Tweed Valley Weekly, August 10, 2023

Cudgen signs with Norths

Special report by Jo Kennett

CUDGEN LEAGUES Club board has recommended an amalgamation with North Sydney Leagues Club (Norths Collective), which members hope will speed up the club’s rebuild after it was gutted by fire in May 2020.

Seven clubs, including Titans Rugby League, Parramatta, Tweed Heads Bowls Club, and Twin Towns — whose earlier offer of amalgamation by the past board was knocked back by members before a new board was installed in December 2021 — have also put in expressions of interest for amalgamation, which members will get to vote on.

“Cudgen Leagues Club’s board is excited by the opportunity for what an amalgamation with Norths Collective could bring for our community,” Cudgen Leagues Club president Sean Alcorn said in the notice which was released on Monday, August 7.

“We are clearly aligned on company values and share a passion for local sport. “Norths Collective is very interested in hearing from Cudgen Leagues Club’s many connected sporting teams and community organisations that make up the heart of Cudgen Leagues Club, as well

as establishing support into the future, as evidenced in the communities they already operate within.”

Norths Collective CEO Luke Simmons told The Weekly, “At Norths Collective we are focused on connecting our community and are thrilled the Cudgen Leagues Club board has resolved to move forward to the next stage of the amalgamation process with us as its preferred partner.

“We share strong community values with a great passion for sport, which makes us even more excited to begin engaging with the membership and wider Cudgen community on how we bring to life The Clubhouse Cudgen.”

In March 2021, Norths Collective tabled their interest in amalgamating, providing a 12-page merger proposal and capability statement. They offered to provide a meeting and memorabilia space for the RSL — a proposal that was knocked back in favour of a Twin Towns amalgamation.

However at a fiery meeting later that year, members voted against the Twin Towns amalgamation, saying they weren’t consulted before the former board signed a memorandum of understanding with Twin Towns without presenting other offers.

All but one of the former board members

resigned at the meeting.

The Save Cudgen Leagues Club organisation, helmed by Idwall Richards and Alan MacIntosh, took control of the board, with the two businessmen promising to underwrite the rebuild if there was any shortfall once insurance was paid out, an offer which was still on the table.

President Sean Alcorn told The Weekly he will provide details of the reasoning behind the decision next week, including why the club hadn’t signed with Norths earlier and why the board chose not to take the offer of Mr Richards and Mr MacIntosh.

Continues on page 36.

Free disaster training

By Jo Kennett

A COMMUNITY organisation promoting disaster readiness is running free and flexible training sessions starting this month at Tweed Heads.

Plan C is run by a group of academics and community leaders — many of them with local and international aid and disaster experience — who live in the Northern Rivers and help communities handle disasters.

Plan C is bringing its Community Carers and Responders (CCR) training to Tweed on Friday, August 11, with additional sessions on August 26 and September 1.

The free five-day program will train community leaders across the Northern Rivers in self-care, how to handle disasters, how to build stronger communities, and emergency communications.

Attendees also receive first aid and psychological first aid training for free.

The five training days can be completed at different times and different locations.

Plan C is known for its unique approach to helping communities get ready for disasters.

“By strengthening community ties and

preparing together for disasters, communities can become more resilient when facing future challenges,” Plan C founder and emergency management expert at Southern Cross University, Dr Jean Renouf said.

Upon graduation, participants are mentored to implement a project that builds their own community’s resilience.

Plan C has already trained over 55 CCRs in the Tweed since the 2022 floods.

Tweed CCRs have undertaken commu-

nity projects such as risk reduction plans and community-building events.

CCRs have also played a key role in starting neighbourhood resilience groups in Uki and Pottsville, as well as the set-up of radio communication systems for use during emergencies.

Plan C welcomes interested community members to apply at www.ccrnetwork.org/ apply or email: ccr@planc.org.au for more information.

Missing Teeth?

material surgically placed into the jaw bone. Dental Implants offer a secure solution to replace one or more teeth, providing a solid foundation for holding a crown, bridge, or denture. They look, feel and function like natural teeth. They are recommended to improve aesthetics, function (chewing) and speech. And they’re also easy to keep clean — just like your other teeth.

Some of Plan C's team of Community Carers and Responders (CCR)

Cudgen Leagues Club was devastated by fire in May 2020

Letter of the Week

You

Councillors should put residents first

I totally agree with Deputy Mayor Meredith Dennis to put residents first as we do live here, pay our rates and want to preserve our environment.

Some developers do not live here, and as stated, we do not want Gold Coast-style development.

Sharyn Henderson, Murwillumbah

Preserve our shire

In response to Councillor Warren Polglase’s claims relevant to developments and court costs, the good people of our shire are entitled to know other parts of the facts.

On review of development matters that have been reported to councillors this year for a decision, two were recommended for refusal which were both supported by a 6-1 vote with this same councillor supporting one such refusal.

One matter was not supported by majority vote, all other recommendations were approved with a unanimous and three by 6-1 vote, with this same councillor voting against a recommended approval.

As identified in the ‘Legal Register Services Report’ to councillors at the June meeting, the legal costs also include general legal advice for matters on the management of council operations.

Of note, three court matters listed in the report were all a unanimous vote to engage solicitors/defend appeal by the previous council. Some applications to the court were discontinued/ withdrawn.

The good people of our shire deserve much more than simple political point scoring, and councillors who do not bend to developer demands and the develop at-any-cost mentality riding roughshod over our planning tools are to be commended.

The many surveys over the years have seen the preservation of the

shire’s character rather than replicating the Gold Coast, and protection of the environment coming in at the top.

Adherence to our planning tools and councillors’ equitable consideration and decision-making is key to the liveability of our communities and the preservation of environmental and natural resource assets for this and future generations.

Lindy Smith, Tweed Heads Good treatment at local hospitals, thank you

I recently broke my wrist and attended Murwillumbah Hospital initially for realignment, then Tweed Hospital for an operation the following day.

The treatment I received at both places was exemplary.

A big thank you to all the staff involved.

Trevor White, Uki Blame game not helping

The Australian public is furious at Anthony Albanese, who is in the process of spending $10 billion of taxpayers’ money on public housing units to accommodate the first batch of the 190,000 immigrants per annum for the next 10 years, this first group due to begin arriving in 2024.

The public’s anger is based on the fact that Labor has made no mention of public housing for desperate and homeless Australian families, who have their names on the public housing list.

However, when questioned by the media recently regarding Australian families living in cars, and leaky tents, the outrageous response from the PM was: ‘Blame the previous government’.

Words cannot express the gratitude we feel for all your love and care to make those years as enjoyable and comfortable as possible.

You all so often went above and beyond and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your love and caring of someone who means the world to us.

We would also like to thank the team at The Tweed Hospital Medical Ward 2 where Mum spent her last days, particularly Chloe, Robyn (an absolute angel who helped us so much), Dr Thomas, Susan and Noah from the kitchen, amazing Grace the cleaner, and the rest of the team who kept up all our spirits with your kindness, jokes and caring, as well as putting up with our tears, laughter, snoring, dodgy singing of all Mum’s favourite songs and general celebration of a life well lived.

Thank you so much. Thanks also to Ben at Dolphin Funerals, Kim at Eden Place Florals and Viki at Inki Graphics for all your work to make it the most beautiful life celebration.

Also thanks to the great team at Cabarita Beach Surf Club for a perfect wake, including providing the whales at the end of the rainbow just as we arrived. Love your work.

A huge thanks to our beautiful friends here for your love and support as well as the wonderful team at Tweed Valley Weekly.

We know Mum would have loved it all, and her children and husband Allan can’t thank you all enough.

Karen, Jo, Wendy and Scott Kennett, Hastings Point Can you help open this?

these items.

You will say there are plenty of easy opening tools in the market, but they don’t always work.

I think I know the reason for the explosion of safety locks and devices. So that children cannot tamper with them.

Parents should be responsible for placing these items in a safe place, as many seniors cannot get into the packaging.

A N Doerr, Tweed Heads South Consider coming to Murwillumbah Day View Club

We, the new members of the Murwillumbah Day View Club, highly recommend joining this great club.

You will be made very welcome and there will be other people with the same interests as you.

Not all our members come for Murwillumbah.

They come from Uki, Bilambil and Banora Point, as well as the immediate Murwillumbah area.

Two examples of happy members are Margaret Rolf and Sandi Avis.

Ms Rolf came from Mossvale where she retired with her husband from Sydney.

Here she took up a new hobby that used her art skills and didn’t involve cooking or knitting, but she decided to downsize after the loss of her husband.

Ms Rolf came to Murwillumbah to relocate to a retirement village.

One of her fellow residents invited her to View Club to demonstrate her wonderful talent in egg decorating.

Winning the raffle and the lucky door prize on the first day may have helped as well.

Ms Avis came from Canberra to house sit for two weeks and found a place at the same time to move closer to her great-granddaughter.

Not only has Ms Avis joined but she has taken on an executive position and is now on the committee.

If you are interested and want more information, visit our website (type in View Club and scroll to the NSW clubs for Murwillumbah Day View Club).

You will see details of meeting and some reports of the recent activities of the club and a Facebook page. For further information, and if you are not using the internet, please ring one of our friendly members president Shirley Kuhnell or treasurer Carol Kerr on 0407 910 693.

Annette Adsett, Murwillumbah

Tweed Heads Thank you from Kennett family

Ken Wade,

Our mother, Liz Pearce, passed away peacefully on July 29. We would like to thank the amazing staff at Bupa Pottsville, who took care of her in the last years of Mum’s life.

To the manufacturers of goods such as food, laundry and medical product packaging.

Could you spare a thought for pensioners in their 70s when designing the packaging please.

Some seniors do not have the strength to open or attempt to open

Tweed Valley Careers Expo

Saturday 12 August 2023, 11am – 3pm

Mantra on Salt Beach, Gunnamatta Avenue, Kingscliff

The friendliness and the welcome Ms Rolf received encouraged her to join the View Club and she has been glad to have the opportunity to be part of the community, as well as helping with a good cause.

Ms Avis is also a View Club member and after moving closer to family in Murwillumbah, it didn’t take long to persuade her to join.

Sandi Avis is delighted to be here

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.

Connect: with our hospitals and health teams and learn about the skills needed to join us. Find: jobs, training and volunteering opportunities at hospitals and services in Tweed, Murwillumbah and Byron, including Allied Health, Aboriginal Health, Mental Health, Support Services, Nursing and Midwifery, and the new Tweed Valley Hospital.

Seeking: cleaners, administration staff, nurses, doctors, and more.

High quality healthcare. Quality of life.

Margaret Rolf and all her winnings!

New face of homelessness

By Jonathon Howard

A NEW face of homelessness is emerging in the Tweed Shire, according to Fred’s Place manager Kim Kennedy, who’s seeing a rise in the working class and families sleeping rough each night, and many are crying out for help.

She said around 120 homeless visit Fred’s Place each morning after sleeping in tents and in their vehicles to have a shower, do their washing and have a meal.

“It’s important they look as dignified as possible before heading off to work,” Ms Kennedy said.

“Many are stricken by the lack of housing and affordable rentals but have employment in the Tweed.”

Fred’s Place, based at Tweed Heads, is a non-government-funded crisis hub that’s been running for the past eight years with four staff members who have never seen it this bad.

“When we originally launched we catered for 60 people per week and we’re now assisting 120 per day, which is making our service burst at the seams,” Ms Kennedy said.

“Our oldest homeless person to visit daily is 91 and youngest is 16.”

Although the need for housing is dire, Ms Kennedy said there are some immediate things that residents can do to help the homeless today.

“The facility receives no government funding or assistance, and we rely heavily on donations from the local clubs and residents,” she said.

“You can donate food and hampers. Volunteers are crucial and always welcome.”

Ms Kennedy said the situation has be -

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come so bad that squatting in abandoned buildings has now been seen, which is a growing issue at Tweed Heads.

“This is not only bad for the owners, but it’s happened because there is no alternative,” she said.

“These environments have no running water or electricity and can be unsafe.”

Ms Kennedy said she wanted to again stress the need for residents to get out and lend a hand to a homeless charity or make a donation.

“These donations keep us running and are really appreciated, warm blankets, food, emergency assistance, and we help with fuel cards, we appreciate any help,” she said.

“We’re also having our Vinnies Sleep Out at Seagulls Club on Friday, August 25, with Mandy Nolan as MC and Mayor Chris Cherry visiting. Anyone can be involved via the vinnies.org.au/communitysleepout.”

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Out and About at Murwillumbah Public School

Learning at Murwillumbah Public School is a vital process and whilst many great things happen inside the school grounds and classrooms it is wonderful to see students engaged in a huge range of activities that take place off site.

The school has great traditions that allow students to have experiences in the local and wider community.

The strength of the school’s music and dance programs sees students perform regularly in the local community and festivals and also travel to Sydney to be a part of the NSW Public School’s Festival of Performing Arts. As well as performance experience they get to visit many points of interest in Sydney to

learn about our Indigenous and European History.

The school’s excursion program sees all students in years K-6 enjoying off site learning. K-2 have an annual trip to either the local swimming complex or Tropical Fruit World.

Students in Years 3 & 4 will have a camp night in the school grounds this term. Tents are set up under the COLA and a night a fun and adventure games follow. The next day they head out to explore places of interest in Tweed Heads and conclude with an afternoon of strikes at tenpin bowling.

Years 5 and 6 are looking forward to their camp later this term which sees them heading west of

Tamworth to Lake Keepit Sport and Recreation Centre. Students will be involved in a comprehensive outdoor education program designed to build team working skills, introduce activities such as sailing and canoeing and challenge students with orienteering, obstacle courses and mud runs. The children will participate in astronomy night and be engaged in the environmental education program offered.

This week students in years 3-6 will be attending a day of high stimulation and entertainment at the Byron Writers Festival. Murwillumbah Public School offers opportunities and the students take them on eagerly.

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Fred's Place team members are seeing the changing face of homelessness

Food preparation is a daily ritual for the team to feed more than 100 people per day

THE LEGAL LIGHT!

What is the tort of misfeasance?

The Tort of Misfeasance – it sounds like an evil spell in Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter, and in a way it’s similar. Misfeasance is a legal term relating to the abuse of power by a person holding public office.

The term was used in the final report of the Royal Commission into the Robodebt Scheme, which revealed the full extent of the harm caused to thousands of vulnerable people by the former coalition government’s automated welfare debt recovery program.

The report said the people behind robodebt caused extraordinary harm through “venality, incompetence and cowardice”, concluding that the “elements of the tort of misfeasance in public office appear to exist”.

It will be up to federal police and the new National Anti-Corruption Commission whether anybody faces criminal or civil charges stemming from the royal commission investigation. But those who have been harmed by robodebt may be able to make a claim against the government under the tort of misfeasance, as it has been found that key officials knew robodebt was unlawful, yet persisted with its execution.

Stacks Law Firm lawyer Christopher Morris says misfeasance in public office occurs when there is an abuse of public power or authority by a public officer, where the officer knew they were abusing their power or were recklessly indifferent to the abuse.

“It would also be necessary to prove that the officer acted with malice, and they knew their action would most likely cause harm, or they had reckless indifference to the probability of harm,” Mr Morris said.

“This sets a high bar for misfeasance to be proved in court, as it is more likely a judge would accept incompetence of a public officer, than that they acted with malicious intent.”

This was the finding of Federal Court Justice Bernard Murphy in June 2021, when he approved a settlement of $1.8 billion between the Commonwealth and victims of the robodebt scheme.

The judge found there was “massive failure” and while it should have been obvious to government ministers and senior public servants that robodebt was “flawed”, he concluded the unlawful automated debt collection system was a “stuff-up”, rather than a conspiracy.

Mr Morris said this judgement was delivered before the damning report of the royal commission and there could be further legal action for damages.

“Robodebt victims got their money back, but the settlement did not include damages for harm and distress caused by the coalition government’s actions. “Public officials can be prosecuted for abuse of public office and jailed for up to five years. The consequences of the terrible robodebt scheme have a long way to run.”

Fire danger heightened

A RURAL Fire Service (RFS) boss says the soil and undergrowth on the north coast is dry at the moment, with hazard reduction, including cultural burns, being undertaken across the region as the fire season approaches.

In July Far North Coast RFS brigades responded to over 50 bush and grass fires, the majority of those pile burns and grass burns that escaped the control of property owners.

The RFS advised that while we are receiving some rain, the soil moisture is very low, and combined with cold weather and frosts, the grasses have cured to an extent that fire can take hold and spread easily.

Firefighters use the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KDBI) to assess soil moisture and the dryness of fuel sitting on top of the soil such as logs, leaf litter and undergrowth.

The KDBI represents the amount of rainfall needed, in millimetres, to return the soil to saturation.

NSW RFS Far North Coast Team Area Manager Stephen Prichard said that the weather is changing rapidly at the moment and “while it seems wet, it’s not.”

“The KBDI is over 100 at the moment, which means the soil is very dry,” Mr Prichard said.

“You need 100mm of rain to make the soil moist enough that fires won’t spread so rapidly. The growth above it will be dry and the frosts will kill the grass which is the dryness fires need for fuel.”

When The Weekly spoke to Mr Prichard, Murwillumbah’s KBDI was 116 even

though it had been raining.

“So the rain evaporates easily and doesn’t sink in too far,’ he said.

“The volcanic soil will easily take in the moisture.

“We are one of the highest in the state, with Mungindi and Lightning Ridge two of the only ones in that high range. Even Wilcannia is 112. The higher the rating the drier it is.”

The RFS Far North Coast team has been helping with hazard reduction burns in the Tweed Shire.

“We are assisting the Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council with some of their cultural burning at Fingal at Letitia Spit where the gravel starts,” Mr Prichard said.

“The Land Council owns a lot of land there and right back to Wommin Bay, to the nursing home at Kingscliff.

“They wanted to get rid of some of the fuel as part of their normal burning practises because they haven’t had a big fire in there for a while.

“We were there just to assist if anything escalated. We sent our mitigation crew out to help them construct some control lines which is what we do, break it up into smaller areas to make it a safer burn.

“It was too wet so they didn’t get a real good burn out of it. A lot of cultural burning relies on timing to get the right burn temperatures.”

Mr Prichard said the type of fuel makes a big difference to how fast a fire spreads.

“Molasses grass goes off and is very hard to control,” he said.

“It’s all over the Tweed; it’s a long bladey grass that stands tall and the air dries it

out pretty quickly, so while it looks green it can still burn.

“You shouldn’t be burning on windy days; anything over ten kilometres per hour you shouldn’t be burning.”

Firefighters use what they call the 25 rule as a guide, so a day that combines 25 kph winds and 25 degrees Celsius temperature with 25 per cent humidity are really bad fire days.

“If anyone is burning off they need a containment line back to bare earth and they need a water supply, whether that’s a spray tank or something like that,” Mr Prichard said.

“You need to let your neighbours know beforehand and the local RFS so it’s a notified burn, so we know what’s going on in case we get a call to that area and we can ring the property owners and ask if it’s okay.

“It’s a legal requirement to notify the RFS and the neighbours.

“Should a fire escape into a neighbouring property, the property owner is liable for any damage and it’s a breach of the Rural Fires Act so they can be fined for that.

“We are happy for people to ring the control centre for advice on burning off and even an inspection of their properties.

“We are here to help so don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

Property owners are being asked to ensure pile burns are cleared to mineral earth around the pile to prevent escape. If you are planning a fire please call the RFS Far North Coast branch on: (02) 6671 5500.

Special report by Jo Kennett

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 159L a day

as at 7 August 2023

Winners are grinners

Council is thrilled to announce the winners of the ‘Keeping Cats Safe at Home’ expression of interest. There was a pawsitively incredible response with more than 82 entries received. The judges carefully reviewed each submission and selected the top winners based on eligibility and assessment criteria which included creative and innovative ideas to promote at-home living for cats and a creative photo of the cat’s indoor life.

Congratulations to the 36 winners who will each receive a $500 voucher to Catnets, an exclusive online store offering a wide range of high-quality cat enclosures and accessories. Another 10 runners-up will receive a $100 voucher as a special recognition for their submission.

Keeping cats safe at home also contributes to the preservation of local wildlife populations and is part of Council’s commitment to protecting the Tweed’s internationally significant environment to pass on to our next generation.

Council partnered with RSPCA NSW on its Keeping Cats Safe at Home campaign about loving cats, celebrating the people who love their cats and motivating cat lovers to keep their feline companions safe and fulfilled. The NSW-wide project is funded by a $2.5 million grant from the NSW Environmental Trust.

Read more at tweed.nsw.gov.au/latest-news

In brief ...

Seeking committee members

What do you love about the coast, what you would change and what are your priorities for the future?

Help develop a Coastal Management Program

It is important Council understands what the community loves about the Tweed’s coast and where there might be concerns and challenges.

This will allow Council to make informed decisions that respond to the needs of society, the environment and the economy.

Now is the time for local communities, businesses and residents to provide feedback on their priorities within the coastal zone to inform the development of a Coastal Management Program that aligns with community values.

What do you love about the coast, what you would change and what are your priorities for the future? You can let Council know what matters to you in a number of ways up

until 31 October 2023:

• Online: yoursaytweed.com.au/tweedcmp

• Mail: General Manager, Tweed Shire Council, PO Box 816, Murwillumbah, NSW 2884

• Email: tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au

Hard copy surveys are available from your nearest Tweed Shire Council office.

Online, you can also use an interactive online map to tell us more about your local spot or leave a comment.

There will be a range of opportunities for face-to-face community consultation over the coming months. Full details will be made available on the Your Say Tweed website. For more information and to visit the project page visit yoursaytweed.com.au/tweedcmp

Eyes up! Be on the lookout for magpies swooping

Magpies typically start nesting and swooping at this time of year (July to November), so now is the right time to be a little more careful in known swooping locations.

Magpies are curious and lovable Australian birds however, during magpie breeding season, male birds often swoop to protect their young.

Not all male magpies swoop so there’s no need for alarm whenever you see one. Once the young birds leave the nest, the male stops swooping.

Magpie swooping season is usually over by summer but it can continue longer, depending on the weather conditions. Be aware and put safeguards in place, such as:

• Avoiding known swooping areas. Take a different route away from nesting trees (magpies live in their territories

for many years and can remember humans).

• Wearing a hat or carry an umbrella.

• Wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes.

• Attaching a flag to your bike as a deterrent and dismounting if swooped – some birds are particularly drawn to people riding bikes.

• Leaving the area quickly but calmly, without running.

It is illegal to harm or kill magpies. Signs will be erected to warn of known swooping bird territory.

If swooping occurs on Council-managed land such as a park or road reserve, you can report online at tweed.nsw.gov.au/report-problem or contact Council on 02 6670 2400.

If swooping occurs on private property contact the National Parks and Wildlife Service on 02 6670 8600.

Join the Great Glossy Count and workshop

The Great Glossy Count (to record Glossy BlackCockatoo numbers) is happening in September. In preparation, a free volunteer information session and training workshop will be held on Saturday 12 August from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at the Pottsville Environment Park.

Birdlife Australia’s Great Glossy Count is taking place over the weekend of 9 – 10 September. Citizen scientists are needed to help collect data that supports vital bushfire recovery and conservation work for the South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo.

Glossies are active at the moment, with recent sightings in the Tweed and Byron areas. Learning about the behaviour and movement of these locals is key and each sighting helps build this knowledge to further protect these special birds. Attend the upcoming free local workshop with like-minded

bird-lovers to brush up on ID skills. Learn how to locate and identify Glossy Black-Cockatoos and their feed trees in the wild. The workshop will cover:

• identification of Glossy Black-Cockatoos by sight and sound

• how to differentiate females, males and juveniles

• Glossy Black-Cockatoo ecology and behaviour

• identifying and recording feed trees

• age classing of chewings (orts)

• using the Birdata app to record sightings during the Great Glossy Count

• how to stay safe in the field.

The Count is a Birdlife Australia event, in partnership with the Glossy Black Conservancy and Tweed Shire Council. Registration for the workshop is essential at https://bit.ly/GGCTweedWorkshop

Expressions of interest are now open for Council's Audit Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC). Advisory Committees are an important part of Council’s commitment to community engagement.

The work of Council covers a wide range of programs, many of which require specialist, expert knowledge. Councillors take the advice and recommendations from our Advisory Committees very seriously and members' knowledge, skills and experience provide them with valuable insight to support them to make good decisions in the best interests of the Tweed community.

We are looking for people with suitable knowledge, skills and experience to serve on ARIC for a 4-year term, following a member resignation.

For more information go to yoursaytweed.com.au/eoi-aric Express your interest before 4 pm Friday 18 August 2023.

Who’s your local legend?

Nominations for this year’s Tweed Shire Australia Day Awards are now open.

Each year for Australia Day, Council acknowledges the outstanding achievements of individuals, groups, and organisations across a number of award categories. The awards provide an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate those who put back in to make a difference and those who make the Tweed an easy 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

For more information and to submit your nomination via the online form, visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/australia-day Nominations close on Friday 29 September 2023.

Come along to the free workshop to find out how you can join the count and protect these birds. Image: Marama Hopkins

Check out Pottsville Open Spaces draft masterplan

Council is seeking feedback from the local Pottsville community on the Open Space Draft Masterplan for 6 key spaces for Pottsville.

They are: Pottsville Environmental Park/Centre, Ambrose Brown Park, ANZAC Park, Pottsville RSL Memorial Park, Philip Street Reserve and Hardy Park North.

Previously (from 27 July to 24 August 2022), Council asked for feedback to help shape a community vision and plan for Pottsville and have included some of the priorities you said you’d like to see in these key spaces in the draft masterplan.

In addition to the six key spaces, the draft master plan also involves investigations of pump track/biking facility locations within and outside the village area.

The community vision has helped us shape improvements to Pottsville village and surrounds. We now invite you to provide your feedback on the draft plan.

Have your say

Add your voice to decision making in the Tweed

Draft Pottsville Open Space Masterplan

Council is seeking feedback on the draft open space masterplan for 6 key open spaces in Pottsville.

Have your say

The draft Pottsville Open Space Masterplan is on public exhibition from 8 August to 19 September. We invite the local Pottsville community to provide their feedback in one or all of the following ways:

• Online: yoursaytweed.com.au/pottsville

• In person: Community information sessions will take place at:

Koala Beach Sports Field, 19 August 8:30 am – 12:30 pm (giant lawn games to play!)

Pottsville Beach Markets, 20 August 7 :30 am – 1 pm

Pottsville Beach Markets, 3 September 7:30 am – 1 pm

Pottsville Oval, 16 September 10am - 2 pm (giant lawn games to play!)

• Email: tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au

• Mail: General Manager, Tweed Shire Council, 10–14 Tumbulgum Road, Murwillumbah NSW 2484.

Learn more about the draft Pottsville Open Space Masterplan at yoursaytweed.com.au/pottsville

Council will need to seek funding for the delivery of future stages of the masterplan to bring the vision to life.

Enquiries: Tarra Martel, Recreation Planner, Parks & Active Communities, 02 6670 2400.

Image credit: Chris Newling

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

Help us make decisions with you Register at yoursaytweed.com.au

Current vacancies

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

WATER WEEK 5 Check when your water meter is read at tweed.nsw.gov.au/meter-reading

The Pottsville Open Space Draft Masterplan is on public exhibition from 8 August to 19 September 2023. Visit yoursaytweed.com.au/pottsville for ways to have your say.

You can also take part in a series of community information sessions and provide feedback on the draft Masterplan:

• Koala Beach Sports Field on Saturday 19 August, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm

• Pottsville Beach Markets Sunday 20 August, 7:30 am to 1 pm and

• Pottsville Beach Markets Sunday 3 September, 7:30 am to 1 pm

• Pottsville Oval on Saturday 16 September, 10 am to 2 pm

The masterplan will be delivered in stages. Council will need to seek funding for the delivery of future stages of the masterplan.

Tweed Heads footbridge to be closed temporarily

The footbridge (right) linking Ray Pascoe Park to Crystal Waters Drive in Tweed Heads will be temporarily closed to the public from next Monday 14 August for 2 weeks, to allow Council to complete repairs to the structure.

Signs have been installed advising of the upcoming closure and Council apologises for any inconvenience caused during these essential works.

An alternate route via Kennedy Drive is open but is around 250 metres longer and will take extra time. The works are expected to be completed by Friday 25 August.

Council is working to deliver a safe active transport network that can accommodate increased traffic as our

Development application determinations

shire grows, connecting people, places, and businesses to each other.

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

DA23/0006 – Earthworks, retaining walls and hardstand areas for steep driveway associated with an approved dwelling and carport

Lot 822 DP 1019503, No. 13 Firewheel Way, Banora Point

DA23/0212 – Demolition, new dwelling and swimming pool

Lot 20 DP 29974, No. 11 Walter Crescent, Banora Point

DA23/0011 – Two storey dwelling with attached garage, inground pool, earthworks and retaining Lot 12 DP 1208402, No. 79 Tamarind Avenue, Bogangar

DA23/0289 – Detached carport forward of the building line

Lot 321 DP 854383, No. 113 Cabarita Road, Bogangar

DA23/0061 – Alterations and additions to existing dwelling including house raising

Lot 1 Section 2 DP 5119, Lot 2 Section 2DP 5119, No. 98–100 McLeod Street, Condong

DA23/0312 – Carport within the front building line and patio roof

Lot 7 DP 239602, No. 16 Frangela Drive, Murwillumbah

DA23/0154 – Carport for unit 1 and 2 within the front building line

Lot 1 SP 20446, Lot 3 DP 514818, Lot 2 SP 20446, Unit 1/No. 93 Caloola Drive, Tweed Heads

DA23/0236 – Use of alterations and additions including conversion of garage, new carport and 1.5 m high front fence within the front building line

Lot 7 DP 828025, No. 52 Caloola Drive, Tweed Heads

DA21/0672 – Change of use to recreation facility (indoor) & takeaway food and drink premises

Lot 8 SP 75111, Unit 8/No. 23 Enterprise Avenue, Tweed Heads South

DA22/0724 – Alterations and additions to Victory Group vehicle dealership including partial demolition and renovation of the existing workshop, expansion and renovation of the MG/LDV/Isuzu showroom, new MG/LDV/Isuzu service office, expansion and renovation of the Ford showroom, service office and combined service workshop, increase in the number of vehicle service bays, new service drive through, car park and vehicle display reconfiguration, relocation of existing signage and one new sign and lot consolidation

Lot 4 DP 30841, Lot 3 DP 30841, Lot 1 DP 810555, No. 10–20 Minjungbal Drive, Tweed Heads South

DA23/0328 – In-ground swimming pool

Lot 5 DP 794126, No. 303 Upper Crystal Creek Road, Upper Crystal Creek

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

Re-exhibition of development proposal for public comment

The following Development Application has been received by Tweed Shire Council and may be viewed on Council’s DA Tracking site located at datracker.tweed.nsw.gov.au for a period of 14 days from Wednesday 9 August to Wednesday 23 August 2023.

The proposal is not designated development and the Northern Regional Planning Panel is the consent authority.

ApplicantLocation Proposal Application No. Elanor Funds Management Limited

Lot 1 DP 820693, Lot 2 DP 561138, Lot 1 DP 245697, Lot 672 DP 755740 Wharf Street; Lot 3 DP 520173, Lot 3 DP 520173 No. 36 Bay Street; Lot 1 DP 866236 No. 16-32 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads

Concept Development Application under Section 4.22 of the EP&A Act 1979 for the staged redevelopment of the Tweed Mall – concept plan only (NRPP)

DA23/0209

Any person may, during the period specified above, make a submission in writing to Council in relation to the Development Application. Where a submission is in the form of an objection, then the grounds of objection are required to be specified. Any person may, during the above period, make a written submission to the General Manager of Council. It should also be noted that Council has adopted a policy whereby, on request, any submission including identifying particulars will be made public. Council will give consideration to the ‘Public Interest’ and requests for confidentiality by submitters in determining access to submission letters. However, the provisions of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 – GIPAA may result in confidential submissions being released to an applicant. Any submission objecting to the proposed development must state the ground upon which such objection is made.

Please note: Requirements regarding Disclosure of Political Gifts and Donations

A disclosure is required to be made in a statement accompanying the relevant development or planning application by a person who makes the application. In addition, a person who makes a written submission either objecting to or supporting a relevant development or planning application must also make a disclosure if the person has made a reportable political donation.

Further information regarding Donations and Gift Disclosure are available at tweed.nsw.gov.au/development-applications

It’s time to have your say on key open spaces at Pottsville.

Image: Sally Hinton

Watersports Guru needs some help

By Jo Kennett

A LARGE trailer owned by a popular Tweed Coast water sports company, which was stolen in late July, has been found at Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast, but unfortunately nearly all of the water sports equipment inside is still missing.

Watersports Guru owner Tim Jack Adams, who played a crucial role coordinating flood rescues at Chinderah last year, said the trailer disappeared from the park beside the bridge at Kingscliff on the night of Thursday, July 20. It was packed with stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) and kayaks which Tim said were worth around $20,000.

It was last seen at around 3.30am driving along Tweed Coast Road near the Cudgen Road traffic lights, being towed by an older, white Toyota HiLux dual-cab ute.

The trailer was found at Leda Road, Burleigh Heads, on Wednesday, August 2, but unfortunately most of the equipment inside was missing.

“We missed the trailer for a couple of weeks, but we will need to restock our equipment to

get back to full operation”.

“We are at half operations, losing half our equipment including the beloved BIG SUP.

“We have 12 staff in total and we were lucky it was winter and we have until September holidays to get back to full strength again. We are still operating and look forward to seeing our customers.

“The community has been amazing. They have been so supportive and feeling that support has been phenomenal.

“When things like this happen you feel how much the community gets behind you and how much love there is in this community.

“The silver lining is feeling how much they have supported us through this and what a beautiful community it is.”

Police are investigating the theft and anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers anonymously online or by phone on 1800 333 000. The report number is E93908144

Friends have started up a GoFundMe page to help Tim replace the missing equipment.

To donate please visit: gofundme.com/Help-Watersports-Guru

Banora shops outrage

By Jo Kennett

SEVERAL BUSINESS owners, who were promised new premises once the redevelopment of the Banora Shopping Village was finished, are furious after receiving a 30 day notice to vacate.

The Coles supermarket closed in February, with a Woolworths supermarket to go in once the redevelopment is completed, and the post office has relocated to Tweed Heights Shopping Village on Amaroo Drive, but many businesses are still open and some will stay.

Some business owners were told there would be space for them in the new shopping centre, leading them to hang on through months of inconvenience and big losses in revenue as the redevelopment started and foot traffic dropped drastically.

They were shocked and devastated to be given 30 days to vacate with no warning, no compensation and no offer of an alternate location from the centre management, who manage shopping centres throughout Queensland and Northern NSW.

They are also furious they are being asked to pay the full rent despite the loss of trade.

Cafe 88 announced on Monday, August 7, that they are closing due to the decline in trade.

Another business owner, who did not want to be named, said they did not receive an offer from management to relocate in the new village once it’s completed.

“That’s tough after being in business here for 17 years,” the owner said.

“They haven’t offered anything and we are not the only ones; everyone is in the same boat.

“The owners out the front have offers to stay because they aren’t renovating that bit.

“They have gutted some of the shops and put fencing around the outside and it has looked derelict for months, even though there are still shops open inside.

“We are devastated but it’s the old people that can’t travel who will be left with nowhere to go for all their requirements.

“A lot of shops had to close before they went totally broke.”

Continued on page 50.

Buyers

The trailer (inset) was found at Burleigh Heads but most of the equipment was gone. Owner Tim Jack Adams needs a helping hand to keep his business operating

The shopping centre was deserted on Monday afternoon, despite shops still being open

The post office has relocated to Tweed Heights Shopping Village

Phone tower stoush steps up

By Jo Kennett

TWEED SHIRE Councillor Reece Byrnes was in Pottsville last week collecting signatures for a petition demanding council approves a telecommunication tower, but Mayor Chris Cherry says the petition would be better directed at the telcos, who have refused to provide the required documentation needed for approval.

Optus, Telstra and Vodafone Hutchison Australia (VHA) proposed installing a phone tower at 1126 Pottsville Road, (near the Pottsville Ambulance Station) which council knocked back in June.

The mayor said the telcos were asked by council to submit the required documentation or move the tower 18 metres, both of which they declined to do. Council also offered alternate sites, including on council land.

After the latest reception problems in the area, Cr Byrnes said “the decision by the Mayor Chris Cherry, Deputy Mayor Meredith Dennis, James Owen, Rhi Brinsmead, Nola Firth and Warren Polglase to block the monopole tower at Pottsville is a major setback for the community.”

“Many residents have reached out to me, expressing frustration with dropped calls, unreliable internet connections, and limited access to emergency services,” Cr Byrnes said.

“Residents are also demanding that they have consumer choice when it comes to telecommunications.

“That’s why I recently launched a petition calling on my fellow councillors to step up and approve the tower.

“My team and I have been in Pottsville getting signatures and talking to locals about their frustration with this decision. Already, in just over a week, we are ap-

proaching over 1,000 signatures.

“When the mayor teams up with the Greens, Liberals and Nationals to block important infrastructure like this – it puts lives and livelihoods at risk.

“I’m calling on the mayor and my fellow councillors to put away the ideology and start listening to Pottsville locals when it comes to phone and internet reception.”

However, the mayor rejected Cr Byrnes’ claims, saying that the problem lies with the telcos.

“The council report was very clear; the telco was given the choice to either move the tower 18 metres or submit the required documentation to keep it in the location they had,” Cr Cherry said.

“They chose not to do either of these things so council had no choice but to refuse it.

“Why wouldn’t they just do that? I have advised Cr Byrnes that a petition to the telcos would be a lot more powerful as it is in their hands as to whether this problem is solved.”

Cr Cherry said she had personally met with the telcos after the meeting and advised that they could request a review of this decision by providing the required documentation but council has not received it.

“Meanwhile, we have received a different development application for a 112-site caravan park that covers the same flood-prone area, so that seems to indicate the telcos are not pursuing this site any further.

“When I met with representatives from the telecommunications companies, they indicated that the reception in Pottsville has been a known issue since 2008 and they have been struggling to find a suitable location.

“We requested they bring back the site

Veterans’ hub a step closer

THE ESTABLISHMENT of a Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in the Tweed is one step closer, as the process to select an organisation to establish and manage the hub reaches another milestone.

Following a successful grant application, the Australian government has awarded RSL LifeCare Veteran Services, supported by RSL NSW, $50,000 to develop a business case to establish the Tweed/North Coast Hub.

coverage maps of all the alternate sites they have considered over the years and if they are on council land we will consider them.

“We know that this is a really important issue, my own family is also directly impacted so I know the problem is real and impacts on people’s ability to do business and communicate with their families.

“It is important people remember in an emergency that Triple-0 calls can usually still be made with bad or no reception.”

Cr Cherry said she put forward two sites, one on private property where the radio tower is on Hazelwood Drive, only 900m from the proposed site, where she believes the landowner is willing to host the tower.

The other one was council’s Pottsville Reservoir site.

“Both of these seemed to be better than placing it in a site that was chest deep in water during the 2022 flood,” the mayor told The Weekly.

“The last thing we need is telecommunications that fail again in our next emergency.

“The mapping the telcos showed me indicated there are other possibilities, so let’s try to get a solution as soon as possible. Enough is enough.”

The business case will outline the operational and management plans for a new Veterans’ and Families’ Hub, tailored to the needs of the local community.

Hub services may include mental and physical health services, wellbeing support, advocacy, employment, housing, homelessness support, and social connection.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh (pictured below) said the government does not want to take a “cookie-cutter approach” with hubs around the country.

“The opportunity for enhanced stakeholder consultation enables hub services to be designed so they best meet the needs of the local veteran community which can be maintained and sustained for many years to come,” he said.

Member for Richmond Justine Elliot said with this funding, RSL LifeCare Veteran Services, supported by RSL NSW, will now take the next steps in delivering a Veterans’ and Families’ Hub by developing a business case.

“We have a large ex-service population in the region with more than 3,000 veterans and families, including many older veterans and war widows,” she said.

“Having tailored veteran support and services accessible locally are so important to improving the health, wellbeing, and economic outcomes of those who bravely served our nation.

“As your strong voice in the Albanese Labor Government, I’m proud we are taking the next steps to deliver a Veterans’ and Families’ Hub here on the North Coast.”

Councillor Reece Byrnes was in Pottsville to collect signatures for a petition

Measles alert

By Jonathon Howard

TWEED SHIRE residents are being asked to be alert for the signs and symptoms of measles and to get vaccinated if not up to date, following the notification of a case nearby.

It is likely the case acquired their infection whilst travelling in Bali, where a high number of cases have occurred in recent months. The case visited several locations in NSW while infectious, and contact tracing of potential high-risk persons is underway.

Northern NSW Population and Public Health Directorate Acting Director Dr Valerie Delpech said anyone who was in the same locations as the cases should be alert for signs and symptoms of measles until September 18, and check their vaccination status.

People may have been exposed to the case in the following locations: Coffs Harbour University football field, AFL North Coast under 10 competition on Sunday, July 30, between 9am to 10am; Woolgoolga AFL sports field, AFL North Coast under 12 competition on Sunday, July 30, between 11am to 12pm; and a hazard reduction burn at Minnie Water Road, Minnie Water on Monday, July 31, 8.30am to 5.30pm.

“These locations do not pose an ongoing risk to people,” Dr Delpech said.

Anyone born in or after 1966 who has not received two doses of measles vaccine should get a measles vaccine to prevent the infection.

“The measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is safe and effective protection against measles,” Dr Delpech said.

“It’s free for anyone born during or after 1966 who hasn’t already had two doses.

“If you’re unsure whether you’ve had two doses, it’s quite safe to have another.

“The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is available from GPs (all ages) and some

pharmacies (people 12 years of age and over).

“Children should receive the MMR vaccine at 12 and 18 months of age, as part of their routine childhood immunisations.

“Those most likely to be susceptible to measles are infants under 12 months of age who are too young to be vaccinated, anyone who is not fully vaccinated against the disease, including adults, and people with a weakened immune system.”

Dr Delpech said symptoms of measles include fever, sore eyes, and a cough followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that typically spreads from the head and neck to the rest of the body.

“It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure, so it is really important to stay vigilant if you’ve been in the above locations,” she said.

“If you develop symptoms, please call ahead to your GP to ensure you do not spend time in the waiting room with other patients.”

Measles is highly contagious and is spread in the air through coughing or sneezing by someone who is unwell with the disease.

People returning from recent overseas travel should be alert for symptoms.

For more information on measles please visit: health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/ Measles_Factsheet.aspx

Kathryn Willowhite Financial Adviser MFinPlan, DipFP

Homelessness horror stories

By Jonathon Howard

HORROR STORIES from residents sleeping rough across the Tweed Shire continue to set a sombre tone for Homelessness Week, which commenced on Monday, August 7.

Every night people are sleeping rough in their cars and some are even sleeping next to car parks or abandoned buildings across the Tweed.

Affordable housing and more rentals remain at the top of the list for many local service providers, as residents continue to struggle to put a roof over their heads.

During the week, homelessness services and community groups educate the community and advocate for change via national and local community events and the media.

This year, Homelessness Week, which concludes on Sunday, August 13, has the theme: “It’s time to end homelessness” — but the struggles go on for many. Sadly, the situation for many homeless people is only getting worse, as they grapple with a lack of affordable housing, skyrocketing rental prices and a flood of applicants vying for rentals.

To find out more, The Weekly contacted several homeless shelters and spoke with representatives about the situation.

One shelter staff member, who preferred to remain anonymous, is experiencing a surge in client numbers and things are not getting better.

The staff member said the facility

is seeing about 90 to 125 people per day with a range of needs.

Many people are victims of the increasing rental crisis and lack of affordable housing, which is continually pushing out those who are most vulnerable and driving up prices, according to the staff member.

“In fact, finding a rental in the Tweed Shire has never been more difficult,” the staff member said.

“I personally found trying to find a rental extremely difficult.

“I attended several open homes from Kingscliff to Tugun over a month, with more than 300 applicants at some of the open homes.”

The staff member said the competition was so fierce one couple offered up 12 months’ worth of rent to get them over the line, or close to $30,000 upfront.

There are also suggestions that some applicants are allegedly offering owners more money than the listing price.

“Some of the properties are shocking as well and they’re charging upwards of $550 per week with mould and that are rundown,” the staff member said.

A quick search on Realestate. com.au for the cheapest rental in Murwillumbah reveals a single bedroom unit in the CBD for $350 per week.

The cheapest home in Murwillumbah is going for $550 for a

three-bedroom duplex.

Over at Tweed Heads, the cheapest unit is going for $370 per week for a two-bedroom unit on Stanley Street.

Meanwhile, the cheapest house at Tweed Heads will set you back $560 per week for a semi-detached duplex.

Tweed Palliative Support president Meredith Dennis said the secondhand shops have been “extremely busy” with requests for blankets, sheets, towels and essentials.

“The shops have never been busier,” she said.

“It’s all due to rents and the lack of rentals, cost of living and rate increases.”

When asked what the answer is to achieve the theme of Homelessness Week, Ms Dennis, said “more housing — upwards not outwards”.

“There’s a desperate need for more affordable housing,” she said.

“There needs to be a fresh wave of social housing.

“We may need to look at how we live and whether studio apartments and small units for single residents.

“We also need to go up not outwards around developing.”

What the research says

DEMAND FOR assistance from St Vincent de Paul Society NSW’s homelessness and housing services has increased over the past year as

a result of the worsening cost of living and housing crises.

“Our homelessness and housing services assisted 9,024 people in the past financial year, increasing by 4.9 per cent from 12 months earlier,” said Yolanda Saiz, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW CEO.

“The Society’s capacity to meet the soaring demand for assistance has concerningly been stretched with unassisted requests for support from our homelessness and housing services increasing by 81 per cent to 2,690 over the past year.

“We have been able to secure stable accommodation for 53 per cent of people supported by our Specialist Homelessness Services, 50 per cent of clients at risk of homelessness were assisted to maintain housing, while 40 per cent of people who were homeless prior to receiving support are now in stable housing.”

The leading reasons for people seeking assistance from St Vincent de Paul Society NSW’s homelessness and housing services were: domestic and family violence (29.1 per cent); housing crisis such as eviction (15.9 per cent); inadequate or inappropriate housing conditions (8.7 per cent); housing affordability, for example rental increase (8.2 per cent); and relationship/family breakdown (7.4 per cent).

More than 57,000 applicants –the equivalent of 125,000 people – are currently on the waitlist for social housing in NSW.

By Jonathon Howard

VOLUNTEERS WITH Tweedbased charity Head Over Hooves Inc, who help vulnerable animals in need, are extremely concerned that pounds and shelters are overflowing with a high number of pets being surrendered due to the cost of living/homelessness/rental and post-COVID crises.

This week, as part of Homelessness Week, Head Over Hooves said addressing pet homelessness can help to address human homelessness.

“Many experiencing homelessness also have pets, in fact, choosing homelessness over parting with their treasured family member and soulmate, when dire decisions have to be made on how to allocate scarce resources,” Head Over Hooves group spokesperson Susie Hearder said.

“This includes people living in their cars with both dogs and cats, as rentals and crisis accommodation may not be pet friendly.

“This has led to a new focus: to help people and their pets who are doing it tough in our community to stay together and avoid ending up in a pound or shelter.”

Head Over Hooves president Ker-

ri Martin said this is essential to the health and well-being of both the person and the pet.

“Mental health benefits of having a pet are well documented,” she said.

“For someone experiencing homelessness, they may feel that their pet is their soul reason for living.”

Homeless choosing pets first Banding together to highlight homelessness

Ms Martin said pets are our family and should be with us through highs and lows.

“Those that are less fortunate or vulnerable should not have to give up their family members,” she said.

“Pets give unconditional love, companionship, comfort, warmth, security and support during difficult times and can be essential for health and well-being. Being responsible for a pet can also influence the choices you make.”

Ms Martin said there is also an emerging and large demographic of people who are at risk of homelessness due to financial stress and the rental crisis and this is only exacerbated by rentals and crisis accommodation not being pet friendly.

For more information, or to help support Head Over Hooves, please visit: headoverhooves.org/

By Jonathon Howard

THIS HOMELESSNESS Week

(August 7-13), Tweed Shire organisations are uniting to highlight homelessness.

Social Futures CEO Tony Davies said the community service organisations Social Futures, Momentum Collective, The Family Centre, Northern Rivers Housing and Tweed Assertive Outreach will together hold events in Tweed Heads, Lismore and Grafton to highlight the dire housing need in the Northern Rivers.

“Towns in our region now have more people sleeping on the streets than Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong combined according to figures released last month,” he said.

“Affordable rental properties are scarce, and demand for homelessness support has surged.”

Mr Davies said he hoped that the government would act to ensure that homelessness support services in the region are adequately funded to

meet demand over the longer term.

What you can do to help address Tweed homelessness

Attend the events: show your solidarity by participating in the awareness-raising events in Tweed Heads. Spread the word: engage with the #HomelessnessWeek2023 hashtag on social media, share information, and raise awareness about the issue of homelessness.

Volunteer: get involved with local community organisations assisting homeless individuals and families. Your time and support can make a difference.

Advocate: reach out to local politicians and government representatives, urging them to prioritise homelessness as a critical issue and invest in more affordable housing solutions.

Donate: If you are in a position to do so, consider donating to local homelessness support organisations to assist them in their vital work.

Family pets can be just as affected as humans

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Discover the fairytale town of towers’ San Gimignano. Explore Italy s evocative regions as you travel from Milan to Rome discovering regional delights and stunning scenery along the way. Cruise on Lake Como, stay in a dreamy Italian castle, stroll the romantic canals of Venice and explore the idyllic villages of the Cinque Terre. Indulge in local Tuscan delights, walk beautifully preserved medieval towns and of course stay on the Amalfi Coast.

Douro Delights

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Be among the first APT guests to take a deep dive into the sun -kissed wonders of Portugal and Spain on the 14-day Douro Delights with Lisbon and Madrid tour, featuring seven nights aboard APT’s brand-new luxury river ship, the MS Estrela Sip port in Porto, savour lunch and wine tasting at a family -owned Quinta in Entre-os-Rios, visit Palácio da Bolsa for a guided tour and Fado performance, and explore the region’s capitals to bookend the journey.

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Just a reminder ...

Our team from Helloworld Main Street Murwillumbah are still operating locally and indeed are in town every Monday to meet with clients. We operate by appointment only, providing Face to Face Travel Service for our Murwillumbah/Tweed Valley clientele. Contact us now to book your appointment in the Heart of Murwillumbah CBD. We look forward to hearing from you.

True local Phyllis turns 100

By Jonathon Howard

AFTER TURNING 100 recently, Phyllis Eva Barnett, one of the original Tweed Heads South locals, is still a powerhouse of enthusiasm.

Phyllis’ family recently reached out to The Weekly to celebrate her remarkable milestone and highlight her history and heritage in the Tweed.

Phyllis is still living at the family home in Tweed Heads South that was owned by her parents David and Mabel Jordan.

Phyllis was one of eight children and sadly her father died when she was 10 years old.

“Mum had six children, has 13 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild,” her daughter Robyn Kickbusch told The Weekly Seniors.

Phyllis has quite the local story to tell including that she owned and worked in the first butcher shop in Tweed Heads South, known as Barnett’s Butchery, established in 1955 and closed in 1984.

“She has lived her whole life in South Tweed Heads,” Robyn said, and she loves it every day.

Phyllis’ key to a long life has been hard work and remaining close to family.

“Mum has been a hard worker all her life and attributes that to her long, healthy life,” Robyn said.

“Mum says, ‘You just keep going’ she remembers making sausages and mince in the butcher shop. At times she had two

jobs washing dishes at night at some of the local clubs.

“She is a very hands-on mum, always minding the grandchildren and being involved in their lives.”

In fact, just a few weeks ago, Phyllis was spotted at Cudgen Leagues Club grounds watching her great-grandson play in the

Seniors fuel saver

NSW SENIORS Card and Senior Savers Card members can now save four cents per litre on every fuel purchase at participating United service stations, using a digital or physical fuel discount card.

NSW Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said cost of living can be a challenge for older people and every dollar counts.

“This brand new discount has been added to the wealth of Seniors Card savings to help keep more money in seniors’ pockets and ease price pressure at the pump,” Minister Harrison said.

“We want our Seniors Card and Senior Savers Card holders to get the best possible benefits, discounts, and special offers, and we’re excited to launch the program’s first fuel discount with United Petroleum, an Australian-owned business offering discounts to members at the bowser.”

If seniors choose a digital card, this can be used straight away, while the plastic card will be delivered within five to 15 business days.

The NSW Seniors Card and Senior Savers Card are the largest programs of its kind in Australia and have been running for 31 years. Current discounts available on both cards include several to ease the cost of living:

• Woolworths: 5 per cent off WISH e-gift cards

• IGA: 5 per cent off gift cards

• AGL: up to $200 in sign up credits when switching to the AGL Seniors Saver plan. That’s $100 for electricity and $100 for gas. Offer available to new and moving customers only

• Energ y Australia: exclusive guaranteed 12 per cent off electricity and 10 per cent off gas rates

under 10s.

“She keeps busy today doing her jigsaw puzzles, knitting squares for blankets and doing her crosswords in That’s Life magazine,” Robyn said.

“Mum still does her washing and ironing and cooks the dinner and has remained independent most of her life.”

• Insure and Go: 15 per cent off Insure and Go travel insurance policies, Norton: 56% off Norton 360 Deluxe (first year subscription)

• R SPCA: 50% senior pet adoption + 10% off RSPCA veterinary services

For more information or to apply for a NSW Seniors Card or Senior Savers Card, seniors can visit: https://www. service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/nsw-seniors-card-program

“Youth is the gift of nature, but age is a work of art.”

STANISLAW JERZY LEC

From top left, clockwise: Phyllis as a young woman, attending her greatgrandchildren's sporting events, Phyllis' house today and her butcher shop back in 1959/60, on her birthday with a letter from the King

Seniors Expo a must see

THE EXCITING annual Gold Coast Seniors Health and Lifestyle Expo is set for the Stars Room on level 5 of Twin Towns on Thursday, August 24.

The free education and information session for seniors will run from 9.30am to 1.30pm and is a great chance for our local seniors to access vital information.

Information from Services Australia, (Centrelink) Gold Coast City Council, and much more will also be available.

“Come along and ask questions as to what is relevant to your needs when it comes to aged care,” Mr Elwell said.

“All in one location on the same day and its free entry.”

High Tea Fashion Show

High Tea Fashion Show

High Tea Fashion Show

Event organiser Warren Elwell said the expo has been staged over the last 15 years and have become a great source of free information. “The expo helps people find what they are looking for when it comes to aged care,” he said.

Mr Elwell said the expo will feature around 60 exhibitors such as residential aged care providers, travel agents (specialising in travel for seniors), vision aids, funeral services, and much more.

Free Community Event.

Free Community Event.

Mon 14th August 10.30 AM

Mon 14th August 10.30 AM

“You can see all the health and lifestyle information such as retirement living options, in-home care, seniors travel, seniors’ insurance, financial planners, investment advice, free hearing and eyesight checks, and mobility aids.”

“Check out the website for more details: www. gcseniorsexpos.com.au.”

If you require any further information please contact Mr Elwell via email: warren.elwell@ bigpond.com or mobile: 0409 277 430.

Free Community Event.

Join us for a morning of fashion and high tea at our beautiful retirement village. Relax, make new friends and browse the range of classic wardrobe staples from U&I Designs.

Join us for a morning of fashion and high tea at our beautiful retirement village. Relax, make new friends and browse the range of classic wardrobe staples from U&I Designs.

To join us, please RSVP by Wed 9 Aug to Chantal Swanton-Gallant

Join us for a morning of fashion and high tea at our beautiful retirement village. Relax, make new friends and browse the range of classic wardrobe staples from U&I Designs.

To join us, please RSVP by Wed 9 Aug to Chantal Swanton-Gallant

07 5524 8910

To join us, please RSVP by Wed 9 Aug to Chantal Swanton-Gallant

cgallant@boltonclarke.com.au

07 5524 8910 cgallant@boltonclarke.com.au

07 5524 8910

boltonclarke.com.au/events

boltonclarke.com.au/events

cgallant@boltonclarke.com.au

boltonclarke.com.au/events

Nourishing Your Brain

Dementia is an umbrella term for a set of symptoms characterised by a decline in memory and cognitive functioning. It affects millions of people and can have a devastating impact on a person’s life. Whilst there’s no sure-fire prevention method, making lifestyle changes like eating healthier and getting more exercise can help reduce your risk of developing dementia. Here are some ways to start living a healthier life.

Eat a Balanced Diet. Eating a balanced diet is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of dementia. Make sure that your diet includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid

HEALTHY EATING MADE EASY

Darlington Retirement Village

Mon 14th August 10.30 AM

Darlington Retirement Village

126 Leisure Drive

126 Leisure Drive

Banora Point, NSW

Banora Point, NSW

Darlington Retirement Village

126 Leisure Drive

Banora Point, NSW

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

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

Nourish Your Brain with Gourmet Meals

The foods you eat play an important role in brain health and help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. By providing tasty and nutritious

pre-made meals, Gourmet Meals takes the guesswork out of eating healthy. Our meals are made with the freshest ingredients and are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, providing your brain with the nourishment it needs to stay healthy. Gourmet Meals also makes healthy eating easy by delivering straight to your door! All you have to do is remove your Gourmet Meal from the freezer, heat, and enjoy! With Gourmet Meals, you can ensure you are eating healthy and staying on track to reducing your risk for dementia.

Place an order today by calling 1300 112 112 or by visiting our website at www.gourmetmeals.com.au

Minimum order $55.00 (excl delivery of $8.50)

“Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be.”

ROBERT BROWNING

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“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

Preparing for growing old

THE HEAD of Research at National Seniors Australia says growing old takes work, but three things can help us to prepare, including a positive attitude to ageing.

Dr Diane Hosking was head of the team that put together the National Seniors Australia research report, Preparation for Ageing and Later Life.

“Growing up, I was told it is a privilege to get older and reminded not everyone has the opportunity,” she said.

“But rather than later life being celebrated and respected, over time many of us have come to believe it is problematic and therefore something to be feared.

“That’s partly because we’re living longer, so collectively older age is somewhat uncharted territory. It requires a lot more preparation than in past generations.”

Dr Hosking said researchers know very little about how prepared we feel for ageing in Australia, what aspects of preparation are a priority and what factors impact our capacity to prepare.

“National Seniors Australia’s new research enriches our understanding of all these things, based on a survey of 3400 people aged 50 and older,” she said.

“Just over two-thirds of our survey respondents felt somewhat or very prepared for ageing, but those who had ageing concerns were significantly less likely to feel prepared.

“Conversely, respondents who agreed there are positive aspects to ageing were 340 per cent more likely to feel prepared for it.

“That’s a significant difference, associated with a sunnier outlook on getting older.”

Dr Hosking says that age, health and wealth all affect our readiness for later life too.

“The research showed older and wealthier

people were significantly more likely to feel prepared, while those in poor health were nearly 30 per cent less likely to feel prepared,” she said.

The survey revealed that across all life areas, feeling prepared is associated with taking action, gaining knowledge and having a positive mindset.

“As one 68-year-old respondent explained, ‘Our finances and living arrangements have been planned for many years and make ageing somewhat easier’,” Dr Hosking said.

“On the other hand, comments about being unprepared highlighted worry and the barriers to preparation.”

Overall, the comments suggested that older people need three kinds of support to prepare for ageing.

“Structural change such as housing and income security are essential enablers because without access to these material supports, any preparations will be inadequate,” the head researcher said.

“People need to know what to expect from their ageing bodies, what changes to make in their lives, and how to navigate our social support systems in later life.

“Emotional resilience is the third factor, to help people challenge negative expectations and fears that prevent them from making preparations.”

Dr Hosking said we could all benefit from “cultivating that magical positive attitude to ageing.”

“While ageing can present changing circumstances, taking action to prepare for it helps maintain quality of life – it buffers against health-related challenges and increases opportunities for fulfilment and satisfaction,” she said.

An adjustable bed could be your solution!

Meeting to save vital FABS

By Jonathon Howard

MORE THAN 150 members of the Banora Point Community Centre attended a workshop on Wednesday, August 2, to discuss the future of the centre and its popular Fun Activities for Banora Seniors program (FABS).

The workshop was facilitated by Better Cities Group and was attended by Tweed Shire Mayor Chris Cherry, Deputy Mayor Meredith Dennis and Councillor Nola Firth.

Residents are concerned that a withdrawal of funds by the federal government is putting the FABS program at risk, with funding set to cease in December.

However, Mayor Cherry said she and her fellow councillors have “heard loud and clear that these programs are incredibly important to our community”.

“It was obvious that when people come together to crochet, to paint, to play mahjong or the ukulele, what they are getting is friendship, connection, counselling and support that is invaluable for keeping people independently living in their own homes, invaluable for keeping people well and connected in our increasingly isolated society and invaluable for providing a place that people feel safe,” Mayor Cherry said.

“Council is committed to working with the FABS committee to find a way forward to ensure that this program is continued.”

Mayor Cherry said several hurdles will need to be overcome to maintain FABS, but she’s determined to find a way forward.

“Unfortunately, the federal funding that used to pay for this program is being withdrawn so we have to find a new way to fund it,” she said.

“Whether this is through increased hire of the Community Centre during the five days that the FABS programs do not use the centre each week, or whether the funding will come from another source, is what we are currently working through with the committee.

“I believe the FABS program has an incredibly bright future and will continue to be the hub of connection and support for a long time to come.”

At the end of the session Mayor Cherry addressed the group, assuring them that FABS will continue and council supports it, but was unable to say under what model.

“People left the meeting with a feeling

Big Morning Tea

THE ANNUAL Wedgetail Big Morning Tea, held at the North Star Holiday Resort on Thursday, July 20, has been a big success once again with over $4,000 raised

The morning tea raises funds for Wedgetail Retreat and is organised by the North Star community of residents. Organiser Pauline Fitzgerald said there were 88 people at the fundraiser.

“We raised $2,427, with Diana Beadel (the owner of North Star) donating another $2,000, bringing the total raised to $4,427,” Pauline told The Weekly. “We are over the moon with that.”

There were raffle prizes, a beautiful morning tea prepared by local residents and laughs aplenty at the morning tea, a wonderful contribution by caring community members to the important work the team at Wedgetail Retreat do.

Wedgetail provides 24/7 specialised palliative care for people with a life-limiting illness and their families in a modern homelike environment in a rainforest setting.

Wedgetail has friendly registered nursing staff and trained volunteer palliative carers offering a client-centred approach to caring for clients and their loved ones, with care provided free of charge to the vulnerable and disadvantaged.

of hope and were happy to have their say and be heard,” one of the residents, who reported back to The Weekly, said.

“Lots of people chatted and socialised which was a good indication of the way the centre operates normally.

“We eagerly await a copy of the consultation report which will be provided to council prior to the council meeting set to take place on September 21 this year.”

YOUR THOUGHTS: Do you use FABS at Banora Point Community Centre? The Weekly would love to hear from you. Please send the editor an email via editor@theweekly.net.au – or phone the editor directly on: 0447 300 258.

Caryl, Horrie, Jill, Heather and Pattie from Parked at the fundraiser

(L-R) Barbara, Lynne, Jan and Desley

Organisers Pauline Fitzgerald and Rod and Sandra Drummond

An important meeting took place at the Banora Point Community Centre recently

Dental Week

Q: What is a great tip for keeping your teeth or dentures healthy?

Murwillumbah Family Dentist part-owner and dentist Michelle Ng said being aware of clenching and grinding your teeth. We’re seeing an increase in patients clenching and grinding their teeth due to recent stresses. We can offer a splint to use at night when sleeping, or in the day, to help protect the teeth from further wear and can alleviate pain in the jaw joint area (TMJ). Come and see us for more information.

Michelle and Victoria are gentle, caring and experienced dentists who have worked in Murwillumbah for over 20 years and 15 years, respectively.

Murwillumbah Family Dentist is a family-friendly

Bromley’s Denture Clinic practice manager Ashlee Henwood said if you have pain from a denture or discomfort, it may be that the gums have changed and your denture no longer fits. This can be rectified by visiting Bromley’s for a reline. That’s a refitting process that will refit the surface to the denture and give you more comfort.

Denture Problems?

THERE ARE many problems that people encounter when wearing (or learning to wear) a denture – sore spots, looseness and damaged or missing denture teeth to name a few. The good news is there is no need to endure through pain or problems with your denture. In most cases, your dental prosthetist can help.

Sore spots are the most common problem faced by denture wearers. A sore spot occurs when the denture moves and rubs on the gum, causing a small amount of swelling leading to the denture rubbing more. Left untreated, the rubbing continues until the skin on the gum breaks causing a painful ulceration. This is something that can quickly be fixed by your dental prosthetist. By identifying where the denture is rubbing on the gum, and adjusting the denture accordingly, relief should be instantaneous. The trick is treating the sore spot when it is a small problem, before it becomes a painful ulceration.

A number of different factors can cause a denture to feel ‘loose’. If it is a partial denture, perhaps it is a simple matter of having the clasps tightened, or if it is a full denture, you may need a reline. When you have a natural tooth extracted, your gums shrink and are continually changing shape. Whilst this change slows down over time, it never completely stops, meaning that your denture is only a ‘good fit’ for a certain period of time. A reline replaces the fitting surface of your denture to suit the shape your gums are now, not the shape they were when the denture was made. A reline usually takes one day to complete and, in most cases, fixes a perceived

looseness issue. In some cases, especially with a complete lower denture, implants may be required to stop the denture from moving around. A consultation with a dental prosthetist is the safest way to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.

Missing or damaged denture teeth is something that can affect daily life. Being embarrassed to smile or speak to people can seriously impact one’s self esteem. Denture teeth as well as other denture components (clasping, ‘gum’ area etc) can be replaced or repaired. A denture repair is generally fairly straight forward and happens inhouse over a couple of hours depending on the repair.

Whether you are experiencing sore spots, denture looseness, need a denture repair, or your denture simply needs a clean, Bromley’s Denture Clinic can help. We are your family owned local denture clinic with over 20 years combined experience, and whatever your denture problem may be, we are here to listen and help where ever we can. Life is too short to endure denture ‘teething problems’.

To find out more visit 54 Kirkwood Road, Tweed Heads South, or phone (07) 5523 2555.

Open Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm | (02) 6672 7620

Achieve

total wellness with healthy smiles.

King Street Dental in Murwillumbah dental assistant Jayde Hosking said the best methods for healthy teeth are brushing twice a day, morning and night, and flossing before bed. You should also avoid sugary foods and sugary drinks. Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings.

$200 Check-up & Clean

For all patients with no health fund, we offer a $200 Check-up and Clean every 6-months (twice a year). Includes check-up, scale, polish, fluoride and x-rays.

Children’s Dental

Eligible children have access to a benefit of $1,052 (over 2 consecutive calendar years) for services such as cleaning, x-rays, filling and much more.

Emergency Dentist

Once a dental emergency has occurred, a quick visit to the dentist can help save a tooth and procedures to fix the tooth can be made straight away.

Cosmetic Dentistry

$200 Check-up & Clean

Enhance the appearance and function of your smile with our smile makeovers.

Smile Makeover - Cosmetic Dentistry - Veneers

Smile Makeover - Cosmetic Dentistry - Veneers

16 King Street, Murwillumbah NSW 2484/ Ph: 02 6672 1788 practice@kingstdental.com.au

16 King Street, Murwillumbah NSW 2484/ Ph: 02 6672 1788 practice@kingstdental.com.au

Orthodontics

For all patients with no health fund, we offer a $200 Check-up & Clean every 6-months (twice a year). Includes check-up, scale, polish, fluoride and x-rays.

Experience the convenience of Invisalign; an innovative orthodontic treatment that provides a discreet solution for straightening teeth without braces.

Restorative Dentistry

Children’s Dental

Eligible children have access to a benefit of $1,052 (over 2 consecutive calendar years) for services such as cleaning, x-rays, filling and much more.

Emergency Dentist

POINT 07 5523 3533

BAY 02 6685 7026

Murwillumbah residents have something to smile about this week as the King Street Dental Practice team proudly sponsors Dental Health Week in the community. With a firm commitment to promoting oral health awareness and preventive dental care, the practice is taking the initiative to educate and engage locals in maintaining a happy and healthy smile.

Dental Health Week, is an annual event aimed at highlighting the importance of oral hygiene and the role it plays in overall well-being. The team at King Street Dental Practice is enthusiastic about empowering the Murwillumbah community with essential dental knowledge. The practice aims to equip locals with the tools and information they need to embrace good oral hygiene habits.

“We are excited to be part of Dental Health Week and contribute to our community’s well-being. Prevention is at the core of our practice, and we believe that through education and awareness, we can help individuals prevent dental problems and improve their overall health,” says Dr. Rafael Maia, the lead dentist at King Street Dental Practice. King Street Dental Practice is offering exclusive discounts on comprehensive dental check-ups and X-rays during this week, encouraging residents to take charge of their oral health and prioritise regular dental visits.

The practice’s involvement in Dental Health Week is a testament to their unwavering commitment to the well-being of the Murwillumbah community. By providing accessible dental care and promoting preventive measures, they aim to make a positive impact on oral health.

BEACH 02 6676 4333

07 5534 7033

Once a dental emergency has occurred, a quick visit to the dentist can help save a tooth and procedures to fix the tooth can be made straight away.

02 6674 3344

Cosmetic Dentistry

Enhance the appearance and function of your smile with our smile makeovers.

If you’re in Murwillumbah and surrounds, take advantage of the offers during Dental Health Week at King Street Dental Practice. Invest in your oral health and experience the joy of a beautiful and healthy smile. Remember, a healthy smile leads to a healthier life!

90290

Are

healthy?

Are

School demerger pushing ahead

By Jo Kennett

NSW EDUCATION Minister Prue Car says she remains committed to the demerger process of Murwillumbah’s two public high schools and has released three clear messages as the government approaches the halfway mark of consultation.

Minister Car, who is also deputy premier, visited Murwillumbah alongside Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin on Tuesday, August 8.

The minister met with staff, parents and carers from the Murwillumbah community to hear their frustrations about the former coalition government’s “flawed plan to carry out a mega-merger of four schools in Murwillumbah”.

“The former government pushed ahead with a plan to merge Murwillumbah Public School, Murwillumbah East Public School, Murwillumbah High School and Wollumbin High School without community consultation, and despite strong opposition from local stakeholder groups,” Ms Car said.

“I am so happy to be here today in Murwillumbah, to hear from the local communities about the best path forward for these four schools,” she said.

“We are here to listen to and understand the frustrations of this community, who were treated with a shocking amount of contempt by the former Liberal National government.

“Even though it was opposed, the former government pushed ahead with a highly unpopular mega-merger of four schools.

“We will not repeat those mistakes and have already used early results from consultations to create a new path for these school communities.

“We have already learned there are many opportunities to work together, grow and learn, and I believe we can have a positive impact here if we honour our commitment to listen to this important community.”

The minister provided the media with the first three steps the Minns Labor Government have taken from early stages of the consultation under the titles recognition, communicate and collaborate.

“Recognition: the former Liberal National government’s mega-merger destabilised the local community, and the Minns Labor Government is taking the following steps to provide certainty,” the statement from the minister reads.

“Students currently in Year 11 and 12 students will complete the HSC at their current high school. Parents will be able to access ongoing support through information evenings.

“Uniform vouchers will also be provided to parents if students are required to change between schools.

“For teachers at Murwillumbah schools, a support package will be prepared, including extending the current Murwillumbah staffing agreement to at least the end of 2027 to protect staff positions, even if enrolments change; provide special consideration for those wishing to move to other school settings, and support staff applying for special transfers; additional leave provision for staff who used their sick leave entitlements during the merger process; providing ongoing confidential support to all staff through the Employee Assistance Program and; providing ongoing support for staff as they return to separate schools.

“Communicate: share information with the community throughout the de-merger process.

Fire ants could rival cane toad

RED FIRE ants could rival cane toads in their impact on NSW agriculture, says NSW Nationals leader Dugald Saunders, who said Labor is “failing to act” to protect NSW.

Mr Saunders joined MPs from NSW and Queensland to slam the government’s handling of the red fire ant containment, which was last detected about 5.5km from the Tweed Shire. “We cannot say with any certainty that the fire ant is not already in NSW,” Mr Saunders told the media at the NSW-Queensland border marker on Monday, August 7.

Mr Saunders said the “failure of the Commonwealth and other states to commit their funding has resulted in a reduced budget of only $84 million for 2023/24”, which he says is $49 million short of the $133 million required for full eradication.”

“Based on the results of feedback and consultation, the government will develop a plan and timeline for returning Murwillumbah High School and Wollumbin High School.

“Provide a clear outline of future works across at the Murwillumbah schools.

“Collaborate: harness opportunities across Murwillumbah’s school community.

“As the schools return to having their own unique identity, continue ongoing collaboration between staff, finding more opportunities to share learning material and collaborate on curriculum.”

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin welcomed the minister and expressed how grateful she is for the demerger process.

“I am so grateful that we are able to move forward on our election commitments, returning four schools to the Murwillumbah area as we listen to the community,” she said.

“We are committed to listening, learning, and getting things right in Murwillumbah.”

Member for Tweed Geoff Provest attended the meeting alongside several local and Queensland farmers, and said the arrival of the pest would have a catastrophic impact for the Tweed.

“Fire ants kill off native plants and animals and damage ecosystems beyond repair, they sting people, pets and livestock and can result in the closure of parks, playgrounds and beaches,” Mr Provest said.

The Weekly took the National Party’s concerns to the government for a response and received an update from the Department of Primary Industries instead.

A spokesperson for the Department of Primary Industries said it has a NSW Government commitment of $95 million over four years to “protect and prepare the state for a fire ant invasion”.

“NSW is part of the National Fire Ant Eradication Program, which is focused on the containment and eradication of red imported fire ants,” the DPI spokesperson said.

“The National Response Plan is reviewed and adjusted as required.

The DPI spokesperson said its intent was that fire ants “do not reach NSW”.

“To further prevent red imported fire ants moving into our state, NSW is engaging directly with stakeholders and businesses who are likely to import material from the high-risk areas of south-east Queensland, reminding them of the need to ensure the imported materials comply with the NSW Regulations,” the DPI spokesperson said.”

Residents and businesses should report any sign of fire ants to the NSW DPI on 1800 680 244.

Minister Pru Car with Janelle Saffin MP

Sweet Talk with Robert Hawken Sweet Talk with Robert Hawken

THE HARVEST at the Condong Mill area continues to progress well because of fine weather and good mill performance.

Up until August 2 this year, 24 per cent of the estimated crop, being 87,000 tonnes, was harvested.

The total estimated crop for the year now sits at just below 400,000 tonnes of cane.

The sugar content of the cane remains above average for this time of year and will continue to rise as spring arrives.

In the sugar milling process the cane stalks are crushed and the juice is extracted leaving a cane fibre called bagasse.

This bagasse is the main fuel source for the boilers at Condong and Broadwater mills, where Cape Byron Energy produces enough electricity to supply 50 per cent of the power needs of the north coast region, as well as providing power to both sugar mills when operating at full capacity of 60 megawatts — 30 megawatts at Condong and 30 megawatts at Broadwater.

After the cane harvest season, the fuel source for the generation of electricity is mainly sawmill waste with some local biofuel such as camphor laurel.

I would like to see an incentive for local landowners to be permitted to provide camphor laurel to the mills without penalty.

Such a program could continue to supply the mills with a fuel source to generate power as well as slow down the ongoing rapid spread of the invasive camphor laurel weed.

The slower-growing native flora would have a better chance to re-establish itself if this was done.

Cane planting starts in late August and

Cane harvest progress report

ground preparation is well underway.

Condong growers use lime and filter-press (a residual from the milling process), as soil conditioners prior to planting cane.

The lime helps to improve the pH level of the acidic soils and the filter-press, also known as mill mud, helps to make clay soils more friable, which allows water to permeate through the soil structure.

It is pleasing to see that the world sugar price is sustaining the high level that has been at around US $800 for several months.

This price is the benchmark for the sale of sugar around the world, including the sugar produced in NSW and sold into the domestic Australian market.

The NSW sugar industry has sustained some very severe hits in recent years with

Nominate for council awards

severe drought followed by unprecedented flooding in the Richmond and Tweed areas.

The farms in these areas have still not fully recovered from the downturn in production so good prices for the sugar we are able to produce are most welcome.

If fine weather continues, we expect that a considerable amount of one-year-old cane will be harvested green.

This can be done viably if the excess straw that remains in the field is baled and removed from the field.

The bales of straw are processed and sold into the commercial garden mulch market. The sale of the straw can compensate for the considerable extra cost of harvesting green.

Best wishes to all Tweed Valley Weekly readers. Stay safe, Rob Hawken

NOMINATIONS FOR this year’s Tweed Shire Australia Day Awards are now open.

Each year for Australia Day, council acknowledges the outstanding achievements of individuals, groups and organisations across a number of award categories.

The awards provide an opportunity to recognise and celebrate those who make a difference and make the Tweed a great place to live and visit.

Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry said one of the best ways to recognise those people doing great things in and for our community was through the Tweed Shire Australia Day Awards.

“There are so many people — both individuals and groups — doing so much to contribute to our community and helping to make the Tweed such a great place to live,” Cr Cherry said.

“The awards are an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding achievements of these individuals and groups, the impacts they have and the difference they can make in the community. This is an opportunity to nominate them for significant community recognition!”

Council will be holding the next Tweed Shire Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony on Thursday, January 25, 2024, rather than on Australia Day, January 26.

This is in response to the Australian Government giving local councils a range of dates on which they can choose to hold their ceremonies.

To nominate please visit the Tweed Shire Council website: https://tinyurl.com/37z9a8ue

Tweed Citizen of the Year 2022 is Joan Henderson

Tweed's cane harvest is progressing well thanks to fine weather

WHAT A great competition we have with four rounds to go and the fight for spots is all happening.

You would think the JJ Giltinan shield and the $100k is heading to the Panthers or Broncos.

Destiny is in each team’s hands with the Broncos maybe a small advantage with the bye involved, however, the Panthers are starting to find form at the right time.

Regardless of who you follow the Broncos have some real strike and entertainment value with Walsh, Staggs, Cobbo and Mam.

Add Carrigan and Hass to the engine room and I genuinely believe they are the only team to really challenge Penrith. I really hope the

Warriors hold on for a top 4 spot and with games against the bottom 6 teams they are primed for a real tilt at the title. Webster will be coach of the year for sure, he has done an amazing job with the Wahs.

Six teams within 3 points of each other and four games to go makes for compelling viewing and I feel the top teams would be concerned if the Cowboys or Parra sneak in.

The Knights continue to be the team on a run and would be confident again this week against the Dogs to entrench themselves in a semi spot. Ravalawa lands four tries on the weekend but the Dragons still get bit with a bit of controversy finishing off the game and keeping the Eels in with a chance.

A few games to go and several teams are out of contention so it’s always interesting to see what youngsters get blooded at the back end of the season. I know there are plenty of Tweed based people who would love to see a few local juniors get a run in the top grade for the Titans.

The Q Cup will be a battle to the end as well with the Bears still a chance for the top spot and Tweed desperate to sneak into the finals with two games to go.

In the Colts competition both teams play this weekend to probably determine who gets the

coveted top spot.

The NRLW is gaining a bigger audience and following every week with our local girls the Titans 3/3 and on top of the ladder. It was great to see a few of them out and about at the Seagulls girls development afternoon at Piggabeen last week.

In the NRRRL the top spot is still up for grabs but pre-season favourites and reigning premiers the Jets in the box seat. Ballina will be hoping for a slip up from the Jets against the Mustangs and Northern United who sit third and will finish there have been super consistent. The last 3 spots are still up for grabs and results this weekend will be vital to determine if teams go for a week longer or are on Mad Monday. 5 teams are still capable of finishing top 6 and the higher up you finish the more chance of survival.

For those who don’t get enough footy locally the English Super League Challenge Cup final is on Sunday morning oz time between Hull KR and the Leigh Leopards. What an amazing concept that is still as strong today as it’s ever been. A packed Wembley would be in the top 5 stadiums in the world.

See you at the footy.

Quinny

(02) 6672 1844

Stuart Brady

Image by NRL

Vote on future of Cudgen Leagues

By Jo Kennett

Continued from page 3.

The board has stated in the notice regarding the amalgamation that there will now be “new regular member and community consultation and engagement meetings”.

The notice to members from the board states that the next stage includes, “ongoing due diligence by both clubs, planning and building project considerations required to commence and complete full building works of the clubhouse” and “the negotiation and execution of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) containing the terms of the proposed amalgamation.” Members will be able to provide feedback and help shape the MoU at planned meetings with the board and Norths Collective representatives.

A copy of the MoU, once negotiated and completed, will be made available to members for inspection at least 21 days before the general meeting where members will vote on the proposed amalgamation.

After the MOU is completed, both Norths Collective and Cudgen Leagues Club will vote separately on the proposed amalgamation.

The notice from Cudgen Leagues Club states that “if the proposed amalgamation is completed after the various legislative requirements have been met, then in substance all land, assets, liabilities and the club licence of Cudgen Leagues Club, as set out in the memorandum of understanding, will pass to Norths Collective subject to the terms and conditions on the memorandum of understanding.”

Read next week’s edition for more.

Music in the Meadow presents Serenades of Spring

Sunday 17 Sep. 2023

Barry Singh and the Caldera Chamber Ensemble have put together a program that promises to be a BOUQUET FOR ALL THE SENSES. The program will include Tchaikovsky’s Waltz of the Flowers, the Brahms’ Hungarian Dances no. 1 and 5, the Roses from the South Waltz and more.

Dress in 1800s apparel! (optional)

Bring a picnic basket, rug, table, chairs, and good cheer...

Gates open at 12.30. Concert from 2 pm - 5 pm

288 Stokers Road, Stokers Siding

Tickets at www.trybooking.com/CJFWC or at the Murwillumbah Music store

An artist's impression of the redesigned club, it is unknown whether this design will remain

ITV Grants are back to help

By Madeleine Murray

THE 2023 ITV grants round opens on Thursday, August 17, and closes on Sunday, September 17.

This gives groups over four weeks to prepare and submit their applications.

The ITV TCIF (Tweed Community Initiative Fund) began in 2017 as a way of giving back to the Tweed Shire which hosts the ITV production ‘I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!’.

Since then, ITV Studios, owned by British public broadcast network ITV, has donated more than $307,000 in 115 grants, making the grants program well known among not-for-profit groups across the Tweed.

A new community committee has been established and is made up of three respected, independent leaders from the Tweed.

The role of the committee is to assess applications and allocate the funds for the 2023 round.

New committee member Joan Henderson has many years’ experience as a social worker in health and hospitals working with adults and children. Joan volunteers as an education advocate to remote Indigenous communities, an advocate for Dementia Australia, and is a refugee advocate and convener with Uki Refugee Project, for which she was awarded Tweed Citizen of the Year 2022.

“We have so many inspiring groups in our community who work voluntarily to assist others, or to enrich our community life in a variety of inspiring ways,” Joan told The Weekly.

“For me it is a total privilege to be involved in supporting the activities of these groups.”

Joe Russell served in the Australian Army from 1970-76. As a returned Vietnam veteran, he was a paramedic for a number of years and also worked in the concreting industry.

Joe recently received an OAM for his dedicated service to the veteran community as a compensation advocate.

Rebecca Whan is a passionate advocate for small business and community engagement. She is involved in a number of significant projects across the Tweed including being project architect of M|Arts Precinct, president of Business Murwillumbah, and sitting on panels and advi-

Jobs galore at Careers Expo

A RANGE of health jobs are on offer at the Tweed Valley Careers Expo this weekend, which will feature employment pathways available across multiple health services.

Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) is hosting the Careers Expo on Saturday, August 12, from 11am to 3pm, at Mantra on Salt Beach, Gunnamatta Avenue in Kingscliff. Director of Nursing and Midwifery for NNSWLHD, Katharine Duffy, said the expo was a great chance for people to find out about various roles and opportunities from a range of services in the one location.

“I encourage anyone looking for a new role, or a change of career to come along and learn about the skills needed to join our team, and how to apply for positions within our local health district,” Ms Duffy said.

“Come and connect with our hospitals and health services, and chat with our staff to learn about the different roles and employment pathways on offer.”

The expo will feature information from Murwillumbah District Hospital, Byron Central Hospital and the new Tweed Valley Hospital, in services such as allied health, Aboriginal health, mental health, support services, and nursing and midwifery, as well as volunteering opportunities and education partners.

“We’re looking for cleaners, administration staff, nurses, doctors and more, to support us in caring for our communities in Northern NSW,” Ms Duffy said.

sory committees of the Tweed Regional Gallery and Tweed Regional Museum.

“It’s a pleasure to work with ITV studios delivering the seventh consecutive round of their Tweed community grants program this year,” Rebecca told The Weekly. “I’ve seen how this seed funding helps local groups establish themselves and build on their successes over time.

“This fund can be a real boost for local groups, providing a little more confidence where it’s really needed.”

Grant applications open August 17 and close September 17. For more information please search ‘ITV TCIF’ online.

“Health is an incredibly diverse and inclusive industry, with so much flexibility and opportunity.

“You can work part-time or full-time, casual or permanent, and enjoy job security, flexible working conditions and amazing colleagues.

“We know our health workforce cares deeply about the work they do, and we care deeply about supporting them, investing in training and career progression, innovation and research.”

Those looking for a new career are also encouraged to register their interest on the Northern NSW Local Health District website.

Rebecca Whan (L) and ITV Community Liaison Officer Lanie Loughlin launch this year's ITV Tweed Community Initiative Fund

Big Country

Poetry Slam and everyone’s invited

By Madeleine Murray

YOUNG POETS will perform at The Regent in Murwillumbah on Friday, August 11.

Kids 12 to 18 years will compete in the Youth Slam!

These finalists from the Poets Out Loud Youth Program are top-quality poets and performers.

Slam poetry is a way to make poetry exciting, where instead of reading words from a page, the poets enthrall or confront the audience.

They bare their soul, which takes a lot of courage, especially if you are a teenager.

Poets Out Loud’s Sarah Temporal said these young poets have been honing their craft and connecting with like-minded creatives including professional mentors.

“It’s about building confidence in young people so they have a voice on things that matter to them,” Sarah told The Weekly.

LIVE MUSIC

Youth Program has connected with schools across the Northern Rivers and hundreds of young people from Casino to Kingscliff. The program offers young people creative writing and slam poetry opportunities run by professional writers and poets.

Prizes include $400 cash to the winning poet along with a spot at Byron Writers Festival’s feature event Voices in the Wild.

Poets Out Loud Youth Slam will be at 6pm for a 6:30 start, Friday, August 11, at The Regent. To book, please visit: byronwritersfestival.com/ satellite-events

“Things like mental health issues and the state of the environment come to the surface in these wonderfully creative ways.

“To see students’ confidence grow to the point they feel empowered to stand up and speak their truth through the incredible medium of poetry is such a powerful thing.”

Now in its fourth year, the Poets Out Loud

Living and Dying

IN AN effort to open up a dialogue about a topic often shrouded in silence, Talitha Mitchell founder of Sacred Celebration, is proud to host a free and enlightening event at the Autumn Club in Murwillumbah on Saturday, August 19, from 2pm.

As a dedicated Holistic Death Care Practitioner since 2015, Talitha is driven by a passionate mission to reintegrate the concept of natural death back into the home and the hearts of families and the community.

“This free event aims to inspire a collective conversation around end-of-life choices, planning, death care, green death options, myths, home burials, traditional practises, and the importance of planning for one’s final journey,” she said.

“With our society’s tendency to shy away from discussing death, we recognize the significance of fostering a space where individuals can openly explore and embrace the concept of mortality.

“By bringing together guest speakers, short films and immersive experiences, this event will offer attendees a diverse range of perspectives and insights into end-of-life choices.”

Guest Speakers include Dr Mario Alam, Jarmbi, Mimi Zenzmaier, Wedgetail Retreat & Tweed Palliative Support and The Northern Doulas.

“Our intention is to empower families and friends to have conversations about what matters most to them when it comes to the end of life,” Talitha said.

“I believe that by openly discussing our wishes and desires, we can alleviate unnecessary stress

for our loved ones and may even empower them during an already challenging time.

“Conversations about Living and Dying promises to be an illuminating experience, offering participants a unique opportunity to delve into a topic that impacts every individual, yet is largely avoided in our death phobic western culture.”

For your free tickets please visit: www.sacredcelebration.com.au

You can also reach out for more information via email: talithamitchell@gmail.com

Boaz Blennerhassett and Ella Periott prepare to perform at this year's Youth Slam

Jo Yang will feature at Poets Out Loud Youth Slam. Photo: Word Travels)

Virtuoso Paco Lara coming

The Regent Spotlight

MASTER FLAMENCO guitarist Paco Lara returns to The Regent with a spectacular new show and the launch of his latest album Duende.

Lara has a 30-year distinguished career in Europe and Australia and has long been inspired to bring his dream project in Duende to life. His compositions and the fusion of cultures are inspired by his hometown, Jerez in southern Spain - the heartland of the Flamenco tradition. Having or experiencing ‘duende’, translates in Spanish as a deep sense of soul, a heightened sense of connection with emotion, expression, and heart.

In Spain Lara has been at the vanguard of Flamenco fusion with hugely successful groups. He recently returned from a rapturous reception at the 2023 Adelaide Guitar Festival, and recent sold-out concerts on the current regional tour, making this exciting Flamenco collaboration highly anticipated.

Critic Jill Sykes called the show, “intense and exhilarating”, and City News described Lara as “magnificently entertaining - such musicians are rare in this country.”

Recognised as the most prominent flamenco guitarist living in Australia, Paco Lara and his troupe is a world class musical and cultural

experience.

Tickets for the concert and workshops are available now. Paco Lara performs on Friday, October 20, and the troupe will host guitar, vocal and cajon masterclass workshops on Sunday, October 22.

For more information please visit: www.the-regent.com.au

Sacred Sounds returns

By Elias Fisher

SACRED SOUND Temple presents a night with Kate B, and GaiaTree at The Regent on Thursday, August 17.

Kate’s modern infusion of eclectic styles is played on Celtic harp, ukulele, and guitar. The folk songs, traditional Sanskrit chants and sweet harmonies are a pleasure to the ear and heart. You can rest, sing or just come and enjoy the vibe.

GaiaTree will open the evening with stirring renditions of mantras and heart songs, journeying deep into a space of sacredness and sweet joy through vocal harmonies, cello, guitar, harmonium and percussion.

Doors open at 5pm on Thursday, August 17, at The Regent Cinema, Murwillumbah. A vegan meal and chai are available. GaiaTree is on at 6pm, Kate B at 7.15pm. To book, go to trybooking.com/CJBBF or $25 cash at the door.

Plenty of art in Uki

By Madeleine Murray

UKI HAS a small population of 800 people, but it has two art galleries. And they are both having new shows this week.

At Art Post Uki, a teacher and her pupil are showing their paintings.

Fifteen years ago, Ellee Sibley suffered a massive stroke. In 2012 she met Kathryn Cleland, an artist and teacher working alongside people with disabilities.

Kathryn opened up the transformative world of art to Ellee, which has played a pivotal role in Ellee’s struggle to find her new self.

“Art has become very important to my emotional well-being and given me a focus and purpose in life,” Elle told The Weekly.

The wonder of the Australian landscape is expressed in each artist’s unique way. Kathryn, an avid explorer, is particularly drawn to tracks disappearing into the bush, offering an element of the road less travelled.

Ellee looks at the quiet beauty of a banksia in bloom or the majesty of Springbrook from her bedroom window.

The exhibition ends runs from Thursday, August 10 to Wednesday September 13. It can be seen every day at Uki Post Office: 7am-5pm weekdays, 7.30am-12.30pm Saturday and 8am12.30pm Sunday.

Meanwhile, over in the Little Gallery, Heather McClelland is having a show with the enigmatic title Calming the Small.

The exhibition of paintings and watercolours highlights how the vastness of nature can calm our small anxieties, helping to put our problems in perspective.

BARBIE is here and breaking box office records around the country.

The Sat 12th premiere is a pink extravaganza – hair, clothes, makeup – prizes on offer!

And it’s all a fundraiser for the McGrath Foundation’s breast cancer care with raffles, funds from our special cocktail and other easy fund touchpoints.

Don’t miss the juggernaut of OPPENHEIMER – OSCAR whispers for classic film making, REALITY delves into high stakes intelligence, and DALILAND tells a fresh story of the great artist. RACHEL’S FARM brings iconic actor Rachel Ward’s vitally important real-life story of regenerative farming of her North NSW Coast farm. Bryan Brown even gets a cameo or two.

THELMA & LOUISE – the 4K restoration of Ridley Scott’s epic road movie is a huge girl’s night out – best T&L costume prizes, Thelma and Louise cocktails and a brilliant night.

Soulsters MOHINI COX and JASON BAGGIO return to Friday BALCONY SESSIONS from 5.30-7.30pm.The stunning voice of PARISSA BOUAS returns on Sat 12, and BILL JACOBI struts the grooves on Sat 19.

ON SALE NOW!

POETRY YOUTH SLAM – Byron Bay Writers Festival – Fri 11 August

SACRED SOUNDS TEMPLE with KATE B and GAIA TREE - Thu 17 Aug

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

Kate B plays the Celtic harp

Teacher Kathryn Cleland (L) and Ellee Sibley

Heather works in oils and watercolours

Paco Lara returns this year to The Regent

52

10 Penalty (8)

53 Amphibian with sticky feet (4,4)

55 Mythological nature spirit with horns and hooves (5)

58 All right (4)

59 Withdraw from federation (6)

61 Ready money (4)

63 Destroy by burning (10)

64 Salt water (6)

66 Land surrounded by ocean (4)

67 Breed of dog (5)

68 Anthology (7)

69 Restaurant (coll) (6)

70 Large open areas used for grazing (10)

71 Vest (7)

72 Grain (6)

Down

2 Flabbergasted (6)

3 Popular summer sweet (3,5)

4 Raised platform (5)

5 Gifted (8)

6 Makes right (6)

7 Value (6)

8 Folded material (7)

9 Manager of concert artists (10)

WORDSEARCH: TWEED DOGS

16 Accumulation for future use (5)

17 Plant yielding oil (6)

23 Stimulus (9)

25 Bird with a large wingspan (9)

26 Point above focus of an earthquake (9)

29 Uncanny (5)

30 Rub out (5)

31 Inadequate (5)

32 Paved public walk (9)

33 Unbound pages (9)

36 Highly, markedly (9)

39 Easily understood (5)

40 Public auctions (5)

41 Steam bath (5)

46 Isolation (10)

49 Raise in relief (6)

51 Expressing the future tense (5)

52 Braiding hair, for example (8)

54 Salutation (8)

56 Forefather (8)

57 Outer personality (7)

59 Sequence (6)

60 Egg-laying farm animals (coll) (6)

62 Scanty (6)

65 Resource (5)

1

2

TEST YOUR TWEED SHIRE KNOWLEDGE

1. W hat is the theme of this year’s Homelessness Week?

2. How many applicants have been at recent Open Home Rentals? Over 100, over 200 or over 300?

3. How many applicants are currently on the waitlist for social housing in NSW.

4. W hat is the main reason people become homeless?

5. W hat year did Homelessness Week start in Australia?

1. It’s time to end homelessness, 2. Over 300, 3. on the 57,000 applicants, 4. Cost of living (52%), 5. 2007

THE WEEKLY’S LOOK AT LIFE WITH PAUL DORIN

HIDDEN ICONS

12 words: Good

18 words: Very good

25 words: Excellent

LAST WEEK’S

SOLUTIONS

LAST WEEK’S SUDOKU

689257143

PET OF THE WEEK

Bruiser

Foster Dog S41 $500 English Staffy D.O.B. 23/01/2017

Desexed Male M/C # 953010001248967

Meet beautiful boofy boy BRUISERrescued from another pound. Bruiser is a typical excitable English Staffy boy, who needs lots of human love and company. Bruiser will make a wonderful companion dog. He is very eager to please, and is definitely an inside dog who loves to hang out with you. Bruiser will need a daily walk and secure fencing. Bruiser is not suitable to be rehomed with other pets or young children.

If you would like to adopt Bruiser, or apply to foster to adopt him, please complete our online adoption expression of interest form: https:// friendsofthepound.com/adoption-expressionof-interest/ Interested? Please email Tracy, johnsontracy832@gmail.com or call 0755248590

Cavoodle Mastiff JackRussell Staffy

BlueHeeler BorderCollie Labradoodle DachShund

Whippet BullMastiff Ridgeback Poodle

Fox Bulldog Maltese

AYRES ASPHALT 0499 546 166

FOR ALL your asphalting needs including potholes, patchwork or driveways, look no further then Mitch Ayres at Ayres Asphalt.

Mitch is a born and bred Tweed Shire local and has a passion for his work and the area.

He has more than 17 years’ experience in asphalting and is a specialist in the field.

Mitch felt the full brunt of the February flood last year whilst he was living in South Murwillumbah and understands the great need for quality road & driveway repair in the area.

Mitch said his plan is to work hard and build his

business back up in 2023. His client’s also back his work. Jane from Terranora says “great work Mitch, extremely happy with our new driveway” and Kevin from Byrill Creek says ““Mitch and the boys did a top job patching my 3km driveway. Good crew, good bloke” Ayres Asphalt offers competitive rates and free quotes across Northern NSW and Southern Gold Coast.

160 Tweed Valley Way, South Murwillumbah 2484 Simone: 0410 840 464 Mitch: 0499 546 166

Car for Sale

Business for Sale

SEAFOOD SEE MONEY Fish n Chips n Coffee a successful combination 7 figure T/O massive net. Profit $365k plus. Sav curious? Ph bkr 0434 455 2550

Car for Sale

SUBARU WRX 1999 model, blue STI gold rims, five-speed, local car, full mechanical history, registered, unmodified, excellent condition. $12,500. Phone: 0428 249 483

Positions Vacant Auction

Car for Sale

ono Ph: 0438 904 584

Caravan for Sale

FRANKLIN CARAVAN

December 2023. Suitable for a single person or couple. $12.000 ONO. Phone 0408797793

Courses

White Card

Construction Induction

Tweed Heads South Phone 0466 015 373 Safety CORP RTO 91694

First Aid Courses

HLTAID009 Provide CPR ($50)

HLTAID011 Provide first aid ($100)

HLTAID012 Provide first

Parcel Delivery Driver

Elliott@Co Pty Ltd Parcel and Logistic Managers are looking for a fit, motivated Parcel Delivery Driver to join its Murwillumbah Parcels operations. Local knowledge and/or experience an advantage. Must be able to pass a Federal Police check.

Casual or Subcontractor, owner Driver with own late model white 1 tonne van. Required for immediate start.

$33.94 per hour inclusive as casual. Or a lucrative unit rate for subcontractors. Phone Sean: 0419 246 662

Public Notice

Firewood

ITV Studios are pleased to announce Community Committee members

Joan Henderson, Joe Russell and Rebecca Whan will adjudicate the 2023

For Sale

ITV Tweed Community Initiative Fund community grants program.

Applications open Thursday 17th August 2023

Closing Sunday 17th September 2023

Application details coming soon!

For Sale

NEW 1000L WATER

TRAILER . 6hp petrol pump / 36m hose. Disc braking / LED lighting Plus, Jockey wheel fitted. $4,995.00

0419 115 114 NEW

HYDRAULIC

TRAILER. Hot dipped galvanised – NO RUST. 600mm removable cage LED lighting / 7pin plug. Jockey / spare wheel fitted. $8,495.00

Ph: 0419 115 114

BURIAL PLOT Tweed Heads Cemetery very good position for price call 0428077466

Garage Sale

GARAGE SALE Sunday 13th August 2023 –7.30am 6064 Tweed Valley Way, Burringbar. Items include: John Deere D140 Ride on mower, good condition - 48inch cut (1300mm), two bag catcher, Concreting tools and materials, lengths Timber, Assorted Power tools and accessories, Painting pack, Gardening items and Travelling Sprinkler, including some household goods.

Massage Massage

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

Piano Tuner/Removal

Do you need to Tune a piano? Move a Piano? Call Jed the Piano man Cheapest and the best. 35 years in the biz

Complimentary Piano tune With every removal

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

WITH ANNEX. Double bed, Fridge, Freezer and Microwave. Rego till

Positions Vacant

MURWILLUMBAH BUS COMPANY

Casual school bus drivers, afternoon run.

Approx 10 hours per week (min).

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

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

Positions Vacant

WELDER/FABRICATOR WANTED Position

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

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. Exp preferred but not essential.

Email applications to richardneylan1@bigpond.com

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

TWEED HEADS COOLANGATTA TAXIS LOOKING FOR WORK?

NEED EXTRA CASH?

All training provided join our friendly team right now.

Phone 07 5536 3371

SEAFOOD RETAIL Tweed River Seafoods requires the services of a seafood retail sales person. Experience preferred but is not essential. 38 to 42 hours across 5 days. Above award wages. Located at Chinderah. Please apply in person or call Michael on 0412422174. Send resumes to michael@tweedriverseafoods.com.au

Social Group Sing For Fun

Benefit for Health and Mind.

Phone Margaret: 0438 819 809

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

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

Site for van or tiny house. Power and water available. Price negotiable. Ph: 0467 800 432

Funeral Notice

Vincent Roland Kean

Late of Murwillumbah, Formerly of Byron Bay Vince passed away peacefully on Friday the 28th of July in hospital surrounded by his Family. Aged 77 Years Dearly loved Husband of Susan Marie Loved Father & Father-in-Law of Bethaney, Daniel & Tamara, Charles & Alice Cherished Grandy, Poppy, Great-Grandfather and Brother

Former Teacher at Murwillumbah High School from 1970-2000

Vince’s Requiem Mass will be held at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Murwillumbah on Friday the 18th of August at 11am which you are warmly invited.

Ph: (02) 6672 2144 Murwillumbah McGuiness Funerals

In Memoriam

Funeral Notice Joyce Emily Williams

John Francis Gooley

Peacefully at Heritage Lodge, Murwillumbah on Sunday 6th August 2023. Aged 88 years.

Dearly loved Husband of Judy and loving Father and Father-in-law of Greg & Lynnie and Donna & Darren.

Loved Poppy of Lucy & Paul, Melissa & Murray and Zac & Sarah.

Family and Friends are invited to celebrate John’s life at the Tweed Valley Cemetery Chapel, 813 Eviron Road Duranbah, on Monday 14th August at 2pm.

In loving memory Allan Keith McEwan

16/2/1939 – 4/8/2023

Beloved husband of Robyn; loving father to Denise, Sharon, Christine and Veronica. Family and friends are invited to attend a ceremony to celebrate and honor Allan’s life on Sunday the 13th of August, 2023 at 9am.

The ceremony will be held at Melaleuca Station; 9394 Tweed Valley Way, Chinderah NSW 2487. Allan will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.

Tweed Heads Ph: (07) 5599 1500

(née Gresham)

3/03/31 – 12/08/03

In loving memory of our dear Mother Maree, Peter, Henry, Carmel, Judith & Mark Miss you Mum.

To Let

LARGE ROOM TO RENT IN TYALGUM on quiet rural property. Suit mature working person interested in healthy living. Non-smoker/nondrinker & no drugs. References and bond required. Independent bathroom/kitchen. $240 per week, includes electricity. Ph: 0438 335 224

CABARITA BEACH Mature female to share fully furnished home with one other mature female. Quiet, stable, non-smoking environment in a neighbor friendly street. Furnished bedroom has built in wardrobe + clean QB. Share utilities. $330 per week + bond. No dogs or cats please, 2 quiet dogs reside. Ph 0459 098 873

Wanted

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

Wanted BOOKS bought for CASH

Always buying quality books, fine, old or rare

Please call Haymes Bookdealers on 1300 431 736

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

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

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

Death Notice

In Loving Memory John Herbert Taylor

Passed away peacefully at Murwillumbah Hospital on Sunday 30th July 2023. Aged 89 years.

Beloved Husband of Madge. Loved Father & Father in-law of Mark & Belinda and Megan & Mark.

Loved Grandfather to Simon & Stephanie and Chris & Jess.

Beloved Great Grandfather to Scarlet, Ky, Zane and Jed. A Private Funeral was held as per John’s wishes.

Eliabeth May Baber 27/07/2023

McGuiness Funerals 02 6672 2144

Elaine Patricia Bray 03/08/2023

McGuiness Funerals 02 6672 2144

CHAMBERLAIN Patricia June 31/07/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

MANITTA Gaetano 31/07/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

WEBB Elissa May 01/08/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

WRIGHT Roland William 01/08/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

WAIDE John Patrick 03/08/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

Death Notices

SATTLECKER Nada 04/08/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

TIERNEY Ronald Anthony 04/08/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

HASS Wayne William 05/08/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

GOOLEY John Francis 06/08/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

SHEPPARD Barry John 06/08/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

THURLOW David Ian 6/08/2023

White Lady Funerals 0755 365 300

Nicholas Eric KING 20/7/2023

Heritage Brothers O7 55991500

Susan Marie ROACH 27/7/2023 Heritage Brothers O7 55991500 Benjamin Philip HESFORD 29/7/2023 Heritage Brothers O7 55991500 Ian Frederick CHARLTON 29/7/2023 Heritage Brothers O7 55991500 George Edwin SHIPLEY 1/8/2023 Heritage Brothers O7 55991500 Allan Keith McEWAN 4/8/2023 Heritage Brothers

Thrilling local derbies

By Jo Kennett

IT WAS a huge weekend of local derbies with Murwillumbah taking on Tweed Coast Raiders at Cabarita and Cudgen playing Bilambil at home in two of the most exciting games of the season.

Bilambil captain Tom Rolles said his side was lucky to get away with the win against Cudgen.

“They were up by two points after they scored two tries and got in front with about ten to go,” Rolles said.

“We scored with about five to go and got the win 22-18.

“They have had a few injuries but they have had few returns and they were a really strong side on the weekend.

“They were missing Connor Ziebell, he played for Seagulls on the weekend but they had a really strong crack.

Rolles said they had three under 18s on the bench.

“We had a lot out so it was good to give the young players an opportunity,” he said.

“We have been riddled with injuries so we have relied pretty heavily on the reggies and the 18s to get us through.

“We had Brenton Daly-Holton. Harry Fitzhugh, Tyson Donnelly and Kalani Hensby out, but we are getting a few players back this week which should be good.”

“This Sunday we play Murwillumbah at home and it’s our old boys day - their 92, 93, 2011 and last year’s grand final reunion so that should be good.”

The fourth placed Raiders were favourites against the Mustangs in tenth spot, but the Murbah boys got off to a sensational start. They scored four tries in the first 20 minutes of the game, taking them to a 22-0 lead and leaving the Raiders shell-shocked. The Raiders were scrambling to get back into the game but they managed to regroup and score.

Banora shops outrage

By Jo Kennett

From then on the tables turned, with the Raiders scoring six tries to only one from Murwillumbah to take the win 30-26.

Raiders Owen Fredericks said Mustangs, “obviously had clear intentions.”

“They were knocked out of the finals so they obviously wanted to cause an upset,” Fredericks said.

“It’s always a tough game against Murwillumbah here.

“They started really, really fast and unfortunately we were back to our old ways, dropping the ball and giving away silly penalties.

“Fortunately for us we started to complete our sets and the ball started to swing our way.

“Once momentum swings in NRRRL it’s very hard to keep that defence up.

“It was a very, very tough win but we were happy to get the two points.”

The win should cement the Raiders spot in the finals.

“We verse them at home next week and that game will determine who we play in the finals.

“We either play them in the first week of finals or we go down and play Lower, or someone like that.

“If we win next week we will have a home semi so it was a massive game for us next week.

“We really needed a win because we have had a few losses in a row so it gives us a bit of confidence knowing we can come back from 22-0 which is huge.”

The Tweed Coast Raiders women’s tackle side went down in the semi-finals 26-6 to Northern United after a brilliant season, with several players having to back up from league tag that morning. Well done girls.

Continued from page 11.

Many of the business owners were waiting for rent relief, but despite their pleas to management, it never came.

“We had to present our books to show our significant losses,” the business owner said.

“We’ve been going backwards for six months in the hope we could continue trading and we were led to believe we would continue, but this week they have told us we have to be out.

“The community has been great with their support, but with no supermarket as an anchor we haven’t had the trade.

“That’s been our argument disputing the rent, that without the supermarket to draw people in, the extremely high rent wasn’t worth paying.

“They haven’t offered anyone a reduction in rent and other business owners have been told, ‘If you don’t like it, leave’.”

Another business owner, who also didn’t want to be named because they are still trying to negotiate with management, told The Weekly customers are devastated.

“Everyone is in the same boat and the community is absolutely furious,” the business owner said.

“I’ve worked here since I was a child; for 26 years and I’m devastated.

“A lot of our elderly customers have watched me grow up and they are all devastated.

“They have nowhere else for them to go. They say they can’t get across to the service station because they are too slow with their wheelie walkers.

“There are no fresh food options now. They booted out the Indian restaurants that had been here for 20 years.”

When The Weekly visited Banora Shopping Village at 4pm on a Monday afternoon it was deserted, despite several shops still being open.

“In the afternoon there is no one around,” the

business owner said. “You can hear a pin drop.

“They looked us in the face and said ‘Yes, we want you to stay’.

“They said it would be a smaller space and we were fine with that and knew we would probably have to get out for part of the redevelopment but we were prepared to wait.

“Now I think we are now in the way. We were informed we had 30 days to get out with no warning after being promised that we could stay.

“Now we have been hit with this big rent bill on the same day we got notice and they said all monies owing are due the day we hand the keys back so they’ve just ruined our business.

“We will walk away with nothing after years of hard work. The dishonesty gets to me. How do they sleep at night?

“They will have a Woolworths, and I presume a BWS, which is why Liquorland (a Coles subsidiary) left.

“Everyone is stressed that they can’t do that to them, that they are next. We are extremely stressed.”

The Weekly contacted Site 8, who manage the centre, which is owned by Yi Fong International, for comment, that was not received in time for print.

Campdraft event a huge success

By Jonathon Howard

UKI SPORTING Horse Association

hosted a successful ‘Challenge and Campdraft Event’ on Saturday and Sunday, August 5 and 6.

The event attracted about 270 competitors and spectators over two days and featured a range of top-quality local and visiting riders.

Uki Sporting Horse Association president Jennifer McDonald said it was a huge success and saw riders come in from as far Toowoomba as well as Casino and across the North Coast.

“It was a great weekend and we have very helpful judges for the event,” she said.

“The judges were particularly good with the inexperienced riders and children, by explaining the finer points of camp drafting and compe -

“This event has been running for the past 40 years and we’re eager to keep it going,” Ms McDonald said.

“It’s a great way for the horse community to come together and celebrate our sport in competition.”

Ms McDonald said she wanted to give a special mention to the event sponsors who are the backbone of operating such an event.

“The major sponsors to thank are Red Ned’s Salvage & Secondhand, Hayes Steel, Josh Fogarty 4H Civil Engineering, Walsh Engineering, Goldstone Airconditioning, Equinity Horse and Rider Emporium, Norco and Williams Group Australia, Anne Besgrove First National Murwillumbah, McGregor Gourlay, The Rivers Equine Vets, Dominic Trevaskis Painting, George & Furhmann, Lang Park Cottages and many more,” she said.

Check The Weekly for more in formation and updates or logon

The first one is our Rivers Equine Vet Mini Challenge Winners: Darcy Waghorn, Skylah Richards, Emily Kenelly, Koa Seagrave, Chelsea Bryce and Tessa Beaumont

The demolition is pushing ahead this week

Mustangs winger Danyon Wise on his way to a try

Pressure on regional renters finally easing

By Jo Kennett

ACCORDING TO the latest data from Proptrack, it looks like conditions are finally beginning to ease for cash-strapped regional renters and though rents are still high in the Tweed Shire and Coolangatta, there are good signs for tenants here with vacancy rates up.

Some places like Bogangar have seen a drop from a median of $950 a week at the end of May to $820 at the end of July.

Banora Point dropped from $850 to $800 at the end of July.

Proptrack economist Angus Moore said the improvement comes after three tough years for regional renters.

“Rental markets in regional areas have been extremely tight since mid-2020, when largerthan-typical population flows from capital cities to regional areas soaked up much of the available rental stock,” Mr Moore wrote in Proptrack’s report.

“Since then, regional rental markets across the country have had few available rentals.

“Rental vacancy rates - which measure the number of available

rentals as a share of the total number of rental properties - have been sitting at, or even below, 1 per cent regionally.

“That’s substantially lower than pre-pandemic.”

Mr Moore said the consequence of this limited availability of rentals has been rapid increases in rents, which many renters have had to endure in the Tweed Shire.

Rents in regional NSW rents rose from a median of $390 to $495 per week while rents in regional Queensland, rents grew from $390 to $520 per week, a whopping $130 increase.

Times have been really tough in the Tweed Shire for renters, with skyrocketing rents and lack of rentals sending many tenants packing for Queensland, where they have been much cheaper.

The pandemic explosion in city migration to regions like the Tweed Shire saw many renters receiving notice to move out as new owners opted for the sea or tree change or pushed for higher returns.

The Weekly has spoken to scores of renters since the pandemic real estate boom who

Open Homes

moved out of the shire, mostly to coastal areas further north in Queensland where rents were much cheaper. Some have even managed to purchase homes in those areas. Others have managed to hang onto their homes even though their rents jump substantially, some by hundreds of dollars.

It’s been a terrible, stressful time for anyone who hasn’t had a chance to get into the property market, particularly younger residents, but Mr Moore says there are signs that conditions are starting to improve.

“Rental vacancy rates have been drifting up across regional areas over the past 12 to 18 months,” he said in his report.

Regional NSW has seen vacancy rates move from less than 1 per cent a year and a half ago to 1.7 per cent today.

“While these improvements will be a welcome reprieve for regional renters, conditions are still tough,” Mr Moore said.

“Availability remains limited in regional markets...but conditions have improved, and are continuing to do so, which is a

good sign for regional renters.

“That improvement in availability is also showing up in rents. “Rents regionally have been flat, or even declined a little, over the past six months in most regional areas.

“Again, these are not large changes, particularly relative to the substantial run up in rents when compared to three years ago.”

That has also been evident in the Tweed Shire.

Locals have pointed out a number of homes to The Weekly that they say have sat empty for months, with few people coming to inspect these properties. One agent The Weekly spoke to said many tenants have reached their price ceiling and can’t go

any further.

Even cheaper ones like a two bedder for $550 across the road from the beach saw only a handful of interested applicants. Despite the reports of wage rises, they don’t seem as evident here, with several tenants telling The Weekly they are paying substantially more in rent on the same wage they have been on in some cases for years.

Mr Moore said that with vacancy rates beginning to ease, and population flows from capital cities returning to more typical levels after the pandemic, we are unlikely to see the same pressure on rents that we did over the past three years, which will come as welcome news for regional renters.

This three bedroom Bogangar duplex is for rent for $580 with Ray White Rural Murwillumbah

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.

1 COODGIE STREET, TYALGUM

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.

Freehold and Business

This Freehold opportunity is currently owner occupied and the business is also available for sale. High exposure site located right in the CBD of Murwillumbah opposite Sunnyside Shopping Centre. After over 20 years the owner is looking forward to the next chapter. The building currently trades as a retail tile showroom and is fully fit out. There is a studio available on the first floor with goods lift. The building has solar panels and off street parking for 6 vehicles.

Established over 20 years this solid performing business is ready for a new owner to take it to the next level. Centrally located in the CBD of Murwillumbah with the freehold for sale also could represent the perfect opportunity to secure both. The Tweed Valley is performing above the state average in growth and is the perfect location to live and work. Located in a high exposure location right opposite a busy shopping centre. There is a rear loading area and customer parking available. This business would be hard to fault and full financials available on request.

Business features

• Opportunity for lease of choice

• High exposure CBD Location

• Fully fit out

• Extensive plant and equipment

• Rear loading dock and customer parking

WATERSIDE LIVING - build your dream home'

1 Minjungbal Drive Tweed Heads South

Outstanding opportunity to build your dream home or prestigious home office facility from this highly exposed 506m2 vacant allotment, commanding exceptional water views over the gorgeous Tweed River & boat harbour.

DETAILS:

• Land size - 506m2 (20m frontage)

• Zoned - R3 Medium Residential / height to 13.6M

• Services - Power, Water & Sewerage

• Rates - $708.90 per quarter year

LOCATION:

This prime flat allotment is situated on the Corner of Dry Dock Rd and Minjungbal Drive, Tweed Heads South.

Within a few minutes you can enjoy major shopping at the Tweed Mall or Tweed City, as well as dining on the waterfront deck at the Ivory Hotel, which is within walking distance.

For boaties and anglers, there is a boat ramp about 500m along Dry Dock Rd and a Jetty / pontoon is directly opposite this property. The Tweed Marina with moorings, also forms part of the Ivory Hotel precinct.

For Surfers and beach lovers, the fabulous Gold Coast beaches such as Rainbow Bay, Snapper, Kirra & D-Bah are within a few minutes from home.

The Gold Coast International Airport & Southern Cross Uni are (8) minutes to the North and the new Tweed Valley Hospital (soon to open) can be accessed within (10) minutes.

For Sale

By Negotiation

Open Inspection by Appointment

David Stringer 0418 150 731

david@djstringer.com.au

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