Tweed Valley Weekly, October 13, 2022

Runaway horse causes M1 havoc

By Jo Kennett

DRIVERS ON the M1 near the Pottsville offramp have escaped serious injury after two horses ran across the highway, with one horse being hit by a truck and cars, including a police car on Friday night, October 7.

The accident happened at around 11.45pm, with one of the horses being hit by an Aus tralian Post B-Double on the southbound lane before being hit by two other cars and then the police car.

Hastings Point’s Heather Tay lor was dropping two friends at Pottsville after being at Murwillumbah and said she was slowing down for the exit when she saw the hazard lights on the B-Double.

“We had just been talking

about the ac cident where the man ran out in front of the cars there and I said, How can you blame your self when you can’t see it’, and then we hit the horse,”

Heather told The Weekly.

“We didn’t see the animal in the dark and at first I thought it was a person.

“It was shocking. We flew up into the air and when we came back down, I thought I was going to lose control and roll. It was horrible.”

Heather (pictured) pulled over to the side of the highway and jumped out.

“The front of the car had blood all over it; there was so much blood I thought it was

probably an animal because it was too big for a person,” she said.

“Another truck driver had pulled over and said, ‘Get over the fence, get over the fence,’ because it was too dangerous where we were.

“He said the driver of the B-Double tried to go left but the horse went left and then tried to go right and the horse went right.

“We saw one more car hit it and then the police car hit it. Shortly afterwards there were more police cars with lights and they blocked half the highway.

“My radiator and bumper was smashed in and the car has been towed. I have to pay the excess because the police said they didn’t know the own er of the horse.”

Another car was severely damaged when it hit the horse but Heather, who has lung can cer and is still recovering from chemotherapy and immuno therapy, said everyone else was okay as far as she knows.

“Afterwards my friend said we could have all been dead and her husband said I did a good job of handling the car.

“I drove for Tweed Byron Community Transport for years so that might have helped.

“The police took over and they were just so good; we had to be breathalysed but I don’t drink.”

A local horsewoman who didn’t want to be named said it was a timely reminder to :check your fences frequent ly, and always shut farm gates.

Missing man found at Byrrill Creek

By Jo Kennett

A MAN has been found safe and well in dense bushland on a property at Byrrill Creek on Sunday, October 9, four days after he went missing from Pimpama in Queensland.

66-year-old William (Billy) Dilworth was last seen at his Pimpama home about 2:30pm on Wednesday, October 5.

When he could not be located, he was reported missing to the Queensland Police Service (QPS) with concerns for his safety due to him suffering from dementia.

A reported sighting of Mr Dilworth was made on Friday near Byrrill Creek, south of Uki and his car was later found in the area.

A multi-agency search was initiated in the area including local police, Police Rescue, NSW Ambulance paramedics, Rural Fire Service, SES, VRA Rescue NSW, QPS PolAir and Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

Tweed District Rescue Squad VRA president Drew Carr said it was more concerning every day he was missing but “we hadn’t given up.”

“There were a lot of resources on the ground; communications gear, search dogs, Rural Fire Service volunteers, NSW Fire and Rescue with drones and VRA Rescue so it was a massive effort,” Drew said.

“They threw all the resources available at it because they found the vehicle.”

Drew said crews were preparing to go out again in the afternoon searching when they got the call at about 2.15pm that fam

ily members had found Mr Dilworth, who had fallen down a gully in dense rainforest at Byrrill Creek, alive and healthy.

“When they found him he was con scious, coherent and in pretty good nick considering he hadn’t had water or food for three days,” he said.

“Our rescue crew coordinated the extri cation out of the gully in a Stokers Litter to the area to await for the helicopter.

“He was extremely weak and dehydrated.

“We had a number of our crew across the three days of the search all with specialist skills including swift water as part of the search was in Byrrill Creek because when people are lost they go looking for water.”

NSW Ambulance Inspector Greg Pow

ell said that “with each passing day, the likelihood of finding a body increased.”

“So, it was absolutely remarkable when we found him alive,” he said.

“Paramedic Patrick Mayne had to walk about 500 metres in dense bushland to assess him before the rescue team carried him out to the waiting Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

“If it weren’t for the persistence of the multi-agency effort, we may not have found him alive.”

Mr Dilworth was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics at the scene for minor injuries and dehydration, before he was airlifted to Lismore Base Hospital as a precaution.

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We are a weird mob#2

We love our freedoms but vote for people who lock up ten-year-old children and strip search other chil dren at festivals.

We want good food but won’t reg ulate pesticide use so our food is poisoned and unexportable to other countries.

We want good health and clean air but subsidise diesel and refuse to regulate car emissions and clean fuel. Asthmatics in cities spend days in hospital and may die.

Older people die younger than they should but at least we are still free to pollute as we want.

We smoke cigarettes, eat sprayed and GMO food, but refuse to get vaccines and wear masks to protect our fellow citizens in a pandemic.

We subsidise diesel and gas but not the clean electric alternatives because they are “green”.

We attend climate rallies with the transport options available to us but no one listens.

Youth use mobile phones and use the internet so are blamed by older polluters as responsible for current greenhouse emissions.

We have never lived so long or had things so good and yet inequality is worse than it has ever been, kids won’t ever be able to afford a house in the suburbs, hospitals are overflow ing and burnt-out nurses are leaving in droves.

People vote for governments that won’t support good health care, yet get angry when there are no beds in hospitals and they have to wait. They vote for governments that give a lot of tax money to private schools and hospitals, but complain when their kid’s public school is old and broken.

We don’t believe the experts who told us to expect a changed climate with extreme flooding, drought and fire, and we vote for politicians who also don’t listen to experts, yet are upset when governments haven’t

planned for these events and no-one is there to save us.

We vote for governments that sub sidise coal and gas electricity even though it’s more expensive than re newable. We don’t want to build big baseload batteries because they are made of “stuff” yet are happy to build more polluting coal-fired power sta tions out of “stuff”. We want to build nuclear power stations even though they are made of a lot of “stuff” that is really really expensive and non-disposible and nuclear stations melt down and kill everything around them, but complain when electricity costs go up instead of down as they would with renewables.

We say that wind turbines kill birds but ignore the clear-felling of forests and think big open-cut coal mines are great and won’t cause any trouble to birds at all.

We complain about solar farms with happy lambs milling around between the panels, but open-cut mines are nice and fine.

We vote for governments that give us a terrible NBN service built without simultaneously putting elec tricity lines underground as in the alternative governments plan. Now the second-rate NBN is slow, drops out continually or is often off-line for prolonged periods, yet we complain in letters to the editor about transmis sion lines crisscrossing the country.

We complain about the adverse health effects of radioactive injec tions and CT scans recommended by health experts but insist that nuclear power is the way to go.

Weird indeed.

Over to you D Weston Allen!

Continually Amused, Duranbah

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Weird.

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Thank you

Thank you to the unknown Good Samaritan who found my wallet somewhere in Murwillumbah and was kind enough to put it in out let terbox.

It’s moments like this that makes one realise what a great place this town is.

Michael Perry, Murwillumbah

What would Bruce do?

After about 40 years I visited Mur willumbah this week and by chance picked up The Weekly, to find the article regarding trees at the high school and Bruce Chick

I met Bruce when I was Parks Su perintendent and a newly minted Landscape Architect for the Tweed Shire Council in the late seventies.

Back then Bruce was considered a bit of a nuisance and I was asked to go and talk to him. We met at the high school and we looked at his recent ly planted rainforest. I immediately liked him. I joined Bruce and what was then the Tweed Valley Reforesta tion Committee where we had fund ing from three Councils and many of the timber millers (there were several back then).

The funds were used to buy plants from Forestry and sell them at reduced rates to land holders to ameliorate the consequences of banana farming as well as rainforest kits to hobby farmers. I recall driving a council truck on a Saturday to Ke nilworth in Queensland with Bruce to collect hundreds of trees from the forestry nursery there for the committee, I suspect Council would be wary of letting one of their trucks loose with a young driver and his nuisance side kick these days.

However my experience of Bruce was that he was very pragmatic and saw opportunity were others failed to.

I think he would work with the Edu cation Department’s architect to find an innovative solution to the design of the built form that would work

around the existing trees to preserve as many as possible, then go out and plant more trees in places that would enhance the new built form.

So, work with the department and achieve a result that I feel Bruce would have.

Rob Guthrie, Noosa

Putin the good guy?

Our news sources are painting Putin as ‘crazy’ and a warmonger, to justify sanctions. Ironically these sanctions do not hurt Russia at all but definitely hurt European nations dependent on its oil.

However, for almost 9 years, Rus sian people living in the Donbass, Lugarnsk, Kherson and Zaporozhye regions of Ukraine have been subject ed to genocide, shelling and block ades by the Kiev administration, (backed by American funds) killing over 25,000 of their civilians and militias. Why? To cultivate hatred for Russia and everything Russian.

Putin is calling on the Kiev regime to immediately cease fire and all hos tilities, to end the war it unleashed back in 2014 and return to the nego tiating table. He is offering an olive branch as he does not want WWIII.

Meanwhile, take a look at US for eign policy. It is the only country that has used nuclear weapons on another country (Japan). During WWII the US and Britain reduced Dresden, Hamburg, Cologne and oth er German cities to rubble. America also left a deep scar on the memory of Korean and Vietnamese people with their carpet bombings and use of napalm and chemical weapons. Because of destructive US foreign policies, wars and plunder, a massive wave of migrants has been unleashed. Millions of people suffer or die trying to reach Europe.

If Putin is such a bad guy, why did Russia send 300,000 tonnes of fer tiliser to poor countries? And why has this been blocked by EU ports? Are they keeping it for themselves?

Putin called for an immediate cease fire and a negotiated settlement of the Ukraine conflict but Washington and NATO want war, arrogantly thinking they can win. They cannot.

Think for yourself - don’t just be lieve what you see on TV or read in the papers. There’s more to this than meets the eye.

Menkit Prince, Uki

How good is The Weekly

The newspaper you have in your hands or are reading online is extraor dinary. The people who own it, run it, print it, edit it, write for it, answer the phones and email me the dreaded bills are extraordinary.

I have been advertising and writ ing press releases for North Coast newspapers since last century and the two left standing, the Tweed Val ley Weekly and the Clarence Valley Independent are amazing examples of everything that is good about the Northern Rivers.

They persevered through bushfires, drought, COVID and floods even as trillionaire Rupert Murdoch gave up publishing newspapers on the North Coast.

How good is that? How lucky are we that they are still supporting lo cal democracy, local business, local choice and your local voice?

But it is a struggle and they need us to make a tiny effort. Do your shopping with local businesses that advertise here and tell them you saw their ad in your community paper. Advertise your own business in these pages and get a great return.

Support your local paper, support your local community, your indepen dence and your choices.

Murray Lees, Murwillumbah

Please note the views on the letters page are that of the letter writer and not of the Tweed Valley Weekly. Let ters 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.

Labor commits to more nurses

By Jo Kennett

LISMORE MP Janelle Saffin says NSW Labor’s staffing plan for community public hospitals like Murwillumbah are about improving and making regional healthcare safer.

If a Labor government is elected next March Ms Saffin said, “minimum and enforceable safe staffing levels will start in emergency departments then progressively roll out into intensive care units, maternity wards, multi-purpose services and general wards in a staged approach in consultation with healthcare professionals.”

Ms Saffin said that a Minns Labor gov ernment would recruit an additional 1,200 nurses and midwives into the system, above the levels outlined in the 2022-23 State Budget, within the first four years.

“I’ve been standing with local nurses and midwives for more than a decade in strong support of their campaign for safer staffing levels in rural and regional hospitals,” Ms Saffin said.

“So I was pleased when NSW Nurses and Midwives Association General Sec retary Shaye Candish welcomed Labor’s plan as ‘a fantastic announcement’.”

“What NSW Labor has put on the table would go a long way towards repairing the broken staffing system we have in NSW, and towards tackling the overwork and fatigue being experienced by the majority of nurses and midwives who are keeping our public hospitals functioning,” Ms Candish said.

“Nurses and midwives are vital to the health and economic stability of our state. Their contribution to our communities is significant and deserving of much needed attention.

“We’ll continue talking to NSW Labor about what they’re proposing, just like

we’ll continue talking to the NSW gov ernment, the Greens, and anyone else who will meet and listen to us.”

NSWNMA Assistant General Secretary Michael Whaites said the commitment from NSW Labor signals a significant injection of hope to nurses and midwives across the state, but acknowledged it wasn’t the full nurse-to-patient ratios the union had been campaigning on.

Under the plan, to be rolled out progres sively, Lismore Base (classified as a major hospital) and Murwillumbah (district) would start the process of transitioning to a system where there is one nurse to every three treatment spaces in ED, and converting the current roster system to one where over time there is one nurse to every four patients admitted to wards.

Ms Saffin said Labor’s priority is to com mence with EDs and then move to other areas of the hospital system.

Multi-purpose services where EDs are open 24/7 would begin to transition to a rostering system where there is a min imum of three nurses rostered on at all times.

At least two of these nurses would be trained in First Line Emergency Care.

Ms Saffin says Labor has made it clear that the reform won’t happen overnight.

“We are committed to working with the Nurses and Midwives Association to en sure safe staffing levels become the way to staff our hospitals,” Ms Saffin said.

“Safer staffing levels will mean better patient care and better health outcomes.”

Restored bridge a Rail Trail landmark

By Madeleine Murray

THE HERITAGE-listed bridge over Dunbible Creek which has carried the burden of traffic since 1894 has been transformed as part of the Tweed’s Rail Trail.

Traces of the old wooden structure remain amid the new silver framework of the bridge on the Tweed stretch of the Rail Trail which is due to open in January next year, subject to the weather.

Steel preservation materials similar to those used on the Sydney Harbour Bridge were employed in the treat ment of the Dunbible bridge.

Rail Trail project director Iain Lons dale met with Tweed Mayor Chris Cherry and Tweed MP Geoff Provest on Friday, October 7, for a sneak peek at what will become a highlight of the trail.

“We had a few delays because the floods hit. We deployed [workers] to help with the clean-up,” Mr Lonsdale said.

“The Tweed section of the Rail Trail between Murwillumbah and Crabbes Creek is looking fantastic and the contractors are well on the way to completing the earthworks, bridge restorations and installation of the gravel surface.

“In the next and final phase of works, the focus will shift to works in and around the villages of Burr ingbar, Crabbes Creek and at South Murwillumbah.”

Dunbible Creek Rail Bridge and the restored Burringbar Under Bridge No 1 first opened in 1894 and are two of the largest and most historically significant landmarks on the pictur

esque Rail Trail.

Mr Lonsdale said the original rail track was in poor condition and the level of degradation had been under estimated when the establishment of a Rail Trail was being debated.

The Dunbible bridge restoration has taken about five months.

Tweed locals will be able to souvenir the original wooden sleepers, with Tweed council selling some while

holding on to 100 of them to use along the trail.

Cr Cherry said the Rail Trail would open up a new nature experience for residents and visitors.

“The Rail Trail will be a great ad dition to a vibrant community,” she said.

Businesses and villages along the trail are expected to reap economic benefit as hikers, cyclists and horse

riders pass by.

The three levels of government contrib uted to the $14.2 mil lion estimated cost of the 24-kilometre Tweed section.

Information signs and story boards will be installed along the trail, including a “welcome to country” at Murwillumbah.

Mayor Chris Cherry, Tweed MP Geoff Provest and Rail Trail project director Iain Lonsdale at the Dunbible Bridge

Tweed Link

Don’t miss the Tweed Eco Festival fun

Next month’s Tweed Eco Festival will bring Tweed residents together for a fun, free event with practical tips to help the community prepare to be climate-ready.

The eco event will be held on Sunday 13 November from 9 am to 2 pm at Knox Park, Murwillumbah and will feature eco markets, kids’ activities, food trucks and live entertainment. Presentations, stallholders and practical workshops will help people take action to be ready for natural hazards and reduce their environmental footprint.

Council is calling on businesses, community organisations and notfor-profit groups to get involved in the event whether as a stallholder, performer, to run a workshop or as a speaker.

Council’s sustainability program leader Debbie Firestone said sharing local knowledge and passion for keeping our community safe during natural disasters and protecting our environment were the driving force behind initiating this event.

“We are pleased to be partnering with NSW State Emergency Services (SES), Australian Red Cross and NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) to make this event happen and we know there will be a lot of practical information people can take away from the event, as well as just having a fun day out with the family,” Ms Firestone said.

“We’d like to encourage local stallholders, businesses and suppliers to get involved, particularly those who can showcase flood and fire-resistant building materials and other products to help residents prepare for future natural disasters.”

Applications for stallholders, performers, speakers and workshop hosts are due by Monday 31 October.

Visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/sustainable-living to find out more and apply.

The event has been made possible by grant funding from the Australian Government.

a day

It’s not too late to sign on for Water Night

Tweed residents are being urged to sign on for Water Night this Thursday 20 October and experience first-hand how much they rely on tap water.

From 5 to 10 pm on the night, everyone is asked to turn off their taps and look out for how many times they reach for them.

The event is a great way to learn how often tap water is taken for granted.

Water Night is a national event run by the Water Conservancy during Water Week.

The night was created after research conducted by the organisation showed only 42% of Australians consider tap water to be precious.

Tweed Shire Council is sponsoring the event and encouraging the Tweed community to reconsider the value of tap water and work together to save water and the environment.

Sign up for Water Night at waternight.com.au

Instead of using running water on the night, people are encouraged to use pre-filled water bottles and kettles for their household water needs. The use of running water for health and hygiene purposes is still permitted.

On the night, chat online with Gardening Australia’s Costa Georgiadis and thousands of people throughout the country and learn some new ideas for saving water in the garden, bathroom and kitchen.

Share your Water Night experience on social media using the hashtag #lifeineverydrop.

Sign on for Water Night and on Thursday 20 October, fill your water jugs, turn off your taps and see how many times you use water.

New Tweed program to promote dog leashing

Tweed Shire Council has launched Take the Lead, a new behaviour change program aimed at reducing the number of dogs off-leash in high conservation value areas and other public places in the Tweed.

The program will focus on 4 on-leash areas with known threatened species including Bush Stone-curlews and loggerhead and green turtles at Casuarina/Kingscliff, Fingal Head, Hastings Point and Wooyung.

The program runs from October 2022 to January 2023 and will involve new ‘doggy hubs’ at beach entrances, a social media campaign and the roll-out of increased enforcement patrols from Council officers with the support of the NSW Police.

Council’s project officer – wildlife protection Emily Clarke said this important program was being rolled out after a successful pilot program.

“When Council conducted covert observations of dog walkers in these locations last year, we found close to 75% of people were exercising their dogs off-leash,” Ms Clarke said.

"The pilot program has shown us that a campaign which includes a combination of social media, doggy engagement hubs and increased enforcement activities can help to achieve a measurable change in dog

Flood recovery update 12 October

The following information is provided to help our community prepare for, mitigate and build resilience to natural disasters.

Chinderah Donation Hub

The Chinderah Donation Hub is now open at 23/18 Ozone Street, Chinderah from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm and Service NSW will be onsite from 9 am to 3:30 pm on Thursdays.

There will be services offered by Murwillumbah Community Centre (counselling/financial counselling etc.) offered however the days and times are yet to be confirmed.

The Hub will accept donations delivered up until 2 pm.

Due to the amount to limited space available, the hub is only accepting new small household items, electrical goods and bedding as

well as toiletries and non-perishable food items. Due to limited space, no furniture can be accepted.

Service NSW at Coolamon Centre

Service NSW has moved its recovery service from the Canvas and Kettle room at the Murwillumbah Civic Centre to the Coolamon Centre on 3 – 5 Tumbulgum Road Murwillumbah.

It will operate a recovery hub every Tuesday from 9 am to 4 pm offering flood recovery support and assistance in lodging grant applications or following up on applications.

For further information please contact Service NSW on 13 77 88. Flood Property Assessment Program

Tweed property owners whose residential or commercial building

owner behaviour, leading to a reduction in the number of dogs off-leash in high conservation value areas and other public places in the Tweed.” Council officers will be issuing fines throughout the enforcement blitz across Tweed beaches over the next few months and will remind people to keep their dogs leashed in these sensitive areas.

“Don’t risk a $330 fine for walking a dog off-leash unless it’s in a designated off-leash area,” Ms Clarke said.

New signage has been installed at some beach entrances to prompt residents and visitors to keep their dogs leashed as they walk onto the beach.

This is a trial program at on-leash locations and if the trial works well, it may be rolled out across more locations.

Take the Lead has been developed by Tweed Shire Council with key stakeholders and the community through a collaborative design process. It’s part of Council’s commitment to take action as caretakers for our internationally significant environment.

This project has been assisted by the NSW Government through its Environmental Trust.

Visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/where-can-I-walk-my-dog to find out where you can walk your dog.

was damaged by the 2022 floods are invited to participate in the free NSW Government Flood Property Assessment Program (FPAP).

The opt-in program provides property owners with a free assessment report, including a comprehensive scope of repair works and an estimate of repair costs to pre-flood conditions.

To find out more about eligibility and details of the process visit nsw.gov.au/FPAP or call 1300 294 027.

Grants help flood-impacted businesses reopen Flood-impacted commercial landlords in the Tweed will be able to apply for support to get businesses back up and running, thanks to a $30 million investment from the Australian and NSW Governments.

The Northern Rivers Commercial Property – Return to Business Support Grant will assist property owners who lease to small and medium businesses in the Northern Rivers.

Wildlife Protection Project Officer Emily Clarke and Coastal Ranger Wayne Haayer showing off the new signage at a walkway entry to South Kingscliff Beach which encourages residents to keep their dogs on-leash on the beach. Doggy poo bags and a water trough are included as part of the new 'doggy hub'.

New signage helps keep Beach Stone-curlews safe

Hastings Point’s most famous locals – the Beach Stone-curlews –have a new permanent enclosure to provide a safe space for them to nest. A new sign was also recently installed to tell the story about the Beach Stone-curlew family and their life at Hastings Point.

Beach Stone-curlews are listed as critically endangered in NSW however, the local community and Council are working together to protect these amazing birds.

The Hastings Point pair first nested and raised a chick at Cudgera Creek Park in 2018 and will be a couple for life. Only one egg is laid at each nesting, and they are one of only 7 known breeding pairs in NSW.

Council’s program leader pest animals – wildlife protection Pam Gray said the new enclosure and signage is one way Council is working together with the community to reduce our impact on the natural environment to pass on to our next generation.

“We could not have done any of this if it wasn’t for the love and care taken by Hastings Point locals as caretakers for these incredible birds,” Ms Gray said.

One local, Rob Bonar, regularly checks on the birds.

Flood recovery update

This support will cover repair-related costs for landlords to ensure retail businesses can reopen and could include clean-up services, hiring equipment or covering the cost of building repairs.

Flood-impacted commercial property owners and landlords in the Northern Rivers will be able to apply for up to $50,000.

For a full list of all available support, visit nsw.gov.au/floods or call Service NSW 13 77 88.

At-home Caravan Program expanded

Flood-affected Tweed residents can register for the at-home caravan program at the Pottsville Beach Neighbourhood Centre.

The program, extended to include Burringbar, Chinderah, Condong, Mooball, South Murwillumbah and Tumbulgum is part of the fee-free Tweed-based Recovery Support Service supported by Resilience NSW.

Designed to ease medium-term housing challenges, the program will see caravans sourced from Camplify and located on the resident’s private property at no cost.

The caravans provide people in need with a reliable home and called on more caravan owners to consider registering their vans to the cause. Residents can register for the At-home Caravan Program at the Pottsville Beach Neighbourhood Centre by emailing rss@pbnc.org.au or phoning 02 6676 4555 or mobile 0476 677 422.

Legal Aid Disaster Recovery Service

The Disaster Response Legal Service (DRLS) is a free legal service that is available to anyone who has been affected by disasters.

Anyone can access free help by contacting the Disaster Response Legal Service NSW helpline on 1800 801 529 (9am to 5pm weekdays).

Further information and links are available on the Disaster Response Legal Service at disasterhelp.legalaid.nsw.gov.au

Assistance for flood impacted businesses

Is your business in a location that was impacted by the 2022 flood crisis?

The Strengthening Business Program is free and connects you with experts to help your business recover, become stronger, more resilient and better prepared for the future.

An independent facilitator will work with you to address the challenges and opportunities your business now faces.

For more information visit the mybusiness.com.au website. Community Centre expands outreach services

Tweed Coast residents affected by the floods, can access support from the Murwillumbah Community Centre (MCC) on Wednesday afternoons.

The MCC will be operating from the Anglican Church at 41 Pearl Street, Kingscliff from 2 pm to 4 pm and will offer free advice and referral information, material support and financial counselling.

The Kingscliff service is in addition to existing outreach operations in Murwillumbah at the Coolamon Centre from Monday to Thursday between 9 am and 4:30 pm and on Friday from 9 am to 12 pm and Nullum House on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9 am to 12:30 pm.

For those seeking flood recovery support, bookings are required. For more information contact the MCC on 02 6672 3003.

For

“I just come here because I’m a local and I love the birds. I go down 3 times a day, just to check on them,” Mr Bonar said.

Another local bird-lover is Fran Cummings who also plays a significant part in protecting the birds and photographing their progress.

“They are just such beautiful birds. When they are resting, they look so serene,” Ms Cummings said.

The community can also play a part to help keep the Beach Stonecurlew family safe:

• Give them space and keep your distance from the fence.

• Try not to disturb them if you see birds foraging or resting outside of their enclosure.

• Keep dogs away. Hastings Point creek mouth and foreshore is a dog prohibited zone.

• Help keep the oyster reefs healthy by not moving rocks the oysters grow on. The birds feed on the oysters and small crabs.

Visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/conserving-threatened-birds to find out more about Beach Stone-curlews and how Council is working to protect the Tweed environment.

Tweed River’s water quality and fish health

Tweed Shire Council is encouraging Tweed River flood plain landowners to reach out for Council’s assistance on projects that can improve water quality after recent testing detected acidaffected water in the river and red spot disease in local fish.

Council is also calling on the NSW Government to make investments and policy decisions required to lead our communities toward future river health and support local government on complex flood plain management issues to reduce our impact on the natural environment.

Recent testing has indicated acid sulfate soil related runoff from floodplain drains is affecting water quality in the Tweed River, with indications it is also having severe effects on fish health.

Since mid-August, water samples collected from the Tweed River at Murwillumbah have shown pH values (a measure of acidity) as low as

Development Application determinations

4.9, where a healthy range is around 7.1. Samples of water from drains running into the river have shown pH results as low as 4.3.

Council’s waterways program leader Tom Alletson said these results confirm the input of poor water quality from the floodplain and the effects of acid sulfate soils.

Recent reports to Council from a local commercial fisherman highlighted an increase of red spot disease affecting fish locally.

Council has completed a management plan for the Tweed River Estuary and is currently awaiting its certification by the NSW Minister for Local Government.

Read the full media release at tweed.nsw.gov.au/latest-news or find out more about the how Council manages and looks after the Tweed River at tweed.nsw.gov.au/rivers-creeks

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

DA22/0501

– Swimming pool

Lot 315 DP 830232, No. 28 Nandina Terrace, Banora Point

DA22/0344 – Two storey dwelling with attached garage, 1.5 m front fence and in-ground swimming pool

Lot 82 DP 1264557, No. 34 Black Wattle Circuit, Casuarina

DA22/0394 – In-ground swimming pool

Lot 309 DP 1070793, No. 11 Cactus Court, Kingscliff

DA21/0788 – Secondary dwelling

Lot 26 DP 873094, No. 3 Dove Close, Kingscliff

DA21/0904 – Multi dwelling housing comprising of 4 × 3 bedroom townhouses

Lot 10 Section 6 DP 758571, No. 3 Ozone Street, Kingscliff

DA22/0283 – Change of use to beauty salon including signage, demolition and fit-out works

Lot 4 SP 83332, Unit 4/No. 32 Marine Parade, Kingscliff

DA22/0368 – Two lot strata subdivision

Lot 6 DP 1262504, No. 53A Nautilus Way, Kingscliff

DA21/0966 – Erection of shed to be used for agricultural produce industry

Lot 104 DP 1255992, No. 25 Sleepy Hollow Road, Sleepy Hollow

The above development determinations

DA21/0925

– Demolition of existing carport and erection of secondary dwelling

Lot 22 DP 621910, No. 9 Gladioli Avenue, Terranora DA22/0084 – Two storey dwelling with attached garage, in-ground swimming pool and tennis court

Lot 3 DP 587869, No. 4 Parkes Lane, Terranora DA22/0430 – Carport and use of dwelling alterations and additions, shade sail and roof to rear deck

Lot 19 DP 814951, No. 8 Valleyview Place, Terranora DA22/0316 – Patio roof

Lot 2 SP 14808, Unit 2/No. 86 Keith Compton Drive, Tweed Heads DA20/0604 – Boarding house comprising 35 self-contained rooms and 1 managers unit

Lot 2 Section 4 DP 2379, No. 31 Boyd Street, Tweed Heads DA21/0650 – Change of use, demolition work, shop fit-out and signage

Lot 4 DP 420750, Lot 3 DP 420750, No. 30 Bay Street, Tweed Heads DA22/0230 – In-ground swimming pool

Lot 10 DP 1236392, No. 2 Robin Circuit, Tweed Heads South DA21/0882 – Two storey dwelling and in-ground swimming pool

Lot 31 DP 755749, No. 853 Tumbulgum Road, Tygalgah

the Planning and Regulation Division, Murwillumbah Civic Centre,

datracker.tweed.nsw.gov.au

Notification of integrated development application

Development Application No. DA21/0198

A development

The

Provision Approval Authority

Section

The

The

Any person

Please

WATER

Locals Fran Cummings (left) and Rob Bonar – who regularly check on the Beach Stone-curlew family at Hastings Point – with the newly-installed sign.

Telstra tower delay

By Yvonne Gardiner

TWEED COUNCILLORS

a

on

installation

a new Telstra communications tower at Kingscliff to workshop the proposal. Mayor Chris Cherry, Councillors Rhiannon Brinsmead, Meredith Dennis and Nola Firth voted for a deferral while Councillors Reece Byrnes, James Owen and Warren Polglase voted against it at a Council Planning Committee meeting on Thursday, October 6 While only a handful of submissions were received by council against the tower, its loca tion, height, visual impact, and Aboriginal site significance are issues under review by TSC.

The closest residential dwelling is about 25 me tres north of the proposed tower on Faulks St. Aurecon Australasia first lodged an applica tion on behalf of Telstra in August last year, estimating the cost of the tower at $654,500.

In a statement to TSC, Aurecon said Telstra had provided a solution to ensure ongoing and improved mobile phone coverage to the Kingscliff area in response to the council’s request to relocate equip ment from the existing water reservoirs.

“To provide ongoing and improved cover age, a proposed mobile phone base station is to be located at Faulks Street, Kings cliff, adjacent to the existing facility,” an Aurecon spokesperson told Council.

“The proposal is not considered to have a detrimental impact on the local environment; but rather be beneficial to the area including improved depth of coverage to the local area.”

Council approval will allow for existing Telstra, Optus and Vodafone telecommunication equipment attached to the two water reservoirs to be relocated to a new monopole facility with a total height of 31 metres.

Terry Cleal lives close to the proposed tower and has previously expressed his concerns to The Weekly.

“I’m delighted,” he said of the vote.  “If there are no health issues with such a telecommunications tower as they claim, why not put it on top of the new six-storey hospital down the street?”

Councillor James Owen said the benefits to local businesses from the new tower far outweighed the negatives.

Cr Warren Polglase said the tower would improve communications, especially in times of flood and throughout the Casuarina/Kingscliff area. Mayor Chris Cherry won a motion to defer council’s decision to explore alternatives.

“I know it’s only a small number of ob jections but it’s a big impact,” she said.

“It’s a very substantial structure. I also have con cerns about the cultural heritage of this site.”

An investigation had concluded there were no skeletal remains found within the test excavation pit, located over the foundation of the proposed facility covering 49 square metres.

However, 37 stone artefacts were found and the report stated there was potential for harm to Aboriginal objects during construction.

The tower’s height also does not comply with council’s development standard, but council officers judged the tower “not a building” so height limitation did not apply. Consultation was undertaken with the lo cal community and other stakeholders in February 2019.

Strong demand for cattle

By Jo Kennett

Cattle sales auctioneer Brent Casey from George and Fuhrmann in Murwillumbah said they had seen a good number of cattle go through at the most recent sale.

“We had 510 head of cattle sold at Murwillum bah combined fat and store sale on Saturday, October 8.

“The market was dearer in all categories due to the continued rainfall and demand for re stocking which is all across Australia.

“It was great to see such a big crowd at the sale on the day with very strong competition.”

Brent said that 230 head of weaner steers sold

to a top of $8.26 c/kg to an average $6.52 c/kg.

“150 weaner heifers sold extremely well top ping at $7.72c/kg to an average $6.08c/kg,” he said.

“There were only 20 cows and calves sold selling to a top of $3,400 each to avg $2,815 per head

“100 pregnancy tested cows sold extremely well topping at $3,080 per head avg $2,006 per head

“Only a few meatworks bulls were sold and topped at $2,000.”

The next George and Fuhrmann sale is on Monday, October 24.

For all inquiries contact Brent Casey on 0428 530 422.s

The site of the proposed new Telstra Tower

Council contracts go to

By Yvonne Gardiner

TWEED SHIRE Council has awarded Kings Forest developer Leda more than $7 million worth of con tracts at Council’s meeting on Thursday, October 6, in a bid to speed up the supply of urgently needed housing.

The works will be completed in the Kings Forest and South Kingscliff/Casuarina area.

Tweed Mayor Chris Cherry (pictured) said awarding the Council contracts to Leda was “an incredibly positive step forward”.

“The Kings Forest land has been rezoned for residential for more than 30 years,”

Mayor Cher ry said.

“It has had concept ap provals for much of that but has not been progressing to market.

“The building of the infra structure required for this development is a big step towards the development coming online and providing more housing that we desperately need.

“Council has a responsibil ity to provide for strategic growth in the shire, but we have no control over when the proponent will start the development or planning pow

ers to see homes brought to market, so it is good to see this infrastructure being built as a first step towards land release.

Cr Cherry said the shire needed flood-free residential land that could be used to pro vide housing for people out of harm’s way.

“This is a site that has had approvals in place for many years that has the potential to do that and to provide for the growth that the State Government has mandated in our shire,” she said.

“Council built the water and wastewater infrastructure to service this development a number of years ago, so it is good to see that forward

planning realised.”

So-called “developer contribution plans” allow for developers to do work for and on behalf of council.

“This is not unusual and can result in an efficient and cost-effective way to provision the services for an estate,” Cr Cherry said.

“In this case, there is a saving for the ratepayer and a saving in time.”

All councillors vot ed in favour of awarding the contracts.

Kings Forest is a $5 billion development which will provide 4500 homesites and house up to 11,000 residents.

Risky yacht rescue off Kingy

By Yvonne Gardiner

NSW WATER Police have rescued a stranded yacht in severe conditions off the NSW north coast, following a 15-hour operation to retrieve the vessel.

At about 12pm on Sun day, October 9, emergency services were called to reports a Queensland yacht was in trouble about 50 nautical miles off the NSW north coast near Kingscliff.

Officers attached to Tweed Heads Water Police located the vessel with a shredded

mainsail and no engine power, with two men aged 56 and 61 on board.

About 3.30pm, police com

menced towing the vessel under extreme weather condi tions, which resulted in the tow line breaking multiple times.

Due to safety concerns, police were unable to pass through the Tweed Bar and instead towed the vessel toward Southport, Queensland, where they ar rived about 6.30am on Monday, October 10.

One of the police officers involved in the operation, a male senior constable, was taken to Tweed Heads Hospi tal in a stable condition,

He was suffering dehydra tion, exhaustion, and a back injury sustained during the rescue.

The two yachtsmen were uninjured.

Stolen car arrest

plates, a watch and tools suspected of being stolen.

A TYALGUM man was charged with several offences after being arrested driving a stolen car in Murwillumbah on Wednesday, October 5.

The 20-year-old man was arrested around 12.50am in Frances Street after police pulled over a car driving in a dangerous manner.

A check revealed the car displayed registration plates belonging to another vehicle.

The car was stopped and the driver arrested.

In a search of the man and car, police seized resealable bags of methamphetamine (ice), cannabis, scales, drug paraphernalia, a knife, rub ber gloves, more registration

The man was taken to Tweed Heads Hospital where he was subject to blood and urine test ing for drugs and alcohol.

He was taken to Tweed Heads Police Station and charged with 13 offences including two counts of pos session of a prohibited drug, vehicle theft, dangerous driving, using unauthorised number plates, driving as an unaccompanied learner, fail ure to display L plates, four counts of possession of stolen goods, and custody of a knife in a public place.

The man was refused bail and appeared in Tweed Heads Local Court on Wednesday, October 5

Madeleine Murray

A man driving this stolen car was arrested in Murwillumbah.

Aged Care

you looking for a career change or a new employment opportunity? Would you like to make a positive difference in the lives of people living in the Northern Rivers community?

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We offer a variety of exciting career and development opportunities. If you’re a Registered Nurse, or you have a Certificate III in Individual Support, we’d love to hear from you. With our traineeships and graduate programs, you can work while you learn about this fantastic industry.

By Jo Kennett

Potty locals needed

IF YOU’RE a Pottsville local looking for a rewarding community-based volunteer role, now’s the time to put your hand up to be part of the Pottsville Beach Community Hall Committee.

Current committee members, who have selflessly run the space for many years, have signalled they wish to disband the group after their annual general meeting next week.

The annual general meeting (AGM), to be held on Tuesday, October 11 at 10 am, will hear the chairperson declare all positions vacant. There are multiple roles available, including president/chairperson, vice president/deputy chairperson, treasurer, booking officer, assistant booking officer, secretary and public officer.

“If you have skills that you think will fit any of these roles, we would love to hear from you,” Council’s community development project officer Sharon Moore said.

“It’s such a great way to meet others and support your local community. It can also show you’ve got a community mindset for future employers.

“The hall is part of Council’s commitment to support the local community by creating stronger community bonds and providing opportunities to be more active and healthy.”

People with skills across a range of areas are encouraged to apply.

Opened in 1985, this vibrant community hall has served the area as a to-hire space for a variety of community clubs and events, from dance and exercise groups to private weddings and parties.

The hall is the largest public venue in Pottsville and can hold up to 250 people.

Council provides a range of venues to help create a strong, cohesive and creative community.

These include community centres, neighbourhood centres, auditoriums, meeting rooms and public halls.

For more information visit tweed.nsw.gov. au/ community-centres-venue-hire. To ex press your interest in becoming a committee member, please contact Sharon Moore via email at smoore@tweed.nsw.gov.au.

Call for applications to help boost the resilience of youth

Grants up to $50,000 are available.

Applications close 31 December 2022 or when funding is fully allocated.

Now's the time to get involved at the Pottsville Beach Community Hall

Eight gold medals for Lily

Lily’s ninth medal of the World Champion ships was bronze in the 200m Super Lifesaver.

“I went into the World Championships with no real expectations,” Lily said.

“But to come out on the oth er side with seven surf world titles, one pool world record and to a third place in an in dividual pool event was some thing that I would never have imagined achieving.

By Yvonne Gardiner

CASUARINA CHAMPION lifesaver Lily O’Sullivan has returned home from Italy clutching an amazing eight gold medals.

Lily helped propel the Aus tralian Life Saving Team to victory when it became the first nation to win both open and youth overall points scored at the 2022 Lifesaving World Championships in Riccione, Italy, which ran from Septem ber 21 to October 2.

Lily told The Weekly the whole experience was special.

“To be able to race under the green and gold cap is some thing I have always dreamt of, and to finally be able to do it with such a talented team of people in Italy was something I will never forget,” she said.

“The team and I went out for a lovely formal dinner and then, to end the night, we were able to all reflect together on

the past week of racing and how great the trip was.”

The Aussies produced one of the most dominant perfor mances at a world champi onship event, winning eight gold medals across pool res cue events and collecting a further 13 gold across ocean and beach events.

Lily was among a youth team that won 17 gold medals, led by a dominant group of female athletes who claimed 11 of those golds and a youth world record in the pool.

The former Cudgen Head land SLSC star who now com petes for Burleigh Heads Mow bray Park SLSC collected eight gold medals, including seven gold from seven events across the first three days of competi tion at the beach events.

Along with three other youth team members, she’ll also hold a world record after shaving time off the previous best in the 4 x 50m manikin relay.

“Apart from racing in New Zealand, this was my first time competing in another country and especially one that’s very far from home.

“Out of competition, the food was insanely delicious, and it was so cool to get a small take on what it’s like to live in Italy.”

Lily attributed her success internationally to her coach Michael King and the entire Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park squad who pushed her along and urged her to stay focused on training.

“I not only enjoy the train ing, but I love the people who I am surrounded by, morning and night, day in, day out,” she said.

“However, the success I have had at the World Champion ships is also a massive credit to the other 11 athletes in the youth team.

“There is no way I would’ve been able to achieve what I did without them.”

Council takes the lead

By Jo Kennett

COUNCIL RANGERS will be fining dog owners with dogs off lead in high conservation areas of the shire as part of a new programme.

The program will focus on four on-leash areas with known threatened species including Bush Stone-curlews and loggerhead and green turtles at Casuarina/Kingscliff, Fingal Head, Hastings Point and Wooyung.

The program runs from October 2022 to January 2023 with new ‘doggy hubs’ at beach entrances, a social media campaign and the roll-out of increased enforcement patrols with the support of the NSW Police.

Council’s Project Officer for Wildlife Pro tection Emily Clarke said the rollout of the behavioural change programme called Take the Lead had already been trialled successfully.

“We learned what kind of things would en courage people to keep their dogs on leads, focusing on our high conservation areas like our beaches and bushlands where we have beach

nesting birds and turtles,” Emily said.

“People needed more information about where the off-leash beaches were as there was a per ception there weren’t enough.

“We have a QR code on our ‘doggy hubs’ to take people straight to the online mapping so they can see where the off-leash areas are.

“Peoples are more likely to keep their dog on a lead if they think they will get a hefty fine.

“We will be running enforcement blitzes where we will be fining people whereas in the past we usually gave out cautions.”

Council Coastal Ranger Wayne Haayer said the fine was $330 per dog.

“If there are three you could be fined $990 and that money is better off in your pocket than councils,” he said.

Councillor James Owen said many people aren’t aware of the rules, such as having dogs on lead outside the home apart from on an off-leash beach or park.

“People love their dogs but we have to respect other members of the community as well.”

The Báb and Baha’u’llah

Across myriad locations around the world, the teachings of the Baha’i

inspire individuals and communities as they work to improve their own lives and contribute to the advancement of civilization. Baha’i beliefs

such essential themes as the oneness of God and religion, the oneness of humanity and freedom from prejudice, the inherent nobility of the human being, the progressive revelation of religious truth, the development of spiritual qualities, the integration of worship and service, the fundamental equality of the genders, the harmony between religion and science, the centrality of justice to all human endeavours, the importance of education, and the dynamics of the relationships that are to bind together individuals, communities, and institutions as humanity advances towards its collective maturity.

Wayne Haayer, Emily Clarke, Fern and Flynn and Councillor James Owen at South Kingscliff

Hub 2484 best in state

Cross border flood lessons

By Jo KennettBy Jo Kennett

THE AMAZING volunteers of HUB 2484, which rose out of the flood catastrophe this year, have been recognised for their efforts as winners of the NSW government’s Get Ready Community Awards on Thursday, October 6. The organisation was one of six across NSW recognised for their work protecting communities by raising disaster awareness, increasing preparedness and building resilience. joined Resilience NSW Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons at the 2022 Get Ready Community Awards and Resilience Australia Awards ceremony on Thursday, October 6, to announce the winners.

“Our communities have faced unprecedent ed challenges over recent years and they have shown incredible resilience,” Minister for Emer gency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said.

“The work that community organisations do in helping people through these challeng es is crucial and I would like to congratulate all t he finalists for their outstanding efforts.” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said the finalists have made significant contributions to helping com munities be better prepared and more resilient.

“Locals know best what their communi ties need to help them recover and build resilience, which is why community organi sations are so important,” Resilience NSW Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said.

Hub 2484 Lead Coordinator Kerry Pritchard said “they were very honoured to receive the award on behalf of the community.”

“We were amongst incredible company in the finals and everyone was equally deserving,” she said.

“There were thousands of volunteers through the hub that first month and we matched their skills to the needs of residents and that enabled us to really reach a lot of people.

“We were inundated with donations and vol

unteers; we were the first port of call for all the Queenslanders that came down to help.

“We had a huge set-up and at our peak we had 60 to 70 volunteers just in the donation hub and we were sending stuff to Uki and other hubs and trailer loads to Kyogle and the Koori Mail at Lismore.

“People just rose above and beyond and they still do.” Kerry said Hub 2484 was still busy meeting the needs of residents.

“We need more funding for case managers in Murwillumbah and more support around mental health,” she said.

“We are starting to see complex trauma emerg ing; people are still facing homelessness or living in homes not fit to live in.

“We are still dealing with that every day but we are in it for the long haul so we will be here to help.”

LOCAL MPS Janelle Saffin and Geoff Provest travelled to Brisbane on Wednesday, October 5, to see how the Qld government is dealing with flood recovery and natural disaster preparations.

Ms Saffin arranged the visit for her parlia mentary colleagues including Mr Provest, MP Tamara Smith (Ballina) and MP Chris Gulaptis (Clarence) “to inform our flood recovery and preparedness for natural disasters.”

The MPs had a joint familiarisation tour of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority’s Brisbane headquarters with Northern Rivers Re construction Corporation staff also attending.

The delegation will be hosted by QRA Acting Chief Executive Jimmy Scott and General Man ager Strategy and Engagement Janet England.

Ms Saffin said it was an opportunity to learn about the QRA’s policy, legal and operational structure, particularly as NSW was moving to es tablish its own Reconstruction Authority, a strong recommendation in her flood inquiry submission.

“I was keen to know how the QRA works with

the community; how they bring all agencies on board and deploy all assets; what informs their thinking for recovery; and how they advise Ministers of what the needs are,” Ms Saffin said.

Mr Provest said it was good seeing how the QRA was progressing its recovery and planning objectives.

“Natural disasters don’t recognise elector ate and state boundaries, so we need to work together in the interests of our region,” Mr Provest said.

“My electorate borders Queensland and what happens in that state often has an impact on my constituents so an understanding of how things are being done north of the border will be very helpful.”

Ms Smith said the Queensland model has worked extremely well and seems to have the ability to respond quickly to community needs despite being a large entity.

Mr Gulaptis said he was very pleased to join with his colleagues and work together on a bipartisan basis to deliver positive outcomes for flood-ravaged communities.

Left to right: Minister Steph Cooke, Diane Bauer (donations hub founder), Thomas Cornish (volunteer hub founder), Kerry Pritchard and Shane Fitzimmons.

Lismore MP Janelle Saffin and Tweed MP Geoff Provest at the meeting with the Qld Reconstruction Authority.

Great Aussie bird count

By Madeleine Murray

way to ID birds by entering the size, colour

The Aussie Bird Count app makes it easy to do the count straight from your phone.

by registering and doing only one count, you will be in the running to win some fantastic prizes including an Olympus digital camera package valued at $5,606 and a set of Swarovski

The Aussie Bird Count is fun, and you are making an import ant ‘citizen science’ contribution by pro viding valuable data for BirdLife Austra lia’s knowledge of

To register, go to https://aussiebirdcount.org.au

Kingy picnic for refugees

By Madeleine Murray

THE UKi Refugee Project (URP) is holding a picnic beside the creek at Kingscliff this Sunday, to welcome Brisbane-based refugees to the Tweed, with locals invited to attend. The picnic will be held at the Ed Parker Rotary Park, on Sunday, October 16, from 11am-3pm as the finale of a Friendship Week end, when over 30 refugees and asylum seekers, who now live in Brisbane, will be welcomed, and hosted in local homes.

This year’s guest list includes refugees from Iran, Ethiopia, PNG, Venezuela, and Afghanistan.

Locals are invited to come along and meet some people from faraway places.

If possible, please bring a plate as well as chairs, and picnic rugs.

The Ed Parker Rotary Park is on an estuary with a little beach and safe swimming so it will be a great chance to have fun and expand your horizons at the same time.

The picnic will be held at Ed Parker Rotary Park (top right) Picture: Jo Kennett

Beach Stone-curlew

CLUBS + RESORTS

Fingal surf club reboots

By Jo Kennett

FINGAL ROVERS Surf Life Saving Club has a new lease of life with an enthusiastic new committee in place, sports events on the big screen, Bogan Bingo, a bar and the kiosk soon to re-open.

The club is also looking for new members to join in all the fun and action of being part of the surf club family.

Fingal Rovers SLSC President Ash Blake said the surf club has “a fresh new enthusiastic committee who have brought a fun, can-do approach into the club.”

“Our patrolling numbers are increasing but we always encourage any new member to come past, say hi and join in,” Ash told The Weekly.

“Whether it be for fitness, social involvement, or learning new skills, we welcome anyone.

“We have UAVs (drones) up in the sky, and boats or swimmers in the water so there is something for everyone.”.

“It’s a great way to make new friends if you are new to the community,” Ash said.

“If you don’t want to do patrols or be on the

beach there is always plenty to do behind the scenes.

“It’s a fantastic club to be involved in as it becomes like a family and there is always some thing fun going on.”

Ash said the kiosk is getting very close to opening the doors after being closed for ten years.

“We just need the final few ticks of approval and the community will have their kiosk back,” he said.

“We have also got our bar back up and run ning. The ladies have already had a few social functions.

“We have Sunday Sundowners on October 16, and November 20 from 2.30pm to 5.30pm.

“We also just had the AFL on the big screen downstairs with a great turnout.”

The club also has a great event coming up on October 8.

“Bogan Bingo; it’s not just bingo, it’s a fan tastic show as well,” Ash said.

“Tickets are $30. For bookings contact bogans@ fingalroversslsc.com.au or see our website.”

http://fingalroversslsc.com.au/

By Jo Kennett

THE BIG Potty Party fundraiser for a young Pottsville boy with an acquired brain injury is being held on November 13 and tickets are now on sale for a raffle with some amazing prizes up for grabs.

Skyler Levy was diag nosed with brain and spinal cord cancer (medullablastoma) at the age of three, and underwent brain surgery to remove the tu mours, followed by 12 months of chemotherapy and radiation.

The operations and tumours have now left Skyler with an acquired brain in jury, and multiple side effects.

Family friend Jade Barratta, who is organising the fundraiser with Jaclyn Eddy, said six-year-old Skyler Levy was “nothing short of amazing.”

“His parents and community are constantly in awe of his courageous spirit and zest for

life,” Jade said.

“Skyler has touched many lives; he is the most caring little boy and a great friend to so many local kids.

“We would love to show the community and school spirit and take some of the burden off Skyler’s beautiful family. Anything will help and your support is greatly appreciated.”

Jaclyn and Jade said they were blown away by the “beautiful businesses who have been so generous” with prizes like an $11,500 ski trip for four to Japan among the prizes up for grabs.

The Big Potty Par ty is on at the Pottsville Beach Sports Club from 2pm on Sunday afternoon, November 13 with a silent auction, raffles and heaps of fun for the whole family lined up.

Raffle tickets can be purchased at www.raf fletix.com.au/pottsvillesports

Grab a ticket for Skyler Mountain View market

IT’S MARKET time at Moun tain View Village on Tuesday, October 18, with plenty of good bargains to be had. The market runs from 10am to 2pm.

Items for sale include arts and crafts, bric-a-brac, jams,

cakes, clothes, plants and plen ty of other great buys.

Also available at the market are pamper packs from Sene GenceSkin Care Cosmetics.

There will be a raffle, which will be drawn on the day with proceeds being donated to

the Murwillumbah Hospital Auxiliary.

The market is on at Mountain View Village on Oc tober 18, from 10am to 2pm. Come along for a fun day with plenty of great local produce to buy.

Fuel prices may go higher

By Jo Kennett

AS THE discounted fuel excise tax ended the jump in fuel prices hasn’t been as big as expected in the Tweed Shire, but that could change as global oil production is slashed.

The full 46-cent fuel excise returned to service stations on Thursday, September 29, after the Morrison government brought in a six-month 25.3 cent reduction in fuel excise prior to the federal election as fuel prices soared.

At Murwillumbah after the discount ended prices were generally around the $1.77 mark, which was still an in crease from before Septem ber 29, while up the coast in the Tweed Heads/Banora area they were around the $1.89 to

$1.99 mark.

Terranora resident Tess Easton said prices after the discount ended were between $1.77 and $1.84 on the South ern Gold Coast but at Terran ora, they were $1.91.

“I think they will only get worse in the next couple of months; I think they are eas ing us into the price jump,” Tess said.

Hastings Point service sta tions have a reputation among locals for price gouging and have in recent times been as much as 40 cents a litre more expensive than service stations on the north of the Gold Coast.

The Weekly contacted Shell Coles Express about price gouging at Hastings Point and were told prices are not set by Coles, but by Viva Energy

which runs the servos, while Coles runs the retail element of the business.

Just before the fuel discount ended Woolworths service stations were selling unlead ed petrol for around $1.79 but after the 25.3 cent tax was returned to the pumps prices only jumped by around ten cents to around $1.89.

The competition watchdog, the ACCC, says it will be moni toring wholesale and retail fuel prices closely, which doesn’t mean anything really.

There is likely to be further increases around the corner as OPEC has just announced the biggest cut in production in years.

The cut of two million barrels per day is expected to push up fuel prices around the world and provide an income boost

for Russia’s ailing war in Ukraine, which has angered the USA.

The increase comes in the wake of record profits being recorded by oil giants Shell, Chevron, Exxon Mobil, and BP according to half-yearly earnings which had almost doubled, off the back of rising world energy prices, according to reports released in August.

Three of those companies paid no tax at all on billions of dollars in profits, while BP paid $352 million in corporate tax off revenues of $23.2 bil lion for 2019 to 2020.

Almost all of the profits have flowed straight overseas, with some commentators saying the staggering profits were fuelling the cost-of-living crisis in Aus tralia.

App to save on fuel

By Madeleine Murray

NSW DRIVERS are being urged to use the FuelCheck app to find a cheaper servo and save up to $10 a tank as the fuel excise discount ends on Wednesday.

Treasurer Matt Kean said the app can save drivers up to $800 a year and is just one of the measures con tributing to the almost $7 billion delivered in cost-of-living savings to NSW residents since July 2017.

“Prices can vary greatly be tween petrol stations so if you’re filling up a 50L tank and there’s a 20-cent differ ence between service sta tions, you’d save $10 by filling up at the cheaper one,” Mr Kean said.

“Driving a couple of hundred metres down the road to a cheaper servo can really pay off

and boost your budget.

“New data from the past six months shows independents consistently offer drivers the cheapest fuel.”

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Vic tor Dominello said Sydney’s cheapest petrol is often found in the western and southwestern

“FuelCheck has been an overwhelming success, with more than 2.2 million drivers downloading the free app, and 93 per cent giving it the thumbs up,” Mr Domi nello said.

“With high petrol prices right now, drivers can find the cheapest fuel anywhere in NSW in real-time in the palm of their hand.

“Do yourself a favour these school holidays and get the app. You could save up to $800 a year by using it regularly.”

MOTORING

Be on the alert for car sale scammers

By Jo Kennett

IF YOU are buying a car, be on the alert for fake ads on major car sales websites from scammers impersonating defence personnel which might see you pay thousands of dollars for a car you never receive.

I was recently looking at used cars and found one in Brisbane that seemed to have relatively low kilometres for the age of the car at a really good price, about $3,000 cheaper than other similar cars.

I sent an enquiry to the seller to ask if there were any me chanical problems with the car and asked why the owner was selling.

Before I received her reply, I went back to look at the ad. When I ran a google search on the car, it came up as being for sale in Perth.

I found the ad for the Bris bane car and compared it to the Perth ad.

They were photos of the same car taken outside the same house with the same low kilo metres and the same low price in two different cities.

Then I received an email in response to my query from the seller.

“Well, let me just jump right into it,” ‘Moniq’ said.

“I just got divorced and the car was awarded to me in our divorce.

“I have a low price because I want to sell it fast.

“I’m in the Air Force with my medical team and right now I am on a military base.

“We are training, getting ready to leave the country. I have a deployment coming up and would prefer to have my mother who is taking care of my children have the cash instead.”

The seller, who was actually a scammer and could have been from anywhere, described the car which was around twelve years old but apparently only had 105,404 kms on it.

“The car is mechanically healthy and has been well tak en care of. Garaged through out my ownership and has not been involved in any acci dents,” the scammer said.

“Full service history every 10,000 kms. It will come with a Roadworthy Certificate and rego so you don’t have to do the running around registra tion, paid until September 2023.

“I can assure you, this car will

not disappoint.

“If you decide to buy it, you’ll receive all the papers, owner’s manual, keys, and a buy-sell contract already signed by me.

“I’ve attached photos show ing the overall condition so let me know if you have any questions.

“Royal Australian Air Force, Moniq Finch.”

I asked ‘Moniq’ why ‘she’ was advertising the same car in two cities but got no response.

This type of scam where scammers target second-hand car sales websites pretending to be defence force personnel has now cost Australians hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The aim is to scam people out of the price of the car by playing up the trustworthy au thority-figure angle.

The most common hoax in volves scammers posting fake online listings for vehicles at well below market value, lur ing buyers looking for a good deal on a second-hand car. The scammers seek payment to se cure the car but never deliver.

Sites such as Facebook Marketplace, Autotrader, Car Sales, Cars Guide and Gum tree are the most commonly affected by such scams.

In around 97 per cent of scams reported, the seller claims to be in the navy, army or air force, or work for the Department of Defence.

They say they need to urgent ly sell their vehicle before “de ployment”, usually overseas.

The urgency, low selling price and lack of inspection are then easily explained by the scammer, and buyers may feel rushed to make a decision or risk missing out on the bargain.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

(ACCC) said car scams have cost millions of dollars overall.

If you have been targeted by a scammer, report it to www. scamwatch.gov.au/report-ascam

Fun new electric dirt bike with a sting in its tail

A DIRT bike that is light-weight, almost silent, fast, environmentally friendly, easy to manoeuver and requires minimal maintenance? It sounds almost too good to be true but the Talaria Sting Electric Dirt Bike, which is now available at the Rainbow Power Company (RPC), comes with all of that and more.

RPCs Nathan Correy said the Talaria is their pick of the bunch and one they have just started stocking. The price is $6,150 and Na than said they are selling fast. The top speed of the sting is 70km/h and it has a range of up to 70km depending on your riding style.

The Talaria Sting, while very similar to the well-known Surron Light Bee, boasts some notable improvements including a larger rear tyre (a common upgrade on the Surron) and an enclosed reduction gearbox over the belt drive reduction, known for collecting mud, sticks and broken belts.

“These bikes are near silent meaning you won’t be disturbing your neighbours with the sound of a petrol dirt bike at 7:30am on a Sunday morning,” Nathan said.

“It features a light weight frame, making it easy for riders of all shapes and sizes up to 100kgs, and a powerful electric motor faster than some due to its instant torque.

“This power is transferred through an effi cient gear drive whilst operating extremely quietly.

“You can also talk to your friends while riding- you can hear each other and have a

conversation.”

Nathan says you can see more wildlife as they aren’t frightened by the noise.

“For adventures with the wife and kids, its compact well-balanced structure is very easy to manoeuvre, and requires minimal mainte nance, just don’t crash it on your first day like we did in sheer excitement,” he said.

“We have additional techy info in the main full-length article on our website and socials.

“We’re not just spruiking a new product, we really are advocating a new lifestyle choice, complete freedom and fun and powered by the sun.

“When I got my off road bike I couldn’t get the smile off my face for weeks; the thrill every afternoon after work, the jobs made easier on the farm, it’s just an obvious choice for a young rural farmer like me who also cares about the environment and likes to have fun.

“We are very stoked (see what I did there) to finally have an electric vehicle for sale here at RPC. Don’t be left behind.

There is a road registerable version com ing soon that will be available through RPC which is great news if you want to get around town. Follow the RPC social media pages for updates.

One note though, Zero emissions from using electric vehicles can only be achieved if cars/ bikes are charged 100% from solar- so think about getting a solar system from the special ists at RPC to charge your EV and lifestyle.

RPC's Talaria Sting Electric Dirt Bike

Picnic for Nature

TWEED WATER Alliance Inc is hosting a slightly off-the-rails picnic on Sunday, October 16, at the Uki Buttery Bazaar Markets. The picnic has its serious sides, highlighting the wastefulness of water extraction for bottling and carrying the Nature Conservation Coun cil of NSW’s clear environmental message to the state government before the elections in March 2023.

TWA Inc spokesperson Pat Miller said that Tweed Water Alliance has some surprises in store.

“Tea will be served, bring your food from the market and join us for a cuppa,” he said.

“In the spirit of recycling, Tweed Water Al liance invites you to take the teacup we give you home.

“The environmental preservation message is vitally important, particularly in our region, so we all need to amplify this message. “Every individual action helps in groundwater

protection, habitat protection and the preser vation of our natural environment.”

Caldera Environment Centre president Dr Sam Dawson the Caldera Environment Centre is holding a picnic at Chillingham Caldera envi ronment Centre, Chillingham Landcare, Tweed Wildlife Carers, Climate Citizens Richmond, Nature Therapy Walks and Nature Thrive

“We’re going to have a lot of tea-sipping fun while getting the message out to government that now is the time to act decisively on global warming,” he said.

“The message, no environment, no economy.”

Further details are on Tweed Water Alliance’s website or the Nature Conservation Council website.

“All are welcome and we look forward to see ing you there.”

9am - 2pm on Sunday, October 16, at the Uki Buttery Bazaar Markets.

Picnic for Nature is also on at Chillingham this Sunday.

Rehearsing

Pam Veness, CEC

Sam Dawson. Helen Dawson, Pat Miller, Pamela Smith (seated), Denise White and hirsute TWA vice-president Trevor White.

FROM FOOD FESTIVALS TO MUSIC GIGS, ART EXHIBITIONS TO SPORTING EVENTS, DISCOVER WHAT’S ON IN THE TWEED.

THE UKI FESTIVAL 2022

UKI

22 - 23 October

WOLLUMBIN ART AWARD 2022 EXHIBITION

TWEED REGIONAL GALLERY AND MARGARET OLLEY ART CENTRE

30 September - 20 November

The Wollumbin Art Award (WAA), named for the mountain the Gallery overlooks, celebrates the calibre and diversity of artists of the region. The WAA 2022 exhibition showcases an impressive selection of artworks from shortlisted finalists across the region including painting, works on paper, ceramics, 3D and digital works.

Celebrate Uki’s flood recovery as Uki says thank you to the “MudArmy” that came to their aid after the Big Flood of Feb ‘22 Catch Ash Grunwald, Hat Fitz and Cara, and more plus the big community BUSH DANCE. FREE Entry. Theukifestival2022

NOVEMBER

MURWILLUMBAH SHOW

MURWILLUMBAH SHOWGROUND

4 - 5 November

One of the longest continuously running Agricultural Shows in Australia, Murwillumbah Show celebrates the best of local agriculture and produce through an annual event where town meets the country. Expect great competition, local exhibitions, excellent food and fun-filled family entertainment. murwillumbahshow.com.au

TYALGUM DANCE

SPECTACULAR

TYALGUM HALL

12 November

TWEED ARTISAN FOOD FESTIVAL

THE TWEED

21 - 30 October

The Tweed Artisan Food Festival delivers a range of bespoke foodie delights, designed to offer you an insider’s experience of our region. Dynamic venues from the coast to the hinterland present a week of events that showcase the outstanding culinary flavours, culture and collective pride of our local producers, chefs and farmers. tweedartisancollective.com.au

CAPTURING NATURE

TWEED REGIONAL MUSUEM

25 October - 28 January

Capturing Nature features images reproduced from the Australian Museum’s collection from 1857 to 1893; some of Australia’s earliest natural history photographs. They tell the story of pioneering natural history and science research as well as the advent of photography in Australia. museum.tweed.nsw.gov.au

The Northern Rivers’ Premiere Annual Dance event is back for 2022. Australia’s best Ballroom, Latin and New Vogue dance couples will return to perform an exciting and glittering display of their incredible talent live at Tyalgum Hall. heartsaflameproductions.com

KINGSCLIFF TRIATHLON

KINGSCLIFF

20 November

Picture perfect coastal destination, with a family friendly course, combined with Kingy’s laid back atmosphere….it’s easy to see why the Kingy Tri is one of Australia’s favourite multi-sport events! kingsclifftri.org

Tyalgum Dance Spectacular

AFTER A three-year COVID-enforced hiatus, the Tyalgum Dance Spectacular makes a glittering return to the Tweed Valley on Saturday, November 12, with tickets on sale now

Just in time for its 10th anniversary, the wildly popular annual Ballroom, Latin and New Vogue dancing showcase will bring more than a touch of old Hollywood glamour to the historic village of Tyalgum.

Dancing with the Stars judge Mark Wilson returns as host for the evening. Australian Champion finalists Rhett and Emma Salmon will perform the ballroom sets along with multi ple Australian Latin Dance Champion Thabang Baloyi and his partner Jenny Wan, New Vogue professionals Melissa Wyatt and Renn Hunt.

As well as providing the perfect backdrop for the elegant ball gowns, swirling New Vogue movements and fiery Latin footwork, the his toric Tyalgum Hall and its soaring acoustics is also renowned for attracting professional opera stars to the Dance Spectacular.

A graduate of London’s Royal Academy of Music and currently starring in a series of con certs in the US, soprano Sofia Troncoso will perform at this year’s event, mixing a number of operatic solos in between the dance sets.

“We’ve got a beautiful show lined up, with a few special surprises for our 10th year but,

more than anything else, it’s just so great to be back,” event organiser, Solar Chapel of Hearts Aflame Productions, said.

“The Dance Spectacular is a much-loved event that brings the whole village to life. It’s absolutely magical, strolling from dinner at Flutterbies up to the red carpet that leads into the old community hall and back to an era of grace and elegance.

“The event attracts people from all over the Northern Rivers and south-east Queensland, helping to revive our tourism industry that has taken such a hammering over the past few years.

“This year, particularly, it is a chance to wel come back all those people who love Tyalgum and what we do here with all our unique events. It is definitely time to put the past behind us.”

Dinner and show packages for the Tyalgum Dance Spectacular are $120 per person, includ ing a two-course pre-show dinner at Flutterbies Café from 6pm. Show only tickets are priced at $70 per person. Phone 0488 713 241 for tickets or book online at heartsaflameproductions.com

Tyalgum Ridge Retreat is offering an exclusive two-night accommodation package for Friday and Saturday November 11 and 12, for $132 per person, for Dance Spectacular attendees: phone 0488 713 241.

Flutterbucks offers pizza, live music, gin and cocktails from 6pm on Friday night.

National Latin Champions Thabang Baloyi and Jenny Wan will dance at the Tyalgum Dance Spectacular

your life,

style! Enjoy fancy finger-

Holiday hoopla has hightailed it, and we’ve returned to our regular weekend-only hours at The Regent, Friday – Sunday, commencing at noon… ‘til not-so-late. I can hear the collective sigh of relief from parents across the shire, as well as the wonderful Regent team, who worked extra shifts for 3 weeks. Big thanks to every one of them for holding it all together! The kids may be back at school, and life returning to some semblance of rhythm for families, but the calendar of events, both at The Regent and in the broader Caldera community, has rapidly ramped up! Once the Spring Equinox passes and days grow longer than nights, everyone decides, “Quick, put it on before the preChristmas craziness!” I saw Christmas decorations for sale the other day on one of my rare Shopping Mall forays, and couldn’t help but tut-tut under my breath. It’s not even Halloween yet! One consumer-crazed festivity at a time, please!! Though, I’m personally looking forward to Halloween, or more specifically, the weekend before, when we will be hosting 3 amazing events! Our Halloween happenings include a double-

dose of Bowie, with the final showing of “Moonage Daydream” followed by a dress-up and sing-along screening of “Labyrinth”, and then Bowie-only Karaoke on the Balcony, so we can “Dance Magic Dance” before the Sunset Soirée. Byron Bay International Film Festival has carefully selected 3 films from their program to screen at The Regent, all critically-acclaimed documentaries. They must have picked up on my penchant for screening this genre! Unseen Skies kicks off on Friday 28th at 7:30pm, and is a timely reminder of the capabilities of satellite surveillance and potential spying in our increasingly interconnected world. Saturday 29th the BBIFF continues for another 7:30pm screening, this time of the unusuallycrafted documentary “My Old School”, in which Alan Cummings (one of my all-time favourite actors) lip-synchs the interview made for the film, since the subject declined to be filmed. Sunday at noon, see “Patou” with Q&A with the man himself, Pat Powell, for the BBIFF finale. Then we welcome the John Lennon Songbook by John Waters!

Sacred Earth at the Regent

SACRED EARTH is excited to be playing at the Murwillumbah Regent Theatre for a night of Mantra, Meditation and Sacred Music on Thursday, October 20.

Australia’s own internationally renowned mantra artists Sacred Earth (Prem and Jethro Williams) are presented by Sacred Sound Temple who describe their work as “uplifting, expansive, music from the heart.”

The ancient mantras, soaring flutes, beautiful soothing melodies and harmonies will transport you to a state of deep, peaceful bliss. Prem and Jethro travel the world with the intention to share music that touches the heart of the listener in the deepest place and to offer a space in which we can all listen deeply to the wisdom of our hearts and remember our

Doco delights

This weekend at The Regent, it’s a documentary expo with five fantastic non-fiction films to choose from.

The delightful discoveries explored through documentary filmmaking give a window into another world, often full of little-known facts as we leave fiction behind.

The craft of cinema remains the same, however, with careful edits to present particular viewpoints held by the filmmakers.

One can’t help slanting it, they’re only hu man after all! Final screenings of Franklin are scheduled alongside newcomer TheTerritory, about the Amazon tribespeople’s plight.

Then continue your nature-lover’s doco binge session with the last screening of Fire of Love, covering the lives of the most extraordinary couple, on their quest to understand the mighty power of volcanoes – closer than anyone had ever dared go before... so close they met their death one fateful day, doing what they loved together.

From fiery pits to flame-licked paintings of hellishness, Edvard Munch, most famous for

purpose on this beautiful earth.

They have sold more than a quarter of a million albums, and are Australia’s top-selling artists in the ambient music genre.

GaiaTree Kirtan will open the evening.

There is also an opportunity to raise funds for a Children’s Cardiac Hospital in Fiji at the event with an information desk set up for anyone interested.

Vegan meal and chai will be available but get in early as there are limited meals provided. Buy tickets at www.sacredearthmusic.com/ tour-dates or at The Regent, Murwillumbah.

Sacred Earth performs on Thursday, October 20, with vegan meal and chai available at 5pm, Gaia Tree Kirtan at 6pm and Sacred Earth kicking off at 7pm.

The Scream, is next up on the cinematic menu for Saturday’s epic line-up.

Finally, the doco-bonanza is rounded off with MoonageDaydream, narrated by the late, great, David Bowie himself, via musings caught on tape throughout his career.

Special prices for intrepid docophiles who want to see more than one, valid for the whole weekend.

We

France on Friday, with our monthly French Club screening THE NIGHT OF THE 12TH, and a chance to chat en Français after the film, whilst indulging in Ben’s beautiful petite four goûter goodness. All levels of linguistic capability are welcome, with donations made directly to our French facilitator. Merci beaucoup!

With such a fantastic array of docos on offer, we thought we’d make a full day of it! Buy your pass to come to multiple documentaries over the weekend, with Saturday completely devoted to the art of documentary film-making, covering a wide array of subjects. Double Doco choices are thoughtfully aligned and topically paired for your viewing pleasure. Last chance to see FRANKLIN + FIRE OF LOVE Sali Bracewell is back on our Balcony for the sunset soirée (now at the DST adjusted time of 6-8pm)

NEXT WEEK: Bill Jacobi is sure to brighten your spirits and get those toes tapping!

SACRED SOUND TEMPLE presents SACRED EARTH + GAIATREE KIRTAN - Thursday 20TH 5pm

COMING SOON: Sunday 30th @ 5pm JOHN LENNON SONGBOOK by JOHN WATERS

– 30th BYRON BAY FILM FESTIVAL presents 3 select films for The Regent’s audience.

IS W K XT W KSHOW MES

OCT TO 19TH OCT

14 OCTOBER

The Night of the 12th 12:00PM

Franklin 2:30PM

The Territory 4:30PM

Ticket to Paradise 6:30PM

SAT 15 OCTOBER

Franklin (FINAL) 12:00PM

The Territory 2:00PM

Fire of Love (FINAL) 4:00PM

Balcony Sessions (LIVE MUSIC ON BALCONY)

SALI BRACEWELL 6:00-8:00PM

Munch:

Love, Ghosts and Lady Vampires 6:00PM Moonage Daydream 8:00PM

SUN 16 OCTOBER

Paco Lara - Album Launch – 2:00PM

The Andalusian Guitar

OCT TO 26TH OCT

20 OCTOBER

Sacred Sound Temple presents SACRED EARTH & GAIATREE 5:00PM

FRI 21 OCTOBER

Moonage Daydream 12:00PM

Ticket to Paradise 2:45PM

The Night of the 12th 5:00PM

Everybody Hates Johan 7:30PM

SAT 22 OCTOBER

Everybody Hates Johan 12:00PM

The Territory 2:00PM

Moonage Daydream 4:00PM

Balcony Sessions (LIVE MUSIC ON BALCONY)

BILL JACOBI 6:00-8:00PM

The Night of the 12th 6:45PM

SUN 23 OCTOBER

Ticket to Paradise (FINAL) 12:00PM

Munch:

Love, Ghosts and Lady Vampires 2:15PM

The Territory 4:15PM Everybody Hates Johan 6:15PM

Moonage Daydream 5:30PM

COMING SOON

SUNDAY

"Same

I I G E

N T

JUNIOR CROSSWORD

WORDSEARCH: TWEED CREEKS

GOANNA ELECTRICAL is a new Pottsville-based business with a focus on cost effective, energy saving and aesthetically pleasing electrical solutions.

Owner Ryan McCready has had 15 years experience in the industry and says he loves his job and is passionate about his work, giving back to the community and helping to make it safe.

“I have extensive experience in all domestic, commercial, industrial and rural application’s coupled with a strong fault finding background, your electrical needs can be hassle free,” Ryan said.

“I even clean up any mess I make along the way.”

Ryan said now that the fire season has started residents need to check smoke alarms. “One tip before you change your battery which could save you thousands and headaches with insurance companies is to check your smoke alarm unit for an expiry date or install date,” he said.

“Each smoke alarm has a life span of 10 years and the sensitivity will reduce over time. “Smoke alarms need to be compliant

in order to fall within the guidelines of your house insurance.

“For those who don’t have the capabilities to reach your smoke alarms safely, book in a free consultation to discuss remote controlled smoke alarms to reduce the risk of injury and provide accessibility when testing or hushing false alarms.

Ryan and his small family have recently moved up from Sydney and are grateful for the welcome they have received from locals.

“We decided to join the rest of you in paradise,” he said.

“It’s been a warm welcome and I’m excited by the clientele I’ve met so far,” Ryan said. “Moving a business and family interstate has had its challenges, though the community has made it easy to settle in, so thank you to the readers I have crossed paths with so far.

“My goals are to run a successful and professional business by giving you the best advice, products and services I can.

“I service areas from Tweed to Ballina, with No Callout Fees during normal working hours and 24/7 Emergency work available.

“Challenge me with your electrical needs, everything is possible and I’m willing to do the work!”

For a Quote call us today on 0408 672 680 or email Goannaelectrical@gmail. com

Coast to

Car for Sale

Caravan for Sale

Classifieds

Positions Vacant

ON

of

Positions Vacant Wanted

Mature men who believe in the magic of Christmas to play the role of Santa Claus in shopping centre locale in the Tweed area. You must be jolly, physically fit, intriguing, and LOVE Christmas and children.

training, costumes provided. MUST be available on Nov/Dec and obtain a Working with

info@jampromocom.au or call 0408

more

Firewood

Snake

Car for Sale

Courses

First Aid Courses

For Sale

Social Group

SOCIAL GROUP OVER 50, Men and ladies, Singles, Organized outings, Get togethers, Nice people and Friendship. Phone 0428

To Let

COOLANGATTA

the

to rent

Club, shops,

Wanted

RENTAL WANTED Flood affected, local working family of 4 desperately seeking a 3+ bedroom

Prefer Murwillumbah area but

Massage Massage

MENTAL HEALTH

Positions Vacant

other

HC Central Coast 3 bedroom, brick house

garage.

block

Caravan for Sale

Positions Vacant

Motorcycle Posties needed

Positions Vacant

Death Notices

FAY ALISON ASHBURN (NEE SPEDDING)

Late of Cudgen Passed away home to heaven 1st October 2022. Aged 81 years.

Dearly loved Wife of Kevin (dec’d). Loved Mother of Alison and Luke and Mother in law of Donna Ashburn. Loved Sister of Ruth Holloway (nee Spedding Dec’d), Lois Spedding, John Spedding, Paul Spedding and Mark Spedding and families.

A Private Burial has been held for Fay at Murwillumbah Garden of Remembrance.

Return Thanks

Leah Maree Ryder

1/11/79 – 10/09/22

Paul and Brody, Kay & Wayne, Gloria, Tim and Family, John & Evelyn Wish to express our deepest appreciation to family, friends and Co- workers for the support offered to our family during Leah’s illness. For the many flowers, messages of condolences and Cooking. A special thank you to the nursing staff and volunteers of Wedgetail Retreat for their unending tender care and commitment afforded to Leah. To Fr Peter Wood and Fr. Joe Guinea for their comfort and support. Gone with the angels to eternal life. May perpetual light shine upon you. May you Rest in Peace Amen.

In Memoriam

Cecily Collett (née Skinner)

Passed away peacefully on the 31st of October 2022.

wife of Albert Raymond skinner.

mother of Christine, John and Patricia. Loving grandmother of 9 and great grandmother of 22. Loving wife of Gordon Charles Collett. Her funeral will be held at the Tweed Heads Crematorium on the 17th October at 11.30am (NSW time).

and friends are welcome to help celebrate the life of Cecily.

In loving memory of Jan Maloney (nee. Mudge)

away tragically 13th September 2022.

Beloved wife of Kevin (dec.), adored mother to Russell, Debbie and Leanne, much loved sister to Trevor, loved sister in-law and very cherished Nan of her grandchildren.

Forever in our hearts.

Family and friends are warmly invited to a funeral service for Jan to be held at the Tweed Valley Cemetery Chapel, 813 Eviron Road, Eviron on Monday 17th October 2022 at 10am (NSW time).

In loving memory of Jon omas Butler ‘Harry’

Late of Murwillumbah. Passed away peacefully on Friday 7th October 2022. Aged 65 Years.

Much loved Son of Nancy McDonald & Brian Butler (dec’d) and Step-Son of Brian McDonald (dec’d). Loved Brother of Bre Butler. As per Harry’s wishes a Private Cremation has been held.

Ph: (02) 6672 2144 Murwillumbah

Memoriam

Gary “Jock” BRIMS

Time slips by and life goes on, but from our heart you’re never gone. We think about you always. We talk about you too. We have so many memories, but we wish we still had you.

always – Gail, Craig, Tanya & Lyle, Leisa, Sam, Lauren & Sophie, Family & Friends.

02 6672 2144

STREADER Jean 04/10/2022

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

ARKSEY Veronica 05/10/2022

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

DRUCE Margaret Anne 05/10/2022

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

HAINS Robert Stanley 08/10/2022

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

COSTELLO Kenneth Arthur 09/10/2022

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

JAMES Robyn Joan 09/10/2022

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

FAULKNER Ernest Albert 18/9/2022

Heritage Brothers O7 55991500

MITCHELL Francis Arthur 21/9/2022

Heritage Brothers O7 55991500

WALSH Peter David 22/9/2022

Heritage Brothers O7 55991500

LAROUX Maxwell David 22/9/2022 Heritage Brothers O7 55991500

MISSON Suzanne Florence 22/9/2022 Heritage Brothers O7 55991500

HUTCHISON Maisie Jean 26/9/2022 Heritage Brothers O7 55991500

BRAMALL Sylvia Bettina 30/9/2022 Heritage Brothers O7 55991500

DUNHAM Dorothy Joan 1/10/2022 Heritage Brothers O7 55991500

DUDGEON Rebecca Shantell 26/9/2022 Heritage Brothers O7 55991500

magnificent home

Tweed Valley &

Timber home with architectural hints of the orient

be one of the

of timber home architecture in the Tweed Valley. After 27 years the current owner

to a lucky purchaser

of its magnificence.

home consists of 4 good sized bedrooms

bathrooms. A bath wrapped in glass to take advantage of the forest and the perfect place to relax and recharge.

lounge room with cathedral ceiling

a glass wall is soaked in light with breath taking forest views. The house has a central courtyard with fish pond

certainly feel a taste of the orient.

Real Estate

FROM COAST TO

Mixed reviews on the current state of the market

By Madeleine Murray

IT’S BEEN a rollercoaster ride since the surreal months last year when people from Melbourne, Perth and Sydney were buying houses in the Northern Rivers, sight unseen.

Dozens of people would go to a house viewing, and put in offers, only to be told that someone from Perth had just bought it.

those months, real estate companies only had one or two houses for sale.

Local real estate agents have different views about the current market.

DJ Stringer Property Services Principal David Stringer told The Weekly the market is stabilising with some increased activity, as well as reduced prices.

“In the last couple of weeks, we’ve seen an increase in activity with open homes inspections,” Mr Stringer said.

“People are coming from Melbourne and Sydney and the increase has been quite noticeable, particularly in suburbs such as Banora Point and Tweed Heads.

“There has been a correction in prices over the last eight to ten

weeks, some falling by as much as 20 per cent.”

Mr Stringer said prices have been reduced “as the expectations were probably too high.”

“Sellers have had to adjust their prices,” he said.

“What was $1.2 million a few months ago could be $1 million now.”

We all remember the winter and spring of 2021 when there was a frantic rush to buy one of the few houses on the market.

This was partly fuelled by COVID which suddenly allowed people to work from home, and the desire to get out of the city to a healthier, regional lifestyle.

“The peak lasted until the beginning of 2022,” Mr Stringer said.

“In the second quarter of this year, we started to see a slowdown in the market, with interest rates rising and general uncertainty.

“We came off such a high, it’s taken some time to stabilise. I can’t see it going backwards or upwards.”

Schmith Real estate Principal Justin Schmith is a bit more pessimistic.

Open Homes

Saturday, October 15

MANA Real Estate

33/19 Elizabeth Street, Pottsville. Sat 9-9.30am

7 Saddle Way, Murwillumbah. Sat 9.30-10am

18 Dorothy Street, Murwillumbah. Sat 9.45-10.15am

41 Coral Fern Circuit, Murwillumbah. Sat 10.30-11am

1/3 Halyard Court, Ocean Shores. Sat 11-11.30am

19 Chevell Place, Smiths Creek. Sat 11.30-12pm

119 Smiths Creek Road, Smiths Creek. Sat 11.45-12.15pm

14 Narooma Drive, Ocean Shores. 12-12.30pm

Belinda Franks

5 Martin Street, Murwillumbah. Sat 11-11.30am

439 Tweed Valley Way, South Murwillumbah, Sat 10-10.30am

973 Reserve Creek Road, Reserve Creek. Sat 1.30-2.15pm

“This might be the last good quarter for a while,” Mr Schmith said.

“Interest rates are going up, there is now the halving of borrowing capacity.

“This could be the last quarter where we see some premium results.

“There’s a lot more pain coming.”

Rising interest rates, and the recent constrained borrowing capacities, are causing home prices nationally to fall.

By September they were 3.4 per cent below their March peak.

These declines are mainly driven by the Reserve Bank’s proactive response to inflation, and the government’s recent announcement of stricter borrowing rules.

McGrath Real Estate

1/11 Parkland Place, Banora Point- 9.30-10am

4 Mourne Terrace, Banora Point- 10- 10.30am

2/1 Eddy Place, Kingscliff- 12- 12.30pm

DJ Stringer Property Services

181 Tweed Valley Way, South Murwillumbah 10-10:30am

2124/14-22

Stuart St, Tweed Heads 10-10:30am

11 Mourne Tce, Banora Point 11-11:30am

3/12 Marian St, Tweed Heads West 11-11:30am

12 Ocean Ave, Tweed Heads South 11-11:30am

15 Chardonnay Cres, Tweed Heads South 12-12:30pm

1/2 Endeavour Pde, Tweed Heads 1-1:30pm

Tate Brownlee Real Estate

36/3-19 Amaroo Drive, Banora Point 9:00-9:30am

10/13 Cabernet Court, Banora Point 9:00-9:30am

2/85 Henry Lawson Drive, Terranora 10:00-10:30am

14/5 Sedalia Place, Banora Point 10:00-10:30am

5 Elm Place, Banora Point 11:30-12:00pm 12PM AUCTION

35 Old Ferry Road, Banora Point 1:00-1:30pm

We’re here to connect the property dots

24 Parkes Lane, Terranora 2:00-2:30pm

12 Ribbonwood Pl, Terranora 2:30-3:00pm

First National Open homes

2/21 McPherson Court, Murwillumbah - 9 – 9.30am

2 Elouera Terrace Bray Park - 9.30 – 10am

9 Mooball St, Murwillumbah - 10 – 10.30am

5 Kintyre Crescent, Banora Point 10 – 10.30am

148 Bakers Road, Dunbible – 10 – 10.30am

10 George Street Murwillumbah - 10.30 – 11am

10 Oakbank Tce, Murwillumbah 11 – 11.30am

62 Myrtle St, Murwillumbah 11– 11.30am

27-29 Bawden St, Tumbulgum – 11 - 11.30am

109 Bonnydoon Rd, Uki – 11 – 11.30am

10 Culbara Court, Stokers Siding - 11-45 - 12.15pm

1 Sapphire St, Murwillumbah 12– 12.30pm

3808 Kyogle Road, Mount Burrell – 12- 12.30pm

Kookaburra Court, Stokers Siding – 12.30 - 1pm

1636 Tyalgum Rd, Tyalgum – 2 – 2.30pm

Elders Tweed Valley

Midginbil Road, Midginbil – 2-2.30pm

This Murwillumbah home is for Sale for $819,000 with First National Real Estate Murwillumbah.

This rare coastal block of land is on the market with Elders Real Estate Tweed Valley & Coolangatta.

This Kunghur property is for sale with Northern Rivers Property Group.

Family Home

For Sale

Lifestyle Acreage

been dreaming

well-maintained

plenty of room for children

like

own

Sale

the beach

bedroom

come home

high-end

landscaped

showstopping

Sale

Ultimate Lifestyle Home

yourself in the natural beauty of crystal-clear running creeks, abundant wildlife & your own private acreage.

main residence sits overlooking the gently winding creek that flows as the natural boundary for the property. Sit back and enjoy the view of Mount Warning from your full wrap around veranda and admire the beautiful greenery that could be your farm.

wonderful combination of flat cleared areas, coupled with rainforest wildlife corridors makes this property a unique opportunity.

a few head of cattle, a hobby goat, or a few horses for adventure riding would be ideal with an abundance of grazing land

treed areas to explore.

house yard is fenced to help keep your pets enclosed and the wildlife outside protected.

water irrigation rights to allow you the perfect opportunity to set up your very own fruit orchard or resource security

hotter summer

Unique Private Sanctuary

Offering serene tranquility and privacy, this charming riverside and linear park residence has just been upgraded and offers several points of difference. With a keen eye for detail, all surfaces, inclusions and fittings have been thoughtfully selected. The result is a contemporary yet comfortable showpiece with an overall feeling of placid solitude and a calm sense of home.

The spacious living area flows seamlessly out to the lush sanctuary backdrop and through to the leafy reserve and glistening water beyond. Upmarket floating flooring flows through to the spacious family area which is tastefully defined into subtly defined living and dining spaces. Elegant lighting and effective use of mirrors add a note of sophistication.

Stone benchtops, stylish tile splashbacks, integrated water filtration are all on offer in the well-designed and functional showcase kitchen.

The oversize Master bedroom overlooks the lush garden and offers ornate lighting, automatic blinds and “hidden’ walk-thru-robe and ensuite.

A huge point of difference here is a fully fenced yard, but it is far more than just your ordinary backyard. Step out onto your rear patio and be ushered into another world altogether, a manicured oasis that delights the senses and gives a sense of calm and tranquility in a unique and calming environment. Relax and entertain in the substantial timber pergola fitted out with fans and lighting, a perfect place for dining or just quiet contemplation.

And from there…. Through the back gate lies a secluded reserve. Enjoy leisurely walks or bike rides for kilometres along the crystal-clear deep-water river which enjoys tidal flow. There’s a boat ramp at the end of the road; you can launch your kayak from the small sandy beach, or enjoy a refreshing swim. Overstatement? Well, you be the judge…

Other positive features include:

• Ducted air-conditioning throughout.

• Extra multi-purpose room with several options. Study? Storeroom?

• Large but unobtrusive rainwater tank with pump.

• Brand new 315 litre hot water system.

• Separate laundry

• Planted out vegetable patches which can easily be converted to garden beds.

• Unaffected by recent or previous weather events.

Yes, welcome to Sunset Boulevard, so close to everything but like a world away from the cares of the day. All offers will be respectfully considered.

To arrange a private inspection or for further information please contact Steve Riding of Base Property Group on 0438 365 457

Beautifullly presented, north facing with modern interior less than 1km to town centre. Features include large covered outdoor living/dining, inground magnesium pool, extensive solar array w' battery storage, solid timber floors, 9'6" ceilings, plantation shutters, louvre windows, fully fenced yard, raised vege gardens, water tank. This home was not affected in 2022 flood event.

SOLD!

Beautifully presented, large 4 bedroom home has 5 separate living spaces providing ample room for a large family. Brand new pool house & studio. Great location, quiet area, well positioned to the beach and M1 to commute north/south. Lush rolling acres with spring-fed stream, ideal for kids, pets, golf or livestock. This home is a rare opportunity in the coastal rural market to get so much value in a property, ready to move into and enjoy.

Home -

This solid, original cottage taking in a majestic view to Wollumbin (Mt Warning) and the Caldera has a DA approval in place for full width extension at rear & ensuite/walk-in robe to main. Completely above flood risk, the home is ready to be transformed. New roof, solid hardwood construction/concrete & timber stumps, 10ft ceilings, original floors & windows. Secure this great position, close to the Gallery & 2km to town.

Concept Elevation

Open HomesThurs 4-5pm

10-10.30am

House Plans available

your new home site in the highly sought Altitude Estate.

681m2 allotment enjoys a great northerly, elevated aspect

to the hinterland, Gold Coast & Tweed. Gentle slope from the street frontage with a stunning concept plan for a 2 level home (4 brms, media room, studio, multiple in/outdoor living areas

inground pool) designed for modern family living.

vendors

character home

walkthrough-robe

en-suite Large 1162sqm

for the kids

play, veggies

grow and chickens

roam Sparkling spa, fire pit and pizza oven - an entertainer's