Tweed Valley Weekly, September 19, 2024 by Tweed Valley Weekly

By Jonathon Howard

Kids will be kids, say parents

By Jonathon Howard

POTTSVILLE PARENTS have responded with outrage over accusations of children on E-bikes terrorising Seabreeze Estate when they say kids are simply making their own fun and adults should engage with youth instead of living in fear.

The response came after The Weekly reported concerns from several residents over children riding E-bikes around Pottsville (TVW, September 12) with reports of objects being thrown at cars and other anti-social behaviour.

The residents’ concerns included the harassing of a local magpie which has swooped locals and resulted in an accident earlier this month.

But one local told the paper that the bird is in seasonal nesting and “always swoops around this time of year”.

“No one blames the bird for swooping this time of year, it’s simply raising its chicks,” the parent, who preferred not to be named, told The Weekly.

“Adults need to understand that kids are trying to create their own fun, just as we did as kids.

“I think we forget sometimes that kids will be kids, and yes, some of the behaviour can go too far, and that’s not acceptable and should be reported, but don’t blame kids for having some fun and off devices and on their bikes — we as adults need to chill out.”

Other local parents agreed, saying that the resident who believes a group of children on E-bikes have caused a magpie to swoop “must live on another planet than the rest of us”.

“Magpies have been swooping since penny-farthing bikes were around,” the parent wrote.

“The older community of Pottsville need to start connecting and understanding the younger community instead of blaming

them for everything because they were young once too and dare I say it they weren’t perfect children.”

Another parent called on The Weekly to report more positive stories about Pottsville youth and avoid negative reports.

“I am regularly out in the community and these kids always give way to us and say hello and have never once been what I consider dangerous,” the resident wrote to The Weekly.

“They ride around and have fun like all young kids should.

“The fact that the resident is now blaming them for a magpie attack is ridiculous, as magpies have been swooping kids on bikes since bikes were invented.

“Attacks were happening long before E-bikes became a thing.

“It’s obvious there’s a portion of the community that have nothing to do than attack children having fun, and if the kids are attacking the magpie in such a manner as described wouldn’t one simply film it and pass it on to the relevant authorities?

“Justice would be swift as animal cruelty is heavily policed.

“People need to learn to get along, this region is exploding with new residents and with that will come more children. Time to start looking for positive stories.”

Read the response from Pottsville Community Association

Pottsville Community Association president Wendy Pluckrose said she’s heard from a growing number of residents who have “very real concerns” and their views need to be taken seriously.

“I understand that local children can play and have fun on bikes in the community, which is great,” she said.

“I know there are a lot of local kids who are great and mindful of others and their

parents keep an eye on them.

“However, as the association president, I have, in recent weeks, heard from at least five local families who have experienced harassment from water bombing, rocks thrown at them and abusive language.

“Last Saturday, September 14, Tweed police were called again to the Pottsville tennis courts and oval as a group of youths were allegedly carrying knives and smashing bottles in the area.

“We are seeing a whole new level of bad youth behaviour, which is not harmless fun, as described above, when they are allegedly armed and appear dangerous.

“This is not a joke, this can be serious and I agree we need to work together as a community, but residents should not have to live in fear.”

Ms Pluckrose said the association is hosting a community meeting with police in attendance and is urging everyone to attend.

“I have organised our next Pottsville community meeting with police on Monday, September 30, from 6.30pm at Pottsville Beach Community Hall,” she said.

“Inspector Matt Woods and Commander Superintendent Dave Roptell will both attend to keep updated with issues and field questions.”

Ms Pluckrose wanted to invite everyone across the community to attend and share their views.

Calls to stop illegal campers

By Jonathon Howard

MURWILLUMBAH RESIDENTS say they are “fed up” with illegal camping at the Commercial Road boat ramp and are calling on Tweed Shire Council to clean up the site.

Murwillumbah resident John (last name witheld) wrote to The Weekly to highlight the issue and said some campers have been at the location for several months.

“Many of our shire’s residents and visitors cannot enjoy the river and it’s surrounds because of the invasion of these people,” he said.

“We no longer get families with kids fishing and swimming and people pulling up

for a couple of hours or people taking a short break from work because of the number of campers.

“The loss of this wonderful community asset to a bunch of lawless invaders is just simply unfair.”

The resident said the situation was so bad that he’s seen dogs barking, shouting arguments and the general loss of the peacefulness which the Tweed River offers.

“Examples of degradation of our environment include open pit fires, rubbish, and I hate to think where these people and their animals’ personal waste is ending up,” he said.

“Our shire and its officers including the mayor and councillors have an enshrined

obligation to act for the benefit of all the community and the shire’s ratepayers.

“Many ratepayers have contacted the shire but the lawlessness continues.” Continues on page 12.

ia: editor@theweekly.net.au

The Commercial Road boat ramp

Bring on Woolies

Having supermarket competition in Murwillumbah is extremely important for the ongoing retail viability of this town, especially after the business confidence-sapping effect of the recent floods (TVW, September 12).

Looking at the bigger picture, the proposed Woolworths outlet will stimulate retail activity in Murwillumbah and provide real competition for Coles, which should result in better quality produce and groceries at reasonable prices.

Further, the space between Sunnyside Mall and the proposed Woolworths site will become very attractive commercially for new businesses which, in turn, will activate this area and create employment opportunities.

I understand that, for this development to proceed, rezoning needs to happen. However, Woolworths have owned the site since 2018, so it makes you wonder why council has taken so long to approve the rezoning.

The fact that Woolworths proposes to build on land that is subject to flooding shows their confidence in Murwillumbah and should be welcomed with open arms by council and the community.

A new retail outlet is a no-brainer, offering positive opportunities. It will keep more customers in town rather than them seeking shopping alternatives elsewhere.

Julian Jakobs, Murwillumbah Leave Norries parking alone

I believe this plan will destroy the natural beauty of the headland and without helping parking spaces. And why can a safe cycling and walking path not be put in place as it is now.

We all come to enjoy the beautiful view and peaceful space you want to take away.

Louise Klein, Tweed Coast Silted river and creeks

A few weeks back I sent an email to The Weekly outlining the issue of

our river and waterways silting up and a proposal for a levy to add on developers for dredging our waterways so the water can get away.

If we don’t, then when we have floods, long-term homeowners are going to lose their homes due to the lack of drainage.

If a gutter is blocked due to debris, then water can’t escape, same with our waterways, council keep allowing construction and we the locals suffer the consequences

Julie Robinson, Fingal Head Cudgen Creek needs plan

Thanks to the excellent work of Tweed Shire Council’s environmental staff, water quality in Cudgen Creek has drastically improved since it was opened to tidal inflows over 50 years ago. These positive changes have increased its appeal to locals and tourists for all sorts of uses.

However, over the past two decades, council has regularly reported conflicts between competing creek estuary users, particularly between recreational swimmers and powered watercraft.

Hence the idea that the Kingscliff Blue Water Fishing Club is seriously concerned about loss of swimming opportunities in Cudgen Creek unless the estuary is dredged is a bit hard to swallow. Obviously the club has always preferred that use of the creek by swimmers should not impede their launching, navigation, and fish cleaning activities. Some honesty about the real agenda would be more constructive.

Both of these users and several other user groups have legitimate interests in access to and enjoyment of the creek and its foreshore parkland.

Historically Tweed Shire Council has failed to address their competing needs satisfactorily.

For instance, the council recently installed at great cost a new principal access stairway for swimmers to enter the water at the very same spot that

they have previously installed two chutes for their approved dumping of fish cleaning offal into the otherwise pristine estuary. A complete insult to visitors. Even though fish frame disposal is prohibited, frames litter the seabed around the boat ramp. Pedestrian access to the top of this swimmers’ stairway is via the dangerous reversing zone for trailers launching watercraft. There are no proper safe footways of any kind leading to the stairs, nor any formed footpath between the public road and the water’s edge. There is no formal provision whatsoever for disabled access to the creek or foreshore. In fact, despite being probably the most desired recreational real estate in the Tweed Shire, the north bank of the Cudgen Creek estuary, is an ugly featureless asphalt road and car park, blocking human enjoyment of the creek front, one that lacks even a proper public footpath. Ironically, all this precinct management neglect takes place in the context of council’s enthusiastic tourism and economic marketing programs that routinely choose to exploit images of Cudgen Creek estuary with swimmers and pelicans as a key regional visitor and lifestyle attraction for the Tweed Coast. These publications never seem to mention boating, despite the priority assigned to it by council. But equitably addressing these so-far neglected design issues would require something more than the knee-jerk planning displayed so far. Dredging a boat navigation channel is, with respect, but just one aspect. For years, council has avoided dealing with what it knows are the estuary precinct’s deep design defects, hiding behind the lame excuse that jurisdictional disputes between various responsible public authorities and within its own internal departments prevent it from developing an integrated solution. Other local authorities succeed in doing this stuff quite well. Tweed Shire Council can too.

Don McAllister, Kingscliff

Homes NSW site is massive

The scale of the development proposed by Homes NSW is preposterous at the Tweed Heads site (TVW, September 12).

That scale of social/affordable housing — let’s call it what it is, public housing — was rejected decades ago precisely because of the problems that have already been identified in the article.

It is more than probable that Homes NSW will only ever lease a certain number of units for a specified period.

The remainder will be available for private rental — probably holiday/ short term. Given the already significant level of social/affordable housing already in the precinct and the strong tourism value of the area, the question is how does this development act as a precedent to override development controls for the area given that it is next to the Queensland border?

Bet the development and rental arrangements between Homes NSW and the property developer are all ‘commercial in confidence’.

DF Ryder, Murwillumbah Tweed needs a stadium like Coffs Harbour’s

Not a subject popular in our crisis periods of housing, cost of living and homelessness of thinking about building or improving sporting venues within the region, but as with the Rail Trail showing build it and they will come and inject dollars and jobs, why not think ahead to Brisbane 2032.

Every month on the TV news we have vision of a sporting event at Coffs Harbour Stadium and this weekend the Oztag finals injected $2 million into the area.

They get Big Bash cricket, soccer, NRL and regional high school events all providing dollars and jobs for Coffs all out of one venue.

The Far North Coast gets Byron Bluesfest (soon to end) and Splendour and no national sporting events because we have no indoor stadiums

or international venues.

So should the mayors of Ballina, Lismore, Byron, Kyogle and Tweed, making up the Far North Coast, be collectively making submissions to attract countries who will do pre-game training and therefore will require upgrades to local venues.

If the Far North Coast is to benefit, a rare collective approach from councils will be needed. It will supply venues for the youth of today and income, jobs, et cetera, for years to come that will benefit ratepayers and not be fully paid for by them.

Leigh Teske, Tweed Heads Murwillumbah Hospital story

I was born at the end of May 1945 in the original old Sunnyside Hospital and our family lived in King Street on the site of the current Sunnyside Shopping Centre. In early June, 1945, Murwillumbah suffered a severe flood with much of the town centre under water. When my mother was released from hospital with her new baby her home was flooded and it was decided to go to an aunty’s home above the Catholic Church on higher ground. My mother was transported by boat to the bottom of the hill at the western end of Main Street in pouring rain with myself snuggly wrapped in a bunny rug. The story is told my aunty Mrs Nottingham was waiting and carefully carried me to the top of the hill where she opened the bunny rug to check I was okay to find two little feet looking at her! I had been carried upside down in all the confusion of heavy rain to the top of the hill!

Bob Treadwell, Murwillumbah

Voting count continues

By Jonathon Howard

JAMES OWEN continues to have his sights set firmly on leading the Tweed Shire as mayor after he has once again scooped the highest number of votes in the local government election.

Counting continues this week and the final results are expected to be declared between October 1 and 3, with postal votes continuing to be accepted until 6pm on Friday, September 27. A total of 50,547 votes have been counted from 71,582 enrolled voters

Speaking to The Weekly, Cr Owen said he’s put in hundreds of hours of campaigning in the lead-up to the election and his hard work has paid off. His total vote count exceeded the previous election, and at the time of print was 11,763 votes, or 29.62 per cent of the vote and 2.37 quotas.

Labor candidate Cr Reece Byrnes received the second highest number of votes, at the time of print, with 5,989 and a quota of 1.21 securing him a third term on council.

Independent candidate Cr Chris Cherry is in third place on the vote count with 5,612, and a quota 1.13 ensuring her return. New independent candidate and National Party member Kimberly Hone looks set to take over from longtime councillor Warren Polglase with 4,554 votes and a quota of 0.92 just under the required quota of 1.

Greens councillor Nola Firth is currently in sixth position with 4,280 votes and a quota of 0.86, while independent candidate Cr Meredith Dennis is in seventh position with 2,788 votes and a quota of 0.56. These final positions could change as postal and below the line votes are counted and preferences are distributed in late September.

Given the high number of votes for ‘Group G’, Liberal Party, both Cr Owen and Cr Rhiannon Brinsmead — the second candidate in his group — will return as councillors.

“Rhi and I are so proud and grateful to the Tweed Shire community for their votes this year,” Cr Owen said.

“We are delighted with the support and faith the community is putting in us again so that we can continue the hard work that we’ve put in over almost a decade.”

Cr Owen said that we “need a change in leadership across the council and councillors” in order to “provide better services to the community”.

Cr Owen said he remains committed to working with his fellow councillors and said he’s eager to lead as the next mayor.

“If there is an opportunity for me to get the support of my colleagues to become mayor, then that would be great,” he said.

“If the current voting pattern continues then I will have secured almost a third of all votes and I believe that sends a big message to the other councillors about who the community would like to see as mayor.

“However, it is early to speculate, and we need the election to be declared before the mayoralty discussions begin.”

“I believe I received this number of votes due to the hard work and always putting the community’s wishes above everything else.”

Ms Hone said she was eager for the count to be completed first and has expressed that she is “thrilled” with the result so far and is eager to join the other councillors.

“I am eager to get started, pending the final result, and make the positive changes that the Tweed Shire needs,” she said.

In his departure, Warren Polglase said he was confident Ms Hone will be an excellent community engager.

“It’s a value I see in Kimberly and she has the ability to bring forward ideas to get outcomes for all Tweed residents,” Mr Polglase said.

“It’s about time Tweed Shire considered having wards, wards will do away with the political parties.

“A wards system may also be the opportunity for a mayor to be elected by popular vote, as the party system would no longer exist.

“I’ve never seen so many, the voting system above the line and below the line, a lot of the population don’t understand.

“If you have wards it would do away with the group system and you would get an honest result.

“Council can elect to go down the path of wards if it has a referendum and that would create three wards with nine councillors and anyone in those wards can run for a popular mayor elect.

Mr Polglase admitted he is a National Party member, but stressed that his ideas and votes are not driven by the party line.

“Kimberly will be exactly the same, she makes her own decisions without the party in mind,” he said.

Cr James Owen has once again scooped almost 30 per cent of the Tweed's vote

THE LEGAL LIGHT!

Age discrimination and the law

Age discrimination is against the law – and it doesn’t just apply to older people. It can also apply to a teenage worker who loses their job when they turn 18 and become entitled to adult pay. But how do you prove there was age discrimination, and what can you do about it?

David Akhurst at Stacks Law Firm says the law deﬁnes age discrimination as occurring when a person is treated less favourably, or not given the same opportunities, as others who are on a similar footing.

“The Commonwealth Age Discrimination Act 2004 protects individuals from discrimination on the basis of age in employment, education, accommodation and the provision of goods and services,” Mr Akhurst said.

“Age discrimination is against the law in workplaces including when you apply for a job, while you are at work and includes many other ﬁelds. The law applies when you apply for study and during studies, when you go shopping, banking, access medical services, renting or applying for accommodation, and membership of a club or union.

“It may include rejecting people as their age means they won’t ﬁt in with other employees, not taking on young workers as they might move on to other jobs, saying you want someone under 30 to join a ‘young team’, forcing someone to retire because of their age, and harassing or bullying a person because of their age.”

Mr Akhurst said if you feel you have been discriminated against because of your age, it is well worth seeking legal advice, as there are avenues to pursue that can lead to ﬁnancial compensation to resolve the matter.

“But bear in mind that cases related to age discrimination are rarely straightforward, and it would be best to hear legal advice before embarking on legal action.”

The Australian Human Rights Commission and the NSW Fair Work Ombudsman generally hear claims of age discrimination, but claims can go to the Federal Court.

The Federal Circuit Court ﬁned a restaurant operator $40,000 and ordered $10,000 paid to a waiter who was ﬁred because he turned 65.

Employers can challenge a claim of age discrimination by proving the person’s age was not a factor in them losing their job, not hiring them or not getting a promotion. Some jobs have “inherent requirements” where considering a person’s age is legal, such as artistic or entertainment settings. This may include if the work is physically demanding.

Pod village provides solace as future remains unclear

The future of the pods

FOR AJOK Aguot, the Kingscliff temporary pod village has provided a welcome relief after a series of traumas left her without a home.

Originally from South Sudan, Ms Aguot was first displaced by war, and after coming to Australia as a refugee in 2005, she settled into Northern NSW. But in 2022 she found herself again without somewhere to live after the Lismore floods.

“We lost our place and we lost everything so we had to start over,” she told The Weekly.

With a young son in tow, Ms Aguot spent more than a year moving around trying to find somewhere safe and permanent to live, including a caravan, staying with friends, a hotel, and even going to Perth to stay with a cousin.

“I did a lot of moving around with my kid, and all of that was so stressful. And just not knowing what to do next or where to stay, that was really hard for me,” she said.

“And every time he was settling in we just had to move.”

She was given a reprieve in the form of a home at the Kingscliff temporary pod village early this year. She is currently still living in there with her son, and is supported by a case manager who has helped her access counselling.

Ms Aguot said she has found it a supportive place for her and her son to live.

“It’s actually safe because it’s got security, and the support as well from my case workers and the people around that I was able to connect with. So I absolutely love it down there,” she said.

While living at the village, Ms Aguot was working in childcare, and is now finalising her studies to become a life coach, and dreams of helping other women work through trauma.

S ince the 2022 floods, a number of temporary housing villages were set up to provide housing for people affected by the 2022 floods.

Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin said, “state and federal disaster recovery funding has enabled the provision of rent-free accommodation in the villages, along with access to other services and opportunities, to help people get back on their feet”.

Acting CEO of NSW Reconstruction Authority Mal Lanyon also backed the use of the temporary villages in supporting displaced people, and said residents were engaged in transition planning to support them back into housing appropriate to their needs.

The future of the Kingscliff village is currently unclear, with a proposed extension under review, and when contacted by The Weekly, the NSW Reconstruction Authority did not provide a clear timeline.

“The NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) is in discussion with the Tweed Valley Council regarding an extension of the village lease,” said a NSW Reconstruction Authority spokesperson.

“The extension would allow further time for residents to work with the community housing provider and Homes NSW on a longer-term accommodation solution.”

“It was only meant to be temporary” - read what a local thinks

K ingscliff resident Steve Trumpf told The Weekly he was initially supportive of the temporary village, but has been outspoken in not supporting an extension.

“It’s nothing to do with the residents. The pod village was built for one reason only: for people displaced by the natural disaster. It was only ever supposed to be temporary,” he said

“It was a stopgap measure for people that got displaced and then the government was supposed to either rebuild, refinance, buy back or build them something, or renovate their property that was destroyed.”

Instead, Mr Trumpf claims the village is becoming a social housing complex, with

many residents who were not displaced by floods, but are instead on social housing waiting lists and able to live rent-free in the village.

“It’s become something it should never have become,” he said.

“I am not against any one person. It’s the government that is at fault here, not the poor people that were displaced. The government has mismanaged it terribly.”

Mr Trumpf said the overwhelming majority of Kingscliff residents don’t support an extension to the lease for the temporary village. He believes a “simple solution” is to relocate the pods.

“They’re state government pods, they should be on state government land. There’s the old hospital site, they could put them there, there’s a big green area up on the new hospital site, they could put them there,” he said.

YOUR THOUGHTS: Do you believe the pod village should be extended to help families find their feet? Or should the state government stick to the scheduled plan?

Send your thoughts and letters via email: editor@theweekly.net.au

Special report by Jil Hogan

Kingscliff pod resident Ajok Aguot has restarted her life on the Tweed Coast and feels grateful to be here

By Jonathon Howard

MEMBER FOR Richmond Justine Elliot said the Albanese Government is supporting local army reserves with the official opening of the new facility at Chinderah this month.

Ms Elliot said she was proud to deliver $12.7 million dollars for the new depot on Naru Street.

“I am so pleased to officially open the newly-constructed Gordon VC Multi-User Depot, right here in beautiful Chinderah,” Ms Elliot said.

The Gordon VC depot will be the home for the Australian Army A Company 41st Battalion, Royal NSW Regiment (A Company) after their facility in Murwillumbah was destroyed by fire.

“The depot was constructed in Chinderah because it offers a centralised location and will better support and grow the Army Reserve workforce and Defence Cadet program in our region,” she said.

The facility was built in partnership with Jabin Project Management, and DDR Pty Ltd, two Indigenous-owned businesses which was supported by the Albanese Government’s Indigenous Procurement Policy.

The design has incorporated flood mitigation measures, most notably the building has been raised to be higher than the 2022 flood level.

The construction has delivered a multi-user depot with storage, parking, and associated infrastructure.

“Whilst the A Company moves to their new site here in Chinderah, we have also been able to support

facility

the 225 Army Cadet Unit’s request to remain at the Murwillumbah site,” she said.

“As we all know, A Company provided significant natural disaster relief support including supporting our community after the 2019 bushfires and the 2022 floods.

“On behalf of our community, I convey our deepest thanks to the Battalion for the work they did and continue to do for our community.

“It’s great to open this important facility for the Australian Army locally whilst the government continues to evolve the Defence Estate to provide modern facilities across Australia for our personnel to work, train and live in.

“This depot will serve the needs of A Company, 41st Battalion well into the future, and I am very proud as the Member for Richmond, and as a member of the Albanese Labor Government to have delivered the funding to build this facility.

“Thanks to all those who serve our nation and protect our community.”

By Jonathon Howard

STOKERS SIDING Primary School is celebrat-

ing a major milestone in its century-old tradition thanks to the generosity of a local business.

The school’s historic bell, a cherished symbol of a student’s journey from their first to final year, has been beautifully restored by ART Group, based in Murwillumbah, ensuring that it will continue to ring for many generations to come.

The bell, which dates back to the school’s founding in 1917, holds a special place in the hearts of students and staff.

Each year, the Year 6 students participate in the tradition of ringing the bell on the first and last days of their final year, marking the beginning and end of their primary school journey.

Over the years the bell had weathered significantly, prompting the need for a thorough restoration to preserve its historical significance.

Principal Justine Griffin and the school’s general assistant Andrew reached out to local businesses for assistance.

“ART Group, based in Murwillumbah, responded enthusiastically to the call for help,” Ms Griffin said.

“Cameron Burgoyne and Michael Wall from ART Group spearheaded the restoration process, donating their time and resources to the project.”

School bell shines again

The restoration involved several stages, with Cameron’s team undertaking the challenging task of sandblasting the bell, stripping away years of wear and tear to reveal its original condition.

Meanwhile, Micheal applied a fresh powder coating, restoring the bell to its original colour and revamping the decorative frame with a traditional hammertone finish.

A new length of chain was also added, completing the rejuvenation of this historic piece.

“We are incredibly grateful to ART Group for their support and dedication to this project,” said Ms Griffin.

“Their generosity has not only preserved a significant part of our school’s history but has also reinforced the strong bond between our school and the local community.”

The unveiling ceremony saw a visit from Cameron and Michael, who joined students and staff to celebrate the restored bell.

The students were thrilled with the bell’s new look and eagerly anticipated its use at the end of the year.

ART Group’s donation highlights the impact that local businesses can have on community projects.

Their support ensures that Stokers Siding Primary School can continue its treasured tradition for the next 100 years.

OFFICIALLY OPEN: Member for Richmond Justine Elliot with Tweed Shire Army Reserves at the new Chinderah-based

Storm season looms

By Jonathon Howard

AS THE storm season officially begins, Member for Lismore and Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery, Janelle Saffin, is calling on Tweed Shire residents to brace for potential severe weather.

The season, running from September to April, is expected to bring an increased risk of storms, strong winds, and heavy rain, according to the Bureau of Meteorology, and preparation is key.

Recent weeks have already seen NSW battered by windy conditions, with over 1,200 volunteers responding to more than 2,000 events and Ms Saffin is urging the community to take proactive steps to safeguard their homes and families.

“To stay safe during storm season, it is crucial for residents to prepare now,” she told The Weekly.

“This includes securing loose items, trimming overhanging branches, cleaning gutters, and relocating vehicles away from trees. In the event of a storm, seek shelter indoors, avoid standing under trees, and stay clear of power lines.”

Residents are also advised to prepare an emergency plan for storms and floods, download the Hazards Near Me app to monitor storm activity and set your watch zones, and if you need assistance, contact the NSW SES at 132 500, or call Triple Zero (000) in emergencies. For detailed information on storm preparedness please visit: www.ses.nsw.gov.au.

Ms Saffin expressed gratitude to NSW SES volunteers for their ongoing efforts, emphasising

GREAT WORK: The volunteer crew from Marine Rescue Point Danger hosted a special barbeque for Tumbulgum Fishing Club

Tweed Shire residents are being reminded to prepare for what could be a challenging storm season ahead. Pictured above is the Condong Bowling Club during the peak of the 2022 flood

the importance of community preparation.

“By staying informed and ready, we can help ensure our safety and support those working to protect our community,” she said.

As storm season progresses, residents are encouraged to monitor weather warnings and make informed decisions about travel and safety.

Tweed Shire Council’s Emergency Dashboard offers flood cameras at key locations as well as other useful information visit: https://emergency.tweed.nsw.gov.au/home

I love nurses. I married one. And I know our Labor government isn’t valuing the hard work of our nurses and midwives by refusing a 15% pay rise and safe nurse-to-patient ratios.

The NSW Labor government says they can’t afford a pay risebut all nurses and midwives have to do is look over the border to know that isn’t true. We deserve better.

The Greens are the only party to stand in support of a 15% pay rise for nurses and midwives, safe ratios and paid placements for health students. We can’t keep voting for the same politicians and expecting different results - it’s time to vote for someone who is fighting for our nurses and midwives.

Marine Rescue visit

By Jonathon Howard

TUMBULGUM FISHING

Club president

Dan Purkis kindly invited the hard-working Marine Rescue Point Danger volunteer crew to Tumbulgum on Sunday, September 15.

The volunteers hosted a free barbeque for the community during the club’s fishing competition day.

Marine Rescue Point Danger unit commander Aaron Ashley said he was honoured and privileged to be invited by the fishing club to participate as guests.

“We’re also raising awareness about boating safety leading up to the start of the boating season (October 1),” Aaron said.

“We are also fundraising for Marine Rescue via a raffle for a tinny worth $15,000.”

Dan said it was great to meet the rescue team who provide a vital service to the boating community.

“The Tumbulgum Fishing Club donated $500 to the Marine Rescue Point Danger operation, which will be put to good use this boating season,” he said.

“It was a pleasure having Aaron and the crew for a fun day of food, local families, fundraising, fishing and more.”

Dan is encouraging local families to get involved in the Tumbulgum Fishing Club this year with plenty of exciting competition prizes and more.

Police fire appeal

TWEED POLICE are appealing for information following a fire at Gumnut Grove in Banora Point this month.

The fire took place at about 2.45pm on Friday, September 6, when emergency services were called following reports of a structure fire.

Firefighters extinguished the blaze which destroyed two garages and a vehicle.

Police said no one was injured due to the blaze.

Officers attached to Tweed-Byron Police District attended and established a crime scene.

“Subsequent inquiries suggest several witnesses have footage of the incident that might assist investigators,”

police said.

Police are urging anyone with footage of the incident to contact Tweed Heads detectives via (07) 5506 9499 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Illegal camper concerns

“A number of people have been identified and are being assisted by assertive outreach.” Ms Searle said any antisocial behaviour should be reported to local police for action.

“Our staff do not have the authority to remove or move people on,” she said.

“Our rangers have attended the site regularly over the past month,” Ms Searle said.

In case of emergency, please call police on Triple Zero (000), or for non-urgent response phone 131 444.

Dog search continues

THE OWNER of a much-loved bull terrier named “Ernie” continues to appeal to the community to help find him following a lengthy campaign for the past five weeks.

Owner Jessie Jackson lives at Glengarrie and said Ernie went missing on August 9, at about 1.30pm.

“He’s a much-loved family member and we continue to search to bring him home,” he said.

Jessie said Ernie may have been in a dog fight with multiple dogs near Urliup and believes he ran off and someone may have taken him in.

“We are desperate to bring Ernie home and are appealing for any help in the community to track him down,” he said.

Ernie was not wearing a collar at the time and is around three-and-a-half years old.

“Anyone around Urliup, Hogans Road, Bilambil Heights or surrounds that can help, it would be much appreciated,” Jessie said.

The boat ramp at Commercial Road

Ernie has distinctive colours and is friendly

Tweed Link

Hannah Lange (centre) was awarded the 2024 Wollumbin Art Award for her work Weaving by the River 2024 (pictured behind). She is pictured here with, from left: 2024 WAA Judge Sebastian Goldspink, Aunty Joyce Summers, Gallery Director Ingrid Hedgcock and Uncle Victor Slockee. Photo: Sally Singh Creative.

Spectacular artwork takes out 2024 Wollumbin Art Award

Tweed-based Wiradjuri artist Hannah Lange has taken out the top prize in the 2024 Wollumbin Art Award (WAA) for her stunning work titled Weaving by the River.

The artist, whose painting pays tribute to traditional First Nations weaving, also wins a 2-week residency at the Tweed Regional Gallery’s Nancy Fairfax Artist in Residence Studio.

Winners of the $30,000 biennial awards were announced at a special event at the Gallery on Saturday 7 September by guest judge Sebastian Goldspink, director of the Hazelhurst Arts Centre and proud descendant of the Burramattagal people of Western Sydney.

The WAA Bundjalung Award was given to Byronbased Arakwal Bundjalung artist Nickolla Clark for her painting Ngalawaa ma lee la Brunswick Balun

(Gathering on Brunswick River)

Also announced on the night were the winners of the Gallery’s Wollumbin Youth Art Award (WYAA), with guest judge artist Jodi Ferrari, Curator of the Children’s Gallery at HOTA Home of the Arts, selecting artworks by young artists Blair Davis (5-8 years), Chloe Dyer (9-12 years), Amelia Laurie (13-15 years) and Peri Hynes (16-18 years).

Young artists receiving Highly Commended awards were Escher Pipon Tyler (5-8 years), Chloe Harris (9 –12 years), Gus Roberts (13-15 years) and Jamie Mifsud (16-18 years).

The WAA and WYAA finalist exhibitions are on view at Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre until Sunday 24 November.

Find out more about the awards at gallery.tweed.nsw. gov.au/wollumbin-art-award

Want to contribute to a more vibrant Murwillumbah CBD?

Business Murwillumbah is looking for community input to help improve the town's CBD.

With the support of Council, Business Murwillumbah successfully applied for a $316,666 grant through the NSW Government’s Community Improvement District (CID) Pilot Program.

This program aims to enhance local trading environments and encourage people to get into their neighbourhoods and retail centres to enjoy local goods, services and activities on foot.

Business Murwillumbah Treasurer Phillip Hepburn said the CID Pilot project was an incredible opportunity for Murwillumbah.

“It's a chance to reimagine how we engage with our town centre, day and night," he said.

Business Murwillumbah is keen to get feedback on key issues, opportunities and experiences to help develop a plan, with a focus on Murwillumbah Street, Proudfoots Lane and Wollumbin Street.

Residents are invited to share their ideas through a series of activations including an online survey, popup stalls and walkathons at various times from 24 to 26 September.

For more information and to complete the survey visit yoursaytweed.com.au/murwillumbah-cbd

In brief ...

Counting underway for Council election

Vote counting for the Tweed Shire Council election is underway after residents headed to the polls on Saturday.

The final results are expected to be declared between 1 and 3 October, with postal votes continuing to be accepted until 6 pm on Friday 27 September.

Officials from the NSW Electoral Commission, which manages the election for most councils across NSW, will continue counting over coming days. Progressive tallies are published on the Commission’s website at www.elections.nsw.gov.au

Once results are declared, an Extraordinary Meeting of the new Council will be held on Thursday 10 October for Councillors to take the oath or affirmation of office and elect the Mayor and Deputy Mayor. Councillors will also undertake an induction program designed to prepare them for their roles during the 4-year term, in line with guidelines from the Office of Local Government.

Nominate for Australia Day Awards

Don’t miss your chance to recognise an individual or organisation doing great things in our community by nominating them for a Tweed Shire Australia Day Award in one of the following categories:

• 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 on Friday 11 October. Nominate online at tweed.nsw.gov.au/australia-day

Newly-upgraded Jack Evans Boat Harbour latest target as graffiti vandalism surges

Council is working with the NSW Police to address an increase in illegal graffiti across the Tweed –and the community is being asked to help.

acknowledge the

and

Jack Evans Boat Harbour at Tweed Heads, which has recently undergone a $2.6 million upgrade, is the latest area to be targeted by vandals.

Walls, seating areas, skating areas and even commissioned artworks have been graffitied, leaving the area badly damaged.

Knox Park in Murwillumbah has also seen an increase in graffiti, particularly at the skate park, with tagging taking place over the skating areas and signage.

Council's Director of Sustainable Communities and Environment Naomi Searle said she was devastated by the vandalism.

“Council has worked tirelessly to upgrade this vital recreational area in the Tweed CBD to make it more enjoyable for the community. So, to see it vandalised in this way is not only a waste of ratepayers’ money

but also makes the area unsightly and unwelcoming,” Ms Searle said.

"Estimating the true cost of graffiti vandalism is difficult because many people don't report it, however Council spent more than $115,000 on graffiti clean-up in our parks and open spaces in the last financial year alone. This is money that could be better spent on upgrading parks, community and leisure facilities.”

A comprehensive Community Safety Audit will be undertaken in the Tweed CBD this week by police, Council staff and community representatives.

A dedicated graffiti team has also been established to address issues as they arise but relies on the community to report graffiti when they see it.

Report graffiti by visiting tweed.nsw.gov.au/reportgraffiti or calling Council on 02 6670 2400.

speaking people of the Bundjalung Country, in particular the Goodjinburra, Tul-gi-gin and Moorung

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.

Tweed Shire Council wishes to

Ngandowal

Minyungbal

– Moobah clans,

Chief Inspector Mick Dempsey and Director Naomi Searle.

Counting is underway following Saturday's Local Government election, with final results expected in early October.

Get the Tweed Link early

Be one of the first to see all the latest news from Tweed Shire Council each week.

Subscribers to the Tweed Link receive it by email each week on Wednesday mornings, in addition to it appearing in print in the Tweed Valley Weekly on Thursdays. But that’s not all – you can also subscribe to Council job alerts, media releases and a range of e-newsletters and Council facility program alerts. Sign up at tweed.nsw.gov.au/subscribe

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

DA22/0575 - Staged development for two lot torrens title subdivision and dwelling construction on proposed Lot 47

Lot 3 DP 1266201, No. 46 McAllisters Road, Bilambil Heights

DA23/0185 - Use of alterations and additions for the reconfiguration of tenancy into four separate tenancies and the use of tenancy 11 as a health services facility (MRI Room).

Lot 10 DP 1144883, No. 38-42 Pearl Street, Kingscliff

DA24/0156 - Dual occupancy (attached), associated earthworks and strata subdivision

Lot 2 DP 1291087, No. 57A Nautilus Way, Kingscliff

DA24/0307 - Alterations and additions to existing dual occupancy for installation of a lift (villa 2)