Congratulations Shopping Spree winners
THE WEEKLY’S annual Christmas Shopping Spree has once again attracted thousands of entries with eight winners sharing $1,000 in prize money.
A special thank you to the participating businesses:
Priceline Murwillumbah, Tweed Valley IGA, Work ‘n’ Country Gear, Cheapa Auto Spares Murwillumbah, Wollumbin Street Bakery, Sunnyside Meats, Aura Gardens Nursery and Murwillumbah Tyre Service.
The lucky winner of the major prize is Janet East who picks up a $500 shopping spree to spend across the participating stores.
In second place is Kellie Hufton who wants to spend her $200 pr ize at Work ‘n’ Country Gear.
Both Janet and Kellie were overjoyed with the win and were eager to get shopping locally this Christmas.
Competition coordinator and senior sales executive Eryn Young said it was another great year with strong entry numbers.
“The shopping spree has been running for more than 10 years now and is a great way to encourage people to shop locally this Christmas and help the Tweed thrive,” she said.
Weekly $50 voucher winners:
1st winner Sarah Bowers
2nd winner Rachel Hat
3rd winner George
4th winner Robyn St Clare
5th winner Sarah Bowers
6th winner Doreen Stafford
Tweed Festive Shopfront winners
By Jonathon Howard
THREE BUSINESSES have been named the 2024 Tweed Festive Shopfront winners.
The Murwillumbah and rural villages winner is Anderson’s Treasure Store.
The Tweed Coast winner is Noys Nic Nax in Kingscliff.
Tweed Heads and urban surrounds Christmas festive shopfront winner is Bay Studio.
Each winner receives a prize pack con-
sisting of a $500 Gift Pay E voucher, one annual business chamber membership for the respective district, and one quarter page advertising space in the Tweed Valley Weekly, conditions apply.
This year was the inaugural campaign in a partnership between Tweed Shire Council, Tweed Valley Weekly, and Tweed Shire’s three business chambers of Tweed Heads, Kingscliff and Murwillumbah.
Coordinator for the competition, Va-
nessa Rose, said it was a steady inflow of entries this year and it’s hoped the competition will grow in 2025.
“We’d love to welcome even more businesses to spread some good cheer and decorate their shopfront at Christmas 2025,” she said.
“Congratulations to those three business who took out the major prizes this Christmas.”
A special mention to all the 23 businesses who took part this year.
Major winner Janet East won the $500 Shopping Spree
Kellie Hufton picked up the $200 Shopping Spree
Murwillumbah
CONGRATULATIONS
E-bike licensing essential
Following on from the tragic stories of E-bike accidents at Tweed Heads (TVW, Dec 12), some further thoughts on what can be done.
I agree with Graham Dietrich’s comments last week regarding banning/ limiting speed limits for under 12s, and all the facts and reasons to act now.
E-bike licences would help in the training and road rules for all ages, with a cost involved.
In addition, breaking the rules such as doubling the speed — confiscate the bike just like the anti-hoon laws for motor vehicles.
The Christmas gift of an E-bike comes with responsibility — I pray that children or teenagers do not lose or take a life.
Marilyn Wallace-Harrison, Banora Point
Great work Tweed Shire Council
Congratulations to Tweed Shire Council for creating festival events at Bay Street, Tweed Heads, recently. Accolades to all the businesses who set up and or opened their businesses for the Bay Street festivals this year even though inclement weather was predicted.
Bay Street is classified as a village so council should do something to create a village atmosphere for locals and tourists alike, by installing lights along the street and or in trees to create an inviting atmosphere. Coolangatta has installed ‘ball’ lights along Griffith Street which look so good of a night and they give a welcoming feel to the town.
Sandra Speechly, Tweed Heads Fire ant treatment is poison
Thank you Deputy Mayor Meredith Dennis for your rightly so concern about poisoning the beautiful Tweed
(TVW, Dec 15, Fire ant fight futile?).
Their own safety data sheet says:
“Do not use this poison where fire ants are not evident” and they are dropping it from the sky!
Fire ant bait does not just target fire ants. Native ants and other animals are also taking this bait.
There is no long-term safety data on the poisons being used.
I’m sure that corn grit soaked in pyriproxyfen or s-Methoprene would be appetising for any animal that eats corn.
This program is not showing any evidence of eradication towards fire ants, but there is mounting evidence of destroying our ecosystem and causing harm and death to other animals and humans.
I am very concerned about the outcome of this program.
Simone Vean, Murwillumbah False claims require correcting
Mr Sisaric has complained that his letters were censored (TVW, Dec 12). Judging by what was published in his name, the editor did everyone a favour.
The Weekly is in the business of providing information, not misinformation. He claims the Biden family was involved in shady deals. So, what does he know that the committee which investigated them doesn’t?
The Republicans spent years trying to dig up dirt and came up with nothing. As for Joe pardoning his son, no other person on those charges would be facing jail time, let alone decades.
I don’t know how Mr White’s letter (Dec 12) got through the censor. Every claim in it is false.
Starting with Hilary Clinton “destroying over 30,000 emails”, she didn’t, she handed them over to the State Department and after reviewing them the FBI concluded that she or her staff had been “extremely care -
less” in handling classified information.
That pales into insignificance compared to Trump stealing thousands of classified documents. I’ll skip all the misinformation following and end with Afghanistan. Trump invited the barbarian Taliban to Camp David and did one of his great deals. He gave them everything they wanted: a withdrawal date and the release of 5,000 terrorists from jail (who immediately took up arms against the allies). Biden was left to clean up this mess and was blamed for it.
As for Trump’s “good team”, two sex offenders and a Russian asset won’t even make it to the senate hearings. The conspiracist antivaxxer who eats roadkill and the rest of the kooks and incompetents are in for some tough interrogation.
Alan Watterson, Hastings Point Drop the US politics
please
I quite enjoy reading our local Tweed Valley Weekly newspaper for its local content.
So, can anyone explain, why on earth two out of seven recent letters to the editor, close to 30 per cent, are dedicated to American politics? There are any number of outlets where I can read this drivel.
I’m sure the Washington Post, New York Times would love to hear from antipodean contributors. Please go and bore them.
David Lee, Kirra Let’s all just wait and see Just a note to the two gentlemen who wrote on the December 5, TVW letters, about their dislike of President Trump.
Being a Trump supporter, the only way Mr Alan Watterson and Mr Terry Sharples, and myself, will be proven right or wrong is to watch what happens to America and the world after January 20, 2025 when Presi-
dent-elect Trump becomes the 47th President of the United States.
Faye Busch, Fingal Head
Please give
The Smith Family is encouraging people to consider giving the gift of education by donating to its Christmas Appeal, to help change the life of a child in need.
The countdown to Christmas is well and truly on, but for many Australian children the festive season marks the end of another year where they’ve struggled to keep up with their education, due to the impacts of poverty.
For children in this situation, we know that effort doesn’t always equal reward.
Many families are continuing to struggle with the rising cost-of-living, and this is impacting their children’s ability to do well in school, despite trying their hardest.
The Smith Family is hoping to raise a total of $4.91 million to provide more children in need with its tailored out-of-school learning and mentoring programs. With less than a month left to donate, there are still 4,532 students in need of support.
Everyone is feeling the effects of the cost-of-living crisis, but it is not felt equally. Today in Australia, one in six children are growing up in poverty, limiting their ability to make the most of their education.
As this is the season for giving, we encourage all those who can, to give generously.
To donate to The Smith Family’s Christmas Appeal, visit thesmithfamily.com.au.
The Smith Family’s CEO Doug Taylor
Help available
Dear Editor and The Weekly readers, the festive season can be a joyous time for many people, as they take a well-earned break from work and school and spend time with family
and friends. It’s a time to rest and reset for the new year.
Yet for others, this time of year can be particularly difficult, and the holidays may not feel “jolly” at all. It can bring additional financial pressures, relationship strain, or pressure to host the perfect Christmas.
The season to be merry can also amplify feelings of isolation and loneliness, especially for those who are separated from family or have lost a loved one.
So, as we head into the holiday break, regardless of what you’re dealing with, please know that you don’t have to face this time alone.
The Beyond Blue Support Service is free, confidential, and available around the clock, including on Christmas day. You can call 1300 22 46 36 or chat online to us at www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support.
It’s really common to put off seeking help because we can’t quite find the words to express our needs. But when you contact us, you don’t have to know what to say. Our skilled counsellors will meet you where you’re at and guide you towards where you need to be.
And finally, a big thank you to everyone who has donated to Beyond Blue this year. Our support service is run purely on donations, so your kindness and generosity allow us to always be there when people need us the most.
Georgie Harman, CEO of Beyond Blue
Please note the views on the letters page are those of the letter writer and not of the Tweed V alley 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 or phone: ( 02) 6672 4443
Will pods stay or go?
By Jonathon Howard
SEVERAL KINGSCLIFF residents
say they have growing concerns the pod village at Elrond Drive could become semi-permanent infrastructure and fail to meet the previous promise of being temporary housing for flood victims.
The pods were installed by the NSW Government almost three years ago in response to the devastating March 2020 flood, with those displaced offered temporary pod accommodation.
Since their installation, at significant cost, many Kingscliff residents have held on to the idea that parkland will be returned to the site as per the government’s deadline, which has been extended twice.
In fact, Tweed Shire councillors debated and voted on the future of the pod village during their December 11 meeting where an alternative motion was raised by Mayor Chris Cherry and seconded by Cr Nola Firth to investigate the use of the pods as essential worker housing and social housing, which was lost.
Instead, Cr Rhiannon Brinsmead raised an alternative motion, seconded by James Owen, which resolved to return the land to parkland for community recreation and environmental benefits.
This was carried via four votes to three with Cr Meredith Dennis, Cr Brinsmead, Cr Kimberly Hone and Cr Owen in favour.
Those against included Mayor Cherry, Cr Reece Byrnes and Cr Firth.
Mayor Cherry was, however, expected to raise a rescission motion during council’s final meeting for 2024 on December 19, with the hope of swaying at least one councillor to back her motion to investigate retaining the pods.
Speaking with The Weekly, Mayor Cher-
ry said she was putting up the rescission motion to “investigate the use of the village by NSW Health and NSW Police”.
She also stressed that community consultation had driven her decision. But several Kingscliff residents, some of whom live near the pod village, have expressed outrage over what they say is a “failed promise” that the pods were only temporary and emphasised their short lifespan.
“This is because we went out to the community and asked them what they wanted us to do with this site and the majority of people supported using it for essential worker housing,” Mayor Cherry said.
“I’d like to pick up on the issue that people raise with me about this housing being intended to be temporary.
“The pods have a life of about 10 years conservatively. Three of those will be gone so we are talking about how they can best be used over the next seven years.
“To me that sounds like exactly the in-
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terim period that we need to allow more housing to be built.
“The hospital has room on their land to build staff accommodation, but they need time to do that.
“We also have 10 new police recruits coming to the area with nowhere to live.
“Let’s explore what that could look like and if this is a temporary solution for some of our most essential workers in the shire.”
The outcome was likely to hang on to whether Deputy Mayor Dennis would switch sides and vote to retain the pods, a decision which in fact rests with the NSW Reconstructions Authority to determine.
YOUR THOUGHTS: Do you think the pod village at Elrond Drive could aid in housing essential workers? Or should it be returned to parkland as was previously promised? Send your thoughts and letters via email: editor@theweekly.net.au
The temporary housing village in Kingscliff
THE LEGAL LIGHT!
The strange case of Solomon and the divided ashes
Sometimes judges are required to have the wisdom of Solomon in deciding cases, and in one recent NSW Supreme Court ruling, Solomon’s legendary judgment provided a literal solution.
Justice Michael Meek was faced with a bitter family quarrel over possession of the ashes of a man who had died of a heart attack.
The plaintiff, the estranged daughter of the deceased, was in a legal battle with her mother – the deceased’s long separated wife and nominated executor - over funeral arrangements and disposal of the deceased’s ashes. Other family members also had opinions.
Burial and the scattering of ashes can be legally complex. NSW laws on disposing of human remains come under the Coroners Act 2009, the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2013, the Funeral Funds Act 1979, the Anatomy Act 1977 and the Human Tissue Act 1983
Justice Meek noted the Biblical story of King Solomon’s judgment, where two women both claimed to be the mother of a baby. Solomon ruled they could share the baby equally and ordered that the infant be cut in half, whereupon one of the women cried out: “No! Let the other woman have the baby.” Solomon wisely declared her to be the child’s mother and gave the baby to her.
So, drawing on Biblical wisdom, Justice Meek ordered the ashes be divided into three – one third to the daughter, one third to the sister and one third to the deceased’s former partner.
Marni Kennedy at Stacks Law Firm said the case demonstrates the quandary judges often face when there are heated and emotional competing demands for a solution to a bitter family dispute.
“Where the deceased has not stated in their will how they wish to be buried or cremated, the decision usually goes to the person most likely to be awarded the right to administer the deceased’s estate,” Ms Kennedy said.
“While an executor is encouraged to take into account any known wishes of the deceased, a person’s wishes regarding the disposal of their body are not legally binding.
“If there is no will, the person most likely to be awarded the right to administer the deceased’s estate makes the decision. In descending order, these are the spouse, then adult children, parents, siblings, grandparents, uncles and aunts.
“If there is a dispute between two people having an equal claim, the court can decide.”
Ms Kennedy said ashes can be buried in a cemetery, preserved in an urn, or with permission, scattered on private land, a beach, river, public park or at sea. About 75 per cent of funerals in Australia are now cremations, and it is generally cheaper than burial.
We can beat fire ants
By Jonathon Howard
CONCERNS ABOUT the effectiveness of the war against fire ants in Queensland have been met with a firm response from the National Fire Ant Eradication Program.
The response followed a motion from Tweed Shire councillor Meredith Dennis, who raised concerns that the war against the fire ant was failing in Queensland and would therefore struggle to contain the invasive species in Northern NSW.
A spokesperson for the program emphasised that significant progress has been made and that the goal of eradicating fire ants from Australia by 2032 remains on track.
The spokesperson highlighted that since the first detection of fire ants in Queensland in 2001, the program has successfully eradicated eight of nine fire ant incursions across the country.
The current focus is on the ongoing infestation in South East Queensland, which remains under strict containment.
“Our response plan, backed by funding from the Australian Government and all states and territories, is proving successful in managing and containing fire ants in Australia,” the spokesperson said.
“Despite challenges, the program has demonstrated a proven ability to prevent the spread of fire ants beyond the established boundaries.
“This success is highlighted by projections showing that without the ongoing eradication efforts, fire ants would have likely spread much further across the country, reaching regions like Townsville in the north and past Longreach in the
west.
“Had we not acted, fire ants could have reached critical areas, such as southern New South Wales, where they would cause irreparable damage to agriculture, infrastructure, and the environment.
“In countries where fire ants have spread uncontrollably, the impacts are devastating. They are recognised globally as one of the world’s most destructive invasive species.”
Independent research underscores the severity of the threat posed by fire ants, suggesting that 97 per cent of Australia’s climate is suitable for the pest.
Therefore, the eradication program is crucial in mitigating an annual cost that could reach billions of dollars in damages, including $536 million in health and lifestyle impacts, $381 million in agricultural losses, $250 million in infrastructure damage, and $84 million in environmental harm.
The spokesperson stressed that eradication efforts are comprehensive and involve both direct action and community engagement.
“We are intensifying our program with a systematic, outside-in approach to treatment and strengthening compliance,” the spokesperson said.
“It’s vital that everyone plays a role — from government to individual property owners — in the fight against fire ants.”
The spokesperson said the eradication treatment area spans parts of Moreton Bay, Somerset, Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim, and the southern Gold Coast, with efforts continuing to treat all targeted properties multiple times over several years.
“Once eradication treatments are com-
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pleted, areas will transition to surveillance status, ensuring the pests do not return,” the spokesperson said.
“In addition to the ongoing eradication treatment, the Queensland Government’s Fire Ant Suppression Taskforce is working alongside the National Fire Ant Eradication Program to support property owners, tenants, and primary producers.
“These individuals can access free self-treatment initiatives, with primary producers receiving free treatment products until June 2026.
“Residents within affected areas are also encouraged to follow fire ant-safe practices and participate in reporting and treatment efforts.
“Those handling potentially infested materials such as soil, hay, and potted plants must adhere to strict biosecurity regulations to prevent the movement of fire ants to new areas.
“Eradicating fire ants is a shared responsibility.
“Everyone, from community members to industries and all levels of government, must work together to achieve this goal. This combined effort is our best and only chance of a fire ant-free Australia.”
Meanwhile, a growing group under the banner of NSW Fire Ant Truths, or NFAT, were set to host a community meeting in Murwillumbah on December 19, to discuss non-toxic methods of fire ant eradication, as they continue to express concerns with the two main chemicals used to treat fire ants, those being Fipronil and Pyriproxyfen.
For more information, individuals can visit fireants.org.au or call 132 ANT (13 22 68).
Fire ants pose a major risk to agriculture and the environment. Right: Councillor Meredith Dennis
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By Jo Kennett
POTTSVILLE RESIDENTS were thrilled to see repairs to the Mooball Creek seawall at the entrance to the ocean at Pottsville finally completed after years of advocacy and work.
Led by 90-year-old David Cranwell, former Pottsville Community Association (PCA) members Richard Snell, Bruce Brown, Peter Howell and Les Hardy spent years fighting to get the repairs done. They collected thousands of signatures in a petition to the state government to fund half the repairs after Tweed Shire Council voted to fund half. Both the state and federal government ended up funding the project with council.
David, the Pottsville representative of the Coastal Waterways Committee for over 20 years, has worked on the project for years. He said the southern wall had been breached when it fell
into disrepair, allowing sand to wash into the creek on high tides in big seas.
“A lot of the dunes have been taken away recently with the big swells,” he said.
“The main concern is for flooding in the area which is why the walls were built in the first place.”
Council worked on the project for several years with Mayor Chris Cherry praising the work of David and local residents, while David said he couldn’t have done it without her.
Les Hardy, 83, who has a history with the wall, said it had been a big effort to get it done.
“My dad died out the end of the south wall,” he said.
“He was there fishing and he hooked a big jew and he said to my brother, ‘You better take it, I’ve got a pain in my chest,’ and he lay down on a bit of sand and died.
“It’s great to see it finally done after all these years,” he said, adding it would be good to have some fill on top so peo-
ple could walk out to the end.
Member for Tweed Geoff Provest, who pushed for state funding, said the southern wall is longer because, “being at the bottom of the Coral Sea, there is a slow southerly drift.”
“Nature designed it where a big storm would move it north but obviously with obstructions it catches it and it greatly enhances the flow of the creek here.
“A lot of the concern here was that it (sand washing in) restricted the flow and when it blocks up there is a tremendous community debate about opening it up.
“The Pottsville Community Association has been relentless in their advocacy.
“There was an enormous amount of paperwork because there were five different agencies involved and unfortunately that takes time but it’s finished and that’s great.”
MGN Civil completed the work, transporting boulders from the Hastings Point Shell track along the beach to the
north wall and to the south wall from the south side beach access, between high tides and school holidays.
PCA president Wendy Pluckrose said a lot of people had been involved in getting the project to fruition.
“The community is very excited that it’s finally done,” Wendy said.
“It looks great and now everyone can just enjoy the holiday season and being in the creek again.
“It’s been a lot of hard work from a lot of people and it looks really good. It’s a celebration.”
Pottsville Community Association secretary Judy Mann and president Wendy Pluckrose with Geoff Provest MP.
David Cranwell, Richard Snell, Les Hardy, Peter Howell and Bruce Brown.
Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot, David Cranwell and Mayor Chris Cherry.
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By Jo Kennett
A HIKER lost in Wollumbin National Park has arranged to thank rescue crews, who spent four days searching for him before he walked to Tyalgum Road and flagged down a car on Wednesday, December 11.
VRA Rescue Regional Operations Manager Northern Region Paul Cowles said they were “absolutely stoked” when the news came in that Townsville doctor Csaba Vargal was safe.
VRA rescue squads, Tweed-Byron Police, NSW Ambulance, the SES and RFS were all activated to the search after the doctor got lost on Saturday night, December 7.
“We went straight onto the summit track, as he told his girlfriend he was going to climb the mountain that night,” Paul said.
“On Sunday it got to 38 Celsius and we were in a sub-tropical rainforest in an extinct volcano so the humidity was high and we had to be mindful of dehydration.”
Paul said the terrain is always slippery, but rain from Monday made the search even harder.
“On Sunday we decided, due to the treacherous nature of the track which is closed, to activate our Special Operations Rescue Unit (SORU),” he said.
“They are some of the best search and rescue guys in the country and include world-leading cave rescue experts.
“These guys are incredibly fit and can camp
out with their swags and we could send the other volunteers back to their normal jobs as well as providing that 24/7 rescue service.”
Dr Vargal tracked due north when he got lost and found Wollumbin Creek, which he followed out to a property.
“The saying goes that creeks lead to rivers, rivers lead to roads, and roads lead to properties, and that’s what happened,” Paul said.
Some of the rescuers were “stoked” to meet Dr Vargal who, after getting checked at Murwillumbah Hospital, stayed at the same motel.
“It’s really good for them to get an understanding of what he was thinking and where he thought he went wrong for future reference,” Paul said.
“The nature of rescue work, whether it’s car crashes or rescues, means that some won’t survive, so everyone was absolutely stoked.
“He wants to catch up with all the agencies to thank everyone.”
Tweed District Rescue Squad captain Drew Carr said that before the summit track closed in 2020, they used to be called in for rescues“sometimes two or three times a day.”
“There were 50 or 60 activations in a season,” he said.
“Prior to 2017 there were a lot of people going off track, getting lost and requiring assistance, but after the Cyclone Debbie flood, nearly every call out was for an injury.
Drew said it could take a crew of 30 to get someone off the top of the mountain.
VRA Rescue NSW
SORU (Special Operations Rescue Unit) team leader Daniel Ney (left) caught up with missing hiker
Doctor Csaba Varga
Stolen car found
By Jo Kennett
A CAR stolen from Pottsville in late November has been found by police in Grafton, despite initially being seen heading north from Pottsville on the M1 and towards the Queensland border.
The 2021 Haval was stolen from Andrews Avenue, Pottsville Waters, along with about $12,000 worth of alarms in the early hours of November 29, after thieves broke into Elliott Cronan’s home through his bedroom window and stole his car keys.
There were six homes broken into in the Andrews Avenue-Beatrice Court area around the same time, in what seems to have been a hunt by several males for car keys.
Elliott’s brother saw the car being driven away and later found it travelling with three other cars — two dark vehicles and another white vehicle travelling at the tail end of the group which, dash cam footage showed, was a Toyota Kluger stolen from Pottsville around the same time as Elliott’s Haval.
Elliott’s brother followed the vehicles out Pottsville Road towards the M1, but they pulled over to the side of the road. When they set off again, he followed them to the M1, where they turned north towards Tweed Heads.
The police had been called and Elliott’s brother decided to stop following the four cars as he was on his own and didn’t know if the men involved knew they were being followed and might retaliate.
Elliott said that the car was found in Grafton, but he hadn’t heard what condition it was in as it was in the police lockup. A mobile phone allegedly stolen from Pottsville by the same group was later found in Casino.
The white Toyota Kluger stolen from Hampton Court in Pottsville around the same time — 4.30 am — still hasn’t been found.
A blue Haval stolen from Brisbane that was involved in a break-in at Kingscliff the same night was later found burnt out in Toowoomba but it’s unknown if there was any connection between that incident and the Pottsville thefts.
Kingscliff death
By Jo Kennett
POLICE SAY the death of a woman whose body was found in a home in Kingscliff in early December is not suspicious.
Tweed-Byron Police officers were called to a home on Seaview Street on Monday morning, December 9, over a concern for welfare and
found the body of a 56-year-old woman.
A crime scene was established and an investigation commenced, with forensic officers at work in the property.
Now police say that, following further investigations and a post-mortem examination, the death is not suspicious.
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Retail theft up
By Jo Kennett
THE LATEST crime statistics from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) show that crime was stable over the 24 months to September 2024, though the Tweed Shire bucked some trends.
The biggest increase in criminal offences in the Tweed in the past two years was thefts from retail stores, which increased by 12.7 per cent, compared to a state average of 2.8 per cent.
It was the first time since September 2022 that no major offence, including car thefts, has significantly increased in the preceding two years statewide, but statistics released in December show car thefts in the Tweed Shire were up.
Crime statistics in the shire in the 12 months to September 2024 were similar to the state average.
There were two murders, with none in the 12 months to September, 2023.
There were also 317 domestic violence-related assaults, down from 352 the previous year.
There were 386 non-domestic violence-related assaults, slightly up from 371 to September 2023.
Police recorded 102 sexual assaults (with 101 in the preceding year) and 87 sexual acts and other sexual offences, down from 93.
There were 21 robberies, the same as 2023, 210 break and enters into homes, down by 11,
and 116 break and enters into non-residential properties, down from 131 the previous year.
Car thefts were up from 242 in the year to September, 2023 to 280 vehicle thefts this year.
There were 401 thefts from motor vehicles, up from 346, 347 thefts from retail stores (the ones they caught) up from 308 last year, 517 other stealing offences (up from 458) and 641 incidents of malicious damage to property, up from 568 last year.
BOCSAR Executive Director Jackie Fitzgerald, said that, as of September 2024, across the state, not a single major violent or property offence has significantly increased over the past two-years”
“The previous seven quarterly crime reports all indicated a significant increase in motor vehicle theft, largely due to sizable rises in regional NSW,” she said.
“Now, however, motor vehicle theft is stable in NSW, regional NSW and greater Sydney. Of the 28 statistical areas in NSW only five are showing an increase in car theft in the past two years.”
Unfortunately one of those areas is the Tweed, which has just had the biggest increase in police numbers in a decade, but it is still a battle to find housing for new police officers.
There has been a big increase in retail theft in the Tweed Shire
Tweed’s year in review
By Jonathon Howard
AS WE look back on 2024, it's clear that this year has been one of significant challenges, innovation and resilience.
From the ongoing recovery efforts following the 2020 Tweed flood to the celebration of our sporting achievements as well as cultural diversity, Tweed has continued to grow and thrive.
Murwillumbah parking pain
One of the first big stories for 2024 was the closure of a large portion of the Murwillumbah CBD multi-level car park, which may at first glance not appear like a notable news story, but the ongoing partial closure of this infrastructure has caused major traffic pain for local businesses and shoppers alike.
All fingers and toes remain crossed that the car park will reopen at full capacity in 2025.
Brazen water rescues
The year started in a dramatic fashion with a brazen rescue by our heroic local SES crew members at Tyalgum Road, Eungella, on the first day of 2024.
Six people were rescued after floodwater rose suddenly and they were swept away by the Oxley River, fortunately no lives were lost.
Demerged high schools to reopen
Another big news item for the Tweed this year was the announcement by Labor NSW Minister for Education and Deputy Premier Prue Car to re -
open all four Murwillumbah public schools at the start of 2025, including a revitalised Murwillumbah High School alongside the return of Wollumbin High.
Works are progressing well at Murwillumbah High School, which is set to welcome students back at the start of 2025.
E-bikes a hot topic
It goes without saying that E-bikes and E-scooters have featured heavily in The Weekly this year from January all the way through to December 2024. Residents, police and politicians have all shared their views on what many fear is a rising safety issue for motorists.
In fact, in February this year, Tweed Police wanted to remind NSW residents that motorised wheeled devices like scooters, skateboards and hoverboards are illegal.
However, one senior police officer said that it is difficult being next to the Queensland border where these devices are legal.
Mavis’s Kitchen closes
After 17 years, Mavis’s Kitchen was sadly closed. The last delicious meal was served at 3pm on Sunday, January 28.
Multiple factors were cited for closing the venue including COVID, ongoing road works and the closure of the Wollumbin/Mount Warning summit track.
Tweed growth strategy
Arguably the most debated document for the Tweed Shire this year is the Growth Management and Housing Strategy Draft Options Paper, which
raised eyebrows after it was officially released for public consultation on February 8.
In releasing the document, Tweed Shire Council’s Unit Coordinator of Strategic Planning and Urban Design
Iain Lonsdale said that growth is inevitable for the Tweed and that the days of clear roads without traffic and empty townships are over.
War on fire ants
The march and action to contain and eradicate the red imported fire ant were at fever pitch in 2024.
The Weekly reported multiple occurrences of the fire ant in Northern NSW, including the Tweed, as eradication involved the rollout of chemical treatments.
Movement controls were implemented within a five kilometre radius of a South Murwillumbah detection site as well as limits on movement of materials across the border from Queensland.
Gordo gets bravery award
An award-winning local cameraman was commended for his bravery in saving a former Lithuanian refugee from drowning in wild surf at notoriously dangerous Fingal Head on Wednesday, April 12, 2023.
John Gordon, known as ‘Gordo the Great’, received the Commendation for Brave Conduct (CBC) from Australian Governor-General David Hurley on Wednesday, March 27.
Locals in Indigenous Cricket championships
Three local legends and top cricket players travelled to Alice Springs to
represent NSW in the National Indigenous Cricket Championships from February 22–27, coming second in the competition after a hard fought grand final against Western Australia.
Cudgen Cricket Club’s Pat Rosser and Matt Carvosso, with Anthony Kershler as assistant coach, were part of the Blues Squad in the T20 competition.
Murwillumbah Hospital ward closure
It was the news many had been dreading when it was announced by the chief executive of the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD), Tracey Maisey, that the Murwillumbah District Hospital overnight surgical ward would close in early 2024.
Ms Maisey issued an apology for what she said was a “poor process” in making the announcement, however, the apology did not reverse the decision to close the ward.
Community rallies for peacock
Bilambil residents have proven they are some of the most caring and closeknit in the Tweed, by throwing their support and resources behind a wellknown local peacock.
The peacock, known affectionately as Kevin, has been in the Bilambil
area for the past five years and makes regular visits to local homes.
Much loved by locals, the peacock is considered part of the community.
In a sad turn of events, Kevin was struck by a car on Carool Road on Friday, March 1, and required healing from locals.
New hospital opens
Thousands of people filed through the doors of the brand-new Tweed Valley Hospital on Saturday, March 16, for its official opening.
For many it was a first look at the new $723.3-million hospital, which included a walk-through of key hospital services such as the emergency department, maternity services, cancer services and the outpatient department.
NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park said his key priorities are to improve access to healthcare for regional communities.
The Tweed Hospital closes
In a decision that stirred emotions across the Tweed this year, The Tweed Hospital closed on Tuesday, May 14, marking the end of an era for the community.
Staff and community members said a fond farewell to the old hospital.
Continued page 16
Healthcare Helpers volunteers at the newly-opened Tweed Valley Hospital
Take It Ezy Meat Co Retail Outlet
5 Thornbill Drive, South Murwillumbah Ph 0427 902 584
Christmas
MONDAY 23RD DEC 8:30 TO 3:30
THURSDAY 26TH DEC CLOSED
MONDAY 30TH DEC 9:00 TO 3:00
FRIDAY 27TH DEC CLOSED
Hours
THURSDAY 2ND JAN
9:00 TO 3:00
FRIDAY 3RD JAN 9:00 TO 3:00
TUESDAY 31ST DEC 9:00 TO 12:30 TUESDAY 24TH DEC 8:30 TO 12:30 SATURDAY 4TH JAN 9:00 TO 11:00
WEDNESDAY 25TH DEC CLOSED
SATURDAY 28TH DEC CLOSED
SUNDAY 29TH DEC CLOSED WEDNESDAY 1ST JAN CLOSED
TRADING HOURS
Monday To Friday 8:30–3:30 Saturday 8:30–11
Year in review
Continued from page 14
Tweed internet outrage
One of the biggest issues in 2024 was access to internet across the Tweed Valley and Tweed Coast.
In fact, a frustrated number of Tweed Shire residents say they are fed up with terrible internet and poor mobile coverage with many resorting to alternative solutions such as Starlink satellite internet to ensure reliability.
Karin Schiller from Crystal Creek highlighted the dire situation, stating that despite being in an area where telecommunication coverage “should be adequate”, she consistently faces issues with her mobile phone service.
Ms Schiller recently lodged a complaint with the Telecommunications Ombudsman after her provider blamed her brick veneer home for the poor reception.
Flood pump for leagues club
In a major win for future-proofing the Murwillumbah (Brothers) Leagues Club against flooding, the construction of a new stormwater pump station began in May.
The pump station will be automatically triggered and can be monitored remotely
COASTLINE BUILDING CERTIFICATION GROUP PTY LTD ACCREDITED
Pursuant to Section 4.59 Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, Regulation 124 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000
The following Complying Development Certificates have been determined and are available for public inspection, free of charge, at the Tweed Shire Council Offices, Murwillumbah, during normal office hours.
Lot
PROPERTY
No. 15 Pileena Street Banora Point Swimming Pool
Lot 110 DP 1101846 No. 23 Lennox Circuit, Pottsville In-Ground Swimming Pool
Lot 4 DP580285 No. 4 Mibbin Parade Banora Point Swimming Pool
Lot 705 DP 850786 No. 5 Dromara Court, Banora Point In-Ground Swimming Pool
Lot 12 DP530364 No. 2 Blue Haze Crescent Banora PointSwimming Pool
Lot 9 DP 1182599 No. 384 Casuarina Way, Casuarina Roofed Patio
Lot 18 DP241909 No. 16 Elouera Terrace Bray Park Swimming Pool
by Tweed Shire Council staff.
Pod village debate
One of the most hotly debated topics in 2024 was the temporary flood accommodation known as pod villages.
Although the pods had a bad start, criticism of the villages was raised as an issue by Deputy Mayor Meredith Dennis who called for residents to stop the pod bashing.
Cr Dennis said the constant criticism of residents residing in temporary housing pods at both Pottsville and Kingscliff “needs to stop”.
Cr Dennis joined in voting for a motion to extend the pod villages by another six months in May.
Cr Dennis emphasised that despite some early hurdles, the pod housing is working for flood victims.
The matter is continuing even this month with further calls to extend the pod village at Elrond Drive, a motion that’s likely to fall short of the required votes.
Nurses strike action
The Tweed set the scene for some of the biggest strike actions in the state this year with thousands of angry nurses and midwives taking to the streets to call for better pay.
They were calling for equal pay to their Queensland counterparts who earn upwards of 15 per cent more.
The strike action is likely to reignite in 2025 as their demands are yet to be met by the NSW Government.
Welcome Cr Kimberly Hone
The Local Government Elections were held in September and results saw the council remain unchanged except for newly elected Kimberly Hone who replaced longtime councillor Warren Polglase.
Cr Hone has vowed to continue carrying the baton for Cr Polglase as well as making her own mark on the Tweed Shire Plenty of other news
As we reflect on 2024, it’s clear that this year has been marked by an extraordinary surge in news coverage, with an outpouring of stories that showcase both the challenges and triumphs of our community. From environmental shifts to local achievements, the shire has seen too many important developments to list in full, but what stands out most is the remarkable resilience of our agricultural sector.
Our hardworking sugarcane farmers, who have faced unpredictable weather patterns and a shifting market landscape, have once again proven their tenacity in keeping the industry alive.
Equally deserving of recognition are the cattle and dairy farmers for their efforts to maintain their herds and produce high-quality goods through tough conditions.
A big thank you also to our hardworking volunteers, rescue squad, firefighters, Tweed-Byron Police, council rangers, and all those who keep us safe.
Lot 746 DP 1291069 No. 13 Townsend Crescent TerranoraDwelling, Swimming Pool, Retaining Walls
Lot 6 DP286750 No. 10 Black Myrtle Court Terranora Swimming Pool
Lot 2 DP1278145 No. 5 Trutes Terrace Terranora Swimming Pool
Lot 708 DP1291069 No. 67 Market Parade TerranoraDwelling
Lot 10 DP 1063790 No. 604 Dulguigan Road, Dulguigan Dwelling Alterations to Create New Bathroom
Lot 171 DP 31041 No. 13 Yvonne Crescent, Bilambil Heights
Lot 68 DP1030322 No. 15 Steelwood Lane CasuarinaDemolition
In-Ground Swimming Pool
Lot 134 DP 1045822 No. 13 Korora Parkway, Pottsville In-Ground Swimming Pool
Lot 6 DP 244969 No. 234 Crabbes Creek Road Crabbes Creek Farm Shed
Lot 62 DP 825815 No. 12 Clonakilty Close, Banora Point
Lot 5 DP 1051256 No. 11 White Fig Court, Banora Point
In-Ground Swimming Pool
In-Ground Swimming Pool
Lot 108 DP1301249 No. 14 Sugar Mill Road Cudgen Dwelling
Lot 35 DP 249208 No. 10 Surfside Crescent, Pottsville
Dwelling Alterations & Additions
Lot 2 DP1270060 No. 12A Crescent Street Cudgen Dwelling
Lot 1 DP 586177 No. 70 Hulls Road, Crabbes Creek
In-Ground Swimming Pool
Lot 35 DP1295758 No. 24 Prichard Place Cudgen Dwelling
Lot 360 DP 263851 No. 40 Castlecrag Avenue, Banora Point Alterations to Existing Dwelling
Lot 2 DP 246052 No. 741 Piggabeen Road, Piggabeen
Lot 2 DP 1118811 No. 17/60 Marine Parade KingscliffOffice Fitout
In-Ground Swimming Pool
Lot 28 DP 802884 No. 11 Pulkara Court, Bilambil Heights Shed
Lot 10 Sec 14 DP758571 No. 6 Ocean Street KingscliffDemolition
Lot 110 DP 716444 No. 24 Jarrah Place, Banora Point
In-Ground Swimming Pool
Lot 8 DP736597 No. 1 Hulls Road Mooball Shed
Lot B DP 374305 No. 5 Bent Street, Murwillumbah In-Ground Swimming Pool
Lot 21 DP 613653 No. 28 Pacific Drive, Banora Point
Lot 309 DP1158142 No. 17 Silkpod Avenue MurwillumbahSwimming Pool
Alterations &
Lot 135 DP1284746 No. 7 Mount Ernest Crescent Murwillumbah Dual Occupancy
Lot 508 DP1222426 No. 74 Rous River Way MurwillumbahSwimming Pool
Lot 171 DP 629328 No. 28-40 Overall Drive PottsvilleShop Fitout
Lot 434 DP1270825 No. 15 Darro Road Terranora Dwelling, Swimming Pool
Lot 134 DP1233026 No. 12 Altitude Boulevard TerranoraDeck
Lot 725 DP1291069 No. 12 Mawson Peak Boulevard Terranora Dwelling, Secondary Dwelling, Swimming Pool
Lot 802 DP1301190 No. 5 Bulla Court Terranora Dwelling, Games Room, Swimming Pool, Retaining Walls
Lot 737 DP1291069 No. 4 Gower Street Terranora Swimming Pool
Lot 230 DP253826 No. 22 The Anchorage Tweed HeadsDwelling Additions
Lot 5 DP1016951 No. 54 Champagne Drive Tweed Heads South Garage Conversion
Lot 1 Sec 2 DP9025 No. 160 Kennedy Drive Tweed Heads West Demolition Lot 1 DP579533 No. 101 Zara Road Zara Swimming Pool
Caba beach pub sells
By Jo Kennett
THE CABARITA Beach Hotel has been sold to a Canberra-based hotel investment group headed by a former PWC managing partner.
HTL Property announced the sale of the landmark hotel on behalf of their clients the McElhone Family, who closed the pub for a farewell party with staff on Sunday.
HTL said in a media statement that the deal was brokered by directors Glenn Price and Blake Edwards and “represents the highest price paid for a coastal pub sold in 2024.”
There are unconfirmed reports the hotel sold for around $11 million.
The new owner is Andrew Turnbull via his Investment Management Group (IMG) vehicle, adding to a large hotel portfolio with assets primarily in the NSW Central West.
Andrew’s daughter Emma, who lives in Cabarita, will be the venue’s new licensee and face of the pub.
“We are very grateful for the trust the McElhone family placed in Blake, myself and HTL; and are genuinely excited about their future away from the pub,” HTL Property Director Glenn Price said.
“At the same time we wish Andrew, Emma and the other IMG shareholders all the very best of luck with their iconic new asset.
HTL says that Emma, who moved to the region three years ago, “will bring a dynamic local perspective to the management of the hotel.”
“We recognise the incredible business that
John and his family have built, and their long standing commitment to this Cabarita land mark,” Emma said.
“We’re excited to contribute to Cabarita’s rich hospitality landscape by building on the venue’s established foundation”
The Cabarita Beach Hotel is one of only a handful of beachfront pubs in Australia and includes a bar, bistro, gaming room with 15 gaming machine entitlements, separate bottle shop and on-title car parking.
“The Far North Coast is still a particularly cov eted region for visitors and investors alike, and unsurprisingly this unique asset had absolutely no trouble attracting attention from buyers,” HTL Property Director Blake Edwards said.
The original Cabarita Country Club Hotel Motel was built in 1960 by John Booker as the centerpiece of his Cabarita Country Club Estate. It became the much-loved heart of the town and the source of many funny stories and fond memories.
It featured a glass-sided swimming pool — providing entertainment for bar patrons who looked in on the swimmers underwater, often without the swimmers realising — and was a popular destination for visitors.
Bogangar residents fought for several years against the construction of the new hotel in its place but ultimately lost.
The hotel has had many owners over the years, with John McElhone purchasing the hotel in the early 2010s.
We only need a 1.8% swing to win this seat.
If you’re struggling to afford housing, groceries or visits to the doctor, you aren’t alone.
I’ve lived and worked in this region for three decades. I know people are doing it tough.
With your vote, I can fight to:
Build public housing and phase out negative gearing
Get dental into Medicare and make healthcare cheaper
Bring down power prices with publicly-owned renewables
We’ve had the same Labor MP in this seat for 20 years. We can’t keep voting for the same two parties and expecting different results. If you want change, you have to vote for it.
• Medical Services
• Women’s Health
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• Skin Check
Tweed hospital feedback
By Jonathon Howard
TWEED SHIRE patients who attended emergency departments (EDs) at Murwillumbah & District Hospital and Tweed Valley Hospital, during the 2023-24 financial year have given health staff, including clinicians and support staff, positive ratings.
The latest Bureau of Health Information’s Emergency Department Patient Survey provides a snapshot of the experiences of 2,347 patients who attended emergency departments across the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) from July 2023 to June 2024.
During this period, more than 227,000 people attended EDs across the total district. Overall, more than nine in ten patients sur-
veyed (92 per cent) rated the care they received as ‘good’ or ‘very good’.
The vast majority (93 per cent) also rated the ED health professionals who treated them as ‘very good’ or ‘good’, and 87 per cent agreed health professionals were ‘always’ kind and caring.
If asked about their ED experience by family and friends, 77 per cent reported they would speak highly, significantly above the state average of 72 per cent.
Of note, eight in ten surveyed patients (80 per cent) said the ED treatment area was ‘very clean’, the highest result for a local health district in the state.
NNSWLHD had 19 results significantly above the state average, the second highest ED survey result of all local health districts.
Northern NSW Local Health District Chief Executive Tracey Maisey said patient experience was an important factor in delivering excellent healthcare, and staff should be proud of their efforts.
“We all come to work wanting to do the best for our patients, and staff should be proud to see their efforts reflected in the positive experiences of our patients,” Ms Maisey said.
“I am certainly very proud of the compassionate care our teams provide day after day.”
Several hospitals, including Byron Central Hospital, Maclean District Hospital, Murwillumbah District Hospital and The Tweed Hospital received ratings of care significantly above the NSW average, across areas from overall care and treatment, to teamwork, communication and cleanliness.
MURWILLUMBAH DISTRICT HOSPITAL
More than nine in 10 patients (96 per cent) rated the overall care they received as ‘very good’ or ‘good’.
More than nine in 10 patients (97 per cent) rated their health professionals as ‘very good’ or ‘good’.
More than nine in 10 patients (94 per cent) said they were ‘always’ treated with respect and dignity.
Nine in 10 patients (90 per cent) said the ED treatment area was ‘very clean’, the highest result in the state.
In total, Murwillumbah recorded 19 results significantly above the NSW state average
TWEED VALLEY HOSPITAL
More than nine in 10 patients (96 per cent) rated the overall care they received as ‘very good’ or ‘good’.
More than nine in 10 patients (97 per cent) rated their health professionals as ‘very good’ or ‘good’.
More than nine in 10 patients (95 per cent) said the teamwork of health professionals was ‘very good’ or ‘good’.
Murwillumbah Public School
More than eight in 10 patients (88 per cent) said the health professionals were always kind and caring.
In total, Tweed Valley Hospital recorded eight results significantly above the NSW state average.
It’s a Presentation at Murwillumbah Public School
The annual Murwillumbah Public School Presentation Night took place on Wednesday 11th of December. It was a wonderful opportunity to recognise the progress of all students and highlight the musical and dramatic talents of every child in the school.
The evening commenced with the fabulous tradition of performing the K-2 nativity which has been a feature of the program for over 30 years. It was a great success with the young stars keeping the audience thoroughly entertained and the kindergarten” cute factor” very much on display. Year 2 then performed a short Christmas carol, “Feliz Navidad”.
The stage 2 and 3 students then took centre stage with their performance of Joseph and
his Technicolour Dream Coat. The student’s enthusiasm was contagious and the audience responded well to their energy
Both productions were very well appreciated by the many community members in attendance.
In addition to yearly class awards and principal’s gold awards we were able to recognise the recipients of the school’s major perpetual trophies. These included:
Citizen of the Year – Maddison
Literacy Award – Bay Lee
Rotary Club Award – Sarah
Sportsperson of the Year – Chayse
Twin Towns Runners and Walkers award – Liam
The school leaders of 2024 were commended on all they contributed to the school during the year and they had the honour of announcing the school captains and vice captains for 2025. They are:
Captains: Sophie & Lochlan
Vice Captains: Grace T & Wilson
The nal major event of the year then took place on Monday night with the Year 6 farewell. It was a wonderful celebration of the primary school journey for these students. We wish them all the best in their secondary education and beyond.
A reminder as well that enrolment contact during the school holiday period is through email Murwillumb-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au
Both Murwillumbah District and Tweed Valley Hospitals have excelled inpatient surveys for 2023-24
Sweet Talk with Robert Hawken
Harvest one to forget
THE 2024 sugarcane harvest in NSW will be one that growers and millers would like to forget. Condong Mill finished crushing on Friday, December 13, however, because of the relentless wet weather events throughout the harvest period, over 70,000 tonnes of cane which were originally nominated for harvest have been left in the field.
Most of this cane will be harvested next year as two-year old, but unfortunately, some current two-year old crops have been left and will have to be harvested as three-year old cane in 2025.
Extremely wet ground conditions mean that harvesters cannot operate effectively and cause too much damage to the cane plants’ roots and stools. Also, soil structure is badly affected by harvesting in excessively wet conditions.
In addition, the sugar content of the cane (CCS) decreases in the hot and very humid weather of late November and December. These factors combined to end the harvest for 2024 without all nominated cane being harvested.
I need to mention our very dedicated and professional harvester crews who have battled through such a difficult and frustrating harvest season.
They have done well to harvest the approximately 402,000 tonnes of cane (please note this total is not yet verified).
The crop forecast for 2025 will be down significantly because of an expected very weak oneyear old component, due to the poor growing conditions over the last five months.
Much of this year’s plant cane has struggled to emerge, having been inundated by water on
numerous occasions. Many growers will have a larger than usual planting program in 2025 and good quality plants may be hard to source.
On a brighter note, the world sugar market remains buoyant and if we have good growing weather (i.e. not too much rain and no floods), crop expectations for 2025 may improve.
I wish all sugar industry personnel, farmers, harvester crews, truck drivers, mill workers and staff a happy, peaceful Christmas with friends and families and hope we all have an easier year in 2025.
Best wishes to all Tweed Valley Weekly readers for this festive season, Rob Hawken.
Much of this years' plant cane has struggled to emerge, having been inundated by water on numerous occasions
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Climate action call
By Jo Kennett
TORRES STRAIT Islander community leaders have visited the Tweed Shire during their Northern Rivers tour to join with flood-impacted communities to send a message to the government on the need for urgent action on climate change.
Torres Strait Islander community leaders Uncle Pabai and Uncle Paul have taken the Australian Government to court over climate inaction and negligence in the Torres Strait, where sea levels have risen over 6mm per year (now up to 8mm) since 1992 due to global warming.
At only two metres above sea level, the islands’ homes, infrastructure, ancestral burial sites and drinking water supplies are being increasingly inundated with sea water and storm surges.
Chinderah Community Hub Leader and flood survivor Sandy Gilbert took part in a panel at Brunswick Heads on the opening day of the tour with a question and answer on building community power, with more than a hundred people in attendance.
“The Northern Rivers knows firsthand that these disasters aren’t natural — they’re the direct result of government inaction on climate change,” Sandy said.
“Thousands of elderly people, families and vulnerable community members have not been supported post-2022 flood, many are still living in temporary accommodation or not back in their home nearly three years after the floods.
“This isn’t just about extreme weather — it’s about government negligence and the urgent need for climate action.
“By connecting with the Torres Strait Islander communities, we’re building a powerful movement for change that can’t be ignored.”
Uncle Paul Pabai said they were standing together with communities from all over Australia to send a strong message to the Australian
Government that we can’t wait any more years for strong climate action,
“The more voices we have, the stronger our fight will be,” he said.
The Uncles visited Lismore and were shocked to hear about the 2022 flood impact.
They then held storytelling circles, one on the Tweed River foreshore in Chinderah with Torres Strait elder Aunty McRose Elu and her niece Barbara, and Cabbage Tree elders. Greens candidate for Richmond Mandy Nolan was also in attendance to hear their landmark climate case to hold the government to account for the loss of their cultural homelands.
“Where once they lived on the beach, fished and gardened — now the sea is polluted and the land has too much salt to grow anything,” Mandy said.
“These are the consequences of an unchecked fossil fuel industry. Together we will build a powerful community. These are our stories too.”
Mandy Nolan listens to Torres Strait elder Aunty McRose Elu talk about climate change impacts in her island homeland
Banora Point High turns 20
ON DECEMBER 11, a momentous occasion
unfolded at Banora Point High School as they proudly commemorated their 20th anniversary.
This landmark anniversary serves as a testament to the school’s rich history, characterised by a commitment to excellence in academics, sports and the arts, which has been recognised not only at the local level but also statewide and nationally.
The festivities began with a heartfelt traditional smoke ceremony led by esteemed local Indigenous elders Uncle Vic and Uncle Frank, honouring the land and its history.
The event drew a significant crowd, including former and current principals who have played pivotal roles in shaping Banora Point High over the last two decades.
FREE ENTRY
Coinciding with the anniversary was the school’s celebrated annual honours assembly, a gathering that brought together students, faculty, parents, local dignitaries, and community businesses.
“The outpouring of encouragement for our high school throughout 2024 has been both inspiring and essential as we strive to provide outstanding educational opportunities for our students,” Grant Ratcliffe, the school’s Community Liaison Officer said.
“With this robust support, we are eager to continue building on these solid foundations as we move toward 2025.
“At Banora Point High School, we are filled with enthusiasm and pride as we carry on our mission to nurture and educate the future generations of our vibrant local community.”
Principals and Mayor Chris Cherry
Murwillumbah Learning Community High School CLASS OF 2024
MURWILLUMBAH LEARNING
Community High School proudly celebrated the graduation and formal for its class of 2024 on Thursday, November 14.
The formal marks a significant milestone for the students and their families with a total of 74 students from year 12 graduating.
The ceremony, which took place at the Murwillumbah Civic and Cultural Centre, was filled with joy and excitement as the graduates reflected on their journey through high school.
The parents and students were treated to a special three-course dinner
prepared and served by students from the school’s hospitality unit.
The school’s year advisors did a great job, including Melissa Manning and Michael Thomas, who helped put the graduation together and provided a reflecting speech to parents, staff and students.
The photos printed this week were taken by the school’s photography teacher Tricia Quantrill, who did a great job capturing the celebration.
The graduation concluded with a heartfelt farewell to the students who will now embark on the next chapter of their lives.
Clontarf Regional Manager-Mid North Coast Adam McCormack presents Year 7 student Dennis Ritchie with his ‘Top Trainer’ singlet.
Showroom
CLUB BANORA juniors
CLUB BANORA juniors
To our dear followers, readers and food lovers, We hope that you are all well and having a wonderful holiday season. By the time you are reading this Christmas Day will be over and hopefully we are all able to take a bit of down time. This year as Christmas Day and New Year’s Day both fell on a Wednesday, our usual market day, we decided that the market that would usually be on Christmas Day would be held two days before on Monday 23 December instead – we hope you were still able to come and see us. We also made the difficult decision to cancel the market that would usually be held on Wednesday 1 January 2025, New Year’s Day. The first market in the new year and our return to ‘normal’ will be on Wednesday 8 January 2025.
farmers and producers we would not have a market. A massive thank you to these incredible humans for bringing their passion and love for their fresh, local and seasonal produce and/or products each week.
The Showground – a big thank you to the Showground Managers and caretakers for enabling us to use this wonderful space each and every week for our market and for upkeeping the grounds. It is simply beautiful and the perfect setting for our market.
Our music organ, Katy from Revolutions Management and our local musicians – thank you for bringing so much fun and extra life to our market each and every week.
We are now in the season of gratitude and the market would like to take this opportunity to thank a number of wonderful groups who again for another year have had a massive part in the market happening each week... Our stallholders – without our
The Sale Cattle Yards – a big thank you for being our overflow car park relief on more difficult wet days. We wouldn’t be able to get through the more challenging wet season without access to your grounds. You – our customers, our readers and our supporters – without each of you coming along and supporting us we wouldn’t have a market. Thank you.
On the subject of thanks, we have had an arrangement with the Murwillumbah Food Hub for some time now. You may have seen the lovely Marcel and Ari collecting produce at the end of each market and loading it all up – all to take to the Murwillumbah Food Hub for those in need in our community. What a fantastic initiative. We look forward to continuing our worthwhile partnership with the Murwillumbah Food Hub for another year!
We have also just said goodbye for another year to our local artisan stalls. It has been wonderful having these local creators and makers join us for the last 6 weeks – hopefully you were able to get some Christmas gifts sorted. A big thank you to The Pudding Ladies, UKI Ginger, Montana’s Crystals, Muddy Hands (and Adriana), Helen’s Crocheting, AHANA Candles, Platypus Point, Sesasa, Men’s Shed, Emu Beads, Tulsi Soaps, the CWA Ladies and Brony’s Studio. We hope you have a wonderful holiday sea-
son and we will look forward to our next Local Food Bowl article at the end of January 2025. With love and gratitude, Claire What’s in season, tasty and interesting at the market this month?
You may have seen over at Everest Farm Bananas that it is watermelon season yet again! Watermelon is rich in vitamin C, which is great for our immune system. It also has a high water content even when compared to other fruits, which makes watermelon a uniquely hydrating food – and perfect for this hot and humid time of the year. Watermelon is great in a juice, in a fruit salad and makes a great snack. Head over to see Will at Everest Farm and make the most of it while the season is here. Tania at Summit Organics has also let us know that her lisianthus and dahilas are growing like crazy at the moment so there have been lots of beautiful bunches available. All of Tania’s flowers are grown organically up at their farm in Tyalgum Creek. We hope the
early birds managed to get one of their red and white bouquets - all just in time for Christmas. Aren’t they just beautiful as always. In exciting news, December has seen the return of local farmer, Noel from Brunswick Seed Oysters. You will remember Noel from a couple of years ago when he was last at our market. Noel is now back and it’s lovely to have one of our local farmers able to return to us with their local produce. As expected, Noel will have with him his very own oysters and also to add to his product line he will be bringing along the delicious fish paste from The Bay Smokehouse. You will find Noel in the gravel area next to Nimbin Valley Dairy. Welcome back Noel! When and where?
When: EVERY Wednesday from 7am to 11am - come rain or shine!
Where: Murwillumbah Showground
There will be a different local musician at the market every week – so come along, gather with friends and family and get stocked up on your fresh, local and seasonal produce!
Market Contact Details
Market Manager: Claire Strodder
Email: hello@murbahfarmersmarket.com.au
Mobile: 0415 328 672
TRADES AND SERVICES
ARBORCARE IS a local family business run by owner and arborist Clay and his wife Lou. We provide tree trimming, tree removal and arborist services to the Northern Rivers and Gold Coast areas. Clay has over 10 years experience in the arboriculture industry and has worked across Qld, NSW and the Northern Territory. His passion for tree care is second to none and his goal is always the best health outcome for every tree.
Our team also includes a fauna spotter who inspects every tree before work starts, and has the knowledge and skills to safely relocate any wildlife in the tree.
At Arborcare, safety always comes first. We will never put ourselves, your property or wildlife at risk of harm. We have a full Safety Management System in place and do risk assessments before every job.
We pride ourselves on always:
• Showing up to quote when we say we will (we know how frustrating it is when this doesn’t happen!)
• Taking the time to understand what results you want, then talking you through the needs of the tree so you understand your options.
• Providing prompt, fair and honest quotes
• Showing up for the job on time, every time
• Completing the work as quoted, with no hidden surprises
• Impeccable site clean-up – you won’t even know we have been there Call Arborcare on 0491 755 297 for a free quote and advice on the best management options for your trees.
TO LET White Hall Lodge, Located in Coolangatta. Fully furnished single rooms only to rent with cooking facilities. Would suit retired aged pensioner. Close to Club, Shops, beach. No Lease or Bond required. $300 per week. Ph: 0448 363 233 or 07 5599 1089
GRANNY FLAT to rent at Uki, 14km20 mins South of Murwillumbah. One room 11x5 mtr with separate on suite, carport, locked gate, quiet, garage space, Rural setting, rainforest views, rustic, $140 pw. Suit quiet mature male. Ph: 0492 164 021
Unfurnished 2-bedroom flat, enquiries between 10am – 2pm Monday to Friday. Ask for Terry. Murwillumbah area. Phone 0412 325491
nylon
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BUYING & SELLING Coins, banknotes, badges, old sporting items Australiana, militaria etc. Phone Peter 0407 783 910 allcoins.com.au
WE BUY CARS, VANS, TRUCKS, 4X4s, UTES & MACHINERY. Good & Bad condition. Paying more than trade in prices. Call now to discuss. 0403 118 534
Scrap Metal
In loving memory
Late of Ocean View Retirement Village
Banora Point. Formerly of Tweed Heads and Murwillumbah. Passed away peacefully on Wednesday 11th December 2024.
Aged 91 Years.
Loved Brother of Marie, Patrick, Mick, Tom, John, Joan, Monnie and Norma. Cherished Uncle to 50 Nieces and Nephews. A Service for Brian has been held.
Murwillumbah (02) 6672 2144
Billinudgel (02) 6680 3084
Please refer to our website for funeral notices www.mcguinessfunerals.com.au
Pietro Dusina
We are locally owned and operated 0416 389 587
29/12/1929 -9/8/2021
Late of Crabbes Creek and formally Ono Degno Italy.
Passed away peacefully at home 9th August 2021. Aged 91 years.
Dearly loved brother, brother in law, uncle, cousin and friend to many.
STEELE, Mary Unius (née Duggan)
20th February 1922 - 7th December 2024
Aged 102 and 3/4
Late of Bilambil Heights and formerly of Coorparoo.
Beloved wife of Frank (deceased)
Much loved mother of Doug, Harry and Jenny Loved mother-in-law, grandmother of 8 and great grandmother of 11
Mary’s life was celebrated by family and friends on Friday 20th December 2024 at the Tweed Heads Memorial Gardens.
Christopher Richard Hill 10/12/2024
Paperbark Funerals 0466 526 156
Thomas Reynolds Oliver 16/12/2024
Paperbark Funerals 0466 526 156
BOYLE William (Bill) 11/12/2024
Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817
SANGSTER Graeme Elliot 12/12/2024
Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817
PROSS James Brodie (Jim) 13/12/2024
Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817
WILL Carol Anne 14/12/2024
Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817
WOLFE Bernard Raymond (Ray) 14/12/2024
Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817
CARCAILLET Deidre Eileen 16/12/2024
Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817
We offer holistic and unique funerals that empower you to have a deeply meaningful and inclusive experience Direction cremations $2560 including transfers and all legal paper work
Much loved and sadly missed by his family in Australia, Italy and Switzerland. Thankyou for all kind thoughts and wishes.
Full Service Cremations starting at $6360. www.tiarefunerals.com
CORNWELL Eric 16/12/2024
Dolphin Funerals
Menu masterpiece
By Madeleine Murray
THE TWEED RIVER HOUSE has launched its summer menu, and it’s a masterpiece.
Executive chef Dayron Concepción is a master of invention, originality, and simplicity.
He tends to use about five or six exquisite ingredients in a dish. They are perfectly combined to make an experience that resonates on many different levels with each bite.
The Weekly dropped into the Tweed River House to talk about the new menu with Dayron, and to sample one of the new deserts.
The fennel pollen panna cotta with rhubarb confiture, fresh strawberry and fermented caramel is a work of art. The perfectly bisected circle is a lovely dusty rose, silky panna cotta of vanilla and fennel pollen on one side, and lustrous diced fresh strawberries dotted with exquisite elderflowers on the other side. The perfect little disc is on a bed of rhubarb that has been reduced to an intense jam for 24 hours.
“The fennel pollen is not as strong as a nor mal fennel, but it’s sweet and it has all the normal aroma of fennel,” Dayron told The Weekly.
“It’s pretty amazing, and I think it’s going to be our signature desert dish. People love it, it’s really simple and the taste is pretty good.”
This is really cuisine on a level of Michelin stars. With a top team in the kitchen and on the floor, owners Phillip and Gregory have reached new levels of greatness at this beautiful venue. Originally from Cuba, Dayron immigrated to Montreal when he was 18. His father-in-law
was a flight attendant on Air Cuba. In 2001 when the plane landed in Montreal, Francisco defected and asked for political asylum. He brought his family over in the next few years.
Fluent in English, French, and Spanish, Dayron was head chef at the Intercontinental hotel in old Montreal before he immigrated to Australia with his wife in 2018.
Last November, he saw the Tweed River House ad on seek.
“I always wanted to have a restaurant with less volume and better quality,” he said.
“As soon as I talked to Gregory and Phillip, the connection was good. We want to do the same things, we have the same vision.
“We hired a new team when I arrived and I was pretty lucky we found the best team in
By Madeleine Murray
AUSTEN TAYSHUS, the dark, disturbing, edgy, hilarious comic is coming to the Tyalgum Tavern on Thursday, January 9.
Towering, loud, and aggressive, the fearless maverick’s goal is to get people to think. Like Dame Edna, he often confronts and mocks people in the front row. It’s fun to watch.
Apart from insulting people and stirring things up, he’s an incredible mimic who can switch instantly from pitch perfect impressions of Bob Hawke to an Aussie race caller.
“I’ve always been able to do voices,” he told The Weekly from his apartment in Vaucluse,
“At school we had a Chinese English teacher called Mr Yeung – that was my first impression and I had him down pat. I’m just gifted at that.”
Skin in the Game is a provocative, improvised show full of variety and a bit of danger. “Standup comedy is so interesting because you can do anything you want,” he said. “My show has lots of different ingredients. I sing, do impressions, embarrass people, shock some, confuse others.
“Every show is unique, I interact with the audience. There’s nothing malicious, it’s like a theatrical dynamic, pushing people to react, trying to create something from nothing.”
Austen Tayshus has been coming to the North-
Austen Tayshus takes Tyalgum
ern Rivers for a long time. “I love the whole area,” he said, “Byron Bay may be the best place on the planet.
“I’m been working with Mandy Nolan for 30 years – I taught her everything she knows,” he says, with characteristic candour.
In 1983, he hit the big time with the brilliant monologue Australiana, a pastiche of Australian slang, place names, and animals. Phrases like ‘How much can a koala bear?’ entered the national lexicon.
Australiana was the best-selling record in Australian history, it was even banned in Victoria and Queensland for a while.
Now almost 40 years later, Austen Tayshus is still travelling around the country stirring up people and making them squirm.
He is by no means a vacuous loudmouth, but a stimulating artist who explores boundaries. You’re not quite sure whether to laugh or walk out.
In the Northern Rivers, land of holistic healing and infinite compassion, Austen Tayshus is bound to offend, but that might be good for us. Austen Tayshus is on 8pm on Thursday, January 9, at the Tyalgum Hotel, 2 Coolman St, Tyalgum. Tickets for dinner and the show, or just show at tyalgumhotel.com. The film Austen Tayshus: Skin in the Game is on Binge.
Six legends ready to rock at Twin Towns
By Madeleine Murray
WHAT’S THE NEXT BEST thing to seeing Freddie Mercury, Cher, Tina Turner, Elvis Presley, Cyndi Lauper and Stevie Wonder in concert together? Rocking up to Twin Towns on Saturday, January 4 or Sunday, January 5!
After six spectacular seasons captivating sell-out crowds in Melbourne, the world-renowned Legends in Concert, direct from Las Vegas, is making its debut at Twin Towns for four shows only. Each legendary performer not only looks like the star they portray but use their own natural voices to pay homage to their iconic music counterpart.
Backed by a live band that rocks the house with vivacious back-up singers and dancers, Legends in Concert is a spectacular, unforgettable experience.
“We’re so thrilled to be headed to Twin Towns with six of the best of the best tribute artists in the world,” said Mark Kogan, General Manager for Special Events for Legends in Concert. Legends in Concert made its Las Vegas debut in 1983 as an initial six-week engagement in the centre of the Las Vegas Strip. It has since earned entertainment industry awards for Show of the Year, Entertainers of the Year, Grand Slam and the prestigious Show of Shows awarded by the international
Press Association. Today, Legends in Concert is the longest running show in Las Vegas.
Online magazine the blurb wrote that, “Legends in Concert is a beaut crowd pleaser. The atmosphere is super and the artists keep pumping out the hits. And you simply can’t go wrong by finishing with The King. Bill really is the cherry on top.”
Legends in concert is on at 2:30pm and 8 pm on Saturday, January 4, and 2:30pm and 8 pm on Sunday, January 5, at Twin Towns, 2 Wharf Street, Tweed heads. For tickets go to twintowns.com.au.
Special Executive chef Dayron Concepción with the fennel pollen panna cotta
(5)
Unfasten (4)
(9)
Sweet roll (Fr) (7)
(8)
Curiously inexplicable (10)
Open space (4)
Familiarise (8)
Unit of nautical speed (4) 74 Search (7)
Make a highpitched sound (7)
Make resentful (8)
2 Cosmetic treatment for the feet (8) 3 Liquid sewage (8)
Poet, – Allan Poe (5) 5 In advance (10) 6 Sombre (6)
(9)
28 Pecking order (9)
29 Rejoice intensely (5)
31 Composition (5) 32 Midsection (5)
Plastic clothing model (9) 34 Accord (9) 36 Bladed weapon (5)
39 Projectile’s distance (5)
41 Respond
20 25
Real Estate
2025 forecast: Another good year ahead
By Jo Kennett
IT SEEMS like everyone is waiting for interest rates to drop, and while the market has slowed, agents are still expecting good returns and growth in 2025.
Housing is the largest component of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), around 25 per cent of the overall measure of inflation. Changes in property prices, such as rents and the cost of new homes, renovations and repairs, have a significant impact on inflation.
So the more rents rise, the more rents rise, as investors try to recoup the increase in interest rates, which is kind of nuts really and a vicious cycle.
In June 2022, the yearly change in the CPI’s housing component was nine per cent, its second-largest increase.
It still defies belief that Reserve Bank head Philip Lowe let headline inflation reach 6.1 per cent until the day before the 2022 election, before increasing rates from 0.1 per cent to 0.35 per cent. Now analysts say there is not much chance of a decrease until mid-2025 if we get one at all next year, though inflation has halved since then and other economies around the world experiencing high inflation started cutting in 2024, knowing cuts take some time to flow through to the economy.
Still, local agents are expecting a decent year ahead.
McGrath Estate Agents
Coolangatta/Tweed Heads
McGrath sales agent Rachael Ford says they are expecting a strong start to 2025.
“Most of the experts are expecting more properties to come to market, which will provide more choice and this should stabilise prices and give buyers more opportunity,” Rachael said.
“I’m not an expert on interest rates, however the experts that I follow suggest we may see a modest interest rate decrease before June
2025.”
Schmith Estate Agents
Schmith’s principal Justin Schmith believes interest rate cuts are possible, but “they won’t do too much.”
“More annoying legislative reforms in both NSW and Queensland markets will make things hard to predict, with nothing negative, but nothing positive,” he said.
“The Gold Coast is now a city therefore has spilled over into adjacent regions such as the Northern Rivers.
“The Gold Coast is slowing down but still strong overall and finally (and overdue) the market is noticeably slowing giving people time, particularly buyers, to breathe and weigh up their options.
“However a good property, prepared to meet the market will sell quickly and still fetch good results.”
DJ Stringer
Principal David Stringer thinks the market in 2025 should continue its strong run “however we do feel prices may stabilise after the first quarter.”
David said he isn’t expecting an interest rate rise early next year.
“No, not at all, we may however see a rate cut mid-year,” he said.
Northern Rivers Property Group
Paul and Adrianna from NRPG are expecting to see some interest rate reductions next year.
“There will be more confidence in buyers, more offers made and a natural increase in prices,” they said.
“We don’t believe the market will reduce at all.
“So it is definitely a great time to buy, right on the cusp of steady prices and interest rates about to reduce.
“Check out www. northernriverspropertygroup.com. au for some beautiful properties absolutely showcasing our incredible area.”
You can also check out what our other amazing agents have on offer and with the market slowing for the festive season, it might be just the time to snap up a bargain.
Tweed double take
Six of the ten northern NSW towns — from Forster to the border — where house prices have doubled in the last decade are in the Tweed Shire, according to research from Domain.
Byron Bay tops the list with its median house price increasing 280.6 per cent over the 10 years to June, with Casuarina, coming in second with a 185.8 per cent rise to a median of $1,815,000.
Kingscliff jumped 172.6 per cent
to $1,627,500, and Pottsville 168.8 per cent to $1.25 million rounded up the top four.
Bilambil Heights at number seven jumped 147.1 per cent to a median of $1,050,000, with Tweed Heads West at number ten rising 142.4 per cent over the decade to $875,000 (much of that the unit market around the Kennedy Drive area which was pretty cheap prepandemic).
Murwillumbah is up there at number 13, with a 134.9 per cent increase to $875,000 with Tweed Heads South next at $750,500, a 130.9 per cent increase.
The other Tweed suburb that makes the list at number 20 is Banora Point at $950,000, an increase of 117.8 per cent.
Our
21 Point Break Circuit, Kingscliff for sale with Tate Brownlee
177/34 Monarch Drive, Kingscliff 3 BED|1 BATH|1 CAR REDUCED $20,000 MUST BE SOLD, PLEASE CALL NOW!
Set in fabulous Noble Lakeside over 50’s resort lifestyle village, competitive rates and pet friendly.
• 3 Bedrooms, all with built ins and fans, main bedroom has reverse cycle air conditioning and wall mounted tv.
• Spacious living rooms will fit large dining room suite, great outlook with two glass sliding doors lead out to the veranda.
• Kitchen has dishwasher, cooktop and wall oven, corner pantry.
• 3 – way bathroom, shower and large vanity, separate toilet.
• The veranda is fabulous for use all year round, with glass windows and awnings.
• Large external laundry, second toilet and storage area.
• Remote control garage. Solar panels. Split system air conditioning in living rooms. Fully fenced.
FOR SALE FOR SALE
Kerrie Duval 0400 843 888
63/34 Monarch Drive, Kingscliff 2 BED|1 BATH|1 CAR ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS! THIS HOME IS ALL GLAMOUR AND STYLE.
You will fall in love with every little bit of this home, well positioned within Noble Lakeside Village for over 50’s. Very active lifestyle or quiet whatever you desire.
• 2 Bedrooms with built-ins and ceiling fans
• Kitchen is to die for, new stone bench tops and gorgeous shades of blue back splash, gold double sink and tap. New pendant lights over bench.
• Well sized lounge and dining rooms all open plan with great outlook.
• Front deck all new and fabulous back private entertainment area.
• Three-way bathroom, new sage tiles.
• Carport and external laundry with storage space.
• All new electrics throughout. This house has been renovated from head to toe and the design is fabulous. Kerrie Duval 0400 843 888
10/1-9 Blue Jay Circuit, Kingscliff 2 BED|1 BATH|1 CAR PERFECT 2 BEDROOM LOWSET IN KINGSCLIFF BEACH RETIREMENT VILLAGE
Over 55’s friendly community, only 32 villas in this well-maintained gated complex. Beautiful gardens and pet friendly.
• Two large bedrooms, with built-ins and ceiling fans the main bedroom has a split system air conditioner.
• The kitchen has draws for easy use and a corner pantry. Westinghouse glass top cooker and wall oven. Plenty of bench space for the fussy cook.
• Main bathroom with vanity, flat entry shower. Spacious with internal laundry and toilet.
• Rear private courtyard larger than usual with gardens and fully fenced.
• Remote control garage next to villa with glass doors at rear and powered.
• Perfect presentation with modern décor, plantations shutters, timber look planks all beautifully done, ready for you to move in and enjoy.
Kerrie Duval 0400 843 888
73/34 Monarch Drive, Kingscliff 2 BED|1 BATH|1 CAR LOVE YOUR LAWN BOWLS, THEN YOU’LL LOVE THIS HOUSE OPPOSITE THE BOWLING GREEN IN NOBLE LAKESIDE VILLAGE.
• Main bedroom is spacious, with split system air conditioning, ceiling fan and built-ins.
• Second bedroom is a substantial size with built-ins and ceiling fan.
• Kitchen is in the hub of the home and has new cooktop, wall oven and corner pantry.
• Sparkling 3-way bathroom separate toilet and large vanity.
• Open plan lounge and dining rooms are spacious with glass sliding doors leading out the veranda and wonderful view.
• Separate fully lined laundry, with plenty of space for home office etc.
• Solar panels. Carport will fit two vehicles tandem if needed.
• Auto water system in place. Extremely well maintained.
Kerrie Duval 0400 843 888
6 GREY GUM STREET, POTTSVILLE
all feature built-in robes, a central family bathroom offering a separate bath, shower and WC, and a family laundry providing direct outdoor access for superior functionality. Further highlights include reverse cycle air conditioning, ceiling fans, double garage with internal access and side gate access to the rear, creating additional off-street parking/storage for your boat, trailer or caravan. Set on a comfortable 650m2 (approx) parcel within the idyllic, family-friendly Koala Beach Estate, offering exceptional lifestyle convenience within a verdant bushland setting. Just a 5-minute drive from Pottsville's white sandy beaches, Mooball Creek, and the vibrant main street esplanade for local shopping, cafes and eateries, and conveniently located within a 25-minute drive from Gold Coast International Airport and a 30-minute drive from Byron Bay. This is the lifestyle location with it all!
Modern and immaculate blissful coastal apartment located in the heart of Coolangatta in popular Calypso Resort. Bask in fresh ocean breezes and endless north east facing warm sunlight from this coveted address. Recently refurbished, dual key with flexible floor-plan ideal for visiting family and guests. Contemporary kitchen with 40mm stone island bench, modern finishes and quality appliances, integrated dishwasher, ducted and split system air-conditioning, ceiling fans, security screens, double blockout blinds plus dual balconies. Easy care living, presented in excellent condition ready to move in and enjoy the poolside views, ocean glimpses and resort style lifestyle.
Escape to the tranquility of the countryside and embrace the rural lifestyle you've always dreamed of. Perched atop a captivating hill, this property offers an unrivalled vantage point to admire the awe-inspiring vistas of the majestic mountain range. Experience true tranquility in this peaceful and quiet haven, where the possibilities are boundless thanks to the versatile RU2 zoning. For the first time in over a century, this remarkable property is available now, waiting for you to seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Mesmerizing mountain range views - a serene, peaceful and quiet retreat!
May you enjoy the gift of love this Christmas Season.
Wishing you happiness and joy, light and laughter for you and your family.
Best wishes, from Belinda, Shannon & Heidi
The Evergreen Team
Evergreen Exclusive Estates is excited and proud to introduce two new team members to the Evergreen team; Shannon Collins & Heidi Burnie.
The Evergreen team are dedicated and committed to serving our valued clients with excellence, professionalism and care, while representing their properties with integrity and transparency, combined with a powerful combination of industry experience, knowledge and enthusiasm.
If you are thinking of selling in 2025, give the team a call for a full market assessment, home consult and styling advice for your home.
Be seen - Be Evergreen
If you have a vacant property, one that is under performing or you simply require a greater return and a more personalised service, then experience the difference with DJ Stringer Property Management.
To find out why more landlords prefer to place their trust in our services and to arrange a complimentary market appraisal, please contact our investment advisor
Terri Whitney 0491 644 897 terri@djstringer.com.au in the strictest confidence today.
GIANETTA TAMMY KIM
