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WEATHER

WEATHER

There’s a combustible Sun/Mars connection on Monday, so resist the urge for hot-headed arguing and feisty foot stamping. It’s a terrific time to travel, teach, publish, study, nurture a close relationship, learn something new or share an adventure with someone special. Then there’s a fiery Full Moon in Aries on Thursday, so do your best to get the ratio right between personal needs and relationship responsibilities. The buzz word for the week is Balance.

TAURUS (Apr 20 - May 20)

Expect a topsy-turvy start to the week as Uranus opposes Venus (your power planet). Strive to manage disruptions, handle surprises and patch up problems in a patient and cooperative fashion. You’re very focused on work projects but don’t put all your eggs in the one basket. Make sure you diversify your interests, experiment with creative ideas and keep your options open. Thursday’s fiery Full Moon stirs dreams, inner compulsions and submerged secrets.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 20)

This week the Full Moon focus is on friendships. How to nurture them, keep them … and let them go if you have outgrown each other. You’ll find mutual interests are essential to long-term platonic relationships. With Jupiter jumping through your sign (which only happens every 12 years) it’s time to boldly, confidently, unashamedly be the glorious Gemini you were born to be. As birthday great Oscar Wilde reminds us: “Be yourself; everyone else is taken.”

CANCER (June 21 - July 22)

On Monday a domestic matter gets a welcome boost from the Sun/Jupiter trine. But your personal preferences could clash with a family member who wants to take a different approach. Courtesy of the Full Moon, it’s a good week to increase your public profile, complete a professional project, give a speech, launch a website or start a social media campaign. But don’t underestimate the hard work and patience it will take to keep the wheels of progress turning.

LEO (July 23 - Aug 22) The sparks are set to fly as the Sun/Mars square and the fiery Full Moon amp up your feisty, temperamental side. Expect some annoying frustrations and unexpected disruptions, especially involving a family matter or a work project. You’ll have to dig deep to find a quality that you usually have in short supply … patience. Monday and Thursday are the best days to push an ambitious project ahead with renewed enthusiasm and plenty of Leo passion.

VIRGO (Aug 23 - Sep 22)

You’ll feel more confident this week as the Sun/ Jupiter trine boosts a sense of wellbeing and security, especially at work. But resist the urge to judge or criticise others. Remember – you don’t have all the facts at hand, and appearances can be deceptive. As birthday great Oscar Wilde reminds us: “Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future.” Thursday’s fiery Full Moon shines a bright spotlight on trust issues and long-forgotten secrets.

LIBRA (Sep 23 - Oct 22)

Unpredictable Uranus is disrupting relationships and/or finances. So tread gingerly with a sulky partner, an unreliable lover, a grumpy housemate, a frustrated family member or a cranky client. You’ll find the more diplomatic you are, the less stressful the week will be. Don’t let other people deter your ambitions or derail your dreams! Be inspired by Libran actor and disability rights activist Christopher Reeve: “Don’t give up. Don’t lose hope. Don’t sell out.”

SCORPIO (Oct 23 - Nov 21)

You’re keen to power ahead with a romantic relationship, a business partnership or a joint venture. But expect some disruptions as unpredictable Uranus upsets the applecart. Don’t stress, Scorpio! Review your approach and reassess your plans. Thursday’s Full Moon fires up your wellbeing zone, so it’s a good week to exercise, hit the gym, play sport, participate in a Fun Run or enjoy bushwalking. Thursday also favours communication and education.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 - Dec 21)

Jupiter (your power planet) trines the Sun on Monday, which is particularly good for romance, friendships, joint ventures, writing, teaching, travel, publishing and public relations. Throw in a fiery Full Moon on Thursday and you’re set for a stimulating, action-packed week! If you want to last the distance, pace yourself. And with Venus sliding into your sign on Friday, you’re set for a social weekend where you charm the cynics and dazzle the doubters.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 - Jan 19)

The Sun and Jupiter activate your career zone which boosts ambition, confidence, good luck and your ability to lead others. But don’t focus on work at the expense of your home and family life. The Full Moon highlights the importance of getting the balance right between professional success and domestic harmony. On the weekend, Venus encourages you to slow down as you indulge in some relaxing yoga, calming meditation or quiet contemplation.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 - Feb 18) The fiery Full Moon ignites your spontaneous and adventurous Aquarius daredevil side. But slow down (and calm down) otherwise you’ll put your foot in your mouth and come a cropper! With the Sun shining in Libra, try to find more balance in your relationships and more equilibrium within yourself. So your mantra for the week is from Libran actress Naomi Watts: “You have to make peace with yourself. The key is to find the harmony in what you have.”

PISCES (Feb 19 - Mar 20)

The Venus/Neptune trine on Tuesday and Wednesday boosts compassion, sensitivity, creativity and spirituality. Then Thursday’s fiery Full Moon activates your money zones, as you start to see your current financial situation in a revealing new light. Your motto for the moment comes from playwright (and birthday great) Arthur Miller, who was born on October 17, 1915: “Don’t be seduced into thinking that that which does not make a profit is without value.”

Join us for an enchanting evening as Uki Moon Theatre, in collaboration with Come You Spirits, a professional Shakespearean touring troupe, transforms the charming town of Uki into UkiUpon-Avon for a mini-Shakespearean festival! Dive into the magical realm of William Shakespeare’s A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM in this special onenight FREE event that promises to be a delightful adventure for the whole family. Set on the grounds of Uki Public School, bring a picnic and dress up in Medieval/ Shakespearean get up and make the most of it!

Gates open at 4pm, performance begins at 5pm.

Food & drink: Chai tea, tea, coffee, snacks & cakes will be available. BYO Picnic & rug/chairs. Fundraiser event: Although it’s free, this event is part of our annual fundraiser. Donations are welcome.

Special Note: Alcohol is strictly prohibited. Security cameras are also a positioned around the school grounds.

EVENT DETAILS:

• When: Saturday 19th Oct @ 4pm

• Where: Uki Public School

• Price: Free

• Tickets: Via the QR code

Celebrated as one of the major discoveries of the Cannes Film Festival, writer/director Marie Amachoukeli’s remarkable ÀMA GLORIA is a vibrant drama that explores the precious bond between a six-year-old French girl and her nanny, and what happens when it is unexpectedly placed in jeopardy.

Paris, present day. Vivacious, personable young Cléo (extraordinary newcomer Louise Mauroy-Panzani) lives with her widowed father (Arnaud Rebotini), but has mostly been raised by her beloved Cape Verdean carer, Gloria (Ilça Moreno Zego), in whose comforting arms she fnds refuge and emotional stability. So when Gloria’s mother passes away – a lifechanging blow for both of them – Gloria must return to her homeland to care for her own children. To ease the anguish of the impending separation, Gloria invites Cléo to her island community to spend one

Contrary. Passionate. Outspoken. Over 45 years Midnight Oil helped shape modern Australia. This is their trailblazing story for the frst time on flm. Featuring unseen footage and interviews with every band member, alongside signature moments including the outback tour with the Warumpi Band, the Exxon protest gig in New York and those famous ‘Sorry’ suites at the Sydney Olympics, Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line traces the journey of Australia’s quintessential rock band.

A Blink TV and Beyond Entertainment production, the flm is written and directed by Paul Clarke, produced by Caroline Sorensen, and executive produced by Mikael Borglund, Paul Clarke and Martin Fabinyi.

Singer / Songwriter/ Guitarist Playing professionally in S E Qld and Northern NSW for over 25 years, Martin has built up a wide following who are never surprised to hear ‘the unexpected’. His ever-increasing variety of material, enables him to take you on a special journey and his passion for giving the audience his best, is embellished with his own personal take on all the classics we know and love. Previously from Sydney, the soloist has toured nationally and overseas.

He has supported such icons as James Morrison; Gang Gajang and Jimmy little (to name a few). In his early years he concentrated mainly on original material, he released 5 studio albums and played with some of Australia’s fnest musicians, such as Mark Kennedy (Jimmy Barnes, Renee Gayer); Tim Reeves (Mungo Jerry); Jeremy Stone (David Bowie); Pixie Paul Jenkins (John Williamson) etc. Today, he can expertly last summer together… There, the young girl will discover an entirely different culture and a new family, and must learn to understand that the world does not revolve around her.

EVENT DETAILS:

• When: Sunday 20th Oct @3:30pm and 6:30pm

• Where: Star Court theatre, Lismore

• Price: From $15

• Tickets: Via the QR code

Join us at the beautiful Citadel in Murwillumbah for an intimate screening. Full bar and kitchen available. Doors open at 6pm, flm begins at 7pm.

EVENT DETAILS:

• When: Friday 18th Oct @7pm

• Where: The Citadel, Murwillumbah

• Price: From $20

• Tickets: Via the QR code manoeuvre through most eras of music and it is easy to feel the passion and share the enjoyment of this acoustic guitarist. His ability to please and create a great atmosphere will certainly entertain and leave everyone with lasting memories of a night well spent.

EVENT DETAILS:

• When: Thursday 17th Oct @5pm

• Where: Twin Towns, Tweed Heads

• Price: Free

Nestled in the heart of Indonesia’s West Papua province, Raja Ampat is a hidden treasure that is quickly gaining attention from adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts worldwide. Known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and untouched natural beauty, Raja Ampat is a dream come true for anyone with a passion for the outdoors. From incredible underwater experiences to the rich culture of its local people, the region is bursting with reasons to add it to your travel bucket list.

A Diver’s Paradise Raja Ampat is often referred to as the crown jewel of the Coral Triangle, and for a good reason. The archipelago consists of over 1,500 islands, cays, and shoals, with four major islands—Misool, Salawati, Batanta, and

Waigeo—at its core. It’s here where you’ll fnd some of the world’s most diverse marine life. For divers, Raja Ampat is heaven beneath the waves. Its waters are teeming with marine biodiversity, offering the chance to swim among manta rays, sharks, sea turtles, and over 1,300 species of fsh. Its coral reefs are some of the most pristine on the planet, with over 500 species of coral documented in the area.

Whether you’re an experienced diver or a frst-time snorkeler, the underwater world of Raja Ampat promises an unforgettable experience.

Some of the top dive spots include the Cape Kri, where divers often encounter enormous schools of fsh, and Manta Sandy, a cleaning station where majestic manta rays gather. Misool Island is another must-visit for divers, renowned for its underwater caves and rare marine life sightings.

Above Water Wonders

While Raja Ampat is famous for its underwater adventures, the beauty above the water is just as impressive. The archipelago’s rugged limestone cliffs rise dramatically from turquoise lagoons, offering breathtaking views and incredible opportunities for exploration. The iconic Wayag Islands, with their emerald peaks and hidden coves, are one of the most photographed locations in Indonesia and for good reason. A hike up one of the peaks rewards travellers with panoramic views of the archipelago, a scene straight out of a postcard.

For those looking to explore on the water, island hopping is a must.

A boat trip around Raja Ampat allows travellers to visit some of the lesser-known islands, each offering its unique beauty and tranquillity. The islands are dotted with pristine white-sand beaches, secluded bays, and dense jungles, perfect for nature lovers who want to immerse themselves in the wilderness.

Cultural Connections

Raja Ampat isn’t just about natural beauty; it’s also rich in culture. The islands are home to indigenous communities who have lived in harmony with nature for centuries. Visitors have the chance to experience local traditions, from unique dance performances to traditional fshing methods passed down through generations. The villages of Arborek and Sauwandarek are popular stops, where travellers can interact with the friendly locals and purchase handmade crafts.

Sustainable Tourism and Conservation

Despite its growing popularity, Raja Ampat remains one of the least developed tourist destinations in Indonesia. Much of the archipelago is protected by marine conservation zones, which help preserve its delicate ecosystems. In recent years, local and international conservation efforts have played a vital role in keeping Raja Ampat’s natural beauty intact. Many of the resorts and eco-lodges in the area are built with sustainability in mind. These accommodations are often operated in partnership with local communities, providing an authentic and ecoconscious experience for travellers. Staying at one of these eco-resorts not only supports the local economy but also helps fund important conservation projects.

Getting There

Raja Ampat’s remoteness is both part of its charm and its challenge. The journey to the islands involves fying to Sorong, the gateway city in West Papua. From there, travellers take a ferry or private boat to reach the archipelago. While it requires some effort, the rewards of untouched beauty and unforgettable experiences make it worth every minute of the journey.

A Lasting Impression In a world where many travel destinations are becoming overcrowded and overdeveloped, Raja Ampat stands as a reminder of the beauty of untouched nature. With its underwater wonders, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural experiences, it’s no surprise that this hidden gem is quickly rising to the top of many travellers’ lists. Whether you’re a diver, a nature lover, or simply seeking a remote paradise, Raja Ampat offers an adventure unlike any other.

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