiencing challenges in flling positions with local Australian workers, a common issue in many regional areas facing skills and labour shortages.

Key Details:

• Focus: Visa options and migration strategies for hiring international talent in regional Australia.

• Target Audience: Local businesses, HR professionals, and stakeholders in regional Australia.

• Date and Time: Wednesday, 16 October 2024, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM AEST.

• Location: Gordon Pavilion, Oakes Oval, 144 Magellan St, Lismore NSW 2480.

• Tickets: Available via TryBooking. What to Expect:

• Comprehensive Overview: Gain insights

City Council

into various visa categories and migration programs tailored for regional employers.

• Eligibility & Application: Learn about the eligibility criteria, application processes, and the benefts of employing overseas workers under these visa arrangements.

• Expert Guidance: Receive practical advice on navigating the migration system, ensuring that your business can effectively address workforce needs.

• Networking: Engage directly with experts and connect with other businesses facing similar challenges. This free event is an excellent opportunity to equip yourself with the knowledge and tools necessary to address labour shortages and support the ongoing growth and resilience of your business in regional Australia. See the QR code below for bookings.

Aquarius Festival Documentary to Launch Byron Bay Film Festival

The 2024 Byron Bay Film Festival is set to kick off with a featurelength documentary that delves into a pivotal moment in the history of the Northern Rivers: the 1973 Aquarius Festival. Titled Aquarius, the flm is directed by local flmmaker Wendy Champagne and is subtitled Dreamers, Treehuggers, and Radical Ratbags. It chronicles the arrival of 10,000 countercultural pioneers in the tranquil township of Nimbin, bringing with them revolutionary ideas, vibrant sounds, and a psychedelic aesthetic that transformed the community.

These early festivalgoers, many of whom settled in the area, played a key role in shaping the environmental, anti-war, Aboriginal rights, and feminist movements

that have since defned the region. Today, the Northern Rivers is celebrated as a haven for social and cultural freethinkers, a reputation that can be traced back to the Aquarius Festival’s impact.

Festival director Graeme Dunstan, who remains a resident of the area, refects on the event’s profound infuence: “The festival attracted visionaries and pioneers who saw a new way of living, as well as those seeking a community where they could belong.”

Champagne, an award-winning writer and documentary flmmaker, spent three years meticulously gathering stories and archival footage to create Aquarius. Her previous work, BAS! Beyond the Red Light, also premiered at the Byron Bay Film Festival

in 2010. In Aquarius, Champagne captures the excitement, chaos, and lasting legacy of the festival, from the initial warm welcome by local law enforcement and business owners to the inevitable tensions as the counterculture clashed with the town’s conservative elements.

The flm humorously documents moments like undercover police offcers awkwardly attempting to blend in with the hippies, but it also delves into the serious conficts and debates that arose as the community grappled with these new ideas and behaviours.

Through collaboration with festival-goers, organizers, and flmmakers, Champagne has unearthed hours of rare, candid footage that provides an intimate look at the Aquarius Festival’s origins and its

enduring impact on the region. The documentary not only pays tribute to those who championed environmental and social causes but also serves as a reminder of the power of community and protest.

Champagne hopes that Aquarius will resonate with a younger audience facing similar challenges today. The flm highlights how the spirit of the Aquarius Festival lived on decades later, as seen in the mass mobilization of local activists against fracking at Bentley—a victory that embodied the highest values of the Nimbin crowd.

Festival-goers, along with their descendants, continue to uphold the hippie legacy in communities across the Northern Rivers. Aquarius offers a sentimental journey back to those formative years,

celebrating a time of innocence, idealism, and a vision for a harmonious future.

Producer Sam Griffn describes the flm as a “confuence of several things,” including a reaction to the Netfix series Byron Baes, the 50th anniversary of the original festival, and the collaboration between Champagne and executive producer Chris Hilton. Griffn praises the flm’s rich visual tapestry, which includes never-before-seen archival footage.

The documentary’s premiere at the Byron Bay Film Festival in October marks a signifcant milestone in its successful festival run. Griffn and the flmmaking team are thrilled to present Aquarius to a home audience, especially as the flm launches its cinema release with

Madman on November 14.

BBFF director J’aimee SkipponVolke underscores the importance of local stories in this year’s festival, noting that Aquarius is the perfect Opening Night flm. “It celebrates what makes the rainbow region so special,” she says. “At a time when many local people feel that our sense of community has been diminished, I believe our festival serves as a vital focal point, bringing us together to explore what matters, support our creative community, and reconnect.”

The Opening Night Gala Party will be a vibrant celebration of the flm and all things Aquarius, with attendees encouraged to dress in their most colorful “Summer of Love” attire and embrace the festival spirit.

Registrations Open for Second Hand Saturday: 21 September 2024

Worried about the cost of living? Join the reuse revolution on Saturday 21 September 2024 as we welcome the North Coast’s largest day of garage sales - Second Hand Saturday! Since 2005, North East Waste has been organising Second Hand Saturday across the Northern Rivers region as support for community reuse and repair. With over 400 garage sales at last year’s event, 2024 is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever.

It’s one huge organised

day of garage sales with residents across the North Coast taking part to make extra cash on items they no longer need, or fnd bargains at a fraction of the cost of buying new.

A recent study done by Charitable Reuse Australia in partnership with the NSW EPA, found that households across the state were able to save $423 million just last year by shopping second-hand. It’s not only good for our wallets though, the study also found that 49,000 tonnes of what

could have been waste was diverted from landfll through the second hand market. You can be a part of Second Hand Saturday by registering to hold your own garage sale, or teaming up with family, friends or neighbours for a coordinated sale. There’s also the opportunity to register a group event as a local community organisation, fundraiser, school or church.

“Participating in Second Hand Saturday as a buyer, seller, or both, is a fantastic way

to contribute to the local circular economy. Pre-loved items are often cheaper and more unique than what you fnd in the shops. This event helps us give goods a new life rather than taking up space in landfll, connect with our local community, and make or save a bit of extra cashwins all around,” says Justine Rowe, council’s Resource Recovery Education Offcer.

Visit secondhandsaturday. com.au for more information and to register a garage sale.

IAN ROGERS

AQ Wendy Champagne & Justine Kerrigan ACS

AQ Wendy Champagne & Graeme Dunstan Photograph by Peter Derrett Nimbin Hotel Crowd - Pic by Harry Watson Smith

LIAM JENNINGS

Google has offcially launched the Pixel 9, its latest fagship smartphone, marking a signifcant evolution in the company’s Pixel lineup. With the Pixel 9, Google has doubled down on integrating advanced AI capabilities, refned design elements, and a host of new features that aim to set it apart in a highly competitive market.

One of the most notable advancements in the Pixel 9 is its deep integration of artifcial intelligence, powered by the new Tensor G3 chip.

This third-generation custom processor is designed specifcally to enhance AI-driven features, making the Pixel 9 more responsive and intelligent in its everyday operations.

The Tensor G3 chip is reported to signifcantly boost the performance of Google’s AI-driven camera features, like Real Tone, Night Sight, and the widely praised Magic Eraser.

The Tensor G3 also powers new AI-based functionalities such as enhanced voice

recognition for Google Assistant, which now understands context better and can execute commands with greater accuracy. Additionally, the Pixel 9 introduces an AI-powered battery optimisation feature that learns the user’s habits and adjusts power usage accordingly to extend battery life.

Google has a longstanding reputation for excellence in mobile photography, and the Pixel 9 continues this tradition with several

key upgrades. The Pixel 9 is equipped with a new 50-megapixel main sensor that promises sharper and more detailed images, even in challenging lighting conditions.

Complementing this is a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens and a 48-megapixel telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, making the Pixel 9 one of the most versatile camera phones on the market.

The AI enhancements extend to the camera’s software features as well.

The Pixel 9 introduces a new “Pixel Shift” mode that uses AI to combine multiple shots into one ultra-high-resolution image. This mode is designed to rival professional DSLR cameras, offering users a new level of detail and clarity in their photos.

Aesthetically, the Pixel 9 sports a refned design with a more durable build, featuring a Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back, along with an aerospace-grade aluminium frame. The

device is available in three new colours: Obsidian Black, Snow White, and a vibrant Coral Pink, catering to a wide range of style preferences.

The 6.7-inch OLED display has also seen improvements, offering a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and a brighter screen for better visibility in direct sunlight. The Pixel 9’s display supports HDR10+ and is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2, making it more

LIAM JENNINGS

Dyson has unveiled its latest audio innovation, the OnTrac NC Over-Ear Wireless Headphones, marking a signifcant shift from the company’s previous audio-venturing products. Unlike Dyson’s earlier Zone headphones, which featured builtin air purifcation, the OnTrac focuses purely on delivering high-quality sound and advanced noise cancellation, making it Dyson’s frst purely audio-focused headset. At the heart of the Dyson OnTrac is a pair of 40mm neodymium drivers, offering a frequency response from 6Hz to 21kHz. While not reaching

the upper limits of competitors like Sony’s WH-1000XM4, these headphones promise a well-rounded audio experience designed to cater to a wide variety of music genres. Dyson has also included three preset

EQ levels—Bass Boost, Enhanced, and Neutral— tailored to different listening preferences.

The standout feature of the OnTrac is its Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology. Dyson has integrated a

custom ANC system that uses eight microphones, sampling external sounds 384,000 times per second, to cancel out up to 40dB of unwanted noise. This, combined with Dyson’s expertise in aeroacoustics,

resistant to scratches and drops.

On the software side, the Pixel 9 comes with Android 14 out of the box, featuring exclusive Google features like the updated Google Assistant, which now offers even more personalised recommendations.

Google has also enhanced the device’s security with the introduction of the Titan M3 security chip, designed to protect sensitive data and ensure secure transactions.

Moreover, Google is continuing its commitment to privacy with the Pixel 9 by providing regular security updates for at least fve years, making it one of the most secure Android devices available.

The Google Pixel 9 is a signifcant step forward for the Pixel line, blending advanced AI capabilities with top-tier hardware. With its improved camera system, sleek design, and a robust focus on privacy and security, the Pixel 9 is poised to be a strong contender in the premium smartphone market.

ensures a quiet listening environment even in noisy settings.

Aesthetically, the Dyson OnTrac maintains the brand’s reputation for sleek, modern design. The headphones are constructed with CNCmilled aluminium and feature soft microsuede ear cushions, making them not only durable but also comfortable for long listening sessions. Weighing in at 451 grams, the OnTrac is slightly heavier than some competitors, but the weight is welldistributed thanks to a clever design choice: the lithium-ion batteries are suspended in the headband, reducing pressure on the ears.

Battery life is another strong point for the

OnTrac, offering up to 55 hours of playback with ANC enabled. Dyson has also incorporated fast charging capabilities, with 10 minutes of charging providing 2.5 hours of use. The headphones connect via the MyDyson app, allowing users to control settings, update software, and monitor battery life. With the OnTrac NC Over-Ear Wireless Headphones, Dyson has made a clear statement: it’s serious about entering the high-end audio market. By focusing on sound quality, comfort, and noise cancellation, Dyson is offering a compelling option for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

technology aimed at both driving and passenger comfort.

The highly anticipated 2025 Nissan Patrol has been revealed, marking a major shift towards premium design and technology as it sets its sights on challenging the iconic Toyota LandCruiser. With new twin-turbo V6 engines, cutting-edge tech, and a more luxurious interior, the latest Patrol signals Nissan’s ambition to elevate its offering in the competitive SUV market.

Nissan offcially introduced the new Patrol during a press event in Abu Dhabi, unveiling a model that promises enhanced performance, off-road capability, and modern features. Key highlights of the 2025 Patrol include the introduction of two V6 engine options—one naturally aspirated and one twin-turbocharged— replacing the outgoing V8, as well as advanced

Engine and Performance

The new Patrol is offered with a choice of engines, but Australia will specifcally receive the powerful 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V6. This engine delivers 317kW of power and 700Nm of torque, paired with a nine-speed Jatco automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive. A naturally aspirated 3.8-litre V6, producing 236kW and 386Nm, will be available in other markets but is unlikely to come to Australia.

Although the Patrol’s mass has increased, Nissan has confrmed that the Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) will remain at 3500kg. This will likely result in a reduced payload, though the braked towing capacity for the Australian market

is expected to stay at 3500kg, aligning with the US version of the vehicle.

Technological Innovations and Luxury Features

Inside the cabin, Nissan has introduced a host of luxury features designed to elevate the Patrol’s appeal to the premium SUV segment. Notable additions include pneumatic massage seats, dual 14.3-inch displays (combining for a seamless 28.6-inch dashboard), and a head-up display. The new infotainment system is integrated with Google services, offering Google Maps and cloud-based voice recognition via Google Assistant.

A standout feature is the segment-frst biometric climate control system, which uses infrared sensors to monitor the skin temperature of passengers across all three rows, adjusting the air conditioning intensity

to ensure optimal comfort. This feature is particularly useful in hot climates like the Middle East and Australia.

Off-Road Capability and Safety Features

Off-road enthusiasts will be pleased to know that the 2025 Patrol is built to handle tough terrain, with improved approach and departure angles and air suspension that can raise the vehicle by 70mm for off-road driving. The vehicle also comes with a suite of off-road driving modes, including Rock, Sand, Mud, Eco, and Sport, as well as a rear differential lock and switchable 4H and 4L modes.

In terms of safety, the Patrol now includes a range of advanced driver assistance systems. Front and rear cross-traffc alerts, along with a frontmounted 170-degree camera, improve visibility at intersections.

The vehicle also features

2025 NISSAN PATROL UNVEILED

a semi-autonomous lane-centering function, similar to the system found on the 300 Series LandCruiser.

Design and Dimensions

The new Patrol sits on an all-new platform, offering a 35mm increase in both length and width, while retaining the same 3075mm wheelbase as the previous model. With a total length of 5205mm and width of 2030mm, the 2025 Patrol delivers a more commanding presence on the road. Nissan has also expanded the colour palette for the 2025 model, offering seven fnishes including a new hero colour, Forest Green, alongside Pearl White, Mineral Black, Grey,

Grand Blue, and Silver metallic options.

Availability and Market Outlook Australia will be the frst right-hand drive market for the 2025 Patrol, with orders set to open in late 2026 for delivery in 2027. Until then, the current Y62 Patrol will continue to be available for purchase, giving buyers the option to stick with the outgoing model before the Y63 arrives.

With a more luxurious interior, improved off-road capabilities, and cutting-edge technology, the 2025 Nissan Patrol is poised to give the LandCruiser a run for its money in the premium large SUV market.

2025 Jeep Avenger Electric: A Bold New Direction for the Brand

JEFF GIBBS

The 2025 Jeep Avenger Electric marks a signifcant turning point for the iconic off-road brand as it steps confdently into the electric future. Designed as Jeep’s frst fullyelectric compact SUV, the Avenger is crafted to deliver a perfect balance of urban practicality, rugged capability, and environmental responsibility, staying true to Jeep’s DNA while embracing the era of electrifcation.

Design and Build

The exterior design of the Jeep Avenger is modern and sleek, yet unmistakably Jeep. It maintains the brand’s

signature seven-slot grille, albeit closed off to refect its electric nature, and has short overhangs, high ground clearance, and robust wheel arches. Its compact size makes it ideal for city driving, but Jeep enthusiasts will appreciate its offroad-ready stance. The Avenger’s dimensions are well-suited for urban manoeuvrability, while still being tough enough for light off-road adventures.

Performance and Capability Under the hood, the 2025 Avenger Electric features a 54kWh battery, delivering a range of up to 400 kilometres on a single charge. Jeep has engineered the Avenger to offer both effciency and

capability, making it a versatile choice for those who need a vehicle for daily commutes and weekend getaways. With 150 horsepower and immediate torque delivery, the electric motor provides a responsive driving experience, ensuring smooth acceleration both on and off the road. While the Avenger isn’t positioned as a hardcore off-roader like the Wrangler, it is equipped with Selec-Terrain modes, including settings for snow, mud, and sand, as well as hill descent control, making it more than capable for tackling rough terrains. Frontwheel drive is standard, but Jeep’s heritage of off-road prowess means

the Avenger retains enough ruggedness for outdoor enthusiasts.

Interior and Technology Inside, the Avenger offers a hightech, premium cabin with plenty of Jeep’s signature rugged charm. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment system are modern and intuitive, featuring a large 10.25-inch touchscreen running Jeep’s latest Uconnect 5 software. The infotainment includes seamless integration with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and connected services that enable over-the-air updates.

driver assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automated emergency braking, add a layer of safety to the driving experience.

Jeep has also ensured that the interior is

Verdict The 2025 Jeep Avenger Electric is a compelling entry into the

modern-day practicality and sustainability. While it may not be the brand’s most capable off-roader, it is the ideal choice for drivers who want a compact, eco-friendly SUV with a touch of adventure.

JEFF GIBBS

ITECA Releases Its Student-Centric Blueprint For The Next Australian Parliament

The Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA) has unveiled a policy reform agenda aimed at putting students at the forefront of skills training and higher education in the lead-up to the next federal election. The blueprint, described as student-centric, challenges the current institution-focused policies, which ITECA argues are failing students, businesses, taxpayers, and the nation.

Key Points:

• Call for Reform: ITECA criticizes the current government’s preference for public institutions like TAFE colleges and universities, which they believe creates significant barriers to accessing quality tertiary education. They argue that this approach disproportionately affects students who choose independent Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) or higher education institutions, leaving them without sufficient government support.

• Student-Centric Focus: The manifesto emphasizes the need for reforms that prioritize students’ needs and choices, advocating for

a system that allows students to select the provider—whether independent or public—that best aligns with their personal and professional goals.

• Equity and Access: ITECA’s blueprint calls for eliminating discrimination against students who choose independent RTOs or higher education providers. The organization believes that government policies should ensure a fair and equitable playing field for all tertiary education providers, supporting students’ informed decisions.

• Advocacy and Vision: ITECA’s approach is driven by its members, who are committed to advocating for a tertiary education system that better supports students and creates a more balanced and fair educational landscape. ITECA’s election manifesto is part of their broader vision for a student-focused tertiary education system in Australia. For more details on the manifesto and ITECA’s policy recommendations, you can visit their website at www.iteca.edu.au/ manifesto.

Troy Williams

RBA Governor Acknowledges Economic Strain as More Australians Seek Help Amid Slowdown

Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA)

Governor Michele Bullock has recognized the growing number of Australians seeking assistance from community organizations as the country’s economy slows and unemployment rises. In a speech to the Anika Foundation in Sydney, Ms. Bullock highlighted the increasing financial strain on lower-income borrowers and those with variable-rate mortgages, acknowledging that many are facing significant hardships as inflation and interest rates continue to bite.

Ms. Bullock emphasized that the RBA is working to bring inflation down and stabilize the economy, though she acknowledged the difficult situation many households are experiencing. “Lowerincome borrowers are over-represented among those really struggling right now,” she said. Additionally, owner-occupiers with variable-rate loans are seeing a rise in cash flow shortfalls, where essential spending and mortgage repayments outstrip their income.

Economic Slowdown and Inflation Fight Australia’s economy grew by just 0.2% in the June quarter and 1% over the past year, the slowest pace since the 1990s recession, as households cut back on spending. The economic downturn follows the RBA’s 13 interest rate hikes since mid-2022, aimed at curbing high inflation. Underlying inflation remains at 3.8%, above the RBA’s target of 2.5%.

Ms. Bullock acknowledged that while the RBA’s policies are

painful for many, they are necessary to return inflation to manageable levels. The central bank

dipping into savings, or working extra hours. In some cases, homeowners are being forced to sell

and rising demand, are likely to persist for some time, offering little relief to renters in the near

expects inflation to reach its target by the end of 2026, assuming the slowdown progresses as anticipated.

Increasing Financial Hardships

According to Ms. Bullock, around 5% of

their properties.

She further stressed that lower-income borrowers are disproportionately affected, and the ongoing pressure from high interest rates and inflation is taking a heavy toll on vulnerable

owner-occupiers with variable-rate loans are in a particularly challenging situation, where their essential spending and mortgage repayments exceed their income. Many of these households are making significant adjustments, including cutting back on non-essential spending,

groups.

Rising Costs for Renters

Housing costs and market services inflation remain key drivers of high inflation, with renter households particularly hard-hit.

Ms. Bullock noted that rent increases, driven by limited housing supply

future. New dwelling inflation, though slightly lower than its peak, remains elevated due to labour shortages and high construction costs.

The Importance of Controlling Inflation

Ms. Bullock underscored the longterm dangers of high inflation, warning that the longer it persists, the more damage it could cause to the economy. She pointed out that many Australians, particularly those under 40, have not experienced high inflation before the recent surge, which has eroded savings, reduced purchasing power, and disproportionately hurt low-income households.

“We are very conscious of the hardship being caused by our policies,” she said. “But high inflation hurts everyone, especially the most vulnerable. It’s essential we return inflation to manageable levels, so it no longer distorts the economy and puts such strain on households.”

IAN ROGERS

SEPTEMBER

12, 2024

ENTERTAINMENT

8 PAGE LIFT OUT

Fire up Australia! Brace yourself for the ultimate trans-pacifc matefest hitting our golden shores this August and September: Dune Rats and FIDLAR are teaming up once again for a tour that promises to be nothing short of epic!

The Dune Rats / FIDLAR relationship has been a legendary touring brotherhood that has seen these two bands ping-pong across the globe side by side. They have spent the better part of a decade playing shows together, starting back when FIDLAR frst ventured down under to join Dunies on a tour across Australia. After

Dune Rats showed them our classic Southern hospitality consisting mainly of beer and BBQ’s, all the while throwing in a bit of surfng and a healthy amount of partying,

FIDLAR was stoked to return the favour by bundling them into a van for a wild 3 month tour of the US of A - where they found themselves gigging through Gator Back

Come on a darkly wild ride of immersive storytelling, physical theatre, laughter and song with NORPA’s wondrous epic Wildskin.

This isn’t your traditional theatre experience. Inside an industrial warehouse, your journey will take you inside the performance as the dark, outrageous, and unpredictable world of Wildskin unfolds before you.

Eva believes the only way to mend her broken life is to go on the road, solo. Lost, alone and

under-prepared, she is soon breaking rules, and embracing danger. After encountering wild animals and even wilder humans, does Eva have the primal instincts to handle any challenge life throws at her?

From the team behind Love For One Night, Wildskin is another sensory-smashing, destination theatre experience. Staged inside a gritty warehouse at Lismore Showgrounds – to really enhance the bush-horror vibe – this is daring and joyous theatre.

If you love the unexpected, grab some friends, and hold on for this one-of-a-kind evening.

EVENT DETAILS:

• When: 12 - 28 SEP, 7.30PM

• Where: Lismore Showgrounds

• Price: $30 - $59

• Tickets: Via the QR code

scratchers in Florida to the bright lights of New York City and everywhere in between! The camaraderie only grew stronger when Zac from FIDLAR signed on to produce Dune Rats

second album - “The Kids Will Know It’s Bulls**t” back in 2017, putting his magic touch on what have since become iconic Aussie classics such as “Bullshit” and “Scott Green”.

After playing the UK together last year, where the two bands would fnd themselves sitting backstage drinking warm ales and talking about their soon-to-be-released albums - Dune Rats’ “If It Sucks, Turn It Up” set for release on August 9 and FIDLAR’s “Surviving The Dream” out September 20, they realised they all very much wanted to keep the party rolling. And

thankfully for Australian fans, out of those talks came this very tour. This time around the venues will be bigger, the crowds will be wilder and the vibes will no doubt be off the hook! So grab yourself a ticket right now to guarantee yourself a piece of the mayhem!

EVENT DETAILS:

• When: Saturday 14th of September @6pm

• Where: Kingscliff Beach Hotel

• Price: From $66.15

• Tickets: Via the QR code

Place the digits 1 to 9 in the blue squares, so that all 6 equations are correct. Multiplication and/or division are performed rst, in whichever order they appear –followed by addition and/or subtraction, in whichever order they appear.

TIME FOR TRIVIA

1 The Palace Museum is a popular tourist attraction in which Chinese city?

(a) Tianjin (b) Shanghai (c) Beijing (d) Guangzhou

2 Earle Page served as prime minister of Australia for less than one month during which decade?

(a) 1930s (b) 1940s (c) 1950s (d) 1960s

3 “I’ll have what she’s having.” is a quote from which award-winning movie?

(a) Funny Girl (b) Jerry Maguire (c) The Graduate (d) When Harry Met Sally...

4 Sheltering Rain was the first published novel by which author?

(a) Jojo Moyes (b) James Patterson (c) Daniel Silva (d) Suzanne Collins

5 What is the approximate radius of Earth?

(a) 12,495 kilometres

(b) 32,674 kilometres (c) 6,371 kilometres

(d) 47,877 kilometres

6 Who was the first person to win the E.W. Copeland Trophy six times?

(a) Nathan Buckley (b) Len Thompson (c) Bob Rose (d) Scott Pendlebury

ALFAKODO

WHICH WORDS

Which is the correct meaning for these words?

1 AVULSE

(a) To pluck or tear away (b) To justify an act done (c) To guarantee

2 EMERITUS

(a) A young animal or plant in its earliest stages of development

(b) A master of ceremonies

(c) A title given to a retired professor

3 FELICITOUS

(a) Excitable

(b) Happy (c) Feminine

4 ULTRONEOUS

(a) Prudish

(b) Spontaneous

(c) In the future

5 VISCID

(a) Sticky

(b) Highly poisonous

(c) Face-to-face

BYRON BAY FLOORSANDING 0408 536 565

BOX

SUNDAY

MINISERIES: BETTER

ABC TV, 9.15pm

Grim and morally complex, this British crime drama kicks o with a stellar opening episode as we’re introduced to Detective Inspector Lou Slack (Leila Farzad, pictured, I Hate Suzie), who leads a dangerous double life in the pocket of the powerful and ruthless drug lord Col McHugh (Andrew Buchan, Broadchurch). However, after her son (Zak Ford-Williams) has a brush with death, Slack decides to sever ties with her criminal cohort and sets in motion a plan to extricate herself from their union. Slack makes for a compelling but not terribly likeable protagonist, at least in this rst episode, but no doubt her character will be redeemed somewhat as she attempts to atone for her sins of the past.

FRIDAY, September 13

MONDAY

MY KITCHEN RULES

SEVEN, 7.30pm

The 14th season of this reality cooking staple plays up the patriotic ties of its current crop of contestants, with Vespa-riding, Italian-born friends Simone and Viviana prominently featured. They’ve proven to be fan favourites, but face some sti competition in the form of chic Western Australian best mates Mike and Pete, who plate up with the own Italian heritage. Tonight’s instant restaurant is a local a as Townsville’s mullet-rocking Danny and sister Sonia (both pictured) hope to impress with their distinctive North Queensland air.

Judges Colin Fassnidge and Manu Feildel have certainly eaten their share of seafood, but have they ever tried mudcrab sliced with an angle grinder? Unlikely.

TUESDAY THE ASSEMBLY

ABC TV, 8.30pm

ABC TV (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (6)

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Planet America. (R) 10.30 That Paci c Sports Show. (R) 11.00 You Can’t Ask That. (Mal, R) 11.20 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. (PG, R)

12.00 News. 12.55 Van Der Valk. (Mv, R) 2.25 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R) 3.15 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 4.00 Love Your Garden. (R) 4.45 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 5.35 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Hosted by Tom Gleeson.

7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.

7.30 Gardening Australia. Clarence Slockee helps save rainforest seeds.

8.30 Van Der Valk. (Madv) Part 3 of 3. Van der Valk investigates a series of murders that draws the team into a cryptic puzzle.

10.00 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. (PG, R) Hosted by Shaun Micallef.

10.35 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R)

11.25 ABC Late News.

11.40 Grand Designs: Padstow. (Ml, R)

12.30 Love Your Garden. (R)

1.15 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)

5.00 Rage. (PG)

Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Strange Chores. 8.00 Good Game Spawn Point. 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Mythbusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 9.00 Robot Wars. 10.00 Doctor Who. 11.00 Merlin. 11.45 Fresh O The Boat. 12.05am Speechless. 12.30 Good Game Spawn Point. 1.05 Rage. 2.05 The Legend Of Korra. 2.50 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)

This heartwarming and unique interview series continues with AFL legend and 2014 Australian of the Year Adam Goodes (pictured) visiting the autistic journalism student collective to answer their probing questions. The topics range from the serious: Goodes’ experiences with racism and his mum’s passing; to the fun and unexpected – gardening and his favourite dance moves. This episode also spotlights students Anastasia, Andrew and Stephanie as we see them preparing for the interview with group mentor Leigh Sales. Goodes proves to be an ideal guest for this series – warm-hearted, thoughtful and open – and forms an instant rapport with the group in what is a moving and emotional piece of television.

(5) NBN (8, 80)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.05 For The Love Of Dogs. (PG, R) 10.05 Wonderland: Lewis Carol To JRR Tolkien. (PGa, R) 11.00 Auction. 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Woven Threads Stories From Within. (Ma, R) 2.10 History Of Britain. (PGan, R) 3.00 NITV: Nula. 3.30 Such Was Life. (PG, R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Tony Robinson: The Thames At Night. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 11.30 Seven Morning News. 12.00 MOVIE: The Alleged Abduction. (2019, Mav, R) 2.00 House Of Wellness. (PG) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. 6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 To Be Advised. 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG, R) Hosted by Todd Woodbridge.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 My Grandparents’ War. (PG, R)

8.25 Lost Treasures Of Ancient Laos: The Discovery. (PG) Part 1 of 2.

9.20 Lost Treasures Of Ancient Rome: Nero’s Lost Palace. (PGav, R) Takes a look at the Golden House, a vast palace built in ancient Rome during the rst century AD. 10.15 SBS World News Late. 10.45 Soldiers. (MA15+av)

12.30 My Brilliant Friend. (Mv, R) 3.50 Make Me A Dealer. (R)

4.40 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 7News Local. 6.30 7News @ 6:30.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs meets the founder of Free Trade Day, a day to help people in need with trade work.

7.20 Football. AFL. Second semi- nal. Port Adelaide v Hawthorn. From Adelaide Oval.

11.15 Armchair Experts. (M)

A panel discusses all things AFL.

12.00 GetOn Extra. A look at the weekend’s best racing.

12.30 Taken. (Mav, R) The team searches for a suspected terrorist.

1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R) Information about pet care.

2.00 Home Shopping.

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

5.00 NBC Today.

6am WorldWatch. 10.00 The Movie Show. 12.10pm WorldWatch. 12.40 Woman. 1.10 Devoured. 2.05 One Star Reviews. 2.30 Over The Black Dot. 3.20 WorldWatch. 5.20 Forged In Fire: Best Of. 6.05 Celebrity Letters And Numbers. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over. 9.25 Threesome. 10.20 Spent. (Premiere) 12.40am Dark Side Of The Ring. 1.35 King Of The Road. 3.20 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. 6am Shopping. 6.30 I Escaped To The Country. 7.30 ICU. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Harry’s Practice. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 House Of Wellness. 2.00 Discover. 2.30 Weekender. 3.00 The Great Australian Doorstep. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Better Homes. 5.00 I Escaped To The Country. 6.00 Bargain Hunt. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 10.30 I Escaped To The Country. 11.30 Late Programs.

(64) SBS MOVIES (32) 6am Children’s Programs. 11.10 Car S.O.S. 11.55 Ghosts. 12.30pm

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Rugby League. NRL. Second qualifying nal. Penrith Panthers v Sydney Roosters.

9.45 NRL Finals Footy Post-Match. A post-match NRL wrap-up of the second qualifying nal, with expert analysis and player interviews.

10.30 MOVIE: Sleepless. (2017, MA15+dlv, R) Jamie Foxx.

12.20 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.15 Pointless. (PG, R)

2.05 Australia’s Top Ten Of Everything. (PGl, R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)

9GO! (83) 6am The Movie Show. 6.20 Eat Wheaties! (2020, PG) 8.00 The Man Who Knew In nity. (2015, PG) 10.00 Murder By Decree. (1979, M) 12.15pm The Last Castle. (2001, M) 2.40 The Movie Show. 3.15 Breaker Morant. (1980, PG) 5.15 A River Runs Through It. (1992, PG) 7.30 The Professor And The Madman. (2019, M) 9.55 Indecent Proposal. (1993, M) 12.05am Lamb. (2021, MA15+, Icelandic) 2.05 I, Daniel Blake. (2016, MA15+) 4.00 Casablanca Beats. (2021, M, French)

Late Programs.

6am Children’s Programs. Noon Motor Racing. FIA World Endurance C’ship. Lone Star Le Mans. H’lights. 1.00 Ordinary Joe. 2.00 Bewitched. 2.30 The Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 The Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 I Dream Of Jeannie. 6.00 The Nanny. 7.00 Young Sheldon. 7.30 MOVIE: Charlie And The Chocolate Factory. (2005, PG) 9.50 MOVIE: Godzilla Vs. Kong. (2021, M)

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer.

6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 Sort Your Life Out. (PGa) Hosted by Stacey Solomon.

8.45 Have You Been Paying Attention? (Malns, R) Celebrity panellists compete to see who can remember the most about events of the week.

9.45 The Real CSI: Miami: Out Of Thin Air. (Mav, R) Detectives investigate the unexpected death of golfer Alan Jay Abrahamson. 10.45 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 11.10 The Project. (R) 12.10 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R)

PUZZLES AND ASTROLOGY

TARGET TIME

C A A

N F I

S

E T

Today’s target: 14 words average 20 words good 28+ 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

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

Peacemaker Venus encourages you to repair a rickety relationship in a generous and philosophical way. Family celebrations and work functions are favoured, as Mars (in your domestic zone) connects with Mercury (in your job zone). So it’s a terrific time to connect with creative, proactive people and share your dreams for the future with family members and work colleagues. Others are looking for you to come up with the goods, so don’t disappoint!

TAURUS (Apr 20 – May 20)

Diplomatic Venus (your power planet) and Jupiter increase optimism and help you reform a close relationship that’s been experiencing problems. Setting positive new patterns of behaviour sees the union move to a more enjoyable and satisfying level. This week, nurture loved ones in practical ways. Perhaps you can help with shopping, errands, cooking, housework or homework? Sunday is wonderful for financial matters and socialising with friends.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 20)

It’s one of your luckiest weeks of the year, so prepare to pounce. Jupiter (in your sign) and Venus boost confidence and self-esteem as you power through projects with renewed confidence and plenty of chutzpah. You’re also keen to make connections with others, as the planets highlight your family and friendship zones. So it’s a terrific time to initiate ideas and make waves within your circle of influence. Positive collaborations are the secret to future success.

CANCER (June 21 – July 22)

Calling all Crabs – mighty Mars is visiting your sign until November 4. So strive to be bold and brave as you initiate ideas, launch passion projects and zoom ahead in progressive directions.

Prosperous Venus and Jupiter help you turn dreams into gold. If you devise a creative plan, then financial luck is waiting in the wings via a new colleague, client or customer, who may be linked to a family member. Volunteer work also looks rewarding.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

This week the Sun (your ruling planet) is visiting earthy Virgo. So clear, careful, logical communication will help improve relations with other people, as you get your message out loud and clear. Venus and Jupiter also encourage you to reach out and help others, both within your immediate circle of family and friends and within your local neighbourhood. The close community connections you foster now will prove beneficial in the future.

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

On Thursday there’s a lovely Mercury/Mars link, which boosts individuality, confidence levels and communication skills. With the Sun and Mercury (your patron planet) both moving through your sign, it’s your time to shine! Be inspired by Virgo superstar Freddie Mercury: “Someone will always be prettier. Someone will always be smarter; someone will always be younger. But they will never be you.” Lady Luck is on your side on Sunday.

LIBRA (Sep 23 – Oct 22) Venus (your ruling planet) is visiting your sign until September 23, so your charismatic and diplomatic sides will be shining brightly for all to see. There is also a terrific Venus/Jupiter trine, which blesses personal projects and encourages international travel and interstate adventures.

Don’t be a Libran wallflower. Get out there and enjoy yourself to the max! Your motto is from birthday great, writer D. H. Lawrence: “Life is ours to be spent, not to be saved.”

SCORPIO (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Powerful Pluto – your boss planet – has moved back into your education, communication and community zones (until November 19). So it’s a good time to revisit any unfinished business involving study, social media, siblings, neighbours and projects in your local neighbourhood. Courtesy of the terrific Venus/Jupiter trine, it’s also a suitable week to draw up exciting plans, set ambitious goals, and dream big dreams. If you can dream it, you can do it!

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21) Sunday’s lucky Venus-Jupiter link encourages you to broaden your horizons – physically, mentally and spiritually. It’s time to expand your circle of influence and make positive connections within your peer group and further afield. Be more generous with loved ones, more adventurous in your choices, and more ambitious with your dreams. Draw inspiration from birthday great D. H. Lawrence: “I want to live my life so that my nights are not full of regrets.”

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

The Sun and Mercury are moving through fellow earth sign Virgo, so you’ll be extra bold and brainy this week as you dazzle others with your methodical mind, broad general knowledge and close attention to details. So it’s the perfect time to analyse, research and problem-solve in proactive ways. With the power of positive thinking on your side, you can climb any mountain and sail any stormy sea. But proceed cautiously with a pompous colleague or client.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18) You love being independent. But this week’s stars favour nurturing partnerships, establishing joint ventures and stabilising your support network, as the planets stimulate your relationship zones. If you’re single, sparks could fly with someone from another country or culture. But avoid making an impulsive financial move that could lead to over-spending. Getting into more debt is a recipe for trouble – by all means have fun, but don’t break the bank.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

With the Sun and Mercury in your relationship zone, being creative about solving problems is the key to positive partnerships. Stop procrastinating and, instead, start communicating about what you really require. Don’t expect other people to magically read your mind. Be articulate and ask plenty of questions. Mars is moving through your self-expression zone. So it’s time for artistic pursuits like photography, art, dance, drama, singing, writing and music.

ASTROLOGY with Joanne Madeline Moore

Kate Peter’s Top Hat Productions Proudly Presents For your Amusement, Enjoyment & Participation

“Piccadilly Olde Time Music Hall” A touring show at Ballina Players’ Theatre.

The show is a rollicking musical revue featuring songs which featured in the Olde Time Music Hall shows of London, derived from the taproom concerts given in city taverns in England during the 18th and 19th centuries, and during WW1.

It features a cast of some of the Gold Coast’s best-loved and talented singers and dancers, including:

KIRRI ADAMS, DEAN GILTINEN, KATE PETERS, GRANT EBELING, PATRICK OXLEY, CHRIS HAWKINS, GAI BYRNE, and KATRINA LARDNER

SONGS INCLUDE:

• OH, WHAT A BEAUTY!

• CHAMPAGNE

CHARLIE

• THE MAN WHO BROKE THE BANK AT MONTE CARLO

• SECOND HAND ROSE

• YOUR BABY HAS GONE DOWN THE PLUGHOLE

• THE PHEASANT PLUCKER

• HOWDÝA LIKE TO SPOON WITH ME

• IF I WERE NOT UPON THE STAGE and many more! Enhanced by an amusing Master of Ceremonies and background images of the music hall time in London.

EVENT DETAILS:

• When: Friday 13th - Sunday 15th of September.

• Where: Ballina Players Theatre

• Price: $35

• Tickets: Via the QR code

Iconic Aussie rockers Grinspoon are back with their frst new music in 12 years, having just shared ‘Unknown Pretenders’ – the frst glimpse of their new album, ‘whatever, whatever’ that’s set for release on August 9, and they’ve announced a whopping 49 date ‘whatever, whenever, wherever’ tour to celebrate. Keen to give all Grinners fans the opportunity to get to a show, the band will be hitting every nook around Aus, heading back to some venues they haven’t played at in

over 20 years.

As Phil eagerly said, “This thing ain’t for the faint hearted. To say we’re excited is a massive understatement!

Over the last 6 years we have played arenas and stadiums and theaters and what not, and it’s all been tremendous and we have loved every minute of it, but there is nothing like the 3 hour drive after a show, the 9am checkout from the hotel, and the frst stop to get a chicko roll and strawberry milk - black coffee for me, I am now an adult!”

Be quick to book!

This Northern Rivers show kicks off the tour in the region it began & will sell out fast. NB: Grinspoon has arranged a limited number of tickets to be made available for All Ages (12+ ) to attend, while allocation lasts.

EVENT DETAILS:

• When: Tuesday 17th of September @7pm

• Where: Ballina RSL

• Tickets: Via the QR code

Award winning songwriter and sunshiny festival favourite Alana Wilkinson is taking her debut album ‘Half Time Oranges’ on the road. Alana is a multitalented singersongwriter known for her infectious energy, witty lyrics, and captivating stage presence. Blending folk, pop and comedy, her performances are a delightful mix of heartfelt songs and humorous anecdotes that leave audiences both laughing and refecting. Alana’s engaging storytelling and melodic prowess make her a standout artist in the

Australian music scene.

Following the release of 5 singles over the last 6 months, Alana Wilkinson’s debut LP ‘Half Time Oranges’ has exploded confetti style into the folk world. This body of work covers each corner of Wilkinson’s world with love songs written for tiny people (Dream Big, Charlie’s Song) to a love song written to an orange tree (Sway). A romance kindled by a kinky dream (‘Show You Mine’) to accidentally fashing a boob to the postman (With A Boob Out). It’s honest, it’s true and it’s full of classic ‘Alana’

moments you’re sure to see yourself in. Don’t miss your opportunity to see Alana Wilkinson bring these moments to life. Get ready to laugh, cry, and be inspired when she arrives at a small hall or venue near you.

EVENT DETAILS:

• When: Friday 13th of September @7pm

• Where: Kulchajam, Byron Bay

• Price: From $27.05

• Tickets: Via the QR code

Flying is a marvel of modern technology, yet for many, the thought of boarding an aircraft evokes feelings of dread and anxiety. Fear of fying, also known as aviophobia, affects a signifcant portion of the population, keeping them from experiencing the joys of travel. But with the right strategies, overcoming this fear is not only possible—it can also open up a world of opportunities and adventures. Here’s how you can conquer your fear of fying and embrace the freedom of the skies.

Understanding the Fear

The frst step in overcoming the fear of fying is understanding where it comes from. For some, it’s a fear of heights or enclosed spaces. For others, it’s the lack of control or the thought of a catastrophic event. The fear may also

stem from a negative past experience or simply the fear of the unknown. Understanding the root cause of your anxiety can help you address it more effectively.

Educate Yourself

About Flying Knowledge is power when it comes to conquering fears. Learning about how airplanes work, the rigorous safety measures in place, and the statistics that prove fying is one of the safest modes of transportation can signifcantly reduce anxiety. For example, it might be reassuring to know that modern aircraft are designed to withstand extreme conditions and that pilots undergo extensive training to handle any situation. Familiarise yourself with the sounds and sensations of fying—like the hum of the engines or the feeling of turbulence—so they

don’t catch you off guard.

Start with Grounded Experiences

Before even setting foot on a plane, you can begin addressing your fear through grounded experiences. Visit an airport and observe planes taking off and landing, or try a fight simulator to get a sense of what fying feels like without leaving the ground. Some airports and airlines offer fear of fying courses that include sessions with pilots and psychologists who can provide insights and coping strategies.

Gradual Exposure

One effective method for overcoming fear is gradual exposure. Start small with short, domestic fights before working your way up to longer, international journeys. By taking baby steps, you can gradually build confdence and reduce anxiety. During

your initial fights, consider booking a seat in a part of the plane where you feel most comfortable, whether that’s near the wing to minimise turbulence or in an aisle seat for more room to move.

Medication and Relaxation Techniques

For some, medication may be a helpful tool in overcoming the fear of fying. Speak with your doctor about short-term options such as antianxiety medications or sleep aids that can help you relax during a fight. However, medication should be seen as a temporary aid rather than a long-term solution. In addition to or instead of medication, relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and meditation can be benefcial. These techniques help calm the nervous system, making

it easier to manage anxiety during the fight.

Focus on the Destination

One way to shift your focus away from the fear is to concentrate on the excitement of your destination. Visualise the experiences you’ll have once you arrive—the sights, the sounds, the people you’ll meet. Remind yourself that the discomfort of fying is temporary, but the memories you’ll create will last a lifetime.

Seek Support

You don’t have to overcome your fear of fying alone. Talk to friends or family members who enjoy fying and ask them to share their experiences.

You can also join online forums or support groups where you can connect with others who have similar fears. Hearing success stories and receiving encouragement can be incredibly

motivating.

Celebrate Progress

Finally, it’s important to celebrate your successes, no matter how small. Each fight you take, each step you make towards conquering your fear, is an achievement. Keep a journal of your experiences and note how your anxiety decreases over time. Recognising your progress will boost your confdence and reinforce your belief that you can overcome your fear.

Embrace the Journey Overcoming a fear of fying is a process, and it may take time, but the rewards are well worth the effort. By facing your fear head-on, educating yourself, and taking gradual steps, you can learn to embrace the journey and open yourself up to a world of new possibilities. The sky is no longer the limit—it’s your gateway to adventure.

Corporate Apartment & House Accommodation

Aged Care Providers Urged to Address Unique Needs of Stolen Generations Survivors with Dementia

As the frst generation of Stolen Generations Survivors reaches old age, many now grappling with dementia, leading experts are calling on aged care providers to better understand and accommodate their unique needs. Dr. Tiffany McComsey and Harpreet Kalsi-Smith, both from the Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation, will highlight these concerns at the upcoming International Dementia Conference in Sydney, emphasizing the importance of traumainformed care.

With approximately 17,000 Stolen Generations Survivors aged 50 and over, many are now frail and particularly vulnerable to dementia—Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are three to fve times more likely to develop the condition than non-Indigenous Australians. Dr. McComsey expressed concern that many aged care facilities lack an understanding of the deep trauma these individuals have experienced, which

profoundly impacts their dementia journey.

One innovative approach proposed by Dr. McComsey and Ms. Kalsi-Smith is the use of life story posters. These posters, which would be created with the input of the survivors and their trusted companions, would provide a visual and narrative overview of the person’s life, including their likes, dislikes, and strategies to de-escalate potential tensions. The posters serve as a constant reminder to care staff of the individual’s background and the trauma they have endured, helping to create a more supportive and understanding

environment.

Ms. Kalsi-Smith underscored the importance of these life story posters, especially for individuals with dementia who often struggle with communication and memory. “Creating a life story is a useful way to record important information about Stolen Generations Survivors and help others understand and relate to them in a supportive way,” she said.

The Kinchela Boys Home, where many of these survivors spent their childhoods, was a site of intense cultural and psychological abuse. The boys, now referred to as “uncles,”

were stripped of their identities, forced to conform to an alien culture, and suffered signifcant trauma. Of the 600 boys who passed through Kinchela, only 50 are alive today, with seven currently living with dementia.

Aged care providers are encouraged not only to adopt the life story poster concept but also to engage in comprehensive training about the legacy of the Stolen Generations. This includes participating in truth-telling processes and ensuring all staff are equipped with traumainformed care practices.

Ms. Kalsi-Smith highlighted the deep fear many Stolen

Generations Survivors feel about entering aged care facilities, which they often associate with the restrictive environments of their childhood. This fear is illustrated by Uncle Colin Davis, a 76-yearold Kinchela Survivor recently diagnosed with dementia, who has expressed a strong desire to avoid aged care homes altogether.

Uncle Colin’s wife, Aunty Rita Davis, voiced concerns that the available aged care options near their home on the NSW South Coast would not meet her husband’s needs.

“For him, it would be like the restrictions he had growing up all over again. Once you put restrictions on him, you never know what he’ll do,” she said.

Dementia Support Australia (DSA), which has provided tailored support to 50,000 people since 2016, emphasizes the importance of cultural awareness and traumainformed care training for aged care staff. DSA Head of Professional Services Marie Alford stressed that all aged care services should understand the triggers of Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) in Stolen Generations Survivors and know how to safely de-escalate them.

The upcoming International Dementia Conference, hosted by The Dementia Centre, will bring these critical issues to the forefront, as aged care providers and policymakers gather to discuss the future of dementia care in Australia. As the needs of Stolen Generations Survivors become more urgent, it is clear that a tailored, culturally sensitive approach is essential for their care and well-being.

Boost for Pensioners’ Pockets as September Increase Takes Effect

Pensioners will see some relief this month with a September 2024 adjustment expected to raise the Age Pension by $28.10 a fortnight for singles and $42.40 for couples. The increase comes as pensioners continue to grapple with the rising cost of living, offering a fnancial boost to those struggling to make ends meet.

The Age Pension, Carer Payment, and Disability Pension are adjusted biannually, in March and September, based on the higher of the Pensioner and Benefciary Living Cost Index (PBLCI) or the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This September, the adjustment is expected to refect the 2.6% rise in the PBLCI, outpacing the 2% increase in the CPI.

The new pension rates

are expected to be:

• Single or couple separated due to ill health:

o Current maximum:

$1,116.30 per fortnight

o Expected maximum from September:

$1,144.40 per fortnight

o Increase: $28.10

• Couple combined rate:

o Current maximum:

$1,682.80 per fortnight

o Expected maximum from September:

$1,725.20 per fortnight

o Increase: $42.40

Though the new rates take effect on 20 September, some pensioners may not see the full increase refected in their frst payment due to the way payments are processed.

A Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association (CPSA) spokesperson noted

that while the rise is an improvement from the 1.8% increase seen in March 2024, it highlights the ongoing issue of pensioners trying to keep pace with infation. “Indexation only happens every six

months, based on price increases that have already occurred, so pensioners are always playing catch-up,” the spokesperson said. This adjustment follows changes to the income test in July, which

allowed pensioners to earn up to $212 a fortnight for singles and $372 a fortnight for couples without reducing their pension payments. Further details on the income test can be found on the Services Australia website.

Given the Reserve Bank of Australia’s infation target of 2-3%, similar pension increases are likely to follow in March and September 2025.

“KBH survivors, descendants and family members gathered recently for the KHBAC Walking Together program.

ROBERT HEYWARD

Alarming Data Reveals Widespread Fears of Discrimination Among Australians Facing Cancer Treatment

A signifcant number of Australians are deeply concerned that factors such as their location, age, gender, sexual orientation, income, or the language they speak at home could adversely affect their cancer treatment and survival chances. This is according to new research commissioned by the Leukaemia Foundation, which highlights the pervasive fear of discrimination in the healthcare system.

The YouGov survey revealed that seven in ten Australians worry that these personal characteristics may impact their ability to receive effective cancer treatment.

Millennials emerged as the most concerned, with 71% expressing fears, followed by Baby Boomers at 63% and Generation X at 62%.

With one in twelve Australians expected to be diagnosed with blood cancer—such as leukaemia, myeloma, or lymphoma—in their lifetime, the Leukaemia Foundation’s CEO, Chris Tanti, described the fndings as deeply troubling. He emphasized that these fears are rooted in the broader issue of health inequity, which disproportionately affects marginalized communities.

“These latest results underscore the urgent need for greater awareness and action to create a healthcare environment that is safe, welcoming, and inclusive for everyone,” Tanti said. “We know there is a persistent and troubling cancer health divide across Australia, particularly impacting those living in regional

areas, First Nations peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. These groups face signifcant barriers in accessing timely diagnoses and the best available treatments.”

The survey comes at a time when blood cancer remains one of Australia’s most deadly and prevalent diseases. Every day, 53 Australians are diagnosed with blood cancer—equating to one person every 27 minutes—and 17 people lose their lives to the disease.

Tanti further noted the geographical disparities in cancer outcomes, with 41% of Australians diagnosed with blood cancer living in regional, rural, or remote areas. These patients are

statistically less likely to survive fve years beyond their diagnosis compared to those in major cities, due in part to the challenges of accessing specialized care.

CALD communities face additional hurdles, particularly when English is not the primary language spoken at home. This can signifcantly hinder their ability to understand health information and navigate the healthcare system. Meanwhile, LGBTQIA+ individuals often experience social isolation and may delay seeking medical care due to fear of discrimination or distrust in the healthcare system.

“These issues are substantial, and it’s no surprise that many Australians are fearful

about being diagnosed with cancer and their chances of survival,” Tanti said.

In response to these fndings, the Leukaemia Foundation has launched a new campaign, A Fair Go, aimed at addressing the fear and uncertainty surrounding blood cancer. The initiative seeks to ensure that every Australian, regardless of their background, has the knowledge, resources, and support needed to confront blood cancer.

The campaign will also focus on supporting healthcare professionals by developing new resources and information tailored to priority population groups. Additionally, the Foundation will spearhead new initiatives and research programs to tackle the specifc challenges these groups face.

“Where someone lives, their age, gender, sexual orientation, income, cultural background, or language spoken at home should not determine their chances of surviving cancer,” Tanti asserted. “It is unacceptable that seven in ten Australians live with this fear. We are committed to addressing the issue of inequity head-on, ensuring that every Australian with blood cancer has a fair go when it comes to treatment and care.”

As Blood Cancer Month approaches this September, the Leukaemia Foundation encourages all Australians affected by blood cancer, as well as those interested in learning more, to visit bloodcancer.org.au.

New Tools to Help Spot and Combat Scams

As part of Scams Awareness Week, the NSW Government is introducing new tools to protect people from the growing threat of data breaches and scams. The initiative

increase in reported scams, resulting in 601,000 scams and $2.7 billion in losses. Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib emphasized the importance of staying

scams, and the number of reported scams among people under 18 has nearly quadrupled since last year,” according to the Australian Institute of Criminology.

Key new tools include:

includes a Scam Spotting Resource and an online Data Breach Portal to help the public verify the legitimacy of breach notifcations.

According to the National Anti-Scam Centre, 2023 saw a 20%

safe online and outlined how these new resources will help individuals better identify scams and take action when their data is compromised.

“Young people aged 18 to 24 are at greater risk of falling victim to

• Online Teacher’s Toolkit: Developed by ID Support NSW, this toolkit equips students in years 9 to 12 with the skills to recognize and protect themselves from scams. The toolkit features interactive

activities, quizzes, videos, and case studies, along with practical tips such as regularly changing passwords and avoiding sharing personal information online.

• Data Breach Portal: This portal allows people to verify if an email from ID Support NSW notifying them of a data breach is legitimate. In 2023, ID Support NSW notifed nearly 200,000 people that their personal information had been compromised.

• Personal Information Risk Assessment Tool (PIRAT): This tool helps individuals and businesses assess the security risks of storing customer data and provides a risk level based on the likelihood of cybercriminal activity. It can be used both proactively and after a data breach.

For more information or to use these tools, visit:

• Data Breach Portal: www.nsw.gov.au/id-

support-nsw/get-support

• PIRAT Risk Assessment Tool: www. nsw.gov.au/id-supportnsw/be-prepared/pirat/ pirat-assessment

• ID Support NSW Resources: www.nsw. gov.au/id-support-nsw/ be-prepared

BOWEN THERAPY

Economy ‘On Life Support’ as Infation and High Interest Rates Take Their Toll

Australia’s economy continues to show signs of strain, with per capita GDP shrinking for the sixth consecutive quarter in June, according to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The economy experienced a 0.4% drop in per capita GDP, mirroring the March quarter decline and confrming ongoing concerns about a per capita recession. While the broader economy grew by 0.2% during the June quarter, this marks the slowest annual growth rate since 1991-92, excluding the pandemic years.

Stephen Smith, a partner at Deloitte Access Economics, noted that the fgures are unsurprising to struggling households. “The economy remains on life support as infationary pressures continue to bite,” he said, echoing sentiments that the current economic environment is far from stable.

Weak Household Demand and Infationary Pressures

The ABS highlighted that subdued household demand was a key

factor in the sluggish growth, with household consumption subtracting 0.1 percentage points from GDP this quarter. The ongoing impact of infation and high interest rates has caused a signifcant reduction in discretionary spending, a trend likely to persist as households continue to tighten their budgets.

Smith suggested that while infation remains a priority, there may be a shift in economic focus. “The economy has likely hit the bottom of the trough, and now the conversation needs to move beyond just infation.”

Interest Rates: Have They Peaked? With per capita economic growth contracting for six consecutive quarters, many economists believe that interest rates may have reached their peak. PropTrack economist Anne Flaherty said the data raises concerns. “We haven’t seen this level of persistent negative per capita growth in decades,” she noted. Smith was more defnitive in his view, stating that the ABS data indicates interest rates have peaked. All eyes are now on the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA),

with Flaherty suggesting that the central bank may hold rates steady in its next meeting. “While the

“This looks, feels, and smells like a recession,”

expectation is that rates won’t move, it will be fascinating to see what the RBA highlights, given the broader economic challenges.”

Households Feeling the Squeeze Essential spending, including rent and other housing-related costs, rose by 0.5% in the June quarter, underscoring the pressure on household budgets. Flaherty pointed out that most household income is being funnelled into higher rent and mortgage payments, leaving little room for savings or discretionary spending. “For frsthome buyers, the outlook remains incredibly tough,” she said, adding that saving for a deposit is taking much longer due to these fnancial constraints.

Homeowners aren’t faring much better, with many fnding they have little left after mortgage

repayments and general living expenses.

mismanaging infation and the economy.

Flaherty warned that more households might continue to struggle as economic pressures mount.

Government Response: Data

Highlights Pressure on Households

Treasurer Jim Chalmers acknowledged that the small uptick in GDP growth was driven by persistent but moderating infation, as well as ongoing global uncertainties. “This data clearly shows the pressure households are under,” Chalmers said. He added that the government’s economic plan is focused on fghting infation without causing further damage to an already weak economy.

However, shadow treasurer Angus Taylor was quick to criticize, accusing Chalmers of

Taylor argued that the treasurer’s focus on the RBA has detracted from addressing homegrown infation, further worsening the economic situation. “This looks, feels, and smells like a recession,” Taylor said, pointing to the rising cost of living and sluggish economic growth as failures of Labor’s economic policies.

Signs of Optimism

Amid Economic Woes

Despite the bleak data, Smith noted a few positive developments. The upcoming Stage 3 tax cuts are expected to increase real household income by around one percentage point in the coming year. Additionally, support payments, such as energy bill subsidies, will provide some relief to consumers, offering a potential boost to retail

and wholesale industries. On the housing front, there was a modest 0.1% increase in dwelling investment, driven by a 2.5% rise in new house completions. This is a welcome sign for the construction sector, which has faced challenges related to labour shortages and rising building costs. Flaherty also struck a cautiously optimistic tone, noting that while the economic growth fgures are meagre, they are still positive thanks to strong population growth. “More people means more consumption and demand, which is helping to keep the economy afoat,” she said.

Conclusion Australia’s economy is navigating a challenging period, with infation, high interest rates, and shrinking per capita GDP weighing heavily on households. While there are some signs of optimism, such as tax cuts and increased household support, the broader economic outlook remains uncertain as the RBA and the government work to strike a balance between managing infation and supporting growth.

Spring Sellout: Essential Tips to Get the Best Price for Your Home

ROBERT HEYWARD

As Australia’s spring selling season begins, sellers must prepare to stand out in a competitive market. Spring is the busiest time for real estate, with a 12% rise in new home listings compared to last year, according to PropTrack. Here are essential tips to help sellers secure the best price for their property.

1. Presentation Matters

Presentation is crucial in attracting potential buyers. Sarah Hackett of Place Estate Agents in Brisbane stresses the importance of decluttering, freshening up fxtures, and updating spaces with greenery and paint. Professional styling is a great

investment, optimizing your home’s layout and fow. Outdoor areas, such as verandas and gardens, should also be made inviting, as they are key selling points.

2. Set the Right Price

With home price growth slowing, aligning seller and buyer expectations is essential. Thomas McGlynn, CEO of BresicWhitney in Sydney, notes that while sellers may have high hopes for their sale price, buyers are increasingly

price-sensitive. Finding the right price balance is key to attracting interest without scaring off potential buyers.

3. Know Your Market

Understanding the market dynamics is critical. Michelle Kerr of Duet Property Group in Perth advises sellers to complete necessary repairs before listing, as buyers are less inclined to take on properties requiring major renovations. Given the ongoing challenges in

the building industry, a move-in-ready home is more appealing.

4. Focus on the Three P’s

Andrew McCann, CEO of Jellis Craig in Melbourne, highlights the importance of price, presentation, and process in a successful sale. Spring brings more listings, giving sellers additional options to buy and sell within the same market. Ensuring your property is well-priced, presented, and managed will help you navigate the competitive season. By focusing on presentation, setting a realistic price, and understanding the market, sellers can make the most of the spring selling season and secure the best price for their homes.

ROBERT HEYWARD

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Grape Expectations by Max Crus

Surviving and solving the beep test.

It seems last week’s column really hit a nerve and generated more feedback than any other column in recent history.

Yes, two readers were driven to relate their car troubles.

My car beeps at me constantly!!! Every time the speed-limit changes it fu*&%$ beeps and distracts me. How is that a safety feature?

Sometimes you have to

Taylors Clare Valley St Andrews Riesling 2020, $45 . Sometimes there’s a quantum leap in a wine’s character after a mere four years. The latest version, as below, is lovely, but this is next level by a margin, tasting older, rounder and more mature and is easily the best Riesling this year. Just the thing to help forget about beeps for a while. 9.8/10.

Taylors Clare Valley St

beep language, but speedlimit changes?

All the bells and whistles, eh? Everyone wants them, yet now that car manufacturers have fnally acquiesced, we don’t.

Another reader, my car slows down around bends when in cruise control, and even switches the cruise control off if it thinks I am cornering too quickly. Talk about taking the fun

$45. Some people prefer young Rieslings and when they’re the same price it’s an easy choice for your dinner table. This young one however, feels somewhat more than four years behind its older sibling, but still serious and smart stuff. 9.4/10.

Taylors Clare Valley The Pioneer (Exceptional Parcel Release) Shiraz 2018, $220 (bottle No.2385). It looks

out of driving.

One of the few legal driving pleasures remaining is doing 80kmh around a hairpin bend and as all good, advanced driving courses teach us, you should accelerate from the apex, not brake. That can be dangerous, specially if you’re racing someone who is not expecting that. What? That’s not allowed either?

signature and bottling date are hand-written, but I’ll get forensics onto that. Impressive feat if so, and in such lovely script. Surely, you’d get a bit wonky towards the end? Meanwhile the wine just got better and better toward the end and for some, will still represent good value at $220. Wonder if it’s discounted by the dozen? 9.7/10.

Taylors Clare Valley The

Sure the nanny state is there to protect us against ourselves, but as all Australians know, were all good drivers.

Anyway, what possible purpose does it serve that when my car slows while navigating a corner, say in peak-hour traffc, all the screen info disappears replaced by three highlydistorted wide-angled camera angles of the front

Parcel Release) Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, $220 (Bottle No.2024). Not sure if I was singled out for special treatment but Bottle No.2024 seems pretty special. I was tempted to keep it but nah, who can resist something called ‘Exceptional Parcels’? Exceptional stuff, alas at an exceptional price but grab a few friends and lash out, $50 for a big glass,

of the car and what it will hit if I am not careful, which I am not because I am distracted by the bloody screen.

And another thing intermittently, and mercifully infrequently, my car will start beeping.

A regular, unhurried beep which stops after 30 seconds, during which time I have scoured every millimetre of the dash

9.6/10.

Taylors Clare Valley Masterstroke (Prestigious Parcels Exceptional Regions) Cabernet Shiraz 2018, $60. This has a million medals on the cover from around the globe, including Australia. Unsurprisingly, it is pretty good. Well-rounded with about the right level of everything you like about red wine int he right

looking for a reason but give up after ten seconds thinking whatever the issue, it has corrected itself. Then it starts again. Then it stops until next time. I still don’t know why. Neither does the manufacturer, or Google. A frst for the platform. Clearly one of the great mysteries of the world that can only be solved by wine or not.

Taylors Clare Valley Masterstroke (Prestigious Parcels Exceptional Regions) Shiraz 2021, $60. Not as many medals on the label as the cabernet but still enough to impress people who are impressed by that sort of thing. Quality Clare shiraz is always a joy, if not quite as joyful as Clare cabernet in this instance.

Max Crus

WHATS ON THE MENU TONIGHT?

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

ALL-IN-ONE ITALIAN CHICKEN RICE BAKE

15m

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 chicken breast fllets (or 4 chicken thigh fllets)

• 1 brown onion, fnely chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, crushed

• 275g (1 1/4 cups) Coles medium-grain white rice

• 170g (3/4 cup) drained semi-dried tomatoes, chopped

• 375ml (1 1/2 cups) Chicken Stock

• 300ml thickened cream for cooking

• 60g baby spinach leaves

• 100g (1 cup) pizza cheese

• Basil leaves, to serve

METHOD

1. Preheat oven to 190C/170C fan forced.

2. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 3 minutes each side or until

golden brown. Transfer to a chopping board to cool slightly. Add remaining 1 tbsp oil to the pan. Cook the onion, stirring, for 5 minutes or until soft and golden. Add the garlic and rice. Cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Transfer to an 8-cup-capacity ovenproof dish.

3. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Transfer chicken and tomatoes to rice mixture in dish and stir to combine. Add the stock and cream to the frying pan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Pour over the rice mixture. Season and cover dish tightly with foil. Bake for 30 minutes or until rice is tender.

4. Remove dish from oven and turn oven grill to high. Carefully remove foil (steam will escape). In 2 batches, fold through spinach leaves (they will wilt in the hot mixture). Sprinkle top of dish with cheese. Place under grill for 3 minutes or until golden brown. Top with basil to serve.

MINI MUSHROOM HAND PIES

INGREDIENTS

• 60g butter

• 250g white button mushrooms, coarsely chopped

• 1 shallot (40g), fnely chopped

• 1 garlic clove, crushed

• 3 fresh thyme sprigs

• 1/2 cup (125ml) dry white wine

• 1 sheet frozen ready-rolled puff pastry, thawed

• 1 Egg, whisked

• Sea salt fakes, to sprinkle

• Thyme sprigs, extra, to sprinkle

METHOD

1. Position a rack in bottom of oven. Preheat oven to 220°C (200°C fan-forced).

2. In a large frying pan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms, shallot, garlic and thyme. Cook for 10 mins or until mushrooms are golden brown. Add the wine and cook for 3 mins or until liquid is reduced. Remove from heat. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside to cool completely.

3. Place the pastry on a clean work surface. Cut twelve 6cm squares from the pastry (you will have some pastry left over). Grease a 12-hole, 1½-tbs mini muffn pan and line each hole with pastry. Divide the mushroom mixture among pastry, pressing into the pastry. Fold pastry corners over the mushroom mixture to partially enclose. Brush pastry with egg and sprinkle with sea salt fakes.

4. Bake for 15 mins or until golden brown on bottom. Transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle with extra thyme. Serve warm.

10m prep 1h cook Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

• 4 (about 200g each) washed potatoes, unpeeled

• 500g Beef Mince

• 1 cup (130g) frozen Vegetable Mix

• 2 tbsp White Plain Flour

• 1 cup (250ml) Beef Stock

• 1 cup (120g) frozen Peas

• 2 tabespoons Thickened Cream

• 1/2 cup (60g) Shredded cheese

METHOD

1. Preheat oven to 180C. Place potatoes on a baking tray. Use a fork to prick skin several times. Bake for 50 mins or until tender.

2. Meanwhile, heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Cook mince,

stirring with a wooden spoon to break up any lumps, for 5 mins or until mince changes colour. Add vegetables. Stir until well combined.

3. Sprinkle over the four. Cook for 1 min or until well combined. Add stock and cook, stirring, for 2 mins or until mixture boils and thickens.

4. Cook peas in a saucepan of boiling water for 2 mins. Drain. Return to pan with cream. Use a fork to mash until almost smooth.

5. Use a knife to split potatoes. Top with mince mixture and cheddar. Bake for 8 mins or until cheddar melts. Top with pea mash.

Cacti in Australia: The Growing Trend of Desert Plants Down Under

Cacti, once considered exotic imports, are fast becoming a staple in Australian gardens and homes. These hardy desert plants, known for their unique shapes, striking fowers, and minimal care requirements, are perfectly suited to Australia’s diverse climate. From sprawling rural properties to urban apartments, cacti are carving out a niche in the Australian gardening scene, offering both aesthetic appeal and practicality.

The Rise of Cactus Popularity in Australia Australia’s affnity for cacti has been on the rise over the past decade, driven by several factors. Firstly, the country’s hot, dry climate mirrors that of the cactus’s native environments, making them a natural ft. As water restrictions become more common in many regions due to ongoing droughts, cacti, with their low water needs, offer a sustainable and visually appealing alternative to traditional, water-thirsty plants.

In urban settings, where space is often limited, cacti are thriving as indoor plants. Their ability to survive with minimal care makes them ideal for busy city dwellers who want to enjoy greenery without the commitment of daily watering and maintenance. The unique aesthetic appeal of cacti, ranging from the towering elegance of the Saguaro to the

quirky, rounded forms of the Golden Barrel, has also captured the imagination of gardeners and designers alike.

Cacti and Australia’s Diverse Climates Australia’s diverse climates, from the arid outback to the temperate coastal regions, present a unique challenge for gardeners. However, cacti’s adaptability makes them suitable for almost any Australian environment. In the arid interior, cacti can thrive with minimal water, making them a practical choice for gardens where rainfall is scarce. In coastal regions, where humidity levels are higher, careful selection of cactus species and proper soil drainage can help ensure their success. For gardeners in the cooler southern

regions, where frost is a concern, cacti can be grown in pots and brought indoors during the winter months. This fexibility allows cacti to be enjoyed across the country, regardless of the local climate.

How to Grow Cacti in Australia

Growing cacti in Australia is relatively straightforward, provided a few key principles are followed. Here’s a guide to ensuring your cactus garden fourishes.

1. Selecting the Right Cactus

Not all cacti are created equal, and some species are better suited to specifc climates than others. For those in the arid and semi-arid regions, species such as the Prickly Pear (Opuntia) and the Golden Barrel (Echinocactus grusonii) are excellent choices, as they are well-adapted to hot, dry conditions. Coastal gardeners might opt for species that can tolerate more humidity, such as the Epiphyllum or Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera).

2. Soil and Drainage Cacti require welldraining soil to prevent root rot, a common issue in Australia’s wetter regions. A commercial cactus or succulent mix is ideal, but you can also create your own by mixing regular potting soil with sand or perlite.

If planting in the ground, ensure that the site is well-drained, perhaps by raising beds or mounding soil to prevent water logging.

3. Watering and Maintenance

One of the biggest mistakes new cactus owners make is overwatering. Cacti have evolved to survive in environments where water is scarce, and they store moisture in their thick, feshy stems. In most parts of Australia, cacti will only need watering once every few weeks, especially during the winter months when they enter a dormant phase. In hotter, dry conditions, you can increase watering slightly, but always let the soil dry out completely between waterings.

Fertilising is minimal with cacti; a light feed in the spring with a balanced, low-nitrogen fertiliser is usually suffcient. Be sure to protect your cacti from pests like mealybugs and scale insects, which can occasionally become a problem, particularly on indoor plants.

The Role of Cacti in Sustainable Gardening

As Australia faces increasing environmental challenges, sustainable gardening practices are more important than ever. Cacti offer an environmentally

The unique forms and textures of cacti have made them a favourite among landscape designers in Australia. Whether as a focal point in a minimalist garden or as part of a larger desert-inspired landscape, cacti bring a touch of the exotic to Australian backyards. Their sculptural quality makes them particularly effective in modern garden designs, where they can be used to create striking contrasts with other plant forms and materials. In smaller spaces, cacti can be grown in

friendly option for gardeners looking to reduce their water usage and contribute to biodiversity. Unlike many traditional garden plants that require regular watering, cacti thrive with minimal resources, making them an ideal choice for waterwise gardening.

In addition to their low water needs, cacti also play a role in supporting local wildlife. Many species produce fowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterfies, contributing to the health of local ecosystems. Moreover, the dense, spiky nature of some cacti can provide shelter for small animals, offering a safe haven in urban and rural environments alike.

Cacti in Design: Bringing the Desert to Your Backyard

pots, adding a touch of greenery to balconies, patios, and indoor spaces. Grouping different species together in a container garden can create a visually stunning display that requires minimal upkeep.

Conclusion Cacti are more than just a trend; they are a sustainable, versatile, and visually appealing addition to Australian gardens. Whether you’re looking to create a low-maintenance garden, reduce your water usage, or simply enjoy the unique beauty of these desert plants, cacti offer something for every gardener. As Australia continues to embrace sustainable living, cacti are poised to become an even more prominent feature in gardens across the country.

RECENT CATTLE MARKET REPORTS

CASINO

NRLX MARKET REPORT

04/09/2024

There was a yarding of 1,400 head, featuring a good supply of young cattle and steady cow numbers. The young cattle consisted primarily of weaners, with several pens of yearlings. The quality of the young cattle varied, as many weaners showed signs of winter’s effects. However, there were well-bred runs of weaner steers and heifers included in the sale. Most restocker cattle were bound for the Tablelands and Queensland. Restocker weaner steers were 10c higher, with premium prices for light-

WARWICK

weight, well-bred Angus steers. Steer prices ranged from 340c to 449c, averaging 398c to 407c/kg, depending on weight and breed. Weaner heifers, however, struggled to meet last week’s prices, selling between 220c and 344c/kg. Yearling steers for feeding or backgrounding sold from 322c to 352c/kg. The yarding of export cattle mainly featured cows, along with some grown steers and heifers. Grown steers saw little change, selling between 294c and 334c, while heifers topped at 297c/kg. The cow market remained frm, with 2-score medium weights selling between 230c and 259c, 3-scores averaging 267c, and 4-scores ranging from 275c to 294c/kg. Bulls reached a top price of 300c/ kg.

• Yearling Steers: Averaged 344.6c/kg, with a top of 406.2c/kg ($1104.68 to $1350.62).

MC DOUGALL & SONS SHEEP & LAMB REPORT (Week Ending 06/09/2024)

The livestock markets in Warwick and District continue to see steady numbers across both the cattle and sheep/ lamb sectors. With the arrival of spring, there has been an increase in spring lambs at the markets alongside solid trade and export cattle types. While the cattle market remains frm to slightly dearer, pork numbers have been lower, with most yarded stock being feed-on types. Overall, vendors are seeing strong returns, particularly in the fnished and heavier ends.

Cattle Market Overview

• Bulls: Averaged 285c/kg, with a top price of 355.2c/kg ($863.03 to $2478.00).

• Cows: Averaged 263.6c/kg, topping at 318c/kg ($1320.27 to $2464.50).

• Feeder Heifers: Averaged 306.2c/kg, topping at 396.2c/ kg ($1054.16 to $1698.71).

• Feeder Steers: Averaged 382.3c/kg, with a top of 415.2c/kg ($1438.67 to $1865.42).

• Heifers: Averaged 303.6c/kg, reaching 337.2c/kg ($1399.78 to $2444.70).

• Steers: Averaged 339.2c/kg, topping at 418.2c/kg ($2015.29 to $2740.65).

• Vealer Heifers: Averaged 285.4c/kg, with a top price of 358.2c/kg ($691.10 to $1198.19).

• Vealer Steers: Averaged 368.9c/kg, reaching a top of 412.2c/kg ($860.76 to $1193.98).

• Yearling Heifers: Averaged 334.8c/kg, topping at 396.2c/kg ($1251.11 to $1733.38).

TENTERFIELD

BROUGHT TO YOU BY HAROLD CURRY PH: 02 6736 1344

TENTERFIELD MARKET REPORT

Sale Date: 02.09.2024 - Number Yarded: 657

The Tenterfeld cattle sale saw an increased yarding of 657 mixed-quality cattle, with stronger demand leading to a generally dearer market, particularly for better-quality offerings.

Market Highlights

• Cows: The cow market was the standout of the day, with heavy cows selling up to 320 cents, medium weights reaching 305.2 cents, and light cows topping at 270.2 cents. The highest price for cows was $2,768.00, achieved by Tenterfeld High School.

The total cattle yarding averaged 307.2c/kg, with a peak price of 420.2c/kg ($1150.92 to $2740.65).

Sheep & Lamb Market Overview

• Lambs: Topped at $228, averaging $149.09/head, a $7 increase from last week.

• Hoggets: Topped at $160, averaging $102.06, a decrease of $21.

• Ewes: Topped at $104, averaging $71.23, down by $10.

• Wethers: Topped at $113, averaging $68.79, a $4 decrease.

• Lamb Rams: Topped at $155, averaging $121.69, a $2 increase.

• Rams: Topped at $350, averaging $108.19, up by $24.

The total yarding of 2130 head averaged $125.56, a rise of $3/head compared to the previous week.

Pork Market Overview

The pork market saw a slight drop in numbers, with only 70 head available.

• Sows: Topped at $390.

• Pork: Reached $238.

• Light Pork: Ranged from $180 to $200.

• Stores: Sold between $70 and $227.

Poultry Market Overview

Poultry numbers remained steady:

• Goslings: Sold for $50 per group.

• Quails: Reached $17.50 per group.

• Chicks: Topped at $45 per group.

• Hen & Chicks: Sold for $50.

• Hens: Topped at $20.

• Steers: A small yarding of mixed-quality steers topped at 375.2 cents, with Angus steers in the trade category reaching 446.2 cents, making them highly sought after. The top steer price was $1,857.24, achieved by the De Jager Family Trust.

• Heifers: Heifers sold to a high of 330.2 cents, with the best heifers averaging 320.6 cents. The highest price for heifers was $2,294.89, achieved by Applebutt Partnership.

• Bullocks: Bullocks sold to 342.2 cents, with the top price reaching $2,181.53 for NM & K Rhodes.

• Bulls: Bulls topped at 287.2 cents, with the highest price being $2,690.40 for Geroma Partnership.

• Vealers: Vealers reached a top price of $899.64, achieved by Madeline Wait. Category Averages:

• Vealers (Light Steers): 412.2 cents, averaging 374.8 cents

• Yearling Steers: 446.2 cents, averaging 390.0 cents

• Yearling Heifers: 329.2 cents, averaging 301.4 cents

• Roosters: Reached $30.

• Pullets: Topped at $37.50, with some fetching up to $60.

• Guinea Fowl: Sold for $70.

Horses

The Pig and Calf yards also saw the sale of horses, with mini mares reaching $300.

MCDOUGALL & SONS SHEEP & LAMB REPORT

A total of 2130 head of sheep and lambs were offered to both local and export markets, with lambs and hoggets accounting for 70% of the yarding. Heavy and trade lambs experienced frmer prices, while lighter lambs, particularly those off ewes, saw a slight dip. Mutton followed a similar trend, with the heavier end remaining frm, but lighter stock slightly weaker. Rams made a statement, with ex-stud Dorper rams reaching $350.

Individual Sales Highlights

• Will Bazley & Vanessa McDonald: Dorset x lambs (53kg) sold for $202 and $200 to Eversons, with 48.2kg lambs fetching $191.

• Sally Cadalora: Aussie White ewe lambs (46.1kg) sold to restockers for $187, and 44.2kg lambs to McMahon Bros for $166.

• David Lindsay: Xbred lambs (56.6kg) sold for $227, and 50kg lambs fetched $193.

• Stuart Timms: Sold Dorper ex-stud rams to restockers for $350.

• Brad Bull: Dorper wethers sold for $75 to Thomas Foods and hoggets to restockers for $71. This week’s sheep and lamb market refected strong demand, particularly for heavier, fnished lambs, with the overall market showing resilience across the board.

• Heavy Steers: 350.0 cents, averaging 344.1 cents

• Light Cows: 270.2 cents, averaging 226.3 cents

• Medium Cows: 305.2 cents, averaging 240.3 cents

• Heavy Cows: 320.0 cents, averaging 299.2 cents

• Bulls (600kg+): 287.2 cents, averaging 256.5 cents

• Bullocks (540kg+): 342.2 cents

Top Prices

• Bullocks: $2,181.53 - NM & K Rhodes

• Steers: $1,857.24 - De Jager Family Trust

• Cows: $2,768.00 - Tenterfeld High School

• Heifers: $2,294.89 - Applebutt Partnership

• Yearlings: $972.32 - D & K Battistuzzi

• Vealers: $899.64 - Madeline Wait

• Bulls: $2,690.40 - Geroma Partnership

Next Sale

• 30th September 2024, 9:00 am Start

Free webinar for farmers to learn how RIC loans can help rebuild and recover from severe business disruption

Australian Government farm business lender, RIC (Regional Investment Corporation) is hosting a free webinar on 18 September 2024 for farmers, advisers and agriculture industry representatives to learn more about how RIC’s low-cost Farm Investment Loan can help support farm businesses to rebuild and recover after severe business disruption.

RIC Chief Executive Offcer, John Howard, said RIC’s Farm Investment Loan is aimed at supporting farmers who have experienced signifcant fnancial downturn, as a result of an unforeseen disruption or cumulative impacts to their business.

“Our Farm Investment Loan recognises that unexpected business shocks outside a farmer’s control can play havoc with fnancial plans. With a low variable interest rate and interestonly terms for the frst

fve years, RIC loans can provide some fnancial relief to help farmers get back on their feet,” Mr Howard said.

“To be eligible for a Farm Investment Loan, farmers need to show their underlying business is solid, but that they need help to recover following an event that has fnancially impacted their business, like drought or other natural

disasters, or even a biosecurity event.

“More than 100 people from across the country have already registered to learn more from our specialist Agri Lending Manager and one of our customers who will share their experience,” Mr Howard said. Queenslander cattle grazier Rachael Lehmann is pleased to join the webinar to help

other farmers learn more about how she and her husband Dane benefted from a RIC Loan. She will share how their lowinterest loan supported their recovery and helped improve their business after experiencing drought and successive natural disasters.

The RIC Farm Investment Loan enabled them to refnance part of their existing

commercial debt to RIC’s concessional variable interest rate.

This allowed the business to improve cash fow, enabling them to recover faster and move forward. “The change in interest rate is quite a substantial amount of money for us, so it has taken the pressure off. It just meant that we were going to have the opportunity to get ahead.

“It’s a huge step up for us and it will have amazing onfow effects for our cost of production and that’s very exciting,” Rachael said.

The Farm Investment Loan provides up to $2 million over a 10-year term with the frst fve years interest only followed by principal and interest for the remaining fve years.

The current variable interest rate is 5.18 per cent and there are no fees to apply, make extra repayments, or for early loan repayments.

The free webinar is on 18 September 2024 from 12pm-1pm AEST, to register visit www. ric.gov.au/events.

For more on the Farm Investment Loan visit www.ric.gov.au/farminvestment.

Read more about Rachael and Dane Lehmann’s story at www.ric.gov.au/ customer-stories.

Queensland Cattle Graziers Dane and Rachael Lehmann

By Helen Trustum

Busby’s fat was named after Mr Busby, who in 1838, while droving sheep, grazed his fock there for several months. Mr Luke was the frst selector. He selected 300 acres but after three years he sold to Mr George Lollback Snr. In 1871,

Mr Lollback acquired additional land. At that time numerous horse teams were engaged in carrying goods from Lawrence to Tenterfeld. Mr Jacob Lollback was the frst child born at Busby’s Flat. The Subsidised School was erected in 1911. Miss Violet Cowan

was the teacher. At the Subsidised School for the June quarter the enrolment was 8. The only families that could attend were Clarks and Schielers. On 14th September 1912 Thomas Cole wrote to Mr C.A. Lee MLA to gain support to have a Provisional School at Busby’s Flat.

He stated a sawmill was built near the proposed site and that should attract more children. Recommendations were approved on 5th May 1913. A tender was let to Arthur Thomas Townsend who was employed at the mill to construct a school costing 75 pounds.

William H. McMullen began teaching in the new Busby’s Flat Provisional School building on 29th September 1913. He was accounted as a trustworthy and earnest young teacher. Mr McMullen enlisted in the First War and was killed in action in

November 1915. Most of the children rode horses to school. There was no horse paddock so on 7th June 1929 the secretary of the P & C Victor Lollback sought 2 acres beside the school to house the horses during school hours. School numbers began to fall and on 27th August

Busby’s Flat Hall

Federal Member, Mr Ian Robinson on left with the Minister for Education, Mr R J. Heffron M.L.A. turning the key on the new Busby’s Flat School - 20/7/1955.

Opening of Busby’s Flat School - 20/7/1955

Opening of Busby’s Flat School - 20/7/1955

By Helen Trustum

1942 and the school closed. The building was removed for use at Tabulam Public School. Another surge in numbers of local children required the school to be opened in 1951 but they had no building as it was shifted to Tabulam. Lessons were held in the Busby’s Flat Hall supper room. A new school was built by local contractor Mr A.G. McGrath. The new building was opened on 20th July 1955 by the Minister for Education Mr R. J. Heffron. From

1st September 1955 the school was known as the Busby’s Flat Public School. The Busby’s Flat Public School closed its doors on 25th May 1965 once again after only 10 years of education in the new building.

The Busby’s Flat Hall was built in 1927. It was built on land owned by Mr Jacob Lollback, a Parish of Wyan. Mr John Farrow from Upper Mongogarie was the builder. The hall was always known for its excellent foor, which was taken from a

tallowwood tree grown on the property. Before Busby’s Flat had their hall, dances were held in the home of Richard and Agnes Townsend. Richard’s parents, Harry and Elizabeth Townsend were pioneers of Busby’s Flat who selected there in the early 1880’s.

Busby’s Flat Committee Members were:

President – Mr R. Collis; Secretary / Treasurer – Mr R. Hutchinson; Committee – Mesdames B. Cole, D. Lollback, E. Hutchinson,

M. Bulmer, L. Collis, A. Hoult, Messrs. C. E. Cole, E. R. Gifford, H. Lollback, R. Bulmer, R. Hoult and M. McGrath.

A “switching on” dance for electricity was held on 8th September 1961. President of the Tomki Shire Mr Norman Holmes was asked to switch on the lights at 9pm. The Three Musketeers were asked to play with Mrs Betty Cole and Mr Brian Hoult as they had done so for many years. It was nonstop music.

A general meeting held

at Ray and Monnie’s residence on 7th Feb. 1962 where 50 pounds ($100) was handed over to the hall committee from the sports club.

Kitchen teas were held for Miss Jeanette Lollback and Mr Ken Lyons on August 25th 1962, Miss Elvie Wilson and Mr Jim Owen on July 26th 1963, Miss Pam Collis and Mr John Murphy on September 10th 1965.

The Busby’s Flat Hall closed in 1974, where the building was pulled down by Mr Con Taylor

and transported to the Lewellyn’s Property at Leeville. St Michaels and Richmond Home for the Age (Richmond Lodge) each received $177.74 from the hall funds. Included was $80 for the sale of the building.

Ref: Busby’s Flat Hall Minutes Book, Century of Education in The Leeville Locality 1888 – 1988, Keith Cole, Busby’s Flat, Ray and Monnie Bulmer November 1997.

Children having their lessons in the Busby’s Flat Hall supper room - 1953. Front row - Max Lollback, Dennis Collis, Bruce Murphy and Warren Bulmer.

Photo taken outside Busby’s Flat Hall. - L - R - Marge Wilson, Roly and Topsy Stevens nursing Kaylene, Harry Tapper, Pauline Wilson nursing Narelle, Flo Tapper, Marion Lollback nursing Rosalie, -------, Laura Wilson, Betty Hutchinson.

Busby’s Flat School - 20/7/1955

Back - Dorothy Clutterbuck, Michael McGrath, Colin Collis, Elva Wilson, Noreen Murphy, Maureen Wilson, Brian Cole, Warren Bulmer, Sophie Clutterbuck Centre - Russell Cole, Lyndell Slade, Olive Gifford, Max Lollback, Bruce ( Brother) Murphy, Tony Lollback, Pam Collis, Dennis Collis, Reg McGrath.

Front - Kathleen McGrath, Louise Clutterbuck, Dawn Clutterbuck, Gale Townsend, Valerie Wilson, Heather Gifford, John Stevens, Ronnie Clutterbuck, Geoff Hannah. Background - Ron Hutchinson, Reg Thompson, Valmae Holt, Brian Holt and Ray Hamilton. Busby’s Flat Junior Farmer Show at the Busby’s Flat Hall - 1956.

Vigilance Urged to Combat Invasive Giant Devil’s Fig

minimize its impact.”

North Coast landholders are being called upon to stay vigilant against the spread of Giant Devil’s Fig (Solanum chrysotrichum), a highly invasive woody weed that poses a signifcant threat to agriculture and natural ecosystems. This problematic species is prevalent in grazing lands, waterways, forests, roadsides, parks, and gardens, particularly in the coastal regions of northern and central New South Wales.

Ashley Donges, Regional Weed Coordinator for North Coast Local Land Services, highlighted the critical role of community involvement in controlling this invasive plant.

“Preventing the spread of Giant Devil’s Fig is crucial for safeguarding our agricultural productivity and protecting native ecosystems,” Donges said. “We urge all residents and landowners to actively identify and manage this weed to

Giant Devil’s Fig competes with desirable pasture species, leading to reduced agricultural productivity and increased costs. The plant contains toxins that can harm livestock if ingested in large quantities, and its sharp prickles can cause injuries to both humans and animals, as well as hinder access to water sources for livestock.

In natural landscapes, the weed forms dense thickets that outcompete native vegetation, further degrading the environment.

“Our goal is to equip the community with the knowledge and tools needed to combat Giant

Devil’s Fig effectively,” Donges continued. “By working together, we can mitigate its impact and protect our valuable natural resources.”

Under the NSW Biosecurity Act, all residents have a General Biosecurity Duty to prevent, eliminate, or minimize the biosecurity risk posed by Giant Devil’s Fig.

The weed can be identifed as a shrub or small tree up to four meters tall, with prickly stems and hairy leaves when young. It produces small, white star-shaped fowers in clusters from autumn to spring, followed by round berries that turn yellow or orange-yellow.

For detailed identifcation and control methods, residents are encouraged to visit the NSW WeedWise website. https://weeds. dpi.nsw.gov.au/Weeds/ GiantDevilsFig.

There is a Giant Devil’s Fig Exclusion Zone covering the local government areas of Bellingen, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Kempsey, Lord Howe Island, Nambucca Valley, and Port MacquarieHastings. In these areas, residents must notify their local council if the weed is found and eradicate it immediately.

A Containment Zone covering Ballina, Byron, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley, and Tweed local government areas requires residents to prevent the plant’s spread, reduce its impact, and report sightings to Rous County Council. For technical advice and assistance, residents can contact their local council’s weeds offcer or consult resources available on the NSW WeedWise website.

Australia’s Agricultural Production Value Set to Climb 4%

ROBERT HEYWARD

Australia’s agricultural sector is poised for signifcant growth in the 2024-25 fnancial year, with the gross value of agricultural production projected to rise by 4%, according to the latest ABARES Agricultural Commodities and Crop Reports. The sector’s value is expected to increase from $82.5 billion in 2023-24 to $86.2 billion in 202425.

ABARES Executive Director, Dr. Jared Greenville, highlighted that the overall value of production across agriculture, fsheries, and forestry is forecasted to reach $92.1 billion in 2024-25.

This growth is attributed to favourable seasonal conditions in many regions, easing input prices, and stronger livestock prices, all of which are bolstering farm incomes.

“While many regions are benefting from improved conditions, not all areas are experiencing the same positive outcomes,” Dr. Greenville noted.

“Crop production in New South Wales and Queensland has been strong, with better-thanexpected conditions in Western Australia. However, unfavourable conditions in northern and western Victoria, as well as most of South Australia, due to below-average winter rainfall, have resulted

in lower-than-expected crop yields.”

Despite these regional disparities, the value of agricultural exports is forecast to reach $68.5 billion in 2024-25, or $72.6 billion when including fsheries and forestry. Although grain export values have slightly declined due to reduced carry-over stocks from the previous record-breaking years, production levels remain among the highest on record.

Australian exports continue to be in strong demand globally, with red meat exports performing well in key markets such as the United States and the Middle East. Trade fows with China have also increased across

various commodities, following improved market access.

The horticulture sector remains resilient, maintaining its forecast of record-breaking production values. Additionally, average cash incomes for broadacre farms are expected to surge by 64%, reaching $192,000 per farm in 2024-25, driven by higher cattle and sheep prices.

“The ABARES Commodities and Crop Reports paint a positive picture for Australian agriculture, underscoring the sector’s ability to capitalize on global demand for our highquality products,” Dr. Greenville concluded.

Giant Devil’s Fig grows to 4m tall, has 7-13 lobes per leaf and has white fowers. Photographer: Kim Curtis, FNCW

ROBERT HEYWARD

NSW Aquaculture Industry Sets $300 Million Target for 2030

The Minns Labor Government has pledged to collaborate closely with the aquaculture industry to double the farm gate value of New South Wales’ aquaculture sector to $300 million by 2030. This ambitious goal will be pursued through innovative research, ongoing investment in breeding programs, and a strong commitment to enhancing water quality.

The announcement was made in conjunction with the launch of the NSW Aquaculture Vision Statement during the national Oyster Industry Conference held in Port Macquarie, attended by over 300 delegates from across Australia and internationally.

The Vision Statement outlines a comprehensive strategy for the development of the state’s aquaculture industries, focusing on seafood production, bioproducts development, and climate change adaptation.

Key initiatives to achieve the $300 million target include:

• Risk Management: Implementing a breeding program for the oyster industry, alongside exploring alternative species.

• Innovative Research: Conducting cutting-edge research at DPIRD research stations and in collaboration with industry partners.

• Expanding Marine Aquaculture: Identifying and opening new areas for marine aquaculture, including mussels, oysters, and algae.

• Environmental Benefts: Promoting the environmental advantages of aquaculture, such as the nutrient uptake capabilities of algae, oysters, and mussels, which contribute to water quality improvement.

• Streamlining Biosecurity: Simplifying aquatic biosecurity regulations to enhance access to interstate spat supply.

• Water Quality Enhancement: Protecting and improving water quality, a critical factor for sustainable aquaculture.

• Aboriginal Participation: Creating opportunities for Aboriginal communities to engage in aquaculture businesses.

The government, in partnership with the industry, will develop a detailed roadmap to guide the implementation of these initiatives, all aimed at reaching the $300 million goal by 2030.

The oyster sector, the

cornerstone of NSW’s aquaculture industry, has seen rapid growth, with a 30 percent increase in farm gate value in 2022/23, reaching $78 million. This sector also contributes over $30 million to the state’s economy, providing thousands of jobs across production, wholesale, processing, retail, and agri-tourism. The industry’s commitment to water quality monitoring and marine environment protection remains a source of pride.

To support the industry’s vision, the Minns Government has announced a $3 million investment in upgrades at the Port Stephens Fisheries Institute. These enhancements will improve breeding and research facilities for shellfsh, including oysters and fnfsh, fostering innovation in seafood production.

Additionally, fnancial support has been extended to aquaculture and commercial fshing businesses affected by natural disasters and aquatic diseases, such as the White Spot prawn virus and QX disease in Sydney Rock Oysters.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, acknowledged the challenges faced

CANEGROWERS Welcomes LNP’s $12.5 Million Commitment to Mossman’s Sugarcane Industry

IAN ROGERS

CANEGROWERS has expressed strong support for Queensland’s Liberal National Party (LNP) leader David Crisafulli’s pledge to boost Mossman’s sugarcane industry if his party wins the upcoming state election in October.

Crisafulli should be commended for showing strong support for the industry and making the future of Mossman’s sugarcane growing community a key election issue.”

by oyster farmers in recent years due to storms, foods, and climate impacts. Despite these obstacles, the increasing productivity of the industry refects its resilience and the dedication of those who work in it. She emphasized that the NSW Aquaculture Vision Statement is a product of the collaborative efforts of oyster farmers, the aquaculture industry, and the government, all working towards a future where NSW-grown oysters are enjoyed both nationally and globally. The government’s investment in research and infrastructure aims to drive sustainable growth, resource development, and innovation within the industry.

Brandon Armstrong, Chair of the NSW Farmers Oyster Committee, expressed optimism about the future, highlighting the industry’s embrace of new opportunities and innovations. He noted that the recent conference served as an important platform for industry stakeholders to connect, share knowledge, and learn from one another, particularly as the Mid Coast region continues to recover from recent hardships.

At the Rural Press Club in Brisbane, Mr. Crisafulli announced a signifcant $12.5 million investment plan. The LNP would allocate $6 million to safeguard the 2025 sugarcane crop’s viability in Mossman, with an additional $6 million aimed at improving local productivity, retroftting the Mossman Mill, and attracting new investors.

This pledge brings renewed hope for Mossman growers, who have faced uncertainty following their mill’s liquidation earlier this year. While the current government had provided funding to transport this year’s crop to Mulgrave Mill near Cairns, growers were hesitant to invest in the 2025 crop without assurance that their cane would be processed.

CANEGROWERS

CEO Dan Galligan praised Crisafulli’s commitment: “Mr.

NORTH COAST

Galligan further highlighted CANEGROWERS’ ongoing efforts to protect the sugarcane industry, working closely with stakeholders and government offcials to fnd solutions.

David Crisafulli, whose family roots are in cane farming, emphasized the importance of preserving Mossman’s cane-growing legacy, committing to collaborate with CANEGROWERS and promising continued support for Mossman Mill.

“Our historic investment will give growers the certainty they need to plan next year’s harvest and offer potential buyers of the Mossman Mill the confdence to invest,” Crisafulli said.

Additionally, $500,000 would be provided to CANEGROWERS to spearhead new industry development and enhance grower proftability and productivity, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the local sugarcane sector.

IAN ROGERS

Biosecurity Week focusses on avian infuenza

As Australia recovers from its most severe avian disease outbreak in 50 years, the focus has shifted to preparing for future avian infuenza threats, particularly the virulent strains that have devastated poultry, wild birds, and mammals worldwide.

The recent H7 high pathogenicity avian infuenza (HPAI) outbreak in Victoria, New South Wales, and the Australian Capital Territory demonstrated the effectiveness of Australia’s national response in containing and eradicating the disease in poultry. Since July 2024, no new H7 HPAI outbreaks have occurred, marking the ninth successful eradication of such incidents in Australia since 1976.

Health experts from the interim Australian Centre for Disease Control emphasize the importance of a One Health approach in safeguarding Australians. This approach integrates human health with environmental and agricultural health, recognizing their interconnection.

Australia remains the only continent currently free from the new H5 HPAI strain, making

vigilance crucial to monitor and understand its potential spread. Extensive preparedness and response efforts are already underway, building on longestablished surveillance and biosecurity planning measures.

Key fgures in these efforts include:

• Dr. Brant Smith, ACT: As the National Animal Disease Preparedness Coordinator at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry, Dr. Smith leads efforts to strengthen Australia’s animal disease prevention and response capabilities, preparing for potential H5 HPAI detection. He collaborates across governments, communities, and industries to ensure a swift and effective response if the virus

is found, minimizing impacts on wildlife, the environment, and agriculture.

• Dr. Fiona Fraser, ACT: As the Threatened Species Commissioner at the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water, Dr. Fraser focuses on raising awareness and reducing threats to Australia’s most imperilled species, including the risks posed by H5N1 HPAI to wild birds and mammals.

• Dr. Tiggy Grillo, Tasmania: As National Coordinator at Wildlife Health Australia, Dr. Grillo oversees the National Avian Infuenza Wild Bird Surveillance Program, monitoring avian infuenza and investigating unexplained bird deaths across Australia.

• Dr. Guy Weerasinghe, Queensland: As Technical Manager for

the Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy, Dr. Weerasinghe leads surveillance for exotic diseases in northern Australia, ensuring potential threats like H5 HPAI are effectively managed.

• Marietta Matasia, Top End: As Indigenous Ranger Coordinator, Marietta oversees critical biosecurity activities in Cape York Peninsula, monitoring marine abnormalities and avian infuenza signs to protect the region’s biodiversity.

• Dr. Sarah Britton, NSW: Working with the interim Australian Centre for Disease Control, Dr. Britton integrates human, environmental, and agricultural health, addressing issues like zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial resistance. For more information on Biosecurity Week, visit the offcial Biosecurity Week page.

Have Your Say on the Future of Drought Hubs

Farmers, agribusinesses, stakeholders, and rural communities now have the opportunity to share their insights on the role and effectiveness of the Future Drought Fund (FDF) Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hubs.

Deputy Secretary Matt Lowe announced that the hubs, which were established in April 2021 with funding from the Australian Government’s FDF, are currently under review to assess their performance and impact.

“These eight drought hubs were designed to connect producers, industry, agribusinesses, natural resource management practitioners, and communities with regional experts, innovations, and new practices,” said Mr. Lowe.

“There’s no one-sizefts-all solution for drought preparedness. The local hubs and nodes ensure that strategies for droughtproofng farms are tailored to the unique needs of each region.”

A recent Inquiry Report by the Productivity

Commission highlighted the need for greater clarity in the hubs’ roles, prompting this review.

“We’re taking the report seriously and are committed to ensuring the hubs are delivering the best possible outcomes for the agriculture sector,” Mr. Lowe added.

Funding for the hubs has been extended for two years, covering 2024-25, while the review is conducted.

Future funding from 2026-27 will depend on the review’s fndings.

The review will evaluate the hubs’ performance, governance, operations,

and overall program effectiveness. This process presents a vital opportunity for the community to provide feedback and suggestions on how to enhance the hubs’ impact on the agriculture sector.

“I encourage producers, businesses, and individuals in regional areas to make their voices heard,” Mr. Lowe urged.

For more information, visit the Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hubs page on the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website.

FAULKS, Marion Nora, (Nee Khan)

passed away peacefully on 1st September 2024, late of Ballina, formerly of Bonalbo.

Beloved wife of Gary.

Cherished Mother and Mother In Law of Jennifer, Martin & Janine, and Grant.

Loved Stepmother and Stepmother in Law of Andrew & Joanne, Angela & Craig. Devoted Nan of all her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Will be sadly missed by all her relatives and friends.

Aged 84 Years

“Forever

In Our Hearts”

e relatives and friends of Marion are invited to attend her funeral service to be held at the Ballina Uniting Church, 54 Cherry St Ballina on Tuesday 10th September 2024, commencing at 10.00am.

At the conclusion of the Church ceremony, an internment will take place at Peacock Creek Private Cemetery 412 Peacock Creek Rd, Peacock Creek on Wednesday 11th September 2024, commencing at 12 Noon

Funeral Notice

BRINDELL, STEPHEN GEORGE

It is with much sadness that Michelle announces the passing of her husband Stephen at Caroona (Marima), Goonellabah on 3rd September 2024, late of Casino NSW, aged 72 years.

Gone Ridin’

As per his wishes, Stephen was privately cremated.

Relatives & friends are invited to a celebratory salute to Stephen to be held this SUNDAY 15th September 2024 commencing at 11am in e Den at Casino RSM Club, Canterbury Street, Casino.

Funeral Notice

JOHNSON, DAVID LESLIE

Passed away at hospital on 4th September 2024.

Late of Su olk Park, formerly of Casino. Loving husband of Joyce. Cherished father of Steven (deed), Deborah, and Melanie.

Devoted “Farvi” of Lauren, and Emma. Loved “Great Farvi” of Christian, Roman, and Vincent.

Will be sadly missed by all his relatives and friends and the Su olk Park community.

Aged 86 Years.

“Love you my Darling”

Relatives and friends of David are invited to attend his graveside service to be held at Casino Lawn Cemetery, Reynolds Rd, Casino on FRIDAY 13th September 2024 commencing at 11 am.

WEATHER

FORECAST

Northern Rivers District:

Partly cloudy. The chance of morning fog. Medium chance of showers, most likely in the morning and afternoon. Light winds. Thursday. Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers. Light winds becoming south to southeasterly 20 to 30 km/h during the day then tending south to southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the evening.

Northern Tablelands District:

Partly cloudy. The chance of morning fog on and east of the ranges. Medium chance of showers, most likely in the afternoon and evening. Light winds becoming west to northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the morning then becoming light during the evening.

Thursday. Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely in the morning and afternoon. Light winds becoming southeast to southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the morning then tending east to southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h during the afternoon.

New South Wales:

Scattered showers in the northeast and isolated showers elsewhere. The chance of a storm over the northeast inland. Morning fog patches in the east. Daytime temperatures above average. Northeast to northwesterly winds.

Thursday. Scattered showers in the east and isolated showers in the west. Daytime temperatures near average. Moderate to fresh southerly winds.

Byron Coast: Winds: East to northeasterly 10 to 15 knots tending north to northeasterly during the afternoon. Seas: Below 1 metre. Swell: Southerly around 1 metre. Weather: Partly cloudy.

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 during the afternoon or evening. Swell: Southerly around 1 metre. Weather: Mostly sunny.

Gold Coast Waters: Winds: Easterly 10 to 15 knots becoming northeasterly about 10 knots during the evening. Seas: Below 1 metre. Swell: Southerly below 1 metre. Weather: Partly cloudy. 50% chance of showers.

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffn has celebrated the return of the Lismore Basketball Stadium, with players back on the court after extensive post-food refurbishments.

Following the devastating foods in 2022, the stadium has been rebuilt with over $580,000 from the Sport Infrastructure Recovery Fund, part of the Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Package (CLIRP) funded by the Australian and NSW Governments.

Saffn praised the efforts of the Lismore Basketball Association, which kept games going on a damaged foor until moving to the Goonellabah Sport and Recreation Centre for repairs. She acknowledged the work of Association President Aaron Simpson, Treasurer Kay Simpson, and Publicity Offcer

Cheryl Amor, who, alongside the Council and local tradespeople, helped bring the facility back to life.

The project was

supported through:

• $1 million for the foor replacement from the NSW Government and Commonwealth Natural Disaster Relief Assistance Program.

• Over $580,000 from the NSW Offce of Sport for sub-foor works and a further $50,000 from Local Government Recovery Grants.

Cheryl Amor expressed gratitude to Council, Bennetts, and Janelle Saffn for their steadfast support. She said the use of local tradespeople had been a priority, and

the rebuilt stadium is a signifcant milestone for the association as it looks to attract new players and rebuild its community.

The NSW Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper, highlighted the importance of repairing local sporting infrastructure to keep communities healthy and connected, especially after natural disasters.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management

Jenny McAllister echoed these sentiments, congratulating all

parties involved in the successful project.

The rebuild involved:

• Demolition, asbestos removal, and subgrade earthworks.

• Installation of screw piles, the Waffe pod system, steel cages, and slab reinforcement.

• Laying, sanding, and sealing of a hardwood timber foor from Kyogle.

• Installation of a new grandstand and score bench, as well as repairs to the external driveway and footpath.

For those interested

in taking up basketball, contact the Lismore Basketball Association at 0410 777 572 or via their Facebook page or Instagram.

The repair work was funded by Federal and State governments’ Natural Disaster Relief Assistance Program ($1 million), Local Government Recovery Grants ($50,000), and the State Government’s Offce of Sport Grants ($236,853 and $344,510).

BALLINA MAHJONG

RESULTS - FRIDAY, 6TH SEPTEMBER 2024

1. Margaret Bryant

2. Ann Hewitt

3. Ramsay Roper

4. Ronda Taylor

5. Joy Lowien

6. Jan Boardman

7. Shirley Atkinson

8. Sally Lowry

9. Vanessa Reynolds

10. Lorna Simpson

11. Susan Allan

12. Jan Small

13. Pauline Kearney

14. Barbara Ellan

15. Susan Scott

16. Lisa Wong

17. Pam Farrell

18. Pauline Bolte

19. Yvonne Weddup

20. Carol Meyer

21. Gail McDonagh

22. Jane Fenech

23. Lynda Lovett

24. Diana Auret

25. Val Heinritz

26. Cindy Smith

27. Rosemary Russell

28. Jan Henley

Next Session: Friday at 12:30 pm at the Ballina Bridge Club, North Creek Road.

New players welcome! For enquiries, please contact Shirley on 0423 384 647.

CASINO

SOCIAL GOLF

RESULTS - 08/09/2024

The winners of Sunday’s social golf event were Garry Randall & Gary Skennar, with an impressive combined Stableford score of 47.

The Putting Trophy was claimed by D. Roberts, who completed the round with just 15 putts, and T. Jenkins took home the Players Draw prize.

Nearest to the Pins:

• 1st: G. Randall

• 2nd: D. Diews

• 4th: P. Piccoli

• 5th, 6th & 8th: T. Jenkins

• 7th: G. Shephard

• 17th: M. Gooding

• 18th: T. Hook

Next Sunday’s event, sponsored by DIY Home Timber & Hardware Casino, will feature a single Stableford competition on the top 11 holes. Visitors are welcome to join, with tee-off times between 6:30 am and 7:30

CHERRY STREET

CROQUET CLUB

SPORTS RESULTS

NRCA Ricochet Handicap Singles:

1. Jim Hannigan – 1st

2. Denis Cummings –2nd

3. Barbara Barrett – 3rd

4. Jay Pearce – 4th

5. Christine Edlund – 5th

Tournaments:

NSW Association Open

Doubles:

• Mike Gidding & Robert Elliott – 1st

• Steven Pearce & Kerri

Ann Organ – 2nd

Australian Men’s Golf Singles:

• Robert Fletcher – 1st

• Malcolm Fletcher – 2nd

• David Scott – 13th

• Werner Borkhardt –25th

Australian Women’s Singles:

• Alison Sharpe – 1st

• Pamela Barnwell – 2nd

Congratulations to Robert Elliott & Mike Gidding, crowned NSW Association Croquet Doubles Champions 2024!

CORAKI VETERANS

GOLF RESULTSTHURSDAY, 5/09/2024

A total of 45 golfers participated in the fnal round of the club championships. Congratulations to Terry Doyle, crowned the club champion with three consistent rounds!

Winners of the Day:

• 1st: R. Earnshaw

• 2nd: B. Collyer

• 3rd: K. Lloyd

Additional Prizes:

• Free Game: K. Osborne

• Chicken/Ball Winners: A. Parr, R. Black, M. Bruggy, I. Welch, B. Waterson, T. Foster, S. Toms, S. Reddell, J. Kelly, G. Tait, B. Kerrison

Nearest to Pins:

• 3rd/12th: G. Tait

• 6th/15th: B. Kerrison

Upcoming Event:

• Thursday, 12/09/24: The September Monthly Medal will take place with a shotgun start at 8:30 am. Good golfng until next time!

Janelle with Lismore Basketball Association Life Member Cheryl Amor

Northern Storm triumphed in a thrilling Men’s Premier League Grand Final on Saturday, 7 September, with a 2-1 victory over last year’s champions, the Woolgoolga Wolves, at the C.ex Coffs International Stadium.

Despite the Wolves dominating the regular season and fnishing 13 points clear at the top, the youthful energy of Northern Storm proved decisive in a gripping fnal match.

Woolgoolga struck frst, with Nick Casey scoring a precise goal in the 11th minute, curling a low shot into the bottom right corner. However, Northern Storm responded quickly, as Jamie Kennedy delivered an exceptional individual effort to level the score at 1-1 in the 20th minute.

The match hung in the balance, but it was

Ethan Andrews who became the hero, rising above the Wolves’ defence to head in the winning goal in the 75th minute. The drama escalated when Woolgoolga were awarded a penalty in the 88th minute, but Storm goalkeeper Mitch Weeden pulled off a stunning save to secure Northern Storm’s victory.

Key Highlights:

• Nick Casey: Scored for Woolgoolga in the 11th minute.

• Jamie Kennedy: Equalized for Northern Storm in the 20th minute.

• Ethan Andrews: Scored the matchwinning goal in the 75th minute.

• Mitch Weeden: Saved a penalty in the 88th minute to seal the win.

In the Women’s Premier League, the Urunga Raiders claimed the title with an emphatic 5-1 victory over the Woolgoolga Wildcats.

Lismore City Council is thrilled to announce that hundreds of cycling enthusiasts will gather in Lismore for the frst-ever Lismore Cycling Festival on the weekend of 5 and 6 October. Organized in partnership with the Byron Bay Cycle Club, the festival will feature competitive racing, participation rides, and fun ‘come-and-try’ sessions for children and adults, making it ideal for both seasoned cyclists and newcomers.

Tony Duffy, Lismore City Council’s Manager of Active and Liveable Communities, highlighted the event as a showcase of Lismore’s capacity to host both short and long-distance cycling events.

On Saturday, the action kicks off with criterium racing around the Oakes Oval complex, offering fast-paced, bunch-style racing on a closed-street circuit. Sunday will shift

to Fondo events, which allow participants to ride at their own pace through the picturesque Nimbin, Woodlawn, and Numulgi valleys, with routes designed for different ftness levels and abilities.

Key Events:

• Saturday (10am start): Cyclocross and Junior’s Crit-Cross events at the Lismore Regional Sports Hub, followed by criterium racing at 2pm around Oakes Oval.

• Sunday: Fondo participation rides with three distance options:

o Gran Fondo (110km)

o Medio Fondo (70km)

o Piccolo Fondo (28km)

Cyclists can expect well-marked routes and offcials patrolling the course to ensure safety. Some CBD roads will be closed for short-distance races, while most roads for long-distance races will remain open to traffc.

Safety is a priority, with

marshals monitoring the course and ensuring that all bikes are road-legal. Helmets are mandatory for all riders.

The festival is expected to inject $45,000 into the local economy, benefting local businesses, with proceeds supporting the Lismore Rescue Helicopter Service.

For more details and registration, visit the offcial festival page via the QR code.

This event continues Lismore’s successful streak as a regional sporting hub, following major events such as the Australian Women’s Baseball Showcase and Masters Hockey.

IAN ROGERS

The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) has congratulated our Paralympians for the way they’ve represented the nation on the world stage.

Australia fnished the Paris 2024 Games in ninth place on the medal tally with 18 gold, 17 silver, and 28 bronze medals.

Australian Sports Commission CEO Kieren Perkins OAM said there is much to celebrate.

“Our Paralympians could not have asked for a better event to showcase their talents to the world, with Paris excelling as a welcoming and inclusive host city,” Mr Perkins said.

“The past 12 days have been a triumph of the human spirit with the Australian team doing the nation proud.

“Seeing our new golden girl of the pool, Alexa Leary, shine, watching Lauren Parker make history as the frst gold medallist across two

sports in over ffty years, and James Turner blow his competition away on the track have been some of the many highlights.

“Combined with the incredible Olympics before it, Paris has truly been an unforgettable host city with performances that have inspired the country.

“We acknowledge that this was our smallest Paralympic team in two decades and the medal count is lower than past Games. This was not unexpected, and our work has already begun

to address the structural and systemic barriers in Australian Para sport that have led to this.

“Our high performance sport system is more united than ever through Australia’s High Performance 2032+ Sport Strategy and the shared commitment to win well.

“Central to the strategy is reducing historical inequity of opportunity for Para athletes and laying a foundation for sustainable success.

“We thank the Australian Government

for their record investment that doubles the existing support to the Para sport system to enable the sector to create an environment that allows our athletes to reach their potential.

“This environment will depend on world class coaching, and I am proud of the new AIS initiative, Project Para, which will not only support and elevate the coaches currently supporting our Paralympians, but also work to double the number of Para coaches by 2032.

“To Australian Paris 2024 Paralympic Chef de Mission

Kate McLoughlin, Paralympics Australia Interim CEO Cameron Murray and President Alison Creagh, and all the staff who supported our athletes during the Games – thank you.

“And fnally, to our athletes, Paralympians and Olympians alike. Your athletic feats, fair play, and teamwork over the past few months have inspired a nation and we are so very proud of you all.”

Australian Paralympian Curtis McGrath wins gold at the 2024 Paris Games.

Australian Paralympian James Turner wins the second of his two gold medals at the 2024 Paris Games.

Australian Paralympian Lauren Parker made history as the frst gold medallist across two sports in over ffty years at the 2024 Paris Games.

THE ASC

“WE ARE SO VERY PROUD OF YOU ALL”: ASC CONGRATULATES PARALYMPIANS