The Northern Rivers Times Newspaper Edition 226

CAUTION URGED AS DEAD BIRDS WASH UP ON BEACHES

the thousands of dead birds washing up on beaches in recent days.

Authorities are urging caution for people attempting to help sick mutton birds that they may fnd on beaches because of the risk of avian fu.

Thousands of dead and dying birds have been discovered along Australia’s East Coast from South East Queensland down to Tasmania.

Mutton birds, or shorttailed shearwaters, are the most common of the shearwater genus and have begun returning to their nesting sites after their annual migration to the Northern Hemisphere.

They migrate annually, at the end of the breeding season, fying north along the western Pacifc Ocean to the Arctic.

They return southwards in the Australian spring through the centre of the ocean or west coast USA, a distance of approximately 15,000km one way.

Wildlife Health Australia says mass bird deaths, or “wrecks” of the migrating birds are not uncommon and suspect this is behind

But this year, with the threat of avian fu more prominent, authorities are urging caution.

The Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation last week warned people who found sick and dead birds on beaches to use caution and elevated hygiene procedures if handling them.

They acknowledged the deaths of birds at the end of their migration was common, but scientists had yet to run tests on the carcasses of the birds to determine the cause of death.

They said if people come into contact with birds exhibiting fu-like symptoms to seek urgent medical advice.

But Wildlife Health Australia said these mass mortalities were considered natural events, the by-product of a long migration, starvation and exhaustion, exacerbated by severe weather conditions.

But researchers were

TIM HOWARD

Caution urged as dead birds wash up on beaches

Front page story

TIM HOWARD

Authorities are urging caution for people attempting to help sick mutton birds that they may fnd on beaches because of the risk of avian fu.

Thousands of dead and dying birds have been discovered along Australia’s East Coast from South East Queensland down to Tasmania.

Mutton birds, or short-tailed shearwaters, are the most common of the shearwater genus and have begun returning to their nesting sites after their annual migration to the Northern Hemisphere.

They migrate annually, at the end of the breeding season, fying north along the western Pacifc Ocean to the Arctic.

They return southwards in the Australian spring through the centre of the ocean or west coast USA, a distance of approximately 15,000km one way.

Wildlife Health Australia says mass

bird deaths, or “wrecks” of the migrating birds are not uncommon and suspect this is behind the thousands of dead birds washing up on beaches in recent days.

But this year, with the threat of avian fu more prominent, authorities are urging caution.

The Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation last week warned people who found sick and dead birds on beaches to use caution and elevated hygiene procedures if handling them.

They acknowledged the deaths of birds at the end of their migration was common, but scientists had yet to run tests on the carcasses of the birds to determine the cause of death.

They said if people come into contact with birds exhibiting fu-like symptoms to seek urgent medical advice.

But Wildlife Health Australia said these mass mortalities were considered natural events, the by-product of a long migration, starvation and exhaustion, exacerbated

Burial of

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has announced the burial of a 10-metre juvenile humpback whale carcass that washed ashore on Mooball Beach near Pottsville last Friday. Weighing approximately 15 tonnes, the whale was in an advanced state of decomposition. Following an assessment, the NPWS, in consultation with Tweed Shire Council, the NSW Environment Protection Agency (EPA), and Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal

by severe weather conditions.

But researchers were interested in fnding if climate change and ingestion of marine debris may play a role in some events.

They noted the numbers of carcasses visible may vary from small numbers to hundreds or even thousands of birds, and may be infuenced by prevailing sea and weather conditions.

Mutton birds were most commonly affected, but other species of shearwater could also be involved.

They said exclusion of other causes of death, including viral infections, is warranted, especially when concern around circulating infectious diseases is heightened.

Dead bird normally begin washing up on beaches from the end of September into November.

People should keep pets away from the rotting carcasses because of the risks of ingesting rotten fesh or contracting infectious diseases.

Wildlife Health Australia administers

Thousands of dead or sick short-tailed shearwaters (mutton birds) are washing up on beaches along Australia’s east coast as they return from their annual migration to the Northern Hemisphere. Authorities urge caution handling sick or dead birds. Tests for bird fu have been ordered, but results have not been posted.

Australia’s general wildlife health surveillance system, in partnership with government and nongovernment agencies.

Wildlife health data is collected into a national database, the electronic Wildlife Health Information System (eWHIS).

Information is reported

by a variety of sources including government agencies, zoo based wildlife hospitals, sentinel veterinary clinics, universities, wildlife rehabilitators, and a range of other organisations and individuals. It also collects targeted surveillance data.

deceased whale at Mooball Beach

Land Council Rangers, determined that burial was the safest and most environmentally sound disposal method.

The carcass was buried above the high tide line and water table to avoid any negative impact on the surrounding environment, in line with recent research indicating minimal environmental impact for such burials. The selected site, located behind the foredune, ensures the burial will not alter existing shark behaviour’s.

Statement from Tweed Shire Council’s Manager of Sustainability and Environment, Jane

Lofthouse Council’s Manager of Sustainability and Environment, Jane Lofthouse, addressed community concerns over the burial, stating that the decision was made following

careful consideration of various factors, including the size and condition of the whale, health risks, visitation levels, and cultural and environmental impacts.

“The burial site was chosen to minimize

its impact on mature vegetation, keep it above the high tide line, reduce erosion risks, and ensure a suffcient burial depth,” Ms. Lofthouse noted.

NPWS will continue monitoring the site.

Beachgoers may notice a lingering odour, and they are encouraged to explore other beaches along Tweed’s 37 km coastline in the interim.

Dog owners are advised to keep dogs on leads near the burial area.

For further information, NPWS can be contacted through their website at nationalparks.nsw.gov. au/about-npws/contactus.

A Council Ranger on site the morning after a deceased whale washed up on Mooball Beach in front of Wooyung Nature Reserve south of Pottsville.

JEFF GIBBS

GG Sam hangs out with some lively jarjums

It seems to be the season for offcial visits to the Northern Rivers with Her Excellency, the Honourable Governor General, Sam Mostyn AC making an appearance last week, following only two weeks after the Governor of NSW, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC.

Her Excellency dropped in to the Jarjum Centre, a preschool at Goonellabah, to hear about the great work being done in early intervention and to meet some of the children for story time.

“You can call me GG Sam,” she said to the small class of 4-5 year olds.

“Or if it’s easier, just Sam.”

The governor-general was met with some very enthusiastic readers, as she started to read from Joy Murphy’s ‘Welcome to Country’.

Little Liliana, or Lala as she told the governorgeneral to call her, wanted to point out the pictures and show how well she could count.

Her enthusiasm was greeted with laughter from the surrounding adults, as well as the governor-general herself.

The governor-general was taken on a tour of

the Jarjum Centre, which has been running since the early 1980s.

occupational therapy and hearing so the children are all on the same level

It provides programs for preschool children in speech therapy,

by the time they reach primary school.

The centre also

provides playgroups and cultural learning through language, stories and visits by elders.

Co-founder, Aunty Sandra Bolt said the school started when she was working for YACS (Youth and Community Services) which today is known as DOCS, and they did a survey to fnd out how many Aboriginal children were enrolled in preschool across the Northern Rivers.

“We found out there were only three and two

of those children were mine,” she said.

So, with co-founder Aunty Faye Smith, they established the Jarjum Centre, which now has an enrolment of around 74 children.

The governor-general then headed to Southern Cross University to see the work it provided during the 2022 foods.

This was followed by a visit to CONVERGE, a disaster recovery initiative to bring new life and energy to Lismore’s CBD through the creative industry and an inspection of the old municipal building, the Lismore library and the waste facility and water treatment plant.

The visit was rounded off with a civic reception at Invercauld House in Goonellabah.

SAMANTHA ELLEY

Councillors double down on pool naming

TIM HOWARD

Clarence Valley councillors have ignored community consultation to arrive at the name for the swimming pool complex due to open in Grafton next month –twice.

The newly elected council doubled down on calling the centre the Clarence Regional Aquatic Centre at its frst ordinary meeting on October 22 and then at an extraordinary meeting to revisit the decision a week later.

The council consulted the public about a name for the complex and the majority of responses favoured including the word “memorial” in the name.

The word would have been an acknowledgement of the history of the Grafton Olympic Pool, which occupied the site from 1956 to 2022 and which was built in response to the tragic drowning of 13 Cub Scouts in the Clarence River at Grafton in 1943.

Deputy mayor Greg Clancy was disappointed with the frst decision of the council to name the pool complex without the including some reference to the tragedy and called the meeting, hoping for a change of mind from enough councillors to overturn it.

The original decision to name the centre did

reference the drowning tragedy, with the indoor pool facility to be name the Grafton Cub Scout Memorial Indoor Pool.

Council met at 8.30am on October 25 to decide on an amendment to resolution passed at the council meeting three days earlier to bump out the name of the complex to the Clarence Region Memorial Aquatic Centre.

Cr Clancy had a seconder in Cr Lynne Cairns.

He said the decision to only name part of the facility in recognition of the scouts was not enough.

“The fact that one of the pools will recognise that doesn’t really address the concerns of the family and of the historical society,” Cr

Clancy said.

“There was a lot of support for the name Grafton Memorial Pool,

and I think because of the concerns of the staff in terms of having the name Clarence regional, I think we’ve gone with that, and I think that’s a reasonable compromise, rather than Grafton.

“And I just think we need to listen to the community.”

He said the president of the Clarence River Historical Society, Steve Tranter, had contacted him and provided information about the opening of he original pool in 1956 when 3000 people attended the ceremony.

He said the speeches that day made if clear the pool was a memorial to those boys who drowned and that idea had become etched into Grafton’s history, even though the original pool did not contain the word memorial.

Cr Clancy said that was born out in the fgures

the council gathered from its community consultation.

He said of the 106 suggestions for the pool naming there were Grafton Memorial Pool 19. Grafton Memorial Aquatic Centre, 14, Grafton Olympic pool six, Clarence Regional Aquatic Centre one. Others 66.

Cr Clancy was also concerned people, like a cousin of one of the boys who drowned, Barbara Wilkes, were not considered.

“She didn’t have the means to participate in the survey. She did ring council,” he said.

“She said, Is there anything more that can be done to have the word memorial in the main title?”

Cr Cristie Yager supported Cr Clancy’s address, even though Clarence Regional Memorial Aquatic Centre

would be a “mouthful”.

Her view was the pool naming would be purely for ceremony and people would likely come up with their own names for the place once it was operational.

“I am going to be in full support of adding the word memorial to Clarence Regional Aquatic Centre, and I think that that addresses that key word that everyone in the community wanted,” Cr Yager said.

But six councillors thought differently. None spoke against Cr Clancy’s motion, but they voted the motion down without further debate.

After the meeting Cr Clancy said he was disappointed he couldn’t get some councillors to change their minds.

“The issue for me is we’ve ignored the wishes of the community, that’s

the big thing,” Cr Clancy said.

Mr Tranter said the historical society would have preferred for the word “memorial” to be in the centre’s name.

“For the sake of eight letters, they could have recognised the boys who drowned, the boys who survived, their families, the rescuers, the volunteers who were there,” he said.

He said the society had access to information not in the public domain and made this available to the council, but it was not in the report presented to councillors.”

In the Council Corner segment on Loving Life FM last Friday Cr Alison Whaites, the mover of the motion Cr Clancy sought to amend, defended the vote.

She said the word “memorial” had never been used in the pool name to and have it included in the name of the indoor pool part of the complex, where learn to swim would be conducted, was a “huge step forward.”

She said it would be confusing for the public if the word was used in the name for the centre as well as the indoor pool.

She said the historical society had an opportunity to inform the council of it concerns but to her knowledge that had not happened.

Deputy mayor Greg Clancy

Cr Alison Whaites

CASPA’s Christmas Carnival to sprinkle festive cheer over Lismore

course, slide and jumping castle, and face painting

• Food trucks and yummy treats

ever Christmas Carnival extravaganza.

Hundreds of people are expected to attend the special family event, which aims to bring the community together to embrace the magic of the season and spread hope during the current cost-of-living crisis.

Sponsored by the Commonwealth Bank, with additional sponsorship welcome, the carnival will be held on November 30, 12pm to 7pm, at Lismore Turf Club, and will feature:

• Festive market stalls from local businesses selling unique and affordable Christmas gifts

• Live performances from local schools and musicians

• Rides and activities for children, including an infatable obstacle

• Carnival games Santa is also expected to put in a special appearance, riding high on the Lismore Rural Fire Service truck.

CASPA CEO Naarah Rodwell said the carnival promised to create lasting memories for families in Lismore.

“When CASPA talks about Christmas, we use it as an allencompassing term that captures the many ways our community comes together over the summer months,” she said.

“With our inaugural Christmas Carnival, we want to provide our community with an event that centralises joy and optimism as a source of resilience and connection. We want to bring our whole community together,

regardless of background or culture, and provide hope at a time of year that can sometimes be challenging.

“In addition to community celebration and connection, this carnival provides a wonderful platform for local businesses to increase their visibility and maximise their sales in the lead up to the giving season.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Commonwealth Bank for their generous support and look forward to bringing this magical event to life.”

CASPA is keen to attract additional sponsorship for the Christmas Carnival. Any businesses interested in showing support should contact: jessica.fraser@ caspa.org.au

To buy a carnival ride pass or register a stall, please visit Lismore Christmas Carnival (caspa.org.au)

Recognised for six decades in the fshing industry

For the past 57 years

Geoff O’Rourke has been part of the team at the Evans Head Fishing Co-operative and has been described as its backbone.

was also attended by the Richmond Valley Mayor, Robert Mustow and Member for Clarence, Richie Williamson.

In presenting the Certifcate of Achievement, Cr Mustow gave a few words.

Evans Head Living Museum’s Lil Colless added her congratulations stating that Geoff’s name is one among the hundreds of contributors to the successful fshing industry.

In recognition of his longevity and hard work, the Evans Head fshing community gathered to give Geoff O’Rourke a surprise morning tea which

“I’ve heard of 49 and 50 years of service but Geoff’s 57 years is up there with the best,” he said.

There was plenty of reminiscing with the local families over a cup of tea.

Geoff has now started his well-earned retirement.

Rare Australian

Diamonds Rare Australian Pink Diamonds

SAMANTHA ELLEY

57 years in the fshing industry Photo Contributed

Ho! Ho! Ho! Leading child welfare and care services provider CASPA is set to sprinkle festive cheer over Lismore with its frst

Community input needed on future use of food village land

Tweed Shire Council Seeks Community Feedback on Future of Kingscliff Land for Housing and Community Use

Tweed Shire Council is inviting residents to share their input on potential future uses for the Council-owned site at 99 Elrond Drive, Kingscliff. Currently leased to the NSW Reconstruction Authority (NSW RA) until December 2025, the site has served as temporary housing for around 55 residents displaced by the 2022 foods. The property, zoned for community use, was initially provided to NSW RA under emergency orders, and temporary housing infrastructure was established to support affected residents.

Now, as the lease extension approaches its December 2025 expiration, Council is consulting with the community to explore options for the site’s future. Tweed Shire

Mayor Chris Cherry sees the land’s return as an

and other

opportunity to address the Tweed’s urgent housing needs.

“We’ve heard from our community about the growing housing crisis, with local businesses, including the new Tweed Valley Hospital, reporting challenges in attracting essential workers due to high housing costs,” Cr Cherry said. “Property prices in Tweed have been rising at four times the rate of income over the past decade, with the Shire having the

third-highest homeless population in NSW. Addressing this housing shortage is more critical than ever.”

The existing infrastructure, including roads, utilities, and communal areas, makes the site a viable option for several communityoriented purposes.

Council has proposed the following options for consideration:

1. Return the site to parkland for recreational community use.

2. Develop affordable

NSW Health Issues Warning on High-Dose MDMA Tablets Circulating in NSW

NSW Health has issued a public alert regarding high-dose MDMA (ecstasy) tablets circulating in New South Wales, which have been found to contain unexpectedly high doses of MDMA. These skull-shaped tablets are labelled with the ‘MYBRAND’ imprint and have been seen in blue, yellow, and pink-orange colours.

Some tablets also contain dipentyl one, a synthetic cathinone with stimulant effects, about which limited information is available regarding its effects on people.

The presence of highdose MDMA combined with other stimulants, such as dipentyl one, amphetamines, or cocaine, increases the risk of serious health effects. Dr. Darren Roberts, Medical Director of the NSW Poisons Information Centre, highlighted

that high doses of MDMA have been linked to severe illness and fatalities in NSW.

“MDMA can cause extreme agitation, high body temperature, seizures, irregular heart rhythms, and even death,” Dr. Roberts cautioned.

NSW Health advises that MDMA-related risks escalate in hot environments, particularly at music festivals. To reduce the risk of overheating, festival-goers should take breaks from dancing, seek shade, and stay hydrated. Dr. Roberts emphasized the importance of seeking help promptly if someone feels unwell after drug use. “You won’t get into trouble for seeking medical help,” he reassured.

NSW Health reminds festival attendees of available resources, such as onsite medical teams

and peer volunteers from DanceWize NSW, trained to provide support at major events. Further information on staying safe is available at Stay OK at Music Festivals.

Key Contacts:

• Emergency Help: Call Triple Zero (000) if urgent medical assistance is required.

• NSW Poisons Information Centre: 13 11 26 for advice on MDMA effects.

• Alcohol and Drug Information Service: 1800 250 015 for 24/7 confdential counselling and information.

• NSW Users and AIDS Association (NUAA): 1800 644 413 for harm minimization resources and support. For images of the tablets and more detailed information, visit the NSW Health Public Drug Warnings page.

housing to support essential workers in the region.

3. Establish social or temporary housing to assist vulnerable community members.

“This consultation provides residents across the Tweed Shire a chance to shape a decision that will have wide-reaching impacts,” Cr Cherry added. “Whether for affordable housing or open community space, your input is crucial in guiding the future of this land.”

How to Participate:

The community consultation period runs from Monday, 4 November to 4 pm on Monday, 2 December. Residents can participate in several ways:

• Online: Complete a feedback form on Your Say Tweed.

• Email: Send a written submission to tsc@tweed.nsw.gov. au (Subject: Kingscliff Temporary Housing Village).

• Mail: Address submissions to The

General Manager, Tweed Shire Council, PO Box 816, Murwillumbah NSW 2484.

• In-person: Attend pop-up consultation events in Murwillumbah, Tweed Heads, or Kingscliff in November. All feedback will be compiled into a report to guide Council’s decision on the site’s future use. For more details and to access the feedback form, visit yoursaytweed. com.au/future-use-ofland.

Tenterfeld’s Community Spirit Shines with $150,000 Donation to Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service

The Tenterfeld Volunteer Support Group has once again demonstrated exceptional community spirit and generosity, presenting the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service with a remarkable $150,000 donation. This latest contribution brings the group’s total fundraising efforts since 2015 to nearly $700,000, a signifcant achievement for a town of just over 6,500 residents.

The funds, raised through an annual gala dinner, a golf day, and various other events and raffes throughout 2024, will directly support the Service’s operations at its Lismore base,

aiding critical response efforts in the New England region.

Outgoing Support Group President John Landers extended heartfelt thanks to the community for its unwavering support, acknowledging individuals and local organizations like Michael Townes, the Tenterfeld Golf Club, and the Tenterfeld Bowling Club for their year-round assistance, particularly with the gala dinner and golf day.

Though Mr. Landers has stepped down as President following the recent Annual General Meeting, he remains committed to the Service as

an active volunteer with the group. The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, in partnership with NSW Ambulance and NSW Health, provides vital aeromedical and rescue services across New South Wales. Each AW139 helicopter is equipped with a NSW Ambulance critical care paramedic and a NSW Health doctor, ensuring that the highest standard of critical care reaches those who need it most. This outstanding support from the Tenterfeld community underscores their dedication to a service that continually plays a life-saving role in the region.

Children’s playgrounds

infrastructure have been put in place by the NSW Reconstruction Authority to support residents living at the Kingscliff food village. Council is seeking feedback on potential options for the future use of the site.

A map of the Kingscliff food village on Elrond Street, Kingscliff. Constructed and operated by the NSW Reconstruction Authority, the village includes around 30 dwellings, housing around 55 residents.

Serving up the best of the Tweed’s culinary delights

Event Fund Incubator Event Stream, “Savour

Savour The Tweed Launches as Australia’s Newest Culinary Destination Event

The highly anticipated “Savour The Tweed” festival has offcially kicked off in Murwillumbah, drawing food and drink enthusiasts from across New South Wales and beyond to experience The Tweed’s exceptional culinary scene. Launch festivities began at the Murwillumbah Farmers Market, introducing attendees to the frst of over 20 unique, ticketed experiences scheduled over fve days, from Wednesday, October 30 to Sunday, November 3.

This premier food and drink event is a partnership initiative between Tweed Shire Council and The Tweed Tourism Company aimed at bolstering regional tourism. Supported by the NSW Government’s Regional

The Tweed” is projected to make a substantial impact, showcasing The Tweed as an epicurean destination to audiences far and wide.

Sally Scott, General Manager of The Tweed Tourism Company, highlighted the enthusiastic reception and invaluable support for the event, crediting national media interest with generating signifcant buzz. “We’re thrilled to deliver an event that has captured the attention of food and travel media nationwide, driving strong visitor numbers to the region,” she said. “We’ve positioned Savour The Tweed as an ideal longweekend getaway for foodies, and we’re seeing excellent engagement with many guests booking multiple events across the fve days. This boosts overnight stays, benefting our local accommodation providers and extending support to local

attractions, cafes, and restaurants.”

The festival’s program, co-curated by acclaimed chef and author Christine Manfeld alongside Amy Colli of Straight To The Source, showcases the best of locally sourced produce, forwardthinking chefs, and artisan food and drink makers. The focus is on seasonal, sustainable, and ethically sourced ingredients that mirror the spirit and natural richness of the region.

“In curating Savour The Tweed, we set out to celebrate the region’s unique favours, from seasonal produce to native ingredients, while spotlighting The Tweed’s talented chefs and artisans,” Ms. Manfeld explained. “The response has been overwhelming, with nearly 90% of tickets sold since the program launch in July and events ranging from a First Nations welcome dinner to cooking classes and paired tasting

experiences selling out quickly.”

Tweed Shire Mayor Chris Cherry shared her excitement about the event, praising the region’s natural abundance and culinary prowess. “The Tweed offers not only stunning landscapes but also rich, fertile soil and fresh coastal seafood that make it a remarkable culinary destination,” Mayor Cherry remarked. “Savour The Tweed brings together our

CLOSING

by 30th NOVEMBER

incredible produce and the vision of those who transform it. Tweed Shire Council is proud to partner with The Tweed Tourism Company in delivering this signature event that solidifes The Tweed’s place on the national food and drink map.”

The program continues through November 3, with some tickets still available. To explore and secure your spot at one of the festival’s remaining events, visit savourthetweed.com.au.

About Savour The Tweed Organized by The Tweed Tourism Company and proudly presented by Tweed Shire Council, Savour The Tweed is a celebration of The Tweed’s culinary heritage and innovation. The Tweed Tourism Company is the region’s offcial tourism development and marketing agency, promoting The Tweed in collaboration with Tweed Shire Council.

Tweed Shire Councillors Kimberly Hone, Meredith Dennis, Nola Firth and Mayor Chris Cherry join organisors and sponsors at the launch of the inaugural Savour The Tweed event.

What YOUth want: New skate parks, bike facilities, play spaces and events for the Tweed

JEFF GIBBS

Tweed Shire Council is reaching out to young people aged 12 to 24, inviting them to share their feedback on the newly proposed Youth Outdoor Recreation Action Plan. This initiative aims to enhance outdoor recreation facilities tailored to youth needs across the Tweed region. Mayor Chris Cherry encourages local youth to take part in a quick survey to confrm if the action plan aligns with their vision for recreational spaces.

As a thank-you for participating, survey respondents will receive free entry to a “Splash, Movie ‘n’ DJ Night” on Friday, November 22, at the Tweed Regional Aquatic Centre in Murwillumbah. The event will feature swimming, slides, music, and a screening

CVHMMS

CVHMMS

CVHMMS is a home and community care service assisting the frail aged, people with a disability and their carers to remain living safely in their own homes.

CVHMMS is a home and community care service assisting the frail aged, people with a disability and their carers to remain living safely in their own homes.

Home

own homes.

Home Modifications can range from the installation of a small grab rail in the shower to the installation of a

Beach to Bush Program Brings

Vital Surf Safety Education to Regional NSW Students

Surf Life Saving NSW’s Beach to Bush program is underway for 2024, bringing lifesavers inland to teach essential surf safety skills to primary school students in regional and rural NSW. Over the next three weeks, more than 11,300 students from nearly 100 schools will participate in this fagship program, proudly supported by Ingenia Holiday Parks and the NSW Government.

families head to the coast for holidays.”

Home Modifications can range from the installation of a small grab rail in the shower to the installation of a lift.

Home Modifications can range from the installation of a small grab rail in the shower to the installation of a

Tweed Council Seeks Youth Feedback on Proposed Outdoor Recreation Action Plan

CVHMMS

CVHMMS

CVHMMS

of Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle on a large infatable screen. Tickets are limited, so interested participants are encouraged to reserve their spot.

scooter facilities

3. Bike facilities, including an urban bike park, pump track, and BMX track

4. Outdoor events and activities

Home Maintenance services range from fixing your washing machine to repairing a leak in your roof.

CVHMMS is a home and community care service assisting the frail aged, people with a disability and their carers to remain living safely in their own homes.

CVHMMS is a home and community care service assisting the frail aged, people with a disability and their carers to remain living safely in their own homes.

CVHMMS is a home and community care service assisting the frail aged, people with a disability and their carers to remain

CVHMMS is a home and community care service assisting the frail aged, people with a

and their carers to remain living safely in their own homes.

CVHMMS is a home and community care service assisting the frail aged, people with a disability and their carers to remain living safely in their own homes.

CVHMMS is a home and community care service assisting the frail aged, people with a disability and their carers to remain living safely in their own homes.

CVHMMS is a and community care service assisting the frail aged, people with a disability and their carers to remain living safely in their own homes.

Since 2020, Council

Home

Home Modifications can range from the installation of a small grab rail in

Home

Home Modifications can range from the installation of a

has engaged with 550 young people through surveys and co-design workshops, gathering ideas for outdoor youth spaces, recreation facilities, and events. Tweed Shire Council’s Manager of Parks and Active Communities, Murray Smith, emphasized the role of youth input in shaping the new plan. “We’ve incorporated ideas from young people into the Youth Outdoor Recreation Action Plan, and we’re eager to receive feedback to start bringing these projects to life,” Smith said.

The action plan outlines four focus areas:

1. Youth-friendly spaces

2. Skateboarding and

The plan builds on the 2019–2029 Open Space Strategy, which has already delivered projects like the Mountain Bike Park at Uki and the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, encouraging healthy, active lifestyles for young people.

The Youth Outdoor Recreation Action Plan is open for public feedback until Wednesday, November 27, 2024. Residents can discuss the plan with Council staff at various pop-up events across Tweed in November.

For more information on these events and to complete the survey, visit yoursaytweed.com.au/ youth-voice.

Celebrating its 31st year, Beach to Bush has reached a signifcant milestone, surpassing 300,000 students educated since 1994. The program focuses on fundamental water safety skills, teaching children how to recognize rip currents, understand the importance of swimming between the fags, respond to emergencies, and be aware of hazards at both coastal and inland waterways.

SLSNSW Community Education Manager Anika Ferrari underscored the need for safety education in non-coastal areas: “Many of these children have never been to the ocean or encountered surf conditions, so this knowledge is crucial, especially as more

Program Partners and Community Impact Supported by Ingenia Holiday Parks as the Naming Rights Partner, along with additional funding from ClubsNSW, Beach to Bush aims to bridge the gap in water safety knowledge for students who may be less familiar with beach conditions. Matt Young, Executive General Manager of Tourism at Ingenia, praised the program, noting, “Many of our guests come from rural areas, and supporting this program is an investment in their safety and well-being.” Tour Schedule Highlights: The 13 tours cover regions including the Far North Coast, Central Western Plains, New England, and the Western Riverina. Some key stops include:

• Far North Coast: Whian Whian, Coraki, Nimbin, Larnook, Kyogle, Old Bonalbo, Mummulgum, Turntable, Upper Orara (Week3: 18/11) Beach to Bush runs until November 24, equipping students across regional NSW with the skills and knowledge to stay safe in water environments.

Young skaters enjoying the newly upgraded Jack Evans Boat Harbour space at Tweed Heads. Young residents are invited to let Council know what outdoor recreational facilities they’d like to see in the Tweed and gain free entry to a Splash, Movie ‘n’ DJ night at the Murwillumbah pool.

Diary of a Flood Survivor

For the frst seven months after the food, we lived with friends in Evans Head.

We could have chosen to live in a caravan on our property, but our younger son was doing his HSC, so we wanted to ensure he had the best surroundings under the circumstances, to complete his schooling.

Our incredible friends were so accommodating and never made us feel unwelcome.

Then when it was time to move back home, they were so happy for us, I think as well to get their house back.

And we were excited to be back in our own space.

Our friends had always made us feel welcome, but the move back home was indescribable.

We had no carpet, no curtains or blinds, no doors, plenty of painting to do and only one switch that turned off all the lights, so when one person wanted to go to bed, we all had to go to bed!

All that aside, that frst morning we woke up to the sun streaming into our bedroom, my husband and I just gazed at the pink streaked sky and were so thankful to be home.

After that, every improvement was greeted with joy and celebration.

I never thought, after seeing what the food water and mud had done to our place, that I could make it home again.

So, the recent announcement that the Jali Local Aboriginal

Council voted to rebuild the homes on Cabbage Tree Island, so residents could leave the pod village in Wardell and go home, must be the most exciting news for them. It is still another 12 months down the track for them, possibly longer depending on weather and other factors, but the announcement alone is worth celebrating.

In fact, every time someone gets another step closer to living in their home again, it is worth a celebration.

The sad thing in all this is that it has taken nearly two years and eight months for many to get back in their home, with the prospect of many more months, dare I say years, ahead. Little steps.

SAE University College Introduces Six New Scholarships to Support Creative Talent in 2025

hometown. It took a lot of stress off the fnancial side of it.”

In an initiative to empower the next generation of creatives, SAE University College will offer six scholarship programs in 2025 to support new and continuing students, Indigenous students, and those enrolled in SAE’s new technology courses. Five of these scholarships are now open for applications, with deadlines in November and December.

Spotlight on Scholarship Opportunities

One standout scholarship is the Kickstarter Scholarship, providing $10,000 towards tuition for high-achieving Year 12 students beginning their studies in February 2025. Joel Ratcliff, a musician from Goolwa, South Australia, was a recent recipient of this scholarship, which allowed him to pursue a Bachelor of Music at SAE’s Adelaide campus. Refecting on his journey, Joel shared, “The Kickstarter Scholarship gave me relief, making it possible to study in Adelaide without leaving my

SAE has also introduced the Creators in Technology Scholarships, designed to support the frst cohort in SAE’s new technology courses. This scholarship offers $8,000 each to 20 students beginning a Bachelor of Computer Science or VFX & Virtual Production, with funds distributed across two terms in 2025.

Full List of SAE 2025 Scholarships

1. Kickstarter Scholarships – $10,000 for six high-achieving Year 12 students starting a Bachelor’s degree in February 2025. (Closes: 11 November)

2. Creative First Nations Scholarship – Full tuition for one exceptional Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student starting a Bachelor’s degree in February 2025. (Closes: 11 November)

3. Excellence in Creative Media Scholarship – Full tuition for domestic students demonstrating outstanding creative potential, beginning a Bachelor’s degree in February 2025. (Closes: 11 November)

4. Creators in Technology Scholarships

– $8,000 each for 20 students starting the Bachelor of Computer Science or VFX & Virtual Production in February 2025. (Closes: 2 December)

5. Master of Creative Industries Scholarship – Full tuition for one postgraduate student, available for full-time and part-time study, commencing February 2025. (Closes: 2 December)

6. NATSIMO Scholarship – In partnership with the National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Music Offce, offering two fully funded Diploma of Audio Production scholarships worth over $60,000 each for 2025. (Closes: 3 November)

These scholarships exemplify SAE’s commitment to fostering creativity by easing fnancial barriers, allowing students to focus on their studies and achieve their ambitions in the creative industries. Prospective students can visit the SAE website for details on scholarship eligibility and applications. For more information, visit: Scholarships - SAE University College.

Cabbage Tree Island © Google Earth

ROBERT HEYWARD

Joel Ratcliff

Expert available: Lifting the lid on sexuality and disability

People with disabilities receive fewer opportunities to learn about sexuality, sexual health, and sexual fulflment.

Speak to Northcott’s spokesperson about closing the gap on sexuality and disability, as Northcott’s ‘Feel the Vibe’ expo approaches

• For many people with disabilities, a lack of education about sex and relationships is one of the biggest barriers faced when it comes to having fulflling and healthy intimacy with others.

• Up to 50% of people with a physical disability don’t take part in mainstream sex education in school.

• This gap in the disability sector has led to an increasing

demand for education and counselling support from people with disabilities seeking to achieve their sexuality and relationship goals.

• Another challenge faced is the negative societal attitude and assumption that people living with a disability are not sexual or their genitals don’t work.

About Northcott’s Feel the Vibe expo:

Date: Thursday, 7 November 2024

Time: 4:00 PM – 8:30

PM

Location: C.ex Coffs, 2-6 Vernon St, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450

Cost: Free

- Feel the Vibe creates a safe space for adults with disability, their support networks, and professionals to explore topics often left out of mainstream education.

- Through panel discussions, interactive stalls, and educational talks, attendees will gain insights on building healthy relationships and breaking down barriers to intimacy for people with disability.

- Attendees can explore educational resources and adult products from firt adult stores, ACON, the identity clinic, and more.

Locals to have their say on safety improvements planned for Bruxner Highway intersection

STATE Member for Lismore Janelle Saffn is encouraging local residents to have their say on what the fnal safety solution should be at the Bruxner Highway intersection with Cowlong and Alphadale roads, east of Lismore.

The Minns Labor Government is investing $7.5 million, through its Regional Roads Fund, to make the intersection safer for motorists.

After conducting extensive research into the best upgrade option, Transport for NSW has recommended traffc signals be installed.

Transport for NSW found that due to the existing topography of the site, any roundabout would likely have a slight gradient, potentially increasing risks for truck rollovers.

Traffc lights would not increase the risk of truck rollovers and be a safer option.

In addition, the

Application for Appointment of Board Members

Dungarubba 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 Dungarubba Public Hall Reserve Land Manager manages the Reserve No. 96837 at Dungarubba notifed on 8-Jul-1983 for Public Hall. 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 5 December 2024.

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

proposed lights would sit mostly within the road reserve and limit the need for acquisition of surrounding property which would be required if a roundabout was constructed.

Traffc lights also have a small footprint, which means earthwork is minimized, as is disruption to motorists during installation.

Anyone wishing to have their say or fnd out more about the proposed Transport for NSW solution can visit www. haveyoursay.nsw.gov.

au/bruxner-highwaycowlong-alphadale and share their views before the feedback period ends on Sunday 24 November.

Quotes attributable to State Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffn: “A safety upgrade has been needed at the Alphadale crossroads for decades and we’re now heading towards the pointy end of the process.

“Transport for NSW is keen to hear feedback from the community on this preferred option and I encourage people with an interest in this increasingly busy section of the Bruxner to share their views.

“While it was originally thought that a roundabout would be workable as an option, Transport for NSW has found that following early technical investigations, traffc lights are the best safety solution for this intersection.

“I’m pleased that the community’s calls for safety improvements have been taken seriously and that we have a plan of action.

“The community has a formal opportunity throughout November to have their say in helping refne that plan, so we get the best possible outcome.”

Patrick Hukins, Clinical Sexuality and Relationships Counsellor, Northcott

NSW Government Commits $21 Million for Alcohol and Drug Services in Northern NSW as Lismore Hosts Regional Drug Summit

The NSW Government has pledged $21 million over the next four years to expand alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment services in Northern NSW. This funding, announced at the regional Drug Summit in Lismore, aims to enhance support for those affected by substance use in the region.

Funding Breakdown and New Initiatives

A substantial portion of this funding—$6.8 million—will go toward three new programs operated by the non-proft AOD services and mental health organization, The Buttery:

• Community Rehabilitation for Parents Program:

Allocated $2.6 million, this program offers day rehabilitation, individual care coordination, counselling, and psychosocial support for people over 18 who have dependent children. Expected to assist 48 individuals annually, this program provides up to

six months of support.

• Community-Based Withdrawal Management and Counselling: With $2 million in funding over four years, this program will provide community-based withdrawal management, case management, and psychosocial counselling, offering both face-to-face and virtual care options for up to 360 people per year across Northern NSW and the Mid-North Coast.

• Post-Custodial Support Service: A $2.2 million allocation will fund case management and support for people up to three months prior to their release from custody and up to 12 months post-release.

Additional Support through Northern NSW Local Health District The Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) will receive additional funds for a range of AOD services:

• Substance Use in Pregnancy and Parenting Services ($1.5 million):

Covering multiple locations, this service will help mothers and parents’ access AOD support, including virtual care options for those in rural areas.

• Expanded Hospital Consultation Services ($700,000): To provide increased coverage and virtual support across Lismore, Tweed, Clarence, and Byron/ Ballina, these services will better support acute

care for alcohol and drug-related issues.

• Youth-Focused AOD Services ($1.6 million): This funding will strengthen AOD services for young people, with collaborative efforts alongside the Department of Communities and Justice, Headspace, Youth Justice, and HARP.

Drug Summit in Lismore

The 2024 Drug Summit continues in Lismore today as the second of three forums across NSW, with the fnal summit scheduled in Sydney on December 4-5. The summit brings together health professionals, law enforcement, individuals with lived experiences, and other stakeholders to explore solutions for addressing substance use challenges.

Statements from Key Leaders Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“This investment in Northern NSW refects our commitment to providing life-changing services, particularly in rural areas, and focuses on evidence-based treatment and prevention programs tailored to meet the unique needs of regional communities.”

Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffn:

“This signifcant funding will improve health and social outcomes for at-risk individuals and families in Northern NSW. Hearing directly from our community during this summit is crucial to better understanding how to support those affected by substance use.”

The NSW Government’s commitment underscores its focus on increasing accessibility to critical health services in regional areas and supporting those who are most vulnerable to the impacts of substance use.

HOW SOUNDS SHOULD SOUND

Lismore MP Janelle Saffn, makes a point, with from left, NSW Drug Summit co-chair Carmel Tebbutt, The Buttery CEO Leone Crayden, Summit co-chair John Brogden AM, Therapeudic Community Manager Larissa McClelland, Ballina MP Tamara Smith and NSW Minister for Health and Regional Health Ryan Park.

Kyogle Council Completes 14th New Bridge in 2024 Amid Ambitious Infrastructure Program

JEFF GIBBS

Kyogle Council’s bridge renewal program reached a milestone as the 14th new bridge of the year opened on Sugar Glider Road. This concrete and steel bridge replaces an aging steel and timber structure that had become unsafe due to severe deterioration.

Funded by the State Government’s Local Council Specifc Purpose Grants, the bridge was completed in nine weeks at a cost of approximately $450,000.

Mayor Danielle Mulholland highlighted the importance of the new bridge for the local community, stating, “The new bridge is so much safer and more robust than the old one, and

I know it will be very much appreciated by locals and the traveling public alike.”

Council’s bridgebuilding team is on track to complete two more bridges on Risk Station Road and Paddys Flat Road before the end of the year, which will bring the total to 16 new bridges for 2024. Over the past three years, Kyogle Council has replaced an impressive 94 bridges—an accomplishment Mayor Mulholland proudly underscored: “Stop and consider that number—94 bridges replaced in three years! What other small rural council in Australia can say that?”

This large-scale bridge renewal has been largely

funded through the State Government’s Fixing Country Bridges Program, which allocated $40.41 million, supplemented by additional funding from the Australian Government. Mayor Mulholland expressed gratitude to the council’s funding partners, adding, “On behalf of Council, I want to thank our bridge renewal funding partners for investing in the future of the Kyogle LGA.”

Kyogle Council’s ambitious infrastructure upgrades demonstrate a commitment to improving safety and connectivity for its residents, even in the face of challenges posed by the pandemic and the 2022 food recovery efforts.

Free Perinatal Mental Health Support Service

Opens in Grafton for Parents in Northern NSW

The Gidget Foundation Australia has offcially launched a new mental health support service for expectant and new parents at Gidget House Grafton, located within the Tresillian Family Care Centre. This marks the 22nd Gidget House location in NSW, providing essential support to the Clarence Valley area, where access to perinatal mental health services has been limited. The free service offers both face-toface and telehealth counselling, aimed at easing the fnancial and logistical barriers that parents in regional areas often face.

Addressing Regional Mental Health Needs

Data from Gidget Foundation Australia highlights the urgent need for accessible

support in regional NSW, with over 12% of parents unable to afford perinatal mental health care. The new service provides bulk-billed, GP-referred counselling sessions for parents struggling with perinatal depression and anxiety (PNDA), supporting the wellbeing of both parents and their children.

Member of the Legislative Council,

The Hon. Emily Suvaal, who offcially opened Gidget House Grafton, emphasized the unique challenges faced by parents in regional areas.

“Families in the Northern Rivers have experienced severe challenges, from natural disasters to the typical stresses of early

parenthood. This service ensures they have highquality support when they need it most.”

A Partnership for Comprehensive Care

The collaboration between Gidget Foundation Australia and Tresillian Family Care Centre offers a holistic approach, integrating mental

health support with Tresillian’s parenting and baby health services. Tresillian CEO Rob Mills praised the partnership, stating, “To provide specialist mental health support under the same roof as our early parenting services is a true privilege, further enhancing our ability to support families.”

Gidget Foundation Australia’s Commitment Gidget Foundation Australia CEO, Arabella Gibson, underscored the foundation’s goal of reducing access barriers in regional Australia. “Timely, affordable mental health care is often diffcult to obtain in regional areas. By expanding services like Gidget House Grafton, we aim to support more parents who may be struggling.”

The service launch aligns with the Gidget Foundation and Tresillian’s ongoing commitment to supporting parents through their pregnancy and parenthood journeys. For more information on Gidget House Grafton and other available services, visit gidgetfoundation.org.au.

Sugar Glider Road Bridge

JEFF GIBBS

By Samantha Elley

30 years of Service

For three decades Frank and Lynn McKey have been supporting grieving families, helping them to leave a lasting memorial at any number of cemeteries across the Northern Rivers.

Monumental Masons was taken over by the McKey family in 1994 when Snow Casey sold the Kyogle business.

“Back in the 90s I was a train driver,” said Frank.

“Our Casino depot closed in 1990 and prior to that I was working in building construction part-time.

“When I took redundancy from the railway, I went into building construction with a civil engineering mob at Casino sewerage works, work on the Casino RSM Club and worked on the social security building in Lismore.”

Frank said he knew the Monumental Mason business was up for sale, and he decided to buy Snow out.

Over the next 30 years he has seen many prominent and special people be laid to rest under the headstones he has made.

“I’ve buried my mother and my dad and recently my mother-in-law,” he said.

“I was fortunate enough to help out at the late Jack Hurleys funeral and erect headstones for both Jack, his wife and Alan Brown and his wife, the founders of Brown & Hurley.

“I was fortunate enough to put a monument on Harry Graham’s (gravesite) of Graham’s Concrete and sadly, more recently, his son’s, John Graham.

“Also in Casino, another identity I was proud to work at his funeral was the late Father Relihan.

“I o ciated at his funeral, and we also

did a monument for him.”

Frank said he extended the business from outside Kyogle, Casino and surrounding areas.

“We work as far as Nymboida, Glen Innes, Ballina, Mullumbimby, Drake, Woodenbong, Urbenville, Evans Head, and the lower river,” he said.

“Casino and Kyogle are my biggest areas.”

It’s not just headstones that Monumental Masons do, but also restorations

including at Copmanhurst where only last week a light horse statue was dedicated in memory of the rst light horse regiment that originated at Tabulam.

“We had a contract with the Department of Veteran A airs, doing a lot of

their monuments,” he said.

“Being a one man show, they give you a list of about 200 towns you’d have to travel to in Queensland and NSW, but it was beyond me.”

Frank has just recently restored the memorial gates at the park in Mallanganee, along with bricklayer

David Hughes and Casino Engineering which was funded by Kyogle Council.

Frank works mainly with granite and concrete.

“ ere was a lot of terrazzo but nobody makes it anymore,” he said.

“Most of it’s all granite and concrete on site, of course.”

Headstones are no longer as ornate as they used to be, with lawn cemeteries more in vogue, according to Frank.

“We have still done work in West Street (Old Casino Cemetery) as people reserved (sites) years ago,” he said.

“ ey haven’t done a burial there for a couple of years with the lawn cemetery opening in the 1960s.

“ e lawn style are much simpler and don’t take up as much space.”

Frank said the business is very trade orientated with concreting and rendering his main skills.

“ ere’s enough here for two families,” he said.

“My son gives me a hand sometimes and I have another concreter and a builder contractor who gives me a hand.

“ ere’s a lot of work involved but with the materials now and machinery it’s a lot simpler than it was years ago.”

Both Frank and Lynn have been involved in many of the more traumatic funerals when young people have died suddenly or unexpectedly.

“Unfortunately, you happen to know the families or past generations,” said Frank.

Lynn said she o en helps Frank but is mainly in the o ce and meeting the families.

“You have people who give you a cuddle and thank you for helping them,” she said.

“ ey come back with a bunch of owers a er its all done to thank you.”

Understandably, work is always available for a mason and Frank and Lynn wanted to let readers know that the wet weather has put back their workload by about six months.

“We will get the jobs done,” said Frank.

Copmanhurst and Upper Clarence War memorial

Mallanganee memorial gates

Lynn and Frank McKey at West Street cemetery, Casino.

Samantha’s Book

Byron Bay students win big at international SAE Awards in Frankfurt, Germany

Timeless coming-ofage story

Title: Little Women

Author: Louisa May Alcott

Price: $5.00 - $30.00 (ebook or book)

Distributor: Amazon By Samantha Elley

If we are going to talk classics, then you can’t go past Louisa May

Alcott’s young girl’s ‘coming of age’ novel, set during the civil war in America.

The March family, consisting of four sisters, their very loved Marmee and father, who is away at war, serving as a chaplain, are the main focus in this story.

Reading this book as a young girl, I always aligned myself with Jo the tomboy, who wanted to be a famous writer.

Then there was beautiful Meg, frail Beth the musician and romantic Amy, the artist.

The book is seen as semi-autobiographical as it is based on the life of Alcott and the relationship with her

sisters in the 1800s.

Each of the March women learn to deal with their gifts and own shortfalls; Meg is vain, Jo is hotheaded, Beth is cripplingly shy and Amy is materialistic.

As time continues on, the March girls must learn about love, loss, commitment, disappointment and joy derived from the natural hum of life.

Meg meets the young, handsome tutor, John Brooke, who works for the Marches neighbour, young Laurie. Laurie is enamoured with Jo, but she has him, known in the more modern turn of phrase, in the ‘friend zone’.

Little Women is the frst part of the story of the March sisters. The second part is the novel Good Wives, which is recommended reading for anyone wanting to know how the sisters turn out.

This timeless story has been made into a number of flms across the decades of the 20th century, proving its popularity.

You can buy a copy of the book at amazon. com.au

Australian students made a strong showing at the 19th annual SAE International Awards, winning in four categories. Eight students from SAE campuses in Sydney and Byron Bay were recognized, with three Byron Bay students traveling to Frankfurt, Germany, to accept their awards in person.

Refecting on the win, Noah shared, “Winning an international award feels incredible... seeing my flm on the big screen is the ultimate reward.”

Trinket, a conceptual game trailer by Byron Bay students Jarmila Sustrova, Crystal Wilkes, and Alisha DohertyHough, took home awards in two categories. Jarmila and Crystal won the Best Audio Project

Australian Students Excel at 19th SAE International Awards, Securing Wins in Four Categories

Award-Winning Projects and Highlights

Byron Bay student Noah Malin took home the award for Best Film or TV Project with his short documentary, Chasing the Breeze. The visually stunning flm explores the world of kitesurfng through the experiences of Ballina locals Steve and Kenno. Chasing the Breeze has also been screened at the Sony Catchlight Film Festival in Sydney and the Byron Film Festival.

(Non-Music) category for students, while Alisha secured the Best VFX or 3D Production category for alumni. Crystal, representing the Trinket team, expressed gratitude for the support from SAE Byron Bay, saying, “The SAE community at the Byron Bay campus was incredibly supportive… attending the event was a great opportunity to connect with other creatives, students, and SAE staff.” Meanwhile, Sydney

students Pranav Patil, Tommy Myihtoi, Albert Luong, and Jesse Carturan were awarded Best VFX or 3D Project for their work on Project Pizzadou.

Recognition and Impact These awards recognize outstanding alumni and

win in four categories this year is confrmation of the talent, diversity, and opportunities we have at our Australian campuses… this is a huge achievement and opportunity for these students.”

student projects from SAE’s 48 campuses worldwide. Winners receive a crystal trophy and gain access to an international network of creative professionals.

SAE Acting General Manager Radovan Klusacek highlighted the signifcance of this achievement, stating, “Having our students

Noah and the Sydney students watched the event via livestream, while Jarmila, Crystal, and Alisha joined the celebrations in Germany. The awards serve as a stepping stone for these talented students, marking a promising start to their careers in the global creative media industry.

Byron Trinket winners

JEFF GIBBS

Ballina Resource Recovery Centre Fire Highlights Need for Proper Disposal of Hazardous Waste

Following a fre at the Ballina Resource Recovery Centre, Ballina Shire Council is urging residents to keep hazardous materials out of kerbside bins. The blaze, which occurred just before midnight on Saturday, October 26, was likely fuelled by hazardous items such as loose batteries, gas bottles, and chemical containers found after the fre was extinguished. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, but the fre caused signifcant damage to the recycling dome.

“We’re relieved no one was injured, but it’s disappointing to see hazardous waste still being placed in kerbside bins,” said Lloyd Isaacson, Manager of Asset Management

and Resource Recovery. Isaacson noted that improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries and items like vapes is a common cause of fres in collection vehicles and recycling facilities. “We hope this fre serves as a reminder to residents to use our Resource Recovery Centre for hazardous waste disposal,” he added. Why Hazardous Waste Should Never Go in Kerbside Bins

Disposing of batteries, chemicals, and other dangerous items in kerbside bins poses severe risks to waste staff, facilities, the environment, and the community. Fires sparked by batteries in bins or collection trucks can result in facility damage, truck destruction, and, in severe cases, can even

spread to nearby homes. Similar fres have led to millions in damages, as seen in Canberra’s 2022 Boxing Day incident. Hazardous Household Waste to Keep Out of Bins:

• Batteries (all types)

• Items with embedded batteries (like vapes, Bluetooth devices, and

e-scooters)

• Gas bottles (full or empty)

• Chemicals and fares Where to Safely Dispose of Hazardous Waste: The Ballina Resource Recovery Centre accepts:

• Batteries: Also accepted at B-cycle locations (supermarkets, Bunnings)

• Mobile phones: Dispose of through Mobile Muster (available at libraries)

• E-waste: Any item with a plug, cord, or battery (remove batteries if possible)

• Gas bottles and fre extinguishers

• Vapes Items with embedded

batteries (permanently placed batteries in products like wearables, remote-controlled toys, or powerpacks) are also accepted. NSW is currently trialling embedded battery recycling in select locations, including Lismore.

For Chemicals and Other Hazardous Items:

Check for Household Chemical CleanOut events or fnd nearby Community Recycling Centres to safely dispose of these items.

Ballina Shire Council reminds residents that while it takes extra effort, proper disposal of hazardous items prevents fres and ensures community safety. For more details on hazardous waste disposal, visit Ballina Shire Council’s website

JEFF GIBBS

The fre was detected just before midnight by security contractors

‘Mum, what does ‘NEWS’ really mean? You know Mum, the stu we read in the paper, hear on our radio or watch on TV or our phone? Me & my buddies discern that what is regarded as ‘News’ is a bit disconcerting, hence my question, WHAT does it really truly mean? Let’s have a ‘Mum Jane’ Son & buddies chat session about this stu . I’ll bring you a nice cup of tea & bikkies & you can explain it to me. OK?’ (‘Leemo Cat’ here!) Mum kinda hmmmd a bit.

‘Well, Leems, I reckon the most important thing about ‘NEWS’ is WORTHINESS. It boils down to whether the target audience (like viewers, readers & stu ) is mindfully impacted by the so called news being communicated to them. For instance Leems, were you or your buddies impacted by ‘news’ about the PM buying a house or him getting seated in 1st class on airline ights. Well? Ponder ponder! We had a group huddle. ‘Well, frankly Mum, we reckon it’s just idle prattle, unless of course ethics or law were violated, otherwise we really couldn’t care less. AND, Mum, when one of your Sisters bought a house last week it didn’t get even a mention in any news did it? And when she (‘cos she worked for an Airline) got you an upgrade on a ight from Sydney to Perth & back 30 yrs ago, did it make the news? NUP, hardly newsworthy! Basically, we reckon it comes down generally to the public’s perceived ‘importance’ of the person IN the

news. So, we reckon too much stu is called news when, if you think about it, is kinda just meaniepuss behaviour from others.’ Mum looked somewhat a mix between impressed & intrigued. Hmmmm! ‘OK guys; tell me what you understand to be PROPER news?’

Ooooh, another huddle. A er a while ‘Brutus’ spoke. ‘Mum Jane, with respect, we deduce that news is only the stu that impacts the thinking and emotions of others in both good & sad ways; the oods in Spain; (sad feelings) the mistreatment of puppies at a Breeding Facility; (sad feelings) the COVID Virus impact; (scared feelings) Royal Family stu : (VERY indi erent feelings) Domestic Abuse; (horri ed feelings.) Cures for life threatening illnesses: (Hopeful elated feelings.) e Lismore Floods: (constant concerned feelings.) A TRUE reduction of day to day living costs; (happy hopeful feelings.) So, that’s just a bit of what we cats truly think. We all, as just a group of ordinary Moggies DO NOT want to read or hear or view vacuous nonsense about Celebrity break-ups, Mary-Ann’s latest weight loss powder, advice on the latest fashion from yet another Celebrity & advice on make-up, skin care & hair products; what we can or cannot feed our cat, or whether we should chew green waste to ensure it has not been treated by pesticides before putting it in the right bin. Gottit?’ Well, oh blissy, Mum actually agreed with our sentiments but asked us to remember that there are 2 types of news. ‘Hard News’ refers to topics that are timely, important and of consequence worldwide; ‘So News’ generally includes entertainment, celebrity & lifestyle stu & is used proli cally when there’s nothing else to report on. In other words, it’s like putty; a gap ller when there’s a hole.’ Oooh, now ni y, Mum & us kitties shared hugs & pats & purrs on a ‘positive outcome’ chat. Nite for now. Leemo & Buddies with many purrsies.

Controversial Misinformation Bill Sparks Free Speech Concerns

IAN ROGERS

The Australian Government’s newly proposed “misinformation” legislation has drawn sharp criticism, with Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan condemning it as a dangerous overreach that could undermine free speech. The Bill, introduced by the Labor government, grants authorities broad powers to regulate speech on digital platforms, a move that Hogan describes as “the most dangerous Bill introduced to Parliament in decades.”

The legislation would require digital platforms to monitor and manage content labelled as misinformation, with signifcant fnes for platforms deemed insuffciently responsive. Hogan has voiced concerns over the potential for excessive censorship, noting that digital platforms,

motivated by proft, might over-censor to avoid hefty penalties.

“Digital platforms don’t care about the free speech of Australians –but they do care about their profts. So they will censor large amounts of material to avoid the risk of fnes,” Hogan warned. He also highlighted the potential double standard embedded in the legislation, which would exempt certain academic, scientifc, and artistic voices from regulation.

“If an everyday

Australian said the same thing or disagreed with the academic, it could be deemed misinformation,” Hogan explained.

According to Hogan, the Bill raises questions about the government’s role in defning truth, especially in sensitive debates such as the recent Voice to Parliament discussion. He argued that the legislation could empower authorities to label dissenting views as misinformation.

“This Bill betrays

our democracy. It incentivizes censorship and makes the government the ultimate arbiter of truth,” he stated.

Public response to the Bill has been swift, with Hogan receiving a wave of calls, letters, and emails from concerned constituents. He emphasized that the legislation risks eroding democratic freedoms, urging lawmakers to reconsider its broader implications on free speech in Australia.

Kids Helpline and Instagram Launch Campaign to Tackle Teen Bullying in Australia

JEFF GIBBS

Kids Helpline and Instagram have joined forces to combat the alarming rates of teen bullying in Australia, where 85% of teens report experiencing abuse. In response to this pressing issue, the “How Do You Mean?” campaign has been launched to equip young people with the skills to recognize, report, and seek support for bullying, both online and offine. Last year, Kids Helpline provided over 3,000 counselling sessions on bullying, and more than 178,000 people have accessed related resources on their website, emphasizing the need for proactive intervention.

The campaign features popular Australian creators, such as Ben McIntosh (@benjmcintosh), Brock Valesini (@ brockvalesinii), Sasha Tyers (@sashatyers), and Taz Zammit and Alessia Allfree (@tazandalessia), who share their personal stories and guidance on using Instagram’s safety features to foster supportive environments.

Kids Helpline’s Virtual Services Manager, Tony FitzGerald, highlighted the initiative’s focus on empowering teens through practical strategies and fostering open conversations to promote safe online interactions. “The mental health impact of bullying is signifcant, affecting self-esteem and wellbeing. We want

teens to know support is available, and there’s a way through it,” FitzGerald emphasized.

Meta’s Regional Director of Public Policy, Mia Garlick, expressed pride in the collaboration, reaffrming Meta’s dedication to user safety and engagement with experts like Kids Helpline. “Our policies prohibit bullying, and ‘How Do You Mean?’ highlights tools available to support young people on Instagram,” Garlick said.

Kids Helpline’s Practical Tips for Managing Bullying:

• Get Social Support: Spend time with friends who value you and consider forming new, positive connections.

• Engage in Enjoyable

Activities: Pursue hobbies and interests that bring joy and alleviate stress.

• Celebrate Your Strengths: Focus on unique talents and qualities to build resilience.

• Seek Professional Help: Professionals can offer personalized guidance and support.

• Report Bullying: Talk to a trusted adult or use online reporting tools—staying silent helps only the bully.

• Believe in Improvement: Remember that bullying is temporary, and many people successfully overcome it.

For more information on the “How Do You Mean?” campaign, visit kidshelpline.com.au/ how-do-you-mean.

“Leemo has views on just about anything”

THE ‘HARD’ or the ‘SOFT’ NEWS!!

Stay and Christmas shop in BRISBANE

Book now for Christmas Holidays

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.

“SO much of our time,” once said Ralph Waldo Emerson, “is preparation, so much is routine, and so much retrospect, that the pith of each person’s genius contracts itself to a very few hours.” The word ‘genius’ probably hasn’t travelled as well as the rest of that sentence in the century and a half since it was written, but if we swap it with ‘talent’, I think it better fits the modern-day bill. Were any one of us to print out 52 maps of our state or region we call home and then plot in seven different colours our movements for each day of the week, we’d discover our days are more or less stifling carbon copies of one another, over and over again. That we are largely creatures of habit and routine is what both defines and confines us in terms of who we really are, and who we are capable of being. Relatedly, Samuel Johnson once warned, “The chains of habit are too weak to be felt until they are too strong to be broken.” While it’s not appropriate or reasonable much of the time to saunter off and just follow our whims, every now and then it is essential that we free ourselves from the oft-reductive and souldestroying rigmarole of work. While repetition of anything might bring about a heightened proficiency with regards to that activity, it also saps us of any potential for acquiring or being aware of anything outside of the strict autopilot manner in which we perform that which we do.

In 1942, with the

bombs of WWII still very much going off around him, H. G. Wells published a little bright red book called The Conquest of Time; and whether it was prompted by the utter uncertainty of war and a wish for saner times, the book itself chimes page after page with clarity, insight and conviction. “So we are pieced together, and so we piece our lives together as our hearts beat,” Wells noted, “Our conscious lives are like the pictures on a cinema screen. They are discontinuous “Nows,” but they follow one another so rapidly that they seem continuous. That is our waking life.”

A waking life that has changed little, if not gotten rapidly worse in the 80-years since. Seemingly our lot has become one of being disconnected, disconnected from ourselves and others through a compulsion of doing more, which only comes at the expense of taking the time we need to nurture talents that could otherwise generate true meaning in our lives. As if alluding to the sheer amount of time we each squander, the Polish Nobel Prize-winner, Wislawa Szymborska once said, “I apologise to time for the muchness of the world overlooked per second.”

As such, time isn’t just merely of the essence, it is the very essence of everything we could ever possibly hope for, do or imagine; without the benefit of time, albeit time that is put to the best and most constructive use, there is just the mired nothingness of impossibility.

Tweed Shire Council Launches 2025 Apprenticeship Program

ROBERT HEYWARD

Tweed Shire Council, in partnership with Programmed Training Services, is offering a range of apprenticeship opportunities for young people eager to start their careers in January 2025.

The 2025 Apprenticeship Program includes roles across various Council departments, including Electrical, Mechanical, Signs and Graphics, Fabrication and Welding, Parks and Gardens, and Civil Construction.

The program offers nationally accredited, competency-based

training alongside on-the-job coaching, mentoring, and support from Council staff.

Aimee Austin, Council’s Manager of People and Culture, highlighted the importance of the Apprenticeship Program in creating a skilled, future-ready workforce.

“Local Government is a diverse sector with over 50 services for the Tweed community,” Ms. Austin said. “By bringing on apprentices and investing in their growth, we’re not just flling jobs today – we’re building a team for the future.”

What the Apprentices Say:

• Chelsea Jones, a frstyear Parks and Gardens apprentice, shared that the hands-on experience and variety of projects at Council have given her the career kickstart she needed.

• Mitchell Poole, a frst-year Electrical apprentice, praised the range of career pathways in local government and the work-life balance Council provides. “It’s a great place to start your career because the opportunities for progression are so broad.

The fexibility is a big

plus,” he said. Apprenticeships are based in Tweed Heads, Murwillumbah, Cabarita, and Chinderah and are open to applicants from diverse backgrounds, whether they are fresh out of school or looking to switch careers.

Application Details: For all enquiries, please contact Programmed Training Services on 1300 440 784. Applications can be submitted via Tweed Shire Council - 2025 Apprenticeship Program, with a deadline of 5 pm AEDT on Monday, 4 November 2024.

The conquest of time… by Nigel Dawe

Council’s Apprenticeship Program opens doors to a variety of career paths. Some of Council’s 2024 apprentice intake are from left: Teleisha Dudgeon (Cert IV Business Administration), Thomas Rawson-Halat, Mitchell Poole and Cooper Scott (Cert III Electrotechnology) and Chelsea Jones (Cert III Horticulture). BELOW: Chelsea Jones loves the variety of work with the Parks and Gardens team.

Art on Bundjalung Heads to Dirruwung | Evans Head

Arts Northern Rivers First Nations Program Coordinator Paris Mordecai said:

“We are so excited to bring another brilliant blak market to Bundjalung Country. Dirruwung | Evans Head is a signifcant place for Bundjalung peoples, our families, and our stories so it feels particularly special to be gathering here together. Join us by the river to meet the makers, hear our stories and celebrate the artistry of creatives connected to this place.”

Bundjalung Country.

This year, the Art on Bundjalung Market, a First Nations-led arts and cultural program, will be held at Dirruwung | Evans Head on Saturday, 16 November 2024, from 9 am to 3 pm at Cribb Reserve along the river foreshore. Dirruwung, meaning “goanna,” is the traditional name given to this gathering place by Bandjalang ancestors, where the event will celebrate the rich creativity and heritage of

Building on its previous successes in 2019, 2021, and 2022, this year’s Art on Bundjalung is curated in partnership with Aunty Simone Barker, a Bandjalang custodian and knowledge holder. This collaboration includes a new initiative: Aunty Simone’s commissioned artwork exploring Bandjalang connection to the land, with exclusive merchandise sales supporting future artist collaborations.

Event Highlights:

• Artist Market:

Over 30 stalls featuring Bundjalung artists, including Dreaming of Country, JPK Artistry, Milbi Designs, Jaana Bulaan, and Art with Nunj. Artworks include prints, ceramics, textiles, woven works, and more.

• Cultural Performances: Featuring Bundjalung musician Mr Rhodes, Gumbaynggirr

and Barkindji singer Manduway, and emerging artist ANGEL WHITE. The Kinship Doobai Dancers, Biren Cultural Group, and Junbung Dancers will also perform.

• First Nations Fashion Showcase: An exclusive look at Bundjalung designers from Wandjaarii Maalii, Arts Northern Rivers’ textile and design initiative.

• Cultural Workshops: Hosted by Aunty Simone Barker and Casino Wake Up Time, offering hands-on experiences.

• Food Stalls and BBQ: Including community food offerings.

Paris Mordecai, Arts Northern Rivers’ First Nations Program Coordinator, expressed excitement for the event’s return to such

a signifcant gathering place for Bundjalung families and stories.

“Join us by the river to meet the makers, hear our stories, and celebrate the artistry of creatives connected to this place,” said Ms. Mordecai. Don’t miss this chance to engage with Bundjalung culture and creativity on Country.

Dreaming of Country, photography Kate Holmes

ROBERT HEYWARD

CHOICE Investigation Reveals Shocking Grocery Price Gap in Remote First Nations Communities

JEFF GIBBS

A new investigation by CHOICE has revealed that groceries in some remote First Nations communities are more than twice as expensive as those in capital cities. Through a mystery shopping exercise conducted at four community stores in Western Australia and the Northern Territory, CHOICE found signifcant price disparities for basic items like milk, bread, and four.

CHOICE investigative journalist Jarni Blakkarly highlighted the fndings, noting the average cost for a basket of ten essentials in capital cities was $44.70, while in remote communities, the same items averaged $99.38. The most expensive location was West Daly, where the ten items cost $110.82.

“The price differences between identical items in remote communities and capital cities are astounding,” said Blakkarly. “For instance, a kilo of apples costs an average of $4.87 in

cities, but in the Tiwi Islands, it’s $7.50, and in West Daly, $9.10 per kilo.”

Availability is another challenge for residents. One store lacked bread altogether, forcing the

mystery shopper to buy frozen hot dog buns as a substitute.

Earlier this year, CHOICE partnered with First Nations organisations including Mob Strong Debt Help and the Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network to submit recommendations for the National Strategy for Food Security in Remote First Nations Communities

Consultation. Their submission calls on the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) to consider price caps on essential goods and to mandate pricing information, as well as strengthening consumer protections for remote areas.

“Every Australian deserves fair access to food, no matter where they live,” said Blakkarly. “Our investigation underscores how food insecurity and high prices are pervasive in remote communities.”

Notes:

• Locations: The study covered stores in WA’s Great Sandy Desert and Pilbara, and NT’s West Daly region and Tiwi Islands.

• Grocery Basket Items: Apples, carrots, Weet-Bix, sliced white bread, four, penne, tea bags, cheese, milk, and beef mince.

SOMETHING SWEET IS COMING TO LISMORE

This spring, Newcastle Permanent’s beloved Cinema Under the Stars returns to Lismore, inviting families and friends to experience a night of cinematic magic under the open sky. On Friday, November 8, the iconic community event will feature the enchanting new flm, Wonka (PG, 2023), at Hepburn Park in Goonellabah—no golden ticket required for entry, as this family-friendly event is free to all.

Adam Power, Newcastle Permanent’s Regional Manager, expressed excitement about bringing the popular event back to Lismore. “It’s wonderful to see our community come together each year for Cinema Under the Stars, a tradition cherished by so many in Lismore,” he said.

“This year promises an evening packed with live entertainment, roving performers, delicious food, free popcorn, and music.”

Beginning at 5:30 p.m., the event will

offer engaging activities for all ages, including plenty of pre-movie fun

for young attendees. As the sun sets, the highly anticipated Wonka

will transport viewers to a world of pure imagination with its charming soundtrack and nostalgic tunes.

“We encourage everyone to bring along their favorite treats, pack a picnic, and join us for a special night under the stars,” Mr. Power added.

Event Details:

Film: Wonka (PG, 2023)

Date: Friday, November 8

Time: Live entertainment from 5:30 p.m.; flm begins at sundown

Venue: Hepburn Park, Goonellabah

For an unforgettable night of family fun and sweet memories, mark your calendars for Cinema Under the Stars in Lismore, brought to you by Newcastle Permanent.

Rosie Woolley and her partner Denis Coolwel pictured with their groceries on the Tiwi Islands.

Newcastle Permanent’s Cinema Under the Stars back this spring!

Bright future: New fairy lights switched on in Kingscliff’s beloved fg tree

The coastal town of Kingscliff came alive tonight as a new fairy light display illuminated the iconic fg tree at the intersection of Marine Parade and Seaview Street, bringing an early dose of Christmas cheer. The lighting project, a $20,000 initiative, was spearheaded by Tweed Shire Council in collaboration with Business Kingscliff, the Kingscliff Ratepayers Association, and other community groups, aiming to revitalize the heart of Kingscliff’s town centre.

The project’s completion was celebrated with an offcial lighting ceremony, which also marked the conclusion of October Business Month, part of the Council’s ‘Succeed in the Tweed’ initiative. The monthlong program brought together local business operators and community leaders for a series of 16 events, highlighting achievements and nurturing growth and collaboration within the Tweed region.

Tweed Shire Mayor Chris Cherry expressed enthusiasm for the new light display, describing it as the frst in a broader Council

plan to beautify and activate key precincts across the region. “The fg tree is an iconic part of Kingscliff’s identity, and it’s fantastic to see it illuminated in such a striking way,”

Mayor Cherry said. “This project not only enhances the town’s atmosphere but also exemplifes what’s possible when Council, local businesses, and the community join forces.”

The lighting project, initiated following a proposal from Business Kingscliff, was a concerted effort between

Council’s Destination, Events, and Business team and the Parks and

for the illuminated tree. “The Tweed Shire community loves the fg

heartening to see this realized just in time for Christmas.”

Early Christmas Cheer as Kingscliff’s Iconic Fig Tree Shines Bright with New Fairy Light Display

Active Communities team, all working closely with local organizations to realize the community’s vision.

Business Kingscliff President and Tweed Shire Councillor James Owen emphasized the community’s fondness

tree at Marine Parade and Seaview Street—it’s a beloved part of the Kingy community,” Councillor Owen said.

“Cr Rhiannon Brinsmead and I have heard from many residents who wanted to see the lights back in the tree, and it’s

The initiative has garnered signifcant support, with Kingscliff Ratepayers Association President Peter Newton highlighting the community’s enthusiasm.

“The return of the lights is a warm welcome for the Kingscliff

community, and we’re grateful to Business Kingscliff and Council for making it happen,” Mr. Newton shared. With similar projects underway for Murwillumbah, Tweed Heads, and Pottsville, the Council aims to carry forward this momentum and deliver vibrant improvements across the region.

For further information on doing business with Tweed Shire Council, visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/ development-business/ business.

EWON Reports 57% Spike in Energy Complaints, Calls for Sector-Wide Affordability Reforms

The Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON) reported a 57% increase in complaints for the 2023-2024 fnancial year, with 28,067 complaints compared to the previous year, as outlined in its latest annual report. The surge is driven largely by disputes over high energy bills, which rose by 92% to 10,274 cases, making it the most common reason for customer complaints.

EWON’s Janine

Young attributed the spike to rising energy costs. “Since 2008, energy prices have increased more than any other service, with a 34% increase in NSW over the past two years alone,” she said.

“Electricity is essential, yet more people are unable to afford it, so we’re seeing more customers seeking our advice.”

Young emphasized that 50% more residential energy customers are now using affordability

programs, signalling a pressing need for sectorwide reforms to support fnancially vulnerable households.

Proposed Reforms to Address Affordability EWON is advocating for a comprehensive package of reforms that aim to make energy more accessible and affordable, including:

1. Proactive Affordability Programs: Offering inclusive affordability support to customers as soon as they miss payments.

2. Enhanced Customer Engagement: Ensuring providers guide customers to the most suitable energy plans, rather than expecting them to navigate complex options.

3. Elimination of the Loyalty Tax: Preventing the loss of discounts when customers are automatically transferred to basic contracts after their initial term ends.

4. Transparent Tariff Information: Clearly communicating tariff details to help

consumers select plans best suited to their usage.

5. Closing the Equity Gap: Supporting access to cost-saving technologies like solar, batteries, and EVs for lower-income consumers.

6. Exploring Social Tariffs: Introducing a ‘social tariff’ for customers facing long-term affordability challenges.

Young stressed that these reforms are vital to building a fairer

energy market in NSW. “An affordable bill is an understandable bill,” she said, “and these changes would help ensure energy remains accessible for all.”

Download the full Annual Report via the QR Code below

The beloved fg tree on the roundabout at the intersection of Marine Parade and Seaview Street at Kingscliff is all lit up.

ROBERT HEYWARD

Hisense has introduced its latest television model, the CanvasTV, designed to bridge the gap between entertainment and art. This new offering, reminiscent of Samsung’s popular Frame TV, transforms any living space into a gallery, all while maintaining a budget-friendly price point. With its blend of high-quality display technology and artistic aesthetics, the CanvasTV stands out as a versatile option for modern homes.

At the heart of the CanvasTV is its innovative Art Mode, a feature that allows the television to function as a digital art display when not in use. Art Mode showcases a curated selection of artwork spanning various styles, including abstract, modern, and renaissance pieces.

For a personal touch, users can easily upload and display their own photos at the press of a button, transforming the screen into a family gallery. The TV’s matte fnish enhances the presentation of artwork by reducing glare, making the displayed images appear more like paintings than screens.

Hisense has also focused on delivering a high-quality viewing experience. The CanvasTV boasts

a 4K QLED screen with Quantum Dot technology, offering vibrant, lifelike colors. With a refresh rate of up to 144Hz, it provides smoother visuals, making it an excellent choice for both movie lovers and gamers.

A key element of the CanvasTV is its interchangeable frames, designed to complement different home décor styles. The television comes with a standard teak frame, but users can opt for white or walnut fnishes, which attach magnetically for quick and easy customization.

Powered by Google TV, the CanvasTV offers access to a wide range of streaming services, along with built-in Chromecast and Google Assistant capabilities. This smart TV platform ensures a smooth and userfriendly experience, whether watching shows or controlling home devices through voice commands.

In terms of audio, the CanvasTV is equipped with a multi-channel 2.0.2 surround sound system, providing a rich audio experience, enhancing movies, games, and music. Available in 55-inch and 65-inch models, priced at $1,795 and $2,295 respectively, the CanvasTV is a more affordable alternative to similar art-centric televisions like Samsung’s Frame TV.

Slitterhead

• November 8

• PS5, Xbox, PC Set in the densely cluttered streets of “Kowlong,” flled with obscurity and chaos, this battle action-adventure game casts players as the “Hyoki,” an entity devoid of memory and physical form. His only motive is to eradicate the monstrous beings known as “Slitterheads” crawling around the city, disguising themselves as humans.

Roaming the vibrant neon-lit cityscape, players must seek out allies among humans known as “Rarities,” infltrate and track dangerous organizations, and engage in battles harnessing the power of blood. As the suspenseful drama unfolds, delve into the mystery behind Hyoki’s existence and the appearance of the Slitterheads.

LEGO Horizon Adventures

• November 14

• PS5, Switch, PC Journey to a distant future, where the land is made of LEGO bricks and lush nature has reclaimed the Earth. Meet the Nora tribe who live in the settlement of Mother’s Heart, and catch your frst glimpse of the incredible dinosaur-like machines that roam the forests, mountains, and deserts that stretch beyond the village walls

Funko Fusion

• November 15

• PS5, Switch, Xbox, PC

Funko Fusion is a third-person action game that’s all about celebrating fandom. Play with some of your favourite characters from across TV, movies, games, and comics, and explore handcrafted worlds inspired by Jurassic World, Back to the Future, JAWS, The Thing, Chucky, Battlestar Galactica, Hot Fuzz, The Umbrella Academy, Five Nights at Freddy’s, Masters of the Universe, Invincible, and many more!

Select, unlock, and play with 60+ unique playable characters from more than 20 fan-favourite franchises, all lovingly recreated in Funko Pop! form. Each character has their own weapons and special moves, and some characters have unique skills for solving puzzles and fnding secrets.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

• November 19

• Xbox, PC Launch your aviation Career wherever you choose in the world.

Gain experience, build your reputation, and complete certifcations to gain access to authentic aviation activities ranging from Medevac, Remote Cargo Ops, Aerial Firefghting, Search & Rescue and more, all the way to becoming an Airline Passenger Transport Pilot. Set out on a truly global aviation adventure with virtually unlimited missions across the planet.

Compete against other pilots in the all-new Challenge League mode or hone your skills in

dozens of Activities ranging from exciting Rally Races and Precision Landings to Low-Altitude challenges and more. Fly head-tohead in the iconic Red Bull Air Races and the legendary Reno Air Races, including the new Roswell courses.

STALKER 2: Heart of Chernobyl

• November 20

• Xbox, PC

Chornobyl Exclusion Zone has changed dramatically after the second massive explosion in year 2006. Violent mutants, deadly anomalies, warring factions have made the Zone a very tough place to survive. Nevertheless, artifacts of unbelievable value attracted many people called S.T.A.L.K.E.R.s, who entered the Zone for their own risk striving to make a fortune out of it or even to fnd the Truth concealed in the Heart of Chornobyl.

Take over a role of the lone stalker and explore photorealistic seamless open world in a 64-km² radioactive zone with a variety of environments that reveal postapocalyptic atmosphere from different angles. Make your way through the Zone to defne your destiny as you choose your paths within highly branching epic story.

Star Wars Outlaws

• November 21

• Steam Experience the frstever open world Star Wars™ action-adventure game and explore distinct locations across the galaxy, both iconic and new. Risk it all as

scoundrel Kay Vess, seeking freedom and the means to start a new life. Fight, steal, and outwit your way through the galaxy’s crime syndicates as you join the galaxy’s most wanted. If you’re willing to take the risk, the galaxy is full of opportunity.

Explore distinct locations with bustling cities and cantinas. Race across sprawling outdoor landscapes on your speeder. Each location brings new adventures, unique challenges, and enticing rewards if you’re willing to take the risk.

Towers of Aghasba

• November 2024 • PS5, PC Decades after the Shimu people were forced to fee their homeland due to the invasion of a mysterious force known as the Withered, the Shimu have returned to reclaim their rightful home: the fantastical island of AGHASBA. As junior architect, it’s your job to rebuild the villages of your once-mighty civilization as well as nurse Aghasba’s oncethriving ecosystems back to life.

Traverse varied terrain, scale colossal mountains and gaze out upon jaw-dropping vistas, all brought to life in a vibrant, high-fdelity art style. Befriend strange and memorable creatures, learn the storied history of the Shimu people and uncover the dark origins of the Withered.

LIAM JENNINGS

LIAM JENNINGS

Alpine A390 beta

complemented by a front motor for all-wheel drive.

Renault spinoff brand reveals electric coupe concept

The Alpine A390 Beta, recently unveiled at the 2024 Paris Motor Show, is a concept electric vehicle that represents the future of Alpine’s lineup. Positioned as a sporty fastback crossover, the A390 Beta combines the agility of the A110 sports car with a more practical, family-friendly design. The concept showcases Alpine’s dedication to performance, featuring a tri-motor electric setup with advanced torque vectoring for optimal handling. Each rear wheel has its own motor,

The design of the A390 Beta is inspired by Alpine’s mountain heritage, with fuid lines resembling natural elements like snow and rocks. The striking “Bleu Specular” paint highlights the car’s sharp, aerodynamic shape. Additionally, the futuristic interior features dynamic seating, which can switch between comfort and a racinginspired setup at the push of a button.

While the handclap doors and illuminated wheel hubs seen in the concept may not make it to production, the fastback silhouette and

innovative technologies will be preserved in the fnal version. The production model, expected by late 2025, will compete with premium electric vehicles like the BMW iX2 and Tesla Model 3.

The Alpine A390 Beta features a highperformance, all-electric drivetrain designed to balance sportiness with everyday practicality. Here are the key specifcations:

1. Powertrain:

o Three Electric Motors: One motor at the front and two at the rear, providing a non-permanent all-wheel drive (AWD) system.

o Active Torque Vectoring: Alpine-

developed technology that distributes torque between the wheels for optimal handling and performance.

2. Dimensions:

o Length: Approximately 4.7 metres, similar to an Audi Q6, but with a lower ride height at 1.5 metres, giving it a sportier stance 3. Performance:

o Acceleration and Handling: The A390 Beta is expected to deliver performance comparable to the Alpine A110, with engineers reporting identical lap times between the A390 prototype and the A110, despite the A390’s larger size and electric setup

o Aerodynamics:

The vehicle features a retractable light strip at the rear, which extends to transform the car into a long-tail design for improved range and aerodynamics.

4. Exterior and Design:

o Bleu Specular Paint: A striking multifaceted blue fnish that changes shades depending on light and angle.

o Wheels: 22-inch front and 23-inch rear wheels, designed to resemble a snowfake, featuring illuminated hubs.

5. Interior:

o Dynamic Seating: Convertible between a comfortable road driving position and a more

aggressive, race-inspired setup. The front seats feature four-point Sabelt harnesses similar to those used in Formula One

6. Production and Platform:

o Platform: Based on the Stellantis Group’s AmpR Medium platform, which will underpin future electric vehicles from the brand.

o Production Start: Expected in 2025, with manufacturing taking place in Dieppe, France. The A390 aims to blend the performance characteristics of a sports car with the practicality of a crossover, making it a compelling option in the electric vehicle market.

2025 Hyundai Inster Cross Revealed: Off-Road Styled EV Coming to Australia

tough appearance.

Hyundai has offcially unveiled the 2025 Hyundai Inster Cross, an off-road-inspired electric vehicle (EV) that is set to make its way to the Australian market. This all-new model combines rugged styling with the versatility of an electric drivetrain, appealing to those looking for an adventurous, eco-friendly SUV.

Key Features and Specifcations

Design

The Hyundai Inster Cross features an off-roadoriented design, with prominent rugged styling elements including:

• Chunky all-terrain tires for off-road capability.

• Higher ground clearance and underbody protection, enhancing its off-road potential.

• Bold cladding around the wheel arches and skid plates, reinforcing its

• Roof rails and optional off-road accessories such as roof racks and bike carriers.

• A signature LED light bar across the front grille, giving it a futuristic and aggressive look.

Powertrain

Hyundai is offering the Inster Cross with two different battery and motor confgurations:

Standard Range:

o Battery: 58 kWh

lithium-ion pack

o Power: 160kW

o Drivetrain: Rearwheel drive

o Range: Approximately 400 km (WLTP cycle)

Long Range:

o Battery: 77.4 kWh

lithium-ion pack

o Power: 239kW (dualmotor, all-wheel drive)

o Range: Approximately 500 km (WLTP cycle)

o Towing capacity: Up to 1600 kg

Both models are equipped with fast charging capabilities, with the

ability to recharge from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes using a 350 kW DC fast charger.

Interior

Inside, the Inster Cross features a modern, tech-forward cabin:

• 12.3-inch dual displays for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system.

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

• Sustainable interior materials, including eco-friendly upholstery options.

• Generous cargo space with a two-level boot foor for enhanced practicality.

• Optional panoramic sunroof and ambient lighting, adding a sense of luxury and space.

Technology and Safety

The Inster Cross comes packed with the latest safety and driving technologies, including:

• Hyundai SmartSense suite, offering features like adaptive cruise

control, lane-keeping assist, and autonomous emergency braking.

• Off-road drive modes that adjust the vehicle’s power delivery and traction for challenging terrain such as mud, snow, or sand.

• Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, allowing the car to power external devices like camping equipment.

Australian Availability and Pricing

The 2025 Hyundai Inster Cross is expected to launch in Australia in the second half of 2025.

Offcial pricing is yet to be announced, but it is anticipated to start from approximately $65,000 AUD for the entry-level model, with the higher-spec dualmotor, long-range version likely to exceed $75,000 AUD.

Target Market

The Hyundai Inster Cross is designed for eco-conscious buyers who are seeking a versatile, rugged EV that can handle both urban

and off-road adventures. With its combination of practicality, advanced technology, and off-road capability, the Inster Cross is set to appeal to a wide range of consumers, from families to outdoor enthusiasts.

The launch of the Inster Cross is part of Hyundai’s continued expansion into the EV market, reinforcing its commitment to providing sustainable mobility solutions across different vehicle segments.

JEFF GIBBS

JEFF GIBBS

ByteDance Founder Zhang Yiming Emerges as China’s Wealthiest Person Amid Economic Shifts and TikTok Challenges

IAN ROGERS

Zhang Yiming, the visionary behind ByteDance and its global sensation TikTok, has ascended to the top of China’s wealth hierarchy, amassing a fortune estimated at $75 billion, according to the latest Hurun China Rich List. Zhang’s rise to prominence has occurred despite TikTok facing potential regulatory restrictions and a possible ban in the U.S., where it boasts nearly 200 million users. The 41-year-old tech mogul’s personal fortune now surpasses the GDP of around 90 countries, placing him at the centre of a dynamic and evolving Chinese economy.

From Start-up to Empire: Zhang Yiming’s ByteDance Journey

Zhang Yiming founded ByteDance in a small Beijing apartment in 2012, and over the next decade, it evolved into one of the

most influential tech companies globally.

TikTok, ByteDance’s flagship app, has grown into a cultural and social phenomenon, driving ByteDance’s revenue by 30% last year to a staggering $168 billion. Yet, with TikTok’s success has come scrutiny, a bill signed by President Joe Biden could mandate ByteDance to divest TikTok to continue operating in the United States, where concerns over data security linger. ByteDance has consistently denied any data-sharing with the Chinese government and recently launched a legal challenge to the bill in a bid to preserve its U.S. market.

Wealth and Leadership Changes

Zhang Yiming’s wealth multiplied tenfold in six years, positioning him ahead of previous titleholder Zhong Shanshan, whose fortune from bottled water company Nongfu Spring dipped to $73 billion amid a

nationalist backlash on social media. Amid a changing economic landscape, Zhang stepped down as CEO of ByteDance in 2021, citing his preference for research and strategic innovation over dayto-day management. This transition occurred as Chinese regulators began intensifying oversight on the tech sector, prompting several founders to step back from operational roles.

In a personal note, Zhang highlighted his passion for “analysing organisational and market principles,” rather than people management, and noted his preference for solitary activities like reading, music, and online research.

Economic and Sectoral Shifts in China Zhang’s rise reflects broader economic transformations in China.

The Hurun China Rich

List reveals a reshuffling within China’s wealthy elite, with traditional industries like real estate making way for technology and renewable energy.

Rupert Hoogewerf, chief researcher at Hurun, points out that China’s economy has

proportion of new wealth in China is rooted in tech innovation, environmental renewables, and new energy sectors—a stark contrast to the real estate and manufacturing dominance of previous decades.

Charting the Future

“The 41-year-old tech mogul’s personal fortune now surpasses the GDP of around 90 countries”

recently shed a third of its billionaires amid economic and regulatory pressures.

Senior lecturer Wei Li from the University of Sydney observes a pivot toward self-reliance in technology and a focus on the environmental renewables sector, both of which align with China’s long-term carbon-neutral goals. She notes that a rising

The composition of the Hurun list highlights China’s evolving economic story, as lithium battery and solar panel tycoons emerge alongside established industries like consumer electronics and e-commerce. Notably, half of the individuals on the list were not present five years ago, reflecting the economy’s rapid diversification

and ongoing restructuring. With intensified competition and global pressures facing industries like solar, lithium, and electric vehicles, Hoogewerf emphasizes that the landscape is constantly reshaping as entrepreneurs adapt to new challenges and growth sectors.

The Hurun list paints a picture of a reimagined Chinese economy, one where new energy, tech innovation, and consumer-driven products are poised to drive growth in the coming years. Zhang Yiming’s journey, from an ambitious entrepreneur to China’s wealthiest individual, epitomizes this evolution—a testament to the power of digital innovation even amid regulatory and geopolitical complexities.

Mosaic Brands Limited Enters Administration Following Failed Restructuring Efforts

weeks after closing five of its retail brands.

Mosaic Brands Limited, the company behind several of Australia’s longest-running clothing retailers, including Millers, Katies, and Rivers, has entered voluntary administration after a lastminute restructuring plan failed to gain unanimous support from stakeholders.

The ASX-listed company announced its decision this afternoon, marking a significant downturn just

In a statement to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), Mosaic Brands explained that while the majority of its commercial partners backed the restructuring proposal, a small group of stakeholders withheld support. This, coupled with unresolved negotiations with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), ultimately led the Board to

make the difficult decision to appoint administrators.

The company’s ASX trading had been suspended pending a resolution.

“The group’s leadership received the support of a significant majority of its commercial partners and was confident that the restructure would serve the best interests of all stakeholders,” the statement read. “However, a small number of parties declined to support the proposal or negotiate a

commercial outcome, and a commercially acceptable resolution could not be reached with the ACCC.”

Earlier this month, Mosaic announced a major brand consolidation plan, winding down five of its brands—Rockmans, Autograph, Crossroads, W Lane, and BeMe—closing over 200 stores to focus on its other remaining labels, including Katies, Millers, Noni B, Rivers, and the Mosaic Marketplace. Despite

today’s administration announcement, the company emphasized that these core brands would continue to operate through the Christmas season.

Management aims to proceed with its rationalization strategy and restructuring plans, focusing on the highdemand holiday trading period. “The board wishes to reiterate its commitment to Mosaic’s loyal customers and the company’s dedicated

team across Australia. We believe the business has a sustainable, long-term future,” the statement concluded.

As the retail sector faces intense economic pressures, Mosaic’s collapse signals a challenging environment for traditional fashion retailers in Australia. The company’s future now hinges on its ability to navigate administration while sustaining core operations and rebuilding its brand portfolio.

Zhang Yiming, the visionary behind ByteDanc and TikTok

ROBERT HEYWARD

ENTERTAINMENT

8 PAGE LIFT OUT

One of Australia’s most iconic rock bands, The Radiators, is back to take on Mullum this November.

The path to rock ‘n’ roll stardom is fraught with peril, scattered with the dreams of countless hopefuls, one-hit wonders, and those left wondering “what if.” While many bands dissolve in the garage, victims of ego clashes and personality conficts, only a few truly make it. One of those success stories is the legendary Australian band, The Radiators, who celebrated their 40th anniversary in 2018 since their frst performance.

The Radiators have secured their place in Australian rock

history, sharing stages with icons like AC/ DC, Rose Tattoo, and INXS, and boasting over 4,000 live shows. They’ve entertained

millions across Australia, recorded more than 100 original tracks, earned two Platinum albums, two Gold albums, and sold over a million units.

Even after decades, The Radiators continue to tour vigorously, performing around 100 shows each year. Fans, both young and old,

gather to experience a slice of living Australian rock history, dancing the night away to the timeless hits that have made The Radiators

a household name in Aussie rock music.

Join us on the 8th November and dance the night away to all of the great catchy songs and classic hits that make the Radiators a household name in Australia.

EVENT DETAILS:

• When: Friday 8th Nov @8pm

• Where: Mullumbimby

Ex Services Club

• Price: $38.50

Three days & two nights of riding, eating, drinking, bonding and general merriment in beautiful Upper Burringbar at Rise Farm.

Arrivals from Friday afternoon or Saturday morning. The weekend will include the usual Friday night dinner at the local club and Saturday night fre pit and dinner at the farm

The two days of riding

will include:

Saturday - a 100km loop with lunch at the Imperial Hotel Saturday - The Gentleman’s Ride - Rise Farm to the Imperial and back via the Rail Trailapporx 50kms

Sunday - 60 km Ride down to Brunswick Heads for Breakfast then back to the farm

EVENT DETAILS:

• When: Friday 8th –Sunday 10th Nov

• Where: Upper Burringbar

• Price: From $110

WHICH WORDS

Which is the correct meaning for these words?

1 CONTESSERATION

(a) The act of forming friendship or union

(b) Joining together of timber

(c) Transmission of a disease by direct contact

2 FURTIVE

(a) Raging

(b) Stealthy

(c) Timid

3 INCALESCENT

(a) Increasing in heat

(b) Not cautious or careful

(c) Helplessly drunk

4 NOISOME

(a) Clamorous

(b) Unwilling (c) Injurious to health

5 VITIATE

(a) To make lifelike

(b) To use abusive language

(c) To render faulty or defective

PUZZLES Corporate Accommodation

TIME FOR TRIVIA

1 Which classic novel features a ship named the Pequod? (a) Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea (b) Moby-Dick (c) The Old Man and the Sea (d) Treasure Island

2 What are the two uppermost layers of Earth’s atmosphere? (a) Exosphere, thermosphere (b) Stratosphere, troposphere (c) Mesosphere, troposphere (d) Stratosphere, thermosphere

3 What is the capital city of Botswana? (a) Luanda (b) Kinshasa (c) Gaborone (d) Malabo

4 Mark Sinclair, born in 1967, is better known by what stage name? (a) Vin Diesel (b) Mark Ruffalo (c) Woody Harrelson (d) Keanu Reeves

5 Which of the following terms refers to the degree of elasticity of human skin? (a) Skin hyperplasia (b) Skin turgor (c) Skin gurd (d) Skin supliture

6 The Bay of Islands is a popular tourist destinations in which country? (a) Papua New Guinea (b) Fiji (c) Japan (d) New Zealand

BYRON BAY FLOORSANDING 0408 536 565

FRIDAY

SHETLAND

ABC TV, 8.30pm

Without Douglas Henshall and his signature black peacoat, Shetland viewers may question if they’ve accidentally tuned into the wrong show – after all, his weary detective Jimmy Pérez has been the soul of this crime drama for seven seasons. For this eighth innings, Agatha Raisin star Ashley Jensen takes the lead as Met detective Ruth Calder. She’s a former Shetland resident who escaped at her rst opportunity only to nd herself back in the isles on the trail of gangland murder witness Ellen (Maisie Norma Seaton, pictured). Tosh (Alison O’Donnell) puts her own investigation into a series of sheep slayings on hold to help Calder track her down, but their partnership is far from smooth sailing.

FRIDAY, November 8

SUNDAY THE BLOCK

NBN, 7pm

There’s no question: this season of The Block has been the most dramatic yet – but will the all-important auctions follow suit? In tonight’s nale, we nd out, as the ve stunning Philip Island homes nally go under the hammer. After hosts Scott Cam (pictured) and Shelley Craft reveal the reserve prices, it’s time for one last squabble as the contestants decide on the crucial auction order. All ve asking prices are under $2 million for the rst time since 2016, which should merit a decent payday for each team (they take home anything over their house’s reserve), but there’s no guarantee. With the auctions held just one day before the episode goes to air, this is as un ltered and unpredictable as reality TV gets.

MONDAY FIVE BEDROOMS

TEN, 9.40pm

Five Bedrooms is one of those rare homegrown hits that deftly massage the funny bone while striking a (heart-wrenching) nerve with relatable scenarios, refreshing characters and sharp scripts: think The Secret Life of Us spring and Colin From Accounts. If you’re yet to discover this hidden gem about a bunch of grown-ups navigating life in their gorgeous shared Melbourne home, the good news is there’s three seasons to catch up on before this fourth and likely nal instalment. Tonight’s episode, “Two Battlers”, nds Liz (Kat Stewart, pictured) stepping up as carer after Manju (Kumud Merani) undergoes surgery. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t go to plan.

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

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Planet America: Election Night Special. (R) 11.00 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Miniseries: Nolly. (Final, Ml, R)

2.00 Plum. (Ml, R)

3.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R)

3.30 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 4.15 Grand Designs New Zealand. (R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. 6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day. 7.30 Gardening Australia. Tammy Huynh mounts orchids on a log.

Shetland. (Return, Mlv) DI Calder returns to Shetland on the trail of a vulnerable witness to a gangland murder.

Fisk. (PG, R) Grandma quits the reception desk. 10.00 Question Everything. (R) Presented by Wil Anderson and Jan Fran. 10.35 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 11.05 ABC Late News. 11.20 Grand Designs New Zealand. (R) 12.05 Long Lost Family. (PG, R)

12.55 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)

5.00 Rage. (PG)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 For The Love Of Dogs. (PGa, R) 10.00 Home Is Where The Art Is. (R) 10.50 Revolution: Ideas That Changed The World. (PGal, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 1.00 PBS News. 2.10 Secrets Of The Royal Palaces. (PGal, R) 3.00 NITV News: Nula. 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Walking Wartime England. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 11.30 Seven Morning News. 12.00 MOVIE: A Dangerous Defence. (2021, Mav, R) 2.00 Motorbike Cops. (PGl, R) 2.15 Catch Phrase. (PG, R) 3.00

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.35 Lost Treasures Of Ancient Rome. (PGalv) 8.30 Castle Secrets.

9.25 Kennedy: The World At War (1940-1946) (PG)

10.15 SBS World News Late.

10.45 The Lesson. (Mal)

12.20 The Wall: The Chateau Murder. (Malv, R) 2.50 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGa, R)

3.40 Earth’s Natural Wonders. (PG, R)

4.45 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 6.05pm Kangaroo Beach. 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. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)

6.00 7News Local. 6.30 7News @ 6:30. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Dr Harry Cooper looks at Clydesdales. 8.30 Growing Home With Jamie Durie: The Countdown Begins. (PG) Follows landscape designer Jamie Durie and his young family on their three-year journey as they build their eco-friendly dream home on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

9.30 King Con: Life And Crimes Of Hamish McLaren. (Mal, R) Tales a look at how con man Hamish McLaren swindled

$60 million from friends, family and lovers. 11.30 My Kitchen Rules. (PGl, R)

1.10 Taken. (Mav, R) 2.30 Home Shopping.

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

7TWO (62)

(8, 80)

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current A air.

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

8.40 MOVIE: Angel Has Fallen. (2019, MA15+lv, R) A secret service agent is wrongfully accused of an assassination attempt on the US president. Gerard Butler, Morgan Freeman, Danny Huston.

11.00 Inside Beverly Hills. (Premiere, Ml)

11.50 The First 48: A Bad Run-In/Inferno. (Ma, R)

12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

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 Postcards. (PG, R)

9GEM (82)

(5)

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) Stacey Solomon and her team help a family transform their home through a life-changing declutter.

8.45 To Be Advised.

9.45 Shark Tank. (R) The panel is pitched a number of inventions, including a camera that takes 27 photos and an edible serviette.

10.45 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather.

11.10 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news. 12.10 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert. 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 6am WorldWatch. 10.00 The Movie Show. Noon WorldWatch. 12.30

8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 A League Of Their Own Road Trip: SE Asia. (Premiere) 10.20 Homeland. 12.25am The Doll Factory. 1.25 King Of The Road. 3.15 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.

Morning Programs. 9.00 Left O The Map. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 The Great Australian Doorstep. 2.30 Weekender. 3.00 DVine Living. 3.30 Left O The Map. 4.00 Surf Patrol. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Martin Clunes: Islands Of The Paci c. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 10.30 I Escaped To The Country. 11.30 Late Programs.

7.30 NCIS. 10.20 FBI. 12.15am Home Shopping. 2.15 Diagnosis Murder. 4.05 JAG. 6am Danger Man. 7.00 Cre o. 7.30 Skippy. 8.00 TV Shop. 10.30 Pointless. 11.30

9GO! (83) 6am A Handful Of Dust. Continued. (1988, PG) 7.10 The Guns Of Navarone. (1961, PG) 10.00 Miss Marx. (2020, M) Noon The Spy. (2019, M, Swedish) 2.05 From Here To Eternity. (1953, PG) 4.15 The Lunchbox. (2013, PG, Hindi) 6.15 The Caine Mutiny. (1954, PG) 8.30 Saving

5.00 American Restoration. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.00 To Be Advised. 9.15 MOVIE: Men In Black. (1997) 11.15 MOVIE: Underworld: Awakening. (2012, MA15+) 1am Late Programs.

6am Children’s Programs.

Noon Gossip Girl. 2.00 La Brea. 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 Mask. (1994, PG) 9.30 MOVIE: Dumb And Dumber To. (2014, M) 11.45 The O.C. 12.40am Love Island: Unseen Bits. 1.30 The Nanny. 2.30 Bewitched. 3.00 Bakugan:

PUZZLES AND ASTROLOGY

Enjoy good times in the Brisbane

TARGET TIME

N D S

I W E

S

E T

Today’s target: 20 words average 26 words good

32+ 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)

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Auspac Media

The week starts with an impatient, indulgent Venus/Jupiter opposition, and then Mars (your boss planet) charges into fellow fire sign, Leo. So –if you want things to run smoothly – diplomacy, discretion and restraint are required. Not qualities that come naturally to Rams! Wisdom for the week is from singer-songwriter Lorde (who turns 28 on Thursday): “Take care of your thoughts when you are alone and take care of your words when you are with people.”

TAURUS (Apr 20 – May 20)

With voluptuous Venus (your patron planet) opposing Jupiter and squaring Neptune, you’re in the mood to overindulge, overspend and exaggerate. But too much eating, drinking, partying and/or spending (plus too little sleep) could extend your waistline, shorten your patience and slow you down by the end of the week. Unrealistic expectations could also lead to disappointment and confusion, so try to keep your feet firmly on the ground.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 20)

Have you been wondering (and worrying) about your professional options in the future? The ideal is to follow your dreams and make your day-to-day work a pleasure rather than a full-time chore. This week, the terrific Sun/Saturn trine encourages you to turn an abstract idea into a rock-solid reality via an inspiring vision and a strategic plan, especially at work. Proactive Mars also encourages you to get busy and be productive in your local community.

CANCER (June 21 – July 22)

The Sun and Saturn are activating your entertainment and travel sectors. So jump out of your Crab comfort zone and book some tickets to a concert or plan a much-needed holiday. When it comes to your personal and professional friendships, strive to be extra patient and keep the lines of communication wide open. Your motto for the moment is from birthday great, singersongwriter-musician Joni Mitchell: “I want to have fun, I want to shine like the Sun.”

Get cracking, Cats! It’s one of the most proactive and productive weeks of the year as Mars charges into Leo, and Saturn (planet of discipline and patience) links up with the Sun (your ruling planet). Relationships with relatives should improve, as long as you take a cautious and responsible approach. Catching up with delayed chores and overdue DIY projects in your Lion’s den is particularly favoured. When it comes to personal projects, strike while the iron is hot.

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

When it comes to romance, do you have ridiculously high expectations? Have you placed your partner (or imagined partner) on a towering pedestal? With Neptune and Saturn both transiting through your relationship zone, stop expecting the perfect soulmate and, instead, be prepared to love a real flesh and bones person … faults and all. As singer/songwriter (and birthday great) Joni Mitchell sings: “I’ve looked at love from both sides now, from up and down …”

LIBRA (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

This week pleasure-planet Venus (your patron planet) opposes Jupiter and squares Neptune, so you’re in the mood to indulge your senses via overeating, drinking too much, partying too often and/or maxing out your credit card. Wearing decidedly rose-coloured glasses could also lead to confusion and disappointment (especially involving love, romance, neighbours, work colleagues, clients or customers). The Sun and Saturn encourage you to stay grounded.

SCORPIO (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

On Monday and Tuesday, being resourceful and strategic pays off well at work. Creative ideas and careful research will also take you far. But don’t blow your budget with an indulgent Venus/ Jupiter spending spree or commit yourself to an ambitious project that you don’t really have the time or enthusiasm for. Short-term big talk is no good if it doesn’t translate into long-term action. This week, patience and persistence are the keys to Scorpio success.

With Mercury and Venus both transiting through your sign, you’ll be at your chatty and charming best! So it’s a wonderful week to create, collaborate and communicate, in your friendly Sagittarian way. As birthday great Albert Camus wrote: “Charm is the way of getting the answer ‘yes’, without having asked any clear question.” But avoid making impulsive financial decisions, especially on Monday. Take your time, do your research, and get a second opinion.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19) Your best days are Monday and Tuesday, when Saturn (your power planet) trines the Sun. Concentration, goal setting and creative plans will take you far, especially involving communication, education, social media and group activities. Jupiter encourages you to enjoy the simple things in life – like a walk in the park or a kiss from a child. Be inspired by actress Sally Field (who turns 78 on Wednesday): “Find joy in the little things; they add up to something magnificent.”

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

With Mars charging into your relationship zone, it’s time to maintain your independence within the partnership … and encourage your sweetheart to do the same. The Sun/Saturn trine is terrific for professional and volunteer work plus long-term career planning. Success will be more satisfying if you are patient and disciplined, as you follow your particular path. Be inspired by actress (and birthday great) Sally Field: “Your journey is unique; don’t compare it to others.”

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

It’s a wonderful week to dream big dreams and set ambitious goals for the future, as the Sun and Saturn activate your aspirations’ zone. But family members and work colleagues need to be handled with an extra big dollop of diplomacy and discretion. As birthday great Joni Mitchell observes: “There are things to confess that enrich the world, and things that need not be said.” On the weekend, avoid the temptation to be vague about the truth and tell tall tales.

ASTROLOGY with Joanne Madeline Moore

9 to 5 The Musical, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick, is based on the inspiring 1980 hit movie. Set in the late 1970s this hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era is outrageous, thoughtprovoking and even a little romantic.

The lives of three individual women, Doralee, Judy & Violet, are intertwined and pushed to boiling point, the three female coworkers make an unexpected connection and concoct a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call their boss. In a hilarious turn of events, Violet, Judy and Doralee live out their wildest fantasies – giving their

boss the boot! While Hart remains “otherwise engaged,” the women give their workplace a dream makeover, taking control of the company that had always kept them down. The question is what will happen with the CEO Mr Tinsworthy, pays an unexpected visit to the company?

EVENT DETAILS:

• When: Friday 8th Nov – Sunday 1st Dec

• Where: Ballina Players Theatre

• Price: From $28

M, 118 mins, Italy

The highest grossing flm of 2023 in Italy, There’s Still Tomorrow is a vibrant, moving drama starring Paola Cortellesi in her directorial debut.

Delia (Cortellesi) lives in a working-class community in Rome in the late 1940s - a city divided between the positive thrust of liberation and the miseries of the war that has just ended - with her domineering husband, Ivano (Valerio Mastandrea), their three children, and father-inlaw.

She rises above the daily challenges of family life; has a best friend with whom to share moments of levity, and dreams for her daughter Marcella to one day have a better life. Delia accepts her

fate - the good with the bad - until one day a mysterious letter arrives. Shot in resplendent black and white, in the style of post-World War II Italian neorealist flmmakers, There’s Still Tomorrow is a critically acclaimed, bittersweet and empowering tale tinged with a comedic irony.

EVENT DETAILS:

• When: Sunday 10th & Wednesday 13th Nov

• Where: Star Court Theatre, Lismore

• Price: From $15

Exciting news! Abstract Touring proudly presents the return of ‘Songs in the Key of Motown’ – the ultimate Motown experience. Revel in the return of the globally celebrated ‘Songs in the Key of Motown’

The biggest little show in the biggest little town of Australia happens at Mullumbimby showgrounds, nestled at the base of Mt Chincogan.

On Friday, the 8th of November, we will offer free entry to the show. This year’s show will include: Friday

• Stock Horse Eventsfull program

• Trotting demonstrations

• Side Show Alley

• BBQ & Bar

• Music Saturday

• Pavillion - This years theme “Gone Fishing”

• Show Alley

• Show Jumping

• Full range of Horse

Judging

• Show Jumping

• Trotting demonstrations

• Cattle Judging

• Poultry Judging

• Pavilion Judging

• Truck Show

as it embarks on its Tenth tour of Australia, following sold-out performances across the USA. Featuring two extraordinary Motown groups, the acclaimed male revue “Spectrum,” known worldwide with a coveted star on the

• BBQ & Bar

• Mower Races

• Motor Bike Barrel Races

• Reptile Show

• Petting Zoo

• Farrier demonstrations

• Camp Oven demonstraions - King Brown Camp Ovens

• Antique Motors

• Talent Quest

• Live Bands - Main Stage

• Fireworks - 8.00 pm Sunday

• Pavillion - This years them “History”

• Side Show Alley

• Show Jumping

• Trotting demonstrations

• Show & Shine - Cars display

• Show & ShineBikes display

• Petting Zoo

• Reptile Show

• Pet Show competition

• Working dog demonstration

• BBQ & Bar

Jacksons, Marvin Gaye, The Supremes, The Temptations, Gladys Knight and the Pips, and more. Don’t miss this iconic production that captures the soulful essence of Motown! With no limits, ‘Songs in the Key of Motown’ delivers the essence of Motown through captivating performances, dazzling costumes, and impeccable choreography. Don’t miss the epitome of Motown excellence – the world’s best Motown show!

EVENT DETAILS:

• When: Saturday 9th Nov @8pm

• Where: Twin Towns, Tweed Heads

• Price: $59

Las Vegas Walk of Stars, and the globally renowned all-female revue “Radiance “. Experience the magic as eight exceptional singers and dancers, accompanied by a live band, bring to life the timeless hits of The

• Mower Races

• Motor Bike Barrel races

• Tug of War

• Airtime FMXMotorbike Show

• Trick Riding Show

• Demolition Derby

• Live Music - Main Stage

TICKET PRICES “Friday 8th November is Free entry.”

Tickets purchased online for Friday or Saturday are $12 daily for Adults and $5.00 for children (5-16 years).

Children under 5 have free entry.

We are introducing a 2-day pass available for purchase online. The 2-day pass for the 2024 Show is $20.00 for Adults and $10.00 for Children (5-16 years).

Children under 5 have free entry.

Gate prices for the 2024 Show are $15.00 per day for Adults and $5.00 per day for Children (5-16 years).

Children under 5 have free entry.

MEMBERSHIP

Those who want to purchase a Membership to the Mullumbimby Agricultural Society Inc. should contact the Executive Committee via email at mullumbimbyshow2@ gmail.com. Your membership includes a 2-day pass to the Mullumbimby Show.

EVENT DETAILS:

• When: Friday 8th –10th Nov

• Where: Mullumbimby Showground

• Price: From $5

- A JOURNEY THROUGH PARADISE -

The K’gari (Fraser Island) Great Walk is an immersive experience that takes hikers through one of Australia’s most pristine natural landscapes. Situated off the coast of Queensland, K’gari is the largest sand island in the world and has earned its place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Renowned for its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, the K’gari Great Walk offers adventurers an opportunity to experience this unique environment over a 90-kilometre journey.

This walk is a mustdo for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone eager to reconnect with the outdoors.

A Cultural Connection

K’gari, meaning “paradise” in the local Butchulla language, holds deep signifcance for the island’s Traditional Owners, the Butchulla people. Their presence on the island dates back thousands of years, and their culture and stories are woven into the landscape.

The island’s name was offcially changed from Fraser Island to K’gari in 2021, acknowledging its Indigenous heritage.

The Great Walk is not only an exploration of stunning physical landscapes but also an educational journey, with signs and information panels along the way to introduce visitors to the cultural and historical signifcance of the area. Hikers can gain insight into the Butchulla people’s connection to the land and their sustainable living practices, which have preserved the

island’s ecosystems for millennia.

A Journey Through Diverse Ecosystems Spanning from Dilli Village in the south to Happy Valley in the north, the K’gari Great Walk showcases the island’s incredible ecological diversity. This fve to seven-day trek winds through a variety of landscapes, including dense rainforests, eucalyptus woodlands, mangrove forests, coastal heathlands, and pristine freshwater lakes.

One of the walk’s most breathtaking highlights is Lake McKenzie (Boorangoora), a perched lake with crystal-clear waters surrounded by pure white silica sand. This stunning natural pool is one of the most photographed spots on the island, and for good reason—its beauty is unparalleled.

Hikers will also pass by Lake Wabby, the

deepest lake on K’gari, set amidst massive sand dunes that contrast sharply with the surrounding greenery. The ever-shifting sands give the lake an otherworldly feel, making it a unique stop along the trail.

Wildlife Encounters

As you traverse the island’s varied environments, keep an eye out for its remarkable wildlife.

K’gari is home to over 230 species of birds, including rare and migratory species. You might spot ospreys, kingfshers, and the endangered ground parrot. The island is also famous for its population of pure-bred dingoes, considered one of the last remaining strains of dingo in Australia.

While encounters with dingoes can be thrilling, hikers are reminded to follow safety guidelines and avoid feeding or

approaching these wild animals.

In addition to dingoes and birdlife, the island’s surrounding waters teem with marine life. Depending on the season, you might be lucky enough to spot humpback whales off the coast, as they migrate through the area between August and October.

Plan Your Walk

The K’gari Great Walk is best attempted between May and October, when the weather is cooler and drier, reducing the risk of storms and extreme heat. Due to the length and diffculty of the walk, it’s recommended for experienced hikers or those with a good level of ftness. There are several camping spots along the way, allowing hikers to break up the journey into manageable sections.

While it’s possible to complete the walk in fve

days, many hikers opt to take their time, spending seven days on the trail to fully absorb the beauty of K’gari. For those short on time or seeking a less strenuous experience, there are shorter sections of the Great Walk that can be enjoyed as day hikes.

Get Trekking!

The K’gari Great Walk is a transformative experience, offering visitors a chance to explore the wonders of the world’s largest sand island. From its cultural signifcance and breathtaking landscapes to its diverse wildlife, this hike provides a unique perspective on one of Australia’s most treasured natural sites. Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply seeking a deeper connection to the land, the K’gari Great Walk will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.

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

LIAM JENNINGS

‘Loyalty Doesn’t Pay’ Households

Overpaying on Electricity by Staying with Providers

IAN ROGERS

Households sticking with their existing electricity providers could be paying up to $400 more each year than necessary, according to a recent analysis by Canstar Blue. Research shows that by switching to market-leading plans, households across Australia could save

hundreds annually.

In South Australia, where energy costs are among the highest, residents could save the most by switching to Pacifc Blue, reducing annual bills from $2831 to $2429—a potential savings of $402.

Canstar

Blue’s Top-Rated Energy Providers for 2024

Here are the top-rated providers for Electricity, Solar, and Gas by state, as evaluated by Canstar Blue for 2024:

These providers are recognized for offering the best value across various energy services, from general electricity plans to

2024 rankings.

Other states also saw substantial savings with top-rated providers, including $201 in NSW, $277 in Victoria, and $326 in the ACT.

These potential savings are in addition to the $300 national energy relief rebate and other state and federal government measures aimed at reducing energy costs for households.

A Canstar Blue survey of 3,300 households found that the average consumer switches energy providers only once every nine years,

with some staying with the same company for decades.

“Time and time again, we fnd that loyalty doesn’t pay,” said Sally Tindall, Canstar Blue’s fnance expert. “It’s

surprising that only 12% of households have switched providers in the past two years, despite sharp price hikes.”

Tindall emphasized that energy is a major recurring expense for households, alongside housing, food, and insurance. “A single switch could lead to ongoing savings, quarter after quarter,” she noted, urging consumers to check their plans and switch if needed.

With electricity prices rising steadily, Canstar Blue’s latest fndings highlight the importance of re-evaluating energy plans regularly to avoid unnecessary expenses.

Research Shows Human Life Expectancy May Be Nearing Its Limit

A new study suggests that humanity may be approaching the upper limit of life expectancy, with advances in medical technology and genetic research yielding only modest gains in longevity for the longestliving populations. Led by S. Jay Olshansky, a researcher from the University of IllinoisChicago, the study highlights a signifcant slowdown in life expectancy growth in places where people already live the longest, such as Japan, Hong Kong, Switzerland, and Australia.

across countries with high life expectancies. The results show that improvements in life expectancy are slowing, particularly in the U.S., where gains have stagnated due to factors such as drug overdoses, gun violence, obesity, and healthcare inequities. Women continue to outlive men, but the average increase in life expectancy has shrunk from 2.5 years per decade in the 1990s to 1.5 years in the 2010s, with minimal gains in the U.S.

advances aren’t currently available.

Life Expectancy and its Limits

Life expectancy estimates predict the average lifespan of a newborn, given constant death rates. It is widely used to gauge public health but doesn’t account for pandemics, medical breakthroughs, or other dramatic shifts.

In this study, Olshansky and his team estimated the impact if all deaths before age 50 were eliminated; even then, life expectancy in the longest-living regions would rise by only 1.5 years.

“We have to recognize there’s a limit,” Olshansky said, suggesting that we may need to reconsider expectations for retirement and long-term fnancial needs.

The research, published

in Nature Aging, analysed life expectancy data from 1990 to 2019

Mark Hayward, a researcher at the University of Texas, acknowledged the fndings, saying, “We are reaching a plateau.” Although breakthroughs could push life expectancy further, Hayward noted that such

“We’re squeezing less and less life out of these life-extending technologies,” Olshansky explained, attributing this to the natural aging process that remains resistant to medical intervention.

While centenarians are more common—former U.S. President Jimmy Carter recently reached 100—most people don’t make it to such ages. The percentage of people reaching 100 will likely remain limited, with fewer than 15% of women and 5% of men expected to hit that milestone in most countries. According to Olshansky, while population growth may increase the absolute number of centenarians, the proportion will stay low.

This research underscores the challenge of pushing life expectancy much higher, as the biological constraints of aging continue to limit further gains.

NSW Trauma Surgeons Warn of Rising E-Scooter Injuries in Children

At a recent NSW parliamentary inquiry, trauma surgeons voiced urgent concerns about e-scooter injuries among children, recommending strict regulations as the state considers legalising the devices.

Dr. SV Soundappan, trauma specialist at Westmead Children’s Hospital, reported a “very sharp increase” in e-scooter-related injuries in 2024, with children as young as fve involved in crashes. “Two-thirds

of these children aren’t wearing helmets,” he noted, adding that accidents often happen in varied environments, including streets where children collide with stationary and moving vehicles.

Common injuries include fractures, head trauma, brain bleeds, and internal injuries. With nearly 460,000 e-scooters in NSW homes despite current restrictions, trauma experts worry emergency

departments could become more strained.

The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons trauma chair, Vikram Puttaswamy, warned of rising morbidity and mortality without strict rules.

The state government’s draft plan proposes legalising e-scooters with a ban on under-16s, mandatory helmets, a 0.05 blood alcohol limit, and speed caps of 20km/h on shared paths. However, Soundappan

advocates for a 10km/h limit to reduce risks to pedestrians.

John Crozier, trauma surgeon, urged legislators to prioritise pedestrian safety, stating, “These devices should be regarded as motor vehicles.” E-scooters are currently allowed in limited public settings in Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, WA, and the ACT.

solar and gas, based on Canstar Blue’s

IAN ROGERS

Call for Increased Mental Health Support for Prostate Cancer Patients

Each year, 24,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer, with 40% at risk of experiencing mental distress. Alongside the physical toll of the disease, men face signifcant mental health challenges, which are often overlooked, according to researchers from the University of South Australia.

Lead researcher Dr. Tenaw Tiruye emphasized the need for more comprehensive mental health support for men, both during and immediately after a prostate cancer diagnosis:

“Prostate cancer is the most common cancer affecting Australian men.

Despite high survival rates, psychological issues are among the most frequently reported unmet needs for prostate cancer survivors.”

A recent study of 13,693 South Australian men with prostate cancer revealed that 15% began using mental health medications after their diagnosis, while 6% sought help from mental health services. The study highlighted the pressing need for mental health services to be integrated into prostate cancer care.

The fndings suggest that mental health screenings should become a routine part of prostate cancer diagnosis and care. Dr. Tiruye noted that:

“Prostate cancer can

take a serious toll on men’s mental health throughout all stages of the illness—diagnosis, surveillance, treatment, and follow-up. An estimated one in six patients experiences clinical depression. The rates of depression and anxiety among prostate cancer patients are signifcantly higher than in the general population, as is the risk of suicide.”

The study revealed that 15% of men started antianxiety or antidepressant medications around the

time of their diagnosis, but only 6% sought out mental health support services. This indicates a trend where men are more likely to begin medication than to actively seek mental health services, leaving a substantial number of men without suffcient support. Less than 25% of men seek help for their mental health challenges, with barriers such as mental health stigma and fear of appearing weak often cited as potential

reasons.

Senior researcher Dr. Kerri Beckmann called for a proactive approach to mental health support for prostate cancer patients:

“Rather than waiting for men to seek out mental health support after a prostate cancer diagnosis, we should offer these supports immediately and throughout treatment. Normalizing mental health discussions will help improve access to resources, ensuring men

with prostate cancer have the opportunity to voice their struggles and receive the support they need.”

Resources and Support

For more information, visit:

• Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia

– Offers information and advice on living with prostate cancer.

• Healthy Male (Andrology Australia)

– Provides videos and resources on important questions to ask your doctor.

Cash in for a Cause: Help Break Mental Health Stigma with Beyond Blue’s Big Blue Table

As Mental Health Month draws to a close, Beyond Blue is calling for fnal donations to support its Big Blue Table events, which aim to combat mental health stigma one meal at a time. By gathering around a meal, Australians are encouraged to have open conversations about mental health, offering support for those affected by anxiety, depression, and suicide.

Beyond Blue CEO, Georgie Harman, emphasized that sharing a meal can help bridge feelings of isolation that often accompany mental health struggles.

“A Big Blue Table creates a safe space where people can feel connected and less alone, which can make a huge difference for someone going through a tough time. We need

to dismantle the stigma around mental health and show that reaching out is a strength, not a weakness,” Ms. Harman said.

Since its inception in

2019, Big Blue Table has seen over 9,000 hosts across Australia, raising nearly $1 million for Beyond Blue’s 24/7 Support Service. This service provides aroundthe-clock counselling, advice, and referrals through phone, web chat, and email, serving more than 750 people daily.

New and returning ambassadors, including

Anthony Field, Shelley Craft, Dr. Matt Agnew, and Julie Goodwin, have joined the cause in 2024, each hosting a Big Blue Table fundraising page. Donate to Make a Difference

• Julie Goodwin’s Fundraising Page: bigbluetable.com.au/ juliegoodwin

• Matt Agnew’s Fundraising Page: bigbluetable.com.au/ mattagnew

• Nat’s What I Reckon’s Fundraising Page: bigbluetable.com. au/nats-what-i-reckon

To learn more or donate, visit bigbluetable.com.au. Big Blue Table is proudly supported by Premier Partner Australia Post.

Photo © Big Blue Table

IAN ROGERS

IAN ROGERS

NSW Government Announces $4 Million Funding Boost for Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services

ROBERT HEYWARD

The Minns Labor Government has allocated an additional $4 million to support Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services across New South Wales, increasing funding to $16.2 million for 2024-25. The funding, provided by NSW Fair Trading, will see an annual boost of $1 million through to 2028, empowering the network of 21 not-forproft organizations that support tenants with rights information, negotiation assistance, and representation at the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

This funding increase accompanies the recent rental reform package introduced by the Minns Government, the most comprehensive reform for renters in over a decade. Key elements of the reform include:

• Banning no-grounds evictions

• Limiting rent increases to once per year

• Simplifying pet approvals in rentals

• Offering fee-free rent payment methods

• Eliminating tenantpaid background check fees

These reforms and the funding boost aim to protect tenants from unfair treatment

and create a more balanced rental market across NSW. Minister for Fair Trading and Better Regulation, Anoulack Chanthivong, emphasized the importance of the Tenants Advice & Advocacy Service in supporting the state’s diverse renter population.

“The funding boost will help ensure that critical information and

support remain free and accessible to renters across NSW,” said Mr. Chanthivong. “This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build a fairer system for renters.”

NSW Rental Commissioner Trina Jones highlighted the critical support this funding provides, reinforcing the state’s commitment to fairer

renting conditions. Leo Patterson Ross, CEO of the Tenants Union of NSW, welcomed the increase, noting the essential role advocacy services play in resolving disputes fairly.

“With this funding, we can continue to offer expert advice and support, helping tenants avoid prolonged disputes and unnecessary tribunal applications,” said Mr.

Patterson Ross. Last year, NSW Fair Trading handled 393,000 rental inquiries, with local advocacy services assisting approximately 30,000 tenants annually. More information about the Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services is available go to https:// www.nsw.gov.au/grantsand-funding/tenantsadvice-and-advocacyprogram

Housing Boom: Australians Spend $178 Billion on Property in Just Three Months

nearly $28 billion.

In a housing market surge, Australians have spent over $178 billion on residential property in the September quarter of 2024, with Queensland leading in the number of property settlements. Figures from digital settlements platform PEXA show that 183,288 settlements were completed nationally, marking an 11% increase from the same period last year. Compared to the $148.9 billion spent in the previous year, the total amount surged by

Queensland reported the highest number of residential settlements, with 48,361 home sales worth nearly $40 billion.

Brisbane maintained its rank as Australia’s second most expensive capital, with a median sales price of $780,000, following Sydney at $1.03 million.

PEXA Group’s chief economist Julie Toth attributes Queensland’s housing demand to its strong population growth, fuelled by interstate migration. Analysis from .id

(Informed Decisions) indicates that NSW lost 31,183 residents in the year to March, with 30,930 moving to Queensland. Ms. Toth noted that while NSW and Victoria attract a large share of international migrants, many are temporary residents and students who typically rent rather than buy.

Victoria followed Queensland, with 44,482 settlements, and stood out for its high rate of mortgaged properties (76%), suggesting a strong presence of

frst-home buyers. Ms. Toth observed that in Victoria, sales are highly concentrated in key growth areas.

Suburbs like Tarneit and Craigieburn were among the busiest postcodes nationwide, each with over 1,000 settlements. In NSW, demand was concentrated in Greater Sydney areas like Marsden Park and Oran Park, popular for large greenfeld developments, while in Queensland, Newtown in Toowoomba and Surfers Paradise were the busiest postcodes.

Queensland also led in new home loans, with 37,797 taken out during the quarter, followed by NSW with 35,407.

According to Mark Costello of iThink Property in Toowoomba, Newtown’s popularity stems from its appeal to frst-home buyers, investors, and families. “It’s still affordable and has strong potential for future growth,” Costello said.

Ms. Toth pointed to a signifcant supplydemand imbalance as a driving force behind rising prices.

“Growth in new housing supply continues to lag behind demand, pushing buyers toward existing properties. The rising costs and delays in new builds—driven by high labour and material expenses—are pushing more people into the market for existing homes,” she explained. As demand continues to outpace supply, experts predict housing prices may remain elevated, particularly as more buyers turn to existing properties amidst rising construction costs and capacity constraints.

ROBERT HEYWARD

No apology for so sorry and have a nice day. Grape Expectations by Max Crus

“Have a nice day”, was bad enough. Widely understood to be an American phrase (who can argue with Wikipedia?), it certainly feels American and again according to Wiki, is most widely used in America and Israel.

The latter no doubt use it when dealing with Palestinians given that it came into popularity through the commercial sphere as organisations tried desperately to get customers

Richard Hamilton

McLaren Vale Ghost Hill

Single Vineyard Shiraz 2022, $38. Ghost Hill is the playground of children’s games and western movies, but it’s not a bad name for a vineyard too. Keep the believers out and it’s a memorable name for a fairly memorable shiraz.

off the phone while pretending not to. Yes, it is trite and completely insincerealthough simply because someone is paid $10 an hour to say it (the minimum hourly rate in a third of US states), doesn’t mean it isn’t, but it has gathered at least as wide acceptance as the opposite of the apparent intention.

How often have you heard someone say, ‘have a nice day’, hoping the listener

McLaren Vale Lot 148

Merlot 2022, $26. Merlot can be a surprise, not like a scary clown or a dude with an ice problem in a dark alley…thankfully, and a bit lame but this is unexpectedly and surprisingly characterful. 9/10.

Richard Hamilton

would get run over by a bus?

As if “have a nice day”, isn’t bad enough, a new wave of marketing gurus, no doubt with degrees in the subject (possibly as often from the internet as Bond University), has tried to fashion it into something for a more contemporary audience. They have failed.

New versions, the most popular of which is “Enjoy your day”, or, depending on the time of day, “Enjoy the rest of your day”, grate

they have mixed up the labels on the Lot 148 and this. The other way round would look better, and you could Photoshop the barrel numbers to match. Good, solid McLaren Vale shiraz for a barbecue, even a posh barbecue. 9.2/10.

Richard Hamilton

Adelaide Hills ‘Les

even more than the old ones, barely better than the perennially painful “Enjoy”.

The new variations often catch out younger or less experienced frontline staff and awkward responses such as “have a nice rest of your day”, leave everyone feeling a little, well, awkward, further highlighting the true impersonality and disinterest of the perpetrator and the phrase’s commercial necessity.

The almost bearable

doesn’t have quite the same ring to it although it might make you appear eruditer around friends and guests, but unlikely. The most agreeable gris we’ve had in yonks with some lovely spicy hints, although lovers of gewurz’ will not be swayed. 9.2/10. Richard Hamilton

“have a good one”, is a bit too friendly for most organisations, although Virgin Airlines may disagree, while at the other end of the spectrum “Happy Thursday” or “Happy Friday”, is likely the last thing I will ever hear from that company, apart from “here’s your refund”. What was so bad about “good-bye”, or “see you later”, that someone had to ‘pimp’ it? “Enjoy the rest of your day” is as bad as the ubiquitous use of “so”, in

2024, $26. Sometimes you have to just cut out the mucking around and have a chardonnay. It’s not considered the world’s greatest grape for nothing and even modestly priced ones such as this can have great allure and character. 9.3/10.

Richard Hamilton

thanks, ’thank you so much’, or in apology, “so sorry”, which should be reserved solely for funeral scenarios, where at least you’re unlikely to hear “enjoy the rest of your day”.

Paradoxically, “Have a good one” works quite well when leaving the bottlo. Enjoy.

one of the great grapes of Sicily and La Valle means The Vale. It’s also the new pinot gris/grigio and not before time. So much more forally fragrant and ftting with most lunchtime foods, we agreed we may never go

Max Crus

WHATS ON THE MENU TONIGHT?

From simple meals to show-stopping feasts, there’s something for everyone.

SLOW COOKER STICKY CASHEW NUT CHICKEN

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tbsp peanut oil

10m prep 3h 25m cook Serves 8

• 1.4kg Chicken Thigh Fillets, excess fat trimmed, halved

• 2 red onions

• 4 garlic cloves, fnely chopped

• 2 tbsp shredded fresh ginger

• 80ml (1/3 cup) oyster sauce

• 80ml (1/3 cup) Chicken Liquid Stock

• 2 tbsp light soy sauce

• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce

• 1 tbsp caster sugar

• 2 small yellow capsicums, deseeded, coarsely chopped

• 2 small red capsicums, deseeded, coarsely chopped

• 1 tbsp cornfour

• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves

• Steamed jasmine rice, to serve

• 45g (1/4 cup) roasted unsalted cashews

METHOD

1. Heat 1 tbsp of peanut oil in a large frying pan

over high heat. Add half the chicken and cook for 3 minutes each side until golden. Transfer to the bowl of a slow cooker. Repeat with the remaining chicken. 2. While the chicken is cooking, cut the onion into wedges and fnely chop the garlic.

3. Heat the remaining 1 tbsp of peanut oil in the pan. Add the onion and reduce heat to medium. Cook, stirring often for 10 minutes or until softened. Add the garlic and ginger and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes or until slightly softened. Transfer to the slow cooker.

4. Add the oyster sauce, stock, light soy sauce-, dark soy sauce and caster sugar. Cover and cook for 1 hour and 40 minutes on high. Add the yellow capsicum and red capsicum and cook for a further 30 minutes.

5. Combine the cornfour with 60ml (1/4 cup) water. Add cornfour mixture to the slow cooker. Stir gently. Cook, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until sauce has thickened.

6. Set aside half of the mixture (see tip). Toss the basil through remaining and serve with steamed rice, scattered with cashew nuts.

APPLE AND CUSTARD IMPOSSIBLE PIE

PEANUT BROCCOLI SALAD

15m prep 15m cook Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

• 12 large heads (about 750g in total) broccoli, cut into small forets

• 200g podded frozen edamame

• 2 tbsp peanut butter

• 2 tsp fnely grated fresh ginger

• 1 ½ tbsp salt-reduced soy sauce

• 1 tbsp cooking sake

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• 3 celery sticks, sliced

• 4 green shallots, thinly sliced

• 40g (¼ cup) roasted unsalted peanuts, coarsely chopped

• 2 tsp sesame seeds, lightly toasted

METHOD

1. Cook the broccoli and edamame in a steamer basket over a saucepan of simmering water for 2 minutes or until bright green and tender crisp (do not overcook). Refresh under cold running water and drain well.

2. Place the peanut butter, ginger, soy sauce, sake and oil in a small jar. Cover with a tight-ftting lid and shake until well combined. Add 1-2 tsp warm water if dressing is too thick.

3. Arrange broccoli, edamame, celery and half the shallots on a serving plate. Drizzle over the dressing and sprinkle with the peanuts, remaining shallots and sesame seeds. Serve.

INGREDIENTS

• 75g (1/2 cup) plain four

• 215g (1 cup) caster sugar

• 85g (1 cup) desiccated coconut

• 4 eggs, lightly whisked

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

15m prep

1h 10m cook

Serves 8

• 125g butter, melted

• 500ml (2 cups) milk

• 385g can pie fruit apple slices

METHOD

1. Preheat oven to 180C/160C fan-forced. Grease a 5cm deep, 24cm round pie dish.

2. Use a whisk to whisk the four, sugar, coconut, eggs, vanilla and butter in a large bowl. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly, until combined.

3. Place the apple slices over the base of the prepared dish. Pour over egg mixture.

4. Bake the pie for 1 hour or until set. Set aside to cool before serving.

A Garden Statement in Style and Function

Letterboxes have become an integral part of garden design, serving not only as functional elements but also as focal points that refect the homeowner’s style. Today’s letterboxes come in a wide variety of styles, materials, and designs, each offering unique aesthetics and practical benefts. Whether you’re looking to enhance curb appeal or complement your garden’s overall look, selecting the right letterbox can be a creative extension of your outdoor space.

Traditional PostMounted Letterboxes Post-mounted letterboxes are perhaps the most iconic style, often found in suburban and rural areas. These freestanding structures are typically mounted on a post at the edge of the property and can range from simple and understated to ornate and decorative.

• Materials: Common materials for postmounted letterboxes include steel, wood, or aluminium. Steel and aluminium are popular for their durability and weather resistance, while wooden posts can provide a rustic or natural feel that complements a traditional garden setting.

• Design Aesthetic: These letterboxes lend themselves to a variety of garden styles, especially cottage gardens and homes with a more classic architectural style. For a timeless look, a black or white postmounted letterbox adds elegance. Alternatively, choose a wooden box for a more natural, earthy appearance that blends seamlessly into a garden full of plants and fowers.

• Functional Considerations: Many post-mounted letterboxes come with spacious compartments, making them ideal for those who receive larger envelopes or small packages regularly. Look for models with locking

options for extra security, especially if your letterbox is positioned far from the house.

Wall-Mounted Letterboxes

Wall-mounted letterboxes offer a sleek and modern solution for homes with limited space or a contemporary garden aesthetic. Attached directly to a wall, fence, or gate, these letterboxes are compact yet functional, often offering a more subtle presence than their post-mounted counterparts.

• Materials: Stainless steel and powder-coated aluminium are commonly used for wall-mounted letterboxes due to their sleek appearance and weatherproof qualities. Timber fnishes are also available for those who prefer a more organic look.

• Design Aesthetic: This type of letterbox is ideal for modern or minimalist homes, as their clean lines and smooth fnishes can enhance the architectural style. Pairing a stainless-steel letterbox with a minimalist garden featuring lowmaintenance succulents or sculptural plants can create a cohesive and contemporary look.

• Functional Considerations: Wallmounted letterboxes are generally smaller, so they may not be suitable for receiving large packages. However, they often include a secure locking mechanism, which makes them ideal for homes close to the street or in busy urban areas.

Fence-Mounted or Built-In Letterboxes

For a more integrated approach, fence-mounted or built-in letterboxes can be incorporated into a property’s boundary, such as a brick wall or timber fence. This style is ideal for those looking to maintain clean lines or create a streamlined look in their front garden.

• Materials: The most common materials used for built-in letterboxes are stainless steel, aluminium, and brass. Stainless steel is particularly popular for its durability and low maintenance, while brass can add a touch of vintage charm to a traditional home or garden.

• Design Aesthetic: This type of letterbox works well with homes that have a seamless, modern design. For those with a contemporary garden featuring sculptural plants, native grasses, or gravel pathways, a minimalist built-in letterbox can complement the overall aesthetic without detracting from the surrounding landscaping.

• Functional Considerations: Built-in letterboxes are usually equipped with a secure compartment, making them a practical choice for homeowners who prioritize security. They are also space-effcient, as they don’t require additional posts or mounts.

Parcel Letterboxes

With the rise of online shopping, parcel letterboxes have gained popularity. These larger boxes are designed to accommodate bigger packages, offering a

convenient and secure solution for frequent deliveries.

• Materials: Parcel letterboxes are often made from galvanized steel or powder-coated metal, which ensures durability and protection against the elements. Some models also feature waterproofng features to keep packages dry during rain.

• Design Aesthetic: While parcel letterboxes tend to be more functional than decorative, there are modern and stylish designs that blend well with contemporary gardens. Many are available in neutral colours such as black, white, or grey, ensuring they complement the exterior of your home and garden without standing out too much.

• Functional Considerations: The main advantage of a parcel letterbox is its ability to securely receive packages, reducing the need for trips to the post offce. Many models feature large drop slots and locking compartments, ensuring that deliveries are protected from theft or weather damage. If you regularly receive packages, this option is both practical and secure.

Decorative and Custom Letterboxes

For those who wish to make a bold statement, custom or decorative letterboxes offer the chance to inject personality into the garden. These can range from whimsical designs, like animal-shaped boxes, to more artistic or

architectural pieces that act as garden sculptures in their own right.

• Materials: Depending on the design, decorative letterboxes can be made from wood, metal, ceramic, or even stone. Custom pieces can be designed to refect your personality or the theme of your garden.

• Design Aesthetic: Decorative letterboxes are perfect for homeowners who enjoy quirky, eclectic, or artistic garden spaces. Whether it’s a colourful ceramic box or a wrought iron design, a unique letterbox can act as a conversation starter and bring character to your garden.

• Functional Considerations: While decorative letterboxes are visually striking, they should still offer basic functionality, including weather protection and security. It’s important to ensure that they meet postal service regulations and offer enough space for standard mail.

Choosing the right letterbox for your garden is an important decision that can enhance both the aesthetic and functional aspects of your outdoor space. Whether you prefer the classic charm of a post-mounted box, the modern convenience of a wall-mounted style, or the practicality of a parcel box, there are countless options to suit every garden and home. By selecting a letterbox that complements your garden design, you can create a cohesive and inviting entrance that refects your personal style.

LIAM JENNINGS

Traditional Post-Mounted Letterboxes

Fence Mounted Letterbox

Wall-Mounted Letterboxes

RECENT CATTLE MARKET REPORTS

CASINO

NRLX CASINO 30/10/2024

Increased Yarding’s at NRLX as Demand Holds for Well-Bred Weaners

A larger-than-usual yarding of 1,320 head was recorded at the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange (NRLX) in Casino on Wednesday, October 30, marking an increase of 420 head from last week. The main boost came from the cow yarding, which doubled in numbers, alongside a healthy supply of young cattle, mainly weaners, with only a limited number of yearlings presented.

The quality of young cattle was varied, with some high-quality, wellbred animals alongside a substantial proportion of plainer cattle. Market

TENTERFIELD

performance mirrored this range in quality, with prices remaining frm for the well-bred weaners but dipping for the plainer stock.

Key highlights include:

Restocker Weaner Steers: Prices ranged from 212c to 410c/kg, averaging around 360c/kg.

Restocker Weaner Heifers: Sold between 192c and 298c/kg, refecting a mixed quality offering.

Restocker Yearling Steers: Ranged from 310c to 386c/kg.

Yearling Heifers: Topped at 362c/kg.

Grown Steers and Heifers: Limited penning saw feeder steers peak at 360c/kg, while grown heifers sold up to 312c/kg.

The cow market showed a modest improvement, rising by 5c to 10c/kg. Medium-weight, 2-score cows sold between 222c and 253c/kg, while 3-score medium weights averaged

averaging 286.2c/kg.

258c/kg. Heavier, 4-score cows fetched between 264c and 280c/kg.

In an exceptional showing, the bull yarding was one of the largest in recent times, featuring several highyielding, heavy bulls that reached a

BROUGHT TO YOU BY HAROLD CURRY PH: 02 6736 1344 TENTERFIELD LIVESTOCK MARKET REPORTOCTOBER 28, 2024

The Tenterfeld market saw a steady yarding of 524 head this week, with mixed-quality cattle and prices holding frm to slightly stronger compared to the previous week. Demand remained robust, particularly for well-fnished stock.

Market Highlights:

• Bulls: Reached a top price of $3,064.56, with prices

WARWICK

WARWICK & DISTRICT LIVESTOCK MARKET REPORT: STEADY DEMAND ACROSS ALL SECTORS CATTLE MARKET

The Warwick & District livestock market experienced a slight decline in sale numbers this week, infuenced by recent rain and limited paddock fnishing options for producers. Nonetheless, demand remained strong, especially during the Annual Horse Sale. Market prices held frm or rose slightly across various cattle categories.

• Bulls: Averaged 275.3c/kg, with prices reaching a peak of 329.2c/kg, translating to values between $1,225.15 and $2,974.13.

• Cows: Averaged 249.2c/kg, topping at 283.2c/kg, yielding prices from $1,307.50 to $1,891.76.

• Feeder Heifers: Averaged 269.1c/kg, peaking at 320c/ kg, and ranged from $893.99 to $1,525.43.

• Feeder Steers: Averaged 342.85c/kg, with a high of 390.2c/kg, from $1,255.32 to $1,804.02.

• Heifers: Averaged 278.56c/kg, maxing at 327.2c/kg, with prices spanning $1,142.30 to $1,900.49.

• Steers: Averaged 334.29c/kg, peaking at 349.2c/kg, priced between $1,863.39 and $2,510.08.

• Bullocks: Topped at 337.2c/kg, with average prices around 327.8c/kg, with the highest price recorded at $2,095.70 (Inglebrae Farm).

• Steers: Light steers up to 400kg averaged 259.5c/kg, while heavier steers (400-500kg) reached a top of 363.2c/ kg, averaging 348.0c/kg. The top sale for steers was $2,103.86 (Sarah Lanz).

• Cows: Prices were consistent, with heavy cows topping at 290c/kg and averaging 268.6c/kg. Mediumweight cows averaged 231.5c/kg, while light cows ranged around 180c/kg. Vibrato Angus achieved the highest price in this category at $1,949.06.

• Heifers: Heifers up to 280kg sold for an average of 281.7c/kg, reaching a top price of 318.2c/kg. Gartmore

• Vealer Heifers: Averaged 280.1c/kg, topping at 350c/ kg, priced $704.50 to $1,131.19.

• Vealer Steers: Averaged 375.1c/kg, with a high of 414.2c/kg, ranging from $964.05 to $1,125.71.

• Yearling Heifers: Averaged 297.7c/kg, reaching 388.2c/kg, and priced between $1,053.08 to $1,539.58.

• Yearling Steers: Averaged 359.46c/kg, peaking at 400.2c/kg, priced from $1,124.75 to $1,497.28.

The cattle yarding, including cow and calf units, averaged $1,174.31 per head, contributing to an impressive $1.1 million return. Cattle vendors are reminded that the last sale in Warwick Yards for the year will be on November 26, resuming on January 14, 2025, to allow for the installation of a new set of scales.

Sheep and Lamb Market

A total of 1,804 head met a frm market, with fnished processing lambs, hoggets, and feed types drawing strong interest. Mutton demand, however, softened slightly for lighter processing sheep.

• Lambs: Topped at $244, averaging $143.29 (down $2).

• Hoggets: Topped at $160, averaging $104.32 (up $1).

• Ewes: Topped at $93, averaging $56.44 (up $11).

• Wethers: Topped at $107, averaging $64.25 (up $9).

• Ram Lambs: Topped at $171, averaging $95.81 (down $16).

• Rams: Topped at $96, averaging $46.11 (down $37).

top price of 318c/kg.

The NRLX yarding highlighted a steady demand for quality cattle, particularly for well-bred weaners, while plainer stock faced more price variability.

Trust secured the top heifer sale at $1,801.98.

• Yearlings: Averaged 342.1c/kg for steers and 265.8c/kg for heifers, with B&K Holley selling the top yearling at $1,666.00.

• Vealers: Light steer vealers averaged 389.1c/kg, with heifers averaging 241.6c/kg. The highest vealer sale, achieved by Madeline Wait, was $1,099.15. The trade section showed a diverse quality range, which was refected in price variability. Weaner steers returning to paddocks reached 396.2c/kg, while weaner heifers sold up to 314.2c/kg.

Overall, the Tenterfeld market continues to demonstrate solid performance, particularly for well-bred and conditioned stock, as strong demand drives frm prices across various categories.

Overall, the sheep and lamb sale average was $117.59 per head, an increase of $7 compared to last week. The fnal sheep and lamb sale for 2024 is scheduled for December 11, resuming January 8, 2025.

Pork and Poultry Market

Pork numbers were slightly down as the market entered peak consumer demand. Pork products saw strong performance, with boars reaching $500, sows ranging from $158 to $220, and various pork categories peaking at $230.

Poultry sales continued to surge, with Guinea Fowl selling up to $45, pullets to $37.50, Silkies to $32.50, and roosters at $12.50.

Special Sales Highlights

McDougall & Sons reported a successful week, with key sales including:

• Vermont Past Co: Dorset lambs (53kg) sold for $195, ewes at $77 and $55.

• Norma Chalk: Dorper lambs (60kg) reached $241, with ewes selling for $73.

• Hurley & Weiss: Dorper lambs (50kg) sold at $190 and 47.1kg lambs at $175.

• Stanthorpe High School: Texcel lambs (39.1kg) fetched $121, with ewes at $68.

Both the Sheep and Lamb and Pork & Poultry sales follow the schedule of December 11 as the fnal sale date for the year, with sales resuming in January.

Grain Handlers Launch Industrial Action Across NSW Amid Wage Dispute with GrainCorp

years from now.

Grain handlers across north and western New South Wales have commenced one-hour stoppages today (Tuesday, October 29), as part of protected industrial action led by the Australian Workers’ Union (AWU), following stalled wage negotiations with GrainCorp. The action was called after talks mediated by the Fair Work Commission broke down last Friday. The dispute centres on a 1% wage increase in the third year of a proposed agreement. GrainCorp executives rejected this additional 1%, which represents about $0.30 per hour for grain handlers and would not take effect until two

AWU NSW Secretary Tony Callinan emphasized that grain handlers’ wages have effectively declined in recent years, with a series of 2% annual wage increases failing to match infation rates of 2.86%, 6.59%, and 4.10% in 2021, 2022, and 2023 respectively. This discrepancy has led to a 7.5% drop in real wages over three years.

Under GrainCorp’s proposed agreement, handlers would receive wage increases of 6%, 5%, and 3% annually, along with a $1,000 sign-on bonus. The AWU is advocating for a marginal increase, proposing a 4% rise in the third year, making the difference between

the two proposals a mere 1%.

“Harvest is a critical time for farmers, whose top priority is to get grain off the feld and safely stored,” Callinan said. “This should be GrainCorp’s top priority too, but clearly, it isn’t. They’re unwilling to commit to an extra 1% wage rise in year three of the agreement.”

According to Callinan, the added cost is negligible for GrainCorp.

“This additional 1% – just $0.30 per hour in two years’ time – is affordable for GrainCorp, whose CEO earns over $1 million annually in salary and bonuses. For them, it’s a rounding error on their balance sheet.”

The AWU warns

that industrial action will intensify already strained operations at GrainCorp sites, with long lines of trucks and delays in unloading grain anticipated as storage facilities fll up.

“For years, GrainCorp has relied on one-off payments and bonuses to keep base wages low, while reaping hundreds of millions in proft,”

Callinan stated. “AWU members are ready to fght for guaranteed wage increases that keep up with infation.”

The AWU insists that its members’ demands refect a fair adjustment to maintain wage value in a high-proft, highdemand sector.

ABARES Weekly Australian Climate, Water and Agricultural Update

JEFF GIBBS

For the week ending 23 October 2024, a humid airmass combined with a series of troughs resulted in showers and isolated thunderstorms across parts of northern, central, and southeastern Australia, while other regions remained largely dry. In key cropping areas, rainfall totals ranged from 10 to 50 millimetres across much of south-eastern Australia, exceeding

initial forecasts. This rainfall is expected to have helped stabilize the yield potential of winter crops in those areas. Looking ahead, low-pressure and frontal systems are forecast to bring additional showers and storms to northern and eastern Australia, while high-pressure systems will likely keep other areas dry. In cropping regions, rainfall is expected across north-eastern growing areas, which could improve soil moisture

and aid in the planting of summer crops. However, this rain could also delay the harvest of winter crops. In contrast, the dry conditions forecast for southern Australia will likely allow for an uninterrupted winter crop harvest, although ongoing dry conditions may prompt farmers to decide whether to cut crops for hay or use them for livestock grazing due to declining grain yields and relative returns.

The national rainfall

outlook from November 2024 to January 2025 indicates no strong trend toward either above or below average rainfall across most of the country. Cropping regions have a 50% or greater chance of receiving above median rainfall, with higherthan-average rainfall forecast for Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia. In southern and eastern cropping areas, there is a 75% chance of receiving

between 10 to 100 millimetres of rainfall, with heavier falls expected in Queensland and northern New South Wales. These rains are expected to improve soil moisture, promote pasture growth, and provide a good start to the summer cropping season in eastern Australia.

Water storage levels in the southern Murray-Darling Basin (MDB) decreased by 46 gigalitres (GL) from 16 to 23 October 2024,

with the current volume at 17,166 GL, or 77% of total storage capacity. This is 16% (or 3,246 GL) less than the same period last year.

In terms of water prices, allocation prices in the Victorian Murray below the Barmah Choke dropped slightly, from $137/ML on 17 October 2024 to $134/ML on 24 October 2024. Prices in the Murrumbidgee region remain lower due to the binding of the Murrumbidgee export limit.

Photo GrainCorp NSW

ROBERT HEYWARD

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has recently concluded a timber testing trial aimed at identifying the best technologies to verify the species and harvest origins of regulated timber and timber

The 2024 Australian Grand Dairy Awards have recognized outstanding dairy products across the nation. Notably, Western Australian producers Dellendale Creamery and Bannister Downs Dairy secured top honours. Dellendale Creamery was awarded for its exceptional cheese, while Bannister Downs Dairy was recognized for its highquality dairy products.

The awards, judged in October and presented on October 30, 2024,

products. This initiative is part of Australia’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal logging, a global environmental crime with serious consequences for climate, biodiversity, and communities.

Matt Lowe, Deputy Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry Policy,

at the Melbourne Showgrounds, celebrated excellence across 18 dairy product classes, including cheese, ice cream, milk, yogurt, butter, and gelato. In the cheese category,

Victoria’s Berrys Creek Gourmet Cheese’s Oak Blue was named Grand Champion Cheese.

Queensland’s Milani Minus Eight Degrees received the Grand Champion Dairy award for its Peanut Caramel Gelato.

The awards highlighted the innovation and quality of Australian dairy producers, with

highlighted that between 15-30% of globally traded wood is estimated to come from illegal logging.

“Timber testing technologies will enhance Australia’s existing compliance and due diligence efforts under our illegal logging prohibition laws,” Mr. Lowe said. “They

entries judged on favour, aroma, texture, body, and visual appearance. Consumers can identify

provide a way to verify if claims about timber species and harvest origins are accurate.”

The trial examined 146 timber products across 39 species using a variety of scientifc methods, including DNA analysis, stable isotope analysis, trace element examination, wood fbre study, and wood

these award-winning products by looking for the blue and gold medal on the packaging.

Timber Testing Trial Investigates Species Verifcation and Harvest Origins

anatomy assessments.

Notably, around 25% of the tested products showed inconsistencies between the declared species or origin and the actual fndings.

While these results are not refective of the entire Australian market, they underscore the need for improvement in mitigating the risk of illegal timber entering the country.

The department plans to review the trial’s recommendations and collaborate with the Australian Government and industry stakeholders to implement timber testing technologies under

reformed legislation.

“This trial demonstrates the potential of timber testing technologies to help combat illegal logging and support the Australian forestry sector,” Mr. Lowe added.

The Australian Government, committed to addressing illegal logging, passed the Illegal Logging Prohibition Amendment Bill in 2024, strengthening its resolve to work with industry stakeholders and the international community on this issue.

For more information, visit agriculture.gov.au.

The 2024 Australian Grand Dairy Awards

ROBERT HEYWARD

JEFF GIBBS

The Bannister Downs Dairy Creamery

Upcoming Workshops with Renowned Pasture Ecologist Dr. Judi Earl in Northern Rivers

SoilCare, in collaboration with Southern Cross University, EAL, SQNNSW Innovation Hub, and Richmond Landcare, is excited to present a series of workshops with pasture ecologist Dr. Judi Earl (pictured), scheduled for November 19, 2024, at Southern Cross

University in Lismore. With expertise in land planning and holistic management, Dr. Earl will guide participants on sustainable grazing practices and property planning to maximize land potential, nurture healthy soils, and build climate resilience.

Workshop Details: Workshop 1

SunPork reveals world-frst innovation

JEFF GIBBS

SunPork, a leading Australian pork producer, has introduced an innovative ‘maternity ring’ as an alternative to traditional farrowing crates used during pig birthing. This development aims to enhance sow welfare by allowing greater freedom of movement and natural behaviours, while still protecting piglets from accidental crushing.

The maternity ring is a suspended oval-shaped hoop that permits sows to move more freely, enabling nesting and social interactions. It also reduces the risk of the sow rolling onto her piglets, addressing a signifcant concern associated with

farrowing crates.

This innovation is the result of a decadelong research and development effort by SunPork to fnd a commercially viable solution that improves sow welfare without compromising piglet safety. The company plans to gradually transition its operations to be entirely crate- and stall-free, incorporating the maternity ring and removing mating and gestation stalls.

The RSPCA has welcomed this advancement, highlighting its potential to signifcantly improve the welfare of sows and piglets in indoor pig farming. They commend SunPork’s efforts and encourage the industry to move towards

Grazing for Soil Health & Resilient Pastures

Time: 9:00 AM – 12:30

PM, November 19, 2024

• Focus on the role of plants in soil health

• Impact of defoliation on plant roots

• Grazing management for optimal pasture growth and productivity

Cost: $15.00 + GST (includes morning tea)

Workshop 2

Creating Your Best Property Plan

Time: 1:30 PM – 5:00

PM, November 19, 2024

• Principles of effective property

planning

• Steps to develop a tailored property plan

• Cost-effective fencing and water management tips

Cost: $15.00 + GST (includes afternoon tea) Registration: Spaces are limited. Bookings can be made online via Humanitix by November 15. For additional information and to download the fyer, visit the SoilCare website.

Additional Workshop Dates with Dr. Earl:

• Brunswick Valley Landcare (Mullumbimby) –

November 18, 2024

• Tweed Shire Council (Uki) – November 21, 2024

• Upper Clarence Combined Landcare –November 22, 2024

This series offers valuable insights for landholders, graziers, and anyone interested in sustainable land management and soil health.

SunPork has introduced a new patented ‘maternity ring’

eliminating all forms of extreme confnement for pigs.

SunPork’s partnership with Woolworths will see the introduction

of 100% crate-free, cage-free, and stall-free fresh pork into the supermarket’s supply chain, refecting a growing consumer

demand for higher animal welfare standards.

This development positions the Australian pork industry as a

global leader in animal welfare, offering a viable alternative to farrowing crates that benefts sows, piglets, producers, and consumers alike.

Lynnelle Wynne de Glorion (nee Cashman)

Late of Kingscliff 22/01/1948 - 03/10/2024

Beloved mother to Kerry Edward and Sharon Cameron and beloved Gran to Emily. Eldest daughter to Desley (nee Stockbridge) and Horace Cashman (dec.) of Armidale.

Lovingly remembered for her kindness, generosity and empathy.

Forever a bright star in the night sky.

Formerly of Rosebank and late of Tenter eld. Passed away peacefully on Friday 1st November 2024, at Armidale Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

Aged 95 years. Beloved husband of Marian for 62 years. Adored father and father in-law of Ellen & Mark Davies, Anthony & Ti , Jane & Peter Sherry, David, Trent & Sheree and Ryan.

Treasured Granddad of 10 and Great Granddad of 3. Loved brother of Lyle (dec) & Valmae Gooley.

“An Unforgettable Kind Soul”

Relatives and friends are warmly invited to attend a Service of anksgiving for Viv’s life to be celebrated at St Andrew’s Anglican Church, Zadoc Street Lismore on THURSDAY 14th November 2024 commencing at 11:00 AM.

Following the service a private interment will take place. Viv’s funeral service will be livestreamed and may be viewed at www.fwhlive.com/vibu

FISHER, GEOFFREY JAMES

Passed away suddenly at Ipswich Hospital a er a short illness. Late of Qld formerly of Federal and Ballina, NSW. Dearly loved son of Mick and Gwynne Fisher (both dec). Cherished brother & brother-in-law of Kaleene Fisher & Darryl Brotherson; Robert & Christine Fisher, Margaret & Ron Ross and Kathy & Ron Pirlo. Treasured uncle and great uncle. Friend to many.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Geo ’s life to be held in Rainbow Chapel, Rainbow Avenue, West Ballina TOMORROW THURSDAY (November 7, 2024) commencing at 10.00 am. Following the service a private cremation will take place.

Ballina 02 6686 7036

BURNHAM, Vivian Johnston “Viv”

Death Notice

ALSTONVILLE

NORTHERN RIVERS DAY PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

The next meeting of the Northern Rivers Day Prostate Cancer Support Group is to be held on Wednesday November 13th10am until 12 noon at the Alstonville Plateau Sports Club, Deegan Drive, Alstonville Men previously and newly diagnosed with prostate cancer are urged to join with the group to experience the personal cancer stories told which give a great opportunity for all present to share, learn and beneft from each other - Partners and Carers are also most welcome to attend as family are very much involved with the process and treatment of those with this diagnosis This will be a morning of quality sharing on health and wellbeing updates Enquiries Bob Corney 0493 075 612

Quilters Alstonville

We are called Plateau Quilters Alstonville we meet the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the Month at the RSL Hall Alstonville from 1pm until 4pm New members would be most welcome. Rhonda Bonner 66298267

Alstonville Plateau Historical Society

Do you enjoy meeting and greeting visitors to our lovely part of the world? Welcoming visitors to Crawford House Museum is most rewarding. And you don’t have to know all about history –the house speaks for itself. If you are interested in joining our team of hosts for three hours a month, please drop in to the museum at 10 Wardell Road Alstonville between 10am and 4pm on Fridays.

CRAWFORD HOUSE MUSEUM

The latest exhibition at Crawford House Museum at Alstonville tells the story of the Dreadnought Boys. These young lads, often only 15 or 17, left family and friends in the UK to fnd a new life in the labour- starved rural communities of Australia between 1911 and 1939. The exhibitions runs until Friday 20th December. The museum is at 10 Wardell Road Alstonville and is open Fridays 10am-4pm and Sundays 1pm-4pm or at other times by appointment for groups. enquiries, call 6628 1829

Alstonville RSL

Alstonville RSL sub-Branch meets on the second Saturday of the month, with morning tea at 10am followed by the meeting, then a light luncheon from 1200. All ex-service persons and families are welcome to attend the lunch.

ALSTONVILLE BRANCH OF THE RED CROSS

The Alstonville Red Cross branch meets monthly in Alstonville. As meeting dates sometimes vary, please call Carol on 0424 742 774 for details of our next meeting.

ALSTONVILLE PROBUS CLUB

Alstonville Probus Club meets on the last Thursday of each month at Plateau Sports Club at 10.00 am. This commences with a cupper and chat, with the formal meeting commencing at 10.30 which includes an interesting guest speaker. All visitors are welcome.

The Northern Rivers Times November 7, 2024

COMMUNITY NOTICES

ALSTONVILLE QUOTA CLUB

A local women’s service club that meets on the 1st Tuesday of the month at the Plateau Sports Club. Quota is committed to supporting and improving the physical and mental wellbeing of the disadvantaged in our community through local projects.

EMBROIDERERS GROUP

Meetings are 9.30am1.30pm 1st and 3rd Wednesdays and 2nd Saturday of each month. Our venue is the Resource Centre at the rear of Crawford House Museum, Alstonville. We welcome embroiderers of all ability levels to meet, share and learn.

THE

RETURNED AND SERVICES LEAGUE OF AUSTRALIA (NSW Branch ALSTONVILLE SUBBRANCH

Alstonville RSL subBranch will now hold their monthly meetings on the second Wednesday of the month at 11am at the RSL Hall, 13 Bugden Ave (next door to the Alstonville Medical Centre). All ex-Service persons are welcome to attend, and we have a convivial morning tea on completion of the meeting. Alstonville RSL sub-Branch have a ‘Lower Deck Luncheon’ at 1200 each Friday, everyone is welcome, we sit out the back of the Hall, order lunch from local suppliers, and have great conversations with good mates. There is always plenty of support & advice on any issue!

BALLINA

Ballina Art Society

Ballina Art Society 2024 Exhibition your once-ayear opportunity to see our talented members latest artworks. With over 150 artworks across a range of mediums and styles on display, you will be sure to be inspired. All artworks are for sale, with ‘Tiny Treasures’ artworks only $70 each. Where: Tintenbar Hall When: 15th, 16th,17th November Friday 1-5pm Saturday 10-5pm Sunday 10-4pm Enjoy tea, coffee and home-made treats on the shady veranda at the hall on Saturday and Sunday.

BALLINA LADIES PROBUS CLUB

We meet on the frst Wednesday of each month at 10am at the Ballina RSL Club. We welcome visitors and if you wish to listen to what our speaker has to say, be sure to come, The speaker at out November 6th meeting

will be Justine Rowe from Ballina Council to talk about recycling. If you wish any information about the activities of our Probus Club call Beryl on 0409 285 282

Ballina Hospital Auxiliary

At the Ballina Hospital Auxiliary we are busy with our Christmas fundraising, we are still selling raffe tickets in the Kiosk at the hospital and in River St. First prize is $500, second prize is $100.

Our Christmas Street Stall will be held in River St near the Greater Bank on Thursday 12th December. We will have lots of Christmas cooking, craft and a selection of cacti and succulents’ plants. The raffe will be drawn on this day. We have recently approved purchase of more Lowbeds for the hospital. We now have provided a total of 6 beds used for patients at risk of falling. Plus 3 Princess chairs for use with elderly patients. These items total $81,000. Our last meeting of the year will be held on Tuesday 19th November in the Solarium at Ballina Hospital at 1.30pm. All most welcome. We will resume our meetings next year on Tuesday 18th February 2025.

Ballina CWA

Ballina Branch of Inner Wheel Australia meets on the frst Wednesday of the month at 11.30. Our objective is to share friendship and passion for community service in our local area as well international projects. we will not be holding a Monthly Meeting during December our meetings continue in January (Monday 20th).

Handicraft/Friendship Mornings will have a short recess from Wednesday 11th December (Branch Christmas Party) until Wednesday 15th January 2025 If you would like more information, please contact our President Joan Hetherington on 0402 885091 or Secretary Chris Penn on 0427 807135

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A NEW HOBBY??? COME AND JOIN THE HEADLINERS CHORUS

We are an all-female group of all ages who love to sing “Acappella” in 4-part Barbershop harmony. We are well known in the Northern Rivers community and would love you to join us. Come along to a rehearsal on Monday nights from 7pm and for more information see our website or enquire to Tracey Ezzy on 0438 446 809

BALLINA ARTS &

CRAFTS CENTRE INC. (BACCI)

We are a diverse group of Artists and Crafters that participate in wonderful group exhibitions. Over 50 members are from all over the Northern Rivers. Meetings are usually on the 1st Tuesday of every month at the Cherry Street Sports Club. Social gathering at 5, for a 5.30 start.

Ph: Rosie 0438401716

BALLINA BRIDGE CLUB

“Social play every Monday 9-11.30am”. Sessions for all levels of players on Mon, Wed, Sat from 1pm to about 5pm. Be seated at 12:45. Restricted session (under 300 Masterpoints) Thu 1pm – about 5pm. Friday mornings, Help with Play. Open to anyone who would like some help with their game from teachers on duty. 9am to about 11:15pm. Sessions are $5 for members and $7 for visitors at 13 North Ck Rd, Ballina Call Judy Forsyth: 0407664337.

Ballina Coastal Quilters

We meet at the North Lakes Community Hall in Whiting Way, Ballina on a Wednesday twice a month from 9 am to 2 pm. The group gives opportunities for friendship, support, and socialisation. and to celebrate our creative achievements in the area of quilting and related stitchery. We encourage our members to seek and share knowledge of their skills.

New members would be most welcome. The cost is $5 per session Georgia 66876834

BALLINA EVENING VIEW CLUB

Meets on the second Wednesday of each month at the Ballina RSL Club at 6.30 for dinner at 7pm - Guests are always welcome. Our members support the education of disadvantaged children in Australia by fundraising activities and social events in our local community for The Smith Family - by sponsoring 5 Learning for Life students. Ph: Julie Stephan 0434988770.

BALLINA FREE COMMUNITY HOT BRUNCH

Ballina Free Community Hot Brunch, First Saturday of each month. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy a hot brunch of sausages, rissoles bacon & eggs, cereal, tea and coffee. Or just come for a chat. Frozen take away meals available. Held at the Ballina Presbyterian Hall Corner of Cherry & Crane

St Ballina 10AM TO 12PM

Carol: 0438812235

BALLINA LIGHTHOUSE RSL DAY CLUB

A Day Club for elderly and isolated people in our community, held every Thursday at the Richmond Room Ballina. Enjoy morning tea and a mental stimulation exercise like Tai Chi, followed by lunch and afternoon musical entertainment. Every Thursday 10am to 2pm cost $10 Richmond Room, Regatta Avenue Ballina RSVP Lorraine Fox 66874350, 0439301249

BALLINA SENIOR CITIZENS BRIDGE CLUB

Social Bridge Play in Seniors Hall. Swift Street Ballina on Wednesday & Saturdays @ 12.05 pm Enquiries Phone: 0493425002 for details.

BALLINA TOY LIBRARY

Welcomes families from Ballina Shire. 9 Regatta Avenue, Ballina. Open Tuesdays 1pm3pm, and Saturdays 10am - 1pm. Ph. 0411719074.

IN FOCUS

TOASTMASTERS CLUB

How about trying something different? If you would like to improve your communication and leadership skills or simply make new friends and have fun, you are warmly invited to attend the In Focus Toastmasters Club. We meet the 3rd Wednesday evening of each month. You may attend either from the comfort of your own home via zoom or join us in person at the Cherry Street Sports Club, Ballina.

CASINO

SENIOR CITIZENS OF CASINO COMMUNITY

I have organised an activity sheet for Casino Senior Citizens for 2024. This was made in mind for members of our community who would like to have the occasional outing each month. Each activity has now been extended to anyone in our community – Outings are at your own cost, but I always make arrangements to have the cost as low as possible. If there are any activities noted that you would like to attend, please don’t hesitate to contact. Should you require transport, I will do my very best to assist and get you there. If any trips are with bus, the bus will pick you up from your own home and of course drop you off. Obviously for the purpose of numbers etc you will need to

contact me and advise if you are attending, if you require transport etc I have attempted to accommodate the needs of our older community who would like to escape the four walls of their home and join friends and peers to an enjoyable day out!

Don’t hesitate to call Jan Danaher on 0414 625 680

CASINO SENIOR CITIZENS’ INCORPORATED –ACTIVITIES FOR 2024 NOVEMBER

9 – Bus Trip to Iluka DECEMBER

6 – Coffee morning at Mike’s 10.00am 15 – Christmas Luncheon at Casino RSM

Don’t hesitate to call Jan Danaher on 0414 625 680

CWA Casino Evening Branch

Come along to our CWA meeting- 1st Thursday of the month. 6pm. Uniting Church Hall, Canterbury St. We welcome new members to join our community group. Share ideas, local issues and plans that affect us all. Make a difference at a local level. Make new friends, bring a friend. We look forward to welcoming you Leaine 0413 133 397

CASINO MEALS ON WHEELS

CASINO MEALS ON WHEELS Volunteers needed Our delivery runs are Mon-Fri From 11.30am – 12.30 – 1 pm If you are interested in Volunteering please phone the offce between 9am-2pm weekdays on 02 66621217

WEEK 2

MONDAY

B.McEnerny & C.Moulden

J. Yates

TUESDAY

B.Bennett

K.O’Reilly & L. O’Reilly

WEDNESDAY

M.&M. Ayshford

G.Mannix

THURSDAY

J.Crooks

S. Garrard & E. Grogan

FRIDAY

M.Anderson

J.Connell

CASINO COMMUNITY MEN’S SHED Mon, Tues, Wed, attendance limited to 50 members, 8am-1.30pm. Contact 66626423

CASINO & DISTRICT FAMILY HISTORY

GROUP INCW are open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 2pm, Wednesdays from 12pm to 4pm and every third Saturday from 9 am to 11.30 am. We are in Room 5, Upstairs in the School

of Arts building in Walker Street, Casino. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 10 am. For a small fee we can do research for you as well. Call 6664 1118

Cassino Gallery Inc. 148 Barker St. Casino. Open Thursday to Saturday 10am to 3pm during exhibitions. Regular exhibitions, workshops, classes, and some markets during the year. Contacts Ralph 0418 485 770, Laszlo 6662 1943, Meg 0435 111 463. Artists, professional/amateur welcome to enquire about exhibiting their work at the Gallery.

CASINO LADIES AND FRIEND CRAFT GROUP Meets 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month. Bring your own morning tea. Names to be in by lunch time Monday. Phone Vivian on 66621838 or Jan on 66626424.

Casino & District Orchid Society Meet the 4th Thursday each month. At St Marks Anglican Hall @ 6:30pm

CASINO MINI RAIL Every Sunday we are now open from 9.00am to 2.30pm every Sunday (weather permitting). West Street Casino. Phone 0455673722.

CASINO MIXED PROBUS CLUB Our Meeting is on fourth Thursday of each month at Casino RSM Club at 10:00am. Contact Kathleen Griffns, President phone 0427622470 or Daphne Boyd, Secretary phone 0400070085.

CASINO UNITING CHURCH CAFÉ PRAISE…. Every Wednesday @ 10-11am. All Welcome 10am Morning Tea Fellowship. Welcome and Chat 10.30am Praise and Worship

CASINO VIEW CLUB Monthly luncheon meeting at Casino RSM Club at 11am, second Thurs of every month. Contact Jan on 0418715374

CASINO AA MEETING – ID MEETING is held every Tuesday 12:001:30pm At the Casino Baptist Church, corner of West & Canterbury Streets Casino. Newcomers welcome. Contact George 0427 133 372.

LION’S CLUB CASINO Lion’s Club meeting is held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday each month at Casino RSM Club from

6.30pm for a 7.00pm start. Denise Green 0448014682

LISMORE CASINO NAVAL ASSOCIATION

Meets bi-monthly at Casino RSM, new members welcome. Ph: Chris 66293269 or Jim 0427400625.

THE PLATYPUS RSL DAY CLUB operates every Tuesday at the Community Centre from 10am to 2pm. The day consists of gentle exercises, mental stimulation, games, and entertainment. Members are asked to pay $7 for their morning tea and lunch. Transport can be provided within the town limits. If you are feeling socially isolated or just need a day out, please contact Robyn on 66623871. New members are welcome.

ELTHAM

ELTHAM MASONIC

LODGE - The Eltham Masonic Lodge welcomes all masons, to attend their monthly meetings, which are held on the fourth Tuesday, each month (except in January), at the Eltham Masonic Centre. The meetings commence at 7.30 pm. If you are not a mason and are interested in joining Freemasonry, for more information please visit our website or phone 0416530456

EVANS HEAD

Rotary Evans Rotary Evans Head holds meeting the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month 5.30pm at Evans Head RSL downstairs in remembrance room. New members warmly welcomed. Cont. Sue 0438853921

The Rotary Club of Evans Head Markets held on the last Saturday of Each Month. Where: Club Evans RSL Time 8am - 1pm A vast variety of stores from clothes, candle, Honey Photographs, books, and Organic Vegetables along with Rotary Bacon & Egg Rolls

EVANS HEAD CWA BRANCH meets every third Tuesday for lunch at noon. New members welcome. More info Roz 0427825560

EVANS RIVER RSL DAY CLUB

The Evans River RSL Day Club meets each Monday in the Remembrance Room at Club Evans RSL Evans Head from 10am until 2pm Cost $10 includes Morning Tea and Lunch. We have several vacancies for volunteers and members, anyone who is feeling in need of some

company are welcome to attend. Come along and join in the fun. Contact Merilyn 0401493316.

EVANS HEAD

SEAGULLS CRAFT & QUILTERS GROUP

Meet every Tuesday 9am12noon in the Recreation Hall (opposite the Kiosk). We invite you to join us for a relaxing morning of crafting, friendship and sharing ideas. Beginners are very welcome. Finishing UFO’s, Embroidery, Gold Work, Hexagons, & Group Projects are just some of the crafts done.

GOONELLABAH

TABLE TENNIS AT GOONELLABAH

Tuesday and Thursday mornings social playing: 9am-12noon; Monday and Wednesday nights social playing: 7-9pm; Training Monday mornings: 9am-12noon; Junior coaching after school Wednesday 3.30pm4.45pm, $6 a session. Everybody is welcome – all levels. Phone centre on 66251602. Mon-Thurs 9.00am-1.00pm

THE PROBUS CLUB of Goonellabah meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month at the Workers Sports Club in Oliver Ave. All welcome. Goonellabah Probus is solely a social club. We have a guest speaker each month and go for outings throughout the year. Meetings on Thursday commence at 10am and fnish at midday. For further information, Liz 0451 020 241

GRAFTON

GRAFTON U3A

Our fnal Jabberfest will be held at 10:00am on 11 November at the New Life Church Centre, 132 Arthur Street Grafton. November Jabberfest will be the fnal opportunity for members to purchase tickets at a cost of $35.00 for the 2024 Christmas luncheon being held at the Vines at 139 restaurant Fitzroy Street Grafton at 12 noon on 2 December 2024. There will be a competition for the most Christmassy T shirt as well as a range of lucky door prizes. Please note tickets will not be available on the day of the Luncheon. Morning tea will be taken early in November Jabberfest to ensure members are seated for the Remembrance Day commemoration at 11am with the Ode to be recited by member Harry Jones. We recently celebrated the 100th birthday of foundation

and centenarian member Marion Martin. The highlight of our meeting, where we will learn about the life and times of this lovely lady, will be via a One + One interview by her granddaughter Stephanie. U3A is the University of the Third Age – the age of active retirement coming after the ages of youth and work and home making. University is rather a loose term as there are no academic requirements for membership and no exams and new members are always welcome. Grafton U3A offers a range of courses and interest groups to members promoting learning for personal enjoyment and wellbeing. Keeping the brain active, making new friends and helping members to maximise their independence remaining healthy and active for longer. If you are considering membership of Grafton U3A and would like more information, please contact Bruce Carle on 0409 225 536.

Grafton and District Garden Club Connecting people with an interest in gardening, plants, fowers and nature Our Grafton city is looking beautiful this week in glorious purple, and our Jacaranda festival well under way. Have you seen the gorgeous foral chairs around both Grafton and South Grafton? Many of our very clever members created these, as a joint Garden club community initiative. A big thankyou to these members, an amazing job! Also, a thank you to the members who grew and are watering our club’s drums of petunias in See Park, a popular photo spot. Our next meeting and last for the year will be at Joan Muir Hall on the 7th of November at 10 am. Our December 5th meeting will be our Xmas party at South Grafton Golf club. We also have a visit planned to a fower farm at Copmanhurst on 23rd November. This will be by car-pooling. For more information, please follow Grafton and District Garden Club on our Facebook page,

GRAFTON’S MIGHTY CLARENCE TOASTMASTERS CLUB

Perhaps it’s time to fnd out what it’s all about! If you would like to improve your communication and leadership skills. Make new friends and have fun, you are warmly invited to attend the Mighty Clarence Toastmasters Club. We meet on the 1st & 3rd Wednesday evening

of each month. You may attend either from the comfort of your own home via zoom or join us in person at the Joan Muir Community Centre: 194 Turf Street, Grafton.

GRAFTON SENIORS BE FIT EXERCISE CLASSES

Every Friday at the Uniting Church, Prince Street. Join us for gentle exercises designed for Seniors.

We meet at 10.30a.m. for a cuppa and a chat with the exercises commencing at 11.

All equipment is provided and there is no cost to the participants.

Further information can be obtained from Chris 0400490691 or Dot on 66423248 or 0477213017

Grafton VIEW Club

Grafton VIEW Club meets on the 4th Tuesday each month at Grafton District Services Club, Mary Street, commencing at 10.30am. Please come along & enjoy yourself with a tasty meal, motivated guest speaker & at the same time you will help disadvantaged children.

Please phone Helen at 6642 3867 for catering purposes no later than the Friday before the meeting. As well, a social outing is held each month. You are warmly invited to come along, have some fun & you will be helping others as well. See you there!

CLARENCE RIVER HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Clarence River Historical Society- Schaeffer House Museum. 190 Fitzroy Street Grafton. 2460. Phone 0266425212.We are welcoming many visitors through the museum, often from interstate and on bus trips, not only to see our wonderful collection of artefacts gathered over 90 years but also to research family history and/or places of interest in the Valley. Research Room hours are from 9 to 3 Tuesday to Thursday and Museum hours are from1 to 4 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Other times can be arranged.

Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for children. If you would like to become a member of our Society and receive our interesting newsletters contact the Secretary, Robyn. Membership fees are $27 yearly.

HASTINGS POINT

HASTINGS POINT

COMMUNITY CHOIR

Do you enjoy singing. Our repertoire covers a variety

of music styles – both unison and part singing We would love you to join us. New members needed. You will be made most welcome

When: Tuesday Evenings from 7pm – 8.30pm

Where: Tricare Residential Village Community Room Tweed Coast Road, next to Shell Petrol Station. For more information, contact Jean Berry 0414794380

PROBUS CLUB OF HASTINGS POINT - The Probus Club of Hastings Point Tweed Coast meets at Hastings Point Tricare resident’s lounge, on 3rd Tuesday each month, commencing with a guest speaker at 10am. Retirees and seniors are welcome to join this happy social group. Phone the Probus president Di Mills 044 732 5387 for more information.

KINGSCLIFF

KINGSCLIFF 500 CARD CLUB

Kingscliff 500 Card Club. Monday and Wednesday afternoons 1pm to 4pm Cudgen Surf Club New players WELCOME Contact: GARY 0499869992

Kingscliff Probus Club First Wednesday of the month, 10am to 12 noon in the function room of Kingscliff Bowls Club. We have an interesting guest speaker each month plus bus trips to various points on the map each third Wednesday of the month. Retirees and seniors are most welcome to join us in this happy social group. Ph Marlene 0428323736

KYOGLE

KYOGLE WRITERS GROUP

Kyogle Writers Group meets on the last Saturday of each month and we welcome newcomers. We meet at the Roxy Lane back. entrance to the Kyogle Memorial Institute (Supper Room). Our aim is to provide support and encouragement for those new to writing, as well as more experienced writers. We practice many genres of writing poetry, memoir, and journaling to name a few. Morning tea at 9.30am is followed by our meeting from 10.00am till 12.00 pm. Throughout the year we have planned some wonderful writing workshops facilitated by local authors. For further information contact Vince on 0459 574179 or Susan on 0414

958245.

KYOGLE SUNSHINE CLUB

Meets every Thursday at 9.30am. For more details contact 0499824274.

KYOGLE TIDY TOWNS FARMERS MARKET

Held every Saturday morning in Stratheden Street from 8am -12. Come along grab some local fruit & veggies, experience all Kyogle has to offer. New Stall Holders welcome. Ph: Anne 66321851

LION’S CLUB OF KYOGLE

Meeting is held on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday each month at the Kyogle Lion’s shed from 6.30–7pm. Contact Neville Moon on 0448222334.

RICHMOND RIVER BEEF PRODUCER’S ASSOCIATION

Meet on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at Kyogle Showgrounds in the luncheon room at 7pm. Ph: Jan on 0427293455.

KYOGLE BAZAAR

Fourth Saturday of every month. See Kyogle Bazaar on social media for all the details or call 0459512249.

LENNOX HEAD

LENNOX HEAD CWA

Handy Craft Mornings on Mondays 9.30am-12noon in the community centre at Lennox Head. Call Jan on 66816150.

LENNOX HEAD EVENING VIEW CLUB

Meets on the second Tuesday of each month upstairs at the Lennox Hotel at 6.30pm for dinner at 7pm. Guests are welcome. “VIEW members support the education of disadvantaged Australian children by raising much needed funds for The Smith Family. Through fundraising activities and social events in local communities, members raise money that goes directly to The Smith Family’s learning and mentoring programs for disadvantaged. students.” Lennox Head Evening VIEW Club currently sponsors two Learning for Life students.

Ph: Sue Brennan 0409728814.

LENNOX HEAD LIONS CLUB

New members welcome to join our close-knit club where the emphasis is on community service in a fun environment. Meetings are on the frst

The Northern Rivers Times November 7, 2024

and Third Wednesday of each month at Club Lennox starting at 6.30pm. Members do what they can, when they can to facilitate the needs of our club.

PROBUS CLUB OF LENNOX HEAD

Meets 9.30 for 10 at Club Lennox, 10 Stewart Street, on the frst Thursday of each month. Visitors are welcome, also retired, or semi-retired people wishing to join our non-service club to hear interesting guest speakers and to join in trips and outings are invited along. Ph: June Zentveld on 66871004

LISMORE

BETHLEHEM REVISITED

Show your family what the real reason for the Christmas season is all about. The Lismore Anglicans’ Bethlehem Revisited event will be held on Saturday, December 21, 22024 in the grounds of St Andrew’s Anglican Church, Zadoc Street, Lismore when the gates open at 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Free Entry! With a Bethlehem ’passport’ we encourage the children to explore the Christmas Story, enjoy the petting zoo and dress up as an angel or Roman soldier. Free sausage sizzle and refreshments available as we welcome Christmas with carol singing. ALL WELCOME

LISMORE CROQUET

CLUB inc Become a NEW Member for information call Fay on 0412910487.Mondays –8.30am Practice Croquet for members with Phyllis 0429122353.Wednesdays – 8.30am Ricochet Croquet. Thursdays –8.30am Golf Croquet. Friday Evening Socials 3.30pm – Each Friday for Members and their Invited guests, (cancellation ONLY if raining). Contact Jan on 0423322064 Up and coming events: Wednesday 6th November 2024. Next General Meeting and Election of New Club Captain.11am for members, 163 Molesworth Street Club House. Saturday 16th November 2024. Bill Clifton Memorial Trophy – for members, Thursday 28th November 2024. Lismore Friendship Day – All Northern River’s Croquet Clubs invited. Contact Deborah Matten. PH: 0266 22 6030.

Lismore Anglicans’ Annual Christmas Shop COMMUNITY NOTICES for November 6 – November 27 editions inclusive

Lismore Anglicans’ Annual Christmas Shop DATES: Monday, November 11 to Friday, November 29, 2024, VENUE: 57 Woodlark Street, Lismore in the Central Business District. The former Cruise & Travel. Come and buy your Christmas treats. All home-made Christmas cakes, slices, biscuits, scones. Handicraft items. Potted plants galore. Monster Hamper and lots of cheer. Cash or card.M-F: 9:30 am – 3:30 pm. Sat: 9:30 am – 12:00 Noon. TEL: 02 6621 3200 Sunday, December 15, 2024, at 7:30 pm we are holding Carols and Nine Lessons at St Andrew’s Anglican Church, Zadoc Street, Lismore.

Lismore Parkinsonism Support Group Lismore Parkinsonism Support Group, for all Parkinson related disorders. We meet every third Friday of the month. Next group Meeting is 15th of November. Commences at 10am to 12pm at the South Lismore Bowls Club, 25 Wilson Street South Lismore. Snacks & Cold drinks available. Tea and Coffee with a Gold Coin Donation. Social Networking, Companion Support Group and Special Guest Speaker. New members always welcomed. inquiries contact Marie 0448871290

LISMORE SQUARE

DANCING Do you love music, movement and meeting new people? Then you should join us for square dancing! Square dancing is a fun and easy way to exercise your body and mind, while making friends and having a blast. No experience or partner needed, just bring yourself and your enthusiasm. We’ll teach you everything you need to know, step by step, in a friendly and supportive environment. Lismore Presbyterian Church Hall, 188 Keen Street, Lismore, Tuesday nights 7pm to 9pm. $12pp. First night is free. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover the joy of square dancing. You’ll be hooked in no time! Ph 0407 663 017.

LISMORE BASE HOSPITAL AUXILIARY Not long now until Lismore Base Hospital Auxiliary are holding their Made in the Heart Craft Market. In the PAVILION at the LISMORE SHOWGROUND. It is on Saturday 23rd November 8.30 to 3pm.And Sunday 24th November 9 to 1pm. We have 30 Artisans

displaying their wares. There will be a BBQ and a Coffee Van for the 2 days. The money we make will go towards the Hospital Wish list no 1 priority. A Cell Saver Transfusion System at the cost of $42,491.00. If you have a big blood loss during theatre your blood will be transfused back to you Come along, buy your gifts for Christmas and have a great time. We are selling raffe tickets at Lismore Square on certain days during November. Come over and say hi. First prize $500.00 and 2nd prize is $100

Lismore Garden Club

Lismore Garden Club meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at the East Lismore Bowling Club, commencing at 1pm. The Club has guest speakers, visits to members’ gardens and enjoy a morning tea and friendship whilst taking in the beautiful gardens. Day trips away are also on the agenda from time to time. There is the opportunity to display something special such as a particular fower or produce each month. New members are most welcome. For further information, contact the Secretary, phone 0416 281 365.

AA MEETINGS

Lismore RED DOVE

AA Meetings, Every Wednesday & Friday 12 Noon and Sundays 10.30am. Upstairs in The Uniting Church, cnr of Keen St & Woodlark St Lismore. Disability lifts available. Newcomers welcome.

LISMORE LIBRARY Library Afterschool Lismore Children’s Library is launching a new program of afterschool activities called Library Afterschool. This term, we invite local children to get involved in PAPERCRAFT and LEGO activities. All sessions will be fun, free, low-key and inclusive, facilitated by your friendly Lismore Children’s Library staff. PAPERCRAFT

3.30pm-5pm at Lismore Children’s Library, frst and third Tuesday of the month.

Papercraft will include learning to draw, making origami and scissor-andglue crafts. LEGO 3.30pm-5pm at Lismore Children’s Library, second and fourth Friday of the month Explore our excellent LEGO collection. Alternating themed and free-play sessions.

THE NORTHERN RIVERS LODGE NO. 77 meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month (except in January) at the Lismore Masonic Centre, 111 Magellan Street Lismore. We welcome all Masons to an enjoyable and entertaining evening. Inquiries 0412665674

LISMORE CRAFTS & QUILTERS

You are invited to join, LISMORE CRAFTS & QUILTERS. We meet on Mondays at the Lismore Uniting Church, Red Dove, Hall 9.30am - 12.30pm. We do Patchwork, Quilting & all Crafts. We also have night group, who meet at McLean Ridges Hall, Monday evenings, 5.30pm - 9pm. Cost is $30 for the year & $5 each Monday. Looking forward to seeing you. Enquiries to Margaret Boxsell 0427141425

CWA LISMORE BRANCH: NEW MEMBERS WANTED! Ladies, it’s now ‘24 so open a new door for yourself and your community by joining the Lismore CWA Branch? You’ll discover fun, & friendship with a diverse group of ladies of varying ages just waiting to meet you. We meet once a month and share ideas & plans regarding our role in contributing to the wellbeing of women & children in our community. we meet at the CWA Rooms in Spinks Park Lismore for a 9:30am catch-up followed by our meeting at 10:00am. We also conduct weekly craft meetings providing fun & learning. Why not come along as a ‘guest’ to see how you fnd the experience? For more information on the benefts of becoming a member of Lismore CWA Branch simply call our President HELEN DARGIN on 0438 828 619. For Craft enquiries call VICKI BOYLE on 0437 465 642. In this very special Lismore CWA 100th Anniversary Year we so look forward to meeting you.

LISMORE LIONS CLUB

Please save your used stamps to raise funds for The Australian Lions Children’s Mobility Foundation. Stamps are collected & forwarded on to be sorted & sold at Auction, to raise money for Children’s Mobility contact Margaret Boxsell on 0427141425

LISMORE CITY BOWLING

Lismore City Bowling and Recreation Club Community BINGO every

Monday morning 10 am to 12 noon. Morning tea and Progressive Jackpot. All welcome. Phone 66 21 5991.

LISMORE CITY CONCERT BAND

Rehearsals are held during school terms on Mondays, 6.15-7.45pm at Southern Cross University. If you can play a concert band instrument: brass, woodwind, or percussion, please come and join us! All ages welcome. We have some instruments available for loan. Ph: 0432575911

LISMORE MEN & COMMUNITY SHED

President: Mr Bob Greig 0404860504 publicity offcer Don Abrahams 0437576837 Opening Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 9.00am –3.00pm We are a community based non-proft organisation. Everybody is welcome: men, women & people with a disability of all ages. We encourage social inclusion. Our aim is to promote the mental, physical & emotional well-being of people in our community. Shed Activities Members work on their own projects, Mentoring is available, General woodworking, Welding & light engineering, Repair & restoration of items for the public Constructing projects, of items for the public Constructing projects for preschools, hospitals & other organisations Assembling fatpack, Minor maintenance work for the elderly & disabled, working with the disabled, talking with other members or simply having company. Memberships: $40-year Attendance Fee: $3 tea/ coffee 15 Industry Drive East Lismore

LISMORE ORCHID SOCIETY INC.

City of Lismore Orchid Society Inc. Meetings are now at the Lismore Show Ground, In Norms Kitchen under the Members Grandstand. Alexandra Parade, North Lismore. NSW 2480 Meeting Date; the frst Saturday of the month Meeting Time: 9:30am display plants set up, 10:00am meeting starts with a cuppa after. Contact President Mr. Steven Muldoon 0427789773

Orchid meeting involve the sharing of information, knowledge and friendship. All welcome. Lismore City Bowling and Recreation Club Community BINGO every Monday Morning 10am to 12 noon. Morning tea and

Progressive Jackpot. All welcome. Ph 6621 5991

LISMORE SENIOR CITIZENS

Meet at the Goonellabah Community Centre every second Thursday starting at 9am where we have morning tea followed by games bingo how etc we play cards Monday and Friday and play bowls Tuesdays and craft every second Tuesday afternoons come and join our friendly group you will be very welcome.

LISMORE SPINNERS & WEAVERS

Please join us…... Weaving, Spinning, Felting, Dyeing, Knitting, Crochet, Workshops, Chat…. Sharing Craft & Ideas.From 10am, on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Fridays of each month. (Formal business meeting is 10.30-11.30 every 1st Friday) McLeans Ridges Hall Cnr Cowlong and McLeans Ridges Rds. (off Bruxner Hwy) Morning Tea provided. Bring your lunch (and a mug) Contac: Kim: 0423935060, Linda: 0419489987

LISMORE TARGET RIFLE CLUB for .22 calibre rifes, meets Wed nights from 6.30pm & the 1st & 3rd Sat of each month from 1.00 pm. Air rife shooting for .22 & 177 air rifes will also be available at the Saturday shoots. For more information, please phone Derek on 66282082 (ah).

CO-DEPENDANTS

ANONYMOUS (CoDA) Co-Dependants

Anonymous is a Twelve Step Fellowship of people whose common purpose is to develop healthy relationships. The only requirement for membership is a desire for healthy relationships. The CoDA meeting in the Lismore area meets on Mondays from 6.30pm to 7.30pm at Riverland’s Drug and Alcohol Centre. 75 Hunter Street, Lismore. For further information call 0456178826 or 0408336143

EAST LISMORE BOWLING CLUB

Community Bingo Tuesday night 7.30pm start. 20 games of bingo + progressive jackpot Neilson Street East Lismore. Everyone Welcome

EAST LISMORE SOCIAL TENNIS

Social Tennis is played at East Lismore Tennis Club, Cnr Neilson St & Oakley Avenue every Tuesday from 8am. We invite social players of all abilities to join us, we are

a mixed group who enjoy a morning’s tennis without the commitment of competition. Ph: Fay Ross 0412910487. Everyone welcome.

MAINLY MUSIC

Fun, interactive, music sessions for young children [birth to school age] and their parents/ caregivers in a relaxed setting on Tuesdays starting at 9:30am during School Terms. Children will be introduced to music, creativity and more. They will develop gross motor skills, as well as socialise with others in a loving, shared family environment. Morning tea with snacks included. Mainly Music at Lismore Anglican Parish Centre, 10 Zadoc Street, LISMORE. T: 0266213200

PROBUS CLUB OF LISMORE HEIGHTS

Our mixed group meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month at the Lismore Heights Bowling Club in High St. Our brief meeting is followed by morning tea and a guest speaker. Senior’s lunch for $15 at noon is optional. Guests and visitors are welcome. Ring/text Pam on 0418766247 for details of our other monthly social gatherings and outings.

ROTARY CLUB OF LISMORE NETWORKING

Want to be part of an innovative, interesting, and inclusive networking group who meet fortnightly to share ideas, meet other professionals and work together to make a difference in your community? Then Rotary Club of Lismore Networking could be the answer for you!

Meets on the 2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month at 5.30pm at The Civic Hotel (210 Molesworth Street Lismore). Ph: Rita on 0413300578 or Gae 0412742095.

ROTARY CLUB OF LISMORE WEST INC

East Lismore Bowling Club each Thursday at 6pm. New members would be made most welcome. Further information available on 0428151934.

ROTARY CLUB OF SUMMERLAND SUNRISE

Interested in contributing to community? Local and international?

The Rotary Club of Summerland Sunrise meets every Friday at 7.05am for Breakfast at Red Dove Café 80 Keen

st Lismore. Join us please. Ph: 0435990919

SUMMERLAND AMATEUR RADIO CLUB

Meetings of the club are normally held on the second Sunday of each month at the clubrooms: 412 Richmond Hill Road, Richmond Hill at 1pm. Visitors are welcome. The clubrooms are usually open on Sunday afternoons from about 1pm onwards. We are primarily amateur radio enthusiasts and welcome persons interested in radio, electronics, astronomy, and similar subjects.

SUMMERLAND BONSAI SOCIETY INC.

Come and learn an addictive hobby with us. We provide personal support from experienced teachers as well as demonstrations and Bonsai information. Club days are held on the second Saturday of every month at 1pm in the Red Dove at Lismore Be inspired about the art of creating little trees. Ph: 0438103601

ZEN and INSIGHT MEDITATION - Lismore Heights INSIGHT (VIPASSANA) MEDITATION and practice:

This mindfulness-based meditation group sits on Wednesdays from 7:00-8:30pm. The evening includes meditation instructions, sitting and walking meditation, Dharma talks and discussion. For further details, please contact Rosie - 0402 682 925. Beginners and experienced meditations are warmly welcomed.

ZEN MEDITATION and practiceThe Zen meditation group sits on Mondays from 6:30pm8:15pm. If you wish to attend

MACLEAN

MACLEAN VIEW CLUB

Monthly meetings the 3rd Thursdays of each month at 11am. Contact Ruth Toyer on 0409844212 by Mondays, no later than 7pm. Numbers are required for catering purposes.

MCLEANS RIDGES

MCLEANS RIDGES CRAFT GROUP meet at the McLeans Ridges Hall, Cowlong Road, McLeans Ridges on the 2nd Saturday of each month from 9.30am to 3.30pm. Scrapbooking, card making, paper craft, knitting whatever takes

your fancy. Come along for an enjoyable day. Bring your own morning tea and lunch. Coffee, tea, milk provided. A small fee to cover hall hire. Ph 0401 047 513.

MURWILLUMBAH

COMMUNITY

PRINTMAKERS

MURWILLUMBAH

Fine art printmakers. Meet at studio space 224 Stokers Rd, Stokers Siding. Prints, gallery, workshops and more! Ph: Peter 0498399640 or Sue 0408493253.

MURWILLUMBAH

COMMUNITY GARDEN

Members and visitors are invited to join the group for activities and gardening tips most Sundays. Time 3-5pm, street parking, BYO, covered footwear, comfy clothing, hat, and water. Children ok with strict supervision. Covid plan operating. Ph: Bob Johnson (02)66225792.

POTTSVILLE

Alcoholics Anonymous: Is drinking costing you more than money? AA works and is very active in Pottsville. We meet every Thursday 7pm at St Marks 15A Coronation Ave Pottsville and local contact 1800 423 431 or 04019 45671

POTTSVILLE FUN

CROQUET CLUB

Meets at Black Rocks Sports Fields on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8.30am. New members are welcome to come and join us for a hit and a bit of fun. For any further enquires please call Jean on 0431606375.

TWEED HEADS

Poets and writers on the Tweed meet every Tuesday at the South Tweed Sports Club 1.30-3.30pm. Beginners welcome. Phone 0755248035.

TWEED HEADS

PROBUS CLUB

Probus Club, Coolangatta/ Tweed Heads. Be at Club Tweed at 10-00am on the frst Wednesday of the Month. Visitors and new members are very welcome.

TWEED PATCHWORK

GROUP

Meet the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at South Tweed Community Centre from 9-1pm at 18 Heffron Street Tweed Heads south all beginners welcome phone Moira on 0418686643. A

friendly group of people with common interest in seeing, quilting and related craft.

TWIN TOWNS DAY VIEW CLUB V I E W as in Voice, Interests, Education of Women (Not many people are aware of what ‘VIEW’ club stands for!) AND NOT ONLY IN NAME: We are a group of ladies who care what will become of our youth! Our heritage – Their heritage –It is sad but true that many of our young people have no direction in their lives. Every morning, we wake to the news that violence has occurred overnight in what was once considered a safe neighbourhood. How do these offending children/ youth feel the next morning knowing they have caused so much heartache - is this why we also hear of youth harming themselves so they can spread the pain? So, this is where VIEW Clubs and other similar clubs are starting from the bottom of the ladder by providing much needed funds to educate our youngsters so they will WANT to become the very best person they can not only in education but in their community and being proud of themselves and giving their parents hope for their child’s future. We at TWIN TOWNS DAY VIEW CLUB PROVIDE THE NECESSARY FUNDS to educate just 7 of these children. We know not where they come from, but someone in their community has contacted THE SMITH FAMILY and they in turn contact VIEW CLUBS OF AUSTRALIA who anonymously contact a VIEW Club who in turn take over the responsibility for these worthy children’s fees and so year after year their tertiary fees are paid. These fees are raised by VIEW Club members who attend meetings, listen to interesting guest speakers, and regularly have days out at each other’s homes – so FUN and a tremendous satisfaction of knowing we are helping our future generation. More information can be gleaned by contacting our President Kathie on 0407709629.

YAMBA

YAMBA LIONS CLUB

Yamba Lions Club’s meetings are held 2nd & 4th Thursdays of month at Yamba Bowling Club, commencing at 7pm for 7.30pm. For further information, please

contact the Secretary Peter 0417546097. Social outings also held at various time and visitors and new members’ welcome.

ALL NORTHERN RIVERS

NRCF WOMEN’S GIVING CIRCLE

The Northern Rivers Community Foundation (NRFC) is inviting Northern Rivers women to play an active role in empowering vulnerable women and girls in our region. The newly formed NRFC’s Women’s Giving Circle brings Northern Rivers women together to achieve equality and human rights for women and girls in our region and enable them to realise their full potential. Ph: 0499862886

The NORTHERN RIVERS HASH HOUSE HARRIERS is a nonproft community group that is part of a worldwide organisation. The Hash House Harriers meet every Monday at 6pm for a run/walk from various locations around Lismore, Alstonville, and Ballina. The run/walk lasts for approximately an hour, followed by friendship, banter and grub. We are very friendly and welcome new members.

NORTHERN RIVERS PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP

Covering Wollongbar to Ocean Shores. Meets 2nd Friday of each month at Summerland Farm, Wardell Road, Alstonville. A general catch up & chat with the opportunity to join in a casual Q&A session with Rebecca, our Parkinson’s nurse. She will be there to answer any questions that you may have about anything to do with living with Parkinson’s or supporting or caring for a loved one. Maybe you want to know about symptoms, medication, treatments, or services etc. Rebecca is there to support us and help you manage your disease so that you live your best life. All those living with Parkinson’s Disease or those supporting them are most welcome. Please RSVP Cheryl 0428286753.

NORTHERN RIVERS NAVAL & MARINERS ASSOCIATION

This association was formed to attract veterans for companionship, wellbeing and to supply advocacy to veterans. We hold an informal gathering every Friday, 2.30pm at

Ballina Angling Club (families are welcome). Ph: Allan Watt: 0402 749 582

ALL AREAS

DAVID LANE ‘S 2024 PAINTING EXHIBITION & STUDIO SALE is opening on Saturday 30th November & Sunday 1st December 11am to 5pm. Everyone is welcome. We’re located at 31 Fernleigh Road, Tintenbar. You can contact us on 0418 794 860.

ALCOHOLICS

ANONYMOUS If you’re looking for help to stop drinking, you can reach out to Alcoholics Anonymous 24 hours a day. Our phone line is always answered by someone who’s been where you are – an alcoholic in recovery. We understand the challengers and we know we’re the right people to help you. You can call AA anytime on 1300 22 22 22.

AL-ANON FAMILY GROUPS

Al-Anon offers help and hope for family and friends of alcoholics. If someone in your family has a drinking problem, you can see what it’s doing to them. But can you see what it’s doing to YOU? For information and help call 1300 ALANON (1300 252 666). Al-Anon Family Groups meet regularly across Australia and online, MONDAY 11:00am ILUKA CWA Hall (behind the Iluka Museum), 2 Charles St. TUESDAY 12.00pm GRAFTON CWA Rooms, Cnr Duke / Pound St.1:00pm LISMORE The Studio, adjacent to 14 Pleasant St, Goonellabah & ZOOM ID 252 666 0000 (no password) (enter via car park next to Ghetto Babe Cafe) WEDNESDAY 6.30pm BALLINA – Anglican Church, 24 Burnet St & ZOOM ID 252 666 0000 (no password) THURSDAY 5:00pm (with Alateen) TWEED HEADS Anglican Church, 13 Powell St or by phone: 4022 9113, code 5771881#FRIDAY 2:00pm BANGALOW meeting in person on the FIRST FRIDAY of the month (1 Nov, 6 Dec), the Old Scout Hall at the Bangalow Showground, 9 Station St, and Online EVERY Friday. ZOOM ID 252 666 0000 (no password) SUNDAY 4:00pm CHINDERAH Seventh Day Adventist Church, 83 Phillip St.

WEATHER

Northern Rivers District: Cloudy. Medium chance of showers. The chance of a storm. Light winds becoming east to northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the afternoon then becoming light during the evening. Thursday. Mostly sunny. The chance of morning fog inland. Slight chance of a shower in the south. The chance of a storm inland in the afternoon and evening. Light winds becoming north to northeasterly 20 to 30 km/h during the day.

Northern Tablelands District:

Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely in the afternoon. The chance of a storm in the morning and afternoon. Winds east to northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h tending NW/NE during the morning then becoming light during the day. Thursday. Partly cloudy. The chance of morning fog. Slight chance of a shower, most likely in the afternoon and evening.

The chance of a storm in the afternoon and evening. Light winds becoming west to northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the morning then tending N/NW during the evening.

New South Wales: Isolated showers in the northeast, mainly about the ranges, with the chance of storms. The chance of showers about the central ranges and coast, and in the far southwest. Fine and partly cloudy elsewhere. Hot inland, with daytime temperatures well above average. Warm near the coast, with temperatures a little above average. Northeast to northwesterly winds, freshening along the southern coast and in the southwest. A late southerly change in the far southwest.

Thursday. Isolated showers in southern and central districts, with possible storms. Mostly fine in the northeast. Very warm to hot in northern and central areas, with daytime temperatures well above average. Temperatures near or slightly below average in the southwest. in most areas, except the southwest

corner. Northeast to northwesterly winds in the northeast, fresh along the coast, with southeast to southwesterly winds extending through the remainder.

Byron Coast:

Winds: Variable about 10 knots becoming northwest to northeasterly 15 to 20 knots during the morning. Seas: Around 1 metre. Swell: Southerly around 1 metre. Weather: Partly cloudy. The chance of storms inshore in the morning and afternoon. Coffs Coast:

Winds: Variable about 10 knots becoming east to northeasterly 10 to 15 knots during the afternoon then tending north to northeasterly during the evening. Seas: Below 1 metre. Swell: Southerly around 1 metre. Weather: Partly cloudy. Gold Coast Waters: Winds: Northerly 15 to 20 knots. Seas: Around 1 metre, increasing to 1 to 1.5 metres during the evening. Swell: East to northeasterly below 1 metre. Weather: Mostly sunny. The chance of storms inshore.

Bangalow sports felds have been upgraded with energy-effcient lighting, receiving praise from NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery and State Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffn, who joined Byron Shire Mayor Sarah Ndiaye to inspect the new installations. Designed to reduce light spill and save approximately $35,000 annually on energy costs, the lighting upgrade promises benefts for both the environment and the community.

Mayor Ndiaye highlighted the signifcance of the project, noting, “These sports felds have a special place in the hearts of Bangalow residents, and I know these new lights will be much appreciated by sporting clubs, players, and spectators. Improved lighting for evening activities was identifed as a key priority in our Bangalow Sports Fields Masterplan, so it’s rewarding to see this project come to life.”

Ms. Saffn praised the NSW Government’s support for the project, which aims to enhance visibility and safety for nighttime events and

foster resilience against future extreme weather.

“This investment will beneft over a dozen user groups and create a more sustainable,

resilient facility for years to come,” she said. The project was funded by the Sport Infrastructure Recovery Fund, a program dedicated to

upgrading community sports facilities to withstand natural disasters and climate events.

State Member for Ballina, Tamara Smith, celebrated the lighting’s impact on local sports clubs, including the Bangalow Blue Dogs Football, Bangalow Rebels Rugby, and the Cricket Club. “This lighting upgrade will keep our clubs active and thriving into the evening, supporting a vibrant and healthy community,” she said. “I’m thrilled to see this investment that enhances safety, reduces energy use, and lowers costs.”

The $795,000 lighting upgrade, funded through the NSW Government’s Essential Community Sports Assets program, is part of a broader initiative to equip local sports facilities with resilient, modern infrastructure to support active, connected communities.

BALLINA MAHJONG

RESULTSNOVEMBER 1, 2024

In the recent mahjong competition held on November 1st, Vanessa Reynolds claimed the top position, followed by Ronda Taylor in second place and Carol Meyer in third. Lorna Simpson and Joy Lowien rounded out the top fve, taking fourth and ffth places, respectively. The full list of results includes:

1. Vanessa Reynolds

2. Ronda Taylor

3. Carol Meyer

4. Lorna Simpson

5. Joy Lowien

6. Margaret Bryant

7. Lisa Wong

8. Lesley Richie

9. Rosemary Russell

10. Kathy Pickles

11. Pam Farrell

12. Pauline Kearney

13. Lynda Lovett

14. Valda Mclerie

15. Kath Hubbard, Pauline Bolte

16. Janene Jarvis

17. Jan Boardman

18. Sally Lowry

19. Barbara Ellan

20. Val Heinritz

21. Yvonne Weddup

22. Jan Henley, Linda Lloyd

23. Jeanette Henwood

24. Cindy Smith

25. Gail McDonagh

26. Jan Small

27. Shirley Atkinson

28. Diana Auret

29. Coral Lavelle

The Ballina Bridge Club hosts mahjong games every Friday at 12:30 p.m. New players are welcome to join. For more information, please contact Shirley at 0423 384 647.

GOLF RESULTS –NOVEMBER 3, 2024

John Vinnecombe clinched the monthly medal with an impressive net score of 26, narrowly defeating Jeff Rankin, who scored 29 on a countback. The putting trophy was awarded to D. Green, who achieved a remarkable 16 putts. J. Cornwell won the players’ draw. Next Sunday’s event, sponsored by Gumbo Pies Casino, will feature a single stroke competition on the top 11 holes for the monthly medal playoff. Visitors are welcome to join, with hit-off times between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m.

CHERRY STREET CROQUET CLUB

SPORTS RESULTS Association Croquet

• P. Waters 20 def. G. Porter 19 Ricochet Croquet

• N. Poynting 16 def. H. Young 11

• M. Russell 15 def. L. Hudson 13

• P. Bolte & B. Wellings 14 def. J. Hannigan 13

• G. Porter 18 def. P. Waters 10

• N. Watts & R. Chapman 10 def. H. Young & B. Bill 8

• D. Scott & L. Hudson

7 def. J. Doust & N. Poynting 5

• P. Scott 7 def. J. Hannigan 7 Tournaments Urunga Golf Croquet Singles

• A Division: W. Borkhardt 1st, D. Simmons 2nd, T. Croft 3rd, D. Scott 5th, R. Chapman 7th.

• B Division: E. Drury 1st, J. Deans 2nd, P. Scott

3rd, N. Barnes 5th, J. Hart 6th, R. Allen 8th.

• C Division: J. Lancaster 1st, D. Cummings 2nd, W. Gilmore 4th, C. Edlund 6th, B. Barrett 7th. Queensland Association Division 2 Singles Championships

• Final Placements: Z. Kominar 1st, D. Bell 2nd, T. Kearney 3rd, M. Campbell 4th.

• Plate: E. Berridge 1st, I. Carr 2nd, B. Rubock 3rd, K. Hamilton Reen 4th. Congratulations to all participants for their skilful performances!

CORAKI VETERANS GOLF RESULTSTHURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2024

Another strong turnout of 54 golfers competed in the latest Coraki Veterans Golf

event. R. Thorne took the top spot, with N. Blake fnishing second and B. McDonald in third place. W. Lunnon won a free game, while chicken/ball prizes went to A. Ganter, J. Savins, L. Bonner, J. Kelly, G. Gibson, R. Webber, S. Reddell, B. Collyer, J. Braby, D. Watts, S. Toms, R. Black, Nilsson, and R. Earnshaw. Nearest-the-pin honors were claimed by D. Knox on the 3rd/12th holes and J. Savins on the 6th/15th holes.

This Thursday will feature the November Monthly Medal, along with the Medal of Medals playoff for all medal winners from the year. The event begins at 8:30 a.m. with a shotgun start. As usual, good golfng until then!

— Max

JEFF GIBBS

TIM HOWARD

Continued from back page

Grafton has secured the Clarence River representative cricket bragging rights this season defeating its Lower River rivals in the opening representative game of the season.

The CRCA and LCCA representative teams

fought out a drama-flled if low scoring encounter at Ellem Oval on October 27.

GDSC Easts all rounder Shannon Connor put the skids under the LCCA innings taking 4/24 from his 10 overs.

Fellow Easts all-rounder Aaron McFadyen was equally as effective, picking up 4/24 but only needing 5.2 overs.

Easts Left-arm spinner

Dave Duroux took the other two wickets, conceding 35 runs.

The consistent fall of wickets restricted LCCA to just 111 and it reached this total on the back of a hard-hitting 40 off 41 balls from Corey Kempshall.

A more sedate James Feaver was next best with 22 from 47 balls.

CRCA looked like it would make short work of the run chase when

openers Beau Sevil and Connor put on 40.

It was a typical belligerent, if short dig from Connor, whose 16 runs came from four powerfully struck boundaries.

Sevil went on to make 25, but a clatter of wickets to Kempshall and Ben McMahon brought LCCA roaring back into the contest.

McFadyen backed up his bowling efforts

with the top score of the innings, a patient 28 from 61 balls, to hold the innings together.

CRCA skipper Matt Dougherty kept his normally explosive game in check to score 21 from 29 balls to in partnership with McFadyen, to see the team home.

Kempshall and McMahon both took a couple of wickets each as CRCA strolled to 5/113 in 27.4 overs.

The North Coast Cricket Council representative season continues on December 1 when LCCA hosts the SCL-CHDCA from Coffs Harbour at Harwood Oval.

CRCA will host the Valleys Open team at Ellem Oval on the same day.

Scarborough Boardriders Claim Victory in Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle Southern NSW Regional Qualifer Wollongong, NSW — Saturday, November 2, 2024: For the second year running, Scarborough Boardriders Club has emerged victorious at the Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle Southern NSW regional qualifer, held at Corrimal Beach in Wollongong.

The Scarborough team, featuring Mannix Squiers, Nic Squiers, Josh Pepper, Ashton Mekisic, and Shyla Short, delivered an impressive performance throughout the event. Mannix Squiers shone in the fnal heat, securing the day’s highest score with an impressive 9.5 out of 10, sealing the win for Scarborough. Club President Christian De Clouett expressed his excitement, stating, “Our team is really strong at the moment, and to just be able to take another win in Wollongong is so much fun.”

The top four clubs from the event—Scarborough, Sandon Point, Ulladulla, and Elouera—along with Maroubra United, Cronulla Sharks, Werri,

and Culburra, have now qualifed for the national fnal scheduled for March 8-9, 2025, at Burleigh Heads, QLD.

Final Results: 1. Scarborough Boardriders 2. Sandon Point Boardriders 3. Ulladulla Boardriders 4. Elouera Boardriders Special Awards:

• Boost Mobile Wave of the Day: Mannix

Squiers

• Oakley Prizm Performer Award: Dean Bowen

• Dometic Top Performing Junior Award: Shyla Short

• Jim Beam Club Spirit Award: Ulladulla Boardriders

Participating clubs included Bondi, Sandon Point, Jones Beach, Maroubra United, Werri, Broulee, Bronte, Culburra, Scarborough,

Ulladulla, Elouera, Cronulla Sharks, Southbridge, Malua Bay, and Woonona Boardriders.

2024/25 Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle Series 12

Schedule:

• Event 1 - ABB WA

- September 14 - Trigg Beach, WA

• Event 2 - ABB

VIC - October 6 - Phillip Island, VIC

• Event 3 - ABB

QLD - October 12 -

Sunshine Coast, QLD

• Event 4 - ABB

South AustraliaOctober 19 - Fleurieu Peninsula, SA

• Event 5 - ABB

Tasmania - October 26Clifton Beach, TAS

• Event 6 - ABB

NSW South - November 2 - Wollongong, NSW

• Event 7 - ABB

NSW Central

- November 9 - North Narrabeen, NSW

• Event 8 - ABB

NSW North - November 16 - Coffs Harbour, NSW

• Grand Final

- March 8-9, 2025Burleigh Heads, QLD (by qualifcation)

Stay tuned for full event results and photos to be added progressively.

JEFF GIBBS

Winning Club Scarborough Boardriders, Credit: Peter Balmer

South Services / Westlawn have turned disaster into outright triumph in their CRCA

with fve batters failing to trouble the scorers.

With a victory target of 64 and a brittle batting lineup to attack, Coutts had their

frst grade cricket match against Coutts Crossing at Ulmarra Showground.

Chasing Coutts’ frst innings total of 112 Souths/Westlawn resumed at 3/50 but were quickly bundled out for 80 giving Coutts a handy frst innings lead.

Part timer Andrew McLachlan was responsible for the carnage, snaring all but one of the seven wickets to fall for a miserly 11 runs.

But the collapse was a portent of things to come for Coutts, who then crumbled in the face of accurate opening bowling from Nathan Blanch 6/12 and Dylan Cleaver, 2/14.

In 22.2 overs Coutts were dismissed for 31

of the season against Lawrence and stumbled to maximum points in this game.

How they fare against a team like Harwood, which has been clinical in disposing of opponents in both games this season, could be a different matter.

With 309 runs in the bank Harwood were in the hunt for outright points against GDSC Easts at Ellem Oval on Saturday.

In the end some stubborn batting in the second innings denied the visitors an outright win, but the game was over as a contest when Harwood dismissed Easts for 142 and ordered them to follow on.

Shannon Connor 28 and Chris Chamberlain 36 held the bowling up for a while, but once Connor fell at 31, wickets began to tumble.

Chamberlain dropped anchor and was the eighth wicket to fall.

chances to infict further embarrassment on their visitors.

It looked promising when Souths lost a few early wickets and were 5/41 but Cleaver, 19no and Eli Jones 14no were able to score the 23 runs to win without further loss of wickets.

Coutts opened with McLachlan, hoping for a repeat of the frst innings magic, but he went wicketless in four overs.

Dylan Lucas picked up a couple of early wickets to give South Westlawn an early fright.

Bizarrely the win puts Souths Westlawn on top of the table, although it’s likely to be feeting. They escaped with a rain-affected draw in the opening game

He was the frst wicket to fall and once again it opened the foodgates at 1/104 quickly became 3/115.

Lobsey, 18, dug in and Shawn Biele, 11, was also obstinate but when Biele was run out and Lobsey fell to part timer Matt Farrell, three more wickets tumbled for two runs.

Only stubborn lower order batting held Harwood at bay as brothers Jacob and Ben McMahon along with a bowling cameo from Farrell 2/16, hunted for the last few wickets.

In the end Jacob picked up another three wickets and Ben had two when time ran out and Easts escaped with some points for a frst innings loss.

Beaten 2023/24 grand fnalists Lawrence

showed they will be a force this season with an emphatic win over Tucabia Copmanhurst at Lower Fisher Turf, Grafton.

Resuming at 0/2 chasing 178 for victory veteran opener Mark Ensbey led off mixing good defence with a touch of belligerence to score 80 with 10 fours and a six from 135 balls.

His was the fourth wicket to fall with the score at 145 and with his team with victory close at hand.

Apart from one early wicket Lawrence made the Tucabia bowlers, minus their left-arm speedster Brad Chard, work hard for just about every wicket.

Lawrence batted through the afternoon to fnish at 9/275 from 80 overs.

Their number fve Darby Rouse batted steadily to score an unbeaten 54.

Other batters chipped in with Luke Moloney scoring 36, skipper Nathan Ensbey 35 and Chris Townson 24.

The Tucabia attack toiled hard, but the rewards were modest.

Matt Pigg, Billy Blanch, Myles Adamson and Tim Bultitude each picked up a brace of wickets, but no-one threatened to run amok.

Round three of the season, a two-day game, begins on Saturday with Lawrence taking on Coutts Crossing at Ellem Oval, South Services/ Westlawn playing GDSC Easts at Lower Fisher and Harwood hosting Tucabia Copmanhurst at Harwood Oval.

He and top scorer Gus Lobsey, 45, offered the only meaningful resistance with a 58-run stand, as most of the lower order fell for single fgures or less.

Harwood’s frst innings century maker Troy Turner kept his form going with the ball making three early breakthroughs.

Leg spinner Jacob McMahon was a touch expensive, but picked up 3/54 from 10 overs and Coby Tabor also got 3/7 from four overs at the end of the innings.

Batting a second time Easts got off to a fyer with Conner and Chamberlain piling on a century opening stand which Connor dominated with 78.

GDSC Easts opener Chris Chamberlain, pictured here at Ellem Oval last season, was patience personifed as battled the Harwood attack to help his team escape and outright loss.

TIM HOWARD