The latest edition of The Northern Rivers Times (Edition 222) delivers a wealth of stories highlight

Comprehensive

• Bulk billed Diagnostic Sleep Studies and Lung Function Testing

• In home consultations

• Flexible CPAP trial programs

•

• Guided equipment setup and ftting

• Ongoing customer care and spare parts

• 24/7 phone support and guidance

$850k Cathedral restoration nearly done

TIM HOWARD

A decade-program of restoration for the iconic Christ Church Cathedral in Grafton is almost over.

The repair and restoration works to preserve Grafton’s historic Christ Church Cathedral over the past decade have cost around $850,000 and the fnal stage of the progressive works is close to completion.

Clarence MP Richie Williamson said the NSW State Heritagelisted building is a vital part of the region’s history and community, and he was pleased that

the NSW Government had provided around $400,000 in funding to help undertake these essential works.

“The extensive repair and restoration efforts have been made possible through the continued funding support from the NSW Government’s Caring for State Heritage program, ensuring this heritage treasure remains intact for generations to come,” Mr Williamson said.

“The Christ Church Cathedral is a landmark of both historical and spiritual signifcance in Grafton. The ongoing preservation efforts are not only safeguarding its

stunning architecture but also preserving a space that serves as a cultural and community hub.

“This year marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic Cathedral, adding special signifcance to the preservation efforts.”

The works include the completion of vital repairs to the Cathedral’s baptistry roof, guttering, transept, vestry roof, and more.

The most recent project, which began in August 2024, focuses on restoring the north and south side aisle roofs, guttering, and drainage.

“Funding support from the NSW Government has been crucial in

ensuring the structural integrity of this beautiful Cathedral,” Mr Williamson added.

“The preservation of the Christ Church Cathedral is not just about protecting a building but safeguarding a piece of Grafton’s history.

“This ensures it remains a place of worship, community, and refection for years to come.”

The Very Reverend Naomi Cooke, Dean of Grafton, also expressed her gratitude for the NSW Government’s ongoing support.

“We are deeply grateful for the support of the

NSW Government through its Caring for State Heritage program, which has enabled us to continue vital repairs and maintenance to our beloved Christ Church Cathedral,” Dean Cooke said.

“This work preserves the heritage and spiritual heart of our community for generations to come.”

The project, costing around $850,000, is supported by around $400,000 in funding from the NSW Government’s Caring for State Heritage program.

The works are expected to be completed next month.

Fresh new look coming for Grafton Shoppo

TIM HOWARD

Grafton Shoppingworld social media has confrmed its Coles supermarket will close and be replaced with Queensland-based supermarket chain Fresh & Save Food Warehouse early next year.

In the meantime it has fagged the Coles store lease will expire at the end of the year with the last day of trading to be December 1.

Coles will retain its presence in Grafton with two stores, one in the Food Emporium in Grafton and the other in South Grafton. Online discussion has suggested staff from the Shoppingworld store will be offered jobs in the other two Grafton stores. Coles increased its presence in Grafton when the Shoppingworld completed its renovations in 2008,

opening a second store.

Coles added a third store in South Grafton when it rebranded the existing Bi Lo Supermarket to Coles.

But this changed earlier this year when Shoppingworld’s owners, the McConaghey Group, did not renew the lease with Coles.

Only last month it emerged Fresh & Save were considering further

expansion into NSW by opening an outlet in Grafton.

Fresh & Save frst appeared in Maryborough in 2017 when owner Grant Prince decided he wanted to provide Coles, Woolworths and Aldi with more competition.

More stores followed in Queensland at Beerwah, Deagon, Eagleby, Hervey Bay, Morayfeld

and Richlands.

Earlier this year the company made its frst move south of the border and opened a store in Armidale in August.

The fully Australianowned Fresh & Save Food Warehouse has been described as a warehouse-style supermarket that offered a different shopping experience to the major operators.

Some have described them as reminiscent of the old Franklins Fresh outlets. They offer a full on site butchery, bakery, and an emphasis on fresh produce and low prices. Fresh & Save describes itself as a “champion of Australia’s lowest food prices” and said it sourced food locally where possible for improved freshness, while providing access to leading brands.

Stores also employed an innovative “trolleyto-trolley” check-out process where shoppers unload their trolley contents onto a long conveyor belts.

Checkout operators scan items and pack them into a trolley.

Shoppers then pack shopper’s items at dedicated packing benches or “pro tip” pack straight into bags or boxes in the boot of their cars.

Coles in Grafton Shoppingworld will be no more from December 1. Queensland-based supermarket operator Fresh & Save Food Warehouse has taken up the lease and is scheduled to open a new store in the space early next year.

A decade long restoration program at Grafton’s Christ Church Cathedral should reach completion some time next month.

Stake your career on the meat industry

When that juicy medium rare steak hits your plate and the fragrance of chargrill wafts into your olfactory senses, you can be assured a wide range of trades were behind the ability to make that scenario happen.

As the town’s largest employer, the Casino Food Co-op, formerly the Northern Co-operative Meat Company, provides a wide range of careers to ensure the people of the Northern Rivers and beyond get to enjoy the savoury pleasures of a meat based diet.

Yasmin Harvey and Ben Blackadder are two employees of the Co-op who are very satisfed with their careers in the meat industry.

“I’m an apprentice ftter and machinist,” said Yasmin.

“I came here six months ago from Newcastle.

“I basically am doing machining, fabricating and getting called out to jobs when there is a breakdown, so we go out and fx conveyers, chains, so if anything breaks, we are there.”

Yasmin started her apprenticeship at Port Waratah Coal Services in Newcastle but got a transfer back to Casino where she was from originally.

“(Working in the meat industry) you get to see the production, how the cattle come in and the fnished product,” she said.

“It’s pretty cool to see all the machines, mainly hydraulics and pneumatics which is oil and air.”

At 22, Yasmin is one of three women working in the services area of the Co-op and says she loves it.

“The atmosphere is pretty cool, as you get along with the tradies really well,” she said.

“It’s close to home and the meatworks is very clean and tidy and controlled.”

Ben has just gained his full qualifcation as a ftter and turner and is involved in general maintenance within the plant.

“I’ve been with the meatworks for nearly four years,” he said.

“(A normal work day entails) breakdowns, could be big ones, could be small ones, a bit of fabrication, some machining, odd jobs.

“We get work orders to service machines for preventative maintenance.

“I grew up on a farm so if we couldn’t afford to buy it we always had to make it.”

Before working at the meat co-op, Ben helped a chicken farmer to convert his sheds from meat chooks to eggs.

“So we put monorails in his sheds and makeshift chicken caravans with auto belts and egg chutes,” he said.

“(Working in the meat industry) you get the odd gross job here and there but you get that everywhere.

“It’s pretty clean in most areas.”

Both Yasmin and Ben agree there is a great variety of roles for people interested in a career in the meat industry.

As a young father, with a second child on the way Ben said the Co-op

is a great place to work.

“They tend to be pretty fexible,” said Ben.

“If I need to be home for something, I can.”

Engineering Services Manager, Gary Alcock runs the maintenance staff of 65 for the Co-op.

“We start to look around (for apprentices) about this time of year in preparation of what’s going to happen next year,” he said.

“We have an interaction with the local schools and participate through the HR department with careers expos but it’s a matter of submitting advertising and looking for applicants.

Gary said they are looking for future employees who have a good deal of aptitude, initiative and willingness to engage and search for a problem and solution.

“What we can offer as a business and an opportunity for training is that we’ve got such a diverse and vast range of things they can work on, that the scope of their knowledge can be very broad,” he said.

“We have a range of things they can work on (such as) ftter and machinist or electrical, but in those there’s a wide range of things they can work on.

“They can be manufacturing, repairs, work on the slaughter foor or the boning room.

“On the electrical side we manufacture everything from our switchboards through to heavy equipment and machinery.”

Gary said while they look for apprentices, they are also looking at ways of upskilling their qualifed tradespeople once they are fully

qualifed.

“We are looking at what other skills we can actually roll into that fourth year (of their apprenticeship) or post trade training as well,” he said.

“We are looking at upskilling them all the time.”

Gary said fnding and having skilled labour is currently a problem for the Co-op.

“The drain on resources in the local area is signifcant,” he said.

“Whether it be the mines or wage levels or

whatever it might be we are always measuring ourselves against others.

“Whether it be the local or wider economy or other industries are poaching our people.

“How can we make it more attractive for our people?”

Gary said they don’t have a high turnover but anyone who leaves after 20 years of experience and knowledge, is a huge impact to the business.

With the advent of young women entering the industry, Gary has seen a difference in the

work force.

“They provide a signifcant impact and change of culture,” he said.

“They bring a different element to the group and its great.

“Collectively they lift the whole group.”

If you are interested in a career in the Engineering Services section of the meat industry, keep an eye out at the career expos or contact them at 6662 2444 for further information.

NEW ITALY NEEDS YOU!

SAMANTHA ELLEY

Yasmin Harvey and Ben Blackadder at some of the machines they use.

Photo Samantha Elley

Northern Rivers health workers up for awards

Staff from Northern NSW Local Health District have been named as fnalists for the 2024 NSW Health Awards for their extraordinary efforts to improve the NSW public health system.

Now in its 26th year, the awards acknowledge the personalised, sustainable, and digitally enabled programs that contribute to the wellbeing of patients and the community.

The Rheumatic Heart Disease Project and the Rural Paediatric Complex Care

Coordination Project are among 42 fnalists from across the state competing for the Excellence in Aboriginal Healthcare Award and Health Innovation Award, respectively.

The Rheumatic Heart Disease Project aims to address the signifcant public health issue of Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) and RHD among Aboriginal communities in Northern NSW.

The project was led by Aboriginal Health Nurse Manager Emma-Jane Davies and supported by Robin Auld, Sally Adams and Daniel Ashton, with valuable advice and advocacy

from Aboriginal Medical Service partners, in particular Scott Monaghan from Bulgarr Ngaru Medical Aboriginal Corporation.

The Rural Paediatric Complex Care Coordination Project improves care coordination for regional NSW children, reduces family costs and disruptions, and improves outcomes for families in regional NSW.

This is a joint project with Northern NSW, Murrumbidgee, Southern NSW and Western NSW local health districts, together with the Sydney Children’s Hospitals

Network.

Northern NSW Local Health District also partnered with Justice Health, the Forensic Mental Health Network, NSW Health Pathology and NSW Health in the NSW Dried Blood Spot Validation Study that has been named a fnalist in the Health Innovation Award.

This project is the frst of its kind, and aims to make dried blood spot testing a standard diagnostic tool and, if successful, will change how testing is offered for people at risk of hepatitis C.

NNSWLHD chief executive Tracey Maisey

praised the achievements of local fnalists who have been recognised for their passion and commitment.

“I am thrilled to congratulate our NNSWLHD staff on having their outstanding contributions to our health system recognised,” Ms Maisey said.

NSW Health secretary Susan Pearce AM said it is really exciting to celebrate the people and teams who are enriching health in millions of ways every day.

“These awards are a chance to recognise our incredible healthcare staff and volunteers,

across the public health system,” Ms Pearce said.

“I congratulate the fnalists, but I also want to acknowledge the work being done across the system every day, by our teams of doctors, nurses, midwives, allied health and support staff.”

NSW Health received 186 nominations across the 12 award categories.

The fnalists and winners will be celebrated at the NSW Health Awards ceremony, which will be held on Thursday, October 24 at the International Convention Centre in Sydney.

It will also be livestreamed from 6pm.

TIM HOWARD

Rheumatic Heart Disease Project team members, from left, Tracy Bradshaw (Aboriginal Health Worker, Chronic Care for Aboriginal People), Sasha Harrington (Aboriginal Health Engagement and Governance Manage), Daniel Ashton (Aboriginal Health Performance and Project Analyst), Emma-Jane Davies (Nurse Manager Aboriginal Health) and Kirsty Glanville (executive director Aboriginal Health, NNSWLHD).

Mix of new and old faces on Northern Rivers councils

SAMANTHA ELLEY

The votes are in and the results are posted.

Here are your new look councils for the next four years.

BALLINA

Mayor – Sharon

Cadwallader (IND)

A Ward

• Damian Loone (IND)

• Erin Karsten (Green)

• Phil Meehan (IND)

B Ward

• Kiri Dicker (Green)

• Michelle Bailey (IND)

• Eva Ramsey (IND)

C Ward

• Simon Kinny (IND)

• Simon Chate (Green)

• Therese Crollick (IND)

BYRON

Mayor – Sarah Ndiaye (Green)

Councillors

• Asren Pugh (ALP)

• David Warth (IND)

• Michael Lyon (IND)

• Elia Hauge (Green)

• Delta Kay (Green)

• Janet Swain (ALP)

• Michelle Lowe (Green)

• Jack Dods (IND)

KYOGLE

A Ward

• Kieran Somerville (IND)

• Brett McNamara (IND)

• Janet Wilson (IND)

B Ward

• Olivia Taylor (IND)

• John Burley (IND)

• Robert Cullen (IND)

C Ward

• Danielle Mulholland (IND)

• Tom Cooper (IND)

• Robin Harley (IND) LISMORE

Mayor – Steve Krieg (IND)

Councillors

• Jerilee Hall (IND)

• Harper Dalton-Earls (ALP)

• Big Rob (IND)

• Adam Guise (Green)

• Andrew Gordon (IND)

• Virginia Waters (Green)

• Electra Jensen (IND)

• Andrew Bing (IND)

• Gianpiero Battista (IND)

• Jasmine KnightSmith (ALP) RICHMOND VALLEY

Mayor – Robert Mustow

Councillors

• John Walker

• Lyndall Murray (IND)

• Stephen Morrissey (IND)

• Sandra DuncanHumphrys (IND)

• Samuel Cornish (IND)

• Robert Hayes (IND) TWEED

Councillors

• Chris Cherry (IND)

• Reece Byrnes (ALP)

• James Owen (LIB)

• Rhiannon Brinsmead (LIB)

• Kimberly Hone (IND)

• Meredith Dennis (IND)

• Nola Firth (Green)

Better By Bike is proud to announce that it has been awarded the Highly Commended recognition in the New Business category at the prestigious Northern Rivers NSW Business Awards. This acknowledgment highlights the company’s commitment to promoting cycling eco-adventures on the Northern Rivers region and its growing impact within the business community.

Better By Bike, founded in 2023, has quickly established itself as a leader in promoting eco-friendly bike experiences principally on the Northern Rivers Rail Trail but also in Byron Bay, the Tweed and its surrounding areas in the Northern Rivers region. The business offers a range of services, including bike

rentals, guided tours, and repair workshops, encouraging residents and visitors alike to explore the scenic beauty of the region on two wheels.

“We are incredibly

cycling as a sustainable and enjoyable experience enjoyed by travellers and members of our community alike. We’re excited to continue our mission of making cycling adventures

honoured to receive this recognition,” said Campbell Shepherd, Founder and Director of Better By Bike. “This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, and it refects the growing enthusiasm for

accessible and fun for everyone.”

The New South Wales Northern Rivers Business Awards celebrate excellence and innovation across various industries in the region, recognizing businesses that contribute signifcantly to the local economy and community. Being Highly Commended in the New Business category underscores Better By Bike’s success in establishing a thriving and impactful business in a short period.

with local schools and organizations to promote bike safety and education.

“We are deeply grateful to our community for embracing Better By Bike and supporting our vision,” added Campbell Shepherd. “This award motivates us to keep pushing forward, innovating, and inspiring more people to

ENJOY

experience the joy and benefts of cycling with the aim to have the best day ever.”

For more information about Better By Bike, visit www.betterbybike. com.au or contact 0408444858.

About Better By Bike

Better By Bike is a community-focused business dedicated to promoting cycling

as a sustainable and healthy experience in the Northern Rivers region. Offering bike rentals, guided tours, repair workshops, and more, Better By Bike aims to make cycling accessible, enjoyable, and safe for everyone. ADVERTORIAL

As Better By Bike continues to expand its offerings, it remains committed to fostering a vibrant cycling culture in the Northern Rivers area. The company’s future plans include launching new cycling routes in the region, expanding its feet of E-Bikes, and partnering

Celebrating our young sportspeople

SAMANTHA ELLEY

Since he was four years old Beau Briggs has been playing Rugby Union.

His goal is to one day play for the Wallabies, the Australian Rugby Union team, on the national stage.

Meanwhile, the Year 6 student from Wyrallah Road Public School has to play a lot of games to reach that elite level, but Beau is on his way.

He recently went to the Country Championships at Camden in Sydney as part of the U12 Far North Coast team.

“We are very proud of him,” said mum, Carina.

“As a family we always go to his games on a Friday night to watch him play.”

It seems the rugby union genes run strong in the Briggs family with dad also playing the game.

“My little brother, Dallas, is fve and he is going to play as well,” said Beau.

Beau and Carina were on hand at the offce of Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan, last week to receive $550 through the Local Sporting Champions program, which provides fnancial assistance for competitors aged 12-18 participating in state, national or international championships.

They were joined by other young sportspeople representing tennis, gymnastics, hockey, netball, cross country, softball and swimming.

“You are elite (sportspeople), so congratulations,” said Mr Hogan.

“We want to acknowledge and celebrate you.”

The list of recipients are:

• Zavier Zorzo from Goonellabah - Rugby Union

• Willow Davis from Goonellabah - Hockey

• Sienna Davis-Job

from South Lismore -Netball

• Sienna Ambler from Goonellabah - Hockey

• Rue Heffernan from Dunoon - Cross Country

• Ruby Brown from East Coraki - Netball

• Reggie Field from East Lismore - Rugby Union

• Morgan Moran from Lismore HeightsHockey

• Milla Zorzo from Goonellabah - Hockey

• Lily Barlow from Lismore HeightsNetball

• Lewis Fairfull from Alstonville - Tennis

• Kalani Franklin from Uralba - Hockey

• Jasmine Halliday from GoonellabahBasketball

• Jacob Rowe from Alstonville - Cross Country

• Matthew O’Neill from Geneva - Swimming

• Frankie Morrison from Woodburn - Netball

• Fallon Garland from Lismore - Netball

• Ella Rippon from Tunglebung - Netball

• Ella Davis from Tabulam - Netball

• Edward Shields from Casino - Softball

• Eden Kelly from Goonellabah - Hockey

• Coco Zorzo from Goonellabah - Hockey

• Christopher Elliott from CaniabaGymnastics

• Bella Duncan from Richmond Hill - Netball

• Beau Briggs from Lismore - Rugby Union

• Ayla Welch from Goonellabah - Netball

• Anneleise Piccoli from GoonellabahNetball

• Amalia Anderson from Wardell - Netball

• Adelaide Mcfarlane from The ChannonNetball

• Abi-Gail Garland from Lismore - Netball

• Lachlan Rippon from Tunglebung - Rugby Union

• Paige Dalby from Broadwater Swimming

Group photo of recipients

Beau Briggs and his mum Carina

Beau receiving his certifcate from Kevin Hogan

A year of frsts for new children’s author

When Kirsten Ealand decided she didn’t want to go back to primary teaching, she reevaluated what it was she really wanted to do.

“I found a course that was being held at the Byron Community College called Writing for Children,” the Northern Rivers resident said.

“It was for eight weeks and I found what I loved.”

That was in 2017 and Kirsten has been writing ever since.

Fast forward to 2024 and Kirsten has just released her frst children’s book Like a Gannet.

“It’s been a long process,” she said.

“It was picked up two and a half years ago, then it went through the publishing process.

“And now my second book will be coming out at the end of February.”

Like A Gannet is a heartwarming story inspired by childhood memories of the local public pool.

Illustrated by Deb Hudson and published by Windy Hollow, the book follows little Francie as she experiences all the emotions of her frst time

on the diving board.

“This book was inspired by my own childhood memories of long summer hours in the pool pretending to be a dolphin or a mermaid and I always wished I could dive like a gannet,” Ms Ealand said.

“It’s a great summer

time book for any kids who loves the water, any kid nervous about trying new things or any kid who wants to do things their own way.

“It’s a very joyous story.”

When Kirsten isn’t writing she is working in Richmond Tweed

Library or deepwater running at Tweed Regional Aquatic Centre in Murwillumbah.

“I never thought in my ffties I would have so many frsts,” she said.

“My frst book, the frst time I have a book go to Bologna (children’s bookfair) in Italy. First

time to approach a bookstore to sell my book, my frst book signing and my frst time on the radio.”

Not to mention the frst time she has been interviewed by a newspaper journalist.

Like a Gannet is available for sale at the Book Warehouse in Lismore, The Book Room at Byron Bay and Boardwalk Books at Kingscliff. It is also available online at www. booktopia.com.au

Kirsten will also be holding a series of local events:

Like A Gannet Book Launch:

• Where: Murwillumbah Library

• When: Saturday 26 October at 10.15am.

Kids Story time and Craft:

• Where: Boardwalk Books,Marine Pde, Kingscliff

• When: Saturday 16 November at 9am.

Forty per cent of women from Northern NSW overdue for breast screening

IAN ROGERS

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, women aged 50-74 in the Northern NSW Local Health District are being encouraged to schedule a free mammogram, as over 40% (44.7%) of women in the region are overdue for their biannual breast cancer screening.

Patrick Magee, Acting Director of BreastScreen NSW’s North Coast Screening and Assessment Service, emphasized that with around 300 local women expected to be diagnosed

with breast cancer this year, now is the time to book a free, potentially life-saving breast screen.

“For women aged 5074, a breast screen every two years is still the best way to detect breast cancer early – before it can be seen or felt,” Mr Magee said.

“If you’re aged 50 – 74, make breast screening a priority. It only takes 20 minutes and no doctor’s referral is needed.”

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, BreastScreen NSW is urging women to “Be A Friend, Tell A Friend” about the importance of

regular mammograms. The campaign encourages women to spread the word through conversation and social media, reminding friends, family, and colleagues to prioritize breast cancer screenings.

Professor Tracey O’Brien AM, NSW Chief Cancer Offcer and CEO of the Cancer Institute NSW, highlighted that early detection is key: when breast cancer is found in its earliest stages, the fve-year survival rate is 98 percent. However, this drops to 43.9 percent when the cancer has spread to other

organs.

“More than 6500 women in NSW are expected to receive a breast cancer diagnosis this year, and 1,000 women are expected to lose their lives to the disease in 2024, so we need to do everything we can to support women and encourage them to book in a lifesaving breast screen,”

Professor O’Brien said.

“Early detection not only signifcantly increases a person’s chance of survival it can also greatly reduce the need for invasive treatment like a mastectomy.

“I know how hard it can be to block out time for yourself.

Unfortunately, breast cancer doesn’t wait, so I encourage all eligible women to stop and put themselves frst – for themselves and their family.”

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, with age and gender being the biggest risk factors— family history is not the primary concern.

Women aged 50-74 are advised to have a breast screen every two years. BreastScreen NSW also recommends that Aboriginal women

begin screening at 40, as research indicates they are more likely to be diagnosed at a younger age, with more advanced cancer at diagnosis and poorer survival rates compared to the general female population.

Any woman who notices changes in her breasts, such as a lump, should consult her doctor immediately. For more information and to make an appointment at a local BreastScreen NSW clinic or mobile van, call 13 20 50 or book online at www. breastscreen.nsw.gov. au.

SAMANTHA ELLEY

Book Cover, Like a Gannet

Northern Rivers children’s author, Kirsten Ealand at TRAC Murbah

New container deposit and collection scheme trial in popular parks in the Tweed

benefts for both the community and the environment.

Tweed Shire Council is piloting a new container deposit and collection program designed to reduce landfll waste while offering the community a chance to ‘pay it forward’ so others can beneft.

Council has set up container deposit stations next to 24 public bins in Jack Evans Boat Harbour at Tweed Heads, Rowan Robinson Park at Kingscliff, and Knox Park in Murwillumbah.

Residents can drop off containers at these specially built return points, allowing other community members, groups, or charities to collect them and take them to a Return and Earn location for a 10cent refund per eligible item.

Naomi Searle, Council’s Director of Sustainable Communities and Environment, highlighted the scheme’s

“These container collection points are designed to boost the diversion of recyclable materials from landfll,”

Ms Searle said.

“In local parks where recycling bins are available, contamination from incorrect recycling often results in these

materials ending up in landfll and we know that waste that goes to landfll remains in the environment forever.

“The other advantage of these collection points is that members of the public can collect containers for their own beneft.”

Ms. Searle noted that container deposit schemes have been very

popular and widely embraced in the Tweed region. In the frst half of 2024 alone, over 14.5 million containers were returned through the Return and Earn program, diverting more than 871 tonnes of waste from landfll, saving 85 million liters of water, reducing CO2 emissions by 1,751 tonnes, and delivering fnancial

rewards to community members.

“Trials at other Australian councils have seen an increased rate of container recycling, diversion of waste from landfll, reduced bin contamination and community benefts through the Return and Earn program, and we anticipate similar outcomes here in the

Tweed,” she said.

The Council will assess the success of the trial over the next three months, focusing on its effectiveness in diverting waste from landfll and reducing contamination in public bins. Any decision to expand the scheme will depend on these results.

This initiative is part of Tweed’s Towards Zero Waste strategy, which aims to maximize resource recovery and ensure that no unnecessary waste ends up in landfll.

Find the nearest Return and Earn exchange point at returnandearn.org.au/ map

Find out what can go in the Recycling bin tweed.nsw.gov.au/ yellow-lid-bins

Find out more about the Tweed Towards Zero Waste Strategy and Action Plan at tweed.nsw.gov.au/ towards-zero-waste.

Council’s Director Sustainable Communities and Environment Naomi Searle stands beside a recently installed bottle return point at Rowan Robinson Park, Kingscliff.

ROBERT HEYWARD

New Beyond Blue data reveals people struggle for years before getting mental health support

PEOPLE are grappling with high levels of distress and emerging mental health issues for up to ten years before reaching out for support, a major Beyond Blue survey has found.

Australia’s 2024 Mental Health and Wellbeing Check, undertaken by Australian National University’s Social Research Centre on behalf of Beyond Blue, is a representative survey that gives a reliable pulse check on the current state of mental health and wellbeing in Australia.

Researchers surveyed more than 5000 people around the country about the common causes of distress they’ve experienced in the past year and how they have supported their mental health.

This year, almost half (49 percent) of those who sought professional mental health support said they had waited until they were “very distressed” or “extremely

distressed” before they reached out, compared to 30 percent who were moderately distressed.

Some people waited up to ten years before seeking support.

The top barriers to taking action included waitlists, affordability of treatment and people thinking their problem wasn’t serious enough to seek support.

Shame is also getting worse – 22 percent of people say they aren’t getting professional mental health support because they feel ashamed, up from 13 percent two years ago.

“The main reasons people don’t seek support are well known – it can be expensive and the waitlists are long.

What’s important about this survey is that it’s telling us mental health literacy and increasing feelings of shame are barriers too,” Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman said.

“Feeling unsure about

when to seek support seems to be causing as many delays in help-seeking as long waitlists,” Ms Harman said.

“Increasingly, life feels more stressful and unpredictable. People are dealing with compounding and mounting pressures. They’re strung out but muddling through. The pressures people face can often snowball to have a

real and negative impact on our mental health and wellbeing, “This data tells us that people are delaying asking for support or waiting until they are in severe distress. Beyond Blue is working to change this with our free, effective mental health support options. It’s never too late and it’s never too early to contact us.”

The release of key survey fndings coincides

3G is switching off

Upgrade your phone and devices now

From Monday 28 October, Australia‘s 3G networks will be switched off.

All phones and devices that rely on 3G, and some older 4G devices, such as EFTPOS machines, medical alarms, personal emergency response devices, smart watches and tablets will no longer work. This means you won’t be able to make or receive calls or texts or call Triple Zero (000).

To check if you’re impacted text ‘ 3’ to ‘ 3498’ or contact your mobile service provider.

To learn more visit infrastructure.gov.au and search ‘3G switch off ’

with the start of World Mental Health Month.

This is the second Australia’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Check undertaken since it started in 2022, when cost of living pressures began to climb.

Nearly half of all respondents – 46 percent – named fnancial pressure as a key factor in their distress.

Housing affordability and personal relationship challenges were also identifed as stress factors by 34 percent of respondents.

Just over a quarter of respondents who reported that they’d experienced a mental health challenge in the past 12 months did not seek any support for their mental health.

“Mental health issues, or experiences of situational distress, are easier to manage when we get onto them early, before they snowball,”

Ms Harman said “We want people to

know that you don’t need to be struggling for years before your problems are worth addressing – you don’t have to be at crisis point to beneft from support.”

“Feeling constantly overwhelmed or worried, prolonged feelings of being fat or stuck, or having trouble sleeping are some of the signs you to look out for.”

“Our message this World Mental Health Month is that when it comes to your mental health, don’t wait until things really get on top of you. Let people know how you’re feeling or check in with someone you’ve noticed changes in. The earlier the better. You’re not alone.”

“Beyond Blue offers free, 24/7 support right around Australia. There’s the Beyond Blue Support Service, which offers support by phone, webchat and email, and there’s our online community forums.”

NSW trout season kicks off on Saturday 5 October

Rivers and streams across NSW are in prime condition for the opening of the State’s annual trout fshing season this long weekend (Saturday 5 October) with some 3.3 million trout and salmon stocked into NSW waterways over the past 18 months.

NSW boasts some of the best trout fshing locations in the country, including streams in the New England, the iconic Thredbo and Eucumbene rivers in the Snowy Mountains, and the Fish River near Bathurst in the Central West.

Assisted by volunteers, staff at the Government’s Dutton and Gaden hatcheries have stocked almost 3.3 million Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Atlantic Salmon and Tiger Trout into creeks, rivers and dams across the NSW trout fshery over the past season.

Following four-month spawning closure, keen

fshers and their families will now be able to enjoy what is tipped to be a bumper trout fshing season.

It is important that all recreational fshers check they have a current and valid NSW Recreational Fishing Licence (unless exempt), before wetting a line.

Recreational fshers should also take the opportunity to remind themselves of the fshing rules, to ensure our trout fshery remains viable now and well into the future.

The 2024-25 trout

season is open through to midnight 9 June 2025. A summary of fshing rules and regulations is available via the FishSmart App or by accessing the NSW Recreational Freshwater Fishing Guide available at NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) offces, fshing fee agents or online.

The public is encouraged to report suspected illegal fshing activity to the Fishers Watch phone line on 1800 043 536 or via the online report form at https://fal.cn/3gJWh

NSW Fisheries Offcers will be out patrolling trout streams, rivers and impoundments during the open season, so it’s important for fshers to do the right thing and report any suspected illegal fshing activity.

Further information on the NSW DPIRD fsh stocking program, please visit our website.

Restored Hannah Cabinet to return to Lismore

LIAM JENNINGS

Lismore City Council is excited to announce that International Conservation Services (ICS) has been selected to restore the renowned Hannah Cabinet, which was damaged during the 2022 natural disaster.

Among 1,400 artworks affected by the foodwaters, the beloved Cabinet was fortunate to escape severe harm. As the water levels rose, it tipped onto its back, sparing its intricate front from direct water exposure and signifcant damage.

Crafted by master artisan Geoff Hannah OAM over six-and-a-half years, the Cabinet was purchased for $1 million following a communityled fundraising effort.

This masterpiece, created in the traditional European style, features 34 types of solid timber and veneers, four rare shell varieties, and 17 different kinds of precious and semiprecious stones. Its structure is built from mahogany, with ebony columns.

Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg expressed his delight at the restoration efforts, looking forward to

the Cabinet’s return to Lismore.

“The fact that the community helped to raise funds to purchase the Cabinet so that it would stay in Lismore shows how much it is loved,” he said.

“Like the reopening of the Lismore Regional Gallery, the return of the restored Hannah Cabinet will be welcomed by our community. The only question now is where we locate this important cultural asset once it is restored.”

In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, Patinations Conservation Services stepped in to halt the Cabinet’s deterioration and began the initial restoration process. Greg Peters, the director, who has a longstanding relationship with master craftsman Geoff Hannah OAM, is a highly skilled expert in furniture conservation. The full cost of the restoration is being covered by insurance.

Greg Peters stated: “It was devastating to see the condition of the cabinet when we received it into our workshop. But with decades of experience of restoring national treasures and incorporating traditional techniques

with state-of-the-art conservation equipment and methodology, our results to date have been extremely pleasing.”

Mr Hannah is pleased that the Cabinet is fnally on the way to being fully restored.

“It was heartbreaking to see it immediately after the food,” he said.

“Following restoration work by Mr Peters and Mr Fardon, I am confdent the cabinet will be back to its original state. It will be a wonderful day when the public will be able to see it again.”

The initial stabilisation phase included thorough cleaning, drying, and repeated remediation treatments. The next stage of this extensive restoration project will involve almost completely dismantling the Cabinet and carefully

re-adhering the veneers.

Julian Bickersteth AO from ICS, who is trained in furniture conservation, will oversee the restoration process and has played a key role in the recovery of the Gallery’s collection.

“Amidst the devastation of the Lismore foods, the fact that the Hannah Cabinet not only survived but was restorable has been a positive that we have held onto,” he said.

“Managing that restoration project is a great privilege, and we look forward to having this unique and extraordinary cabinet back on display.”

Geoff Hannah will be directly involved with the restoration by consulting and guiding Colin Fardon, his colleague whom he has mentored for over

18 years. Mr Fardon and Mr Peters will be responsible for the reFrench polishing and regilding phases of work, including any repairs, the fnal assembly, and adjustments of timber components for proper operation.

Mr Fardon looks forward to the task ahead.

“I was fortunate enough to see the Hannah Cabinet being created over six years. It has been the single most inspirational piece to me and my career. To now be asked to work on the restoration is an honour. I am ready for the many challenges ahead and look forward to seeing it proudly on display looking amazing again,” he said.

Lismore Regional Gallery Director Ashleigh Ralph said the

Cabinet could not be in better hands.

“It has been a long journey to get to this point, and I’m thrilled the recovery of the Cabinet is in the expert hands of Bickersteth, Peters and Fardon, and Hannah himself,” she said.

“I know it will be restored to its former glory, with the story of Lismore now embedded in its legacy.”

Once the Cabinet is fully restored and reassembled, it will return to the care of Lismore Regional Gallery, a process that could take up to twoand-a-half years.

In the meantime, the Hannah Cabinet continues to inspire as part of one of the Gallery’s major exhibitions, “Hannah Halle,” on display until 17 November. The artist duo, The ArtHitects, have transformed the space using over 4,000 sheets of A4 paper. This exhibition symbolically reimagines the Hannah Cabinet, featuring original drawings by Geoff Hannah and contributions from local artists such as Lindy Lee AM, Bronwyn Bancroft, Daniel Browning, Aris Prabawa, and many others.

Hannah Cabinet Restoration - Geoff’s Trip to Canberra

New principals appointed as return to four separate Murwillumbah schools progresses

ROBERT HEYWARD

The Minns Labor Government is moving forward with its commitment to reinstate four distinct public schools in the Murwillumbah area, following strong community opposition to the failed mega-merger proposed by the previous Liberal and National parties. The decision to abandon the merger was widely supported by locals, teachers, and school community members.

Signifcant progress is being made to separate Wollumbin High School and Murwillumbah High School, with the appointment of two new principals set to lead the re-established schools. These appointments aim to ensure students experience a smooth and supportive transition back to

separate educational environments.

Starting Day 1 of Term 1 in 2025, Wollumbin High School and Murwillumbah High School will resume operations independently, in line with the 2023 commitment from the Minns Labor Government. This development follows extensive consultation involving over 260 students, staff, parents, and carers, highlighting the community’s support for the return to separate schools.

Zoe Tiernan has been appointed as the new principal of Murwillumbah High School. Previously, she served as the Deputy Principal Instructional Leader at The Rivers Secondary College in Lismore, overseeing multiple campuses. Meanwhile, Kelly Spilstead, formerly the Deputy Principal

of Wollumbin High, will be returning to the region as Principal of Wollumbin High School, following her recent role as Relieving Principal at Mullumbimby High School.

To support the reestablishment of separate schools, student leaders have been selected, with fve student leaders appointed at Wollumbin High School and four at Murwillumbah High School, ready to lead house groups and foster school spirit.

Restoration work at Murwillumbah High School is already well underway, with plans to refurbish classrooms, specialist learning areas, and facilities, all set to be completed by Day 1 of Term 1, 2025. Renovations are also progressing on the school hall, library, administration building, and the school’s support unit.

Application for Appointment of Board Members

Dunoon Public Recreation & Public Hall Reserve Land Manager Ever wondered who is responsible for keeping Crown reserves operating?

Countless facilities like showgrounds, local halls and parks are run by Statutory Land Manager Boards, made up of people just like you. People who understand the need and have a desire to manage public land and assets for the beneft of the entire community.

Your role as a Board Member is voluntary, but the rewards of giving something back to the community are priceless.

We are looking for a good mix of people with a variety of skills, however, sound business and fnancial management skills and objective decisionmaking expertise would be a distinct advantage.

Don’t let this opportunity to do something for yourself and your community pass you by – contact us today.

The Dunoon Public Recreation & Public Hall Reserve Land Manager manages the Reserve No. 85191 at Dunoon notifed on 15-Jan-1965 for Public Hall, Public Recreation. The term of appointment will be for a period not exceeding 5 years.

Application for membership can be made via portal.crownland.nsw.gov.au

All applications are required to be lodged by 7 November 2024.

For further information contact: Joe Endean on (02) 6642 9204 or go to reservemanager.crownland.nsw.gov.au

At Wollumbin High School, upgrade works have also commenced, including enhancements to outdoor sports courts, improved stormwater drainage, the creation of new specialist learning support classrooms, and updates to toilet facilities. Additional improvements include new painting, carpeting, general maintenance, a new bus shed, and new sports facilities.

Deputy Premier and Education and Early Learning Minister Prue Car said:

“I am delighted that new school principals Kelly Spilstead and Zoe Tiernan will lead the Wollumbin High and Murwillumbah High School communities as they become separate schools once again.

“We are committed to delivering certainty for the Murwillumbah community, after many diffcult years following

the bushfres and foods.

“I look forward to seeing the four schools in Murwillumbah take shape in the coming year.”

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffn said:

“I listened to the community who were absolutely clear they wanted their four schools and I got that commitment from the Deputy Premier, who’s the Minister for Education.

“Every step towards the return to the four schools gives the school community certainty and confdence for their children’s education.

“There’s a big investment in public education in Murwillumbah with the upgrade works at Murwillumbah High School and Wollumbin High School, and I know the community is looking ahead to having its schools returned in 2025.”

Zoe Tiernan, Principal Murwillumbah High School said:

“I am incredibly excited to have been given this leadership role within Murwillumbah High School.

“I look forward to improving outcomes and inspiring all students through consultation, respect and collaboration.”

Kelly Spilstead, Principal Wollumbin High School, said:

“After some time relieving as principal of Mullumbimby High School, I’m excited to be returning to the area as we transition into two schools.

By honouring the past, staying grounded in the present, and working together to shape the future, I’m confdent we will establish two high schools as the schools of choice within our community.”

Makers Hub Workshop Coming Up!

Coming up is a two day Makers Hub workshop intensive on 19-20 October, Contemporary Dance and Body-Mind Centering® with Jenni Large and Noa Rotem. ABOUT THE WORKSHOP

As dancers and performers, how do we shift between movement as an internal experience to performing movement for audience? Seeking to deepen our physical, cerebral and embodied understandings of the ways in which contemporary dance practice and BodyMindCentering® mutually inform each other, this two-day workshop will involve:

• Exchanging between solo practice, partnered explorations and moving as a collective

• Exploring impulse derived from internal and external stimuli

• Practising improvised composition

– sharpening

compositional responsiveness relative to time, space and the other bodies and attuning pathways for making articulate choices

• Practising and honing slow motion movement as a means of gathering information, increasing capacity for hyper attention and zooming in/zooming out.

WORKSHOP

GENRE

Contemporary Dance and Body-Mind Centering®

WHO IS IT FOR?

Experienced and

emerging physical performers and movers aged 18+

WHEN AND WHERE 19 & 20 October 10am4pm, Bangalow Moller Pavillion COST

$220

TICKETS Via the QR code.

Living Memory: Stories and portraits celebrating North Lismore.

Many homes in North Lismore are now part of the Resilient Homes Program’s Home Buyback stream, marking the largest residential buyback initiative in Australia’s history. As the suburb shifts from a lively community to an uncertain future, the stories, history, and deep connection to place will journey with the residents.

“Living Memory” is a collaborative project with Living Lab Northern Rivers and the NSW Reconstruction Authority, dedicated to capturing the memories, histories, and stories of North Lismore. The project’s core aim is to creatively support a community undergoing profound change, allowing residents to share their experiences in their own words.

As a recent North Lismore resident, this project is close to Living Lab Northern Rivers’ Engagement Director Dan Etheridge’s heart.

“North Lismore is more than just a place, it’s a community with a rich history. Capturing the voices and faces of those who have shaped it

allows us to honour the spirit of this area and the deep connections people have here.”

Living Memory Community Workshop

If you’ve been a resident of North Lismore or have a special connection to the place, your local knowledge is vital and Living Lab Northern Rivers would love you to be involved. Come join local historian Adele Wessel and photographic artist Cherine Fahd as they share more about the project and learn how it can be designed with the interests of locals in mind.

• Thursday 17 October 5pm -7pm.

• Living Lab Northern Rivers shopfront. 11 Woodlark St.

• Register at www.llnr. com.au/living-memory. Tell your story pop-up photobooth

North Lismore’s community is invited to be centre-stage.

Photographic artist Cherine Fahd believes photography can bring people and communities together, and creatively address moments of signifcant social change. Her photobooths will be set up North

Lismore and Living Lab Northern Rivers invites locals to come along — by yourself or with everyone in your family, neighbours, mates or local club!

On the day share the experience of group portraiture with others, bring memorabilia and personal stories, and help us to create some lasting memories of the neighbourhood you are part of.

• Fri 29 Nov 4pm-6pm & Sat 30 Nov 8:30am11am.

• 43 Bridge St, North Lismore (old general store building).

Oral history interviews A series of oral histories with North Lismore residents will be created as part of Living Memory. The collection of stories will explore the theme of home, community and locality in the words of locals from the areas where homes are being bought back. Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch with Living Lab Northern Rivers at livinglabnr@scu.edu.au.

Digital archive

Living Memory will showcase the fnal series of oral histories and

portraits at an event in Lismore in 2025 but they will also be accessible for long-term future reference, along with a collection of historical materials and artefacts. Together they will form a record of a North Lismore, it’s place and people, at a particular time.

Living Memory Community Workshop

• Thursday 17 October

• 5.00—7.00pm

• Living Lab Northern Rivers shopfront, 11 Woodlark Street, Lismore

• Free.

• Places are limited and registrations are essential.

• Register at www.llnr. com.au/living-memory

North Lismore pop-up

Photo Booths

• Friday 29 November: 4.00-6.00pm

• Saturday 30 November: 8.30am— 11am

• Location: 43 Bridge Street, North Lismore (old general store building)

• Free.

• Individuals, families and groups are welcome. For more information visit llnr.com.au/livingmemory

Warning: Highdose MDMA tablets (ecstasy) circulating in NSW

NSW Health is warning the public of highdose MDMA tablets (ecstasy) in circulation in NSW, found to contain a higher dose than is usually expected.

NSW Health Chief Addiction Medicine Specialist Dr Hester Wilson said consuming high doses of MDMA has been linked to cases of serious illness and death in NSW.

“MDMA can cause severe agitation, raised body temperature, seizures or fts, irregular heart rhythm and death,” Dr Wilson said.

“Other risks include taking MDMA in combination with other stimulants, such as amphetamines or cocaine.

“The amount of MDMA in a tablet or capsule can vary signifcantly, even within the same batch.

The health risks from MDMA are greatly increased if high amounts (including multiple doses) are consumed over a short period.

“Hot environments, such as at music festivals, increase the risk of harm from MDMA. Taking a break from dancing, seeking shade and drinking water are important measures to reduce the risk of overheating.

“It is very important to remember if you or a

friend has taken drugs and feel unwell, you won’t get into trouble for seeking medical care. If you or a friend feels unwell, please seek help immediately by calling Triple Zero (000).

“There are experienced onsite medical providers and teams of well-trained peer volunteers from programs such as DanceWize NSW who are ready to support you at many major festivals. Other event staff are also trained to help patrons,” she said. For more information about staying safe, including the warning signs to seek help, see Stay OK at Music Festivals.

For information about the potential adverse effects of MDMA, please contact the NSW Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26. For support and information with alcohol, MDMA and other drugs, please contact the Alcohol and Drug Information Service on 1800 250 015. This is a 24/7 service offering confdential and anonymous telephone counselling and information.

NSW Users and AIDS Association (NUAA) also provides a range of harm minimisation resources and advice and can be reached on 1800 644 413.

Homes of North Lismore. Photo by Elise Derwin

Samantha’s Book

Australia’s frst medical-grade hydrothermal wellness bathhouse opens in Byron Bay in October

When chasing the bad guys takes thousands of years

Title: Thomases’ Costumery

Author: WJ Richardson

Price: $44.50

Publisher: New Found

Books

By Samantha Elley

If you love time travel with a twist, you are going to love reading Thomases’ Costumery.

To start off with, it is set in the not too distant future, where the Thomas brothers run a business hiring out perfect replicas of historical costumes. They do this by sending modern day clothes through a machine that changes it to an outft that is strikingly real to the clothes of the time period they punch in.

When an unexpected event takes place, where a customer is sent back to 1876, the brothers soon realise their machine has another ability. That is, it can

transport people through time.

This is too much for the brothers and they hide the machine away, but there are those who know of its existence and use it to advance their own interests.

Detective David Thomas, a relative of the Thomas brothers is on the scene when nefarious characters make their move on the time machine and his detective partner is injured in the process.

Thus begins a manhunt that will cross generations all the way back to frst century Galilee.

WJ Richardson writes with wit and subtlety, bringing to life some very well-known characters and some new ones, who will give you an entertaining ride through time.

After retiring from his frefghting career Richardson has taken up his passion of writing and makes it a thoughtprovoking adventure for the readers and he hopes they enjoy the ride and get the joke.

You can order your copy of Thomases’ Costumery from www. booktopia.com.au.

In response to the growing physical and mental demands of modern life, holistic health has become more important than ever.

Recognizing this need for innovative wellness solutions, The Byron Bathhouse is excited to announce its grand opening on October 10th. This new facility offers a fresh take on the traditional bathhouse experience, focusing on the health benefts of contrast bathing without the use of harmful chemicals.

Led by Reine DuBois,

founder of The Health Lodge, The Byron Bathhouse introduces Australia’s frst medicalgrade hydrothermal contrast bathing experience right in the heart of Byron Bay. Combining wellness with cutting-edge innovation, TBB is committed to helping individuals achieve their health goals through a unique, elevated bathing experience. Offering tailored treatment plans designed to address specifc health concerns, The Byron Bathhouse provides a truly transformative wellness journey like no other.

“We built The Byron

Bathhouse with our community in mind” says Reine DuBois, Founder of The Byron Bathhouse.

“We wanted to create a space where wellness is prioritized without compromise. We have eliminated harmful chemicals and introduced state-of-the-art water therapy methods to offer an experience that enhances both comfort and health,”

“Our goal is to support the community’s long-term health goals by offering a safe and sustainable alternative to traditional wellness practices.”

“Our long-term vision

is to establish The Byron Bathhouse as a hub for health and wellness in the Byron Bay region, fostering ongoing partnerships with wellness infuencers and media contacts who share our passion for sustainable, chemicalfree self-care. We believe that everyone deserves a space where they can unwind and recharge safely and effectively.”

We have created more than just a bathhouse; we’ve sparked a wellness movement that will resonate far beyond the borders of Byron Bay, benefting the Northern Rivers community for years to come.

Lismore Regional Gallery has reopened!

Thank you for joining us to celebrate. Despite the weather, we welcomed over 1500 visitors at the offcial opening and over 700 across the weekend.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the NSW and Australian Governments for their support in restoring and

rebuilding our gallery, as well as to International Art Services and the many local businesses, artists and creatives who made the opening event possible.

Our doors are open Wednesday through Sunday from 10.00am to 4.00pm and until 6.00pm on Thursdays.

LIAM JENNINGS

Celebrate Melbourne Cup in style at The Feddy

Enjoy a complimentary glass of bubbles on arrival, prizes for best dressed male and female. Decadent blackboard specials and the race televised live and loud across all our big screens. Grab your friends and book your table today! 6628 0719

Full Bar & TAB facilities. Punters Help Desk. Sweeps available throughout the day. $25 PP

A fuss free lunch inclusive of gourmet Pastries, sliders, shasliks. Complimentary glass of bubbles. Selection of freshly baked desserts. Bookings essential. Phone 6662 8333.

Doors open at 11am

Bookings

CASINO GOLF CLUB

Hotel - 77 Main St, Alstonville

“Leemo has views on just about anything” THE ‘AUTUMN LEAVES’ Retirement Place

‘Shush & be quiet; I just heard her come home. Don’t say a thing; just look caring, loving & concerned. Gottit?’

(Unanimous 2 paws raise each) (It’s ‘Leemo Cat’ here with my buddies & ‘Mum Jane’ has just arrived home from her CWA Meeting.) In she strolled taking in the sight of us all sitting around looking most re ective. ‘Whatcha doin’ guys?’ As appointed Spokescat, I suggested she sit down, put her feet up & relax whilst I made her a cup of tea. She did look perplexed by my request but sat down all the same.

Whew! A er su cient noisy tea slurping, I spoke. ‘Mum, me & my buddies have heard you making enquiries about Retirement Villages for old people like you, and we have some valid concerns about this; we would therefore like to let you know our thoughts; OK?’ Her crinkled eyes rose slightly but she nodded her acquiescence. ‘Firstly, Mum, we heard you making enquiries to the ‘Autumn Leaves’ Village in Cooper Pedy’ You mentioned in your conversation with ‘Autumn Leaves’ your Sister Cay had recommended them as a truly idyllic retirement environment for you. It apparently has Bingo Games on Tuesdays, ‘ is is Your Life’ on TV on Fridays & Opal Digging any time you want in up to 52 degree heat. Our main concern is that Cooper Pedy is 1498 miles from Lismore by bus, taking over 30 hours. SO, Mum, how are my buddies going to visit

me if I’m so far away in S.A.? What will happen to our fun planning sessions plus TV/Treats a ernoons if it takes so long to get there? ey would have to get o the bus and then hop straight back on again to get home; no time for catchup’s or fun? Another thing Mum is as we’ll be living underground how do my buddies nd me? ey’re NOT Wombats.’ Crikey. Mum looked embarrassed & a little teary at my question. Hmmm, I wonder what ails her so I spoke up. ‘Mum, what’s wrong?’ e wrinkled eyes wrinked more. ‘OMG Leems, I’m so sorry my precious boy, to have to confess that ‘Autumn Leaves’ in Cooper Pedy does not allow pets.’ Well, I tell you, I was hurt beyond belief & my buddies all put paws over their eyes in horror & let out wailing noises in disbelief. Total mayhem!! OK, it was time I got serious with this state of a airs. ‘Mum, I intend calling your Sister Cay and telling her in precise terms exactly what I think of her appalling suggestion of you going to live in Cooper Pedy. In all honesty Mum, I gure she’s got no understanding of the ageing situation for old ladies with Cats. SO, me & my buddies have a deal. Prior to your arrival home today we agreed we would help you stay here in our house in Lismore; we will adapt to cleaning, plant care, cooking, washing, windows, raking, car washing & stu . We’ll learn how to make treats (as long as you buy them rst) & how to turn on the TV to watch ‘Bluey’. AND, it’s hard to believe that ANY retirement village is called ‘Autumn Leaves’ & here’s why. Autumn leaves are known as a symbol of change & transformation. eir colour & life fades & they fall o trees (perches) signifying their end of life & the start of another; like leaves bound for a green bin. We reckon this is being dead! Gottit? SO, Mum, you’re not going ‘cos we’ll all be here to mind you. Hmmm? Maybe one of us needs a D/Licence? Gotta go, ‘Bluey’ has been turned on for us. (With treats.) Nitey, Leemo & Buddies.

Opinion Piece by Prue Car: Early entry to university

It is that time of year again in the school calendar when thousands of year 12 students across the country are preparing to sit for their fnal high school exams. Those few crucial hours of exams mark the culmination of 13 years of schooling, with many students inevitably viewing them as the gateway to the next chapter in their lives, whether it is university, vocational education, or direct entry to the workforce. Little wonder then that as the day approaches so many experience varying degrees of stress.

So when universities throw students an early offer for a place (or even better, one without any conditions, such as an ATAR) it should come as no surprise that many leap at the opportunity.

Unfortunately, principals see declining levels of engagement in the critical fnal weeks of school among pupils who have received offers with few strings attached. The impact of that drop in engagement isn’t just limited to the student; principals have told me that a cohort and therefore a school’s overall performance can be warped because a statistically signifcant number of students have taken their foot off the gas.

Conservative estimates show 40,000 NSW students are forecast to apply for an early

offer, the largest cohort yet. The true fgure, which won’t be known until early next year, is likely to be even higher, driven in part by the Commonwealth’s decision to cap the number of international students.

Up to 50 per cent of students now enter university via this route and yet we have scant guidelines around the process, making it something of an educational free-for-all as universities offer places earlier and schools, in good faith, focus on supporting their students in making numerous applications.

Unless we - that is the Commonwealth, the States and Territories and our universities - act now as one, then I fear we will be entering an arms race, with students becoming pawns in the quest for greater university market share.

Earlier this year I was proud that NSW led a collective response for a temporary solution. Universities agreed to suspend giving out places to HSC students for entry into 2025 and 2026 until September in the preceding year. It marked a signifcant departure from the ridiculous practice of some universities - particularly those in Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory - in making offers in March, a full seven months before

students sit their exams.

I am not alone in believing that it is vital students get the most out of their education and we should encourage them to complete their studies to the best of their ability. And while getting an early offer can reduce a student’s stress levels, the job of an educator is to help prepare our young for adult life, including valuable life skills such as resilience and perseverance.

Early offers have played a role in increasing university access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, those from low socio-economic backgrounds or from regional or remote areas.

Research has found that while those cohorts were less likely to apply for university, those that did were more likely to accept an early offer than their counterparts.

However, my concern is that the lack of transparency around the admissions process is leading to a system where only those who work the system can beneft from it.

Applying to universities directly is more of an art than a science. Some advantaged schools that have mastered the process - from ensuring their students are participating in extracurricular activities to get extra credits, to assisting them in developing their applications - are more

likely to succeed in attracting more early offers. By contrast, less advantaged schools don’t always have the time or resources for this.

This imbalance can result in students from more privileged backgrounds receiving multiple offers, while those who may have additional responsibilities at home (like helping with the family business or caring for relatives) are left out, despite their potential.

Education should be the great social leveller, open to everyone with transparent pathways that reward those students who work hard and make the most of their potential. More than two decades ago the Higher School Certifcate was reformed in NSW to ensure students were assessed against predefned standards of performance for each course.

We have the best part of a year to come up with a fairer system that protects that hard won equity, and ensures early entry doesn’t become a university arms race. Failure to do so risks turning the clock back to a two-tiered system that rewards privilege over potential.

This opinion piece was originally published on page 25 of the Australian on Wednesday, 2 October 2024

NSW Government Cuts Red Tape for Cemeteries and Crematoriums

ROBERT HEYWARD

The NSW Government has introduced planning reforms to streamline minor works in cemeteries, effective immediately, by removing unnecessary red tape. These changes amend the Transport and Infrastructure State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP), allowing cemetery operators and crematoria to bypass the need for a Development Application (DA) for low-impact activities such as constructing monuments, conducting demolition, or maintaining internal roads and sheds.

However, a DA will still be required for any development beyond the boundary of an existing cemetery or for projects that do not comply with the new regulations. The reforms do not include changes to burial plot numbers or operational hours.

The goal is to reduce the burden on cemetery operators, improve effciency, and free up resources for local councils, thus speeding up the broader planning system. The NSW Government has emphasized that many areas of

the state’s planning system have outdated rules and are not serving communities effectively. These reforms are part of a broader effort to modernize the planning system.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully, commented: “Cemeteries are vital to our communities, and it’s essential they operate effciently. These new pathways will save time on simple DAs, ensuring cemeteries can focus on their core role.”

Minister for Lands and Property, Steve Kamper, added: “The Minns Labor Government has been addressing the cemetery crisis from day one. These reforms are crucial for future planning, ensuring cemeteries remain accessible, respectful spaces for all communities.”

The Department of Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure (DPHI) collaborated closely with Crown Lands and Cemeteries and Crematoria NSW to ensure these reforms are aligned with government efforts to create a more effcient and effective planning system.

Laith McGregor Wins 2024 Jacaranda Acquisitive Drawing Award

IAN ROGERS

Grafton Regional Gallery is thrilled to announce Laith McGregor as the winner of the prestigious 2024 Jacaranda Acquisitive Drawing Award (JADA). McGregor secured the $35,000 frst prize for his compelling sculptural charcoal drawing, Untitled (support).

Nix Francia, an emerging artist based in Sydney, was also celebrated, receiving the $5,000 Early Career Award for their evocative work Love at Midnight: Blood Edition.

The 2024 JADA was judged by Michelle Newton, Deputy Director at Artspace, Sydney. Newton commended the interdisciplinary

approaches many artists took to drawing this year, noting the innovative spirit that challenged conventional ideas of the medium.

“Laith McGregor’s work is a prime example of this. There is something very primary and dynamic in his markmarking and the way he builds up the surface. His drawing creates an atmosphere charged with emotion, blurring traditional portraiture with abstraction. Similarly, Nix Francia’s work plays with light, texture and bodily materials, drawing on personal narratives to create a sense of intimacy.”

Laith McGregor, based in the Northern Rivers region, has gained national and international

recognition with his works exhibited across Australia, including major institutions like the Museum of Contemporary Art (NSW), GOMA (QLD), MONA (TAS), and the National Gallery of Victoria (VIC). McGregor is represented by Station Gallery, with locations in Sydney and Melbourne.

Nix Francia, a recent graduate of the National Art School, explores the complexities of everyday life through a unique lens. Francia was previously a fnalist in the 2023 Burwood Art Prize and Blacktown City Art Prize.

The JADA, with its substantial $35,000 acquisitive prize and $5,000 early career award, continues to

be Australia’s leading regional drawing prize. It showcases innovative and exceptional drawing practices, reaffrming the importance of the medium in contemporary art. The 2024 exhibition features 65 artists, including 14 from the Northern Rivers and Clarence Valley regions, with works ranging from traditional to experimental and performative approaches.

Grafton Regional Gallery extends its gratitude to the Friends of the Gallery, the major sponsors of the Jacaranda Acquisitive Drawing Award.

The 2024 JADA exhibition will be on display at Grafton Regional Gallery until Sunday, 8 December 2024.

Pay Parking Begins in Brunswick Heads

Paid parking was introduced in central Brunswick Heads and South Beach Road.

To assist residents, the Council is now accepting applications for two free Shire Resident Parking Permits per rateable property for eligible residents.

The introduction of these free permits is part of a Council resolution aimed at easing the transition to pay parking for locals. These permits can be used in metered pay parking areas across both Byron Bay and Brunswick Heads, allowing residents to park without incurring additional fees.

Malcolm Robertson, Acting Director of Infrastructure Services at the Council, shared that the demand for permits

has been overwhelming since applications opened.

“We received around 350 applications on the frst day, 16 September, which caused our permit system to crash for a few hours,” Mr. Robertson said. “However, the system is now back online, and we’re working hard to process the applications as quickly as possible.”

By the end of the frst week, 20 September, the Council had received a total of 1,800 applications for various parking permits.

Mr. Robertson also acknowledged the efforts of the Council’s customer service team, who have been stationed at the CWA Hall in Brunswick Heads to assist locals with their permit

applications. “It’s been a busy few days, but we’re pleased to have been able to help everyone and thank residents for their patience,” he added.

Important Information for Existing Permit Holders

Residents with an existing Shire Resident Permit need not worry about reapplying for a free permit just yet.

“There’s been some confusion regarding existing permits,” Mr. Robertson said. “If you currently hold a $55 Shire Resident Permit, it remains valid throughout the Byron Shire, including the new Brunswick Heads pay parking areas, until it expires. There’s no need to apply for a free permit until then.”

Additional Permit

Information

• Pensioner Parking Permits: These remain free, and eligible pensioners are encouraged to apply online.

• Worker & Business Permits: These are available for $116 per year, with terms and conditions detailed online.

For a full list of parking permits, including eligibility requirements and supporting documents, please visit the Parking Permit Types & Supporting Documents section on the Council’s website.

For more information on pay parking in Brunswick Heads, visit the offcial Council website at: www.byron. nsw.gov.au/bruns-payparking.

Grafton Regional Gallery Director Sarah Gurich and 2024 JADA Judge Michelle Newton with 2024 JADA winner, Laith McGregor 'Untitled (support)', 2024. Photograph: Chloe Van Dorp, Simon Hughes Media.

GROUNDED: A New Exhibition Celebrating Bundjalung Cultural Knowledge and Creative Wellbeing

Lismore City Council through Lismore Regional Gallery and the Quadrangle are proud to present a new First Nations-led creative wellbeing program launching with multi-sensory exhibition ‘Grounded’ this October.

GROUNDED explores native bush plants endemic to the Northern Rivers in an innovative exhibition featuring the works of Widjabul-Wiabul/Yaegl sound and performance artist Mitch King and socially engaged artist and flmmaker Karenza Ebejer.

The exhibition brings together flm, sound installations and interactive artworks created in collaboration with Bundjalung community Elders. King’s sound installation features recordings of native species integral to a regenerative ecology project led by Namabunda farm, while Ebejer’s flm “Ecosphere” meditates on the interconnection of life-forms, inspired by local native plants.

The exhibition is a continuation of

King and Ebejer’s 2022/23 collaborative project, “Our Place, Our Species”, which celebrates Bundjalung cultural knowledge and connection to Country.

Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said: “Lismore City Council is committed to investing in native bushland restoration and regeneration projects though our Rural Landholder Initiatives and Urban Landcare programs. This increasingly involves working with traditional owners to bring culturally informed restoration.”

Through the voices of Elders and Custodians, the exhibition offers audiences a unique opportunity to engage deeply with Bundjalung stories and the regenerative power of native bush plants.

“Through this work, we are creating space for conversations about the interconnection between people and place, and the deep cultural knowledge that informs our understanding of these relationships,”

King explains. “We want to highlight how these

plants are more than just fora; they are integral to our community’s identity and wellbeing.”

Ebejer adds: “Our work is about honouring the wisdom of Elders and sharing these stories in a way that fosters awareness and hope for a future where native bush plants are revitalised, and connection to Country is celebrated.”

GROUNDED will feature a series of interactive workshops designed to deepen public understanding of the importance of connecting with nature. These workshops will include hands-on experiences with native bush plants and discussions on ecological regeneration, inspired by the cultural knowledge shared through the exhibition.

WHAT’S ON:

Exhibition Opening: Wednesday, 9 October 2024

Location: Event Space, Lismore Regional Gallery

Thursday, 10 October:

• 3-6pm: Weaving with the Healing Hub in the Quad

• \ 5pm: Welcome

to Country, Offcial Exhibition Opening Saturday, 12 October:

• 11-1pm: Nature Photography Workshop with Karenza Ebejer and Dr Jenny Fraser

A creative workshop for young women between the ages of 14-18 years to explore native bush foods and plants in the local area.

Thursday, 17 October:

• 3-6pm: Weaving with the Healing Hub in the Quad

Saturday, 19 October:

• 11-1pm: Jeticaco Art Workshop with Jenny Smith

Come along to an allages session of creativity, where we can explore nature through the use of water colours, on paper.

• 2-4pm: Grounded Movement with Mitch King Immerse yourself in a workshop that will look at how we can acknowledge the beauty and power of nature while also becoming more grounded through our own movement and mindfulness.

Launching a Broader Creative Wellbeing Program:

GROUNDED is the

frst step in a broader First Nations-led creative wellbeing program aimed at strengthening community cohesion and wellbeing through a series of small-scale creative placemaking events. Led by an appointed First Nations Project Offcer, the program will engage First Nations and youth communities throughout 2025, fostering resilience and a sense of belonging by connecting people to place.

This program will be delivered in partnership with Southern Cross University and funded by the Foundation of Regional and Rural Renewal. This collaboration leverages SCU’s strong focus on environmental science and Indigenous knowledge to enhance the exhibition’s educational impact. Through research, workshops, and community engagement, the partnership aims to deepen public understanding of the ecological and cultural signifcance of native bush plants.

“Southern Cross

University is committed to advancing community wellbeing and ecological sustainability through education and research,” said the University’s Senior Deputy ViceChancellor, Professor Mary Spongberg.

“Partnering with Lismore City Council through the Lismore Quadrangle aligns with our mission to support cultural and environmental stewardship in the Northern Rivers.”

About Lismore Quad

The Quad is a central public greenspace in the heart of Lismore CBD. The Quad is a public meeting place, a performance venue, a children’s play space, a creative hub and a space for community expression. The Quad provides a safe space and gathering point for the community to enjoy free activities and performances, hold community events, take part in creative workshops and installations, or simply relax on the grass. www. lismorequad.org.au

Aunty Delta Kay holding Seeds. Photo by Karenza Ebejer

New team of Councillors confrmed for the Tweed

ROBERT HEYWARD

The results are in for the 2024 Tweed Shire Council election, with a newly confrmed group of Councillors following today’s distribution of preferences.

The NSW Electoral Commission offcially announced the results of the 14 September 2024 election, as preferences were fnalized by the Tweed Returning Offcer today. Six incumbent Councillors will return to their seats, along with one newly elected representative.

Elected Councillors for the upcoming term are:

• Chris Cherry

• Reece Byrnes

• James Owen

• Rhiannon Brinsmead

• Kimberly Hone*

• Meredith Dennis

• Nola Firth

(* new to Council)

A total of 54,589 ballots were cast in the Tweed Shire election, refecting a 76% voter turnout from the 71,582 registered electors.

In line with electoral legislation, the offcial declaration of the election will occur 24 hours after the distribution of preferences, providing a

window for candidates to lodge any appeals if necessary.

Troy Green, the General Manager of the Council, commended all candidates for their participation and expressed his optimism for the upcoming term.

“On behalf of Council staff, I extend my congratulations to

all those elected and welcome our newest Councillor,” Mr Green said.

“We are eager to work collaboratively with the new team as we navigate the opportunities and challenges of the coming term.

“We have more than $1 billion in capital infrastructure works

planned over the next fve years, including the raising of the Clarrie Hall Dam wall, major housing and retail developments in the pipeline, and continuing our signifcant food recovery works program.”

The newly elected Councillors will take their oaths or

Tweed Regional Museum Wins Top Prize for “Supertonic” Exhibition

ROBERT HEYWARD

The Tweed Regional Museum has claimed the top prize for its innovative exhibition, Supertonic, a captivating showcase that explores the rich history and cultural signifcance of music in the region.

The award recognizes the museum’s excellence in curating an engaging and interactive exhibition that highlights local talent, music heritage, and the impact of sound on the community. Through immersive displays, rare artifacts, and multimedia presentations, Supertonic invites visitors to experience the transformative power of music and its enduring infuence on the Tweed region.

The recognition underscores the museum’s commitment

to preserving and celebrating local culture while providing educational and entertaining experiences for visitors of all ages. This award further cements the Tweed Regional Museum’s reputation as a leader in the cultural sector, offering high-quality exhibitions that resonate with both the community and visitors from afar.

The Supertonic exhibition at the Tweed Regional Museum explored the profound impact of music on the Tweed community, showcasing the region’s vibrant musical heritage. Through a variety of immersive displays, interactive elements, and rare historical artifacts, the exhibition delved into how music has shaped local culture, from early Indigenous sounds to contemporary musical movements.

Supertonic highlighted the role music plays in connecting people, celebrating regional talent, and documenting the evolution of musical styles in the Tweed area. Visitors could explore instruments, recordings, photographs, and stories of iconic musicians from the region, offering a deep dive into the personal and collective experiences surrounding music in the community.

The exhibition also emphasized the therapeutic and unifying power of music, refecting on how it brings individuals together and provides emotional support through challenging times. With an engaging mix of historical content and modern musical infuences, Supertonic captured the enduring legacy of sound and its infuence on regional identity and social cohesion.

affrmations of offce on Thursday 10 October, followed by an Extraordinary Meeting later in the day where they will vote to appoint the Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

The Extraordinary Meeting will take place in the Murwillumbah Council Chambers from 3.30 pm on Thursday 10 October and will be livestreamed. Follow the livestream online at tweed.nsw.gov.au/ council-meetings.

The Councillors will also participate in an induction program aligned with the Offce of Local Government guidelines, ensuring they are fully equipped to tackle the responsibilities of the role.

For full election results, visit the NSW Electoral Commission website at elections. nsw.gov.au or call 1300 135 736.

NSW Government Allocates $1.8 Million to Support Recreational Fishers

The Minns Labor Government has announced $1.8 million in grants to enhance recreational fshing across New South Wales as part of the 2024/2025 Recreational Fishing Trust grants program. This funding will support 21 projects focused on improving access to fshing, particularly for individuals with disabilities.

Key projects funded to enhance accessibility include:

• $375,000 for repairs and upgrades to fve fshing platforms in the Shoalhaven area

• $98,300 to improve access to a fshing platform and boat ramp in Hay

• $11,035 for a pedestrian bridge with disabled access in Davistown

• $26,210 for fsh cleaning facilities near the jetty in Tumbulgum with disabled access

• $79,500 for multiple fsh cleaning facilities in Port Macquarie/Hastings

• $10,000 to the Fishing4All program, introducing people with intellectual impairments to fshing

A total of 24 projects will beneft from the $1.8 million in funding, recommended by the Recreational Fishing NSW Advisory Council. Funding allocation includes:

• $717,612 for fshing access and facilities

• $85,000 for recreational fshing enhancement

• $552,000 for recreational fshing education

• $444,000 for aquatic habitat protection and rehabilitation

The NSW Government will also launch a $2 million Recreational Fishing Small Infrastructure Grant Program on 6 November 2024, aimed at supporting grassroots projects through easier access to funding for fshing clubs, community groups, and other organisations.

Minister for

Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, emphasized the importance of these investments, stating, “Fishing licence fees are being put to work to enhance facilities, improve habitats, and open fshing opportunities for more people, including those with disabilities. These projects not only support recreational fshers but also contribute to regional tourism by generating jobs and income.”

Examples of additional projects include funding for Morisset High School to support students with disabilities in fshing and a fy-fshing day in the New England region for people who have experienced breast cancer.

The next funding round will include enhanced communication with fshers and clubs to ensure widespread awareness of grant opportunities.

The NSW Electoral Commission’s Tweed Returning Offcer Lisa Murray explains the fnal results of the Tweed Shire Council poll after running distributions.

Bugs & Beers : Science in the Pub at the Eltham Hotel

LIAM JENNINGS

The Eltham Hotel is set to host a unique and engaging event that blends science with a social setting. On [date], guests will have the chance to explore the fascinating world of macroinvertebrates in “Bugs & Beers: Science in the Pub,” presented by freshwater ecologist Dr. Brendan Cox.

Dr. Cox will lead an in-depth exploration of the critical role water bugs play in maintaining and restoring the health of our rivers. Attendees will have the opportunity to examine live samples collected from local creeks and rivers,

learning how these tiny creatures help assess river health and support ecological restoration efforts.

The evening will also shed light on the valuable contributions of citizen scientists who monitor water quality and freshwater organisms, helping to ensure the sustainability of our river ecosystems.

In addition to the interactive discussion, attendees will gain exclusive insights into the bi-annual report card released by the Richmond River Ecological Health Program. This report, which is publicly accessible online,

provides an in-depth analysis of the health of the Richmond River and its surrounding catchment areas.

Whether you’re a science enthusiast, an environmental advocate, or simply looking for an educational and enjoyable evening, Bugs & Beers at the Eltham Hotel is a must-attend event. Grab a beer, delve into the world of water bugs, and discover how these small creatures make a big impact.

For more information on the Richmond River health report, visit the Richmond River Ecological Health Program’s website.

Don’t miss the chance

to unleash your curiosity and be part of the exhilarating Bugs and Beers event. See you there for an evening flled with exploration and knowledge-sharing!

EVENT DETAILS:

• Where: The Eltham Pub

• When: Thursday Oct 10th

• Time: 5:30pm7:30pm

• Tickets: Via the QR code

NSW lowers the recommended breast screening age for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women

female population.

The NSW Government is working to increase breast screening participation among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to improve their breast cancer outcomes. In a groundbreaking initiative, the Putuwa project, led by Cancer Institute NSW, has lowered the starting age for breast screening from 50 to 40 years for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, while also enhancing the cultural safety of the BreastScreen NSW service.

Since the project’s launch in 2023, participation rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in NSW aged 40 to 49 have more than doubled (7.8% to 16.7%). The Putuwa project has been rolled out across all BreastScreen NSW sites to address disparities in breast cancer outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, who are diagnosed on average four years earlier and tend to have more advanced cancer at diagnosis, leading to poorer survival rates compared to the broader

The project promotes culturally safe screening by working closely with the Aboriginal health workforce, developing culturally sensitive materials like posters and fact sheets, and incorporating Aboriginal artwork.

BreastScreen NSW established the Putuwa project with support from the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW, in collaboration with Screening and Assessment Services, and key Aboriginal stakeholders and agencies.

BreastScreen NSW is a free service, with female staff performing the screening, which takes less than 20 minutes. No referral from a doctor is required.

BreastScreen NSW recommends:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have a mammogram every two years from age 40.

• Non-Aboriginal women have a mammogram every two years from age 50. Breast screening is available from the age of 40.

• Anyone with breast symptoms should contact

their GP or health worker without delay.

• Any woman with a family history of breast cancer should discuss their needs with their GP.

BreastScreen NSW aims to provide a safe place of care. To book in a breast screen, call 13 20 50 or book online at breastscreen.nsw. gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“NSW is proud to lead the way in efforts to reduce the disparity in cancer outcomes between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians.”

“Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Aboriginal women in NSW but the good news is that breast cancer screening can detect cancers before they can be seen or felt, and when found early, almost all breast cancers can be successfully treated.”

“Early detection is key to saving lives and reducing the impact of breast cancer in the Aboriginal community.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris:

“The NSW Government’s commitment to achieving

its Closing the Gap priorities emphasises the need to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal people.

“This reduction in the breast screening age will ensure Aboriginal women will be able to access essential healthcare services earlier to have a better chance of achieving optimal health outcomes.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Women

Jodie Harrison:

“Putting off something like a mammogram can seem all too easy in our busy lives.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are traditionally under-represented in the breast screening program, so as part of the Putuwa project we’re lowering the screening age and delivering it in a culturally safe way.

“I encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women over 40 to book in for a free potentially life-saving breast screen today.

“Improving the screening rates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women is part of our broader effort to lift their overall health and wellbeing.”

Quotes attributable

to NSW Chief Cancer Offcer and CEO Cancer Institute NSW, Professor Tracey O’Brien AM “We know that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women experience poorer survival rates from breast cancer, are diagnosed with more advanced cancers and are underrepresented in routine breast screening.”

“Addressing the unacceptable disparity in breast cancer outcomes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women is a priority and the Putuwa project is one of the ways Cancer Institute NSW is partnering with Aboriginal communities to create meaningful change.”

“We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to stay healthy for yourself and your family by having a regular breast screen.”

Quotes attributable to Gomeroi Elder Jacqui Khan

“I went for my breast screen at the breast screen service, and I was called back because they’d found something and they wanted to do more tests. It’s just hearing that word cancer,

it puts the wind up you and to fnd out that it was already travelling and invasive, that was really scary for me.”

“I would encourage my Aboriginal women to go and have a breast screen done so we can stay strong, black and deadly for our Jargens and survive another 60,000 years.”

“The breast screen van travels around to all communities in NSW so the women can access the van for an appointment and go and have their breast screen done, there’s really no excuse, it’s free and it only takes 20 minutes.”

Quotes attributable to Kristie O’Neill

“I was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 41, resulting in a double mastectomy due to the size of the mass found. If I had found the cancer a year earlier, I may still have my breasts.”

“In my experience, my forty-year-old friends are in the peak of their careers or their parenting or trying to do both really well. Our health often comes last so providing women with an opportunity to proactively screen for breast cancer is a wonderful step in the right direction.”

Mullum pool remains temporarily closed

Mullumbimby pool remains temporarily closed while Council staff and pool managers try to fx a problem with water quality.

The pool closed on 14 September when water became cloudy and treatment and mechanical processes would not resolve the problem.

While the clarity of the water has improved slightly, the problem has not been fxed and work is ongoing.

At this stage Council is unsure whether the pool will be open by the weekend.

“We sincerely apologise for this hiccup at the start of the season, and we are doing our best to get the pool open as soon as we can,” Malcolm Robertson, Acting Director Infrastructure Services, said.

People who have passes for the Mullumbimby pool can also use them at the Byron Bay pool.

People wanting to pick up their season passes, or discount books can call the pool manager on 02 6684 2494.

He may be away from the phone so people should leave a message and he will organise for them to pick up their passes.

When the pool reopens information will be posted to Council’s website and Facebook page.

Construction underway on Budd Park revitalisation

ROBERT HEYWARD

The upgrade of Budd Park in Murwillumbah has offcially started, with the demolition of the food-affected Visitor Information Centre paving the way for new parkland and barbecue areas. The initial phase of construction focuses on upgrading the eastern car park near the Riverview Hotel, which will feature a new entry and exit onto Tweed Valley Way.

The food-vulnerable World Heritage Rainforest Centre, which once housed Murwillumbah’s Visitor Information Centre, and the internal road connecting the two existing car parks will be removed, making room for expanded parkland space.

This decision comes after the centre and its surroundings suffered signifcant damage during the foods of 2017 and 2022.

Council’s Manager of Parks and Active Communities, Murray Smith, expressed excitement at seeing the project move forward.

“Located on the bank of the Tweed River, Budd Park marks the entryway to Murwillumbah’s CBD and is a signifcant meeting place for visitors and residents alike and we are excited to see it upgraded into an even more vibrant and welcoming community space,” Mr Smith said.

“This redevelopment will not only enhance the aesthetic and recreational value of Budd Park but will also create a dynamic community hub that promotes outdoor activities and social interaction.

“We are focusing on public safety and mitigating future food risks. By demolishing the food-prone building, we are creating an opportunity to revitalise and redevelop the park. The space previously occupied by the building will be transformed into parkland, signifcantly improving access to high-quality public open space for both residents and visitors.”

The upgrade is part of a $15.5 million funding package from the Australian and NSW governments to help restore and improve community assets that have been storm or food damaged.

KEY

ASPECTS OF THE REVITALISATION

Demolition of existing building

• The World Heritage Rainforest Centre and internal road will be

demolished to create new parkland. The public toilets will be retained for community use but will be closed for up to four weeks while the building is demolished.

Car park adjustments

• The eastern car park will be reconfgured, resurfaced and redesigned to allow for entry and exit onto Tweed Valley Way.

• The western car park will remain, with an additional accessible parking bay added. It will be closed while the World Heritage Rainforest Centre is demolished from early-October to midNovember.

Enhanced park facilities

• The redevelopment of Budd Park will include accessible shelters, barbecues, picnic tables, seating and public art.

• This stage of works will commence in January 2025, weather permitting.

Improved connectivity

• New pathways and bike racks will be installed, along with a drinking fountain and rubbish bins, to

improve usability and convenience.

Flood resilience and aesthetics

• Informative food markers will be placed to educate the public and the existing feature pole will be revitalised to enhance the park’s aesthetic appeal.

Construction timeline

• Eastern car park:

Construction will begin in the week commencing Monday 30 September 2024.

• World Rainforest Centre: Demolition will take place in the week commencing 7 October 2024. The internal road connecting the two car parks will also be demolished and converted to parkland during this time. The existing public toilets will be closed while the building is demolished.

• Landscaping works: The park upgrade works will commence in January 2025.

Additional car park upgrades across the Tweed

In addition to the works at Budd Park, Council will be upgrading 14 other food-impacted car parks throughout the Tweed

Shire.

The upgrades include internal access road repairs, drainage improvements, car park pavement repairs and resealing, pathways and access enhancements, including accessible parking bays, connecting pathways and tree planting.

The total funding for these projects is $4.5 million.

Construction of the car parks will be between January and September 2025 at the following sites

• Ray Pascoe Park, Kennedy Drive, Tweed Heads

• Barrie Smith Fields, Murwillumbah

• Bilambil Sports Complex East, Bilambil

• Bilambil Sports Complex West, Bilambil

• Cudgen Foreshore Park, Kingscliff

• Ed Parker Rotary Park, Kingscliff

• Cudgera Creek Park, Hastings Point

• John Rabjones Oval, Murwillumbah

• Black Rocks Sports Ground, Pottsville

• Bruce Chick Park, Stotts Creek (small section of it)

• Clarrie Purnell Park (small section of it)

• Jim Devine Field, Murwillumbah

• Vic Bianchetti Sports Ground, Uki

• Turnock Park, Chinderah.

For more information on these projects, please visit tweed.nsw. gov.au/communityassets-program

More than 500 speeding tickets issued during Operation Border to Border

More than 500 speeding tickets were issued during Operation Border to Border, a targeted traffc enforcement initiative aimed at reducing road trauma during the school holidays.

The two-day operation, which ran from Friday, 27 September to Saturday, 28 September 2024, focused on

major transport routes, including the Princes Highway, Pacifc Highway, and the Motorway stretching between the Queensland and Victorian borders.

Over 150 offcers from the Traffc and Highway Patrol Command, supported by Queensland and Victorian Police, participated in the high-

visibility operation. Their focus was on key areas of road safety: speeding, dangerous driving, impaired driving, driver distractions, and fatigue. During the operation, offcers conducted 2,600 random breath tests, resulting in 17 positive breath test detections. Additionally, more than 400 random drug tests

were conducted, with 52 drivers testing positive for drugs.

Speeding remained a signifcant issue, with a total of 520 drivers caught exceeding the limit. Among these, 10 drivers were charged with driving more than 45 km/h over the speed limit. Authorities also identifed 31 disqualifed,

suspended, or unlicensed drivers. In total, 421 other traffc infringements were issued, including 18 fnes for mobile phone use while driving. Beyond traffc offenses, the operation also resulted in 29 traffc-related charges, 15 criminal charges, seven heavy-vehicle infringements, and one

defect notice.

NSW Police emphasized the importance of operations like Border to Border in ensuring road safety, particularly during peak travel periods like school holidays. Their continued efforts aim to reduce road trauma and enhance safety for all road users.

Workers on site at the eastern car park at Budd Park, beside the Riverview Hotel, this week. This is the frst stage in the upgrade of the popular park.

Affordable instant housing solutions launched for NDIS participants and the elderly

In the midst of Australia’s ongoing housing crisis and persistently high building costs, those seeking Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) are often overlooked, despite the signifcant impact on some of the country’s most vulnerable people—those living with disabilities or mobility challenges.

Rather than simply acknowledging the crisis facing the SDA sector, Vito Russo, founder and CEO of VanHomes, Australia’s oldest and largest manufacturer of expandable homes, took decisive action to create a meaningful change. He led the initiative to design and construct an SDA-compliant version of their expanding VanHome, ensuring it adheres to the rigorous standards required of traditional SDA homes.

After more than a year of dedicated work— hundreds of design drafts and close collaboration with SDA-certifying specialists—the VanHomes engineering team successfully created a fnal design. This groundbreaking solution offers high-quality, accessible housing for individuals with disabilities, addressing a crucial and underserved need in the market.

“We are proud to introduce our SDACompliant model of our VanHomes. This refects our commitment to inclusivity and innovation,” Russo said.

“Our goal is to offer practical and affordable housing solutions that enhance the quality of life for all Australians including people living with disability, ensuring everyone can have access to safe and comfortable living spaces.

“Demand for our NDIS SDA-compliant VanHomes is soaring. People are contacting us in incredible distress. They have loved ones who have been waiting for suitable NDIS specialist disability accommodation for a long time. When they speak to us, they can’t believe that they can install an instant SDA NDIS funded home in their backyard for a reasonable amount of money.

“It is the ideal outcome.

Rather than wait or send their loved one off into a shared house environment or even worse, into a nursing home, they can install an instant home in their backyard that is suitable for their needs.

“Their loved one then has the privacy and independence of their own home while still being close to family and support.”

La Trobe University recently published a study that found existing supply of specialist disability accommodation (SDA) needs to grow by 60 percent to house the 28,000 people the NDIS expects to fund. The report identifed another

33,200 people with very high support needs who may require SDA on top of the 17,500 already in this form of housing.

“Families cannot wait forever to fnd suitable specialist disability accommodation for their loved ones, so they are turning to instant housing to create an immediate solution. This often involves placing a relocatable and expandable home in their backyard which meets NDIS requirements so their loved ones can live in their own home close to family but on their own independent terms,” Russo said.

The NDIS explains Specialist Disability Accommodation as housing designed for people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs.

SDA dwellings have accessible features to help residents live more independently and allow other supports to be delivered better or more safely.

To be eligible for SDA, NDIS participants have an extreme functional impairment or very high support needs and meet the specialist disability accommodation needs requirement and the NDIS funding criteria.

“With the extreme shortage in suitable accommodation, people are turning to instant homes. We have created a specifc range for disability accommodation. These

have been designed to meet the needs of people living with disability. They are also ideal for the elderly,” Russo said.

“They include wider corridors, internal and external grab rails and external, handheld showers or hob- less showers, specially designed kitchens, lever handled taps and door handles, doors suitable for wheelchairs, access ramps, wheelchair accessible paths; and large rocker switches.”

Relocatable and expandable homes are available in various sizes, colors, and fnishes. The interiors can be tailored to suit any design preference, with the added ability to accommodate the needs of individuals living with disabilities or mobility challenges.

These homes can be ftted with fnishes and fxtures that cater to any budget, ranging from economical to luxurious. Additional features like gardens, verandahs, and more can be incorporated to enhance both the entryway and surrounding areas of the home.

The possibilities for creating a beautiful and functional living space are only limited by imagination.

In many regions across Australia, councils classify relocatable and expandable homes on wheels as caravans due to their towable nature and ease of setup on-site. This classifcation often

New SolarPowered Light Tower Trial to Prevent Koala Deaths on Byron Shire Roads

means that no building approvals are required.

Russo sheds light on why relocatable and expandable homes are becoming increasingly popular and why they are ideal for those seeking specialist accommodation solutions.

“If you have a driveway, side access or room at the back of your property, then you can have a relocatable expanding home. They arrive the same width as a caravan and once in place in the backyard can then be expanded out to provide up to 59 sqm of living space. That is bigger than some Sydney apartments. They really are instant housing and can be curated and customised to achieve any type of features and look you want,” Russo said.

“Relocatable VanHomes comprise studios through to three-bedroom mobile mansions. They range in price from $70,000 up to $165,000, so they are incredibly affordable. With clever interior design and furniture choices the space can be optimised to create a better living environment than a traditional home, and the best of all is that if you ever want to move to a different area, you can take your VanHome with you as they can be easily relocated by towing them with a large 4WD or light truck.”

Byron Shire Council and Bangalow Koalas are working together to trial a temporary solarpowered lighting tower on Broken Head Road near the golf course, aimed at reducing road strikes involving koalas and other wildlife. The initiative comes after the tragic death of Moji, a koala hit by a car on this road in August.

“This stretch of Broken Head Road is poorly lit, and local koalas frequently cross it as they move between food trees,” said Liz Caddick, Council’s Biodiversity Team Leader. “With koala breeding season from June to December, young males are particularly active, moving to fnd new territories and mates. We can’t afford to lose any more koalas, and we hope the lighting tower will help reduce these accidents.”

The temporary lighting tower is the frst of its kind used in this area to reduce wildlife road strikes, according to Linda Sparrow from Bangalow Koalas. “While extra lighting may not be suitable in every location and is only a temporary measure, the trial aims to determine if this method can be effective in saving koalas,” Sparrow said.

Both Caddick and Sparrow emphasize that the best way to prevent road deaths is for motorists to slow down and stay vigilant for wildlife, especially during dusk and dawn when koalas are hardest to spot.

In addition to this trial, Bangalow Koalas has reached a major milestone by planting their 400,000th tree in Byron Shire since 2019, contributing signifcantly to koala habitat restoration.

For it is written… by

Nigel Dawe

THERE are few things that rouse a deeper nostalgia in me, than the thought of handwritten letters. Maybe it has to do with me having graduated from uni in 2001, which entailed no access to, or usage of the internet whatsoever, it was all ‘old school’ hands-on, library-based research to get my degree.

As a kid, I actually had a pen pal in France whom I wrote to for a number of years, but I’m not sure if that is even still a thing any more, or whether the email has staked an irreversible rupture in the way we correspond with one another across the globe. While the immediacy of communication in ’real time’ is one thing, having to calmly wait days or weeks for a response, is quite another. What the latter version taught us is patience, what the former seems to incite is an ever-effacing irritability with the right here and now.

All this was brought back to my attention recently after receiving a touching handwritten letter of appreciation from a reader of these columns. That said, I hope that my personal handwritten response to him was legible, as I have a scrawl more befitting the description Mark Barrowcliffe once gave, “Actually ‘bad’ doesn’t do justice to my handwriting. Neither does ‘handwriting.’ ‘Desecration of paper’ about covers it.” As such, I have always greatly wished that I could actually write as capably as I write.

The legibility of one’s handwriting aside though, it is the deeply personal and intimate nature, albeit manner in which something is written down, that

Ticking Time Bomb - Urgent Warning as Tick Season Hits

assumes the heightened quality and refinement of interaction that it does.

As Natalie Goldberg once said, “Handwriting is more connected to the movement of the heart,” or the organic reach, if not full sweep of one’s soul, in the least.

While it’s often said that writing is the very thing that denotes, albeit has come to define the human being from all other life forms, it hasn’t always been the case. Relative to the amount of time we’ve been around as a species (most estimates range from between 200-300 thousand years), writing has only featured for a very short period of our existence.

The oldest written language in the world is considered to be the Sumerian language which flourished in southern Mesopotamia in the 3rdcentury BC; but intriguingly, all knowledge of this language seems to have disappeared around the time of Christ. The oldest known ‘written’ story in the western world is the Epic of Gilgamesh which was originally recorded, according to experts, in the Sumerian language, and then passed from culture to culture in translated form.

Funnily enough, the oldest known letter, is also from that same part of the world, and is a written complaint (sent on a clay tablet in Sumerian) from about 1750 BC. Between a copper merchant called Nanni to a smelter of copper called Ea-nasir, with regards to the poor quality of copper ingots being produced, and the lack of any forthcoming proceeds for the actual sale of the said ingots themselves.

As the tick season escalates across Australia, Pet Insurance Australia urgently advises pet owners to take immediate steps to safeguard their beloved pets from the lethal paralysis tick. The unusual combination of warm and wet weather conditions has set the stage for what could be one of the most severe tick seasons in recent memory. With thousands of pets in jeopardy, swift action is imperative.

“Paralysis ticks can be fatal if left untreated,” warns Nadia Crighton, spokesperson for Pet Insurance Australia. This season, with the current weather conditions, veterinary clinics are expected to see a surge in tick outbreaks across the country. Pet owners need to be not just vigilant, but proactive in prevention. Your actions can make a signifcant difference in your pet’s safety.”

The Australian paralysis tick is one of the most dangerous parasites affecting dogs and cats. When a tick attaches to an animal, it injects a toxin that can cause life-threatening paralysis, which often starts with weakness in the back legs, a change in voice, or excessive drooling. The condition can rapidly escalate, affecting breathing and leading to death if not treated in time.

Current Tick Season: A Growing Threat

According to recent data from veterinary

clinics across Sydney, the number of reported tick paralysis cases has already surpassed last year’s fgures*. Areas close to bushland or the coast, such as Terry Hills, Turramurra, and the Blue Mountains, are seeing a surge in cases. The University of Queensland’s research also highlights that spring, particularly in Sydney’s northern beaches, is the peak danger period for ticks.

“Now is the time for pet owners to take action and ensure their pets are safe,” Crighton says. “Tick conditions are expected to increase drastically over the next few months.”

According to the 2024 Pet Health Monitor report by PetSure, tick paralysis is a signifcant worry for pet owners in Australia, particularly in regions like New South Wales. The report underscores the escalating treatment costs, with average

claims for tick paralysis treatment exceeding $1,000 for dogs and $900 for cats. However, in severe cases, costs have skyrocketed to over $24,000 for dogs and more than $5,000 for cats*.

This season is expected to be particularly harsh due to a longer and earlier tick season, with peak months between August and January.

The report emphasises the importance of prevention, urging pet owners to use tick preventatives and regularly check their pets for ticks, as treatment can be costly and potentially lifethreatening. Proactively using products such as tick collars, spot-on treatments, or chewable tablets can signifcantly reduce the risk.

“Given these fndings, it’s critical for pet owners to stay vigilant and consult with their vets to ensure their pets are protected throughout

this extended tick season.”

Prevention Tips

To protect pets during this heightened tick season, Pet Insurance Australia recommends the following preventive measures:

• Use Tick Preventatives: Administer regular preventatives such as chewable tablets or tick collars. Many products offer up to three months of protection.

• Regular Tick Checks: Inspect your pets daily, especially after outdoor activities. Run your fngers through their fur and focus on areas like the neck, ears, and under the collar. This simple yet crucial practice can help you detect and remove ticks before they cause harm.

• Tick-Friendly Areas:

Avoid high-risk areas such as bushlands and tall grass. If you live in or near these areas, ensure your yard is well-maintained and free from debris that could harbour ticks.

• Veterinary Care:

If you notice signs of tick paralysis, such as wobbliness, diffculty breathing, or a change in voice, seek veterinary care immediately.

Paralysis ticks can cause rapid deterioration, and treatment with antiserum may be necessary.

Crighton emphasises, “Tick prevention is not just an option—it’s necessary during this critical season. We urge all pet owners to act before it’s too late.”

Bestselling Author Jodi Picoult Returns to Australia for First Tour in Seven Years

Renowned for her compelling storytelling and thought-provoking narratives, Jodi Picoult, the #1 New York Times bestselling author, is back in Australia for her highly anticipated tour— her frst since 2016. Fans and literary enthusiasts alike are eager to hear from the author of over thirty books as she shares insights into her latest novel, By Any Other Name.

In this captivating new release, Picoult explores the intertwined stories of two women, separated by centuries, but united in their struggle for recognition and artistic freedom. By Any Other Name delves into the life of Emilia Bassano, an Elizabethan-era woman

who may have been the true author behind some of Shakespeare’s greatest works. Denied her voice in a maledominated world, Emilia fnds a way to see her creations performed on stage—though at the cost of erasing her own name from history. Fast forward to the

present day, where modern-day playwright Melina Green takes inspiration from her ancestor Emilia’s life to craft a new work. Despite the progress made over four centuries, Melina still faces a similar uphill battle for female representation and recognition in the

theatre world. The novel’s dual timelines weave a sweeping tale of ambition, sacrifce, and the lengths women will go to in order to see their work realized, even if it means sacrifcing their own legacy.

As Picoult takes the stage, attendees will be treated to a thrilling

UHA donation helps patients sleep soundly in hospital

Lismore Base Hospital

Auxiliary members have done it again! Their fundraising efforts over the past two years have raised $54,078 to enable the purchase of fve specialised fallsprevention beds.

“The Auxiliary work as a team to make this contribution to patients, staff and our community,” said Judy Larrescy, President of the Lismore Hospital Auxiliary.

“Funds were raised through the Auxiliary Shop in the hospital foyer, craft market days, raffes and a dinner event for Christmas in July.”

The beds are now beneftting patients who may be at risk of falls during their hospital stay. Fitted with an alarm system, the beds alert staff when a patient is getting out of bed without the required assistance.

“The alarm system alerts staff to assist a patient who is not independently mobile and so prevents potential falls,” said Charlotte Booth, Nurse Educator, Lismore Base Hospital.

“Falls prevention means patients avoid potential injury and have shorter hospital stays.”

“The beds also have scales built into them so that patients can

be weighed in bed if needed, and which reduces the need for extra manual handling.”

Ian Hatton, General Manager, Lismore Base Hospital thanked the Lismore UHA for their generous donation.

“The beds are a signifcant donation to the hospital, and I want to thank the UHA for their ongoing fundraising that improves the quality of care for our patients.”

Picoult, as she brings her signature blend of historical intrigue and modern-day relevance to Australian shores once again.

Jodi Picoult in conversation | By Any Other Name tour

conversation, moderated by literary fgure Jill Eddington, where the author will discuss the powerful themes of her latest novel, the ongoing challenges for women in creative industries, and her own journey as a writer.

Don’t miss this special event with Jodi

Mon 21st October | 6:30 pm AEDT | A&I Hall, Bangalow Doors open at 5.30pm, with bar and delicious food from Pocket Curries available on the night. Books will be available for purchase and signing at the event, presented by our partners The Book Room.

Get your tickets via the QR code below.

CLARENCE AND RICHMOND VALLEY BUSINESSES SUFFERING IN ONGOING ENERGY DISPUTE

Nationals MP for Clarence, Richie Williamson is urging the Minns Labor Government to step in and resolve the ongoing industrial dispute between the Electrical Trades Union (ETU) and the state’s major energy companies, which is heavily impacting local businesses across the Clarence and Richmond Valleys.

Months of strike action by the ETU has delayed thousands of projects, including critical infrastructure such as housing and roadworks, while driving some businesses to the brink of bankruptcy.

Mr Williamson emphasised the need for immediate intervention, noting the essential role energy workers play in the community.

“Our energy workers are invaluable, often stepping up as frst responders during emergencies and natural disasters across regional NSW,” Mr Williamson said.

“They work nights, weekends, and through holiday periods to keep the power on, and we

all want to see a fair resolution reached quickly.

“However, this dispute has dragged on far too long, and our local businesses are paying the price while the Minns Labor Government continues to sit on the sidelines.

“The Premier, along with the Ministers for Industrial Relations and Energy, must act under Section 424 of the Fair Work Act to bring this dispute to a close before more damage is done to our regional economy.”

Mr Williamson expressed concern about the growing impact on local businesses.

“Many great businesses in the Clarence and Richmond Valleys may be forced to close their doors, which is completely unacceptable. These businesses are the backbone of our community, and they need support.

“It’s time for the Minns Government to show leadership, bring all parties to the table, and reach a resolution that protects our local businesses and workers.”

The Ultimate Ears Miniroll is the latest addition to UE’s popular line of portable Bluetooth speakers, known for its compact size and powerful sound. Released on the 4 October 2024, the Miniroll is designed as the most portable and affordable speaker in the lineup, priced at around $99. Weighing just 279 grams, it’s incredibly lightweight and easy to carry, making it perfect for on-the-go use.

Despite its small size, the Miniroll offers impressive audio performance with a single 45.6 mm active driver and a passive radiator, delivering clear and bassy sound. One of its standout features is the PartyUp capability, allowing you to sync an unlimited number of Miniroll speakers together for a more immersive sound experience. However,

this feature is limited to Miniroll speakers and doesn’t work with other UE models.

With an IP67 rating, the Miniroll is waterproof, dustproof, and drop-proof up to 1.2 meters, making it highly durable for outdoor adventures. It also boasts up to 12 hours of battery life, which can be recharged via USB-C. This speaker is ideal for those who want high-quality sound in a compact, rugged package that can easily be attached to bags or bikes with its fexible strap.

Additionally, UE has taken steps toward sustainability, with the Miniroll made from at least 40% recycled plastic.

Available in four colours - black, blue, grey, and pin - the Miniroll is both stylish and eco-conscious, making it a great choice for tech-savvy music lovers who are always on the move.

LIAM JENNINGS

Building a website is easier than ever in 2024, thanks to a variety of intuitive website builders tailored for beginners. Whether you’re looking to create a blog, portfolio, or online store, here are the best platforms for starting your web journey.

1. Wix: Best Overall for Beginners

Wix is one of the most beginner-friendly platforms available. Its drag-and-drop editor makes designing a website easy without any coding skills. With over 800 customisable templates, Wix allows users to build anything from a personal blog to a robust online store. Additionally, its Artifcial Design Intelligence (ADI) can generate a website for you by asking a few questions, making the process even faster.

Price: Free basic plan; premium plans start at $16/month.

2. Squarespace: Best for Design-Oriented Sites

For users focused on aesthetics, Squarespace is an excellent choice. Its sleek, professionally designed templates allow beginners to create beautiful websites quickly. Squarespace is ideal for creatives, photographers, and small businesses. It offers integrated marketing tools such as SEO features and email campaigns, giving your site a polished look with minimal effort.

Price: Premium plans start at $16/month.

3. Shopify: Best for E-Commerce

Shopify is the go-to platform for beginners wanting to create an online store. Known for its e-commerce focus, Shopify makes it easy to set up a fully functional store with product

pages, shopping carts, and integrated payment options. The platform offers customizable templates and a range of tools for managing inventory, shipping, and taxes. Shopify also supports multiple sales channels, allowing you to sell on your website, social media, and even in-person via a POS system.

Price: Plans start at $39/month, but Shopify offers a 14-day free trial.

4. WordPress.com: Best for Bloggers WordPress.com is the simplifed version of the widely used WordPress. org. It’s perfect for beginners interested in blogging, offering easyto-use customization options and a variety of templates. As users become more advanced, they can scale to WordPress.org for more customization.

Price: Free basic plan; premium plans start at $4/month.

5. GoDaddy: Best for Quick

Set-Up

GoDaddy is known for fast website setups. Its Website + Marketing feature simplifes the creation process, making it ideal for beginners who need an online presence without a steep learning curve. Integrated marketing tools and social media integration make it a handy all-in-one solution for small businesses.

Price: Premium plans start at $9.99/month.

Conclusion

Choosing the best website builder depends on your specifc needs. Wix is great for fexibility, Squarespace for design, Shopify for e-commerce, WordPress. com for bloggers, and GoDaddy for quick, simple setups. Each offers an easy path to getting your website up and running with minimal hassle.

In a colourful collaboration with Mattel, HMD (makers of Nokia phones) has released a Barbiethemed fip phone designed to tap into Y2K nostalgia. The HMD Barbie Phone is an eye-catching pink device that prioritizes simplicity, forgoing the internet, apps, and social media to encourage users to disconnect and engage with the world

around them. Priced at an affordable $199, this phone is aimed at fans of retro tech and Barbie lovers alike.

The Barbie Flip Phone is designed for basic functions, with support for calls and texts only. It comes with a 5MP rear-facing camera, allowing users to snap photos with a vintage feel, but there’s no frontfacing camera, keeping the design intentionally minimalistic. The phone also includes “Malibu Snake,” a Barbie

twist on the classic Nokia Snake game, adding another layer of nostalgia for early 2000s

mobile phones.

Aesthetically, the phone stands out with its bold pink

colour, Barbie-themed wallpapers, and a Barbie DreamHouseinspired user interface.

Users can customize the phone with two interchangeable back covers and a set of stickers and crystals to add their own fair. Additionally, the phone comes with a beaded lanyard adorned with iconic Barbie charms like roller skates and ice cream.

While the phone won’t replace modern smartphones, it’s an ideal second phone for those looking to unplug or just enjoy a fun, nostalgic accessory.

LIAM JENNINGS

LIAM JENNINGS

In a strategic move to tackle the challenges of electrifcation and rising costs, General Motors (GM) and Hyundai have announced a signifcant collaboration to codevelop a broad range of vehicles. The partnership will encompass electric vehicles (EVs), hydrogen-powered cars, and traditional internal combustion engines (ICEs), with the goal of accelerating production and reducing costs through shared resources and technology. This alliance comes at a critical juncture for the automotive industry, as traditional automakers face increasing pressures from fuctuating demand for electric vehicles in the United States. While consumer interest in EVs has softened, leading some brands to scale back their aggressive electrifcation timelines, GM and Hyundai are taking a more calculated approach, seeking to optimize manufacturing and address supply chain

challenges.

Details of the GMHyundai Collaboration

The collaboration between GM and Hyundai aims to leverage each company’s strengths to bring vehicles to market more effciently. This includes sharing raw materials, such as steel for vehicle chassis and lithium and other key elements for EV batteries, which have become increasingly expensive due to supply chain disruptions and rising demand for renewable energy technologies. By pooling their resources, GM and Hyundai hope to create a synergy that not only reduces manufacturing costs but also speeds up the development of new vehicle technologies. This partnership is expected to provide GM with much-needed stability as the automaker grapples with production setbacks and missed delivery targets for its EV and autonomous vehicle ambitions.

Mary Barra, CEO of GM, has been vocal about the company’s

intention to lead the electric vehicle revolution. However, despite billions of dollars in investment, GM has struggled to meet its ambitious goals. In 2022, GM announced a $2.6 billion investment to build a new battery manufacturing unit in collaboration with LG, and an additional $4 billion to upgrade its Orion assembly line, with a target of producing 600,000 EVs by 2025. However, the partnership with LG fell apart in January 2023, adding to the automaker’s production woes.

Despite these challenges, GM has continued to forge partnerships to advance its electrifcation strategy. In 2023, the company invested $1 billion with South Korea’s POSCO Future M to boost battery production. Later that year, GM announced a $3 billion collaboration with Samsung SDI to build its fourth EV plant in North America. By February 2024, GM pledged another $19

GM and Hyundai Join Forces on EVs and Hydrogen Vehicles

billion through 2035 to source raw materials from LG for future battery production.

Industry-Wide EV Struggles

Despite these investments, GM’s EV sales have fallen short of expectations. In 2023, the automaker sold fewer than 76,000 EVs across its Chevrolet, Cadillac, and GMC brands. In response, GM scaled back its 2025 EV sales projections to 200,000 to 250,000 units, down from the original target of 300,000.

In contrast, Hyundai has rapidly gained market share as the second-largest EV maker in the U.S., backed by a strong lineup of vehicles under its Kia and Genesis brands.

While the specifcs of the GM-Hyundai partnership have yet to be fnalized, the alliance could help GM overcome its EV production hurdles, while Hyundai stands to beneft from GM’s extensive manufacturing and service network.

Hydrogen-Powered Vehicles: A Key Focus In addition to electric

vehicles, the partnership will explore hydrogenpowered fuel cells, an area where Hyundai has shown long-standing commitment. Hyundai’s decade-long focus on hydrogen technology could complement GM’s recent efforts in this space. Earlier this year, GM unveiled a feet of hydrogen fuel cell trucks based on the Silverado 5500, which resulted from a partnership with Honda that began in 2013. While the Biden administration’s recent tax incentives for hydrogen vehicles may provide some momentum for this technology, the limited infrastructure for hydrogen refuelling stations in the U.S. remains a major obstacle. Currently, most hydrogen fuelling stations are concentrated in California, which could delay broader adoption of hydrogen-powered vehicles nationwide.

A New Chapter for GM and Hyundai

This collaboration marks the frst time that GM and Hyundai have partnered on vehicle

development. GM previously teamed up with Honda to produce low-cost EVs in 2018, but the partnership dissolved in late 2023 due to rising costs. The only vehicles to emerge from that collaboration were the 2024 Honda Prologue and the Acura ZDX. The status of GM’s partnership with Honda for hydrogen vehicles remains unclear, and Hyundai’s involvement may indicate a shift away from Honda.

Looking Ahead

As both automakers navigate the complex landscape of electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, the GMHyundai partnership represents a strategic effort to pool resources, cut costs, and bring more sustainable vehicles to market. With Hyundai’s proven success in the EV sector and GM’s vast manufacturing capabilities, the collaboration could be a game-changer for both companies as they work to meet growing consumer demand for greener transportation options.

2025 Toyota Camry: Hybrid-Only Range Pricing Announced

JEFF GIBBS

Toyota has announced pricing for the 2025 Camry, which now features an all-hybrid lineup. The ninthgeneration Camry sees prices increase by up to $2573 across the range, with the entry-level Camry Ascent starting at $39,990—a nearly $5000 jump after the removal of the non-hybrid base model. The Ascent Sport is priced at $42,990, and the top-tier Camry SL comes in at $53,990. Though branded as the ninth generation, the 2025 Camry is largely a facelift of

the previous model, retaining its TNGA-K architecture and critical dimensions. However, signifcant mechanical upgrades include retuned MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension for improved handling, along with a new steering rack for better responsiveness. The 2.5-litre petrol/ electric hybrid powertrain has been refned, boosting power by 10kW to 170kW. The lighter, more compact transaxle assembly, updated motor with six magnets, and a new 4.0Ah lithium-ion battery contribute to the Camry’s

improved fuel effciency of 4.0L/100km, down from 4.2L/100km. Brake feel and regenerative braking capacity have also been enhanced.

Inside, the cabin gets a modern redesign, with new dashboard elements, updated air vents, and a reconfgured centre console. The 8.0-inch infotainment screen and

instrument panel now come standard on the Ascent, alongside dual-zone climate control for all variants.

The 2025 Camry is

by a fve-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. Toyota’s capped-price servicing program offers maintenance every 12

at $255 per service for the frst fve years. The updated Camry is available now. We’ll have more information in the next edition...

JEFF GIBBS

Breakdown of where interest rates might head

With the recent drop in inflation to its lowest level since 2021, now within the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) target range of 2-3%, the outlook for interest rates is still uncertain.

While this is positive news, the RBA remains cautious due to persistent underlying inflation pressures. Here’s a breakdown of where interest rates might head: Key Factors to Consider:

1. Core Inflation Remains Elevated: Despite the drop in the headline inflation rate, core inflation (which excludes volatile items) is still sitting at 3.4%, outside the RBA’s target range. Core inflation is a preferred measure for the

RBA as it gives a better sense of underlying inflation trends. Until this figure comes down more significantly, the RBA may be reluctant to start cutting rates.

2. Temporary Factors:

The recent drop in inflation has been partly attributed to the government’s $2.5 billion energy rebate program, which helped reduce energy costs. The RBA has indicated it will “look through” this temporary effect, meaning they are more focused on sustained trends in core inflation rather than short-term relief measures.

3. RBA’s Cautious Stance: RBA Governor Michele Bullock has reiterated that high inflation remains a key concern. While the overall inflation rate is

How Core Inflation Affects the Economy and Interest Rates

IAN ROGERS

Core inflation is a critical measure that excludes volatile items such as food and energy prices, which are more susceptible to short-term fluctuations. It provides a clearer picture of longterm inflationary trends, making it a crucial factor in economic decisionmaking. Here’s how core inflation affects different aspects of the economy and interest rates:

1. Impact on Interest Rates

• Guides Central Bank Policy: Central banks, such as the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), closely monitor core inflation to decide on interest rate changes. If core inflation remains high, it indicates persistent underlying price pressures in the

improving, she warned that the economy might not fully normalize until 2026. As such, the RBA is expected to remain cautious and maintain interest rates at current levels until there is clearer evidence of a sustained decrease in core inflation.

4. Future Outlook: Some economists believe that if inflation continues to trend downward, the RBA may consider easing interest rates in early 2024, but much depends on the upcoming quarterly inflation data due at the

and investment, which can help boost economic growth.

2. Economic Growth

end of this month. This data will provide a more comprehensive picture and is likely to heavily influence the RBA’s decisions in the coming months.

5. Economic Pressures:

The RBA’s hawkish stance stems from concerns about inflation’s impact on households. High inflation reduces purchasing power, and the RBA remains committed to ensuring inflation doesn’t reaccelerate. However, with the economy slowing and many

borrowers feeling the strain of higher rates, there is growing pressure for the RBA to begin considering rate cuts if inflation remains under control. What’s Next for Interest Rates?

• Near-term outlook: The RBA is likely to maintain the current cash rate of 4.35% in the short term, particularly with core inflation still above target.

• Longer-term outlook: If inflation, especially core inflation, continues to trend downward into early 2024, the RBA

could start easing rates. The next key moment will be the release of quarterly inflation figures, which will offer a clearer indication of whether the RBA can begin to relax its monetary policy stance. In summary, while inflation is moving in the right direction, the RBA is expected to hold rates steady for now, with potential rate cuts dependent on sustained improvements in underlying inflation.

economy, prompting the RBA to either maintain or increase interest rates to curb inflation.

• Interest Rate Increases to Control Inflation: When core inflation is high, the RBA raises interest rates to cool down the economy, reducing demand for goods and services, which helps bring prices down. Higher rates make borrowing more expensive and encourage saving, reducing consumer spending and business investment.

• Interest Rate Cuts if Core Inflation Drops: Conversely, if core inflation falls to within the RBA’s target range (2-3%), the central bank may lower interest rates to stimulate economic activity. Lower rates make borrowing cheaper, encouraging spending

• High Core Inflation Can Slow Growth: Elevated core inflation indicates rising prices for a broad range of goods and services, reducing purchasing power. Consumers and businesses face higher costs, leading to reduced spending and investment. In response, central banks might raise interest rates, which can further slow economic activity.

• Low Core Inflation Encourages Growth: When core inflation is stable and low, it creates an environment conducive to economic growth. Lower inflation typically means stable prices, allowing consumers to spend more confidently, while businesses are encouraged to invest in expansion, leading to economic growth.

3. Effect on Wages and Purchasing Power

• Erodes Purchasing Power: High core inflation erodes the

purchasing power of households. As prices for essential goods and services rise, consumers are able to buy less with the same amount of money, which can hurt living standards, especially if wages do not keep pace with inflation.

• Wage Pressures: When core inflation is high, workers may demand higher wages to maintain their purchasing power. However, businesses facing higher wage costs may pass these costs onto consumers through price increases, creating a feedback loop that keeps inflation elevated.

4. Impact on Business Investment

• Uncertainty for Businesses: High core inflation creates uncertainty for businesses as costs rise unpredictably, making it difficult to plan long-term investments. Businesses may delay or scale back investments, which can slow economic growth.

• Investment Opportunities in Low

Inflation: On the other hand, when core inflation is low and stable, businesses face more predictable costs, which encourages investment in new projects, technology, and hiring.

5. Financial Markets

• Stock Market Volatility: High core inflation often leads to interest rate hikes, which can negatively affect the stock market. Higher borrowing costs reduce corporate profits and limit growth, leading to lower stock prices. Conversely, falling inflation can spur rate cuts, which tend to be favourable for stocks, as companies have lower financing costs and investors shift towards riskier assets.

• Bond Market Influence: Core inflation directly impacts the bond market. Rising inflation erodes the value of fixedincome investments like bonds, leading to higher yields. When inflation is under control, bond prices typically rise, and yields fall.

6. Consumer Confidence

• High Core Inflation Reduces Confidence: When inflation remains persistently high, consumers become more cautious, cutting back on spending. This dampens overall demand in the economy, which can lead to slower economic growth.

• Low Core Inflation Boosts Confidence: With lower inflation, consumers are more confident about their future financial stability and are likely to spend more, supporting economic activity.

Conclusion Core inflation is a key indicator that central banks like the RBA use to guide their interest rate policies. High core inflation typically leads to higher interest rates to control price increases, while lower core inflation can prompt rate cuts to stimulate the economy. Core inflation affects everything from consumer spending and wage growth to business investment and financial markets, making it a vital factor in both economic stability and growth.

IAN ROGERS

Michele Bullock Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia

ENTERTAINMENT

8 PAGE LIFT OUT

There is a question at the heart of Faith Crisis Pt 1, the third album from Sydney’s emotive indie trio Middle Kids. Over 13 propulsive, ecstatic and gorgeous tracks, songwriter and vocalist Hannah Joy attempts to tease out the question of belief; the breaking of it, and how it is rebuilt. Co-produced by Tim Fitz and Jonathan Gilmore (The 1975, Beabadoobee), Joy and bandmates Fitz and Harry Day masterfully express the sensation of being overwhelmed, swept up and dragged down in songs that exalt and lift you higher. Featuring a collaboration with Gang of Youths frontman Dave Le’aupepe, Faith Crisis Pt 1 is brimming

with yearning, angst, pop brightness, belief in love and reassurance that even from the bottom, it’s possible to believe in beautiful things. Middle Kids‘ last album Today We’re The Greatest won Best Rock Album at the 2021 ARIA Awards. Released at the height of the pandemic, the album garnered the band several US TV show performances including Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and The Late, Late Show with James Cordon. Middle Kids frst gained attention in 2017 with their debut single, ‘Edge Of Town’ and their debut album, Lost Friends, which won Triple J’s Best Australian Album

Award in 2018. The success of their albums has also earned the band an international touring profle which has included supporting shows with the likes of Bloc Party, Kings of Leon, War on Drugs and Cold War Kids and festivals such as The Governors Ball, Lollapalooza, Osheaga Festival and many more.

EVENT DETAILS:

• When: Friday 11th Oct @6pm

• Where: Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick Heads

• Price: $69.90

• Tickets: Via the QR code

Get set to lose your mind in the psychedelic cosmic cowboy sounds of frst-time visitors ROSE CITY BAND, led by Portland, Oregon musical leader Ripley Johnson (see also Wooden Shjips, Moon Duo).

Rose City Band’s country psychedelic rock evokes the wide-open spaces of the American west and free spirits who call it home.

The band has extended beyond the studio and lives in tandem as a live ensemble featuring some of the fnest players in contemporary rock.

Their latest album Garden Party is a celebration of summer and all it brings: communal gatherings, the respites offered by nature, and an appreciation for even the simplest beauty,

from 12-foot sunfowers to a contorted carrot planted in the spring.

EVENT DETAILS:

• When: Friday 11th Oct @7pm

• Where: Eltham Hotel

• Price: $48.01

• Tickets: Via the QR code

WHICH WORDS

Which is the correct meaning for these words?

1 APHAGIA

(a) Inability to express thought in words

(b) Want of feeling

(c) Inability to swallow

2 COMPLACENT

(a) Legally qualified

(b) Self-satisfied

(c) Ready to condone

3 DINIC

(a) Relating to dizziness

(b) Of a dim or dark colour

(c) Relating to loud continued noise

4 EXEMPLAR

(a) One who is exempt

(b) A person or thing to be imitated

(c) Biblical interpretation

5 PHENOLOGY

(a) The study of organisms as affected by climate

(b) The practice of assessing a person’s character by the shape of the skull

(c) The science of language

PUZZLES Corporate Accommodation

TIME FOR TRIVIA

1 What is the symbol for the chemical element, promethium?

(a) Pm

(b) P (c) Sn (d) Ti

2 The mammalian reflex is most closely related to which of the following things?

(a) Driving (b) Playing guitar (c) Sitting cross-legged (d) Diving

3 What is the primary alcohol by volume in a traditional mint julep cocktail?

(a) Gin

(b) Bourbon whiskey (c) Dark rum (d) Tequila

4 Latvia and Estonia both have a coastline on which gulf?

(a) Gulf of Riga (b) Gulf of Bothnia (c) Gulf of Tonkin (d) Gulf of Aqaba

5 In which decade was the Women’s British Open golf tournament established?

(a) 1930s

(b) 1950s

(c) 1970s

(d) 1990s

6 Craig Bellamy played his entire NSWRL premiership career with which team?

(a) Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

(b) Penrith Panthers

(c) Canberra Raiders (d) Parramatta Eels

WEEKLY CROSSWORD

ALFAKODO

BYRON BAY FLOORSANDING 0408 536 565

BEST ON THE BOX

FRIDAY

THE BATMAN

NBN, 8.40pm

Not so much a superhero blockbuster as it is a gritty crime saga, lmmaker Matt Reeves’ (Clover eld of the Planet of the Apes) three-hour epic crafts a grim, noirish narrative world for a faithful iteration of the DC Comics vigilante. The Batman nds Bruce Wayne (Robert Pattinson) just two years into his crime- ghting journey – a younger man than we’ve seen him before, he’s still set on vengeance, but in a brooding, hot-headed kind-of way. The villain of the piece is the Riddler (Paul Dano), a deranged serial killer targeting Gotham City’s elite. Part-detective mystery, part-action thriller and entirely compelling,

FRIDAY, October 11

SATURDAY GRANTCHESTER

ABC TV, 7.30pm

When taking over a vicarage in a quaint Cambridge village, the last thing Reverend Alphy Kotteram (Rishi Nair) expected was to be roped into solving crimes by the local inspector, Geordie (Robson Green). But as it turns out, murderous mysteries aren’t the most of his troubles – the South Asian, English-born vicar faces a long road when it over the rather, shall we say, folks of Grantchester.

township continues this week with a dinner at the estate of the wealthy Marwoods, where he hopes to raise funds for the church, but instead comes across a dead body. Reluctantly drawn into another investigation, Alphy’s intuition saves the day.

TUESDAY

RED FLAG: MUSIC’S FAILED REVOLUTION

SBS, 8.35pm Intrepid investigator Marc Fennell, host of Framed, The Kingdom and The Mission, will stop at nothing to unravel a stranger-thanction mystery. In this intriguing docuseries, Fennell and musician Ben Lee hark back to the turn of the millennium to delve into the rise and fall of Guvera, a music service that promised to revolutionise a multi-billion dollar recording industry, then under threat from piracy. A major player that once rivalled Spotify, the Gold Coast start-up seemed like the next big thing, until it wasn’t – vanishing with $180 million. Candid interviews with former sta , investors and industry experts make this compelling two-parter a must-watch.

ABC TV (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (6) TEN (5) NBN (8, 80)

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Planet America. (R) 10.30 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (PG, R) 11.00 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Joanna Lumley’s Spice Trail Adventure. (PG, R) 1.55 The Princes And The Press. (PG, R) 2.55 Earth. (R) 3.55 Love Your Garden. (PG, R) 4.45 Grand Designs. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6.00 WorldWatch. 7.50 Soccer. 2026 FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL Quali er. Venezuela v Argentina. 10.00 WorldWatch. 10.50 Soccer. 2026 FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL Quali er. Chile v Brazil. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Secrets To Civilisation. (PGav, R) 3.00 NITV News: Nula. 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Zoo Mum. (PGal, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

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

7.30 Gardening Australia. Jane Edmanson visits vibrant laneway gardens.

8.30 Joanna Lumley’s Spice Trail Adventure: Zanzibar And Jordan. (PG, R) Part 4 of 4.

9.20 Question Everything. (R) Presented by Wil Anderson and Jan Fran.

9.50 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Presented by Tom Gleeson.

10.20 You Can’t Ask That. (Ml, R)

10.55 ABC Late News.

11.10 Grand Designs: Canterbury. (R)

11.55 Love Your Garden. (PG, R)

12.45 The Larkins. (Ms, R)

1.30 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)

5.00 Rage. (PG)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Lost Treasures Of Ancient Rome: Pompeii’s Buried Secrets. (Return, Mns)

8.30 Castle Secrets. (Premiere, Mav) Takes a look at castles.

9.25 Rise Of The Nazis: The Downfall. (Mav, R) Part 1 of 3. Charts the fall of Nazi Germany documenting the period from 1944 onwards.

10.35 SBS World News Late.

11.05 The Allegation. (Mav)

12.20 Kin. (MA15+d, R) 4.10 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGa, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

(31) 6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 Little J And Big Cuz. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 P rates. 6.50 Ginger And The Vegesaurs. 6.55 Hey Duggee. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Strange Chores. 8.00 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 Mythbusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 Doctor Who. 10.55 Late Programs.

6am WorldWatch. 10.00

6.00 Sunrise. 10.00 Motor Racing. Supercars C’ship. Round 10. Bathurst 1000. Day 1. Practice session. 12.00 Motor Racing. Supercars C’ship. Round 10. Bathurst 1000. Day 1. Practice session and support races. 2.00 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 10. Bathurst 1000. Day 1. Qualifying and support races. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 7News Local.

6.30 7News @ 6:30.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs and the team demonstrate some terri c ideas for the house, garden and the kitchen.

8.30 MOVIE: Ford V Ferrari. (2019, Ml, R) During the ’60s, American car designer Carroll Shelby and driver Ken Miles battle corporate interference and the laws of physics to build a revolutionary race car for Ford so they can defeat rivals Ferrari. Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Jon Bernthal.

11.40 MOVIE: Hollow Man. (2000, MA15+hlv, R) Kevin Bacon.

1.55 GetOn Extra.

2.30 Home Shopping.

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.

The Movie Show. 12.05pm WorldWatch. 12.35 Devoured. 1.30 One Star Reviews. 2.25 States Of Undress. 3.20 WorldWatch. 5.15 Abandoned. 6.10 Craig Charles: UFO Conspiracies. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Shaun Micallef’s Origin Odyssey. 9.30 Booze, Bets And Sex That Built America. 11.05 The Doll Factory. 12.05am Better Things. 1.05 Dark Side Of The Ring. 2.00 King Of The Road. 3.50 Late Programs. 6am Shopping. 6.30 I Escaped To The Country. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Left O The Map. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 House Of Wellness. 2.00 The Great Australian Doorstep. 2.30 Weekender. 3.00 Harry’s Practice. 3.30 Left O The Map. 4.00 The Zoo. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 I Escaped To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Mighty Trains. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 10.30 I Escaped To The Country. 11.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 The Block. (PGl, R) 1.15

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current A air.

7.30 David Attenborough’s Planet Earth III: Coasts. (PG, R) Narrated by Sir David Attenborough.

8.40 MOVIE: The Batman. (2022, Mlv) When a sadistic serial killer begins murdering political gures in Gotham, Batman’s investigation sees him delve deeply into the city’s hidden corruption and confront his own dark past. Robert Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz, Paul Dano.

12.10 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.00 Destination WA.

1.30 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 Sur ng Australia TV. (PG, R)

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. Noon Hart Of Dixie. 2.00 I Dream Of Jeannie. 2.30 Bewitched. 3.00 The Golden Girls. 3.30 The Nanny. 4.30 The Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 I Dream Of Jeannie. 6.00 The Golden Girls. 6.30 The Nanny. 7.30 MOVIE: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2. (2015, M) 10.15 MOVIE: The Girl In The Spider’s Web. (2018, MA15+) 12.30am Love Island UK. 1.30 Below Deck. 2.30 The Nanny. 3.30 Beyblade Burst QuadStrike. 4.00 Transformers: Prime. 4.30 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Blokesworld.

9GO! (83) 6am The Grey Fox. (1982, PG) 7.40 The Great Escape. (1963, PG) 10.50 Black Box. (2021, M, French) 1.15pm Topkapi. (1964, PG) 3.25 Anandi Gopal. (2019, PG, Marathi) 5.50 Footy Legends. (2006, PG) 7.30 Silverado. (1985, M) 9.55 The Good, The Bad And The Ugly. (1966, M) 1.10am The Untamed. (2016, MA15+, Spanish) 3.00 For A Few Dollars More. (1965, M) 5.25 Footy

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) Presented 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 Graham Norton Show. (Ml, R) Graham Norton is joined on the red couch by Julia Roberts, Timothée Chalamet, Tom Hanks and Cher. 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 Enjoy

BIG CROSSWORD

TARGET TIME

E I D I M T

R F O

Today’s target:

20 words average 28 words good

36+ 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)

This week your partnership zone is activated by the Sun, Mercury and Jupiter. So – when it comes to romantic, platonic and business relationships –it’s time to be more creative, curious and generous as you shine brighter, communicate better and laugh more often. There are also interesting connections to be made and new friends to be found within your local community. So get out and about as you explore fresh nooks and crannies in your neighbourhood.

TAURUS (Apr 20 – May 20)

On Tuesday fiery Mars boosts energy, motivation and confidence, especially involving travel, communication and education. Attached Bulls –love planet Venus is visiting your relationship zone (until October 17) so plan something romantic with your partner. Unhappily single? You could find yourself drawn to a charming Capricorn, a sexy Scorpio or an amorous Aries. Your motto is from birthday great John Lennon: “Love is the flower you’ve got to let grow.”

GEMINI (May 21 – June 20)

The Sun and Mercury are activating your creativity zone, so it’s time to write, sing, dance, perform, paint or play music as you draw on the richness of your colourful world within. Tuesday’s Mercury/Jupiter trine will help you turn imaginative ideas into successful projects. Travel, teaching studying, and business ventures are also favoured. With Jupiter jumping through your sign (until June 2025) keep learning, exploring and expanding your horizons.

CANCER (June 21 – July 22)

With mighty Mars marching through your sign (until November 4) it’s time to be the bold, brave, confident Cancer you were born to be (like fellow Cancerians Princess Diana and Meryl Streep). No hiding in the shadows or sulking on the sidelines. Crawl out of your Crab cave and take on the world. Your motto for the moment is from birthday great, Eleanor Roosevelt: “You not only have the right to be an individual, you have an obligation to be one.”

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

Have you and a friend or family member been heading in different directions? Venus encourages you to remember the good times you’ve enjoyed together and search for common ground. Things will look a lot brighter in the morning. Your motto is from birthday great Eleanor Roosevelt: “With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.” If you are unhappily single, you could find yourself falling for someone from your complicated past.

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

On Tuesday, Jupiter forms a beneficial aspect with Mercury (the Virgo power planet). Which is fabulous for travel, education, communication, work and finances, as your thinking is clear and your judgement is sound. So make the most of this positive energy surge while you can. However, with Neptune and Saturn transiting through your relationship zone, it’s time to take off your rosecoloured glasses and see someone in the clear light of day.

LIBRA (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

This week is all about getting the ratio right between your busy public life and your private inner world. Be inspired by well-balanced Libran movie star Hugh Jackman (who turns 56 on Saturday): “The secret to modern life is finding the measure in time management.” It’s also time to make plans, set goals and dream big dreams. And don’t make them too safe and sensible! Go for gold, as Mars and Jupiter encourage you to be bold and brave about the future.

SCORPIO (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Scorpios can be very intense, determined and driven. This week, peacemaker Venus is vamping through your sign (until October 17) so it’s time to cool down, compromise and cooperate. Plus – with the Sun and Mercury both transiting through your solitude and spirituality zone – it’s also time to mediate, contemplate and ruminate. Your motto for the moment is from birthday great, singer-songwriter John Lennon: “Turn off your mind, relax and float downstream.”

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Prepare to inspire others with your high spirits and contagious enthusiasm. You’re at your buoyant best on Tuesday, when Mercury and Jupiter boost confidence levels and put extra wind in your Sagittarian sails (especially involving relationships, joint ventures, goals and dreams). But a family situation looks complicated and/or confusing. Ask for some clarification, otherwise you could find yourself jumping to hasty conclusions! Patience is the key.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Venus and Mars join forces to help you with a troubled relationship. Mars pushes you to be proactive as you make the first move, and Venus encourages you to hold out the olive branch of peace. Compromise and cooperation will take you a lot further than conflict and false pride. Singer-songwriter (and birthday great) John Lennon also reminds us: “We need to learn to love ourselves first. If we cannot love ourselves, we cannot fully open to our ability to love others.”

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

This week, Venus and Mars bless work projects and professional connections. But it’s time to clear up any murky unfinished business, before Pluto powers into your sign on November 19-20 (depending on where you are in the world). So, do your best to clean up the relationship swamp; take out the emotional garbage; and get some closure on messy mistakes from the past. Then you can start the brand-new Pluto in Aquarius era with a shiny new slate.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Practical Saturn and poetic Neptune are both transiting through your sign. So it’s a good week to find someone you can share a dream with – a partner, family member, close friend or colleague. Then work together to make that shared dream a concrete reality. Your motto for the moment is from birthday great, John Lennon (who was born on October 9, 1940): “A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality.”

ASTROLOGY with Joanne Madeline Moore

Embark on a musical journey through Neil Diamond’s legendary and timeless albums –HOT AUGUST NIGHT, THE JAZZ SINGER and JONATHAN

LIVINGSTON SEAGULL, brought to life by the QUEENSLAND POPS ORCHESTRA

a world class 30-piece symphony orchestra international artist, Peter Byrne.

Experience the HOT AUGUST NIGHT album, an iconic live recording that captivated audiences over 50 years ago at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. The Symphony Orchestra recreates the enchanting melodies of hits such as Crunchy Granola Suite, Cherry Cherry, Sweet Caroline and I am I Said, showcasing this album in its true triumphant form.

JONATHAN

LIVINGSTON SEAGULL, the bestseller turned documentary with a Grammy Awardwinning score by Neil Diamond, takes center stage once again. The Orchestra weaves a mesmerizing tapestry of sound, featuring unforgettable tunes like Dear Father, Lonely Looking Sky and Be, displaying the enduring brilliance of this musical masterpiece. And fnally, the return to the cinematic classic THE JAZZ SINGER. The 1980s reimagined masterpiece features Neil Diamond’s best, including Love on The Rocks, Summer Love, Hello Again and Coming to America. Experience the enchantment of these timeless melodies, masterfully performed by this world class symphony orchestra.

CLASSICAL

DIAMOND not only delves into these iconic albums but also presents a curated selection of Neil Diamond’s greatest hits spanning over the past fve decades.

After a sellout show in 2023, Peter Byrne and the QUEENSLAND POPS ORCHESTRA return with a brand-new show, and a night of symphonic mastery as he celebrates the enduring legacy of one of the world’s greatest musical storytellers.

EVENT DETAILS:

• When: Saturday 12th Oct @8pm

• Where: Twin Towns, Tweed Heads

• Price: From $75

• Tickets: Via the QR code

Renowned party starters CC the Cat are Brisbane/ GC’s purveyors of the fnest reggae funk and soul music, featuring frontwoman Claire Cottone’s powerful voice, enigmatic presence and anthemic songs about love, spiritual growth and freedom.

The bangin’ 7-piece has been touring for nearly 2 decades, released 4 albums, and features some of the country’s best musicians, consistently proving themselves to be one of the most loved and revered acts on the Australian roots scene.

The all-star line-up

includes drummer Dave Bell (Kingfsha), Bullhorn stalwarts Steve Buchanan (trumpet) and Tom Stewart (sax), Ange Santamaria (Darky Roots) on trombone, Rohan Seekers (Life on Earth) on keys and CC’s funkmaster little sister Julia Rose on bass and BVs.

CC the Cat’s live show is packed with epic vocal hooks and harmonies, fat drum and bass grooves, punchy brass breakdowns, dubalicious keys, high energy, conscious message, deep sonic magic and dancefoor mayhem.

CC the Cat are coming to the Sheoak Shack for

2 big sets and a magic night of their fun loving reggae vibes in this beautiful location so grab your tix now so you don’t miss out as this event will sell out. Be sure to book a table too on (07) 5523 1130.

EVENT DETAILS:

• When: Saturday 12th Oct @7pm

• Where: Sheoak Shack Gallery Café, Fingal Head

• Price: From $18

• Tickets: Via the QR code

Adapted for the stage by Gregory Aitken. Directed by Kate Horsley.

The Chronicles of Eldershaw is the story of Helen, a 1950’s Tasmanian feminist. Helen possesses a certain grandeur. People of both sexes are attracted to her.

A wife and a mother, she is in touch with something greater than herself, Helen is also a bit of a drama queen.

The performance slips between ethereal realms where reality and memory bend with poetic realism. An enigmatic world where time and space are not rigid.

The production style is a combination of digital visuals, narrative poetry, physical theatre, with

both a live and recorded soundscape.

THE CHRONICLES OF ELDERSHAW is adapted from the award winning poet, Stephen Edgar’s narrative verse novel ELDERSHAW, which was short listed for the 2013 PM’s Award for Poetry. Stephen received the PM’s Award for Poetry in 2021.

This is the world premiere production of his dramatic work.

EVENT DETAILS:

• When: Thursday 10 October 2024 - Sunday 20 October 2024

• Where: Drill Hall Theatre, Mullumbimby

• Price: $21.00$36.00

• Tickets: Via the QR code

Nestled between the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas is one of Australia’s most idyllic travel destinations. Located in Far North Queensland, this charming coastal town offers a unique blend of natural beauty, luxury, and adventure, making it an essential stop for anyone seeking an unforgettable escape. In recent years, Port Douglas has gained increasing popularity, not only among Australian tourists but also international travellers seeking a tropical getaway.

A Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef

One of the main draws of Port Douglas is its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. With the reef just a short boat ride away, this town has become a favoured departure point for snorkelling, scuba diving, and reef cruises. Whether you’re an experienced diver or a novice just looking to dip your toes in the water, the vibrant coral reefs, teeming with marine life, offer a breathtaking underwater experience.

Operators in Port

Douglas provide a range of tours to suit all preferences and budgets. Visitors can opt for full-day excursions to outer reefs, half-day snorkelling trips, or even

major attraction, Port Douglas’ location also makes it the perfect base for exploring the Daintree Rainforest, the oldest rainforest in the world. Just a 30-minute

luxury sailing cruises. Some tours offer the opportunity to dive with certifed instructors, while others allow guests to experience the reef from the comfort of glass-bottom boats. Beyond the reef, visitors can explore Low Isles, a cluster of coral islands just 15 kilometres off the coast. The pristine white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and resident turtles make this a tranquil spot to experience the wonders of the reef without the crowds.

Discovering the Daintree Rainforest

While the reef is a

drive north, the Daintree offers a lush and diverse ecosystem flled with towering trees, waterfalls, and unique wildlife.

Guided tours through the rainforest give visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the area’s natural beauty and learn about the rich biodiversity. For those looking for a bit of adventure, there are zip-lining tours through the canopy, jungle surfng experiences, and opportunities to spot cassowaries, one of the largest fightless birds in the world.

A visit to Mossman

Gorge, located on the southern edge of the Daintree, is another must. The gorge, with its clear waters and ancient ferns, offers visitors the chance to swim in freshwater pools or take a leisurely walk along its scenic trails. The area is of great cultural signifcance to the local Kuku Yalanji people, and guided tours provide insights into their deep connection with the land.

Luxurious Accommodations and Fine Dining Port Douglas isn’t just about nature and adventure; it’s also known for its luxury offerings. From fve-star

Coral Sea or the Daintree Rainforest, creating a sense of peaceful seclusion.

The dining scene in Port Douglas is another highlight, with fresh local produce and seafood taking centre stage. Macrossan Street, the town’s main strip, is lined with an array of restaurants offering everything from casual beachside fare to fne dining. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample freshly caught barramundi, prawns, and Moreton Bay bugs, often served with a tropical twist using ingredients like mango and lime.

For those who enjoy a

resorts to boutique hotels, the town caters to travellers looking for a more upscale experience. Many of the accommodations boast incredible views of the

more laid-back culinary experience, the Port Douglas Sunday Market is a must-visit. Located in Anzac Park, this market offers a variety of local goods, from fresh

fruits and vegetables to handcrafted souvenirs.

It’s a great way to mingle with locals and enjoy the town’s relaxed vibe.

Events and Activities

Port Douglas hosts several events throughout the year that add to its appeal as a travel destination. One of the most popular is Carnivale, an annual festival celebrating the region’s culture, food, and music. Held in May, Carnivale features street parades, beach days, and gourmet food events, bringing together locals and visitors alike.

For golf enthusiasts, Port Douglas is home to some world-class golf courses, including the 18-hole championship course at the Sheraton Mirage. With its scenic views and challenging layout, it’s a golfer’s paradise.

With its perfect combination of adventure, luxury, and sustainability, Port Douglas continues to captivate travellers from around the world. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, exploration, or a taste of tropical paradise, this coastal gem promises an unforgettable experience.

Corporate Apartment & House Accommodation

Book entire apartments or houses, carefully selected for quality and comfort by MadeComfy.

Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth,Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Canberra

Investments That Have Outpaced Infation

With high living costs dominating recent headlines, investors are seeking asset classes that can not only weather infation but provide returns that outpace it. Infation is a critical factor in the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) cash rate decisions, which has many Australians on edge, particularly those concerned about rising home loan interest rates.

Historically, infation in Australia has hovered around the RBA’s target range of 2%-3%, but the landscape changed dramatically with the COVID pandemic.

Infation surged to 7.8% in late 2022 and, while it has since eased to 3.8%, its impact remains a key concern for investors.

The Erosion of Personal Wealth by Infation

Infation can erode personal wealth by diminishing the purchasing power of money. For example, if you had $10,000 in a

savings account at the start of 2022, it would still be $10,000 at the end of the year, but infation of 7.8% would have reduced the value of that money in terms of what it could buy. This demonstrates how unchecked infation can undermine fnancial stability and the quality of life for Australians.

Assets That Have Outpaced Infation

To protect against infation, investors often turn to growth assets,

which have historically increased in value over time. Research by InvestSMART has identifed several asset classes that have signifcantly outpaced infation over the 12 months to 30 June 2024:

• International shares: Returned 19.92%, outpacing infation by 16.12%.

• Australian shares: Returned 12.1%, beating infation by 8.3%.

• Listed property trusts (REITs): Achieved

an impressive return of 23.79%, eclipsing infation by 19.99%. By contrast, savings accounts typically returned 4.5% over the same period, which, after accounting for infation, results in a much lower 0.7% return.

ETFs: A Simple Option to Beat Infation

For investors looking to outpace infation without the complexity of selecting individual stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) offer a

diversifed and accessible solution. ETFs track major asset classes and have consistently delivered near doubledigit returns, beating infation.

While growth assets like shares can come with higher risks, ETFs provide a straightforward way to gain exposure to these assets without needing to analyse individual companies.

Diversifcation is key, and the longer you stay invested, the better

Development of Australia’s

your chances of riding out market volatility, benefting from compounding returns, and staying ahead of infation.

The Importance of Beating Infation

With infation eating away at savings and wealth, and most Australians not seeing wage increases that match the cost of living, investing in assets that outpace infation remains one of the most effective strategies for maintaining and growing wealth. Whether through international shares, Australian equities, REITs, or ETFs, a diversifed investment portfolio is crucial in navigating the current economic climate.

As always, consider your investment timeframe and risk tolerance before deciding where to invest. The more you diversify and the longer you stay invested, the more likely you are to grow your wealth and beat infation.

frst Aboriginal owned and midwifery-led free standing birth centre underway in NSW

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park has today visited the site of what will become Australia’s frst Aboriginal owned and midwifery-led free standing birth centre.

The Minns Labor Government has committed $45.5 million over seven years for Waminda’s Gudjaga Gunyahlamai Birth Centre and Community Hub in Nowra, which will support culturally safe holistic maternity care for Aboriginal women and their families in the South Coast region.

Birthing on Country supports Aboriginal women and babies by providing culturally safe continuity of midwifery care including antenatal, birthing and postnatal support.

Birthing on Country models have been shown to improve maternal and perinatal outcomes, including women attending more antenatal visits, being less likely

to have a premature birth and being more likely to exclusively breastfeed on discharge from hospital.

Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) has worked closely with the South Coast Women’s Health and Wellbeing Aboriginal Corporation (Waminda) to support the implementation of its Birthing on Country initiative.

Waminda launched the Minga Gudjaga Midwifery Practice with the support of ISLHD in May 2024. This is the frst phase of Waminda’s Birthing on Country initiative where Waminda’s privately practising endorsed midwives provide labour and birth care to women at Shoalhaven Memorial District Hospital.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“The NSW Government is proud to work closely with Waminda to support

the implementation of its Birthing on Country initiative.”

“Birthing on Country models have proven to signifcantly improve maternal and perinatal outcomes, and Waminda is leading the way for all Aboriginal women to have access to continuous, culturally safe midwifery care, which includes antenatal, birthing, and postnatal support.

“With this major $45.5 million commitment over seven years we can better meet the social, cultural, spiritual and clinical needs of the local community.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“This major investment in the Waminda Birthing on Country program refects the NSW Government’s commitment to closing the gap for better health outcomes for Aboriginal people.

“It is deeply

concerning that Aboriginal women and babies continue to experience health inequalities compared to their non-Aboriginal counterparts.

“This support for Waminda gives the opportunity for the best start in life for Aboriginal babies and their families for generations to come.”

Quotes attributable to Member for South Coast, Liza Butler:

“I’m really pleased to be part of a government making a landmark investment in a world class facility for our region.

“I’m really proud our government and local health district is increasing access to culturally safe and respectful care for Aboriginal women and families on the South Coast.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips:

“I was proud to

secure a $22.5 million commitment from the Albanese Labor Government for the construction of the dedicated Birthing on Country Centre, and to support Waminda’s vision to improve outcomes for local indigenous women and children.

“As a mum of four, I understand that holistic health care and support is critical from pregnancy right through to the early days of welcoming a new, tiny person into your family.

“Waminda is a dynamic organisation deeply embedded in our community and they are dedicated to ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and families get the best possible maternity care for generations to come.”

Quotes attributable to WAMINDA’s Minga Gudjaga and Birthing on Country Manager Melanie Briggs: “Waminda welcomes

the Federal, State and Local Governments and their commitment to Birthing on Country to implement and improve the maternal and neonatal outcomes for Aboriginal families on the south coast of NSW.

“The life expectancy gap between Aboriginal and non Aboriginal people will be signifcantly improved through care that is culturally safe and respectful through Waminda’s Birthing on Country initiative.

“Waminda are honoured to continue our ancestors’ dreams for birthing that is woman centred, sacred and honours LORE and culture at its core.

“Waminda’s Birthing on Country initiative is a key milestone for increasing the First Nations workforce that will fundamentally enhance generational wealth and sustainability for our people.”

If a Storm’s A-Brewin’, Will You Be Ready?

Storms are an inevitable part of life in Australia, especially during the storm season, which spans from September to March. With storms increasing in frequency and intensity, according to the CSIRO 2022 State of the Climate report, it’s crucial to be prepared. How you plan and respond to a storm can greatly impact your safety and minimize potential damage.

HERE’S HOW YOU CAN BE STORMREADY

Prepare Your Home

Before the storm season begins and throughout the year, ensure your home is ready:

• Check windows, doors, and locks on your home, sheds, verandas, and carports for any loose fttings.

• Inspect your roofng for loose tiles or sheeting and secure them.

• Trim any overhanging tree branches and keep gutters clean and free of debris. Consider investing in gutter guards to keep your downpipes and drains clear.

• Familiarize yourself with how to shut off mains electricity, water, and gas supplies in case of an emergency.

Secure Your Property

Develop an action plan to secure your property:

• Store or secure loose outdoor items like furniture, tools, and decorations that could become dangerous in strong winds.

• Maintain your property by checking for loose fencing or gates and trimming trees and hedges.

• Prepare for storms by knowing where to get sandbags, tape for windows, and tie-down materials. Many local councils provide these resources for storm

protection.

Guard Your Personal Belongings

Keep your important documents and valuables safe:

• Store items like birth certifcates, passports, and legal documents in a waterproof and freproof safe, secured to your foor. You can also use it to protect sentimental items such as jewellery and family photographs.

Protect Yourself

Prepare an emergency kit with essential supplies:

• Include nonperishable food, a frst aid kit, blankets, matches, a batterypowered radio with spare batteries, and a waterproof torch. Add a phone charger, cash, bank cards, spare keys, water, medicines, and pet food to your kit.

• Create an evacuation plan for your household. Ensure everyone knows where to go, how to get

there, and have a backup plan for those who may not be home. Don’t forget to include pets in your plans.

Stay Informed

Use available resources to stay aware of potential storms:

• Weather apps like Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), WillyWeather, and Weatherzone provide real-time updates. Tune into TV or radio for storm warnings and monitor the situation.

• Some councils offer early warning alerts via SMS or recorded messages—pay attention to these alerts to stay prepared.

If a Storm Hits

• Stay indoors and bring pets inside. Close all windows, doors, and curtains.

• Unplug appliances and turn off power and gas if necessary.

• In the event of fooding, use sandbags to cover entry points.

Stay in a safe space away from windows and glass.

• If you’re caught outside, seek shelter in a solid building or vehicle away from trees, powerlines, or water sources.

• Drive cautiously during a storm, slow down, and avoid foodwaters.

Home and Contents

Insurance

Consider purchasing home and contents insurance to cover potential storm damage. Research different insurance policies to fnd one that fts your needs. By preparing ahead of time, you can help protect yourself, your family, and your property from the impacts of a storm.

In the event of an emergency, contact your local SES or dial 000 for immediate assistance.

Money-Saving Tips for Travellers

IAN ROGERS

Travelling during retirement can be a fulflling way to explore new places, reconnect with loved ones, and enjoy life’s adventures. However, for those on a fxed income, it’s important to stretch your budget while still making the most of your travels. Here are some practical money-saving tips to help you enjoy your trips without breaking the bank:

1. Plan Ahead and Be Flexible

• Booking fights, accommodation, and tours in advance often leads to discounts.

• Being fexible with your travel dates can save you money, as offpeak rates are generally cheaper. Consider mid-week fights and stays outside of holiday

seasons.

2. Look for Senior Discounts

• Many airlines, hotels, car rentals, and tourist attractions offer discounts for seniors. Always ask about deals when booking and carry ID to verify your eligibility.

3. Choose Affordable Accommodation

• Instead of traditional hotels, explore options like vacation rentals, hostels, or bed-andbreakfasts. These can offer a more authentic experience at lower costs.

• House-sitting or home exchanges can provide free lodging. Just ensure the service is reputable and the accommodation meets your standards.

4. Use Public Transport

• Buses and trains are often cheaper than taxis or car rentals. Many

cities have affordable, reliable public transport systems, and some offer senior discounts.

• Research the safety and reliability of the transportation systems before you travel.

5. Seek Out Free Attractions

• Explore free museums, parks, walking tours, and festivals that many cities offer. Tourist information centres can help you fnd free events and attractions.

6. Travel Light

• Avoid baggage fees by packing light. Bring versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched, and limit yourself to carry-on luggage. This not only saves money but also makes navigating airports and public transport easier.

7. Cook Your Meals

• Eating out for every meal can quickly add up.

If your accommodation has a kitchen, consider cooking some of your meals. Visiting local markets can be a fun and affordable way to experience the local culture. When dining out, look for lunch specials or early bird dinners for more affordable options.

8. Use Travel Rewards and Loyalty Programs

• Many credit cards offer travel points that can be redeemed for fights, hotels, and other expenses. Sign up for airline and hotel loyalty programs to accumulate points for future trips. Just make sure to use these points before they expire and avoid unnecessary spending just to earn points.

9. Stay Connected with Technology

• Use apps and websites to fnd the best travel deals on fights and accommodation.

Summer’s Approaching: Why Those Over 55 Should Consider Superfcial X-ray Therapy (SXRT) for Skin Cancer

As the warmer months draw near, individuals over 55 need to be particularly mindful of skin cancer risks, given the accumulated years of sun exposure. For those diagnosed with skin cancer, particularly on sensitive areas like the face, scalp, and extremities, it’s essential to explore treatment options, with Superfcial X-ray Therapy (SXRT) being a noteworthy choice.

Platforms like TripAdvisor and Yelp can provide reviews and price comparisons for restaurants and attractions, helping you make informed decisions.

10. Buy Travel Insurance

• While it’s an added expense, travel insurance can save you money in the event of cancellations, medical emergencies, or other unforeseen incidents. Look for policies tailored to seniors, which often offer better coverage. By planning carefully, taking advantage of discounts, and using available resources, you can have enriching and memorable travel experiences without overspending. Happy travels!

SXRT is a non-invasive treatment specifcally designed to target basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)—the most common skin cancers in older adults. Unlike surgery, which can result in scarring or disfgurement, SXRT employs low-energy X-rays to precisely eliminate cancer cells while preserving the surrounding healthy tissue. The procedure is both painless and quick, requiring no downtime, which means patients can continue enjoying their summer activities without disruption. This option is particularly benefcial for older adults who are active or wish to maintain their appearance during their golden years. SXRT offers an effective and cosmetically appealing alternative to surgery, allowing patients to enjoy life while taking care of their health.

ROBERT HEYWARD

Booming Suburbs Where Prices Have Doubled the Fastest

Regional and Suburban Areas

The long-held belief that property prices double every seven to ten years is being challenged by recent data, which reveals that property values in certain Australian suburbs have skyrocketed at unprecedented rates. According to a comprehensive analysis of PropTrack data, while some areas have seen their median house prices double in under three years, other regions have taken up to three decades to reach the same milestone.

The data highlights the suburbs where prices have surged the fastest, particularly in some of the most affordable regions within capital cities, as well as lifestyledriven destinations that saw a signifcant boost in demand during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Adelaide’s Rapid Price Surge

Leading the charge is Elizabeth South, located in northern Adelaide, where median house prices doubled in just over two years. Despite this meteoric rise, the suburb remains relatively affordable, with a median sale price of $440,000.

Nearby northern suburbs of Adelaide have followed a similar trajectory, experiencing rapid price growth.

This explosive growth isn’t confned to Adelaide. Other suburbs that have seen house prices double in record time include Riverview in Ipswich, Queensland, and Warnervale on the New South Wales Central Coast.

Nationwide Boom in

The boom in housing prices is not limited to major cities. Many outer Perth suburbs and regions across Tasmania have also witnessed a sharp rise in values.

PropTrack’s senior economist, Eleanor Creagh, attributes this trend to a combination of factors, including affordability, increased demand, and signifcant infrastructure investment.

“These areas often start with lower base prices, making them attractive to a broad range of buyers, including frst-time buyers and investors seeking value for money,” Creagh explains. “As inner capital city suburbs become increasingly expensive, nearby suburban regions and areas with improving transport links and amenities naturally become more appealing alternatives.”

The rise of “sea change” and “tree change” movements during the pandemic also played a signifcant role in propelling property prices in lifestyle-centric regions. For example, it took just three and a half years for prices to double in Elliott Heads near Bundaberg, four years in Robertson in the NSW Southern Highlands, and fve years in Jindabyne, a popular destination near the Snowy Mountains.

Sydney Leads the Charge Among Capitals While the more affordable suburbs across the country have posted the fastest growth rates recently, Sydney still leads among capital cities in terms of rapid price escalation. Sydney’s

median house price has doubled over the past decade, with certain affuent suburbs like Bellevue Hill, Vaucluse, Avalon Beach, and Fairlight surpassing even that pace.

“Sydney’s status as a global city with robust economic fundamentals and international appeal has maintained its longstanding desirability,” Creagh notes. “Limited housing supply and strong demand, especially in prime areas around beaches and the harbour, have contributed to longterm price growth.”

On the northern beaches, local real estate agent Georgi Bates of Cunninghams says the competitive housing market in Fairlight has kept values high due to a scarcity of available properties. “It’s a tightly held market. No one ever wants to sell,” she said. Brisbane’s Undervalued Suburbs Catching Up In Brisbane, onceaffordable inner-city suburbs like Seven Hills, East Brisbane, and Clayfeld have seen their median house prices soar, now nearing the $2 million mark. Local real estate agent Tony O’Doherty of Belle Property Bulimba notes that these suburbs were previously overlooked but have caught up rapidly in

recent years.

“If you’d asked me fve years ago what the area’s most undervalued suburbs were, I would’ve said Seven Hills and East Brisbane without hesitation,” O’Doherty remarks. “East Brisbane remains illogically cheaper than suburbs further out, which has driven awareness and price growth.”

Perth: Australia’s Fastest-Growing Market, but Slow to Double

Despite experiencing rapid recent growth, Perth has been the slowest capital city to see house prices double. Perth’s property market has historically been linked to the state’s mining sector, which saw a period of stagnation following the mining boom. However, Creagh points out that Perth is now Australia’s top-performing capital city in terms of price growth.

“Perth remains relatively affordable compared to other capitals, even after recent gains,” Creagh adds, explaining that the city’s decade of underperformance relative to the east coast has set the stage for its current surge in prices.

Houses Versus Units: A Different Growth Dynamic

The data also highlights that houses tend to double in value faster than units at both the city and suburb levels. “Houses typically outperform units in terms of price growth due to the land they sit on, which appreciates over time,” Creagh explains. The broader demographic appeal of houses, including more space and fexibility for enhancements, also contributes to their faster growth.

However, unit prices have surged in some regions, particularly where house prices became too expensive.

In Slacks Creek, located in Brisbane’s south, unit prices doubled in under four years, with median values rising from $192,500 to $385,000.

Real estate agent Azhar Omar of Ray White Logan City notes that unit prices were previously stable for 15 years before skyrocketing as houses became out of reach for many buyers.

The Slowest Doubling Times

Not all suburbs have seen such rapid growth. In some areas, it has taken decades for property prices to double. Units in Bruce, ACT, took 31 years to double in value, while apartments in the CBDs of Melbourne, Brisbane, Townsville,

Cairns, and Perth also saw slow growth, doubling only after 25 to 28 years. These areas tend to have higher concentrations of smaller apartments and less demand pressure compared to tightly held suburban properties.

Houses in Roxby Downs, a mining town in South Australia, took 26 years to double in value, while Queensland’s Paradise Point and Park Ridge, as well as Perth’s Henley Brook and South Yunderup, took 21 years.

Conclusion: Price Growth is Far from Uniform

The data underscores the variability in property price growth across Australia. While some suburbs have seen values double in just a few years, others have taken decades to achieve the same milestone.

As Creagh concludes, “Property market dynamics are complex, infuenced by local and global economic factors, and not all areas will experience predictable growth patterns.”

The notion that prices universally double every seven to ten years has been upended, with recent trends showing a far more nuanced reality depending on location, infrastructure investment, and economic drivers.

IAN ROGERS

Relax, have a break and enjoy BRISBANE

Enjoy good times in the CBD

Bookings still available for December & January

Located in the heart of the Brisbane City CBD just steps from the Queen Street Mall shopping precinct, casino and cultural centre, travellers enjoy well-appointed one-bedroom apartment accommodation with free private parking, exceptional dining and amenities that include a recreation deck with heated pool, sauna and gymnasium

Experience the allure of stunning city views and the convenience of free private parking at this remarkable residence. Retreat to comfort with a queen-sized bed and a fold-out couch, complemented by amenities like free WiFi and an HD TV. Refresh in the modern bathroom, and enjoy access to the pool, steam room, sauna, and gym. Take in the cityscape from your private balcony, and indulge your culinary desires in the full-service kitchen equipped with a microwave, co ee machine, electric kettle, oven, toaster, and dishwasher. Complete your stay with private laundry facilities, including a complimentary washer and dryer, ensuring a seamless experience from start to nish.

- Split A/C (heating + cooling) in living area and bedroom

- WIFI

- your own Parking for 1 car

- Balcony with seating

- Amenity note: Communal outdoor pool, sauna, bbq area and gym

To make a booking, simply scan the QR Code and select your getaway dates.

Max Crus is a Clarence Valley-based wine writer and Grape Expectations is now in its 28th year of publication. Find out more about Max or sign up for his weekly reviews and musings by visiting maxcrus.com.au

Snip the vas’ to quell the bells. Grape Expectations by Max Crus

Okay, at the risk of this column becoming forever about noise pollution, we are compelled to question the necessity of the volume of everyday things in our lives so following on from noisy cars, kettles and coffee shops, let’s get back in the kitchen and ponder the until now unquestioned, unnecessarily annoying beeps of the microwave.

I promise this will be the last in our quest to make

Chateau Tanunda Eden Valley ‘The Chateau’ Single Vineyard Chardonnay, 2022, $40. If you’re in the mood for a big, bold, burlesque chardonnay, bully for you, and this’ll do it. You can channel Marie Antoinette and cry “let them eat cake” while you indulge. 9.3/10.

Chateau Tanunda Barossa

the world a quieter place, not the least because, well, what freebies can one expect from a column on reducing noise pollution?

A quiet kettle? Let’s stick with wine…so back to microwaves.

Ever since the frst microwave arrived in 1967, they have embodied two things which have remained unchanged the entire time (until recently at least), a remarkable evolutionary experience even crocodiles

‘The Chateau’ Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, $40. Like the Brisbane Lions, this got off to a slow start, got better as the game went on but just fell short of the grenache by full time. 9.4/10.

Chateau Tanunda Barossa Valley ‘The Chateau’ Single Vineyard Grenache, 2022, $40. You can tell

admire : they’ve always had a round, glass plate that once smashed, renders the whole thing completely redundant and they’ve always had annoyingly sharp, gratingly lo-f, highpitched beeps to signify the work is done.

Early on this was a single ping, albeit mercifully brief but still annoying, largely unnecessary and more crucially, no way to turn it off. At some evolutionary point that single chime

by the size of the font that Grenache is favourite favour of the month at Tanunda and so it was with the guests. Not so light and frivolous as some, this is footy grenache as opposed to an arty one. 9.5/10.

Jilyara of Wilyabrup, Margaret River ‘Heath Road’ Malbec, 2022, $35. Not quite as bright and

universally became fve, and things were immediately fve times worse.

Is that cartelism? Where’s the ACCC when you need them. Maybe leave the good corporate citizens of Coles and Woollies alone for a while - hmmm, maybe not, look where that got us.

So microwaves have been waking households for 60 years, completely unnecessarily. For a start, why do you need a warning beep on something that

beautiful as one expects from Malbec these days and nothing like cheap Argentine impersonators, this is nevertheless clever enough to keep your attention for a whole evening however long it takes. 9.3/10.

Jilyara of Wilyabrup, Margaret River ‘Heath Road’ Cabernet Malbec, 2022, $35. The Heath Road

cooks things so quickly you haven’t got time to walk away and forget your food? That’s the whole point of microwaves, isn’t it?

If you do walk away, when you return, your food will be either still too cold, too hot or have blown up, so what difference is a beep going to make? Just start again.

I’m over it, and I am going to pull ours apart and snip the umbilical…or is it the vas’?

range is an exercise in blending and you wonder how long it takes the winemaker to come up with their favoured ratio, which you could do yourself actually. Makes a fun game of it to see who comes closest to the ‘factory’ blend. 9.5/10.

Jilyara of Wilyabrup, Margaret River ‘Heath

It won’t matter if it doesn’t work anymore as the microwave plays absolutely no role in the enjoyment of wine, which we will then be able to do in peace.

In late news, a report has emerged that at least one new motor vehicle allows you to switch off the beeps. Hyundai has seen the light. A monumental breakthrough. Wonder if it comes with a microwave?

Road’ Cabernet Sauvignon, 2020, $35. Jilyara of Wilyabrup sounds like an important person in indigenous history, like Bennelong of Gadigal, so drink it with due reverence and respect, giving thanks for keeping the land in such good nick from which such lovely stuff springs forth. 9.5/10.

Max Crus

WHATS ON THE MENU TONIGHT?

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

ROAST CHICKEN, PRESERVED LEMON AND CHICKPEA PILAF WITH YOGHURT SAUCE

INGREDIENTS

30m prep 20m cook makes 6

• 1 Roast chicken, skin removed, meat shredded

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• 1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted

• 1 cup parsley leaves, washed Pilaf

• Pinch saffron threads

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion, fnely diced

• 4 cloves garlic, fnely chopped

• 2 cups basmati or long grain rice, washed

• 100g dried apricots, fnely diced

• 1 tbsp preserved lemon rind, fnely diced or zest of 1 lemon, fnely grated

• 1 tsp salt fakes

• 1 litre salt-reduced chicken stock Yoghurt sauce

• 1 cup natural yoghurt

• 2 small cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 lemon, juice only, strained

• 1 tsp tahini

• 1 tsp olive oil

• Salt fakes, to season

METHOD

1. Add saffron threads to 1/4 cup of water and allow saffron to leach into the water for 10 minutes.

2. To make pilaf, place large saucepan over medium heat, add olive oil, when hot add onion and garlic and saute for 5 minutes. Add rice, apricots, lemon and salt fakes and stir to combine. Add enough water or salt reduced chicken stock to cover the rice by 5cms and cook rice using the absorption method.

3. To make the yoghurt sauce, mix together yoghurt, garlic, lemon juice, tahini and olive oil, season with salt and taste sauce, adjust ingredients if necessary.

4. When rice is cooked, allow to cool in saucepan with lid on for 10 minutes, then remove from saucepan onto serving platter. Toss through chicken, chickpeas, pine nuts and parsley, reserving some of each ingredient to garnish the pilaf. Pour over yoghurt sauce then top with reserved ingredients. Season and serve warm.

PORTABELLA PIZZA BIANCA

LAMB AND QUINCE TAGINE

15m prep 1h 40m cook serves 6

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1.8kg boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 3cm pieces

• 1 red onion, halved, thinly sliced

• 1 tsp cayenne pepper

• 1 tsp ground coriander

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp ground ginger

• 100g quince paste

• 750ml (3 cups) water

• 750g sweet potato peeled, cut into 4cm pieces

• 60g (1/3 cup) blanched almonds

• 1/2 cup fresh coriander leaves

METHOD

1. Heat a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add oil, lamb and onion. Cook, stirring, for 10 minutes or until lamb starts to brown.

2. Add cayenne pepper, ground coriander, cinnamon and ginger. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes or until aromatic. Add quince paste and water. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat to low. Cook, covered, stirring occasionally, for 1 hour or until the lamb is tender.

3. Add the sweet potato. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes or until sweet potato is soft and liquid thickens slightly.

4. Heat a frying pan over medium heat. Add the almonds and cook, stirring often, for 2-3 minutes or until golden.

5. Sprinkle with the almonds and fresh coriander to serve.

5m prep 15m cook serves 4

INGREDIENTS

• 300g packet Toscano Pizza Bases

• 2 tbsp mascarpone

• 2 large garlic cloves, fnely sliced

• 120g Portabella mushrooms, thinly sliced

• 180g drained bocconcini, thickly sliced

• 1 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• Baby rocket, to serve

METHOD

1. Preheat oven to 240C (220C fan-forced). Place the pizza bases on 2 lined baking trays.

2. Spread mascarpone evenly over the bases. Sprinkle with garlic. Arrange the mushroom and bocconcini on top. Drizzle with olive oil and season. Bake for 10-12 mins or until the bocconcini is bubbling and the edges are golden. Serve immediately with rocket.

Get Your Garden Ready for Warmer Weather

1. Clean Up and Clear Out

Before you can plant new seeds or tend to your perennials, you need to clear away the remnants of winter. Start by removing any dead plants, weeds, and debris that have accumulated over the colder months. Dead leaves, fallen branches, and spent annuals can harbor pests and diseases, so it’s important to clear them out to create a clean, healthy environment for new growth.

Once the garden beds are clear, take a moment to prune your perennials and shrubs. Deadheading spent blooms and cutting back dead stems encourages healthier growth and prevents the plant from wasting

energy. Pruning is especially important for rose bushes, hydrangeas, and other fowering plants that beneft from a good trim before the growing season begins.

2. Revitalise the Soil After a season of dormancy, your garden’s soil needs attention. The cold, wet conditions of winter can leave soil compacted and depleted of nutrients. Start by loosening the soil in your garden beds with a fork or spade, which helps improve aeration and drainage. You might also want to add organic matter like compost, leaf mould, or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and replenish nutrients.

Testing your soil’s pH can also be a good idea,

as certain plants thrive in more acidic or alkaline conditions. If your soil is too acidic, adding lime can help balance it, while sulphur can lower the pH if it’s too alkaline.

3. Fertilise Early for a Strong Start Fertilising in spring gives your plants the nutrients they need to grow vigorously throughout the warmer months. Different plants have varying nutritional needs, so consider using a slow-release fertiliser for general garden use, or choose a specifc fertiliser designed for the types of plants you’re growing.

Organic fertilisers like compost or seaweed extracts are a great way to feed your plants while also improving the soil’s health. For fower gardens, you can add a balanced fertiliser that provides nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to encourage lush foliage and blooms. For vegetable gardens, opt for a fertilizer rich in nitrogen, which promotes leaf and stem growth, while phosphorus helps with root and fruit development.

4. Planting and Sowing Spring is the ideal time to plant, whether you’re starting from seeds or transplanting seedlings. Hardy annuals and

cool-weather vegetables like peas, spinach, and lettuce can be planted early in the season, while more tender plants like tomatoes and peppers should wait until the soil warms up.

For fower gardens, now is the perfect time to plant summer bulbs such as dahlias, gladiolus, and lilies. These plants will produce stunning blooms as the season progresses, adding vibrant colour and texture to your garden. Be mindful of the growing conditions of each plant and ensure that they are placed in the right spot—sunloving plants should go in sunny locations, while shade-tolerant varieties should be placed in more sheltered areas.

If you’ve been dreaming of a herb garden, spring is the perfect time to start planting your favourite herbs. Parsley, basil, rosemary, and thyme thrive in warm weather and will be ready to harvest in the summer months.

5. Mulching Matters

Mulching is one of the best ways to protect your garden from the heat of the summer while helping your plants thrive. Adding a layer of organic mulch around your plants helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil

temperature. Choose a mulch that suits your garden’s needs—compost, wood chips, straw, or bark mulch are all excellent choices. Apply a 5-7cm layer of mulch around your plants, being careful not to pile it too close to the stems or trunks, as this can cause rot.

Mulching also helps improve the soil over time as it breaks down, adding valuable organic matter back into your garden beds.

6. Irrigation Preparation

Warmer weather means your plants will need more water to stay hydrated. Spring is the perfect time to check your irrigation system or hose setup to ensure it’s working effciently. Make sure your hoses are free from leaks and consider setting up a drip irrigation system to deliver water directly to the roots of your plants, where it’s needed most. Watering early in the morning is best during warmer months as it allows the plants to absorb moisture before the heat of the day evaporates it. Aim for deep, infrequent watering to encourage deeper root growth.

7. Pest and Disease Control

With warmer weather comes an increase in

pests and diseases. Keep an eye out for common garden pests like aphids, slugs, and snails, which can cause damage to tender new shoots. Consider using organic pest control methods, such as introducing benefcial insects like ladybugs, using neem oil, or setting up physical barriers like copper tape to deter slugs.

Inspect your plants regularly for signs of disease such as powdery mildew, rust, or leaf spot. Early detection is key to preventing the spread of disease, and removing affected foliage can help keep the problem under control.

8. Plan for Growth

As your garden springs to life, don’t forget to plan for future growth. Staking tall plants early will prevent them from fopping over as they grow, and ensuring enough space between plants allows for proper air circulation, which can help prevent disease. Get into the garden! By giving your garden the care it needs now, you’ll set yourself up for a thriving, beautiful space all summer long. Whether you’re growing food, fowers, or simply enhancing your landscape, a little preparation in spring can make all the difference as the weather warms.

As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, gardeners everywhere feel the urge to head outside and prepare their gardens for the warmer months. Spring is the perfect time to give your outdoor space a fresh start, whether you're nurturing a vegetable patch, tending to a fower garden, or simply beautifying your yard. Preparing your garden now ensures that it will thrive in the coming season and helps set the stage for a bountiful summer. Here are some essential tips for getting your garden ready for the warmer weather.

RECENT CATTLE MARKET REPORTS

CASINO

NRLX CASINO 02/10/2024

Report compiled by Doug Robson

Good falls of rain through out the North saw a reduced yarding of 566 head. There was as many cows yarded as young cattle. The yarding of young cattle consisted mainly of weaners with quality fairly mixed. The market was stronger for well bred restocker weaner steers with most ranging from 290c to 416c, while restocker weaner heifers sold from 230c to 298c/kg. The few yearling steers toped at 364c/kg. The yarding of export cattle consisted mainly of cows. Heavy grown steers sold to a top of 316c and grown heifers sold to 303c/ kg. The cow market was down by 10c with 3 score medium weights selling from 243c to 264c and heavy 4 score cows ranged from 263c to 285c/kg. Statistics By Stock Type

TENTERFIELD

BROUGHT TO YOU BY HAROLD CURRY PH: 02 6736 1344

TENTERFIELD MARKET REPORT

Sale Date: 30.09.2024 - Number Yarded: 524

Cows sell to $2,505.00

Numbers remained similar this sale for a yarding of 524 mixed quality cattle, with prices inline with the end of last

WARWICK

WARWICK & DISTRICT LIVESTOCK MARKETS – WEEK ENDING 04/10/2024

Numbers were up and down for this week as we settle into Spring and after the showers vendors were appraising their circumstances as to whether to sell or hold on for the feed to come. Cattle numbers were back , whilst Sheep & lamb numbers were up on last weeks sales. The markets were in alignment as they eased slightly, which can also be attributed to the types of stock yarded. Pork was still keenly sought after as well as the poultry section still performing well.

• Bulls av 274.44 topping at 320.2c/kg or $1442.34 to $2828.00

• Cows av 258.55c/kg topping at 295.2c/kg or $1347.73 to $2066.08

Per: Head

Report Prepared At 11:20 Wednesday, October 02, 2024 By LR1 At Workstation OUTCROSSOFFICE1

week’s markets. A small yarding of mixed quality steers topped at 350 cents, whilst bullocks sold to 325 cents. In the cow section, heavy cows sold to 300 cents, medium weights to 280 cents and light cows to 240 cents. The best of the heifers sold to 293.2 cents.

The trade section was very mixed in quality with prices refecting this, weaner steers returned to the paddock for 394.2 cents, while the heifer portion sold to 314.2 cents. Another large yarding of bulls sold to 293.2 cents.

TENTERFIELD TOP PRICES

• Feeder heifer av 300.96c/kg topping at 333.2c/kg or $1107.95 to $1410.55

• Feeder steers av 333.36c/kg topping at 384.2c/kg or $1188.31 to $1767.50

• Heifers av 294.7c/kg topping at 332.2c/kg or $1349.30 to $1993.83

• Manufacturing steers av 233.81c/kg topping at 252.2c/ kg or $1098.89 to $1361.88

• Steers av 308.1c/kg topping at 339.2c/kg or $1878.37 to $2446.50

• Vealer heifer av 272.4c/kg topping at 340c/kg or $622.94 to $1071

• Vealer steers av 325.25c/kg topping at 392.2c/kg or $734.39 to $1068.74

• Yearling heifers av 297.3c/kg topping at 378.2c/kg or $923.02 to $1566.38

• Yearling steers av 321.05c/kg topping at 360c/kg or $1005.43 to $1700.24

BULLOCKS: CL Wilcox - $1915.19

STEERS: Brian Blaker - $1984.00

COWS: Tenterfeld High School - $2505.00

HEIFERS: Geroma P/S - $1432.73

YEARLINGS: Dedes Pastoral Trust $1627.45

VEALERS: GN Rural - $1051.52

BULLS: Bald Mountain Past Co - $2975.98

NEXT SALE

28th October 2024, 9:00am Start

• Average price for the yarding of 880 head was $1097.04 for a gross return of $965k

• Lambs topped at $206 to av $122.49 ($20 down )

• Hoggets topped at $139 to av $99.63 ($10 down)

• Ewes topped at $90 to av $59.05 ($4 down )

• Wethers topped at $126 to av $71.86 ($4 down )

• Ram lambs topped at $124 to av $90.33 ( Par )

• Rams topped at $132 to av $79.43 ($8 down)

Yarding of 2626 head consisting of mainly lighter trade types av $103.20/ head.

Pork numbers continue to struggle but prices are frm.

Boars sold from $100 to $140, Sows from $90 to $345, Light Pork from $198 to $220, Stores from $53 to $240. Poultry numbers are always forward . Hens sold to $37.50, Pullet Hens to $25, Roosters to $17.50, Guinea Fowl sold to $30, Turkey hens sold to $17.50, Drakes sold to $32.50, Ducks sold to $15, Groups of chicks sold to $22.50, Ducklings to $20

CONTACT US - The Northern Rivers Times Rural Edition ✆ 1300 679 787 SALES 02 6662 6222 sales@heartlandmedia.com.au Albury - 02 6080 9520, Casino - 02 6662 6222, Dubbo - 02 5858 4078, Grafton - 02 5632 3041, Moree - 02 6794 3889, Tamworth - 02 5719 1656, Wagga Wagga - 02 5940 8516 Directors, co-owners and co-founders: Jeffrey Gibbs and Sharon Bateman ISSN: 2652-7928 a Genesis Media company ABN: 84 134 238 181 All rights reserved © 2024 Distribution Coffs Harbour north to Southport and west to Tenterfield weekly. www.thenorthernriverstimes.com.au

NSW Government Launches $335,000 Mental Health Pilot Program for North Coast Farmers

The Minns Labor Government has announced a new $335,000 pilot program aimed at supporting the mental health of North Coast farmers who have been severely impacted by a series of natural disasters and other challenges. Running until September 2025, the 12-month initiative is designed to offer mental health coaching alongside fnancial counselling to help farmers manage the cumulative effects of drought, bushfres, foods, and fuctuating commodity prices. Delivered by the Northern Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS), the program will be supported by both Federal and NSW Governments. The RFCS, known for its 30 years of experience supporting vulnerable farmers, fshers, forestry growers, and small rural businesses, is

uniquely positioned to extend its services to include mental health coaches. This additional resource will offer free, confdential, one-on-one support to primary producers in the Northern Rivers region, complementing the fnancial counselling services already in place.

Addressing the Mental Health Crisis

The pilot program comes at a critical time, as the National Farmer Wellbeing Report 2023 revealed that 30% of Australian farmers have attempted self-harm or suicide, with natural disasters and fnancial stress being the leading causes of declining mental health. The North Coast of NSW, in particular, has been hit hard by a series of consecutive natural disasters, including the ongoing drought, bushfres, foods, and biosecurity threats like the Varroa mite and Red

Imported Fire Ant. Minister

for Agriculture Tara Moriarty emphasized the importance of providing comprehensive support to farmers: “Farmers don’t necessarily want a handout – they are capable and resilient decision makers – but they do want support. This pilot demonstrates a new approach to providing mental health support alongside fnancial counselling advice.”

Minister for Mental Health and the North Coast, Rose Jackson, highlighted the program’s local focus: “Our priority is to ensure people in regional communities know where to go, who to turn to, and what help is available. This new pilot leverages the local expertise of our dedicated RAMHP coordinators to ensure the program meets people where they are.”

A Trusted Support Network

Gary Goldberg, CEO of RFCS Northern Region, refected on the impact of successive disasters on farmers in the Northern Rivers: “Since 2017, the region has faced one disaster after another—cyclones, drought, bushfre, foods, Covid-19. Our fnancial counsellors work hard to build trust and rapport with clients to help them through times of fnancial stress, and now we can offer additional mental health support.”

The program has been welcomed by local representatives, with Janelle Saffn, NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery and State Member for Lismore, praising the initiative: “RFCS provides holistic services and care to our farmers and rural people. Since 2017, there have been compounding disasters, and RFCS

understands the stresses and challenges our communities face.”

Looking Ahead

The pilot will help ensure farmers on the North Coast have access to mental health services tailored to their unique needs, alongside ongoing fnancial guidance.

The RFCS Northern Region team will work to reduce the mental and emotional toll that compounding natural disasters and fnancial pressures have placed on local producers.

The initiative aims to contribute to the longterm resilience of NSW’s primary producers as they continue to adapt, recover, and rebuild their businesses.

For more information about the pilot program or the services provided by RFCS Northern Region, visit the NSW Department of Primary Industries website.

National Safe Work Month Highlights the Importance of Heavy Vehicle Safety

ROBERT HEYWARD

As part of National Safe Work Month, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is urging the road transport industry to prioritize safety both on and off the road. With over 556,000 workers employed in Australia’s road transport sector, representing 5.3 percent of the nation’s total workforce, their contribution to heavy vehicle safety is critical.

NHVR Acting Chief Executive Offcer Ray Hassall highlighted that National Safe Work Month is a time to refect on how safety practices affect individuals, organizations, and communities. “Most transport and logistics companies are already safety-focused, utilizing tools like training programs, hazard reporting, and structured policies to create a safer work environment,” Hassall said.

The NHVR offers support through education and resources, ensuring that businesses meet safety standards under the Heavy Vehicle National Law. One effective tool is a Safety Management System (SMS), which helps companies manage their workplace health and safety risks to ensure the wellbeing of all involved.

If a safety breach is identifed, the NHVR can issue an Improvement

Notice to rectify gaps in safety policies. In 2023, a transport company received such a notice following a collision on the Sturt Highway in New South Wales. The company was directed to improve fatigue management, scheduling, drug and alcohol policies, and safe driving plans.

Hassall emphasized the importance of not placing unreasonable demands on drivers, as this can lead to

Low interest loans for regional businesses to grow jobs and revenue

The NSW Government is helping a number of regional NSW food and beverage manufacturers advance their manufacturing capabilities through low interest loans.

Under the pilot program, low interest loans can be used for projects such as installing automated production lines, upgrading bottling lines, or buying equipment that will enable products to be exported more effciently.

Loans are available of between $100,000 and $1 million, and interest is charged monthly at a fxed rate of 2.5 percent for the life of the loan. Loan repayments are interest only for the frst two years. The maximum loan term is seven years.

The food and beverage manufacturing sector is a major employer in regional NSW, which is already home to companies such as Nestle, Ferrero, Stone and Wood, Sanitarium and Simplot Foods.

risky behaviors such as speeding or driving while fatigued—both major contributors to road accidents.

To support safety, the NHVR offers a confdential reporting line, available Monday through Friday, where workers can report safety issues like driver fatigue or unsafe business practices.

For more information on Safety Management Systems, visit the NHVR website.

The food and beverage manufacturing sector across NSW had an annual turnover of $42.5 billion in 2022-2023 and employed more than 66,000 people as of May 2024.

For more information, see the QR code below.

Boosting AgTech Skills for the Future Workforce in Regional NSW

High school students in regional New South Wales are gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge agricultural technology, thanks to a new government initiative aimed at strengthening the future AgTech workforce. The NSW Government is leading the charge in ensuring that the next generation of workers in agriculture are equipped with the skills necessary to tackle the challenges of modern farming, including climate change, rising costs, and the growing need for biosecurity and productivity.

As part of this initiative, up to 1,500 students are participating in programs designed to enhance their skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), and Agriculture. The programs introduce students to the latest developments in AgTech, including the use of drone mapping, artifcial intelligence (AI), and data analysis to manage and improve farming processes. The goal is to cultivate a tech-savvy workforce capable of addressing the evolving needs of the agriculture sector.

Students have the opportunity to visit research institutions run by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, where they witness AgTech innovations frsthand. Additionally, they engage in practical learning at TAFE NSW, where they design

model smart farms, use drone technology to map agricultural landscapes, and analyze weather patterns using AI-driven tools. These hands-on experiences are invaluable in helping students understand how technology is transforming farming practices and how they can play a role in shaping the future of agriculture.

The program is part of the NSW Government’s Targeted Workforce Development Scheme, an initiative aimed at investing in skills and employment to future-proof the agriculture sector. By fostering a robust AgTech workforce, the government hopes to not only support farmers and agriculture workers but also develop a sustainable sector that creates and maintains the hardware and software products essential for modern farming.

Delivered in partnership with TAFE NSW, the University of New England, Charles Sturt University, and AusAgritech, the initiative underscores the importance of collaboration in building a strong, innovative workforce that can adapt to the challenges ahead. As AgTech continues to evolve, programs like these ensure that regional NSW remains at the forefront of agricultural innovation, creating opportunities for both students and the wider farming community.

Pause water buybacks until probity failings resolved

IAN ROGERS

The Federal Government today released two new EOIs for water buybacks without independent evidence it has addressed serious internal probity issues with earlier tenders.

NSW Irrigators’ Council CEO Claire Miller said further water buybacks must be paused immediately until an independent audit gives the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) the all-clear.

A scathing Inspector General of Water Compliance audit released last month identifed multiple probity issues with DCCEEW’s development and implementation of earlier buyback tenders, including lax internal protocols to prevent insider trading.

A growing chorus of stakeholders and peak bodies are also demanding an immediate halt to further buybacks until the socioeconomic impacts are analysed of the recent tender seeking up to 70 GL from the most vulnerable communities in the southern Basin, and non-purchase projects are approved.

“It is beyond belief that the Government has launched another two buybacks rounds for 2024-25, with no independent assurance that its processes for spending billions of dollars of taxpayers money are above reproach,” Ms Miller said.

“Water buybacks must be paused until an independent audit gives the Commonwealth a clean bill on its internal probity failings and full account is taken of planned non-purchase projects mitigating the need for buybacks.”

Ms Miller said on every count, the Government is in fagrant breach of its promises to take a steady, staged approach to water recovery in the Murray-Darling Basin.

“It is front-loading large, concentrated buyback tenders into the very frst year – directly

against Productivity Commission advice this would maximise market and community damage,” Ms Miller said.

“It is prioritising buybacks over every other form of water recovery, with plans to buy water out of irrigation districts in these next tenders even as these districts are scoping non-purchase projects to avoid buybacks.

“It is dragging its heels on delivering its promised community assistance package. No money has yet made it out from the Commonwealth doors to the States.

“And now, by announcing its intention to again enter the water market, the Government is trying to sweep aside the Inspector-General of Water Compliance’s scathing audit.

“It is not good enough

for the Department to say, trust us, we’ve resolved those issues. Adding up all the failings listed above, Commonwealth assurances count for nothing.

“Billions of dollars of taxpayers’ money are being spent on unnecessary water buybacks that won’t actually fx the degradation drivers like European carp still making our rivers sick.

“The politicians who supported the Government’s legislation last year to kickstart this deeply fawed and distorted process ought now to be holding the Government to account for its failing to make good on even the most basic guardrails to protect Basin communities and market integrity.

“When the Government buys water from farmers, it can never be used for agriculture again. That is the water that is used to grow the fresh Aussie produce we take for granted. The water that is left in the system then becomes more expensive, driving smaller operators out of business and making food more expensive. This is exactly what we don’t need during a cost-of-living crisis.”

Statement on increased ACCC funding and planning regulations

Comments attributable to NFF President David Jochinke:

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) welcomes the Government’s announcement of $30 million over three years to increase Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) funding for investigations and enforcement relating to the supermarket and retail sector.

The NFF has long called for increased resourcing to the ACCC to bolster its critical role in Australia’s

competition landscape, in particular for the food and grocery sector.

While today’s announcement indicates that much of the funding will go to consumer facing issues, it is also important that the review and investigation of supply chain issues are appropriately resourced. Successive reviews have found that, in particular suppliers of perishable produce, experience issues such unfair contract terms, information asymmetries

and lack transparency, all of which dampen competition in the food and grocery supply chain.

The NFF also welcomes the Government’s additional announcement to seek reform to planning and zoning regulations with states and territories to help boost competition in the supermarket sector by opening up more sites for new stores.

The NFF has long advocated for a stateby-state review into

planning and zoning laws that support new businesses and to ensure such issues such as ‘land banking’ do not weaken competition in food and grocery supply chains. Today’s announcement forms part of the Government’s wider competition reforms which the NFF supports, including reforms to the merger and acquisition framework and changes to the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct.

By Helen Trustum

Tenders were called at Cedar Point in 1925 for the building of a Public Hall. Trustees of the Public Hall were appointed, they were Alfred John Buckland, John Painter, Roy Harold Griffn, Alfred David Griffn and Richard Herford Watkins. Loans and donations were collected on the 16th February 1926 it was announced that the hall will be opened. Families involved with the upkeep of the hall were A.D. Griffn, J.P. Harwood, A. Currie, L. Brown, A.J. Buckland, L.D. Loosemore, P.M. Graham, J. Painter, T. Arber, D. O’Neill, W.H. Studders, T. Borland, W. Cooper and G. W. Hillyard, Dances and Balls were held to raise funds for the hall. Music was usually played by members of the Doohan Family from Back Creek. In 1938 Mr Tierney was caretaker and received 3/- per night. In 1938 a fountain pen

was presented to Jack Painter for the service he had given to the hall since the beginning. A supper room was added to the main building in 1939. The Kyogle Shire President Mr O.C. Waters opened the extensions of the hall in 1940. In October 1940, hall members invited Edenville Hall members to join with them in a sports day followed by a dance at night after the opening of the Cedar Point Bridge. In January 1946, electricity was connected to the hall.

From 1949 Mr Wal Aspery held the position of caretaker for 15 years. In 1954 food waters entered the hall and damaged the piano and other contents. All needed to be replaced. The Minister of Lands forwarded a donation of 100 pounds towards the food damage. The piano was replaced. The two tennis courts were also destroyed.

New trustees were appointed 1957 to replace Jack Painter,

B. Reynolds and Jack Anderson. Appointed Trustees were P. O’Neill, K.L. Studders and Alf Arber. During 1960 part of the hall was lined and this was fnished in 1963 with a donation of lining boards from a house previously owned by Mr G.W. Hillyard at Back Creek. In 1962, 11 calves were reared by the local farmers and donated to the hall, these were sold as “sheep vanners” in the spring. This contribution helped the hall with annual commitments.

To comply with hall

regulations, a ramp had to be added to the side of the hall, replacing the old steps. The task was performed with the help of the Kyogle Rural Youth Members. Over the years the hall was rented out for many functions including Kyogle Junior Farmers (Later Rural Youth), Kyogle Ambulance, Kyogle Band, Weddings, Kitchen Teas, 21st Birthdays and Farewells. The Church of England held church services and Sunday School in the hall on the frst Sunday

of the month. The frst Bazaar was held in September 1938 as a church fundraiser. Once a year a Harvest Festival was held. Cooking, sewing and vegetables were donated by those attending and after the service these goods were auctioned by a Kyogle Auctioneer. The piano was played by Mrs F. Arber and then Mrs H. Carlill for church services. The Cedar Point CWA was formed in 1926. Meetings were held the frst Wednesday of the month until November 1988 when the branch closed. Members planted the row of pine trees which are still growing. Indoor bowls were played in the hall and started in August 1962. The McManus and Junior Shield games have been held with visitors from other clubs competing.

Long Standing Offce Bearers

Percy O’Neill –Treasurer for 7 years, Secretary 8 years and Auditor 17 years.

Alf Arber – President 12 years, Alec Ellem –President 20 years.

Gordon Painter –Secretary 11 years, Caretaker 33 years.

Wal Aspery – President 7 years, Caretaker 15 years.

Trustees in 1997 – Paul Adams, Gordon Painter, Arthur Reynolds and Peter Painter.

Over the years, use of the hall diminished, until income from its use could no longer cover basic maintenance activities. In consultation with the community the decision was made to demolish the hall in 2015 and in October 2017 the Cedar Point Public Hall was demolished. The teak fooring from the hall was removed before demolition and used to create a feature wall in the new Museum building built in Bloore Street, Kyogle in 2018.

Ref: Cedar Hall Minute Book: Gordon and Marion Painter, Cedar Point. March 1998.

Cedar Point Public Hall

Charlie Brown Snr hauling logs to mill for timber to be used for building Cedar Point Hall.

“ Sandy” Carlill, cream lorry, with Charcoal burning gas produced during the War years using a Bedford truck at Edenville and Cedar Point.

A reunion for past and present residents of Cedar Point held at the Cedar Point Hall early 2018 before it was pull down.

Plaque in place at Cedar Point where Hall stood.

METRICON WELCOMES STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH SUMITOMO FORESTRY

Australia’s largest home builder, Metricon, is excited to announce its partnership with Sumitomo Forestry Australia (Sumitomo Forestry), a subsidiary of the renowned Japanese group. This strategic partnership will see Sumitomo Forestry acquiring 51% of Metricon, post completion of conditions while also providing a pathway for 100% ownership after a number of years.

Sumitomo Forestry, known for its global expertise in real estate and global woodrelated industries, has a great track record of successful investments in the Australian home building industry, with this partnership marking a signifcant investment in the future positioning of Metricon.

Metricon CEO, Brad

Duggan, says that after months of discussions and negotiations, whilst this strategic partnership marks the beginning of a new chapter, at Metricon it will be business as usual.

“Metricon has worked hard over the past 24 months to return the group to its position of strength, and we are ecstatic that this work has resulted in the establishment of such an important partnership with Sumitomo Forestry. This partnership enhances Metricon’s readiness to respond to the opportunities in the Australian housing market,” Duggan said.

“Both Metricon and Sumitomo Forestry see the great advantages that can be harnessed from working together. The Australian housing industry, more than ever, needs strong participants

to solve the issues it currently faces, and this partnership will further build Metricon’s market leading position.

“In Sumitomo Forestry, Metricon has found an exceptional partner that aligns strongly on the importance of legacy and commitment to excellence while also complementing the existing ownership group and management team. Together we are confdent we will build a well-considered, longterm strategic future for Metricon, our team and customers.

“With the sale and purchase agreement signed we expect to announce the successfully completed transaction in the coming weeks.”

Since its foundation in 1976, Metricon has built a dominant brand presence across

Australia, especially in the key east-coast markets of Victoria, New South Wales, South-East Queensland, and South Australia.

As part of this transaction Metricon will become a consolidated subsidiary of Sumitomo Forestry which is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Duggan says under the terms of the deal, Metricon will retain its unique operating model, ensuring that there will be minimal change to its structure, service, market offerings or brand.

“It will be business as usual at our display homes, building sites, our Studio M selection centres, and offces.

Our customers can continue to expect the same great level of service and design, with the likelihood of even greater customer

outcomes because of this partnership in both the short and long term.

“The owners and shareholders of Metricon are proud to embark on this exciting new chapter in the company’s rich history. This strategic partnership with Sumitomo Forestry strengthens our position in the industry and presents an extraordinary opportunity for future growth. We are confdent that together, we will unlock new potential, enhancing our market leadership and creating long-term value for our customers, employees, and stakeholders.”

Yasuhiro Odagane, Managing Director of Sumitomo Forestry Australia, says this acquisition is key to helping Sumitomo Forestry achieve its goal of addressing the long-standing housing

shortage in Australia. Odagane added, “This acquisition enables our group to expand the business areas in each state, establishing Sumitomo Forestry as the number one builder in Australia and, most importantly, allowing us to make a substantial contribution to the provision of social infrastructure.”

Sumitomo Forestry Group entered Australia’s housing industry in 2008 and has been expanding its business in major cities ever since. With the added skills and support of Metricon, the group is on track to achieve its goals of promoting the use of timber products in construction and contribute to global decarbonisation efforts.

Metricon CEO Brad Duggan and CFO Jon Robson

New Group to shape Indigenous use of living aquatic resources for fshing and aquaculture

From helping to develop a Kimberley Aboriginal Mud Crab Fishery, to Two-Eyed Seeing – a framework for cultural fshery assessments, FRDC is dedicated to investing in research, development and extension (RD&E) to advance the aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

In the last fve years FRDC has invested in more than 30 projects for the beneft of Indigenous fshing and aquaculture. This investment would not be possible without the advice and direction of our Indigenous Reference Group (IRG).

The IRG plays a pivotal role, ensuring First Nations perspectives are integral to FRDC’s RD&E agenda, through the provision of strategic advice, advocacy and guidance on Indigenous fsheries, aquaculture and sea country management issues. This ensures the alignment with the aspirations, values, and knowledge systems of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

communities.

FRDC is delighted to announce the appointment of new Reference Group members:

• Asheley Perez

• Bryan Denny

• Dr Cass Hunter

• Craig Aspinall

• Delahay Miller

• Dennis Ah-Kee

• Frank Procter

• Shane Holland

• Stephan Schnierer

The new cohort brings together a diverse group of Indigenous leaders, traditional owners and professionals who are deeply connected to their Sea Country and have a wealth of experience in fsheries management, policy development, and cultural practices. These appointments underpin FRDC’s commitment to embedding Indigenous knowledge and perspectives in all aspects of fsheries research, development and extension.

FRDC Managing Director, Dr Patrick Hone, congratulated the new members and recognised the

importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engagement in fsheries and aquaculture.

“The expertise and cultural knowledge the IRG brings is invaluable to ensuring that Indigenous communities have a meaningful role in shaping the future of Australia’s fsheries,”

Dr Hone said. “We are excited to work with the new IRG members to build stronger partnerships and create opportunities through RD&E for Australia’s First Nations and enable their passion for innovation”.

The IRG will work collaboratively with FRDC stakeholders, including industry, government agencies and research institutions, to ensure Indigenous knowledge systems are respected and integrated into all aspects of fshing and aquaculture RD&E.

For more information on the FRDC Indigenous Reference Group and their work, visit frdc.com.au/IRG

Southern Cross University Launches New Bee Lab to Combat Varroa Mite

IAN ROGERS

Southern Cross University offcially launched its Bee Research and Extension Lab today, marking a signifcant step in the fght against the devastating Varroa destructor mite, a major threat to Australia’s beekeeping industry. Around 100 beekeepers and industry representatives gathered for the event, showcasing the urgency of addressing one of the most critical challenges facing honeybees and pollination-dependent industries in the country.

The lab will focus on conducting vital research into managing the Varroa mite, a pest responsible for massive colony losses worldwide. As Dr Cooper Schouten, Director of the new Bee Research and Extension Lab, explained, “Varroa is the leading cause of colony losses globally, and our bees in Australia are naive to this pest.”

He highlighted the signifcance of healthy bee populations, noting that Australia relies on bees to pollinate 35 crops vital to the nation’s food security.

A Timely Initiative

Australia’s beekeeping industry faces numerous challenges, including low honey prices, rising operational costs, and declining access to foral resources. The impact of Varroa alone is estimated to cost the industry up to AUD 1.31

billion over the next 30 years, according to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES).

The Southern Cross Bee Lab aims to address these issues by developing affordable Varroa control methods, practical beekeeping guides, and Varroatolerant queen bees suited to Australian conditions.

Dr Schouten emphasized that Australia has unique environmental factors to consider in Varroa management, despite the wealth of global research on the pest. “We urgently need more capacity to support local beekeepers and ensure our food security,” he said.

A Broader Vision

The new Bee Lab builds on the Bees for Sustainable Livelihoods (B4SL) research group’s decade of work at Southern Cross University. Funded by Southern Cross University and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), the B4SL initiative has contributed to improving the proftability and resilience of beekeeping in the Indo-Pacifc region. The new lab

will continue this research while fostering collaboration among commercial beekeepers, researchers, and extension agents to strengthen the industry.

Dr Schouten also noted the value of communitybased collaboration: “Together, we can have the widest reach and beneft from the range of input such a community can provide.”

Student and Community Engagement

In addition to supporting local beekeepers, the lab will engage students through its on-campus apiary and offer a Bee Club for aspiring beekeepers. This provides an opportunity for hands-on learning and involvement in cutting-edge research.

Professor Mary Spongberg, who expressed her excitement about the lab, emphasized its broader signifcance: “This is critical work, and it has national and global signifcance. At Southern Cross University, we are solutions-focused, bringing industry along with us to ensure better outcomes for local beekeepers and global impact.”

The new Bee Research and Extension Lab, based in the Northern Rivers, is a vital initiative aimed at safeguarding Australia’s honeybee populations and ensuring the long-term viability of the country’s beekeeping industry.

Second Public Energy Retailer Won’t Fix Power Prices

CANEGROWERS

is warning that a government plan to establish a second public electricity retailer in regional Queensland risks creating a duopoly without providing the price relief that farmers desperately need.

Announced as part of their election platform, the Labor government said the move will increase competition and lower power prices.

However,

CANEGROWERS

Chairman Owen Menkens said that the plan fails to address the core issues and will not deliver meaningful competition in the energy market.

“This proposal would introduce a second government-owned retailer, creating pseudo-competition that offers no real beneft to electricity consumers in regional Queensland,” Mr Menkens said.

“Instead of promoting genuine competition, the plan would result in two government-owned entities controlling the market, effectively maintaining a monopoly under a different name.

“This isn’t real

competition. Farmers and regional communities need actual competition that lowers prices.”

CANEGROWERS is calling for an immediate 40% reduction in electricity prices for agriculture, with tariffs capped at 16c/KWh.

This would provide urgent relief to struggling farmers and bring electricity prices back to sustainable levels.

The organisation is also pushing for reforms to the Community Service Obligation (CSO), a subsidy currently paid to Ergon Energy.

Mr Menkens said the CSO should be directed solely to Ergon Networks, not Ergon Retail, to allow other retailers to compete on price.

This, he says, is the key to fostering genuine competition and driving down power costs.

“Redirecting the CSO to Ergon Networks would level the playing feld and encourage competition,” Mr Menkens said. “This is a far better solution than adding another

National photo comp reopens for AgDay

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has today opened its popular photography competition, ahead of National AgDay next month.

NFF President David Jochinke said the competition attracts hundreds of entries each year.

government-owned retailer.”

CANEGROWERS

is also urging the government to support the development of micro-grids that would enable sugar mills to sell power directly to sugarcane growers.

This innovative approach could help reduce electricity costs and promote renewable energy through biomass co-generation at sugar mills.

Farmers have already shown they are responsive to price signals, with many adjusting usage through Time-of-Use tariffs.

“With support for micro-grids and real competition, we believe regional Queensland could see signifcant energy cost savings and more innovative power solutions,” Mr Menkens said.

“We’re calling on the Queensland Government to rethink its energy policies and focus on delivering real price reductions and competitive energy markets, rather than introducing superfcial fxes that won’t solve the underlying issues.”

“It’s a real highlight of AgDay celebrations to see the amazing snaps of life on the land from every corner of this beautiful country,” Mr Jochinke said.

“I encourage everyone to send in their photos and videos over the next few weeks; there are some great prizes on

offer.”

First place will receive $2000, second place is awarded $1000, and runners up receive $500 each.

“There is no age or skill limit on entries, the judges are just looking for imagery that celebrates Australian agriculture,” Mr Jochinke said.

Images must be uploaded to the AgDay website to be in the running.

Participants are also encouraged to share their photos on social media using the hashtag #AgDayAU.

The theme “Grow you good thing!” is again the

catch cry for this year’s AgDay.

“National AgDay is a fantastic celebration of everything that makes the agricultural industry so special,” Mr Jochinke said.

“You can show your support on the big day by attending or hosting an event, taking part in the photo comp, or by proudly donning some “I love farmers” merchandise.”

National AgDay falls on Friday 15 November 2024.

For more information, visit https://agday.org. au/

NFF welcomes proposal to delay European Union Deforestation Regulation

National Farmers’ Federation (NFF)

President David Jochinke has welcomed a European Union proposal to delay implementation of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) by 12 months for large companies and 18 months for micro and small enterprises.

This proposal is complemented by the publication of additional guidance to provide global stakeholders, Member States, and third countries, with greater clarity to support preparation.

The NFF thanks Government for its support, underpinned by

recent bipartisan action in the Senate, in seeking delayed implementation.

“Off the back of increasing international pressure and concern, including from the United States, it is pleasing to see the EU has listened to governments and made a sensible decision to delay implementation,”

Mr Jochinke said.

“We understand this will be subject to the EU Parliament and we urge that decision to be made swiftly,” Mr Jochinke said.

Although this announcement is a step in the right direction, the EU has shown no inclination to repeal the

EUDR or to redefne the troubling defnitions of what it considers to be a forest.

NFF also understand that a process to establish the next European Commission is currently underway and seeks renewed Government engagement with cabinet leaders once that process is fnalised early next month.

“If this proposal is nothing more than a stay of execution then we should be contemplating other avenues of resolution such as the World Trade Organisation processes, in concert with other jurisdictions,” Mr Jochinke said.

LANCE SKIMMINGS

Beloved husband of Beryl for 73 years. Cherished father of Paul, Corinne, Joanne and Scott (dec). Treasured “Keitho” of Carol, Gerry (dec), Kris, Rebecca, Riley, Andrew, Erin and Millie. Loved by the extended Booker, Hancock and Gerrard families.

NOTICES

FORECAST

Northern Rivers District:

Cloudy. Very high chance of showers. The chance of a storm. Winds southeasterly 20 to 30 km/h. Thursday. Cloudy. Medium chance of showers in the morning and afternoon. Winds south to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h tending northeast to southeasterly during the day then becoming light during the evening.

Northern Tablelands District:

Cloudy. High chance of showers, most likely in the morning and afternoon. The chance of a storm. Winds east to southeasterly 20 to 30 km/h.

Thursday. Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower, most likely in the morning and afternoon. Winds easterly 20 to 30 km/h tending northeast to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the morning then becoming light during the evening.

New South Wales:

Showers across the northern coast and adjacent ranges as well as the northwestern slopes and plains. Storms possible along the far north coast and across the northwest slopes, plains and adjacent ranges mostly during the afternoon and evening. The chance of a shower along central parts of the coast. Dry and mostly sunny elsewhere. Morning frost possible in the far south. Daytime temperatures well below average in the east and near or slightly below average in the west. East to southeasterly winds, fresh along the north coast and tending northeasterly along the southern coast in the afternoon. Thursday. Scattered showers along the north coast and adjacent ranges, easing later in the day. Showers developing across the far southern ranges in the afternoon or evening. Partly cloudy elsewhere in the east and dry and mostly sunny in the west. Morning frost about the southern ranges. Daytime temperatures below average in the northeast and near or slightly above average elsewhere. Northeast to northwesterly

winds, freshening in thesouth ahead of a gusty south to southwesterly change arriving in the afternoon or evening.

Byron Coast: Winds: Southeasterly 15 to 25 knots. Seas: 1 to 2 metres. 1st Swell: Southerly 1 to 2 metres, decreasing to 1.5 metres during the afternoon. 2nd Swell: Northeast to southeasterly around 1 metre. Weather: Cloudy. 80% chance of showers.

Coffs Coast: Winds: Southeasterly 15 to 25 knots. Seas: 1 to 2 metres. 1st Swell: Southerly 1 to 2 metres, decreasing to 1.5 metres during the afternoon. 2nd Swell: Northeast to southeasterly around 1 metre. Weather: Cloudy. 80% chance of showers. Gold Coast Waters: Winds: North to northwesterly 10 to 15 knots shifting south to southeasterly 15 to 20 knots during the morning. Seas: Around 1 metre, increasing to 1 to 1.5 metres inshore during the afternoon or evening. Swell: Southerly around 1 metre, increasing to 1 to 2 metres during the evening. Weather: Partly cloudy. 80% chance of showers. The chance of a storm.

Surfng Australia is thrilled to announce the receipt of a substantial $1 million in federal funding for the “New Wave of Female Boardriders” initiative. This grant, spread over the next three years, aims to make surfng more accessible to women and girls throughout the country.

With this funding, Surfng Australia will establish 50 new women’s boardrider clubs, offer free judging, coaching, and offcial courses for females, and host an annual women’s development camp at the Hyundai Surfng Australia High Performance Centre (HPC). Additionally, it will support various other initiatives to empower women in surfng at all levels.

The announcement was made this morning at the Hyundai HPC by local MP Justine Elliot, joined by prominent women from Australia’s surf community.

“The ‘New Wave of Female Boardriders’ is a self-sustaining program that fosters a culture of respect and gender equality, inclusion in sport and physical activity at local, state,

CASINO RSM WOMENS BOWLS RESULTS

The semi fnal for the Major Singles was played on Wednesday 2/10/24, the result was Julie Creighton def Judy Carthew. Congratulations to Julie who will play Helen Lavelle in a couple of weeks time.

Results from our social games were calculated on the Lowest Aggregate & the winners for the day were:

Denise Grice, Chris Haynes & Mary Mead

and national levels, and a strong sense of community belonging,” Ms Elliot said.

“As your local Labor MP, I’m proud to be delivering $1 million for Surfng Australia to increase female participation in surfng.

“This federal funding is from the Albanese Government’s Play Our Way program, which is designed to remove barriers to women and girls participating in sport and physical activity. Play Our Way is all about creating greater opportunities for women and girls to have an equal chance to get the fun, satisfaction, and health benefts sport offers.”

Surfng Australia

Chief of Sport – Events, Participation & Community, Luke Madden, said: “This investment is a gamechanger for women’s surfng. We’re creating a pathway that will see more women involved in surfng at every level—from beginners in local boardrider clubs to female coaches on the beach. It’s all about opening doors for more women to embrace surfng and stay connected, making the sport more inclusive for everyone.”

The Play Our Way funding will also enable Surfng Australia to appoint a full-time National Women’s Participation

& Club Development Offcer, as well as part-time Women’s Club Development Offcers in each state.

Surfng Queensland, Surfng NSW, Surfng Victoria, Surfng Western Australia, Surfng South Australia, and Surfng Tasmania have all welcomed the funding, embracing the opportunity to enhance women’s involvement in the sport and create pathways for future generations of female surfers.

Performance Coach, Belen Alvarez-Kimble, who founded Australia’s frst all-female surf school Salty Girls Surf School in 2008, said: “This funding will create

more opportunities for women to enter the water in a safe space, learn the rules, and then transition into boardrider clubs. It will open up so many great opportunities for women to progress their surfng to the next level. We’re incredibly fortunate to have this funding to support the next generation of young women in the water and provide them with the safe space they haven’t had before.”

Hannah Jessup, cofounder of the frst allfemale boardriders club on the Gold Coast, Surf Witches Boardriders Club said: “We’ve seen a huge growth in women’s surfng, especially on the Gold Coast. Our

def Jan Dwyer, Maria Hellyar & Ivy Watson. In the other social game: J. Rowland, Jan Cooke & Denise Skinner def Carmel Doyle, Raelene Skirrey & Kaye Jonsson.

CASINO SOCIAL GOLF RESULTS

06-10-2024

The winner of the monthly medal on Sunday was Fred Bruni with a net score of 29 from Dave Roberts with 33. The putting trophy went to G.Randall with 17 putts and J.Rankin

won the players draw.

Nearest to pins: 8th & 15, T.Hook. 9th & 16th, G.Randall. 10th & 14th, G.Skennar 11th, F.Bruni. 13th & 17th, T.Jenkins. 18th, Vinny. Next Sunday’s event sponsored by Newstead Automotive Services Casino will be a single stableford on the bottom 10 holes and visitors are welcome to play with hit off from 6-30am till 7-30am.

CHERRY STREET

CROQUET CLUB

SPORTS RESULTS Association Croquet:

R.Chapman 13 d G.Drew 12

Tournaments:

QLD Association Div 3 Medal : K.H.Reen 1, A.Anderson 2, D.Horsman 3, G.Trivett 4.

Plate Division: S.Langston 1, L.Evans 2, A.Keetman 3, J.Wright 4. QLD Association

Bronze Medal: B.Fleming 1, T.McCullum 2, D.Luxmore 3, G.Bury 4, C.Borlase 5, Y Rowell 6, G.Wyhmark 7, J Lynch 8, K Grant 9,

memberships sell out every year, which refects the demand for more clubs like ours. Women from all over Australia reach out to us, asking how they can start their own clubs, so I think this grant will have an incredible impact on the women’s surf community across the country.”

Jade Wheatley, president of Currumbin Alley Boardriders and surf coach, said: “This funding from Surfng Australia will help more female surfers gain the confdence to join their local boardrider clubs or even pursue careers in the surf industry. As a female surf coach, I’ve had amazing support from male coaches, but now I see little girls who want to follow in my footsteps. This funding is super awesome, and I can’t wait to see how it empowers the next generation of female surfers.”

Phoebe Kane, one of Australia’s top female judges, said: “The funding for judging programs will defnitely encourage more young women to get involved in judging and offciating in surfng. This will make a big difference in boosting female participation in these roles.”

L.David 10.

Northern Rivers Area Association Croquet Tournament 29th October / 3rd November Singles / Doubles / Mums Cup. Entries close 15th October.

BALLINA MAHJONG 4TH OCTOBER 2024

Vanessa Reynolds 1, Wendy Thornton 2, Pauline Kearney 3, Linda Lloyd 4, Lorna Simpson 5, Jeanette Henwood 6, Jan Small 7, Gail McDonagh 8, Susan Scott 9, Coral Lavelle

10, Yvonne Weddup 11, Lynda Lovett 12, Jan Boardman, Susan Allan 13, Barbara Ellan 15, Lisa Wong 16, Jane Fenech, Pauline Bolte, Valda McLerie 17, Lesley Richie, Sally Lowry 20, Shirley Atkinson 22, Cindy Smith 23, Joy Lowien 24, Ronda Taylor 25, Pam Farrell 26, Diana Auret 27, Jan Henley 28.

Friday at 12:30pm at the Ballina Bridge Club North Creek Road. Enquiries for new players phone Shirley on 0423384647.

IAN ROGERS

Justine Elliot MP announces $1M in federal funding to to support the growth of women’s surfng. Credit: Surfng Australia

TIM HOWARD

The sound of leather cracking on willow returns to the Clarence Valley this weekend with a full round of two-day games in the Clarence River Cricket Association mixed frst grade competition.

Premiers Harwood host Coutts Crossing at Harwood Oval on Saturday looking to kick off the season in style.

The perennially strong Harwood outft returned to Clarence cricket last season after competing in the North Coast Premier League and immediately made their presence felt.

Tucabia Copmanhurst and GDSC Easts clash at Ulmarra Showground pits two traditionally strong clubs against each other.

It was only two seasons ago that East swept all before them to snare a premiership and Tucabia have been regular premiers in local cricket for a decade.

At CRCA HQ, Ellem Oval, South Service/ Westlawn will need to pull out all the stops to beat last season’s beaten grand fnalists, Lawrence.

South’s whose merger several season ago with

arch rivals Westlawn is still in place, have had a roller coaster run in recent times, winning a premiership during Covid, losing a grand fnal due to rain and most recently picking up a wooden spoon.

Lower River club Lawrence joined the CRCA frst grade competition last season and like fellow down river side, Harwood, made an immediate impact.

Perhaps it was not surprising as the top order of the club includes several former Harwood players who brought with them competitive instincts that have inspired its success.

The downside of for local cricket is the continued absence of the Brothers Cricket Club, which folded early last season when it could not fnd enough players to fll teams.

At the time CRCA president Anthony Dickson noted that clubs were fnding it diffcult to feld teams across all grades.

The fxture list for the lower grades of the CRCA competition appear to bear this out not with some clubs entering teams only in the second and third grade competitions.

A regional community of around 9000 people has raised over $230,000 for RUN DIPG in the past 18 months, a charity aimed at improving the outcomes of patients and families affected by DIPG Cancer.

An initiative of the small but growing social run club, Lennox Run Club, the region’s now annual running eventThe Ox - was created in 2023 to honour the life and memory of Frankie Fitzgerald, a beloved community member who passed away from DIPG at just 9 years old.

“Lennox Head might be pretty small but we’re big on heart. We wanted to do something that honoured Frankie and something that made an actual difference. We were so incredibly overwhelmed by the support of our friends, fellow runners, local businesses, wider family and community who all wholeheartedly jumped on board last year,” said Josh Ford, The Ox Committee Member.

“The Ox this year has doubled in size, with

220 runners committing to the 24 hour run challenge next weekend. We’re so grateful, that even in these tough times, our community has come together to create something so meaningful.”

A physical and mental challenge, participants will run a 4.2km track every hour on the hour for 24 hours. Individuals will run 100km total, though there is also the option to run in a team of 2 or 4. The event sold out in less than a month attracting a wide range of participants, from former professional triathlete and high performance endurance coach Clayton Fettell, former professional Ironman and coach Tim Reed and former professional triathlete Josh Gillett to frst time runners, social runners, and paraplegic Jay Stevens, who will attempt to walk 50 of the 100kms in honour of his friends Cam and Michelle Turner, who tragically also lost their daughter Flo to this incurable disease.

RUN DIPG as the

chosen charity, was a deliberate choice. In 2019 Dr Phoebe Hindley and her husband Prof Matt Dun lost their daughter Josephine to DIPG. They founded RUN DIPG not long after Josie’s diagnosis in an effort to prolong her life by supporting research into the disease and also to give hope to other families facing the same devastating prognosis.

Ultimately Josie lost her battle at the age of 4. RUN DIPG continues to help other children diagnosed with DIPG/ DMG (diffuse midline glioma) by funding time-critical research.

Events such as The Ox support by generating the much-needed funds and awareness to drive research forward, giving hope to families.

“The Ox charity running event at Lennox Head holds signifcant meaning for RUN DIPG, as it aligns with the charity’s mission to raise awareness and vital funds for DIPG research.

This 24-hour endurance event exemplifes the

strength, perseverance, and community spirit that is crucial in the fght against this devastating disease”, says Jo Bennett, General Manager, RUN DIPG.

“Through participation and support, RUN DIPG can continue funding groundbreaking research and clinical trials, directly contributing to better outcomes for children diagnosed with DIPG.”

Approximately 25 children per year are diagnosed with DIPG cancer with life expectancy after prognosis, on average, 9-11 months.

The sold out event attracted the likes of Pillar Performance, Fractel and Pure Sports as partners this year, as well as additional support from the likes of LSKD and local businesses, McGrath Northern Rivers, Northern Rivers Seafood, CrossFit Ballina and more. The Ox begins at 9am Saturday 12 October with the fnal run being 8am Sunday 13 October.

Coutts Crossing batter Aaron Webb hammers a square cut to the boundary during a game last season against GDSC Easts.

Every year in October, Australia’s bike riding community rallies together for the Great Cycle Challenge which raises money for research into childhood cancer –with the simple aim of saving more lives.

The Great Cycle Challenge is a major fundraiser for the work done at Children’s Medical Research Institute in Westmead. Since 2013, riders have raised more than $40 million to help scientists work on a personalised approach to cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Scientists want to change the lives of kids like Annabelle. The gorgeous three-yearold came home from preschool one day with a lump on her head after a fall. Her parents, Mel and Brendan, weren’t concerned until it developed into a sore, and then suddenly, she came out in bruises all over her legs.

“We had a new puppy,

so we didn’t think too much of it. But when the doctor saw her bruises he said, ‘I’m sorry I hope I’m wrong but that is a telltale sign of leukaemia’.’’

Brendan said they were just shellshocked, and within 24 hours she was having a lumber puncture, spinal tap, and had started chemo.

“Even then, I just kept thinking that someone was going to tell us they got it wrong,’’ he said.

The good news for the family was that they had caught it very early, and since then, Annabelle has been taking oral chemo tablets at home, as well as weekly chemo at hospital, and is starting a new clinical trial shortly, which her family has been told may increase her survival chances by an extra 10%.

Despite the challenges she’s faced, Brendan tells beautiful stories of how easily Annabelle has adapted to her new normal. When the family

recently made the tough decision to shave her head, Annabelle said her “hair had gone on

holiday – to Melbourne’’. She has also nicknamed her nasal tube “spaghetti – like it’s her friend’’.

Brendan’s best friend Tony has been riding in the Great Cycle Challenge for many years, choosing to ride over 24 hours as his own personal goal. This year, the two friends will ride and fundraise together.

Phillip Island is set to host the third stop of the Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle (ABB) this Sunday as the competition for the top boardriders club continues in Victoria.

Local rivalries will be on show, with the powerhouse clubs of Torquay, Peninsula, 13thBeach, and Phillip Island going up against relative newcomers Jan Juc, Otway, SouthCoast and Bass Coast Boardriders.

Defending champions, Torquay Boardriders Club, are coming off a strong win at the Victorian Team Titles in September and are eager to make it back-to-back wins at the Hyundai ABB.

Club President and Challenger Series surfer, Tully Wylie, said:

“Coming off our best performance ever at the 2024 Hyundai ABB, we are more fred up than ever.

“We’ve got such a strong team so we are

looking forward to getting back together and to put in a strong performance at the qualifer and come in hot to Burleigh next year.”

Each club will feld a team of fve surfers: two open men, one open female, one over-35 master (male or female), and one under-18 junior (male or female), who will compete in the thrilling ‘tag team’ format, known for its fast-paced and dynamic action.

The Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle will kick off at approximately 9am on Sunday, following an 8:30am team managers meeting, with fnals wrapping up by early afternoon. Live scores and schedules can be found at www. surfngvic.com/live.

2024/25 Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle Series 12:

Event 1 - ABB WA14th Sept - Trigg Beach, WA

Event 2 - ABB NSW North - 28th Sept - Coffs

Harbour, NSW

Event 3 - ABB VIC6th Oct - Phillip Island, VIC

Event 4 - ABB QLD -12th Oct - Sunshine Coast, QLD

Event 5 - ABB South Aus - 19th Oct - Fleurieu Peninsula, SA

Event 6 - ABB Tas26th Oct - Clifton Beach, TAS

Event 7 - ABB NSW South - 2nd Nov -

Wollongong, NSW

Event 8 - ABB NSW Central - 9th Nov - North Narrabeen, NSW Grand Final - 8th - 9th Mar - Burleigh Heads, QLD (entry by qualifcation)

About Australian Boardrider Clubs:

There are more than 230 boardrider clubs across the country, where members gather regularly, often

monthly, to organise grassroots competitions at world-class waves such as Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast.

The boardrider club phenomenon in Australia has made a signifcant contribution to the nation’s competitive success on the global stage, fostering closeknit communities that support young surfers on their journeys to

“I look at the timeline of how fast Annabelle was diagnosed and treated and it’s amazing,’’ Brendan said. “We still have a long road ahead of us, but it’s exciting that she’s been offered this new treatment that improves her chances - and that’s because of research.

“We can always do more to help these kids, and the only way we will do that is through research and development.’’

We are calling on all Australians to sign up, choose how many kilometres you’d like to ride throughout the month of October, and raise funds to help kids like Annabella. Find out more here: greatcyclechallenge. com.au

becoming the next World Champions.

Surfng Australia last year expanded the Grand Final format to include 42 boardrider clubs (previously 24) from across Australia, with more than $115, 000 in total prize money up for grabs throughout the series.

The Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle Series is proudly supported by naming partner Hyundai and support partners Jim Beam, ACCIONA, Ruffe Rustic Foods, BC™ Protein Snacks, Kennards Hire, Oakley, Dometic, Boost Mobile, Blackroll and Surfers for Climate.

The Hyundai ABB Gold Coast Grand Final is supported by Experience Gold Coast and the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.

For more information, please visit australianboard ridersbattle.com.

$1MILLION BOOST FOR WOMEN’S SURFING

NEWCOLOUR

NEWCOLOUR