Tweed Valley Weekly, March 7, 2024

Clean up Tweed’s CBD

By Jo Kennett

LOCALS HAVE some fresh ideas for ways to beautify the centre of Tweed Heads, which they say has been neglected and needs cleaning and maintenance.

Following the ongoing debate around the Tweed Heads entry at Wharf Street, several residents have come forward with ideas that will not break the bank and could produce results straight away — in the form of elbow grease.

A resident, who preferred not to be named, showed The Weekly around the

centre of Tweed Heads, pointing out areas that needed maintenance and upgrading.

“For a long, long time it’s been let go in terms of landscaping,” he said.

“None of the street furniture is up to date, the bollards are rotted from the top down and they are all falling over from rot.

“They do token landscaping here but it (the footpath) never gets gernied to clean it up.”

The resident thinks businesses should be encouraged to invigorate the area and wishes more attention was paid to it.

“We never see councillors here and they never engage with locals about this place,” he said.

“The boardwalk on the harbour needs maintenance as well.

“The timber railing section has deteriorated to the point I don’t think anyone has ever sanded or oiled it.

“The stainless steel section looks as though it’s never been touched as well.

“The timber decking you walk upon is a bloody lottery not to get splinters in your feet.

“The Gold Coast City Council are always at their assets maintaining them.

“Tweed Shire Council don’t, as was apparent after my wife and I were thrown

to the ground by a rusted post on their park bench.”

The resident said a lot of people are against the Tweed Mall redevelopment because of the bulk and scale of it “but anything has to be an improvement on the situation now”.

He said that with a little effort, the area could be turned into a drawcard.

“You could have chairs and tables and umbrellas, and if council encouraged that sort of development we could organise Bay Street into a fantastic little eatery,” he said.

“We’ve always argued do you have a master plan that we don’t know about?

“With the redevelopment of Tweed Mall and these towers maybe that will be enveloped inside it.”

Graffiti vandalism a blight

By Jo Kennett

GRAFFITI VANDALISM remains a blight on streets throughout the Tweed and residents are being encouraged to report any defacing of property to the relevant authorities.

Bilambil Heights resident Elaine Brown wrote to The Weekly highlighting recent graffiti at Scenic Drive, describing it as “horrendous” and calling for photo IDs to buy paint cans.

“Employed or unemployed graffiti culprits have way too much money and time to spend on spray paint cans solely to deface our beautiful area,” she wrote.

“The damage they caused on Scenic Drive, Bilambil Heights, this past weekend is horrendous, not only on walls but street signs as well, as you can see by the photographs.

“It is a massive cost to ratepayers as the council has to come and clean it up only

to have it repainted again sometime later.

“The culprits seem to think their ‘tag’ makes them special, but I can assure you they only identify how low and despicable they really are.

“In some ways it is sad, because their parents never taught them respect or made them work for their own possessions as we have all had to do.

“These are repeat offenders getting away with it.

“I am hoping to gather enough support to bring about a change that will require all retailers of spray paint cans to have an official register where every purchaser must provide photo ID. The date, number of cans and the colours purchased. It would then be available for the police to follow up new graffiti.

“Another option is more security cameras in the areas that are regularly targeted by these criminals.”

Tweed Shire Council’s manager of parks and active communities Murray Smith stressed that “graffiti vandalism is a crime and a blight upon our community”.

“Council, business and private property owners spend time and money on efforts to remove graffiti pollution each year,” he said.

“We encourage residents to report graffiti as soon as they see it appear, via council’s ‘Report a Problem’ service.

“We aim to attend to reports of offensive graffiti within two working days — removing graffiti within 24 to 48 hours makes removal easier and more effective and reduces the notoriety of graffiti vandals.

“Non-offensive graffiti on council-owned and managed assets is removed as part of our scheduled maintenance program.”

Mr Smith said depending on where the graffiti is present will determine which authority to report it to.

“For example, graffiti sprayed on motorway signs should be reported to Transport for NSW,” he said.

To find out which authorities to report graffiti to, go to council’s website via: nsw. gov.au/graffiti-property-vandalism

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Broken bollards in Wharf Street, Tweed Heads Locals say the CBD needs cleaning

Graffiti remains a blight on the Tweed Shire and its residents

I agree with Cr Byrnes

Yes. I believe political candidates should be excluded from ratepayer funded events in the Tweed (TVW page 3, Feb 29).

William and Lidia Matthews, Kingscliff

Distance goes both ways

The law requires cars to keep a minimum distance of 1.5 metres from bikes. Makes sense to protect the cyclists from something far heavier and faster than them.

Would it not be reasonable to afford the same level of protection to pedestrians from bikes.

I am sure that I’m not the only person sick of cyclists who tear along footpaths passing very close to the pedestrians.

I would really like to see laws requiring cyclists to keep a minimum distance of one metre from pedestrians.

Dare I suggest that it would be nice to see cyclists give the same level of consideration to pedestrians that they are always complaining that they don’t receive from motorists?

Bruce Douglas, Banora Point Businesses are run to make a profit – what’s the issue?

In response to Gywn Cooper’s letter in The Weekly on Thursday, February 29, I’d like to ask, can you please tell me the proof you have of the recent price gouging revelations?

In regard to the Woolworths CEO retiring on $20 million, I say well done.

He has overseen 140,000 team members in his tenure and for anyone who has overseen 10 you know how hard it is.

With the turnover these two major supermarkets, as you call them, their profits are a drop in the ocean.

Look at CommBank, around five billion for the first half. Where’s the backlash to them?

Good old Albo has weighed into the conversation just to deflect how little he has done to ease the cost of living pressures.

Coles has around 400,000 shareholders and Woolies has around 350,000 — all of which invest to make a profit as I do.

If we listen to Bob Katter and his Greens mate, where would we be? In a trough not eating money but swill. Let business be business and run their companies to make a profit, how small it may be. What about electricity, fuel companies? We just accept it.

Phil Ryan, Pottsville Pods are homes for people

What’s more important? Homes for people who lost everything in the flood, or somewhere to throw a ball and walk the dog? We have to get this right.

Twenty million dollars in infrastructure has been well used and should not now be discarded. That’s our tax dollars at work.

We know there is an extreme rental shortage. Where are these people to go? Join the current homeless living in their cars or tents in local parks?

It’s no help to pass the buck and say state government should do this, and federal government should do that. Those solutions are years off.

This decision needs to be made now. I hate to think of what the uncertainty is doing to the mental health of those poor residents.

Louanne King, Cudgen Tweed housing policy hinders growth.

We currently have a housing crisis, this is nationally, not just in the Tweed Shire, as we all know. With simply the stroke of a pen, Tweed Shire Council could do much to ease this problem.

Currently Tweed Shire Council only allows one dwelling on farming land.

If Tweed Shire Council were to

change this to two legal dwellings or even three, this would do many things. Those farmers in the position to build either with their own funds or borrowed funds could build another house that could be rented out.

Even if the building was to be rented out to elderly parents, children or extended family, this would free up other properties that could then be rented out. Within the Tweed we have an ageing population of farmers. Rental income from a dwelling on their property would give them weekly cash flow. This would ease the unpredictable nature of farming with reliance on weather and market pricing for produce. For the ageing farmer, a second dwelling would allow for a family member/person to live on farm and assist with care of ageing parents and provide labour to assist with running of the farm. This would allow ageing farmers to continue to live the lifestyle they know longer.

The farmers already own the land, thus, the cost of building is reduced because it is only the building that has to be paid for.

Currently in the Tweed, a small block of land costs approximately $400,000. That same money could build a comfortable second home on a farm.

If council were to permit this, the local building industry and businesses would also benefit financially from the flow-on associated.

Not all farmers are going to take up this idea, liking the privacy and peace that is their farming lifestyle.

State government, federal government and council should be offering farmers incentive to build, offering discounted sewage treatment systems, water tanks and access to power. Privately funded housing is going to happen a lot faster than government-built homes. The end result: with more houses built on farms, we get more families into homes.

Having grown up on a farm in the Tweed, I understand this lifestyle. This would give more families the opportunity to raise their families in a happy, healthier lifestyle.

As this is relevant to a lot of residents and farmers in the Tweed, if council could please respond to explain why a second home is not allowed.

Suzanna Kirkwood, former Tweed Heads resident Wharf Street homeless crisis

Obviously Nerida Growth (TVW Letters, Feb 29) doesn’t live anywhere near Wharf and Bay streets.

We pay good money for our properties on this corner and have to put up with nightly screaming, fighting, and having our fire escape access areas used as toilets.

The homeless seem to be a protected species in Tweed Heads. Has she ever tried to take children for a swim in the Jack Evans Boat Harbour? Running the gauntlet of out-of-control drunks in a legislated non-drinking park.

Amazing how the bleeding hearts are the greatest NIMBY exponents!

David Nelson, Tweed Heads

The death of customer service

Today’s journey into customer service: “Your call is important to us. Please stay on the line and you will be answered as soon as possible”. Usually annoying music follows, then a few minutes later, the same recorded music. The pattern is repeated ad infinitum, until the caller has had enough and hangs up!

The concept of customer service is dead, at least in large organisations.

If you don’t believe me, just ring your local council.

I’ve been around long enough to remember the idea that ‘the custom

er was king’ and it was vital that an organisation engaged the customer at every step and particularly if something went wrong.

Painfully, technology has crushed customer care.

Supermarket self-service checkouts have taken over most of the check-out assistants.

So, you’re stuck with the choice of waiting for eternity in line with a full trolley or running the gauntlet of the self-service regime.

Here you’ll be watched over by the organisation’s A1 CCTV security cameras, just in case you don’t scan something correctly.

Watch out if you place an item on the wrong side: a robotic voice will reprimand you!

Now you’re back to the customer service blockade, call the 1300 customer complaint line until you become brain-dead listening to the repeated recording and annoying music. Then, you give up!

The oldies accept the status quo and line up and endlessly without complaint, the young as always do not and who are the most important customers?

The hardcore economic answer is the repeat customer. And what do the young do, when faced with a supermarket blockade. Well, I leave that to the reader’s imagination, but I can tell you they don’t ‘kowtow’, they adapt.

Terry Sharples, Tweed Heads

Anger over growth plan

By Jo Kennett

A NUNDERI resident says some areas up for development in the Growth Management Housing Strategy (GMHS) Draft Options Paper, were recently rejected by state planning authorities, others are not under Tweed Shire Council jurisdiction and claims made by a council staffer are “strange”.

Marion Riordan said residents need to look closely at the proposals before making a submission because “the rosy claims” in the paper “have no substance.”

“The GMHS seems to ignore existing plans and mapping for flooding, wildlife and koala corridors, bushland corridors and rural village plans,” she said.

“The plans are the skilled work over decades by council staff and others in consultation with all stakeholders.

“The proposal for Pottsville is one glaring example, with West Pottsville slated for significant development with new greenfield sites added in addition to Dunloe Park and adjacent sites.

“Two areas bordering Cudgera Creek serve as floodplains and are important wildlife corridors.

“A proposed light industrial ‘hub’ was rejected by a state regional planning panel for these reasons last year.”

Marion said the areas shown are already under Environmental Plans of Management at a state level and are not under any existing plans, contrary to claims.

“Why are such areas included in this draft document when they are outside of its scope?” she said.

“The options for other Tweed Coast towns reveal similar problems. Development on floodplains seriously increases flood risk for the surrounds.

“Land west of Tweed Coast Road is highly flood-prone and has areas classified as State Significant Farmland vital for the sugar and horticultural industries.

“So why are such areas included in these options?

Marion said areas under existing master plans and locality plans have undergone “due process” to consider negative impacts like flooding.

“Why are we told that up to 34 development options in this strategy are in existing plans when some clearly are not?” she said.

The Nunderi woman also questions why areas outside council’s jurisdiction are included.

“The inclusion of Crown land adjacent to the airport at Tweed Heads is baffling,” she said.

“The land parcel south west of the runway that runs into Cobaki Lakes is home to many endangered flora and fauna species.

“It is an important floodplain for the surrounding urban area preventing widespread inundation in flood events.

“The land is dedicated public recreation under Crown reserve.”

She said the community has fought for the preservation of the land for 25 years and it is now included in the federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act “with statutory plans of management in place at all government levels.”

There have also been questions raised over population growth estimates which are almost double the state forecast and why homes in major developments are not included despite meeting almost exactly the number of new dwellings needed in the higher forecast.

“GMHS planning coordinator Iain Lonsdale stated he can’t estimate the number of houses from developments already in process like Kings Forest, Cobaki, Dunloe Park,” Marion said.

“Surely this information is in the development applications which are already approved?

“There was years of laborious consultation and planning over the details of Kings Forest.

“It seems to be a very strange comment from a town planner that they cannot estimate housing yield from major developments and must therefore open up extensive areas of the Tweed for development. Surely the yield from these options is just as hard to estimate.”

Marion said residents need to see how many houses are already in the pipeline and how population growth forecasts were calculated “given the huge disparity between them”

“We need to see how any option for development fits into plans with considered environmental and social impacts,” she said.

“The Tweed community really needs genuine consultation of the impacts on the surrounding community and needs a housing growth strategy that is credible and worthy of comment.”

Read more on Page 20.

Construction underway on the first section of Kings Forest behind Casuarina

Protect yourself against conveyancing scams

Australians lost more than $3 billion to scammers in 2022, according to the latest figures from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, and that is only the losses reported to the ACCC.

Hacks and scams redirecting payments which people intended to go to conveyancers to pay for new homes accounted for $225 million of those losses.

Tragic cases highlighted in the media include a homebuyer who unwittingly sent $284,000 to the scammer’s account after the email chain with his conveyancer was hacked.

That is why Stacks Law Firm always advises its clients to protect themselves against the hackers who break into people’s email accounts and try to trick them into sending money to the wrong accounts.

Stacks solicitor Taylor Kennedy says her law firm attaches a warning about potential scams in the emails it sends to clients.

“Money Transfer Precautions: Scams involving money transfers, fake email accounts and false or tampered invoices are increasingly common. For your protection, we recommend you ALWAYS verify our bank account details by phoning us before making money transfers to us.”

Ms Kennedy says the scammers are increasingly skilled at hacking email accounts to impersonate conveyancers or real estate agents and give false account numbers to divert the money intended for home deposits or business payments.

“Even if you have been dealing with the conveyancer for some time, check before sending money that it is the correct email address and account number. Never just click “reply” or click on a link. Some hackers succeed in breaking into a chain of email conversations by changing just one letter in the email address.

“Never call the phone number given in a suspect email. Use a phone number you received independently of the latest email, and talk to the person you have been dealing with previously. Double check the account number before sending money.

“If you get an email that creates a sense of urgency, don’t rush. First check that the email is genuine. If the email tells you to change payment details, don’t respond until you have talked to the company involved.

”If you have been the victim of a scam, contact your bank as soon as possible. The bank may be able to stop the transfer if notified within three days of the payment. Get legal advice if you are unsatisfied with your bank’s reaction. This is one of the advantages of engaging a conveyancer who works within a law firm.”

Celebrating local women

By Jonathon Howard

A SPECIAL International Women’s Day event with three wonderful local speakers is set to take place on Friday, March 8, at the South Tweed Sports Club.

The event is hosted by the Coolangatta Tweed VIEW Club and will celebrate the contribution of women in the workplace and community.

The VIEW Club’s president Dianne Lutze said the event will feature HOTA director Susi Muddiman, Marine Rescue NSW representative Nicole Lockie and Tweed Shire Citizen of the Year 2023 and refugee advocate for the Uki Refugee Project Joan Henderson.

“We are also pleased to welcome our master of ceremonies Brooke Marsden, the host from Radio 97 Breakfast, who is joining our amazing group from 10am,” Ms Lutze said.

“We are also pleased to welcome our local Member for Richmond Justine Elliot, who will again open our official proceedings for the event.

“This is one of our most important annual events and our speakers will be addressing this year’s theme which is in-

spire inclusion.”

The group will discuss issues that remain challenging for women in business including equal pay, sexism, inequality and getting your message across.

“We are encouraging women to come along and experience our VIEW Club community as well as meeting these amazing local women who have been trailblazers in the respective fields,” Dianne said.

The VIEW Club at Coolangatta and Tweed is celebrating 35 years of continuous operation in the Tweed Shire campaigning for women’s rights and building better communities.

Founding VIEW Club member Penny Thorpe said the world was a lot different when the VIEW Club started in 1989.

“I think women now have a much greater say in the processes of business today and while there is still more ground to make, the world is made better with groups such as ours,” she said.

“I would encourage other women to attend and learn from some of our great local leaders so we can continue our goal of supporting underprivileged children via The Smith Family charity.”

The event is $25 per person at the door

and will run from 10am to 12pm with refreshments at the end.

To find out more, or to get involved, please phone: 0406 484 707.

Flood study showdown

By Jonathon Howard

EXPERT AUSTRALIAN hydrologist Dr

Daniel Spooner says Tweed Shire Council’s latest flood study contains “several gaps”, which he stresses that without further information, the study is “unreliable as a flood tool”.

Council’s flood study was released earlier this year and is based around new research as well as references to data sources from the 2009 and 2014 flood studies.

Council’s manager of roads and stormwater Danny Rose said the flood study represents “best practice for NSW floodplain risk management” and is open to public submissions until March 17.

“These submissions will be reviewed by staff and our expert consultants,” he said.

“The flood modelling can be reviewed, and the report clarified where necessary.”

Ms Rose’s comments follow a recent public meeting at the Condong Bowling Club on Wednesday, February 28, under the banner of the ‘Tweed Valley Flood

Study Review’. The meeting was called by local business owners to discuss the latest flood study and next steps.

Dr Spooner is the principal marine specialist for Australasian Marine Associates and has compiled a response to council’s flood study, which he says lacks essential “bathymetric information”.

Bathymetry is the measurement of the depth of water in rivers and creates maps that look a lot like topographic maps, which use lines to show the shape and elevation of land features.

You can think of bathymetry as the water inside the ‘bath’, while hydrology is the study of water outside the river once flooding occurs.

In Dr Spooner’s conclusion, he outlines the absence of bathymetric figures, which he says: “cannot be accepted as a reliable tool for prediction and management of floodwater dynamics”.

“It has been determined by Australasian Marine Associates that the existing tech-

nical report on floodwater

on the Tweed River is unreliable due to the absence of vital data and incomplete river/estuary bathymetric information,” Dr Spooner said.

Dr Spooner’s report did highlight that the study provides a beneficial update to the previous flood studies in the Tweed River catchment and “helps to understand the recent flood events”.

Continued on page 22

dynamics

LOCAL LEADERS: Dianne Lutze, Susi Muddiman, Nicole Lockie and Joan Henderson.

The Condong Bowling Club meeting on February 28 attracted about 50 people

Last week we each used

Tweed Link

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

The Cycling Without Age trishaws in action at the community celebration weekend to mark the opening of the Rail Trail in March 2023.

After successful first year, new chapter for Rail Trail

Tweed Shire Council has announced its collaboration with volunteer organisation Cycling Without Age as part of celebrations to mark the first anniversary of the opening of the popular Northern Rivers Rail Trail.

More than 140,000 people have used the 24 km Tweed section of the Rail Trail since its opening on 1 March 2023 –establishing it as one of the most popular visitor attractions on the Northern Rivers.

To mark the first anniversary, Council last week announced its collaboration with Cycling Without Age, a not-for-profit charity that connects the elderly and people with a disability with the outdoors, by offering free rides on trishaw e-bikes, piloted by trained volunteer cyclists.

The collaboration will see the establishment of a permanent chapter of Cycling Without Age to operate on the Rail Trail out of Burringbar. Volunteers are now invited to join this initiative, to help bring the joy of Cycling Without Age to the community.

The announcement comes just weeks before the opening of the second stage of the NRRT – the 13.4 km section from Bentley to Casino which is managed and maintained by Richmond Valley Council. The Casino section is due to officially open on 23 – 24 March 2024.

The group plans to operate from the Burringbar stop on the Rail Trail on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays

from 9 am to 12:30 pm, with operations to begin in coming months. Until then, training is already underway to ensure volunteer riders are ready to go at opening.

Find out more about Cycling Without Age Burringbar on their Facebook page

Visitor centre open day

The newly-refurbished Murwillumbah Visitor Information Centre will host an open day on Open

Thursday 7 March from 9 am to 4 pm.

Pop-in sessions will be held throughout the day with the dedicated team of tourism experts from The Tweed Tourism Co. and Council. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to engage with knowledgeable professionals who are ready to share insights, answer questions and provide valuable information. Express your interest at events.humanitix.com/murwillumbah-open-day

If you are unable to attend the Open Day, drop in any time and speak to the Visitor Centre supervisors and amazing volunteers.

The Murwillumbah Visitor Information Centre is located at the Murwillumbah Railway Station on Tweed Valley Way and is open 7 days.

In brief ...

164 L a day

Save water, save money

Update on Murwillumbah multi-level carpark

The bottom level of the multi-storey carpark in Murwillumbah has reopened and will remain open until further notice while repairs and cleaning continues on the other levels, following a fire in December last year.

Council has received a mitigation report from structural consultants which has been submitted to Council’s insurers for comment and approval to commence required works on the carpark. This process is likely to take a number of months.

Alternative public car parking is available at Knox Park and in the carpark outside Sunnyside Mall, as well as the 2 public car parks between Proudfoots Lane and Wollumbin Street.

Another update will be provided to the community as soon as possible and when more information becomes available. Council appreciates the patience and understanding from the community and businesses while these repairs are completed.

You had your say, Pottsville

Thank you to the Pottsville community for sharing feedback on the draft Pottsville Open Space Masterplan

Council received 127 completed surveys, 76 online interactive map responses, 19 youth survey postcards, and 13 additional submissions via email, hard copy and phone.

The Pottsville Open Space Draft Masterplan was on public exhibition from 8 August to 19 September last year.

Council invited feedback from residents and businesses on 6 key open spaces in Pottsville (Pottsville Environment Park/ Centre, Pottsville RSL Memorial Park, Philip Street Reserve, Hardy Park North, Ambrose Brown Park).

The findings are now available in a Community Engagement Report on yoursaytweed.com.au/pottsville for you to view.

What happens now?

Community feedback will inform the final Pottsville Masterplan. Visit yoursaytweed.com.au/pottsville and follow the project to get updates.

This project supports the 10-year plan for the Tweed’s people and places to thrive.

Tweed Seniors Festival kicks off

Are you an older person looking to meet like-minded people and have fun in the process?

This year’s Tweed Seniors Festival is offering a bumper program of more than 40 community events, kicking off with an official opening ceremony at Murwillumbah Civic Centre on Monday 11 March from 10 am to 12 noon. The festival will run across two action-packed weeks, closing on Sunday 24 March.

Book your free ticket for the opening ceremony at events.humanitix.com/tweed-seniors-festival-2024opening-ceremony

To find out more about this year’s Tweed Seniors Festival and to download the full program, visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/seniors-festival

Spotlight on the Tweed’s Growth Management and Housing Strategy

Council is developing the Tweed Shire’s plan to manage housing and employment growth. The Draft Options Paper is currently open for public feedback.

Discussions with community members at recent engagement sessions highlighted some common questions. Why are there so many changes?

• 34 changes relate to existing plans and strategies adopted by Council, including the Tweed Urban and Employment Land Release Strategy 2009, Kingscliff Locality Plan, Tweed Regional City Action Plan.

• 20 relate to Shire-wide opportunities to make changes such as improved development assessment procedures, affordable housing, maintaining character and amenity, dealing with the issue of short-term rental accommodation, etc.

• 23 relate to greenfield sites, many of which have been identified for decades. But some of the smaller proposed sites are new – like the village expansions.

• 22 relate to infill development

What about the planning process and managing further growth?

The Growth Management and Housing Strategy is a visionary document, with the intent of accommodating further population growth while protecting and enhancing the things we value most.

Feedback from face-to-face community events has suggested general support for the intent of draft options, however a range of concerns about potential impacts have been raised.

Council wants you to know that constraints and potential impacts such as traffic, parking, character and amenity, sporting facilities, and the need for revitalisation of the city must be taken into consideration before implementing changes, as well as flooding, vegetation and sea level rise.

Getting down to detail, change sheets have a number of disclaimers stating that the dashed boundaries are indicative and the boundaries are flexible. Notes indicate constraints affecting sites.

Once the options paper is finalised, the draft strategy will reinforce the need to consider all matters likely to relate to a change, including biophysical and infrastructure constraints such as water and wastewater. Master planning will be required for a number of the larger land areas, to ensure the right development occurs in the right locations at the right time.

The final strategy will provide clear guidance on matters which must be considered before any changes are implemented.

Complete a submission form before 4 pm on Friday 22 March 2024 in one of the following ways:

• online at yoursaytweed.com.au/futuretweed

• email tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au

• mail to the General Manager, Tweed Shire Council, PO Box 816, Murwillumbah NSW 2484

• delivered in person to the Tweed or Murwillumbah Council offices.

A range of community engagement opportunities are taking place. Full details at yoursaytweed.com.au/futuretweed

Are you concerned about soaring energy costs?

Help is available if high power bills are worrying you.

Visit Council staff and independent accredited home energy assessor Seb Crangle at the Power Pop Up stall at Tweed City Shopping Centre during Seniors Week on Thursday 14 and Friday 15 March from 10 am to 2 pm.

Everyone can get free advice and find out whether you’re eligible for up to $700 in energy rebates, or a free 3kW solar install.

Have a bit of fun and play ‘energy bingo’ to test your knowledge on energy-smart ways to save money on your power bills.

You can also go in the draw to win a free Residential Efficiency Scorecard assessment valued at $400. One lucky resident will receive a home visit from an accredited assessor who will provide a certificate about the energy efficiency and comfort rating for your home, including a written summary about how to save money on power bills.

Visit the pop-up stall opposite Mathers Shoes. Drop in between 10 am to 2 pm, no bookings required.

These sessions are to support Tweed Shire residents to save money and make more sustainable choices and as part of Council’s commitment to reducing the community’s impact on the environment and adapting to climate change for a sustainable future.

Find out more at tweed.nsw.gov.au/saving-energy

Have your say

Add your voice to decision making in the Tweed

Proposed classification of land

Council proposes to classify 39 West End St, Murwillumbah as operational land (proposed Lots 4, 5 and 6 in the plan of subdivision of Lots 3 and 4 in DP1298421).

The lots are outlined in the location diagrams below. This is in accordance with the provisions of section 31(2) of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW).

Submissions are invited until 4 pm, Wednesday 3 April 2024 in one of the following ways:

• Online – yoursaytweed.com.au/39westendst

• Email – propertyofficer@tweed.nsw.gov.au

• Mail – General Manager, Tweed Shire Council, PO Box 816 Murwillumbah, 2484

Submissions close 4 pm, Wednesday 3 April 2024

Council ref. PN: 113482

Enquiries to Jennie Stephenson, Technical Officer – Property, phone 02 6670 2400.

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.

Help

Development application determinations

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

Application details

Approved

DA23/0297 – Demolition of pool building at Club Banora

Lot 2 DP 1040576, Leisure Drive, Banora Point

DA23/0610 – Swimming pool and deck

Lot 13 DP 29974, No. 3 Walter Crescent, Banora Point

DA23/0611 – In-ground swimming pool

Lot 62 DP 860889, No. 6 Liberty Place, Banora Point

DA23/0649 – In-ground swimming pool and deck

Lot 6 DP 1288397, No. 201 Carool Road, Bilambil

DA23/0552 – Swimming pool and associated decking

Lot 9 DP 1152253, No. 458 Byrrill Creek Road, Byrrill Creek

DA23/0621 – Two storey dwelling with attached garage

Lot 15 DP 1264557, No. 39 Habitat Drive, Casuarina

DA24/0001 – Pool pavilion with sauna and spa

Lot 1 DP 1116114, No. 5–7 Beech Lane, Casuarina

DA23/0572 – Use of shed and carport

Lot 14 DP 1176104, No. 7 Tweed Valley Way, Condong

DA23/0639 – Carport within the side setback

Lot 27 DP 262412, No. 169 Bakers Road, Dunbible

DA24/0009 – Recreational pond

Lot 7 DP 808228, No. 26 Dallis Court, Dunbible

DA23/0507 – 10 lot staged strata subdivision

Lot 216 DP 1122768, No. 8–12 Honeyeater Circuit, South Murwillumbah

DA23/0467 – Dwelling with attached garage including in-ground swimming pool

Lot 60 DP 1295651, No. 6 Sunnycrest Drive, Terranora

DA23/0607 – Alterations and additions to existing dwelling

Lot 19 DP 245035, No. 9 Altair Street, Tweed Heads South

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

Development proposal for public comment

The following development application has been received by Tweed Shire Council and may be viewed on Council’s DA Tracking site located at datracker.tweed.nsw.gov.au for a period of 14 days from Wednesday 6 March to Wednesday 20 March 2024.

Application details

DA21/0949.01 – Amendment to Development Consent DA21/0949 for seniors housing comprising of 94 independent living units and one manager’s residence, swimming pool, tree removal and lot consolidation (NRPP)

Lot 114 DP 237806, Lot 115 DP 237806, Lot 116 DP 237806, Lot 117 DP 237806, Lot 118 DP 237806, Lot 119 DP 237806, Lot 113 DP 237806, No. 6 Powell Street, Tweed Heads Zone Planning Group

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

Please note: Requirements regarding Disclosure of Political Gifts and Donations

A disclosure is required to be made in a statement accompanying the relevant development or planning application by a person who makes the application.

In addition, a person who makes a written submission either objecting to or supporting a relevant development or planning application must also make a disclosure if the person has made a reportable political donation. Further information regarding Donations and Gift Disclosure are available at tweed.nsw.gov.au/development-applications

Planning Committee Meeting agenda – Thursday 7 March 2024

The Planning Committee Meeting agenda for Thursday 7 March 2024 is available on Council’s website at tweed.nsw.gov.au/councillors-meetings . The meeting will be held at the Council Chambers, Murwillumbah Civic & Cultural Centre, Tumbulgum Road, Murwillumbah commencing at 3:30 pm.

Agenda

Reports for consideration

Reports from the Director Planning and Regulation

8.1 Development Application DA21/0041 for an eco-tourist facility comprising 3 cabins at Lot 5 DP 868345 No. 72 Howards Road, Burringbar

8.2 Development Application DA22/0145 for an earthworks and associated drainage works at Lot 21 DP 1082482 No. 2 Altona Road, Chinderah

8.3 Development Application DA23/0632 for construction of a 4 storey mixed use building comprising one ground floor office premises and car parking and 3 levels of shop top housing comprising 12 residential units and landscaping at Lot 181 DP 259164 and Lot 182 DP 259164 No. 100–102 Hastings Road, Bogangar

Council Meeting

agenda – Thursday 7 March 2024

The Council Meeting agenda for Thursday 7 March 2024 is available at tweed.nsw.gov.au/councillors-meetings . The meeting will be held at the Council Chambers, Murwillumbah Civic & Cultural Centre, Tumbulgum Road, Murwillumbah commencing at the conclusion of the Planning Committee Meeting.

Agenda

Reports for consideration

Confirmation of minutes

3.1 Adoption of recommendations from Planning Committee meeting held Thursday 7 March 2024

Reports from the Director Planning and Regulation in committee

26.1 Unauthorised development at Lot 2 DP 567249 No. 842 Terranora Road, Bungalora

26.2 Compliance matter – Site 12 at Lot 105 DP 755701 No. 16 Anne Lane, Chinderah – Tweed Shores – Chinderah Lake Caravan Park

The agenda for these meetings, which may also include any late or supplementary reports, will be updated prior to the date of the meetings and are available on Council’s website. It should be noted that confidential items are considered in closed session, which excludes media and public. Also, the minutes of these meetings will be available as soon as practical following the meetings and are unconfirmed until they are formally adopted at the next Council meeting.

Please be aware that meetings are livestreamed, and video recordings will be available on Council’s website following the meeting. A person’s image and/or voice may be broadcast. Attendance at the meeting is to be taken as consent by a person to their image and/or voice being webcast.

Current vacancies

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

WATER WEEK 9 Check when your water meter is read at tweed.nsw.gov.au/meter-reading

Andrew Whyte

Tweed killer faces life in jail

By Jo Kennett

PROSECUTORS ARE pushing for a man who bashed a rough sleeper to death in Tweed Heads to spend the rest of his life behind bars.

Kevin James Pettiford was arrested by Tweed-Byron Police District detectives after a man’s body was found in a sleeping bag at Jack Evans Boat Harbour Park in November 2019.

Pettiford, who was 34 at the time and also sleeping rough in the area, was arrested at a Wharf Street bus stop at Tweed Heads as he boarded a bus to Sydney.

Detective Chief Inspector Brendon Cullen described the murder of 56-year-old homeless man Andrew Whyte Murray with what they believe was multiple blows with a rock as “a particularly brutal and violent attack on someone who was essentially helpless”.

Pettiford told police he wanted to become Australia’s most prolific serial killer.

A Supreme Court jury found Pettiford guilty of murder in December 2023, and also guilty of the attempted murder of another man in prison, whose throat he slashed.

The defence for Pettiford entered a plea of not guilty on mental health grounds, however that was rejected by the jury.

According to Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) court reporter Sarah McPhee, Crown Prosecutor Brendan Campbell said Pettiford should receive the maximum penalty for the murder.

“It was a brutal, callous killing, falling in my submission in the worst category,” he said.

“It represented a denial of Mr Murray’s humanity.

“The murder was of such a nature that a sentence of life imprisonment is the only sentence that should be imposed.”

A statement from the victim’s daughter was read out in court in Sydney on Thursday, February 29.

“Nothing prepares you for the death of a parent,” Kate Murray said. “We can’t change the past, as much as we wish we could.

McPhee reported that Murray’s daughter said Pettiford should be held accountable for the “disgusting and pathetic act”.

“My father didn’t get the chance to walk me down the aisle at my wedding, or have a father-daughter dance that I’ve seen so many of my friends enjoy over the last few years,” she said.

‘He won’t be here to see the birth of his first granddaughter.’

“My father isn’t here any more, and he should have had the right to be.

“Our family suffers from profound sorrow and anger from one choice, one evil choice.”

According to the SMH report, Pettiford’s defence is pushing for a lesser sentence on the grounds that he made full admissions to police and that he had mental health issues.

Pettiford also cut a corrections officer inside Goulburn’s high-risk management unit three months after he cut the other inmate’s throat.

Pettiford will be sentenced on March 27.

Mates lend a hand at Kirra

By Jo Kennett

TWEED WATER Police were called out to assist a 50 tonne trawler suffering an engine failure offshore of Kirra on the Gold Coast on Thursday, March 29.

Water Police Launch WP27 Macquarie took the Liza J in tow safely over the Tweed bar before securing her back in her berth for repairs. All three people on board are safe and well.

According to Gary at Seascape Trawler Watch, Ted and Joe, the crew of the Pacific Mist, friends of Liza J skipper Mark, steamed across to their mate’s aid to stand by until water

police arrived and took the vessel under tow. The Liza J is a popular Tweed Heads trawler, with the crew delivering fresh seafood to locals at the Tweed Heads trawler wharf whenever they go out fishing.

Murray was found dead in a park near Jack Evans Boat Harbour

Mates helping mates as the Pacific Mist stands by the Liza J

Copper chopper in town

By Jonathon Howard

NSW POLICE are carrying out the annual helicopter drug-spotting operation this week, with one property snagged at Bangalow.

Burringbar residents reported the chopper landing on a local field on Monday, March 4, and questioned whether it was “searching for drugs” in the area.

The title of the police operation is ‘Strike Force Hyperion’ which is carried out annually and is coordinated by State Crime Command’s Drug & Firearms Squad.

NSW Police said officers located one property at Tinderbox Road in Bangalow

where they seized 1,539 cannabis plants.

“About 4.30pm yesterday (Monday 4 March 2024), strike force detectives — with assistance from Tweed-Byron Police District, PolAir, Northern Regional Enforcement Squad, the Dog Unit and Pol Air — attended an address on Tinderbox Road in Bangalow, where they located 1,539 cannabis plants,” police said.

“A 68-year-old man was arrested at the scene and taken to Byron Bay Police Station where he was charged with cultivate prohibited plant and large commercial quantity and possess prohibited drug.”

The man was granted conditional bail and is due to appear before Byron Bay

Local Court on Monday, March 25. Police said Strike Force Hyperion will continue this week across the Tweed and Byron shires.

Caldera Centre update

TWO YEARS has passed since the Caldera Environment Centre (CEC) moved from its long-term premises in Queen Street and previously Commercial Road in Murwillumbah for nearly 30 years.

CEC coordinator Rhonda James said the group has been unable to secure a new shopfront within their budget and is calling for some support.

“To keep up momentum, members now attend the monthly Makers and Finders Market where the community can get up to date information on the environment and purchase sustainable goods and books to support the CEC,” she said.

By Jo Kennett

the-job training and study by distance education with Charles Sturt University.

The new recruits officially graduate with an Associate Degree in Policing Practice once they have passed all academic and operation standards. The officers will then be confirmed to the rank of constable. Member for Tweed Geoff Provest said he welcomed the new recruits.

“I’m pleased three new probationary constables are joining the Tweed-Byron Police District ranks,” Mr Provest said.

“After eight months of training in the Constable Education Program, today’s attestation ceremony at the Goulburn Police Academy is a proud moment for the probationary constables and their families and friends.

“I commend the graduates for making this commitment to keeping our communities safe and taking on this important responsibility.

“I look forward to seeing the new recruits in and around the Tweed.”

Last year, the NSW Government made the historic announcement that student police officers will be paid to study at the Goulburn Police Academy.

Class 361 received a one-off payment, the amount of which was prorated to the

date of the announcement.

Student police officers receive a total salary of around $30,984 over the 16week study period, including super and award-based allowances.

“We are currently contacting similar likeminded groups for support to assist with the organisation of the annual World Environment Day Festival to be held in Knox Park in early June.

“This annual event has been organised by CEC members over the past 20 years.

“This year, with less active members, the need for support is critical to ensure this important event goes ahead.

“The event provides the community with an environmentally based family event, with representatives from local groups such as Birdlife Australia, Wildlife Carers, Northern Rivers Guardians, Landcare and Community Gardens.”

Ms James wanted to encourage the community to visit Tweed Shire Council’s “Your Say” webpage to have their say on the Draft Options Paper Growth Management and Housing Strategy.

“This includes developments on floodplain, koala habitat, housing density and expansion of rural villages,” she said.

“CEC is encouraging actions to support the protection of native forest in northern NSW.”

Community can also contact CEC or order environmental books and sustainable goods online at its website: calderaenvironmentcentre.org or email caldera@calderaenvironmentcentre.org

Welcoming the new recruits with Member for Tweed Geoff Provest and Police Superintendent Dave Roptell

Residents were surprised to see the police chopper land in Burringbar this week

Friday for Forests

The month of March looks busy with myriad political functions, mostly aimed at limiting climate change extreme events by supporting more tree planting and reducing logging, especially of native forests. That trees are the most effective means of reducing atmospheric carbon is beyond dispute. Can we save what is left of our publicly-owned forests?

This year both Victoria and WA have stopped logging public native forests, and other states could follow that example.

A recent Court decision ruled that arrangements for forestry management is a political matter, not a legal one, so we have to lobby our political decison-makers.

Rise Up for Native Forests! Concerned citizens around the country want to end destructive native forest logging. Join with Fridays for Forests at the regional March in March event at 10AM Lismore’s Riverside Park, Victoria Street, Lismore (Bundjalung Country). Bring friends and family!

Why we’re marching. In north-east NSW, logging of native trees in State Forests is killing endangered species like the koala. Propping up the state-owned Forestry Corporation comes at a huge cost to taxpayers, and it also destroys some of Earth’s most vital carbon storehouses, reducing our ability to fight the climate crisis.

We need to make the governments listen to the people who advocate for a sustainable future. Please join a demonstration outside Labor Federal Member Justine Elliot’s office in South Tweed from 11 am on Friday 8th February. Phone 0266 891441 to find out about protests and direct actions being planned for March.

“Right now, when we need forests the most, we are still destroying them. We need to protect and restore native forests. Rise up for native forests at a march near you.” — Bob Brown

Save Wallum. A special place in the Northern Rivers is under immediate threat from the bulldozers. A committed group of Brunswick citizens is waging a valiant campaign to stop the destruction and they need help. We ask the Federal government to call in the development for review under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act. It is time for all proposed developments to face mandatory assessment for effect on future sustainability. We owe it to our children and grandchildren.

Here’s a snapshot of Wallum’s ecological beauty that will be destroyed :

• There are 24 threatened fauna species on the site and 215 flora

• The entire site is mapped as High Ecological Value (HEV) and is a wildlife corridor in the coastal zone. It is the Endangered Ecological Community of Swamp Schlerophyll Forest

• The site constitutes a significant part of the mere 1% remaining Wallum Heathland in Byron Shire

• 76 old-growth Scribbly Gums will be destroyed if the luxury development goes ahead

• Amongst the species that would be impacted: koala, glossy black cockatoo, wallum froglet, eastern grass owl, little bent-wing bat, pink nodding orchid and countless others Find out more at www.savewallum.com

Great white death question

By Jo Kennett

MYSTERY SURROUNDS the death of a four-metre great white shark that washed up on the beach at Kingscliff early on Monday morning, March 4.

The shark was filmed by a local resident struggling among the waves close to the beach.

Australian Lifeguard Service’s Northern NSW Lifeguard Coordinator Scott McCartney said they received a report around 7am that there was a shark close to shore.

“I contacted a local lifeguard who lives nearby and had him go down and verify it,” Scott said.

“We could tell something was wrong — it was sick or injured and swimming right where the waves were breaking. It could have made its way back out to sea but it didn’t.

“It beached itself on one of the banks just north of the bowling club.”

Social media lit up with news of the beaching, with around 100 curious locals going down to take a look at the shark, which had no visible injuries.

“We contacted the DPI (NSW Department of Primary Industries), Sea World and council to let them know,” Scott told The Weekly.

“The shark was about knee deep and stuck on the bank, and with the tide going out it got shallower.

“At about 9am Sea World and fisheries arrived and assessed the condition of the shark.

“I think they did a few blood tests. I think they euthanised it, probably because of the prolonged time and it being distressed.

“After a discussion they brought a loader down to the beach, loaded it up and drove off the beach and I assume they loaded it onto some form of transport to do an autopsy on it.”

A spokesperson from Sea World confirmed the shark was almost dead when they arrived.

“We administered some drugs to make it comfortable,” he said.

“From the film (of the shark struggling close to the shore) it didn’t look like normal behaviour.

“It’s being taken away for a necropsy (the animal version of an autopsy) at NSW Fisheries, Coffs Harbour.

“It was a four-metre female adult. There were reports that it was pregnant but it wasn’t, it was just big.

“They are a magnificent creature, so it’s a sad outcome for this one.

“Hopefully once they have done the necropsy we will get some answers as to whether it was sick or something happened to it.”

Scott McCartney said it was “quite sad really.”

“I love the ocean and everything it brings,” he said.

“It’s always sad to see an animal in distress and I wish it could have made its way back out.

“It’s kind of crazy to see it that close and be safe.

“They said it was about four metres and they can grow to six so that’s pretty insane.”

Local surfers have reported numerous shark sightings on the Tweed Coast in the last week or two with plenty of fish around, birds working and dolphins also getting in amongst the action.

“There are a lot of big tuna chasing bait fish so there are definitely big predators taking the tuna,” Scott said.

“We know they are out there, so it’s a reminder they rule the ocean and so we should give them respect.

“I’ve been involved in a few shark incidents and my main point is that if you have that sixth sense that something is potentially watching you or out there, come in.

“Also, if there are a lot of fish around you it’s probably a good idea to go in until they move on.

“If you are worried, use the NSW SharkSmart app so you can make an informed decision about going out into the ocean for a surf.

Michael Williams II/ Unsplash

The shark had no signs of injury. Photo Suzy Martin.

The great white shark on the beach attracted onlookers at Kingscliff. Photo by Suzy Martin

Saturday 16 March 10am-2pm

Tweed Valley Hospital Community Open Day

• Join in for a behind-the-scenes tour and learn more about our new hospital.

• Take a walk through some key hospital services including the emergency department, maternity, intensive care, cancer services and outpatients.

• Kids’ activities and refreshments available.

• Free parking available onsite.

To register for this free event, and for parking and directions, go to tweedvalleyhospital.health.nsw.gov.au

Local patrols Bondi

By Jonathon Howard

TWEED COAST lifesaver Rebecca Langdon from Salt Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) at tended the Bondi SLSC on Saturday, March 2, to take part in an all-female patrol called the ‘Pink Patrol’.

Ms Langdon said the event was hosted in the lead-up to Inter national Women’s Day to rec ognise and celebrate the con tributions of women across surf lifesaving by hosting a special day-long patrol and event day.

“Bondi SBLSC hosted the Pink Patrol, an event that raises awareness about the various roles and oppor tunities available to women in surf lifesaving,” she said.

“This year there was a record attendance with 90 female

Murwillumbah Public School

lifesavers attending from across the state and beyond.”

As a Tweed coast volunteer lifesaver, Ms Langdon said it was a memorable and empowering experience for her and other likeminded

“It was an incredible day patrolling alongside likeminded women of all ages,” she said.

“It was a celebration of leadership and the empowerment of women in surf lifesaving was evident.

“The demonstration of the outstanding skills that the 90 participants exhibited across jet ski operations and mock patient rescues, inflatable rescue boat (IRB) crewing and driving, UAV and active roving patrols ensuring all public swam between the flags.”

Kindergarten Settled in at Murwillumbah Public School

The 2024 kindergarten class at Murwillumbah Public School are already making themselves well known to staff and other students. They have settled in beautifully and are engaging fully with everything that is offered to them. With 15 students in the class students get a huge amount of individual attention and their particular learning needs are being well catered for.

The classroom features some fabulous artwork that has been completed by the kindergarten students and is resource rich abounding with books, colourful blocks and puzzles, laptops,

Principal:

art and craft resources and an enormous range of learning materials.

The classroom design and furniture has been developed to create a learning space that is attractive, safe and particularly supportive of shared learning activities.

Teacher, Lynn Lack, is thrilled with the early literacy progress being made by students as they demonstrate their letter and sound recognition and engage in shared reading activities. A specialist teacher delivers a music program that emphasises singing, playing and listening.

Dance is a feature every week and students enjoy

taking part in their yoga lessons. In library and technology students again get specialist instruction in use of laptops to enhance their learning.

Kindergarten is a vital year for these students and communication with and involvement of parents is extremely important to ensure students get the best possible start to their school life.The students are very keen to share their life experiences in daily news and they are already forming close friendships. They are having a fantastic rst term at Murwillumbah Public School.

THE TWEED will receive two electric buses servicing local schools in the first half of this year as part of a trial of zero emission technology in regional NSW.

During the Transport for NSW trial, the battery electric buses will operate on routes in the Tweed area serviced by Kinetic and in Armidale by Edwards Coaches.

Vehicle dealership VDI Australia has been awarded the contract to deliver the zero emission school buses.

Zero emission buses offer passengers a quieter, smoother, and more comfortable journey, and emit no harmful exhaust fumes, improving air quality.

The NSW Government has committed $25 million towards this project which will see a series of trials of zero emission buses and coaches across regional NSW.

Community feedback from passengers will be sought during the trials to provide information for the future rollout of zero emission buses.

The Tweed and Armidale communities will be updated when start dates for their trials are confirmed.

The trials will contribute to the transition of the state’s regional bus fleet to zero emissions by 2047.

“I am pleased to announce hundreds of students will soon experience a quieter and

smoother ride to school as four electric buses are trialled in our regions,” Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said.

“In the Tweed, at different times during the trials, students from 17 primary and high schools will be able to catch an electric bus, while in Armidale and Uralla, at different times, zero emission vehicles will run to and from 13 local primary and high schools.

Member for Tweed Geoff Provest said he was looking forward to seeing the two new vehicles on Tweed roads.

“Seventeen primary and high schools across eight different school routes in Banora Point, Bilambil, Carool, Cudgen, Kingscliff, Murwillumbah, Tweed Heads South, Terranora and Tumbulgum will be serviced by the two electric buses during the trial,” Mr Provest said.

“This is an exciting development for the Tweed’s bus network serviced by Kinetic, with zero emission buses reducing harmful exhaust fumes and improving air quality.

“Electric buses are also less noisy than their diesel-operated counterparts and provide a smoother journey for passengers.

“This trial will help inform the future rollout of zero emission buses in NSW, with passenger and community feedback an important part of this process.

Record nurses and midwives

By Jonathon Howard

A RECORD number of new graduate nurses and midwives have recently been inducted by the Northern NSW Local Health District.

More than 190 graduate nurses and midwives will start work across the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) this year, providing a significant boost to local health services.

The latest intake includes around 30 new staff members in nursing and midwifery for the Tweed Shire alone.

NNSWLHD Director of Nursing and Midwifery, Katharine Duffy, welcomed the graduates and thanked them for choosing a rewarding career with the NNSWLHD.

“These new nurses and midwives will play a vital role in our region’s busy health services — providing patients with high quality, compassionate care,” Ms Duffy said.

“The graduates will gain invaluable experience across a broad range of clinical settings, as well as in community healthcare.

“We’re pleased to be welcoming a record number of new graduate nurses and midwives across the district this year, and to also offer these staff permanent roles which support our efforts to grow and train a sustainable local health workforce.

“Our nursing and midwifery service has some incredible mentors and teachers who will nur-

ture these new graduates to develop in their chosen specialties.

“Depending on their interests, they’ll have the opportunity to take part in excellent research projects or develop their leadership skills to take their healthcare, and their careers, to the next level.”

Meanwhile, the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) has secured the first phase of significant workforce reforms in the state’s public health system, after negotiating with the government-appointed Safe Staffing Levels Taskforce.

For the first time, NSW will have minimum and enforceable shift by shift nurse-to-patient ratios implemented in specific clinical areas of public hospitals, which is a major milestone in the NSWNMA’s longstanding fight for staffing reforms.

NSWNMA General Secretary, Shaye Candish, welcomed the first ratios rollout, which will start in the Liverpool and Royal North Shore Hospital’s emergency departments (EDs) during March, with other EDs and wards to follow.

“Several EDs will see a substantial boost to their staffing numbers as these reforms are phased in, which will improve workloads for our members and improve safe emergency care for patients,” Ms Candish said.

“In EDs, there will be one nurse allocated to every three treatment spaces.”

INVASIVE WEED ALERT LOOKS CAN BE DECEIVING

‘No Gold Coast here’

By Jo Kennett

REPRESENTATIVES OF a local residents group says that Tweed Shire Council needs to ensure, when looking at the ‘Draft Options Paper, Growth Management and Housing Strategy’, that the Tweed doesn’t turn into another Gold Coast.

The Banora Point and District Residents Association (BPDRA) have been looking over the Draft Options Paper which council says will guide development and growth for the next 20 years in the shire.

The paper is open for submissions with councillors encouraging locals to view the draft options paper online to see what is proposed in their area.

“BPDRA believes that the key focus should be on sustainable development and the needs of our community,” BPDRA secretary Oliver Webb said.

“The Tweed needs pragmatic decision-making based on evidence and community needs, not what’s politically fashionable.

“BPDRA hears every day from locals about the need for more affordable housing for seniors, families and young people in the Tweed

region.

“This has to be addressed sustainably, focusing on the needs of the community.

“Tweed Heads South has seen a growth in medium-density housing, allowing locals to stay and new residents to join our community.”

The BPDRA say the plans for South Tweed and Banora/Terranora include some rezoning near shops and Terranora becoming “more suburban.”

“However, it is vitally important that the ‘nature’ of Banora Point/Terranora is maintained through sustainable development and putting locals first,” Oliver said.

“Tweed Shire is not the Gold Coast. The high-density urban sprawl isn’t viable and mustn’t cross the border.

“Looking at the next 20 years, Tweed Shire Council must ensure that green spaces, public transport and community facilities are provided to accommodate planned growth.

“We do believe very strongly that if council are going to allow further development to the area they must ensure there are adequate public facilities and road upgrades.”

Submissions are now open at www.yoursaytweed.com.au/futuretweed-2

Thousands have say

By Jonathon Howard

THOUSANDS OF Tweed Shire residents have already engaged in community feedback around the Growth Management and Housing Strategy Draft Options Paper, with a broad range of responses, according to Tweed Shire Council. Council’s unit coordinator of strategic planning and urban design, Iain Lonsdale, provided The Weekly with an update on the community engagement, highlighting that the feedback portal remains open until Friday, March 22.

“Exhibition of the draft options paper has attracted strong interest from across the community, with a mix of responses ranging from broad support to less than satisfied,” he said.

“The Options Paper has attracted more than 3,500 visits on council’s Your Say Tweed webpage, including more than 642 downloads of the document.

“Out in the community, council officers have engaged in more than 460 conversations at the Pottsville, Kingscliff, Tyalgum, Burringbar and Murwillumbah farmers markets, while more than 630 people have chatted to our staff at shopping centres including Tweed City, Kingscliff Village and Sunnyside at Murwillumbah.”

Mr Lonsdale said the project is open for community feedback until 4pm on Friday, March 22, with further engagement opportunities planned for coming weeks.

“To find out more about where you can speak to our staff, visit council’s Your Say Tweed page,” he said.

“Comments received during pop-up stands at local markets and shopping centres have identified the need for the Tweed Heads city centre to be revitalised.

“Other feedback has included concerns about the potential impact of increasing population numbers, with concerns expressed about building on floodplains, impacts on existing infrastructure, such as roads, and community facilities, loss of vegetation, and the need for

more infrastructure to cope with increased demand.

“Housing affordability and the choice of housing, and where it may be located, has also been a consistent issue raised.

“Understanding the planning process and how potential adverse impacts can be addressed has been important in helping the community recognise that the strategy, when complete, will ensure the key aspects of growth are considered before suggested changes occur.”

Mr Lonsdale said that while concerns have been expressed about potential impacts, faceto-face conversations with the community has provided opportunity to discuss concerns and provide a clearer understanding about the planning process and how certainty can be built into the strategy.

“Overall, the response has been positive and acknowledged the effort that council has made to meet and inform the community,” he said.

YOUR THOUGHTS: Have you had your say on the Draft Options Paper? The Weekly would like to hear your views via: editor@theweekly.net.au

Infill development proposed in the GMHS for Terranora with a reduction in the minimum lot size

Flood study questions

By Jonathon Howard

Continued from page 6.

“We consider that the modelling approach is suitable, and the modelling software can be considered to be industry standard,” he said.

However, Dr Spooner stressed that without the key inclusion of complete bathymetric data, council’s study could not be relied upon.

The results from the flood study have also confused local businesspeople, including Tweed Escapes operator Michael Simmons, who had previously raised concerns with the flood study.

“I said it last year during our public meeting at Condong that there was a danger of council’s flood study being incomplete and inadequate due to the absence of essential data,” he said.

“It is unfortunate that Dr Spooner’s report concluded exactly what I had feared in the study lacking key information.

“This is now our chance to direct council’s efforts towards securing federal funds and booking CSIRO/NEMA to complete the necessary Tweed River studies.

“Until this time, we cannot rely on this study in its current form.

“For the sake of everyone, including businesses, residents, farmers, First Nations communities, commercial fishers and all the Tweed River stakeholders, we need the study to be made complete, as Dr Spooner points out, in its current form, the council’s flood study is unreliable, inadequate and incomplete.”

The independent Flood Study Review Panel is now in the process of calling for a large-scale

public meeting to further explain Dr Spooner’s conclusions and for council to address any further community concerns.

Mr Rose said council has previously requested a CSIRO study for the Tweed catchments.

“However, the agency has advised it does not have resource capability to do so due to the project currently being conducted in the Richmond Valley,” he said.

“The Northern Rivers Resilience Initiative incorporating the Richmond River study by CSIRO is funded by NEMA and is not a grant program and has not been subject to rounds of funding.

“Council’s public engagement for the Tweed Valley Flood Study Update and Expansion report has enabled our staff to address concerns raised by the community and respond to many of the misconceptions about the flood study project.

“The study has been prepared by expert consultants, using current data, using the latest modelling techniques, is grant funded by the NSW state government, and has been overseen by council’s Floodplain Management Advisory Committee.

“This represents best practice for NSW floodplain risk management.”

YOUR THOUGHTS: Do you believe the Tweed River requires an independent assessment by CSIRO/NEMA to complete the missing data despite being unavailable to carry out the study? Send your thoughts and letters to editor@theweekly.net.au

Business outlook for 2024

COMMONWEALTH BANK (CBA), in partnership with the Tweed Chamber of Commerce, hosted a special business insights forum at the Ivory Waterside on Thursday, February 29. Around 40 local business owners attended the event to hear from a range of local experts who shared their extensive knowledge of local economic and property insights, as well as cybersecurity tips.

Speakers included CBA economist Harry Ottley, Belinda Dinsey from Rainbow Bay Realty,

and Leesa Battistuzzi and Karin Braunstein from CBA to speak on cybersecurity and best practice tips for business owners.

“We had a great turnout alongside the Tweed Chamber of Commerce with circa 40 attendees from local businesses across the region,” a CBA spokesperson told The Weekly.

“Tickets sold to attend the night came to a total of $500 which was donated to a local charity, Chinderah Community Hub, which CBA matched dollar for dollar, making the donation $1,000.”

Jarrod Thomas from Rainbow Bay Realty spoke to the tight rental market and housing availability within the Tweed region, and the delayed timeframes from Tweed Shire Council with development application approvals and development within the wider community.

Harry Ottley, a CBA economist, flew in from Sydney to present overview on economic insights.

The presentation from CommBank outlined four main points:

1. Inflation is easing but remains elevated.

2. Household budgets are under considerable strain from inflation, higher rates and taxes but some relief is in sight

3. The Aussie economy is slowing and labour market conditions are cooling.

4. Our view is that the economy will be in a position for RBA to cut rates from September 2024 and will achieve a soft landing.

CommBank teamed up with the Tweed Chamber for a special business insights meeting

#InspireInclusion.

As a woman entrepreneur in the competitive world of real estate, breaking away from the norm and carving your path can be both challenging and rewarding. Running a boutique real estate business offers me the unique opportunity to showcase my creativity, expertise, and passion in a male-dominated industry. Here are some strategies to help you thrive and break the bias in the business world.

Most importantly embrace your unique perspective and strengths as a woman in business. Your intuition, empathy, and communication skills are valuable assets that can set you apart in a competitive market. Believe in yourself and your abilities and let your confidence shine through in all your endeavours.

Networking is essential for success in any business environment. Connect with other women in business, attend industry events, and seek out mentorship opportunities. Building a strong support system of like-minded individuals can provide you with guidance, inspiration, and valuable connections.

Remember, breaking stereotypes and biases is a continuous journey that requires resilience and determination. Stay true to yourself, embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and pave the way for a more inclusive and diverse business landscape for future generations of women.

If you’d like to have a chat about my unique approach to your real estate needs, call today, it’s obligation free.

0411 851 173

suzanne@suzannefossrealestate.com.au 91300

Women in Business

Q: What advice can you give other women to succeed in running a business?

Suzanne Foss

Suzanne Foss Real Estate

Follow your heart and take the step. It’s amazing how things fall into place and elevate you.

Although timing is everything, I wish I’d done it sooner.

Jodi Cottle

Laser Clinics Australia

If you have staff, start by making sure you have value alignment. This means you are all rowing in the same direction and towards the same goals! Having a strong customer experience strategy is important. Listen to your customers, implement their feedback (within reason) to continuously improve, and have a process in place where you are collecting their feedback monthly. Above all, to succeed in business, persevere, be brave and remember, the first 18 month are usually the hardest!

Jodi Cottle is a successful entrepreneur and award-winning small-business owner.

She currently operates a high-performing business within the world's largest aesthetics franchise network, Laser Clinics Australia.

Originally from New Zealand, where she earned an MBA from the University of Auckland, Jodi now resides on the Gold Coast, Australia.

Women face unique challenges when it comes to running a successful business, from mansplaining to motherhood.

Jodi’s newly published book e Pocket MBA gives women business owners a set of basic strategies and tools that will help

them thrive as a leader and grow their business pro ts. Tackling everything from how to nd sta that stick with you, to building a stellar reputation with clients and customers, this book is a pocket-sized introduction to the proven models and frameworks that really work to create a high-performing, happy, and sustainable business.

For more information or to book an appointment, please contact the clinic on 07 5613 2057, email tweedheads@laserclinics.com.au or follow us on Instagram @laserclinicsaus_tweedheads

Q: What advice can you give other women to succeed in running a business?

Justine Elliot Federal Member for Richmond Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself in all aspects of life – whether it be personal or professional. By being outspoken and taking chances, you are able to break down barriers and biases. The more that we do this, the more gender equity is not just a goal – but a reality.

It’s my personal mission to make my client’s homes look the

It’s my personal mission to make my client’s homes best they can be. It takes just an hour to walk through your home and with your plan to make it stand out above your competition the market place.

It takes just an hour to walk through your home and come up with your plan to make it stand out above your competition in

Why wouldn’t you do that for yourself, to get a result? I’ll take care of you from our first meeting, to settlement.

Why wouldn’t you do that for yourself, to get a better sale result? I’ll take care of you from our first meeting, to settlement.

Belinda

Belinda Franks - 0409 152200

Q: What advice can you give other women to succeed in running a business?

Amy Holmes

Business Adviser, Grant and Brady

Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who understand the unique challenges and triumphs of being a woman in business. Seek out mentors, peers, and advisors who can offer guidance, support, and perspective along your business journey. Building a strong support system can provide in encouragement, and motivation to help you navigate the ups and downs of running a business.

Q: What advice can you give other women to succeed in running a business?

Janelle Saffin

Member for Lismore Parliamentary life is not quite like running a business, but my advice for leadership success is:

1. Be passionate.

2. Be tenacious.

3. Be prepared to be knocked back, knocked down and rise again like the phoenix.

Remember, ...we are women, we are strong...

Alisha Lever

Managing Director, Grant and Brady

My advice to fellow women entrepreneurs is to prioritize self-care. Running a business can be demanding, and it’s easy to let self-care fall by the wayside. However, taking care of yourself is not only essential for your well-being but also for the success of your business. Make time for activities that recharge you, whether it’s exercise, meditation, or spending quality time with loved ones. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup, so prioritize your physical, mental, and emotional health.

Tania Sheppard

Director, JET Real Estate

Rely on your intuition.

Elizabeth Hickey Director, JET Real Estate

Allocate time out for yourself, your family and friends.

Meet Amy Holmes and Alisha Lever, directors of Grant and Brady, part of the Lumos Advisory Group. Lumos Advisory offers integrated financial services including accounting, business advisory, commercial finance, mortgage broking, and financial planning. Our holistic approach aims to empower regional business owners by providing personalized support tailored to their unique needs and aspirations. Amy brings over 20 years of experience in taxation, accounting, and asset structuring, while Alisha's expertise spans finance, wealth management, and business development. Our team are committed to understanding your goals and values to offer guidance and support so you can achieve longterm success and leave a lasting legacy.

Phone

02 6672 1844

murbah@lumosadvisory.com.au

that support our local community.

Elizabeth Hickey Director

0474 908 555

elizabeth@jetrealestate.com.au

What would be your advice to those just starting out in business?

Choose a business that you love. If you love it, it’s not really work.

Why did you decide to become a real estate agent?

I love helping people. In real estate, we help people buy, sell, find their new homes, and manage properties. Everyday is different, but you are always helping someone.

Tania Sheppard Director

0438 446 578 tania@jetrealestate.com.au

What would be your advice to those just starting out in business?

Do it, don’t wait! My favourite piece of advice is from Richard Branson - “Turn up, Turn On!”

What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started in real estate?

Play life like monopoly. Looking back now, I would’ve bought a lot more real estate.

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(02)

Living in the Tweed for close to 40 years, Penny is a true local, priding herself in getting to know and assist the local community. Working as a Dental Technician, then a Dental Prosthetist, Penny boasts over 15 years of handson experience, and currently serves as a director on the board of the Australian Dental Prosthetist Association. Her customers will tell you she is a patient, caring and understanding professional, who embraces diversity, and inclusion.

As a woman working in an industry that is primarily male dominated, Penny says, ‘It is important for me to forge positive change. I am setting an example for my daughter, and other women coming up in both this, and other industries, that they too can ‘Embrace Equity’ and help cultivate an equal world for all.’

If you have any denture concerns or questions, feel free to contact Bromley’s Denture Clinic on 0755232555 to arrange a complementary appointment.

Living and working in the tweed for over 30 years, both Penny and Ashlee are true locals who pride themselves in getting to know and assist the local community. 91356

During her 20 years as a Pharmacist, Skye noticed that underlying each health condition, or desire for change, is an environmental, emotional and energetic component. The greatest catalyst to improve all of these components starts with identifying and transforming subconscious programs.

Skye Swift

Meet the women who work at MANA Real Estate.

Varela & Swift Pharmacy

Passionate, honest and clever, they want to shake up the real estate industry and show how things can be done differently. Here they share what they feel helps them succeed in business.

I would encourage women to dream big and believe in themselves. Identify and clear any limiting beliefs that stand in their way. Through self-love, clarity and alignment, they can achieve success and fulfilment in all areas of their life.

Julie-Ann Manahan MANA Founder

Julie-Ann

Manahan

Founder, MANA Real Estate

To succeed in running a business, women need to harness their inner strength, embrace challenges head-on, and never shy away from taking bold risks. Confidence, perseverance, and a strategic mindset are key. Surround yourself with a strong support system, stay true to your vision, and never underestimate the power of your own capabilities. Stand tall, own your space, and let your brilliance shine through every obstacle that comes your way!

At MANA, we give women the opportunity to shine and make a lasting impression in their field! We create a supportive and inspiring atmosphere for women to thrive and advance in their careers. Our amazing women are ‘over-achievers’ and we love them for it!

Skye Swift has been well known around the Northern Rivers & Gold Coast over the years for her roles as Co-Owner of Varela & Swift Pharmacy; winner of multiple Business Awards; previous board member of Murwillumbah Business Chamber; jet skiing to work on the back of Mick Fanning’s jet ski during the floods to ensure the community could access medicines; and more recently, for creating positive change using K® subconscious belief change process.

With continuing client success, Skye cofounded OPTIMISE | HEALTH & BUSINESS, with her business partner, Christina McGrath, to help individuals and businesses create the change they desire at the subconscious level of mind- easily, efficienlty, lovingly and sustainably.

Have big audacious goals and don’t be afraid to share them, this will allow people to understand what you are capable of and the right people will be drawn to you. MANA is a safe sharing environment, everyone’s ideas are welcome and encouraged!

fears, processing and releasing trauma from the mind and body, improving health, increasing energy/focus/vitality, resolving excess weight, supporting fertility/ pregnancy, calming the nervous system, mitigating stress &/or gaining clarity, direction and purpose, Skye & Christina have had the pleasure of facilitating it.

“Neuroscience sugges uns from the subconscious (autopilot) level of mind, which hosts our beliefs and behavioural programs instilled during childhood. Science demonstrates how our beliefs affect our health (’placebo studies’) and our energetic state. Subconscious transformation is the most impactful process I have found to create sustainable change in health, relationships, body, mind, soul & business.”

Whether it be smashing business or performance goals, breaking unwanted patterns, creating self-confidence, strengthening relationships, overcoming

To be successful in business, don’t strive for perfectionism. You grow by testing your creativity and learning through trial and error. At MANA you feel encouraged to achieve any goal.

“I am so grateful to have such incredible business partners and pharmacy team enabling me to support others in a role complementary to pharmacy.”

Be passionate about your work! The team environment at MANA gives me the support and inspiration to achieve my fullest potential. We all contribute our unique talents to our success.

Wendy Rosenbaum Licensee-in-Charge | MANA Murwillumbah

Simone de Beer Marketing Manager

Debra Stoker Reception/Sales Support

Meet the women who work at MANA Real Estate.

Passionate, honest and clever, they want to shake up the real estate industry and show how things can be done differently. Here they share what they feel helps them succeed in business.

At MANA, we give women the opportunity to shine and make a lasting impression in their field! We create a supportive and inspiring atmosphere for women to thrive and advance in their careers. Our amazing women are ‘over-achievers’ and we love them for it!

To be successful in business, don’t strive for perfectionism. You grow by testing your creativity and learning through trial and error. At MANA you feel encouraged to achieve any goal.

Have big audacious goals and don’t be afraid to share them, this will allow people to understand what you are capable of and the right people will be drawn to you. MANA is a safe sharing environment, everyone’s ideas are welcome and encouraged!

Be passionate about your work! The team environment at MANA gives me the support and inspiration to achieve my fullest potential. We all contribute our unique talents to our success.

It’s important to work in an environment where you feel supported. I feel supported every day at MANA. I have a team of experienced agents and successful team members guiding me along the way everyday!

Never underestimate yourself!

It’s amazing what you can do with the right people beside you; you are never too old to learn and change the path you are on, just make sure the path is full of amazing people and experiences.

Julie-Ann Manahan MANA Founder

Wendy Rosenbaum Licensee-in-Charge | MANA Murwillumbah

Tayla Hunter Property Manager

Simone de Beer Marketing Manager

Debra Stoker Reception/Sales Support

Nicki Rein Sales Administration | GP

Kristie has a real love for the Tweed Valley and believes that growing up in the country has given her a strong sense of self and community values. As the current #1 ranking agent in Murwillumbah and 2484, Kristie has achieved remarkable success, yet she finds her greatest source of pride in her role as a mother of three. When she’s not immersed in work, you’ll likely spot Kristie at the local soccer fields or park, enjoying quality time with her children. Working in an industry that helps people achieve their dreams aligns seamlessly with her passions and her genuine

Kristie Hoffman

Tweed Valley

love for caring for people. Once you meet Kristie, you will know that she will move mountains to reduce the pressures associated with selling and buying properties. Kristie has a strong reputation within the industry for her integrity, client dedication, and track record of delivering results.

“International Women’s Day holds a special place in my heart, as I’m passionate about celebrating this occasion. I firmly believe that when women support and uplift one another, remarkable things unfold.”

0427 328 764

kristie.hoffman@elderstweedvalley.com.au

Mayberry Meldrum & Anderson have been operating successfully as a part of our local community for more than 38 years, providing quality premium accounting services to Murwillumbah, and the entire Tweed and Gold Coast region.

In 2023, Mayberry Meldrum and Anderson merged with the Oracle Advisory Group, giving us the ability to offer a wider range of service to our clients, including financial advisory services, insurance and mortgage brokering services.

MMA now boast a female team of

19 Amazing Women – all striving to make a positive difference in our clients’ lives.

Mayberry Meldrum Anderson also specialise in Self Managed Superannuation Funds and they love the wealth creation potential that the SMSF strategies can offer to our clients.

To learn more about our team at Mayberry Meldrum & Anderson, check out our website at www. mmaacc.com. Call us today to book a consultation on 02 6672 4044 or email me at administrator@mmaacc.com

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From top, left to right: Misty Palmer, Helen Swift, Rose Elliot, Kerry Kaleyias, Kylie Lynton, Cathy Akehurst, Skye Chapman, Nikola Hudson

Q: What advice can you give other women to succeed in running a business?

Kristie Hoffman

Sales Consultant, Elders Real Estate

I believe the key to success is different for every person. For me, it has been a combination of hard work, dedication, and surrounding myself with like-minded individuals whom I align with. I feel it is important to identify your core values and goals and build your business around them. For my business, it wasn’t based on numbers or results; it was a genuine commitment to looking after people and serving my clients to the best of my ability. I believed that by prioritizing this as my primary goal, everything else would naturally fall into place. Another piece of advice I’ve gathered along the way is to block out unwanted noise and negativity, focusing instead on your own path and not comparing yourself to others. Trust your instincts; we were gifted them for a reason. Always be your authentic yourself, and never compromise on what you believe in and stand for.

Q: What advice can you give other women to succeed in running a business?

Jessica Otto

Ray White Real Estate

Where do I begin...it all starts with the heart. You began your business because you were passionate and in love with the business brand you wanted to create and build. We live today in a society of equality so don’t be discouraged that you are a woman. Be proud and empowered that you are a woman running a successful business. Most women not only run a business but a full time household which is a juggle in itself. But remember in all the chaos, your children see a mother determined to succeed in everything she puts her mind to. Stay true to who you are and your business’s vision and mission. Dare to be different and turn impossible into I’M POSSIBLE!

Penny Brady and Ashlee Henwood

Bromley’s Denture Clinic

Don’t just have a strong support network, be a strong support network. Women supporting women can get anything done!

Jeannie Anderson

Mayberry Meldrum Anderson

The secrets to our success? Kindness; Empathy; Integrity; Empowerment; Team Work; Education; Hard Work and Accountability.

We believe that much of our success is due to our focus on working together as a team. As the saying goes – “There is no limit to what you can achieve, if you don’t mind who gets the credit”.

We are more than just sales agents, our profession helps elevate the lifestyle of people

One of the most fundamental ways that real estate elevates people's lives is by providing people with a safe and comfortable place to call 'Home'.

A home is not just a place to sleep and eat; it is a haven where people can relax, spend time with loved ones, and pursue their dreams.

The pandemic completely transformed the concept and value of the home, that time was an epiphany and nudged everyone to take more steps towards "wellness".

There are countless ways real estate plays a crucial role in elevating the lives of people. It provides shelter, creates jobs, drives economic growth, creates social value and so much more.

As we continue to face social, economic, and environmental challenges in the years ahead, real estate will remain a powerful tool for creating positive change and improving the quality of life for millions of people.

And I feel blessed I get to be a part of this journey in helping people find their dream lifestyle and a place to call 'Home'.

Jessica Otto | 0434 644 238 jessica.otto@raywhite.com

Students create hospital mural

A 30-METRE-LONG mural has been installed on the walls of the new $723.3-million Tweed Valley Hospital, created by local Aboriginal students from Caldera School in Tweed Heads.

Health Infrastructure Executive Director of Rural and Regional projects, Amanda Bock, said the large-scale artwork personalises the space within the hospital, creating a vibrant, welcoming, and culturally safe environment for all hospital visitors, particularly Aboriginal community members.

“The artwork will enhance the experience of all visitors and staff and leave a positive, lasting cultural legacy for the community,” Ms Bock said.

“These students have embraced the opportunity to share, recognise and respect their history and connection to the region.”

Under the guidance of local artist and Caldera School teacher Kobie Bursac, six students; Ashlea Daley, Cody Murray, Kayden Smith, Mia Brown, Shakayha Cora and Trey Windley, drew inspiration from the region’s rich natural environment

to develop the concept and colour palette for the artwork titled ‘Journey’.

Ms Bursac said the mural weaves together imagery of the Tweed hinterland’s skyline with elements of each student’s individual cultural identities.

“From concept to creation, the students immersed themselves in the entire creative process,” Ms Bursac said.

“Over three months, they collectively worked on choosing the colours and setting the composition of the artwork, bringing their initial ideas to fruition.

“One student said, ‘It makes me feel really proud; and makes me feel like all my Uncles and Aunties are around, that they’re actually here with me, watching over me.’

“Other students shared that if they were a patient at the hospital, having beautiful artwork would help make the place less scary; and that they wouldn’t mind being in hospital so much with this [artwork] here.”

The aspiring artists are part of a mentoring program at the Caldera School which aims to foster a greater sense of

cultural pride and belonging within the Aboriginal community.

The artwork is prominently positioned in the new hospital, leading from the west entry near the multi-deck car park, past the emergency department and through to the hospital’s central lobby.

The artwork forms part of the hospital’s Arts in Health program, which includes more than 80 artworks, created by 30 local artists across 17 clinical wards.

Heath Infrastructure’s Arts in Health Program integrates arts into NSW Health capital works to create engaging public health spaces and improve health and wellbeing outcomes for patients, staff and visitors.

The community is invited to view the ‘Journey’ mural and other inspiring artworks at the Tweed Valley Hospital Community Open Day on Saturday, March 16.

More information about the Community Open Day, as well as the artists in the Tweed Valley Hospital Arts Program, is available on the project website: www. tweedvalleyhospital.health.nsw.gov.au

Health centre for old hospital site

PLANS ARE underway to use a portion of The Tweed Hospital site as a community health centre once the transition to the new Tweed Valley Hospital is completed in May.

The Tweed Heads Community Health Centre (THCHC) will be located at Powell Street, on the western side of the existing campus.

THCHC will provide community health nursing, wound clinics, aged care assessments, dementia outreach, a specialist palliative care service, chronic disease management, stomal therapy, breast care clinics, men’s health and women’s health services, as well as staff offices and administration.

Acting NNSWLHD Chief Executive Lynne Weir said the facility would enable residents in and around Tweed Heads to continue to access out-of-hospital services easily and closer to home.

“We know many people who access our community-based services live in the Tweed Heads area, and this facility will enable us to continue delivering services to meet the health needs of the local community,” Ms Weir said.

“Having these services within easy reach of existing transport and housing will make it easier for residents to receive ongoing community-based care for chronic conditions, as well as services such as wound clinics and breast care.”

BreastScreen NSW services will continue to be delivered from the current location at Powell Street and will be co-located with the THCHC.

Minor refurbishment works will be completed before the Tweed Heads Community Health Centre formally opens and further information about the new centre will be provided in the coming months.

The remainder of the old Tweed Hospital remains in question and future plans are expected to be made once the transition is completed.

A portion of the The Tweed Hospital site will be delegated to the Tweed Heads Community Health Centre once the new hospital opens

The students have done an outstanding job on the hospital's new mural and you can check it out on the upcoming open day

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

dad safe, protected and happy.”

– Kerry , daughter of a McKenzie resident

– Joanne Smith, Maggie’s daughter.

We believe that everyone deserves to live the happiest life they can. So by providing the right care, the very best

We believe that everyone deserves to live the happiest life they can. So by providing the right care, the very best

We understand that the decision to join our community is a level of care and compassion our residents enjoy, you’ll want to call McKenzie home.

We understand that the decision to join our community is a level of care and compassion our residents enjoy, you’ll want to call McKenzie home.

Our Victorian Residences:

Our Local Residences:

Lynbrook Park

42 Olive Road, Lynbrook

Heritage Lodge | Murwillumbah 194 Byangum Road

The Ashley

17-21 Ashley Street, Reservoir

Rosebrook

Ra es | Tweed Heads South Peregrine Drive, O 2 Falcon Way

441 Waterfall Gully Road, Rosebud

Newmans on the Park

33 Newmans Road, Templestowe

Charlesbrook

1 Innisfallen Avenue, Templestowe

1300 899 222

Sut ton Park

mckenzieacg.com

Ambassador Senior

Eldership pride

THE GAY Pride movement taught us how to transform societal attitudes and likewise only communal effort will create a movement for example: ‘It takes a village to raise a child’.

Ageism has insidious impacts and our Tweed Shire and our local council has spearheaded action with its new award, the Senior Ambassador for the Australia Day Awards honours.

As inaugural Tweed Shire Senior Ambassador for 2024, I am delighted to invite you to join me pioneering an eldership pride movement in our area.

Contact me if you belong to a group ready to take up this challenge.

Let me know some of your ideas or plans, whether

you are younger, middle-aged or older Tweed networks/ schools etc.

I can offer a limited number of workshops and with the authorisation of the Tweed Valley Weekly, my monthly column will open up voices and stories often hidden from view.

Our Indigenous peoples honour their elders and as their young people learn from and respect these elders many are finding their way back from a demoralised life.

Mainstream young people often don’t even know their elders, swallowed and made virtually invisible.

Ageing of the population is not seen as the asset it could be but as detrimental.

This week I’d like to feature Anne who is 92 years old and

is young at heart, with a love of movies and politics.

Anne enjoys nature and independence as she lives at home in amongst her extensive gardens. She constantly builds relationships with younger acquaintances and continues to drive her own car.

“I was only eight when I was sent away from home for two years during the blitz of Birmingham in World War II and I came to understand the importance of family that has stayed with me all my life,” she says.

“I had to live with scarcity (healthier you know) learning from my mother to cook and value healthy nourishing food, often quite basic but without all the additives that science is also now showing is bad for us.

“I was particularly inspired by my grandfather who took a personal interest in each of his grandchildren.

“He was a flamboyant character, a tenor with a twirly moustache working as a tailor and making beautiful clothes.

“I came to value quality. I absolutely deplore today’s ‘throw-away’ culture.

“I used to sit and play behind his beautiful oak counter in the tailor shop and I remember deciding that one day I’d become an administrator and I did.”

To find out more about our Tweed Shire Senior Ambassador Heather McClelland please drop her an email and share your story: hmcclelland66@ gmail.com

WWII veteran turns 100

THIS MONTH we celebrate the 100th birthday of Pottsville resident Peter Fletcher who was born on March 18, 1924, the same year rudimentary television pictures were sent over a short distance.

Mr Fletcher has led an extraordinary life including during his service in World War II, undergoing a major career change in life and keeping active – which is his secret to turning 100.

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs kindly wrote to The Weekly along with Mr Fletcher’s daughter Beth Murray and son Lindsey Fletcher, to highlight his remarkable story of bravery in WWII and a long and active life.

“He enjoyed building and sailing boats when he was younger,” the family told The Weekly.

“These days he enjoys stamp collecting and daily walks and his secret to longevity is to keep active.”

Mr Fletcher is spending his birthday weekend in Brisbane at his daughter’s home with his immediate and extended family to celebrate and reflect on his centenary.

“Some nieces and nephews are coming in from the UK to be with him on this very special occasion,” the family said.

Mr Fletcher was at school until he joined the Royal Australian Air Force at the tender age of just 18 in 1942 and became a wireless operator.

He served in the Royal Australian Air Force and achieved the rank of Warrant Officer.

He served in Australia, Papua New Guinea, New Britain, Pacific and Indian Oceans and recalled the camaraderie he had with his fellow servicemen as highlights of his service.

“Our 20 Squadron was engaged in bombing, strafing and mine laying whilst based in Cairns,”

Overcoming common eating challenges in retirement!

Retirement is a significant life transition, bringing with it changes in lifestyle, routine, and health. One of the key areas impacted during this phase is eating habits. As we age, various factors like changes in taste, dietary restrictions, and decreased mobility can make mealtime challenging.

Gourmet Meals is committed to helping retirees navigate these changes to maintain a healthy, enjoyable diet.

Retirement is an opportunity to focus on your well-being, and a balanced diet is a key component. At Gourmet Meals, we believe that overcoming eating challenges shouldn’t mean sacrificing the joy of food. Our meals are designed to be not only convenient and healthy but also delightful to the palate.

HEALTHY EATING MADE EASY

Navigating the dietary changes that come with retirement can be challenging, but it’s essential for maintaining health and enjoying life. By understanding and addressing these common eating challenges, retirees can continue to relish their meals and ensure they are getting the necessary nutrition. Gourmet Meals is dedicated to supporting retirees through this journey with our range of delicious, convenient, and health-conscious meal options. Embrace this new chapter of life with the confidence that your dietary needs are met, leaving more time to enjoy the pleasures of retirement.

Retirement should be a time of relaxation and enjoyment, and having

he said.

“Later, we were attached to 108 Communication Unit, based at Goodenough Island and Madang (New Guinea).

“The final posting was to 111 Squadron as the sole plane in an air sea rescue unit, flying in an amphibious Catalina.”

Amongst the crew’s exploits was the rescue of an American crew of a B-25B Mitchell Bomber, which was shot down a few hundred yards from a Japanese stronghold in Wewak, New Guinea.

“Captain Ian Woods received the decoration of Distinguished Flying Cross for the rescue operation,” he said.

Mr Fletcher said his fellow Catalina crew would attend numerous reunions over the post war years, but sadly apart from Peter, only one wife of a fellow Catalina crew member, who lives in Perth, still survives today, as he was the youngest in his crew.

“Following the war, I pursued an interest in radio, which led on to a business selling and repairing electrical appliances particularly televisions,” he said.

“A midlife change saw me switch to become a boat designer and builder.”

Mr Fletcher was married to Joseine in 1949 and shared a happy 65 years of marriage, sadly she passed away in 2014.

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A new recruit into the Royal Australian Air Force

The Murwillumbah Philharmonic Choir will perform

M|Arts Precinct Seniors Festival

By Madeleine Murray

M|ARTS PRECINCT will be focussing on seniors for six days in mid-March, with a variety of events and workshops.

The first event is on Wednesday, March 13, from 10am-12pm. Gather with friends over a special high tea and listen to M|Arts resident creatives as they share the stories, inspirations and practices that make their work unique. There will be a mosaics workshop on Thursday, March 14. Decorate a pre-cut board with small tiles using only glue and no grout. All materials are provided so you can get creative and unwind.

On Friday, March 15, there will be a free choral performance by local youth, and by the adult Murwillumbah Philharmonic Choir. There will be three more events the following week. On Tuesday, March 19, take a seat inside

the awesome Regent Hall and learn about the history of Murwillumbah from locals and experts, complete with historical imagery, unique stories and local anecdotes.

On Wednesday, March 20, Jo Olive will lead a binding and stamping workshop. Create your own notebook using basic binding techniques. Finish by decorating your cover with stamps and then take home to enjoy.

The final event is a free ‘crafternoon’ social. Bring some materials that you enjoy working with and join this drop-in style workshop/social craft session. The M|Arts cafe and bar will be open for all your food and drink needs.

For details of times and prices, check the M|Arts Precinct page on Facebook or Instagram. M|Arts Precinct is on the corner of Brisbane and Wollumbin Street, Murwillumbah. To book contact events@m-arts.com.au, or call 0455 320 920.

THE MURWILLUMBAH Lions Club is putting the call out for a few more helping hands to join its friendly team at the Murwillumbah Cattle Saleyards each month.

Murwillumbah Lions Club is in its 76th year after it was chartered in October 1948 and was the second club formed in Australia.

The Lions Club has been serving delicious meals and drinks at the saleyards for almost fifteen years.

Murwillumbah Lions Club longtime member

Bob Watson said the members gather twice every month on a Monday and one Saturday to provide meals, tea, coffee, drinks, sandwiches and other items to the workers, buyers, farmers and all those attending the cattle sales.

“Lions arrive to start preparation from around 6am and continue until the sale ends,” Mr Watson said.

bished after being severely damaged during the 2022 February/March flood.

“This was made possible thanks to the generosity of the local IGA Tweed Valley Way and Murwillumbah, as well as Solo waste to give members a safe and friendly environment in which to work.”

Mr Watson said the Murwillumbah Lions support many organisations over a wide range of activities.

“From youth programs to aged and those in between throughout the past fifteen years,” he said.

“Lions are always keen to welcome new members to help with the work we do aiding groups and individuals within our community.”

If you would like know more, or to get involved, please give the Murwillumbah Lions Club a call on: 0488 121 763.

The dedicated Lions Club members are calling for some extra help in 2024

VH-BAG went down in March 1949, or 75 years ago this week. Inset

Lockheed air crash in ‘49 remembered

By Jonathon Howard

LOCAL PILOT Rob Treadwell has this week sought to remind residents of the 75th memorial anniversary of the worst air crash at the former Bilinga Airport (now Gold Coast Airport) on March 10, 1949.

The Lockheed 18 Lodestar aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff, while climbing to about 250 feet, before banking right and then to the left.

It went out of control and crashed in a fireball in a swamp on the NSW-side of the border.

The aircraft was partially destroyed by a post impact fire and all 21 occupants, including two infants, were killed.

The probable cause of the accident was later identified as the aircraft being loaded incorrectly and therefore shifted its centre of gravity to behind the rear limit.

The report also stated that incorrect setting of the elevator trim tab may have been a con-

tributing cause.

As well as a retired private pilot and aviation enthusiast, Mr Treadwell is member of the Tweed Valley Woodcrafters Association.

To pay tribute to the terrible aircraft accident, he created a model of the Lockheed Lodestar ‘VH-BAG’ aircraft.

“It was a terrible tragedy for the families of those on board and the whole community at the time, having been the worst aircraft crash in the airport’s history,” he said.

“I’ve crafted a model of the aircraft and hope it serves as a reminder of this terrible accident.”

Mr Treadwell wanted to highlight the many advancements in aviation transport, including having some of the highest safety standards in the world.

“Airline flight is extremely safe,” he said.

“There’s been a lot of advancements since 1949 and whilst this was a great tragedy, it also helps remind us of these events from the past in the hope of not repeating them.”

THAT’S ALL IT TAKES

Can you play a musical instrument or sing?

Are you 11 to 17 years of age?

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Room, Bond University Building 6

TICKETS: Adults $50 Concession $45

Students $25 Students under 18 free when accompanied by a paying adult

is Mr Treadwell and his model

Mash

Assange at the Regent

By Julia Collingwood

TWO SPECIAL SCREENINGS of the documentary The Trust Fall: Julian Assange are being presented at The Regent Cinema, Murwillumbah, followed by a Q&A with the writer-director Kym Staton.

Julian Assange has strong connections to the Northern Rivers. For four years from 1979 to 1983 he attended Goolmangar Public School.

Now from a Belmarsh Prison cell he is staving off extradition to the USA to face trial for disclosing classified documents on WikiLeaks.

This documentary examines the insights and significance of these WikiLeaks disclosures that caused a firestorm of controversy and brought down upon him the wrath of the governments involved.

It shows the extraordinary risks Assange t ook, and probes the wider and fundamental issue of press freedom that affects all of us and our right to know.

Kym Staton hopes this film will help people understand the me aning of what has occurred and the value of Assange’s and Wik ileaks’ work.

“Before Wikileaks,” he told the Weekly “we knew a lot less about the world’s powerful institutions and leaders than we now know.

“We knew only what they wanted us to know.

WikiLeaks has enabled us to glimpse the rampant corruption and the callousness of modern wars and has exposed countless injustices per petrated by governments and corporations.

“Wikileaks was founded on the powerful moral principle that governments and other vested interests should not operate behind walls of secrecy.”

Two thousand people contributed to a crowdfunding campaign to provide finance for the film. It was two years in the making and was filmed on three continents and in 10 cities.

It includes interviews from an array of luminaries including the Pentagon Papers whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg, the journalist John Pilger, the historian Tariq Ali and the Pulitzer Prize winning former correspondent for the New York Times Chris Hedges; and insights from experts Jennifer Robinson, Jill Stein, Stefania Maurizi and Nils Melzer.

“This astounding, shocking and inspiring film invites viewers to embark on a journey of understanding, where the circumstances are unprecedented, and the destination unexpected,” explained Kym Staton.

The Trust Fall screens at 6pm on Friday March 15 and Sunday March 17 at The Regent Cinema, 3 Brisbane St, Murwillumbah.

Out of the Box at Little Gallery

By Madeleine Murray

JENNY SAYER will be showing her glass mosaics and mixed media works at the Little Gallery Uki from Friday March 8 until Sunday April 7.

“Categories are an essential part of our daily lives, but sometimes we yearn for that feeling of freedom and escape when we step outside the boundaries,” Jenny told The Weekly.

Jenny captures this sentiment in her upcoming exhibition, Out of the Box. Showcasing glass mosaics and mixed media works, Jenny’s art invites viewers to explore their own creative outlets and embrace the thrill of escape and find inspiration in unexpected places. Whether it’s through art, music, or other forms of expression, her work serves as a catalyst for personal growth and exploration.

“I work with many mediums,” she said. “Stained glass mosaics are a feature of my work, I add other elements to complement this and experiment with textures like wax and collage.”

Jenny has lived in the Northern Rivers for 12 years. “Murwillumbah and Uki are places where my individual style has grown. I love this area and its natural beauty.”

The talented local artist is known for her captivating glass mosaics and mixed media works. With a passion for creative expression and a desire to encourage others to step outside their comfort zones, her art reflects the beauty

and excitement of embracing the unknown. Through her work, she invites viewers to break free from the constraints of everyday life and embark on their own artistic journeys. Out of the Box is Jenny’s latest exhibition, showcasing her unique perspective on escape and freedom.

“Join us at 6pm on March 8 at the artists-run Little Gallery and embark on a visual journey that will ignite your imagination,” Jenny said.

Out of the Box will be at the Little Gallery, Uki Buttery, 1454 Kyogle Rd, Uki from Friday March 8 until Sunday April 7. Opening night is 6pm on Friday March 8. Refreshments provided. More info at Little Gallery on Facebook.

Kym Staton interviews human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson in Sydney, 2022

Kym holding the first print of the film poster

ARTIST

Jenny with Cascade and Bush Tucker

Music after dark at M|Arts

By Madeleine Murray

THE FABULOUS M|ARTS PRECINCT

is getting into the groove of being a great space, and holding Music After Dark nights on the second Saturday of every month.

The next one on Saturday March 9 will feature an indie, alt-country line-up of two very special local acts: singer Mandy Hawkes, followed by the band Tin Parlour.

The cocktails are brilliant, the price is right and the pizzas from Francie’s Pizza are the best in this reporter’s experience.

The space is naturally welcoming, with plush sofas in the bar area, long communal tables down the middle, and the music on the raised stage with children and adults dancing in front with wild abandon.

Doors open at 4:30 and Mandy Hawkes will play at 5pm. After spending years in a musical wasteland, Mandy began to write songs again and became preoccupied with singing about mortality, end times and other serious themes.

Raised on a steady diet of hymns and Dylan, Mandy’s unconventional voice is equal parts weary soul traveller and folk storyteller.   She sings authentic songs that will move even the stoniest of hearts, marrying folk traditions with Australian country.

“I’m really looking forward to com ing back to play at M|Arts for MAD,” Mandy told The Weekly. “It’s such an awesome all-ages space to hang and enjoy a show, and I’ve found the Murwillumbah communi ty to be full of appreci ation for original live music.”

Tin Parlour will take the stage at 7pm. Based in Northern NSW, Tin Parlour got to

gether in 2017 to perform their original songs – an eclectic mix of indie, rock, alternative and pop. Singer/songwriter Jane Garrett writes songs of love, our human experience and environmental challenges with heart and humour.

“We’re so looking forward to the M|Arts gig and sharing our new music with you all at this super cool venue and MAD event!’” Jane told Sweet harmonies are a hallmark of the Tin Parlour repertoire that spans everything from chilled ballads to edgy, melodic indie pop/rock.

Music After Dark is on from 4:30pm on Saturday March 9 at M|Arts Precinct, cnr Proudfoot Lane and Brisbane St, Murwillumbah. Limited early bird tickets available for each MAD event. For more info head to m-arts precinct on Facebook. For tickets, go to https://bit.ly/martsmusicafterdark

Mandy Hawkes was raised on hymns and Dylan

Art at Stokers Siding Gallery

By Madeleine Murray

A GROUP ART SHOW will be on at the Stokers Siding Art Gallery from Saturday March 16. Visible/Invisible features prints and photographs by four local artists. Ben Carn, Charmaine Purnell, Tiffany-Lee and Ilona Harker are all artists with disabilities. The title Visible/Invisible refers to disabilities that can be seen and those that cannot be seen.

Ilona Harker has been teaching creativity at her studio The Atelier in Stokers Siding inside the pottery building for the past two years, and this show is a culmination of that work. While Ilona is better known for her mu sic career, she branched out a few years ago after moving to Stokers Siding. “I have always been creative and stud ied art before I turned to music fulltime, so it’s been wonderful to have the space to create visual art again and share my skills with others,” Ilona told The Weekly. “Being confident in your creativity helps un lock your potential and brings joy to your world and also to others, plus it helps you navigate the trickier parts of life. “Art helps us find a refuge and can help us create refuge for others.”

Ilona’s studio is a colour ful, creative space with the walls draped in art and inspiration. The talented local teaches art, music, poetry, creative writing, textile art, printmaking, sculpture, as well as holding creative arts engagement skills and workshops.

Having worked for years developing programs for people with dementia, Ilona is passionate about supporting arts in the disability care sector. “Creative engagement is essential to the human experience,” she said. “It’s vital for people with disabilities to have access to creative expression. Just look at what Van Gogh gave the world.”

Visible/Invisible is on from Saturday March 16 until Sunday April 7 at the Stokers Siding Art Gallery. The opening is 5pm on Saturday March 16 at SSAG, 224 Stokers Rd, Stokers Siding. Refreshments provided. The exhibition will be open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday 11am-3pm. For more info, go to Stokers Siding Art Gallery on Facebook.

02 6672 8265

As you may well have noticed, The Regent has been closed for February and will continue to be into early March, for much-needed projector servicing and general maintenance. There are some shifts happening behind the scenes, which will come to light when the time is right ...stay tuned!

We have some truly important special events coming up from mid March, don’t miss them!

THE TRUST FALL: JULIAN ASSANGE, documents the significance of the insights that WikiLeaks shared with the world and the extraordinary personal risk taken by Assange. With a special Q & A with Director Kym Staton for both screenings, booking ahead is recommended). Have some food and share a drink on our beautiful balcony pre, or postshow. To balance out the film fan’s menu, and particularly for the music lovers, the new Bob Marley film ONE LOVE, will be shown prior to the hard hitting Assange events.

On Saturday 23rd March the MAKERS FILM FESTIVAL will be screening brought to you by The Tweed Regional Gallery. The Makers Film Festival is a short film program, showcasing, craft, makers and making in 17 short films from 7 countries. Tickets available on our website. The Regent continues to be available for private screening bookings anytime you choose – grab some friends and let us treat you like a super star! You can put anything on a laptop onto our big screen – binge watch your fav shows and have a sleepover with your besties! Enjoy a games night cinema size!! Private cinema tours also bookable for the full film buffs and cinephiles for a complete behind the scenes sticky-beak! Our Balcony can also be reserved for your private use, whatever the weather, come celebrate your milestone, or have a meaningful meeting in true historical style. Enquire now hello@the-regent.com.au

BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE

An amazing movie that celebrates the life and music of an icon who inspired generations through his message of love and unity. On the big screen for the first time, discover Bob’s powerful story of overcoming adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music. Produced in partnership with the Marley family and starring Kingsley Ben-Adir as the legendary musician and Lashana Lynch as his wife Rita.

Friday 15/03/2024 - 3:30PM

Sunday 17/03/2024 - 3:30PM

MAKERS FILM FESTIVAL

Join us for a special screening of The Trust Fall: Julian Assange, with a special introduction and Q and A with Director Kym Staton. This documentary examines the meaning and significance of the insights that WikiLeaks shared with the world, the resulting behaviour of the governments involved, the extraordinary personal risk taken by Assange, and the wider fundamental issues around press freedom that affect all of us and our right to know.

Friday 15/03/2024 - 6:00PM

Sunday 17/03/2024 - 6:00PM

Presented by the Tweed Regional Gallery, Maker & Smith are delighted to present the 2023 edition of the Makers’ Film Festival (MFF23) to showcase craft,makers, and making in 17 short films from 7 countries in a 90 minute program. Craft, seen on the big screen, allows us to focus our attention on how we interact with crafted objects.The makers within these moving picture stories muse on the sustainable use of materials, express their cultural heritage, explore social and political change, and also make us laugh

Sunday 23/3/2024 - 4:30PM

FILM SCREENING - DAMAGE

+ Q and A with Filmmaker

Ali is not a citizen. He drives a taxi using another man’s license and relies on the GPS to negotiate his way around a city he doesn’t know

Sunday 7/04/2024 - 6PM 91348

THE TRUST FALL: JULIAN ASSANGE

+ Filmmaker Kym Staton Q&A

Tin Parlour does an eclectic mix of indie, rock and pop

M|Arts turns into a fabulous dining space at MAD while the bar is casual and comfortable

Ilona with her portrait of SSAG owner Phillip Gasson

42 Activities Thursday, March 7, 2024 Tweed Valley Weekly Locals Supporting Locals

ACROSS

1 Teacher (9)

5 Pirate’s sword (7)

8 Squirm (7)

10 Coagulate (4)

11 Cut (with axe) (4)

13 Ogle (4)

14 Perjurers (5)

15 Genuine (4)

17 A planet (6)

19 Spooky (5)

20 Dim (4)

21 Without delay (4)

22 Jail (6)

23 Picture theatre (6)

25 Grateful (8)

28 Detective (6)

29 Large diameter (5)

32 Minute particle (4)

35 Fashion show runway (7)

36 Daybreak (4)

39 Impoverished (4)

40 Confuse (5)

42 For blinking (3,3)

45 Very outdated (7)

46 Harden (6)

47 Golf clubs (5)

48 Highway (4)

49 Den (4)

51 Reproduction (7)

52 Continent (4)

56 Laundry appliance

JUNIOR CROSSWORD

1 Books by R. L. Stine (with 4-across)

2 T V show: __ ___ Think You Can Dance

3 Fairy tale: The - and the Shoemaker

4 See 1-across

5 Tintin’s white dog

6 Where is your funny bone?

7 Movie and novel: Something for Dogs

1. At which art gallery is the Margaret Olley Art Center located.

2. In what decade was the State of Origin rugby league series first played?

3. What does HAZMAT stand for?

4. A menswear shop in Murwillumbah is Bolt & what?

5. Who named Point Danger?

5. Captain James Cook

Regional Gallery, Murwillumbah, 2. 1980s (wikipaedia), 3. Hazerdous Materials,

1.

(5)

57 Workshop (6)

59 Family member (8)

60 Clock bird (6)

64 Gulch (6)

66 Stalk (4)

67 Bean curd product (4)

68 Riverside embankment (5)

69 Accompany (6)

72 Circle of light (4)

73 American mammal (5)

74 Naked (4)

75 Large village (4)

77 Paper money (4)

78 Comfort (7)

79 Rational (7)

80 Flashed (9) DOWN

2 Varied (8)

3 Creative (8)

4 Spaceship (1,1,1)

5 Tranquil (4)

6 Song’s words (6)

7 Internal organ (6)

8 Experienced fighter (7)

9 Partner (10)

11 Sever (3)

12 Landscape (8)

16 Kidnap (6)

WORDSEARCH: COASTAL PLANTS

Can be Reversed or Diagonal

18 Optimistic (6)

22 Courtyard (5)

24 Annoy (3)

26 Central American country (9)

27 Pasta type (9)

30 Barbs (5)

31 Breed of dog (5)

33 Exercise machine (9)

34 Scoundrel (9)

37 Idle (4)

38 Verge (4)

41 Floating marker (4)

42 Simple (4)

43 Inaccuracy (5)

44 Angry (5)

50 Absurd (10)

53 Soft leather (5)

54 Mistake (8)

55 Alfresco meal (6)

56 Pair (3)

58 Japanese car brand (6)

61 Obstruction (8)

62 Fissure (8)

63 Paint thinner (7)

64 Formula (6)

65 Austrian capital (6)

70 Possess (3)

71 Internet joke

Boobialla, Myoporum, Spinifex, Casuarinas,

Banksias, Cottonwood, Acacia, Achronychia,

Pandanus, SwampMahogany, paperdaisies

9 LETTER

Minimum word length 4 letters. No plurals allowed. Every word must contain the centre letter (once only).

M

R E A U

15 words: Good

23 words: Very good

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

15 words:

alum,

arum,

curler,

THIS WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

Letter Puzzle: alum, arum, auricle, cerium, clue, cruel, curare, cure, curia, curie, curl, curler, curlier, ecru, ileum, lemur, lieu, lucre, lure, maul, mauler, MERCURIAL, mule, mural, recur, rule, ruler, rural, ulcer, urea, uric

9

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COAST GUTTER Clean is ready to help with all your exterior cleaning needs and they come with outstanding references.

The Pottsville-based business is servicing the Tweed Shire and surrounds and is operated by passionate local couple Emma and Haaka Jobe.

The couple have extensive experience in the industry and love being a part of the local community.

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Car

TOYOTA YARIS 2008. Clean little four door, manual, air con and power steering. Rego CRL-30C. Only 180,000km $6,500. Taylor Made Car Sales 5 Prospero St Murbah. Ph: (02) 6672 5454

MOTORHOME 2003 Mercedes Sprinter, 12 Months Rego, Dec 2024, shower, toilet, towbar, aircon, inverter, full equip kitchen, TV, lots of extras, 330,000 km. $49,000 phone 0467 723 824

HONDA JAZZ VTI HATCHBACK: 5 door2019 - 51,000km, rego till June 2024. $18,500. Ph: 0408 600 124

SHEA OAK, Hard wood table and chairs. Outdoor setting. Seats 10, Located Tweed Heads. $2,000. No offers, Phone 0438 545 813

BRAND NEW unused optimum reclining electric power chair, genuine reason for sale. Paid $7000, including $1000 accessories. Ideal for travel, folding with adjustable head and footrest. Drive range 20km, max capacity 100kg. Please contact Adam 0405 152 253 to make an offer.

BLACKWOOD DINING TABLE with 6 chairs. $600, White outdoor dining setting with 4 chairs $75, Jarrah coffee table $100. Ph: 0427 758 939

Garage Sale

House Clearance Sale. Make an offer, all must go by Monday. 9 Williams Street Murwillumbah. Enquiries 0415 986 120

Massage

Massage

Cool Body Massage & Waxing Tweed Heads South 7 Days bookings only 0479 171 398 www.tweedheadsmassage.com

Positions Vacant

TWEED HEADS COOLANGATTA TAXIS LOOKING FOR WORK?

NEED EXTRA CASH?

All training provided. Join our friendly team right now.

Phone 07 5536 3371

NEEDED J and B buses and Coach. Casual bus drivers. Minimum 20 hours per week. Call John 0427 453 091

TWEED RIVER SEAFOOD is a local seafood business selling fresh and cooked seafood to the public. We have a full-time position available to someone who is passionate about seafood and is capable of providing great service to our customers You will work approximately 38-42 hours per week and be available for weekend and evening shifts. You will be paid above award wages including weekend and penalty rates with generous staff discounts for product purchased in store. Contact michael@ tweedriverseafoods.com.au or drop your resume into the shop.

FREE!

Sing for Free

Sing For Fun

Bene t for Health and Mind.

Phone Margaret: 0438 819 809

Social Group

No need to sit alone at home, no need to be bored. Come along for genuine friendship & companionship. Ph: 0428 523 423

To Let

DENTAL ASSISTANT, recent experience required.

Wednesdays 8.30am- 5.30pm. extra days available from April. Located Tweed City - Phone 0409 713 879

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

Fine China, garden tools, LP Records, Doc Martin boots, jewellery, general furniture, quality clothes, fishing gear, old bottles, garage oil bottles eg Castrol fuel & Esso, old prints & paintings, anything old and interesting. Happy to

Public Notice

NOTICE OF DANGGAN BALUN PEOPLE - NATIVE TITLE AUTHORISATION MEETINGS

The Danggan Balun People have a native title claimant application in the Federal Court of Australia (QUD331/2017) (Danggan Balun Claim) seeking recognition of their native title rights and interests under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth).

The current native title claim group for the Danggan Balun Claim are those persons who are descendants of the following apical ancestors and who identify and are recognised under the traditional laws and customs of the native title claim group as being affiliated (including by adoption) to country within the Application area:

1. Sarah Warri/WarruClarke;

2. George Daramlee Drumley;

3. Jack Slab/Slabb Snr (husband of Lizzie Waggil Slabb & father of Charlotte, Frank, John/Jack Jnr, Olive & Victor);

4. Kitty Blow (wife of Joseph Blow & mother of Frank Blow & Hughie Blow);

5. Bilin Bilin aka Bilinba Jackey aka Jackey Jackey aka John “Johnny” Logan (father of Emily Logan & Johnny Logan);

6. Kipper Tommy Andrews (father of Lizzie Malay (nee Tommie));

7. Billy Terribah/DidibaAndrews;

8. Julia Sandy (wife of Arthur Ford);

9. Kitty Sandy, the mother of Arthur Ford;

10. Mary Ann Sandy nee Mitchell (mother of Mary Ann Drumley (nee Sandy), Ida Bell (nee Sandy), Janet Sandy, Norman Sandy Snr & Lindsay Sandy);

11. William “Billy” Mitchell and his wife, Lizzie Sandy;

12. Unnamed mother of Matilda “Mittie” Fogarty (nee Sandy) and Lizzie (mother of William “Billy” Stanley Brown Jnr);

13. Coolum (husband of Nancy Culham (nee Coolwell) & father of Joseph “Joe”, Maude, Lucy & Lena);

14. Unnamed mother of Nancy Culham (nee Coolwell) (wife of Coolum & mother of Joseph “Joe”, Maude, Lucy & Lena);

15. Yarry (father of Frederick “Fred” Yarrie/Yarry);

16. Jennie, mother of Joseph Coolwell (husband of Polly Allen/Dalton & father of Alice Edwards (nee Coolwell), Alfred Coolwell Jnr, Eva, Edward, Rose, Campbell, Michael & Andrew);

17. Polly Allen/Dalton (wife of Joseph Coolwell & mother of Eva, Edward, Rose, Campbell, Michael & Andrew);

18. Unnamed mother of Elizabeth Tomes/ Clark nee Wheeler;

19. Jim Edwards Snr (husband of Topsy (of Ipswich) & father of Jimmy Edwards Jnr);

20. William Williams (Snr);

21. Bullum Bullum aka John Allen;

22. Alice/Alison Parsons nee Moree, mother of Thomas Parsons;

23. John “Johnny” Bungaree / Bungary (father of Norman Sandy Snr, Lindsay Sandy and Stella Bungera/Bungary).

(the Danggan Balun Claim Group). AUTHORISATION MEETING #1

This notice invites all members of the Danggan Balun Claim Group, as described above, to attend Authorisation Meeting #1 at the time and location below:

Date: Saturday 23 March 2024

Venue: Beenleigh Events Centre, Kent St, Beenleigh QLD 4207

Time: 9:30am (registration commencing at 9:00am)

The purpose of Authorisation Meeting #1 is to:

1. Receive information about the Danggan Balun Claim and possible amendments to the Danggan Balun Claim;

2. Consider whether to amend the Danggan Balun Claim by removing one or both of the following apical ancestors listed at Schedule A to the Danggan Balun Claim application and to authorise any such amendment/s:

a) Kitty Sandy, the mother of Arthur Ford; and/or

b) John “Johnny” Bungaree / Bungary (father of Norman Sandy Snr, Lindsay Sandy and Stella Bungera/Bungary);

If any amendments to the Danggan Balun Claim are authorised as per item 2 above, a second authorisation meeting (Authorisation Meeting #2) will be held following the close of Authorisation Meeting #1. Otherwise, Authorisation Meeting #2 will not proceed.

AUTHORISATION MEETING #2

This notice invites all members of the Danggan Balun Claim Group as amended in accordance with the decisions made at Authorisation Meeting #1 (Amended Danggan Balun Claim Group), to attend Authorisation Meeting #2 at the time and location below:

Date: Saturday 23 March 2024

Venue: Beenleigh Events Centre, Kent St, Beenleigh QLD 4207

Time: Immediately following the close of Authorisation Meeting #1

The purpose of Authorisation Meeting #2 is for the Amended Danggan Balun Claim Group to authorise persons to be (or continue to be) the Applicant for the Danggan Balun Claim (as amended in accordance with the outcome of Authorisation Meeting #1), to make the application and to deal with all matters arising in relation to the Danggan Balun Claim.

To assist meeting participants to make informed decisions, information and legal advice relevant to the matters to be decided at the Authorisation Meetings will be provided at the commencement of each meeting.

Please contact First Nations Engagement Advisor of QSNTS, Franceine Bain, on Free Call (07) 3224 1200 to register your intention to attend the Authorisation Meetings.

QSNTS is unable to assist individuals with transport to or from the Authorisation Meetings. However, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea will be provided to attendees on the day.

Horn, Diana Sidney

Passed away peacefully on 3rd March 2024 at John Flynn Hospital. Late of Tweed Heads. Aged 85 years.

Dearly loved Mum and Mother-in-law of Debra & Bill, David & Leanne, proud and loving Grandma of Ben & Leiana, Samantha & Rian & omas (deceased) and Tommy Horn. Great Grandma to Rose, Remy, Evelyn & Annabelle. Loved and remembered by Geo and all her family and friends.

Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral service for Diana to be held at the Tweed Heads Memorial Gardens Chapel, Kirkwood Road Tweed Heads on Tuesday 12th March 2024 at 2:30pm(NSW time), 1:30pm(QLD time).

Tweed Heads Ph: (07) 5599 1500

BRENDAN ANDREWS

10–3–2020

Much loved Son of Rita and Brother of Deborah and Kim Forever in our hearts

HOWARD Helen Joan 27/02/2024

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

DAWES Brian Joseph 29/02/2024

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

MINCHIN Pamela 29/02/2024

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

MITCHELL Carole Eva 01/03/2024

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

BAUER Hermina 03/03/2024

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

CONCANNON John Alexander 04/03/2024

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

PITKIN Cecil John 7/2/2024

Heritage Brothers 07 5599 1500

SILVERSMITH

Gwendolyne Anne 10/2/2024

Heritage Brothers 07 5599 1500

KAUR Mohinder 11/2/2024

Heritage Brothers 07 5599 1500

JONES Jennifer Anne 11/2/2024

Heritage Brothers 07 5599 1500

HARVEY Margaret “Peggy” 12/2/2024

Heritage Brothers 07 5599 1500

THACKER Patricia Dawn 12/2/2024

Heritage Brothers 07 5599 1500

LEEMAN Wilfred “Bill” 17/2/2024

Heritage Brothers 07 5599 1500

PARKER Keith Johnson 17/2/2024

Heritage Brothers 07 5599 1500

IF I SHOULD GO TOMORROW If I should go tomorrow It would never be goodbye, For I have left my heart with you, So don’t you ever cry. The love that’s deep within me, Shall reach you from the stars, You’ll feel it from the heavens, And it will heal the scars. ANON

JAQUES Dennett Edgar 18/2/2024

Heritage Brothers 07 5599 1500

MACDONALD Kerry Elizabeth 20/2/2024

Heritage Brothers 07 5599 1500

WALDRON Garry George 22/2/2024

Heritage Brothers 07 5599 1500

SCHMIDT Lois Adele 28/2/2024

Heritage Brothers 07 5599 1500

KILOMETRES

Map of Danggan Balun Claim Area

THE MURWILLUMBAH Sporting Car Club

‘Pedders Khanacross’ was a ripper event on Sunday, March 3, at the Murwillumbah Show grounds.

Event coordinator Robert Learmonth pro vided The Weekly with a report from the event, which saw strong numbers and is prov ing popular with our young local motoring enthusiasts.

“This was to be our most challenging track to date thanks to John Jones’ course lay out,” said Tony Taylor, who was the clerk of the course for the day.

Car club president Darren Hollan said the event attracted a great team of volunteers drawn from the membership of the club.

“They are the ones who make the event happen in partnership with support from the Gold Coast Tweed Motorsport Club,”

Local senior driver Andrew Bostok demonstrated superb driving skills to win overall.

However, he could not be relaxed, with junior drivers Jude Livermore (Nissan Pulsar) and Harrison Bugg (Subaru WRX) chasing his tail.

“The senior drivers are really going to have to pick up our act with threats coming from the younger drivers,” said local racer Brett Bugg.

“I am in a similar boat with my daughter Sienna,” added Peter Clark, event sponsor from Ped ders.

Auction List:

Kubota RTV X1120D with power steering and tip tray 810hrs, Retracom 8 Pallet 3 fan Cool room, Triton 4cyc 3L Ute with ali tray Nov 07 176,000kms, LQ of Steel Cattle Panels & Gates, qty of man gates, Same Taurus Dozer 1029hrs 2.5m Blade including Slasher, Deep Rippers and Winch, Kubota M7040 4WD Tractor 1503hrs with LA1153 Loader & 8’ Bucket, MF 353 4WD Tractor 789hrs, Quik Spray with two reels and remotes, Costos Hyd. Post Driver, MF 373 4WD Tractor 4444hrs, 6’ Superior Slasher, Hyd. Berends 8’ Grader Blade, Agrihaus Soft Bale Grab Loader, 9 Tyne Rippers, MF 7 Tyne Rippers, as new Teven Vet Cattle Crush, 6’ K Series Slasher,

Silvan 600L Spray Unit, Selecta Diesel Tank, Qty of various new Farm Gates and Barb Wire, Silvan 400L Hose Reel, Lister fully reconditioned diesel Motor, Pee Wee 50cc Bike, Honda CTX200 Farm Bike, Old Scooter, RI Small Crop Irrigator, qty. Irrigation hoses and sprays, Dryer & Cooling small crop fan, As new Molasses 20,000L Tank, Spray Tanks, 600L PTO Spray Unit, Roll of Flexi Hose, Yard Belting, Varius Yard Panels & Bows, Railing, Steel Fence Post, Concrete Post, Dog Fence Post, 3PL Forks, Steel Stays, Wire Stays, 2 Elec. Compressors 50L 2HP, 3PL Bale Spike, Carry All, 1T & 2T

The race results were as follows:

CLASS WINNERS

Juniors Jude Livermore

1600cc-2000cc Stuart McConville

3000cc and over John Panozzo

AWD Andrew Bostock

Overall winner Andrew Bostock

Best lap time 53.34 secs

The next MSCC Pedders Khanacross will be advertised on the MSCC website mscc. org.au and of course in The Weekly. Most likely mid April or May.

2nd Hand Iron, Dyraaba Crush, Farm Pajero and heaps of Tools, small machinery &

Jenny and Cliff had a great time at the Murbah Rumble

Murwillumbah Sporting Car Club organisers and members

Drivers in the Khanacross hosted by Murwillumbah Sporting Car Club

Halls Tyres had a display on the day

Brian and Callum with their 1932 Ford Roadster

The Khanacross lineup included some outstanding local cars

Mandy, Dennis and Taj with their 1928 Roadster 308

Mike and Wendy from Brisbane in their 1957 Ford Fairlane

Real Estate Estate

FROM COAST TO COUNTRY

Beautiful Cudgen set to boom

By Jo Kennett

THE CUDGEN plateau was home to the Goodjinburra clan, part of the Minyangbal (Minjungbal) tribe of the Bundjalung Nation prior to European settlement, according to The Fragile Edge, Michael DeGood’s brilliant natural history of the Tweed Coast. Their men were described by one early surveyor as ‘all friendly’ and ‘fine looking men.’

Cudgen is derived from ‘Goodjin’, meaning red, referring to the red ochre found there and ‘highly coveted for ceremonial Paint-Up.’

Ecologist John Hunter said in The Fragile Edge that before it was cleared, the subtropical rainforest on the Cudgen plateau “ would have been glorious, absolutely glorious”.

From 1929 timber cutters began moving into the area and within 50 years of European settlement an estimated 90 per cent of Indigenous Tweed and Brunswick people had died from diseases they brought such as smallpox and measles.

Vast swathes of land were cleared for stock and crops of the settlers, including the lush vine and flowerclad foliage filled with palms and hoop pines on the Cudgen Plateau which were targeted by timber cutters

when cedar stocks were exhausted.

William Julius arrived from the West Indies to farm cane and built the first commercial sugar mill in the Tweed in the late 1870s, which was located just near the Cudgen traffic lights.

After the British stopped sending convicts to Australia, the blackbirding of Pacific Islanders to work the cane fields began, with many of them escaping over the border from Queensland to work for farmers like the Julius family, who paid wages and provided decent working conditions. Many of their descendants still live in the area.

By 1891 Cudgen had a school, two hotels, a store, a police station, a butcher, and a baker. Only the school remains but the plateau now provides most of the nation’s sweet potatoes.

Right now there are eleven properties for sale at Cudgen, but most of them are residential blocks yet to be built on, in the Kingscoast estate, most for around the $700,000 mark.

There are three homes for sale, two on rural acreage and one a lovely historic home in the middle of the village (see Hot Property).

There were 952 people living at Cudgen in 2021 and that number will boom once building starts in

Open Homes

Saturday, March 9

JET

• 51 Hall Dr, Murwillumbah 9:30-10am

• 8 McPherson Court, Murwillumbah 10:30-11am

DJ Stringer Property Services

• 4/3 Island Drive Tweed Heads 10-10.30am NSW

• U2111 Tweed Ultima, Stuart St, Tweed Heads 1111:30am NSW

• 2 Bolwarra Pl, Bilambil Heights 11-11:30am NSW

• 23/14 Douglas St, Kirra 10-10:30am QLD

• 6/6 Merlot Ct, Tweed Heads South 10-10:30am NSW

• 9/15 Ivory Cres, Tweed Heads 10-10:30am NSW

• 1/231 Golden Four Dr, Bilinga 10-10:30am QLD

• 202/108 Pacific Parade, Bilinga 11-11:30am QLD

• 6/24 Dutton Street, Coolangatta 12-12:30pm QLD

Land for sale at 101 Cudgen Road

Kingscoast. According to PropTrack data there were only two homes available for sale in Cudgen in the last months and one unit, with hundreds of interested buyers. No doubt some of them will be staff with jobs at the new hospital. There is no data on prices as there weren’t enough sold to gather meaningful figures.

Rental yield for homes at Cudgen is 4 per cent and 4.4 per cent for units. It’s a beautiful area with some great views looking out over the valley towards the mountains or to the coast, and only five minutes from the beaches of Kingscliff and only 13 minutes to Coolangatta and Tweed Heads. With a boom in population expected once the hospital and Kingscoast open up you can’t go wrong buying into this lush, lovely part of the shire.

• 2/144 Kennedy Dr, Tweed Heads West 1-1:30pm NSW

First National Murwillumbah

• 1446 Kyogle Road, Uki, 9:30-10am

• 4 Ted Brown Close, Kunghur, 10:30-11am

• 438 Mount Burrell Road, Mount Burrell, 11:30-12noon

Schmith Estate Agents

• 9/44 Coolangatta Rd, Coolangatta, 10-10.30am QLD

• 15/7 Barrett St, Tweed Heads West, 11-11.30am NSW

MANA

• 3 Kallaroo Circuit, Ocean Shores, 9-9.30am

• 2/1 Durroon Court, Ocean Shores, 9.30-10am

• 2/5 Canowindra Court, South Golden beach, 1010.30am

• 119 Commercial Road, Murwillumbah, 10-10.30am

• 1/9 Boondoon Crescent, Ocean Shores, 10.30-11am

• 24 Gloria Street, South Golden Beach, 11-11.30am

• 14 Spring Street, Murwillumbah, 11-11.30am

Hot property

SINCE WE are already up on the lovely Cudgen plateau, we thought why not feature an absolute gem of a home for this week’s Hot Property.

Number 4 Collier Street is a six bedroom, two bathroom home set on a 722 square metre block in the heart of Cudgen village and it is really something special.

This bright, airy Queenslander is over 100 years old and believed to be one of the shops of the original 600 acre sugar plantation established in 1869.

The properties on the plantation, including this one, were built of fine timbers growing on the plantation such as cedar, teak, rosewood and beech.

This house oozes history and beautiful workmanship, with timber French doors and timber features.

The kitchen has beautiful hardwood benches with modern appliances and there’s a huge entertainment deck overlooking the garden and another looking out to Cudgen’s landmark memorial pine trees.

Our Community Comes First

Hardwood floors, a giant stunning bath in the main ensuite, a teenage or grandparents downstairs retreat, high ceilings, unique light fixtures, rooftop solar, gorgeous light fixtures and modern touches next to original vintage features are just some of the drawcards that bring warmth and charm to this lovely home.

This gem is just minutes from Kingscliff and ten minutes from Tweed Heads, making it a pretty unbeatable place to hang your hat.

• 2431 Coolamon Scenic Drive, Ocean Shores, 11.3012pm

• 241 Middle Pocket Road, Middle Pocket, 12-12.30pm

LJ Hooker Kingscliff

• 236 Old Lismore Road, Byangum, 10–11am

Tate Brownlee

• 12 Amaroo Drive, Banora Point 9-9:30am

• 29 Bimbadeen Ave, Banora Point 9-9:30am

• 27 Hibiscus Parade, Banora Point 10 -10:30am

• 38 Curtawilla Street, Banora Point 10 -10:30am

• 10 Bushranger Road, Terranora 11-11:30am

• 8/185 Kennedy Dr, Tweed Heads West 11-11:30am

• 8/11-13 Kingscliff St, Kingscliff, 12-12:30pm

• 3 Paperbark Court, Banora Point 12-12:30pm

• 11/39-45 Tweed Coast Road, Bogangar 12-12:30pm

• 19 Birkdale Court, Banora Point 1-1:30pm

• 13/3-19 Amaroo Drive, Banora Point 1-1:30pm

• 81 Jacaranda Avenue, Tweed Heads West 2-2:30pm

• 1/53 Charles Street, Tweed Heads 2-2:30pm

• 34/22 Binya Avenue, Tweed Heads 3-3:30pm

3

Dual Living Country Style

236 Old Lismore Road, Byangum NSW

Open Home Saturday 9th March 10 – 11am

A great home with multiple extras including separate living for the extended family.

The property has valley, river and Mt Warning views and is situated in a quiet, low traffic area only minutes to town, schools and shops.

A long front verandah, ultra modern bathroom and light filled kitchen with modern appliances and super storage.

Four bedrooms, three bathrooms, study, media room, lock up garage and undercover parking for 10 vehicles.

• Mancave

• chicken shed

• Town water

• Aircon

• 8 minutes to Murwillumbah

• 30 Minutes to Gold Coast Airport

• 30 Minutes to new Tweed Valley Hospital

• 30 Minutes to beach

4

For Sale

$1,550,000 - $1,600,000

View

Sat 9th Mar at 10-11am

Bernice Melnikas

0408 088 262

BerniceMelnikas@ljhkingscIiff.com.au

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23/14 Douglas Street Kirra

• Open plan air-conditioned living & dining

• Well-appointed modern kitchen w/ dishwasher

• Master bedroom w/ ensuite

• Main bathroom w/ combined laundry facilities

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6/24-26 Dutton Street Coolangatta

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HOW TO ENTER