The Northern Rivers Times Rural News Edition 169

NEW MAYOR’S HONEYMOON OVER IN MINUTES

By Tim Howard

It is doubtful a new Clarence Valley mayor had a shorter honeymoon than Cr Peter Johnstone after winning the support of a majority of his fellow councillors at the latest council meeting.

Just minutes after his election as mayor at the September 26 meeting, Cr Johnstone’s personally penned motion, moved by Cr Bill Day, to refuse the tender for the Regional Aquatic Centre was ruthlessly shredded and ditched in some of the most ferocious debating seen at a council meeting.

A packed gallery of around 40 people, almost all backing the recommendation to approve the tender, poured fuel on the fire.

The crowd heckled or cheered speakers, forcing the new mayor to warn them several times to be quiet or staff would remove them.

In addition he had to rule on a flurry of points of order from harried speakers and was eventually asked to call a short adjournment.

Councillors returned after the adjournment, voted down the alternative motion, then approved a foreshadowed motion from Cr Steve Pickering, backing the staff recommendation to approve the tender.

During debate on this motion, Cr Johnstone said he would support the new motion because it had become the majority view of the council. It was approved 7-2 with Crs Greg Clancy and Bill Day opposed.

Despite the baptism of fire Cr Johnstone, said he felt both honoured and humbled to be voted in as mayor.

“I really wouldn’t want to be anywhere else, or doing anything else at the

NSW GOVERNMENT TIGHTENS THE CAP ON AIRBNB AND SHORTTERM RENTAL ACCOMMODATION IN BYRON BAY

By Sarah Waters

September 26 next year.

‘In

moment,” he said.

“It’s a wonderful thing to be able to represent the Clarence Valley.”

He said he had experienced a warm welcome from the community since coming to the region and being elected to council at the December 2021 poll.

The elevation from fledgling councillor to fledgling mayor in less than two years has not daunted Cr Johnstone, but he admits his learning curve has been steep.

He said he learned a lot from working alongside the previous mayor, Cr Ian Tiley, who made a last-minute decision to withdraw from last week’s ballot.

“It’s been a great privilege to learn alongside Ian,” he said. “There are also lots of people I can ask questions of.

“And I have to say Laura Black (council general manager) has been fantastic as well.”

Cr Johnstone said he had also received several texts from other mayors offering him support and advice should he need it.

“Although it’s a new role, I know there are people I can ask and I’m not afraid of asking

questions,” he said.

“I’m also someone whose not afraid to learn and learn fast and do lots of reading.”

Mayor Johnstone brings a variety of life skills to the position.

He has been a maths teacher for 28 years, including nine at South Grafton High School with some casual teaching at Maclean High School and St Andrews.

His three adult children live in Brisbane and his wife, Julie, is a doctor in Grafton.

Cr Johnstone has also served in the Royal Air Force and spent a year as a factory worker.

Other roles include volunteer firefighter with Grafton City RFB, and Secretary of the Grafton Supa Oldie Soccer Club.

The new mayor does not have a lot of time to make his mark as he will be in charge for just 10 council meetings before the September 2024 local government election.

“It might not be 10,” he said. “I think the last one we will be in caretaker mode.”

Cr Tiley gave was a surprise withdrawal from race, leaving just three candidates for the mayoral race, Cr Johnson, Cr Steve

Pickering and Cr Debrah Novak.

He gave an ultra-short summary of his reasons for opting out, after initially saying he would run.

“I didn’t have the numbers,” was his only comment.

Councillors voted to accept a show of hands to decide the ballot and order of voting was decided by drawing names from a box.

Candidates were given five minutes to make an address to council.

The first round of voting was, in draw order: Cr Novak 1, Cr Pickering 3, Cr Johnstone 5.

Cr Novak was eliminated and in the second ballot, Cr Johnstone 5 (Crs Johnstone, Clancy, Tiley, Day, Smith) polled ahead of Cr Pickering 4 (Crs Pickering, Toms, Waites, Novak) and was declared mayor.

A similar process followed to elect a deputy mayor with Crs Jeff Smith and Karen Toms the only nominations.

Cr Smith with five votes (Crs Smith, Johnstone, Clancy, Tiley, Day) defeated Cr Toms 4 (Crs Pickering, Toms, Waites, Novak).

It’s only one part of the puzzle in solving Byron Bay’s complex housing crisis, but Airbnbs and other short-term holiday accommodation in most parts of the Shire can only be rented 60 days a year. The NSW Government made the major announcement last week.

It came in response to the Independent Planning Commission’s (IPC) recommendation to cap un-hosted short term rental accommodation from 180 days to 60 days a year, in a bid to return more long-term rentals to the market.

Byron Shire Council supported the 60-day cap and has been waiting, since April, for NSW Planning Minister Paul Scully to accept or reject the IPC recommendation.

The sweeping change will not affect hosted short-term rentals (where the host lives on the property during the stay) which can still be rented out 365 days a year.

Precincts in Byron Bay and Brunswick Heads, identified by council as having ‘high tourism appeal’ will be able to operate without a cap - allowing homes to be used as short-term rentals all year.

There will be a 12-month transition period for the community and industry to prepare before the new rules take effect on

Planning minister Paul Scully said the undersupply of affordable housing in the Byron Shire largely affected key workers and permanent residents.

“These changes to short term rental accommodation only addresses part of Byron’s housing supply and affordability issues,” Mr Scully said.

“It was important for me to clearly understand council’s plans to deliver more housing through other mechanisms, before making a decision on the proposal.

“After reviewing council’s housing response … I have decided to endorse the new cap across parts of the Byron Shire, as recommended by the IPC,” he said.

The Department of Planning and Environment will continue to work with Byron Shire Council to monitor its commitment to increase housing supply.

Council needs to supply more than 4500 houses by 2041 to meet its housing targets, set by the NSW Government.

In council’s recently released Housing Options Paper it outlines plans to deliver homes, by releasing more land for development and creating new dwellings on vacant or underutilised land.

Mr Scully said he recognised short term

the spirit of reconciliation The Northern Rivers Times acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.’

The Clarence Valley’s new leadership team of Mayor Peter Johnstone, right with his deputy Jeff Smith outside the Grafton chambers of Clarence Valley Council. The pair were elected by their fellow councillors at the September 26 council meeting.

rental accommodation was a complex matter in the Shire, given the region’s unique and exceptional circumstances as one of Australia’s most visited tourism destinations.

But it was crucial more homes were returned for permanent residency, particularly to have workers in the visitor economy.

“In the current housing crisis, it’s important every available means to boost housing stock for the community is utilised, including a shift from non-hosted short term rental accommodation (STRA) to long term rentals,” he said.

Byron Shire Mayor

Michael Lyon said he welcomed the NSW Government’s decision, which ‘broadly aligned’ with a couple of the key recommendations put forward by the IPC earlier this year.

“The planning minister has acknowledged the shortage of permanent housing supply in the Byron Shire and the impact STRA is having on people’s ability to find stable, long-term accommodation,” Mr Lyon said.

“We have always said that regulating STRA will not solve the housing crisis in our Shire, but it will increase the pool of long-term rental accommodation which is so vital for

people, especially key workers and those on lower incomes,” Mayor Lyon said.

The state government became involved in council’s housing plans late last year, just before it was about to introduce a 90-day cap on short-term holiday accommodation in parts the Shire.

In December 2022, the former NSW planning minister, asked the IPC to provide advice about housing supply issues in the Byron Shire as well as council’s planning proposal.

The IPC held a public hearing and accepted community submissions.

In April this year, the IPC finalised its review and provided its advice.

The IPC’s report

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suggested a 60-day cap would send a stronger market signal to encourage a shift from non-hosted STRA uses to long term rental.

The cap was one of 12 key recommendations it made in its report.

At this stage, the government will not adopt all of the recommendations, but will take them into account as part of its broader state-wide STRA review later this year.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said to solve the housing crisis there simply needs to be more supply of housing and it can’t just be put on Airbnb and other short-term rental accommodation providers.

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HOUSING CHALLENGE: NSW Planning Minister Paul Scully will continue to monitor Byron Shire Council’s housing supply plans

UNDER PRESSURE: Byron Shire Mayor Michael Lyon says council is committed to delivering more housing for its residents

MORE HOUSING?: The state government has capped shortterm rental accommodation in Byron Bay to try and free up more homes

$16.25 MIL COMMUNITY CENTRE GREEN LIGHT

By Tim Howard

A contentious development that has divided the Yamba community will go ahead after Clarence Valley Council accepted a tender price of more than $16 million.

At the September 26 meeting the council voted to accept a tender from Bennett Construction of $16,256,053.00 for the demolition and construction of the Treelands Drive Community Centre and library.

Cr Bill Day had questions about the process of the council arriving at a decision to approve the development application. He asked the council general manager Laura Black to explain for the benefit of the community a document revealed through a community group’s GIPA request. The document, revealed to the Yamba Community Action Network, showed correspondence between the council and Department of Regional NSW in which the department revealed it had been willing to consider two different paths for the Treelands Drive centre.

They were: Option A the demolition and rebuild and Option B to refurbish the existing building.

Cr Karen Toms called a point of order on Cr Day’s question, saying the situation had been explained in a council

workshop and it was not relevant to the meeting.

But the mayor, Cr Peter Johnstone, overruled her objection and asked Ms Black if she could answer the question.

She said she thought it would not be possible without all the documents showing the full trail of communications between the council and the government department.

Cr Day also asked why the council had presented the two options as viable alternatives to the community.

Ms Black said this had occurred during a period when the council believed the $11.1 million Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Grant which the centre had attracted

could be transferred to the Regional Aquatic Centre project.

“The Option B that went to the community was a bare minimum project that did not need to meet the BLER funds because by that point in time council had resolved to transfer the funds,” she said.

“So the Option B was a totally council funded plan.”

Cr Toms said the journey to this point began in 2006 and it was disappointing some people did not understand how it got there.

She said the price increases for the project were largely down to the GST component being added to final figure,

which meant the council needed to borrow more than $3 million to fund “a wonderful new building”.

Cr Toms said the email which showed the BLER funding could have been used to fund an alternative option was not a “smoking gun”. She said it was an option like any other option, but it might not have kept the BLER grant. She said the community centre needed to be rebuilt to provide the facilities a growing community like Yamba needed.

Cr Day was not as enthusiastic.

“I made it very clear that my question that I wanted to clarify the situation for the community and

the community were not in attendance at that workshop,” he said.

“I believe the Yamba community deserve a new library, I believe the Yamba community deserve government grants and this is a substantial grant.

“I can count to five and I honestly believe this motion will go through, but I don’t feel we’ve been fully informed along the way and I’m going to vote against it.”

Cr Jeff Smith said this decision had been torturous and it went against his grain to approve the demolition of a building. But he said the community had saved the Wooli St Hall, which

had been under threat during this process and the council could lose the grant funding if it failed to meet the deadline for completing the project. “There was a window there for a while, but that window’s long closed for any Option B,” he said.

Cr Greg Clancy was against the decision. He said the numbers were against him and the time scales.

But he said when Option B first surfaced there was time to prosecute it. He said if the council pursued an alternative option staff estimated the project would miss the funding deadline by 3.5 months.

Councillors voted 7-2 to approve the building.

NRLX BACKLASH HEADING TO PARLIAMENT

By Tim Howard

The Casino community will take its dissatisfaction with a Richmond Valley Council decision to lease the Northern Region Livestock Exchange on the open market to the halls of Parliament.

A packed public meeting on September 25 in the Casino Golf Club passed six motions beginning with a demand the council rescind its decision of September 19 to put the management of the NRLX out for lease.

And the final motion called for a formal complaint about the council decision be sent to the Minister for Local Government, the Minister for Small Business and the Ombudsman.

In all the six motions were:

1. Richmond Valley Council rescind the recommendation of

the General Manager, which was passed at the RVC meeting on the September 19 2023.

2. The Richmond Valley Council and agents enter into a mediation process to reopen the NRLX under 2020-23 licensing agreement for a period of 12 months

3. Richmond Valley Council reform the NRLX advisory group under Section 355 to ensure that the perspectives of all stakeholders are considered when decisions around the future and operational structures of the NRLX are made.

4. The long term future of the operations of the NRLX be thoroughly investigated in a transparent manner with genuine community consultation.

5. The long term future of the NRLX be determined by the Richmond Valley

Council after the 2024 local government election.

6. That a formal complaint be sent to the Minister for Local Government, the Minister for Small Business and the Ombudsman, accompanied by petition expressing concern with the Richmond Fraser Valley’s probity in handling NRLX dispute.

Organisers are also gathering names for a petition to go the NSW Parliament.

The meeting held, just three weeks after another massive public turnout on the same issue, revealed the depth of the public displeasure with the decision.

While there was some spirited debate around issues such as what form mediation between the agents and the council could take, all motions were passed enthusiastically.

Meeting chairman,

the former MP Thomas George, said the meeting’s aim was to achieve an understanding of why the NRLX remains closed and to seek resolutions to allow the reopening of the facility and also to dispel the rumours and misinformation which is circulating in the community.

The mayor, Robert Mustow was invited to the meeting, but sent an apology saying he addressed all the concerns in his mayoral minute on September 19.

Casino Agent’s Association Inc vice president Matthew McCormack was the first speaker.

He revealed the council and agents had been in discussion after the first public meeting and there had been hopeful signs. But he said anything positive that might have come from it was dashed with the decision at the September 19 meeting.

He said the big issue was nothing yet decided would get cattle coming through the NRLX soon.

“The time has come for common sense to prevail and we need to get this sorted for the betterment of everybody,” hw said.

“All involved not just agents cattle people, the community, the whole Richmond Valley everybody that uses or comes into this area.”

Meeting organiser Allan Berry, said he did not believe the council had been straight with the community.

He said council had been going through the motions “box ticking” in its dealings with the agents, businesses and the community Tatham beef producer Chris Magner described how his motion from the previous public meeting was ignored.

“The response from that motion was plain disregard. It was a couple of lines in the

minute that the mayor presented and basically totally disregarded all the motion,” he said.

“The failure on that aspect speaks for itself.”

Mr Magner was sceptical the council’s numbers on the valuation of the NRLX and possible returns on it were accurate.

“It’s currently on their books at $28.9 million and they want to get that revalued for the purpose of the lease, and then they want to take that into a commercial lease arrangement at a commercial rate,” he said.

“The figure that they’re looking for is whatever the percentage on whatever the new valuation is, they want something better than $28 million, I can tell you now.

“Whoever this new winner of the lease is, I question how’s he gonna make any money out of continued on page 6

continued from page 5 it.”

The chair of the Casino All Breeds committee Bruce Lyle was another sceptic, citing a lack of documentation behind the council decision.

“There was no supporting documentation in the in the agenda, or in the mayoral minute on how it was going to look,” he said.

“They still don’t know how it’s going to look, but it got passed.

“So the future is unknown, with no background and no story attached to it. And then I found that alarming.”

The Member for Clarence Richie Williamson attended the meeting and spoke about the possibility of using mediation services from the Small Business Commissioner to encourage mediation between the council and auctioneers.

But an amendment to motion 2 to include that failed because of concerns it may take too long to organise.

The meeting also encouraged people with complaints about the NRLX to speak to organisers to have their issues included in a complaint to the Ombudsman.

The organisers thanked the Casino Golf Club for hosting the meeting at short notice

Conquering the world’s hardest triathlon

By Samantha Elley Ballina

man, Jon Rigley has recently achieved a huge bucket list item, having competed in the Iron Man World Championships in Nice, France.

“As a kid, I used to watch the Wide World of Sports and they would always show the Iron Man races,” said Jon.

“I always wanted to get into it.”

As a family, with his sister, Adene, Jon would run triathlons and this has continued throughout his life.

This time, however, he decided to aim high.

“A big thing for me was raising money for charity,” said Jon.

“A mate from school and football is involved with the Variety Children’s Charity in Tasmania and I thought, ‘Let’s have a go at this’.”

Having qualified for the World Championships after competing in Cairns, Jon knew he would be upping his training to be able to compete in Nice.

“In the first week I was doing about eight hours of training,” he said.

“This increased to 13-15 hours a week with biking half of it, then running about 30 per cent and swimming 20 per cent.”

As the date of the race drew near, Jon blogged about his training regime and promoted the Variety Children’s Charity every chance he got.

“It felt weird putting myself out there,” he said.

“I was pretty uncomfortable but I was raising money and people responded

without shooting me down.”

Finally, it was race day and Jon faced each leg of the triathlon with his characteristic sense of humour, even promoting the Evans Head Surf Life Saving Club by swimming in the club shorts.

“During the swim, it was amazing, as it was in the Mediterranean,” he said.

“It was so clear and about a kilometre out you are looking at the mountains and seeing where your life got to.”

In his blog Jon tells of a funny incident where he realised he had a full bladder and no chance of emptying it before the race started.

“So I decided to just wee when I got into the water,” he wrote.

“the swim starts, and it’s like a rugby match, as all deep water starts are. And I say to myself, hold it until at least half way so you can get some space. I did just this. I swim over to the side of the course near a course marshall in his kayak. This is the conversation:

French guy: Do you need help?

Me: Just doing a wee.

French guy: So you need help! What can I do?

Me: I’m doing a wee!

French guy: Oui, you need help!

Me: I’m just doing a wee wee.

French guy: Oui oui, you need help what can I do??

Me: No no, I don’t need help I’m doing a wee wee. I’m doing a Le Piss mate!!”

The second leg of the race, Jon couldn’t help but appreciate the views.

“The ride over the top of the mountains was breathtaking and like a culmination of everything you tried to do in your life,” he said.

Jon said he endured the running leg as he had to deal with a stomach bug throughout, but he crossed the line having finished the entire race in around 15 hours.

“You can’t compare it to any other race,” he said.

“My best time is 12 hours but this is the hardest race in the world.

“It was an insane course.”

So far Jon has raised $7,100 for the charity but is keen to let people know they can still donate at https:// www.facebook.com/ varietytasmania

And what is next on the list?

“I am reinvigorated,” said Jon.

“It feels good to be fit.

“There’s a half ironman in Melbourne I may do with my sister.

“She will do the swim and run and I will do the bike.

“There is also the North Coast Triathlon series of six races between Tweed, Yamba and Trial Bay.

“They will be some nice short races I can do.”

Facts about the Iron Man World Championships

• Every second year it is held in Kona, Hawaii and every alternate year in Nice, France

• The swim is the first leg and it is 3.8km in the Mediterranean sea.

• The bike is the second leg and is 180km with 8,000 feet of climbing

• The run is the third leg and is literally a marathon at 42.2km

SAFFIN TICKS OFF ELECTION COMMITMENT FOR ALPHADALE ROUNDABOUT FUNDING

Member for Lismore

Janelle Saffn says the NSW Labor Government has honoured its election commitment to fund a roundabout at the Alphadale crossroads on the Bruxner Highway.

Ms Saffn said the Government has allocated $7.5 million in the State Budget for the construction of the roundabout at this notorious black spot.

“I am so pleased that this funding has been announced in the Minns’ Government’s frst budget as it is something I fought for throughout my frst term as Member for Lismore.

“It was one of my key election commitments this year.

“This is something that residents have been asking for over many years, and I took it

Murwillumbah’s 50-year time capsules are on display before they are soon-to-be unearthed

By Sarah Waters

up as it was about the safety of local families and everyone using the intersection.

“I raised this issue in Parliament six times, calling for urgent action to improve the safety of this dangerous intersection.

“As well as the roundabout, I called for the speed zone to be reduced to 60km in the area, and that was also included in the Budget. I note that just before the Budget the zone was reduced to 70k, but the commitment is for 60k and that needs to happen.

“I want to thank the residents of the area for supporting my representations over the years for making the Bruxner Highway safer between Wollongbar and Goonellabah. It has been a long campaign.

Two 50-year-old time capsules buried beneath Murwillumbah Library are available for public viewing before they are retrieved in the coming weeks.

The capsules were buried in 1973 when the Murwillumbah Civic and Cultural Centre, which includes the library, were constructed.

One was placed by Tweed Shire Council and the other by the Murwillumbah branch of community service organisation, Apex.

Apex Life Member Garry Smith, who was present at the sealing of the Apex capsule, said the service club’s capsule contained messages from the NSW Governor, the Tweed Shire President and the community.

“Members of the public were encouraged to add their own messages in specially printed envelopes and add them to the Apex time capsule, creating a mosaic of voices from the era,” Mr Smith said.

“Before commencing the process to retrieve these

South Ballina Beach: fox and wild dog control to protect priority threatened species

The Department of Planning and Environment - Crown Lands is running a targeted Fox-baiting program at South Ballina beach using sodium fuoroacetate products, also known as ‘1080’ baiting. Baiting will be done from Monday 25 September 2023 until Monday 18 December 2023 on Crown land (Lot 7303 DP 1163711 –including the beach and some dunes) between Boundary Creek Road in the south and Richmond River Nature Reserve in the north. Departmental contractors will place 1080 baiting signs at all beach entrances along the beach where baits have been laid.

The program aims to protect the breeding of threatened shorebirds by strategically managing Fox pests – which is a priority action of the NSW Fox Threat Abatement Plan.

Keep dogs and pets safe

During and after 1080 fox baiting, visitors to Crown land between Boundary Creek Road in the south and Richmond River Nature Reserve in the north should keep domestic dogs on a leash and prevent them from eating any unknown items on the ground. Muzzling your dog while in the area can help prevent accidental poisoning. If you suspect your dog has taken a 1080 bait, contact your vet immediately.

For more information, call DPE - Crown Lands on 1300 886 235. LP1473

memoirs of yesteryear, Apex has joined with council to make the capsules available for public viewing while

still in their resting place, in the ground under Murwillumbah Library,” he said.

Council’s Director

Sustainable Communities and Environment Naomi Searle said it was important the community had an opportunity to be part of the process.

“Many members in our community have memories or family connections to the time capsules and we want them to be able to see the capsules in place before their removal,” Ms Searle said.

Half a century has passed since the capsules were buried in the dirt below the foundations of Murwillumbah Library, with little protection from the elements.

Major foods happened in 1974 which inundated the library site and others in 1989, 2001, 2008, 2017 and 2022.

Apex representatives will collaborate with council over the coming weeks to retrieve the time capsules from their resting place and undertake investigations to assess the state and preservation of the contents.

The time capsules will be available for viewing in Murwillumbah Library during opening hours for the next several weeks.

Special Commission of Inquiry into Healthcare Funding

Help us deliver higher quality, timely and more accessible patient-centred healthcare in NSW.

The Special Commission of Inquiry into Healthcare Funding is conducting an extensive review of the funding and provision of health services in NSW, and related matters. Submissions are invited from representative bodies, non-government organisations, service providers, health staff and practitioners, and the general public.

The submission period closes on Tuesday 31 October 2023

To make a submission visit the Special Commission website at specialcommission.nsw.gov.au

The full Terms of Reference are also available on the website.

HISTORY UNCOVERED: Two 50-year-old time capsules are still in the ground and available for viewing beneath Murwillumbah Library before they are retrieved in the coming weeks.

BACK IN TIME: Members of Tweed Shire Council and the Murwillumbah branch of community service organisation, Apex, at the time of capsule burial.

HAMMONDCARE OPENS IN LISMORE

By Samantha Elley

It felt like a cast of thousands had dropped in to the new HammondCare premises on Molesworth Street in Lismore at its opening last week.

And that was just those from the NSW Parliament.

Premier Chris Minns was joined by Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully, Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, Member for Lismore and Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery, Janelle Saffn and Minister for Housing, Rose Jackson to not only open the new facilities for HammondCare but also discuss the latest updates on the NSW Government’s support for the Northern Rivers region since the 2022 Floods. (See report on page XX)

Staff, supported residents and their families gathered to see the NSW Premier

and HammondCare CEO and former NSW Premier Mike Baird, cut the ribbon on the new business in town.

Special guest, 86-yearold South Lismore resident Roger Manby was one of the 11 HammondCare At Home clients affected by last

year’s foods.

He was woken at 3am by his son on 28 February last year.

“My son warned me this food was going to be worse than I was expecting, and I better get out of bed now,” he said.

“So, we all hightailed it

onto the roof and waited six hours before help arrived.”

When asked by HammondCare At Home regional manager, Jodi Peel, when he was expected to get back home, he was excited to announce that October 1 would be the day.

Mr Minns acknowledged the confdence boost that a new business in the CBD, such as HammondCare, creates, which includes the increase in jobs.

“People are prepared to put their own capital into a building like this and that jobs are returning,” he said.

“We know the multiplication effect of putting in 60 jobs, that means 60 coffees in the morning and 60 coffees in the afternoon, as well as local cafes and it just breathes some vibrancy into downtown Lismore.”

Ms Peel said HammondCare At Home’s approach was to offer individually tailored support from care workers so older people can continue to live as they want in their own homes.

“Clients also may beneft from personalised activities with local volunteers and the pastoral care team,” she

said.

Mr Baird said HammondCare was an organisation that tries to improve the quality of life of people in need.

“Every day, the team behind me, that’s what they do,” he said.

“A lot of my team went through the trauma of the foods that we’ve seen and heard about.

“How we get through it has come together and there is hope when people come together and there is also hope when we start to talk about the future.

“I see a great future here.”

Janelle Saffn said the opening of HammondCare in Lismore’s CBD expresses confdence in our community.

“That speaks to our recovery in a way some things don’t,” she said.

“With business there’s no separation between business and community, we are one and the same.”

$5 million for Two Room Project

is a lot of people with sharp elbows and a lot of experience at the senior level of the NSW Government.

“I’ve written to the Prime Minister in relation to more funding,” he said.

“We want to sit down with the Commonwealth and talk about a joint arrangement.

“That’s what happened in the immediate aftermath of this natural disaster.

of homes.

“The need is as urgent today as it was 12 months ago.”

Pod villages that became a common sight after the food are also being looked into.

“We will be having a roundtable conversation about the future (of the pods) with the mayors, the minister and local members,” said Ms Saffn.

By Samantha Elley

A recent visit to Lismore by NSW Premier Chris Minns brought an announcement regarding the next step forward for the reconstruction of food-ravaged Lismore and its surrounds.

“Part of that announcement will be a $5 million package announced in the NSW budget for a two room renovation program for Lismore,” Mr Minns said.

“To ensure that at least two rooms in as many houses as possible we can get to, are liveable as we get through the process of either buybacks or restorations through the NSW Government and the Commonwealth Government investment in reconstruction in this part of the world.

“There is a long way to go and I am not pretending for a moment this $5 million investment will be everything this community needs or the end of the fnancial contribution from the NSW Government.

“It won’t be.”

Mr Minns said

they will also go to the Commonwealth Government to ask them to partner with the state government for the next stage of the next tranche for home renovations and home buybacks.

“It is also important to acknowledge that of the $700 million pledged by the Commonwealth and NSW governments there is still $350 million left of tranche one,” he said.

“So putting those programs together, it all goes to a wonderful future for the Northern Rivers and Lismore.

“We are going to partner with this community to get it back on its feet.”

Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib outlined a number of actions and changes taken since his last visit to the Northern Rivers with Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully.

“We have set a commitment to fund properly the Reconstruction Authority so we can actually have the planning process that goes from before the disaster right through to the end point,” he said.

“We also have a

commitment for another instalment of funding to support money that’s already in there.

“Only earlier this month the (Reconstruction Authority) started going out and knocking on families’ doors and asking what more they could do to assist and letting them know what government assistance was there.”

The Premier reiterated this by saying they had made a lot of progress and learnt from the mistakes made due to non-transparent communication that wasn’t clear around timelines and money in the frst round.

“We’ve taken that lesson on board and done two things,” he said.

“The head of the Reconstruction Authority is now the head of the Premier’s department in NSW.

“There is no one more intimately aware of the challenges faced by this community than Simon (Draper).

“And secondly we’ve appointed Janelle as the Parliamentary Secretary, not just in the Northern Rivers but right across

the state.”

Mr Minns said that

“There’s no reason why that can’t happen now, we’ve still got people out

“They can be let up to fve years, so all of that we are working through now.”

New greens machine keeps golfers keen

By Samantha Elley

It was the generosity of another golf course that has seen the WoodburnEvans Head Golf Club receive a new piece of machinery to help keep their greens in top condition.

Sanctuary Cove Resort in Queensland has donated a Toro Greens Master Trifex mower to the food-affected club.

“Sanctuary Cove had just updated their machinery,” said greens supervisor Wayne Doran.

“They thought of us when they decided to donate their Toro.

“It has been serviced and is all ready to go.”

Wayne said they also

reconditioned their cutting units.

“We are not paying for anything,” he said.

“Normally everything would have cost around $35,000.”

The club has been overwhelmed by the generosity as it has not been easy to come back from the February 2022 foods, which saw the small clubhouse inundated with water, including all the machinery in their shed.

Administration offcer Sue Jacobson said a couple of the golf club members had pulled their food affected machine apart.

“They managed to get it going and that’s what we were using,” she

said.

Despite the ability to fx the old machine, it was not working at its best.

“(Toro) knew we were struggling with the machine we had,” said Wayne.

“We were nursing it like you wouldn’t believe.

“Having something that is reliable and not stopping half way around the course is amazing.”

Wayne said the greens will now be in great condition for the 287 members as well as 20 junior players and social players.

“They made my day,” he said.

Local art will enhance patient experience at the new Tweed Valley Hospital

By Sarah Waters

The opening of the $723.3 million Tweed Valley Hospital is just around the corner and artwork is being strategically placed to help patients feel a lot more comfortable in their new surroundings.

Seventeen local artists have created 71 pieces of art for the hospital, which will be displayed across clinical wards throughout the new facility.

General Manager for the Tweed Hospital and chair of the arts working group Joe McDonald said it was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the region’s creative community, while giving the hospital a unique and distinct identity.

“Artwork in clinical settings, such as a hospital, has proven benefts for patients, staff and the community,” Mr

McDonald said. “This includes a reduction in medication dependence and length of stay, patient tolerance to symptoms and treatments and a generally enhanced

patient experience through alleviating stress, fear and anxiety,” he said.

Artists have explored themes inspired by the Tweed region including

local landscapes and stories which have cultural signifcance and recognise the traditional owners of the land. They were chosen from more than 50 applicants

who took part in the hospital’s Secondary Artwork Program.

Creative Producer for Health Infrastructure

Kattie Bugeja said the arts program aimed

to create a positive, long-lasting legacy for the community, which celebrates the people and places of the Tweed.

“The selection of artists were carefully considered, with each living in or having a signifcant connection to the region, to ensure the hospital is connected to the local area it serves.” Ms Bugeja said.

“My hope is that patients, staff and families feel ‘at home’ in the new hospital,” she said.

The Secondary Arts Program supports the ‘Garden Health Together’ sculpture in the main entry foyer, as well as a signifcant Aboriginal artwork The Path We Take by renowned Indigenous artist Frances Belle Parker.

The new Tweed Valley Hospital is due to open early next year.

NEW ROUND OF COMMUNITY GRANTS UP FOR GRABS IN THE CLARENCE AND RICHMOND VALLEYS

Clarence and Richmond Valley incorporated not-forproft organisations are encouraged to apply for a grant under the latest round of the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnerships (CBP) program with

applications opening on Monday, 2 October, Clarence Nationals MP Richie Williamson has announced.

“In this year’s CBP round, $300,000 is available exclusively for Clarence and Richmond Valley groups to vie for,” Mr

Williamson said.

“Funding requests must be for building, refurbishing or repairing community infrastructure or for buying freestanding equipment or vehicles.

“You will need to demonstrate that the project aims to deliver

social, environmental and/or recreational outcomes, and that it will be completed by mid-2025.

“Local sports clubs, charities, preschools and museums are just some of the groups that have secured grants from this program in previous

years.”

Mr Williamson said eligible projects can range between $5,000 and $150,000 however applications below $30,000 are preferred.

The popular grants program has awarded more than $436 million to 19,700

projects since it commenced in 2009. Applications close at 5pm, Friday 27 October 2023. For more information about the 2023 CBP program, visit: www. nsw.gov.au/cbp

FINISHING TOUCHES: Artwork from local artists will adorn the walls of the new Tweed Valley Hospital, which is due to open early next year.

Piggabeen Sports Complex upgrade works kick off

Construction offcially kicked off this week to upgrade the Piggabeen Sports Complex, with works including a new playground, feld drainage and new turf, LED sports feld lighting and upgrades to the main entrance.

Council’s Director Sustainable Communities and Environment Naomi Searle said the sports complex upgrades would provide numerous benefts for the local community.

“This upgrade will make a huge difference and take the venue to the next level with more functional felds, better drainage and a neighbourhood playground for the local kids in Tweed Heads West,” Ms Searle said.

“We know the sporting community will be thrilled to see Stage 1 works commence.”

Council received

New playground and facelift for rugby league grounds at Tweed Heads West

the Piggabeen Sports Complex Masterplan. An additional $1.68 million, granted to

Fund, will be used to complete additional elements of the masterplan.

The new playground is expected to be completed by the end of November this year, while feld upgrades are expected to be completed by Christmas, weather permitting.

entrance

• new LED lighting for 3 sports felds

the Tweed’s Queensland Cup rugby league team, the Tweed Seagulls. The ground is also used by the club’s junior rugby league teams as well as local residents for recreation.

The project will be managed by Council and further stages of the masterplan’s implementation will progress as funding becomes available.

$600,000 from the NSW Department of Planning, through its Regional Housing Fund to deliver elements of Stage 1 of

Tweed Seagulls RLFC through the NSW Government’s Offce of Sport Multi-Sport Community Facility

The sports felds and new playground area will be closed and fenced off for the duration of the works. A high volume of trucks is expected in the coming weeks, as well as heavy machinery to complete earthworks.

Stage 1 works will include:

• a new playground

• upgrades to the

• upgrades to feld surfaces, including drainage, irrigation and re-turfng

• stormwater

management. Piggabeen Sports Complex is a Councilowned facility in

The community was invited to comment on the Draft Piggabeen Sports Complex Masterplan in 2021 – a 10-year plan for the Tweed’s favourite rugby league sporting facility. This project forms part of Council’s Open Space Strategy 2019-2029 the overarching framework and strategic direction for public open space planning in the Tweed Shire for the next decade.

Find out more about

Tweed Heads West and is primarily used as a rugby league ground. It is the home ground of

the history of this project by visiting yoursaytweed.com.au/ piggabeensportscomplex.

Design showcasing some elements of the new playground that will be built at the facility.

The Piggabeen Sports Complex site is currently fenced off while construction works are underway.

Piggabeen Sports Complex is a Council-owned facility situated in Tweed Heads West and is mainly used as a rugby league ground. It is the home ground of the Tweed’s Queensland Cup rugby league team, the Tweed Seagulls.

Start of bridge work on Coffs Harbour bypass

The latest milestone in the construction of the Coffs Harbour bypass is boring – literally.

Two piling rigs are now onsite to start piling work as part of building the 17 bridges needed for the bypass. Work will start on bridges for the Englands Road Interchange, at North Boambee, and for the Korora Hill Interchange.

The project team will build 42 piles in the Englands Road area and 29 for the northern interchange.

Transport for NSW Director North Region Anna Zycki said the Coffs Harbour bypass construction team would build more than 300 bridge piles across the alignment, with each pile taking about eight hours to complete.

“Bored piling for the bridges at these interchanges will be carried out weekdays from 7am to 6pm and Saturdays from 8am to 1pm and will take about two months to complete,

weather permitting,” Ms Zycki said.

The overall bridge piling work across the alignment is expected to continue into 2026.

“The work will include building pads on which the piling rigs will sit, drilling through soil and rock to form pile

holes and installing steel reinforcement cages into the holes,” Ms Zycki said.

“We’ll then pour concrete into the holes to build the piles and, when the concrete is set, use jackhammers to remove any excess from the overpour.”

Ms Zycki said that to minimise noise and disruption, the bypass team would use a bored piling technique.

“Piling falls largely into two categories, bored and driven piles,” Ms Zycki said.

“Bored piling is much quieter and less

disruptive than driven piles as they don’t require hammering, but there will still be moderate and consistent noise from the piling rig as it drills through the soil and rock.

“Towards the end of the digging operation there will be louder

clangs when material is removed from the rig’s drill piece.

“Plant and equipment will be positioned as far as possible from neighbours and respite periods may be scheduled, where required.”

LISMORE CITY COUNCIL ADDRESSES RECOVERY OF DRAINAGE SYSTEM

Following last weeks torrential downpour that caused fash fooding in Lismore and surrounding areas, Lismore City Council will continue to actively address the need for regular drainage maintenance.

Since the February 2022 fooding natural disaster, drainage programs have transitioned from food repair response to full steam ahead with drainage maintenance and clearing.

Recently Drainage Teams have been hard at work clearing drains as part of the ongoing maintenance schedule and focus on our drainage system.

Council Acting Chief Operating Offcer Joshua Smith said yesterday’s event was extreme in

terms of what the system can handle and that project opportunities have been identifed to assist in the matter.

“Given the amount of water that we received in an hour, it is certainly above the current design capacity of our system in the Lismore Basin for that much water to get away that quickly,” he

said.

“There are projects identifed for food mitigation in the Lismore Basin, which we’re working through with our funding agencies to identify and recommend, so we can deal with the bottlenecking to remove water out of that basin and into the river system more effectively”.

“Additionally, the Council is midway through a review of its Urban Stormwater Management Plan with several projects already budgeted for completion this year.”

Further, Council is collaborating closely with the NEMA-led Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience

Program, which is funding a number of food mitigation projects including the revitalisation of South and East Lismore drains, a submission made by the Lismore Drainage Action Group.

Council has also requested funding to undertake further clearing of the

stormwater drainage system throughout the CBD to remove debris from the 2022 fooding events.

In the meantime, Council encourages the community to report any known drainage blockages to assist with mapping out blockages for upcoming drainage maintenance schedules and food mitigation projects.

To report a drainage issue relating to Council drainage infrastructure, please report the issue (including any videos or photos from yesterday’s event) on Council’s Online Services portal by selecting ‘Road Maintenance’ at Council’s online customer request system.

Fairy tales like you’ve never read them

Title: These Grimm

Fates

Author: K E Barden

Price: $22.95

Publisher: Shawline

Publishing

By Samantha Elley

e second in the Finding Ever A er series, ese Grimm Fates follows on from e Gilded Mirror, which was reviewed in this column some time ago.

e main character, Eveline Ra er, continues in her quest for revenge a er her father was taken from her.

Her friends, Hansel, Malak the troll, the Riverbell fairy Pip, Princess Snow, the dwarves and Pip the elf are spread across the realm as

Diary of a Flood Survivor

This is going to sound strange, but I have grown to love the smell of fresh paint.

To me, it has come to signify a new start, a fresh beginning, the last task of some long drawn out necessary renovations.

After 19 months we have fnally had the last paint touches done on the upstairs living area.

Picture rails, skirting boards and doors all now have a lovely sheen to them.

The smell of paint will once again return when we fnish the rebuild for downstairs, but for the time being we celebrate the project so far.

One thing that amazed me shortly after we moved in was how quickly that quirky second drawer made an appearance.

You know what I am talking about?

That second drawer

darkness continues to spread.

e source of this darkness is the queen and she is hell-bent on taking over the kingdom, having massacred many of the subjects of the land in her quest.

Each of the friends struggle with their individual battles in the hope of coming back together and overturning the queen’s power.

Brisbane-based author K E Barden takes our much-loved fairy tales and delves into places not thought of.

Her story-telling will captivate and enthral as the reader follows the struggles and joys of Eveline, Hansel and their small band of faithful friends who are ghting for their lives.

You can order your copy of ese Grimm Fates from shawlinepublishing. com.au

in the kitchen where everything gets thrown in, from batteries, birthday candles, allen keys (of which we have an amazing amount after the number of fatpacks we had to put together), key rings, light bulbs, miscellaneous screws and nails and goodness knows whatever else ends up there. Even before we had carpet or doors, we had the second drawer. We still don’t have a railing on our internal

staircase or a proper front door, but we have a second drawer.

Before the second drawer appeared, as the kitchen was being installed, I would say its contents were spread around the bare foors, waiting for that time when they could gather in their new home.

I’m not saying it’s a conspiracy, more just a fact of modern life.

While there are items in our homes that have a necessary place, such as

a bed or a lounge suite, the poor extraneous items that we may not need straight away, or only bring out to put on birthday cakes, or use for a home project, have nowhere else to go but the second drawer.

I will have to ask my recently moved out son if he has seen an appearance of that second drawer in his new abode.

Little steps

Amazing Exhibition - Bluff Point Quilters

The Bluff Point Quilter ladies excelled themselves with their exhibition at the Lawrence Museum 23 September this year. With a massive 250 items on display, it was wall to wall quilts throughout both Museum buildings. Visitors were queueing before the doors opened at 9.30am, and more than 300 enjoyed the displays. Trade stall holders Grafton Textiles, the Handstitched Owl and New Horizons Quilting were kept busy through the day. Bob Callaghan was on hand to sharpen knives and scissors.

Bargain hunters

with collectables and plants for sale.

The Bluff Point Quilters

the Lawrence Museum, and this year was their biggest fundraiser ever, with a total of over $5300 donated to the Lawrence Historical Society.

Long time Quilter Rae Harrison explained, “This year we had a record number of quilts on display, and it was wonderful to see so many people visit the museum.”

The winner of the Viewer’s choice was Kaye Lowe.

the quilts and creativity was amazing. Everyone involved enjoyed the day. The Lawrence Historical Society is very grateful for the donation of over $5300. It will go to Museum and collection management.”

zoomed

have (apart from Covid) held an exhibition annually to raise funds for

Vice President of the Lawrence Historical Society, Roz Jones, said, “The Quilters Exhibition was amazing, so much to see. The high quality of

“The Lawrence Museum does not receive regular operational funding from state or local government, so fundraising is extremely important to maintain the Museum”.

The Lawrence Museum is open Tuesday mornings 9.00am –1.00pm and weekends 1.00pm – 4.00pm.

in on the Trash & Treasure stall and the Museum Recycle Shop

Bluff Point Quilters relax after massive exhibition.

Understanding the community’s views on illegal dumping and litter

Litter and illegal dumping in the Byron Shire have huge fnancial, social and environmental costs.

Reducing litter and illegal dumping is a key priority of Council and work has started on a fve-year strategy that will set the framework up to tackle these problems.

Zoe White, Resource Recovery Education and Compliance Offcer, said litter and illegal dumping not only costs money to clean up, but the cost to our natural environment is enormous.

“Rubbish of any sort left in our bushland, on our streets, near our waterways, or frankly, anywhere, can have devastating impacts on our waterways, native wildlife and our marine environments,” Ms White said.

Council already has a range of initiatives in place to help people do

the right thing when it comes to disposing of waste, including:

• Two x $50 annual waste disposal vouchers at the Byron Resource Recovery Centre

• Free trailers available to Byron Shire residents

• Free disposal of problem household waste

“We know that generally our community has a very low tolerance for illegal dumping and littering but we would

CR SARAH NDIAYE HAS BEEN ELECTED DEPUTY MAYOR OF BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL

White said.

People can provide their thoughts on how to tackle litter and illegal dumping by doing a survey on Council’s website Scan the QR below.. https://www. byron.nsw.gov.au/ Your-Say-Byron-Shire/ Help-us-tackle-litter-andillegal-dumping-in-theShire

The survey closes on 21 October 2023.

A draft of the Litter

Congratulations to Councillor Sarah Ndiaye, who was this week elected unopposed as the Deputy Mayor of Byron Shire Council for the next 12 months.

Cr Ndiaye is serving her second term on Council, and she is well-known for her passionate and tireless advocacy for the Byron Shire.

“This Shire is unique and special, with a history of being a meeting place that goes back thousands of years, attracting people from all over the world,” Cr Ndiaye said.

like to hear people’s ideas and thoughts on these issues and how to tackle the problems,” Ms

and Illegal Dumping Strategic Plan will be presented to Councillors in February 2024.

“We are a community that has a big heart, that values our environment and social connection and that is constantly striving for local solutions to local problems.

“It’s been wonderful to see many of the

projects that we have worked towards coming to fruition like the Jarjumirr Byron Skate Park and receiving approval from the NSW Government for the introduction of a 60-day cap on short-term rental accommodation in parts of the Shire, but there is still so much to do.

“We have a very big 12 months ahead as our community rebuilds after the foods and

Council continues its work on affordable and diverse housing for our residents,” she said.

Byron Shire Mayor, Michael Lyon, congratulated Cr Ndiaye on her re-election.

“Cr Ndiaye and I have worked closely on a range of projects and matters throughout our time on Council and her election today was well-deserved,” Mayor Lyon said.

SAVE THE REGIONAL SENIORS TRAVEL CARD

Our region is in a cost-of-living crisis. And yet, the NSW Labor government is cutting vital relief for our seniors. 1 million seniors across regional NSW have used the Regional Seniors Travel Card to go to the doctor, visit their families, or participate in social activities. Disappointingly, the NSW Labor government ended this program in July. The government needs to step up and continue providing this critical relief to our seniors. In a cost-of-living crisis, our seniors need more support, not less.

MEMBER FOR BALLINA

TAMARA SMITH MP

Cr Sarah Ndiaye

•

NOTICE OF AN AUTHORISATION MEETING FOR A NATIVE TITLE DETERMINATION APPLICATION

When:Saturday 11 November 2023 9:30am – 10:00am – Meeting registration* 10:00am – Meeting opened 12:30pm – Meeting closed

*Note: Registration will be open to attendees anytime throughout the meeting, but attendees are encouraged to register between 9:30am and 10:00am.

Where:Lismore Workers Sports Club, 202 Oliver Ave, Goonellabah NSW 2480 and via Zoom videoconference and telephone

Who should attend: The meeting is open to all Widjabul Wia-bal persons, comprising all the descendants of the following apical ancestors:

1. Bob de Bobbin (also known as Bob Deruhbin), died 1912 at Lismore;

2. Topsy Brown (also known as Topsy Larken), born 1849, died 1919 at Dunoon;

3. Johnny Bob (also known as Bob Roberts), born circa 1820;

4. William “Billy” King, born 1878 at Lismore;

5. George Williams, born 1870;

6. Kitty Barry, born 1841, died 1911 at Blakebrook; and

7. John “Jack” Kapeen (also known as John “Jack” Capeen), born circa 1860 including persons adopted or incorporated into the families of those persons and who identify as, and are accepted as, Widjabul Wia-bal in accordance with Widjabul Wia-bal traditional laws and customs (and the biological descendants of those adopted or incorporated persons), and any other Aboriginal person who asserts native title rights and interests in the area of the proposed native title determination application.

Background

During the course of the former Widjabul Wia-bal Native Title Determination Application filed on 24 June 2013 ( First Widjabul Wia-bal Claim ), as part of the settlement, the Widjabul Wia-bal authorised the Applicant to enter into an agreement to the operation of section 47C of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) (Section 47C Agreement) and amend the First Widjabul Wia-bal Claim to include the areas subject to such agreement.

However, in order to progress the First Widjabul Wia-bal Claim and avoid unnecessary delay to its consent determination caused by additional notification requirements, Widjabul Wia-bal decided and authorised the Applicant to remove the parcels subject to the Section 47C Agreement. The parcels were removed on the understanding that a further native title determination application would be filed over the area removed from the First Widjabul Wia-bal Claim.

Reasons for the Authorisation Meeting

At this Authorisation Meeting, attendees will be asked whether or not they wish to authorise a new native title determination application over the areas previously removed and proposed to be subject to a revised Section 47C Agreement.

The parcels subject to the Section 47C Agreement are within the area bounded by: Bagotville, Tuckean Nature Reserve and Tucki Tucki to the south; Bungabbee State Forest and Cawongla to the west; part of Mebbin State Forest, Lillian Rock, and a large part of Nightcap National Park to the north; and Montecollum, Possum Creek, and Alstonville to the east.

In order for s 47C to apply, the land concerned must be a park area that is held by a Commonwealth or State agency, for the purpose of preserving the natural environment of the area (e.g., a National Park or Nature Reserve). The proposed Section 47C Agreement with the State would allow Native Title to be recognised over an additional 2,600 hectares of land and waters, including parts of the following areas:

•

•

•

•

• Nightcap National Park

• Davis Scrub Nature Reserve

• Snows Gully Nature Reserve

• Tucki Tucki Nature Reserve

• Andrew Johnson Big Scrub Nature Reserve

• Whian Whian State Conservation Area

•

The above map provides an overview of the parcels subject to the Section 47C Agreement and the area proposed to be subject to the Native Title Determination Application (shown in bold black marking). The specific parcels proposed to be included are also listed at Attachment A

At this Authorisation Meeting, attendees will be asked whether or not they wish to authorise the proposed native title determination application over the parcels subject to the Section 47C Agreement, as described in Attachment A

The Agenda for the Meeting:

1. Welcome to Country and Introductions;

(a) Discuss the background to the Widjabul Wia-bal Determination and the process of amendments to the area subject to the Widjabul Wia-bal Determination.

(b) Discuss the background to the native title determination application process.

2. Discuss and confirm the process of decision making for the purpose of authorising a person or persons to make the native title determination application and deal with matters arising in relation to it;

3. Consider and authorise a native title determination application over the area described in this notice;

4. Identity of the native title claim group on whose behalf the native title determination application will be made;

5. Native title application area;

6. Native title rights and interests;

7. Authorise one or more members of the native title claim group to make the native title determination application, and to deal with matters arising in relation to it;

(a) The native title claim group will consider resolutions and make decisions to authorise an Applicant to make the native title determination application and deal with matters arising in relation to it.

(b) The native title claim group will be asked to consider resolutions and make decisions about placing conditions on the powers of the Applicant including in relation to the Applicant’s ability to enter into commercial and other agreements which may affect native title rights and interests.

(c) The native title claim group will be asked to consider and make decisions about the processes the Applicant must undertake in making its decisions. For example, whether or not the Applicant can make decisions by majority, and whether the Applicant can execute documents by majority.

8. Consider resolutions and make decisions in relation to whether to authorise the Applicant to enter into an agreement to the operation of s 47C of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) on behalf of the native title claim group.

9. Any other business.

Attending the Meeting

The Authorisation Meeting will be held in-person and there will also be the option to participate remotely by telephone or videoconference.

Attending in person

If you wish to attend the Authorisation Meeting in person, please contact NTSCORP by no later than Friday 27 October 2023, so that all relevant arrangements can be made.

Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea will be provided at the venue.

For those attending the Authorisation Meeting in person, mileage assistance and accommodation may be available in accordance with NTSCORP’s meeting assistance policies, as reasonably adjusted to account for COVID-19 related variations. If you require accommodation you will need to provide NTSCORP with a completed meeting registration form, or telephone NTSCORP with confirmed details, by no later than Friday 27 October 2023

Please note if you do not contact NTSCORP by Friday 27 October 2023 to confirm your request for mileage and accommodation assistance, NTSCORP cannot guarantee we will be able to assist with travel and accommodation arrangements — although you would still be more than welcome to attend the meeting.

Attending remotely

You may also choose to attend the Authorisation Meeting by videoconference or telephone. You will still be able to listen, ask questions, and participate in decision making if you attend remotely. In order to attend the Authorisation Meeting by videoconference or telephone, attendees must:

1. REGISTER - Call or email NTSCORP to register your attendance

Please contact NTSCORP as soon as possible by calling the below number, or sending an email to the address below. Registration to attend remotely will close at 5pm on Monday 30 October 2023

If you have not registered with NTSCORP by this time, you will not be able to attend the meeting remotely — although you would still be more than welcome to attend the meeting in-person.

2. MEETING ACCESS

Once you have registered, NTSCORP will send out details of how to attend the meeting by videoconference or telephone. For those attending the meeting remotely, assistance for telephone or data credit may be available in accordance with NTSCORP’s meeting assistance policies. Please contact NTSCORP to discuss.

NTSCORP’s contact details: Freecall 1800 111 844 or (02) 9310 3188

Post: P.O. Box 2105, Strawberry Hills, NSW 2012

Email: CFC@ntscorp.com.au

Attachment A

Proposed area subject to Native Title Determination Application

The following parcels are proposed to form the native title claim area in the Native Title Determination Application.

For those parcels which do not have a Lot and Deposited Plan (DP) identifier, a CAD ID number has been provided.

CAD ID 105203966

CAD ID 107019614

Lot

[1] The area subject to the application is that part of lot 129 in deposited plan 755691 subject to the part of former portion 80 in Crown Plan 3999-1759, which is situated within lot 129 in deposited plan 755691.

[2] The area subject to the application is that part of lot 126 in deposited plan 755691 the subject of Stibbards Creek within lot 126 in deposited plan 755691.

[3] The area subject to the application is that part that falls within the external boundary defined at Schedule Three Part 1 of Native Title Determination NSD1213/2018 Widjabul Wia-Bal (NCD2022/001) as determined by the Federal Court of Australia on 19 December 2022.

[4] The area subject to the application is that part of lot 198 in deposited plan 1204312 (Muckleewee Mountain Nature Reserve) that is subject to former CADID 104189557.

[5] The area subject to the application is that part of CADID 100002475 subject to former CADID ID 107019477, being that part that falls within the extent of Goonengerry National Park.

[6] The area subject to the application is that part of CADID 104139992 subject to former CADID ID 107197768, being that part that falls within the extent of Goonengerry National Park. For the avoidance of doubt the application excludes:All land and waters the subject of NSD1213/2018 Widjabul Wia-Bal (NCD2022/001) as determined by the Federal Court of Australia on 19 December 2022.

NOTICE OF AN AUTHORISATION MEETING FOR A NATIVE TITLE DETERMINATION APPLICATION

When:Saturday 11 November 2023

9:30am – 10:00am – Meeting registration*

1:30Pm – Meeting opened 4:30pm – Meeting closed

*Note: Registration will be open to attendees anytime throughout the meeting, but attendees are encouraged to register between 9:30am and 10:00am.

Where:Lismore Workers Sports Club, 202 Oliver Ave, Goonellabah NSW 2480 and via Zoom videoconference and telephone

Who should attend: The meeting is open to all Widjabul Wia-bal persons, comprising all the descendants of the following apical ancestors:

1. Bob de Bobbin (also known as Bob Deruhbin), died 1912 at Lismore;

2. Topsy Brown (also known as Topsy Larken), born 1849, died 1919 at Dunoon;

3. Johnny Bob (also known as Bob Roberts), born circa 1820;

4. William ‘Billy’ King, born 1878 at Lismore;

5. George Williams, born 1870;

6. Kitty Barry, born 1841, died 1911 at Blakebrook;

7. John ‘Jack’ Kapeen (also known as John ‘Jack’ Capeen), born circa 1860. including persons adopted or incorporated into the families of those persons and who identify as, and are accepted as, Widjabul Wia-bal in accordance with Widjabul Wia-bal traditional laws and customs (and the biological descendants of those adopted or incorporated persons), and any other Aboriginal person who asserts native title rights and interests in the area the proposed native title determination application.

Background

On 14 and 15 December 2021, during the course of the former Widjabul Wia-bal Native Title Determination Application ( First Widjabul Wia-bal Claim ), the Widjabul Wia-bal claim group authorised the Applicant to amend the claim area to remove parcels subject to the crown roads dispute.

The crown roads dispute includes all those parcels where the Applicant and the State were unable to reach agreement on the extinguishing effect of a number of types of crown roads within the claim area. In order to progress the First Widjabul Wia-bal Claim and avoid unnecessary delay, Widjabul Wia-bal authorised the Applicant to remove the parcels subject to a crown roads dispute from the claim area. The parcels subject to a crown roads dispute are proposed to be subject to a new native title determination application, which is the subject of this Authorisation Meeting

The parcels subject to the crown roads dispute are within the area bounded by: Bagotville, Tuckean Nature Reserve and Tucki Tucki to the south; Bungabbee State Forest and Cawongla to the west; part of Mebbin State Forest, Lillian Rock, and a large part of Nightcap National Park to the north; and Montecollum, Possum Creek, and Alstonville to the east.

Reasons for the Authorisation Meeting

At this Authorisation Meeting, the attendees will be asked whether or not they wish to authorise the proposed native title determination application over the parcels subject to a crown roads dispute, as described in Attachment A

The below map provides an overview of the parcels subject to the crown roads dispute and the proposed Native Title Determination Application (shown in bold black marking). The specific parcels proposed to be included are also listed at Attachment A

Attending the Meeting

The Authorisation Meeting will be held in-person and there will also be the option to participate remotely by telephone or videoconference.

Attending in person

If you wish to attend the Authorisation Meeting in person, please contact NTSCORP by no later than Friday 27 October 2023, so that all relevant arrangements can be made.

Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea will be provided at the venue.

For those attending the Authorisation Meeting in person, mileage assistance and accommodation may be available in accordance with NTSCORP’s meeting assistance policies, as reasonably adjusted to account for COVID-19 related variations. If you require accommodation you will need to provide NTSCORP with a completed meeting registration form, or telephone NTSCORP with confirmed details, by no later than Friday 27 October 2023

Please note if you do not contact NTSCORP by Friday 27 October 2023 to confirm your request for mileage and accommodation assistance, NTSCORP cannot guarantee we will be able to assist with travel and accommodation arrangements — although you would still be more than welcome to attend the meeting.

Attending remotely

You may also choose to attend the Authorisation Meeting meeting by videoconference or telephone. You will still be able to listen, ask questions, and participate in decision making if you attend remotely. In order to attend the Authorisation Meeting by videoconference or telephone, attendees must:

1. REGISTER - Call or email NTSCORP to register your attendance

Please contact NTSCORP as soon as possible by calling the below number, or sending an email to the address below. Registration to attend remotely will close at 5pm on Monday 30 October 2023. If you have not registered with NTSCORP by this time, you will not be able to attend the meeting remotely — although you would still be more than welcome to attend the meeting in-person.

2. MEETING ACCESS

Once you have registered, NTSCORP will send out details of how to attend the meeting by videoconference or telephone. For those attending the meeting remotely, assistance for telephone or data credit may be available in accordance with NTSCORP’s meeting assistance policies. Please contact NTSCORP to discuss.

NTSCORP’s contact details: Freecall 1800 111 844 or (02) 9310 3188

Post: P.O. Box 2105, Strawberry Hills, NSW 2012

Email: CFC@ntscorp.com.au

Attachment A

Proposed area subject to the Native Title Determination Application

The following 179 road parcels are proposed to form the native title claim area in the Native Title Determination Application.

For those parcels subject to a crown roads dispute, which do not have a Lot and Deposited Plan (DP) identifier, a CAD ID number has been provided.

The Agenda for the Meeting:

1. Welcome to Country and Introductions;

(a) Discuss the background to the Widjabul Wia-bal Determination and the process of amendments to the area subject to the Widjabul Wia-bal Determination.

(b) Discuss the background to the native title determination application process.

2. Discuss and confirm the process of decision making for the purpose of authorising a person or persons to make the native title determination application and deal with matters arising in relation to it;

3. Consider and authorise a native title determination application over the area described in this notice;

4. Identity of the native title claim group on whose behalf the native title determination application will be made;

5. Native title application area;

6. Native title rights and interests;

7. Authorise one or more members of the native title claim group to make the native title determination application, and to deal with matters arising in relation to it;

(a) The native title claim group will consider resolutions and make decisions to authorise an Applicant to make the native title determination application and deal with matters arising in relation to it.

(b) The native title claim group will be asked to consider resolutions and make decisions about placing conditions on the powers of the Applicant including in relation to the Applicant’s ability to enter into commercial and other agreements which may affect native title rights and interests.

(c) The native title claim group will be asked to consider and make decisions about the processes the Applicant must undertake in making its decisions. For example, whether or not the Applicant can make decisions by majority, and whether the Applicant can execute documents by majority.

8. Any other business.

* The area subject to the application is that part that falls within the external boundary defined at Schedule Three Part 1 of Native Title Determination NSD1213/2018 Widjabul Wia-Bal (NCD2022/001) as determined by the Federal Court of Australia on 19 December 2022.

For the avoidance of doubt the application excludes:

All land and waters the subject of NSD1213/2018 Widjabul Wia-Bal (NCD2022/001) as determined by the Federal Court of Australia on 19 December 2022.

COUNTLESS times in my life I’ve been called (both politely and impolitely) a curious mix, a contradiction even, of different interests and intrigues. From having a deep regard for art, and above all classic literature and philosophy. But another, albeit equally driving passion of mine is football, primarily AFL football, and also the brutal cut and crunch of American football and the NRL.

The reason I link and reference these seemingly divergent interests is to focus on the clear ever-burning connector between them all – and that is the conjuring force of enthusiasm. The word itself stems from the ancient Greek ‘enthous’, meaning ‘possessed by a god, or to be inspired; to have zeal’. Brilliantly, the word for ‘study’, can be traced back to a shared conceptual origin; it hails from the Latin word ‘studium’ which means ‘eagerness, or to be diligent in the pursuit of knowledge’.

Littler wonder, that some of the greatest coaches in the history of football, the world over, were also school teachers. They being individuals specifically tasked to impart not just the riches of learning, but the essential and sometimes easily missed yearning for that elusive desire (which characterises the all-time greats in every field of human endeavour) to always better themselves, by increasing what they know, and to never rest content by ever thinking they know enough.

American football’s most legendary figure, Vince Lombardi was actually a high school teacher, as was Rugby League’s Jack Gibson. One of my best mates was taught by Jack down

Council welcomes NSW Govt support for tighter controls on STRA

Byron Shire Mayor, Michael Lyon, has welcomed the NSW Government’s decision to endorse Council’s proposal to cap unhosted short term rental accommodation (STRA) to 60 days a year across most parts of the Shire.

in the Sutherland Shire, and he said the overriding thing about Gibson was his ability to not just treat you as an equal, but to somehow make you rise to levels that you didn’t think you possessed. Which is a sentiment reiterated by players coached by Lombardi, as well as an almost zero tolerance for not giving your best. Lombardi even once said, “If you aren’t fired with enthusiasm, you’ll be fired with enthusiasm!”

Which brings us back to the one constant – which can be found in every winning dressing room and boardroom as well; and that’s enthusiasm: the driving, unfeign-able force behind the buy-in required of a team to reach the pinnacle in their chosen field. Or as the godfather of positive thinking himself, Norman Vincent Peale once said, “Enthusiasm spells the difference between mediocrity and accomplishment.”

Aptly, when it comes to ‘the spelling’ of enthusiasm, it is rather fitting, if not reflective of its clear mystique throughout the world, that it is also known as ‘innostusta’ in Finnish; ‘ohohia’ in Hawaiian; ‘ishyaka’ in Kinyarwanda; not to mention ‘yeolgwang’ in Korean. Which more than vaguely reiterates the notion that Henry David Thoreau perhaps had in mind when he once reflected, “Enthusiasm is a supernatural serenity.”

But above all, it is a serenity that ought to prompt if not directly prefigure our every move in life. As Dale Carnegie once suggested, “Get interested in something. Shake yourself awake. Let the winds of enthusiasm sweep through you. Live today with gusto.”

“This announcement by Planning Minster, Paul Scully, broadly aligns with a couple of the key recommendations put forward by the NSW Independent Planning Commission (IPC) earlier this year,” Byron Shire Mayor, Michael Lyon, said.

“Council’s original proposal to the NSW

Government and the IPC, was for a 90-day cap on STRA in most parts of Byron Shire, with some 365-day precincts, while the IPC recommended a 60-day cap be applied across the Shire, but with a development pathway for 365-days,” Mayor Lyon said.

“Minister Scully’s decision incorporates parts of both Council and the IPC’s positions.

“The Planning Minister has acknowledged the shortage of permanent housing supply in the Byron Shire and the impact STRA is having on people’s ability to fnd stable, long-term

accommodation,” Mayor Lyon said.

“The announcement this week is part of a broad government response to our planning proposal, and we now need to take some time to review and digest this information and start planning for the implementation of the changes which will take effect from September

2024,” Mayor Lyon said. “We have always said that regulating STRA will not solve the housing crisis in our Shire, but it will increase the pool of long-term rental accommodation which is so vital for people, especially key workers and those on lower incomes,” Mayor Lyon said.

An enthusiasm for enthusiasm…by Nigel Dawe

$30 million pool project product of ferce debate

By Tim Howard

The Clarence Valley will have a new $30 million Regional Aquatic Centre, but it took more than an hour of the most ferocious debate many had seen in the region’s council chambers to get it across the line.

And the successful tenderer, Bathurst frm Hines Construction Pty Ltd confrmed it expected to have the 50 metre and two 25 metre pools completed by the end of 2024.

As the frst item of business after he was elected Mayor, Cr Peter Johnstone called for the the pool tender allocation to be brought forward as a concession to the 40 or more members of the gallery packed into the chamber to witness the debate.

Councillors passed it unanimously, but that was the end of the consensus.

The uproar erupted almost immediately when Cr Bill Day put forward an alternative motion to the offcer’s recommendation to accept the tender price of $29,141,586.

Instead Cr Day sought to decline the tender offers and revise the order of the project to begin construction of a 50 metre pool and defer other aspects of the project until after next year’s council election.

The gallery voiced its displeasure, interrupting Cr Day before he fnished and drawing a call from the mayor for it to be quiet.

The displeasure from some councillors was palpable as the questions started to fy.

Cr Debrah Novak quizzed the mayor over his authorship of the motion Cr Day put forward.

“Is this the same motion that you sent through earlier today to adopt and Cr Day has picked it up and put it forward instead?” she said. “I just want to make sure you guys got that right off the back there.”

And Cr Karen Toms, who admitted the proposed motions had “stunned” her, was concerned it did not contain a request for a new tender and conficted with the advice council staff had given the council.

She was also concerned the motion would delay

construction.

“Do you to understand the actual consequences of this motion that you’ve put forward in terms of delaying the project into at least next year before we put a tender out for the scoped 50 metre pool?, she said.

“Do you understand that that is is going to delay even producing a 50 metre pool next year.”

Cr Alison Whaites was more scathing, asking Cr Johnstone if he had waited to put this motion forward until he was mayor so he could use his casting vote to “not do what the community wants”.

Cr Johnstone brushed the question off, pointing out he had consistently supported building a 50 metre pool frst and limit the council’s borrowing need by waiting for more grant funding to become

the motion did not hold back.

Cr Steve Pickering said said just seeing the motion on the screen disappointed him, particularly with such a large gallery in council to witness it.

He said he was speaking for the outlying district, that had been promised a regional facility in Grafton, when council shut down smaller pools, like the one in his home village of Ulmarra.

“That was what we were looking forward to all of the people that don’t live in Grafton, residents of Grafton and all of our outlying areas,” he said.

“We’re all looking forward to this aquatic centre being built so we had somewhere to go, activities for the kids, a tourist destination for visitors to the area Learn to Swim classes.

felt agonising over the decision had affected his health.

“I’ve lived and breathed this aquatic centre for so long,” he said.

“The question must come up who pays who pays? For the years they’ve been trying to get grant funding, but as yet it hasn’t appeared.”

Cr Debrah Novak said while the motion appeared cautious and it could actually cost the council more and deprive the community of a worthwhile asset.

“It’s a long game,” she said. “And we’ve already been on this for 10 years. We have paid millions of dollars to experts to guide us that’s what we do as councillors and this is where we have been guided to.”

debt risk.

Cr Toms appeared to think the motion might get up, imploring councillors for a change of heart and when the vote came she was pleasantly surprised.

Former mayor, Cr Ian Tiley voted with her, Crs Novak, Pickering and Whaites to defeat the motion.

Cr Tiley’s vote seemed to surprise some councillors and onlookers, who went to him and thanked him as the gallery cleared before the meeting continued.

The loss of the motion also inspired a turnaround from the mayor, who said now council had decided on its direction, he would fully support the plan.

He said he would vote for Cr Pickering’s

had been the community response which swayed the vote.

The petition was lodged with the council in a separate item at the meeting.

The president of the Grafton District Services Swimming Club, Stephen Donnelly, said he had concerns councillors could support Cr Day’s motion and ditch all the planning the council had put into the centre.

At the start of the meeting he believed council was split 5-4 in favour of overturning the decision, but this switched during the debate to 5-4 in favour of the full project.

“The council spent $1.62 million on preparing it and I’m thinking, I hope this doesn’t go out the window,” Mr Donnelly said.

“Not only that, we actually get a pool.”

After the meeting Cr Johnstone confrmed the contractors had given a completion date of late 2024.

“The company seems to think the amount of dry weather forecast will allow them a good run and at it and they believe it’s possible to get it done.”

Cr Toms dismissed fears the council couldn’t afford the level of borrowing required, as it had paid down a substantial amount of debt during the 15 years she had been a councillor.

Her view was supported by a glowing assessment of the council’s fnancial performance and borrowing capacity since 2021 from fnancial consultants Ernst and Young.

foreshadowed motion to accept the tender and urged other councillors to do the same.

But Crs Day and Clancy, dug in.

“I’m going to be voting against it,” Cr Day said. “That will not come as any surprise because I don’t believe it’s the right decision, but I will support the outcome. I will not in any way try to undermine it.”

Cr Johnstone said general manager Laura Black was working on providing a more complete idea of the cost of the project, which would include cost of earthworks at the site as well as fnancing costs.

He said the company’s had decided on a Myrtha design for the 50 metre pool, which would help it achieve its aim to have the pool fnished by the end of next year.

available.

The seconder of the motion, Cr Greg Clancy, who had supported the original aquatic centre plan, until the tenders came in, said the original plan exposed the council to an intergenerational debt.

“It’s also an generational debt that future generations will have to pay off,” he said.

“And I’m uncomfortable about supporting something at this level.”

Councillors opposing

“It’s an asset for for the for the whole community and to see the word decline as the frst word on on point one is extremely disappointing and I feel for everybody that’s come into this room today.”

The supporting the motion spoke of their confict between disappointing the community and their concerns over exposing the council to a large debt,

Cr Jeff Smith said he was torn and and

The report showed council had reduced its debts by $25.2 million in the past two years and by more than $50 million since 2016.

The EY report noted the council now had the capacity to sustainably increase its borrowings by more than $88 million under its general fund.

The report further stated that a proposed estimate of $22 million in loans for major projects was well below the sustainable limit, and would retain the lowest (conservative) level of

Similarly Cr Clancy said he could not support the motion because of the size of the debt council would enter into.

Councillors voted 7-2 for the proposal.

The decision provoked a jubilant response from the gallery, with cheers erupting and people embracing in the chamber.

A local mum, Karina Plunkett, who drove a petition with 4000 signatures supporting the multi-stage pool project, was ecstatic.

She said the result surprised her but hoped it

The company said the Myrtha method was a 60-year-old proven technology for pool construction based on stainless steel.

A chromium-rich alloy offered both the strength and resistance to chemicals and corrosion needed in a pool environment.

To ensure long life, structural elements like clamps, guides, panels and ducts were securely bolted together – not welded as steel welding could leave the framework susceptible to corrosion.

This system was used internationally in FINA compliant competition pools.

Regional Aquatic Centre actvist Karina Plunkett, left, and Cr Karen Toms speak with Cr Ian Tiley after the vote on September 26, to approve the almost $30 million tender for the project.

Members of the gallery who turned up at the September 26 Clarence Valley Council meeting show their jubilation at the decision to approve a tender price of nearly $30 million for the project.

Some of the placard wielding supporters of the Regional Aquatic Centre project that packed into the gallery at the Grafton Council Chambers for the September 26 Clarence Valley Council meeting.

“Leemo has views on just about anything”

LEEMO & Mum Jane’s NIGHTMARE Revelations

Nimbin to be put on Level 2 water restrictions

‘Leemo Cat’ back. After ‘Mum Jane’s’ dismissal of my Christmas Wish List, things have been, hmm, rather stand-offsh between us. HOWEVER, ‘cos of my Feline charm, savvy ‘suck-up’ talents, purrs, pats & mesmerising eye stares, I am being once more acknowledged. This is VIP, ‘cos I have a question for her. ‘Mum, apart from ME, LEEMO, being kidnapped by a sneaky Blackmailer demanding a huge ransom (for which I am, without qualifcation, worth every $$) what might your next worstie nightmare be? Well, come on Mum, OUT with it? You tell me yours, and I’ll tell you mine..OK? AND, I’ll make you a cup of tea in your ‘favie’ Koala Cup whilst you ponder. OK?’ ‘Tea please Leems’ she responded in her atypical abrupt manner. (aaargh!) Whilst slurping tea, she spoke. ‘Well, Leems, I ‘spose AFTER the preposterous concept of you being kidnapped, my next horror thought in life would be to be a passenger on that Cruise Liner with 20 decks, 15 restaurants, 5 swimming pools, poker machines, movie theatres, all-day & night food, live shows, fake surf, snow & stuff; the only PLUS to me would be a Library!! AND, ‘Leems’, this Liner carries 9384 people. If I were on even the very middle deck sharing a cabin, my nightmare would accelerate beyond sane proportions; I most assuredly would not be in a TOP DECK SUITE with an ocean vista or a Butler. It is probable

I would be travelling in ‘Steerage’ kinda like on the ‘Titanic’, (2240 persons on board.) Gottit?’ Hmmm…NUP, I didn’t ‘gottit’ & kept on. ‘But Mumsie, on a Cruise you could watch the magical ocean all the time; read books; eat heaps of delicious food; maybe even see Dolphins, Seagulls & Whales or even an Albatross. There could even be a shore visit where you could buy a coconut. What’s your issue? You went on a big boat for 5 weeks when you went off to Africa didn’t you?

Crikey..the eyebrows went up & ‘the Voice’ started. ‘OK Leems, just listen closely. There is a considerable difference between the BOAT I travelled on compared to the behemoth Cruise ships of to-day. My ship, the ‘Angelina Lauro’ only took 1616 passengers. We were all on board for a PURPOSE, which was to get to where we wanted to go. I wanted to get to Cape Town. Some were UK bound to see the Beatles, the Royal Palace & stuff. Others were returning home to visit family in Italy & Greece. We weren’t on board to just sail off and then turn around & come back right to where we started the week before.’

OMG, Mum can be so dismal. I’ll adopt my ‘counselling’ persona. Mum, I reckon your grumble puss attitude is ‘cos you think you’re too old to have fun any more? George Bernard Shaw wrote “We don’t stop playing because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing.”

So Mumsie, let’s play trees! She stared at me curiously. ‘Leems’ you haven’t told me YOUR worst nightmare? ‘Oh, easy peasy my nightmare is that you won’t have enough loot to pay my kidnap ransom and I’ll be made a slave cat. YOU WILL THOUGH, WON’T YOU MUM?

Nite with prayers and hope & a trepidatious half-purr, Leemo.

Level 2 water restrictions will be introduced in Nimbin, effective from Thursday, 28 September 2023.

Lismore City Council Acting Manager Water and Wastewater William Lee said the restrictions were necessary as the water level in Mulgum Creek continued to fall.

“Due to reduced fows in Mulgum Creek and no end in sight to dry weather conditions, it has become necessary to implement water restrictions within the Nimbin water supply for both residents and businesses in the village,” he said.

“For some time, we have been adjusting the operation of the water supply to manage this situation. However, with the long-term forecast showing little signs of consistent rainfall, these restrictions are now necessary.

“We know many people have already reduced their water consumption, and we thank them for that.

“It’s important everyone continues to do their bit to conserve water as making small changes in how we use water will really help our

water storage supplies last longer.”

Mr Lee said by introducing Level 2 now, the Council is hoping to delay implementing Level 3 restrictions.

Under Level 2 water restrictions:

such as sprinklers, and unattended hoses are banned.

• Filling of new swimming pools is permitted, but topping up is allowed only between 4pm and 9am using a hand-held hose with

and safety. Must use high-pressure low-fow rate cleaner

• Washing of cars permitted with buckets or hand-held hose for ten minutes only between 4pm and 9am on odd and even days matching your house number.

The same restrictions apply to commercial premises with the exceptions that:

• Sprinklers can be used for up to 30 minutes per day for sports felds between 5am and 7am.

• Market gardens, orchards, nurseries can use sprinklers or sprays for one hour a day between 5am and 7am, or 5pm and 7pm.

• Micro-sprays and drippers/sub-surface irrigation can only be used for a maximum of 15 minutes.

• Hand-held hoses with an on-off nozzle can only be used for half an hour every second day, between the hours of 4pm and 9am on odd or even days matching your house number.

• Other irrigation,

one-off nozzle.

• Top up of fountains and water features is not permitted except to maintain fsh life.

• Washing of driveways, paved areas, walls, windows, roofs and paths permitted prior to sale or lease of property only with council approval. Not permitted for any other reason, except for health

For a Q&A on the restrictions, water hints and tips, and a factsheet please go to the council’s webpage www.Lismore.nsw.gov. au and search ‘Water restrictions’.

Background: Nimbin’s water supply is sourced from Mulgum Creek and is operated by Lismore City Council. The water supply for the rest of Lismore Local Government Area is sourced from Rocky Creek Dam and is operated by Rous County Council.

Mulgum Creek, Nimbin’s water supply, operated by Lismore City Council.

Clean-up completed at former arsenic facility at Tenterfeld

The NSW Government has completed a $3.4 million project to remediate contamination at the former Jennings Processing Plant near Tenterfeld, cleaning up a legacy polluted site almost 100 years since it closed.

The Crown Lands project took place over almost fve months and followed many years of planning to excavate and contain soil contaminated by the former plant, which produced arsenic trioxide powder from 1923 to 1928 to help control the spread of Prickly Pear

weed across the state.

About 1,650 tonnes of contaminated soil has been sealed in a containment cell, with the site capped with a geosynthetic clay liner, clean soil, compost and then overlaid with hessian across a 10,500 square metre area larger than a football feld.

The land was then revegetated with a seed mixture, including a combination of 10 native grasses, to create fresh ground cover that will restore the site to a natural state.

The Soil Conservation Service was contracted

to undertake the work including measures to protect the area against potential future erosion and sediment run-off.

The clean-up commenced in March under the guidance of Environmental Resources Management Australia and following investigations by Crown Lands, the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and Tenterfeld Shire Council. A remediation strategy was put in place in accordance with the NSW Contaminated Land Management Act 1997.

Some further minor works will occur, including vacuum cleaning of adjacent rock areas and the planting of trees on surrounding land. The area will be monitored over time to assess the site’s suitability for public access.

Previous remediation works took place at the site in the 1950s, and then in 2009 when topsoil was laid and a basin built to collect contaminated runoff. Find out more about the remediation of the former Jennings Arsenic Plant.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“Like many places where historic industrial sites operated, the community at Jennings was left to bear the brunt of contamination from actions that occurred a long time ago.

“The arsenic trioxide produced here may have addressed one problem but left another that has now been fnally dealt with.

“I thank the team at Crown Lands and its partners for cleaning up this land so that it can once again be utilised

by local wildlife and the community.”

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffn said:

“This is a wonderful outcome that has taken years of dedicated planning and investigations to address.”

“The work done here hopefully puts to rest contamination concerns that have been at this site for almost a century.

“One day, I hope it can be reused as open space for the local community following ongoing monitoring to ensure there is no further risk of contamination.”

GROW Odd Socks Day - Stamp out Stigma on Friday October 6

Friday October 6 is Odd Socks Day and GROW Australia invites everyone in the Northern Rivers to put on odd socks to help stamp out the stigma surrounding mental health.

Odd Socks Day is a chance to support people experiencing mental health challenges. Mental health affects a signifcant number of Australians, with 4.2 million experiencing them in the last year and 44% experiencing them during their lives.

Wearing Odd Socks on Friday October 6 can start a conversation about mental wellbeing and how everyone can have times when they feel odd or out of sorts.

Odd Socks events held around Australia promote awareness and raise funds for GROW’s peer-to-peer mental wellbeing programs.

In the Northern Rivers, an Odd Socks Day morning tea is happening at Pop Denison Park in Ballina at 10am. Everyone is welcome. Bring a cup and a chair and you are guaranteed to make some new friends. Friendship is the special key to mental health after all.

GROW’s programs offer mutual help and friendship through weekly meetings, helping people improve their mental health by reducing anxiety, increasing self-esteem, and fostering a sense of community. The programs are based on lived experience of what works in recovering and maintaining good mental health, as contributed by the many generations of people who have participated in groups since GROW frst began in 1957. The programs are free and

open to everyone over 18.

There are two key strategies to reduce stigma – education and contact. Education brings the understanding that mental health challenges are something we can all experience and gives people confdence to call out stigma when they see it, with friends, family, in the workplace and online. The contactbased approach is about encouraging simple, informal conversations about mental health and the importance of belonging and connectedness for our wellbeing.

To fnd out more about the morning tea on October 6, your local GROW group or other ways you can help stamp out stigma on Odd Socks Day, phone Jo on 0483 888 844 or visit grow.org.au

AFTER - Jennings site after spray seed of natural grasses

Geosynthetic clay liner being layed over the contaminated area.

Lismore & Far North West Educator Recognised in National Family Day Care Awards

Alison Maree Barrett is being recognised for her meaningful and unparalleled work in early childhood education and care, in the 2023 Family Day C are Australia (FDCA) Excellence in Family Day Care Awards.

In its twelfth year, the Awards showcase the unique benefts of family day care, which is the natural choice of early childhood education and care for many families across Australia.

The FDCA Awards program is the only national event of its kind for family day care educators, who make up one of the largest national networks of women in small business, turning their passion for child care into a rewarding career.

Alison Maree from Clarence Childhood Services Association has been recognised this week as the Lismore & Far North West Educator Winner in the Excellence in Family Day Care Awards.

Family Day Care Australia Chief Executive Offcer, Andrew Paterson, spoke to the incredible achievements of Alison Maree.

“Alison Maree’s unique and nurturing approach to early

Council-sponsored events announced for 2023-2024

16 events will receive event sponsorship funding from Council

The Tweed Shire can look forward to a range of exciting outings with 16 events securing funding in Council’s 2023-2024 Events Sponsorship Funding round.

years education and her dedication to children and families is the reason why so many choose family day care.” said Mr Paterson. “Educators are the lifeblood of our sector.”

The Awards promote the valuable contribution family day care educators make to more than 85, 000 children across the country each day.

“With over 5,000 nominations, this year’s Awards continue to play a key role in recognising the achievements of educators on a national level and provide an opportunity to promote the unique benefts of family day care to Australian families,” said Mr Paterson.

Alison Maree is now in the running to be named as a National Finalist for the 2023 Educator of the Year Award.

To view the full list of the winners, visit www.familydaycare. com.au/awards/ winners.

Four National Educator Finalists will be announced on 17 October 2023 with FDCA’s Educator of the Year Winner being announced on 25 November 2023 at the FDCA Excellence in Family Day Care Awards Gala Dinner in Adelaide.

Council offers fnancial assistance to event organisers with the aim to support, develop, attract and grow events that showcase the Tweed’s unique characteristics and build our community to be a great place to live and visit.

Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry said she was pleased to see a balance of themes in this year’s funded events. A total of $89,450 has been allocated for the following successful recipients:

• Bowls QLD State Pennant Finals - $2,000

• World Environment Day Festival - $5,000

• Murwillumbah Arts Trail - $10,000

• Horseless Carriage Club of America 8th International TourTweed Valley - $2,500

• Kids in Need Dragon Boat Festival - $1,500

• Carols by the Coast 2023 - $2,300

• The Kinship Festival

- $15,000

• Head of the Tweed$1,500

• Tweed Coast Enduro - $4,700

• Kingscliff Triathlon$4,250

• Seas the Day Women’s Surf Festival$10,000

• Annual Orchid Fair and Show - $3,000

• Murwillumbah Show

- $7,700

• White Claw Christmas Race Day$2,500

• Tyalgum Music Festival - $7,500

• Tweed Coast Pro$10,000

The next annual Event Sponsorship Funding round will open in June 2024.

Visit the What’s on Tweed calendar to keep up to date with all upcoming events.

For more information visit Council event funding and sponsorship.

Tyalgum Music Festival 2023 was successful in securing Council event sponsorship funding for 2023-24. The event will be held from Friday 29 September – Sunday 1 October 2023.

World Environment Day, hosted by the Caldera Environment Centre, is one of 16 events to receive funding in Council’s 2023/24 Event Sponsorship Funding round.

Lismore Students depart for a Japanese experience of a lifetime

The fve Lismore students and chaperone taking part in the Lismore City Council’s Yamato Takada Sister City Student Exchange Program leave for Japan today, which holds extra signifcance as this year marks the 60th anniversary of Lismore’s Sister-City relationship with the Japanese City. The program returns this year after being postponed in 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The initiative, which strengthens the ties between Lismore and Yamato Takada, offers an unparalleled cultural and educational opportunity for local youth, with the fve students embarking on a busy schedule of

events before returning from Japan on Sunday, 8 October.

Mayor Krieg said he was excited for the students and their oncein-a-lifetime experiences.

“Our Sister City’s relationship with Yamato Takada is a cherished one, which this year is celebrating 60 years since it was established,” he said.

“I look forward to hearing from our local students on their return from the beautiful city of Yamato Takada, which has facilitated the exchange of not just students but also ideas, culture and goodwill over the years.”

Brandon Davis Yee, the Lismore Student Exchange Group

chaperone who was part of the exchange program in 2016, said the fve students were keenly interested in Japanese culture.

“The fve students come from Kadina High

School, Trinity Catholic College and Richmond River High, with each student learning the Japanese language as part of their high school studies,” he said.

“One of the

students wants to study engineering at University, so visiting Japan to be immersed in the technological culture that Japan offers will assist his career dream.”

Mr Yee also said his student exchange experience gave him career confdence and lifelong connections in Japan.

“To see a different culture and way of living opened my eyes to the world and gave me a career and social confdence. I have no doubt the fve students leaving today will experience personal growth, newfound perspectives and memories that last a lifetime,” he said. The group will be

staying with Japanese host families, with two students staying at the home of Yamato Takada students who visited Lismore during the recent Japanese student exchange visit in August this year.

Council established a Sister City relationship with Yamato Takada on 7 August 1963 through the efforts of Father Tony Glynn.

Father Glynn, who had been working in Yamato Takada, collaborated with businesses in his hometown of Lismore to raise funds to construct a kindergarten in Yamato Takada. Through this collaboration, the Sister City relationship developed.

Community led program repairing homes and lives in Lismore

More than 350 food affected homes in the Northern Rivers region can now be repaired, getting vulnerable people back on their feet and into safe housing thanks to Resilient Lismore’s Two Rooms Project, backed by $5 million in funding from the NSW Government.

The Minns Government is delivering on its election commitment to fund the program, addressing the urgent need for additional food recovery support in the Northern Rivers.

Premier Chris Minns joined Minister for Planning and Public Places Paul Scully, Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib, Minister for Housing Rose Jackson, Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffn and Resilient Lismore Executive Director Elly Bird in Lismore.

The Two Rooms Project, a partnership between not-for-proft

The Winsome, The Lismore Catholic Diocese, Joel Jensen Constructions, charity Reece Foundation and volunteers, has already

enabled the restoration of windows, walls, kitchens and bathrooms in more than 160 homes.

Resilient Lismore launched the program in July last year and now coordinates an army of skilled tradespeople, labourers and volunteers to help rebuild homes. They also provide outreach and referrals to community support services. Priority is given to vulnerable people and those who cannot afford to pay for repair work themselves.

This commitment is on top of the news last week the NSW Government has established a new $150 million Community Restoration Flood Fund in the 2023-24 Budget

to support disaster impacted communities in the Northern Rivers and Central West.

The cash injection will be used towards measures such as:

• Priority Disaster Adaptation Plans, including for the Northern Rivers and Central West, so communities are better prepared

• Repair and replacement of critical community assets and improving the resilience of public infrastructure, including bridges and roads

• As a second instalment to the ongoing Resilient Homes Program in the Northern Rivers

• Further assistance with housing programs, with work to be further developed with councils and community leaders.

Over the next two months, the NSW Reconstruction Authority will work closely with local community leaders to prioritise the additional funding and determine potential future funding which may be required.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“We know there are no simple fxes in the Northern Rivers. This package and our Community Restoration Flood Fund is an acknowledgement that we are standing by communities for the long

haul.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“We know recovery is not a short-term fx and requires evidence-based planning and community leadership.

“That’s why we’ve reset the way we work and communicate with the community, bringing local Councils and groups together through the Community Leaders Forum so they have a say in how to shape and rebuild their communities.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“We’ve seen frst-hand how food recovery efforts are progressing

and it’s critical that we continue to support communities who have borne the brunt of the 2022 foods.

“Local initiatives like the work led by Resilient Lismore are so important, by funding practical recovery programs like this we are ensuring the local community is involved in driving food recovery in the Northern Rivers.” Member for Lismore and Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffn said:

“Initiatives like the Resilient Home’s investment and the additional injection from the Community Restoration Flood Fund are a welcome start on the wide range of recovery and reconstruction work that still needs to be done across the Northern Rivers.

“Like me, I know everyone who experienced the 2022 foods and is still dealing with the after-effects day in and day out understands we have a long road ahead of us and additional support will be required.”

Brandon Davis Yee, the Lismore Student Exchange Group chaperone standing in front of the the Lismore City Flag at Council Chambers.

Fletcher Street Cottage forced to cut vital homeless services

Byron’s only homeless hub reduces services due to increase in demand and lack of government funding Byron Bay, NSWFletcher Street Cottage, Byron’s only homeless services hub, is regrettably faced with the necessity of reducing its services from fve days to four days a week, operating from Tuesday through Friday.

This decision is due to the lack of government funding causing a signifcant funding shortfall, jeopardising the crucial support provided to our community’s most vulnerable.

Shocking statistics* reveal that Byron Shire has the largest cohort of rough sleepers in NSW, higher than the City of Sydney. Since its establishment in April 2022, Fletcher Street Cottage has been a beacon of hope for the Byron Shire community, with over 13,000 visits by locals seeking help.

The rapid increase in demand for homeless services underscores the critical role this facility plays in addressing the housing crisis, rising cost of living and rental stress experienced by many in the region.

Byron Community

Centre General Manager Louise O’Connell emphasised the importance of addressing these issues, stating,

“The Byron Shire is grappling with a severe affordable housing crisis, which is exacerbated with each passing day. We urgently seek government support and sustainable funding to continue assisting the growing number of people in need.”

Though the

organisation successfully raised $400K through its Emergency Appeal, regular donors and generous support of the community, this funding falls $600K short of the required annual amount. This gap highlights the urgent need for ongoing support, ideally government funding to ensure the facility’s sustainability and uninterrupted services for its community.

Louise expressed

the organisation’s commitment to its clients, explaining, “It’s devastating for all of us at Fletcher Street Cottage to cut services, but most of all for our service users. It is a lifeline for many people in our community who are doing it tough. There has never been a more critical time to provide support to individuals and families faced with housing insecurity.”

In response to the

mounting challenges, Fletcher Street Cottage has announced that the reduced hours will commence from October 23, 2023. The facility currently has no ongoing state or federal government funding, and relies solely on grants and the generosity of donors and partners to assist Byron’s homeless and disadvantaged community.

People not only rely on access to everyday

needs like free breakfast and showers, but also for counselling, emergency relief, housing assistance, medical care and legal aid, through Community Support Workers and visiting specialist services such as Centrelink and Social Futures.

Louise stressed the urgency of the situation, adding, “We are seeing people who have never come to Fletcher Street Cottage before. Families, young people and older women who have nowhere else to turn.”

The funding challenges at Fletcher Street Cottage highlight the need for immediate and sustained support from the government and the community to ensure the ongoing provision of essential services for those experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity in the Byron Shire.

To get involved or donate go to: www. giveheart.au.

*Department of Communities and Justice: 2023 NSW Street Count

RELIEF AS GRAFTON HOSPITAL REDEVELOPMENT ESCAPES LABOR BUDGET AXE

The $263.8 million Grafton Base Hospital redevelopment secured by the former Liberal and Nationals State Government is set to proceed, NSW Government Budget papers, released on Tuesday, have confrmed.

Clarence Nationals MP Richie Williamson said he had been working cooperatively with the new Government, lobbying hard for the key project to escape Labor spending cuts in regional NSW.

“There was a real risk of a backfip after the Labor administration had said that all of the previous Government’s projects were under review.”

Mr Williamson said the Budget Papers appeared to confrm the timetable set out by the previous Government, but that he

would keep a very close eye to ensure there were no delays.

“Just over $1 million has already been spent on early planning with

the appointment of the specialist project team (Mace Projects as the Project Manager, Woods Bagot & HDR as the Architect and

Altus Group as the Cost Manager) and the development of the Clinical Services Plan,” Mr Williamson said.

A further $8.324

has been allocated in today’s State Budget for continued planning such as the master plan, detailed design, approvals, the business

case and community consultation which readies the site for major construction. The Budget papers indicate expenditure over $243.5 million over four years to 2026-27.

Mr Williamson said community consultation was vital in order to get the best possible hospital for the health needs of the local community.

“All Clarence residents are stakeholders in this critical project for a healthy local future, and all deserve to have their say,” Mr Williamson concluded.

Further information about the project is available on the NSW Health Infrastructure web site at https://www. hinfra.health.nsw.gov.au/ projects/project-search/ grafton-base-hospitalredevelopment.

Louise O’Connell, General Manager, Byron Community Centre at Fletcher Street Cottage

Richie with Grafton UHA outside GBH

RECENT CATTLE MARKET REPORTS

GRAFTON

BROUGHT TO YOU BY DONOVAN LIVESTOCK & PROPERTY PH: 02 6643 4411

GRAFTON FAT CATTLE SALE

DATE: 26/09/2023

266 TOTAL HEAD YARDED

140 EXPORT 126 YOUNG CATTLE

There was a mixed quality yarding this week, with both prime and secondary cattle on offer. Although the market for Cows & Bullocks was easier, they certainly attracted more competition compared to Store Cattle. Heavy

LISMORE

LISMORE CATTLE MARKET REPORT BROUGHT

TO YOU BY IAN WEIR & SONS - 02 6621 2768

LISMORE SALEYARDS 27TH SEPTEMBER 2023

A lighter yarding of 720 cattle were sold at the Lismore Saleyards on Wednesday.

The prediction of a dry period ahead isn’t helping

WARWICK

MC DOUGALL & SONS LIVESTOCK MARKETS WARWICK W/E 29/09/2023

Relief for Agents and vendors as the weekly Cattle sale resumed with a lower than anticipated number of stock meeting the market with a total of 782 head meeting the market. The market was still under the pump with the values down . Sheep and Lamb numbers were again up slightly with the value /head down along with the current markets. Pork and poultry was the different with the pork market being slightly frmer as well as the poultry market.

Vealer steers av 192.7c/kg topping at 280.2c/kg or

$467.48 to $888.08

Vealer heifers av 177.4c/kg topping at 256.2c/kg or

$433.63 to $711.60

Feeder steers av 216.1c/kg topping at 278.2c/kg or

$789.33 to $1153.62

Feeder heifers av 154.8c/kg topping at 196.2c/kg or

$552.09 to $1059.48

Yearling steers av 218.2c/kg topping at 346.2c/kg or

$604.47 to $1661.76

Yearling heifers av 196.5c/kg topping at 278.2c/kg or

$569.49 to $1196.26

Steers av 232.3c/kg topping at 245c/kg or $1359.55 to $1527.17

Heifers av 172.8c/kg topping at 230.2c/kg or $810.55 to $1526.28

Cows av 172.7c/kg topping at 204.2c/kg or $961.04 to $1600.00

Bullocks sold to a top of 218c/kg while the best pen of Cows reached 195c/kg which was above most centres in the state. The dry weather is pushing some plain stock onto the market and dry and fnding buyers for those is becoming harder by the day. There certainly is some excellent buying opportunities at the moment.

SALE HIGHLIGHTS

A/c Springwood Grazing sold Brahman Cross Bullocks 218.2c/kg averaged 706kg - $1,541.95 p/hd

A/c Anthony Ferris sold Brangus Bullocks 200c/kg averaged 710kg - $1,420 p/hd

A/c DG & BJ Scott sold a Brahman Cow 192c/kg

the cattle market at all. Farmers are destocking to a manageable level and not many are wanting to buy. In keeping with other markets around the country, all classes of grown cattle sold at cheaper rates.

Heavy bulls sold for $1.20 to $1.65/kg. Heavy cows $1.20 to $1.83/kg. Medium and light cows $0.40 to $1.30/kg.

Weaner steers sold to good competition this week with many 20c dearer than last week. They ranged from $1.80

Bulls av 176.8c/kg topping at 220c/kg or $886.90 to $2409.16

Sale av was 365kg at $705.13/head

Sheep & Lamb numbers were slightly higher with a higher percentage falling into the lamb and hogget range as well as ram lambs and hoggets. The mutton had some numbers but the quality was up and down.

Lambs topped at $92 to av $52.28 a rise of $3/head

Hoggets topped at $61 to av $32.23 a rise of $12/head

Ewes topped at $42 to av $12.73 a loss of $4/head

Wethers topped at $42 to av $25.73 a rise of $15/head

Rams topped at $29 to av $12.13 a loss of $15/head

Lamb rams topped at $40 to av $8.19 a loss of $15/head

Ewe lambs topped at $12 to av $10.22 a loss of $13/head

Sale av was at $37.57/head a drop of $1/head

Sows sold from $142 to $202, Boars sold to $80, Light pork from $ 100 to $174, Pork from $140 to $154 Stores from $ 25 to $160, Sows & litter from $780 to $990 Hens sold to $20, Roosters to $15, Guinea fowl to $22050, Jap Quails to $22.50, Ducklings to $30, Hen & Chicks to $40

MC DOUGALL & SONS SHEEP & LAMB REPORT

Agents today yarded a total of 2472 head to the weekly sale, the market was subdued along with similar sales in recent times. Stock was drawn from near and far with many growers unable to retain their stock as we move towards our drought times. Some stock was cancelled today due to fres and the inability to muster and load in the conditions .

Lambs topped at $92 to av $52.28($3up), hoggets topped at $61 to av $32.23($12up), Ewes topped at $42 to av

weighed 505kg - $969.60

A/c DJ Bowles sold an Angus Cross Steer 240c.kg weighed 325kg - $780

A/c Gary Sharp sold Angus Steers 198.2c/kg averaged 240kg - $475.68 p/hd

FORTHCOMING SALES

THURSDAY 5TH OCTOBER 2023 – GRAFTON STORE CATTLE SALE, GRAFTON SALEYARDS | 9AM

TUESDAY 10TH OCTOBER 2023 – GRAFTON FAT CATTLE SALE, GRAFTON SALEYARDS | 8AM

to $2.72/kg

A few good lines of light Angus heifers sold from $1.80 to $2.20/kg but most in the $1.50 the $1.70/kg range. Plain light heifers are being sold for at low prices $0.80 to $1.30kg, for returns of $150 to $280.

The weekly Wednesday sale of meatworks bulls, cows and vealers and weaners continues at Lismore Saleyards, held in conjunction with all Casino Livestock Agents.

$12.73 ($4down), Wethers topped at $42 to av $25.73 ($15up), Rams topped at $29 to av $12.13 ($15down), Lamb rams topped at $40 to av $8.19($11 down), Ewe lambs topped at $12 to av $10.22 ($13 down)

Hurley & Weiss sold Dorper lambs 62.5kg to Fletchers for $90, 59.5kg Suffolk lambs to Fletchers for $92

Alaringa Rural Enterprises sold 59.3kg Dorper lambs to Fletchers for $85, 49.5kg to Jock Young Meats for $74, hoggets 59kg to restockers for $60, ram lambs 59kg to restockers for $40

Giltrow Family sold Dorper lambs 57.5kg to Fletchers for $92, 55.8kg to Eversons for $80, 56.2kg to Warwick Meats for $80, 53kg to Eversons for $67, 48kg to Tonys Supa Meats for $80

Gall Holdings sold Dorper lambs 55kg to Eversons for $69, 41.5kg to Jock Young Meats for $47, 32kg to restockers for $23

Peters Family sold Dorper lambs 42kg to Jock Young Meats for $62, 31kg and 30kg to restockers for $34 and $18, hoggets 51kg to Kerry Hall for $50, 40kg hoggets to Eversons for $16, Ewe & Lamb units to restockers for $40

Sloss Family sold Merino ewes with a ½ wool to Fletchers for $36, wethers to Fletchers for $35, ewes to Eversons for $15

RD Past Co sold Dorper ewes to restockers for $40, to Fletchers for $32, to Eversons for $15 and $17

Acacia Park Trust sold Dorper ram hoggets 54kg to Rversons for $11, 42.5kg to Eversons for $8, Ram Lambs 45.2kg to Eversons for $8, 38.9kg to restockers for $5

Greg Fitzgerald sold Ram lambs 35.5kg to restockers for $3

OCTOBER 5, 2023

ENTERTAINMENT 8

PAGE LIFT OUT

Creatures feature at art market

The Ballina Contemporary Art Market (BCAM) is a free, one-day, fun-flled arts and cultural event taking place on Saturday 14 October from 10am7pm at the Northern Rivers Community Gallery (NRCG) & Ignite Studios creative precinct in Ballina, showcasing the creative talent of the region.

As well as more than 50 arts and crafts stalls, BCAM will also feature spectacular roving performances by internationally acclaimed theatre company Erth Visual & Physical Inc. Come and meet their incredible creatures!

Renowned for their innovative, puppetrybased performances, Erth Visual & Physical Inc.

have delighted people of all ages at festivals and events across the country including Sydney Festival, the Australian Museum, Vivid Sydney, and multiple international tours and are currently performing ‘Shark Dive’ as part of Brisbane Festival.

At Ballina Contemporary Art Market, come and meet the Australovenator dinosaur, baby Muttaburra dinosaurs, and help the deepsea diver discover treasure! Erth Visual & Physical Inc. will also be conducting a free, drop-in puppet-making workshop with all materials supplied. Everyone walks away with a puppet they create themselves.

PH: 6686 9600

ballinafaircinemas.com.au

Thursday, October 5 – Wednesday, October 11

BLUE BEETLE (M)

EXPEND4BLES (CTC) NFT

PAW PATROL: THE MIGHTY MOVIE (PG)

RUBY GILLMAN, TEENAGE KRAKEN (PG)

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA

TURTLES: MUTANT MAYHEM (PG)

Erth Visual & Physical Inc. will also be conducting a masterclass with local mixed abilities theatre company Sprung!

Integrated Dance

Theatre. Members of the Sprung! ensemble will assist Erth with the roving performances at Ballina Contemporary Art Market on October

14.

“We’re thrilled to be welcoming Erth Visual & Physical Inc and giving kids of all ages the chance to meet their amazing creatures at our free event!” said Imbi Davidson, NRCG Coordinator and co-producer of the Ballina Contemporary Art Market. “We’re also delighted to bring Erth and Sprung! together to collaborate and learn from each other.”

Additional to roving performances by Erth, Ballina Contemporary Art Market also features live music, food trucks, and free creative workshops throughout the day including weaving, collage and playing with clay. The event will close with a

twilight laneway party from 5pm, featuring local 6-piece Byron favourite the Versace Boys.

This event has been made possible through funding from the NSW Government.

Ballina Contemporary Art Market 2023

Arts, crafts, creatures and a laneway party! Free event.

Saturday 14 October

10am-5pm: Artist stalls and roving performances. 5pm-7pm: Laneway party with live music

Northern Rivers Community Gallery & Ignite Studios Creative precinct.

Cnr Cherry St and Crane St, Ballina Free event

www.ballinacontemp oraryartmarket.com.au

THE EXORCIST: BELIEVER (CTC) NFT

THE CREATOR (M) NFT THE NUN II (M)

Meet the dinosaurs at Ballina Contemporary Art Market! - Photo courtesy of Erth Visual and Physical Inc

2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 into the hexagons so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers will be the same. No number is repeated in any hexagon.

TARGET TIME N A I O R T I D A

Today’s target: 44 words average 49 words good

53+ words excellent

Find words of four letters or more. Every word must include the centre letter and each letter is used once only. Find at least one nine-letter word. No colloquial or foreign words, capitalised nouns, apostrophes, hyphens. No verbs or plural words ending in ‘s’. Solution list is not exhaustive. Ref: Macquarie Dictionary

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

This week the Sun, Mars and Mercury are all revving up your relationship and joint ventures zones. So harmonious partnerships and creative projects are highlighted. If you combine diplomacy with dynamism (and Ram charm with a sense of adventure) then you’ll sail through any challenges. Balance is the key. Your motto is from actress Claire Danes (who has the Sun in Aries and the Moon in Libra): “Relationships are a constant negotiation and balance.”

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

Remember that Jupiter (planet of expansion) and Uranus (planet of change) are both transiting through your sign. Between now and May 25 (when Jupiter moves into Gemini) it will be easier to initiate changes than at other times. So make the most of the opportunities that are around!

Your mantra for the moment is from peace activist (and birthday great) Mahatma Gandhi: “Our greatest ability as humans is not to change the world, but to change ourselves.”

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

Expect your home-life to be busy and bamboozling, as Pluto and Neptune link up with your patron planet, Mercury. Aim to be very clear in the way you communicate on Monday and Tuesday, otherwise misunderstandings are likely. Wednesday is wonderful for looking beneath the surface gloss and gaining some deeper insights. Then Mercury moves into peaceful and harmonious Libra on Thursday, which will calm your nerves and rebalance your brain.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

Calling all Crabs – are you making the most of your clever mind? This week Pluto and Mercury activate your communication and education zones. So conversation, passionate debate, informal study, detailed research and strategic thinking will take you far. But – in order to avoid misunderstandings – do your best to convey your ideas in a clear and precise way. It’s also a good time to dig deeper into a relationship problem –the answer is waiting for you to find it.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

Languid Lions love to be pampered and preened but it’s time to jump out of your comfort zone and shake up your usual routine! Jupiter and Uranus are both jumping through your public reputation zone, which encourages you to do things differently, as you banish boredom and initiate positive changes. So your motto for the moment is from birthday great, political and peace activist Mahatma Gandhi: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

The buzz words this week are confusion and obsession. On Monday, nebulous Neptune opposes Mercury (your boss planet) and life becomes confusing as a family member, work colleague or close friend stuffs up your perfectly planned schedule. Then – on Tuesday and Wednesday –you could become totally fixated on answering a question or solving a problem. With the help of passionate and persistent Pluto, there’s a good chance you’ll be successful!

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

Courtesy of your patron planet, Venus, a situation involving a class, club or friendship group should start to improve. With the Sun, Mars and Mercury visiting your sign this week, make sure your thoughts, words, actions and aspirations are all compatible and consistent. Your mantra for the moment is from birthday great, politician and peace activist Mahatma Gandhi: “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

Scorpios are drawn to extreme views, black and white thinking, and intense communication. Compulsive thoughts and bossy behaviour are certainly a danger this week, as Pluto links up with Mercury. But there are three planets in Libra, which encourage a more balanced approach as you contemplate the subtle shades of grey in-between. You can also expect flashes of ESP, an insightful dream, or a fateful meeting with someone special.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

This week, expect mental confusion and communication problems at home or work. The Sun, Mars and Mercury are moving through peace-loving Libra, in your friendship and networking zones. If you practice the gentle arts of patience and persuasion, then you’ll be surprised how much easier life can be. Draw inspiration from birthday great, peace activist Mahatma Gandhi: “Leadership at one time meant muscles; but today it means getting along with people.”

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

The Sun, Mars and Mercury are visiting your career zone, boosting your creativity, confidence and communication skills. So make the most of this celestial gift and show other people what you are truly capable of as you write that report, chair that meeting or clinch that deal. Wednesday is wonderful for doing research about an upcoming trip. Draw inspiration from birthday great, writer Anne Rice: “I’m always looking, and I’m always asking questions.”

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Flirt alert! With Venus in your partnership zone (and three planets powering through Libra) you’re at your flirtatious best as you charm the cynics and dazzle the doubters. (When amorous Aquarians are in full-on charm mode, you’re hard to resist.) Already attached? It’s time to reboot a tired relationship with some good old-fashioned romance. Singles – are you searching for your soulmate? Be on the lookout for a gregarious Gemini or a lusty Leo.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

It’s a good time to expand your world via new local friendships and peer group connections. If you link up with like-minded people, it will open doors of opportunity, professionally and personally. But Neptune (your ruler) opposes Mercury on Monday and Tuesday. So be careful what you say in person and post online, as a casual comment could lead to confusion and controversy. Commitments you make this week may not look so appealing next week!

ASTROLOGY with Joanne Madeline Moore

BEST ON THE BOX

WEDNESDAY MINISERIES: HEAT

TEN, 9pm

Premiering last week, this four-part character-driven thriller eagerly throws subtlety out the door. From Neighbours

THURSDAY GREAT AUSTRALIAN WITH JULIA

SUNDAY

EVERYTHING’S GONNA BE ALL WHITE SBS VICELAND, 9.30pm

On the brink of the Voice Referendum, this spirited American doco lays bare some hard and harsh truths about white privilege. Across four eye-opening and often witty episodes, kicking o tonight, it’s an examination of what it means to be an American during a time of heightened xenophobia, and what it’s like living in a nation of immigrants. Covering events such as the 2021 United States Capitol attack, there’s a crowd of talking heads sharing their thoughts, including comedian Margaret Cho (pictured), sports journalist Jemele Hill and Amanda Seales. Tune in for the passionate monologues.

FRIDAY, October 6

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Makers Of Modern Australia. (PGa, R) 11.00 Nick Cave And Warren Ellis At Hanging Rock. (PG, R)

2.30 Starstruck. (Ml, R) 2.55 Restoration Australia. (PG, R) 3.55 Tenable. (R)

4.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R)

5.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

6.00 The Drum. Presented by Dan Bourchier.

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

7.30 Gardening Australia. Costa Georgiadis does some paving.

8.30 Sherwood. (MA15+l) Ian and Kevin are called to the scene of a second murder. Scott remains at large.

9.30 Midsomer Murders. (Mv, R) The body of a wealthy landowner goes missing on the night of his death, exposing a web of secrets.

11.00 ABC Late News. Coverage of the day’s events.

11.20 Silent Witness. (Mav, R) The team continues to investigate the crash.

12.15 Harrow. (Final, Mav, R)

1.10 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

Herbison and director and former star Kate Kendall, this British and Aussie co-production boasts a great cast and an intense premise. Following two families on their annual holiday catchup in the Victorian countryside, the su ocating tensions inside the stylish holiday home almost overshadow the anxiety of the bush re surrounding them. Despite the growing, Brad (Darren McMullen, pictured) isn’t stirred into action as the couples’ dark secrets are revealed. Also stars Pia Miranda, Danny Dyer and Jane Allsop.

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 9.10 Cook Up Bitesize. (R) 9.15 Make Me A Dealer. (R) 10.05 Food, Sail, Love. (Premiere) 11.05 The Last Overland: Singapore To London. (PG, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Mastermind Aust. (R) 3.00

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 South America With Simon Reeve: Chile And Argentina. (PGaw)

8.40 Ancient Egypt: Chronicles Of An Empire: Women And Power. (Ma) A look at women in ancient Egypt.

9.40 U-96, The True Story Of Das Boot. Explores the story of U-96

10.40 SBS World News Late.

11.10 Unseen. (Malns)

12.05 Furia. (MA15+av, R)

3.40 Italian Food Safari. (R)

4.10 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PGa, R)

4.40 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 7News Local.

6.30 7News @ 6:30.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs meets wild food forager Diego Bonetto. Karen Martini bakes a breakfast loaf. Dr Harry Cooper gets a tour of The Giving Farm during spring-time.

8.30 MOVIE: The Accountant. (2016, MA15+v, R) A maths genius who works as an accountant for high-rolling criminals is pursued by both agents of the Treasury Department and hit men in the employ of one of his paranoid clients who is determined to silence him. Ben A eck, Anna Kendrick, J.K. Simmons.

11.05 To Be Advised.

12.30 Home Shopping.

Host Julia Zemiro

amiably chatting to her diverse guests who have ventured onto this nature-loving travel series. But, as the nal episode lands tonight, if there’s anything that viewers can take away from this refreshing amble it’s an appreciation for the natural beauty of our great outdoors and indulging in some fresh air and exercise. Tonight, Zemiro concludes her tour of 10 of Australia’s most idyllic walks at her old stomping ground in Sydney’s Bondi Beach. She meets a local with disarming images from thousands of years ago and catches up with a chess master.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current A air.

7.30 Beach House Hunters. (Premiere) Hosted by Shelley Craft.

8.30 MOVIE: The Expendables 3. (2014, Mlv, R) A team of mercenaries battles a ruthless arms trader with a grudge against their group. Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham.

11.00 MOVIE: Creed II. (2018, Mv, R)

1.20 Australia’s Top Ten Of Everything. (PG, R)

2.15 It’s All Greek To Me. (R)

2.45 Garden Gurus Moments. (R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Outdoors Indoors.

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news and events.

7.30 The Graham Norton Show. (R) Guests include Kylie Minogue.

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

9.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Mls, R) Graham is joined by Michelle Williams, Helena Bonham Carter, Brendan Fraser, Russell T Davies and Oti Mabuse.

10.30 Road To The Melbourne Cup Carnival. A look at the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

11.00 The Project. (R)

12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.00 Home Shopping. (R)

Funny Lady. Continued. (1975, PG) 7.35 Memoria. (2021, PG)

The Big Boss. (1971, M, Cantonese) Noon Happy Ending. (2018, M, Danish)

Ramen Shop. (2018, PG)

Hacker. (2019, PG, Danish) 5.25 A River Runs Through It. (1992, PG) 7.40 The Father. (2020, M) 9.30 Decision To Leave. (2022, M, Chinese) 12.05am Parasite. (2019,

(83)

Fill in the blank cells using numbers from 1 to 9. Each number can only appear once in each row, column and 3x3 block.

WHICH WORDS

Which is the correct meaning for these words?

1 AWN

(a) A pointed instrument for boring small holes

(b) The beard of barley

(c) Reverential wonder or fear

2 BUMPTIOUS

(a) Offensively self-important

(b) Plump and comely

(c) Clumsy

3 DUMOSE

(a) Bushy

(b) At the proper time

(c) Slow of learning

ALFAKODO

New AUTUMN ARRIVALS in now. 114 Main St, Murwillumbah. 0266 721224 Belle M Boutique

With great selection of leather shoes.

Here is a crossword with a di erence, all the letters of the alphabet are represented by a number in the grid and there are no clues. Some letters have been given as clues to get you started, use the code cracker grid below to keep track of each letter and their coded number.

WEEKLY CROSSWORD

4 EMULATION

(a) Agitation of mind

(b) Rivalry

(c) Sparkling

5 UNGUENT (a) Ointment

(b) A hoof

(c) A claw or nail

6 KRAAL

(a) A fabled sea-monster

(b) A deadly Indian rock snake

(c) A South African village of huts

Letters A to Z have a number value Some are shown in the right hand cells Create remaining values using clues in centre cells

N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

ALFAKODO © Ken Egan - AK1254 A B C D E F G H I J K L M

© Ken Egan - AK1254 A B C D E F G H I J K L M

15 20 7 1 12 24 21 14 6 19 2 8 18

N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

15 20 7 1 12 24 21 14 6 19 2 8 18

MEDIUM HARD 5 8 1 3 7 6 5 1 9 1 5 8 4 2 3 9 4 6 7 3 7 2 5 7 5 3 1 8 6 9 4 2 4 2 8 9 7 3 6 1 5 6 1 9 4 2 5 3 7 8 2 4 6 8 1 7 5 3 9 3 8 7 5 6 9 4 2 1 5 9 1 2 3 4 8 6 7 9 7 5 6 4 2 1 8 3 1 3 4 7 9 8 2 5 6 8 6 2 3 5 1 7 9 4 SUDOKU MEDIUM SUDOKU HARD 8 1 4 9 3 6 2 7 5 6 7 2 8 1 5 3 9 4 5 3 9 7 4 2 1 6 8 4 2 5 3 8 7 6 1 9 9 8 1 2 6 4 5 3 7 3 6 7 1 5 9 8 4 2 1 5 8 4 7 3 9 2 6 2 4 6 5 9 1 7 8 3 7 9 3 6 2 8 4 5 1

9 4 10 17 23 13 25 3 16 11 22 26 5 L L-V Y D+T M O+H Z A÷U 5

9 4 10 17 23 13 25 3 16 11 22 26 5 I U+U V W+Z J K+Q W X÷K 11 K I÷U 2 X W×K L L-V Y D+T M O+H Z A÷U 5 © Ken Egan - AK1254

ALFAKODO

Showcasing the art of our region and beyondNovember Exhibitions

Northern Rivers Community Gallery (NRCG) presents three exhibitions this November that look at expansive natural environments, the home in fux as a source of collaborative inspiration and the Byron Arts Magazine Art Prize – Finalist Exhibition, which will bring together an outstanding selection of contemporary art from the region and beyond.

Gallery Coordinator, Imbi Davidson, said “NRCG continues to support the development of arts in the region, through its graduate award program in partnership with Byron School of Art as well as working with Byron Arts Magazine to exhibit a national art prize in the heart of Ballina. This group of exhibitions brings together the best of our regions’ creative talent.”

Balance | Zani

McEnnally

Balance is Zani McEnnally’s response to the powerful landscape of the West Macdonnell Ranges in the Northern Territory.

Zani has translated

landscape. McEnnally’s practice has previously centred around ceramics and Balance sees her expanding into painting and mixed media.

BSA 2022 Graduate Award | Wind House by Todd Clare

investigations into the unresolved home. Todd begins his paintings fat on the ground, exposed to fragments of sawdust and debris that fall from the renovations of his home. He mixes these materials into

a more abstract nature of painting. Evidence of the past recedes as he sculpts and distils whilst contemplating a space that’s been lived in.

2023 BAM Art Prize

Finalist Exhibition

Presented by Byron

presenting a national art prize within the region. The exhibition showcases fnalist artworks shortlisted for the 2023 prize. This nonacquisitive prize is open to all Australian artists and brings together an outstanding collection of contemporary artworks. All exhibitions open Wednesday 18 October and continue until Saturday 10 December. The offcial exhibition launch will be held 5.30 – 7.30pm Thursday 26 October 2023.

the transformative experience of her time there into ceramic sculptural forms and painted compositions that refect the inspiration and impact of this unique

Presented in partnership with Byron School of Art (BSA), Wind House showcases the work of recent BSA graduate, Todd Clare, and is the outcome of his

paint, building up thick, textural surfaces that echo the feeling of his deconstructed home. Slowly, he refnes the works as though he is rebuilding, leaning into

Arts Magazine (BAM) in partnership with the Northern Rivers Community Gallery. The BAM Art Prize promotes awareness of the arts in the Northern Rivers by

The Northern Rivers Community Gallery is located at 44 Cherry Street Ballina and is open Wednesday to Friday from 10am until 4pm and weekends from 9.30am until 1.00pm. For further information contact the Gallery on 02 6681 0530 or visit the website www. nrcgballina.com.au

• The Exorcist: Believer (CTC)

• Expend4bles (CTC)

• Saw X (MA 15+)

• The Creator (M)

• Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie (PG)

• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mayhem (PG)

• Retribution (M)

• Ruby Gillman: Teenage Kraken (PG)

• TAYLOR SWIFT THE ERAS TOUR (M)

• 5 Nights at Freddy’s (CTC)

• Killers of the Flower Moon (CTC)

• Dumb Money (CTC)

Home Shows

THE AFTERNOON AT THE POPS: THE MUSICALS OF BROADWAY

Sunday October 29, 2023 @ 2.00pm

ANH DO: THE HAPPIEST REFUGEE

Thursday November 9, 2023 @ 7.30pm

TOM GLEESON: GEAR

Saturday November 25, 2023 @ 7.00pm

MANPOWER AUSTRALIA

Wednesday February 7, 2024 @ 7.30pm

RUNNING IN THE SHADOWS OF FLEETWOOD MAC

Friday May 17, 2024 @ 8.00pm

Todd Clare, A Long Time, 2023

Zani McEnnally, Balance 3, 2023

Winner of the 2022 BAM Art Prize, Cleo Wilkinson, Then IV, 2020

Boutique dairy producers encouraged to benchmark products.

Dairy producers from across Australia are being called on to enter the 2024 Sydney Royal Cheese & Dairy Show, with entries now open for one of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW’s (RAS) most prestigious competitions.

Since the 1870s, the RAS has been analysing dairy products with the aim of both celebrating producers who are delivering the highest quality and allowing producers to see how they stack up against their peers.

This year it is boutique dairy producers and artisans that are being encouraged to enter with 94 classes including milk, butter, cheese, gelato, yoghurt and more.

Tiffany Beer, Chair of Judges for the Sydney Royal Cheese & Dairy

Produce Show, says there is a signifcant beneft to producers who are willing to put their product forward for assessment by the best in the industry.

“Competitions like the Sydney Royal Cheese

& Dairy Produce Show offer producers a unique opportunity to not only benchmark themselves against their competitors to see where they sit in the industry but also to access some of Australia’s top judges

for individual feedback,” Beer said.

“It’s been a diffcult few years for the dairy industry and we have continued to face countless challenges, however amongst that we continue to see many

boutique dairy producers popping up within the industry and I call on them to enter. Smaller up and coming producers can beneft enormously from putting their products to the test and receiving such specifc

industry advice.”

“Our judges come from all parts of the industry, so producers will receive feedback not only on the product quality but also how it fts into the wider industry.”

Entries for the competition are open for 4 weeks only, closing on 18 October 2023, so interested applicants are encouraged to apply early.

Judging for the 2024 competition will take place from 5th - 8th February, with winners announced at the Sydney Royal Cheese & Dairy Awards on 15th February.

For more information or to enter the competition, please visit www.rasnsw.com. au/competitions/foodbeverage-and-produce/ cheese-dairy-details/

CSIRO launches free program targeting SME innovation in agrifood

Start-ups and small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) eager to shape the future of innovation in the agrifood sector are invited to register for a new online learning program, ‘Innovate to Grow: Agrifood’, led by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency. The free 10-week online program is designed to help Australian SMEs assess how they can advance their technologies, solutions and ideas through research and development (R&D). The program is bolstered by CSIRO’s

Trusted Agrifood Exports Mission and Future Protein Mission.

The Trusted Agrifood Exports Mission aims to increase the value of Australian food premiums by $10 billion by 2030 through building trust in the safety, quality and provenance of our agrifood.

The Future Protein Mission seeks to leverage increasing global demand for high quality protein to create new Australian protein products and ingredients that earn an additional $10 billion in revenue by 2030.

The program will begin 2 November and is available for a limited number of SMEs working across the following sub-sectors;

• Complementary proteins

• Meat and meat processing

• Agriculture

• Aquaculture

• Livestock

• Beverage and/or fermentation

• Food product manufacturing

• Other sub-sectors considered

Dr Ryan McAllister, Trusted Agrifood Exports Mission Lead, said SMEs will

play a pivotal role in transforming the agrifood sector and the program will equip them with the tools to do just that.

“This initiative represents a step toward modernising how supply chains support agricultural exports, with programs such as Innovate to Grow set to equip SMEs with the insight required to play a part in achieving this mission,” Dr McAllister said.

“Our mission is centred around helping producers get their products into discerning markets that are willing

to pay a premium for Australian quality and safety, fortifed with trusted data that upholds our national brand.”

Dr Monika Szabo, CSIRO’s SME Collaboration Manager, encouraged SMEs to capitalise on this opportunity to help translate their ideas into viable commercial opportunities and understand how R&D can beneft their business.

“Over the course of this program, CSIRO and industry sector experts will equip you with the skills to assess the viability of

your innovation, build a business case and prepare a strong funding application.”

Upon completion of the program, eligible participants may have the opportunity to access facilitation support, through CSIRO, to connect to research expertise nationally, along with dollar-matched R&D funding.

Expressions of interest for CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow: Agrifood program are now open and will close on Sunday 15 October 2023.

CSIRO launches free program targeting SME innovation in agrifood

Restoration project helping revitalise Tenterfeld Creek back after devastating weather events

OzFish Unlimited

The relentless dedication of the OzFish Unlimited Northern Tablelands Chapter has ignited a series of restoration initiatives aimed at rejuvenating Tenterfeld Creek.

The vital waterway faced signifcant challengers following a series of weather-related events and it’s now on a path to recovery, breathing new life for native fsh under the surface and into the community.

Tenterfeld Creek was one of the many rivers

across Australia which bore the brunt of the 2019/20 bushfres. The devastation was made worse when the area was then fooded, which led to Tenterfeld’s water supply being shut off for nine months. A hailstorm caused further damage before more bushfres hit the area in 2021/22.

The OzFish Northern Tablelands Chapter volunteers have undertaken an ambitious mission to restore the creek, ensuring its ecological health and the sustained well-being of the local fsh population.

OzFish members received support from the Habitat Action Grants by the NSW Department of Primary Industries’ Recreational Fishing Trusts and the local Gunimma Native Nursery was also called upon and immediately begun restoration work in the area.

Earthmovers have now started repairing the riverbank to fx an erosion problem which is putting a massive sediment load in the waterway.

Thousands of native grasses are being planted to flter the water and

provideinsect fall for native fsh and three tonnes of rocky habitat is being installed in deeper spots in the creek to provide shelter and spawning areas for the native fsh.

The creek is home to a variety of fsh including golden perch, Murray cod and the threatened purple spotted gudgeon .

Harry Davey, OzFish Project Offcer –Northern Basin and also a local resident, said the community is getting revitalised as well as the creek.

Mr Davey said the current restoration

work is a special one as it is being done to honour the memory of local landowner Merv McCasker, who was integral to helping the project get up and running. Sadly, he passed away earlier this year.

“It’s important for us as community members to get it completed in Merv’s memory. He would always engage the Traditional Owners and employed young workers from BackTrack Youth Works at Tenterfeld and the Moombahlene Local Aboriginal Land Council for all the work we’ve

done out on the site.

“That’s just the kind of guy he was, He’s the kind of landowner we wish we had for every project. He would donate machinery and wouldn’t take money for the fencing, insisting on paying for it himself.”

The project is part of many undertaken by OzFish to improve the habitats of local fsh species and it will ensure the health of Tenterfeld Creek will be upgraded and revitalised for generations to come.

This is a joint project by OzFish and the NSW Recreational Fishing

Volunteers at the Tenterfeld Creek project.

Tweed urged to save water to delay restrictions

Dam expected to fall 1 to 1.5% per week, Tyalgum supply critically low

Tweed’s water supply. Water and Wastewater Business and Assets Manager Michael Wraight said without signifcant rain, the Tweed will head into water restrictions, with restrictions for Tyalgum looking likely in the next few weeks.

at 98% capacity, it will now drop about 1 to 1.5% per week as we start releasing water to supply the Bray Park Weir – the source of water for most of the Shire.

save water, especially outdoors, where water is typically used the most.

per person per day, so we still have a way to go.

Following last week’s El Nino declaration by the Bureau of Meteorology and less-than-average rainfall now forecast for the Northern Rivers, Council is urging everyone in the Tweed to save water to prolong the

“We source our water from the Tweed River at Bray Park and Uki, plus the Oxley River at Tyalgum. The river fows are down and the weir pools at Bray Park and Tyalgum are drying up,” Mr Wraight said.

“While Clarrie Hall Dam is currently sitting

“We will trigger level 1 water restrictions when the Clarrie Hall Dam level drops to 85%.

“Restrictions at Tyalgum will be introduced sooner. The fow of the Oxley River at Tyalgum is down to a trickle and the weir pool there is dropping fast.”

Mr Wraight called on everyone in the Tweed to rally together to

“Even when there are no water restrictions, Council encourages everyone in the Tweed to save water and meet Target 160: where every individual uses less than 160 litres of water per day. If each of us can meet this target and continue to do so, we can delay the need to impose water restrictions.

“The Tweed community has been doing a good job in recent weeks by almost meeting Target 160. Last week we used 170 litres

“There are actions we can all take to reduce our daily water use. From today, please clean hard outdoor surfaces with a broom rather than a hose, mulch your garden, keep your showers to four minutes, do full loads of washing and fx your water leaks.

“We all have the power to ensure our limited water supply lasts as long as possible.”

Go to tweed.nsw. gov.au/water-savingsrestrictions for more tips on saving water indoors and outdoors.

In 2020, Council permanently banned water carting from the Tyalgum and Uki water supply systems. Whenever water restrictions are triggered, Council bans water carting from elsewhere in the Tweed to other local government areas.

Council is currently completing planning works for the proposed raising of Clarrie Hall Dam to increase the volume of water that can be stored, securing the Tweed’s water supply in the face of climate change and population growth.

This is a river, not a creek – the fow of Oxley River at Tyalgum has reduced to a trickle.

While Clarrie Hall Dam is currently sitting at 98% capacity, it will drop about 1 to 1.5% per week as Council starts releasing water to supply the Bray Park Weir.

Greenhouse credentials of Australia’s canola industry recognised by the European Commission

New analysis from CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, has led to the European Commission’s recognition of the Australian canola industry’s low-emissions credentials for the second time, enabling local canola growers continued access to lucrative international markets.

Australia is a major supplier of canola to the European Union (EU) biodiesel market, with over 1.8 million tonnes exported annually to

European countries.

CSIRO’s report, Greenhouse gas emissions from the cultivation of canola oilseed in Australia, looked at the footprint of Australian canola growing at every stage, from fertilisers to pesticide use and found it met the European Commission’s greenhouse gas (GHG) savings targets for biofuels entering the EU transportation fuel market.

Speaking at an international canola

conference in Sydney, CSIRO’s Dr Maartje Sevenster said the report, now approved by the European Commission, gives EU biofuel producers the certainty that they can source canola from Australia and still meet the GHG savings target.

“This demonstrates that the emissions of Australia’s canola industry are well below the default allowing Australian canola growers to maintain access to important EU markets,” Dr Sevenster

said.

“To secure this ongoing certainty for our growers, we needed to demonstrate once again that canola can be grown at a low enough carbon footprint so that once all processes of shipping and refning are added, the fnal product can be delivered within the target emissions range.

“From 2 October this year, Australian canola will be used in European biofuels with the updated carbon footprint results.”

CEO of the Australian Oilseeds Federation

Nick Goddard welcomed the news and said it was another boost for Australia’s canola industry, now the country’s second most valuable grain crop after wheat.

“This shows our canola farmers are leading the way in demonstrating solid environmental standards and social licence to operate,” he said.

“Australia remains one of only a few nonEuropean countries that continue to demonstrate low GHG emissions

for canola production globally.”

The report, commissioned by the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, is the second prepared by CSIRO supporting the competitiveness of the Australian canola industry in the European biofuel market.

The frst report was approved by the European Commission in 2017.

Habitat restoration enhances Bundaleer’s reputation as fshing paradise

OzFish Unlimited

OzFish UnlimitedAustralia’s fshing conservation charity and SA Water have joined forces to help revitalise Bundaleer Reservoir to create better habitat for native fsh species.

Following on from the success of similar projects at Warren Reservoir in 2021 and 2022, OzFish members from the Barossa-Mid North Chapter rolled up their sleeves at the renowned fshing location in the Clare Valley region of South Australia.

The restoration will directly support target species such as golden perch, silver perch and Murray cod.

“We constructed six complex habitat structures made from Eucalyptus limbs and branches,” said Rachel Williams, OzFish Project Manager - South Australia.

“Many fsh species rely on woody habitat, and with no old growth trees on the banks of the reservoir, there is limited natural input of timber.

“This will be great for recreational fshers. We hope that this gives native fsh numbers a real boost.

“As they are ambush predators, the fsh will start using these structures almost immediately and will give them a place to weave in and out, breed and feed but also rest.”

The volunteers were led by Chapter president Luke Chamings. They

used chainsaws to create the structures from fallen branches before they were carefully, attached to limestone rocks to anchor them to the bottom of the reservoir.

After the structures were created by OzFish volunteers, SA Water then deployed them at

specifc sites identifed by GPS mapping as the ideal locations for the local fsh populations. The grant for the project was administered by SA Water through the Reservoirs Partnership Program which aims to champion conservation, education

or recreation, and help connect communities with the state’s reservoir reserves for their enjoyment and preservation.

SA Water’s Senior Manager of Environment and Energy James Crocker said the initiative will help improve fsh health in Bundaleer Reservoir and support the recreational fshing experience for visitors.

“Conservation projects such as this one with OzFish are incredibly valuable to helping sustain the reservoir’s native fsh population, by providing these habitats as a source of food and shelter,” he said.

This project was made possible via funding from SA Water through the Reservoirs Partnership Program and OzFish, supported by BCF - Boating, Camping, Fishing.

CSIRO scientists Dr Xue-Rong Zhou and Dr Matt Nelson are at the forefront of canola innovation

Senior CSIRO scientist Dr Surinder Singh who has engaged in extensive research in canola.

The Bundaleer project.

White spot decontamination enters fnal stage

Northern NSW prawn farms have entered the fnal stage of white spot decontamination as part the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) response to eradicate white spot from the three affected farms.

NSW Chief Veterinary Offcer, Jo Coombe, said the decontamination and water discharge process is complete at the three Clarence River prawn farms where white spot was detected in early 2023.

“Consumers can continue to safely purchase and enjoy Clarence River prawns and seafood from local seafood suppliers,” Dr Coombe said.

“NSW DPI appreciates the support of affected producers to contain and eradicate white spot on their farms, as we work with industry to implement appropriate biosecurity measures to minimise risk of further spread.

“Now on-farm decontamination activities are fnished,

prawn farm ponds will be left empty to fallow for 40 days.”

Dr Coombe said the safe discharge of treated

standards were met before, during and after the discharge.

“NSW EPA offcers monitored the

surrounding environment and waterways, measuring water quality during discharge into the estuary.

“The treated water discharged from the farms met all the EPA’s water quality criteria for release into the environment and confrmed the water

being discharged was safe for people, aquatic life and livestock.”

NSW DPI is conducting ongoing testing and surveillance of prawns and other decapod crustaceans from the local area.

White spot affects crustaceans and can cause mortalities in

farmed prawns. It does not affect other species.

NSW prawns and seafood remain safe to consume.

White spot in crustaceans poses no threat to human health and safety. More information about white spot is available on the NSW DPI website.

water from each of the properties was a key step in the eradication process.

“NSW DPI worked closely with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) which set strict provisions for the discharge of water to ensure there was no impact on the environment or river users,” she said.

“Authorised offcers regularly tested water quality and ensured strict environmental protection

Fisheries compliance operation underway for school holidays

Fisheries Offcers across the state will be joining forces for NSW Department of Primary Industries’ (DPI) newly launched Operation Alpha Delta, commencing this October long weekend on the NSW South Coast.

NSW DPI Deputy Director General Sean Sloan said the mission of Operation Alpha Delta is to detect, disrupt and report illegal, unreported and unregulated fshing activity on the NSW south coast.

“Over the last few years, we have seen a dramatic increase in diving for lobsters and Abalone on the South Coast, with more and more participants emerging each year,” Mr Sloan said.

“This has also coincided with an increase in land-based rock fshing and intertidal collecting.

“While the majority of recreational anglers support recreational bag

and size limits, there are those who intentionally set out to break the rules and whose actions impact heavily on the sustainability of our fsheries resources.

“Operation Alpha Delta objectives are to conduct high profle and overt operations to reduce the risk to the fsheries resource

through increasing awareness and fostering compliant behaviour through education and engagement. It also aims to reduce inadvertent, opportunistic, and intentional offending through compliance monitoring and enforcing fsheries laws.

“Fisheries Offcers will target from Shoalhaven

in the North down to the Victorian border in the South. In addition, Fisheries Offcers will be out across the state this spring and summer ensuring fshers are following the rules to help safeguard our fsh stocks for current and future generations.”

Two of the fve keystone Marine

Parks in the NSW Marine Estate, Jervis Bay Marine Park and Batemans Marine Park will also be targeted.

Mr Sloan said daily bag and possession limits have been established to ensure that recreational fshers can share the resource and lawfully take a reasonable number of each species.

Minimum size limits are prescribed for some species to minimise the risk to fsh stocks by ensuring enough adult fsh to maintain sustainable populations. Removing fsh from the fsheries resource before they have a chance to breed can detrimentally affect the sustainability of fsh stocks for future generations.

“This summer if you are out and about and enjoying the opportunity to fsh or collect on our beautiful South Coast of NSW, please make sure you know your fsh bag and size limits, protected species and our Marine Park Sanctuary Zones where fshing is prohibited and don’t forget to get a fshing license.”

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

NSW Environment Protection Authority staff testing water quality in the Clarence River to ensure strict environmental protection standards were met. Water discharged from the farms met all the EPA’s water quality standards for release into the environment and is safe for people, aquatic life and livestock.

10 Essential Items to Pack When Travelling

By Liam Jennings

Traveling is an exciting adventure, but it can quickly turn stressful if you’re not adequately prepared. The key to a smooth journey lies in thoughtful packing. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or planning your frst trip, having the right essentials can make all the difference. So, we’ll explore the top 10 essential items to pack when traveling, ensuring your journey is comfortable, safe, and enjoyable.

1. Passport, Visa, and Travel Documents

Starting with the basics, your passport, visa (if required), and travel documents are non-negotiable. Always double-check the expiration date of your passport well in advance of your trip and ensure you have all necessary visas. Make photocopies or digital scans of these documents and store them separately from the originals as a precaution.

2. Money and Payment Methods

Financial preparedness

is crucial. Carry some local currency, in cash is the best. Also, bring your credit/debit cards and inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid any card holds. A money belt or concealed pouch can add an extra layer of security.

3. Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is often overlooked but is a vital part of your trip. It can cover unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and more. Research and purchase insurance that suits your needs and carry a physical copy of your policy details.

4. Medications and Health Essentials

If you take prescription medications, ensure you have an adequate supply for your trip, along with a copy of your prescription. It’s also wise to pack a basic frst aid kit, which may include items like pain relievers, adhe-sive bandages, antiseptic wipes, and any personal medications you might need. This might need to change de-pending on if you’re doing hikes,

walking trails etc.

5. Travel Adapter and Chargers

In today’s tech-driven world, staying connected is often a priority. Don’t forget to pack a universal travel adapter to ft various electrical outlets at your destination. Also, remember to bring chargers for your devices, such as phones, cameras, and laptops. A portable charger or power bank can be a lifesaver on long journeys or when outlets are scarce.

6. Clothing and Weather-Appropriate Gear

Packing clothing appropriate for your destination’s climate is essential. Research the weather forecast and choose versatile, layered clothing that can adapt to different conditions. Don’t forget essentials like underwear, socks, and comfortable walking shoes suitable for walking and exploring. Packing cubes or compression bags can help maximise suitcase space and keep your clothes organised.

7. Travel-Sized

Toiletries

Toiletries are often available at your destination, but having your own essentials can be more convenient and hygienic. opt for travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, and a toothbrush. A microfber towel is a handy spacesaver and dries quickly. If you also have certain skin conditions, it is safer to bring your own toiletries as you don’t want to risk having a reaction, as majority of the items in hotels and hostels will not be labelled with ingredients.

8. Travel Pillow, Eye Mask and Ear Plugs

Comfort is essential, especially on long fights or bus rides. A travel pillow provides neck support, making it easier to sleep during transit. An eye mask can block out unwanted light, helping you catch some much-needed rest. As for those noisy fights, cars, busses, or hostels, it is a good idea to have some ear plugs o=to block out the noise around you.

9. Travel Locks and Security Measures

Protect your belongings by investing in quality travel locks. Lock your luggage to deter theft and consider us-ing cable locks for securing your bag to stationary objects in shared accommodations. Additionally, consider RFID-blocking wallets or pouches to safeguard your credit card information from electronic theft. Also, a new thing that is circulating is Apple Tags, which you can place in your bag, and it tracks it straight to your iPh-one, in case your items are lost or stolen.

10. Entertainment and Travel Guide

Entertainment items like books, magazines, or a tablet loaded with movies and music can make time fy dur-ing long journeys. Travel guides or smartphone apps specifc to your destination are invaluable for navigating and discovering local attractions, restaurants, and cultural insights.

Bonus: Personal Touches

While not strictly essential, adding

personal touches can enhance your travel experience. This might include a journal to record your adventures, a small gift from your home country to share with locals you meet, or a lan-guage phrasebook to help with communication.

Packing for a trip can be a daunting task, but with careful planning and attention to these 10 essential items to pack when travelling, you can ensure a more enjoyable and stress-free travel experience. Tailor your packing list to suit your specifc needs and destination and remember that packing light is often the key to convenience. Most importantly, pack with the mindset that your journey is not just about the destination but also about the experiences you’ll have along the way. With these 10 essential items to pack when travelling, your trip should be a whole lot more enjoyable.

FIAT 500E: A CHARMING EUROPEAN ICON GOES ELECTRIC IN AUSTRALIA

By Jeff Gibbs

The Fiat 500, a beloved European classic, has made its way to the Australian market in an all-new, pure-electric avatar. Despite its iconic Italian design, the Fiat 500 has not been a massive success in Australia. Now, parent company Stellantis is introducing the Fiat 500e, a fully electric city car, hoping to capture the hearts of Australians. Priced at $52,500 plus on-road costs, the Fiat 500e showcases its Bellissima Italian charm, but can it justify its price tag? For enthusiasts of its distinctive design, it might already be halfway there.

Pricing and Models:

The 2023 Fiat 500e is available in Australia in a single La Prima model grade, starting at $52,500 plus on-road costs. With options considered and location factored in, the price translates to just over $58,000 drive-away.

Features and Variants: While the Fiat 500e is offered in a single La Prima model grade, it provides a range of colour options, although some popular choices

may not be readily available. Standard features include 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, LED headlights, a fxed glass panoramic roof, and tinted windows.

Safety and Technology: The 2023 Fiat 500e comes with a four-star safety rating based on Euro NCAP standards. It is equipped with a suite of safety features, including six airbags, autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, and more. The tech inside

the Fiat 500e refects a blend of modernity and inspiration from the original Fiat 500, featuring round dials and a 10.25-inch central touch-screen offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and digital radio.

Performance and Driving Experience: Powered by a small electric motor, the Fiat 500e delivers a zippy and athletic performance, despite its modest power output. The handling is nimble and agile, making it easy to manoeuvre through

city streets. The three driving modes, Normal, Range, and Sherpa, offer fexibility to suit various driving preferences and conditions.

Interior and Practicality: The interior of the 2023 Fiat 500e exhibits improved build quality and materials compared to its petrolpowered predecessors. While some aspects of the cabin may not entirely justify the price, there are thoughtful design elements and comfortable seating. The rear seating is more suitable for two

passengers, and folding the rear seat signifcantly increases cargo space.

Conclusion: While the 2023 Fiat 500e might face challenges in a market with vast distances to cover, its European charm, driving range, and compact design make

it an appealing choice, especially for city and suburban driving. For those enamoured by its adorable design, the Fiat 500e is certainly worth considering.

Specifcations at a Glance:

• Price: $52,500 (plus on-road costs)

• Available: Now

• Powertrain: Single permanent magnet synchronous motor

• Output: 87kW/220Nm

• Transmission:

Single-speed reduction gear

• Battery: 42kWh lithium-ion

• Range: 310km (WLTP)

• Energy consumption: 14.4kWh/100km (WLTP)

• Safety rating: Fourstar (ANCAP 2021)

HYUNDAI TWEAKS KEY SPECS FOR KONA ELECTRIC LAUNCH SOON

By Jeff Gibbs

Details Emerge on Australia’s 2023

Hyundai Kona Electric: Choice of Powertrains and Trim Levels on the Horizon Hyundai Australia has unveiled initial details about the upcoming 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric,

the electric version based on the recently released all-new Hyundai Kona. Set to arrive in Australia by year-end, this zero-emissions small SUV will offer two powertrains and two trim levels, providing versatility and options for potential buyers.

Hyundai Australia

has confrmed that the second-generation Kona EV will come with two battery pack options: a 48.6kWh battery for the Standard Range and a 64.8kWh battery for the Long Range variant. The Long Range model is expected to achieve a maximum range of around 500km, providing

ample driving distance for electric vehicle enthusiasts.

The Standard Range Kona Electric will be powered by a 99kW/255Nm electric motor, while the Long Range variant will boast a more potent 150kW/255Nm unit. Both models

CRAIGS FLOAT HIRE

will drive the front axle, maintaining a front-wheel-drive confguration similar to the previous generation. These details diverge slightly from previous global announcements, emphasizing the specifc offerings for the Australian market. The battery capacity for the Standard Range variant has been updated to 48.6kWh, deviating slightly from the initial communication.

Additionally, the power output for the Standard Range Kona Electric has decreased by 1kW/140Nm compared to the predecessor, a change from the originally planned 15kW increase. Although the variant line-up for the Australian market is yet to be offcially confrmed by Hyundai, it is expected to mirror the two-powertrain, two-trim level structure seen in

the previous model. This indicates a potential four-variant portfolio for the new Kona Electric in Australia. Key equipment highlights across the range include active air faps, 1700W vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, a head-up display, i-Pedal driving mode, smart regenerative braking system, battery pre-conditioning, heat pump, battery heater, and over-the-air updates. The Long Range model also boasts impressive charging capabilities, with a claimed ability to recharge from 10-80% in approximately 43 minutes when connected to a DC fast-charger.

Hyundai Australia CEO Ted Lee expressed excitement about this showcase, highlighting the company’s dedication to bringing advanced electrifed vehicles to the Australian market.

Is Fiat’s Electric Charm Worth the Hefty Price Tag for the Compact 500e in Australia?

HYUNDAI STARIA HYBRID

THE “WILD 20-23” CONCEPT OFFERS A SNEAK PEEK AT THE UPCOMING SPORTY NISSAN MICRA

By Jeff Gibbs

Hyundai has been observed testing a hybrid prototype of its Staria model in Korea, hinting at a direct competitor for the upcoming Kia Carnival

introduction of a hybrid option for the related Kia Carnival during its mid-life update.

Visually, the spied Staria closely resembles its combustion-powered counterpart, implying that distinctions

By Jeff Gibbs

electric motor might produce 44kW and 264Nm. In comparison to other hybrid models by Hyundai and Kia, the Staria HEV’s total system outputs differ slightly due to a unique tune. Notably,

hybrid. Initially, the uncamoufaged appearance of the parked Staria suggested a combustion-powered production model until close examination of stickers on the vehicle revealed a different story. The stickers bore the text “US4 HEV,” with US4 being the internal codename for the Staria and HEV indicating Hyundai Motor Group’s hybrid acronym. Although Hyundai has not offcially announced a hybrid Staria model, it aligns with the

might be limited to hybrid-specifc features such as digital instrument cluster screens or infotainment touchscreen. Reports suggest that Hyundai is likely to utilize the 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid powertrain found in the Santa Fe Hybrid and Tucson Hybrid, with a total system output of 171kW.

According to Korean Car Blog, the hybrid Staria’s turbocharged engine could generate a maximum of 134kW and 270Nm, while the

the current-generation Staria’s diesel and petrol engines offer lower power compared to the corresponding powertrains in the Kia Carnival. Moreover, the hybrid Staria is not the sole electrifed variant in the pipeline. In 2021, Hyundai revealed plans to introduce a hydrogen fuel-cell version of the Staria, slated for a 2023 release, although details about the Staria FCEV have been relatively sparse since the announcement.

Nissan Europe commemorates the 20th anniversary of its London-based design studio by unveiling an exciting concept named the Nissan 20-23. This concept provides a glimpse into the future of Nissan’s next-generation, all-electric Micra hatch, drawing inspiration from their engagement in Formula E. The concept embodies a racing-inspired hatch design, featuring a broad wheelbase, sizable wheels accommodated by broad wheel-arches, a prominent front splitter, deep side skirts, a substantial diffuser, and a large bi-wing rear spoiler. Other striking elements include a roof scoop, racing numbers, subtle fender extractors, and scissor-style doors. Despite the audacious styling, the 20-23 concept serves as our initial preview of the upcoming Nissan Micra expected to debut in 2026. The new Micra will utilize

the Renault-NissanMitsubishi Alliance’s CMF-EV architecture, also shared with the upcoming Renault 5 and the sportier Alpine A290. Retaining design elements from the concept, the Micra showcases a two-piece circular LED light cluster and a distinctive black foating roof. Stepping inside the 20-23 concept, you are greeted by a strippeddown, racing-inspired cockpit that deviates signifcantly from the production car. This interior houses a unique yoke-style steering wheel, bucket seats, and a substantial oval structure accommodating the ultrawide screen used for both the instrument cluster and infotainment unit. While specifc powertrain details for the Nissan 20-23 remain undisclosed, being based on the CMF-EV platform suggests it will feature a multi-link rear axle, potentially offering superior handling compared to recent

battery-powered hot hatches like the Abarth 500e.

Expected to be manufactured alongside the Renault 5, the upcoming Nissan Micra’s most extreme version is likely to share its powertrain with the 160kW Alpine A290. On the other hand, regular models are anticipated to possess a 100kW front-mounted motor and a 40kWh lithiumion battery, delivering an estimated range of 400km.

The preceding fourthgeneration Micra had a limited presence in Australia before being quietly phased out in 2016. In 2020, there were speculations of Nissan Australia considering the import of the ffth-gen Micra, but the declining demand for compact passenger cars likely halted those plans. However, the prospect of an affordable EV priced below $40K might reignite interest, making it a development worth watching closely.

Employment White Paper – putting VET on an equal footing

Master Builders Australia

The peak building and construction industry association, Master Builders Australia, has today commended the Federal Government’s ambitious education priorities that seek to put VET on an equal footing with higher education.

The building and construction industry has faced critical labour shortages and appropriate skill levels which dampens economic recovery and productivity growth says Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn.

“Developing an informed and evidencebased roadmap for Australia to build a bigger, better-trained, and more productive workforce is critical to our nation’s ongoing success.

“Improving productivity requires a multifaceted approach. Doing more with less is what will allow Australia to achieve better economic and societal

outcomes.

“The investments in skills and training, better integration of tertiary education, and the development of higher and bachelor-equivalent apprenticeships will help address the bias that exists with going to university over VET.

“However, the role of not-for-profit, industryled registered training organisations should be recognised in developing these pathways.

“Construction is the backbone of the Australian economy, employing approximately 1.3 million people, providing infrastructure, commercial and community buildings, and homes for the growing population.

“The nature of work in the industry is evolving due to increasing business specialisation, more offsite building, technology integration, and complex regulatory requirements but what we know is vocational education is and will remain crucial to the workforce.

“Understanding the emerging and future workforce skills needs is critical for ensuring flexible pathways in the industry that meet the changing and diverse needs of workers, businesses, and employers.

“Master Builders is committed to a net zero built environment and investing in ensuring we have enough skilled workers to meet this transition will be key,” Ms Wawn said.

Earlier this year, Master Builders released its blueprint for futureproofing the building and construction industry’s workforce which forecast the need for 486,000 new

entrants into the industry over the next three years.

“The building and construction industry needs to attract around 230,000 technicians and tradies, the vast majority of whom will need to enter the industry through a trade apprenticeship.

“Policies that prioritise attracting, recruiting, training and retaining workers in the industry will be vital to ensure Australia’s housing and infrastructure needs can be delivered.

“The Employment White Paper has also rightly referenced the challenge of female participation in the building and construction

industry.

“Improving the attractiveness of the industry to women presents a massive opportunity to increase the pool of potential workers.

“The Women Building Australia program is one example of an industryled initiative to provide appropriate mentorship and support for women entering the industry which has helped see an uptick of female participation over recent years.

“We look forward to continuing working closely with the Government to help meet the objectives in the White Paper and thank the Treasurer for his collaboration and constructive consultation with the industry,” said Ms Wawn.

However, the roadmap and policy directions within the paper are being undermined by the far-reaching industrial relations Bill being pursued by Minister Burke.

“We need to be making it easier to do business,

foster job creation and sustainable wages growth, encourage new entrants, and reverse flat lining productivity –which the Government’s IR Bill seeks to do the opposite.

“With 98 per cent of businesses in building and construction being small business, more can be done to simplify complex and inconsistent regulatory requirements so tradies can spend less time in the back office and more time on the tools, growing their business and employing more people.

“Conditions that support business success, support higher levels of employment. Reducing the complexity and time spent by businesses on regulatory obligations and administrative tasks will free up time for the money-making part of business operations.

“The IR legislation is completely inconsistent with the long-held concepts that underpin the workplace relations system and productive labour market,” Ms Wawn said.

Deadline for ‘DIY’ tax returns just around the corner

Australian Taxation Office

As the 31 October deadline approaches, the Australian Taxation office (ATO) is reminding people to lodge their returns or engage with a registered tax agent to avoid late lodgment penalties.

ATO Assistant Commissioner Rob

Thomson said more than 7.9 million people have already lodged their returns, which is about 400,000 less lodgments than this time last year.

‘If your long weekend plans are filled with DIY projects, how about you add your ‘DIY’ tax return to the list?’ Mr Thomson said.

People with simple affairs can lodge online, often in under 30

minutes, through myGov. Most of the information you need will already be pre-filled – just check it’s correct, add any additional income, and claim the deductions you’re entitled to.

‘DIY projects can get pretty complicated, but unlike flatpack furniture, doing your own tax return can be simple thanks to the data we pre-fill for you and the in-built help. But if you do need some help, you may like to speak with a tax agent to give you a hand.’

‘Remember to only use a registered tax agent, and to get on their books by 31 October,’ Mr Thomson said.

To check whether an agent is registered, visit the Tax Practitioners’ Board register.

The ATO is also reminding people to make sure their claims for work-related expenses accurately reflect their working arrangements this year –

don’t just copy and paste claims from last year.

‘We want people to get their deductions right on the first go and claim what they are entitled to – nothing more, nothing less. We have a series of 40 occupation and industry-specific guides which you should have a look at.’

‘It may be tempting to boost your refund by leaving out income or inflating your deductions – but remember, we have sophisticated data analytics that will pick up returns that look suspicious.’

The ATO is reminding the community that the outcome of their tax returns this year may be different than in previous years, with some people receiving a lower refund than expected, or even a tax bill.

‘If you don’t receive a refund this year and you don’t have a bill, it means you’ve paid the correct amount of tax throughout the year. You may receive a bill for a number of reasons, one of which could be because you didn’t pay enough tax,’ Mr Thomson said.

The ATO is also reminding the community that the due date for payment is 21 November, regardless of when you lodge. If you are using a registered tax agent your due date may be later.

‘If you’ve received a tax bill, you need to pay it in full and on time to avoid interest charges. If you are experiencing financial difficulties, we’re here to help. You can contact us or speak to your tax agent before the due date to discuss the support available,’ Mr Thomson said.

Smart Investing in a Recovering Market:

LocalAgentFinder Offers Insights into Interest Rates, Home Values, and Record Listings in Australia

LocalAgentFinder, Australia’s leading real estate agent comparison platform, offers insights into the current real estate market in Australia, analysing the implications of the further hold on interest rates by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) and its long-term effects for property investors. Despite infationary pressures, the decision to keep interest rates on pause at 4.1% is a welcome development for property investors and property owners alike, especially after rates of mortgage stress hit an all-time high in July. As Australia’s real estate market navigates a phase of recovery and growth, substantial shifts in home values, investor interest, and new listings are being observed across numerous cities, refecting the broad scope of this upward trend on a national scale. According to CoreLogic, Australia

saw a signifcant 0.8% increase in home values in August, which bodes well for the overall health of the real estate sector. Major cities such as Brisbane, Adelaide, and Sydney played a crucial role in this growth, registering home value gains between 1.15% and 1.5%.[1]

Specifcally, Brisbane has experienced a remarkable 6.2% surge in home values since February, signalling a revitalisation not just confned to Sydney’s booming market. Richard Stevens, CEO of LocalAgentFinder, observes that “Property investment is a highly nuanced landscape,” suggesting that investors should adopt a multi-dimensional understanding of market dynamics across various locations. With cooling infation and talk of the likely peak of interest rates on the horizon, the Australian housing market is poised to

attract more buyers and sellers over the coming months, making it a fertile ground for investment opportunities. While Sydney, along with other burgeoning markets like Brisbane and Adelaide, has seen an increase in property and investor listings, this doesn’t tell the full story. The current activity suggests that the market is dynamic, offering opportunities for quick sales and more favourable terms. However, this environment also signals that property owners and investors are actively recalibrating their strategies in response to various economic pressures.

“For those looking to sell, being in market during the spring selling period provides sellers with a great opportunity to realise signifcant capital gains with the right selling strategy in place,” said Richard Stevens, CEO of LocalAgentFinder.

“Beyond the traditional metrics, the latest data from CoreLogic underscores this opportunity. The interplay between rising home values and the increase in listings, even outside the customary selling seasons, points to a unique dynamism in the market. For every 1% annual uptick in home values, we see around a 0.5% growth in new listings[2]. With

Strategic property owners have already positioned their listings to minimise competition and maximise potential gains in the present market. It’s not just about selling; it’s about selling smart.”

Adding to this, Sydneybased realtor, Kevin Dearlove, Director of Stone Real Estate Beecroft, shared an onthe-ground perspective, “In the current climate, we are seeing investors re-evaluating their assets, driven by pressures like increased cost of living and recent land tax implications. While rents have surged, the interest rate hikes have signifcantly offset these gains, eroding the potential rental yields. This, coupled with concerns about short to medium-term growth in comparison to other asset classes, is urging property owners to reassess their portfolios, particularly in the residential apartment sector. They are compelled to take a more holistic view, ensuring their investments are optimally positioned against the backdrop of these evolving fnancial pressures.”

Given the RBA’s announcement that interest rates will remain unchanged for a third straight month, there is cautious optimism in the market. The possibility of rate cuts in 2024 adds another

temporary reprieve for property investors, there remains considerable unease about future fnancial pressures, in the upcoming months.

Concerns about investment property affordability persist, especially in dynamic markets like Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide, prompting many to actively consider selling.”

Stevens also emphasises that interest rates, while signifcant, are not the only factor affecting market health.

“Multiple dynamics are at play here, including housing supply, foreign investment, and changing population demographics. For potential investors or homebuyers, these all need to be considered in tandem with interest rates for a well-rounded investment strategy.”

So, while the RBA’s decision to maintain interest rates offers some immediate respite, Stevens advises that a cautiously optimistic approach may serve stakeholders best.

“Interest rates are just one part of a complex fnancial ecosystem. It’s crucial that investors don’t hinge their strategies solely on this variable. Instead, they should seek comprehensive advice to navigate what remains a volatile and everchanging landscape.”

For potential investors there is still a need to ensure you’re armed with the right information and advice.

are encouraging, real estate investment should always be a well-researched and considered decision.

this pause grants a

“While the numbers

Seasoned investors, playing the long game, understand that while current highs are tempting, it’s vital to assess the sustainability of such trends, weighing potential gains against inherent risks. As a seller, securing the right real estate agent to represent you is pivotal. More than just facilitating the sale, the ideal agent has an intimate understanding of the ever-shifting market dynamics and nuances of your property’s specifc location. They provide invaluable guidance, pinpointing the optimal moment to sell to maximise returns. With their insights into local trends, developments, and potential shifts, they are best positioned to advise you. You’re not merely selling a property; you’re making a strategic move in a complex marketplace, ensuring that move is both timely and proftable,” he added. Building on the sentiment of the critical nature of property investors making informed decisions in real estate, Dearlove agrees, “In such a dynamic environment no matter where your location, the value of experience cannot be overstated. Seasoned agents bring a wealth of insights from navigating various market conditions to providing invaluable guidance to clients. This consolidation of talent and the emphasis on established agents refects a recognition that expertise matters in alleviating the stress associated with market uncertainties.”

Maximise your property investments with LocalAgentFinder by harnessing unbiased comparisons and indepth insights on top real estate agents, evaluated by sales history, expertise, fees, and authentic reviews.

Grape Expectations by Max Crus

Max Crus is a Clarence Valley-based wine writer and Grape Expectations is now in its 26th year of publication. Find out more about Max or sign up for his weekly reviews and musings by visiting maxcrus.com.au

Not thinking inside the box.

Itís exhausting. First there was the Womenís Soccer World Cup, watched by more people than watch pet videos on Instagram.

Then there was the basketball world cup which nobody watched, followed by the netball world cup, a cricket world cup, darts world cup and as you read this, the rugby world cup, from which Australia was bundled out in the group stage by Turkmenistan.

NRL has also reached an exciting stage of its season,

Colmar Estate Orange

ëBlock 2í Chardonnay, 2021, $50. How apt to do oneís block with a Block 2 in oneís hand. ìBrayshaw, you prawn, get offî. Actually, prawns would make a lovely accompaniment to this. Sophisticated, stylish and sharp, unlike Brayshaw.

albeit from a very low base.

But despite such a protein-based entertainment diet thereís always room for more and the biggest game of all (not counting womenís soccer) is about to start and, hopefully, be won by premiership starved Carlton, who wonít win it again until we reach carbon net zero (sorry Col).

However while this explosion of sporting madness has been great for the games and their betting partners, alas it has outgrown the supply

9.5/10.

Colmar Estate Orange Reserve Chardonnay, 2021, $60 (Bottle no.1259).

Altogether thicker and richer, with a bigger body, this is more your Richo sort of chardonnay, but donít have a mouthful when heís commentating lest you spit it

of suitable people in commentary boxes as evidenced by the dearth of intelligent or even slightly interesting narration.

Thereís much media surrounding players, coaches and offcials but plainly not enough surrounding the reporting or live coverage of the games.

Rugby league has always been among the worst offenders with the dull, droll, dry, blokey monotone a feature of the game since ëRabbitsí Warren frst pulled on the headphones,

out in exasperation. Serious stuff not to be wasted. 9.6/10. Vickery Watervale Riesling (WVR 1603 KCBBS) 2023, $24. The spy-like code merely refers to the various vineyards from which the grapes were supplied, which shows just how complicated it can be to make one of the

but in the past few years this has been far surpassed by the inane, incorrect, ill-informed and at times idiotic commentary of AFL games.

Without mentioning any names, but James Brayshaw and Richo Richardson are at the top of the list, the garbage they deliver each week is insulting and irritating and almost makes their commentated games unwatchable.

We used to yell at the umpires or the dirty players, but now itís the mob in

simplest, but most delicious, wines. Worth the effort. Too smart for Richo. 9.4/10. St John’s Road Barossa Valley Blood and Courage Shiraz 2019, $24. You’d have to have cold blood and courage to be a CEO, a CFO or any kind of ‘C’ word really, specially a

the commentary box that cops it.

ìThatís just what he doesî. ìThatís just what ëinsertteam-hereí doesî. ìThey really hurt you on the reboundî. ìTheyíve got to hit the scoreboard if they want to winî. ìThey have to kick it to the leading forwardî. ìTheyíre just not winning it out of the centre/ in the forward line/in the backline/from stoppagesî.

Worst of all, they invariably side with the aggressor when someone gets knocked out. ìHe was

commentator. Perfect stuff for a hard game. 9.3/10.

Calcannia Clare Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, $28. The simplicity of the label echoes Richo and the simple pleasure of Clare cabernet, and alas, me. Also like me it’s full bodied but needs more maturity. The

Max Crus

committed, nothing else he could do but smash the other guyís skullî. Utter, fatuous, uninformed garbage and might as well be commentated by AI, indeed at least AI would try to mimic good commentary. The only positive is that terrible commentary invites you to turn down the sound so you can yell at your family instead. Now, letís grab a glass of wine and settle in for the National Anthem, and start yelling at the kids to ìsiddown in frontî.

similarities are uncanny. 9.4/10

Calcannia Clare Valley Shiraz 2019, $28. How canny of Calcannia to conjure another crisp, clean shiraz from the Clare, but youíd never hear that from Brayshaw or Richo. 9.4/10.

CAPRESE-STYLE SALAD WITH CHICKEN

15m cook

5 INGREDIENTS

• 2 Chicken Breast Fillets

• 350g mixed tomatoes, halved

• 120g Baby Rocket

4 servings

3 METHOD STEPS

Step 1

Heat a chargrill on high. Cut chicken in half horizontally. Spray with olive oil spray and season. Cook chicken for 3-4 mins each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate. Cover with foil and rest for 5 mins.

Step 2

• 220g cherry bocconcini, coarsely torn

• 1/4 cup (60ml) balsamic dressing, plus extra to serve

Meanwhile, combine the tomato, rocket, bocconcini and dressing in a bowl.

Step 3

Thickly slice the chicken. Divide the tomato mixture among serving plates. Top with chicken and drizzle with extra dressing to serve.

HAM, PINEAPPLE AND PESTO TURKISH PIZZAS

10m prep 20m cook

8 INGREDIENTS

• 1 garlic Turkish loaf, halved horizontally

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 4 (about 260g) canned pineapple rings in juice, drained, halved into semicircles

• 200g ham off the bone, coarsely torn

3 METHOD STEPS

Step 1

BAKE THE BREAD Preheat oven to 200C/220C fan forced. Line 2 large baking trays with baking paper. Generously spray the cut sides of the bread with olive oil spray and place, cut-side up, on prepared trays. Bake for 3 minutes or until lightly toasted.

Step 2

TOP THE PIZZAS Use the back of a spoon to spread the tomato paste over each piece of

4 servings

• 175g mozzarella, thinly sliced

• 80ml (1/3 cup) extra virgin olive oil

• 70g (1/4 cup) bought pesto or basil dip

• 1 cup loosely packed baby rocket

toasted bread. Top with the pineapple, ham and mozzarella. Drizzle over half the oil. Season. Bake, swapping trays halfway through cooking, for 10 minutes or until golden.

Step 3

ADD THE PESTO DRIZZLE Combine the pesto dip and remaining oil in a small bowl. Drizzle over the pizzas. Top with some rocket and cut pizza into thick slices. Serve with remaining rocket on the side.

PEACH AND RASPBERRY ICEBLOCKS

3h 15m prep

3 INGREDIENTS

8 servings

• 200g can peach slices in natural juice, drained

• 1 cup fresh raspberries or thawed frozen

3 METHOD STEPS

Step 1

Process peach in a food processor until smooth. Spoon into a bowl. Process raspberries until smooth. Spoon raspberry puree into a separate bowl.

Step 2

Divide yoghurt between the 2 bowls of fruit and swirl through. Fill iceblock moulds with

raspberries

• 500g fat-free vanilla yoghurt

alternating layers of fruit yoghurt mixtures. Place a paddle-pop stick in the centre of each mould.

Step 3

Freeze iceblocks for 3 to 4 hours or until frm. To remove iceblocks from moulds, dip moulds quickly into hot water. Pull out iceblocks using the paddle-pop sticks.

“In cooking, as in all the arts, simplicity is the sign of perfection.”

- Curnonsky

New treatment offers hope for advanced liver cancer

Centenary Institute

Researchers have discovered a new way to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) the most common type of liver cancer, and the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide.

The Centenary Institute led study revealed an encouraging treatment strategy involving the use of a new drug called Blockmir CD5-2, combined with a drug called programmed cell death protein 1 antibody (antiPD1 antibody). This combination proved effective in reducing liver tumour size in mice.

Lead author of the study, Dr Ken Liu, a researcher in the Centenary Institute’s Centre for Cancer Innovations said the discovery was exciting and had the potential to be a viable treatment for advanced liver cancer.

“The synergistic effect of the drugs Blockmir CD5-2 and anti-PD1 antibody signifcantly reduced the size of liver tumours in mice in our study. We believe that this dual-drug approach enhances the immune system, rendering it more effcient in combatting cancer cells and reducing tumours,” said Dr Liu.

Dr Liu explained that liver tumours often have abnormal blood vessels and low oxygen levels, creating

Incidence of one of Australia’s deadliest cancers double in the last 20 years

an environment that suppresses the immune system and the body’s ability to fght cancer.

“Blockmir CD5-2 addresses this issue by promoting the health of tumour blood vessels through the activation of a protein called VECadherin. This results in improved blood supply and oxygen levels within the tumours,” said Dr Liu.

“The enhanced blood vessel conditions within the tumours means that more cancertargeting immune cells, specifcally cytotoxic T cells, can infltrate the tumour and effectively combat the disease,” he said.

The researchers said that use of the antiPD1 antibody was also a crucial component of the innovative treatment approach, helping the immune system fght cancer more effectively by blocking a protein that hinders the immune response.

Senior study authors, Professor Jennifer Gamble from the Centenary Institute’s Centre for Healthy Ageing and Professor Geoff McCaughan from the Centenary Institute’s Centre for Cancer Innovations said that current effective treatment options for liver cancer were limited and that the new therapeutic approach held tremendous potential for effectively treating such a challenging disease.

Data just released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) estimates that more Australians than ever before will be claimed by pancreatic cancer, a disease that is now, for the frst time, acknowledged to be a common cancer.

Pancreatic cancer has a devastatingly low fveyear survival rate of only 12.5%. The disease is predicted to claim more lives than breast cancer this year (an estimated 3,669 people) and has the lowest survival rate of all common cancers. Over 4500 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year, and 80 per cent of patients will die within 12 months.

“The deadly outcomes in pancreatic cancer result in limited visibility and reduced public awareness, and consequently, many people do not realise

that pancreatic cancer is now a common cancer,” says Michelle Stewart, CEO of PanKind, The Australian Pancreatic Cancer Foundation.

“In contrast, more high-profle cancers experience survival rates of over 90% while for pancreatic cancer the survival rate is only 12.5%, which drops alarmingly to just 6.8% for people who live in regional Australiaiii,” continued Ms Stewart. “With the disease now acknowledged to be a common cancer, there has never been a more critical time to call for increased focus and funding.”

Miss World Australia fnalist, Tirah Ciampa from Hobart was diagnosed in February this year, but lived with the symptoms for an entire year as they progressively worsened. The 27-year-old’s weight plummeted – from

58kg to 49kg – and she suffered bouts of excruciating pain radiating through her abdomen and back – which she initially passed off as “just cramps”. “When I was diagnosed, I had no idea what pancreatic cancer was – I’d never heard of the disease before. When doctors discovered the tumour, it had already eaten half of my organ. People need to understand pancreatic cancer can affect anyone – it doesn’t discriminate. When I started researching more about the disease, I realised how lucky I was to have it detected as early as I did, and this saved my life.”

Key fndings from PanKind’s 2021 Consumer Awareness Survey found only 1 in 10 Australian’s are aware that pancreatic cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths

in Australia.

In addition, the majority of Australians (53%) are not aware of the signs or symptoms of pancreatic cancer.

Professor Chris Baggoley AO, the former Australian Chief Medical Offcer, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in early 2019, and says “this data shows that the urgency to make rapid progress in diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer has heightened.”

Since 2010, PanKind has invested over $12 million into pancreatic cancer research at Australia’s top research institutions. $1.5 million alone has been allocated to the PanKind Early Detection Initiative, refecting our commitment to early diagnosis, and enhancing survival rates and quality of life for Australians diagnosed with the disease.

Dr Ken Liu

Research to unlock the secrets of muscle loss in ageing

The Centenary Institute and the University of Technology Sydney will lead pioneering research into age-related muscle loss, called sarcopenia, with a Dynamic Resilience Program contract from Wellcome Leap.

A natural process, sarcopenia is where muscles become smaller and weaker due to ageing. This can lead to reduced mobility, increased frailty and overall decreased quality of life among older adults. Sarcopenia can also result from short term hospitalisation and bed rest in older individuals where inactivity leads to rapid and severe musculoskeletal wasting.

The research aims to shed light on why shortterm hospitalisation in older adults leads to profound loss of muscle mass and strength, accelerating conditions of sarcopenia and frailty. The researchers will harness brand new technologies and techniques to explore

the impacts of ageing on muscle function and develop potential interventions to enhance the quality of life for older individuals.

At the heart of the research investigation lies a novel model for studying human muscle ageing – tiny laboratorygrown human skeletal muscles, called micromuscles.

Principal Investigator of the project, Associate Professor Andy Philp,

Head of the Centenary Institute’s Centre for Healthy Ageing and Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Technology Sydney said that their advanced micromuscle model would be able to simulate age-related conditions like sarcopenia and hospitalisations to help unlock the secrets of skeletal muscle’s resilience to ageing and inactivity.

“Use of our novel bioengineered muscle platform in combination with patient-derived blood samples and advanced molecular analysis techniques, will help us decipher the intricate biological mechanisms underlying muscle ageing and wastage, as well as the muscle’s capacity for recovery,” said Associate Professor Philp.

The bioengineered micro-muscles, being

developed by CoPrincipal Investigator and Group Leader

Associate Professor Richard Mills from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and Melbourne node of reNEW, are set to provide a revolutionary approach.

“These micro-muscles offer an unprecedented lab-based platform for in-depth exploration of the intricate biological processes involved

in sarcopenia,” said Associate Professor Mills.

Aspects that will be investigated include the role of age, gender, inactivity and infammation-related stress on muscular function.

Associate Professor Philp said that the research holds the promise of transforming the way age-related muscle wasting is treated.

“We believe our innovative approach has the potential to lead to new therapeutic approaches to promote muscle strength and resilience, to ultimately enhance the well-being and vitality of ageing individuals,” he said.

The collaborative research program will be undertaken by researchers at the Centenary institute, University of Technology Sydney, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, University of Sydney and the University of Leicester (UK).

Infation Bears Some Positive Aspects

Pension payments received an increase on 20 September, aligning with adjustments to pension and concessions card eligibility thresholds. These adjustments were infuenced by infationdriven cost-of-living challenges. The biannual review not only means pension payments rise but can also extend support to some selffunded retirees who were previously ineligible for assistance.

This adjustment brings positive news for self-funded retirees.

Threshold adjustments play a crucial role in determining partial pension allocation and were in effect for the Pensioner Concession Card from 20 September. For instance, a single homeowner with assets under $667,500 now qualifes for a partpension due to a $11,000 increase in the threshold. Similarly, the threshold for couples who own a home increased

by $16,500, making those with assets up to $986,500 eligible for a part-pension. These updates also impact Commonwealth Seniors

Health Card (CSHC) eligibility, which rose by $5,400 to $95,400 per annum for singles and by $8,640 to $152,640 for couples combined.

With deeming rates frozen for two years, more self-funded retirees may now qualify for concessions.

The Commonwealth

Seniors Health Card brings substantial benefts, including refunds on medical costs beyond the Medicare Safety Net, reduced

healthcare expenses, and concessions on essential services in some states and territories.

For detailed information about available concessions and eligibility, refer to the National Seniors Concessions Calculator.

Links

National Seniors Concessions Calculator - https://nationalseniors. com.au/services/ calculators/concessionscalculator

CSHC Benefts - https://www.dva. gov.au/get-support/ health-support/veteranhealthcare-cards/ commonwealth-seniorshealth-card

To fnd out if you’re now eligible for the pension:

Go to https://www.dss. gov.au/sites/default/fles/ documents/08_2023/ rates-list-20-september2023-upload_0.pdf

Associate Professor Andy Philp and Associate Professor Richard Mills

By Liam Jennings

Japanese gardens have captivated people around the world for centuries with their timeless beauty, harmonious designs, and tranquil atmospheres. Rooted in ancient Japanese culture and aesthetics, these gardens are more than just places of natural beauty; they are a refection of the profound connection between humans and nature.

A Brief History of Japanese Gardens

Japanese gardens have a rich history dating back over a thousand years. They were initially inspired by Chinese garden designs but evolved into unique, Japanese expressions of nature and spirituality. It was during the Heian period (794-1185 AD) that the concept of a garden as an art form began to emerge. Japanese

THE ZEN OF JAPANESE GARDEN DESIGN

aristocrats-built gardens as places of retreat and contemplation, often surrounding themselves with serene ponds, meticulously pruned trees, and symbolic features.

The Edo period (1603-1868) witnessed the development of several distinct styles of Japanese gardens. Tea gardens (chaniwa) became popular, emphasising simplicity and rustic beauty.

Prominent tea masters like Sen no Rikyū played a signifcant role in shaping these tranquil retreats. Another infuential style is the stroll garden (kaiyūshiki teien), which offers carefully curated views and pathways to encourage meditation and refection.

Key Elements of Japanese Garden Design

Balance and Symmetry: Japanese gardens often follow a principle of balance and symmetry,

creating a sense of harmony and order. Elements like rocks, lanterns, and plants are strategically placed to maintain equilibrium.

Water Features: Water is a fundamental element in Japanese gardens, representing purity and tranquillity. Ponds, streams, and waterfalls are common, and koi fsh often inhabit these aquatic landscapes.

Rocks and Stones: Rocks hold great symbolism in Japanese culture, representing mountains or islands. They are meticulously arranged to create natural-looking formations that evoke a sense of rugged beauty.

Bridges: Arched or fat bridges serve both practical and aesthetic purposes. They connect different areas of the garden and add a sense of mystery and journey.

Plants and Trees: Japanese gardens feature carefully chosen plants and trees, often with an

emphasis on evergreens, moss, and cherry blossoms. Pruning and shaping are essential to maintain their beauty.

Tea Houses and Lanterns: Tea houses (chashitsu) and stone lanterns (tōrō) are common elements in Japanese gardens, offering spaces for meditation and tea ceremonies.

Bamboo Fencing: Bamboo fencing and screens provide privacy and a sense of enclosure, enhancing the feeling of a secluded oasis. Incorporating Japanese Garden Principles

While you may not have acres of land to recreate a sprawling traditional Japanese garden, you can certainly incorporate its principles into your own outdoor space, whether it’s a small backyard or a balcony.

Simplicity: Simplify your design by removing clutter and excess

decorations. Embrace minimalism, focusing on a few key elements that hold personal signifcance.

Natural Materials: Use natural materials like wood, stone, and bamboo in your garden design. Opt for unobtrusive, earthy colours to create a serene atmosphere.

Balance and Harmony: Strive for balance and harmony in your layout. Arrange plants and decorative elements in a way that feels visually pleasing and calming.

Water Features: If space allows, consider adding a small pond, birdbath, or a tabletop fountain to introduce the calming infuence of water.

Zen Aesthetics: Incorporate Zen aesthetics by using gravel or sand to create a Zen garden (karesansui).

Rake patterns into the gravel to simulate the fow of water or waves.

Pruning and Maintenance: Regularly

prune and shape your plants to maintain their beauty and promote a sense of order. A well-maintained garden is essential for capturing the essence of Japanese garden design.

Japanese garden design is a timeless art form that celebrates the connection between humans and the natural world. Its principles of balance, simplicity, and harmony can be applied to gardens of all sizes, allowing you to create a serene and contemplative outdoor space in your own home. Whether you’re inspired by the meditative qualities of a koi pond or the elegance of a well-placed stone lantern, the essence of a Japanese garden can bring a sense of tranquillity and beauty to your life. So, take a cue from this ancient tradition and start designing your own slice of paradise, where nature and human spirit can fnd peace together.

Funeral Notice

GLENYS CROKER (neé MacINTOSH)

22.03.1941 – 21.09.2023

Passed away unexpectedly on ursday, the 21st of September 2023 Aged 82 years.

Late of Ballina, formerly of Pymble NSW. Dearly loved wife of Graham (dec). Loved mother of Peter (dec) and Geo rey. Stepmother to Simon and Michael and their families. Beloved sister to Gail & Murray and family.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend Glenys’s Memorial Service, to be held at e Richmond Chapel, Parkview Funeral Home Ballina on Friday 6th October commencing at 10.30am.

This page is dedicated to all those that have passed

FORECAST

Warnings

See www.bom.gov.au/australia/warnings

Northern Rivers District:

Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers near the Queensland border, slight chance elsewhere. Winds northerly 25 to 40 km/h. Thursday. Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers. The chance of a storm. Winds northerly 15 to 25 km/h turning west to northwesterly during the morning.

Northern Tablelands District:

Mostly sunny morning. Medium chance of showers, most likely in the evening. The chance of a storm on and west of the ranges in the afternoon and evening. Winds northerly 25 to 40 km/h.

Thursday. Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower, most likely in the morning. Winds north to northwesterly 20 to 30 km/h turning westerly 25 to 40 km/h during the morning then decreasing to 15 to 20 km/h during the evening.

TIDES, SUN & MOON Ballina

New South Wales:

Showers tending to periods of rain across the inland with a shower or two reaching eastern parts later. Storms possible, more likely over the plains, with some possibly becoming severe. Daytime temperatures above average in the east, grading to well below average in the west. Fresh to strong and gusty northeast to northwesterly winds turning cool, west to southwesterly in the west.

Thursday. Showers in the east, contracting to the southern ranges and adjacent western slopes during the day. The chance of a storm in the far northeast. Snow falling on the Alps above 1400 metres. Dry and sunny in the northwest. Daytime temperatures well below average, especially in the west. West to southwesterly winds, fresh to strong and gusty in the east.

Byron Coast:

Winds: Northerly 20 to 30 knots. Seas: 2 to 3 metres. Swell: Northeasterly around 1 metre. Weather: Partly cloudy.

Coffs Coast:

Winds: Northerly 25 to 35 knots increasing to 30 to 40 knots during the evening. Seas: 2.5 to 3 metres, increasing to 3 to 4 metres during the afternoon or evening. Swell: Southerly below 1 metre. Weather: Mostly sunny.

Gold Coast Waters:

Winds: Northeasterly 15 to 20 knots increasing to 20 to 25 knots in the early morning then turning northerly 25 to 30 knots during the afternoon. Seas: 1.5 to 2.5 metres. Swell: Northeasterly around 1 metre inshore, increasing to 1 to 1.5 metres offshore. Weather: Partly cloudy.

BALLINA MAHJONG 29th

September 2023

1. Val Heinritz, 2. Vanessa Reynolds, 3. Pauline

Bolte, 4. Shirley Coleman, 5. Janena Bird, 6. Pauline

Kearney, 7. Susan Allan, 8. Shirley Atkinson, 9. Lorna Simpson, 10. Susan

Scott, Jan Rhodes, 12. Jan

Small, 13. Yvonne Weddup, Barbara Ellan, 15. Ronda

Taylor, 16. Diana Auret, 17. Lynda Lovett, 18. Eve Chapman, June Chapman, 20. Lisa Wong, 21. Jeanette

McGuiness, 22. Janene

Jarvis, Ann Hewitt, 24. Kath

Hubbard, 25. Joy Lowien, 26. Sally Lowry, 27. Coral

Lavelle, 28. Lesley Richie, 29. Jane Fenech, 30. Jenny

Lang, 31. Jan Boardman, 32. Valda McLerie, 33. Sarah

Bull, 34. Shirley Henry, 35. Cindy Smith, 36. Kathy Pickles.

CHERRY STREET CROQUET CLUB SPORTS

RESULTS

Tournaments :

GCTR Ricochet

Championships :

Div 2 : L.Parker 1,G.Purcell

2, M.Campbell 3.

Div 4 : D.Turner 1, C.Parker

2, J.Manning 3, P.Singh 4, M.Barrett 5.

Sutherland Intercept Adv Golf Singles : Cherry Street team players : Block A Peter Sinclair 1st, Roberta Flint 2nd, Ron Johnstone 3rd. Block B Helen Young 2nd, Jim Hannigan 3rd, Joan Doust

8th.

Block C Wendy Gilmore 2nd, Christine Edlund 7th, Rosalie Offey 8th.

Interstate Shield Golf Croquet Singles & Doubles

Championships : David Scott member NSW Team.

New South Wales1,Western Australia 2, Queensland 3,

Victoria 4, South Australia 5, Tasmania 6.

Cherry Street Croquet Club

Team

Successful at Sutherland

Intercept.

R.Offey, H Young, J.Hannigan, C.Edlund, J.Doust, W.Gilmore

M. Gibson, K. Hickey, B. Montague.

Ladies Social Day- 2709-23 - Winners - Triples

- K. Townsend, A. Eyles, P. Freeman/S. Downs.

Runners/up - Fours - C. Hammond, P. Fuller, G. Marczan, K. Hickey.

RESULTS FROM CASINO

RSM WOMENS BOWLS CLUB

Wednesday 27/9

Today some of the ladies played their frst round games for the club Major singles championship & the result was:

H. Lavelle def J. Cooke

J. Carthew def T. Maxwell

The winner of the other social game was:

C. Doyle, B. Reid, C. Haynes & K. Jonsson def C. Doyle, J. Creighton, D. Skinner & M. Hellyar.

EVANS HEAD WOMENS

BOWLS

Ladies Social Day- 20-09-23

- Highest Margin - Winners

- V. Forshaw, B. Parkes, G. Marczan, V. Hart. Runners/up - B. Hancock,

Good luck ladies in your next game.

There were 2 social games & the results were: Winners for the day were K. McKay, D. Grice & I. Watson

def L. James, N. Moran & M. Mead

2023 club champions for the club selected open pairs.

L. James & N. Moran Congratulations ladies.

Results Saturday, September 30, 2023.

Grafton

Micro Sprints. Heat 1: Harley Roberts 1, John Lawson 2, Matt King

3. Heat 2: Matt King 1, Josh Baker 2, Michael

Shearer 3. Heat 3: Michael Shearer 1, Josh Baker 2, Matt King 3.

Feature: Harley Roberts

1, John Lawson 2, Josh Baker 3.

SSA Production

Sedans. Heat 1: Dale Corbett 1, Geoff Hayes

2, Brenden Hayes 3. Heat 2: Brenden Hayes

1, Geoff Hayes 2, Dale Corbett 3. Heat 3: Dale Corbett 1, Geoff Hayes

2, Brenden Hayes 3.

Feature: Dale Corbett 1, Sam Mooney 2, Peter

Chiplin 3.

RSA Street Stockers.

Heat 1: Greg Dickinson

1, Connor Reeves 2, Adrian Williams 3. Heat

2: Connor Reeves 1, Kaleb Daly 2, Adrian Williams 3. Heat 3: Connor Reeves 1, Kaleb Daly 2, Greg Dickinson 3. Feature: Connor Reeves 1, Greg

Dickinson 2, Kaleb Daly 3.

AMCA Nationals.

Heat 1: Tony Blanch 1, Graham Holland 2, Paul Reeves 3. Heat 2: Paul Reeves 1, Troy

Price 2, Tony Blanch 3. Heat 3: Tony Blanch 1, Andy Wilcox 2, Brett Robotham 3. Feature: Tony Blanch 1, Paul

Reeves 2, Mark Taylor 3, Brett Robotham 4, Andy Wilcox 5, Aida Miller

6, Graham Holland 7, Bianca Herne 8, Gary Stacey 9, Brody Faulds 10.

Toowoomba

V8 Dirt Modifeds

Dirt Classic. Heat 1: Kevin Britten 1, Mark

Robinson 2, Ray Klarich

3. Heat 2: David Clark

1, Andrew Firth 2, Scott

Cannon 3. Heat 3: Zac

McDonald 1, Mitchell

Randall 2, Blake

Everleigh 3. Heat 4: Chris Corbett 1, Seiton Young 2, Ray Klarich 3.

Feature: Kevin Britten 1, Chris Corbett 2, Mitchell Randall 3.

NEWCOLOUR • NEWCOLOUR

Tony Blanch, centre, winner of the AMCA Nationals feature at Hessions Auto Parts Grafton Speedway on Saturday night. Paul Reeves, left, was second and Mark Taylor, right, was third.

Kevin Britten, second from right, collected the $5000 to win cheque after victory in the V8 Dirt Modifed Classic at Hi-Tec Oils Toowoomba Speedway on Saturday night. Chris Corbett, left, was second and Australian Champion Mitchell Randall, right, was third. Race sponsor Super Rooster’s Ray Klarich is pictured second from left.

By Tim Howard

South Grafton Cup winner Cepheus has confrmed its favouritism for November’s $3 million Big Dance with a win in the Group 2 Shannon Stakes 1500m at Rosehill.

The Murwillumbahbased galloper surfaced as a serious challenger for the big race on Melbourne Cup Day with his stunning South Cup win on July 9 and his run on September 23 only made the bookies’ job easier.

Trainer Matthew Dunn said he the program for his star six-year-old heading into the Big Dance, was fuid.

“We came into this race pretty confdent he was ready to run well. He

may have looked a little plain last start, that was more so a ftness issue than anything,” said Dunn.

“So we gave him an easy time after we’d qualifed him for the Big Dance.

“He’s on track (for the Big Dance). That’s where he’ll go now,

the path we take. It’s probably changed three times already and it will probably change again.

“Where we go to from here I’ll let him tell us, but provided he comes though this run well

who rode three winners at Rosehill on Saturday, praised Cepheus for his desire to win, but said the gelding gave him some problems early in the race.

Early leader Cross Talk

the run to the line.

“When I pushed the button he still had plenty left to give,” Rawiller said post race.

He fnished more than a length ahead of Williamsburg ($9.50)

day, and his frst win in the Shannon Stakes. Rawiller hinted at some of the diffculties Cepheus has given jockeys and trainers.

“He gave me a bit of a hard time, from the time I got on him I don’t know why he was really above himself,” he said.

“On his day he does special things like that, the trainer (Matthew Dunn) can do that too. He wanted to win this race and he’s come and just blown them away.

“Great effort by the team there at Murwillumbah and he’s a horse that’s got good ability.”

that’s his goal this prep and that’s where we’ll head.”

Jockey Nash Rawiller,

set a cracking pace, but Rawiller spotted a rails run and battled to keep Cepheus in position for

and Waterford ($3.40) third.

It secured Dunn a training double on the

Cepheus is now a $6 favourite with online bookmakers for the Big Dance on November 7.

Nash Rawiller pilots Cepheus to a win at Rosehill on Saturday in the Group 2 Shannon Stakes (1500m). The win has confrmed the Murwillumbah-based galloper’s credentials as favourite for the $2 million Big Dance in November.

FLASHBACK: Cepheus hits the line a neck in front of New Zealand galloper Cotohele to win the Grafton Toyota South Grafton Cup (1600m) on July 9 to earn a spot in the $3 million Big Dance on November 7.