Tweed Valley Weekly, September 7, 2023

Tweed Valley

Thursday, September 7, 2023

CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF O’CONNORS TRANSPORT

O’CONNORS CARRYING Service is celebrating 75 years of being an integral part of the Tweed Shire that’s kept produce and goods moving locally and right across the country.

The company comes from humble beginnings and was established in 1948 by Bill O’Connor Snr with his wife

Joyce and their 10 children out the back of the O’Connor’s family home in Murwillumbah.

Bill became a crucial part of the Tweed’s delivery services, first by transporting freight from the Murwillumbah Railway Station to businesses in the shire, then servicing the local Tristrams Soft Drink

Agent which was bottled at Shammies Soft Drinks in Kirra.

Tristrams was one of Queensland’s most popular beverage companies for nearly 100 years.

Before Coles and Woolworths delivery, there was Bill in his trusty truck which was well-known and well-utilised

Est. 1992

Tweed Link

PAGES 8-9

by locals for many years. Bill was your home grocery delivery from the local Murwillumbah region supermarkets, he also transported bulk rubbish removal from local retailers and ran the Comet Overnight Transport Depot in the late 1960s. Read more on page 25.

CALAMARI AND CHIPS

LIVE BLACK MUSSELS

FRESH CATCH KING PRAWNS, HEADLESS GREEN PRAWNS, SPANNER CRAB

When fishing fails, go to scales

Trail of vandalism

By Yvonne Gardiner

VANDALS LEFT a trail of destruction on the main streets of Pottsville in the early hours of Saturday, September 2, in what is becoming an all-too-common occurrence for a once sleepy seaside town.

Glass was smashed in two phone boxes and rubbish was strewn around Ambrose Brown Park on Tweed Coast Road. Pottsville Community Association president Wendy Pluckrose said the vandalism started at the Seabreeze Estate roundabout on Pottsville Road, continued along Coronation Avenue into Ambrose Brown Park and along Tweed Coast Road to Pottsville Public School.

“First of all, I saw a local business’s (Coronation Avenue) wheelie bins were all over the road. I picked them up,” Wendy told The Weekly.

“There were smashed bottles everywhere, all over the road. You can’t leave glass around. I cleaned up. It was a mess.”

Following the trail of destruction, Wendy found a baseball bat next to the bus stop

near the Pottsville Sports Club.

She has reported the incidents to Tweed Police, and on Tuesday, September 5, was waiting to be contacted.

“It’s unfortunate and horrible to see first thing in the morning,” she said.

“I have, along with a council worker, tried to clean up as much as possible but I may have missed areas.”

She urged anyone with information about the vandalism, or CCTV footage, to contact Tweed Police on 13 14 44 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Eyewitness accounts were posted via social media.

“They looked pretty young to me,” one witness posted.

“Two males walking toward town around 3am with a metal bar and stolen road sign.

“They were (allegedly) trying to steal some more outside the bowling club but

started running when I yelled out.

“Just one of them walked back around 4.30am.

“Most probably the same two that were smashing road signs off at the roundabout at Elfran Avenue at 3am this morning, one in a white hoodie.

“Two boys, one in a white hoodie, walking up and back Tweed Coast Rd at 4am with a broken road sign, smashing things.

“I heard them going down Tweed Coast Rd about 3am. By the sound of their voices, (they) weren’t young kids.”

Tweed Police stepped up patrols in Pottsville in January this year in response to a series of crimes including assaults, rocks thrown at vehicles, theft, vandalism, destroying bushland and graffiti.

The community is urged to report all such incidents to Tweed Police immediately via the police station (07) 5506 9499 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Savage storms more random

By Jonathon Howard

HAILSTORMS AND savage storm cells are likely to strike the Tweed Shire during different times of the year and are becoming more common in winter, according to the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), following a major hail event last week.

A BoM spokesperson said over the last 40 years hailstorm activity has changed across Australia with the changing climate.

“Specific to the Tweed Valley region, hailstorms are not becoming more common, but rather occurring at different times of the year,” the spokesperson said. “We are seeing more hailstorms during winter and less during summer, as summer conditions become increasingly unfavorable for hail (too hot and dry).

“Looking into the future, the impact of a changing climate on hailstorms is less clear for this part of Australia.”

The BoM spokesperson said the hailstorm that struck the Tweed Valley developed after warm, humid air near the ground was forced upwards due to converging surface winds and rises rapidly in an unstable atmosphere.

“Thunderstorms can become severe when the atmosphere is particularly unstable and/or additional energy is drawn in from surrounding winds,” the spokesperson said.

“The upper atmosphere was particularly cold during this event, increasing the chance that thunderstorms would produce hail.”

Several farmers reported the storm hovering over a small 5km radius. The Weekly

questioned BoM as to why the storm was so concentrated to a small area.

“Thunderstorms are extremely localised and the hazards produced by them, including heavy rainfall, hail and wind typically occur on a scale of less than 10km,” the spokesperson said.

“This means that a thunderstorm during a specific weather event may occur over a town while an adjacent town 10km away may not experience the thunderstorm.

“As the damage was mainly due to a single storm cell, localised damage in an approximately 5km radius is plausible.

“However, the track of damages could be larger depending on the size and longevity of storms, and/or frequency of severe thunderstorms in the area.”

Continued on page 11.

One of two telephone boxes that were smashed in a vandalism spree at Potty

Two males were spotting with metal poles

Thank you for Voice forum

I attended the community forum for the Voice recently.

Thank you to Noel Pearson for his presentation in support of the Yes vote.

I thought Noel nailed the issue during question time.

He explained that in his community he teaches people to “manage their money” so they are able to put food on the table. He went on to extol the virtue of children getting enough sleep to be ready for school and that a good education leads to employment, from which housing is afforded and quality of life improvements are possible.

In effect he iterated the Yes campaign themes of health, education employment and housing.

But more importantly he digressed from dwelling on the past, and addressed the needs of the present. Most would regard what he outlined as effective parenting; something that already happens in the majority of Australian households. Here’s hoping the constitutional amendment helps to make this even more widespread.

I also hope that there be a requirement that all recommendations the Voice puts to parliament target either health, education, employment or housing.

The Wollumbin decision however does not instill confidence in this regard. It is a poor choice because it favours people who have past over people present and addresses none of the above.

It is not hard to envisage a compromise alternative, which would deliver educational and employment outcomes.

By contrast, can I take the opportunity to thank the people who helped bring about the rail trail. It favours people present — 70,000 of whom have had a great on country experience, me included.

Peter Smith, Round Mountain

A simple proposition

What part of the word ‘no’ don’t I understand? It is the part that means not supporting an Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Voice to parliament that might just improve the gulf between outcomes for a large proportion of First Nations people and the positive impact this would have on all Australians.

It is the part that comes from its links to right-wing politics, to an ultra-conservative Christian lobby and less ‘reputable’ hangers on. The chief proponents closely associated with Australia’s version of CPAC (the Conservative Political Action Conference), Warren Mundine and Jacinta Price, standing on the same platform as Pauline Hanson, Tony Abbott, and some of the flotsam and jetsam of Trump’s American nightmare.

It is the part that gives in too easily to fearmongering and which crushes the hope that a Voice has to offer without giving any alternative and without any tangible evidence.

It is the complete furphy that it will add race to the constitution when Section 51 (xxvi) is commonly referred to as ‘the race power’, ‘needed to regulate the affairs of coloured or inferior races’ according to Edmund Barton, our first PM. One of the first pieces of federal legislation in 1901 using that power, was the White Australia Policy — the prohibition of all alien coloured immigration. Race is already in the constitution, favouring the dominant race of course, and explicitly rejecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

If a Voice can help save a baby’s life, save a family from violence, save a teenager from suicide and despair, save someone from the vicious cycle of poverty, crime and jail then it would have kept the faith that the Uluru Statement from the Heart offers. That’s too important to deny and surely too heavy a burden to carry on our conscience in that denial.

Mark Baxter, Kingscliff

Voice referendum

Wake up Australia! Even some Yes supporters say this will be a first step to reparations and compensation and other radical changes.

Why should three per cent of the population have more influence on the government than the other 97 per cent?

It would also mean expanding the (now postponed) WA-style Aboriginal heritage laws that mean you would have to pay up every time you want to do something on your property.

The government has been pouring our taxpayers’ money into promoting their one-sided Yes campaign whilst other parties have had to scrounge for donations from the public to promote their side of the argument.

The Voice would not bring the country together, it would only cause division and resentment. As Gina Rinehart says, “We should march forward as a population together and not have these divisive things that upset us.”

Christine

Samuels, Casuarina

Cat restrictions are harsh enough

I refer to the article on page 5 of the Tweed Valley Weekly on August 24 headlined ‘Bid to contain cats by force’, which outlines Councillor Nola Firth’s efforts to push for changes to the Companion Animals Act. I strongly object to this proposal. The existing restrictions are harsh enough. The idea of keeping cats indoors or in cages for life is abhorrent.

I very much doubt that a cat kept indoors or in a cage will live up to 10 years longer, but even if this were true, as with all animals and humans, the issue has to be one of quality of life.

Councillor James Owen claims that there is a particular problem with cats in Fingal. Then by all means look at what might be done to help with this rather than attempt to bring in more legislation which would affect the entire shire.

As a cat owner over many years, my experience is that domestic cats

will instinctively hunt small birds and animals. They invariably bring home anything they manage to catch. In my case this rarely exceeds two or three small birds or animals a year, some of which I suspect might have already been injured by vehicles.

Far more animals and birds — big and small — are killed by vehicles and wind farms. This includes many larger animals like cats, rabbits, hares, possums, koalas, foxes, cattle, sheep, pigs, kangaroos and no doubt, the odd camel, not to mention people, none of which are under threat from domestic, or for that matter, feral cats.

None of this is consistent with, for example, the council encouraging people to catch myna birds which, presumably, are then destined for destruction, sometimes not in very humane ways.

It is suggested that 320 million native Australian animals are killed by cats yearly. Where has this figure come from?

Bearing in mind that the authorities do not have any reliable figures as to how many koalas there are in Australia, I suspect that this figure is no more than exaggerated guesswork.

So far as I know, none of the Tweed Shire councillors were elected on a platform of persecuting domestic cats and their owners and I do not accept that there is sufficient justification for going down this road now.

John Wells, Pottsville Free Assange

I am a little perplexed that Mr Albanese has taken on an issue like the Voice with all its complexities and nuances.

Perhaps it is as he advised Mr Dutton, it doesn’t really mean anything.

However, there is one thing that most Australians agree on: the persecution of Julian Assange must stop.

Assange is a prisoner of conscience.

Yet the combined weight of our government cannot, or will not, instruct the US to, in effect, release him.

How on earth can Mr Albanese

effect change through the Voice referendum if he cannot complete a simple mission like the freedom of an Australian citizen?

It is not as if Assange was being held by China, or Iran, or even ISIS or a Somali pirate gang.

He is incarcerated by our best friend, the country who so generously allows us to buy weapons and submarines and aircraft at such cheap rates. Do this one simple thing Mr Albanese. I can assure you your credibility will go up.

Bill Collins, Murwillumbah

An invitation to Tweed Coast VIEW Club

A welcoming group interested in friendship and helping others meet each month at Kingscliff Beach Bowls Club, usually on the second Monday at 10.15am

This includes tea /coffee, general meeting, finding news regarding our sponsorship of children though the Smith Family, participating with various speakers and enjoying members stories, fun lucky doors, raffle and trading table.

We finish with lunch downstairs in the bistro for those who can stay.

Our September meeting is Monday the 11th, we also have a spring lunch at a member’s Pottsville home on Thursday, September 21. October 9 is the club’s 35th birthday where our lunch will be at Tropical Fruit World.

We look forward to visitors and new members coming along.

For information please email: tweedcoastview@gmail.com or phone: 0423 430 616. Please leave a message with contact details so one of our committee can respond.

Therese Connor, President Tweed Coast VIEW

Please note the views on the letters page are that of the letter writer and not of the Tweed Valley Weekly. Letters must include a suburb and contact number for verification. Letters may be edited for length or legal reasons. Send your letters to editor@theweekly.net.au.

Car thefts are out of control

By Yvonne Gardiner

THE ALARMING rise in vehicle thefts in the Tweed Shire is devastating families and businesses and there are renewed calls to bring full-time police back to Murwillumbah.

Father’s Day wasn’t a great cause for celebration for the local Stopford family when their dad’s vehicle was stolen from outside their house last week.

Tahli-rose Stopford appealed for help on social media to locate the ute.

“My dad’s ute was stolen last night from Round Mountain 2484. Stolen from my parents’ home,” she said, adding the registration number as ‘CHT 92Z’.

“Call police if you see this ute.”

Tahli-rose told The Weekly that her father was devastated by the theft.

“He’s had to get a hire car because he needs to go to work in Murwillumbah,” she said.

The Stopfords were asleep when the ute was stolen on Saturday night, September 2, or early Sunday morning.

Tahli-rose said Tweed Police were notified and had asked if the family had CCTV.

Tweed Valley Pressure Cleaning was a victim of theft about a week ago.

Their big trailer was stolen, which was later found on the road at Mt Jerusalem. Sadly all business gear inside the trailer was missing.

“We have footage of it going past Braeside (Drive, Uki) at 4.25am,” spokesperson Jamie Lee shared online.

“If anyone can check their cameras in Uki for a clearer shot of the car/cars around 4.30am, we should have what we need to track them down and hopefully get our machine and equipment back.

“Does anyone here have security camera footage of the road anywhere between the art gallery, Bakers Road and Rowlands Creek Road, Uki, between the hours of 2.30am and 5.30am Sunday morning.

“We have recovered our missing business trailer, dumped out at Mt Jerusalem National Park; however, they took our pressure cleaner, tools and all equipment.

“Any help or leads would be appreciated.”

The business has had to secure a loan to buy equipment so they can keep working.

One social media comment said Murwillumbah was “an easy target” for thieves.

“Very little chance of being stopped by patrolling police cars,” the comment read.

“Come on politicians. Start doing what we elected you to do. Protect us from thieves and thugs morons.

“Get a 24-hour police presence in Murwillumbah.”

Tweed Police figures show that 220 vehicles were stolen in the year up to March 2023, up from 164 the year before.

Crime statistics released by the NSW

Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) show that since reaching historic lows in September 2021, motor vehicle theft in NSW has been steadily increasing.

The increase has been particularly large in parts of regional NSW, including the Richmond-Tweed district.

In these locations the number of cars stolen in the year to March 2023 is now much higher than five years ago.

In Richmond-Tweed, the rise was 35 per cent.

Commenting on the findings, BOCSAR executive director Jackie Fitzgerald said the increase in vehicle theft was at least partially a bounce-back from the COVID-driven crime declines of 2020 and 2021 as pandemic restrictions eased.

“Another factor however, may be young people being spurred on by social media posts encouraging vehicle thefts on TikTok,” police media said.

Anyone with information about stolen vehicles can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

(Image right) Tweed Valley Pressure Cleaning's trailer was stolen during the early hours of Sunday morning (August 27) from Rose Lane, South Murwillumbah. If anyone has seen it or has any information, please call the number in the photo. (Image left) The Stopford family had their father's ute stolen last week and are appealing for help.

Am I legally bound to help someone in danger?

I see someone clinging to the edge of a cliff – but it is slippery and dangerous to reach them.

A person is caught in a rip and dragged out to sea – is that a shark fin I see heading toward them?

A woman is being abused by a group of men –but hold on… one of them appears to be waving a gun.

Am I legally bound to rush in and help these people in danger, even though it could be very dangerous to myself?

Anneka Frayne at Stacks Law Firm says that under existing law in NSW, we are generally not legally bound to help someone who is in danger.

“Under common law, we are not obliged to help a stranger who is in danger,” she said.

“However, there are exceptions. If you are related to the person in danger, you could have a duty of care to render assistance if possible. If you are a medical or emergency services professional, you do have a duty of care to assist if practicable.

“The NSW Road Transport Act makes it an offence to fail to stop and assist after an accident in which injury was caused to another person. The maximum penalty for not stopping and assisting is a $3,300 fine, or 18 months in jail, or both. Section 52AB of the NSW Crimes Act has a maximum penalty of 10 years jail for not stopping after an accident that causes death or injury.”

Ms Frayne says that if you caused the situation where the person is injured or in physical danger, you are legally obliged to help.

“In the past there was some concern that by rushing in to help someone in danger, you could be open to criminal or civil charges if something goes wrong, such as accidentally hurting someone, or failing to rescue them.

“The Protection of Good Samaritans provision in section 57 of the Civil Liability Act 2002 (NSW) allays these concerns. However, this law stipulates that the rescuer must not be intoxicated and must exercise reasonable care and skill.

“There have been proposals to change the law, so that people are obliged to help someone in danger, even if it is just to call police or an ambulance.

“Section 155 of the Northern Territory Criminal Code states it is a criminal offence, punishable by seven years jail, for a person who ‘callously’ fails to provide rescue, resuscitation, medical treatment, first aid or succour of any kind to a person urgently in need of it and whose life may be endangered if it is not provided.”

Caravan park could be refused

By Yvonne Gardiner

A DEVELOPMENT application for a caravan park with 112 long-term sites in Pottsville is likely to be refused by Tweed Shire councillors at their meeting on Thursday, September 7, in light of the 319 community submissions against the proposed development.

Only one submission was received in support of the proposal during the consultation phase.

The plans for the site at 1126 Pottsville Road, surrounding the ambulance station, also include a reception area, manager’s residence and a pool.

A council report said the application could not be supported because of numerous issues. They included unacceptable impacts on the ecological values of the site, such as tree removal and its proximity to coastal wetlands.

Several submissions objected to the impacts to koala habitat given the area of land next to the creek is a well-known koala corridor.

“The site is ecologically significant with a number of large mature native trees present across the site including koala feed trees within the proposed development footprint,” the report states.

“A large portion of the site accommodates important coastal wetlands where a variety of plant and animal species reside. This area is densely vegetated.

“The development is proposed to be set back approximately 10 metres from important coastal wetlands, which is not

considered acceptable. The proposal includes the removal of at least 80 trees.

“On the basis of the information submitted, the development proposal is not considered to be in the public interest.”

DA applicant Design Build Instruct Pty Ltd was contacted for comment about the $2.2 million proposal, but did not respond before deadline.

Other issues identified by council were the lack of capacity in the sewer network to accommodate the proposal, inconsistency with the objectives of the RU2 Rural Landscape Zoning of the site, and land use extending into the environmental protection wetlands zone where caravan parks are prohibited.

“It should be acknowledged that there is strong community concern regarding the proposal evident in the large number of submissions received,” council noted. Submissions against the DA included:

“The small town of Pottsville has long been cherished for its unique community

atmosphere, with its tranquil surroundings fostering a strong sense of belonging among residents and visitors alike. The proposed caravan park, with its large scale and commercial nature, has the potential to disrupt this precious community feel.

“It won’t be low-cost housing as claimed.

“ That is a smokescreen for developers wanting to profit and move on, leaving Pottsville with more people, less infrastructure.

“We already have five caravan parks in the broader Pottsville region — Wooyung, two parks in Pottsville, and two in Hastings Point. The addition of another, and seemingly large facility, would appear to be over-development of this function in this suburb.

“It is my view that building should not take place between the ambulance station and the creek, and that area should be revegetated.

“(It) will send more traffic down the main street, which is barely coping now.”

Vote on councillor numbers

HOW MANY councillors do you think the Tweed Shire needs to function? It’s a question that the current seven councillors will discuss and vote on during their monthly meeting on Thursday, September 7.

Since 2015, councillors have determined that seven is the ideal figure to govern the Tweed Shire, but there are options to increase that to eleven.

The Local Government Act specifies that a council must have at least five and not more than 15 councillors, one of whom is the mayor.

It is noted in the Act that, should council wish to resolve to change the number of councillors, section 16 of the Local

Government Act applies, and a Constitutional Referendum would be required to be conducted in conjunction with the September 2024 Ordinary Election, with the outcome then becoming effective from the September 2028 Ordinary Election.

From a historical perspective, councillor numbers were previously eleven up to May 2005, and from September 2008, councillor numbers have been seven, which remains today.

“Whilst council was under administration in May 2005 to September 2008, it was resolved to reduce the number of councillors from 11 to seven,” council’s report reads.

“A constitutional referendum was con-

ducted in 2016 to increase the number of councillors to nine. The result was for the number of councillors to remain unchanged at seven.

“To accord with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1993, council is required to determine the number of councillors for election in September 2028.” Councillors have two options by which they can vote: that council confirms the current number of councillors as seven, or that council resolves to change the number of councillors.

YOUR THOUGHTS: Do you believe seven councillors is enough, or would you like more? Send us your thoughts to editor@theweekly.net.au

Anne-Marie Fahey Solicitor

This Pottsville block of land has a development application for a caravan park

Tweed Link

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

Last week we each used 164L a day

as at 4 September 2023

In brief ...

Murwillumbah Library to close over September

Due to roofing works, the Murwillumbah Library will be closed from Saturday 9 – Saturday 23 September. These dates are subject to change depending on weather interruptions and scheduling changes.

The Online Library will remain open and can be accessed with your library card via the Richmond Tweed Regional Library website at rtrl.nsw.gov.au

The Tweed Heads and Kingscliff Libraries are open as usual, as is the Mobile Library which visits Bilambil Heights, Bogangar, Burringbar, Fingal Head, Pottsville and Tyalgum. For updates, please check the News section of the library website. For any enquiries, please call the Tweed Heads Library 07 5536 3672.

Last chance to register – Great Glossy Count 2023

Join Birdlife Australia’s Great Glossy Count on 9 and 10 September 2023.

Don’t miss out on getting involved as a citizen scientist in this event and be part of the recovery of threatened birds. Data collected during the count will support vital bushfire recovery and conservation work for South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoos.

Register now at login.birdlife.org.au. For more information visit glossyblack.org.au/great-glossy-count

Sun shining on Tweed’s biggest solar array

Council has switched on the Shire’s largest solar array, securing the Tweed’s top spot for solar energy uptake on the NSW North Coast.

Covering the size of a football field, 1,208 high-efficiency solar panels with a capacity of 604 kilowatts are now helping power one of Council’s most power-hungry facilities, the Banora Point Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The solar array has increased Council’s renewable energy capacity by about 60 percent, with more than 20 Council facilities now host to 1.6 megawatts of solar energy.

Nearly 53 percent of Tweed houses now have solar panels. There have been nearly 2,500 commercial solar installations in the Shire to date.

It’s estimated the roofs of more than 20,000 Tweed homes plus businesses and Council facilities have a combined solar energy capacity of 125 megawatts. That’s the highest capacity of any local government area from Port Macquarie north to the Queensland border.

The Banora Point solar array powers the Tweed’s largest wastewater plant, which processes the sewage of 55,000

people from Banora Point, Bilambil Heights, Terranora, Tweed Heads, Tweed Heads South and Tweed Heads West. It’s the second major energy efficiency project at the plant this year.

In June, Council replaced the plant’s aging blowers and return activated sludge pumps with new high efficiency units.

Those assets were some of the biggest power consumers at the plant and their replacement has reduced their power consumption by up to 7%.

Together, these projects are set to cut Council’s greenhouse gas emissions by 747 tonnes a year, saving at least $140,000 on electricity costs annually.

It’s part of Council’s Renewable Energy Action Plan, which has a goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions from its electricity use by 50% by 2025. Go to tweed.nsw.gov.au/sustainable-operations to find out more.

Through initiatives such as the Banora Point solar array, Council is reducing its impact on the natural environment and responding to climate change.

Get to know Tweed’s most curious resident

Sneak a peek at the elusive Platypus of Tweed in a new immersive digital experience.

Council has launched their latest digital Story Map, Platypus of Tweed, offering a suite of multimedia and maps that are brought together to showcase platypus living in the Tweed’s waterways.

Topics include the evolution, cultural significance, facts (did you know they glow in the dark?), habitat features, distribution, diet, life cycle, threats and opportunities.

Council encourages residents to take a leisurely scroll through Platypus of Tweed, listen to the soothing sounds of their habitat and delve into the many facets of its life. You can even zoom in on a map to find a possible platy-spotting location near you!

Visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/platypus to find the Platypus of Tweed Story Map and the platypus sighting report form

View Council’s Story Map to get to know the Tweed’s most curious resident.

Chat with a dog behaviour expert for free this weekend

Dogs love to learn! And sometimes we just need a few hints and tips to help them become the ‘goodest dogs around’.

Council has engaged dog behaviour experts from Calm Confident K9 and Mans Best Friend Australia who are ready and willing to answer all your questions and give some great demonstrations.

No need to book, just come down to the off-leash park at John Baker Reserve Banora Point on Saturday 9 September 2023 or Saturday 23 September 2023 from 9 am to 12 pm for a free chat. Visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/where-can-I-walk-my-dog for more information and to check out off-leash dog parks to explore.

time to reach out with your ideas and energy.

Call out for Tweed Seniors Festival volunteers

The dates for the 2024 NSW Seniors Festival have been set, so let the planning begin!

The festival will take place from 11 to 24 March 2024 – and as in past years, the Shire will mark the occasion with the annual Tweed Seniors Festival.

This year’s festival theme is ‘Reach Beyond’, which encourages all seniors to seek out new activities and experiences by participating in the festivities.

Each year, a group of local volunteers help bring the Tweed Seniors Festival to life through planning festival activities in their local area.

Visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/seniors-festival if you would like to volunteer for the 2024 Tweed Seniors Festival Working Party and fill out the expression of interest form.

If you would like more information about Tweed Seniors Festival, please contact Lyn Porter on 07 55 69 3110 or via communityservices@tweed.nsw.gov.au

Request for offer

RFO2023118 – Expressions of interest (EOI)

Licence to operate café at Point Danger Lighthouse, Boundary Street, Tweed Heads, NSW 2485

Offers close: Wednesday 12 noon 20 September 2023 Offers must be lodged as specified in the offer documentation. Request for offer documentation is available at no charge from Council’s website at tweed.nsw.gov.au/tenders-contracts

All offers will be opened at closing time and will be considered by Council in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act 1993 and the NSW Local Government (General) Regulation 2021. All or any EOI offers will not necessarily be accepted and canvassing of Councillors or staff will cause disqualification.

For further information please contact Contracts Administration at adminIDU@tweed.nsw.gov.au

Congratulations Tweed homeowners and businesses! Together, we are the top adopters of solar energy on the NSW North Coast. The opening of the Banora Point Wastewater Treatment Plant solar array secures that position.

Nominees announced for Tweed Sustainability Awards 2023

An inspiring range of initiatives have been nominated for the 2023 Sustainability Awards.

Twenty-four nominations have been received for the awards this year, with a wide range of impressive initiatives for positive environmental outcomes, including:

• innovative use of artificial intelligence to support ocean wildlife conservation

• regenerative farming for soil carbon sequestration and sustainable food production

• removal of over 2 tonnes of flood debris from the Tweed River

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

DA23/0343 – Inground swimming pool and front fence 1.8m

Lot 19 DP 1034976, No. 7 Bolwarra Place, Bilambil Heights

DA23/0354 – Addition to existing dwelling

Lot 51 DP 1158855, No. 2A Rosewood Avenue, Bogangar

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

Have your say

Add your voice to decision making in the Tweed

Draft Tweed Conservation Strategy

On exhibition from 7 September to 19 October

You are invited to comment on the draft Tweed Conservation Strategy that outlines how Council will lead environmental conservation programs and work with the community to achieve specific goals.

• rescue, rehabilitation and release of orphaned, sick and injured wildlife

• milk production diversification and education

• innovative cooking and dining experiences with sustainable sourcing and reduction of waste

• making recycling fun for students

• supporting local farmers and artisans with routes to market and reduction in food waste.

People’s Choice voting now open

Council is calling on the Tweed community to support and

Development proposal for public comment

celebrate their environmental champions. Vote now for your favourite Tweed Sustainability Award nominee and have your say on who will be this year’s 2023 People's Choice winner.

To see the full list of nominees and cast your vote visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/sustainabilityawards

Only one vote per person is allowed.

Voting closes at midnight on Sunday 1 October 2023.

The award winners will be announced at a showcase event on Thursday 12 October 2023.

The following development application has been received by Tweed Shire Council and may be viewed on Council’s DA Tracking site at datracker.tweed.nsw.gov.au for a period of 28 days from Wednesday 6 September to Wednesday

4 October 2023.

Application details

DA23/0400 – Proposed temporary installation of a ferris wheel for a maximum period of 12 weeks

Lot 7036 DP 1054009, No. 60 Boundary Street, Tweed Heads

The Trustee for Xtra Ordinary Events Unit Trust

Notification of integrated development application

Development application no. DA23/0411

A development application has been lodged by B & P Surveys seeking development consent for use of an unauthorised outdoor recreation facility (equestrian centre) and associated earthworks at Lot 149 DP 755721; No. 309 Tunnel Road, Stokers Siding. Tweed Shire Council is the consent authority for the application.

The proposed development constitutes ‘Integrated Development’ pursuant to Section 4.46(1) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. The following approvals are required in this regard:

Provision Approval Authority

Sections 89, 90 & 91 of the Water Management Act 2000

Water use approval, water management work approval or activity approval under Part 3 of Chapter 3

Department of Planning & Environment’s Water Operations Division

The development application and the documents accompanying it may be viewed on Council’s DA Tracking site located at datracker.tweed.nsw.gov.au

The documents will be available for a period of 28 days from Wednesday 6 September to Wednesday 4 October 2023.

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.

Any submission objecting to the proposed development must state the ground upon which such objection is made.

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 September 2023

The Planning Committee meeting agenda for Thursday 7 September 2023 is available on Council's website tweed.nsw.gov.au/councillors-meetings . The meeting will be held at the Harvard Room, Tweed Heads Administration Building, Brett Street, Tweed Heads commencing at 3:30 pm.

Agenda

Have your say

We are seeking community feedback on this conservation strategy until 19 October in one of the following ways:

• Online: Complete the short survey at Your Say Tweed

• Mail: Make a submission to the General Manager, Tweed Shire Council, PO Box 816, Murwillumbah, NSW 2484

• Email: tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au

• Subject: Tweed Conservation Strategy

Visit yoursaytweed.com.au/conservationstrategy to learn more and make a submission.

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 us make decisions with you

Register at yoursaytweed.com.au

Current vacancies

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

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

Reports for consideration

Reports from the Director Planning and Regulation

8.1 Development Application DA22/0421 for a childcare centre at Lot 11 DP 1244396 No. 647 Terranora Road, Terranora

8.2 Development Application DA23/0302 for a caravan

park (112 long term sites), reception, managers residence and pool at Lot 2 DP 815370 No. 1126 Pottsville Road, Pottsville

8.3 Class 1 Appeal – Development Application DA20/0386 for a 13 lot subdivision (11 residential lots, 1 drainage lot and 1 residual dedicated riparian lot) at Lot 156 DP 628026 No. 40 Creek Street, Hastings Point

Council meeting agenda – Thursday 7 September 2023

The Council meeting agenda for Thursday 7 September 2023 is available on Council's website tweed.nsw.gov.au/ councillors-meetings . The meeting will be held at the Harvard Room, Tweed Heads Administration Building, Brett Street, Tweed Heads 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 September 2023

Reports from the Director Sustainable Communities and Environment

13.1 Acceptance of Grant: NSW Environmental Trust –Conserving Cockatoos and Curlews on the North Coast (Stage 2)

Reports from the Director Corporate Services

15.1 Council Committee – Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Delegates

15.2 Applications for 2023–2024 Events Sponsorship Funding

15.3 Determination of number of councillors – Section 224 of the Local Government Act

Reports from the Director Sustainable Communities and Environment in committee

26.1 Update on illegal dog ownership in breach of restriction on title at Pottsville

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 is 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.

Council wants changes to caravan park laws

By Yvonne Gardiner

TWEED SHIRE Council hopes to win the support of all other NSW councils at the Local Government NSW Annual Conference (LGNSW) to have the legislation governing caravan parks in rural areas changed.

Mayor Chris Cherry will be joined by councillors Nola Firth, Rhiannon Brinsmead and James Owen at the conference in November at Parramatta.

“We would like the opportunity to nominate a couple of sites where caravan parks may be appropriate and then remove them as a permissible use in rural areas,” Cr Cherry said.

“This is because traditionally caravan parks have been built in flood land and areas with high bushfire risk.

“This was considered okay as the parks were used for holidays, so they would likely be unoccupied during times of high risk, but with the loophole that allows a majority of manufactured homes to be built in these areas, and the increasing threat we have with bushfire and flood, we can no longer afford to have new parks built in these areas.”

Council is also requesting help with interpretation of the Local Government (Manufactured Home Estates, Caravan Parks, Camping Grounds and Moveable Dwellings) Regulation 2021, which is “poorly understood” by councils.

“With no expertise in the NSW Government to technically advise, councils are struggling to understand and regulate the explosion of caravans and other moveable dwellings and ‘tiny homes’ on private properties,” a council report states.

“People are using exemptions under the regulation to live in caravans and other moveable

dwellings (very broad definition) on private properties with few or no options to assess bushfire, flood, public health, aircraft noise and pollution risks.”

Cr Cherry said motion 2 to be presented at the LGNSW conference was about clarifying the clause in the Local Government Act that allowed caravans to be installed on rural lands for a period of up to two years to house people who had been displaced by a natural disaster.

“We need to make it clearer, but it was important to me that we said that we support retaining the clause, as it did allow people to provide important temporary housing after the flood.”

Tweed currently has 35 active caravan parks with some 4 per cent of the shire’s population now residing in these parks.

Other motions to be put to the conference deal with the correct use of recycling bins, the establishment of a central agency to co-ordinate state and federal grants programs, the management of roaming domestic cats, street trees, and the rising costs of holding council elections.

“These are the issues that are our highest priority that affect all councils in NSW and that have not already been added to the advocacy position of LGNSW at previous conferences,” Cr Cherry said.

Motions passed at the conference become resolutions, which LGNSW takes forward on behalf of councils as part of their advocacy role.

Storm development

By Jonathon Howard

Continued from page 3.

The Weekly asked BoM if residents can expect more storms like this cell in the near future.

“Spring and early summer are peak times for thunderstorm activity across Australia’s east coast due to the added warmth and moisture in the air,” the BoM spokesperson said.

“Large hail in north-east NSW and south-east Queensland during spring and early summer is not uncommon.

Finally, The Weekly asked whether these freak storms events have anything to do with climate change.

“Many factors determine how severe a storm becomes and it is not possible to determine the role of climate change for individual events,” the spokesperson said.

“However, there is evidence that hailstorms during winter months are becoming more common.”

See more on page 12.

Saffin in recovery role

By Yvonne Gardiner

TWEED VALLEY Weekly asked Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin to tell readers more about her role as the newly appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery in the NSW Government via a Q&A.

Ms Saffin experienced the devastation of a natural disaster when unprecedented floods hit the Northern Rivers in February 2022.

The Lismore MP, who represents Murwillumbah and western parts of the Tweed Shire, has remained a strong advocate for her community’s recovery.

She is expected to have an even stronger voice for the Northern Rivers and communities across NSW in her new role.

Q: What progress can flood victims in the Northern Rivers expect during the next few months?

A: They can expect to see better communications on the recovery, more community engagement and see the recovery reset start to take shape, and for their voices to be better heard. The reset was called for by the Northern Rivers’ MPs, mayors and their councils and communities. This was a failing of the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation (NRRC) from day one and, despite calls to improve this and asking the then NSW ministers for it to change, nothing did. That includes the tranche 2 funding we were led to believe would eventuate and we are working hard to secure this. I said it has to happen, not if.

The CEO of the NSW Reconstruction Authority is now meeting with us MPs and mayors fortnightly and has said that all things are on the table. We now have a big say in the agenda items and discuss them with a will to resolve them.

Q: How will the system set up by the NRRC be improved?

A: It has to be continuous improvement, with flexibility, and that is changing now. All issues can be discussed and debated, with better service delivery the key focus.

Q: What do you think of the recovery response so far?

A: There are good advances, with some people satisfied with their level of support and care, but it was not a comprehensive recovery wraparound package that I called for from day one. I have to say business has really stepped up despite the massive challenges and are quite

stoic in the way they have gotten on with the rebuild and more.

There was no co-ordination, no local government involvement and it was not community driven. We suffered from not having a full-time recovery co-ordinator, as they do in Queensland. We now have one for the north, a local, and one for the south, but only recently. Again all of these things were called for by me, and many others, but fell on deaf ears. Premier Chris Minns has assured us we will not be forgotten and has not only backed the reset but ensured the two ministers with responsibility came to meet and listen and work on it.

Q: Disaster recovery is a broad topic — are there certain activities you will concentrate on?

A: Yes it is broad, but the way I am approaching the role is to be mindful of the mantra ‘Better prepared, Better response, Better recovery’, in terms of my advice and assistance in step with my role and to play a more active role in co-ordination across the Northern Rivers. I said to my MP colleagues that I wanted them to be involved and collaborative as we all have been to date.

Q: What is the likelihood of floods and bushfires this coming summer?

A: Bushfires are already underway in some places, and in many parts of the Northern Rivers we are in the bushfire danger period.

Q: Is the NSW Government prepared for more disasters?

The NSW Government prepares for such disasters on an ongoing basis and is implementing recommendations from the flood inquiry. Just a couple of examples of what we are doing — digital fire danger rating signs are being rolled out in high-risk areas such as ours, and all 1,300 NSW SES and Fire & Rescue vehicles are now equipped with the very latest in satellite communications technology to ensure uninterrupt ed communications during emergency events.

BOM said a towering cumulus was responsible for the sudden hail storm as pictured above

Storm cell batters Tweed Valley

By Jonathon Howard

LONGTIME LOCAL farmers and residents say they have never seen a hailstorm like the one that struck the Tweed Valley on Wednesday, August 30, dumping more than six inches of hail over the span of about two hours.

The storm lingered over parts of Dunbible, Bray Park and Eungella in the afternoon, leaving many residents bewildered.

The cluster of three storm cells struck the Tweed during the afternoon and into the evening, with farmers and residents around Bray Park reporting heavy hail pummeling the region.

Tweed Valley farmer Neil Baker said the ice from the hail lingered for several days.

“That was a severe hailstorm,” he said.

“I’ve never seen a hailstorm linger for so long in the same spot.”

Mr Baker said cattle would have been irritated and had some minor bruising to their backs.

“The cows and livestock would have some bruising, but the extra moisture will help with grazing,” he said.

Mr Baker said most storms of this nature will track north-east, but this particular storm cell lingered for more than an hour.

“Crops have also been im -

pacted and things such veggies which would’ve been shredded,” he said.

Lightning was also a feature of the storm and Eungella experienced a small fire due to a lightning strike.

Andy Everest grows bananas, as well as having a mixed-use crop at Eungella, and said there was a dry storm that swept over his property and a lightning strike started a fire.

Mr Everest said he’d never seen anything like it.

“It was a very surreal situation,” he said.

“It ended well, fortunately, as the RFS Murwillumbah Brigade firefighters put the fire out before it spread too far.

“Several brigade units contained it before it spread and around dark we got about an inch of rain.”

Mr Everest said hail bruises the fruit and creates holes in it.

The hail also forced the cancellation of the Murwillumbah Garden Club display due to the sudden shock of a hailstorm and damage to plants.

Rose gardener John Bennett said the hail tore the rose buds right off their stems and put a dampener on the event.

“There were several rose growers around Bray Park that had plants damaged,” he said.

Mr Bennett noted that it takes about 63 days for roses to recover with fresh buds.

“We are now unable to host the event this year,” he said.

“I’ve been in the Tweed Valley for 25 years and never seen anything like it.”

The Garden Club is encouraging new members to get ready for the next season.

YOUR THOUGHTS: Do you remember a hail storm that rivals the one last week? The Weekly would love to hear from you via email: editor@theweekly.net.au

Having the Last Word at Murwillumbah Public School

The annual Murwillumbah Public School Public

Speaking nals took place last week with students from all stages participating. Students were required to prepare speeches of their choice with different time limits for each stage. The aim of the program is for students to develop better thinking, writing, talking and listening skills. The program emphasises the need for students to complete appropriate research on their chosen topic then deliver it in a manner that engages the audience, is well planned and sequential.

Students in years K,

1 & 2 delivered 1 minute speeches whilst years 3 & 4 and years 5 & 6 had time limits of 2 and 3 minutes respectively. From initial speeches 8 students in each stage were selected to make their presentations in the school event with the goal of qualifying for the Far North Coast nals to be held in Uki on Wednesday 11th October.

The variety of topic choices was extremely varied. The environment, personal interests and animals were popular. Students were very well organised and presented their speeches in a way that kept the audience

interested. They were appreciated by all who attended. We thank former Principal of Ocean Shores Public School, Chris Hauritz, for

adjudicating our public speaking event. His task of determining the winners was made particularly dif cult due to the quality of all presen-

tations.

The successful speakers who will now head to Uki are Alicia in Stage 1, Grace in Stage 2 and Edith in Stage 3.

Dean Litherland from Natural & Healthy4Life took this extraordinary photo

Local farmer Neil Baker supplied the above images along with residents via social media

New tourism leader

By Jonathon Howard

OUR NEW Tweed Tourism Company general manager Sally Scott is fired up and ready to achieve big things for our local tourism sector. Ms Scott brings more than 25 years’ experience in the tourism and travel industry across hospitality, trade engagement, travel media and digital innovation.

She’s already been an integral part of The Tweed Tourism Company’s strategic achievements and success as the official tourism body for the Tweed.

To find out more, The Weekly put some key questions to Ms Scott.

1. Welcome to the GM role, what would you say are your first orders of business?

“We have an enormous opportunity to showcase the Tweed to new destinations when Bonza Airlines commence flights into Gold Coast Airport from November, just in time for summer to welcome visitors from destinations such as Albury, Mildura, Mackay and more who may not have previously considered the Tweed,” she said.

2. How has the Tweed recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic?

“The region has shown remarkable resilience to recent events and our local operators and stakeholders have responded to these challenges with innovation and enterprising initiatives that have fostered sustainable growth. In alignment with the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy, we have already exceeded the key metric of total visitor expenditure since pre-pandemic levels, however we are still working towards restoring levels of domestic day trips and international visitors,” Ms Scott said.

3.What are three of your goals for the Tweed in the next 12 months?

“Looking ahead, we’ll be working to deliver on some pivotal goals that guide our tourism vision as part of the draft Destination Management

Plan (DMP) 2024-2030.

Goal 1: outdoor adventure and ecotourism

Nature in the Tweed is truly remarkable. The Northern Rivers Rail Trail has been a game changer for our region, and we’ll continue to build on the success of this signature experience by encouraging current operators and new operators to tailor their products and services to attract this new audience. The recently opened Uki Mountain Bike Trail and the much-anticipated Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk (previously known as the Tweed Byron Hinterland Trail) set to open in 2024 provides further opportunity to focus on outdoor adventure.

Goal 2: local food and agritourism

Local food and agritourism are vital ingredients in the quintessential Tweed visitor experience. Our chefs, markets and producers continue to win accolades and we will further showcase these first-class culinary experiences to a hungry audience!

Goal 3: cultural attractions

With so many creatives in the Tweed, we have capacity to offer extraordinary cultural experiences. The upcoming Monet masterpiece on show at the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre provides further opportunity to attract art lovers from South-East Queensland and beyond,” she said.

Tweed Coast Caravans expands to new location

By Jonathon Howard

TWEED COAST Caravans and the Caravan Clinic have moved locations to expand the business and are both now operating from 24 Honeyeater Circuit, South Murwillumbah.

Both businesses are this year celebrating 10 years of providing high-quality caravans, as well as servicing and parts for all caravan needs across the Tweed Shire and surrounds.

Passionate local business owners Jacqui and Craig Bollard purchased the Caravan Clinic in 2013 followed by Tweed Coast Caravans in 2016, and have since taken both businesses to new heights.

“We are currently proud dealers for the iconic and long-established Atlantic Caravan brand, which is made in Australia and custom built tough for Australian conditions,” Jacqui said.

“Atlantic presents reliability, durability, functionality in design, and value for money.”

Craig said the company prides itself on being a one-stop shop for sales, as well as handling Atlantic Caravan upgrades and maintenance.

“We’ve now expanded to our new location and workshop to offer the best service possible,” he said.

“We also offer a great new range of parts and accessories, with a lot of products now on display.”

The couple is eager to invite residents and caravan lovers to come down and check out their new location at 24 Honeyeater Circuit.

“We’re really proud to be Tweed Shire locals and take a lot of pride in our workmanship and sales team,” Jacqui said.

“Make sure you come and have a look at the new Atlantic range, and we also offer quality second-hand caravans.”

The couple are still enjoying life in a small

business and working hand in hand after a decade.

“We really complement each other, as Craig works in the workshop and is really knowledgeable, whilst I work in sales and spare parts,” Jacqui said.

“Our team is amazing and is like our extended family, they’re always eager to help with sales, servicing and parts.”

To find out more visit the new location at 24 Honeyeater Circuit, South Murwillumbah, or phone: (07) 5523 0105.

NEW LOCATION: Local couple Jacqui and Craig Bollard are celebrating their new location and 10 years in business for Tweed Coast Caravans

Voice forums call for Yes vote

By Jonathon Howard

THE VOICE Forum at the Tweed Heads Civic Centre attracted more than 400 people on Wednesday, August 23, and called on residents to vote Yes to change the Constitution and recognise First Nations people. The forum, one of two that took place across the Northern Rivers, was hosted by Member for Richmond Justine Elliot, alongside Indigenous rights campaigner Noel Pearson and guest lawyer Joshua Apanui. Each speaker was given a chance to discuss their thoughts around the

Voice and urged those in attendance to vote Yes in the referendum on Saturday, October 14.

The Voice referendum will ask Australians whether the Constitution should be changed to recognise the first peoples of Australia by establishing a body called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

Voters will be asked to vote Yes or No on the single question. Many residents will have already received a booklet in the mail from the Australian Electoral Commission with all the information to make their decision.

The forum was opened to questions

at the end and Cr Nola Firth asked: “What do we say to people who are saying that to vote Yes is a loss of sovereignty?”

Mr Pearson said he felt it was important to focus on the challenges ahead and that there has always been a ‘no’ campaign within referendums.

“I would urge everyone to focus on the task at hand to get this into the Constitution,” he said.

“There’s always been ‘no’ campaigns, such as the ‘no’ campaign against women’s sovereignty.

“Even the Federation of the 1890s, there was a ‘no’ campaign. ‘No’ campaigns are to be expected.

Polling by the Sydney Morning Herald has returned a Yes vote of 51 per cent across the nation, while 34 per cent said they would vote No and 15 per cent were undecided.

However, separate polls run by The Australian shows only 38 per cent of the population planning to vote Yes.

The polling, conducted by Newspoll for The Australian, shows the No vote is tracking at 53 per cent.

Ms Elliot said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced the date of the referendum for Saturday October 14.

“The referendum is a vote for recognition and listening, so we can get

better results,” she said.

“This is above party politics and people from all sides of politics support the Voice.

“We need all hands on deck to spread the message of positive change for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament; and we need support to hand out on referendum day.”

If you live locally and want to help the Yes campaign, please get in touch by emailing Ms Elliot on: justine.elliot.mp@aph.gov.au, or phone her office on: (07) 5523 4371.

The Voice community forums were a big success and are calling on residents to vote Yes in the upcoming referendum

Enjoy the Baby Show

By Jonathon Howard

THE ALWAYS popular Baby Show and Fete presented by All Saints Anglican Church in Murwillumbah will return on Saturday, September 9.

Event organiser Merilyn Gilmore said she wants to encourage parents to get their kids ready and come down for another fun-filled day with prizes, jumping castle and a mini beans kindy gym.

The event will start from 9am and will also feature a range of stalls from cakes to books, fresh fruit, as well as clothes and jewellery.

Ms Gilmore is celebrating her 29th year of coordinating the Baby Show and Fete and she’s

still passionate about making local families happy.

“We also have a professional photographer Katrina Cram on site selling images,” she said.

“There will be prizes in five age categories for cutest smile, happiest baby, and longest eyelashes, plus special gifts for youngest baby.”

Ms Gilmore said there will also be a crowning of the prince and princess.

This year’s competition is based around the best scarves and entry is only 50 cents.

“Bring along your most colourful and character-filled scarves for a chance to win,” she said.

For more information, please contact Ms Gilmore on 0419 697 559.

FAMILY FUN: Local families Saxon Quinn and baby Nina along with Nivetha Silverston and son Fyeodor are encouraging residents to come down and enjoy the Baby Show and Fete

“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.”

Our Victorian Residences:

Our Local Residences:

Lynbrook Park

Heritage Lodge | Murwillumbah

42 Olive Road, Lynbrook

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

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.

Charlesbrook

1 Innisfallen Avenue, Templestowe

Sut ton Park

1300 899 222 mckenzieacg.com

– Joanne Smith, Maggie’s daughter.

– Kerry , daughter of a McKenzie resident

Storytelling success

BOLTON CLARKE Darlington staff said they have been “delighted” to facilitate the Storytelling Program in collaboration with three remarkable university students from Southern Cross University, Jo, Sue and Tiana.

All three students are in their second year of studies completing their Community Welfare degrees.

Darlington played host for each student’s 200 hours of placement for work experience.

Bolton Clarke Darlington lifestyle coordinator Kelly Gawthorne said the students did a great job despite carrying a heavy workload.

“Whilst still completing other assignments and juggling the workload, the students were required to complete the Storytelling program with a number of residents, capturing their lives in a poster,” she said.

“This innovative program delves into the pages of history, giving voice to the stories that have shaped the lives of our esteemed residents.

“By doing so, it serves as a bridge between generations, fostering connections that tran-

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scend time.”

Over the last six weeks, the three dedicated university students have worked closely with residents, lending their expertise and enthusiasm to the program, which has proven to be a catalyst for rekindling memories and cherishing past achievements, allowing the residents revisit and savour chapters of their lives.

“Together, they have transformed these narratives into vibrant visual stories, bringing them to life through wonderfully crafted posters,” Ms Gawthorne said.

“Each poster not only captures the essence of the stories but also embodies the spirit of the individuals behind them.

“On Friday, September 1, a morning tea was held for the unveiling of the eight wonderful posters.

“Our residents came together to celebrate the power of stories, the beauty of memory and the strengths of unity.

“Darlington hopes to facilitate such a wonderful program again in the future.”

processed and sugary foods as much as possible, as these can increase your risk. Eating a balanced diet will not only reduce your risk of dementia, but it will also help improve your overall health and well-being.

Taking care of your physical and mental health is essential for a high quality of life. By adopting a healthier lifestyle, you can reduce your risk of developing dementia and enjoy a healthier life.

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TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE: Darlington residents were delighted with the student's results

Dr Gavin Mitchell Dental Surgery

Just for

Free health program

ADULTS AGED 60 years and over, and Aboriginal people aged 45 years and over in Northern NSW can join a free, 10-week online healthy lifestyle program beginning Monday, October 9. Healthy and Active for Life Online is a NSW Health initiative designed for people who are living at home and who wish to increase their confidence, knowledge and skills to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.

“This is a great opportunity to get active and learn about healthy lifestyle habits from the comfort of your own home with trained coaches at a time that suits you, and it’s free,” acting director of Integrated Care and Allied Health Services Kathryn Watson said.

“Our physical activity and dietary needs change as we age. This online program pro -

vides more flexibility and opportunity for older adults to learn how to improve and maintain their strength, balance and health.

“People want to maintain their independence. They want to keep living active lives and they want to be pain free, and Healthy and Active for Life Online gives them the tools they need.”

The program includes access to 10 self-directed modules on healthy lifestyle topics and a home exercise program.

Participants also receive a weekly phone call from a trained phone coach at a time that suits them.

For further information, or to book, please visit: activeandhealthy.nsw.gov.au/home/healthyand-active-for-life-online

“You can’t help getting older, but you don’t have to get old.” GEORGE BURNS

NSW Health has launched a new 10-week online program that's free to our seniors. Apply now and get active.

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Tumby Public update

By Jonathon Howard

THERE’S SOME big news from Tumbulgum Public School this month, which despite having only 11 students, they are kicking goals and eager to see the new school redevelopment completed by the start of 2024.

Principal Genevieve Esgate recently wrote to The Weekly to highlight some of the school’s outstanding achievements.

Among them is the school’s athletics relay team who recently attended the North Coast NSW Primary Schools Sports Association (PSSA) athletics carnival on Friday, September 1.

“The students did an amazing job practising for the relay, but were pipped at the post and came fourth, narrowly missing out on a trip to Sydney,” she said.

“Our school community is extremely proud of the achievements from Pippah McGee, Fletcher McGee, Shamara Van Doorn and Charlotte Render.

Ms Esgate highlighted another individual effort in the athletics by Pippah McGee, who achieved first place in high jump by leaping 1.18 metres.

“This was an outstanding achievement as it was her personal best jump height and has secured her a chance in the NSW State PSSA Athletics Carnival in Sydney,” she said.

Special O’Connors event

Continued from page 1.

Over the years Bill’s sons began working in the business and this growth saw the family purchase more vehicles and other local businesses, establishing the trusted O’Connors Carrying Service into the community.

The growth of O’Connors Carrying Service led to the business outgrowing a number of their locations.

In 1989, O’Connors moved to their current location at Quarry Road, South Murwillumbah, where they remain today.

Last year, Dan, at 35 years of age, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS).

O’Connors wish to support Dan and his young family as a valued member of the Murwillumbah community.

With Dan’s approval, O’Connors will use the 75th year celebrations to not only recognise the journey that the business has, but to support and acknowledge the journey that Dan is about to start and to create awareness of MS with a fundraiser community open day raising funds for MS Australia.

“I want to extend a big congratulations to our students for their results.”

In further news, construction work is well underway at Tumbulgum Public School following the 2022 floods.

Ms Esgate said the construction of the new school building should be completed by early 2024.

“We are ready for more enrolments and a new classroom and administration by start of school term one 2024,” she said.

“We already have four kindy kids enrolled for 2024 and the interest is growing.

“Our playgroup on Wednesdays from 9.30am to 11am is taking off and we’d love even more little ones to join us. We’d like local families to start the conversation with Tumbulgum Public now.”

To find out more phone: (02) 6676 6237.

The business continued to grow as part of the fabric of the local community.

Devastation struck in 2017, when Murwillumbah was hit with a once-in-a-lifetime flood that consumed the town and disrupted the township and O’Connors Carrying Service.

The aftermath of the 2017 flood led to a large clean-up of the depot and significant damage sustained to equipment and stock.

O’Connors, like other locals, moved forward and got back to work.

After a clean-up lasting a few years, the town was hit again with yet another disastrous flood that peaked 200mm higher than the 2017 flood. While the 2022 flood was larger, the O’Connors, like the community, did not let it dampen their ‘Murwillumbah spirit’.

The entire community rose to the occasion and began the mammoth clean-up once again, sadly for many, it was quite literally a ‘rinse and repeat’ exercise.

O’Connors is this year celebrating 75 years of operation and is proud of how far they have come.

The company now has more than 30 trucks and 35 staff members and is continuing the great friendly service that Bill instilled from back in 1948.

Whilst O’Connors is celebrating their 75th year of operation, they also wish to support one of its team members, Daniel Bloomfield.

MS is the most common acquired chronic neurological disease affecting young adults. As yet, there is no cure.

There is no known single cause of MS, but many genetic and environmental factors have been shown to contribute to its development.

Join O’Connors Carrying Service as they raise money for MS with a Family Fun Open Day.

Kids will be able to enjoy a showcase of trucks to jump in, a Cars-style decorated ‘Mack O’Connor’ truck like the film, games, a jumping castle, face painting, sausage sizzle and much more.

Funds raised will go towards trying to find a cure for MS. Mark the date in your diary for Saturday, October 7, from 12pm to 3pm at O’Connors Carrying Service, 67-69 Quarry Road, South Murwillumbah.

Construction works are well underway.

Tumbulgum Relay Team are an outstanding group of studentsPippah jumping for the win!

Sweet Talk with Robert Hawken Sweet Talk with Robert Hawken

Improving drainage

THE CONDONG Sugar Mill area harvest is now at almost 60 per cent complete and the anticipated finish date is November 10, if the weather remains favourable and the mill continues to run well.

This is significantly earlier than in previous years.

The estimated tonnage will be around 400,000 tonnes of cane which is only 80 per cent of Condong’s average crop size, due mainly to the lingering effects of the 2022 severe flooding events.

Fortunately, world sugar prices remain high which is offsetting this lower production.

Cane planting is now well underway with some growers taking advantage of the fine conditions. However, soil moisture and soil temperature need to be right to achieve good germination and some areas have missed out on the recent hit and miss rain from storms.

I notice that Tweed Shire Council is calling for public comment concerning how improved drainage of flood-prone areas could be achieved.

The Tweed and Rous rivers, which are in a

very poor state of efficiency, are vital arteries for the efficient dispersal of floodwaters to the ocean.

During torrential rain events, the quicker the high volume of water is returned to the ocean by the river systems, the lesser the maximum flood height will be.

Other factors such as previously saturated catchment prior to torrential rain events, the current tidal regime, and the presence of any tidal surge, which is usually caused by cyclonic influence, can all combine to produce catastrophic flooding.

We cannot control the rain, the tides or the cyclones, but we can maintain and restore the natural waterways to something like their efficiency prior to European development. Efficient drainage of floodwater from agricultural floodplains is a priority for cane farmers and would greatly benefit the whole community, including residential and industrial and environmental areas.

Best wishes to all. Take care, till next month,

Rob Hawken

The new solar array at Tweed Heads is one of the largest of its kind on the North Coast and cements council's commitment to renewable power generation

Council powers up

By Jonathon Howard

TWEED SHIRE Council flicked the switch on the shire’s largest solar array on Thursday, August 31, securing the Tweed’s top spot for solar energy uptake on the NSW North Coast.

The staggering size of the array covers a football field with 1,208 high-efficiency solar panels achieving a capacity of 604 kilowatts.

The solar array will power the Banora Point Wastewater Treatment Plant during daylight hours.

Tweed Mayor Chris Cherry said the Banora Point solar array had increased council’s renewable energy capacity by about 60 percent, with more than 20 council facilities now receiving 1.6 megawatts of solar energy.

“Tweed homeowners, businesses and council, it’s time to celebrate. We are the top adopters of solar energy on the North Coast of NSW,”

Cr Cherry said.

“Nearly 53 percent of Tweed houses now have solar panels. There have been nearly 2,500 commercial solar installations in our shire to date.

“It’s estimated the roofs of more than 20,000 Tweed homes plus businesses and council facilities have a combined solar energy capacity of 125 megawatts.

“That’s the highest capacity of any local government area from Port Macquarie north to the Queensland border.”

The Banora Point wastewater plant processes the sewage of 55,000 people from Banora Point, Bilambil Heights, Terranora, Tweed Heads, Tweed Heads South and Tweed Heads West.

It’s the second major energy efficiency project for the plant this year.

In June, council replaced the plant’s ageing blowers and return activated sludge pumps with new high-efficiency units.

The Sunshine Sugar team with Mr Hawken

Tweed drainage is an important topic

Students from St Josephs Primary attended the opening

Tweed Mayor Chris Cherry announced the array open

Footy finals begin!

WHAT A final weekend it was and what a wonderful competition 2023 has been.

The final game of the round was still deciding who was finishing where.

The Broncos gave away the minor premiership falling to the Storm who managed third and a rematch in week one of the finals after the Warriors rested plenty and went down to the Dolphins.

Penrith won their third minor premiership in four years to once again reinforce their dominance in the competition.

I agree the minor premiership should be worth more money. $100K to Manly for winning a pre-season two game comp and only $200K for winning the NRL 27 round edition.

Make it more financially ap-

pealing and we might not have the rested players.

The NRRRL finishes up this week in Ballina with the Tweed teams well represented. Cudgen have come from the clouds to challenge the Seagulls on Sunday.

Any team with the Ziebell brothers are a chance and with Burger ‘The Field Goal King’ Battesse steering them around from 9 they are a genuine threat.

The Hornets rolled pre season favourites and reigning premiers Bilambil who faded out with a whimper in straight sets. Reggies will feature the same teams with Ballina and Cudgen going head to head.

18s will see Murwillumbah take on Bilambil in what will be a quality contest. Cudgen feature in three

grades with the undefeated ladies league tag going up against the Jets. It should be a quality afternoon of footy.

The Junior League tag finals and league finals will be at Murwillumbah with a festival of footy over the two days. All the best to the teams involved. Finally a big congratulations to Toka Finance & Accountants for winning The Weekly Footy Tipping Comp this year with a handy $1,500. And well done to the Print Spot for taking out second place in a close battle ($500) and third place to McMaster Accountant ($250).

This is the final edition of the footy segment so thanks to all those who have read my article each week. Looking forward to 2024 already. See you at the footy. Quinny

TOP TIPPER: Congratulations to Troy O'Keefe from Toka Fiance & Accountants for taking out first place and winning $1,500 cash!

SECOND AND THIRD: Well done to Print Spot for taking out second and McMaster Accountant for third place!

Music in the Meadow presents Serenades of Spring

Save the Koala Month

By Rhonda James

SAVE THE Koala Month is an annual worldwide event to raise awareness about koalas and their habitat.

This is an opportunity to support the local North Coast koala group Friends of the Koala in their activities, which include 24/7 koala rescue, koala hospital and care centre, community engagement and advocacy, and habitat protection and restoration.

Friends of the Koala have a team of dedicated rescuers in Tweed who are on call 24/7 to respond to calls about sick or injured koalas.

In recent weeks the team have been called to locations such as Pottsville, Nunderi, Murwillumbah, Tweed Heads, the Pacific Motorway and Eungella.

Calls range from vehicle strikes, koalas suffering from chlamydia or related disease, dog attacks, or disorientated young animals dispersing in search of habitat.

Often these young koalas are located in residential areas where their habitat is often remnant patches or isolated food trees.

This time of year, koalas are particularly active and moving around the landscape, in search of a mate, or young animals dispersing in search of habitat. The activity makes them more vulnerable to dog attack and vehicle strike. Koalas throughout the North Coast and in the Tweed Shire face threats from habitat loss, disease — in particular chlamydia, road strike,

It's Save the Koala Month and they need all the help they can get

dog attack, bushfire and human activity.

Friends of the Koala operates a specialised koala hospital in Lismore to treat the koalas brought in for vet care. Our fully accredited koala hospital admits about 350 koalas per year — more than any other wildlife facility in NSW.

Later this month, from September 24 to 30, the Northern Rivers Koala Count will take place.

Spring has sprung and it will be the perfect opportunity to get out and about and look for koalas. Record your sightings on the Friends of the Koala website.

In the Tweed Shire we are particularly interested in sightings from west of the Pacific Motorway and north of the Tweed River. Further details will be released prior to the event.

You can support our local koala population by volunteering with Friends of the Koala or other ways such as financial support through a donation, Adopt a Koala or Vaccinate a Koala. The national trend of declining donations to not-for-profit organisations impacts on Friends of the Koala’s financial position and therefore its capacity to maintain operations, in particular, specialist veterinary care and a hospital upgrade.

Visit Friends of the Koala website at https:// friends of the koala.org. Or call the koala rescue hotline 24/7 on (02) 6622 1233.

Lifeguard of year title

By Yvonne Gardiner

TWEED LOCAL Mariah Jones has walked away with the coveted 2023 Lifeguard of the Year trophy in the Surf Life Saving NSW Awards of Excellence.

Thirty-year-old Mariah says the award is a huge honour.

“As a lifesaver and lifeguard, you don’t expect anything in return,” she said.

“It’s a part of what we do and we love what we do. But receiving this is such a great feeling that I can’t really explain.

“Lifesaving is a huge community and is based on working together, and I have amazing people behind me, supporting me.”

Mariah says lifesaving is such a great supportive community.

“You meet so many like-minded, amazing people that you want to improve yourself to help better the cause,” she said.

“My sister and I have never been to a NSW presentation night before and we were blown away by the amount of people there, the production of the event and how amazing the community of people are within the room.

“No matter who was awarded, the winners were on one side of the room and everyone was congratulating and cheering for everyone.

“I know I have said community a lot — but that’s the best thing about lifesaving.”

Mariah told The Weekly she had to earn many awards to be able to work on the beach as a lifeguard.

“Some include gold medallion, which is a physical-based award that requires the individual to complete within a certain period of time; silver medallion basic beach management, CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) certification, defibrillator operators and oxygen operators,” she said.

“Tweed Heads Coolangatta SLSC is my surf club, which I volunteer at and have been a

member of since I first started lifesaving at four years old.

“My sister and I had gotten into lifesaving because of my dad, as he has been a lifesaver since he was a kid as well.

“But my lifeguarding experience has been with Australian Lifeguard Service with Far North Coast under the supervision of Scott McCartney and Lachlan Field. I have been lifeguarding on and off for nine years now.

“I have grown up in lifesaving and will always be a part of it. It has been a massive part of my life since Nippers, through youth and into adulthood. Lots of memories have been made on and off the beach and I’m sure there are many more to come.”

Mariah is looking forward to a busy and exciting week. She’s in the Australian team heading to Canada for the Commonwealth lifesaving festival for Royal Lifesaving Australia.

July Newsletter

In September and October we have two great performances coming up. From Perth, Western Australia, violin and piano duo, Margaret Blades and Ayesha Gough present:

“SPRING IS IN THE AIR”

A RECITAL on Sunday, 17 September at Bond University. We are very pleased to announce that Margaret will be continuing in the role of Concertmaster with the GCCO and we welcome her with this wonderful recital. Margaret and Ayesha will be playing the outstanding César Franck Sonata in A Major for violin and piano and the much-loved “Spring“ Sonata by Beethoven along with Estonian composer, Arvo Pärt’s Fratres, meaning Brothers.

Margaret Blades is a former Concertmaster of the Adelaide and West Australian Symphony Orchestras. She has also played with the Australian Chamber Orchestra and Sydney and Melbourne Symphony Orchestras.

Ayesha Gough is based on the Gold Coast and is one of Australia’s most talented and distinguished pianists.

SEASON 2

“CLASSICAL

GEMS”

conducted by Chen Yang

CONCERT 1

Sunday 24 September at the Murwillumbah Civic Centre

CONCERT 2

Sunday 8 October at Bond University

This, our second full orchestra concert as Orchestra in Residence at Bond University, will feature works by Holst, Sculthorpe, Suk, Piazzolla and several others.

Hoping to see you in our audience

For more details and booking through TryBooking, go to our website: gcco.com.au

90331

Congratulations to Mariah

LIVE MUSIC

COUNTRY MUSIC star Graeme Connors has a huge back catalogue of albums, hundreds of songwriter credits and several shelves heaving with a swag of awards.

He still creates new music every day, and he brings all of this to an intimate evening at The Regent on Friday, September 22, for his latest tour ‘My Lyrical Life’.

Connors credits his career longevity to the mystery of creating songs.

“Words and music somehow produce a world for people to live in, that stays with them – in celebration, sadness and reflection,” he told The Regent Spotlight.

“A song is a modern and beautiful art for that is capable of impacting people’s lives, and you never know never when that precious piece will come.

“It’s also that I just love turning up. There’s always a mix of lifetime fans, their children, and grandchildren. It’s a multigenerational nexus that I love.”

He also credits the great Kris Kristofferson who gave him his first major break to open for his Australian tour.

Kristofferson took the young Connors to the US and produced his first album.

“I was so in awe of him. I literally learned to write country music by listening to him. It’s conversational and poignantly poetic. It was a big beginning,” he said.

Connors initially left small town life for Sydney, a boy from the bush, with no idea how it worked, trying to get toe hold in the business.

He built his career on touring. When he took up the challenge to invest in regional touring in the 1980s, his first tour was doomed, with three shows cancelled to cyclones and floods.

Modern musicians are well familiar with these challenges of late.

“But it taught us how to do it,” he said.

“The logistics, strategy, the booking, and just the going and doing it. My audience is built person by person.

“In those early days one show in Dubbo had 33 people and the venue wanted to cancel. I

tour

said no, I’ll do it, even if I make nothing.

“We came back the next year to a room of over 300 people. You need some strategy, but you gotta have the balls to give it a go.”

He moved into publishing and a vast number of songs for many artists including hits for the late, great Sim Dusty (one of which put Burringbar on the country music map).

Despite that he knew the trials and tribulations, he also still had a dream.

“I needed to sing, and I started with telling children stories of life in the north,” he said.

“The first song was Mango Shade about a thinly disguised Mackay. The mythology of cane country is largely ignored.

“I was always inspired by Thea Astley – and in that humidity, language, fruitiness, and fragility of environment I gained confidence and part of what I needed from which to write my own stories.”

The old adage, ‘make ‘em cry before you make ‘em laugh and make ‘em laugh before you make ‘em cry’ is one to which Connors subscribes. “Happiness is a one-way trip,” he says.

“A little sadness brings awareness. In the creative sphere many of us write from melancholic place. When I write I get a non-specifically blue vibe – it’s a reflective, nuanced place, but not necessarily sad.”

The current tour started life alongside Connors’ forthcoming book My Lyrical Life which is soon to be released.

The show is structured around the songs that tell the stories shared on paper and on stage.

Connors has a strong connection to Northern NSW with the videos for his hits ‘A Little Further North Each Year’ and ‘Cyclone Season’ partly shot in Lismore, Murwillumbah and Byron Bay. His close colleague, friend and film producer of those clips and many others, Lindsay Frazer, recently relocated to Murwillumbah.

After decades in both disciplines, Connors reckons one of the biggest differences between songwriters and singers is performance anxiety.

It appears he has conquered these, is a master of both, and has the back catalogue to prove it. For tickets on Friday, September 22, please visit: www.the-regent.com.au

The Regent Spotlight

Spring is in the air

By Madeleine Murray

THE GOLD COAST Chamber Orchestra is giving a concert at Bond University on Sunday, September 17.

The recital called Spring is in the Air features violinist Margaret Blades and pianist Ayesha Gough.

The talented musicians will perform César Franck’s Violin Sonata in A major, Beethoven’s Spring Sonata no 5 in F major, opus 24, and Estonian composer Arvo Pärt’s Fratres, meaning Brothers

Ayesha Gough is known to audiences for her thrilling solo piano performances with the Northern Rivers Symphony Orchestra. Her recent performance of Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No 2 conducted by Marco Bellasi, completely sold out the Tweed Civic Centre and brought the huge crowd to a standing ovation.

The conductor spoke of the romance between him and Ayesha, and she played a piece he had composed for her.

The beautiful, brilliant Murwillumbah pianist has won many awards, performed around the world, and is an International Ambassador of Variety, the Children’s Charity.

Margaret Blades is a former Concertmaster of the Adelaide and West Australian Symphony Orchestras. She has played with the Australian Chamber Orchestra and Sydney and Melbourne Symphony Orchestras.

“To play three iconic works for violin and

piano in one programme is thrilling,” Margaret told The Weekly. “The freshness and vitality of Beethoven, the romantic passion and wistfulness of Cesar Franck, combined with Arvo Part’s Fratres, where ‘the instant and eternity are struggling within us’, is a musical journey I can’t wait to share with audiences.”

Margaret has forged a career as a teacher and chamber musician. Solo performances have been with several Australian orchestras, a highlight being a performance of a Vivaldi Double Violin Concerto with Nigel Kennedy.

David Wickham is one of Australia’s preeminent accompanists and music directors having had a pivotal role with The Australian Opera Studio and been a principal coach for West Australian Opera.

Spring is in the Air is at 2:30pm, Sunday, September 17 at Bond University. For tickets, go to gcco.com.au

Season 2 of the GCCO, called Classical Gems, will be conducted by Chen Yang. This second full orchestra concert as Orchestra in Residence at Bond University will feature works by Holst, Sculthorpe, Suk, Piazzolla and several others.

Concert 1 will be at 2.30pm on Sunday September 24 at the Murwillumbah Civic Centre. Concert 2 will be at 2.30pm on Sunday October 8, at Bond University. For more info, and to book, go to gcco.com.au

Music in the Meadow

By Madeleine Murray

THE CALDERA CHAMBER Ensemble will present an outdoor concert on Sunday September 17.

The first one in May was a great success. The weather was perfect, the meadow was delightful and the audience were all clothed in dresses, shirts, vests and jackets from the 1800s.

Barry Singh and his orchestral group have designed a new concert program called Serenades of Spring.

“Like the season, the music will be fresh, invigorating and beautiful,” Barry told The Weekly. “The whole experience promises to be a bouquet for all the senses.”

The Caldera Chamber Ensemble is currently made up of 16 string players plus harp. Barry Singh is both the conductor and artistic director of the group.

“I hope that the Music in the Meadow concerts continue to grow in audience numbers so that other sections such as woodwind and brass can be added,” Barry said.

Barry Singh is the founder and former conductor of the wildly popular NRSO, and he has now formed the Caldera Chamber Ensemble. His work as a conductor was featured on the ABC’s Australian Story called Mr Singh’s Opus. Like the first concert this will be an open air event on the gorgeous fields at Stoker’s Siding.

Bring chairs or picnic rugs and picnic basket full of fine food and wine.

“Don’t forget the Dom Perignon for the con-

ductor!” Barry exclaimed.

Patrons are encouraged to dress up in 1800s finery but this time with extra colour or flowers to reflect the season.

An added feature will be music by Johann Strauss which may inspire some people to waltz along with the music.

The program includes Tchaikovsky’s Waltz of the Flowers, Brahms Hungarian Dances Nos 1 and 5, Overture to the Marriage of Figaro by Mozart, Scott Joplin’s Pineapple Rag and more.

Music in the Meadow is on Sunday September 17. Gates open at 12.30pm, the concert is from 2pm to 5pm. The venue is a meadow on 288 Stokers Siding Rd. Bring picnic gear, such as chairs, blankets, food, sun protection.

Tickets at trybooking.com/CJFWC or Murwillumbah Music Store and also available at the gate (cash only).

The TRAVELLING FILM FESTIVAL is here! The curated selection of features and shorts opens with SHADYA and a very special producer Q&A.

LET THE RIVER FLOW, SCRAPPER, PERFECT DAYS, PAST LIVES, SMOKE SAUNA SISTERHOOD, RICEBOY SLEEPS, and ANATOMY OF A FALL are screening as part of the TFF alongside shorts CHUM, KATELE, and 14 IN FEB.

New to the screen are SOUND OF FREEDOM and the highly anticipated life of a legend in EGO: THE MICHAEL GUDINSKI STORY.

THE MIRACLE CLUB, ASTEROID CITY, and BARBIE provide something for everyone, and CLIMATE CHANGERS features a fantastic online Q&A opportunity with Tim Flannery. Friday BALCONY SESSIONS from 5.30-7.30pm features BEC LAVELLE on 8 Sep and MOHINI COX laying it down in a new monthly format on the last Friday of every month. On Saturdays MATT HILL returns to the balcony stage on 9 Sep and the brilliant BILL JACOBI on 16 Sep.

ON SALE NOW!

GRAEME CONNORS – My Lyrical Life tour – Fri 22 Sep

PACO LARA – ‘Duende’ Album Launch – Fri 20 Oct DAVID HELFGOTT in Concert – Sat 11 Nov

RADIO LUXEMBOURG starring JOHN WATERS – Sat 2 Dec

Catch the masters at work from the Gold Coast Symphony Orchestra playing Bond University

The Caldera Chamber Ensemble led by Barry Singh. If raining please visit the Stokers Hall

Across 1 Angelic messenger (7)

5 Fidgety (8)

9 Something that hinders progress (8)

13 First course in an Italian meal (9)

14 Monopoly property (6)

16 Show (8)

17 Corrupt (7)

18 Cauliflower relative (8)

19 Cricket players (8)

20 Bird with a large wingspan (9)

25 Beachcomber’s find (8)

60 Onlooker (9)

65 Undoing (8)

66 Sleeveless dress (8)

67 Mollusc (7)

68 Cocktail of rum and lime juice (8)

69 Alcove (6)

72 Consequently (9)

73 Historian and general (8)

74 Asian cooking staple (3,5)

75 Angry outbursts (7)

Down

1 Alhambra’s city (7)

2 Trough for washing the body (7)

3 Stamp (7)

4 Basutoland, now (7)

5 Equilateral parallelogram (7)

6 Beverage (3)

7 Gobble (3)

8 Offering (9)

9 Unspecified time in the future (coll) (3,2,5,4)

10 Spun in a chair, say (9)

11 Correction (9)

12 A fodder crop (7)

bed (6)

24 Nimble (4)

29 Gin-based cocktail (7)

31 Horn of a deer (6)

32 Catcher’s fingerwaggling (6)

34 Fertile spot (5)

35 Breakwater (7)

36 Architectural projection (5)

38 Old counting frame (6)

39 Reddish-brown (6)

40 Small, sturdy equine breed (8,6)

45 Red wine (6)

46 Banner (6)

48 Abide (4)

49 Unbind (4)

51 Ballet position with one leg raised (9)

52 Putting others need above their own (9)

53 Plots (9)

54 Prevailing weather (7)

55 Absorb, immerse (7)

58 Swaggering show of courage (7)

60 Respire (7)

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

18 words: Good 27 words: Very good 37 words: Excellent

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

53 Precious ornamental headband (7)

56 Post-secondary (8)

57 Depth charge targets (1-5)

59 Kind of participle (8)

CLUES

1 A four-leaf clover

2 A duvet

3 T hese carry your blood

4 A tree-dwelling marsupial

5 Monopoly, chess, Uno,

6 Japanese rice food

7 Listen to music on this

8 Part of a flower

TEST YOUR TWEED SHIRE KNOWLEDGE

1. W here is the Tweed’s first official mountain bike park and pump track opening in October?

2. What is the birthstone for August?

3. What is the name of the aquatic reserve off shore from Fingal Head?

4. What is the name of the group that cycles on the rail trail when there is a full moon?

5. What colour are Fire Ants?

THE WEEKLY’S LOOK AT LIFE WITH PAUL DORIN

14 Flourish (7)

15 Passage through locks (7)

21 Wild animal’s den (4)

22 Drawer (6)

23 Cease to work; go to

Can be Reversed or Diagonal

61 Questionable (7)

62 Dabbler (7)

63 Muscle adjacent to the clavicle (7)

64 Keep under (7)

70 Coquettish (3)

71 Body of water (3)

LAST WEEK’S SUDOKU

175689432

496312875

832547169

768924513

314865927

529731684

281453796

657298341

943176258

acute, attune, aunt, centaur, cruet, curate, cure, curette, curt, cute, cuter, cutter, ecru, enure,

PET OF THE WEEK

Jedda

FD1582 $600

Bull Arab X DOB 1/8/21

Desexed Female Microchip 991003001704195

Acquired: 06/01/2022

Location: Murwillumbah

JEDDA is a big playful, happy young dog that needs a firm hand. Jedda is in our dog training course and receives training every Monday morning. She is a great dog, and loves playing with her other doggy friends . Jedda would suit an active family with room to run. FoP are offering free training for the person who is interested in adopting our lovely Jedda. For more information contact Yvette on 0421 831 128. Interested?. Please complete our online adoption expression of interest.

https://friendsofthepound.com/adoptionexpression-of-interest/

JUNIOR CROSSWORD

1. Uki, 2. Peridot, 3. Cook Island Aquatic Reserve, 4. Murbah Mooners, 5. reddishbrown

WORDSEARCH: TWEED SHIRE CREEKS

FEATURED BUSINESS

LIFELONG TWEED locals Luke and Katie McDonald are proud to have launched Tweed Valley Hire recently.

The McDonald family have the skills and equipment to tackle a wide range of excavation and drainage jobs both big and small and with or without an operator.

Luke and his wife Katie both grew up in the Tweed Valley with Luke originally from Pottsville and Katie from Banora.

“My great grandparents, grandparents and parents are also from Tweed Shire,” the couple said.

“We moved away for work when we were young and ended up in Darwin.

“We moved back in 2019 and now live in Chillingham with our two teenage daughters.”

Luke has been working in construction across excavation and drainage works for the past 20 years with one of Australia’s largest civil contractors.

“I recently started Tweed Valley Hire in

TWEED VALLEY HIRE 0472 575 014

March 2021 and I have been working in the business full time since April this year,” he said.

Tweed Valley Hire offer a 1.7-tonne

excavator for hire and offer drainage and driveway installations and maintenance. As well as trenching and excavation services.

“We currently have a special offer on driveway crossovers and open drain clearing,” he said.

“Please give us a call to find out more.”

The couple are planning on expanding their fleet in the future to include other small equipment including a tipper and bobcat.

The feedback from their customers has been outstanding and the couple are eager to help with your small or big jobs.

Give them a call to find out more: 0472 575 014.

Rescue chopper

visits School

THERE WERE 500 smiling faces at the Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School on Friday, August 25, after the students received a special visit from the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

The visit was all thanks to Westpac and their Schools Program which helps to give students the chance to learn more about the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and its vital role in emergency response.

“There is nothing better than seeing the look on the students’ faces when they get to hear and see the Rescue Helicopter come in to land,” said the media spokesperson for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Zeke Huish.

“Our Rescue Teams really enjoy giving the students the chance to see the aircraft up close and to help answer some of their unique questions.”

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter is a local charity that needs to raise more than $3 million in funds each year to help keep its operations on standby 24/7 from its base in Lismore.

During the 2022-23 period the Service performed 425 missions through

its partnership with NSW Ambulance and NSW Health, responding to emergencies/accidents, search and rescues as well as transferring critical patients between hospitals.

Donna Carroll, Westpac Bank Manager for Tweed Heads said Westpac is proud to support the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, as it has for the past 48 years in Northern NSW and help educate our young people about emergency services in their local community.

“The interactive session is great fun as students can watch the helicopter land at their school, then ask the crew and pilot specific questions about flying, emergency responses and rescues,” Ms Carroll said.

Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School - Head of Junior School Jeremy Godden said the experience was exciting for students.

“Beyond the excitement of a helicopter landing at our school, our students had the chance to learn firsthand about the vital work the Westpac team does for our community,” he said.

“They saw up close the intricacies of a service that plays a pivotal role in ensuring our safety and well-being.”

To find out more or give your support visit: rescuehelicopter.com.au

Students at Lindisfarn Anglican Grammar School received a welcome surprise visit from the Westpac Rescue Chopper

MOWER 2015, Raider 2042 Rover 20hp. 42inch cut, good condition, Hydro drive. $2000, phone 0428 935 123

For Let - Live in Worker Wanted

ACCOMODATION OFFER

Looking for woman over 55 to work as carer, and for 14 hours house keeping and gardening per week for 79-year-old single gentleman, in exchange for free rent. Plus weekly bonus per week. Own room with TV and built-ins, own bathroom, own toilet, own space in covered garage. New two-storey house in Kingscliff, walk to beach. Must have a current drivers license and to do errands some days. Must be a non smoker, no drugs and no criminal convictions. Must be prepared to go out for lunch (included) most days at no cost to you. Reply by email with photo and reference if available. Please email: tripman@dodo.com.au

For Sale

NEW 8 X 5 2000KG BOX TRAILER TANDEM Hot dipped galvanised 600mm removable cage. LED lighting / 7pin plug. Jockey / spare wheel fitted. $3995.00 Ph:0490 383 189

Piano Tuner/Removal

Do you need to Tune a piano? Move a Piano?

Call Jed the Piano man

Cheapest and the best. 35 years in the biz

Complimentary Piano tune With every removal

NEW 6M TINY HOME TRAILER 3500kg gvm Electric braking. 4 stabilizing legs – LED lighting . Jockey / spare wheel fitted. All sizes and styles available. From $9,995 Ph:1300 798 100

FOR SALE Massey Ferguson 5435 - 2010, $48K. Upgrade Your Farming Game! Unleash 75HP Power for Effortless Effi ciency. Air-Conditioned Cab, Reliable 2-Owner History, Regular Servicing. Comes with slasher, ripper and post hole digger. Ph: 0413 020 980

Also offering the best piano lessons in town (07) 5590 5778 0448 985 778

Positions Vacant

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

NEW 8 X 5

Business for Sale

SEAFOOD SEE MONEY Fish n Chips n Coffee a successful combination 7 figure T/O massive net. Profit $365k plus. Sav curious? Ph bkr 0434 552 550

Car for Sale

TOYOTA HILUX 2004 3.4 V6, 4WD dual cab 5sp manual, bull bar winch brush bar side steps cold AC. Gleaming 2 pac paint super clean non-smokers. New Falken tyres shockies cv shafts balance and alignment. Jump in for years of reliable fun motoring. $12,900 ONO. Ph: 0419 726 447

VOLVO XC 90 RS AWD, 2014, White with black leather interior, Many features including blue tooth + tow bar, 7 seater, spacious, comfortable, and very tidy. 261,000 km, Rego till June 2024. $13,500 ono. Ph 0406 668 424

Courses

First Aid Courses

HLTAID009 Provide CPR ($50)

HLTAID011 Provide first aid ($100) HLTAID012 Provide first aid in an education and care setting ($120)

HLTAID014 Provide advanced first aid

Provide advanced resuscitation

book a place just Phone 0466015373 Southern Cross First Aid

Aid kits approved for all work places www.firstaidsc.com

Courses

White Card

Induction Tweed Heads South Phone 0466 015 373 Safety CORP RTO 91694

TREADMILL- I WALK Excellent condition PLUS corner shower screen. 1m x 1m x 1.95 High. $500 THE LOT. Ph: 0401 995 539

RECEPTIONIST Dental Surgery South Tweed. 2 ½ days a week. Health profession experience needed. Call 0409 713 879 for more information

FARMER NEEDS HELP Office, Filing & Typing. Phone 07 5590 7029

TWEED HEADS COOLANGATTA TAXIS LOOKING FOR WORK? NEED EXTRA CASH?

All training provided join our friendly team right now.

Phone 07 5536 3371

MURWILLUMBAH BUS COMPANY

Casual school bus drivers, afternoon run.

Approx 10 hours per week (min).

Phone: 0412 661 794 or email: bhangalas@bigpond.com

MECHANIC NEEDED Experienced mechanic needed for busy workshop in Murwillumbah. Great Pay and conditions for the right person. Please send resume to snpmechanical.detailing@gmail.com

DENTAL STAFF 1. Experienced Senior chairside, 8.30 -5.30 shifts. 2. Junior part-time, Interest in career in health. Suit Year 12 Student. Call 0409 713 879 for more information

A INTERNATIONAL TRACTOR Diesel, 404AM, Power Steer, Slasher, Perfect working condition. For sale at lot. $9,000. Call John 0429 449 229 NEW 1000L WATER CART TRAILER . 6hp petrol pump / 36m hose. Disc braking / LED lighting Plus, Jockey wheel fitted. $4,995.00 Ph: 0419 115 114

LED lamps. Ladder racks. Reg to April 24. $850

Ph: 0457 404 218

Massage

Massage Tweed Heads South Wed-Thurs, Sat, Sun Ph 0473 512 021 www.goodhandsmassages.com

Public Notice

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Friends of the Pound(Tweed)INC. Would like to invite all financial members to attend the 2022/2023 AGM

Kingscliff Beach Bowls Club

Upstairs function room

Tuesday 17th October 2023 at 4.30pm

TRIUMPH DUAL MOTOR LIFT CHAIR Lift mechanism assists from seated to standing. Stone/ Beige Leather with Timber arms, 6 months old. $1600. Pickup Bilambil Heights. Ph: 0403 336 700

FREE!

Sing For Free Sing For Fun

Benefit for Health and Mind.

Phone Margaret: 0438 819 809

Scrap Metal Removal

Monica Ellen McDonald

12/01/1934 - 09/09/2022

WE LOVE YOU TO THE MOON AND BACK AND MISS YOU EVEN MORE

Joan Ellen Bostock

27/09/1923—29/08/2023

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

Social Group

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

To Let

COOLANGATTA Room to rent 200 metres from the beach, Club, shops, fully furnished, cooking facilities, No lease and No bond. Over 50’s from $270 per week. (07) 5599 1089

Wanted

WANTED Old neglected nylon string or steel string guitars. I fix them and give them to primary schools. Please call Guitar For Schools on 0418 479 170

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

BUYING GOLD & SILVER COINS Banknotes

– Militaria – Badges – Rugby League & Sporting Memorabilia. Call Peter on 0407 783 910

Patrick & Veronica, Bernadette, Julie - Anne & Ian. Raymond (dec’d), Steven, Therese & Gary, James & Tracy and Your Grandchildren & Great Grandchildren IN GOD’S LOVING CARE

Kenneth Kerr (Ken)

9 January 1938- 7 September 2021

IN LOVING MEMORY

Those we love don’t go away. They walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard but always near. Still loved, still missed

But very dear.

Carol, Tracey, Michael, Leanne & Families.

Beloved wife of Herbert Sister to Bruce, Betty (Dec’d) & Pam Graveside Service

Tweed Lawn Cemetery

12 Noon 08/09/2023

Beloved

_Eileen Kerns

LateofTweedHeadsSouth,formerlyof Cairns, North Qld.

MuchlovedwifeofWilliam(Bill)

Kerns(dec.),cherishedmotherofArthurandAvis and mother-in-law of Neville.

LovedGrandmotherofDamon,Laing& Calista,greatgrandmotherofDylan,Ethan,AvaandArchie. Beloveddaughter,sister,aunt&friend.

Relativesandfriendsarewarmlyinvitedtoa“CelebrationofEileen’s Life”attheTweedValleyCemeteryChapel,813-871EvironRd,Eviron. 11.30mFriday8thSeptember2023.

Lightrefreshmentswillbeavailablefollowingtheservice,onthelawn. BYOpicnicchairandhat.

Ifyouwouldliketoleaveacardormessagetobeplacedwiththecoffin, orsomeflowersfromyourgarden,theywouldbewelcomed.

In loving memory of Robert Crooks

Passed away peacefully on Saturday 2nd September 2023. Devoted husband of Jackie. Loving father to Rebecca and Rachel and their partners.

Adoring grandfather to Isabella and Eloise. Brother to Stewart, Christopher, John, and Kim.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend Robert’s Memorial Service at the Tweed Valley Cemetery Chapel, 813 Eviron Road Duranbah, on Wednesday 13th September at 11am

Lintern, Terence (Terry) Brian

WE BUY, SWAP AND SELL QUALITY SECOND HAND BOOKS 309 Tweed Valley Way | Angela 0403 169 616

DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED

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

Born on 19 May 1939 in Sherborne, Dorset England. Passed unexpectedly on Saturday, 2 September in his beautiful garden at Kingscliff leaving behind his beloved wife Margaret (Margy).

Survived by his daughter Jayne and son-in-law Bevan, and their children Ashlee, Aidan, Ash and great grandchild Miles. Also his daughter Lisa and Greg and grandchildren Cian and Siofra.

And of course his loyal dog Toto. He will be remembered for his smile, cheeky sense of humour and love of adventure, and will be sadly missed.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend Terry’s Funeral Service to be held at Melaleuca Station Memorial Gardens, 9394 Tweed Valley Way, Chinderah on Friday 8th September 2023 commencing at 2pm. A reception will follow afterward with details to be shared at the funeral.

Tweed Heads Ph: (07) 5599 1500

Tweed commercial sector booming

By Jonathon Howard

COMMERCIAL REAL estate across the Tweed Shire and southern Gold Coast remains hot property this year, according to local agents, and is being largely driven by mum and dad investors.

Families who have already made the shift up from Sydney or Melbourne are now on the lookout for commercial properties to set up businesses.

However, while demand is high, stock is in short supply, according to DJ Stringer commercial property specialist Peter Antony.

Mr Antony said the Tweed and Coolangatta markets are now on people’s radar, especially for commercial investment.

“During COVID-19, a lot of Sydney and Melbourne residents made the move up here for the lifestyle and they’re now looking closely at commercial properties to set up businesses or for future investments,” he said.

“The problem is the supply is limited but demand remains high.

“We’re seeing a lot of mum and dad investors as well as investors from down south.

“I’m taking a major commercial retail centre to market next month at South Tweed, that will list for around the $9-million range.”

Mr Antony’s advice to those looking at commercial properties is to “be patient”.

“Supply is currently low but new fresh stock will come onto the market in the next three to six months,” he said.

“I’ve had one of the best sale runs in the market for the past nine years.

“I think the redevelopment of the Tweed Mall, which is almost one billion in investment, is also helping kick along the Tweed Heads and Coolangatta commercial boom.”

DJ Stringer principal David Stringer added to Mr Antony’s comments that the commercial market is seeing “plenty of demand across Coolangatta” and small businesses such as cafes and restaurants are the focus.

“Rents have eased slightly for business operators and commercial tenants,” Mr Stringer said.

Mr Stringer said now was the time to get into a commercial property.

“Even just mum and dad investors are coming into the commercial property sector for a great rate of return and hasslefree tenancy,” he said.

“We also manage the commercial properties for our clients and that ranges from a

small retail shop to a group of factories.”

Elders Tweed Valley and Coolangatta principal Craig Dudgeon said that a lot of investors are looking at commercial properties for a solid investment.

“We have one commercial property at 71 Wollumbin Street, opposite Sunnyside, which is the Hutchinsons building,” he said.

“We’ve had a lot of interest from interstate investors, as well as mum and dad investors.

“The business is for sale separately, or you can buy both.”

Mr Dudgeon said his advice in commercial real estate is to look at the small industrial sheds to get a feel for the market first.

“As we know in Murwillumbah and Tweed, vacancy rates are extremely low, which translates to a secure investment in commercial real estate, as you do not have any long-term vacancies,” he said.

Mr Dudgeon said the first step in commercial investment is to seek advice and have those conversations with Elders or your local agent.

“This is all about return on investment in the commercial sector, so you need to have the right advice to make a savvy investment,” he said.

“I currently have less than 20 commercial properties for sale or lease,” he said.

“Some of them are snapped up before the current tenant has even moved out, although there are some that remain on the market for longer.”

Real Specialists

Commercial real estate agent Assi Dadon said he agrees with the statements above and wanted to add that many commercial buyers are becoming owner-occupiers.

Mr Dadon said in the last few years many Sydney and Melbourne residents have moved into the area.

“The current rental and sale prices are some of the highest in Murwillumbah that we’ve ever seen previously in the region,” he said.

“It now takes longer for me to get a deal across the line.”

Mr Dadon said it was important

to do your homework and ensure you are ready for a scenario that could be negatively geared based on current interest rates and return on investment.

Mr Dadon said he had a tenant already signed up for 37 Wharf Street in Murwillumbah, with local business set to open a second Cicada by Ayliah, which is moving from its current site to offer a bigger and better frontage for retail.

Mr Dadon said any quality locations that are flood free and highly sought after are often filled before the current tenants vacate.

“We’re seeing this across the Tweed Shire,” he said.

“It also depends on other factors, but they are highly sought after. Sometimes properties that are in the flood zone are still taking interest from the market, it’s based on the location, quality, price, exposure to customers, traffic and other factors.”

Elders are currently listing 71 Wollumbin Street in Murwillumbah as a great commercial opportunity

THE SPRING MARKET IS HEATING UP

At JET, we deliver a complete ‘end-to-end’ service. We assess your property, advise you on the health of the property market, access a wide range of genuine buyers and help you prepare your property for sale. We are committed to making sure you get the best possible price.

Our team lives and works here in the beautiful Northern Rivers and we’re serious about doing right by our community. We value the relationships we form with our clients, helping locals to relocate and welcoming new owners to the area with open arms. After all, we’re going to be neighbours.

If you’ve been thinking of selling, Spring is one of the best times to sell your home. Contact us today for a complimentary appraisal.

46 Lorien Way, Kingscliff

26 Prince Street, Murwillumbah

4 spacious brms | 2 living areas | studio | covered car accom

This wonderfully private and low maintenance rendered brick home features extensive outdoor living overlooking a sparkling 9m pool. Family friendly with 5 bedrooms, open plan family & separate lounge, 2 modern bathrooms, great storage, bamboo timber floors, new carpets & paint, air conditioning throughout, modern and sleek galley kitchen with butler's pantry. Solar power (10kw - 32 panels). Perfect for entertaining and relaxing with family and friends and conveniently positioned to the beach, shops, new hospital with the M1 access for the daily commute.

1382 Numinbah Road, Chillingham

4 brm, 2 bath main residence | 9x7 shed | 1 brm studio | 2700m2

Featuring a steel frame and rendered brick construction, this well presented home is set back in a flood-free, elevated position amidst a leafy and private setting that is low maintenance and easy home to live in.

Complemented by a 1 brm studio and 9x7 Colorbond shed, the 2700m2 is a haven for birdlife and features an established rainforest garden with Camellias, palms and ferns, orchids, stone and Helidon sandstone pathways, rock-edged pond with waterfall and two Japanese bridges. The Camellia walk showcases more than 30 different types of Camellias ensconced among the evergreen native and exotic species.

Open Home Sat 12.15 - 1.00pm

Executive Home | 5 brms | 2 living | pool & entertaining Belinda

Beautifully presented and maintained 1940's bungalow in flood free position within walking distance to the town centre. Superbly elevated with a north-east aspect, cottage gardens & car parking for 2-3 cars from a two street access. Original features include 11ft ceilings (approx.), original windows, French doors, polished timber floors, a weatherboard exterior and a list of updates already completed. Dual living with 3 bedrooms, 2 living areas (main residence) and a self-contained studio at the rear with its own entrance ideal for home business, family or income.

20 Dorset Street, Murwillumbah

3 brms | mountain views | fenced back yard | flood free

1940’s Bungalow loaded with original features; weatherboard cladding, timber floors & windows, decorative plaster cornices, high profile skirtings & vintage fireplace. The large front covered deck takes in mountain views to the Border Ranges & Springbrook. Offering 3 bedrooms (king size main), a family bathroom with toilet and a second toilet and laundry at the rear adjoining the covered patio. Air con. lounge room and ceiling fans in the lounge, dining and main bedroom. Solar panels (12) and a new inverter (grid connected.

Open Home Sat 11 - 11.30am

Guide Range $880,000 to $920,000

Open Home Sat 9-9.30am

Price $799,000

TRANQUIL COUNTRY LIVING - fun & space for the whole family'

87 Garden Avenue Nunderi

Step into a world of timeless elegance with this exquisite (5) bedroom (3) bathroom Federation residence, nestled on a sprawling 9200 square meter allotment (over 2 acres) within the enchanting locale of Nunderi.

Beyond its grandeur, the property boasts a luxurious 25-meter lap pool, while the ample 7-car parking ensures both convenience and comfort for you and your guests.

KEY FEATURES: Upper Level

• Wrap around veranda w/observation deck overlooking parkland style gardens

• 2 Pac kitchen spotted gum breakfast bar, 900w Belling gas cooktop, electric dual oven and grill, stone benches & Dishwasher

(07) 5599 5222

• Reverse split system A/C in living room

• Colonial Western red cedar windows & doors

• Master suite w/ walk in his/hers robes, ensuite & access to veranda

• Bedrooms 2 – 4 w/ double built in robes

• Main bathroom w/ large bath & combined WC

• 4.3m high pitched ceiling in living/dining room and 2.7m ceilings in bedrooms

• Ceiling Fans throughout

• Double auto lock up garage w/ separate WC, internal access & laundry w/clothes dryer

Lower Level (Guest Room)

• Dual access (internal and front entrance)

• Spacious open living

• Separate bathroom

76 Griffith Street Coolangatta | Open 7 Days | www.djstringer.com.au

537 bath bed

car

pool

For Sale

Buyers Guide $1.850M - $1.900M

Open Saturday 9th - 10:00 - 10:30am

David Stringer 0418 150 731

david@djstringer.com.au

CONTEMPORARY COASTAL HAVEN - just 700m to the beach

53 Laceflower Parade Casuarina

Experience the essence of living close to the sea and a myriad of lifestyle conveniences, from this modern (4) bedroom coastal home, built in 2014, which offers a spacious and light-filled living experience. With its lowset design and high-pitched ceilings, the home creates an airy and open atmosphere that seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living.

MAIN FEATURES:

• Open plan tiled living

• Social kitchen w/ stone benchtops, gas cooktop & walk in pantry

• Spacious light filled lounge boasting high pitched ceiling at 4.1m

• Master bedroom w/ generous walk-in robe & ensuite

• Bedrooms 2, 3 & 4 offer built-in robes and ceiling fans

• 3-way bathroom w/ separate toilet & bath

• Relaxing North/East facing undercover entertaining area

• Internal laundry w/ side access to external clothesline

• Automatic double garage offering internal access

• Fully fenced low maintenance gardens w/ artificial turf (room for a future pool)

• Water tank & Garden shed

GRAND LIVING - on top of the world'

Land Size 469 m2

For Sale

Buyer Range $1.450m - $1.490m

Open Saturday 9th 9:00 -9:30am

David Stringer 0418 150 731

david@djstringer.com.au

3163 'Bay Grand' 2 Thomson Street Tweed Heads

Elevate your living experience to new heights with this near-new (2) bedroom stylish apartment, perfectly positioned on the top floor at level 16 of 'Bay Grand'.

Your luxurious residence, within the heart & soul of both Coolangatta & the Tweed, commands panoramic 180-degree views from Coolangatta to Surfers Paradise, as well as the picturesque Tweed Hinterland & Mt Warning.

KEY FEATURES:

• Open plan tiled living & dining area

• Hostess kitchen w/ gas cooktop & integrated dishwasher

(07) 5599 5222

• Master bedroom with ensuite, walk-thru his/ hers robes & access to balcony

• Second bedroom with built-in wardrobe & access to balcony

• Generous full length entertainers balcony boasting magnificent ocean & Hinterland views

• Internal laundry

• Ducted air-conditioning

• 2 x secure basement car spaces + large storage cage

• Lift facilities & intercom

• 2 x resort style pools, BBQ areas & quality gym facilities

• Pet friendly (with Body Corporate approval)

76 Griffith Street Coolangatta | Open 7 Days | www.djstringer.com.au

bath bed

car pool

For Sale

Expression of Interest

Open Saturday 9th 11:30 - 12:00pm

David Stringer 0418 150 731

david@djstringer.com.au

the home of real estate

MEDICAL CONSULTING | OFFICE SUITES | INDUSTRIAL WAREHOUSE

Do not miss this extremely rare opportunity to acquire this exceptional / one of a kind commercial property located in Chinderah 2487 NSW that did not succumb to flooding. This impressive concrete structure with complete internal fit out is approximately 600sqm over two well-appointed levels with a General Industrial zoning - the potential commercial applications are extraordinary. The expansive and elevated façade provides excellent signage opportunities, with ample on-site parking directly to the door. The site is also additionally secure being fully fenced with an electronic gate. Any astute commercial investor or owner operator will appreciate the immense value of holding such a well-appointed and ideally positioned commercial property with mixed use options. This incredible blank canvas site is waiting to be optimised to its full capacity and has so much value with its variable potential. This is an exciting opportunity that will not last long!

• Highly desirable stand-alone industrial property in key location

• 4 kms (approx) from the under construction $500 million Tweed Valley Regional Hospital

1/33 FOR SALE | MICHAEL KELLY |   0411 114 923   |   michael@schmith.com.au   |    schmith.com.au    |

MORTON STREET, CHINDERAH ALL OFFERS INVITED 90440

UNDER CONTRACT

UNDER CONTRACT

190 SOUTH PUMPBENBIL ROAD, PUMPENBIL RURAL LAND 11 ACRES

NATURES

HIDDEN HAVEN

A perfect vacant acreage, flood free, easy access, views, with a farm shed. Imagine owning this exclusive sanctuary, where you can escape the noise and stress of everyday life, offering an unmatched sense of peace and tranquility. The property features expansive to design and build your dream home, taking full advantage of the panoramic mountain views, the Pinnacle, and Mt Warning. Although the acreage offers

FOR SALE

12 MUIRFIELD PLACE, BANORA POINT

MODERN ELEGANCE - FULLY RENOVATED SINGLE LEVEL WITH DUAL LIVING 4 3 2

The epitome of modern living - an exquisitely renovated residence that blends comfort, convenience, and style in a serene, quiet neighbourhood of Banora Point. Boasting a range of exceptional features and a prime location, this property promises an unparalleled lifestyle for you and your family. Meticulously designed private resort-style home, surrounded by lush tropical gardens and orchids, creating a tranquil oasis. Nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac, just a short stroll away from the newly revamped Banora Shopping Village with easy access to M1 and conveniently located only ten minutes from Kingscliff and Coolangatta Beach. Embrace the opportunity to own a low-maintenance dream home and fashion your personal paradise. Claim your slice of tranquility in this serene location today.

ANNE CONQUERS ICELAND!

Local First National Real Estate agent Anne Besgrove has completed the Fire and Ice 2023 in Iceland’s Toughest Foot Race on Saturday 2nd of September finishing 3rd fastest woman and overall 25th out of the 45 competitors. Annes goal was to complete the 250 kms over 6 days with the constantly changing Icelandic terrain. Such an amazing job. We are so proud of Annes incredible efforts and followed her journey along the way.

Anne has chosen Wedgetail Retreat as her charity to support during this event. Anne would like to thank those who have already donated and would love to invite anyone else that would like to contribute to this deserving charity to go online and do a direct donation. Thank you.

To donate, please scan here

To see the Fire And Ice website, please scan here

“DOONADILLA” BREATHTAKING

YOUR OPPORTUNITY AWAITS!

This breathtaking property, privately located at the end of a valley, spans 172 acres and has been owned by only two families for nearly 80 years. It features two homes with commanding views, set against National Parks and iconic landmarks, and includes 70+ breeding cows and calves, horse facilities, and established fruit trees. The main home, built in 1938 and renovated in 2021, boasts a new kitchen, bathroom, flooring, and an insulated flyover deck for alfresco dining. The property also includes a 3-bedroom cottage, large machinery and tractor sheds, dairy bales, pump shed, undercover cattle crush, cattle working areas, and cow bales. Water is abundant with creeks, a large spring-fed dam, and excellent fencing and clean paddocks bordering the National Park. The farm features deep red to black soil, excellent water, and its own quarry for farm use.

The property is superb grazing land with facilities for horses, including a full-size galvanized steel working arena, five horse paddocks, electric fence, two horse stables, six large cattle paddocks, and three dog pens. The house yard features avocado, mango, citrus, pecan, macadamia, and pawpaw trees, among others. The property, offered for sale, includes two homes, making it an excellent investment for those seeking a private getaway with significant agricultural potential.

PRICE GUIDE: $3.5 M – $3.8 M

For a private inspection call John Besgrove on 0403 513 924 or Anne Besgrove on 0402 608 503

VIEWS, ABUNDANT WATER.

TWEED COOLANGATTA REAL ESTATE

Thinking Real Estate. Think TCR.

5/12 Marian Street, Tweed Heads West

THIS NEAT AND TIDY TWO BEDROOM DOUBLE STOREY TOWNHOUSE OFFERS THE INVESTOR A GREAT OPPORTUNITY.

Features:

• Recently recarpeted lounge and dining & bedrooms

• Two great sized bedrooms with built-in robes upstairs

• Master with east facing balcony

• Separate laundry, 2nd toilet on lower level, single lock-up garage

• A pleasure to inspect, vacant & ready for the new owner

Asking Price: $439,000

Michael Smith 0413 454 350 michael.smith@tcre.net.au

2043/14 Stuart Street, Tweed Heads

IN TOWN APARTMENT VIEWS OVER THE BOAT HARBOUR & OCEAN

Features:

• Generous size offering open plan living dining

• Spacious kitchen with granite bench tops, gas cook top,

• Two bedroom, main with ensuite, good built-ins throughout, Main bathroom with bath tub

• Large sunny covered balcony with all weather shu�erS

Price Guide: $780,000$820,000

Michael Smith 0413 454 350 michael.smith@tcre.net.au

3083/2 Thomson Street, Tweed Heads

‘BAY GRAND’ 8TH FLOOR NORTH FACING POSITION - OCEAN & RIVER

VIEWS

Features:

• Located on the 8th level, taking in views sunshine & cooling breezes

• Modern decor with stylish fixtures & fi�ngs

• Two spacious bedrooms, ensuite to main bedroom & balcony access, good built-ins

• Covered balcony - ideal for relaxed entertaining taking in the views on offer

* Tandem double car space

* Resort facili�es with 2 pools, gym, li� access, secure access & parking

Price Guide: $1,050,000 - $1,100,000

Michael Smith 0413 454 350 michael.smith@tcre.net.au

1/315 Golden Four Drive, Bilinga

AFFORDABLE BEACHFRONT APARTMENT

Features:

• Open plan living dining & galley style kitchen, open to wrap around balcony

• Two bedrooms, both with built in robes and ceiling fans

• Main bedroom with ensuite & air condi�oning

• Main bathroom with shower/ bath combo

• Large private wraparound balcony, ocean glimpse & over looks the pool ,Private path directly to beach

Price Guide: Interest over $795,000

Kaeren Smith 0412 454 150 kaeren.smith@tcre.net.au

Auction 26th September

In-Rooms 6pm

A Story Dating Back Twenty Three Years. This Flametree Estate is renowned for its easy walking to the local shopping village, and close to local sports clubs, schools and public transport. This original residence in Flametree is available for you to make your mark and claim one of the premium positions

public transport. This original residence in Flametree is available for you to make your mark and claim one of the premium positions before it's too late.

Auction 26th September

In-Rooms 6pm

location sits this ocean view top floor unitWelcome to 8/242 Marine Parade, Kingscliff. From its elevated position it offers a great ocean view with the nature

reserve in the foreground. Being positioned on the northern end of Marine Parade means a more secluded position and often gives a feeling that you almost have the beach completely to yourself.

Positioned on the exclusive Marine Parade location sits this ocean view top floor unit- Welcome to 8/242 Marine Parade, Kingscliff. From its elevated position it offers a great ocean view with the nature reserve in the foreground. Being positioned on the northern end of Marine Parade means a more secluded position and often gives a feeling that you almost have the beach completely to yourself.

T. 07 5513 0300

T. 07 5513 0300

T. 02 6674 3957

T. 07 5513 0300

2/34 Oyster Point Rd, Banora Point NSW 2486

Shop 5/486 Casuarina Way, Casuarina, NSW 2486

Tate Brownlee

Brad Kopcikas-Yates 0408 251 988

brad@tbre.team