Tweed Valley Weekly, August 24, 2023

Control plan for fire ants

By Jonathon Howard

BIOSECURITY SURVEILLANCE is stepping up to prevent the spread of the fire ant from Queensland into NSW.

Tweed Shire Mayor Chris Cherry was joined by NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty and NSW Assistant Police Commissioner Stephen Hegarty at a public meeting at Jack Evans Boat Harbour last week to pledge additional fire ant surveillance.

The meeting also came with a warning from NSW Police that under the NSW Biosecurity (Invasive Ant Carriers) Control Order 2023, there are restrictions on the movement of materials that can risk transporting the ant into NSW. Under the control order, materials such as mulch, soil, hay, straw, sand, gravel, turf, potted plants, and earthmoving and agricultural machinery cannot be moved from within a 5km radius of the detection site without inspection and certification by Queensland authorities. Breaches of the control order could lead to fines of up to $1.1 million for individuals and penalties of up to $2.2 million for companies.

The control order follows the detection last month of red imported fire ants at Tallebudgera on the Gold Coast, about 5km north of the NSW border.

Minister Moriarty’s visit comes after the state government faced harsh criticism from the National Party over its handling and budget to tackle the fire ant problem, with the Nationals calling the issue a bigger threat to agriculture than the cane toad.

Minister Moriarty said the government

has a plan and a budget in place to tackle the spread of the highly invasive species with $95 million over the next four years under the National Fire Ant Eradication Program.

The minister’s pledge was made as rising seasonal demand for livestock feed and landscaping supplies increases the risk of the pest ant being inadvertently carried across the border.

“To further boost our compliance activities, we are conducting site inspections on both sides of the border and harnessing the capabilities of existing fixed camera systems at key road crossings between NSW and Queensland,” the minister said.

“This camera technology is normally used to conduct livestock movement surveillance but will be critical in helping us spot high-risk materials being moved illegally across the border.

“Border crossing signage, liaison with local councils, social media awareness campaigns and letter box drops of useful information in key local government areas will also continue to be used to boost community awareness of fire ant risks and responsibilities.”

Mayor Cherry welcomed the minister’s announcement and said it was imperative that fire ants are kept out of the Tweed and NSW.

“Increased surveillance of fire ants is critical here in the Tweed, where thousands of residents cross the border daily as part of our everyday life,” Cr Cherry said.

“We have a thriving farming community and a strong tourism industry and it’s imperative we all play our part to ensure we keep this invasive pest out of the region.

“While our staff at council are doing

everything we can to check for indicators of fire ant activity on roadsides, parks, sports fields and other council facilities, it is the responsibility of all of us to remain vigilant.

“Councils and government authorities can’t do it alone without the help of the community.

“It is up to every one of us to know what fire ant nests look like and if they detect a suspect nest, contact authorities immediately.”

Fire ants are dark reddish-brown with a darker black-brown abdomen and are from two to six millimetres long. They are very aggressive and will swarm out of the nest if gently poked with a stick. If stung, the multiple stings fire ants inflict form white pustules within 48 hours.

Look for them in sunny open areas, including lawns, parks, school grounds, sports fields, golf courses, gardens, foreshores, paddocks, disturbed soil and roadsides.

Anyone who suspects fire ants on their property is urged not to disturb the nest and to call the NSW DPI immediately on 1800 680 244 to report the incident.

Get involved in the show

PLANNING IS underway for an even bigger and more exciting Murwillumbah Show on November 3 and 4 this year, with a new president eager to revitalise the iconic event.

Tweed River Agricultural Society president Meredith Dennis OAM said she’s pulling out all the stops and is calling for Tweed farmers, bakers, florists, photographers and handicraft makers to get involved.

“We need to build the show exhibitions back up to make this historic section of the show thrive once more,” she said.

“It will now be free to enter all exhibitions and prizes in several categories, including Stone & Wood sponsoring the fermentation section and Tweed Valley Weekly sponsoring the photography section.”

Ms Dennis said she has a deep love of regional shows and feels with this being the 121st Murwillumbah Show, it’s important to celebrate the Tweed Shire.

“Last year we had more than 15,000 people attend and it took everyone by surprise,” she said.

“The COVID-19 pandemic had kept people away until last year, which inspired everyone to come out and enjoy the show.

“We’re inviting everyone back once more and hope to engage with as many exhibitors as possible, so please visit our website and register now.”

The Murwillumbah Show is proud to be one of the longest continuously running agricultural shows in Australia and remains a key event in the annual calendar of the Tweed.

Ms Dennis said for more information please visit: murwillumbahshow.com.au/ or phone: (02) 6672 5507 or 0427 725 507.

Fire ants are on the move towards NSW

You

Men’s group – what is it?

Men and women are two different types of humans – you may have noticed.

In particular, I want to talk about how men deal with ‘stuff’ in their lives.

When a woman, in many circumstances, experiences a situation in life that is challenging, some women delve deeper into the well of emotions and succumb to the pool of feelings.

This phase is often intense, yet short.

However, when a man gets a hit from life, he often disappears into his cave being his work, silence, thoughtfulness, excess sport, shed, etc — looking like he has disconnected from the rest of the world.

In this cave men often churn things over. He may not talk about it, yet it remains busy inside his head, thinking things through until he comes to a final conclusion, which can take days. This is where a men’s group can come in.

A circle of like-minded people with similar experiences, ways of responding and issues.

A platform to talk it out and tell one’s own truth.

Having a safe space to be heard has an immensely positive effect on our wellbeing.

Further, when hearing someone else’s story, I can relate to it and see that others are going through something similar.

That does not mean it is a whingefest. The space is there to explore triggers and behaviours that are not useful in my life. Getting to know myself better. We get relief and learn tools around how to deal with it differently.

Last but not least, a men’s group creates new connections. Healthy connections are where everyone supports the other from the heart.

I’d like to continue this series of letters with the next one tackling ‘how to hold space’.

Until next time, thank you for read-

ing.

Gerold Mayr, (coach, counsellor and men’s health advocate) Murwillumbah

Are we pretending to be green?

It has become obvious to me that we cannot continue to survive in a world where we are naive.

By making decisions based on some sort of feeling about being green, I believe we are misled by the word.

Our pets and our driving causes significant issues to wildlife for example.

Is there any chance for koalas and any wildlife to survive much longer?

Any survival will go down to individual care about that subject.

Do voters consider dogs that kill every other thing within their environment. I think the term ‘green’ has been hijacked.

I consider myself green, but green does not necessarily mean everything is as rosy as you might hope.

While government relies on fringe parties to survive we will never be confident, in my view.

Greg Church, Nobbys Creek

Thank you to local businesses

Unless you have solar batteries you are facing serious increases in energy costs. 888 Solar Tek have installed hundreds of solar battery systems in the Northern Rivers in the last 8 years. If you have existing solar panels we can easily retrofit solar batteries to store your power for overnight use. Why buy more expensive electricity when you can use more of your free solar power?

I would like to express my heartfelt thanks and appreciation for the amazing service you provided on Tuesday, August 15, for my birthday.

You truly made my day extra special, and I wanted to convey my gratitude to you personally.

Your kindness and friendly demeanour created a welcoming environment that made me feel valued and appreciated as a customer.

You took the time to listen attentively to my requirements and provided personalised recommendations that exceeded my expectations.

I will undoubtedly be sharing my positive experience with friends and family, and I look forward to returning to Valley E-bikes in the future.

The picnic supplied by Pedals and Picnics was absolutely amazing.

Sue Rickard, Gold Coast

Please fix the potholes

The number of visitors to our beautiful town of Murwillumbah is increasing, and as the main exit to Tweed Valley Way, I cannot understand why there are potholes on Commercial Road.

The bridge even had night works done several weeks ago.

Nothing was done to fix the potholes.

This is a safety issue also as cars and bikes divert to avoid these permanent potholes.

Dianne Robinson, Murwillumbah

Editor’s note: readers are encouraged to visit the Tweed Shire Council website or phone council directly on (02) 6670 2400 to report potholes and road issues.

Alcoholics Anonymous is active in the Northern Rivers

local AA members.

Knowing where to go and how to get help when an active alcoholic wants help, local AA members are on hand to provide that help.

Somewhere in the background of an active alcoholic’s life, there has probably been help from an employer, a doctor, an alcoholism agency or facility, a relative or friend in the suggestion of attending AA.

From the beginning in 1935, AA has depended on good community relations to keep its helping hands informed.

Anyone wanting to find out more about the Pottsville Joys of Recovery AA group is encouraged to phone 1800 423 431 or 0401 945 671.

A meeting is taking place on Friday, September 8, from 7pm, Alcoholics Anonymous is hosting a local public meeting open to all and free event at Bangalow A&I Hall.

Janet (last name withheld for privacy reasons), Pottsville

Wanting to be informed

Wanting to be as informed as possible before I cast my vote in the upcoming referendum, I have over the weekend read the full one-page Uluru statement from the Heart and the 26 pages accompanying it.

I would urge everyone to do the same.

There are comments at the bottom of each page from groups who purport to represent various Indigenous groups throughout Australia and then those comments are briefly summarised on the ensuing 26 pages.

It makes interesting reading and leaves me in no doubt which way I will be voting. The main aim is very obvious.

teams.

Not to discredit the gruelling work of the early European pioneers, but we now mourn the near total annihilation of the giant red cedar trees in the Northern Rivers.

Today, red cedars are cursed by a disease stunting their growth and they simply don’t grow as straight as they used to.

But there’s another native rainforest giant worth its weight in gold, the blue quandong.

If we want to beat the scourge of invasive species such as camphor laurel dominating the land, plant a native, and what better native tree than the very fast-growing, distinctive blue quandong.

The blue quandong, or elaeocarpus grandis, grows in rainforests from Cooktown to Nambucca. It has a large trunk, buttressed roots, white flowers, and blue fruits. It’s not hard to spot one around our region.

From Bilambil Heights to Burringbar, there are many fine specimens of these majestic giants.

Probably not suited for the suburban backyard, but if you have the land or wanted to landscape public areas such as around the new hospital site in Cudgen, plant a blue quandong and give the poets of the future something to write about.

Simon Alderton, Murwillumbah

Date correction for Cat Show

A story that featured on page 6 ‘Cat Show is coming up’ incorrectly stated the date as Saturday, August 27, when in fact the date should have read Saturday, August 26. The show is taking place at the South Tweed Sports Club and is well worth a visit.

I would like to submit some positive feedback about both Valley E-bikes and their sister company Pedals and Picnics.

They truly went above and beyond — fantastic local businesses.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is very active in the Northern Rivers with multiple physical meetings daily and online digital meetings as an option.

On September 8,9 and 10, AA is hosting its seventh annual convention locally, which is organised and run by

It disappoints me that there is no recognition in any of those 26 pages of the benefits which colonisation has brought to this country and its people.

Barbara Nowland, Hastings Point Plant

a quandong

Many of the early bush poets talked a lot about red cedar and bullock

Weekly Editor Jonathon Howard

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.

Bid to contain cats by force

By Yvonne Gardiner

TWEED SHIRE Council is pushing for an amendment to the Companion Animals Act, to be able to enforce the containment of cats and reduce their impact on wildlife.

Councillor Nola Firth, speaking in favour of the Safe Cat, Safe Wildlife program, said at last Thursday’s (August 17) meeting that the council would lobby the NSW Government for a change to the Act.

“We and Western Australia are the only states that don’t have (the legislation).

We’re lagging behind,” she said.

Council will also seek funding and support to increase the number of rangers, for pet identification measures, cat registration and an awareness campaign.

“(An estimated) 320 million native Australian animals are killed by cats yearly. It’s an astonishing figure,” Cr Firth said. “And given the fact that we here have got the most threatened species in Australia and our precious environment.”

Cr James Owen presented videos from a property at Fingal to highlight the problem of roaming cats.

“The point is, there’s a lot of cats. It’s clearly a cat challenge in Fingal,” he said.

“This is an important issue, the amount of wildlife that gets taken by cats, whether they’re feral or domestic cats. We need to do whatever we can to try and minimise that.

“We love cats but keep them inside. They cause a lot of damage and I think we need to get people to be a lot more responsible when they do want to own pets.”

The NSW Companion Animals Act 1998 does not currently include requirements for cats to be secured at home and prevented from roaming.

The council report explains that contain-

ment requires cat owners to keep their pet within the boundary of their property, as is currently the case for dogs, livestock and other pets.

“Cats that are kept safely at home live up to 10 years longer. According to the RSPCA NSW, two in three cat owners have lost a cat to a roaming-related incident and one in three to a car accident,” the report says.

“In our shire, with its special responsibility to protect our environment, it is urgent that this situation is remedied by a change in our state legislation.

“Our wildlife, our cats, and our precious local environment will be the beneficiaries.”

Council will write to the Minister and Shadow Ministers for Local Government, Environment and Animal Welfare, and Tweed’s local MP Geoff Provest, requesting the NSW Government to make the

reforms.

RSPCA Australia encourages the containment of cats in an enclosed area, within the owner’s property boundaries.

It advises that containment of cats can help to protect cats from disease and injury through fighting and accidents, increase the opportunity for owner-animal interaction, and reduce the impact of hunting by cats and disturbance caused to neighbours.

“Where cats are contained, steps must be taken to ensure that adequate exercise and environmental enrichment are available to provide physical and psychological stimulation,” the RSPCA adds.

YOUR THOUGHTS: Do you believe council should be given the powers to enforce the containment of cats in the Tweed Shire? Send your thoughts and letters to editor@theweekly.net.au

LOCK 'EM UP: Council is calling for changes to the Companion Animals Act

THE LEGAL LIGHT!

US court fines Australian despite crime committed using her stolen ID

An Australian woman was shocked when she received a legal notice from the United States ordering her to pay Adidas and the US National Basketball Association a total of $US1.2 million in damages.

Without her being present or even being aware of the charges, default judgements against her were handed down in a Florida court of trademark infringement and cybersquatting – the unauthorised registration of a company or brand name as an internet domain.

The court found that over two days her PayPal account was used to make hundreds of fraudulent transactions.

The ABC reported she was a victim of identity theft by hackers who had taken control of her PayPal account. She said Medibank had told her that her personal data was exposed in the 2022 data breach.

She told the ABC she had received emails before the court judgement referring to counterfeit Adidas items being traded under her name, but had deleted them as spam or a hoax.

She is now trying to get the Florida court, Adidas and the NBA to withdraw the charges. But could debt collectors come knocking on her door to force her to pay the $US1.2 million?

Business and intellectual property lawyer AnneMarie Fahey at Stacks Law Firm says that to enforce a foreign judgment from the USA, the plaintiff must apply under common law principles.

“The judgment creditor must bring a fresh action in the appropriate Australian court as a prerequisite to enforcement.”

There are two bases for a common law action to enforce a foreign judgment.

“The judgment creditor can sue for the judgment amount as a debt in an Australian court, or the judgment creditor may bring an action in an Australian court on the original cause of action for which judgment was obtained in the foreign court.” Ms Fahey said four conditions must be satisfied for a foreign judgment to be recognised and enforced at common law. The foreign court must have exercised an “international” jurisdiction that Australian courts recognise; the judgment must be final and conclusive; the parties must be the same; and the judgment must be for a fixed sum.

“If Adidas pursues the case in Australia, the woman could seek to have the Florida judgement set aside due to her stolen ID being fraudulently used to trade in counterfeit goods.

“This is a horrifying example of the consequences of stolen IDs and hacking.

“Even if Adidas and the NBA don’t pursue the woman for $US1.2 million in an Australian court, the Florida judgement remains against her name and could affect her ability to travel to the US.”

For a consultation call

Anne-Marie Fahey Solicitor

07 5536 1311

Anger over Tyalgum Road delays

By Yvonne Gardiner

TYALGUM BUSINESS owners and residents are crying out for more details on repairs to the Tyalgum Road landslip, after Tweed Shire Council announced last week that the $16-million contract faces further delays due to the design.

The Tyalgum Road landslip was caused by the February 2022 flood and has caused significant disruption to the dayto-day life of Tyalgum residents.

Council issued a media statement last week apologising for the latest delay following requests to revisit the design of the road repairs.

Council’s Director of Engineering David Oxenham issued the apology and said council understands how eager the community is for Tyalgum Road to be repaired.

“We are doing everything possible to progress this project as quickly as we can,” he said.

“This is the biggest, most complex landslip we experienced during the 2022 flood and it is imperative we get the design right from the start.

“The safety of road users, residents and construction workers is our top-most concern.”

Mr Oxenham said additional changes have been made to the plan, which will delay the commencement of the project but may provide temporary vehicular access quicker than originally expected.

“Unfortunately, due to additional approvals as part of the design process and requirements council must comply with, the design is being reassessed for the best project outcomes and we are unable to provide a definitive start date right now,” he said.

Mr Oxenham said a proposal to ensure access along the length of the slip during construction forms part of the design modifications.

Mr Oxenham said once the alternate design is assessed and approved, the revised

approach will see the area completely closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic for a period of approximately four weeks while the temporary road is constructed.

“Once constructed, this will allow vehicles to cross the slip under traffic control,” he said.

“We are sorry for the ongoing inconvenience residents are experiencing as a result of this road closure and thank them for their understanding and patience as we work to finalise the design.”

In March, Council announced the award of a $16 million contract to local construction firm SEE Civil Pty Ltd to design and repair the significant landslip at Tyalgum Road.

Tyalgum Business Association secretary Brad Sims said local businesses are eager to work with council through the design process, but are unhappy there are no time frames for when the work will start.

“While we are happy that once works commence a single lane should be opened within four weeks on Tyalgum Road, we are not happy that there is no time frame offered for when the works will commence,” he said.

“We’ve had three community meetings with council and every time the time

frame has been put back further, now there is no time frame at all as to when there will be single lane access.”

“We understand that this is a major landslip and undertaking for the contractor and council, but a lack of any time frame is only adding to the anger in the community.

“It’s not just the Tyalgum Road landslips, it’s also all the other landslips coming into Tyalgum which have also stalled and had no repair work undertaken.

“Tyalgum has experienced major disruptions to tourism, driving time, day-to-day living and a sense of being cut off, since the landslip in February 2022.”

Mr Sims highlighted that council rates have increased across the Tweed, including Tyalgum, and no Tyalgum-based business or resident has received any financial reprieve or compensation.

“Our rates have gone up, but you could argue our services have declined,” he said.

“We are eager to work with council, but our patience is wearing thin.”

For updated information on Council’s flood restoration works on the road network, visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/flood-restoration-works.

Members of the Tyalgum Business Association met at the landslip with The Weekly in May 2022 and now face further delays due to the scope and scale of the project's design

Council staff, councillors and Mayor Cherry met on site with SEE Civil in March this year

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 161L a day

as at 21 August

2023

In brief ...

Nominate now for Tweed Australia Day Awards

Here’s your chance to recognise an individual or organisation doing great things in our community through the Tweed Shire Australia Day Awards. The awards provide an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate those who help build a vibrant community and make the Tweed a great place to live and visit.

You can nominate in the following categories:

• Arts and Culture Award

• Citizen of the Year

• Community Event of the Year

• Senior Ambassador

• Sporting Achievement of the Year (individual and group)

• Volunteer of the Year (individual and group)

• Young Achiever in Community Service

Nominations close on Friday 29 September. Nominate online at tweed.nsw.gov.au/australia-day

Foysters Jetty upgrade starting again soon

The upgrade to Foysters Jetty on Minjungbal Drive Tweed Heads South will re-commence in early September 2023 following a period on hold for additional design works.

A recent survey held as part of Council’s plans to draft a new management plan for Hastings Point headland overwhelmingly found that in 10 years, people would like to see it as it is today.

Thanks for having your say on Hastings Point headland

Thank you to everyone who shared their feedback in the recent survey as part of Council’s plans to draft a new management plan for Hastings Point headland.

The project page attracted more than 1,700 visits and we received 386 online survey responses.

Here are some of the things responders said they love about Hastings Point headland: peaceful; quiet; natural; sleepy seaside feel; sheltered estuary; whale watching; safe swimming conditions for children at the creek; and the lack of development.

Some of your suggested improvements included: road resurfacing; review parking; better access for bikes and

October Business Month

Council's Succeed in Tweed is shining a spotlight on the Tweed business community during October Business Month.

Running from 1 to 31 October, the Succeed in Tweed program will provide opportunities for businesses to network, develop or brush up on skills and capabilities and to celebrate success.

To assist in the development of the Business Month program, we would like to hear from you on topics that are of interest and important to you as a business operator. Simply visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/business-month-poll and complete the poll by 5 pm Sunday, 27 August.

Once we have received your feedback, we will coordinate a series of workshops and create a calendar of events with our local business partners.

Stay in touch with what is happening in the Tweed business community by subscribing to our free business newsletter at tweed.nsw.gov.au/subscribe

pedestrians; better toilets; more shade in the playground; and a review of the impact of camping. Responders also shared their concerns for the future, including: overcrowding; damage to the natural environment; increased traffic; impact of camping; off-leash dogs; wildlife; erosion; and over development.

What do you want to see in the future? Overwhelmingly, in 10 years’ time responders want to see it as it is today.

The Draft Management Plan will be informed by your feedback and completed by early 2024. Visit the project page at yoursaytweed.com.au/hastingspointheadland to subscribe to keep up to date with this project.

Speaking 4 the Planet

Students now have until Thursday 31 August 2023 to make a submission for the National Speaking 4 the Planet competition.

Council is supporting this competition as part of its climate action work with the community which recognises the importance of young people’s voices.

Local high school students aged 12–18 are encouraged to submit their public speaking, visual arts, writing or performance poetry at tweed.nsw.gov.au/climate-change

Great prizes are up for grabs!

Once submitted, share the entry with us so we can showcase your creative insights on climate change. Contact Council’s education officer – sustainability Jane Moad at tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au

How well do you know your neighbour?

Council is encouraging residents to get to know their neighbours as part of a new campaign aimed at tackling a rising number of neighbourhood disputes across the Tweed.

Co-designed with Tweed residents, the Know your Neighbour Program was created in response to an increasing number of neighbourhood conflicts, particularly relating to noise complaints.

Figures show complaints have been steadily rising in recent years, from approximately 148 noise complaints registered with Council in 2018 to 200 in 2022.

This is in contrast to other neighbourhood-related complaints such as odour, light, illegal dumping and noisy animals which although still high at around 800 complaints per year, have remained relatively stable

during this period.

A key aspect of the program is educating people on the process of making a complaint against a neighbour – but with a focus on what avenues are available before an issue is escalated.

The program includes a new Know Your Neighbour information pack, a guide for anyone with an issue in their neighbourhood who is not sure where to start. The booklet has tips on how to communicate with someone before an issue gets out of hand, encouraging them to take steps to resolve a problem before making an official complaint.

The booklet is now Council’s first port of call for people when they wish to report a complaint.

Check it out online at tweed.nsw.gov.au/neighbours or drop into a Council office for a copy.

Work is should take 12 weeks and is due to be completed by the end of November 2023 (weather permitting).

The work will involve replacing deteriorated sections of the jetty to ensure the structure is safe to use.

Access to the jetty will be limited during construction works. The site will be fenced during construction and the gates onsite will be locked out of hours.

Council is asking the community to please avoid the area while works are completed.

Visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/boat-ramps for alternative boat ramps and jetties.

Join the online launch session to find out where, when and what to look out for during your search.

Get involved in the platyproject month of action

Join the Australian Conservation Foundation and University of NSW online to kick off your search.

Council is encouraging Tweed residents to join this nationwide month of action by heading down to your local creek or river to find a quiet place on the bank, try to spot a platypus and record what you see.

Citizen scientists can fill the gaps in our understanding of where this elusive animal lives, so we can better protect it now and into the future.

To prepare for your search join the online launch session to hear from platypus researchers, campaigners and other citizen scientists, and be inspired to get out into nature and help protect this unique and iconic Australian mammal. Come along to hear the experts discuss platypus behaviour and ecology, what’s causing declines in platypus populations and how citizen science like the platy-project builds evidence to protect them.

You’ll also learn tips on how to look for a platypus: where, when, what to look out for, and how to record your findings.

The free launch session will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 pm on Thursday 31 August 2023 via Zoom. Register at acf.org.au/platy-project-launch-2023

Report platypus sightings through the form on Council’s website tweed.nsw.gov.au/platypus

For more information contact Tom Grindrod from the Australian Conservation Foundation on platypus@acf.org.au

Thanks for hitting Target 160

Well done, Tweed! For the past 3 weeks, residents throughout the shire have managed to keep their water use around 160 litres per person a day, on average.

The last time Target 160 was met was early November 2022. Water and Wastewater Manager Michael Wraight said with drier El Niño weather soon upon us, it was vitally important that everyone continued to save water and meet Target 160. “If we don’t get enough rain in the coming months, we will head into water restrictions,” Mr Wraight said.

Visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/target-160-litres for ideas on saving water every day – not just during times of restrictions.

Planning is underway to secure the Tweed’s water supply, including the proposal to raise Clarrie Hall Dam.

The proposal’s Environmental Impact Statement is nearing completion and will be lodged with the NSW Government in mid 2024. Go to yoursaytweed.com.au/raisingclarriehall-eis to find out more.

Plan now for bush fire season

Bush Fire Danger Period in the Tweed starts on Friday 1 September 2023.

Residents must get a fire permit before lighting any fire during Bush Fire Danger Period. Getting a permit is free, easy, and helps ensure fire is used safely. To apply for a permit contact your local Fire Control Centre or visit rfs.nsw.gov.au

Council encourages residents living in bush fire prone areas to start preparing now for the upcoming bush fire season by knowing your risk, preparing your home and having a Bush Fire Survival Plan in place.

Visit rfs.nsw.gov.au/resources/bush-fire-survival-plan for help preparing your plan.

There are a number of preventative measures residents can do around their home to prepare for a bush fire, including:

1. Trim overhanging trees and shrubs.

2. Mow grass and remove the cuttings.

3. Remove material that can burn around your home.

4. Clear and remove all the debris/leaves from gutters.

5. Prepare a sturdy hose or hoses that will reach all around your home.

Take these simple actions now to be better prepared during the bush fire season.

To report a bush fire, call 000. For more information visit the RFS website rfs.nsw.gov.au or visit Council’s website tweed.nsw.gov.au/bushfires

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

DA23/0166 – Alterations and additions to existing dwelling including decks, first floor additions and carport within the front building line

Lot 9 DP 31457, No. 71 Pioneer Parade, Banora Point

DA23/0300 – Use of existing mezzanine level within a public administration building

Lot 4 DP 1256458, No. 62 Cylinders Drive, Kingscliff

Refused

DA20/0386 – 13 lot subdivision (11 residential lots, 1 drainage lot and 1 residual dedicated riparian lot)

Lot 156 DP 628026, No. 40 Creek Street, Hastings Point

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

Community notice

Chillingham Community Association has its AGM on Saturday 2 September at 2 pm at the Chillingham Community Centre, 1469 Numinbah Road, Chillingham. Nominations for the committee can be lodged with the Secretary up to 7 days before the AGM via chillinghamcommunitycentre@gmail.com

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

Register now for the Great Glossy Count 2023

Birdlife Australia’s Great Glossy Count is taking place over the weekend of 9 and 10 September 2023.

The Count is a Birdlife Australia event, in partnership with the Glossy Black Conservancy and Tweed Shire Council.

Data collected during the count will support vital bushfire recovery and conservation work for South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoos.

Council encourages Tweed residents to get involved as citizen scientists and be part of the recovery of

threatened birds.

Participate in the count on your own, with a friend or as part of a group.

Register now at bit.ly/glossycount2023

Brush up on your Glossy identification skills by checking out this webinar recording from the Glossy Black Conservancy youtu.be/GHlmDh90jjg

Visit glossyblack.org.au/great-glossy-count for more information.

What is your vision for the Tweed’s coast and estuaries?

What do you love about the Tweed Coast and estuaries, and what is important to protect into the future?

Council is at the early stages of developing a Coastal Management Program (CMP) and your input will help us provide a response that is consistent with the community’s

vision for the future of our coastline.

With our coastal areas facing increasing pressure from population growth, urbanisation and climate change, the CMP will help Council identify and balance competing interests and priorities in the coastal zone.

Working with you, we want to develop a program that responds to coastal hazards in a socially, economically and environmentally responsible way. You understand your local area and observe changes over time, so your feedback, concerns and ideas are instrumental in helping us plan for the future.

Whether your priority is recreational activities or protecting delicate ecosystems, by actively taking part in our short survey you will help decision-makers prepare plans that align with our shared values of the coastline.

Visit yoursaytweed.com.au/tweedcmp for more information.

Banora Point seniors have their say on the future of FABS

As of December 2023, Council will no longer be funded to facilitate the Fun Activities for Banora Seniors program (FABS), currently funded through the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP).

This comes as part of a wider Council resolution, made in March 2023, to exit aged care service provision, in light of sweeping sector reforms.

The FABS program, which operates out of the Banora Point Community Centre, offers local seniors a range of social and hobby-based activities. It is the only program of its nature operating in the Tweed that is facilitated by Council staff.

Council has engaged community consultancy, Better Cities Group to help investigate ways the centre and the FABS program can exist in a self-sustaining manner into the future.

Part of this research included a community workshop

which asked FABS users what they thought about the future of the centre and the FABS program in light of this change. The workshop saw community members contribute to meaningful discussion and share their ideas. Many were open about their negative view of the changes faced. Opportunities were also explored.

An online survey for the whole community ran from 23 July to 14 August asking residents what they saw for the future of the centre and 123 responses were received

Survey responses and community workshop discussion points will form a report for Council outlining key outcomes and any recommendations for future action.

To follow progress on this community consultation, visit yoursaytweed.com.au/banora_point_centre and subscribe for project updates.

Have your say

Add

Proposed road closing under section 38b Roads Act 1993

In pursuance of the provisions of the Roads Act 1993, notice is hereby given that Tweed Shire Council proposes to close the Council public road listed in Schedule 1.

Schedule 1:

Tweed Valley Way, Fernvale, adjacent to Lot 1 DP592650. Upon closure of the road, Council intends to sell the land to an adjoining land owner.

All interested persons are hereby invited to make submissions concerning the proposal to the General Manager, Tweed Shire Council, PO Box 816, Murwillumbah NSW 2484, within 28 days of the date of this advertisement. Please note that under the provisions of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009, such submissions may be referred to third parties for consideration. Once the submission period is completed, Tweed Shire Council will consider all duly made submissions before deciding whether to continue with the road closure proposal.

Council ref: TVW Road Closure

Enquiries: Sally Curran

Telephone: 02 6670 2400

Learn more at yoursaytweed.com.au/roadclosurefernvale

For the General Manager, Tweed Shire Council.

Addendum to Murwillumbah CBD Levee and Drainage Study

Council is seeking feedback on the draft addendum to the Murwillumbah CBD Levee and Drainage Study. The Addendum Study evaluates, and recommends, a series of flood pump station upgrades for Murwillumbah.

Have your say

The draft addendum to the Murwillumbah CBD Levee and Drainage Study is on public exhibition from Wednesday 23 August to Wednesday 20 September 2023. We invite the local Murwillumbah community to provide their feedback in one of the following ways:

• Online: yoursaytweed.com.au/addendum-murwillumbahcbd-levee-drainage-study

• Email: tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au

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

Learn more about the draft addendum to the Murwillumbah CBD Levee and Drainage Study at yoursaytweed.com.au/addendummurwillumbah-cbd-levee-drainage-study

Enquiries: Leon McLean, Engineer – Flooding and Stormwater, Roads and Stormwater, 02 6670 2400.

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

Help

Phone reception issues

By Jonathon Howard

DESPERATE CALLS to improve mobile reception across Pottsville and Bogangar have been heard loud and clear this month by both Optus and Telstra.

The Weekly has followed up with Australia’s biggest telcos to find out what the plans are to improve mobile reception for Tweed Coast residents and address the longstanding black spot that’s plagued Pottsville for years.

Delays to a phone tower development application (DA) due to “site constraints” is not helping the situation and Optus, who is leading the DA process at Pottsville, said there are limited sites to choose from.

Optus is working with Tweed Shire Council to erect the phone tower which will also feature Telstra antennas.

Northern NSW Regional General Manager for Optus, Chris Simon, said the company is committed to keeping customers connected by providing the highest possible coverage across its network.

“We acknowledge the need for improved connectivity in Pottsville and its surrounds, and are actively working with the Tweed Shire Council,” Mr Simon said.

“The DA has faced delays due to extensive site constraints and information requests.

“We have considered many possible locations, but acceptable sites in the area are limited.

“Challenges such as flood risks, visual impact, and environmental constraints have emerged during our assessments.

“The alternatives proposed were rejected as they do not allow us to service the target coverage area.

“We continue to work with council to progress our proposal to bring improved connectivity to Pottsville.”

Telstra has also provided The Weekly with a response in relation to the Pottsville blackspot.

Telstra Regional General Manager Mike Marom highlighted that the demand for mobile data and connectivity on the Telstra network is increasing by about 30 per cent each year.

“To help meet this demand, Telstra had planned to co-locate with Optus on the new site they are proposing to construct in the Pottsville area and we hope that a suitable site can be found soon,” he said.

“In relation to EFTPOS connectivity, this is a service that is managed by the financial institutions. While some point-of-sale terminals use mobile connectivity, many terminals can also be connected using fixed line or WiFi/ NBN internet connections.

“If retailers are experiencing issues getting connected or are looking for more certainty in case of any future outages, we encourage them to contact their bank for more information and details on how to switch between these methods.

“Having multiple connectivity options such as a landline and WiFi is good business practice when reliable connectivity is important.”

Mr Marom said to help improve mobile coverage in the interim, if residents have access to a WiFi signal, Telstra encourages locals to activate WiFi calling.

“This is a free setting on most popular mobile phones and allows your mobile to use a WiFi network to make and receive mobile calls when in range of the modem,” he said.

“To find out more they can Google Telstra WiFi calling or just search in your settings icon on your phone.”

It’s a Shared Culture at Murwillumbah Public School

Whilst formal education has been taking place at Murwillumbah Public School for 150 years it is significant to acknowledge that learning has been taking place in the Bunjalung area for over 20,000 years. The area has a rich history of cultural practice and traditions and Murwillumbah Public School has put in a range of programs to ensure that awareness and understanding of our shared history takes place.

Term 3 has seen the annual celebration of NAIDOC Week where the students were engaged in a range of activities to develop a deeper understanding of the local indigenous history.

Local elder Uncle Jim played a significant role in opening the ceremony and addressing the students. Students were treated to a spellbinding reptile show, art

activities and storytelling. The school has an established bush tucker garden and other sites that emphasise the importance of our Aboriginal culture. There are current plans in place to further develop these sites and to involve students directly in these improvements.

As part of their professional development all staff have been involved in “ Stronger Smarter’ online modules in addition to afterschool twilight workshops to ensure they are up to date with all aspects of Aboriginal Education. All aspects of the school curriculum contain an Aboriginal perspective and students recognise the importance of understanding our Aboriginal past to ensure we can all continue to move forward together. Aboriginal Education remains a high priority at Murwillumbah Public School.

Trusty HiLux pinched

By Jonathon Howard

A MURWILLUMBAH resident has expressed shock and dismay after having his trusty 1998 Toyota HiLux stolen on Queen Street in Murwillumbah on Saturday, August 12.

The man, who prefers not to be named, was parked in a disabled parking bay on Queen Street while he was visiting the Tweed Palliative Support Op Shop at about 9am.

“I was only gone for a few minutes and when I came out, to my shock, the car was gone,” he said.

The man admitted that he had placed his keys in the centre console of the vehicle, but felt they were hidden.

He was devastated to find the car had been stolen.

The man suffers from multiple ailments includ-

ing arthritis and hearing loss and this is a terrible blow to him personally and professionally.

“It was just such a shock,” he said.

“I couldn’t believe it — I was only gone for a few minutes.”

CCTV is believed to have captured an image of the thief, who was believed to been wearing a balaclava at the time of the theft.

“It was like losing a pet,” he said.

The dual-cab utility is silver and quite recognisable.

The vehicle theft follows a spate of car thefts from across both the Tweed Valley and Tweed Coast, as police continue to urge residents not to leave valuables inside their vehicle and to remain vigilant.

Tweed Police are now appealing for anyone with information to please come forward and report the theft to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Speed reduction petition

By Jonathon Howard

A PETITION to Tweed Shire Council with 50 signatures, 28 of which are valid, is calling for a speed reduction at the Cabarita ‘Koala Zone’ from 70km per hour to 50km per hour, in a bid to stem the fatality rates of the Tweed Coast koalas.

The petition was discussed by councillors during their monthly meeting on Thursday, August 17.

Council’s report said the petition contained 50 signatories of which 28 are valid — with 15 being invalid due to signatories being from out of the shire and seven being invalid due to incomplete details — which was received on June 15.

The petition was entitled Halt Koala Deaths on Clothiers Creek Road.

“The iconic Australian koala is now at tipping point it has been listed as endangered the situation is urgent,” the petition reads.

“Help Team Koala save koalas here and now!”

The petition stressed that the latest Koala SEPP21 (State Environmental Planning Policy), tabled by the state government, will “fail to protect koalas because it does not follow the science and allows clearing and logging in koala habitat areas in privately held native forests.”

“When habitat is cleared for roads and housing estates, cars and dogs become a serious threat to koalas,” the petition reads.

“Over 4,000 koalas are killed in Australia each year by cars and dogs.”

This petition concerns the three-kilometre stretch of road marked ‘Koala Zone’ on Clothiers Creek Road from Cabarita going west, right through the heart of koala habitat.

This petition requests that the Tweed Shire Council, along with the NSW Road and Transport Department, reduce the speed limit from 70km per hour to 50km per hour, and enforce

the limit through the use of traffic calming devices such as signs and chicanes similar to those used in Coronation Avenue in Pottsville, on the approach to the ambulance station.

“There are several areas in the danger section of Clothiers Creek Road wide enough for such devices,” the petition reads.

“These measures to protect koalas are supported by Team Koala Inc and the signatories below.”

YOUR THOUGHTS: Do you believe this stretch of road should be reduced to 50km per hour? Send your letters and thoughts to editor@ theweekly.net.au

The Koala Zone is currently 70km per hour

CAR THEFT: Above is the exact vehicle stolen with plates B2-45-LG

Greenhills Lodge to become workers’ housing

By Yvonne Gardiner

THE GREENHILLS Lodge, former aged care facility at Tweed Valley Way, South Murwillumbah, will likely become housing for construction workers, despite strong objections from three councillors keen to use the site for social housing.

Tweed Shire Council received four expressions of interest (EOIs) for the site and officers have recommended to proceed with the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation (NRRC) proposal.

Council sought an organisation interested in repurposing the site and taking on necessary bank stabilisation works in return for a lease of up to 21 years.

Six of the 44 units cannot be used until a landslip caused by flooding is repaired, at a cost of an estimated $3 million.

The Board of UPA of NSW Ltd said it made the “very difficult decision” to close Greenhills Lodge in June 2022 following the February flood.

UPA cited safety of residents, visitors, and staff in light of the potential for future similar incidents.

The site was severely damage after the flood and following extensive risk assessments conducted in consultation with geotechnical engineering consultants; it was determined the river perimeter is continually at risk of further erosion with each weather event and is therefore no longer suitable or able to safely deliver quality services to its residents and their families.

Greenhills Lodge was established over 40 years ago and had 32 residents and 54 staff.

The staff were shifted into new roles within UPA and in some cases into the many aged care facilities in the area.

Missed opportunity, says mayor

Mayor Cherry said the decision at last Thursday’s (August 17) council meeting to proceed with the NRRC proposal was a missed opportunity for council to provide affordable housing.

Her alternative motion to reject all four EOIs was lost by one vote.

Cr Cherry suggested that the NRRC be asked to fix the landslip.

“That is part of their remit, to help provide affordable housing,” she said.

“We have a cohort of people sleeping in tents in the park. Those (construction) workers could be using

local motels in our area.”

Cr James Owen, in support of the NRRC proposal, said social housing could potentially be a use for the site in the future.

“It’s quite disingenuous to suggest that we don’t want to help homeless people,” he said.

Cr Owen said the EOIs had been evaluated by experienced council staff and it was not the role of councillors to interfere in the procurement process. Council also had no funding to spend on the site.

“There’s no point getting people in there for six months and then running out of funding, and kicking them out because they’re probably going to be in a worse state than they would have been,” he said.

“If council had a bucket of money where we could fund it and make it happen… but we don’t.”

Deputy Mayor Meredith Dennis voted with Cr Cherry against the recommendation.

“As we all know, there’s an incredible homelessness situation in the Tweed Shire,” the mayor said. “We have people who have nowhere to live. We need to build housing for the future.”

Best option says Cr Byrnes

C r Reece Byrnes supported the NRRC proposal, saying the priority had to be on flood recovery.

“This is the best option we have,” he said.

The property in question was gifted to the United Protestants Association of NSW Limited (UPA) by council in 1969 on the condition that UPA

would hold the property in trust for council and operate an aged care facility.

In October 2022 the operations ceased following adverse weather and flood incidents in both 2017 and 2022.

UPA determined that continuing operations at the location would jeopardise the safety of residents, staff and visitors.

This decision was primarily influenced by restricted access during flood incidents and the extensive repairs needed to address the landslip along the riverbank.

Council called for EOIs from organisations capable of developing the site and providing community and social benefits to the Tweed community.

NRRC chosen

Bidders were Anglicare North Coast & Social Futures Ltd, Dharma Care Inc, Heart of Love Foundation (Australia) Ltd and the NRRC.

Apart from the NRRC, the submissions proposed social housing under

a charity management model.

A council report states that the 44 rooms in the lodge are not spacious enough to accommodate families of two or more. They also lack kitchenettes, considered essential for a self-contained living style in the proposed three to 12 months rent model.

“The preferred bidder (NRRC) is the only applicant that has demonstrated financial capability, has current funding available and has the expertise to undertake the required landslip/remediation works,” the report reads.

“Their proposed workers’ accommodation will be invaluable to the reconstruction effort in the Northern Rivers, of which a major focus is to get displaced people back into homes.

“Invariably this will reduce delays in the delivery of the rebuild and will avoid competition for existing housing in an already stretched market.”

Following the meeting, Mayor Chris Cherry said she would support the position of council.

The landslip at Greenhills Lodge will cost millions of dollars to repair .

Financial Advice

Planning

Dale surfs to fifth title

By Yvonne Gardiner

POTTSVILLE PARA surfer Dale Taylor has added two more trophies to his impressive collection, winning both the Para Stand 2 category and the prestigious Spirit of Para Surfing award at the Australian Para Surfing Titles at Rainbow Beach, Port Macquarie, on August 13.

This is his fifth Australian title in a row.

“It’s amazing. I’m absolutely stoked,” he told The Weekly.

“It’s becoming increasingly harder to win these things.

“The standard of surfing in para surfing is very high now.

“Competitors now come from every state in Australia. It’s very hard to progress.”

Dale said conditions weren’t the best for the knockout series, and competition was fierce.

“The people I was surfing against were much younger and more agile than me, and the surf was terrible,” he said.

“I led the final all the way through but it was nail biting. They were nipping at my heels the whole way through it.

“I’ve been surfing for nearly five decades and that helps me win.”

Dale will now go to the World Titles in California later this year.

The 62-year-old’s overriding ambition is to

02 5631 1733

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compete at the Olympics in 2028, where para surfing will be included for the first time.

“If I keep winning, I’ll get selected,” he said.

“I’d love to represent Australia. It’s a tough ask to keep winning.

“The standard of para surfing now is good. I wouldn’t say I was the best surfer there but I’ve got a lot of experience in competition.

“Para surfing events aren’t like normal events. It’s not dog eat dog, it’s friend helping friend achieve a goal. But when we’re out in the water, I want to beat every one.”

Next March, the Australian Open of Surfing competition is in Byron Bay.

“That’ll be the biggest para surfing competition Australia’s ever seen,” Dale said.

“The world’s best are coming to my backyard. I’m really looking forward to that. I can’t wait.”

Dale was particularly thrilled to win the Spirit of Para Surfing award this month, with about 100 para athletes in the running.

“I’m humbled to have won that spirit award in front of all those people. I was so proud,” he said.

“This is the second time I’ve won it.

“They look at all the competitors. Some people have no arms and no legs.

“The ocean is a challenging place for able-bodied surfers. To go out there blind, paraplegic, quadriplegic — these people are courageous.”

Kathryn Willowhite

Financial Adviser MFinPlan, DipFP

Dale Taylor, winning his fourth Aussie surf title last year. And it's now five!

Support Legacy

Toachieve good physical balance, we rely on our brain, eyes, inner-ear, and musculoskeletal system to work in harmony. However, when the fragile vestibular organs of the inner ear and brain are damaged by illness or injury, anyone can lose their ability to balance. Balance disorders are typically under diagnosed and undertreated. More than 1/3 of adults aged 40 years and older experience vestibular dysfunction at some point in their lives.

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

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

The most common type of vertigo is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

(BPPV), and once diagnosed is easily treated with repositioning manoeuvres. Amongst other types of vertigo are Meniere’s Disease, Vestibular Neuritis and Cervicogenic Vertigo Cervicogenic Vertigo is due to a dysfunction in the neck and can be easily treated with Osteopathic intervention. Dr Rudi Gerhardt has had substantial education in the field of Vestibular Disorders, can diagnose most of the common types, and is able to either treat the condition or refer on for further diagnosis and treatment.

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

By Jonathon Howard

MURWILLUMBAH LEGACY secretary Lyn Johnston recently had the honour of carrying the torch for the Legacy relay in Ballina celebrating 100 years of Legacy.

Ms Johnston said it was an “amazing honour” to carry the torch for Legacy as part of the centenary.

“They had a lighting of the cauldron in Ballina on Friday, June 23,” she said.

Ms Johnston said she wanted to encourage residents to get behind the Legacy cause of taking care of loved ones who have lost family members to war.

“It was a great honour to carry the torch and I am asking residents to place their support behind Legacy by purchasing some merchandise,” she said.

Residents will notice a Legacy stand at Sunnyside Mall from Wednesday, August 30, to Saturday, September 2.

“We’d like to get everyone to purchase some Legacy merchandise and show their support to our beneficiaries,” Ms Johnston said.

“There are currently more than 30 widows supported by Legacy in Murwillumbah and 45 widows in Kingscliff, and any help is much appreciated.”

Joining Ms Johnston in support is longtime Legatee and Vietnam veteran Ian Campbell and newly appointed Murwillumbah Legacy chair and Vietnam vet Max Fitzgerald.

Mr Fitzgerald said Legacy undertakes critical work for families and he’s urging residents to show their support.

“When we send our vets off to war zones, it’s a great comfort to know that Legacy will look after and support their families in the event of a death,” he said.

Mr Fitzgerald took over from Mr Campbell as chair this year and said he’s eager to follow in his footsteps and drive the message of supporting Legacy.

An adjustable bed could be your solution!

Help Legacy at Sunnyside Mall next week

Lyn carrying the torch for Legacy in June

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Meet the new hotel owners

By Jonathon Howard

THE NEW owners of the Imperial Hotel in Murwillumbah say they are eager to continue the legacy of serving locals and The Weekly was recently invited to meet the three new owners after they purchased the restored venue from Shane Nugent

The new owners are Lachlan Cottee, Nick Clydsdale and Tim Duggan, who are all from Sydney, with Nick having a local connection through extended family. They are already enjoying the relaxed pace of the Tweed and heaped praise on Shane and his team for the restoration

Lachlan, Nick and Tim have been mates for more than 10 years and all work in the Nick has already made the shift to the Gold Coast and intends to visit the site

blossom over the past few years,” he said. by the Imperial Hotel, we jumped at it.” tels having purchased the Harbord Hotel

Stone & Wood Open Day

THE STONE & WOOD Open Day in Murwillumbah on Saturday, August 5, has been hailed a huge success.

The event attracted hundreds of eager locals and visitors to sample the great range of beers and undertake guided tours of the brewery.

Stone & Wood sustainability leader Jahdon Quinlan said the event, in aid of Tweed Palliative Support Wedgetail Retreat, raised $15,000.

“It was a really beautiful day and the weather was amazing,” he said.

“It was great to run another fundraiser for Wedgetail and bring in the local punters at our Murwillumbah brewery site.”

Mr Quinlan said the company was eager to run the fundraiser again next year.

“We’re already planning for next year and will continue our support for Wedgetail,” he said.

Mr Quinlan said he recently visited Wedgetail Retreat at Dulguigan to find out more about the extraordinary facility.

“The work that they do at Wedgetail is incredible and inspiring,” he said.

“The work they do there is heart-touching and the fact they give people that respite in a such an amazing location, is really positive.”

“It’s a great hotel and we’re excited to be working together and with the local team,” he said.

The trio described Shane and his part ner Kian’s efforts thus far as “out standing” in the res

in more places than you’d think

inhaling asbestos fibres can number of life-threatening including pleural disease, asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung

health or someone else’s health at risk. Asbestos materials are still commonly found in bathrooms, laundries, and kitchens as well as behind tiles and under flooring.

Asbestos lurks in more places than you’d think

work, asbestos removal – or jobs around the home that might uncover asbestos - are jobs best left to the experts.

Asbestos-related diseases cause approximately 4,000 deaths a year.

Asbestos is dangerous.

and inhaling asbestos fibres can cause a number of life-threatening diseases including pleural disease, asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer.

the COVID-19 pandemic, Australians have increased their DIY and are using the extra home to do some home improvements and maintenance. what they may not know is work could be putting their

forget that asbestos is millions of Australian a fact that if a house renovated before 1990, chance it has some be easily disturbed renovations, home and maintenance. need to be asbestos they start any work home. Asbestos lurks in than you’d think. known carcinogen

Research shows that 1 in 5 DIYers have encountered asbestos, but only half sought any kind of professional help to deal with it.

Asbestos-related diseases cause approximately 4,000 deaths a year.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Australians have increased their love of DIY and are using the extra time at home to do some home improvements and maintenance.

health or someone else’s health at risk. Asbestos materials are still commonly found in bathrooms, laundries, and kitchens as well as behind tiles and under flooring.

Research shows that 1 in 5 DIYers have encountered asbestos, but only half sought any kind of professional help to deal with it.

Additionally, a third admitted to disposing of the asbestos improperly –including in their own household bin or in a neighbour’s bin.

Just like plumbing and electrical

But what they may not know is that this work could be putting their

The recent floods have exposed many homes to asbestos. We are calling on Australians to know the health risk, be aware of where asbestos might be found before starting work and call a professional for help.

Additionally, a third admitted to disposing of the asbestos improperly –including in their own household bin or in a neighbour’s bin. Just like plumbing and electrical

Board of Directors, Asbestosis and Mesothelioma Association of Australia Limited (AMAA)

Asbestos lurks in more places than you’d think.

info@asbestosassociation.com.au

1800 017 758

Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra 90405

87852

It’s important not to damage or disturb asbestos-containing materials. Become asbestos aware.

And it could be in your home.

MEET THE TEAM: New owners with the same great local team at the Imperial Hotel

Nick, Lachlan and Tim are eager to enjoy the Tweed life with their new investment in the Imperial Hotel

Stone & Wood team members had a great day!

Groper reveal a success

By Jonathon Howard

TUMBULGUM HOTEL in conjunction with the Tumbulgum Fishing Club was proud to unveil a freshly restored tribute and artwork to the famous monster groper on Sunday, August 20.

The fish was one of the largest gropers ever caught in the Tweed Shire and has stood pride of place for more than 90 years in the hotel which spans 136 years of history.

Tumbulgum Fishing Club funded the artwork using local artist Jason King and production by IC Signs to restore the ‘Gropers Galore’ display at the entrance to the hotel.

The monster groper that was caught in 1928 by Joe Ostram weighed a whopping 364 kilograms and was snagged by hook directly in front of the Tumbulgum Hotel.

Tumbulgum Fishing Club president Dan Purkis said he was delighted to feature such a historic piece for Tumbulgum and visitors to enjoy.

Arguably one of the biggest fish ever caught at Tumbulgum, the artwork is only half the groper’s original size. It has been lovingly restored and now includes a terrific Aboriginal motif background in Jason’s outstanding style.

A descendant of Mr Ostram, Ronnie Vickery from Murwillumbah, was also in attendance .

Joe’s connection to Ronnie is he’s his great-grandfather’s brother.

“The story goes he caught it quite quick,” Ronnie told The Weekly.

“Everyone swam in the river and it was a bit renowned that groper, so Joe thought it best to catch it.”

Ronnie said Joe made his living as a fisherman and sold his catch locally.

“I’m told he was a good commercial fisherman with his mate Jack McNab,” he said.

Tumbulgum Hotel manager Kath Vincent said it was great to work in collaboration with the fishing club.

Kath said the hotel is now back in full operation with a new chef and is going strong. “There’s been a change of management and we’re back on track,” she said.

“Great staff, fresh new approach and the ongoing support from the community is helping us come back.

“We have a new chef who is passionate and has freshened up the menu.

“Come down and give us a try and a special thank you to the Tumbulgum Fishing Club.”

Workshop growth

By Yvonne Gardiner

THE POTTSVILLE Community Garden is “growing” in more ways than one.

After establishing the garden behind St Mark’s Anglican Church during the past two years, this small group of enthusiastic workers is inviting those wanting to learn to its first workshop on September 9.

Rachael Sanderson from Life a Little Greener in Murwillumbah hopes to empower locals to start gardening at home.

She has a vast knowledge of organic and regenerative gardening, as well as a huge amount of energy and enthusiasm for supporting local ecosystems.

Rachael supports the removal of environmental weeds, without the use of toxic chemicals and leachable synthetics that harm local fauna and destroy soil life.

Workshop participants will walk away with extra skills to develop gardens of their choice while building soil fertility, capturing carbon and supporting local ecosystems.

Organisers Jennie and Brian Wyver take pride in the achievements made since the Pottsville

Community Garden was first established.

“From the beginning, this community garden has provided a peaceful and inviting environment for all to enjoy — to learn about growing vegetables, herbs and fruit,” Jennie said.

“We have expanded with native bees, a worm farm and a grow-and-share stall. A fantastic centre for the community.”

When The Weekly visited, a permanent table setting was being installed as a meeting point for garden volunteers.

The workshop promises a hands-on, information-packed morning discussing all things organic gardening.

Key topics such as soil health, organic fertilisers, pest and disease management, spring planting and garden prepping will be covered. Morning tea will be provided and there will also be a lucky draw.

The workshop will take place from 9.30am to 11.30am on Saturday, September 9, at St Mark’s Anglican Church, 15 Coronation Avenue, Pottsville. It’s free for kids.

Tickets at $15 for adults are available at https://events.humanitix.com/victorious-veggies-at-home

Garden workshop organisers (from left) Jennie and Brian Wyver, Melanie Crowe and Rachael Sanderson.

Photo: Yvonne Gardiner

Spring into the Season

Family and hard work pay off

By Jo Kennett

TWEED HEADS resident Geoff Wicks has shared his tips for a long and happy life and is proof that a lot of hard work and determination can pay dividends, as he celebrated his 80th birthday on Sunday, August 20.

Geoff is encouraging Tweed youngsters doing it tough to get out there and find their passions – but nothing comes easy. Family, hard graft, beer, cars and having plenty of hobbies have been Geoff’s keys to success and his doctor reckons he’s as “fit as a fiddle” despite spending more than 50 years on the tools as a bricklayer.

Geoff was born in Panania, Sydney, and his mum decided to make the move to Coolangatta when he was a youngster. He started bricklaying at the age of 15 after he was rejected by several schools.

“My school teacher told me to pack up my desk and go home in grade 6,” he said. “The teacher said I would better use to my mother at home.”

Like most things in his life, Geoff embraced the challenge and decided to carve his own path.

“You have to make the best of what you’re dealt in life,” he said.

“One of the teachers said I wouldn’t amount to much after I’d been to about seven to eight different schools.

“In the end, I just didn’t like school.”

Geoff would end up bricklaying at Tugun, but floated around a range of jobs including as a barman at Twin Towns for about five years in the 1970s.

Despite being hard work as a brickie, Geoff loved it right up until his retirement at 69.

Geoff’s wife Margaret admires her husband’s resilience and work ethic and said

“he never gets sick”.

“He’s very resourceful and has done a lot off his own bat,” she said.

Geoff said he only drinks “on days that end in Y” and has built four houses in his life – one with his own hands.

“My boss told me to look at buying a block of land, so I looked at Sunshine Avenue,” he said.

“I ended up buying a block for 225 pounds and paid a pound a week.”

Geoff is extremely resourceful and collected the bricks each day to build his own home.

“They knocked down the Empire Theatre at the time and the foreman wanted 10 pounds per truckload of bricks,” he said.

It took Geoff a year to sort the bricks and clean them before completing the family’s first home.

“I think I’ve always enjoyed trying new things, I had a paper run and picked up bottles on a Sunday,” he said.

“I was even a projectionist at the Regal Theatre once.

“I’ve just relied on my own initiative and work ethic and love of life.”

Geoff and Margaret have been happily married for 57 years. Margaret’s birthday is only a few days short of Geoff’s and she’s just turned 76.

“We’ve had three kids who are all good, but the youngest didn’t like school,” he said.

“I’ve always looked forward to work and been committed to family.

“I never got anything for free and relied on my own resourcefulness, if I didn’t have a car, I rode a bike everywhere.”

Geoff’s first car was an Austin 7 bought for 50 pounds, which eventually ended up in a museum.

He recalls his 66th birthday in the late 1990s with excitement.

“Margaret had bought a 1966 Ford Mustang for me as a surprise, it’s white with blue trim,” he said, and noting the family still has the Mustang in the garage today.

Margaret worked in a local motel and was there for 29 years. She remembers Phyllis Barnett, who featured in The Weekly recently turning 100.

Geoff said not many kids want to lay bricks these days.

“You have to remember it all pays off in the long run,” he said.

“A bit of hard work in the workforce or studies and you can fulfill your dreams.

“It never comes easy though and there are no free rides.”

Broncos visit

SPORTING SUPERSTARS are inspiring Tweed students to move from the sidelines to become the next generation of Indigenous leaders, all thanks to the fast-growing Beyond the Broncos program.

Twenty students from Banora Point High School are enrolled in this year’s Beyond the Broncos program, which the school says is a vital initiative of the Brisbane Broncos for cultivating leadership skills and inspiring Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander students.

The students rubbed shoulders with Australian sporting heroes Ryan James and Alex Glenn recently for the launch of Term 3 of the program.

Tweed Heads local legend and NRL star Ryan James said he was honored to be a part of the program and give back to the Tweed region.

“It’s important for me to give back to the Bundjalung region,” James said.

“Not having that support while I was at school made me strive to always want to give back to the community.

“The kids have been extremely engaged and you can see they’re really getting something from the program.”

Christine Halliwell, General Manager of Community & Government Programs at the Brisbane Broncos, said Glenn and James were at their A-game and inspiring for the next generation of leaders in the Tweed Shire.

80TH:

and his

“Since the program launched in Northern NSW in 2016, attendance rates for Indigenous students in the program increased by 5.8 percent to 90.2 percent attendance,” Ms Halliwell said.

HAPPY

Geoff

wife Margaret know that hard work and family are the keys to a happy and fulfilling life

Beyond the Broncos Banora Point High School group

Keys to success in a family business

DESPITE THE potential risks, the chances of making a real go of it with family are better than those ventures not kept “in the family”.

As of 2019, the failure rate for startups was estimated at 75 per cent, so setting up shop with a sibling, cousin or spouse is not so ill-advised as you might think.

Look at it this way: No one else knows you as well as your family, and there’s little risk that your new business partner will pull up stakes and mo ve cross-country just as the business finds its feet.

You also know how to motivate and inspire one another, and you have built-in trust that no amount of money can buy.

Use the following tips:

1.Speed. In a family business, we can t hink about something in the morning and begin working on it in the af ternoon. After all, the family is a natural team. And in the pearl business, where new designs must get to market fast, speed is everything.

2.Solidarity. Competing agendas make for harsh office politics. Fights happen in the family, too, but when the goal is to help the family business win, turf battles diminish.

3.Nature plus nurture. Some of us are just born to entrepreneurial risk-taking — so it’s likely our kids are, too. When k ids grow up in the business, they absorb the skills it t akes to succeed.

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4.Authenticity. Family is the place where you can let things fly. And we yell more. Sometimes family members can get to be more emotional with you than non-family, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. The ability to be

polluted air. The products will promote a youthful look and are beneficial for aged skin but are also suitable for the whole family, especially those with sensitive skin.

Nancy Evans has a very popular range of 100% certified organic lipsticks. We also offer solutions for tooth and gum care with 100% organic ingredients and try our Herbal Pain Relief for a natural and chemicalfree pain solution. Our New Quantum Age water wand for drinking water to hydrate your cells has helped me to reduce stress and feel alive daily

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fearlessly and emotionally honest can help a family business thrive.

5.Trust. Trust is essential in all business, but especially so in a business where trade secrets are make-or-break.

6.Control. Family businesses control their fate. It’s nice for me as a father to work with my sons.”

Founder of Organic Rosehip 1993, Nancy Evans

Behind the success of every small BUSINESS is a FAMILY team

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Families in 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

Outstanding local operators and family business Coast Gutter Clean is ready to help with all your exterior home cleaning jobs from roofs, solar panels to gutter cleaning and more.

The Pottsville-based business is operated by passionate local couple Emma and Haaka Jobe, who have received high praise from their customers servicing the Northern Rivers and Gold Coast.

The couple is known as the “dream team” of gutter cleaning and have extensive industry experience.

“We are very honest hard-working, reliable people who take pride in our work,” the couple said.

Coast Gutter Clean can handle all your cleaning for skylights, solar panels, solar birdproofing, downpipe clearance and gutter

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Sunnyside Shopping Mall, MURWILLUMBAH NSW

PH: (02) 6672 3158

works for the past 20 years with one of Australia’s largest civil contractors.

“I started Tweed Valley Hire in March 2021 and I have been working in the business full time,” 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.

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.

guard installation and external cobwebs.

“We take all the mess away,” Haaka said.

“We take photos and send a report to the owner of the jobs completed.”

Haaka and Emma have worked together the better part of 12 years of their marriage and make a strong team.

“We love the feel here in Pottsville and hope our business can help us give back to this supportive community,” Emma said.

With a daunting fire season approaching and our power bills climbing, the couple said it’s important to give solar panels and gutters some TLC.

“Both these tasks should be done at least once or twice a year to ensure the best care for our home,” Emma said.

To find out more or book in your next exterior clean, please phone: 0466 314 580.

FOR SOME of the finest meat products in the Tweed Shire with a personal touch, it’s hard to go past your local family butcher at Sunnyside Meats in Murwillumbah’s Sunnyside Shopping Mall.

This iconic local butcher has been servicing Murwillumbah and surrounding areas for the past 30 years with a team that prides itself on high-quality products at competitive prices.

In January 2011, current owners and couple Todd and Lisa Shadbolt purchased the business and using Todd’s extensive knowledge of the meat industry, they’ve taken the business to new heights.

The couple enjoy making their customers feel welcome and part of their extended family, by offering a wide range of products for all dietary needs as well as cooking advice.

“We stock a great range of meat products, gluten-free products, as well as cold meats, continental meats, barbeque chickens, duck, rabbit, salamis, fish, ready-made meals, value-added products and great specials,” Todd said.

“We also offer wholesale prices to businesses in our local community.”

The couple and their team pride themselves for their customer service and understand that no two orders are the same.

“We cater for everyone!” Lisa said.

“Our fully trained staff at Sunnyside Meats are great at customising your personalised requirements – whether that be diet, allergies, cultural backgrounds, portions and packaging.

“We offer entertaining and cooking advice, as well as a delivery service so you can have your meat delivered to your door free of charge.”

Sunnyside Meats has become a trademark in Murwillumbah consistently providing quality service, quality products and great prices.

“No business can do that without loyal local customers, which is why we are providing this service to make your shopping with us easier and more convenient,” Todd said.

“What sets us apart from other online stores is that we are offering you the option to shop as if you were in our store.

“If you were to come into our store you can choose from hundreds of products which are now available to you online for pickup or delivery.

“You can’t do that anywhere else online so we have provided that service and you can also get a free local delivery via sunnysidemeats.com.au/meat-delivery/.”

Sunnyside Meats has also been a long-time supporter of local charities making regular donations.

They also love their local footy and sponsor the Murwillumbah Mustangs NRRRL

To find out more visit Sunnyside Meats at Shop 2/3 Sunnyside Mall on Wollumbin Street in Murwillumbah, or phone: (02) 6672

Enjoy your shopping! 90380

Barry, Trevor and Paul Harding: The Brothers behind a legacy of Earthmoving, Sawmilling and Rock Crushing. For over six decades, the dynamic trio have been working in the scenic Tweed Valley and their business has become synonymous with hard work, expertise and reliability. Being a family business is at the heart of what they do and they wouldn’t have it any other way.

Sanitair Tweed and Northern Rivers is owned and operated by Jim Collins and Val Lambard for the past 10 years. We offer air conditioning cleaning making sure our customers are breathing clean air and saving money on energy costs. Over the years we have made many friends and Val likes nothing better than chatting to the customers pretending to work whilst Jim gets things done. It is a chance to connect with people young and old. Our work phone is always on and have helped people on many occasions with air conditioning problems

Give them a call to find out more:

6679 5110 or 6679 5255

that fall within our area of expertise. We love driving to the towns in the Northern Rivers and offering our services

We have been part of the local community for 23 years since moving from Tugun to Terranora. Both actively involved with local groups like the Twin Towns triathlon club. Val volunteers at the pound and when time permits is an animal rescue driver for Tweed Valley Wildlife carers.”

Call Jim 0414 550 298 1800 130 168 www.sanitair.com.au

TATE BROWNLEE REAL ESTATE: A FAMILY BUSINESS ENTRENCHED IN PASSION AND SUCCESS

In 2007, a loving couple with a shared vision and unwavering determination embarked on a journey that would redefine the real estate landscape in their region. Tate Brownlee and Kristen Merrion, fuelled by their passion for properties and an unbreakable bond, opened their real estate office, laying the foundation for what would later become Tate Brownlee Real Estate.

In 2021, Tate and Kristen made a bold decision to break free from the confines of franchise limitations and establish their own brand – a move that would grant them the autonomy to lead, innovate, and flourish on their terms. This transition marked a pivotal moment for the dynamic duo as they stepped into their roles as entrepreneurs, unshackled by convention and poised for greatness.

Fast forward to the present, and Tate Brownlee Real Estate stands as a testament to their hard work and dedication. The company's success is a reflection of their deep understanding of the real estate market,

commitment to customer satisfaction, and a personalized approach that resonates with clients on a profound level.

With their flagship office thriving, the couple's journey has taken yet another exciting turn. The expansion of their business continues, as they eagerly anticipate the grand opening of their second office in Casuarina on August 31st, 2023. Situated at 5/486 Casuarina Way, this new chapter symbolizes their growth, ambition, and unwavering pursuit of excellence.

Tate Brownlee Real Estate's story is a testament to the power of passion, partnership, and the drive to carve one's own path. With a familycentric approach and a genuine love for what they do, Tate and Kristen have not only built a successful business but also a legacy that will inspire generations to come.

Contact Tate Brownlee on (07) 5513 0300 or (02) 6674 3957

SUNNYSIDE

TAKE A BREAK

Cafe

THE FAMILY team at Take a Break Café continues to tantalise the tastebuds with their amazing food and outstanding prices.

The mother-and-son dynamite team includes Tanya and Jason Shadbolt who have been in the area for more 20 years and love nothing more than serving up delicious food to local families.

There are also fresh plans in the works to renovate Take a Break Café in the coming months, which the Shadbolt family said will continue to cement the café’s future in Murwillumbah’s Sunnyside Mall.

Always busy, the family has a second project recently launched at Condong Bowling Club known as JT’s Kitchen, which is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights for amazing dinners.

JT’s Kitchen is receiving rave reviews from customers and caters for events and functions.

“It’s been a long-time goal of ours to have a family business,” Tanya said.

“Our family is passionate about food so getting into the food industry made sense.

“It can be challenging but also rewarding,

JT’S

5.30pm Thursday, Friday, Sat. McLeod

especially when our customers give us great feedback.”

Tanya said the support from the local community for both Take a Break and JT’s Kitchen, has been amazing.

“We are always taking all feedback on board and working hard to improve on every aspect of our café,” she said.

“Our goal is to tantalise your taste buds and entice you to come back.

“Our prices are reasonable and we offer a diverse, delicious menu with friendly service.”

For more than 30 years, Print Spot Group has been supporting Businesses throughout Murwillumbah and Northern Rivers. Vanessa, Michael and family have owned and operated Print Spot Group for 17 years.

They have built a strong reputation with the community and love helping people to bring their visions to life – be it for flyers, signage, vehicle signage and printing such as business cards etc. We try and be sustainable and environmentally friendly wherever possible.

We are passionate about our community and have Sponsored many organizations over the years. No job is too big or too small and we are always

GET A BETTER BED AT

Bedzzz Tweed Heads is celebrating 21 years in business this year. Originally opened by Chillingham local Allison Cramp in 2002, husband Jaime took over in 2003 when their family grew to three. After helping Jaime behind the scenes for a few years, Allison now has a career as a primary teacher, and Jaime runs the business alongside long time Sales Associate, Vivienne.

Bedzzz prides itself on being the only

The family said they love it when our clients return so come in and introduce yourself to us.

“Spoil yourself with our delicious specials,” Jason said.

“We appreciate the patronage and hope to continue serving up quality food.”

To find out more about Take a Break Café visit and say hello at 40 Wollumbin Street, Murwillumbah, or phone: (02) 5602 2955.

To contact JT’s Kitchen phone Condong Bowling Club on (02) 6672 2238.

happy to help wherever we can. We genuinely care about your project and will ensure each job is undertaken in order to best suit your particular needs and specification. We always strive to have that can-do attitude and we offer truly honest and professional services. We listen to the needs and requests of our customers and act on their ideas wherever possible and within the boundaries of possibility.

So, if you’re looking for a one-stop printing and sign shop, you’ve come to the right place.

If you would like to know more about our services or request a quote drop us a line today info@printspotgroup.com.au or call (02) 6672 8370

local, independent bedding store on the Tweed and they’re passionate about providing good old-fashioned customer service.

The store has a long connection with locals through sponsoring sporting teams and schools. They also helped out during the floods by donating a couple of truckloads of mattresses to those in need.

“I still enjoy coming to work every day!”

says Jaime, “Particularly now that we specialise in adjustable beds, as we really get to see great results for our customers.”

Bedzz is famous for its 30 Night Comfort Guarantee, so if you buy a new mattress and you’re not happy with it, you have 30 nights to exchange it for another.

Another reason why Bedzzz has been trading for 21 years and will still be here in another 21.

18 Quarry Rd, South Murwillumbah, 2484, New South Wales, Australia • www.printspotgroup.com.au

Vietnam veterans in Murwillumbah

By Jonathon Howard

VIETNAM VETERANS and their families and friends gathered at the Murwillumbah Services Club on Friday, August 18, to commemorate Vietnam Veterans’ Day and the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.

This year marks 50 years since the end of Australia’s official involvement in the Vietnam War in 1973.

August 18 has long held special significance for Vietnam veterans, many of whom came from across the Tweed Shire.

It was on this day in 1966, the men of the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, along-

side three New Zealanders from 161 Battery Royal New Zealand Artillery, encountered the Viet Cong in a rubber plantation outside the village of Long Tan.

Among them was Murwillumbah local Ian Campbell.

In the ensuing battle, the Australians and New Zealanders were outnumbered 10 to one,

with 18 Australians killed in the conflict and 24 wounded.

A total of 521 Australia soldiers were killed in action in Vietnam, including two servicemen from Murwillumbah.

The Battle of Long Tan was the single greatest loss of life to Australians during the Vietnam War.

Pottsville vets gather to pay tribute

By Yvonne Gardiner

THE POTTSVILLE community, RSL members and visitors came out in support of local Vietnam veterans on the 50-year anniversary of Australia’s official withdrawal from the war. Bagpiper Zachary Battocchio led the parade of veterans to the cenotaph on Friday, August 18.

Pottsville District RSL sub-branch member Mark Radisich spoke to the gathering about the conflict which started in 1955 and ended in 1975.

“Australia entered the Vietnam War when the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam arrived in South Vietnam during July and August 1962,” he said.

“In the ensuing years between 1962 and 1973,

approximately 60,000 Australians — ground troops, air force and navy personnel — served in Vietnam.

“(A total of) 521 Australians died as a result of the war and over 3,000 were wounded.

“By 1969, anti-war protests gathered momentum in Australia.

“Opposition to conscription mounted, as more people came to believe the war could

not be won.”

Mr Radisich said Australia’s involvement in Vietnam caused deep divisions in the community.

“Our Vietnam veterans still carry the scars of their experiences in Vietnam and at home,” he said.

Schoolchildren and veterans’ families were among those who laid wreaths in tribute.

atthe Footy

w i t h Quinny

Congratulations Thomas Weaver on becoming Titan 187 (see pictured below). In regards to juniors and coming through the Titans pathway it is a wonderful story.

A Murwillumbah local and Cudgen junior Thomas played through the group 18 system, the Andrew Johns/Laurie Daley comps, NSW 16’s and 19’s teams, NSWCCC through St Joseph’s College, QSSRL from PBC and Australian schoolboy selection.

It is a wonderful story of perseverance and hard work to achieve success.

It will be the first of many games for ‘Weaves’ and it was an honour and privilege to be a part of the 100 strong fan club cheering him on. The place erupted when he set up a try with his first touch of the ball. When talking of skilful

it was awesome to watch Bilambil junior Tarryn Aiken in full flight for the Roosters in the NRLW. Tarryn produced the individual try of the season on the weekend and led the Roosters to the top of the table, she is a real talent.

The top 8 still makes for compelling viewing and discussion.

The Panthers will finish on top and the Broncos second.

Having watched both teams in action in the last two weeks they are in the box seat for a grand final clash.

Two very different teams, they both play a fantastic brand of footy.

I can’t be sure I’ve seen a faster team than the Broncos and the shape and precision the Panthers play with is super impressive. The structure and shapes they run put so much pressure on the defensive team. The Warriors and Storm will fight out 3rd and 4th with the top 8 getting a massive advantage of a home semi. The Rabbitohs bye this week comes at a great time for them with some internal noise dominating the headlines.

The Roosters, Eels and Manly finished their seasons on the weekend amid a bit of controversy but can start planning for 2024.

The Dolphins dropped to 14th but I still feel it has been a great start to the NRL careers and

8 wins is a good result.

The DB cup was played at South Tweed on the weekend and is always a wonderful occasion for the aspiring stars of the future.

Semi finals for the juniors this week go to Piggabeen and Mullumbimby to see who survives another week. The NRRRL heads to Lismore Saturday to see the rejuvenated Cudgen take on the dangerous Dirrawongs in the elimination final. Sunday sees plenty on the line with Ballina hosting Bilambil to see who gets to host the big dance in two weeks time with the saloon passage through to the big one. This will be a quality game of football between two good teams.

Registrations and applications are open for the boys 16’s and 18’s Northern Rivers Titans trials as well as the Women’s Open age and Lisa Fiaola u17’s trials for the 2024 Country Championships. I was lucky enough to play in the ‘Legends’ Wynnum v Easts game on the weekend with some old mates and proper legends. The day was organised in memory of Paul Green and to raise funds for CTE research. It was a great occasion and spectacle and one I felt very privileged to be involved in, with an important message to speak to each other. Rest easy Greeny.

See you at the footy. Quinny

Image by NRL

“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

The Nook has new owners

By Madeleine Murray

THE NOOK cafe on Tweed Coast Road at Hastings Point has new owners.

Italian gourmands Luca Bassetto and Giorgia

D’Ambros have taken over this lovely cafe set back from the road, beside the Shell service station at Hastings Point.

The couple are known to Tweed and Northern Rivers diners as they used to own Bacaro restaurant beside M|Arts, and ran the cafe at the Tweed Regional Gallery.

Giorgia and Luca come from Venice and the picturesque landscapes of Traviso, Italy.

“With passion and dedication for culinary excellence, we have journeyed all the way to the Tweed Coast, bringing with us the essence of authentic Italian food,” they told The Weekly.

“At The Nook, we have created a menu that combines the best of both worlds: the rich, timeless flavours of Italy and the vibrant, fresh produce of the Tweed.”

The airy spacious cafe has comfortable ban-

quette and table seating inside as well as outdoor tables. The decor is stylish and minimalist, and the food is homemade in true Italian fashion.

Chef Luca makes the chocolate and the pistachio cannoli, ricotta and lemon sfogliatella, tiramisu, bread and butter pudding, apple torte and the croissants.

Many of the cakes, loafs and cheesecakes, made by Luca and Giorgia’s friend Amy, are gluten-free.

On the day this reporter visited, the fresh wraps were filled with mortadella, fresh pecorino cheese, julienned vegetables and radicchio lettuce. The food is definitely prepared with love and Italian expertise.

An Italian-style deli is coming soon, as well as take away homemade meals such as gnocchi, lasagne, octopus salad and more.

The Nook is at 87-89 Tweed Coast Road, Hastings Point. It is open Monday and Tuesday 8.30am-1.30 pm, and Wednesday to Sunday 8am to 3pm, with a roast on Sunday. To find out more please phone: (02) 6670 4444.

FAMILIAR FACES: Luca and Giorgia bring Venetian flair to their delicious food

Big Country Radio

Big night planned for the Riverview

By Madeleine Murray

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, is shaping up to be a big night at the Riverview Hotel in Murwillumbah.

On the back of the Riverview Hotel Murwillumbah Cup at the Tweed River Jockey Club, M-BAH B-LIST is hosting the first of its alternative, live, mostly local rock ‘n’ roll gigs at the Riv.

The event stars Burleigh garage-surf rockers Tokyo Beef who have strong ties to the area; Murwillumbah’s own mod-punk-garage-rockers James Bondage & the Safewords; and The New Galaxys who bring their space-age sounds from the Gold Coast.

“We want to put on events that showcase some of the alternative rock bands the Northern Rivers and South-East Queensland have to offer,” Matthew Taylor of James Bondage

LIVE MUSIC

AUGUST | FREE ENTRY

FRI 25 | 7-10PM

LITTLE STEVIE & THE TAIL FINS

SAT 26 | 2-5PM

JAZZ & SWING CLUB

SAT 26 | 7-10PM

RAFF DE ROCK & ROLL

SUN 27 | 12-4.30PM

BRETT HITCHCOCK

TUE 29 | 6-9PM

CHARLIE BRAVO

WED 30 | 1.30-4.30PM

RUSSELL HINTON

& the Safewords told The Weekly.

“We have a lot of friends in quality underground bands from Brisbane to Lismore that are making waves across the country. They’re all keen to bring their sound to Murwillumbah, but there’s not a lot of venues available for original alternative music.

“We’re really thankful to Tony at the Riverview for giving us the opportunity to do this at the Riv.

“We’ve all patronised the venue for many years, so to put on some different, free shows for the locals ticks a lot of boxes for us.”

Future shows will see more bands from the local area and beyond on the bill.

The bands kick off at 8pm on Friday, August 25, at the Riverview Hotel, Murwillumbah. The bistro is open from 5.30pm. More info at facebook.com/jbsafewords

Blues legend at Twin Towns

By Madeleine Murray

AUSTRALIA’S BLUES king Buddy Knox is playing at Twin Towns on Saturday September 2.

One of Australia’s finest guitarists, singers and storytellers, Buddy delivers an unforgettable show with his family band.

They play original songs as well as covers from Chuck Berry, BB King and Johnny Cash. He tells some life stories, from Stolen Generation tales to hardships of life on the land.

With songs about family, love won and lost, regret and celebration, Buddy will enthral the audience with his storytelling, singing and virtuoso guitar playing.

“I’ll be bringing my family band with me to Twin Towns,” Buddy told The Weekly. “Teangi Knox on bass, Bareki Knox on drums and Gareth Hudson on keys, while I’m playing my 335 Gibson. It’ll be great for us to deliver our rollin’ blues show to y’all.

“Looking forward to playing up at the Northern Rivers which will smoke your boots!”

As a child, Buddy dreamed of playing like Chuck Berry. His mother Vivian taught him three chords before he was 10, and he practised

on a community guitar missing two strings. He never had lessons, but learned by watching and listening to others.

When he was 14, his father Roger asked him to play in his band Euraba. Roger had finally recuperated after surviving a plane crash where one band member was killed.

Buddy jumped at the chance and started touring with the Euraba band. He lived through community and police clashes, bomb threats and tough touring conditions.

As his guitar skills grew, he was invited on tour with Brian Young, the travelling troubadour who covered vast distances of the outback and desert.

Buddy has played with Auriel Andrew, Bobby McLeod, Jimmy Little, Vic Simms, the Warumpi Band, among others.

He has won the Sydney Blues Society Performer of the Year twice. His latest album Ticket to Memphis is a classic ode to the genre.

The Buddy Knox Project plays at 8pm, on Saturday September 2, at Twin Towns Showroom, Tweed Heads.

For more info and tickets: twintowns.com.au

From left. Bareki Knox (nephew), Buddy Knox, Quarralia (daughter), Teangi Knox (son)

Bike film festival

By Madeleine Murray

TEN DYNAMIC bike films are coming to The Regent Cinema, Murwillumbah, on Saturday, September 2.

This collection devised and designed for the two-wheel devotee contains a world premiere, two Australian films, and an assortment of international films.

“Each year I set out with just one goal — to bring together the best cycling short films from around the world for our audiences,” festival director Brett Cotter told The Weekly.

“This collection is awe-inspiring and celebrates the fun, adventure, and inspiration that bikes provide.

“This year’s stellar compilation contains 10 mesmerising films that are as varied and diverse as you could hope for.”

The opening film Return to Dillon Cone, shot in the rugged coastal Kaikōura ranges in New Zealand, stars a team who spent five

years following a dream to reach a towering peak accessible only by river.

The expedition took on the jagged gorges of the Clarence River/Waiau Toa by pack raft, then mountain biked steep shingle slopes to summit the Dillon Cone.

Other films include a young Australian biker who learned some hard lessons from her scenic trip to Hell; a film set in picturesque Tuscany following a 74-year-old rider (and his marvellous moustache) who personifies the spirit of cycling; a rider with a searing thirst for adventure exploring Iceland’s spectacular interior; a Scottish highland rider who experiences the healing power of the bicycle; an ultra-distance 320km gravel race combined with parenting over 24 hours, and more.

The Big Bike Film Night screens at 7pm, Saturday, September 2, at The Regent Cinema, Murwillumbah. For more information and to buy tickets please visit: www.bigbikefilmnight.nz

Luminous exhibition

By Madeleine Murray

LOCAL PAINTER Judy Oakenfull will be exhibiting at the OneB Gallery in Murwillumbah from Monday, August 25.

The show, called Sitting by the Ocean, Hanging out with Plants, features luminous paintings with dappled, calming colours.

The work explores the idea of a sit spot, an ancient nature connection practice of sitting for 15 minutes or more in one natural place and noticing the surroundings. The practice is thought to benefit health and wellbeing.

“The coastline on the Tweed has some great sit spots,” Judy told The Weekly.

“As well as looking out into the blue expanse of ocean and sky, we can feel the restorative energy from life-filled coastal bush areas.” Her dreamlike imaginative seascapes and empathic botanical paintings capture the feeling of this experience.

“If we have time to get there, the coast can really nourish and restore us,” Judy said.

“The coast cares for us when we visit, and some of the paintings look at how people care for the coast in return.

“For thousands of years, the First Nations people have cared for the coastline in the Northern Rivers.

“Despite the contemporary challenges our coastline faces, this care continues today with First Nations custodians, coast care groups, councils and other individuals and community groups looking after and restoring our coast.

“The exhibition pays homage to this reciprocal care.”

Her work is influenced by traditional and contemporary aesthetics of Japan, where she studied for two years.

Judy has exhibited widely in Australia, and her work is in many collections here and overseas.

In 2020 she had a solo exhibition at the Tweed Regional Art Gallery. She is currently represented by Anthea Polson Art in Queensland. The exhibition is at One B gallery beside the M|arts Precinct in Murwillumbah. It runs from Monday, August 28, to Saturday, September 23. The opening is from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, Friday, September 1.

For more information please visit: judyoakenfull.com

It’s adventure time at The Regent! For the two-wheel devotees THE BIG BIKE FILM NIGHT presents a series of action-packed cycling inspiration. THE WOMENS ADVENTURE TOUR 23/24 presents seven short films of extraordinary women exploring their personal adventures. Be inspired!

New films include the Wes Anderson masterpiece, ASTEROID CITY, and don’t miss the Oscarwinning SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN in honour of the late, great Rodriguez – one night only!

OPPENHEIMER and BARBIE continue to thrill, and iconic Australian actor Rachel Ward’s story RACHEL’S FARM brings hope after devastating Black Summer fires.

THE MIRACLE CLUB brings new meaning to a road trip and the profoundness of the climate crisis is explored in HOW TO BLOW UP A PIPELINE

COMING SOON: The highly anticipated SOUND OF FREEDOM

MOHINI COX and JASON BAGGIO lay the grooves on Friday BALCONY SESSIONS from 5.30-7.30pm.

MATT HILL hits the stage on Sat 26, and KOBYA brings his Afro/roots/reggae vibes on Sat 2 Sep. ON SALE NOW!

WOMENS ADVENTURE FILM TOUR – Wed 6 Sep

GRAEME CONNORS – My Lyrical Life tour – Fri 22 Sep

PACO LARA – ‘Duende’ Album Launch – Fri 20 Oct

RADIO LUXEMBOURG starring JOHN WATERS – Sat 2 Dec

Judy's work has a soothing, luminous quality

Rose Green at Dillon Cone, Inner Kaikōura ranges, New Zealand

1 Public transport in Melbourne

2 Movie: - of the Titans

3 A big bird, bald or golden

4 Dopey was one of seven

5 Blood- sucking worm used in medicine

6 Lego –go: Masters of Spinjitzu

7 Captain America and Hulk are -heroes

TEST YOUR TWEED SHIRE KNOWLEDGE

2. W hat does NCOSS stand for?

3. W hat does local soccer star Hayley Raso do to her socks before each game?

4. T he Championship Cat and Kitten show is coming up. What is this year’s theme?

Across 1 Exile (6) 4 Grave (7) 7 Linen (10) 11 Mother or father (6) 12 An edible mollusc (7)

WordSearch

Can

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DOVWRJQEZNXWLKKVZKWI

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SYOGHSGVEJLILXFIJKIS

PATTVTXOFGERDOIHXDXR

HEAWRINZYXISECOJNRPG

CGTELNUOMQVTRUFEZERK

HUEENSMZPJXNSBZTMVAU

VVBDVCCAVCFAVWVJSWYT

PTRCSHLQKCZTMRRCGTWG VBOOOMHFEDBIEIEFCPHY

YQWOSIJYLORORJYSMVIF

MBNLUTAVJGBNJZLSCETA

AGLAEHOCUBZAVPDSLSEB

NQENLELPDHELEMEQFEAX

AEEGHUWHDIMRPROPERTY

QQQAVWKKHDPBLRNUUQBF

OPRTJFDJSTRINGERYKUZ

WZZTDUOQDAVELYNRLCNT

BZEAHXPMQUTZWKDPYGWQ

9 LETTER

cute, defunct, duty, etui, fund, fundi, nude, nudity, unfit, unify, untidy, 15 words: 23 words: 31 words: E

C T F U

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

Winter Blues”, 5. Deer

1. Nias, 2. NSW Council of Social Service, 3. She turns them inside out , 4.

5. Animals w ith the scientific name, Cervus elaphus, have been reported in the Tweed. What is its common name? PET

TweedCoolangatta,FirstNational,JustinSchmith,Jet, TateBrownlee,DJStringer,MrProperty, RayWhite,Elders,Mana, NRPG,KelJudd,

®

SUDOKU

your own custom worksheet at

OF THE WEEK

Foster Dog FD1676 $650

education.com/worksheet-generator

Staffy/SharPei X D.O.B. 06/04/2023

Desexed Female

M/C # 991003002063545

Acquired Date: 28/06/202

Location: Murwillumbah

Abigail is one of 4 pups from an unwanted litter, surrendered to FOP. They all have been vet checked, vaccinated and microchipped and now are looking for a family of their own.

Abigail is a fun-loving pup who loves a game. She has started crate training and getting use to walking on a lead.

Location: Murwillumbah

For more information contact Yvette on 0421 831 128.Interested?. Please complete our online adoption expression of interest.

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

13

“Goodbye

Abigail

SEASIDE INTERIORS & UPHOLSTERY 0435 116 897

FEATURED BUSINESS

CABARITA BUSINESS Seaside Interiors

& Upholstery has been servicing the Tweed Coast for more than three years and bring a fresh new approach to upholstery.

Owner/upholster Phil Cox and his team members Danielle Loxton, social media/ interiors, and Lisa Young, sales and in-home stylist, work together to create their customer’s visions.

With more than 40-years’ experience in upholstery, Phil focuses on repairing and recovering furniture from daybeds, statement chairs, dining chairs, ottomans, cushions, window seats, caravan cushions and custom upholstery.

“We have a range of fabrics in store to choose from or we can source what you are looking for from our Australian fabric houses or overseas,” he said.

“We believe quality furniture has a far greater

life span than cheap imports.”

Phil said investing in a quality piece of furniture will serve you better including family heirlooms. “They don’t make furniture like they used to,” he said.

“Lisa is our home stylist and is in store, or she can visit clients to help create their visions with more than 20 years’ experience in the fashion and interior styling industries.”

Seaside Interiors & Upholstery offer a free pick-up and delivery service from within the Gold Coast and Tweed Coast areas. Visit the friendly team at 2/84 Hastings Road, Cabarita, call 0435 116 897 for a free quote or visit the website: www. seasideinteriors.com.au to make an appointment.

Need a Tradie?

Get your tickets now for Tweed Business Awards

By Jonathon Howard

TWEED CHAMBER of Commerce continues to gear up for this year’s return of the Victory Organisation Group Tweed Business Awards, with the gala event taking place at Seagulls Club on Friday, September 1.

As part of the build-up, the Tweed Chamber team hosted a special sponsors’ breakfast meeting recently.

Event coordinator Julie West said the awards committee has received more than 200 submissions across 20 categories this year.

“The sponsors are excited to be part of the recognition and celebration of local business achievements and it’s sure to be an action-packed night for all those who attend,” Ms West said.

“The Chamber saw representation from Club Tweed, Tweed Shire Council, Gold Coast Airport, Tweed Tourism, Tweed Mall, Seagulls

Club and RBR Property Consultants.

“We want to extend a big ‘thank you’ to our sponsors and encourage everyone to reserve their table or ticket for this year’s exciting event.

“Make sure you brush off your glad rags and get ready for this amazing night.”

Fund raised from the silent auctions and “surprise national superstar” will support local charity, Friends of the Pound.

The major lucky door prize is a holiday to Airlie Beach valued at $2,500.

The Hall of Fame Category is open for nominations by the general public and business community to recognise a local person they consider of outstanding character who has made a significant contribution to the Tweed Region.

Nominees can also self-nominate.

To nominate a person for the substantial impact they have made in the Tweed community, please go to the website tweedbusinessawards.org and select the Hall of Fame Category.

For Sale

For Sale

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

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

For Sale

A INTERNATIONAL TRACTOR Diesel, 404AM, Power Steer, Slasher, Perfect working condition. For sale at lot. $9.000. Call John 0429 449 229

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

Positions

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

Public

NEW 8 X 5 TILT BOX TRAILER. Hot dipped galvanised 600mm removable

Positions

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

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

Labourer required

For floor and deck sanding. This is a full time position 35–40 hrs work per week. Flexibility offered for the right person, must have own ABN and car.

Positions Vacant

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

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

Scrap Metal Removal

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

Sing For Free

FREE!

Wanted

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

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

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 Rent

WANTED TO RENT Yvonne is looking for long-term stable accommodation. Yvonne is a non-smoker, non-drinker who is clean quiet and respectful with excellent personal references. Yvonne is looking for pet-friendly accommodation between $200-$250 per week in the Tweed region. Yvonne’s best contact is 0448242849 and email address is yvonne.whear@gmail.com

Sing For Fun

Benefit for Health and Mind.

Phone Margaret: 0438 819 809

Stolen

Peter Sheppard

10/5/41- 26/8/22

Lyn, Leanne, Mark & families. We miss you every day.

STOLEN HILUX Has anyone seen this Toyota Hilux, Dual Cab 1998 model ute? Stolen in front of the CWA Building, approx. 9am Saturday, 12th August. Anyone with any information please phone: 0416 142 777

To Let

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

Wanted

Susan Joyce Powell

09/10/1960 - 28/08/2009

My body aches for you each day.

I wish the pain would go away. My heart and soul my tortured mind. I nd it hard to leave you behind. Your passing almost tore me apart, it’s time to mend my broken heart.

I know one day we will meet again.

Until then goodbye my friend

Always remembered, Dave and Sharon

Death Notices

FRANCIS Helen Elizabeth 14/08/2023

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

FIND THE FROG AND WIN!!

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

REECE Mary Jean 15/08/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

BRANDER Darrin Wallace 17/08/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

GARRETT Joan 17/08/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

PERANDIS Joan Irene

19/08/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

David Robert RHODES 12/8/2023

Heritage Brothers, Chinderah 07 5599 1500

Shirley BATES 18/8/2023

Heritage Brothers, Chinderah 07 5599 1500

SHERCLIFF Ronald Maxwell 18/08/2023

White Lady Funerals 07 5536 5300

Funeral Directors

Substantial Seagulls waterfront home

Set on the popular Seagulls Estate, this hi set waterfront home offers numerous living and entertaining spaces and a versatile lay out that will appeal to growing and extended family situations.

The separate pool house has its own covered deck overlooking the water and includes a kitchenette and bathroom and provides options as a clubhouse for lazy summer afternoons around the pool, guest accommodation or a retreat for parents, teenagers or even granny!

The main residence comprises 3 large bedrooms and family bathroom upstairs and downstairs houses big open plan living, dining and kitchen areas as well as an adjacent sunroom overlooking the inground pool, backyard and canal. The garage with internal access, laundry and second bathroom are also on the lower level.

34 Jacaranda Avenue, Tweed Heads West

• Private pontoon with plenty of room for the tinny, kayaks, stand ups and other watercraft.

• Timber flooring upstairs.

• Spotless presentation and family size kitchen.

• Short, flat stroll to Seagulls Leagues Club, Panorama Plaza shops and riverside parkland walking path.

• Easy access to Gold Coast Airport, motorway north and south, patrolled beaches, major shopping centres, schools and all other services and amenities.

• Bus stop at the front door.

3 3 1

• Quiet, well established neighbourhood.

• Yabbies, fish and mud crabs 2 minutes away.

• Ideal sanctuary and living environment for active, water sports loving families.

“Pack the fishing rods, yabby pump and crab pots – you’ll need them!”

$1,550,000

Inspections by appointment

Chinderah Acreage – Scarce as!!

Being offered for the first time since construction in the 1950’s, this home is set on a unique 3743 sqm (nearly an acre) parcel of land and is 300 metres from the banks of the Tweed River and only 900 metres from the Kingscliff stretch of Dreamtime Beach on Wommin Bay.

The four bedroom cottage is in original condition and would need a complete renovation to restore it to its glory days, alternatively, there is an opportunity to demolish the existing dwelling and design & create your own private estate on this very special piece of Chinderah real estate set between the river and the ocean. It is a short, flat stroll to the popular Chinderah coffee houses as well as the historic riverside hotel and also a leisurely 10 minute bike ride to the vibrant cafe, restaurant and shopping precinct in Kingscliff.

61 Wommin Bay Road, Chinderah

• The flat, 3743 sqm lot is easy to work with to design & build your dream home.

• Easy access to the motorway North and South.

• 5 minute drive to Tweed City Shopping Centre and also the nearly completed Tweed Valley Hospital in Cudgen.

• Extensive sporting facilities down the road catering for a large selection of senior and junior sporting pursuits.

• 2022 flood waters did not enter the existing home.

• 10 minutes from Gold Coast Airport.

• Survey Report available.

4 1 1

• Zoned R2 Low Density Residential

• As we said before, scarce as!

It’s over 60 years since this property was for sale - now is the opportunity to secure it!

Inspections by appointment $1,095,000

KEL JUDD 0402 597 001

Real Estate Agent + Auctioneer NSW & QLD

61 Wommin Bay Rd

Final touches to Tate Brownlee’s new site

By Jonathon Howard

EXCITEMENT IS building at Tate Brownlee Real Estate, as the team puts the final touches on their second office at Casuarina, set to open on Thursday, August 31, from 5pm to 7pm.

The Weekly was given an exclusive sneak peek inside the new office located at Shop 5a/486 Casuarina Way.

The large office is expertly fitted out by Fresh Coat Maintenance with new flooring, new reception, meeting room, and a meet and greet space. All finished to the highest standard to reflect the quality of properties in this market.

Tate Brownlee already has a strong foundation in Banora Point, which continues to thrive, and owners Tate Brownlee and Kristen

Merrion said the business was ready to expand.

“Welcome to Tate Brownlee Real Estate’s newest coastal office in Casuarina!” Mr Brownlee told The Weekly.

“I am excited to extend the reach of our prestigious real estate agency which has been an industry leader for more than 16 successful years at our flagship location in Banora Point.

“Now, it is with great excitement and determination that we extend our footprint to the beautiful coastal community of the Tweed Coast.”

Mr Brownlee said the decision to open a second office in Casuarina was “fuelled by a profound desire to further serve and connect with the vibrant coastal community.”

“Our vision is to bring Tate

Brownlee Real Estate’s signature commitment to professionalism, personalised service, and exceptional results to the residents and property investors of Casuarina, Kingscliff, Cabarita Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville Beach,” he said.

“We are determined to continue to forge strong partnerships with homeowners, buyers, and investors, fostering an environment of trust and collaboration that maximises the potential of every property transaction.”

Ms Merrion said the team will be ready and eager to serve clients following the official launch

next week.

“At Tate Brownlee Real Estate Prestige Division, our clients are at the heart of everything we do,” she said.

“Whether it’s a luxury waterfront property or a quaint coastal retreat, we understand that each client’s aspirations and needs are unique.

“We pride ourselves on delivering tailor-made solutions and award winning, world-class open homes is a massive point of difference, ensuring every client’s real estate journey is seamless and rewarding.”

The opening is set to feature The

Block TV personalities Kirsty and Jesse, who will meet and greet visitors to the new site as well as provide renovation ideas.

Mr Brownlee said he wanted to encourage residents and visitors to come down, say hello and get a look at the new site.

“We’d love to welcome the community to come and have a look and be a part of our opening, as well as catering for the event,” he said.

To find out more, visit the team at Shop 5a/486 Casuarina Way, next to Casuarina Coles, or phone: (02) 6674 3957.

NEW LOCATION: Tate Brownlee and Kristen Merrion are ready to open their second office at Casuarina next week

Come down and check out the new Tate Brownlee office on Thursday, August 31

DON'T WAIT FOR SPRING!

Spring is just around the corner. Here's why savvy sellers are putting their homes on the market before the arrival of spring.

1

BEAT THE RUSH: By listing your home now, you'll have a head start on other sellers who are waiting for the season to kick in. With fewer properties on the market, your home will stand out and attract more attention from eager buyers.

2

MOTIVATED BUYERS: Many buyers aim to settle into their new homes before the new school year starts, making them more motivated to find a property quickly. By listing early, you tap into a pool of eager buyers who are actively searching for their dream home.

3

INCREASED DEMAND: As the spring season approaches, the demand for homes typically rises. By listing your home before the market gets saturated, you can take advantage of this increased demand and potentially secure a faster sale.

4

OPTIMAL PRICING: Listing your home before the spring rush gives you the opportunity to set the price without the pressure of competing with a flood of new listings. This allows you to negotiate from a position of strength and maximize your returns.

5

PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE: Partnering with an experienced real estate agent ensures you have the expertise to navigate the market successfully. They will help you showcase your home’s unique features and create a compelling marketing strategy to attract buyers.

Suzanne Foss Real Estate offers honest advice, transparent communication, market value analysis. Take control. Contact us now for your no obligation appraisal consultation.

COMING SOON

20 KARINGAL AVE. BILAMBIL HEIGHTS

4/5 BED, 3 BATH, 2 CAR

Unbeatable Potential with Stunning Views! This 4-bedroom home offers the perfect blend of space and functionality, with the potential to transform into 5 bedrooms. With ample room for a caravan and breathtaking views, you can move right in and start enjoying the beauty of your surroundings. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity!

13-15 KINGSTON DR. BANORA POINT

3 BED, 2 BATH, 2 CAR

Peaceful Outlook, Spacious and Low Maintenance! This single-level house in a tidy complex offers a serene atmosphere and hassle-free living. With ample space and easy upkeep, you can enjoy a relaxed lifestyle without the stress. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

1/68 DARLINGTON DRIVE, BANORA POINT

210/2 FALCON WAY, TWEED HEADS SOUTH

12 MUIRFIELD PLACE, BANORA POINT

MODERN ELEGANCE - FULLY RENOVATED SINGLE LEVEL WITH DUAL LIVING

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.

$795,000

1 COODGIE STREET, TYALGUM

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MIXED-USE DOUBLE BLOCK IN PICTURESQUE HINTERLAND VILLAGE

Discover the perfect opportunity to embrace a peaceful village lifestyle in Tyalgum, Northern NSW, with this exceptional property boasting a spacious family home set on a generous 1,518m2 double block. With mixed-use zoning, this property opens up a world of possibilities for both residential and possible commercial ventures. The charming location, coupled with the convenience of town water, sewerage, and a rainwater tank, makes this property a rare find in the market. Experience the true essence of village living while unlocking endless potential with mixed use zoning on this expansive block. Whether you envision creating your dream family home, embarking on a commercial venture, or exploring development opportunities, this property in the heart of Tyalgum's village has it all.

Thoughtfully considered design, timeless architecture and modern convenience combine to provide the pinnacle of absolute privacy and tranquility. Presenting an exciting opportunity in one of Terranora's most coveted enclaves, this is your chance to immerse yourself in a brand new tri-level residence and enjoy a lifestyle without compromise. Offering superior finishes and premium inclusions throughout the home. Highlighted by soaring ceilings and underscored by the character of hybrid flooring that encourages that easy care, Australian coastal lifestyle that supports and frames the stunning, elevated vistas across Terranora to be enjoyed both in the open plan living and outdoors with the effortless integration with the expansive alfresco balcony. Only moments from the local shopping and dining, with popular local private and public schooling nearby. Easy access on to the M1 and only 10 minutes to Coolangatta, Southern Cross University and Gold Coast International Airport.

81A & 81B HENRY LAWSON DRIVE, TERRANORA