Tweed Valley Weekly, August 8, 2024 by Tweed Valley Weekly

Fire risk rising

By Jonathon Howard

THE FIRE season is rapidly approaching and local fire brigades are urging Tweed residents to prepare for what could be an intense period due to increased fuel loads.

In a controlled burn operation conducted last week along Cudgera Creek Road near Sleepy Hollow, Uki Rural Fire Brigade Senior Deputy Captain Don Bentley said the conditions were “tinder dry” meaning a single flame can spread in seconds.

“Approximately four hectares surrounding a residence were burned to reduce the risk of uncontrolled fires,” he said.

“The burn revealed just how ready the landscape is to ignite, with the dry fuel catching and burning intensely.”

Deputy Capt Bentley said the recent rains, which contributed to lush vegetation growth, have now dried out, creating a potentially dangerous situation.

“Everything we lit burnt easily and quite intensely,” he said, adding there’s a rising concern some properties may not be prepared for the summer months.

Tweed residents, particularly those in rural areas, are strongly encouraged to develop and implement a fire plan.

“Those uncertain about how to proceed should contact their local brigade for an

assessment and personalised recommendations on how to safeguard their properties,” he said.

Deputy Capt Bentley said several NSW townships are already under burn-off control measures and it’s good practice to alert authorities prior to burning anything.

In fact, the bush fire danger period for the Northern Tablelands commenced on August 1, and the statutory period for the entire state begins October 1.

“Preparedness is crucial. Creating a defensible space around homes, removing excess vegetation, and ensuring easy

access for fire trucks can make a significant difference in protecting lives and properties during a fire event,” Deputy Capt Bentley said.

“The RFS is ready to assist residents in understanding these steps and implementing effective fire safety measures.”

As the fire season looms, the community’s collective efforts in preparation and vigilance will be vital in mitigating the risks and impacts of potential bushfires. Comprehensive information and resources are available on the RFS website via: www. rfs.nsw.gov.au.

Insurance costs skyrocket

By Jo Kennett

THE SOARING price of insurance is having a huge impact on homeowners in the Tweed Shire, as well as adding to inflation, rate rises and rents, Maddie Stennar and her family of six had just moved into their first home near the river at Condong when the flood hit, devastating them and their home after years of sacrifice to buy it.

“We were very underinsured due to the cost of getting flood insurance around here but we seemed to have been quite lucky compared to a lot of others with making our claim,” she said.

“It took about six or seven months before it was settled, but that was mainly due to the huge workload all the assessors had, so it took a while for them to get here and put their reports together.

“Unfortunately, the company we were with then declined to offer us a renewal for the following year and just like everyone else we are now having to pay well above what we can afford for a policy since there are so few options.

“I think we were paying around $300 a month and we are now paying $800.

“Our mortgage repayments have also gone up about $600 per fortnight with all the rate rises so it’s been a rough ride lately.”

A Bogangar resident whose home flooded in 2022 said insurance had proved a nightmare.

“It was devastating not getting the payout for insurance,” the woman, who preferred not to be named, said.

“I can’t remember the exact reasons they gave but we put up a fight over it as did many others.

“The floods have been a huge stress for everyone involved.

“It has been over two years of slowly having to fix up our home ourselves as we can afford to and remortgaging, which now means retiring at 67 will not be an option for us.”

The Rosewood Avenue resident said it was impossible to say how much beyond retirement age they would have to work as the cost of living has risen.

“We managed to get insurance again but at a premium price,” she said.

“The insurance has doubled, I would say more than a 60 per cent increase since

the floods.

A Poinciana Avenue, Bogangar, resident who wanted to remain unnamed, said they were shocked when their insurer said they wouldn’t renew their policy, despite the street not having flooded.

“We’ve recently reassessed your property in relation to flood and/or surface runoff rainwater risks and it now falls outside of our acceptable underwriting criteria,” the insurer wrote, saying they should try other insurers who may have different acceptance criteria.

The cheapest quote they got to have it insured was twice the price they were paying.

“Back in 2021 with ING our premium was $2,133,” the resident said.

“I called another insurance company and they were around $10,000 annually so we ended up with AAMI which was around $4,300. I called and got it down to around $3,700.”

President of the Pottsville Community Association, Wendy Pluckrose, said that after the 2022 flood, “postcode 2489 (Pottsville) was considered a flood zone.”

Continued on page 15

Fire brigades are reporting heavy fuel loads and tinder dry conditions

Reduce daylight saving

I am writing in response to the article in The Weekly on August 1 regarding daylight saving.

I wholeheartedly agree. It is far too long — six months and one week depending on the calendar year. Seems like no consultation was done with the public about extending it or how the public felt.

September, by the mid end of the month is light at 6pm anyway.

The days are too long in mid-summer and my sleeping time is disrupted — not sure about anyone else.

Yes, it would be hard on people including children on farms.

Then there’s issue of being right on the border with frequent trips to John Flynn Hospital for appointments. You have to work in the times to suit Queensland time. I hate it personally. It would be great if it could at least be put back to the four months not six.

I don’t see that putting it back to four months is a major change in response to NSW Premier Chris Minns.

C Golden, Tweed Heads

Shorten daylight saving

I agree that daylight saving should start a month later and finish a month earlier.

We have to get up in darkness at the beginning of daylight saving and have lights on again at the end of daylight saving.

Margaret Hookway, Tweed Heads

Four months is fine

In reference to your article in last week’s edition of The Weekly about daylight saving.

I agree with the NSW Farmers that six months is too long and that it should be shortened to four months. It was four months when it first came in.

Diane Harding, Uki

Cease daylight saving

I have never been a fan of daylight saving. Personally I would love it to be stopped altogether.

Noel Frankand, Bray Park

THINKING BLINDS & SHUTTERS THINK SHADE-TECH

I say shorten DST

In reference to the daylight saving time (DST) article in last week’s Tweed Valley Weekly, I am opposed to the six months of DST.

Summer is December to February, so we don’t need it before or after those months.

I totally agree and sympathise with farmers and children getting up for school and work in the dark.

Not to mention being close to the Queensland border adjusting time zones and getting confused.

Please listen to the people as I’m sure there are plenty who oppose the length of daylight savings

Lyndee Smith, Tweed Heads

Daylight saving vote

I am in favour of getting rid of daylight saving altogether.

They got rid of it in Queensland, after a vote.

It was introduced during wartime in an effort to save electricity.

Peter Hanson, Tweed Heads

Homelessness response needed

Regarding Dr Jed Donoghue’s letter (TVW, August 1).

‘Yes Minister’ had a brand-new hospital fully staffed with no patients. Ideal for a flood of refugees.

We have an old hospital with no staff and no patients. Ideal for helping with the homeless.

Tweed Hospital had about 230 beds and 20 rooms for procedures and consultants. You may have seen on TV those micro apartments, just wide enough for a bed and very narrow walking space. Constructing these in the old wards would give at least 500 rooms, possibly a lot more.

Better for the homeless than sleeping rough. And the consultants’ rooms could be used for space for a women’s refuge, single and with children.

The car park would be ideal for the ‘car-sleepers’ where they would not be subject to being moved on by the police or the rangers.

The facility should be operated by a consortium of Salvos, Vinnies, Blue Care and Fred’s Place, together with the women’s refuge. It would be little cost to Tweed Shire Council taxpayers apart from a contribution to the fit-out. Time to get something started.

Dudley Horscroft, Banora Point Visitors shocked over E-bikes and E-scooters

We have been surprised by the speed of E-bikes and some E-scooters while holidaying at Kingscliff.

It seems to be mainly teenagers, some doubling, even three to a bike racing down the main street faster than cars. The narrow footpaths here are dangerous with these big E-bikes speeding recklessly past at great speeds of 40km-plus per hour. There are old people walking, toddlers and pets, and it is only a matter of time till someone is seriously hurt or killed.

Late afternoons and nights you can hear them whizzing along the beachfront footpath behind the caravan park at ridiculous speeds.

I even had to jump out of the way of two teens on one E-bike to walk into a cafe. We don’t witness this behaviour in other towns we visit.

P Edgar, Port Macquarie

Two wards for Tweed

There are two distinct areas of the Tweed Shire.

The urban coastal region is represented by Geoff Provest MP and the rural area (including Murwillumbah) is represented by Janelle Saffin MP.

The differences between the urban coastal areas and the rural areas are evident in politics, society, economy, culture, and housing within the shire.

A minor eastward adjustment of the political boundary towards the M1 could allow for the creation of two wards in the Tweed Shire.

The question is: why would anyone oppose that proposition unless they have something to gain at the ongoing expense of the rural sector?

The disproportionate control of the rural areas by the population from the coast seems unfair, but it seems driven by the unrelenting significance for certain councillors and council staff with political, administrative, or ideological motives.

Fair representation on Tweed Shire Council will not be achieved until there are two wards to accurately and effectively represent the distinctly different sectors.

Peter Bennett, Tyalgum Support for Indian myna trapping now

I have lived at Banora Point for the past eighteen years and regularly saw little blue wrens, honey eaters and other small birds enjoying my garden. Alas, no more. Every day I now watch a flock of Indian mynas (24 has been the most in one flypast), so I would like to add my name the ‘pro-trappers’ list.

Jan Carr, Banora Point Heroic rescue witnessed

Recently I was up from Melbourne visiting family on the Gold Coast with my wife and newborn baby. We stopped in at Dreamtime Beach for a quick look, and we felt lucky to have what felt like the entire beach to ourselves.

We were getting ready to leave when we saw what we thought was a whale about 150m offshore — as we watched the movement and splashing in the distance it soon became clear that it was in fact a kiteboarder whom we figured was struggling to get back to the beach.

I immediately felt useless — the only thing I knew for sure was that I couldn’t swim that far (let alone back) — so I called the police.

After multiple calls back and forth with them, trying to describe my exact position — which is harder than you might think for a city slicker; “I don’t know — water in front of me, trees behind me and heaps or white sand either side” was about the best I could muster. I became increasingly

worried for the man in the ocean. He was clearly not in control of his situation, and I wasn’t doing anything at all to help.

As if on cue, a man (a local surfer I assumed) emerged from the beach track and calmly asked if there was someone out there. I bumbled and explained that he’d been out there for a while, and that I had called the cops, and probably spewed a million other useless pieces of information to boot. I’ll never forget the stranger’s effortlessly cool response: “I’d better go get him then”. And off he went. By the time the police, Kingscliff lifeguards, Fingal lifeguards and a few interested observers had arrived, the local man had already retrieved the stricken kiteboarder, and safely delivered him and his equipment back to shore. The police immediately started doing their thing, and the kiteboarder seemed a little shaken but okay — possibly more worried about his stuff than he was about his own safety. At the end of it all, there must have been close to a dozen people (a mix of police, bystanders and lifeguards) on the beach. But the lone local man had done all the hard work without any fanfare whatsoever.

After a short time chatting to me and a couple of others, he slipped off as quietly and as quickly as he had appeared. I was struck by the fact that not a single person thanked him for his heroic actions.

If this hero had not been there and he had not been so willing to lend assistance. For what it’s worth from a useless Melbourne tourist: thank you mate, you’re a bloody legend.

Sam Allan, Fitzroy, Victoria

Please note the views on the letters page are those of the letter writer and not of the Tweed Valley Weekly. Letters must include a suburb and contact number for verification. Letters may be edited for length or legal reasons. Send your letters to editor@theweekly.net.au or phone: (02) 6672 4443

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Kingscliff DA flip

By Jo Kennett

A MAJORITY of Tweed Shire councillors have voted behind closed doors to reverse a decision to appeal Gales Holdings’ development application amendments in court.

T he reversal motion has paved the way for around 34,000 truck loads of mainly impervious fill to be trucked past the hospital to a Kingscliff development site, shocking local residents concerned about flooding. The development was approved by the Land and Environment Court in 2008 with Gales Holdings having approval to fill the Turnock Street site with local sand-based fill using a delivery route across paddocks on Gales’ land.

Gales lodged a development application (DA) to change the haulage route and fill type to imported clay-based material (see pictured) but councillors voted 6-1 on June 6 to refuse the DA.

Gales lodged an appeal against the decision on July 7, and Councillor Reece Byrnes won a motion to defend the appeal in cour t, with votes from councillors Nola Firth, Chris Cherry and Meredith Dennis in support.

On Thursday, August 1, Cr Warren Polglase won a confidential ‘notice to alter’ the formal legal resolution of council on July 9 to defend the refusal.

Kingscliff Ratepayers and Progress Association president Peter Newtown said that “three councillors (Byrnes, Brinsmead and Owen) turned turtle and voted with Cr Polglase to not defend the Gales appeal to the DA refusal”.

“It’s a pretty shameful reversal by these three councillors that puts our communities at risk, made even worse because such a significant community matter was determined behind closed doors,” Mr Newton said.

“The implications of this reversal are quite dire for ours and neighbouring communities in terms of exacerbating the flood and environmental risks, not to mention 68 trucks an hour through local roads and the flow-on impact.”

Mr Newton said the legal costs of defending this appeal “paled into insignificance” compared to the potential costs to the community if the DA went ahead.

“Ours and other impacted Tweed communities are seriously concerned about the emotional and financial impact of increased flooding, environmental and ecological impacts, traffic, infrastructure and liveability impacts,” he said.

“The worst-case scenario for the proponent in this exercise is that they return to an already approved fill and haul method.

“The worst-case scenario for our community is quite unthinkable given the many issues.”

Cr Polglase spoke to The Weekly and said the notice to alter is a direction to the delegate the mayor Chris Cherry and general manager Troy Green, who will be involved in negotiations with Gales.

“The previous decision gave 23 reasons for refusal of the motion,” he said.

“My view has always been that it’s better to be able to negotiate outcomes than to end up in court. Council’s legal bills over the last two years equate to $4.8 million and while some of it is definitely necessary, with others I think there’s a better way forward by becoming more prudent in how you negotiate outcomes.”

Cr Polglase said the issue with the DA was the importation of fill and where it was coming from to the site.

“Everything else was peripheral and had already been decided by the courts,” he said.

“They don’t just say you can fill the site. Most of Banora Point is all imported.”

Cr Polglase said he didn’t think it would make the area more flood prone.

“We are looking at affordable housing and we need land so let’s get on with it,” he said.

Mayor Cherry said that Crs Polglase, Owen, Brinsmead and Byrnes had effectively voted to reverse the refusal of the change of fill and haul route.

“We had engaged experts to defend the refusal and enter into the S34 process,” Cr Cherry said.

“The normal procedure would be that council’s experts and the proponent’s experts get in a room during the negotiations and find the areas where they agree and where they cannot, and these refined issues are then dealt with by the court in a hearing.

“It is now the case that our experts’ hands are tied and we have been required to accept a position of approving the DA.

“This means that all of those 34,000 trucks will be travelling via Tweed Coast Road past the new hospital to fill the site and there is nothing that I can do about it.

“It kills me to think of what this is going to put all those who travel along Tweed Coast Road through.”

Cr Cherry said the flooding issue associated with filling the site “is a huge concern that has been raised a number of times by our community.”

YOUR THOUGHTS: Send your thoughts on this matter via email: editor@theweekly. net.au

KEEP

TWEED GREEN

As your Greens councillor I’ve been a strong voice for our unique environment and community. I’ve worked non-stop on council to protect green spaces, increase affordable housing and drive climate action. I’ve kept an eye on development to make sure it benefits locals and our incredible environment. With your support I can continue working to keep the Tweed green and thriving for generations to come.

DR NOLA FIRTH

Apply for a Community Road Safety Grant

Do you have an idea to improve road safety in your community?

The Community Road Safety Grants program provides funding to groups and organisations across NSW to deliver local projects that address specific road safety issues and promote safer road use. Grants of up to $5,000 and $30,000 are available.

Applications close Monday 16 September 2024. Eligibility and selection criteria apply.

transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/ community/community-grants

THE LEGAL LIGHT!

First fines for not having a company director ID

For the first time company directors who failed to obtain a Director Identification Number have been convicted and fined by a court.

Two directors were convicted and each ﬁned $5,000, plus court costs, in the Perth Magistrates Court after they were prosecuted by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) for not complying with the legal requirement to apply for a Director Identiﬁcation Number (DIN).

ASIC has not said how many directors still do not have a DIN, but in November 2022, when director IDs became compulsory, an estimated one million directors had still to apply for their DIN.

Business lawyer Mark Shumsky at Stacks Law Firm said it is important to remember that the proceedings for not obtaining a DIN are criminal in nature, and a penalty imposed by the court results in a criminal record against the individual director.

“The maximum penalty for an offence against section 1272C(1) of the Corporations Act 2001 is $18,780. Further prosecutions of company directors by ASIC for not having a DIN are looming,” Mr Shumsky said.

“Someone who wants to hold a business licence, such as a company director, or a liquor licence, is likely to run into a problem if they have a criminal conviction. It would be wise to get legal advice if you are in this position.

“Any director who does not hold a DIN could face criminal sanctions in addition to the ﬁne. It is relatively easy to get a DIN by applying online to the Australian Business Registry Service.

“If you intend to become a company director, it is now legally required that you register for a DIN before you are appointed. You can apply up to 12 months before becoming a director.

“You only need one DIN, and you do not need to apply for another if you are a director of more than one company.

“Even if you have merely been elected director of your local tennis club, you will need to apply for a DIN as soon as possible.”

The DINs were brought in by the federal government in 2022 as part of a crackdown on what is called “phoenixing”, where directors repeatedly declare their company insolvent and wind it up owing money, only to reappear subsequently under a new company name. Phoenixing was particularly prevalent in the construction business and is estimated to cost $300 million in unpaid wages, $3 billion to creditors and $1.6 billion in unpaid taxes. The penalty for directors involved in illegal phoenixing under the Corporations Act 2001 can include large ﬁnes and up to 15 years in jail.

Remember our homeless

By John Lee

IT IS National Homeless Week this week. A week we remember the so many homeless people around the Tweed, Australia and the world.

It is a time to try and consider the sadness, loneliness, despair that these incredible people endure.

Sadly, too many people simply dismiss a homeless person as a ‘bum’ or someone who should get a job.

Many of the homeless men that I know say they will be dead in 10 years and would prefer to remain on the streets to free up a home for a homeless single mother, thereby cancelling their application for a long-awaited home.

Although it may appear that homelessness in the Tweed is not a major issue, nothing could be further from the truth.

We are currently supporting a single mother and her child who are living in a tent and paying anything from $400 to $500 a week for a powered site in a caravan park.

She has been on the priority housing list for eight years. We were advised by Housing NSW that the wait could be another five to ten years despite the fact she has a small child.

To add to this young mother’s stress, when her stay has reached eight weeks, she must pack up their belongings and relocate to another park and set up home once again.

Although parks differ, the average stay permitted is two eight-week stays per year.

I have also been supporting a couple who are confronting serious health issues. They are primary homeless. I met them when he was forced to push her around in a shopping trolley when she was no longer able to walk.

He explained how embarrassing it was as people could be heard saying they are ‘druggos’.

We bought them a new

wheelchair which they were so appreciative of.

This couple have been told not to apply for housing for at least another 11 weeks and then they will be on the 10year waiting list.

After 22 years of supporting the homeless, marginalised and single mothers, I offer the following: imagine having no place to store your clothes or possessions, relying only on a shopping trolley, and everyone can see your worldly possessions as you wheel them around.

Or, if you are forced to leave your trolley for a short while only to return to find your treasures gone.

Imagine how as it gets dark, you must look for a ‘safe place’ to sleep, somewhere to avoid being assaulted by thugs or moved on by the authorities.

Then you may not have enough warm clothes and risk hypothermia, often with a wet sleeping bag or wet blanket.

If you are lucky enough, you have found a piece of cardboard to try and make the ground a little more comfortable.

You have nothing to do or cannot afford a meal or hot cup of coffee, so you have to start settling down at around 5pm in freezing temperatures. No TV, or radio, just the sound of the traffic and people walking past, often not sure where your next meal or small snack is coming from.

Often council locks the public toilets and showers at night. Then finally the sun comes up early morning. You still have nothing to eat or drink or a place to shower.

You perhaps go for a walk along the beach. You have almost given up hope in getting a job. The reason: if you do not have a home, you will not get a job, and if you do not have a job, you will not get a home. So, you have to sit and wait through the day for the next

night and next day. Is it any wonder so many eventually turn to drink or drugs.

I would like to close with a big thank you to our wonderful NSW Police and also the Tweed Shire Council rangers here in the Tweed. You show so much empathy and support to the many homeless in our

community. The homeless tell me that you are very kind and caring. Thank you.

I close off with a saying by that wonderful woman Mother Teresa: “Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat.”

Tweed housing statistics

THE TWEED district has the worst statistics in NSW in relation to social and affordable housing.

Affordable and social housing only make up 2.9 per cent of total dwellings and the waitlist exceeds 10 years. There is an unmet demand of 1,118 dwellings for social housing and 2,655 dwellings for affordable housing.

There are no definite plans to provide additional social and affordable housing in the immediate future.

In the last Census (2021), in NSW, sadly the number of homeless children under 12 years increased from 3,963 in 2016 to 4,232 — an increase of 6.8 per cent.

Furthermore, it was estimated that in NSW, more than 995,000 people lived below the poverty line, the overall poverty rate being 13.4 per cent.

In March 2024, there were 57,904 families waiting for housing in NSW, the longest list in the country.

New data released in March this year by the NSW Government shows an additional 300 families and individuals joined the social housing waitlist in February 2024 alone.

Australia’s migrant population is expected to have grown by more than 700,000 between the 2022 and 2024 financial years.

The latest increase in net overseas migration will account for 1.5 per cent of the total population.

David Crossan Lawyer

Sleeping rough has reached crisis levels across the Tweed Shire and Northern Rivers. Inset is John Lee from You Have a Friend Inc

Tweed Link

Museum hosts Tweed’s biggest street party

Tweed Regional Museum is gearing up for a huge 2024 Street Party on Saturday 31 August from 12 noon to 7 pm at the Museum and its surrounding streets.

Following last year’s success, the Tweed Regional Museum Street Party 2024 promises an incredible afternoon with live music, a maker’s market, collaborative public art, tasty eats, Tweed trivia, prizes, and so much more!

Inspired by all things Tweed—our people, places, biodiversity, and history—this event is part of the Museum’s 20th birthday celebrations.

Enjoy live music from Lazy Ghost, Blackline, Bella Amor, and more. Stroll down Makers Lane, curated by local designer Kirsten Devitt (Each to Own).

The Tweed Valley Banana Festival Float returns with its regal throne and four fabulous Banana Queens. There’ll be native animal-inspired face painting and plenty of activities for the kids, including the beloved kids Adventure Game with new puzzles and activities.

Tasty bites will be available from Oki Foods, Kat Harvey’s cheese station, Yulli’s Modern Asian, and Khanthaly’s Kitchen. Don’t miss the Swamp Beer Garden with beverages from Spangled Drongo and the Gin Experience.

This event is proudly funded by the NSW Government under the Open Streets Program led by Transport for NSW.

For more info, head to Tweed Regional Museum at museum.tweed.nsw.gov.au/whats-on

Exciting upgrades coming to Cudgen Creek at Kingscliff

Council is seeking your feedback on plans to upgrade car parks at Cudgen Foreshore Park and Ed Parker Rotary Park in Kingscliff. These upgrades are part of a $15.5 million initiative from the Australian and NSW governments to enhance our community spaces and boost resilience against future weather events.

Join us on Saturday 10 August from 9 to 11 am at Cudgen Foreshore Park to learn more and share your thoughts with Council staff. Your input is vital in shaping the future of our parks.

Don’t miss this chance to have your say! Visit yoursaytweed.com.au/ cudgenforeshoreandedparkerparks for more details. Let’s work together to create a better Kingscliff!

Sod turning marks start of animal pound and rehoming facility

Supporters gathered at South Murwillumbah last week to celebrate the start of the Tweed’s new Animal Pound and Rehoming Facility. This multimillion dollar project will house up to 80 animals –40 dogs and 40 cats – in need of new homes. Federal government representatives, Friends of the Pound, and Tweed Shire Council marked the beginning of construction on the $9.1 million facility. Alder, the company awarded the design and construct contract in June, was also present.

The facility, located at 92-102 Lundberg Drive, South Murwillumbah will feature dog kennels, catteries, stockyard animal facilities, and an administrative hub for Friends of the Pound.

Additional yards for volunteers to exercise the animals and a new home for Council’s Rangers Unit are also included.

Construction is set to begin later this year, with completion expected by late 2025, weather permitting.

Last week we each used 161 L a day

Save water, save money

In brief ...

Nominate your hero now for the Tweed Shires Australia Day Awards

Celebrate our community heroes! Nominate an individual or organisation for the Tweed Shire Australia Day Awards.

These awards honour those who make the Tweed a vibrant place to live and visit.

Categories include:

• Arts and Culture Award

• Citizen of the Year

• Community Event of the Year

• Senior Ambassador

• Sporting Achievement of the Year (individual and group)

• Volunteer of the Year (individual and group)

• Young Achiever in Community Service

Nominations close Friday 11 October 2024.

Celebrate our local heroes! Nominate your Australia Day champions now at tweed.nsw.gov.au/australia-day

Hockey fields clubhouse bounces back

The Tweed sporting community is on a winning streak! After the devastating 2022 floods, the Barrie Smith hockey fields clubhouse is back and better than ever.

Phase One of the restoration saw the ground floor transformed with new epoxy floors, fresh paint, aluminium doors, stainless-steel sinks, and more. The canteen and storeroom got a complete makeover, including new lighting and raised electrical fittings.

Phase Two is almost completed, bringing a new stainless-steel kitchen, bar area refurbishment, commercial vinyl flooring, and flood-resilient stairs. Stay tuned for more updates on the ongoing flood restoration efforts across the Tweed. For more info, visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/flood-recovery-update

Get your paws on a $500 voucher

Calling all Tweed cat lovers! To encourage keeping your feline friends safe at home, 60 lucky residents can win a $500 voucher for a cat haven or DIY hardware products.

Council has teamed up with RSPCA NSW for the Keeping Cats Safe at Home campaign. It’s all about celebrating our love for cats and motivating owners to keep their furry companions safe and happy. Need help creating a cat haven? Submit an expression of interest to snag a $500 voucher from Catnets. Submissions are open from 1 to 30 August 2024. Apply at: tweed.nsw.gov.au/keeping-cats-safe-at-home

This NSW-wide project is funded by a $2.5 million grant from the NSW Environmental Trust.

Get involved and make your kitty’s home a paradise!

Tweed Shire Council wishes to acknowledge the Ngandowal and Minyungbal speaking people of the Bundjalung Country, in particular the Goodjinburra, Tul-gi-gin and Moorung – Moobah clans, as being the traditional owners and custodians of the land and waters within the Tweed Shire boundaries. Council also acknowledges and respects the Tweed Aboriginal community’s right to speak for its Country and to care for its traditional Country in accordance with its lore, customs and traditions.

Images from the 2023 Tweed Museum Street Party.

Aerial view of Cudgen Foreshore Park in Kingscliff.

A local resident kitty relaxing in a 'pawesome' cat enclosure.

Mooball Creek seawalls restoration works: Essential repairs starting late August 2024

Funding to boost community resilience – apply now

Good news, Tweed communities and volunteers!

The application period for the Spontaneous Volunteers Support Program (SVSP) has been extended until the end of August 2024.

What’s the SVSP? It’s a program born from the 2022 NSW Flood Inquiry, designed to better coordinate community efforts during disasters. With $5 million in funding, it aims to help communities and volunteers be more prepared, supported, and ready to respond.

What can the grants be used for? Eligible equipment, training programs, community planning, and awareness activities.

Important dates: The NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) has extended the closing date for grant applications to 12 noon, 30 August 2024. If you’ve already applied, you can request to re-open your application.

For more info and eligibility criteria, visit the NSW Grants Finder at nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding Let’s get our communities ready and resilient!

Drawing classes for seniors

Seniors interested in learning the basics of drawing are invited to join classes at the Banora Point Community Centre. Led by qualified art teacher Jane Whittred from Mrs Red’s Art Room, these sessions take place on the first and third Wednesday of each month.

From August to October, the cost is reduced to $15 per session. Participants should bring their own A5 or A4 sketchbook and graphite pencils. For more information email: create@mrsReds.com.au or call 07 55 69 3110.

Development application determinations

Notification of development application determinations for the purposes of Section 4.59 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (as amended). Application details

Approved

DA24/0239 – Swimming pool and associated decking including new driveway crossover Lot 814 DP 800049, No. 34 Amaroo Drive, Banora Point

DA24/0083 – Alterations and additions to existing dwelling including deck Lot 6 DP 23845, No. 7 Mayal Street, Murwillumbah

DA24/0152 – Carport

Lot 2SP 100011, Unit 2/No. 26 Cooloon Crescent, Tweed Heads South DA23/0325 – Retaining wall rectification

SP 76452, No. 127 River Street, South Murwillumbah

The above development determinations are available for public inspection free of charge at the Planning and Regulation Division, Murwillumbah Civic Centre, during ordinary office hours or viewed on Council’s DA Tracking site located at datracker.tweed.nsw.gov.au

Current vacancies

Visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/job-vacancies to view current vacancies. Subscribe to receive Job Vacancy Alerts via email at tweed.nsw.gov.au/subscribe

WATER WEEK 5

This is an important notice to Pottsville residents and Mooball Creek users.

The Mooball Creek Seawalls Repair Project will begin soon, aiming to restore the training walls at the mouth of Mooball Creek to their original condition.

Project overview

Start date: Late August

Duration: Approximately 8 weeks (4 weeks per wall)

Contractor: MGN Civil Pty Ltd

Work details

• The southern wall will start first, lasting about 4 weeks.

• The northern wall will follow, lasting about 4 weeks.

Rock stockpiling locations

• Southern side: Near the beach access at the end of the cul-de-sac.

• Northern side: At the end of the beach access lane opposite the Shell Service Station (Shell Track) off Tweed Coast Road.

Safety measures – During the project, construction equipment and trucks will be in operation. Safety measures will be in place to ensure the safety of residents and workers.

For more information, please visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/ roadworks-closures

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Notification of integrated development application

Development application no. DA24/0273

A development application has been lodged by ELKN Pty Ltd seeking development consent for installation of 2 x shipping containers and deck area, fit out as a ‘Food and Drink Premises’ (Cafe), signage and associated works at Lot 1 DP 395360 & Lot 1 DP 780240; No. 2-4 Commercial Road, Murwillumbah . Tweed Shire Council is the consent authority for the application. The proposed development constitutes “Integrated Development” pursuant to Section 4.46(1) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979. The following approvals are required in this regard:Provision Approval Authority

Sections 89, 90 & 91 of the Water Management Act 2000

Water use approval, water management work approval or activity approval under Part 3 of Chapter 3

Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

The development application and the documents accompanying it may be viewed on Council’s DA Tracking site located at datracker.tweed.nsw.gov.au

The documents will be available for a period of 28 days from Wednesday 7 August to Wednesday 4 September 2024.

Any submission objecting to the proposed development must state the ground upon which such objection is made.

Please note – requirements regarding Disclosure of Political Gifts and Donations

A disclosure is required to be made in a statement accompanying the relevant development or planning application by a person who makes the application. In addition, a person who makes a written submission either objecting to or supporting a relevant development or planning application must also make a disclosure if the person has made a reportable political donation. Further information regarding Donations and Gift Disclosure are available on Council’s website at tweed.nsw.gov.au/development-applications

Notification

of integrated development application

Development application no. DA24/0262

A development application has been lodged by ELKN Pty Ltd seeking development consent for staged construction of two separate industrial buildings divided into four units including associated use, signage and carparking on proposed Lot 710 at Lot 604 DP 1244954; No. 208 Lundberg Drive, South Murwillumbah . Tweed Shire Council is the consent authority for the application.

The proposed development constitutes “Integrated Development” pursuant to Section 4.46(1) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979. The following approvals are required in this regard:Provision Approval Authority

Sections 89, 90 & 91 of the Water Management Act 2000 Water use approval, water management work approval or activity approval under Part 3 of Chapter 3 Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

The development application and the documents accompanying it may be viewed on Council’s DA Tracking site located at datracker.tweed.nsw.gov.au

The documents will be available for a period of 28 days from Wednesday 7 August to Wednesday 4 September 2024.

Any person may, during the above period, make a written submission to the General Manager of Council. It should also be noted that Council has adopted a policy whereby, on request, any submission including identifying particulars will be made public. Council will give consideration to the ‘Public Interest’ and requests for confidentiality by submitters in determining access to submission letters. However, the provisions of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 – GIPA may result in confidential submissions being released to an applicant. Any submission objecting to the proposed development must state the ground upon which such objection is made. Please note – requirements regarding Disclosure of Political Gifts and Donations A disclosure is required to be made in a statement accompanying the relevant development or planning application by a person who makes the application. In addition, a person who makes a written submission either objecting to or supporting a relevant development or planning application must also make a disclosure if the person has made a reportable political donation. Further information regarding Donations and Gift Disclosure are available on Council’s website at tweed.nsw.gov.au/development-applications

Notification of integrated development application Development Application No. DA24/0303

A development application has been lodged by Cubo Consulting Pty Ltd seeking development consent for replacement of existing driveway and culvert at Lot 14 DP 807585; No. 77 Pimble Valley Road, Crabbes Creek . Tweed Shire Council is the consent authority for the application.

Provision Approval Authority

Part 8 of the Water Act 1912 Approval to construct a controlled workDepartment of Environment, Climate Change and Water (NSW Office of Water)

The development application and the documents accompanying it may be viewed on Council’s DA Tracking site located at datracker.tweed.nsw.gov.au

The documents will be available for a period of 28 days from Wednesday 7 August to Wednesday 4 September 2024.

Any submission objecting to the proposed development must state the ground upon which such objection is made.

Please note – requirements regarding Disclosure of Political Gifts and Donations

to the Tweed Link at tweed.nsw.gov.au/subscribe or follow Council on:

Mooball Creek seawall restoration will begin later this month.

Cop suspended

A NSW Police officer has been suspended after being charged for allegedly accessing restricted data and will appear in Tweed Heads Local Court in September.

Police allege that in January 2024, officers attached to the Professional Standards Command commenced an investigation into alleged misconduct and unlawful access to data held on the police computer system.

Following inquiries, a 50-year-old man was served a court attendance notice and charged with eight counts of accessing/modifying restricted data held in a computer and ‘a holder of public office misconduct him or herself.’

He will appear before Tweed Heads Local Court on Monday, September 16.

The officer has been suspended without pay.

Drug bust arrest

A TWEED Heads man, 41, has threatened police with a box cutter knife before arming himself with a pair of scissors as he faces multiple drug offences.

In February 2024, officers from the Northern Rivers Region Enforcement Squad established ‘Strike Force McClelland’ to investigate the ongoing supply of prohibited drugs.

Police said it was 2pm on Wednesday, July 31, when they searched a home on Flamingo Place at Tweed Heads.

Police said they found several items including substances believed to be cannabis leaf, cocaine, human growth hormone and methylamphetamine, and all were seized for forensic examination.

Following further inquiries, at about 2pm on Thursday, August 1, Strike Force McClelland investigators, with the assistance of officers from Tweed-Byron Police District, returned to the same home on Flamingo Place at Tweed Heads.

Police will allege that a 41-year-old man who was in the home at the time threatened police with a box cutter and a pair of scissors.

A police operation ensued and, with the assistance of specialist police including Police Negotiators and Tactical Operations Regional

Support Unit, the man was arrested without incident about 8.55pm.

The man was taken to Tweed Valley Hospital for the treatment of a pre-existing injury.

Upon the man’s release, he was taken to Tweed Heads Police Station where he was charged with five counts of possess prohibited drug, four counts of supply prohibited drug (greater than indictable and less than commercial quantity), and use offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention.

He was refused bail and was due to front Tweed Heads Local Court on Friday, August 2.

Drug supply busts

By Jo Kennett

TWEED-BYRON Police have charged six people including a Tweed Heads man with firearm and drug offences following an investigation into drug supply, a bust at a Chinderah service centre and six property searches on Wednesday, July 31.

Three people were arrested in the Chinderah bust while another three were arrested after police executed search warrants in Evans Head, Tweed Heads and the Gold Coast.

Police stopped a vehicle at the Chinderah Northbound Service Centre on Tweed Valley Way at about 1.10pm last Wednesday during their investigations into the supply of prohibited drugs in the Tweed Heads, Byron Bay, and Evans Head areas,

A 37-year-old woman and two men aged 28 and 51 were arrested at the scene.

One local mum said she and her kids were inside the service centre and had to wait until they took the three alleged offenders away before they could get to their car.

The three were taken to Tweed Heads Police Station where the Evans Head woman was charged with 64 offences including firearm possession charges, supply of a commercial quantity of drugs and three counts of recruiting a child to carry out/assist criminal activity.

The 28-year-old Burleigh Heads man was charged with 24 offences including 20 counts of (commercial quantity) drug supply and possession.

The 51-year-old Evans Head man was charged with 16 offences including firearms and supply and possession of a commercial quantity of drugs.

Just after that arrest, at about 1.30pm last Wednesday, police executed three search warrants simultaneously in Evans Head and Tweed Heads, while Queensland Police officers exe -

cuted three search warrants on the Gold Coast on behalf of NSW Police.

Among the items seized were seven pistols, one shotgun, one rifle, nine gel blasters, three electronic stun devices, knuckle dusters, flick knives, batons, handcuffs, cocaine, more than a litre of GBL, steroids, almost 1.5kg of methamphetamine, fireworks, and almost $40,000 in cash.

A 42-year-old Tweed Heads man was charged with 12 offences including firearms charges, supply and possession of a commercial quantity of drugs, dealing with the proceeds of crime, and possessing goods suspected of being stolen.

A 48-year-old Evans Head woman was charged with 11 offences including a number of firearm and commercial drug supply and possession charges, and handling an explosive/precursor without an authorising licence.

A 34-year-old Evans Head man was charged with 20 offences including weapons and firearms offences and possessing a prohibited drug. All were refused bail to appear in court in August and September.

The Chinderah drug bust

Building Safe Places Tweed assault charge

By Jonathon Howard

MOMENTUM COLLECTIVE will receive a substantial contract of $3.58 million to build 26 Safe Places in the Tweed Shire under the Albanese Labor Government’s Safe Places Emergency Accommodation program.

Member for Richmond and Federal Assistant Minister for Social Services and the Prevention of Family Violence, Justine Elliot, announced the funding boost last week during a visit to the Momentum Collective team.

Ms Elliot said the Safe Places Emergency Accommodation Program will fund the building, renovation or purchase of emergency accommodation to support women and children in circumstances where staying safely at home is not possible.

The Safe Places Inclusion Round supports the government’s program of reform to improve women’s safety under the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022/23.

“Family and domestic violence is the leading cause of homelessness and housing uncertainty for women and children in Australia,” Ms Elliot said.

“That’s why it’s significant that Tweed-based Momentum Collective, in conjunction with the Albanese Labor Government, will be helping over 100 women and children each year.”

“As your local member for Richmond, and the Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence in the Albanese Government, I am proud of our $3.4 billion investment in women’s safety in Australia, including a total investment of $32 billion in new housing initiatives.”

Tracey Mackie, Momentum Collective’s CEO, said how vital these supports are for the community.

“Through the Safe Place Program, Momentum Collective will importantly be a place of specialised support services, providing person-centred support for victim-survivors of

family and domestic violence.”

“Our aim has always been to increase access to support services in rural and regional areas, so we are thrilled to be able to provide this in Tweed with help from the Safe Places Program.”

Under the recently announced Safe Places Emergency Accommodation Inclusion Round, 19 new projects will be funded to deliver around 720 new safe places across Australia over the next three years.

Around 6,000 women and children are supported each year by current Safe Places sites.

If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800R ESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via www.1800RESPECT. org.au, or text 0458 737 732.

A 23-YEAR-OLD has been charged following an investigation into an assault that made headlines around the nation at a Tweed Heads shopping centre earlier this month.

Tweed-Byron Police say that at around 3.30pm on Thursday, July 11, emergency services were called to a shopping centre on Minjungbal Drive, Tweed Heads South, following reports of an altercation.

Tweed-Byron Police officers attended the scene and were told several people were involved in an altercation, in which a man was injured.

Social media claims of an axe attack were reported around the country, although police couldn’t say if a tomahawk seized at the scene

was even used in the assault.

They subsequently released CCTV images of two men they wished to speak to in relation to the altercation.

The man was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics for facial injuries, before he was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital for treatment and subsequently released.

Following a police investigation, a man was arrested at Tweed Heads Police Station on Tuesday afternoon, July 30.

He was charged with reckless wounding in company and was refused bail when he appeared at Tweed Heads Local Court on Wednesday, July 31. Police say that inquiries into the incident are ongoing.

Kingscliff car park upgrade feedback

SHIRE Council is seeking community feedback on draft concept plans to upgrade car parks at Cudgen Foreshore Park and Ed Parker Rotary Park at Kingscliff.

The upgrades are designed to enhance the recreation and aesthetic qualities of the parks while improving traffic flow and providing designated parking areas.

Both parks are located along Sutherland Street and provide important access to viewing opportunities and enjoyment of Cudgen Creek.

Residents are invited to find out more and discuss the upgrades with council staff at Cudgen Foreshore Park in Kingscliff on Saturday 10 August, from 9 am to 11 am.

The upgrades, which combined will cost $1.02 million, form part of a $15.5 million funding package from the federal and NSW govern -

ments to help restore and improve community assets in the Tweed that have been storm or flood damaged.

Council’s Manager Parks & Active Communities Murray Smith said asphalting the car parks will improve the sites by providing a smoother, more durable surface.

“Council has faced ongoing issues with hooning behaviour at Cudgen Foreshore Park, which has led to significant environmental damage and safety concerns,” Mr Smith said.

“Reckless driving has destroyed vegetation and wildlife habitats, causing extensive damage to turf areas and noise negatively impacting surrounding residents,”

The plans will be on exhibition until 4pm on August 26. Visit: yoursaytweed.com.au/ cudgenforeshoreandedparkerparks

BANORA SHOPPING VILLAGE REDEVELOPMENT UPDATE

Starting Monday 12 August, there will be some minor change to access within Banora Shopping Village. The redevelopment will progress to the final stage of construction in anticipation for centre relaunch later this year, to enable additional critical infrastructure upgrade to be carried out.

The carpark fronting Leisure and Darlington Drives corner will remain closed for resurfacing and shade sail structure works to continue. However, the rear service lane will now also be closed to all vehicles to enable additional underground works.

After brief period of closure, the following tenants are excited to reopen their doors and welcome back their regular customers:

• Banora Shopping Village Medical Centre

• Banora Point Newsagency

• Helloworld Travel

For the first time all specialty tenants will now trade after having their shopfront and store entry given a facelift with new painting, tiling and lighting. We can’t wait to share with the wider Banora Point community on what’s in store for the centre relaunch.

Danielle Thurgar Watters (Momentum Collective), Justine Elliot MP, Dr Tracy Mackie (CEO Momentum Collective)

TWEED

By Keri Algar

TWENTY-FIVE ENTHUSIASTIC women from the Tweed Coast gathered at the NSW SES Tweed Coast Unit in Pottsville recently for a hands-on workshop aimed at boosting their practical skills in emergency preparedness.

The Emergency Preparedness in Community (EPIC) event was hosted by SES volunteers from around the region who joined forces to deliver an engaging and informative session, leaving participants more confident and ready to tackle natural hazards.

“The day was a resounding success, with participants leaving empowered and ready to face natural hazards,” SES Tweed Byron Deputy Local Commander Jennifer Townend said.

“It was a very interactive day, which offered a two-way forum to share, explore different ideas, and learn tips and tricks.

“I know our SES volunteers valued the day as well, it was informative and a lot of fun.”

water diversion during heavy rains and the art of tarping and window repairs, vital for quick fixes during storms.

Ladder safety, often overlooked but crucial, was another key focus. Women were taught the safest ways to use ladders, reducing the risk of falls and injuries. Cleaning gutters, a simple yet effective way to prevent water damage, was also on the agenda.

In addition to these practical skills, the participants got hands-on experience using fire extinguishers, an essential tool in any emergency toolkit. The women had the chance to brush up on their essential first aid skills, practice CPR and learned how to use a defibrillator — a potentially life-saving device.

They also explored the latest apps and warnings, ensuring they stay updated with real-time information during emergencies.

The workshop covered a range of essential skills includ ing how to sandbag for

A highlight of the workshop was the session on home emergency plans and kits. Women learned how to create comprehensive emergency plans tailored to their family’s needs and how to assemble kits with all the essentials.

SES volunteers with workshop participants

Insurance costs skyrocket

By Jo Kennett

Continued from page 3

“The insurer we were with declined to renew our home insurance,” Wendy said.

“I didn’t claim or get flooded yet I was still declined...go figure.

“I rang around and Woolworths would insure us with an increase of $40 a month. Some residents remain uninsured.”

A Koala Beach resident who lives on the hill said her insurance had risen around 18 per cent over the last two years, “but it goes up every year so it’s not particularly noticeable.”

A Casuarina resident who didn’t want to be named said she had looked at other insurers after the price of her home insurance rose dramatically for no reason.

“I ended up staying with the same insurer, my renewal was up $640 from last year for building and contents,” the woman said.

“Our place is a decent size but definitely nothing exceptional or extravagant.

“Last year it was $2,580 and the renewal was $3,220.

“I tried one of the comparisons and the cheapest I could find it was around $3,400, and that was with a higher excess.

“One was $7,000 and the highest was $7,500.

“Interest rates hike, rates up $1,000, insurance up $640, electricity, gas, groceries, car insurance, health insurance, all up.

“I think it’s creating a situation where people aren’t insuring themselves, as they simply can’t afford it anymore, and something has to be cut.

“The mortgage, rent, utilities, food, they can’t be cut. Imagine having to choose not to be insured? We’re okay, thankfully, but what do the retirees do?”

Some Tweed Heads residents also found their insurers wouldn’t renew their policies after the 2022 floods, with one insurer quoting $20,000 for the year and many others prohibitively expensive.

Read what insurers say

T he Weekly contacted a number of insurers about the increasing costs of insurance with most not responding.

“Wherever you live in Australia — whether you’re directly exposed to extreme weather impacts or not — insurance premiums are rising because of the escalating costs of natural disasters, the increasing value of homes and vehicles, making them more expensive to replace, inflation pushing up building and vehicle repair costs, and the increasing cost of doing business for insurers,” a spokesperson from the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) said.

“Since the Black Summer Bushfires of 201920 insurers have paid out $19 billion in claims from 20 declared insurance catastrophes or significant events.

“ These events continue to impact everyone’s insurance costs.

“Each insurer has their own approach to calculating premiums, and most insurers have a sophisticated understanding of the risks that allows them to calculate home insurance premiums at an address level.”

Flooding in Bogangar in 2022

Tweed tourism wins big

By Jonathon Howard

THE TWEED’S tourism stars were shining bright at the North Coast Tourism Awards held in Port Macquarie on Friday, August 2.

- Fully Insured - Cheap Tows - Earthmoving

Three Tweed tourism operators took out the top honours with a gold award win for Potager – A Kitchen Garden for Excellence in Food Tourism, Northern Rivers Rail Trail (Tweed Section) for Outstanding Tourism Start Up and Yen Trinh from Pipit Restaurant for Outstanding Tourism Business Leader.

Potager – A Kitchen Garden was also awarded the prestigious Business of the Year, awarded to a business that has been judged to be an outstanding business, providing an awards entry that demonstrates achievements and excellence over and above all other entrants.

Potager owner Peter Burr said they were “so excited to win gold for Excellence in Food Tourism for the second year running.”

“To go on to win Business of The Year made me so very proud of my team and all that we have accomplished together,” Peter said.

“It’s amazing recognition from our North Coast peers”.

Murwillumbah Public School

Also recognised with silver awards were Osteria Weddings — Event Venue of the Year, Tasman Holiday Parks North Star — Excellence in Glamping and/or Camping, Pipit Restaurant — Excellence in Food Tourism, Husk Farm Distillery — Excellence in Wineries, Distilleries And Breweries, and Hirehood for Outstanding Tourism Start Up.

Watersports Guru took out a bronze in the Tour and Transport Operator category and Tweed Regional Museum for Excellence Innovation.

Ancora Weddings, Farm & Co Restaurant, Better By Bike and Jodha Bai Retreat were also finalists in their respective categories, rounding out the strong Tweed presence at the awards. Sally Scott, General Manager of The Tweed Tourism Company, said it was “a fabulous night.”

“The results were a testament to the hard work, resilience and ingenuity of the Tweed tourism businesses and our congratulations go to each recipient for their unwavering commitment to the industry and dedication to achieving tourism excellence,” Sally said.

Running for Gold at Murwillumbah Public School

The annual Murwillumbah Public School Athletics Carnival took place recently with all students enjoying a fabulous day. There was a real Olympic feel in the air with the events in Paris about to commence. Levels of participation were very high and the students who competed showed great attitudes and support for one another. Many parents and community members came along

to cheer on the young athletes.

Featured track events included 100m and 200m sprints, 800m and relays. Field events involved discus, long jump, shotput and high jump.

Students took part in a considerable amount of coaching and practice in the lead up to the carnival and that was evident in their performances.

Individual Champions and Winning House will be announced at the annual presentation day to be held in term 4.

The carnival also acts as qualifying for the district athletics carnival which is scheduled at Kingscliff Athletics Field on Thursday 8th August. Forty ve students from the school have quali ed to take part. From this event students have

the opportunity to continue onto zone, regional, state and national carnivals.

Murwillumbah Public School boasts an impressive record of students who have achieved at high levels in athletics over its long history. It is wonderful to see students strive to achieve their personal bests and strive for gold at Murwillumbah Public School.

Local winners of the North Coast Tourism Awards. Photo: Lucy Humphries

Award-winning cuisine

By Jo Kennett

A LOCAL pub devastated in the 2022 floods has made a remarkable comeback to take out a big win in the Australian Good Food Guide 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards, one of several local foodie favourites to win an award.

The historic Tumbulgum Tavern took out the best pub food in the Northern Rivers award.

Publican Cathy Vincent said an “extraordinary amount of work” had been put in to resurrect the pub following the floods.

“It was a beautiful surprise to open up the email from AGFG and unexpected,” Cath told The Weekly.

“Thanks to our amazing team for all of their hard work and dedication.

“We thank everyone who has and continues to support the tavern and our community.”

Cubby Bakehouse, which was also devastated in the flood, won the best breakfast in the Northern Rivers category.

Taverna in Kingscliff won in the best Greek restaurant category.

My Style of Pizza in Casuarina won the AGFG Readers’ Choice Award for the best pizza.

Potager in Carool, which last year won the second best restaurant in Australia for the second time running, won the best modern Australian restaurant in the region.

Tweed River House won the Readers’ Choice Award in the bistro category for the region.

Spice Den at Casuarina was chosen as the best Thai restaurant in the Northern Rivers.

In the accommodation category, North Star Holiday Resort at Hastings Point was awarded the Reader’s Choice Award for best accommodation in the region.

Cudgen Headland Surf Club recently won the 2024 Your Local Club Perfect Plate Awards, a state-wide showcase of the best NSW club chefs and kitchens have to offer, with their sensational-looking clam chowder.

Denture Problems?

THERE ARE many problems that people encounter when wearing (or learning to wear) a denture – sore spots, looseness and damaged or missing denture teeth to name a few. The good news is there is no need to endure through pain or problems with your denture. In most cases, your dental prosthetist can help.

Sore spots are the most common problem faced by denture wearers. A sore spot occurs when the denture moves and rubs on the gum, causing a small amount of swelling leading to the denture rubbing more. Left untreated, the rubbing continues until the skin on the gum breaks causing a painful ulceration. This is something that can quickly be ﬁxed by your dental prosthetist. By identifying where the denture is rubbing on the gum, and adjusting the denture accordingly, relief should be instantaneous. The trick is treating the sore spot when it is a small problem, before it becomes a painful ulceration.

A number of different factors can cause a denture to feel ‘loose’. If it is a partial denture, perhaps it is a simple matter of having the clasps tightened, or if it is a full denture, you may need a reline. When you have a natural tooth extracted, your gums shrink and are continually changing shape. Whilst this change slows down over time, it never completely stops, meaning that your denture is only a ‘good fit’ for a certain period of time. A reline replaces the fitting surface of your denture to suit the shape your gums are now, not the shape they were when the denture was made. A reline usually takes one day to complete and, in most cases, fixes a perceived

looseness issue. In some cases, especially with a complete lower denture, implants may be required to stop the denture from moving around. A consultation with a dental prosthetist is the safest way to determine the best course of action for your speciﬁc situation.

Missing or damaged denture teeth is something that can aﬀect daily life. Being embarrassed to smile or speak to people can seriously impact one’s self esteem. Denture teeth as well as other denture components (clasping, ‘gum’ area etc) can be replaced or repaired. A denture repair is generally fairly straight forward and happens inhouse over a couple of hours depending on the repair. Whether you are experiencing sore spots, denture looseness, need a denture repair, or your denture simply needs a clean, Bromley’s Denture Clinic can help. We are your family owned local denture clinic with over 20 years combined experience, and whatever your denture problem may be, we are here to listen and help where ever we can. Life is too short to endure denture ‘teething problems’.

To ﬁnd out more visit 54 Kirkwood Road, Tweed Heads South, or phone (07) 5523 2555.

Shock after trees cut down

By Jo Kennett

LOCAL DUNECARE volunteers were frustrated to find several mature trees chopped down in bushland behind Cabarita Beach which they have worked for years to revegetate.

Cabarita Beach Dunecare coordinator Faye Nash said she went to the site, just off the Goanna Track at Norries Headland, and discovered four mature trees had been cut down to make a seat.

“Three other well-established trees had also been cut down and it’s an area we have been going back to,” Faye said.

“I think it might be school kids who gather there and they leave a mess and this time they have created a big path through to a more private area and cleared a big space.

“There were three shovels, a broom, a hand saw, a hammer and a packet of nails there.”

Faye said that parents probably think their kids are out having a healthy time at the beach “but who knows what they are doing there.”

“We found a pair of tracksuits that were probably a grade 6 size, we’ve found soft drink cans but no alcohol,” she said.

“It could be a different group though, it could be an older group who have done this. They

are just finding a private place, but it’s really disappointing and frustrating that they are cutting mature tree downs.”

The trees were native macarangas and casuarinas.

“They have all been planted over the years but our recent plantings have just been trampled,” Faye told The Weekly.

“We make sure the invasive vines are kept down and we plant to make sure the dunes are covered to prevent coastal erosion and beautify the beach. We are also trying to deter people from using it as a permanent campsite.

“It’s only about 50 or 60 metres south of the Goanna Track and a lot of people go there as there are a lot of dog walkers that use that track.

“We have been back to that same site a few times; I think we are on our fourth attempt trying to revegetate that site.”

Rainforest Centre demolition

THE ONCE thriving World Heritage Rainforest Centre in Murwillumbah’s Budd Park will be demolished in the coming months, after a unanimous vote from Tweed Shire councillors last week.

Councillors carried the motion during their monthly meeting on Thursday, August 1.

The architecturally designed single storey split-level building was built in the early 1970s and was a well-known location for the Visitor Information Centre, which is now located across the road at the Murwillumbah Railway Station.

Council had already undertaken public consultation to demolish the building to make way for the Budd Park upgrade concept plan.

“This is deemed the most responsible course of action for financial, environmental, and social sustainability,” council’s report read.

“Frequent flooding has caused extensive damage, making the building uninhabitable without significant repairs.

“The safety concerns and economic implications of maintaining an uninsurable, flood-prone structure present a substantial risk to council.”

Tumbulgum Tavern was the readers' choice for the best pub food in the Northern Rivers. Tumbulgum Tavern's Fresh Black Mussels with an Asian twist.

Dunecare volunteers found this at a site they have tried to revegetate four times

ITV Grants to launch

By Jonathon Howard

THE ITV Tweed Community Initiative Fund is back for another generous round of $50,000 in grants to help our not-for-profit organisations.

This year’s grants round will open on Thursday, August 15, and closes on Sunday, September 15.

The ITV grants come as both UK and German production teams prepare to return to the Tweed to film the iconic reality series, ‘I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!’ in November 2024 and January 2025.

It will be the eighth consecutive year for the ITV grants having started in 2017 as a way of giving back to the local area that’s become home for the television production.

Since then, ITV Studios have donated more than $357,000 in 133 grants, making the grants program well known among not-for-profit groups across the Tweed Shire.

ITV’s community liaison officer Lanie Loughlin has recruited a new committee made up of four well respected, independent leaders from the Tweed.

“The role of the committee is to assess applications and allocate the fund for the 2024 round,” Lanie told The Weekly.

“There are so many hardworking not-for-profit groups in the Tweed Shire delivering important

projects that support and strengthen our community — allocating funding is no easy task!” she said.

“It’s wonderful to have a team of four volunteer committee members this year, with experience in varying aspects of local life, they bring with them a wealth of professionalism, local knowledge and passion for community.” Lanie welcomed the participants and committee members Don Bentley, Phillip Hepburn, Bryanne Jardine and Kate McKenzie. Visit itv.com/communitygrant from Thursday, August 15, or for more information email: community.liaison@itv.com

atch up with Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin

Honouring our veterans

I WELCOME the announcement that the NSW Government will extend retail trading restrictions to cover all of Anzac Day to ensure the service of veterans is recognised and people are able to take part in services throughout the day.

Currently, retail traders such as supermarkets and fashion retailers are only required to stay closed until 1pm under the Retail Trading Act. From next year, the change will see them remain closed until midnight.

The restrictions do not apply to small businesses and business not considered retailers or with exemptions such as markets, cafes, chemists, newsagencies and takeaway restaurants.

As Premier Chris Minns said: “It might be inconvenient for a few hours, but closing our biggest corporate shops for a single day is a small price to pay for living in a free and open democracy”.

NSW Fair Trading is warning consumers to beware of ‘dark patterns’ when shopping online.

D ark patterns are tactics websites or apps use to manipulate or trick you into spending more money than you’d planned or providing personal data that’s not needed.

These are some common dark patterns to look out for:

Hidden costs

Hidden costs are extra costs you only find out about towards the end of your purchase, or which are made less obvious. They include pre-selected extras you may not want.

Some hidden costs are even sneakier, such as a pre-selected free trial period for a service that renews automatically if you don’t cancel before it ends.

Forced continuity

Forced continuity refers to subscriptions that are easy to sign up to but hard to get out of.

You may only have to provide basic details to subscribe for a product or service, but to cancel you may need to go through multiple steps.

Trick questions

Trick questions are commonly used for sub-

scriptions, auto-purchase agreements and data collection.

For example, if you’re trying to cancel a subscription, you may be asked if you really want to cancel and given two options: ‘continue’ or ‘cancel’. This may be intentionally unclear, where ‘continue’ means continuing the cancellation process and ‘cancel’ means stopping the cancellation process. You may think you’ve cancelled the subscription until you are charged another subscription fee.

Scarcity cues

Scarcity cues are designed to create a fear of missing out, which pushes you to make rushed decisions about buying or spending more than you planned. Examples are countdown timers for shopping carts or notifications about low stock (e.g. ‘only 4 left’).

Activity notifications

Activity notifications tell you what other people are doing on a website or app (e.g. ‘15 people are currently looking at this hotel room’). These notifications will appear seconds apart and often be bundled with scarcity cues to create a sense of urgency.

Data grabs

A data grab is when businesses ask you for more information than they need to process your request.

Have you ever had to provide your full name and postcode when subscribing to a newsletter? Or had to provide your date of birth for a purchase? That’s a data grab and you should be concerned about what the business plans to do with your information and how securely are they storing it.

Disguised advertisements

Disguised advertisements are often ‘clickbait’ — a sensationalised or misleading headline or link designed to make you click through to online content.

These are just some of the ‘dark patterns’.

The NSW Fair Trading website has more information with helpful screen graphics of what to look out for.

https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/fair-trading/dark-patterns

The new ITV community grants panel is ready to take your applications for ITV's $50,000 grant funding pool that opens on August 15

Eldership PRIDE

with Heather McClelland

In their book ‘How to Age against the Machine’, Melissa Doyle and Naima Brown quote Sophia Loren : “There is a fountain of youth: It is your mind, your talents and the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source you will truly have defeated AGE[ism].”

Alexandra (Sandy) Copley PhD taps this source as she shares some details with Tweed Valley Weekly readers.

“I’d been taught very young the importance of truth and can only remember lying twice in my whole life understanding that integrity is vital, I thought this about education as well. The world’s turned upside down in so many ways. When my mother and her sister went to school they idolised their teachers and aspired to be like them. The teaching profession was highly respected.

“Because my parents wanted more opportunities for me than they’d had, having

been deprived and displaced during WWII, I was ambitious to achieve. Eventually in researching for a PhD I discovered something important. The negative impacts on motivation of outsourcing institutions to the private sector and putting profit motive above community wellbeing are huge.”

In contrast to some general anxiety for the world, Sandy expresses pleasure that young people have so many choices open to them including the capacity to travel.

“After retiring, one of the best decisions we ever made was to join the Friendship Force,” she said.

“We visited 68 countries, not just in a superficial discovery of the world, but to build connection. We stayed in people’s own homes and vice-versa. We discovered cultural differences as well as commonalities in places like Petra. Every night the people there walked about enjoying the astounding architecture and each other, quite different

from Australia.”

Sandy has always been inspired by friendship and Craig who sat next to her on her first day at university remained a friend for life.

“He inspired me with his love of poetry and music,” she said.

“He trained as a psychiatrist and was always deeply interested in his patients. We always had great conversations.

“One day recently, Craig phoned from his nursing home excitedly telling me that Simone Young was conducting the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and from our separate homes and locations we extended our togetherness, watching the performance on SBS and then discussing it further.”

When she moved to Tumbulgum, Sandy joined other like-minded people helping the community better survive its regular flooding. The template created that involves hubs of kindness and action has become a model for others.

Cycling Without Age

By Jonathon Howard

THE FIRST free trishaw ride with volunteer organisation

Cycling Without Age (CWA) launched in Burringbar this week and will give our elderly and disabled residents access to the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.

CWA is a heart-warming initiative offering free trishaw rides for elderly individuals, people with disabilities, and those with reduced mobility, fostering community connections and enhancing access to the Tweed’s award-winning Rail Trail.

Tweed Shire Council hosted a media event on Wednesday, August 7, and introduced CWA community captain Tracey McDonagh, who will head up the Burringbar Cycling Without Age Chapter. The event highlighted the new and free community service on offer.

“CWA volunteers will be taking a range of guests for a free trishaw ride on the rail trail,” a spokesperson for council said.

“The concept of Cycling Without Age is taking elderly people (or those with disabilities) out for bike rides in specially built trishaw bikes piloted by volunteers,” a spokesperson for CWA said.

“The bike rides are free of charge. Our mission is to build bridges between generations and help prevent loneliness:

Cycling Without Age is a global, non-for-profit organisation founded in Copenhagen, Denmark, by Ole Kassow. It was established in 2012, and today, the organisation is represented in 42 countries all over the world.

we provide the elderly people an opportunity to avoid social isolation and remain active in their community by taking them out on bike rides and allow them to feel the wind in their hair.”

For more information, or to book a ride, please email: burringbartrishawbookings@gmail. com — please include name, phone number, time slot and number of people.

Health and Lifestyle Expo

4CRB

CWA has already launched at Tweed Heads and is now available at Burringbar

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Aero Club open day soars

By Jonathon Howard

INTEREST IN the aviation industry is alive and well, according to members of the Murwillumbah Aero Club, who welcomed almost 130 attendees to a special open day at the Bob Whittle Murwillumbah Airfield on Sunday, August 4.

Organised by the club’s president Marty Jackson and committee members, the event showcased the community’s keen interest in aviation, surpassing all expectations.

“It was an extraordinary turnout,” Mr Jackson told The Weekly at the event.

“We had expected around 100 interested, but we ended up with a lot more, and the interest in becoming a pilot or just checking out the airfield was amazing.”

The open day featured some of the most experienced pilots and aviation instructors from across Northern NSW and the Southern Gold Coast.

Among them was longtime pilot and current regional Rex captain Gary Clarke, who introduced attendees to the seven-step plan for becoming a qualified pilot.

Capt Clarke was supported by an exceptional panel of commercial pilots with thousands of hours of flight experience and a passion for their industry.

“This is your time. The demand is there. If you’re looking to become a pilot, you’re in a sweet spot right now,” Capt Clarke said, encouraging aspiring aviators to get involved in this exciting and growing sector.

He then outlined the steps required to achieve various pilot licences:

1. Trial Instruction Flight: The first step for any aspiring pilot.

2. First Solo Flight: Can be undertaken at age 16, provided the individual has a

Class 1 medical certificate.

3. Recreational Pilot’s Licence (RPL): The next step after the initial solo flight.

4. Private Pilot Licence (PPL): Available at age 17, requiring around 50 flight hours and a 70 per cent pass in the PPL exam. Holders of this licence cannot fly in cloudy conditions.

5. Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL): Attainable at age 18, marking the entry into professional aviation.

6. Instrument Flight Rules (IFR): Training includes simulation without visuals or flying in clouds, usually in a multi-engine aircraft.

7. Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL): Requires completion of theory exams and accumulating 1,500 flight hours, preparing pilots for roles such as commercial airline captains.

Capt Clarke emphasised the hard work and dedication required to become a pilot, highlighting the importance of long hours flying but also the commitment required

to theory and studying.

He also noted the recent surge in pilot intakes since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Both he and several other experienced pilots shared pathways to a flying career, stressing the need for a good attitude and enjoyment of the journey.

The event underscored the vibrant interest in aviation within the community and the growing opportunities for aspiring pilots.

The Murwillumbah Aero Club plans to continue fostering this enthusiasm and will announce another open day soon.

Help Julie beat the burn in the City2Surf

By Jo Kennett

A WELL-known Kingscliff firefighter and disability sup port worker is off to Sydney this week to compete in the City2Surf to raise money for children suffering burns and other injuries.

Fire and Rescue NSW Kingscliff’s Julie Lowe will be flying to Sydney to walk 14 kilometres in the City2Surf on Sunday, August 11, alongside the Fire and Rescue NSW Commis sioner and other firefighters, to raise money and aware ness for kids who are dealing with life-changing burns and other injuries.

The fundraiser is being run by Fire and Rescue NSW to raise funds for The Burns Unit at The Children’s Hos pital Westmead. Julie, who also runs Full Circle Support, says she has faced her own health challenge this year “but it’s nothing compared challenges faced by the kids that we’re fundraising for and

it makes me even more determined to get out there and do it for

Julie is encouraging local residents to support her fundraiser to help “ensure that young burns survivors have access to the latest techniques in pain and scar management, and their families are given the support they require during their difficult

You can donate at beattheburn. org/julie-lowe

Our chapters are meeting each week, and members are growing their businesses through word of mouth quality referrals.

On the Gold Coast and Tweed Shire, we have just under 500 members who are supporting each other through this.

Today BNI® has more than 9,200+ chapters successfully operating in over 70 countries worldwide. Our members enjoy unparalleled business growth.

In the Tweed Area, our three groups are BNI Aspire at Cabarita Beach on a Wednesday morning, BNI Eagle at Tweed Heads on a Thursday morning and BNI Pinnacle at Tweed Heads on a Friday morning.

All and anyone are welcome to visit!

BNI provides a positive, supportive, and structured environment for the development and exchange of quality business referrals and we invite YOU to join us to network with amazing business owners.

Rex captain Gary Clarke presenting to a great turnout for the Aero Club open day

Kingscliff firefighter and local legend

Julie Lowe

atthe Footy

WHAT A fall from grace the Broncos have had in 12 months. To be 15 minutes from winning a grand final in 2023 only being stopped by probably the greatest period of play anyone has seen from Cleary to a lonely 14th and not looking like winning is alarming. Yes they have had some players in Origin that clearly takes a toll but doesn’t that mean you have some real quality in your team as well?

To have won only 1/9 since round 11 is not acceptable for a side of this ability. Walsh was untouchable for 15 mins on the weekend before the wheels well and truly fell off. Now our Titans have found some real form under Des but they are only one win ahead of the Broncos, it’s not as though they were playing a red hot Penrith or Storm. There are some alarm bells going off

that is for sure and Kevvie has a few problems there. The last four weeks could make or break a few careers that’s for sure and Kev is already having to replace both assistants who are leaving next year.

The great thing about the weekend at Cbus was the double header and the crowd that attended. It was a look into the future and seeing the NRLW before the men with Jaime Chapman once again showing what a star she is with three quality tries, the crowd get extra bang for their buck and more exposure for the women’s game. It wasn’t quite sold out but gee it was close and the atmosphere was great. If the Titans keep winning the crowds will come and the more double headers they have the better.

The other real disappointment of the season has been the Wah’s. They won everyone over last year and are on the same slippery ladder as the Broncos. Shaun Johnson was untouchable last year but looks very much like he may have gone one year too long.

The form of Stephen Crichton is simply amazing at the moment and his Bulldogs are definitely running off the back of it. The Dogs sit in 5th and do not play a team above them in the last month of footy. They have a real ‘Dogs of War’ mentality and it’s coupled with the ‘Entertainers’ of the 80’s to produce some

scintillating footy. The people of Belmore went mad on the weekend after the game and the momentum they are gaining is infectious, the more games they play at Belmore the better in my opinion. Crichton has developed into the premier centre in the competition and probably the most potent outside back in the world. Add to that his leadership skills he has been one of the best buys the Bulldogs and coach Ciraldo have made in a long long time.

The NRRRL has one round to go and Ballina once again have sewn up a minor premiership putting them in the box seat. Interestingly, they have only lost twice all year to two teams that probably both won’t make the semis. Cudgen with team Ziebell can win again and Evans Head can beat anyone on their day. Bilambil have a core crew of old heads who can fire at semi final times and Marist Brothers have the evergreen Mitchell ‘King’ Krause in rare form again, he’s like a fine wine and gets better with age. Byron and Northern have their destiny in their own hands but both face tough games against Ballina and Evans respectively.

It is great to see the butchers stripes of Seagulls back in the Northern Rivers comp and coach field has the team firing in reggies going 15 straight and looking very short odds of a premiership.

See you at the footy. Quinny

Bush dance in Piggabeen

By Madeleine Murray

DUST OFF your boots, grab your partners, and get ready for a memorable night of music, dancing, and good old-fashioned camaraderie. The legendary bushies’ ball is rolling into Piggabeen on Saturday, August 10.

The rollicking event features live music by bush band Playing Possum.

“We’ve been playing there about 20 years, it’s always been a great community event,” musician Bernie Spiller told the Weekly.

“We do all the favourites like Strip the Willow, Pride of Erin, Barn Dance, the popular Drongo and various jigs and reels. Bush dance music comes from the early days of the colonies when settlers put Australian lyrics to Irish melodies.”

The two talented Playing Possum couples play recorder, tin whistle, Irish flute, mandolin, guitar, violin and accordion.

When the band starts up, the caller Jo Spiller walks guests through the steps. No-one needs to know how to dance but just has to follow the very clear instructions.

There is free dancing in between, and at the last ball people were treated to some spontaneous Irish dancing. People arrive in their glad rags but with very practical dancing shoes because it’s hard to sit a dance out. Those who want to take a break can sit in the hall and watch the others or find a seat around the bonfire outside.

“What I adore most about this particular event, aside from the dancing, is the camaraderie,” organiser Belinda Suzette told The Weekly.

“The sense of community is fantastic. By the end of the night no-one is a stranger, we’ve all danced with each other and laughed with each other. People can come with their friends, or on their own. It’s a really special event.”

The Piggabeen Bushie’s Ball starts at 6:30pm on Saturday, August 10, at 525 Piggabeen Rd, Piggabeen. Supper is included in the ticket price of $35. Vegan and gluten free options + dessert. BYO and drinks available. As the event is a fundraiser for Piggabeen Hall, there will be raffles and lucky door prizes donated by community members. For more info and tickets go to trybooking.com/CRWCO.

M|Arts poetry launch

By Madeleine Murray

AWARD-WINNING POET Sarah Temporal (pictured) will launch her debut collection Tight Bindings on Thursday, August 15, at M|Arts Precinct in Murwillumbah, alongside a themed poetry slam.

Tight Bindings is a moving exploration of womanhood and motherhood, woven with dark fairy tales, secret griefs, and bodies in love. Sarah’s first book promises readers a profound journey into a place of inseparable light and darkness.

“The Northern Rivers community has been so good for me as a creative, and I’m thrilled that they will be the first to see the book,” Sarah told The Weekly.

“It’s kind of like throwing the bouquet at a wedding — I hope that the next poet-to-be gets inspired to write their book.

“Tight Bindings is written for anyone who

has yearned to break free.”

Sarah is a significant force in the Australian poetry scene. Renowned for her warm, intimate performance style and her success in national competitions, she is celebrated locally as the founder of Poets Out Loud. Through this initiative, she has played a pivotal role in guiding hundreds of young and emerging poets to discover their voices.

The book launch will showcase Sarah’s poetry and celebrate the creative spirit of the community. The event will feature a vibrant poetry slam on the theme of Binding/Breaking Free, with prizes donated by local artists and businesses totalling over $500.

Poet Esther Ottaway wrote of Tight Bindings: “Sonically brilliant, tender, and gutsy, Sarah’s poems are born of razor-sharp social awareness.”

The free book launch, where Tight Bindings will be on sale for $25, is open to the public. For more details about the event or to pre-order the book, please visit poetsoutloud.org/events. The launch is at 7pm on Thursday, August 15, at M|Arts Precinct, Brisbane St, Murwillumbah. The bar will be open for drinks and cocktails.

A fantastic night of fun and music

Japanese cuisine at Clothiers

By Madeleine Murray

TRADITIONAL JAPANESE FOOD has arrived in a little cafe beside Clothiers Creek Road near Madura Tea.

Raven Place Café and Farm serves delicious light meals in a leafy roadside area with open air tables and a charming café nook beside Clothiers Creek. The Weekly had two elegant savoury vegetable pancakes with Japanese mayo, okonomiyaki sauce, home made ginger pickles and homemade Kimchi. Each bite was an exquisite experience with wonderful combinations of flavours. And all for $9.50, beautifully

scratch in the traditional way.

“We ferment our own products, and make our own crispy chilli oil. I make the Kimchi paste in an authentic way without any chemicals,” she said.

As well as coffee, condiments and traditional meals, Raven Place has fresh farm power eggs.

“The chickens eat Kimchi, fermented food, and they free range in a little chicken caravan on the hill,” Michelle explained enthusiastically.

“We move the caravan so they have fresh green grass. We get nutrient-dense fresh eggs from happy hens who are well loved.”

Raven Place Café opened a few months ago and has a lot of plans. They are doing bush and creek regen with We Forest Earth, an organisation for reforesting subtropical rainforest on the

Little Greener. Rachael is building a spray-free intensive market garden, a native food forest, a farm for people to come together, grow, learn, share and connect with others in the community. Raven Place Farm will focus on making organic food financially available for everyone.”

Chillingham Voices’ Love and Romance

By Neville Jennings

CHILLINGHAM VOICES Choir invites you to an afternoon of ‘Love and Romance’, with a touch of ‘lust and revenge’ for good measure on Sunday, August 18, at the Jessie McMillan Hall in Murwillumbah.

In previous years, members of this community choir have presented their own version of the Mikado, gained Momentum with a Brisbane-based choir, and exercised caution when Taking Off for tours to South Australia, Tasmania and the South Island of New Zealand, spreading goodwill from the Tweed wherever they landed.

Raven Place Café and Farm is at 4

Raven Place, Clothiers Creek, near Madura Tea. Open Tuesday-Friday from 7:30am-2pm and Saturday 9am-2pm.

For more info go to @ raven.place

They have brought Hollywood to Murwillumbah, dabbled in All That Jazz, engaged intimately with the Celts and wrestled with the Armed Man.

Conductor Harlie Axford OAM says that, on this occasion, “audiences will find that Love is in Air, our two resident pianists will join forces help us express love for a not-so-inanimate object, conductor Dean Patterson will lead us to a Wedding Chorus in Windsor Forest, Lynne Turpie will show us that there is Sunshine on Leith, Barbara Crellin will lead the Hot Chilli Chicks though an array of tender items and Barry Firth will lead the choir with Evening Prayer from Hansel and Gretel. Continuing the cheeky theme regarding affairs of the heart, you will find it hard to resist the charms of the “Feller from Fortune.”

Tickets are $12 for adults, concession is $10 and children under 12 are free. Tickets are available at the door from 1.30 pm on the day of the concert or online via: www.trybooking.com/CTXOM. Refreshments will be provided at interval.

Michelle loves her happy chickens

Owner Michelle Kuramochi learned traditional Japanese cooking from her mother-in-law

Homemade traditional condiments

Traditional authentic Japanese food for great prices

1. Is the Australian pelican found in any other countries?

2. What year was the Tyalgum Hotel established?

3. What was the name of the largest department store betweed Newcastle and Brisbane which was located in Uki from 1914?

4. What does Uki mean in the local Ndunguwal language?

5. The Wollumbin Street Medical Centre is closing. What year did it open?

4. Bandicoot (src: Historic Uki website), 5. 1906 (src: .realcommercial.com.au)

Yes, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and sometimes New Zealand, 2. 1926, 3. Loder’s

(7)

Haughty person (4)

- Baldwin (4)

Was aware of (4)

country (5)

Inclination (7)

Nerd (4)

- Von Bismarck (4)

Tapestry (5)

Ordinary; unromantic (of writing) (7)

Rotten (6)

Wherever (8)

(5)

living (4)

Disrobe (7)

Remain (7)

Children (9)

US state (8)

Sporting side (4)

(3)

Overindulge (6)

Ran away to marry (6)

(5)

(4)

TRADES AND SERVICES

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there’s no job too big or small for Northern Rivers Rubbish Removal.

The business is headed up by passionate local operator Ben Anderson who has been covering the Tweed for last 12 months and has recently expanded the service.

“We have extended our run which picks it up Gold Coast to Grafton and we have been looking removing rubbish for NDIS participants and elderly all through the Tweed,” he said.

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Northern Rivers

I would like to say what a terrific local forum we have in the shape of the Tweed Valley Weekly (TVW). Whether it be international topics that interest the likes of you and I, or more local issues like flood recovery, homelessness or crime in the community, just to name a few, the TVW gives us a voice. Keep up the good work.

Trees On Tweed

Tweed

Courses

First Aid Courses

Dl 16862, Will trade, Taylor Made Cars. 5 Prospero St Murwillumbah. $4,500. Ph: (02) 6672 5454

Public Notice

ITV Studios are pleased to announce, 2024 Community Committee members, Don Bentley, Phillip Hepburn, Bryanne Jardine, & Kate McKenzie, will allocate the ITV Tweed Community Initiative Fund 2024 community grants round

Applications open Thursday 15th August 2024

Closing Sunday 15th September 2024

Application details will be published here!

Public Notice

Beginning August 21st ...

Living Grace CoC Church be hosting a weekly Alpha meeting at: 2/141 Minjungbal Drive apartment on Wednesday nights at 6:30pm.

Alpha is a series of interactive videos that help us navigate the big questions in life. It is simply an open conversation that discusses the fundamentals of the Christian faith and how we might all fit into a bigger story. Whether you were born and raised Christian, you have just recently come to faith, or you have zero background knowledge about Christianity at all, the Alpha course was designed for you.

If you’re searching for more or just looking to be in fellowship with others, I’d strongly encourage you to come and just check out what this is all about. Each meeting will consist of some snacks, an alpha video (approximately 45 minutes long) and some friendly conversation. There is no cost.

Come along, bring a friend, bring your questions… For information, call or text Pastor John 0428 452 737 John.latta@tweedcoc.com

Car for Sale

Death Notice

McGuiness Funerals

Heather

Barbara McKeon (née Johnstone)

In loving memory of Heather Late of Heritage Lodge, Murwillumbah

Passed away peacefully on Monday 29th July 2024. Aged 85 Years.

Dearly loved Wife of Ron (Decd.)

Loved Mother of David, Christine, Robert, Suzanne, Rhonda, Sandra and Ronnie.

Cherished Grandmother and Great-Grandmother of many.

Loved Sister.

As requested by the family a Private Cremation for Heather has been held. Ph: (02) 6672 2144

Murwillumbah

Funeral Notice

THOMPSON, Walter Douglas (Dougie)

Passed away 27th July 2024. Late of Currumbin. Aged 84 years.

Beloved son of Douglas and Cecilia Thompson (both dec’d).

Loving brother of Margaret, Thelma, Valma, Rhymald, Gloria (all dec’d), Billy Boy, Dennis, Charles, Cheeky, and Artie. Much loved uncle to all his nieces and nephews, and loved and remembered by all his family and friends.

Family and friends are invited to attend Dougie’s funeral service to be held at the Tweed Heads Crematorium Chapel, 176 Kirkwood Road, Tweed Heads South on Wednesday 14th August 2024 at 11:30am. This service will be followed by burial in the Tweed Heads Lawn Cemetery.

Tweed Heads Ph: (07) 5599 1500

Peter George McDonald 22/7/2024 McGuiness Funerals 02 6680 3084

Matthew James Elliot SMITH

20/7/2024

Tiare Funerals & Deathcare 0416 389 587

Lennon NICHOLLS 31/07/2024

Paperbark Deathcare & Funerals 0466 526 156

James George YOUNG 31/07/2024

Paperbark Deathcare & Funerals 0466 526 156

Raymond Boyd McNAMARA 02/08/2024

Paperbark Deathcare & Funerals 0466 526 156 John Terrence HALL 25/7/2024

In loving memory Bruce Leslie Periott

25.6.1930 ~ 1.8.2024 Aged 94

Loving husband to Peggy.

Devoted father of Christine and Bruce (dec).

Grandfather to Grant and great-grandfather to Ella and Freya Periott.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend a service in celebration of Bruce’s life which will be held at Melaleuca Station on Tuesday 13 th August 2024 at 10:30am. Bruce will be missed, but always remembered.

Don't Cry for Me

Funeral Director

Pietro Dusina

We are locally owned and operated 0416 389 587

29/12/1929 -9/8/2021

Late of Crabbes Creek and formally Ono Degno Italy. Passed away peacefully at home 9th August 2021. Aged 91 years.

We offer holistic and unique funerals that empower you to have a deeply meaningful and inclusive experience

Dearly loved brother, brother in law, uncle, cousin and friend to many. Much loved and sadly missed by his family in Australia, Italy and Switzerland. Thankyou for all kind thoughts and wishes.

Death Notices

Brothers Funerals O7 55991500 Lynne BECKER 28/7/2024 Heritage Brothers Funerals O7 55991500 Michael James BOYCE 29/7/2024 Heritage Brothers Funerals O7 55991500 Bruce Leslie PERIOTT 1/8/2024

Brothers Funerals O7 55991500

Sharon Elaine EVANS

30/07/2024

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

Wayne Edward MARTLEW 30/07/2024

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

Direction cremations $2560 including transfers and all legal paper work

Full Service Cremations starting at $6360. www.tiarefunerals.com

Shaun Hayward CRESSWELL 31/07/2024

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

Malcolm Gordon MCLENNAN 31/07/2024

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

Gordon MACKIE 02/08/2024

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

Murray Richard QUICK 02/08/2024

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

Don't cry for me now I have died, for I'm still here I'm by your side, My body's gone but my soul is here, please don't shed another tear, I am still here I'm all around, only my body lies in the ground. I am the snowflake that kisses your nose, I am the frost, that nips your toes. I am the sun, bringing you light, I am the star, shining so bright. I am the rain, refreshing the earth, I am the laughter, I am the mirth.

I am the bird, up in the sky, I am the cloud, that's drifting by. I am the thoughts, inside your head, While I'm still there, I can't be dead.

- ANONYMOUS

Elizabeth BLAKE

04/08/2024

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

Frances RANKIN

04/08/2024

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

Adrian ROGERS 05/08/2024

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

Tweed

Funeral Notice

Duranbah’s own Jack Robinson grabs silver

By Jo Kennett

DURANBAH-BASED Jack Robinson

has won silver at the Olympic Games surfing in Tahiti on Tuesday, August 6, with Tahitian Kauli Vaast sending locals wild by winning gold for France.

Conditions were a world away from the perfect barrels of day two and three, with small, inconsistent, wind-blown waves when Vaast took down Peru’s Alonso Correa in the first semi-final, before Jack paddled out against Gabriel Medina for the second place in the final.

Medina was pulling his usual tricks, just about paddling on top of Jack. At one stage he looked like he was reaching over to pat Jack on the head. Then it briefly got nastier, with the two paddling hard and hitting each other as they battled for priority.

They both ended up too deep, with Jack taking off on a closeout, handing Medina priority. Jack paddled back and got straight on another better one with three good turns for a 4.50. Medina was on a slightly bigger one for a 6.33.

Then Jack got the biggest wave of the heat, pulled into a barrel and then hit the lip for the finish and a 7.83, with some judges going excellent.

The commentary was punctuated by the sound of Teahupo’o roosters crowing, which I preferred to Shannon Hughes’ non-stop commentary to be frank. Charlie Medina was watching

from the top of a boat leaning into the wind like Leonardo Di Caprio on the Titanic, wondering where Kate went. The clock ticked down but the waves never came. At the end of the day it came down to the waves and priority with Medina copping a bit of karma for his push and shove priority tactics, and never getting a back up. Jack won 12.33 to 6.33, assuring him a silver

medal at least.

When the gold medal heat between the local charger and Jack started, Teahuop’o came to play.

Ten minutes into the heat Kauli got a big, long barrel which he came flying out of standing tall with a flex for a 9.5, knowing the gold was now his to lose. Jack threaded his way through a smaller one (7.83) before the Tahitian

backed up with another barrel and two turns for a 8.17. Then the ocean gods anointed Kauli the winner and the waves stopped.

It was impossible not to be stoked for him, winning gold with a score of 17.67 to Jack’s single wave 7.83, as the locals went wild. Even Jack seemed genuinely happy for Kauli. He’s already promising to go after that gold

The Tempest wows audiences

SHEPHERD’S PURSE Theatre Company

wowed audiences with their annual Shakespeare production on July 18 to 20, presented at Flutterbies Cottage Cafe in Tyalgum.

The production included a delightful mix of visiting actors and local Tyalgum talent.

The performances highlighted some of the most creative talent in the village — making it a standout event.

Australian national performing arts magazine Stage Whispers reviewed the production, calling it “a remarkable production”.

The review lauded the show as “a night of total joy, humor, and originality”.

“It went on to say “...There is no other theatre company like this anywhere else in the country....”

Special recognition was given to Dian Johansson and Julie Trachtenberg or the stunning costumes, and kudos went to everyone who worked on the set design, props, and building — all done locally.

A big thank you also went to the Tyalgum District Community Association for lending the SS Tyalgum bell for the opening shipwreck scene. Its first public appearance added a wonderful touch to the performance.

Flutterbies Café outdid themselves with a fabulous medieval banquet, complete with goblets of mulled wine.

Many attendees dressed in period costumes, contributing to a truly memorable night.

Congratulations to everyone involved. Next year marks the company’s 10th anniversary, so keep an eye out for what’s to come!

in LA after what may well be the best Olympic surfing showcase the world will ever see.

Women’s Gold: Caroline Marks (USA) Silver: Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) Bronze: Johanne Defay (FRA).

Mens Gold: Kauli Vaast (FRA) Silver: Jack Robinson (AUS) Bronze: Gabriel Medina (BRA).

Silver for Jack Robinson.

Photo: Guillaume Arrieta Main photo: AP

Real Estate Real

FROM COAST TO COUNTRY

Amazing views and location at Banora

By Jo Kennett

AFTER A big rise in prices followed by a fall over 2022/2023, Banora Point property is back on the move again.

It’s another suburb that was, not so long ago, incredibly cheap considering that half of it has some of the best views on the coast.

The median home price back in 2019 and 2020 was in the low $600,000s, representing some of the best value in the region and hot property for canny investors.

Banora joined the million dollar property club in 2022 — along with half the Tweed Coast — but once everyone calmed down about missing out on the best picks, prices dropped to a median of around $925,000 midway through last year.

Now they are rising again, up 14.6 per cent in the last 12 months to a median of $1.02 million.

Units jumped from around $440,000 in 2019/2020 to $685,000 in 2022.

The correction was much less when it came in, with prices only down to around $635,000 mid-2023.

Since then they have experienced similar growth to houses, up 13.9 per cent

over the past 12 months to a median of $726,000.

That’s some of the best numbers around as far as price growth goes over the past year, which is nice to know if you happen to be living there, especially if you are looking out over the Tweed River to Fingal and Cook Island. You have done well and I’m jealous because it’s seriously one of the most underrated and beautiful areas in the shire and close to everything.

Last month Banora Point had 32 properties available for rent and 85

Open Homes

Saturday, August 10

Tate Brownlee

• 2/21 Beach Street, Kingscliff, 9-9:30am

• 1/20 Magnolia Crescent, Banora Point, 9-9:30am

• 2 Cambridge Court, Kingscliff, 10-10:30am

• 2/6 Lochlomond Drive, Banora Point, 10-10:30am

• 1/10 Kintyre Crescent, Banora Point, 11-11:30am

• 4 James Cook Drive, Banora Point, 11-11:30am

• 14 Market Parade, Terranora, 12-12:30pm

• 2/36 Recreation Street, Tweed Heads, 12-12:30pm

• 11 Trutes Terrace, Terranora, 1-1:30pm

• 81a Old Ferry Road, Banora Point, 1-1:30pm

• 14 Hibiscus Parade, Banora Point, 2-2:30pm

• 8 Ellis Street, Banora Point, 2-2:30pm

• 31/15 Kingston Drive, Banora Point, 3-3:30pm

properties for sale. Houses in Banora Point are currently renting out for $820 per week and units rent for $650, which is a great return for investors.

While you can’t get the gem homes here as cheaply as you once could, it’s still a fantastic place to live and one that will continue to grow in popularity.

Whether you are looking for a home in a great location or an investment property with top returns, you will definitely come up a winner if you choose Banora Point.

• 2/4 Parkland Place, Banora Point, 3-3:30pm

• 17/18 Brett Street, Tweed Heads, 4-4:30pm

Schmith Estate Agents

• 18/14 Lorikeet Drive, Tweed Heads South, 12-12.30pm

• 159 Bilambil Road, Bilambil, 1-1.30pm

JET Real Estate

• 27 Silkpod Ave, Murwillumbah, 9:30-10am

• 103 Commercial Rd, Murwillumbah, 10:30-11:00am

• 133 River St, Murwillumbah, 11-11:30am

• 1/34 Beryl St, Tweed Heads, 11-11:30am

Evergreen Exclusive Estates

• 6 Palm Road, North Tumbulgum, 11-12pm DJ Stringer Property Services

• 5/22 Garrick St, Coolangatta, 9-9:30am

• 9/24 Dutton St, Coolangatta, 10-10:30am

Hot property

THIS WEEK’S Hot Property is one we’re fighting over in the Weekly office, with our advertising guru swearing she’s only a couple of bob short and me keen to arm wrestle her for the keys to this Cudgera Creek beauty.

A sweeping driveway leads you to Forestdale, at 22 Cabbage Gum Road, an absolutely gorgeous property set on five acres. The character-filled man house has timber features, two bedrooms with ensuites, open plan living and a huge outdoor entertaining area wrapped around a sparkling blue 15 metre solar-heated pool which looks down to a lovely big spring-fed dam.

There is a chicken coop and goat enclosure with three fourlegged lawnmowers part of the package.

There is also an open plan three-bedroom guest house with a barbecue area and a fully self-contained studio, which is perfect for a big family or rental income.

There is a games room, three carports, two study/bedrooms or utility rooms linked to the main home, as well as a double garage and huge workshop.

There are park-like gardens with fruit trees, wastewater treatment systems, and two 30,000 litre water tanks.

All of this is only ten minutes from the beautiful beaches of Pottsville and is on the market with DJ Stringer with a price guide of $2.5 million to $2.75 million.

• 4/3 Island Dr, Tweed Heads, 10-10:30am

• 20 Eliza Fraser Court, Terranora, 11-11:30am

• 22 Cabbage Gum Rd, Cudgera Creek, 11:15-12:00pm

• 11/3-5 Barrett St, Tweed Heads West, 12:15-12:45pm

McGrath

• 707/38 Enid Street, Tweed Heads, 10:30-11am

• 1/56 Kennedy Drive, Tweed Heads, 12:30-1pm

• 3041/2 Thomson Street Tweed Heads, 11:30am-12pm

• 140 Riverside Drive Tumbulgum, 12:45-1:15pm

• 10 Durigan Place, Banora Point, 10-10:30am

• 8/40-48 Kamala Crescent, Casuarina, 11-11:30am

• 8 Guilfoyle Place, Cudgen,12-12:30pm

• 6 Brett Street, Tweed Heads, 9:30-10am

• 187/1 Mariners Drive, West Tweed Heads, 11:30-12pm

Above: 10B Burrawong Court, Banora Point, is for sale with Kel Judd Real Estate

Right: 14 Hibiscus Parade, Banora Point has ocean views and is for sale with Tate Brownlee

22 Cabbage Gum Road, Cudgera Creek

Tweed Broadwater - Tweed Heads South

Chinderah Lakes - Chinderah

Colonial Tweed - Tweed Heads South

Ingenia Lifestyle - Kingscliff

Tweed Broadwater - Tweed Heads South

Tweed Shores - Chinderah

Tweed Billabong - Tweed Heads South

Ingenia Lifestyle - Kingscliff

6 Palm Road, North Tumbulgum

Price - $2.6m - Ready to Sell Inspect Saturday - 11am - 12pm

Situated within the magic drive zone of 25 mins to just about everything, this beautifully private 60 acres is an extremely rare opportunity to secure a parcel of this size in a great location.

Assured privacy, great elevation (flood-free), beautiful views, easterly breezes, abundant water and fantastic infrastructure is in place across approx. 35 acres of clear, all arable paddocks. The parcel is easily managed and currently runs 10 cows with their calves easily, all year round and is ideal for horses or any livestock of choice.

Enjoy bushland at your back door with abundant wildlife and birds in this peaceful and quiet setting within easy reach of lifestyle amenities and schools. ‘Wyalusing’ could be just what you’ve been looking for.

This top quality family home is set at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac on the sought after Tweed Heights Estate in Banora Point.

The practical layout and low maintenance design of the gardens and grounds should appeal to busy professionals, time poor families or buyers searching today’s real estate market for a dual living opportunity.

Being offered for the first time since its construction in 1986, the property warrants a

• 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms plus powder room.

• Huge rumpus room – ideal as a teenager’s retreat, guest accommodation, work from home office or can easily be transformed into a fully self contained living area.

• Fastidiously maintained throughout with renovated hostess kitchen and bathrooms.

• Elevated position with great rural and lake views.

• Short stroll to Tweed Heights Shopping Village where the tenancies include: - supermarket, bakery, bottle shop, post office, coffee shop and others.

• Minutes to a number of primary + secondary schools, as well as sports fields and Twin Towns Juniors.

thorough inspection to fully appreciate the many features and extras not obvious at first glance. The presentation is immaculate throughout and the functional floor plan flows from formal to casual to perhaps the most popular living space in the home, the large covered alfresco area, which has been the go to place for lots of Christmas gatherings, family get togethers and other celebrations for many years.

4 2 2

• The low maintenance gardens + grounds need minimal attention and that means more quality time for leisure and family activities.

• Parkland on two sides.

• Too many features to list, but include direct NBN connection to the home, ducted air conditioning and solar panels + hot water.

• Oversize double garage with oodles of room for a workbench, bikes and other big kids’ toys.

“Much, much more than meets the eye!”

$1,295,000

Inspections by Appointment

kel@keljuddrealestate.com.au

Charlize

159 BILAMBIL ROAD, BILAMBIL

PICTURESQUE, POSITION AND LIFESTYLE ACREAGE PERFECTION

5 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 4 CAR

OPEN FOR INSPECTION WEDNESDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY 1:00PM - 1:30PM

Idyllic rural aspect with an exciting integration of ecosystem, fertile soil and a generous multi-generational homestead residence set with endless vista views offers a private lifestyle property without compromise, setting the scene for a uniqu e entertainer lifestyle set in the coveted Bilambil Valley. Set upon 15 acres (approx.) of fully fenced and well-pastured land with expansive creek frontage, a picture of pride introduces a classic ranch-style family residence that is immediately impressive, offering beautifully presented, supremely comfortable and super generous formal and informal living and entertaining spaces set amidst serene ga rden surrounds. Generously zoned for the modern family, this entertainer’s paradise is light and open, with countryside vista views from every vantage point and a seamless connection with the outdoors. A cosy wood heater warms a generous formal living area and easily connects with the adjacent living and dining area serviced by the gourmet stone kitchen comprising modern appliances, abundant storage and preparation space leading out to the all-weather alfresco entertaining area. An oversized rumpus room with wet bar leads out to yet another outdoor entertaining area offering the perfect location for sundowner drinks and dinner parties, whilst a spectacular magnesium inground swimming pool and lush lawned expanses ensure the largest of gatherings and family get-togethers are easily catered to. S et across its expansive floorplan, five bedrooms are zoned for maximum privacy and include a king-sized master with a walk-in robe and spa ensuite. A central family-sized bathroom, separate laundry and double garage with internal access complete the offering, with the bonus of a fully self-contained granny flat boasting a generous living/dining, full kitchen, separate bedroom and bathroom for superi or multi-generational living for senior family members or adult children looking for extra space and privacy. Other property highlights include air conditioning, two dams, shed with 3-phase power and established horse riding trails set on the property. Positioned in lifestyle perfection, the property offers a central location with a quiet rural aspect within easy access to the M1 Freeway and close to Gold Coast’s beaches, shopping and entertainment precincts, Snapper rocks and Coolangatta and Tweed Heads central business districts and within an easy drive of Byron Bay.

3 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1 CAR OPEN FOR INSPECTION SATURDAY & SUNDAY 12:00PM -12:30PM

The laid-back appeal of absolute excellence and modern convenience sets the tone for this architecturally designed, three-bedroom family townhouse with inspiring indoor/outdoor connectivity and a convenient lifestyle position. From a serenely private and streamlined façade, low-maintenance surrounds are matched with paredback luxury set across two levels and introduced by an open plan layout underpinned by tiled floors and bathed in natural light from walls of glass and soaring 9ft ceilings. Seamlessly connecting with the private alfresco courtyard, a generous living and dining experience complements a central gourmet kitchen boasting the contemporary appeal of two-tone cabinetry, stone benches and stainless steel appliances. Upstairs, three generously sized bedrooms include the north-facing master suite with walk-in robe, resort-style ensuite and private balcony. Two further bedrooms offer built-in robes with a central family-sized bathroom featuring separate bath and shower. Impeccably presented, additional highlights include a ground-floor powder room, European laundry, air conditioning, ceiling fans plus single lock up garage with internal access. Positioned within 'The Villas Fraser Cove', this property encapsulates the essence of modern coastal living. Perfect for owner-occupiers and investors alike, it is set within moments of quality local schools, vibrant shopping and dining precincts, and within 10 minutes of Coolangatta and Kirra surf beaches. Easy access to the M1 puts you within an effortless drive of Kingscliff and Byron Bay to the south and Surfers Paradise and Brisbane to the north.

• Rental Appraisal $850 per week

• Body Corporate $191 per week

• Council Rates $3,150 approximately per year

•