Tweed Valley Weekly, Oct 17, 2024

By Jo Kennett

Local skater and Aussie champ Summer Rackley is flying high

Shock move in mayoral vote

By Jo Kennett

THERE WAS shock in the vote for the next mayor of Tweed Shire Council after six previous councillors were officially sworn in along with one new councillor following an Extraordinary Meeting of Council on Thursday, October 10.

Cr Chris Cherry was re-elected as mayor and Cr Meredith Dennis OAM re-elected as deputy mayor unopposed after Cr James Owen and Cr Reece Byrnes both declined their nominations to contest the mayoral and deputy mayoral positions respectively.

Cr Kimberley Hone was elected and sworn in as a councillor for the first time with Councillors Brinsmead, Byrnes, Cherry, Dennis, Owen and Cr Nola Firth all re-elected in September.

In a statement to The Weekly Cr Owen said he had the support of Cr Rhiannon Brinsmead and Cr Byrnes for the role of mayor, “but, and despite our best efforts to secure the support of Cr Hone, I was made aware just before the extraordinary meeting that Cr Hone was not going to vote in support of my nomination and therefore I withdrew my nomination as that was always the agreement; either we had majority support to get it done and implement the change we so desperately needed, or we walked.”

“Cr Hone was very aware that this was the agreement,” Cr Owen said.

Now Cr Hone says it’s time councillors

“moved on with the job at hand.”

“My focus will be on delivering the outcomes that my community needs and the policy platform that I campaigned on,” Cr Hone told The Weekly.

“I look forward to working with all councillors and council staff in order to achieve this.

“There’s no reason that Cr James Owen, Rhi, Reece Byrne and myself can’t work together on projects and policies.

“We don’t need the mayoral or deputy role to do that.”

The vote marked Cr Cherry’s fourth term as mayor. She has served as mayor of the Tweed Shire for the past 4 years, including through the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 flood.

The new deputy mayor, Cr Meredith Dennis OAM, will serve one year in the role, until September 2025.

Cr Cherry, who will serve in the role for two years until the mid-term mayoral election in September 2026, thanked the community for placing their trust in her

once again.

“I really thank the community for their endorsement – the community has told me they like stability in leadership at this time and I want to provide that,” Cr Cherry said.

“The community has given a resounding endorsement of council by electing the same leadership team as the previous term, with just one new representative in Cr Kimberly Hone elected to replace the retiring Cr Warren Polglase.

“My priority in the next term will be on affordable housing and managing growth in the Tweed so we can have great development while protecting the amenities of our residents and our beautiful Shire.

“I congratulate Cr Meredith Dennis OAM on her appointment as deputy mayor and look forward to working with her again. It is exciting to have five women elected to the Council and to see that reflected in our leadership.

“The majority of residents voted for a progressive council, so it is fitting that the leadership reflects this. As an independent, I will work with all councillors and politicians of all levels to ensure the best outcomes for the Tweed.”

This is Cr Dennis’ third term as deputy.

“I am thrilled to be re-elected as deputy mayor and look forward to another year of supporting the mayor to the best of my ability,” Cr Dennis said.

The newly elected Councillors are currently undergoing an in-depth induction program.

Tweed electric buses a winner

FOUR ZERO Emission Buses (ZEBs) in Armidale and Tweed Heads have collectively clocked up more than 64,000 kilometres, more than 2600 hours in charging and more than 25,000 passenger journeys during the ZEB trial.

At the BusNSW 2024 Member Conference in Sydney today, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison announced the second deployment of Transport for NSW’s $25 million regional trials.

More buses will start rolling out from next week with three ZEB school buses going to each of Queanbeyan and Deniliquin and one to Narrabri.

The trials will collect data from Zero Emissions Buses and coaches in different environments, terrain, temperatures, and conditions.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said she welcomed the enthusiastic support and positive feedback from the Armidale and Tweed communities regarding our Zero Emission Bus trials.

“The early trial data shows ZEBs are

really living up to their name with zero breakdowns and zero charging issues despite operating in challenging conditions,”

Minister Aitchison said.

“From unsealed roads to steep hilly climbs and temperatures hitting below minus-5 around Armidale – these buses are cutting tailpipe emissions and showing ZEBs have the potential to thrive in regional areas.”

Edwards Coaches Managing Director Brad Edwards said feedback from the drivers and passengers has so far been positive.

“The trial has provided very promising results showing excellent durability and reliability of these vehicles,” he said.

“Participating in this trial has already given us a lot of valuable insights into the capabilities of zero emissions technology.”

Martin Hall, Kinetic’s Executive General Manager for South-East Queensland and Tweed said the feedback from passengers is overwhelmingly positive.

“School children are happy to be enjoying the quiet and smooth ride,” he said.

“It has been wonderful to see students

learn more about the technology and how sustainable transport will play a such an important role in their futures.”    Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said the Tweed is an early and regular up taker of renewables, so this is a good fit for our region.

“We can tell that people are happy and the buses are working well,” she said.

“Because it’s been a trial, we know it’s the start of more good things to come as we get to our renewable targets.”

Emily Suvaal MLC, Labor spokesperson for Tweed said the NSW Government remains committed to more sustainable transport with promising results so far.

The Tweed's new team of councillors L-R James Owen, Rhiannon Brinsmead, Reece Byrnes, Nola Firth, Chris Cherry, Kimberly Hone and Meredith Dennis.

Hospital thanks

Some weeks ago I presented to Murwillumbah Hospital with acute back and leg pain.

I would like to acknowledge the professionalism and caring shown by staff.

I thank them very much for their help.

We in the Murwillumbah community are very fortunate to have such a high standard of care available to us.

Gerry Matthews, Kielvale

Free Speech

I think most reasonable people are in favour of free speech (R Wesley, TVW, October 10, 2024). While I am not going to comment on the specifics of a proposed Bill, I also think most reasonable people would consider that there has been a significant increase in the volume of misinformation and disinformation in social media and in particular media outlets over recent years.

It is ironic that the Fox Murdoch Press (Lachlan Murdoch) was held as a beacon of free speech in the aftermath of the promulgating disinformation about the Dominion Voting System in 2020. Fox was ordered by the court to pay Dominion US$787.5 million in damages. Dominion lawyer Justin Nelson told reporters outside a Delaware courthouse after Superior Court Judge Eric Davis announced the deal, “The truth matters. Lies have consequences.”

As recently as this week, Chris Wallace (formerly of Fox News) said, “I had no problem with conservative opinion any more than I do with liberal opinion... But what I do have

FURNITURE

a problem with is conspiracy and lies. The truth is non negotiable.”

The biggest falsehood yet is the Big Lie, that Trump won in 2020. A lie, if repeated often enough, can stick.

We heard the Big Lie again last week when Vance refused to admit in a debate that Trump lost in 2020.

I am not optimistic that a law will work properly to curb misinformation being promulgated. I think it is problematic if people only get their news from one source as echo-chambers can result, leading to self-fueling conspiracy theories.

Andrew Rutherford, Cabarita

I didn’t vote for Cr Owen

I was one of the 70 per cent majority of voters that did not choose James Owen.

We do not need a mayor pushing the LNP barrow or any other political party for that matter.

He did no more than any other councillor over the last three years and in fact did his best to overwhelm council staff with spurious requests.

The previous council under mayor Chris Cherry did a fantastic job and am sure will continue to do so.

And I would be sticking with the mayor being chosen by the elected councillors to avoid political party bias.

This has worked well for the Tweed in the past so why change it?

Anthony Malivanek, Bray Park

Parking vigilantism

Last week I experienced an episode of parking vigilantism in the Tweed.

This follows many other episodes in the Tweed of people verbally asking me to move my car because it is

outside their house, sometimes even when I am their neighbour, and there is plenty of parking.

This is not something I have experienced elsewhere.

My feeling is that people of the Tweed are overly territorial about the land outside their homes - it is public land for the use of everyone - and designed to be that way.

Whilst I am always happy to move my car if someone has a good reason (ie the removals truck needs to park there), it is not reasonable or necessary to ask people to move their cars just because they have parked outside your house. People don’t own the verge or the street.

I think it would be a good idea to do a story on this, so more people know what is right.

Thanking you, Vicki Logan, Banora Point,

STR cap

I consider myself fortunate to be a homeowner in a duplex in Bogangar.

Last week, I discovered the adjacent duplex sold to investors who intend to use it for short term holiday rentals, leaving one less residence in our village for a family to live in and contribute 365 days a year to the community, including of course, the family currently tenanted there.

Aside from the typical concern of sharing common property with potentially disrespectful visitors, as a woman living by herself, I am also saddened by the loss of a sense of security, safety and community that I have enjoyed with long term neighbours. I strongly support a 60-day cap on short term holiday rentals in the Tweed.

This was implemented in the Byron Shire (with the exception of two exclusion zones) in September and I urge Tweed Shire Council to seek a similar planning amendment from the State Government.

Disillusioned, Bogangar

Cudgen Leagues Club

I’m just writing to say please open the club back up.

We live in Chinderah and it would be a great boost for the community and it’s been too long now.

Come on, open it up.

Charmain Moore, Chinderah

Cudgen club

If they would have gone with Twin Towns’ offer from the start we will have a wonderful club opened already.

Jo Philip, Kingscliff

Cards at club

Yes definitely, open the club, the sooner the better. We played cards there every week for quite a few years before the very unfortunate fire, the second one which finally closed the doors in 2020.

Sylvia Mills

Mental Health

I write on behalf of the not-for-profit Mental Illness Fellowship Australia to highlight to readers that if you or someone you know is facing a mental health issue, reach out. Help is out there.

It is now estimated an alarming 68 per cent of people who have severe mental health issues are missing out on any kind of community support to help them - that’s nearly seven out

of ten.

We are completely focused on getting rid of the stigma around severe mental illness in particular. It is time we all realised people who are affected need our support.

Thousands and thousands of Australians with mental health issues are ending up in our local hospitals and emergency departments because they believe it is the only option for them. We urge people in your area to realise recovery is unquestionably possible. We have a key not-for-profit network called Finding North which has become a growing community on the internet, to link people with mental health issues with others in a similar situation so they can share their experiences.

More information: www.findingnorth.org.au

Tony Stevenson, Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia, National CEO

Correction

Last week’s Tweed Valley Weekly included an update on the Cudgen Leagues Club with quotes from Norths Collective CEO Luke Simmons, saying that both boards were at the ‘positive narrow end of important MOU negotiations.’ The quotes were from last week, not earlier this year as stated in the article.

Editor

Koala signs for Clothiers Creek

By Jo Kennett

NEW SIGNS encouraging drivers to slow down on Clothiers Creek Road have been installed thanks to a $70,000 NSW government Local Small Commitments Allocation Program grant, as part of a suite of measures to protect drivers and wildlife along the koala zone corridor.

The new signs, featuring a smiling koala face, have been installed at either end of the koala zone corridor between North Hill Court and Sliprails Road west of Bogangar, to alert motorists to reduce speed and drive with care.

The road is a busy connector between the Pacific Highway and the Tweed Coast, with more than 3,270 vehicles travelling along the winding stretch each day.

It cuts through Cudgen Nature Reserve which is a vital crossing zone for the endangered Tweed Coast koala population, whose numbers are under significant threat.

The two new solar-powered signs monitor the speed of passing vehicles and remind drivers to reduce speed from 80 km/h to 70 km/h as they pass through the koala zone.

The signs displaying a green smiley face koala when drivers adhere to the speed limits. If drivers exceed the limit, red text will prompt them to slow down. An additional four smiley-face signs have been purchased for other areas of the shire.

Tweed Shire Council deputy mayor Meredith Dennis OAM thanked the NSW government for their support of the road safety initiative. She told The Weekly she had been campaigning on it for a long time, working with Council Director Engineering David Oxenham, and was absolutely thrilled to see the signs up and running for the first time. .

“It is perilous for our endangered koala population who cross the road where it cuts through the Cudgen Nature Reserve.

“Unfortunately, a number of koalas are hit and killed along this road each year, and we know fewer than 20 per cent of koalas hit by cars survive the trauma.

“Also when you stick to the speed limit here people are right behind you and people shouldn’t be intimidated to speed up. You should stick to the speed limit and give koalas a chance.”

Clothiers Creek Road is a black spot for accidents which have included fatalities, and Cr Dennis offered her condolences to affected families.

NSW Government North Coast spokesperson Emily Suvaal MLC welcomed the i nitiative and commended Tweed Shire Council for working to improve road safety and protect native wildlife.

“The Minns Government is committed to improving road safety right across NSW, and it is projects like these that work to improve driver awareness and safety, particularly as we head into the busy holiday per iod,” she said.

Member for Richmond Justine Elliot MP said the NSW Labor government funding will improve safety for motorists and “our precious koalas.”

“I acknowledge all those in the community who have fought so hard for more safety signs, and I thank the NSW Minns Labor Government for delivering on their 2023 NSW state election commitment for extra road safety ‘smiley’ signs for the Tweed Shire,” Ms Elliot said.

A speed limit review of Clothiers Creek Road by Transport for NSW at Council’s request determined the current speed zone

of 70 km/h remains appropriate.

Council is consulting with the federal government about approvals for road and environmental protection works in coastal wetland areas. A traffic engineering consultant has been engaged to prepare a traffic assessment that considers all proposed design options and their impacts on traffic behaviour and distribution.

Council is also looking into solar-powered lighting for chicanes. A survey will be commissioned to gain a detailed understanding of potential impacts of each design option.

To learn more about how Council build, upgrade and maintain a safe and connected local road network, including how we prioritise road maintenance projects, visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/roads.

For more information on Council’s koala programs visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/koalas.

Apartments with services now selling

Superbly positioned a short drive from the beach, Ocean View is a welcoming community offering a coastal lifestyle with glorious ocean views. Enjoy low-maintenance living with the convenience of sought-after community facilities and activities, and local shops, transport and lifestyle amenities nearby.

With affordable studio, 1 and 2 bedroom apartments with services such as meals and housekeeping now available, 24/7 emergency call system and friendly team, enjoy peace of mind in retirement.

Mayor Chris Cherry, Deputy Mayor Meredith Dennis, MP Emily Suvaal and MP Justine Elliot

THE LEGAL LIGHT!

Strata Owners Corporation convicted over site death

The strata owners corporation of an industrial complex in Berkeley was recently convicted in the NSW District Court after a damaged heavy gate fell on a worker and killed him.

Safework NSW, which brought the court action, said it was the first conviction of an owners corporation for failing to take action to prevent an industrial accident and it should be a warning to all strata owners not to neglect workplace safety.

The Owners Corporation was fined $225,000 for breaching work health and safety laws and ordered to pay $40,000 in legal costs.

Personal injury lawyer Taylor Kennedy at Stacks Law Firm said the strata owners escaped the maximum fine of $1.73 million because, among other things, they pleaded guilty early, but they could still be open to being pursued for compensation by the victim’s family.

“Where there is neglect of workplace safety or a failure to take preventative action when managers have been alerted to possible dangers to workers, they are open to being pursued to pay compensation for workplace injury or death,” Ms Kennedy said.

The judge found the Owners Corporation failed in its legal work health and safety duty under section 20(2) of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 thereby exposing workers to a risk of serious injury or death.

A 64-year-old male worker died on 12 June 2020 after the electric industrial entry gate weighing 260kg fell on him when he tried to manually open it. The 8.5-metre-long, 2-metre-high gate was damaged on 4 June 2020 after a van ran into it, pushing it off its tracks.

The Owners Corporation gave approval for the gate repairs the next day and a work order was issued to the strata managing agent. But no signs warning it was unsafe were erected, nor did the Owners Corporation take any action to prevent the manual operation of the gate. The court found repairs were not treated as a matter of urgency and the worker was killed when the gate fell on him eight days later as he tried to open it.

The employer of the deceased worker was also convicted and fined $375,000 after pleading guilty to failing to comply with its duty to ensure the health and safety of its workers.

“Strata owners corporations are legally required to ensure the body corporate takes active steps to rectify any damaged common property that could cause risks to health and safety.”

Flooding rains hit the Valley

By Jo Kennett

IT’S BEEN another wild and stormy week and not the type of spring weather many of us have been looking forward to, with roads around the shire flooding and several closed, and around 170 mm of rain recorded in some areas in less than 24 hours.

That’s nearly seven inches in old school measurements, with flooding around the shire seeing closures at points on Nobbys Creek Road, Piggabeen Road, Hogan’s Road, Round Mountain Road and Fernvale Road blocked with a tree down, among other local road closures.

There was also water over the road on the M1, Kennedy Drive, Wharf Street, Ducat Street and Dry Dock Road (or not so Dry Dock Road as it was suddenly renamed) in Tweed Heads, as well as several streets in Kingscliff, Wommin Bay Drive in Chinderah, parts of Tweed Coast Road at Cudgen, Clothiers Creek Road, Tweed Valley Way as well as several roads around Murwillumbah and surrounds.

Coles Supermarket in Tweed Mall was forced to shut early on Wednesday due to flooding but was opened the next morning.

A whopping 179 mm was recorded at the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) Bray Park weather station in the 21 hours from 9am Wednesday, October 9 to 6am Thursday, October 10, Kingscliff had 171 mm, with 167 mm at Tweed Heads/Duranbah, 149 mm at the Murwillumbah Sewerage Treatment Plant, Tumbulgum had 140 mm, Banora Point had 133 mm, Burringbar

North Arm had 126 mm and Upper Crabbes Creek recorded 108 mm.

Residents around Dunbible, Dungay and North Arm also reported falls of between 130 mm and 156 mm in 24 hours. Another local resident in the Murwillumbah area said he had recorded 186 mm in his rain gauge.

Unfortunately many drivers are failing to slow down on flooded roads, apparently unaware that they are sending waves of water into low-lying properties and threatening homes.

There were also four wheel drives and utes overtaking smaller vehicles on Kennedy Drive, sometimes blinding drivers with spray, as shown below in the video screenshot by Helen Million.

Some community disaster response teams, such as Stokers Siding CRT, were activated in case help was needed in their communities. We are lucky to have so

many wonderful volunteers giving up their precious time to keep us all safe.

For residents who lived through the horrors of the 2022 floods, who must lie awake wondering what’s going on or get up to check rainfall and flood alerts, these rain events can be triggering, so it was a relief when the rain finally took a break on Thursday morning.

Unfortunately the unsettled, wetter and cooler than normal weather is set to continue for the time being but then it always makes those beautiful sunny days seem so much better when they do arrive.

To check out local rain gauges go to the BOM homepage and click on Rainfall and River Conditions in the bottom left corner (with thanks to Tim Smerd for the original tip on that).

For more information during weather events see Tweed Emergency Dashboard at: emergency.tweed.nsw.gov.au/home

There’s a ute in there somewhere - Kennedy Drive, Tweed Heads West, Wednesday, October 9

Piggabeen Road early Thursday morning from Council's flood monitoring cameras

By Jo Kennett

TWEED VALLEY power workers rallied outside the Essential Energy depots in Murwillumbah and Tweed Heads on Thursday, October 3, protesting the company’s refusal to provide workers with fair pay, the latest employees saying they could make a lot more money working across the border.

A crowd of local power workers headed to the Essential Energy depots across the Tweed Valley, joining hundreds of Essential Energy workers statewide also rallying at local depots to demand fair wages and working conditions that keep pace with the cost of living.

Electrical Trades Union (ETU) NSW/ACT

Acting Secretary, Brad McDougall, said Essential Energy workers in the Tweed Valley – who maintain and operate the local electrical distribution network – have watched their wages go backwards in real terms over recent years.

“All these workers want is a fair go – a decent pay increase that helps them and their families keep their heads above water,” Mr McDougall said.

“Workers at Essential Energy have been trying to negotiate a fair agreement for many months now, but the bosses are simply refusing to listen.

“Tweed Valley power workers could earn up to $10 more an hour more as an entry level line worker if they moved across the border to Queensland. We don’t want to lose these frontline workers, but if Essential Energy keeps treating them with such contempt, we’ll no doubt see more workers forced to pack up their families and leave.

“Entry level lineworkers at Essential Energy now earn more than 20 per cent less than the same worker at Energy Queensland.

“These workers are among the first responders in emergency situations who restore power during severe weather events at any time of the day or night.

“They deserve to be able to provide for them-

selves and their families.”

Mr McDougall said the gap between workers’ wages and the cost of living is widening, which is having a significant impact on local workers and their communities.

“Our power workers are local Tweed Valley community members trying to pay their bills, rent, kids’ sporting fees and groceries just like every other family,” he said.

“That’s getting harder and harder as the cost of living rises and their wages continue to stagnate.

“We’re very hopeful that common-sense will soon prevail and Essential Energy will come to the table with an offer that provides workers with the fair pay and conditions they deserve.”

An Essential Energy spokesperson said employees have had the chance to vote on an Enterprise Agreement offer that included “an industry-leading 15 per cent pay increase over three years, a one per cent increase to superannuation, an upfront payment of $5,000 and significant enhancements to allowances, wellbeing benefits, leave improvements and other conditions.”

“Essential Energy, the combined unions and bargaining representatives have been informed that a majority of the eligible employees who voted, did not support the proposed Enterprise Agreement,” the spokesperson said.

“Essential Energy revised its offer to employees on August 28, 2024, underlining the energy distributor’s ongoing efforts to agree on a new Enterprise Agreement.”

Essential Energy says the union claims include a 24 per cent pay increase over the next three years in wages, plus a 1.5 per cent increase in superannuation. It says the Electrical Trades Union (ETU) has also claimed a $4.50 per hour per employee retention allowance, representing a cost of $82 million over the life of the agreement and says it would impact electricity bills.

Theft water loss

By Jil Hogan

A DUNGAY resident is furious after a theft that took place during a recent storm which puts the owner’s property in a precarious position should a bushfire threaten.

The resident alleges someone entered his property overnight on Wednesday, October 9, targeting vital water infrastructure and causing damage.

“The big shed near the road has two 20,000 litre rainwater tanks - our emergency water supply,” the resident, who didn’t want to be identified, said.

“These lowlifes removed three of the two-inch valves and all the fittings, resulting in the loss of 40 tonnes of rainwater.”

As well as the expense to repair the infrastructure, which will not be covered by insurance, the resident also said the large loss of water was a particular blow to them with bushfire season coming up.

“It’s unforgivable,” the Dungay property owner said.

“We are heading into a fire season.

“Around this area, you can’t be without water and to lose 40 tonnes of water is a big deal.

“It just goes to show you the mentality of some people.

“Thieving is not good enough, but they don’t even think about the repercussions.”

The resident said this sort of activity was rare for Dungay, where they have lived for two decades.

Their property was also targeted by a similar theft incident three years ago, when pipes were cut and a large pump was stolen, resulting in more than $1,500 damage.

The incident was reported to Murwillumbah Police who attended the property, and the resident is now speaking out to remind others to be vigilant.

They asked for other locals to keep a lookout.

“Hopefully the police will catch them,” the resident said.

resulting in the loss of thousands of litres of water

ANZ branch reprieve

By Jo Kennett

A PLANNED rally against the closure of the Murwillumbah branch of ANZ Bank went ahead despite ANZ bosses deciding to keep the branch open.

The bank, at 99 Murwillumbah Street, will continue to open on Monday and Thursday from 9:30 am to 4 pm.

“We had previously advised customers of our intention to close on December 11,” an ANZ Bank spokesperson told The Weekly.

“However we are pleased to confirm that our ANZ Murwillumbah branch will remain open.

“We look forward to continuing to support our local customers with their face-to-face banking needs.”

Local MP Justine Elliot shared the “big news” online, although some locals were sceptical it would remain open permanently.

Ian Willis is a member of the Citizens Party who protested bank closures at a rally in Murwillumbah on Wednesday, October 16.

“As you are aware the Big 4 are closing many of their regional branches, thousands evidently,” he said.

“The reasons are mainly due to services migrating to online but of course many are being left behind by this move.

“Citizens Party would like to see the Australia Post role enshrined and expanded to fill this gap and for local communities and businesses that need small loans etc.”

Mr Willis said that would ensure that the last remaining physical distribution network in Australia “remains relevant and in public hands.”

He said the rally went ahead because banks are still closing branches.

“The main focus of the rally is Australia Post being repurposed into a community bank to service small business and local resident’s needs

VITAL W RK

- a bit of localisation like farmers markets in contrast to big supermarkets,” he said.

“My wife Sylva and I have a stall at the Murwillumbah Farmers Market, Sylva Lining Organics, and we became a bank during the floods giving credit to local customers at the market who couldn’t get cash.”

Rally organiser Jan Pukallus said “the proven solution to stop bank closures nationwide is to create an Aussie post office people’s bank like the old Commonwealth Bank was for 84 years before it was privatised, and then keep it.”

Fittings were stolen from this tank at Dungay

The ANZ Bank Murwillumbah will now stay open

New opportunity for farmers by Australian Farm Tourism

IMAGINE WELCOMING eager international students into your home, sharing your passion for farming, and earning extra income while doing it.

At Australian Farm Tourism, we are on a mission to connect our vibrant farming community with the world, and we invite you to be part of this enriching cultural exchange.

At just 16, our managing director Janine Bowmaker forged an unexpected friendship with the first Japanese exchange student at Mullumbimby High School. Little did she know, this connection would ignite a lifelong passion for a culture as different from her own as raw fish is from a hearty steak cooked to perfection.

Growing up on a cattle farm and in a small town, she and her friends were captivated by the vibrant contrasts between their lives and those of their new friends.

Her journey led her to Japan, where she immersed herself in the language and fell deeply in love with the culture. Yet, despite the allure of her adopted home, it was the breathtaking beauty of the Tweed and Byron Valleys that tugged at her heart.

She realized how truly blessed we are to live in this magnificent corner of the world and wanted to share it with everyone.

In 1996, she was a founder of Banora International Group, initially welcoming international guests but later carving a niche in the student market.

Today, we proudly stand as a leading provider of study tours and homestays.

In 2010, we acquired Australian Farm Tourism, the country’s longest-running farmstay coordination company, and began collaborating with Beach Farm in Kingscliff. This venture allowed us to expand farmstay opportunities throughout Byron Shire, a dream come true for our managing director.

“After Year 12, I had to leave Byron Shire due to limited job prospects. Being able to bring

business back to this region is incredibly rewarding,” Janine reflected.

At the heart of our mission is the desire to showcase the stunning Tweed Valley and its warm, welcoming people. Farmstays offer an authentic Aussie experience, allowing international students to immerse themselves in the beauty of our landscapes and the warmth of our communities. With Coolangatta Airport just a stone’s throw away, it’s been a seamless journey for students to experience both farm life and our pristine beaches.

However, the pandemic dealt a heavy blow, putting our company on its knees as border closures disrupted our operations. Yet, after two years in recovery mode, we’re excited to breathe new life into the Tweed Valley. We’re eager to partner with local farms and acreages—be they hobby farms or sprawling properties—inviting families, empty nesters, and couples to host students and share their unique lifestyles.

Our hosts are compensated for their hospitality, but the true treasure lies in the cultural exchange and lifelong friendships formed. Students become part of the family, engaging in farm activities and exploring the stunning surroundings alongside their hosts. The impact of these visits is profound, often leading students to return, whether to study, visit, or even celebrate their honeymoons.

It’s inspiring to know that our programs not only enrich the lives of students but also leave a lasting imprint on their futures. Many return to Japan, motivated to study harder, dreaming of coming back to the beautiful Tweed Valley one day.

In a world that often feels divided, our story is a testament to the power of connection and the enduring bonds that can form across cultures. Together, we celebrate the richness of our differences and the beauty of our shared experiences, right here in our beloved Tweed Valley.

Local farm families (commercial or hobby) are urgently required to host Japanese students from 4th-8th December (2-4 students/farm) and will be generously remunerated in return for providing a unique ‘home away from home’. Activities with families would normally include interactive activities on your property including picking fruit + veges, feeding animals, baking/cooking, (free) sightseeing around the local region and/ or visiting other farms. Pickup + drop off in Murwillumbah (within 1.5 hours travel), training and support provided.

International students enjoying an Australian Farm Stay

Fire station turns 10

By Jil Hogan

THE TWEED Coast Rural Fire Brigade celebrated the 10th anniversary of its renovated fire station in Pottsville on Saturday, marking a decade of improved training, operations, and community service.

The original station underwent a significant renovation in 2014, which added a second level and modernised the facility.

Tweed Coast Rural Fire Brigade captain Jared Lee said the upgraded space has been crucial in supporting district and brigade training, including first aid courses and leadership programs. The facility also continues to be a vital hub for meetings and training.

“It was ten years ago that we renovated our station, and we invited all the people that donated money or contributed to the project in any way to come along and we did a morning tea as a way to say thank you to those people,” he said.

Local MP Justine Elliot attended the event and praised the brigade.

“Thanks to the volunteer firefighters who work tirelessly to protect our local communities in floods, bushfires and other emergencies. Their bravery and commitment truly makes a difference,” she said.

“I’m proud to have provided support for Tweed Coast Rural Fire Brigade over the last decade including $10,000 for new lockers at the station.”

Mr Lee also highlighted the need for more volunteers to join the brigade, encouraging community members to get involved. Anyone can volunteer—from the age of 16 you can join the cadets, before later becoming a full active member.

“The rural fire service is always looking for new recruits or new volunteers to help out there. If anyone wishes to help out their local community in the way of volunteering for the rural fire service, please reach out,’ he said.

“Just reach out to your local brigade or jump on the New South Wales Rural Fire Service website and fill out an application.”

Justine Elliot MP with Tweed Coast Rural Fire Brigade volunteers

Tweed Link

New Council team to lead the Tweed

A new team of Councillors has been sworn in to represent the Tweed community for the next 4 years.

The new team took their affirmations or oaths of office in the Murwillumbah Chambers last Thursday 10 October, before a new Mayoral team was chosen to lead the Tweed.

Cr Chris Cherry was re-elected as Mayor and Cr Meredith Dennis OAM was re-elected as Deputy Mayor following an Extraordinary Meeting of Council. This marks Cr Cherry’s fourth term as Mayor, after she was first elected as a Councillor in 2016.

She has served as Mayor of Tweed Shire for the past 4 years, including through the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 flood. She will serve in the role for 2 years until the mid-term mayoral election in

September 2026.

The new Deputy Mayor is Cr Meredith Dennis OAM, who will serve one year in the role until September 2025. This election result marks Cr Dennis’ third term as Deputy Mayor, after she was first elected to Council in 2021.

Following the 14 September NSW Local Government election, 6 sitting Councillors were re-elected to Tweed Shire Council: Cr Rhiannon Brinsmead, Cr Reece Byrne, Cr Chris Cherry, Cr Meredith Dennis OAM, Cr Nola Firth and Cr James Owen, with one new Councillor, Kimberly Hone, joining the team.

The newly-elected Councillors are undergoing an indepth induction program, designed in alignment with the Office of Local Government, to equip them for the responsibilities of their roles.

Fun in the sun: enhancing beach safety on the Tweed

A suite of new beach safety devices has been installed along the length of the Tweed Coast, improving safety for swimmers and surfers just in time for the busy summer season.

Tweed Shire Council has partnered with Surf Life Saving NSW to install rescue tubes at 9 beach locations along the length of the Tweed Coast, to aid rescuers trying to assist people struggling to stay afloat in the water until additional help arrives. The rescue tubes will be installed at the following locations:

• Tweed Heads - Jack Evans Boat Harbour

• Fingal Head - Fingal Rovers Surf Life Saving Club

• Fingal Head - Dreamtime Beach (attached to emergency beacon)

• Kingscliff - North Kingscliff Beach (attached to emergency beacon)

• Kingscliff - Cudgen Headland Surf Life Saving Club (in front of café attached to SLSC)

• Salt Surf Life Saving Club beach entry

• Cabarita Beach Surf Life Saving Club beach entry

• Hastings Point – Cudgera Creek river mouth (end of Peninsula St – along 4WD access)

• Pottsville – Mooball Creek river mouth (northside). Council is also working with Surf Life Saving NSW to install a new emergency response beacon (ERB) on

the beach just south of Norries Headland at Cabarita. Once installed, individuals will be able to press a button to call for help and the Surf Life Saving NSW Support Operations Centre will respond to assist. It is recommended only proficient swimmers use the rescue tubes after calling emergency services on Triple-0. For more information, visit www.tweed.nsw.gov.au/beach-safety-devices

In brief ...

Calling all motorcycle riders!

Council is looking for volunteers to join the Joe Rider Motorcycle Safety Campaign from Monday 28 October to Friday 1 November.

As a volunteer, you’ll wear a bright yellow 'I am Joe Rider’ vest while riding local routes of your choice.

The goal is to get drivers to notice motorcyclists and help prevent ‘Sorry Mate I Didn’t See You’ (SMIDSY) crashes.

Drivers will be encouraged to spot ‘Joe Rider’ and enter a daily competition to win prizes.

Volunteers will need a valid motorcycle licence and a registered and insured motorcycle. They will need to wear full protective gear and commit to ride for at least one 30 to 60-minute ride in your chosen area.

Find out more and register online at yoursaytweed.com.au/joe-rider by Sunday 20 October and get ready to ride!

Help shape Gallery's future direction

Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre is calling on its visitors to take part in a short online survey aimed at understanding more about their experiences and aspirations for the Gallery’s future.

Whether you’re a regular attendee or a first-time guest, your feedback will help shape how the Gallery connects with audiences, enhances its offerings, and evolves in meaningful ways.

The short survey takes just 3 minutes to complete. Submit your feedback by 1 November to go into the draw to win a gift pack from the Gallery Shop.

For more information or to complete the survey, visit the Tweed Regional Gallery website at gallery.tweed.nsw.gov.au/survey

Reduce your power bills

To coincide with World Energy Day, Council is hosting a free pop-up stall to help residents save money on their power bill.

Drop by the ‘Flick the Switch’ pop-up stall on Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 October from 10 am to 2 pm at Tweed City Shopping Centre, opposite Mathers Shoes.

Please bring along 2 recent power bills to discuss with the expert team. Drop in any time, no bookings required.

Tweed Shire Council wishes to acknowledge the Ngandowal and Minyungbal speaking people of the Bundjalung Country, in particular the Goodjinburra,

and Moorung – Moobah clans, as

The Tweed’s new team of Councillors who will serve for the next 4-years are from left: Councillors James Owen, Rhiannon Brinsmead, Reece Byrnes, Nola Firth, Chris Cherry, Kimberly Hone and Meredith Dennis.

Lifeguard Australia's Lachlan Field and Finn Whitney alongside Council's Murray Smith at the location of the newly installed rescue tube at Cabarita Beach.

The Tweed Regional Gallery is asking for community feedback to help shape its future direction. Artwork by Nick Pike. Photo: Aaron Chapman

Share a cuppa in support of Beyond Blue

Did you know an estimated 45% of people in Australia will face a mental health condition in their lifetime? However, most will not seek support.

In support of Mental Health Month this October, staff at the Starting Block Cafe at TRAC Murwillumbah and the Brett Street Café at Council’s Tweed Heads Administration Office will host 2 Big Blue Table fundraising events next week.

Both facilities will set out blue tables, providing a space for members of the community to sit down and share meaningful conversations while helping to raise funds to help those facing anxiety, depression, or suicide.

Every dollar raised will go towards funding Beyond Blue’s support service. When someone feels alone or overwhelmed, or they don’t know what to do next – no matter who they are, where they live, or what time of day it is – it’s vital they know Beyond Blue is there for

them.

The events off an opportunity to support a good cause, while taking a moment to look after your own wellbeing.

The events will be held on Thursday 24 October at:

• 9 – 10 am at The Starting Block Café, 6 - 8 Tumbulgum Road, Murwillumbah

• 10 – 11 am at Brett Street Café, 17 Brett Street, Tweed Heads.

Everyone in the community is welcome to attend, with no tickets required.

A gold coin donation will get you a cup of tea and sweet treat. Or for $6, grab a coffee and sweet treat with $1 going towards Beyond Blue.

There will also be lucky door tickets with great prizes generously donated by the community.

Donate online at block-cafe-tweed-shire-council

Take action for sustainable living in the Tweed

Want to contribute to community-led climate solutions?

Come along to the Tweed Community Action Network meeting at the Murwillumbah Community Centre, Knox Park this Saturday 19 October from 10:30 am to 1 pm.

The Community Action Network is for people who want to take action for sustainable living and help develop community-led solutions to climate change. We’ll explore some of the key ingredients needed to bring an idea to life, as well as making connections with other local people and community groups.

If you haven’t attended before, we want your feedback and ideas to contribute to the Tweed’s plans for climate action and emissions reduction.

Registrations are essential. For further information and to register, visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/climate-action

For more information, contact Council’s Sustainability Education officer Jane Moad at tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au or call 02 6670 2400.

Programmed, in partnership with Tweed Shire Council, has opportunities for Apprenticeships commencing January 2025 in Tweed Heads, Muwillumbah, Cabarita, and Chinderah.

Kick start your career in the following trades:

Electrical Apprenticeship

Parks and Gardens Apprenticeship

Fabrication Welding Apprenticeship

Signs and Graphics Apprenticeship

Mechanical Fitter Apprenticeship

Heavy Vehicle Mechanical Apprenticeship

Civil Construction Apprenticeship

Be rewarded with:

Paid full-time wages

4 weeks annual leave per year

Certificate III level qualification training

Scan the QR code to apply.

Applications close 4th of November 2024 at 4:00pm AEST.

You may be eligible to receive a total of $5000 in Government Incentives under the Australian Apprenticeship Incentive System.

To find out more visit pages.programmed.com.au/twee dshirecouncil or call 1300 440 784

The community is invited to join 2 Big Blue Table fundraising events to raise funds for Beyond Blue. Pictured here are Council’s Workplace Chaplain Angela Buono (back) with TRAC staff Katrina Mudge, Kate Betts and Alison Gibb.

Contribute to community-led climate action this Saturday 19 October at the Murwillumbah Community Centre, Knox Park.

Have your say

Add your voice to decision making in the Tweed

Proposed licence of Council-owned community land

Tweed Shire Council proposes to grant a licence in respect of Council-owned Community land as follows:

Property: 228 Limpinwood Valley Road, Limpinwood; Lot 731 in DP863375 as outlined in the location diagram below.

Term: Thirteen (13) months and thirteen (13) days.

Permitted use: Community Hall

Licensee: Limpinwood Community Association Inc

Have your say Council is inviting feedback from the community on the proposal and will consider all submissions before deciding on whether to proceed with licencing the site.

Written submissions relating to this proposal will be accepted until 5pm Wednesday 13 November 2024 to Council via:

• Mail: PO Box 816, Murwillumbah NSW 2484

• Email: tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au

• Online: yoursaytweed.com.au/proposed-licencelimpinwood

Please note that under the provisions of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (NSW), such submissions may be referred to third parties for consideration.

Council Ref: PN: 39298 Licence – Limpinwood Hall. Enquiries: Kelly Lorkin, Technical Officer - Property, Ph 02 6670 2400.

This notice is in accordance with section 47 of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW).

Council confidentiality policy: On request, any submission including identifying particulars will be made public. Council will give consideration to the ‘Public Interest’ and requests for confidentiality however, the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 may require confidential submissions to be released to an applicant

of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (as amended).

Have

Have your say on the draft Ageing Well in the Tweed Strategy (AWTS) 2024−2029

Have your say on the draft Ageing Well in the Tweed Strategy (AWTS) 2024−2029 which will be open for community feedback from Wednesday 16 October until Friday 15 November 2024.

The draft strategy has been developed by the Council following extensive community consultation in March of this year. This included workshops with residents during the 2024 Tweed Seniors Festival, a community-wide survey, and valuable input from local service providers and community organisations. We’re now seeking feedback to ensure we’ve got it right.

Have your say

Visit Your Say Tweed to view the draft Ageing Well in the Tweed Strategy 2024−2025. Hard copies are also available at Council’s customer service centres and libraries.

• Online: yoursaytweed.com.au/ageingwell

• Email: communityservices@tweed.nsw.gov.au

• Phone: Council’s Community Care team on 02 6670 2400

• Mail: Joanne Watters, PO Box 816, Murwillumbah NSW 2484. Community input is vital to ensure that the Tweed continues to be

an inclusive and supportive place for everyone, particularly as our population ages.

Visit yoursaytweed.com.au/activerecreation to get involved and learn more.

Council confidentiality policy: On request, any submission including identifying particulars will be made public. Council will give consideration to the ‘Public Interest’ and requests for confidentiality however, the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 may require confidential submissions to be released to an applicant

Environmental Impact Statement on raising Clarrie Hall Dam now on public exhibition

The NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has placed Council’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on raising Clarrie Hall Dam on public exhibition.

Raising the dam by 8.5 metres would almost triple its storage capacity and secure the Tweed’s water supply until at least 2065. This would ensure Council can continue to provide a safe, sustainable and affordable water supply for decades to come. We’re running information sessions for anyone keen to learn about the EIS, including how to make a submission. Simply turn up and ask questions of Council staff and project experts.

• Kingscliff Bowls Club: Wednesday 23 October, 5 to 7 pm

• Murwillumbah CWA Hall: Thursday 24 October, 12:30 to 2:30 pm

• Holy Trinity Church Uki: Thursday 24 October, 5 to 7 pm Or, join us online. You’ll need to register in advance using the link below.

• Online, daytime: Friday 25 October, 10 to 11:30 am

• Online, evening: Monday 28 October, 5:30 to 7 pm

For more info, head to yoursaytweed.com.au/clarriehalldameis Make a submission

Review the EIS and make a submission to the department by Wednesday 6 November 2024 through the NSW Planning Portal: planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects/clarriehall-dam-raising. Council cannot receive submissions on the department’s behalf.

View a hard copy of the EIS at our face-to-face information sessions, Murwillumbah and Tweed Heads offices, and the Tweed Heads, Kingscliff and Murwillumbah libraries.

The NSW Government will consider all submissions received before making a recommendation to the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, who will make the determination on whether the proposal can go ahead and what conditions would apply.

The NSW Government has partly funded the EIS through the Safe and Secure Water Program.

Council confidentiality policy: On request, any submission including identifying particulars will be made public. Council will give consideration to the ‘Public Interest’ and requests for confidentiality however, the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 may require confidential submissions to be released to an applicant

Section 4.55 Modifcation application for public comment

The following Section 4.55 application has been received by the Tweed Shire Council and may be viewed on Council’s DA Tracking site located at datracker.tweed.nsw.gov.au for a period of fourteen (14) days from Wednesday 16 October 2024 to Wednesday 30 October 2024.

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

Tweed Shire Council Lot 23 DP 1300018; No. 102 Lundberg Drive South Murwillumbah; Lot 22 DP 1300018; No. 92 Lundberg Drive, South Murwillumbah

Proposed modification

Amendment to development consent DA22/0854 for a staged development for public administration building & animal rehoming facility and Council Pound and associated signage on proposed Lot 31 (to be created from Lot 22 DP 1300018) and Lot 23 DP 1300018

Minor design modification to Public Administration Building/Pound and Animal Rehoming Facility and deletion of Condition 46 to require lot registration prior to commencement of works.

Any person may, during the period specified above, make a submission in writing to Council in relation to the Modification Application. Where a submission is in the form of an objection, then the grounds of objection are required to be specified. In accordance with Clause 105 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021 there is no right of appeal under Section 8.8 of the Act by an objector.

Any person may, during the above period, make a written submission to the General Manager of Council. It should also be noted that Council has adopted a policy whereby, on request, any submission including identifying particulars will be made public. Council will give consideration to the "Public Interest" and requests for confidentiality by submitters in determining access to submission letters. However, the provisions of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 – GIPAA may result in confidential submissions being released to an applicant.

Please Note - Requirements regarding Disclosure of Political Gifts and Donations

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

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

EPIC Women’s day

By Jo Kennett

IT WAS Australasian Women in Emergencies Day on Thursday, October 10, celebrating our hard working front line emergency services workers and volunteers, with some top local emergency service women preparing an Emergency Preparedness in Community (EPIC) for local women keen to pick up some disaster skills.

The EPIC learning day will teach important skills to prepare women, their families and their homes ahead of storm season and is on at the SES unit in Mullumbimby on Saturday, October 26.

storms.

Women will be taught the safest ways to use ladders, reducing the risk of falls and injuries and cleaning gutters, a simple yet effective way to prevent water damage.

In addition to these practical skills, the participants will get hands-on experience using fire extinguishers, an essential tool in any emergency toolkit, and brush up on their essential first aid skills, practice CPR and learn how to use a defibrillator – a potentially life saving device.

According to SES Tweed Byron Deputy Local Commander Jennifer Townend, the last EPIC workshop held at Tweed Coast SES was such a hit, “leaving participants empowered and ready to face natural hazards”, they decided to do it again.

The workshop covers a range of essential skills including how to sandbag for water diversion during heavy rains and the art of tarping and window repairs, vital for quick fixes during

celebration of student achievement and success after seven years of schooling. Many current students began kindergarten at MPS and it has been fabulous to see their growth in learning and maturity during those years.

The nal term is full of events to focus on their progress and begin their transition into Secondary Education. The students are involved in a transition to High School program on Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th November where they will get to experience the excitement and challenges of their next stage of learning. Other events include:

Year 5/6 Brisbane Camp: Tuesday 22

October till Friday 25 October

6H Rail Trail Ride: Friday 8 November

6P Rail Trail Ride: Monday 11 November

Participants will explore the latest apps and warnings, ensuring they stay updated with real-time information during emergencies.

A highlight of the workshop will be the session on home emergency plans and kits. Women learn how to create comprehensive emergency plans tailored to their families’ needs and how to assemble kits with all the essentials.

Where: 33 Coolamon Scenic Drive, Mullumbimby SES Unit. When: Saturday, October 26, 9:30 am - 4 pm (lunch provided) Register by: Scanning the QR Code or at https://forms.office. com/r/C8BiamSGrg Ph: 0409 092 422 - Jen for enquiries

School 150 yr Celebration: Saturday 16

November

Final reports home: Monday December 9

Presentation Day: Wednesday 11

December

Murwillumbah has Talent: Friday 13

December

Year 6 Farewell: Monday 16 December

Year 6 Bell Ringing and Sport / Music awards: Wednesday 18 December

The students will look forward to a great tradition on their nal day of primary school when they ring the school bell the number of times to coincide with the number years they have attended the school. We look forward to sharing the last ten weeks of the students primary school learning journey and know they will continue to make outstanding contributions to school events and culture.

SES volunteers with workshop participants

Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program open

“With our high participation rates in organised sports and public spaces lending themselves to outdoor recreation, it’s critical that as many local sports facilities as possible are equipped with defibrillators to respond to potentially life-threatening incidents.

“This popular program traditionally has had a strong take-up rate, so I urge eligible sporting organisations to make an application in this funding round to increase the coverage of defibrillators in our towns and villages.

“Every life saved is worth it.”

The NSW Government’s Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program provides up to $3,000 to eligible sporting organisations for purchasing Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) at local sports facilities. Applications close 27 November 2024 or when total funding of $500,000 is exhausted.

For more information, including eligibility criteria, please see the program guidelines at: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/ grants/local-sport-defibrillator-grant-program or scan the QR code.

At Gourmet Meals, we are dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of older adults through meticulously crafted meals that meet their evolving nutritional needs.

Nutrition over 55 isn’t just about weight management—it’s essential for maintaining vitality, enhancing immune function, and enjoying an active lifestyle.

As metabolic rates slow with age, the need for nutrient-dense foods becomes crucial. Malnutrition in seniors is a serious issue that often goes unnoticed or overlooked. As we age, our bodies experience various changes that can affect our

ability to obtain and absorb vital nutrients. Unfortunately, malnutrition can have severe consequences for seniors, including weakened immune systems, increased risk of infections, muscle weakness, and even cognitive decline. At Gourmet Meals, we recognise the importance of addressing this issue and providing nutritious meals specifically designed for seniors. There are several factors that contribute to malnutrition in seniors. One of the main reasons is a decrease in appetite. As we age, our sense of taste and smell may diminish, reducing interest in food. Additionally,

READY-MADE MEALS DELIVERED HEALTHY EATING MADE EASY

The magic of Aurora

PHOTOGRAPHER Marc James captured a truly once-in-a-lifetime photograph of the Aurora Australis extending high into the skies over Mount Warning (Wollumbin) from the Gold Coast on Friday, October 11.

It was the first time the phenomenon has ever been photographed from this location.

The rare display of the Southern Lights so far north resulted from a massive solar flare earlier last week that triggered vibrant auroras, illuminating skies across Australia.

Marc, who was in Tasmania just days before chasing the Southern Lights, knew there was a slight chance of capturing the event from Queensland. At around 8pm (Qld time), he said the skies started to glow red above Wollumbin National Park, and for a brief window pillars of light appeared across the horizon.

“I couldn’t believe what I was seeing,” Marc said.

“It felt surreal to witness and capture the Aurora Australis from my hometown, a place where I’ve been taking photos for over 15 years.

“I’ve been chasing the aurora across Australia and Canada for years, but seeing it over Mount

certain medications can affect appetite and digestion, making it more challenging for seniors to consume an adequate amount of nutrients. Dental problems, difficulty chewing or swallowing, and limited mobility can also contribute to malnutrition in our aging population.

At Gourmet Meals, we understand the unique nutritional needs of seniors and the importance of providing them with balanced and nourishing meals. Our expert chefs and nutritionists collaborate to create menus catering to seniors’ dietary needs. We focus on using fresh, whole ingredients packed with es-

Warning was truly magical and something I don’t think I’ll ever get to see again.”

The photograph quickly went viral on social media, sparking fascination with the rare event.

Every 11 years, the sun’s magnetic field completely flips, causing the north and south poles to switch places in what is known as the “solar cycle.”

This leads to variations in solar activity, such as the formation of sunspots, solar flares, and Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs). When these CMEs reach earth, they interact with gases in our atmosphere, creating the aurora.

“We are about to reach the peak of this current solar cycle, known as the “solar maximum,” which is why we’ve seen increased activity in the last year,” he said.

Marc has started a Facebook group named Aurora Australis For Beginners to help others see the aurora for themselves.

He operates his fine art gallery, Marc James Gallery, online and has released the image ‘Southern Radiance’ as a limited edition print. View Marc’s work at marcjamesgallery.com

sential nutrients, ensuring that every meal is not only delicious but also highly nutritious and snap-frozen to maintain its nutritional value. Gourmet Meals are registered to accept clients with Home Care Package funding, if you have HCP funding, please contact our office to find out how you can get 70% of your total order subsidised through your funding. Our office can be contacted on 1300 112 112 or 07 5529 3000, alternatively you can email us at sales@gourmetmeals.com.

HOME DELIVERY OF READY MADE MEALS

New Customers use the code word INTRO and receive a FREE MEAL up to the value of $11.40 *Minimum order applies, one per customer

• Large gluten free variety

• Wholesome and nutritious

• Convenient ready-made frozen meals

• Australian owned and operated

• Tastes like home cooking

• Home delivered or available in stores

• Approved HCP provider

• NDIS registered provider

Southern Radiance taken from Springbrook looking to Mount Warning by Marc James Gallery

Pencil Tree parade

By Jo Kennett

FAVOURITE NOT-for -profit The Pencil Tree is holding a Spring Fashion Parade at The Nook in Hastings Point on Friday, October 18, to raise funds for children living in poverty in northern India and there are still a few seats left.

The event starts at 4pm and features lucky door prizes, the fashion parade, live music, gifts, raffles and a fabulous three course meal. Owner of The Nook Luca Basseto said it will be a fantastic afternoon.

“We are going to have a set menu and there is going to be nice music,” Luca said.

“We are doing it for the children because they are in this situation and we are planning more collaborations with The Pencil Tree.”

The Pencil Tree founder Steve Bellamy is currently in Dharamsala with a group of supporters visiting schools, exploring and delivering goodies to kids who once faced a future of poverty in the slums.

Steve said The Pencil Tree ‘s influence in

northern Indian schools continues to grow, with the organisation largely funded by local residents who are now supporting over 800 students in 15 schools in poor areas.

At the start of the school year in April, each child receives a school pack containing pencils, pens, exercise books and all the essentials to be able to study effectively and provides all sorts of sports great and school equipment as well.

“The main focus of the organisation is the partnership with the Tong-Len Charitable Trust, helping children from the slums to have access to a good education,” Steve said.

“The four-storey, ten room school building constructed with funds donated by wonderful Pencil Tree supporters is now almost at full capacity with close to 300 students.”

Most students passed last year with flying colours, with Year 9 student Sanjana receiving 85.8 per cent.

“The grade 12 students were particularly successful and now go on to college in different streams but Komal will follow her childhood dream and will soon sit her medical entrance exam,” Steve said.

“For those not on an academic path, there is the vocational training centre which has 70 students enrolled and we are happy to report that both boys and girls are now on the six month introduction to a career in the electrical field.

“26 new children joined the school in April, all sponsored by the Pencil Tree with the support of so many locals and businesses and we cannot thank everyone enough for helping to change the lives of these amazing kids that just needed the opportunity to escape a life of poverty.

For more information about supporting the children or joining one of the trips to Dharamsala go to penciltree.com.au/ For tickets to the Spring Fashion Parade on October 18 at 4pm. Tickets are $40 - call Georgia on 0412 763822 or email LBASSETO83@gmail.com for bookings

At 5 she was begging on the streets but now, with a medical degree gained with the help of The Pencil Tree supporters, she is Dr. Pinki

The Nook Cafe, in Hastings Point will host the Pencil Tree fundraiser

Pencil Tree supporters delivered much needed tables and chairs to a school high in the mountains

White Light expo

By Adrian Moore

DON’T MISS the last White Light Psychic Health and Wellbeing Expo for 2024 at the South Tweed Sports Club on Saturday, October 19, from 10am to 3pm (NSW time).

The fabulous Wanda Shipton will be in attendance doing her Spirit Guide Drawings. If you’ve never had one done here’s your chance - you won’t be disappointed.

There will also be beautiful crystals, Young Living essential oils, Ascended Masters books, metaphysical books, precious stone bracelets, oracle cards, pendants, candle holders, Feng Shui items, ancient aboriginal healings (Holographic Kinetics), astrology readings, Kangen Enagic Water Systems, aromatherapy, Indian Head Massage, crystal healing, reiki and much much more. Some brilliant psychics will be there, some of whom haven’t been seen in this area before, so there’s the chance to have a reading with a new person.

•

For a fun filled and informative day, tell your friends or better still bring them with you this Saturday.

Where: South Tweed Sports Club, 4 Minjungbal Dr, Tweed Heads South When: Saturday, October 19, from 10am to 3pm (NSW time).

Join us on Tuesday, October 22nd, 2024, from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM (NSW time), to celebrate the launch of our newest location at 7/81 Minjungbal Drive, Tweed Heads South (opposite Tweed City Shopping Centre).

At Balance Mobility, we are dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals of all abilities. Our mission is to empower people to regain their independence, moving throuvgh life with confidence and ease

What to Expect:

• Product demonstrations with cutting edge equipment by KCare, Carilex, Sleeptite and Topgun Mobility

• The latest advancements in fall prevention technology

• Parkinson’s and dementia-specific products

• Special offers

• A lucky door prize

• Networking opportunities

• Refreshments

RSVP is essential for catering purposes. Please RSVP by emailing us at sales@ balancemobility.com. au or calling 07 5536 8841

We look forward to celebrating with you and showing how Balance Mobility can help you or your loved ones live more freely and confidently!

Wanda Shipton will be at the Expo

Young Living essential oil products will be available at the expo

Better By Bike kicking goals

By Jonathon Howard

eco-adventures on the Northern Rivers region and its growing impact within the business community.

Better By Bike, founded in 2023, has quick ly established itself as a leader in promoting eco-friendly bike experiences principally on the Northern Rivers Rail Trail in the Tweed and its surrounding areas in the Northern Rivers.

The business offers a range of services, in cluding bike rentals, guided tours, and repair workshops, encour aging residents and visitors alike to explore the scenic beauty of the region on two wheels.

“We are incredibly honoured to receive this recognition,” said Campbell Shepherd, the founder and di rector of Better By Bike.

“This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, and it reflects the grow ing enthusiasm for cycling as a sustain able and enjoyable experience enjoyed by travellers and members of our community alike.

“We’re excited to con

tinue our mission of making cycling adventures accessible and fun for everyone.”

company’s future plans include launching new cycling routes in the region, expanding its fleet of E-Bikes, and partnering with local schools and organisations to promote bike safety and education.

“We are deeply grateful to our community for embracing Better By Bike and supporting our vision,” added Campbell.

“This award motivates us to keep pushing forward, innovating, and inspiring more people to experience the joy and benefits of cycling with the aim to have the best day ever.”

For more information about Better By Bike, visit www.betterbybike.com.au or contact 0408444858

Campbell Shepherd and Rhiannon Thomas from Better By Bike with their award

Toachieve good physical balance, we rely on our brain, eyes, inner-ear, and musculoskeletal system to work in harmony. However, when the fragile vestibular organs of the inner ear and brain are damaged by illness or injury, anyone can lose their ability to balance.

Balance disorders are typically under diagnosed and undertreated. More than 1/3 of adults aged 40 years and older experience vestibular dysfunction at some point in their lives.

Common symptoms of vestibular disorders include vertigo and dizziness. Vertigo is a spinning or whirling sensation, or an illusion of the self or world moving. Dizziness is a lightheaded, floating or rocking sensation. Poor balance, nausea, visual disturbances, headache, hearing loss, tinnitus, and pain or fullness in the ears can accompany vestibular disorders.

There are many causes of dizziness or vertigo. But most types of vestibular disorders can be diagnosed by means of a thorough medical history and clinical examination.

The most common type of vertigo is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

(BPPV), and once diagnosed is easily treated with repositioning manoeuvres.

Amongst other types of vertigo are Meniere’s Disease, Vestibular Neuritis and Cervicogenic Vertigo Cervicogenic Vertigo is due to a dysfunction in the neck and can be easily treated with Osteopathic intervention.

Dr Rudi Gerhardt has had substantial education in the field of Vestibular Disorders, can diagnose most of the common types, and is able to either treat the condition or refer on for further diagnosis and treatment.

Dr Rudi Gerhardt B.Sc., D.O. Your local Osteopath

Sweet Talk with Robert Hawken

Rain delays harvest

THE WEATHER is making things very difficult for the region’s sugarcane harvest, with several substantial rain events unusual for this time of year. August, September and October are normally the drier months and thus, prime time for harvest. To date, only a little over 60% of this year’s cane crop has been harvested and processed in the Condong Mill.

The world sugar price continues to hold at a very positive position of around 23 cents per pound ($US) and so there is incentive to get as much as possible of this year’s crop harvested. As always, the farmer’s fate is controlled by the weather.

Some recently planted fields are showing signs of poor and slow germination because of the saturated and cold soil conditions. Drier weather over the coming months is needed to allow the young cane plants to establish and mature.

The recent passing of one of Tweed Shire’s most respected and popular citizens, was a big loss for the community. Mr Colin Brooks was involved in many local organisations and will be remembered as a stalwart and great advocate for the rural community in his role as President of the Combined Tweed Rural Industries Association for over 40 years. Col’s realistic approach to the many challenges faced by the area’s farmers and rural businesses was much appreciated by this community, and this was clearly reflected by the very large number of mourners attending Col’s funeral last week. We extend our condolences to Beth (who was always a great support to Col), their family and close friends.

We’re very much looking forward to sunny days ahead.

Bye, till next month, Rob Hawken

Tweed Valley Way Thursday morning from Tweed Shire Council's flood monitoring cameras Photo TSC

3 local chances in the Kosciuszko

By Damien Quinn

MURWILLUMBAH HOLDS a strong hand for the prestigious NSW Racing Kosciuszko at Royal Randwick on Everest day Saturday with three Tweed River Jockey Club runners in the mix.

Matthew Dunn Racing will have two fancied runners in Boom Torque and Tribeca Star while David McColm has stable star Far Too Easy primed for the big race.

The $2 million dollar slot race will be run for the seventh time and shares the spoils of the day with the $20 million dollar Everest. All chances were snapped up very quickly with the $5 Tab ticket raffle winners very confident the stars of Murwillumbah could feature in the finish.

Dunn will be confident with Boom Torque who enters the race as a $5 chance on the back of a Doomben win, a solid third in Brisbane and a barrier trial tune up two weeks ago.

Tribeca Star will be well supported on the

back of the Mitch Lowe ‘Viva Racing’ group syndicate that houses multiple local owners and has been in the cash in all three of his last starts in Qld and is well and truly ready to feature at juicy $21/1 odds.

Far Too Easy will contest his third Kosciuszko after a second to favourite Front Page in 2022 and a third again to Front Page in 2023. McColm will be hoping third time lucky and his stable flyer can turn the tables on the favourite.

Far Too Easy has targeted this race for a long time and trainer McColm will have the $7 chance primed to the minute.

Front Page is the one to beat but both Matthew and David are confident they have the right horses to take out the big race.

Regardless of results the Tweed River Jockey Club are thrilled to have three runners in the prestigious race and wish both Matthew and David as well as all staff and owners all the best for the big day on Saturday. Go TRJC!

David McColm's Far Too Easy Photo Racing Qld

Tyalgum Dance Spectacular ready

By Solar Chapel

AUSTRALIA’S BEST Ballroom, Latin and New Vogue dancers will waltz, rumba and sashay their way into Tyalgum for the 13th Annual Tyalgum Dance Spectacular on Saturday, November 23.

The glittering dance card will see the return of Australian Championship Professional finalists (and Tweed locals), Rhett and Emma Salmon, along with Australian Professional Latin American Champions (2023 & 2024) Thabang Baloyi and Jenny Wan.

Returning to the Tyalgum floor will also be the 2023 and 2024 Queensland Professional New Vogue Champions Christopher Wilson and Jordan Kopp Collins. Christopher and Jordan have won multiple state championships across the country in the last 2 years, and are the highest ranked New Vogue dance couple in Australia.

Dancing with the Stars judge Mark Wilson returns as host for the evening.

In addition to providing the perfect backdrop for the elegant ball gowns, swirl ing New Vogue movements and fiery Latin foot work, the his toric Tyalgum Community Hall and its soaring acoustics is also renowned for at

tracting professional opera stars to the Dance Spectacular. Joining Mark Wilson and the dancers will be acclaimed Operatic Soprano Shikara Ringdahl (Sydney Symphony, Opera QLD). Shikara will perform classical arias and well loved favourites to complement the dancing.

“There is no other event in regional Australia like this where professional Ballroom, Latin and New Vogue dancers can perform ‘free-style’, without the restrictions of competition,” event host Mark Wilson said.

“This really adds an extra element of magic, where our dancers enjoy themselves as much as the audience.”

Event organiser Solar Chapel said that last year’s Tyalgum Dance Spectacular was completely sold out with extra patrons accommodated in the standing room only section so they really encourage everyone to book Dinner and show packages for the Tyalgum Dance Spectacular on Saturday, November 23 include a two-course pre-show dinner at Flutterbies Cottage Café with a glass of champagne on arrival. Dinner at Flutterbies Cafe 6pm. Doors open at the Hall 7:30 for

Community Garden thriving

By Syama Young

MURWILLUMBAH COMMUNITY GARDEN is flourishing in our community! Spokesperson Syama Young, told The Weekly that it’s a project that encourages and promotes community-involved sustainable gardening practices.

“We have succeeded in beautifying our corner of the showgrounds”, said Syama. “A number of dedicated gardeners and interested participants are contributing.”

Our Community Garden is situated on Mooball Street, adjacent to showgrounds Gate 2, on land owned by the showgrounds.

The MCG now boasts a wide range of welcoming garden environments. There are many fruit trees, and our own urban forest! There are garden beds for both communal and private use.

Phone

0488713241 for enquiries. Bookings heartsaflameproductions.

Also what has grown increasingly popular with MCG has been its hosting of workshops. We partner with local practitioners and businesses to share their knowledge in the community and to build up our own body of knowledge.

“Our recent Regenerative Gardening and Biochar workshop by Matt Bateman of Caldera F lower Farm was very popular”, said Syama.

“Also in May we were proud to host a Sustainable and Climate-Friendly Food Actions workshop sponsored by Tweed Shire Council.”

Workshops this year also include Snake Awareness by Tweed Wildlife Carers, Planting in Spring with Rachael Sanderson, and Citrus and Orchard Management by expert horticulturist, Susan Hennessy.

MCG has recently joined a new community program, “Grow and Share Murwillumbah”. One of our communal gardening beds is now dedicated to this purpose, and we encourage people to contribute from their own gardens.

The MCG is a friendly, community based environment where the public can enjoy gardening, meeting new people and learning more about organic gardening and sustainable living practices. T here is also plenty of work for volunteers, because we are still developing our site. We look forward to and hope to see new faces become part of this project which is now a very deep rooted part of the Murwillumbah and surrounding community.

Cont act the MCG at murbahcommunitygardens@gmail.com or on Facebook @MurwillumbahCommunityGarden

Demo starts on old information centre

By Jo Kennett

WORK HAS started on the demolition of the World Heritage Rainforest Centre – once home to the Murwillumbah Visitor Information Centre – which was flooded and badly damaged in the 2017 and 2022 floods and was considered a safety risk. The area is to be repurposed as parkland as part of the revitalisation of Budds Park.

The existing public toilets will be retained as will the western car park with an additional accessible parking bay.

The eastern car park will be reduced by five spaces, the car park will be resealed to enable entry and exit onto Tweed Valley Way.

There will be accessible shelters, barbecues, picnic tables and seating, connecting pathways and bike racks, drinking fountain, rubbish bins, informative flood markers and the existing feature pole will be painted.Landscaping and tree planting will also be done.

The parklands will be upgraded from January to April 2025.

The Murwillumbah Visitor Information Centre has been relocated across the road at Murwillumbah Railway Station, at the trailhead of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.

Free Freerepairclothes repairclothes

Mount Saint Patrick College students are hosting a free clothing repair event as part of an environmental initiative to reduce textile waste. Bring your damaged or worn clothes, and we’ll help you repair them.

What to bring:When:

WE WILL ATTEMPT ALL SEWING MISSIONS. ALL CLOTHES ACCEPTED.

CLOTHES THAT ARE TORN, NEED TAILORING AND/OR REPAIRS SATURDAY 19TH OCTOBER 9.30AM-1PM

Where:

Every Sunday the Tweed Heads Men’s Shed hold a community market on the oval on the corner of Recreation St and Florence St from 7am until 12 noon with stalls selling a range of local produce such as fruit and vegetables, plants and seedlings, beautiful bananas, bacon and egg burgers, fresh brewed co ee, a sausage sizzle, philippino street food, di erent crafts, and bric a brac. For enquiries phone 0401 018 713 or email thcmshed@gmail.com. Follow us on facebook at tweedheadscommunitymensshed.

Since our shed consists of retired men who need to do something and have a strong desire to give to community we run these markets not as a strict commercial venture but as a community venture. Our market sta are all volunteers, we operate out of our premises on the market venue, our sta are first aid trained with annual refreshers and we have first aid facilities in our shed as well as a defibrillator (no other market is so well equipped), because

EVERY SUNDAY RAIN,

we want to help community we only charge a site fee of $20, (other commercial markets charge $70 to $385), our stalls are 5 meters square while other markets are 3 meters square, we do not charge a site fee to charities, sporting, service and school groups as well as buskers (proof must be provided), we o er vendors public liability insurance for $10 each time or vendors can have their own insurance (proof must be provided), and when possible we give donations to local groups and charities each month (application sheets are available from the shed).

So be community minded, help your own community, come for a morning walk and support your local community as well as beating inflation by shopping in the fresh open air. Buy your weekly supplies and have a burger and co ee or a sausage or try the tasty phillipino street food at Nana Tess. All vendors charge reasonable prices.

DORIS (DOT) Aberdeen turned 100 years of age last week. Dot has lived at Heritage Lodge since earlier this year. She had previously lived with her daughter in Murwillumbah for 3 years after living independently at Wynnum, Brisbane, since the death of her husband in 1988.

During her time in Murwillumbah she has enjoyed interacting with her 2 local granddaughters and 4 great-grandchildren.

Dot was born in Wynnum, Queensland on 8th October, 1924. After leaving school, she completed secretarial training and worked as a clerk/typist for 2 years. In March 1943, aged 18yrs, Dot volunteered to serve Australia in World War II by joining the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAF), based in Brisbane. Due to her secretarial experience, Dot worked at RAAF Command (Staff) at General MacArthur’s headquarters in Brisbane.

She married Bruce in January 1945. Bruce worked in the banking industry and together they enjoyed postings to Toowoomba, Maleny, Mackay, Maryborough as well as one significant period in Melbourne. At these various locations, Dot usually became involved in various community activities. Dot and Bruce had three children. Dot now has an extended family of 7 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

After Bruce’s death, Dot remained involved in her local community at Wynnum. For quite some years she volunteered at a local nursing home and was very active in her local line dancing group. In her early nineties, she was still able to participate in several Anzac Day Marchs in Brisbane.

Apart from line dancing, Dot has had many other interests and hobbies in her lifetime: tennis, long term blood bank volunteer and donor, organist, gardening (orchids), spinning and knitting yarn, stamp/doll/coin collecting, tapestry and tatting (lacemaking).

Dot Aberdeen on her birthday and serving in the Women's Auxiliary Australian Air Force in 1943

Savour the Tweed

By Madeleine Murray

SAVOUR THE TWEED festival kicks off on Wednesday, October 30. The five-day event visits 25 different iconic food venues in our beautiful, lush, bountiful valley that stretches from rainforest to coast.

Curator Christine Manfield ran several award-winning restaurants in Sydney before bringing her culinary genius up to the Tweed. Co-curator Amy Colli of Straight To The Source supports farmers, chefs and the food industry to connect and thrive.

“I’m so excited to be collaborating with The Tweed’s impressive line-up of food and drink producers, leading chefs and cultural storytellers to celebrate the distinctive flavours and character of the region and to offer a program of immersive experiences,” Christine said.

The festival begins on Wednesday, October 30, with a visit to the Murwillumbah Farmers Market with chef Jason Saxby from Raes on Wategos. From his stall, Jason will offer tastings and advice on market products.

On that day, you could also visit regenerative Raven Place farm to learn Kimchi production. Or go to a native foods workshop in Fingal, and later have a saltwater food feast with an immersive song and dance performance by local Bundjalung performers.

The festival is full of varied, colourful events. A sassy garden party on the lawn of Husk Farm Distillery, includes a negroni on arrival, Italian-inspired canapes and flaming handmade pasta from the Pasta’bah team, with entertainment by Badlands Vinyl DJ and a secret Drag Queen. Apex Dining at the Tweed Regional Gallery

hosts a local yarning circle with food storytelling by Bundjalung elder and custodian of food culture Uncle Franc, accompanied by a feast of Singaporean-style chilli crab and lemongrass rice. Guests are greeted with a Taha Distillery vodka rosella spritz on arrival.

Other meals with drinks include The Producers Dinner at Livi, a wood-fired Communal Dinner under the Stars by Fins at Plantation House, Francisco’s Long Table Dinner in the Burringbar Hall, Ocean to Plate Dining at Pipit, Hinterland on a Plate at Tweed River House, Seasonal al Fresco Brunch at Teakwood Café, and more.

There is also a range of tours, workshops and events such as Kombucha Brewery Tour and Tasting at Ventura Brewing, Demystifying Seafood Cook Class at Fins restaurant and bar, and a Kids Cooking Workshop.

The closing party with a Paloma cocktail, drinks, snacks and DJ music is at No 35 Kitchen and Bar in Bogangar.

Celebrate the region’s local flavours and those who bring them to life, from First Nations storytellers and passionate chefs to talented distillers, brewers and baristas, cheesemakers, farmers and artisan producers.

This first-time food festival is about more than food. Savour the Tweed showcases the small enterprises that have had the courage and imagination to create something new and special here. It’s about culture, history, and community as well. Try to make it to at least one event.

Savour the Tweed is on from Wednesday, October 30 to Sunday, November 3. For more info and tickets, go to savourthetweed.com.au

Shared love of blues

Federal Blues Inc. (FBI) was formed in early January 2014 - a band drawn together by the shared love of the BLUES. As the players are all residents of the Byron hinterland village of Federal, the name came naturally. They have built a following in the Byron area which established the Blues Club at Bangalow Bowling Club. The Blues Club proved to be a popular format and in 2019 they moved to Ballina RSL and expanded performances to every Sunday in 2023 with FBI as the ‘House Band’. Band members are ex-pat Canadian Tommy Cuyler on guitar & vocals. Well known blues specialist in both Byron and Toronto areas, Tommy has played at the Byron BluesFest accompanying overseas artists and has supported the great BB King. Tommy returns to Canada every other summer to play the festivals around Toronto.

Soren (Soz) Carlbergg is on guitar vocals and brings a wealth of experience in his solid Chicago blues style, complimenting with Tommy, delivering great guitar harmonies and grooves. Steve Foster plays blues harmonica and weaves his beautiful sounds in and around the FBI groove making the ‘sauce’ that is the Blues.

Martin Muller is on bass with some vocals. He combines with Derek Armistead on drums to be one of the best rhythm sections in the Northern Rivers. These lads have been together for many years and it shows.

FBI plays a mixture of originals and blues classics, with a dedication to deliver an exciting and dynamic voice to the blues.

Christine Manfield and Ben Devlin at Pipit

Big Country Radio

Free clothes repair

By Madeleine Murray

YEAR 9 STUDENTS from Mount Saint Patrick College (MSPC) are hosting a free clothing repair event at M|Arts Precinct on Saturday, October 19, between 9.30am and 1pm.

This free event, part of Regen 2484, is open to all locals. The group of young people behind the project are inspired to reduce textile waste by enabling a culture of repair and refurbishment. Bring along items of clothing that need basic repair and they will repair them on the spot.

Through Regen 2484, these students have been focusing on a vision of a regenerative and safe future and the actions needed to create it.

Along with Sathya Sai College students from years 7 to 9, the MSP C students have been designing and implementing their own smallscale initiatives to strengthen environmental and social outcomes in the local area.

Projects created by students include upcycling plastic into new items, planting trees, designing circular economy business models, strengthening a culture of recycling in the school setting, repairing school uniforms, setting up a games

club to connect young people, raising funds for local homeless people, planting vegetable gardens using regenerative agriculture methods and establishing an aquaponics system. If you have items of clothing that need a bit of TLC, bring them along to M|Arts on Saturday, October 19, between 9.30am and 1pm. It’s a case of first-in, first served. The group will do their best to make as many repairs as possible within the time available.

Participating student Rosie Stewart-Walker told The Weekly, “I was really inspired by Regen 2484 to be part of the solution and reduce textile waste. Repair cafes are a simple yet effective part of the regenerative journey we all need to take.” Free clothes repair is from 9:30am-1pm on Saturday, October 19, at M|Arts Precinct, Brisbane St, Murwillumbah. If you have a sewing machine and can help out, please get in touch with Carmen on 0438 140 589. Regen 2484 is funded by the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation and the Siddle Family Foundation.

Stand up for Mandy

By Madeleine Murray

MANDY NOLAN is coming to Twin Towns with six other brilliant comedians on Wednesday, November 20.

The fearless stand-up comic and candidate for Richmond has set her sights on winning this hyper-marginal seat at the next Federal election and to do it, she has called on her comedy colleagues to come to Twin Towns for a one of a kind campaign fundraiser: Stand Up for Mandy!

“Australian politics is a joke,” Mandy told The Weekly.

“That’s why our most loved comedians are coming together to make sure that one of their own gets a seat at the table.

“It’s brilliant to have the support of my comedy colleagues –people at the absolute top of their game. We are an industry that prides it self on being truth tellers, I think that’s why people love comedy so much. In a world full of spin, co medians are the straight shoot ers. It’s our super power. It’s definitely mine. This show is going to be both hysterical and historic!”

Kitty Flanagan, Dave Hughes and Akmal are just three of the headliners stand ing up for Mandy. The outra geous Ellen Briggs hosts this comedy gala, featuring Ting Lim and Jackie Loeb.

Logie winner, author and star of ABC hit comedy Fisk, Kitty Flanagan is known and

loved for her dry comedy style. Unguarded and unapologetic, Kitty is a legend.

University dropout and former abattoir worker turned vegan, Dave Hughes is one of Australia’s most popular TV and radio presenters. Hughsie’s drawling Aussie accent, biting wit, self-deprecating humour and off-the-cuff insights are part of his signature style.

Born in Egypt and raised in Punchbowl, Akmal is another of this country’s favourite comedians. He brings a fresh perspective to the stage, calling out bigotry and racial stereotypes, regaling audiences with stories of being run out of Rockhampton, living with poodles, and some fresh insights into migration myths. Akmal travels the personal and political with ease.

Also performing are Singapore-born Brisbane-based comedian, the sharp shooting Ting Lim, and ex-Full Frontal star Jackie Loeb who is now an LA local. Ellen Briggs holds it all together with her cryptic comedic genius. Something funny is happening, and you don’t want to miss out.

Starring Kitty Flanagan (pictured), Dave Hughes, Akmal, Jackie Loeb, Ting Lim, Ellen Briggs and Mandy Nolan, Stand up for Mandy is on at 7pm QLD time (8 pm NSW Time) on Wednesday, November 20, at Twin Towns, Wharf St, Tweed Heads. For more info and tickets, go to twintowns.com.au/events/ standupformandy

Rosie Stewart-Walker, MSPC student, hand-sewing

Tweed Regional Museum wins national award

By Madeleine Murray

THE INNOVATIVE SUPERTONIC EXHIBITION at the Tweed Regional Museum took out top honours at the prestigious 2024 Australian Museums and Galleries Association (AMaGA) Awards recently.

The multi-sensory exhibition explored the vibrant musical world of the Northern Rivers and Gold Coast region through recordings, scores, instruments, sounds and stories of people creating music.

The judges praised Supertonic for its innovative use of augmented reality technology, an interactive dance floor and participatory engagement. They also praised the exhibition’s focus on accessibility.

The exhibition ran from November 2023 until March 2024. The museum collaborated with an array of iconic local artists such as the Sunnyboys, Budgerah, The Jezabels, JK-47, Kate Miller-Heidke, Matt Corby, TORA, Amy Shark, Bobby Alu and Ocean Alley.

Museum Director Molly Green was honoured to be recognised and thanked her team for their hard work and ability to reimagine the museum experience through a modern lens.

“This award reflects the hard work and creativity of our small but im mensely talented team, and we’re t hrilled to see Supertonic resonate so strongly with our community and with AMaGA,” Molly said.

“We will continue to work together in reimagining traditional exhibition experiences – and we hope to devel op many more incredibly successful,

engaging bodies of work that are on par with what can be found in much larger cultural facilities nationwide.”

The immersive exhibition allowed visitors to use their own device to bring parts of the exhibition to life in a digital realm.

On display included objects loaned by artists such as band posters, set lists, autographs, instruments and outfits – as well as an extensive collection of rare Australian-made vintage guit org.au

Rainbow Bay-based band Babe Rainbow.

Photo Bruce Baker

Retro 70s lounge room.

Photo Sam Townsend

Entry to Supertonic exhibition at the Tweed Regional Museum

Budjerah, Babe Rainbow, and JK47 details. Photo Sam Townsend

69 Deny (6)

72 Wretched (9) 73 One present at an event (8) 74 Mixture (8) 75 Went around the edge (7)

1 The most supple (7)

2 Explanatory drawing (7) 3 Themed ensemble (7)

4 Famous salt lake (4,3)

5 One who flees for safety (7)

6 Prefix related to the environment (3)

7 Norse god (3)

8 Ignore (9)

9 Praising someone (14)

10 Cancer of the blood-forming tissues (9)

11 Male athlete (9)

Soul (6)

Spokesperson (14)

Exempt (6)

Painter (6)

One time (4)

BUSINESS

NORTHERN RIVERS RUBBISH REMOVAL

FOR ALL your rubbish removal needs

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

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

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

Mr Anderson’s team offer free no obligation quotes on all jobs with fast turnaround.

“We also have extensive experience in difficult situations such as deceased estates and NDIS participants with mental health issues and dementia in elderly,” he said.

“Efficient hands-on approach we do the work with fast turnaround.”

Ben and his team offer an experience that is “down to earth and reliable”.

“We let the customer talk and we get an understanding of what they want removed and want to achieve with no price gouging or mess left behind,” he said.

The feedback for Northern Rivers Rubbish Removal has been outstanding. “As the owner I love getting the text message when my guys have left a job from our customer, whether it be a big contract job or a little old lady, letting us know that they are thanking us once again and let us know that they appreciate the great service,” he said.

“Remember we offer free quotes on all jobs with no job too big or small.”

Ben said he plans to extend his fleet of vehicles and trailers taking on more workers and training them up to have good physical and mental fitness and communication skills with customers.

“And in turn give what we can back to the homeless or women in domestic violence or anybody doing it tough in

any way we can,” he said. Call Ben and his team at Northern River Rubbish Removal on: 0421 493 136.

Northern Rivers

Tweed Valley

WANTED

purchased from fantastic furniture, Hall table, same colour 100 x 40x 80 $100, Cash or eft, Pottsville, can deliver if local Phone 0448 869 013

FOR SALE: Lots of Farm related equipment. Tractor, chainsaws, pruners, blowers, pipe fittings, spray equip, etc. At a good price, definitely worth a look for the new farmer. Call ex-farmer Greg 0409 661 902

FOR SALE 1995 International Acco, Tipper (rarely used) with removable sides and tailgates, twin underbody hoist, 7.2 meter deck, near new aluminum loading ramps, 6 spare tyres, includes straps and chains, very good condition, immediate sale required, $45,000. Ph 0416 194 498

MISSING CAT Since 21st of July from Nunderi 2484. Female cat called Pebbles, short haired, domestic tabby, white bib, 4x white feet. Microchipped and registered. If found, contact Pam or Greg 0475 566 927

Massage

Original Thai Massage Call Yah – 0477 594 800

Massage

Massage & Waxing

Tweed Heads South

Please send a text to 0479 171 398 www.tweedheadsmassage.com.au

Positions Vacant

NEWSPAPER DELIVERY: Driver wanted. Tweed Valley Weekly is seeking a new delivery driver for the Tweed Coast. Great rates. Must be enthusiastic, courteous and reliable. Early start every Thursday. Insurance provided for the first year. Please phone: (02) 6672 4443

EXPERIENCED DENTAL ASSISTANTS

Tweed City Dental

Dental Assistant Chairside 8-5pm –2 days a week

Dental Assistant Office – 8-5pm –2 days a week

Please contact Ann 0407 713 878

POSITION VACANT Juniors 15-18yo needed for fun warehouse job in Murwillumbah. 5am-8am and 3.30pm-6.30pm shifts. Email jason@maskco.com with your phone number.

FREE RENT for a fully furnished unit, including electricity, water, storage and pool. In exchange for small property maintenance and animal care. Must have current police check and references. Would suit single handy man. Phone 0421 061 777

Public Notice

Tweed Surgery 07 5524 4888

Dr Dara Bogdanovic-female GP available. Accepting new patients

Fit, Active Male, 72, Non-drinker, Homeowner at Chinderah. Seeks ongoing Female Companion over 55, if you would like to meet call John: 0434 712 735

Male 60-year-old looking for a friend/companion, Female 50 years and up. Located in the Tweed Region. Phone 0435 939 839

Social Group

Over 60s singles group with different activities and great sincere folks who have been participating for over 7 years. Ph: 0428 118 534

Scrap Metal

PICK ME UP SCRAP METAL We collect white goods, heavy gauge, steel light gauge, steel farm machinery, trucks, cars, all metals copper lead batteries. We pay for batteries. You call we collect! Contact Wayne Leveridge on (02) 5616 8017 or 0434 431 461. www. pickmeupscrap.com.au Lic. SM-0674

To Let

ADJISTMENT AVAILABLE area, Well fenced paddocks, price on application. Ph: 0409 545 186

TO LET White Hall Lodge, Located in Coolangatta. Fully furnished single rooms only to rent with cooking facilities. Would suit retired aged pensioner. Close to Club, Shops, beach. No Lease or Bond required. From $275 per week. Ph: 0448 363 233 or 07 5599 1089

AYSCOUGH Robert Anthony “Bob”

Passed away on 8th October 2024 at John Flynn Hospital, late of Banora Point. Aged 80 years.

Dearly loved husband of Pamela, loved father of Helen, Tony and Stuart, treasured stepfather of Kerri and Kirsty, adored pop of Hayden; Robert, Erin and Christopher; Chloe, Grace, James and Daniel; Laura, Rhys, Dylan and Indiah; Leilah and Louisa.

Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral service for Bob to be held at St Cuthbert’s Anglican Church, Tweed Heads

On Thursday 17th October 2024 at 1.00pm (NSW time) 12.00pm (Qld time)

Tweed Heads Ph: (07) 5599 1500

Sunday 20th October 2024

Mountain View Community Centre, Ingram place, Murwillumbah - beside the car park 10:30am- 1:30pm DST Morning tea & drinks provided

Pietro Dusina

We are locally owned and operated 0416 389 587

29/12/1929 -9/8/2021

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

Dearly loved brother, brother in law, uncle, cousin and friend to many.

LAWSON Lawrence (Lawrie) 07/10/2024

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

PREECE Sally Gay 07/10/2024

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

SCRASE Brian 09/10/2024

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

BATTESE Colin Lance 12/10/2024

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817 ONG Hua Chin (Jeffrey) 12/10/2024 Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

YOUNG Ronald Bruce 13/10/2024

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

We offer holistic and unique funerals that empower you to have a deeply meaningful and inclusive experience Direction cremations $2560 including transfers and all legal paper work

Much loved and sadly missed by his family in Australia, Italy and Switzerland. Thankyou for all kind thoughts and wishes.

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

RILEY Mervyn 25/9/2024

Heritage Brothers (07) 5599 15 00

AYSCOUGH Robert Anthony 8/10/2024

Heritage Brothers (07) 5599 15 00

LEVENSON Doreen Joyce 8/10/2024

Funeral

Chinderah Chase Paddle Marathon Race run and won

By Mike Gout

THE FINAL RACE of the Pacific Coast Marathon Paddle Series was held over a figure of eight course on the Tweed River at Chinderah on Sunday, October 6. The race run by the Currumbin Creek Paddlers Club was held under blue skies, with a northerly wind blowing when competitors were in the main river, but with some protection when they were paddling in the channel inside the two small islands.

Paddlers were given the option of competing over 5km (one lap), 10km (two laps), or 15km (three laps of the 5km course). Fifty-seven competitors took part in 50 craft with 7 doubles competing supported by plenty of spectators on the riverbank and two safety vessels out on the river. All age groups were represented from four Under 12 junior paddlers right through to five 70 plus veterans in the races.

Ten paddlers competed in the 5km event with young Under 14 K1 paddler Mark Crisan first overall in 34:32, and Charlie Chan the first female across the line in a single ocean ski in 36:24.

There were 24 craft in the 10km

race with the double ski pairing of Justin Appi and Steve Major first across the line in 55:21. Barry Woods

was the first male single to finish in 58:06 paddling a single ocean ski, and young Under 14 K1 paddler Ciara Quigley the first female single in 1:02:43.

The 15km race was hotly contested with Archie Skinner getting over the line first in 1:15:09, a mere 1.2 seconds ahead of Andrew Bavage in second place, both paddling K1 kayaks. The double ski combination of John and Nathan Wilkie were a further 7.9 seconds behind in third place. Danielle Appi was the first female across the finishing line in 1:39:23 paddling a single ocean ski.

Club President Peter Hickey was pleased with the turnout as the race

continues to get good support and positive feedback for the interesting course. He thanked club volunteers for their help in running the event and Scott Sharples from Paddle Queensland for his support and operating the race scoring system. All competitors enjoyed the Subway rolls and flavoured milk drinks supplied by CCPC at the end of their races.

“This sport provides a safe and healthy activity for paddlers of all ages who can choose a number of different craft and options including kayak sprinting, marathon paddling and ocean racing. Whilst the Pacific Coast Marathon Series has now been completed for this year, there is still State Marathon Championships plus the Pan Pacific Master Games to be held

at the

Facebook page including photos and video highlights of the Chinderah Chase thanks to Youngmin Kim.

Local skaters excel in World Games

By Jo Kennett

SUMMER RACKLEY spends a lot of time upside down. The Pottsville teen is the current Australian Women’s Bowl Skateboarding champion and her talents saw her selected as the youngest of five Australian skateboarders to compete in the World Skate Games in Rome in September.

The 13-year-old competed in the Vert (a half pipe with a vertical section at the top) along with Pottsville teen, Jada Ward, whose dad Trevor runs the Level Up Academy in Elanora which they both attend along with Olympic gold medalist Arisa Trew. Arisa took the win in the Vert in Italy. Another Pottsville skater, Ash Wilcomes competed too, coming second in the world in qualifiers.

Jada came sixth in Rome, and after Summer finished 19th, she flew over to Jackelope in Montreal where she took third place while Jada took the win there. Summer’s ten-year-old sister Coco came fifth in the Open Womens and second in the Open Groms competition.

Tweed Olympian Chloe Covell just took out the Street finals at the X Games in Japan where Arisa came first in the Park, showing the depth of talent in the Tweed.

Summer’s dream is to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Her dad Nathan is a house painter and says it’s hard for he and his wife, who also works, to afford the overseas trips needed for Olympic qualification , schooling at Level Up and driving to train on the Gold Coast each day

so they have started a fundraiser.

“There aren’t really any big competitions in Australia except for the Globe World Cup in Melbourne in November so Summer has to travel overseas to compete,” Nathan said.

“She’s’s going to Exposure Skate in California to compete in the Vert and the Park on November 2 and 3 then we fly straight back to Melbourne.

“Before the Olympics there are about two years of qualifiers and it’s all overseas in places like Dubai, America and China.”

At the World Skate Games, Summer skated three 30 second runs.

“You go all that way for 90 seconds of skating,” dad Nathan said.

“That’s all apart from two 45 minute practices before it,” Summer said.

“I didn’t land a full run in the Worlds but I did at Jackelope.”

Summer has the 540 MacTwist in her repertoire but nerves got the best of her in her first international events.

“I didn’t land it the whole time but I’ve landed it over 50 times at home,” she said.

“I want to land a full run with a MacTwist in America.”

Her dad says if she puts her best run in she can compete with the best.

“There’s not many girls in America that can do a 540 MacTwist which is more upside down than 540,” he said.

They would love to see a world class skate facility in the Tweed Shire.

“It’s not just Summer and Jada and Ash; there’s Ollie MacDonald, Mateo Mattiatzi in Potty and CJ Hawker in Kingy - he’s ten and he skated in the World’s in Vert and Park,” Nathan

said.

“Everyone pays to go to Level Up.

“There isn’t an Olympic-style park anywhere in Australia and the park at Caba doesn’t flow right. It’s terrible. It’s just a playground.”

Summer says the new park at Jack Evans Boat Harbour doesn’t have the right heights to do what they need to do in Vert and Park skating.

“Five out of the top ten Australian skaters are from the Tweed and they aren’t even able to train anywhere,”

Nathan said.

“We got two Park gold medals at the Olympics.”

Pete Aberneathy owns Pyramid Skate Shop in Cabarita and Nathan says he has been a brilliant sponsor for his daughter.

“He is very community minded and has helped Summer out so much,“ Nathan said. Pete says for local skaters to get to the Olympics “they need the facilities.”

“The park at Caba is extremely outdated and it’s dangerous now,”

Pete said.

“Noone builds a skate park and puts a bowl in the middle of it these days.

“I’ve seen kids taken away in ambulances because they have been cleaned up by an adult, they just t-bone each other.”

Pete says the size of the park matters.

“When you watch the Olympics there is one skater on at a time so when you have 20 or 30 kids running around a park that’s not big enough it’s just a disaster,” he said.

“Look at what they have on the

Gold Coast. There is a great skatepark every 15 minutes.

“Our best skaters have to travel to Byron or the Gold Coast to skate.

“We have world class skaters with D grade parks so we need the Council to have a bit of vision.”

Help Summer achieve her dreams at www.gofundme.com/f/help-13yearoldskateboarder-summer-rackley-reachher-goals

Oxenford Watersports Centre over the next two months, plus a couple of ocean races.

Currumbin Creek Paddlers Club welcomes new members and has training and coaching available plus many social club paddles. More information is available on the Club’s

Barry Woods, frst male to finish10km

Tight racing

Course map

Happy finishers

Navigating the mangroves

Nathan, Summer and Coco Rackley (right). Below: Summer in action.

Real Estate

FROM COAST TO COUNTRY

Pinehurst’s 40 years as a Tweed icon

By Jil Hogan

FOR 40 years, one residential building has towered over Tweed Heads South.

Sitting at 27 storeys, Pinehurst has become not only a defining feature of the local skyline, but also home to a vibrant and tight-knit community. The building had controversial beginnings.

The development was initially pitched as a three-tower project, advertised as “setting new standards in luxury living,” with facilities including tennis courts, pools, a putting green, jogging track, and playground. The project was greenlit by the local council who were later dismissed amid corruption allegations, and only one tower was ever constructed.

Pinehurst’s first residents moved into the building in 1984, and four decades on, the building’s secretary Kay Mattress said that Pinehurst’s true legacy lies in its people.

“As we are a unique building, in that we run it with volunteers, it certainly adds to the tight knit community we have developed,” she said.

“We’ve all had the pleasure of sharing this space with individuals and families from all walks of life.

“Some residents have been here for decades, witnessing the many phases of the building’s history, while others have brought fresh energy and new stories.

“Whether past or present, each

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resident has helped shape the unique character of this community.”

It’s a building predominantly home to owner occupiers - of the 71 apartments, only three are rentals, and even those have long-term tenants.

Pinehurst residents past and present gathered last weekend to mark the 40th anniversary, with celebrations including a cocktail party by the pool and a lunch. Among the attendees was 93-year-old Greta Steensel,

McGraths

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the last remaining original resident from 1984, who has seen the building evolve through its many phases.

Kay, who has lived in the building since 2003, said there were plenty of stories shared about the history of the building.

“Apparently on level 27 we had a very high class brothel,” she said.

“Somebody who was just renovating recently said when they took away some of the roofing, they found old bank cards and bits and pieces that obviously belonged to the brothel.

“We’ve had some interesting people over the years, but the brothel was the thing that everyone talked about.”

Over the years, Pinehurst has undergone several updates and renovations to keep pace with

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Kel Judd

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changing times.

“From the original structure, we’ve seen many updates and renovations that have kept Pinehurst not only functional but beautiful,” Kay said.

“As we look to the future, we will continue to nurture the sense of community that Pinehurst has always been known for.

“This building has been a witness to our joys, challenges, and everyday lives for 40 years, and I have no doubt that it will continue to be a special place for many years to come.”

As well as the close-knit community, Kay counts the prime location and proximity to amenities as Pinehurt’s real standout offerings.

“At least half of our residents have buggies underneath and go straight through the back fence to the golf club,” she said.

“Plus, we’ve got a back door to Tweed City, which is a big drawcard. And we can see the ocean, the whales going past, and all of that - it’s a beautiful place to live,” she said.

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Residents at the 40th birthday celebrations. Right: Pinehurst apartments in Tweed Heads South

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