Tweed Valley Weekly, June 29, 2023

Councillor pay rise debated

By Jonathon Howard

TWEED SHIRE Councillor Reece Byrnes has expressed outrage at several of his fellow councillors for approving a special rate variation but at the same time “approving a pay rise for the mayor and councillors”.

Whilst Cr Byrnes noted that Tweed Shire councillors’ pays have been reclassified and were considered historically low when compared to other regional areas of Australia, he said the “timing could not be worse”.

The mayor will now receive $127,540 plus super and a car, while councillors will now get $32,590 per year.

Councillors previously received $25,310 and the mayor received $84,310 plus super and a car.

“At this week’s council meeting I voted against the special rate rise,” Cr Byrnes told The Weekly.

“Amid a cost-of-living crisis, this is an unfair slug on so many in the community who are already doing it tough.

“I am very disappointed that in the very same meeting, the mayor Chris Cherry, Cr James Owen, Cr Rhiannon Brinsmead and Cr Nola Firth teamed up and voted for a pay rise for themselves.”

Cr Byrnes highlighted that Cr Warren Polglase and the deputy Mayor Meredith Dennis joined him in voting against the pay rise.

“At a time when our community is struggling with the cost of living it’s plain wrong that your rates go up and council-

lors get a massive pay rise on the same day,” Cr Byrnes said.

Cr Polglase shared Cr Byrnes’ view and said although pays were considered low, the timing could not have been worse.

Cr Byrnes will now attempt to move a motion to reverse the decision.

“But I need two more councillors to sign the motion to stop this pay rise,” he said.

“At this stage Cr Polglase is the only other councillor who has signed it.

“I am encouraging members of the community to contact the mayor and the other councillors to ask them to support rescinding the pay rise.”

Read mayor’s response

Mayor Cherry said, “This was a majority council decision and was not taken lightly.

“Cr Byrnes is correct that the timing is terrible for the reclassification.

“Tweed has been applying for this recognition of the population and responsibilities that our council has for the last few years and it has now been classified

as a Regional Strategic Area, which has resulted in the pay increase for both mayor and councillors.

“What it is important to recognise is that if we look at equal pay for equal work, our counterparts in Queensland for a shire of similar size earn $162k per year, in Victoria it is $133k per year, so although it is a change for us, it highlights how much less we were getting previously.

“It is probably hard for someone who has not been a mayor, or a councillor to understand the demanding nature of the job, being on call 24/7 and having the responsibility of being answerable to around 100,000 people, with a budget of around $270 million.

“Unless we pay councillors and the mayoral role a fair pay, people will continue to be locked out of being able to afford to represent their community.

“If there are councillors who feel that pay is not deserved, they are always free to elect not to receive the councillor allowance, there is no obligation to take it.”

Special rate rise vote carried

A MAJORITY vote by Tweed Shire councillors has approved a special rate variation (SRV) that will lift the minimum residential rate bill by $104 per year for the 2023/24 financial year.

At a meeting in Tweed Heads on Thursday, June 22, councillors voted by five votes to two to accept the SRV, with Cr Warren Polglase and Cr Reece Byrnes voting against the proposal.

The decision will see ordinary minimum residential and farmland rates rise by $22.85 to $1,166.65 for the 2023/24 financial year, while ordinary minimum business rates will rise by $22.15 to $1,282.45 for the year.

Council had sought a 2.35 per cent special rate rise on top of the 4 per cent pegged rate rise already approved for 2023/24, which combined allows general rates to rise to 6.35 per cent.

The decision follows the approval last week of council’s proposed SRV by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tri-

bunal (IPART) and followed engagement with Tweed residents, including community conversations, distribution of informational materials and leveraging of digital platforms to ensure the wider community could have their say.

Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry welcomed the decision.

“Nobody wants to see a rate rise but ultimately council services are all very important to our community, so I am supportive of this 6.35 per cent rise on the rates going forward,” Cr Cherry said.

“It was clear through our engagement process how valued council services are. When we talked through the various options with residents and explained in detail why we had to do this, there was far greater acceptance of a rate rise after this process.”

Council was seeking to raise an additional $1.6 million through the SRV to cover the costs of additional cyber security, an essential IT upgrade, additional planning

staff, insurances and to cover the cost of the removal of the Environmental Enforcement Levy.

Combining the minimum residential rate increase with the other typical annual charges of water, sewerage and waste, will see a rise of $104.25 for the year.

This will take the total minimum residential bill to $2,844.55 for the 2023/24 financial year — representing a 3.81 per cent increase.

Councillors also approved the $287 million budget for 2023/24, which is comprised of three funds: $184 million from general funds, $51 million from water funds and $52 million from sewerage funds.

Capital expenditure totalling $86 million is included in the budget, with key capital works projects earmarked for the 2023/24 financial year which includes the new animal shelter facility and $5.2 million for the Clarrie Hall Dam wall raising.

Mayor Chris Cherry (left) and Cr Reece Byrnes have clashed over pay rises which were long overdue, but Cr Byrnes says were timed poorly for ratepayers

Thanks for trying on rates

I doubt Cr Warren Polglase and I have agreed on a single issue over the past 20-odd years, so let me be the first to congratulate him and fellow Cr Reece Byrnes for being our only elected representatives to oppose Council’s outrageous special rate variation (SRV) rates rise.

The reported reasons for the special increase, other than the threat to close Kingscliff Library, are spurious at best and have little to do with the provision of essential services to ratepayers.

There are many innovative ways a council could raise extra funds in this technological age.

The establishment of community batteries to collect solar power from the huge number of rooftop arrays in the Tweed or even council-built solar farms, both selling excess power back to the grid would be a far superior option to charging ratepayers for councillors’ self-determined pay increases. Why is it they refuse to make public the expenditure of individual councillors and staff?

And before they finally implement the SRV, would the mayor or the general manager kindly inform ratepayers as to the value of ratepayer funding they currently have invested on the money market which might well cover any alleged shortfalls. Will the SRV pay for full transparency?

Jeremy Cornford, Kingscliff Visitors enjoy Rail Trail

Our walking group from Brisbane recently did the walk from Murwillumbah to Mooball.

The walking pathways were easy to walk on. The scenery was spectacular with reflections of Mount Warning in the dams plus the rainforest sections.

The Post Office cafe ladies at Stokers Siding were wonderful in catering for us — a must to visit on the walk. The Barn at Burringbar is also a must to visit.

The downside was the lack of toilets in Burringbar and the extensive weed

outcrop of the giant devil’s fig.

We found that most bike riders used their bell which was helpful to our big walking group.

All in all, a great new attraction for the Tweed.

Denise

Munns, Brisbane Camphor laurel invasion

After reading last week’s letters regarding camphor (TVW Letters, June 22).

I need to make a statement after 45 years on the Tweed. Yes, camphor is good for forest regeneration, but only if the native tree develops at the same time.

Here at Nobbys Creek, we have some nice straight cedars because of young camphor laurels!

Nothing otherwise grows under a mature camphor laurel.

Some bird species would be affected by any sort of culling, but certainly not to extinction.

I was told at a 14-lot subdivision at Bray Park, the developer was not allowed to remove three very ordinary camphor specimens.

Well, I say what is three in 1,000,000? Not to mention giant devil’s fig and Parramatta grass.

Break up these unprofitable, unfertile 100-acre blocks, we need to be progressive.

There are those that can make a little parcel of land into their paradise.

Some villains across our area take the ‘T’ out of Tweed — but we are a ‘weed’ valley.

Greg Church, Nobbys Creek

Sydney-centric governance

Not content with spending taxpayer money to rebuild perfectly functional Sydney sport stadiums, the government of NSW (which I believe stands for Newcastle, Sydney, Wollongong) has proposed spending more of our taxpayer money relocating the perfectly functional Sydney Powerhouse Museum from Ultimo to Parramatta.

Yet while Sydney, like Ancient

Rome, builds monuments to itself, up here in the disaster ravaged borderlands, the same government says it’s unable to relocate thousands of people dislodged by the 2022 floods due to cost restraints. Sounds like bread and circuses in the capital, while the plebs in the provinces suffer.

Is it possible to move Hadrian’s Wall south to say….Yamba?

Given the indifference and self-indulgence of our little emperors of Macquarie Street, I sadly conclude that we’d be better off joining the tattooed, painted barbarians in the wild lands to the north. At least they look after their own.

Simon Alderton, Murwillumbah

Still debating climate change – really?

It’s baffling that D Weston Allen (TVW Letters, June 15) and others remain sceptical about climate change given the significant amount of compelling science that proves that earth’s climate is changing due to human behaviour.

These changes are bringing about catastrophic changes to weather patterns due to changes in sea and air temperature. A recent report from the Kathmandu-based International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development warned that flash floods and avalanches would grow more likely in coming years.

Himalayan glaciers are melting at a very high rate and could lose up to 80% of their volume this century if global warming is not curtailed. This will have a devastating effect on millions of people downstream of the glaciers.

On our own doorstep we have witnessed recent unprecedented flooding in northern NSW; this is only going to worsen unless strong action is taken.

To argue that we should not do anything because of energy policy in China or what polar bears are doing is “what-about-ism”, and is only a distraction to the obvious path to

developing sustainable renewable sources of energy.

Climate change is the most urgent problem that humans are facing. As Greta Thunberg so aptly put it, ‘the house is on fire’, and we must act now before it really is too late.

Ngaire Watson, Murwillumbah Hold the phone on climate talks

Fortunately, being a climatologist should not rely on opinion. If it does, it is indeed ‘junk science’ (TVW Letters June 22).

One point, the Antarctic ice cap is not melting overall. Some parts are melting, the rest is increasing. And controlled burns are more often held up by adjacent landowners and those worrying about smoke than lack of suitable burn weather.

Facts to consider: fact 1, we have only one planet.

Fact 2, we only have one atmosphere.

Fact 3, this atmosphere is shared with all the other nations on earth.

Fact 4, “In 2020, China emitted 13.8 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide and equivalent greenhouse gases. That’s 13,800,000,000 tonnes. By comparison, Australia emitted 512 megatonnes, which is 512,000,000 tonnes.” From Google’s “scholarly articles for CO2 emissions of China and Australia”.

All the above leads to the conclusion that our attempt to get to net zero CO2 emissions is a waste of money, and we should stop this immediately, and preferably get Liddell power station operating as soon as possible to be a back stop to when there are problems at Eraring or one of the other coal stations.

Dudley Horscroft, Banora Point The Voice has detail

Regarding the question of how much detail is in the Constitution and how much we should expect from The Voice, I would draw Nathan Jones’s (TVW, June 18) attention to Part V

section 51 which lists the powers of Parliament.

These are the powers which provide for the “good governance” of the Commonwealth and nowhere in this list of 39 powers is there any description of “who, what, when, where, how and why” which Nathan demands of the Voice.

The issue of detail is a red herring in this argument. Time and again it has been pointed out that the specifics of the Voice will be decided by Parliament, as has always been the case with the 39 powers listed in section 51 of the Constitution.

There will be ample opportunity for Parliament to debate the “who, what, when and how” which opponents are demanding.

As to the question of “why” I think history tells us – decades of failed policy with little or no input from our First Nations people.

Another red herring is the concern that The Voice will have executive power to override Parliament and government will “grind to a halt”. This is simply not true. The Voice will be an advisory body not another layer of government and it will have the right only to advise on matters affecting First Nations people.

The idea that the Voice will have the right to take every decision of government to the High Court has been quashed by former High Court judges such as Robert French and Kenneth Hayne.

Moreover, the High Court cannot change decisions of Parliament, it can only determine if due legal process has been followed. Ultimate authority will lie, not with the Voice or the High Court, but with Parliament.

David Cross, Dunbible

Please note the views on the letters page are that 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.

love working with our local communities to make a difference.

Council rejects rezoning

By Jo Kennett

A NUMBER of councils including Tweed Shire Council are calling on the Minns government to abandon changes which would allow developers to bypass councils and propose land to rezone for housing projects.

The reforms are part of the NSW Government’s Rezoning Pathways Program which has two rezoning pathways where the NSW Government takes a lead role for current and potential projects.

The first is state-led rezoning, when the department leads a rezoning in large geographic areas or in precincts of state significance, which could apply to areas like the Cudgen Plateau, where farmers have fought developers for years to retain state significant agricultural land.

The second pathway is a state-assessed planning proposal, when the department assesses a planning proposal of state significance or regional environmental planning significance.

Mayor Chris Cherry said that under the previous government, council staff (and

staff from several other shires) were forced to sign non-disclosure agreements and were given just 24 hours to put forward sites suitable for rezoning.

The state-assessed planning proposal pathway, piloted last year by the Perrottet government, would see developers apply directly to the NSW Department of Planning to rezone parcels of land for development projects that could provide more than 300 houses in regional areas.

“We wrote to the state government before the election and said we don’t want to be part of it, please abandon this process,”

Mayor Cherry told the ABC on Friday, June 16.

“When Minister Scully came to visit the Northern Rivers we spoke to him as well about wanting to work with the state government rather than have them come in over the top of us and just decide outside of our planning controls what’s going to go forward in our shires.”

Mayor Cherry told The Weekly that Tweed Shire Council staff were made to sign non-disclosure agreements and asked to advise the previous state government what parcels of land in the shire might be suitable for rezoning, but councillors have no idea what areas might be impacted.

“Our staff were required to sign really strict confidentiality agreements so that they weren’t allowed to share anything with us about where these sites were,” the mayor said.

“They were expected to provide detailed feedback in just 24 hours on whether there would be an appropriate site for the state government to put forward.

“They were just totally unreasonable time frames and there was a complete lack of transparency.

“We have gone out to the community with our strategic planning development control plans which is an agreement with the community on how we want our community to look.

“This program sits completely outside that process and we said we do not want to be part of it and we reject it for our shire.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the state is facing a shortfall of more than 130,000 new homes over the five years to 2029, but the program, introduced by the Perrottet government, was subject to review.

Just before the state election the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) warned that the potential increase in land value from rezoning “could prompt applicants to attempt various lobbying techniques including: direct approaches to the Minister, using or cultivating personal contacts in the department, offering gifts/hospitality, invitations to informal site meetings or otherwise seeking access outside the approved channels.”

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MURWILLUMBAH EAST PUBLIC SCHOOL

Looking back at the last 2 terms at Murwillumbah East Public School you will see how many activities and opportunities are on offer around our school. Students made Easter Hats and dioramas, we’ve walked from the library to school as part of Walk To School Day, we’ve spent time visiting Healthy Harold in the Life Education van. Our school strongly represented the ANZAC Day march and ceremony with pride. Welcome to Country from Aboriginal Elder, Aunty Jackie opened our Harmony Day celebrations, and we held a multicultural festival including Lion Dancers!

Our Mother’s Day afternoon tea was a perfect afternoon out on our beautiful playground complemented with a huge grazing table put together by our Canteen Convenor, Hayley Philip. It was fantastic to see so many of our

Mums and Grandmothers enjoying the afternoon. Family connections are important at MEPS.

MEPS provides students a variety of sporting opportunities including soccer, touch football, netball, swimming, cricket, cross country, AFL and rugby league. Our athletics carnival was held on our stunning grounds with many parents attending to watch their children compete in the various activities.

A team of 57 students headed to Twin Towns on the 9th of June to participate in the annual Far North Coast Dance Festival. Our Junior Dancers (years 2-4) performed an upbeat dance to “It’s the Hard Knock Life” while Senior Dancers glittered their way through the lyrical “Ordinary Miracle”. What a terrific experience to not only be part of a team but to perform on a professional stage – some for the

very first time. There were plenty of proud parents and one very proud principal in the crowd that evening!

The Compass Choir Festival in Coffs Harbour was a new experience for our students. Our students travelled to Coffs Harbour and had the opportunity to join with students from other schools and sing as part of a larger choir with a real orchestra.

Enrolments for 2024 are open and our school Principal, Mrs Vanessa Chaffey, can’t wait to show you around our school and talk to you about all the exciting programs and opportunities Murwillumbah East Public School can offer your children. Call our school office on (02)6672 6781 to make an appointment.

Address: 45 George Street Murwillumbah NSW 2484

Tel: 02 6672 6781 Email: murwillume-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Website: https://murwillume-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/

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NSW Labor Premier Chris Minns

The premier is desperate for new homes

A New York lawyer was embarrassed to admit using artificial intelligence (AI) program ChatGPT while preparing his courtroom legal argument, when it was exposed to have cited several court cases that didn’t exist.

When the judge and opponent lawyers couldn’t find the judgments, the lawyer discovered ChatGPT had simply made up six judgments that would favour his argument.

The judge was damning – condemning the lawyer for citing “bogus judicial decisions, with bogus quotes and bogus internal citations”.

The US lawyer, who had 30 years’ experience but had never used ChatGPT before, was apologetic, saying he had even asked the program if the cases were real, and it had replied “yes”.

Anneka Frayne at Stacks Law Firm said it is one of a growing number of instances where ChatGPT and similar AI programs have proved to be unreliable, inaccurate, even capable of lying. And possibly deadly.

“The Guardian reported a US Air Force Colonel recently described a simulated test where a drone powered by AI was ordered to destroy an enemy target, but when the operator sought to call it back, the drone turned and attacked the operator who was keeping it from completing its mission,” Ms Frayne said.

“US Defence officials denied it happened and the colonel later withdrew his comment, saying it was a hypothetical case. But the US is experimenting with AI control of fighter planes to supplement human pilots. “Could we be on the verge of losing control of AI to the point where it threatens humans? The former chief executive of Google, Eric Schmidt, has warned AI has the potential to harm or kill people in the near future.”

Hundreds of AI pioneers and experts have urged major AI firms to pause training AI systems for at least six months, so that protocols and laws can be introduced to govern the development and deployment of AI.

The Australian government established the National AI Centre to develop responsible AI and digital practice. On 1 June it released a discussion paper on regulating AI technology. It can receive submissions until 26 July.

“It is part of public consultation to determine possible legislative changes, even whether highrisk AI uses should be banned. Changes could be coming to legislation governing consumer, corporate, criminal, online safety, administrative, copyright, intellectual property and privacy laws,” Ms Frayne said.

“The paper warns of AI being used for harmful purposes, such as generating deepfakes to influence public opinion, spread misinformation, sow public distrust and anxiety or encourage violence. “Laws have always been slow to keep up with technological developments, and we need to move rapidly, as AI is developing extremely quickly despite its faults.”

Terror assault at Terranora

By Jo Kennett

A MAN was arrested at Terranora after an alleged assault in which two police officers and a teenage shop attendant were attacked, and staff at a cafe were threatened on Wednesday, June 21.

The Sunday before the arrest the man had visited the Terranora IGA where 18-year-old Kirsty Mildon-Moore worked and he asked her name.

“I just thought he was another regular but then he was hanging around the area and appeared to be delusional,” Kirsty, who recently moved from New Zealand, said.

“When I went to leave work on Tuesday he said, ‘Hi’, and I said, ‘Hi’ because I didn’t want to make him angry.

“I turned to walk where there were heaps of people and he said, ‘Oh babe, where are you going?’

“On Tuesday the cops were there questioning him and they came in and said he was trying to give me a box that he said was mine but I’d never seen it before.” Kirsty, who lives nearby, said she could hear him screaming that night.

“My partner leaves for work around 5am and he would have seen the sensor lights go off, but before that he was screaming my name and screaming for help,” she said.

“He came in twice on Wednesday. The first time he walked straight towards me. I’d already messaged my boss and said I wouldn’t be serving him and my boss was on his way.

“He tried to give me a (tarot) card and I said I didn’t want it. It said ‘death’ on the top and said stuff about love. He got

angry and threw it behind the deli then walked away dancing and grabbed a drink.

“He wasn’t going to take it to the till and I just said I wouldn’t be serving him again.”

Kirsty said she messaged her mum in New Zealand, her partner and her boss, and broke down crying.

“I asked my boss if someone else could come in,” she said.

“Mum couldn’t get in touch with the Australian police from New Zealand so she rang the NZ police to get in contact with the police here.

“I went to the bathroom and five minutes later when I came back out he was behind the counter looking at cigarettes.

“I was scared because he came towards me and forced me to hug him.

“I wasn’t near an exit so I had to push him off me. I was screaming, ‘Get off, don’t touch me, you need to leave.’

“He went to walk out and he was telling me, ‘I love you so much, I love you so much.’”

Kirsty screamed at the man to get out.

“It was really disturbing. He went towards the door and looked up at the sensor and paused for five or ten seconds,” she said.

“I was screaming at him and he looked back at me and started screaming f### off.

“I didn’t know if he was going to walk out or come back towards me and do something.”

When he went out Kirsty locked the door, but soon had to open up to serve customers.

“When it got quiet I called the cops and locked the door again,” she said.

“I’d contacted my boss and my mum who had called my partner to contact the

people I lived with.

“His aunty and uncle came down and his uncle went looking for him.

“My coworker arrived and said there were about seven cop cars and he had run across the road.

“I sat outside after that and pulled myself together and went back into work.”

Police found the man allegedly intimidating staff at a nearby cafe. He ran away and then allegedly assaulted two female police officers before he was incapacitated with a taser and arrested.

The Tweed Police constable and senior constable were treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to The Tweed Hospital with facial injuries.

A NSW Police spokesperson said they “have since been released and are receiving further support.”

The man was treated by paramedics before being taken to Tweed Heads Police Station where he was charged with two counts of assaulting police officers in the execution of duty causing actual bodily harm, two counts of shoplifting, stalking/ intimidating intending fear, physical harm, and hindering or resisting police officers in the execution of duty.

He appeared in Tweed Heads Local Court later that day.

Kirsty said she felt quite proud looking back “for not just running and for filming him to prove he was being crazy.”

“I feel a lot safer knowing he is in police custody and I don’t think there is any chance of him coming back,” she said.

“I didn’t feel safe walking home or to work before.

“Everyone in the community has been really supportive which has been really nice.”

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The man allegedly assaulted a teenage supermarket worker. Image by Channel Nine For a consultation call Your compensation partners

THE LEGAL LIGHT!

New laws coming to curtail AI

Did you know the Greens are blocking Labor’s $10 billion social and affordable housing plan?

Sign the petition to tell Adam Bandt, and Greens Party MPs and candidates, to stop playing political games and stop blocking Labor’s affordable and social housing for our community.

The Greens are teaming up with the Liberals, Nationals, and One Nation in Parliament to block Labor’s $10 billion Housing Australia Fund. This fund will build social and affordable housing, housing for women and children fleeing domestic violence, and more.

There are people across the North Coast who are relying on this Bill passing Parliament, but the Greens Party is refusing to listen to our community. Add your voice and let them know that teaming up with the Liberals, Nationals and One Nation to block housing for those who need it most is disgraceful.

Tweed Link

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.

Last week we each used 171L a day

as at 26 June 2023

In brief ...

Meet frontline emergency heroes

The Tweed’s emergency response services will unite at Jack Evans Boat Harbour on Saturday 1 July to demonstrate cutting-edge disaster response equipment and promote emergency preparedness. Enjoy a sausage sizzle while getting up close to emergency response vehicles and equipment, including flood, surf and other rescue boats, fire trucks, police response vehicles and all-terrain vehicles.

The expo is free to attend and will be held on 1 July from 10 am to 2 pm at the Goorimahbah Precinct, Jack Evans Boat Harbour, Tweed Heads.

Apply now for events sponsorship

Applications for Council’s 2023/24 events sponsorship funding round are open from Monday 26 June to midnight Friday 21 July 2023.

Events contribute to achieving the community’s vision and aspirations for the Tweed, including helping the Tweed’s people and places to thrive.

Event organisers seeking financial assistance to develop, host and grow festivals and events of significance to the Tweed Shire are encouraged to make application. Applications must be from an incorporated body or have a sponsor that is accepting legal and financial responsibility for the event. Applications will be considered at Council’s meeting in September 2023.

For more information and to apply for funding, visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/event-sponsorship

Members of Council's flood restoration team met with contractors SEE Civil Pty Ltd and local residents Fern Becker and her son to mark the reopening of Reserve Creek Road after a major landslip shut the road during the 2022 flood.

Reserve Creek Road access restored

There were smiles for miles along Reserve Creek Road with thoroughfare restored for motorists for the first time since the 2022 flood.

Local contractor SEE Civil Pty Ltd completed a new, temporary side access road for motorists, as part of a $6.8 million landslip restoration project at Reserve Creek with disaster funding from the NSW Government.

Last Friday’s opening (23 June) came weeks ahead of schedule due to the dedicated work of onsite SEE Civil contractors, their sub-contractors and the recent run of fine weather.

The single-lane road is supported by geotechnical stabilisation works and is now open to all vehicles under traffic light controls, allowing motorists to travel between Murwillumbah and the Tweed Coast along this roadway once again.

SEE Group Executive Director of Operations Joel Barnes expressed his gratitude to the teams involved in the flood recovery efforts.

“I'm pleased to see Reserve Creek Road is now open

to traffic, especially after the devastating floods we experienced last year,” Mr Barnes said.

“The team developed an innovative remediation solution which allowed for this single lane reopening while the balance of construction works is ongoing, which is a fantastic outcome for the local community.”

Local resident Fern Becker said it had been a challenging time for residents and is glad Reserve Creek Road finally has safe through-access again.

“It’s been really hard for us out here and we’re glad that we’ve finally got this opened now,” Ms Becker said. Detailed design work on the restoration of a permanent, two-lane section of road is now nearing completion, pending final approvals.

SEE Civil remains on-site, preparing for further stabilisation and construction works expected to start next month on the permanent road next month.

Council is working to prepare for, mitigate and build resilience to natural disasters while delivering a safe and connected local road network.

Tweed Sustainability Awards

There are less than 5 weeks left to nominate in the 2023 Tweed Sustainability Awards and this year, all completed nominations go in the draw to win a free 2-night stay at a Tweed Holiday Parks cabin. There are many benefits to nominating including:

• marketing and publicity

• recognition and prestige

• enhanced reputation

• networking opportunities

• inspiration and learning

• motivation and team morale.

Nominating in the Tweed Sustainability Awards is an opportunity to put the Tweed’s businesses, groups, schools and individuals’ sustainable practices in the spotlight. Let’s recognise and celebrate people who are protecting and enhancing the Tweed region for current and future generations.

Interested in finding out more?

Check out the Tweed Sustainability Awards page at tweed.nsw.gov.au/tweed-sustainability-awards where you will find information about benefits of nominating and resources to help you get your nomination in. Nominations close Monday 31 July. The award winners will be announced at a showcase event on Thursday 12 October 2023.

Tweed tap water matches the top 4 Aussie bottled brands

New laboratory tests reveal Tweed tap water stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the leading bottled water brands in Australia.

The comprehensive analysis compared tap water sourced from the Tweed River near Murwillumbah against the 4 most popular bottled water brands in the country for pH, fluoride, mineral content, total dissolved solids and conductivity (a measure of saltiness).

The test results from the NATA-accredited Tweed Laboratory Centre show the quality and safety of Tweed tap water equals the tested bottled water – and has the added benefit of being significantly cheaper and better for dental health.

Council’s Water and Wastewater Operations Manager Brie Jowett said the results had verified the local community could confidently rely on their tap water as the rational choice for hydration.

“The lab results don’t surprise me,” Mrs Jowett said. “The rich volcanic origins of our soil are reflected in our tap water – its mineral content is higher than most of the leading bottled water brands tested.

“You’d be hard pressed to buy water off-the-shelf with a better mineral content for calcium and magnesium in particular, which are important for our health.”

The test results show Tweed tap water is also lower in sodium than the 4 bottled water samples tested and lower in chloride than 3 of the samples.

Tweed tap water was the only tested sample that contained the recommended level of fluoride for dental health, perfectly within health guidelines, and was the most alkaline water tested, with a pH of 7.9.

All the lab results for Tweed tap water were well within the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

A 600 mL bottle of water on the store shelf has a price tag of about $3.25. 1000 litres of Tweed tap water costs less –about $3.30.

Filling a 600 mL bottle with Tweed tap water 1667 times would match the cost of one 600 mL bottle of bottled water. Mrs Jowett said the importance of these findings goes beyond cost benefits and personal preferences.

“If you choose Tweed tap water over bottled water, you will save money, reduce the amount of plastic pollution in waterways and help lower the amount of pollution that’s created by the bottling process and transporting bottled water to your local shop,” she said.

Visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/drinking-water-quality to find out more about the Tweed’s tap water quality and the full laboratory results.

Testing by scientists at the Tweed Laboratory Centre confirms tap water in the Tweed matches the quality of the bottled water tested.

Young encouraged to ‘speak for the planet’

Do you know any creative young people in the Tweed? Council is inviting high schools in the Tweed to participate in the national Speaking 4 the Planet competition with great prizes up for grabs.

Speaking 4 the Planet is an arts-based approach to sustainability education, with the competition inviting students to present their views through speaking, visual arts, writing or performance poetry.

High school students aged 12–18 can submit their entries based on the theme ‘Edge of the Future: Climate Change’. Council is incorporating the competition into its Climate Ready Tweed Project which is seeking to understand how the community wants to be supported to act on climate change.

Importantly, the Climate Ready Tweed Project recognises the importance of young people’s voices. Speaking 4 the Planet represents an important way for youth to have their say through creative expression.

Council would also like to recognise the efforts of students who participate and will invite entries to be celebrated at the 2023 Tweed Sustainability Awards showcase event (tweed.nsw.gov.au/tweed-sustainability-awards) and future planned climate action networking events.

Submissions close on Friday 18 August and entries can be submitted at tweed.nsw.gov.au/climate-change

For further information, contact Council’s Education Officer – Sustainability, Jane Moad at tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au

Feral deer survey

Council is reminding the Tweed community to be on the lookout for feral deer on the roads, in rural areas and even in suburban areas during the current breeding season or rut.

As a way to gather important data from sightings, Council is asking residents to complete a short online survey –whether they have spotted a feral deer or not.

The survey in partnership with Kyogle and Byron Shire councils aims to understand the community’s perception of feral deer, the impacts of feral deer, the presence or absence of feral deer in the Northern Rivers and the need to control them.

Survey results will be used to guide management programs to stop the spread and prevent the establishment of feral deer in the Northern Rivers.

There have been 54 confirmed sightings of feral deer reported in the Tweed since the Northern Rivers Feral Deer Alert program was launched in May 2021, including sightings at Pottsville, Cudgen, Crystal Creek, Eungella, Crabbes Creek and Terranora.

Complete the short survey by 31 October 2023 at tweed.nsw.gov.au/deer and report all sightings to feralscan.org.au/deerscan

Warm up with soup

Warm up with house-made soups at the Starting Block Café at Murwillumbah.

Soup of the day options include spiced sweet corn with coconut cream, spiced sweet potato with coconut cream, split pea and spinach or herb-infused tomato with nutritional yeast.

It’s $8.50 per serve including buttered toasted or for an extra $1.50 add on bacon or Turkish bread. You could also enjoy the all-day $5 small coffee and cookie deal. While you are at it, why not help those in need and donate towards the café's Pay it Forward Program.

Find out more and see the menu at trac.tweed.nsw.gov.au/starting-block-cafe

The Starting Block Café is located at the Tweed Regional Aquatic Centre complex at Murwillumbah.

Community notice

Chinderah Districts Residents Association meet Tuesday 5 July 2023, 7 pm (AEDT) at Uniting Church Hall, 24 Kingscliff Street, opposite nursing home Kingscliff.

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 11 Check when your water meter is read at tweed.nsw.gov.au/meter-reading

Seniors fall prevention programs kick off in July

Are you a senior concerned about falls? There are some spots left for Council’s fall prevention program, Stand Together coming up on Wednesday 5 July in Tweed.

A Murwillumbah program will also begin Thursday 20 July.

Throughout the 8-week program participants will learn to prevent falls and maximise their independence through growing their confidence and improving their balance and strength.

To participate, you will need to be registered with My Aged Care (1800 200 422) and you will need an allied health referral code.

Development proposal for public comment

To register your interest or for more information about this program, please contact Council’s Community Services on 07 5569 3110 or via email communityservices@tweed.nsw.gov.au

This program is supported by the Australian Department of Health.

The following Development Application has been received by Tweed Shire Council and may be viewed on Council’s DA Tracking site located at datracker.tweed.nsw.gov.au for a period of 14 days from Wednesday 28 June to Wednesday 12 July 2023 .

The proposal is not designated development and Tweed Shire Council is the consent authority.

ApplicantLocation

Proposal

The Mavis Partnership Pty Ltd Lot 3 DP 541945; No. 64 Mount Warning Road, Mount Warning Alterations & additions to existing restaurant, signage and temporary use as a function centre

Application no.

DA22/0092

Any person may, during the period specified above, make a submission in writing to Council in relation to the Development Application. Where a submission is in the form of an objection, then the grounds of objection are required to be specified. 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. 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

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

DA22/0760 – Alterations and additions to existing dwelling including detached garage and in-ground swimming pool

Lot 901 DP 800084, No. 30 Manuka Road, Banora Point

DA22/0751 – Deck extension front of dwelling

Lot 342 DP 31041, No. 30 Broadwater Esplanade, Bilambil Heights

DA23/0096 – In-ground swimming pool and deck

Lot 224 DP 867487, No. 8 Aspen Place, Bilambil Heights

DA23/0229 – Alterations and additions to existing dwelling

Lot 30 DP 31041, No. 36 Simpson Drive, Bilambil Heights

DA21/1037 – Secondary dwelling over existing garage including demolition work

Lot 20 DP 817636, No. 22 Monomeeth Avenue, Bilambil Heights

DA22/0200 – Secondary dwelling

Lot 6 DP 238880, No. 65 Tamarind Avenue, Bogangar

DA23/0168 – Carport within the front building line

Lot 89 DP 261914, No. 10 Poinciana Avenue, Bogangar

DA23/0167 – Roofed deck

Lot 16 SP 41633, Unit 16/No. 13 Warana Avenue, Bray Park

DA23/0239 – Two storey dwelling with attached double garage

Lot 49 DP 1264557, No. 6 Candlenut Street, Casuarina

DA23/0242 – In-ground swimming pool

Lot 43 DP 1182599, No. 26 Lobelia Crescent, Casuarina

DA22/0670 – Alterations and additions to existing dwelling including house raising and in-ground swimming pool

Lot 6 DP 331807, No. 1 Chadburn Lane, Chinderah

DA22/0373 – Alterations, additions and re-siting of an existing building for use as a dwelling, associated driveway including creek crossing and tree removal

Lot 4 DP 807421, No. 273 Crabbes Creek Road, Crabbes Creek

DA22/0802 – Alterations and additions to residential unit (multi-dwelling housing) to enclose first floor balcony

Lot 2 SP 95913, Unit 2/No. 37 Kingscliff Street , Kingscliff

DA23/0038 – Alterations and additions to existing dwelling including pool, 1.2 m high front fence and carport within the front building line

Lot 41 DP 830193, No. 8 Lorien Way, Kingscliff

DA23/0258 – Alterations and additions to existing dwelling

Lot 17 DP 28015, No. 2 Cudgen Road, Kingscliff

DA23/0101 – Use of existing excavation and new retaining

Lot 13 DP 239398, No. 8 Hall Drive, Murwillumbah

DA23/0104 – Garage

Lot 1 DP 1124261, No. 61 Tumbulgum Road, Murwillumbah

DA23/0219 – Alterations and additions to existing dwelling and swimming pool forward of the building line

Lot 20 DP 818099, No. 44 Elvadale Place , Nunderi

DA23/0246 – Deck and retaining walls

Lot 2 DP 868655, No. 31 Eva Crescent, Piggabeen

DA23/0183 – In-ground swimming pool and extension of existing patio

Lot 1118 DP 1115395, No. 46 Lennox Circuit, Pottsville

DA23/0255 – Portico and carport forward of the building line

Lot 1 SP 90464, Unit 1/No. 194 Overall Drive, Pottsville

DA23/0256 – In-ground swimming pool

Lot 734DP 1078611, No. 60 Sugar Glider Drive, Pottsville

DA22/0665 – Strata subdivision – allocation of common property to Lot 5

SP 41723, Lot 5 SP 45690, No. 14 Elizabeth Street, Pottsville

DA22/0848 – 2 lot strata subdivision

SP 78192, Lot 2 SP 78192, Lot 1 SP 78192, No. 45 Edward Avenue, Pottsville

DA22/0850 – Alterations and additions to existing dual occupancy and new carport and boat storage

Lot 2 SP 55814, Unit 2/No. 12 Edinburgh Court, Pottsville

DA23/0141 – In-ground swimming pool and 1.8 metre high fence

Lot 602 DP 1266799, No. 43 Ossa Boulevard, Terranora

DA22/0564 – Rectification works to existing rock wall

SP 20856, No. 53 Bay Street, Tweed Heads

DA23/0145 – Shed

Lot 24 DP 836271, No. 1 Merlot Court, Tweed Heads South

DA23/0263 – In-ground swimming pool

Lot 121 DP 836272, No. 9 Chardonnay Crescent, Tweed Heads South

DA23/0136 – Alterations and additions to existing dwelling Lot 18 DP 1233807, No. 211 Tyalgum Creek Road, Tyalgum Creek

DA23/0036 – Demolition, dwelling with attached garage including carport, in-ground swimming pool and detached outbuilding

Lot 3 DP 700768, Lot 2 DP 1201303, No. 13 Tarcoola Lane, Uki

DA23/0281 – Patio and deck

Lot 37 DP 791785, No. 52 Braeside Drive, Uki

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

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Cops at every exit

By Jo Kennett

A WEEKEND drink and drug driving blitz saw more than 11,000 drivers tested and more than a hundred charged, which police say is disappointing for the Tweed and Northern Rivers which now has the worst drink and drug driving record in the state.

Social media websites were lit up with residents warning each other about the impending blitz.

Known as ‘Operation Fume’, the police blitz was conducted across the Far North Coast between the NSW-Queensland border and Ballina on Friday night, June 23 and Saturday night, June 24.

A total of 128 local police and visiting Highway Patrol officers from as far away as Sydney and throughout the Northern Region teamed up for the operation manning 16 stationary breath testing sites at M1 exits between Tweed Heads and West Ballina.

Senior Sergeant Chad George said 70 people returned positive drink-driving readings.

“Another 39 returned positive readings for illicit drugs in their oral fluid (RDT or roadside drug testing).

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“There were 32 other traffic charges which included people driving while disqualified or suspended.

“There were 372 other infringements and altogether police conducted 11,130 random breath tests.”

Snr Sgt George said that last year the Tweed-Byron Police District had 820 drink drivers detected “which is the worst in the state.”

“Along with that there were 81 alcohol-related crashes which is also the worst in the state.

“On the back of those results, Operation Fume was put in place to detect and deter people from drink driving.

“The results are definitely disappointing on essentially just one road with 109 people drink driving or with illicit drugs in their system which poses a danger to everyone else using the road.”

Campfire explosion

A BOY was flown by helicopter to Queensland Children’s Hospital on Sunday, June 25, after sustaining injuries in a campfire explosion at Commissioners Creek, south of Uki.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was tasked to the area by NSW Ambulance at about 9am.

The child was treated on scene by local NSW Ambulance paramedics for burns and other injuries sustained in the campfire explosion, before being transported by road to Murwil-

lumbah Airfield to rendezvous with the rescue helicopter.

The boy was further treated and stabilised by the Helicopter Critical Care Medical Team before being airlifted to Queensland Children’s Hospital, South Brisbane.

Kindergarten Rocks at Murwillumbah Public School

Murwillumbah Public School has committed considerable energy and funding to develop one of the most modern and attractive learning spaces for kindergarten students in NSW. The double classroom features colourful furniture, lounges, play spaces, interactive technology and fabulous learning resources. Personal and shared booths allow students to focus on a wide range of activities that cater to their specific needs. Kindergarten students at Murwillumbah Public School are joyfully engaging in all areas of the curriculum because of what their learning environment offers. As well as maintaining a strong focus on literacy and numeracy kindergarten programs provide great opportunities for students to learn through play, creative arts, yoga, music and dance.

High on the list for Kindergarten teacher, Lynn Lack, is fostering a love of reading. This is done through high level exposure to many different forms of print. Books abound and time in the fabulous school library immerses the students in quality reading resources. Students spend a lot of time in “Shared reading” activities where they support each other in development of their reading skills and learn the simple pleasures of sharing a story together.

Murwillumbah Public School offers a fantastic early learning program for its beginning students. Small class sizes are a feature as is the school’s ability to cater for

the diverse learning needs of its students. An additional teacher supports the class two days per week and a full time teacher’s aide is allocated to optimise student access to assistance.

Kindergarten students enrolling for 2024 will be able to access a comprehensive transition to school program. They will attend school for 6 successive Fridays from 9.00am to 2.30 pm in term 4 where they will meet teachers and support staff. They will have the opportunity to interact with their classmates and older students and develop a wonderful understanding of how school operates and enjoy the huge range of experiences offered.

This excellent program will commence on Friday 20th of October and conclude on Friday 24th of November. Please contact the school on 66721467 to register and secure your place.

The school provides significant support to kindergarten students and parents by providing all enrolling students with a school uniform and backpack.

Ms Lack believes a balanced curriculum is particularly rich in creative arts opportunities and activities in art and craft, music and dance are critical in a young child’s development.

Join in the fun and rock into Murwillumbah Public School.

Operation Fume continued this year

NSW wins tug of war

By Jo Kennett

IT WAS state against state and mate against mate, when Tweed Police took on their cross-border counterparts in a tug of war that saw our local constabulary triumph 3-0 in what, sadly, was not a sign of the times on the Origin footy field.

The Queensland cops versus NSW cops tugof-war took place at the Tweed-Coolangatta border marker on the day of the second State of Origin, Wednesday, June 21.

The chilly weather did not seem to affect our officers, with New South Wales taking an early lead and bringing those pesky cane toads to their knees as Tweed-Byron District Commander Superintendent Dave Roptell and his offsiders cheered them across the line.

The clash of the cops sparked some serious online debate amongst their state counterparts.

Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergen-

cy Services didn’t know who to support until they were reminded that they shared a border with Queensland and were neighbours, with no border-sitting allowed. There was plenty of love for the tug-of-war though.

“That’s gold,” one person commented.

“Well done, loved to see the cooperation of the two best states in Australia,” someone else commented.

Supt Roptell told The Weekly that NSW won the series 3-0, “but we all had fun”.

Tragically things didn’t go quite so swimmingly for their rugby league counterparts with NSW succumbing to the evil force that is Queensland 32-6 — once again losing the Origin series.

Freddy is in a tough position, but to be fair he has led NSW to victory in three of the last six series (just to remind all you Maroons readers out there).

We will get you next year though Queensland.

Alleged burglars charged

By Jo Kennett

POLICE HAVE arrested two men on burglary and other charges, including a break and enter at a Tweed Heads South storage facility in May.

The men, one from Banora Point and the other from Loganlea, were arrested in Tweed Heads West after police stopped the white van they were travelling on Kennedy Drive at around 2.30am on Thursday, June 22.

According to Tweed Police, a search of the van revealed housebreaking implements, as well as a knife and registration plates belonging to another vehicle.

The driver was submitted to and subsequently failed a roadside drug test.

Both men were arrested and taken to Tweed Heads Police Station where they were charged and refused police bail.

The 52-year-old Banora Point man was

charged with two counts of break and enter to commit serious indictable offences allegedly committed at a commercial storage facility in Tweed Heads South in May this year.

He was also charged with two counts of entering a building with the intent to commit indictable offence, malicious damage, larceny (theft of personal property), possessing housebreaking implements and being in custody of a knife in public place

The 36-year-old Loganlea man was charged with two counts of break and enter to commit serious indictable offences allegedly committed on the Mid North Coast in October 2022.

He was also charged with possessing goods in custody reasonably suspected as stolen or unlawfully obtained (registration plates). Both men faced Tweed Heads Local Court on Thursday, June 22.

Car hits tree at Dum Dum

By Jo Kennett

A MAN was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries after crashing into a tree and being trapped inside his vehicle on Kyogle Road at Dum Dum on Friday, June 16. Emergency services were called to the scene of the accident at 5.42am with reports that a person was trapped in the collision.

When rescue operators arrived they found the single vehicle had collided with a tree.

According to Tweed District Rescue volunteer Drew Carr, a young male was the only occupant. “The vehicle sustained significant crushing damage which was trapping him by compression,” he said.

“A Trifor winch and hydraulic rescue tools were used to create space and release the patient to further care with NSW Ambulance.

“Westpac Helicopter Rescue came to the scene but weren’t required and left shortly afterwards.

“He broke his collarbone and injured his shoulder and was lucky he didn’t have more serious injuries.

“The road was closed for a short time while the rescue was being undertaken but was opened soon afterwards.”

Emergency service workers at the accident

The driver was trapped inside his ute

Tweed Police went up against Queensland in a State of Origin tug-of-war. Image by Qld Police

Party Hire changes hands

By Jonathon Howard

BUDDING YOUNG business owners and siblings Mark and Sarah Lapardin are following in their father’s entrepreneurial footsteps by purchasing Tweed Party Hire, with a vision to take the business to new heights.

Sarah and Mark are the children of Victory Organisation Group owner Victor Lapardin, who has always supported his kids’ endeavours through study, hard work and savvy investment.

Sarah said the Lapardin family have been longtime users of Tweed Party Hire and when they heard it was for sale, they jumped at the opportunity to buy.

“It’s a great local business that has been servicing the Tweed and surrounds for more than three decades,” she said.

“We are taking over from Pete Doherty, who started the business and has done a great job building it up.”

Mr Doherty said he started the business through his knowledge of handmade marquees, then he grew on the model to rent the marquees and other party supplies.

“Pete was always there to cater for the community and has a high standard, which we intend to continue,” Sarah said.

Mr Doherty said he put in a lot of hard work to build the business to where it is and now it’s time for retirement.

“I think it’s a great fit for Mark and Sarah,” he said.

“They already have a good base to work from and they’re highly motivated to keep it going strong.”

Based at 3/14 Enterprise Avenue in Tweed Heads South, Sarah will handle the books and appointment scheduling, whilst Mark and part-time employee Vince Latailakepa will handle deliveries, set ups,

and pack downs.

“We’ve got a great team already, but we are planning on expanding in the future,” Mark said.

“Pete’s helping us out until Christmas, which is great and the community is already behind us with bookings coming in.”

Mark and Sarah both attended Banora Point High School and are excited to be a part of the Tweed’s growing local business community.

After graduation, Sarah furthered her studies at Griffith University on the Gold Coast and now has a degree in design and business.

Mark worked within the Victory Organ-

Emergency Expo

GET DOWN to Jack Evans Boat Harbour on Saturday, July 1, for the All Emergency Services Expo which will include demonstrations and some handy tips for your home.

Emergency services will have cutting-edge disaster response equipment on display, with the aim of helping to promote emergency preparedness.

The event will feature first response agencies such as NSW Police, NSW Ambulance Service, NSW SES, NSW Marine Rescue, Surf Life Saving NSW, Red Cross Australia and more. The free expo will be held from 10am to 2pm.

Tweed Mayor Chris Cherry said the expo is especially relevant in light of the 2022 floods.

“This expo reinforces the value of our frontline heroes and the importance of community preparedness,” Cr Cherry said. “Reflecting on the 2022 floods, it’s vital to be informed, aware and ready in the face of an emergency.

“By meeting our emergency responders, learning about volunteering opportunities and witnessing equipment demonstrations, residents can better understand the importance of preparation and planning to ensure their safety and that of their neighbours. “Don’t miss out on this opportunity to show support for our frontline heroes and learn how to be better prepared for emergencies.”

Attendees can enjoy a sausage sizzle while getting up close to a wide range of emergency response vehicles and equipment, including flood, surf and other rescue boats, fire trucks, police response vehicles and all-terrain vehicles.

isation Group in several departments including sales, servicing and marketing.

“Taking on the new journey was a decision that we both made to enter this fabulous industry,” Sarah said.

“We aim to bring forward new ideas, equipment, and bring the community exciting opportunities,” Mark said.

“We are unbelievably grateful to get the overwhelming support we have received from the community, we are excited to grow this business in the future.”

To find out more, or book your party, please visit the team at 3/14 Enterprise Avenue or phone: (07) 5524 7878.

PARTY TIME! Tweed Party Hire has changed hands from Pete Doherty (left) to Sarah and Mark Lapardin

Members of the Tweed District Rescue Squad - VRA Rescue NSW at a previous expo, demonstrating how they dismantle a car as part of the rescue process.

CALL IN AND DISCUSS YOUR NEEDS AND ARRANGE A DELIVERY WITH OUR FRIENDLY STAFF.

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Bison crash anger

By Jo Kennett

TWO NIGHTS after a father and son were nearly killed when they hit a bison and their car overturned, bison were again on the loose on Tweed Valley Way, angering residents and victims.

Mathew Turner and his 21-year-old son Angus were on Tweed Valley Way south of Murwillumbah heading to work at a construction site in Byron Bay on Saturday, June 24, when they hit the bison and flipped.

“I’m pretty sure someone had hit it first,” Mathew said.

“He was in a four-wheel drive further up the hill and he clipped it on the head apparently.

“He said he saw two more and then hit that one. He was flashing his lights and then he heard the impact when we hit it.”

The bison was lying injured on the road when Mathew’s Holden Commodore EZ hit it.

“It was 5.20am and pitch black and I hit a pitch black bison,” he said.

“We bounced off its head. We nearly missed it.

“I flipped the car and pirouetted down the road upside down.

“We were slammed on the bonnet and the windscreen smashed and I looked down and the road was just coming straight at us.

“I thought I’d killed my kid. We were just flying straight as an arrow down the road.”

When the car came to a stop the men were upside down and stuck in the car.

“I said to my son, ‘Mate are you alright?’ and he said, ‘Yeah’ and I said, ‘Are you sure?’ Then I said, ‘We have to get out’,” Mathew told The Weekly.

“Two men and a lady turned up and she rang triple-zero and I can’t thank them enough.

“I managed to undo my seatbelt and get out and get round the other side and my son was out. Afterwards I thought, how the hell did we live through that?’ It was the worst experience

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I ever had.

“We landed mostly on the passenger pillar as we went over and he’s six foot and his side of the car was crushed.”

Amazingly, Mathew only had minor lacerations down his arm and his finger from glass that was later picked out at the hospital

“The hospital gave me the all clear but I can hardly move at the moment — I’m that sore,” he said.

“I have to give credit to the old Commodore; I think if we were in anything else we wouldn’t be here. My son is a bit sore but fine.

“Once we got out we hugged and said: ‘Man, how did we live through that?’ Even when we got back from hospital we high-fived.”

Mathew is furious that the bison, which are believed to have been relocated from a tourist attraction near Casino after many were found allegedly starving or dead, still appear to be roaming freely around the road.

“The craziest thing is they were out two days before and then they were out two days after my crash,” the Nobbys Creek resident said.

“My partner did some research and said they were running around two years ago.

“I’ve been having nightmares, really vivid ones about the accident, thinking I’d hurt my kid. “Someone has to take responsibility before someone gets killed.”

Tweed Shire Council said rangers had managed to return some bison to the property but were concerned others were still loose. Report any sightings of bison on the road to Tweed-Byron Police District or contact Council Rangers on (02) 6670 2400.

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Environment Festival

WORLD ENVIRONMENT Day Festival is gearing up for a grand return at Knox Park on Sunday, July 16, with fun for the whole family. The festival is hosted by volunteer group Caldera Environment Centre and will open from 10am to 3.30pm.

The festival is celebrating its 16th year and it’s going

to be a big one.

Festival coordinator Marion Reardon said the festival aims to get residents thinking and engaged not only with climate change, but with ways they can reduce their environmental footprint.

“We will again have a great range of speakers on plastic pollution, native forests, native bees, native birds, earth building and spectacular forensic wildlife photography,” she said.

“After opening with Welcome to Country and Kids Caring For Country Dance group, we will have a wide range of performers. “There’s circus acrobats, soulful singer-songwriters (including Steiner music school stars) lively gypsy music and a big finish with the Kazuna Taiko Drumming Troupe.” The event will also feature demonstrations including the latest EV technology and earth building.

“At our Elders Space you’ll learn about Connecting to Country and the environment,” Ms Reardon said.

“We’ll have interest stalls and environmental groups so you can get involved as well as delicious food, coffee and sweets.”

The best news is it’s all free! However, Caldera Environment Centre would ask that visitors provide a gold coin donation to help cover costs.

“The staff have become like family to my Mum and this means the world to us. We love them too.”

dad safe, protected and happy.”

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Students delve into medieval times

By Jonathon Howard

STUDENTS FROM Hillcrest Christian College at Coolangatta have been busy delving into the fascinating medieval period as part of their English and social services studies.

Two year eight students, Olivia Kovac and Tim Gregory, were instructed to research an aspect of medieval times and create a way to share their findings with the community.

“We chose to research medieval entertainment with the sub-categories of games, stories, plays, and torture,” the students said.

“We were also required to incorporate an authentic audience and to fulfill this criteria, we chose to use a newspaper, such as Tweed Valley Weekly, to evaluate our info in the outside world.”

The students said the medieval period, spanning roughly from the 5th to the 15th century, holds an enduring interest for historians, scholars, and students alike.

Olivia said the assignment allowed the students to discover the many games and stories that remain similar to today’s society and noted our reliance on smart devices.

However, violence was a common theme in medieval times and in fact the way violence was viewed is in stark contrast to today’s society.

“They were very moral based. Everything was moral based with very religious,” Olivia said.

“It would’ve been hard to live in this era.”

Tim found it interesting how they entertained each other with games of hide and seek and cards.

“Not too different to what we do today,” he said.

The students spent eight weeks studying medieval history and were assessed on their reporting.

The students also highlighted within the assignment how devices take up a lot of their spare time citing the ‘fake’ happiness devices provide.

“Phones, TVs, iPads, and AirPods

all at the same time. Throwing your spare time into a small, brain-washing device,” the students wrote.

“Relying on that small piece of technology to create a rush of fake happiness to fill your mind.

“This is what we consider entertainment. Right? But have you ever stopped and thought, ‘what was entertainment like in medieval times?’.”

“Children sometimes kept themselves entertained by participating in games with friends,” their report reads.

“These games could vary from physical games to quiet and peaceful games. From simple games like tag and hide-and-seek to more complex ones like chess and Queek.

“If children neglected physical activities or preferred intellectual games, card games could be played with little effort. They became very popular near the end of medieval times.

“In the 1370s, the first deck of cards reached the Europeans and was a massive hit with many people owning a deck.”

The students found torture was another form of entertainment in medieval times.

“However, those who were captured and tortured did not encounter as much joy as bystanders,” they said.

“But for onlookers and families, these events were full of joy.

“The Pillory was an exceptionally enjoyable activity for people in medieval times.

“This is a contraption that when used correctly, traps the head of the victim in wood and handcuffs.

“It was used to humiliate prisoners. People would throw rotten tomatoes and apples at these people to embarrass them.”

Another form of entertainment during the medieval period was to tell stories.

“They would deliver myths, legends, and folk stories to teach, laugh, warn, and inform each other,” the students said.

“They would tell stories about unicorns, dragons, goblins, Vikings, and other things that sparked their interest.”

The students have a bright future

ahead and are eager to continue learning about history and discovering its many wonders.

Tim hopes to study to be a teacher someday in either history or maths.

Olivia hopes to become either a lawyer or a politician someday.

“I love leadership roles and public speaking,” she said.

Studying the medieval times offers students an insight into our past, allowing readers to appreciate the cultural, political, and intellectual foundations that paved the way for the world we inhabit today.

MEDIEVAL TIMES: Hillcrest College Head of Middle Learning Community Darren Rackenmann (centre) with students Olivia Kovac (right) and Tim Gregory

Knights Templar playing Chess in 1283Medieval torture devices to the public

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Catch up with Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin

WHILE I’VE made it clear that the previous government’s plan to merge four public schools in Murwillumbah onto a single campus will not go ahead, clarity is needed so that the demerger is done in the best possible way with students front and centre.

I’ve been contacted by parents and teachers and community members wanting to know what the next steps are, as they are rightly concerned about mixed messages from the school sector about the demerger.

I can say that the promised consultation process to work out the best way to proceed with the demerger is about to begin.

First up, I will be meeting Education Minister the Hon. Prue Car and the new Education Department Secretary Murat Dizmar during the next week of Parliamentary sittings to agree on the details of the community consultation.

I have also secured a date of August 8 for Minister Car to visit the school community to engage about the demerger roadmap.

I’m so glad that we have finally got to this point as the school community was justifiably upset and angered about the way the original merger decision was made by the previous government without any consultation, leaving parents, students and staff feeling powerless and unheard.

The Murwillumbah High site had been vacated ahead of a planned demolition but fortunately no major merger works had taken place. The two primary schools Murwillumbah Primary and Murwillumbah East are separate and will operate as they are.

The Education Department has also flagged concerns over the state of the existing buildings at the site, many of which are near the end of

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their usable life and will require removal or substantial upgrading.

The scope of works is currently being investigated but I want to reassure the community that the commitment to the demerger and upgrades for the schools that should have been done years back will proceed.

WEBSITE CORRECTION

Importantly, please note that the Department of Education website that had erroneously stated that the two highs schools would continue as one until at least the end of 2024 has now been corrected.

This was not agreed to at all in the meeting I had with the Minister and the department. I would hope that any other written material from the schools will also be corrected accordingly. Please read the website or contact me if you want this information.

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FROM LIVE THEATRE TO MUSIC GIGS, ART EXHIBITIONS TO COMMUNITY FESTIVALS, DISCOVER WHAT’S ON IN THE TWEED.

SOCIAL FABRIC

TWEED REGIONAL MUSEUMMURWILLUMBAH

MARGARET OLLEY: FAR FROM A STILL LIFE

TWEED REGIONAL GALLERY & MARGARET OLLEY ART CENTRE

Open until 8 October

Margaret Olley: Far from a Still Life tells the story of Olley’s incredible life and enduring career through her greatest legacy – her art. Presented exclusively at the Tweed Regional Gallery, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Margaret Olley’s birthday, the exhibition is drawn entirely from the Tweed Regional Gallery collection. gallery.tweed.nsw.gov.au

Open Until 15 July

Social Fabric showcases the Museum’s unseen clothing collection, including drag queen gowns, military uniforms, and lacy corsets, all narrating the social history of fashion and dressmaking in Tweed. From luxurious to humble, these textiles weave together the Tweed’s social fabric, shaping our identity and telling stories of who we are. museum.tweed.nsw.gov.au

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY FESTIVAL KNOX PARK, MURWILLUMBAH

Sunday 16 July

CEC has hosted the festival in Knox Park for the past 16 years. This year, exceptional presentations on endangered birds, native bees, forensic wildlife photography, earth building, and the featured issues of global plastic pollution and native forest destruction are being offered. These issues hold great significance to the area, and the festival aims to provide local solutions. The entertainment lineup includes a circus, live music, and a Japanese Taiko drumming troupe. calderaenvironmentcentre.org

TWEED WINTER WEDDING OPEN DAY

THE TWEED

Sunday 16 July

SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE: THE PLAY

FLUTTERBIES COTTAGE CAFE

Thursday 13 - Saturday 15 July

Taking centre stage at this year’s Midwinter Shakespeare Dinner Theatre weekend is the Australian premiere of ‘Shakespeare In Love,’ based on the Oscar winning 1998 film and adapted for the stage by Lee Hall. The story follows struggling playwright William Shakespeare and his secret love affair, the inspiration behind ‘Romeo and Juliet’. Featuring live original music performed by Renaissance chamber group ‘PASTANCE’, and members of the Vox Caldera Choir. shepherdspursetheatre.com.au

The Tweed Winter Wedding Open Day is a day where you can take a self-guided tour of the Tweed region to see some of the best wedding venues in action. This FREE and interactive event gives couples and their friends and families the chance to tour the venues, meet and greet with suppliers and be inspired by incredible wedding styling. tcweddings.com.au

THE UKI STOMP UKI VILLAGE GREEN

Sunday 30 July

The Uki Stomp is a retro-style country village event with a local focus. The day begins with a Welcome to Country, a Smoking Ceremony, the Kids Caring for Country Dancers, The Best of Poets Out Loud, Bill Jacobi, Emmagen Raine, Way Out West, The Bianchetti Bush Dance, The Whopping Big Band, and the Stereogram DJ. Resilience Row features community/disaster/ recovery services, plus food trucks and a licensed bar.

Special birthday for Bill

By Jonathon Howard

PASSIONATE LOCAL farmer and Tweed Shire local William ‘Bill’ George Thomson celebrated his 90th birthday surrounded by loving family and friends at Murwillumbah Services Club on Saturday, June 24.

The birthday attracted about 80 guests and Bill had a twinkle in his eye as he embraced the heartfelt tributes with grace and humility.

Apart from a short stint in the RAAF, Bill has lived his entire life in the Tweed. He was born at Stokers Siding in 1933, moved to the Chillingham area at a young age, then Murwillumbah and later Duranbah.

Much of his agricultural background relates to bananas, but his passions extend much further across custard apples, pecans, macadamia, and many other exotic fruits.

Bill’s name resonates with respect and admiration throughout the Tweed, and he’s helped countless individuals and fellow farmers with wisdom, kindness, and the unwavering spirit of working the land.

His birthday festivities began with a heartfelt ceremony, where family members took turns

sharing heart-warming anecdotes and memories.

Each story painted a vivid portrait of a life richly lived — a tapestry woven with compassion, generosity, and countless acts of selflessness.

Amidst the celebration, a slideshow of treasured photographs played in the background, offering glimpses into a life that had witnessed profound change and countless milestones.

Bill has weathered the storms of life, triumphed over adversity and emerged stronger and more determined than ever.

Bill’s most notable achievement, along with his brother Bob, were the first to road transport their bananas and were interviewed on the agricultural hour on ABC Radio.

Bill retired in 1998 and moved to Pottsville and has since become a keen apiarist and home brewer ,and enjoys woodwork.

Bill, along with his late wife Gwen, had five children: Greg, Lyall, Carolyn, Murray and Judy.

He’s now a proud grandfather to 16 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren with one on the way.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BILL! A special tribute birthday for Bill Thomson took place on Saturday

Van destroyed by fire

By Jo Kennett

A CARAVAN and awning were destroyed by fire at Upper Crystal Creek on Sunday, June 25, with the occupant treated on the scene before being taken to hospital.

At around 9am firefighters responded to reports of a house fire at Upper Crystal Creek.

Fire and Rescue NSW Murwillumbah was first on the scene and found the structure well alight. They donned breathing apparatus to put the blaze out in the caravan with an annex attached and roofing covering it.

There were also two vehicles at risk nearby which Chillingham Rural Fire Service (RFS) helped to protect.

Tyalgum Rural Fire Brigade captain David Brock said the van and corrugated iron awning it was under were completely destroyed.

“We were last on the scene and it was unrecognisable by the time we got there,” he said.

“When I arrived the man was out of the van and was being treated with oxygen by Fire and

Tibetan monk to visit

Rescue Murwillumbah before being taken away by ambulance.”

Captain Brock said Murwillumbah RFS donned breathing apparatus to help put the fire out while Chillingham and Tyalgum Rural Fire Service volunteers in smaller capacity trucks ran water from a creek down the road to Murwillumbah RFS (truck) who were supplying water to the Fire and Rescue Murwillumbah tanker.

Tap water a top drop

By Jonathon Howard

READERS WILL be pleased to learn that Tweed’s tap water stands up against leading bottled water brands in Australia.

The comprehensive analysis compared tap water sourced from the Tweed River near Murwillumbah against the four most popular bottled water brands in the country for pH, fluoride, mineral content, total dissolved solids and conductivity — a measure of saltiness.

The test results from the NATA-accredited Tweed Laboratory Centre show the quality and safety of Tweed tap water equals the tested bottled water — and has the added benefit

of being significantly cheaper and better for dental health.

Tweed Shire Council Water and Wastewater Operations Manager Brie Jowett said the results verified the local community could confidently rely on their tap water as the rational choice for hydration.

“I’m not surprised by these results,” Mrs Jowett said.

“The rich volcanic origins of our soil are reflected in our tap water — its mineral content is higher than most of the leading bottled water brands tested.

“You’d be hard-pressed to buy water off-theshelf with a better mineral content.”

By Madeleine Murray

VENERABLE JAMYANG-LA is coming from the Himalayan mountains to Cabarita Beach to personally meet and thank Pencil Tree charity, sponsors of his Himalayan school.

Cabarita local Steve Bellamy founded Pencil Tree eight years ago to help children in India escape poverty through education.

Since then, Pencil Tree has helped hundreds of children in the Himalayas get an education, and worked with Jamyang-La to build the TongLen school.

“We are very excited to spend time with Jamyang-La here rather than in India,” Steve told The Weekly.

“This is an opportunity for local people to actually meet the man whose work they support, and for us to repay the wonderful hospitality Jamyang has shown us over the last seven years.”

Jamyang-La is a refugee Tibetan monk who escaped in his late teens. During his near fatal journey across the Himalayas, he vowed to help others if he survived.

Soon after arriving in Dharamshala, India, he witnessed young children eating from a street gutter and from then he volunteered in the slum using holistic education to lift children out of poverty.

Jamyang-La founded Tong-Len first as a tent school in the slum, but then, backed by different organisations such as the Ghandi foundation, found land to build a school. This build is still ongoing and in 2018 one of the buildings was funded through Pencil Tree.

Tong-Len school in the foothills of the Himalayas in the state of Himachal Pradesh has almost 400 students from nearby slums or impoverished families.

Under the guidance of librarian teacher Renai Hollis, Pottsville Beach Public School sponsors two Tong-Len students. Jamyang-La will meet

staff and students on his visit here.

On Sunday, July 2, Pencil Tree supporters will celebrate working with Jamyang-La, sponsoring 148 students at Tong-Len and looking to the future.

Steve and venerable Jamyang-La invite all sponsors, supporters and others to join the informal picnic gathering at the Norries Headland area.

The picnic will be at Lions Park at Norries Headland, Cabarita Beach from 11am-3pm on Sunday July 2. Bring a plate, family and friends. For more info, see facebook.com/thepenciltree

*Terms and conditions apply

Jamyang-La accompanies visiting pre-school children back home. Photo by Duke

The caravan was destroyed in the blaze

BORDER BOLTS & FASTENERS

Seas the Day a huge success

A RECORD turnout at Surfing Australia’s Seas the Day festival shows surfing is still one of the fastest growing sports in Australia.

Seas the Day is the world’s biggest female participation surf festival and in its inaugural year attracted over 12,000 people to the shores of Kingscliff Beach.

A total of 200 women and young girls hit the waves to compete in a fun tag team contest.

Recent AusPlay data shows surfing was one of the fastest growing activities during COVID with a higher participation rate for adults aged 15-plus than AFL.

Surfing Australia CEO Chris Mater said that trend is continuing.

“The growth of women’s surfing has been phenomenal in recent years and Seas the Day shows no signs of that slowing with more and more women taking up the sport,” Mater said.

Sally Miller, whose daughter competed in the U12 division, was team manager for Byron Bay Boardriders teams at Seas the Day. “The event was run so well, with a bunch of other activities planned outside the main team surfing contest,” Miller said. “The showcase of women’s surfing is at another level from the past and light years away from the era of women’s surfing when I grew up with posters of the surfers of the time.”

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12

Sweet Talk with Robert Hawken Sweet Talk with Robert Hawken

Harvest kicks into gear

THE SUGAR cane harvest is scheduled to commence on Monday, July 3, with an estimated crop of 405,000 tonnes.

Cane fires are likely on Sunday, July 2, weather permitting.

Road users need to be aware that cane trucks and tractor trailers will be active once again during the coming harvest season.

A few light frosts have been recorded to date, but these have caused no damage to the crops despite some cold mornings.

The recent cool, sunny days have helped the cane to ripen, and the crop canopy is changing colour from deep green to a lighter yellowy-green shade.

We expect a fairly good CCS (sugar content) this year although tonnages will be below the normal average.

The Tweed soybean harvest is almost complete with very good yields of up to 3.7 tonnes per hectare achieved.

The highly fertile soils of our Tweed River floodplain and the reliably good rainfall enable farmers in the local area to grow soybean and other pulse crops with very high protein content.

Sugar Mill maintenance has progressed well despite the difficulties that all industries have in procuring a full complement of workers. This seems to be a nationwide problem.

I wish all growers, harvesting crews, truck drivers and mill employees a safe and rewarding harvest season.

With best wishes to the cane farming community and Tweed Valley Weekly readers.

Rob Hawken

Cane harvest

By Jonathon Howard

AFTER MONTHS of maintenance work, cane harvesters, trucks and sugar mills will burst back into action from next week as the much-anticipated 2023 cane crushing season kicks off.

The first sugar mill to receive cane will be Harwood, which will start processing on Friday, June 30.

Clarence growers are expected to cut some 500,000 tonnes of sugar cane which will produce over 50,000 tonnes of raw sugar and 17,000 tonnes of molasses.

The following week, on July 3, is when both Condong and Broadwater mills start their annual crush.

The Tweed crop is estimated to come in at 405,000 tonnes of sugar cane. This will be crushed at the Condong Mill and produce 47,500 tonnes of raw sugar, of which 25,000 will be food grade. In addition, just under 14,000 tonnes of molasses will be made.

With the Richmond crop still impacted by the 2022 flood events, the two-year old crop is expected to be slow to harvest due to the need for removal of remaining flood debris.

The total crop is forecast to come in at 350,000 tonnes and will be processed at Broadwater sugar mill on a five-day crushing week. Almost 42,000 tonnes of raw sugar and over 11,000 tonnes of molasses is expected be made at Broadwater this season.

Despite the reduced crop, growers are set to

receive $54 per tonne, which is a record cane price. This positive price, along with favourable weather conditions, is expected to drive a major planting effort across the Tweed, Richmond and Clarence Valley regions later in the season.

The sugar cane industry has been a stalwart of agriculture in the Northern Rivers for over 150 years.

“It is no accident that the sugar industry has survived here for so long,” Sunshine Sugar Chief Executive Chris Connors said.

“Sugar cane is such a hardy and reliable crop for this area. Add to that an industry model that is set up to support growers with the best pricing outcomes, farm productivity advice, variety development and a sales and marketing network for finished goods — and you have an industry that is strong and vibrant enough to handle not just the good seasons, but also the not-so-good seasons.”

Sunshine Sugar has reported a spike in interest from landowners looking at the potential of planting sugar cane recently.

With each of the growing districts having dedicated agriculture and cane supply teams, there is plenty of support available to anyone considering adding sugar cane to their cropping mix and taking advantage of the record prices on offer and the security and stability of a long-standing industry.

Chairman of the NSW Sugar Milling Co-operative and cane grower, John Harbison, said we appreciate that our existing growers are still

bounces back

on a road to recovery.

“So, we are focused on delivering profitable pricing for both sugar cane and finished sugar goods and will provide continued support

wherever it’s needed for the long term,” he said.

“So too, we welcome new and returning growers to the fold as we continue to build an industry for the future.”

Looking to increase profitability in your sugarcane production with higher, more uniform yields, sucrose content, extended ratoon life and lower operational costs? Then look no further then

McGregor Gourlay !

The McGregor Gourlay Northern Rivers branches have a team of 8 Agronomists in the field with over 44 years combined experience in sugarcane plus 5 trucks ranging from a 6 tonner to a 22 tonne for the prompt delivery of all your fertiliser and chemical needs.

Murwillumbah Branch Manager, Trudy Plackett said “whether you’re needing advice in fertiliser, forecasting and orders, weed identification and herbicide strategies that work across wet or dry seasons. Or understanding how herbicides work, the period of residual control, the weed spectrum, best options and practices for pre and post emergent control, our Agronomy team can help. We offer a full range of services, with long standing partnerships with leading global suppliers, industry representatives and the most trusted products to minimise crop losses, improve soil health and sustainability, together with the most cost effective options”.

“Issues such as some root diseases, fresh outbreak of cane grub, variable nutrient uptake since the flooding and a potential virus in soybeans, are just some of the problems our Agronomists are working closely with local growers to get on top of fast. With access to the latest technical knowledge, our Agronomy team can provide crop assessments to determine all options available to our growers, from on the spot brix testing to determine the sugar content of damaged sugarcane, to drones to identify and solve any post flood and draining issues prior to harvesting”, she said.

McGregor Gourlay offers a highly customer focused, team oriented approach, with the forecasting and strength of a large cropping based company and a strong coastal and western footprint in most facets of agriculture. Being privately and Australian owned by local cropping farmers, lets McGregor Gourlay give stability to the industries we are involved in. We are proud to assist our growers with everything they need to maximise yield through effective products, precise timing and managing all the little things. That’s our expertise, today and for the long run.

For a full range of services, for everything you need for this upcoming season, call in and see the team at 61-65 Quarry Road, Murwillumbah. Tel: 02 6671 3900 or email: murwillumbah@mcgregorgourlay.com.au

Happy harvest season to the Sunshine Sugar team members, cane farmers and driving teams

30 BRISBANE ST 02 6672 3042 SUNSHINEBATTERIES.COM.AU

The sweet journey begins

IN THE heart of a sun-drenched plantation of the Tweed Valley, the journey of the cane grass to Sunshine Sugar’s Condong Mill is about to get underway as it has done for almost 200 years.

The towering fields of sugar cane sway gracefully in the breeze, their emerald-green leaves rustling with anticipation for the harvesting machines to sweep in and collect their bounty.

With expert hands, farmers harvest the ripe cane, slicing them open to extract their sweet juice and create sugar.

The juice flows into large vats, where impurities are carefully removed by the Condong Sugar Mill team.

The liquid is then heated, evaporating water

until it thickens into a golden syrup.

The syrup is further boiled until it crystallises, forming pure sugar crystals.

Skillful hands scoop the crystals into molds, allowing them to cool and solidify.

The final product, shining like sunlight, is carefully packaged and sent off to bring sweetness to countless lives.

From the fertile Tweed fields to the skilled hands that transformed it, the story of sugar is testament to nature’s bounty and human ingenuity, a story that ends with a taste of pure delight. Consider our Tweed Shire cane farmers this week as they attempt to recoup from some tough years following the flood and COVID-19 pandemic. Happy farming!

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Tweed Shire cane farmers are about to kick into harvest mode. Image

Top Tradies

WHEN YOU use one of The Weekly’s Top Tradies and Services (see here and pages 42-46) you know you are booking a trusted local operator who is qualified, has an outstanding local reputation and can offer competitive quotes.

These days the Internet is flooded with information that can make a simple task of booking a local tradesperson extermely complicated.

By using The Weekly’s Trades and Services you know you are dealing with a tradie that understands the local area, has a track record and solid qualifications.

Remember, local tradespeople provide lasting employment, understand the local conditions and are just around the corner when you need them.

Our local tradies also offer established credentials, licensing and can help to recommend other tradespeople to help with all your home, garden or business needs.

Another reason to use our trusted local tradies is for the ‘buy local’ principal, which provides you stronger ties to the Tweed Shire community and you never know who you might meet with friendships that can last a lifetime.

So, the next time you pick up the phone to call on a tradie, think local and reach for The Weekly. This way we can all help strengthen our community and our future.

Remember to tell ‘em The Weekly sent you!

Hi to our market and all the food-lovers out there!

We hope that you are all well? We have noticed that while many of you are coming to the market each and every week for your fresh, local and seasonal produce - thank you!

There are many that are coming along to the market picnic area just to connect with others, enjoy the music (and some food and drinks) and be part of the community each week.

We have also now transitioned from Autumn into Winter, so if you’re one of our early birds remember to pack your hats and gloves!

If you don’t already, have a look round our veggie stalls to see what is in season at the moment and maybe even start to shop and eat around what is in season at the time.

We have become so conditioned to being able to have all foods all year round and lost understanding of what is actually grown at what time of year.

Finally, with the colder weather joining us we have placed an order for Murbah Farmers’ Market hoodies and zip up hoodies – all to keep us warm over the autumn and winter seasons.

If you would like one come to see me or Gav at the market to check

YOUR LOCAL FOOD BOWL

out the available colours.

We hope you all enjoy this update and look forward to seeing you every Wednesday at the market!

Claire x

What’s in season, tasty and interesting at the market this month?

I would like to tell you all about Yogi Nectar’s Golden Elixir Concentrate. Many of you will know Yogi Nectar for their delicious Yogi Nectar drink but the Golden Elixir Concentrate is an even more live powerful probiotic that is clinically proven to be 10 times stronger than the Yogi Nectar drink – wow.

Live probiotics are great for gut health and fixing gut-related problems.

Matt tells me that their golden elixir is specially formulated to powerfully assist your body on its healing journey and to provide a daily kick of one of the most dynamic living probiotics available.

This sounds incredible – if you would like to know more please pop by to have a chat with Matt about which product would be best for you and how to take it.

You will have noticed that one of our new stalls, Greg’s Hot Smoked has been with us for a little while now.

We are very happy to let you know that Greg has now been approved as a permanent stallholder at the market – so we will be seeing Greg and his smoked delights each and every week going forward (smoked salmon, barramundi, chicken and tofu).

Please join me in welcoming Greg to our market family for the long run.

Rob at Byron Spice Palace tells me that in the last few weeks they have been busy digging up their fresh, organic turmeric all to go into their Turmeric and Fermented Nut Pate. Rob tells me that their turmeric patch is thriving and while they have been making the most of this time of these perfect conditions for turmeric by adding it to teas, curries, stir fries and marinades – they are very excited to use it for the flavour and colour to create their pate.

Turmeric has many fantastic properties and nutritional benefits – the main being that it is an anti-inflammatory and so it can be used to ease arthritic pain.

Over at Cheeses Loves You, Dee has been telling me all about their probiotic kefir – it is high in B vitamins, folic acid, magnesium, calcium, live yeast (good yeast to fight bad yeast) and live enzymes.

Dee tells me that if you have gut issues then a few tablespoons of

this kefir will replenish the gut flora bacteria and then the healing starts.

Once your gut is working then everything else falls into place. Dee was also telling me about Deb’s process to make the kefir back at farm – she heats the fresh milk to 88°C then quickly cool it to room temp. Next Deb adds the most amazing kefir culture to every batch.

The kefir is then bottled and kept at room temperature for 24 hours or until the pH is 4.5 or under - this makes it a consistent and food safe product. It will have set but not as thick as yoghurt because it’s a low temperature culture and yoghurt is a high temperature culture.

So, if you’re looking to get your gut back on track or even just love the sound of adding this highly nutritious kefir to your daily routine pop over to have a chat with Dee!

You will have also noticed that we have another new stall join us for a trial - Tim from the Sourdough Crumpet Co.

Not only will Tim be selling his retail packs of crumpets for you to enjoy at home, but he will also be coal toasting crumpets at the market for you all to indulge in along with your hot drink from Tory at Three Sons Coffee Cartel or Tusta at Heart & Halo

All of Tim’s products are made

locally in Murwillumbah and his product line includes: crumpets, chocolate crumpets, muffins, curds, mulled wine jam and roasted macadamia honeycomb butter (highly addictive).

You will find Tim over in the picnic area in between coffee and the wash station.

We also have Dunav Smallgoods joining us for a trial at the market. Dunav will have with them their selection of gourmet sausages, ham, bacon, salamis, premium marinated meats, cold cuts and beef jerky.

You will find Dunav Smallgoods in between Local Dorper Lamb and Greg’s Hot Smoked. Please join me in welcoming Dunav to the market and of course, check out what their stall has to offer us.

When and Where?

See you at the Murwillumbah Farmers’ Market, at the Murwillumbah Showground (via gate 5) from 7am to 11am every Wednesday – come rain or shine! There will be a different local musician at the market every week!

If you would like more information please contact myself, market manager, Claire Strodder, by email (manager@murwillumbahfarmersmarket.com.au) or phone: 0415 328 672.

w i t h Quinny

QUEENSLAND WERE just too good, maybe they do just GET IT.

A few 50/50 calls early may have set them on their way but they were never losing and the game really got away from the Blues.

Much conversation post game was around Cook into the centres and as a coach I just can’t fathom or agree with that.

To then say ‘that’s how we trained’ if there was an issue at the top, where no one at a level that high suggested maybe Cameron Murray or Yeo a better idea, or should we have a bench with an outside back coverage.

It made Reece Robson (who incidentally did a great job representing Murwillumbah and

has probably ensured he stays around for a bit longer) play 80 minutes at hooker and provided minimal impact from Cook other than his try that showed why he should have maybe had time in the middle.

Turbo was a big loss, no Latrell an even bigger one and the Cleary replacement was always going to be an issue, in saying that Moses had a crack and was a genuine threat during the game.

Queensland have a solid and exciting side, not to mention how good their coach is going who was one of the greats to ever pull on a footy jumper.

Outside DCE and probably Val Holmes the side is very young and obviously committed to the cause.

The ‘dead rubber’ is always an issue and you would assume Freddy’s last game at the helm.

The Women’s game on Thursday was a ripper and they continue to improve.

I think the aggregate system they used was appropriate this time round but has worked perfectly to ensure they get a game three considering it finished 1-1 with Queensland holding onto the shield based on points for and against.

The Titans acted swiftly and quickly to sack Justin Holbrook and announce Des Hasler as

coach for 2024.

It took many by surprise and more so the fact there was no indication or whispers around that Holbrook was close to gone and another suitor had been added.

To their credit it all happened very fast and hasn’t dragged on like the Dragons saga that is currently no closer to any sort of resolution.

Between the coach being sacked, a new coach being appointed and the star player wanting out, the joint is a dead set rabble and no one on the board seems to be taking any responsibility for where they are currently at.

The reigning premiers notched an important win rolling Ballina at home on the weekend and the chants of B2B were ringing out down in the valley.

It looks a three way race at the moment with Ballina, Bilambil and the reinvigorated Northern United well clear of the rest in the NRRRL.

Big congrats to the St Joey’s U/16s girls Rugby League team who won through to the regional finals in Tamworth of the prestigious Katrina Fanning Cup with a dominant result at Mullumbimby on Monday.

See you at the footy.

Quinny

Image by Fox Sports

jack evans BOAT HARBOUR

Guitars and champagne

By Madeleine Murray

THE GOLD Coast Chamber Orchestra will present an exciting concert on July 11.

The Six Strings recital features guitar virtuosos Hamish Strathdee and Emma-Shay Gallenti-Guilfoyle.

The couple met at their university auditions in 2011 and have been travelling the world together ever since, sharing their infectious love for the classical guitar.

The concert juxtaposes European classical music with exciting contemporary Australian pieces and music inspired by the rich traditions of Brazilian folk music.

“I’m extremely excited to be performing Antonie de Lhoyer’s guitar concerto with the GCCO string quartet,” Hamish told The Weekly. “It’s an under-appreciated work that is very rarely played and I’m looking forward to sharing it with the Gold Coast audience.”

Antoine de Lhoyer was a nineteenth century French virtuoso classical guitarist and an early romantic composer of chamber music featuring the classical guitar.

“Di Primavera by Maria Grenfell is a piece we

find thrilling and are sure the public will too. The work was originally written for guitar and marimba but we find it works wonderfully on two guitars.”

The program includes works by Villa-Lobos and the Luigi Boccherini Guitar Quintet No 4 in D Major with the famous Fandango movement. Hamish has won many prizes in both national and international competitions including 2nd prize in the London International Guitar Competition.

Emma-Shay has performed to audiences across the globe as part of World Expo Dubai Australia Pavilion 2022, the Melbourne Guitar Festival 2020 and Darmstädter Gitarrentage 2018. She was a finalist in the 2020 New York Guitar Competition.

Hamish and Emma-Shay’s contrasting musical personalities and charming personal chemistry bring a dynamic spin to the fantastic combination of two guitars.

There will be a chance to sip champagne and meet the musicians after the concert.

Six Strings will be at Bond University at 6.30pm on Tuesday July 11. To book: www. gcco.com.au

Mystery of bird migration

By Madeleine Murray

FLYWAYS, THE astonishing story of shorebird migration, is returning to The Regent for one afternoon only, on Sunday July 2. With brilliant visuals, a great story, powerful music and a moving narration by award-winning Australian actor Mia Wasikowska, this is a film for everyone.

Four years in the making, the film was shot in Australia, Africa, China, Chile, Alaska, and Siberia.

“Flyways revels in the beauty and wonder of migratory shorebirds,” director, writer, and cinematographer Randall Wood told The Weekly.

“The film seeks to answer questions: What routes do the birds take? How do they navigate such mind-boggling distances, and stay aloft for days without stopping to refuel?”

The visually stunning and insightful film follows three main migratory shorebirds – the Eastern Curlew, the Bar-tailed Godwit, and the Red Knot– on their magical journeys north via ancient migration routes. Will they find enough food to start the journey? Will there be enough drinking water on the way given the state of climate change and extreme drought?

The film begins with the heroic efforts of scientists to capture some birds briefly in order to fit super lightweight satellite transmitters and leg bands on them.

One group of birds starts the epic journey from Moreton Bay Island in Queensland and flies 11,000km to Siberia, sometimes flying for more than a week without stopping for food or rest. Heartbreaking problems face them on the way, mainly due to environmental or social changes.

The crucial Yellow Sea mudflats along eastern China are being filled in for housing.

The same thing is threatening to happen here in Australia with Toondah Harbour, an essential habitat for shorebirds to fatten up before their

epic journey to Siberia. Developers want to fill in the irreplaceable, internationally significant wetlands for a private 3600-unit development and marina.

A drought in Texas meant the birds had to fly as far as South Dakota for food and rest, to fatten up for the remaining 4300km of their journey to Beluga in Alaska.

Randall Woods wasn’t able to travel to Siberia to meet his birds because of the war in Ukraine. Shorebirds fly thousands of miles each year along ancient and largely unknown migratory routes called Flyways.

“They are the world’s greatest endurance athletes and their navigational skills on these marathon migrations are as extraordinary as they are mysterious,” Randall said.

“Shorebirds, the wayfarers, are truly the most exquisite species on the planet.

“On their epic journeys, shorebirds tell us so much about ourselves, our world, and our quest for a better future. The film shows the deep and enduring connection humans have with these wild creatures, their ethereal song, the vibrancy and hope they bring to our lives.”

“Brilliant performance by the son of a Vietnam vet” “Riveting” “Powerful”

Sun 16 July, 5PM @ THe REgent

David Bowie Experience

By Madeleine Murray

DAVID BOWIE’S brilliant music will come to Twin Towns on July 15.

The spirit of the legendary, iconic, revolutionary Thin White Duke lives on with Ashes To Ashes: The David Bowie Experience, The amazing band performs faithful versions of the songs that span Bowie’s stellar five-decade, 27-album career in a lavish two-hour concert production.

Following a sold-out season at Adelaide fringe, Ashes To Ashes: The David Bowie Experience is a critically acclaimed tribute with lead singer Paul Matthews described as having a beautiful voice that is eerily similar to Bowie’s.

The Bowie-obsessed Adelaide band’s line-up features Marco Giardini on keys, Guy Hunt on guitar, Dan Irizzary on bass, Mark Hudson on saxophone and percussion, and Matt Carter on drums.

Lead singer Paul had thought about doing a Bowie tribute for a long time. “When I met Marco Giardini, piano/keyboardist extraordinaire, the desire to put together a Bowie tribute became a reality,” Paul told The Weekly.

“Ashes to Ashes has been together now for seven years, amalgamating after the sad departure of Bowie, inspired by his astounding legacy.

“We were working towards building our band in late 2015 but when Bowie died on January 10, we postponed out of respect.

“We didn’t want to look like we were cashing in on his death. It was a difficult time for us.

“We are looking forward to our tour to Tweeds Head. We haven’t been there as a band, so it will be a debut experience for us.

“However I have had a brief holiday there and love the Northern rivers.”

“We create a show that replicates the studio produced songs and capture the dynamism of live shows reminiscent of the Reality Tour period of Bowie’s career,” guitarist Guy Hunt told The Weekly.

You never really realise how many great and complex songs Bowie created until you hear the line-up: Heroes, Let’s Dance, Rebel Rebel, Space Oddity, Ziggy Stardust, Life on Mars, Young Americans, Modern Love and more.

Ashes To Ashes: The David Bowie Experience is on at 8pm, Saturday, July 15 at Twin Towns Services Club, Tweed Heads. www.twintowns. com.au

New show president

MURWILLUMBAH SHOW Society board has announced local councillor and community advocate Meredith Dennis as the new Murwillumbah Show president.

Ms Dennis brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role from her experience in a range of events and community organisations.

“Last year was our 120th birthday for the Murwillumbah Show and it was a huge event,” she said.

“We want to keep the momentum going and make some small changes to the exhibitors’ fees of the show.”

Ms Dennis has scrapped the registration and exhibitors’ fees to encourage more locals to enter their wares such as jams and cakes.

“We are still charging an entry fee to the show, but if anyone wants to exhibit their items such as baked goods, jams or other wares, this is now fee free,” she said.

“There is still a fee for anyone with a com-

mercial stall or rides etc. I’d like to also thank former show president Peter MacDonald for doing a great job during a challenging time including the 2022 flood and the impacts of COVID-19.

“We’re also having an important meet and greet event at the Murwillumbah Showgrounds in Allan Brown Tea Tent on Saturday, July 1, 4pm to 6pm. Please come along and meet the board and chat about volunteering and the show.” For more info phone: 0427 725 507.

The Regent is open SIX days a week during the holidays!

Blockbuster fun with SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE and INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY. Prizes for best Indi-inspired costumes at the premiere celebrations this Friday night.

More holiday movies with THE LITTLE MERMAID and the riotous CATS IN THE MUSEUM

For the grownups the heart-warming THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRY and THE ORDINARIES, and family fun with RED, WHITE & BRASS. Don’t miss the encore of the big screen directors cut of FLYWAYS. BALCONY SESSIONS welcome resident soulsters

MOHINI COX and JASON BAGGIO from 5.30-7.30pm.

On Saturdays balcony favourite ELENA B WILLIAMS on 1 July and the popular ONE OF US IS LYING on 8 July.

Khanthaly’s Kitchen serving delicious dinner and snacks each Fri and Sat. BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW!

BROADWATERS – Winter Chill Tour – Sat 8 July

DUSTED OFF – A play by BRETT HUNT – Sun 16 July VISIT OUR WEBSITE for latest show dates!

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny 10:00AM

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny 10:00AM

Jones and the Dial of Destiny

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny 10:00AM

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny 12:55PM

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse 3:50PM

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny 6:35PM

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny 10:00AM

The Little Mermaid 12:55PM

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny 3:35PM

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny 6:30PM

Starring, written and directed by Brett Hunt

The story of Frankie from “I Was Only 19”, in the 40th anniversary year of its release as told by his son.

Paul Matthews has mastered the Bowie sound

TEST YOUR TWEED SHIRE KNOWLEDGE

1. W hat kind of harmful toxin-producing algae can bloom in warmer waterways in the Tweed?

2. W hich national park is expecting to have a new 7.2km walk opening, known as the Caldera Rim Walk?

3. W hat does the word ‘ratoon’ refer to in relation to sugar cane crops?

4. W hat does SAM mean in relation to the weather?

5. T he Diprotodon was a creature from the Pleistocene (2,580,000 to 11,700 years ago). Was it a genus of marsupial or reptile?

(the non-seasonal

1. Blue-green algae, 2. Wollumbin National Park, 3. a new shoot that grows from near the root of crop plants after old growth has been cut

THE WEEKLY’S LOOK AT LIFE WITH PAUL DORIN

(6)

44 Advise against doing (8)

47 Charges for services (4)

48 Hands on hips with elbows outwards (6)

51 Disagree (7)

54 Fastened (7)

56 Claptrap (8)

57 Sound system (6)

58 Re-tells (8)

61 Seclude (9)

65 Outdoor cinemas (5-3)

67 One who shares accomodation (8)

68 Roman wine jar (7)

69 Washes and irons clothes, say (8)

70 Irk (6)

71 It causes a bad reaction (7)

72 Pressurised dispenser (7)

73 Charged (8)

74 Floor covering (6)

Down

2 Boat race (7)

3 In respect of (7)

4 Stuffy (7)

5 Astray (5)

6 Loss of power of action (9)

7 American writer, Isaac

- (6)

8 Road (6)

10 Urge (5)

11 Retinue (7)

12 About the line of rotation (5)

14 Kettledrums (7)

19 Encourage in crime (4)

20 Large jug (4)

22 No longer living (8)

25 Cedar or Acacia for example (4)

26 Periphery (4)

28 Metalworker (5)

29 Japanese delicacy (5)

31 Large quantities or numbers of people (6)

32 Fastened (6)

36 Flabbergasted (6)

37 Family members (6)

38 Part of the university year (8)

41 Canvas support (5)

42 Horse sound (5)

45 Leg section (4)

46 Impel (4)

49 Formerly (4)

50 Land surrounded by ocean (4)

52 Clerk (9)

53 Inflammatory (7)

55 Trap, catch (7)

57 Rider’s seat (6) 59

WORDSEARCH: AUSTRALIAN FILM DIRECTORS

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

LAST WEEK’S SUDOKU

Ayres, Beresford, Chauvel, Connolly, Dominik, deHeer, Hicks, Luhrmann, Miller, Noyce, Schepisi, Weir

HIDDEN ICONS

PET OF THE WEEK

Jeda

FD1582 $600

Bull Arab X DOB 1/8/21

Desexed Female Microchip 991003001704195

Acquired: 06/01/2022

Location: Murwillumbah

JEDA is a big playful, happy young dog that needs a firm hand. She loves playing with her other doggy friends . She would suit an active family with room to run.

For more information contact Yvette on 0421 831 128 Interested?. Please complete our online adoption expression of interest. https://friendsofthepound.com/ adoption-expression-of-interest/

back, 4. Southern Annular Mode

north-south movement of the strong westerly winds), 5. Marsupial

A Cutt Above Tree Services

A CUTT Above Tree Services owner Jack Penglase has launched his local business after gaining more than 10 years’ experience helping locals with their arborist needs.

A well-known and respected local, Jack has a wealth of knowledge about the Tweed Shire and has the gear to help with all your tree lopping, land clearing and mulching (plus delivery) needs for jobs both big and small.

Jack has teamed up with highly skilled local arborist Dale Walsh, who also has extensive experience, to create a dynamic duo that offer competitive quotes and fast turnaround on most jobs.

Jack is born and raised in the Tweed Shire and provides his clients with complete satisfaction through the highest standard of services as well as safe and efficient

work practices.

He also has a chipper truck with four-wheel-drive to gain access to most properties and ensure the work can be done more efficiently.

A Cutt Above Tree Services specialises in all your tree clearing needs including palm and tree trimming/removal, close approach power line work, block and land clearing as well as mulch sales and delivery. We also can help with storm cleanups

You can feel confident with our experienced and fully insured tree specialists to ensure a job well done.

To discuss your requirements or to obtain a free quote, give Jack a call on: 0402 590 687 (will match other quotes subject to assessment).

Business for Sale

Long established local independent mobile pool servicing business for sale. Everthing you need to run your business from home.

Car for Sale

Car

registered to 24/5/24, 162,000 kms. Prorack Roof racks, blue tooth, tinted windows, mechanically sound, logbook, $6,500. Call 0431 242 553

Positions Vacant

Diploma qualified early childhood educator with experience as a director or assistant director needed. Join our progressive team as a leader at Murwillumbah Early Educa�on Centre. If you have the skills and passion for team leadership in the early educa�on sector, please give us a call.

Ph: (02) 6672 5599 or email: meec@childcaremurwillumbah.com.au

FP/PT posi�on available, flexible work arrangements, above award wages, 55 Commercial Road Murwillumbah corner of Prince Street 2484.

Positions Vacant

FISH MONGER REQUIRED Tweed River

Seafoods requires the services of an experienced fish monger. 38 to 42 hours across 5 days. Above award wages. Located at Chinderah. Please apply in person or call Michael on 0412 422 174. Send resumes to michael@ tweedriverseafoods.com.au

TWEED HEADS COOLANGATTA TAXIS NIGHT DRIVERS REQUIRED. All training provided join our friendly team right now.

Phone 07 5536 3371

WELDER/FABRICATOR WANTED Position vacant. Join a well-established team. Competitive rates. Located in South Murwillumbah. Contact Zac on 0422 699 337

LADY REQUIRED, knowledge of webster packs, some meal prep, some house duties. 3 days per week, 1.5 hours per morning. Sunday included, some flexibility, reliable, required as soon as possible. Location Tweed Heads. Ph: 0424 184 949

COURIER DRIVER Wed- Fri, early starts, knowledge of Brisbane and Gold Coast advantageous. Truck requires driver license. Need to be reliable, clean and tidy. Phone Rod 0448 156 524

TRUCK DRIVERS National Transport & Logistics company requires HC/MC seasonal cane truck drivers at Condong, Broadwater & Harwood Sugar Mill sites. Competitive pay rates. Send Resumé/CV to Wendy.Keel@sctlogistics.com.au or call 0409 568 795 during office hrs.

CASUAL BUS DRIVER POSITION

Social Group

SOCIAL GROUP Would you like to have friendship and companionship with likeminded genuine people? Ladies and men singles for great get togethers. Over 50s. Ph: 0428 523 423

To Let

LARGE ROOM TO RENT IN TYALGUM on quiet rural property. Suit mature working person interested in healthy living. Non-smoker/nondrinker & no drugs. References and bond required. Independent bathroom/kitchen. $250 per week, includes electricity. Ph: 0438 335 224

SAFE AND WARM ROOM in large duplex in Tweed West. Share with 2 long term local lads in their 60’s. Surrounded by homeowners in quiet street. Literally only steps to the bus stop, IGA, doctor, chemist etc. Two fully fenced yards. 2 bathrooms, so share bathroom with one. Sunny living area in winter. Off street parking. $250P/W plus share power and water. Ph: 0408 369 629

Site for van or tiny house. Power and water available. Price negotiable. Ph: 0467 800 432

MATURE WORKING FEMALE to share fully furnished home with one other mature female. Quiet, stable, non-smoking environment in a neighbour-friendly street. Furnished bedroom has built in wardrobe. Power and water bills to be negotiated. $350 per week & 4 weeks bond. No dogs or cats please, 2 quiet dogs reside. Cabrita Beach. Ph: 0459 098 873

for

• Caring

• Cooking

• House keeping

• Massage

• Companion For detailed information Phone John 0434 712 735

Piano Tuner/Removal

Do you need to Tune a piano? Move a Piano? Call Jed the Piano man Cheapest and the best. 35 years in the biz Complimentary Piano tune With every removal Also offering the best piano lessons in town

(07) 5590 5778

0448 985 778

J&B Buses Murwillumbah. Variable hours, local charter work, suit local. Must hold a MR license, NSW driver authority. Current working with children check. Phone John: 0427 453 091

Scrap Metal Removal

PICK ME UP SCRAP METAL We collect white goods, heavy gauge, steel light gauge, steel farm machinery, trucks, cars, all metals copper lead batteries. You call we collect! Contact Wayne Leveridge on 0434 431 461 or (02) 5616 8017. www.pickmeupscrap.com.au

CLIFFORDS METAL RECYCLING Do you have scrap metals? we can pick up. Deceased estates and farm machinery included. Or you can bring it in @ 60 Quarry Road south Murwillumbah. Open 7am to 4pm Weekdays. Only licensed recycling yard in Murwillumbah. Ph: 0411 507 885 or 0429 936 197

Wanted

WE BUY GOOD & BAD TRUCKS, VANS, 4X4’S, UTES, CARS & MACHINERY Any condition up to $12,500 Free Tow as Needed. Call now to discuss 0403 118 534

BUYING GOLD & SILVER COINS Banknotes – Militaria – Badges – Rugby League & Sporting Memorabilia. Call Peter on 0407 783 910

Wanted

WANTED TO BUY ANTIQUE FURNITURE. Fine China, garden tools, LP Records, Doc Martin boots, jewellery, general furniture, quality clothes, fishing gear, old bottles, garage oil bottles eg Castrol fuel & Esso, old prints & paintings, anything old and interesting. Happy to come and look. Phone 0417 606 052

FIND THE FROG AND WIN!!

Death Notices

Gladys

BOYCE

Funeral Notice

In loving memory of

Judy Ann MILLS

Aged 85 years. Late of Ocean Shores. Passed away peacefully with family by her side on Friday 23rd of June 2023. Much loved wife of Frank Mills (dec). Loved mother and mother-in-law of Paul & Antoinette, Jenny & Stuart and Richard & Stephanie. Loved grandmother of Emily, Jack, Scarlett and Christian. Judy will be sadly missed by all family and friends.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a funeral service to be held at St John’s Catholic Church, Mullumbimby on Tuesday 4th July 2023 commencing at 10.00am followed by burial at Mullumbimby Cemetery.

Michael Currie at

Claes Johnny Magnus LOBERG

In Loving memory of Ronald Charles Shepheard “Ronnie”

Late of Murwillumbah

Passed away peacefully on Friday the 16th June 2023.

Funeral Notice

Dianne Mary Pratt

Late of Hastings Point. Passed away peacefully at Wedgetail Palliative Retreat, Dulguigan on Tuesday the 20th June 2023.

Dearly loved Wife of Lawerence (Laurie). Loved Mother and Mother-in-law of Jeffrey, Antonia, Cathie & Mark, Jodie & David.

Cherished Grandmother of Samantha, Emily, Katelyn, Laurie, Ruby and Cooper. Loving Great Grandmother of Banks, Lottie and Weston. Loved Sister of Carmel, Tony (dec) and Peter (dec) and their Families.

Family and friends are warmly invited to Dianne’s funeral service which will be held at Sts Mary & Ambrose Church - 1 Charles Street Pottsville on Friday the 30th June 2023 at 10:00am.

Lorraine Fay Conroy

Late of Nobbys Creek. Aged 71 years. Passed away peacefully on Sunday 18th June 2023.

Heritage Brothers O7 5599 1500 Owen Edward CHAMBERS

Heritage Brothers O7 5599 1500

CONROY Lorraine Fay 18/06/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

PRATT Dianne Mary 20/06/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

SHARPE Raymond Frederick 20/06/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

SHAW Barbara Elizabeth 21/06/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

BRENNAN Katherine Mary 22/06/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

BARBER Eva Anne 23/06/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

McLEAN Alexander Lawrence 23/06/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

WILLIAMS Ruth Gladys 23/06/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

STURMER Eric 24/06/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

VENN John Frederick 24/06/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

DEWAR Phyllis Louise 25/06/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

98 years young

Dearly loved Husband of Leila (dec’d)

Loved Dad of Geoff, Linda & Ian Cherished Pop to his Grandchildren & Great Grandchildren

Loved Brother of Val and Friend to Many Family and friends are warmly invited to Ronnie’s funeral service to be held at The Tweed Valley Lawn Chapel on Eviron Rd, Eviron on Friday the 30th June at 2pm.

Ph: (02) 6672 2144 Murwillumbah

“Yeeha Baby”

Death Notice

Allan Keith Batty (Lefty)

Late of North Curl Curl NSW

Formerly of Murwillumbah

Silently slipped away 16/06/23 ( aged 91)

His life – A beautiful memory

His Absence- A silent sorrow

Forever in our hearts

Dearly loved Wife of Stephen and much loved Mum of Shane & Tia, Matthew, Stephen-Scott & Vicki and Christopher. Loving Sister and Sister-in-law to Wayne & Frances and Barry & Frieda. Loving Nana to Dylan, Stephanie, Patrick and Charlie. Family and Friends are warmly invited to Lorraine’s Funeral Service at the Tweed Valley Cemetery Chapel on Monday 3rd July at 11am followed by Burial.

Brian Henry William Edwards

07/06/42- 29/06/22

We think about you always We talk about you still

You have never been forgotten and you never will We hold you close within our hearts and there you will remain To walk and guide us through our lives

Until we meet again

Loved by all of your family

Funeral Directors

Funerals

Postion, Position, Position

We don’t need to say too much more with this one as the old adage about the three most important things to consider when buying real estate are the three P’s… Position, Position, Position…. speaks for itself with this property. After you walk out the front from this spotless, ground floor unit, it is a leisurely two minute stroll to the middle of Tweed Mall Shopping Centre and even less to the river!

Set in a tightly held building of only 6 lots, this property should have strong appeal to both independent retirees seeking the convenience of in town living and also astute investors seeking a solid, prime location bricks and mortar investment.

4/17 Endeavour Parade Tweed Heads

• Great position – an easy flat walk to shops, clubs, cafes + restaurants, patrolled beaches, transport, medical services plus lots more.

• Minutes to Gold Coast Airport and John Flynn Hospital.

• Small well kept building with affordable strata levies ($60 per week including water).

• Sunny, north facing aspect with a nice garden outlook.

• No car required – you can walk everywhere.

• Top shelf investment or ideal retirement unit.

• Ground floor, 100 metres from the river and the shops –scarce as!

2 1 1

“As we said. – Position. Position. Position!”

$628,500

Popular Gated Complex Close to Tweed City

Set in the Shallow Bay Cove estate, this one level villa should have strong appeal to a number of buyer profiles searching today’s real estate market place.

If you are down sizers, an investor looking to add to your portfolio, first home buyers or even a young, growing family, we suggest you include this one on your ‘must see’ list. The open plan layout is spacious and functional, flowing through the living and dining areas to a large, fully enclosed courtyard.

There is a great opportunity to further enhance the property with new floor coverings, a coat of paint and a bit of elbow grease and colour around the garden.

Unit 52 Shallow Bay Cove, 12 Trigonie Drive Tweed Heads South

• Safe, secure gated community

• Immaculately maintained shared gardens and grounds

• Complex facilities also include a resident’s recreation area known as The Cove Kitchen with pool, BBQ, toilet, manicured surrounds and covered alfresco space with tables and chairs for social get togethers and celebrations.

• Short walk to Tweed City Shopping Centre, local parks and Coolangatta Tweed Heads Golf Club

• Flat, fenced yard - great for kids + pets

• Permanent rental expectation around $650 per week

KEL JUDD 0402 597 001

Real Estate Agent + Auctioneer NSW & QLD

• Affordable strata levies – currently $69 per week including water

• Must and will be sold!

$690,000

“Is this your new home?”

kel@keljuddrealestate.com.au

www.keljuddrealestate.com.au

Great time to be a cane farmer

By Jo Kennett

ANYONE WHO has ever farmed knows the feeling of peace and fulfilment — in between the tractor breaking down, the torrential downpour just when harvest is about to start and the dearth of rain when it’s time to plant.

Here in the Tweed Shire, the challenges of farming are balanced by the joy of living in absolute heaven on earth.

Right now things are looking pretty heavenly for cane farmers, with world sugar prices surging to

$842.08 per tonne in March this year, the first time they have been over $800 per tonne since 1980 and double what they were two years ago.

That’s brought a surge of interest in cane farms from the local area and beyond. According to one respected local industry insider who didn’t want to be named, the future of the cane industry is looking extremely bright.

“The crops are coming back well from the floods,” he said.

“Last year they were average but they are much better this year.

“The sugar industry looks like having a bright future for the next five to seven years because the price is good. It’s heaps better than it has been in the past.

“There are a lot of cotton farmers moving here and buying cane farms because of the market, as well as the lifestyle and the future prospects.

“It’s a great lifestyle but if you are going to buy a property, buy it from an agent who has knowledge of the local area. You can’t put a value on that knowledge.”

Ray White Rural Tweed Valley principal Brad Franks specialises in rural properties and has a wealth of knowledge of the local area.

He currently has some exceptional cane farms on the market, including “Knightleigh” at 279 Dulguigan Road, Dulguigan, a 112 hectare (276 acre) property with 90.59 hectares available for sugar cane production and other potential income.

It also has 21.01 hectares (51.91 acres) of elevated, flood-free hill country which used to grow bananas and was, more recently, running around 20 head of cattle.

There is an original 1930s homestead, subtropical rainforest hill country, a machinery shed, 366 metres of Rous River frontage and ample water with three dams and windmill-supplied bore water.

There is also DA approval for a large building on the hill and aquaculture or algae farming, as well as a private farm quarry with good road base material for your own roads, all just 6.6 kilometres from Murwillumbah.

Brad is also marketing 9441 Tweed Valley Way, Chinderah, a 90 hectare (223 acre) property with organic certification which has been used to grow organic tea trees. The property has sheds, greenhouses and better still, a distillery, with 640 metres of Tweed River frontage, a large home and a swimming pool.

Elders Tweed Valley and Coolangatta principal Craig Dudgeon has a fourth-generation farm up for sale at 371 Dulguigan Road, Dulguigan, for the first time in 150 years. This 53 hectare (132 acre) property has just over 40 acres of sugar cane and the remainder is grazing land.

“It’s a good mix of cane and

elevated grazing land with some scenic escarpment rainforest with stunning views overlooking the Tweed Valley and Mount Warning,” Craig said.

“You can get the income from the cane as well as running some cattle or horses.

It features an original fourbedroom home and Craig said there are plenty of lovely elevated sites to build your dream home looking out over the valley, all just ten minutes to Murwillumbah and 30 minutes to Gold Coast International Airport.

With sugar prices expected to remain high over the next few years, it’s the perfect investment opportunity if you are looking for some peace and quiet in one of the most beautiful rural shires in the country.

11.30am-12.30pm

2 Clifford Street, South Golden Beach, 12-12.30pm

4 Jarrah Crescent, Ocean Shores, 12-12.30pm

1/6 Boondoon Crescent, Ocean Shores, 1-1.30pm

2/6 Boondoon Crescent, Ocean Shores, 1-1.30pm

59 Riverview Street, Murwillumbah, 1.30-2.30pm

3 Narooma Drive, Ocean Shores, 2-2.30pm

371 Dulguigan Road, Dulguigan

9441 Tweed Valley Way, Chinderah

AUCTION

4 Bed 2 Bath 2 Car 487m2

506 Tweed Valley Way, Sth Murwillumbah

Bidding Guide $590,000 – $640,000

This property boasts a range of appealing features that makes it an attractive option for homeowners and investors, alike. With its beautiful hardwood floors, high ceilings and ornate cornices along with the charming entrance barn door you get that immediate feeling of warmth and welcome.

AUCTION

2 Bed 2 Bath 2 Car 1 Acre

585 Tumbulgum Road, Tygalgah

Embrace the joys of rural living with a generous 1-acre parcel of land. With ample space for gardening, outdoor activities, or even potential extensions, this property presents a canvas for your imagination to flourish. The yard is adorned with beautiful flowering camellias, adding a splash of colour and charm to your outdoor spaces. Furthermore, mature macadamia trees dot the landscape, providing a delightful harvest and shade during warmer months.

AUCTION

4 Bed 3 Bath 2 Car 727m2

6 Elouera Terrace, Bray Park

Welcome to a one-of-a-kind home in its picturesque setting with awe-inspiring views of Mount Wollumbin and the tranquil Tweed River. This residence perfectly blends modern luxury and classic charm, on a unique and beautifully crafted parcel of land, making it a truly exceptional property. The spectacular high views allow you to enjoy the beauty of nature from the comfort of your own home. Marvel at the majestic Mount Wollumbin and be captivated by the serene waters of the Tweed River, as they create a stunning backdrop to your everyday life.

FOR SALE

4 Bed 3 Bath 4 Car 464m2

17 Elvadale Place, Nunderi $1,475,000

Entertaining will be a delight in this home. The sunroom seamlessly connects to a large patio area, adorned with enchanting gardens and a brick fireplace. Whether you’re enjoying the warmth of a summer evening or the cosiness of winter nights, this space provides the perfect backdrop for gathering with family and friends. With rear yard street access and a dedicated pad for your caravan, boat, or extra vehicles, this property offers the ultimate convenience for those seeking adventure.

Shop 1/41-45 Murwillumbah Street, Murwillumbah

5 Birkdale Court, Banora Point, NSW THE PERFECT FAMILY ENTERTAINER

Posi�oned in a quiet cul-de-sac loca�on, this single level contemporary home boasts a vast floor plan with very spacious living areas and perfect for large family living and entertaining. Superbly located within a short walk to schools, shops, clubs, and transport and only a short drive to Gold Coast airport, Tweed River, beaches, and some of the best restaurants on the coast.

Features:

• A formal lounge/dining room plus two other indoor living areas.

• A relaxing area around the pool is covered with a durable & decora�ve non slip heat resistant finish called “rubber stone”.

• There is a grassed sec�on to the side of the pool

perfect for children’s play.

• Kitchen with an electric oven; gas cooktop & flued range hood.

• Huge master suite with walk-in robe & spa bath.

• All other bedrooms are generous in size with built-ins & ceiling fans.

• Air-condi�oned living area.

• Solar power - 24 panels & solar hot water system.

• 3,000 litre freshwater tank.

• Easy care low maintenance lawns & gardens set on 817m2 level block.

• Double auto lock up garage, access for van or boat.

Price: $1,175,000 - $1,250,000

Open House: Saturday 1st of July at 11:30-12 am

Whilst many are getting prepared for the winter chill, if you are considering selling in Spring 2023 then it’s time to start your planning now.

At our initial consultation, in the most informative and comforting manner, we will discuss with you some of the fundamental factors to ensure you will enjoy a fruitful selling experience and importantly have your property sold for an optimum price.

• Understanding your reason for sale & overall objectives

• Complimentary property appraisal that you can rely on

• Timing, when to formally list your property for sale

• Presentation, what to do and what not to do to maximise sale price

• Selecting the most experienced agent to negotiate the best outcome for you

• Method of sale, the pro’s & cons of Auction and Private Treaty

To arrange your personal appointment, please contact the team at DJ Stringer in the strictest confidence, so as we can start helping you with your 80% planning.

• How to correctly market your property to the widest possible audience

• How best to present your property for inspections & open homes

• What to expect when offers are submitted, especially surrounding price & terms

• When & why to appoint a Solicitor or Conveyancer

• What to prepare for settlement & property handover

• Things you need to consider when moving

| Price Guide $1,100,000 - $1,200,000

4B Oyster Point Rd, Banora Point

Located in a quiet cul de sac street and one of the most exclusive positions in East Banora Point - Welcome to House 4B Oyster Point Road. Within walking distance to an array of shops, including a cafe, and only moments to the M1 connecting you with the very best of the Northern New South Wales and Southern Gold Coast oceanic lifestyle, you could not find a better position to call Home.