Tweed Valley Weekly, February 9, 2023

Horror bird kill

By Jo Kennett

AROUND 50 magpies and a baby bush stone-curlew have been found dead around Kingscliff High School with most displaying signs of being poisoned and beaten.

Residents in the area received a letter from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) saying that almost all the birds showed symptoms of being poisoned, “either accidentally or deliberately.”

“Several carcasses have been sent off for toxicology testing to identify the poison,” the NPWS letter said.

“Many of the birds had fractured spines or other broken bones consistent with being hit by a stick or club.”

Residents were asked to stop feeding native birds “until the cause of the birds’ death can be established and dealt with.”

The letter stated that birds artificially increase numbers until they become a problem with people “sometimes taking matters into their own hands” to control numbers.

Residents were asked to contact NPWS (number below) as a matter of urgency if they had witnessed anyone harming native wildlife or had any information about the bird deaths.

A spokesperson for NPWS said that since the end of December last year,

about fifty native birds of five different species have been found dead or dying in the vicinity of Kingscliff High School.

“The birds include Australian magpies and an endangered bush stone-curlew chick,” the spokesperson told The Weekly.

“NPWS is investigating this serious matter, in partnership with other agencies and is awaiting the results of toxicology testing.

“The National Parks and Wildlife Service is responsible for protecting native animals in NSW.

“All native birds, reptiles, amphibians

and mammals are protected under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.

“It is an offence to harm, kill or remove native animals unless you hold the relevant licence from NPWS.

“Anyone with information is asked to call (02) 6639 8300 during business hours or (02) 8579 0801 after hours.”

If anyone finds sick, injured, dead or dying native birds, NPWS asks that they contact Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers (the Tweed Shire does not have WIRES) on (02) 6672 4789.

Navy destroyer spotted off coast

By Jonathon Howard

AN AUSTRALIAN-BUILT navy destroyer was spotted off the coast at Pottsville on Tuesday, January 31, and photographed by resident Selena Koning.

Ms Koning said she was “intrigued by what looks like a navy destroyer ship off Black Rocks” via social media.

The Weekly took Ms Koning’s photo to the Australian Defence Force media team, who confirmed the vessel is part of the Hobart-class destroyers, most likely HMAS Hobart (III).

“The Royal Australian Navy’s Ho bart-class guided missile destroyers (DDG) regularly operate off Australia’s

coasts for the purposes of routine training and operations,” the Defence spokesperson told The Weekly.

“This photo depicts an Australian DDG undertaking routine activities to protect and secure Australia’s interests.”

The Hobart (III) provides air defence for accompanying ships in addition

TAKE THE WHEEL

with an advanced air defence system capable of engaging enemy aircraft and missiles at ranges in excess of 150km,” the Navy’s website reads.

“Hobart also conducts undersea warfare and is equipped with modern sonar systems, decoys, surface-launched torpedoes and an array of effective close-in defensive

The birds were found dead in or near Kingscliff High School. Inset is an example image of a bush stone-curlew parent and chick. Photo by Susan Monkley

Inset is the HMAS Hobart (III) photographed by Selena Koning at Pottsville late last month

You

Define ‘consulted’ Minis-

ter

If the NSW Education Minister believes she consulted the community before making such dramatic changes to the way public education is delivered in the Murwillumbah community, she needs to get a new dictionary.

Christiaan Goudkamp, Murwillumbah

What merger consultation?

In reference to the school merger story in The Weekly’s February 2 edition, the Education Minister Sarah Mitchell states that the decision to merge was done “following consultations with students, staff and parents”.

And furthermore that “local educational leaders made this decision”.

How stupid does she think the community of Murwillumbah is, and what short-term memories we all must have?

From what I recall, we were told by her, the merger is happening and there’s nothing you can do or say about it.

As a parent I was never “consulted”. This will be the first election day I’m actually looking forward to.

David Snelling, Murwillumbah

Thank you Murwillumbah Hospital

What a start for 2023, aged 62, 35 years a local.

End of January I had a fall and broke four ribs. I’ve been off work, in a lot of pain, only good thing was I had a stay at Murwillumbah’s five star Hilton hospital! We are all so lucky to have this place.

Thank you to all the staff at our hospital up on the hill.

Kent Middleton, Uki

Made my day

This is a shout out to the staff and management of Kingscliff seven-day Chempro Chemist for the wonderful service you provide.

Why You Need Solar & Batteries Now!

Power Prices Rise by 18%

Australian electricity prices have risen by up to 18.3 per cent under a decision by the Australian Energy Regulator due to increased cost of generation due to global rises in coal and gas prices. The increases, which came into effect from July, amount to more than $250 a year based on ACCC figures putting the average residential electricity bill at $1,434.

Feed in Tariffs for Solar Crash

Electricity retailers are in a price squeeze and have slashed the amount they pay for your excess solar, now paying zero - 8c per kWh, down from the 21c we were paid in 2020. Unless you have solar and batteries you are facing serious increases in energy costs. 888 Solar Tek have installed hundreds of solar battery systems in the last 8 years and can help you with great deals on the most reliable and long lasting solar batteries in Australia.

Your friendly attitude and most of all, which quite made my day, was to walk in and be greeted with a big smile and a “hello Margaret”’.

This knowing and using a customer’s name is something that does not happen very often these days.

Thank you for the smile you put on my face.

Margie Coll, Kingscliff Horses and bikes can ride together

If you take a look at the almost completed Tweed Rail trail, it becomes very obvious that Tweed Shire Council planned to exclude horses from this section of the long-awaited rail trail, and instead used the taxpayers funding to construct a cycleway.

This plan will undoubtedly deny the local community the economic benefits generated by equestrian tourism.

Young riders are being denied a safe place to ride their ponies on the local section of the trail. The rail trail they have built from bitumen is unsuitable for horse riding, will be red hot all through summer and will require expensive maintenance.

It should have been constructed with a surface like a country dirt road, then it would have been suitable for all users, like it was promised.

Then the only maintenance would be to grade it when it started to become potholey. NSW is the only state in Australia that doesn’t allow horse riding on their rail trails.

The other states that do allow horse riding work well together with other users.

All it takes is a little bit of etiquette and respect to share.

Leeanne Bartlett, Murwillumbah

Safety first on our roads

I have ridden a bike most of my life and believe the Rail Trail, which will open soon, will be a huge success for Murwillumbah and the small villages along the trail. Look at New Zealand.

I was wondering if The Weekly could do an article on general bike

safety and the correct road rules for cars and bikes?

I am sure there will be lots of bike riders on the roads around town, not just riding the trail, but getting to various starting points and having to be on the roadways.

It might be a good idea to clarify the rights for both cyclists and cars sharing the roads.

There are some motorists who think cyclists should not be on the road. The road rules need to be followed by cyclists and motorists.

Denis Kinzett, Pottsville

I say no to the Voice

Regarding the Voice referendum (N Jennings, TVW Letters), I’m firmly in the ‘no’ camp and my reason is, it is illegal to have a constitution where one race favours one over another, and indeed Albo admitted he did not get advice from the solicitor general as to its legality.

Even in the United Nations Charter (of which we belong) Chapter 1, Purpose and Principles, Articles 1-2 and The Universal Declaration of Human Rights Articles 1-2, the Voice is in contravention of these articles. Please read it.

Aren’t we a multicultural society, with many races, creeds etc, but still Australians?

As to Jacinta Price and many other Aboriginal women and men, they know that this Voice will have no impact of the wars within their tribes/ cultures and in fact this is causing more divisions in society, pitting one race against another. Have we not learnt that apartheid doesn’t work, it’s vile and cruel. Leave the Australian Constitution alone.

Pauline Noble, Murwillumbah

Open the mountain for all

I believe that Mount Warning (Wollumbin) should be open for all to visit.

The mountain should not belong to any one group or committee. It

belongs to the people to visit when they wish.

By shutting the access road, I have lost my right, as a descendant of the early settlers of the area, to take my grandchildren there to show them where their ancestors lived, worked and died.

These same ancestors who were celebrated in the press for rescuing people who had become lost on the mountain, are now unable to have their memory celebrated. What has happened to my rights to pay respects to my ancestors who actually did live on and around the mountain and not just use it as a landmark on the way to other places?

To close off the track to the top due to safety reasons is understandable and I support that, but to close off the whole of the mountain is not helping anyone.

Compare this to Uluru/Ayers Rock — you can still visit it, even touch it, just not climb it.

There seems to be some double standards at work here.

How are future generations going to learn about the real history of the mountain if they can only see it from a distance and not experience it in person?

This always was and always should be the people’s mountain.

Jan Hurston, Eviron

Attack of giant devil’s fig

For years I have had an issue with giant devils fig (Solanium chrisotchinum), a very nasty plant introduced as a rootstock for eggplant which now dominates our environment, even in suburban lawns!

I remember years ago that we had notices on our weed control of groundsel bush. That requirement caused a lifestyle change for me.

Now I am surrounded by this weed, devil’s fig that is so prolific that it now in my opinion dominates the landscape.

This weed is totally out of control and my advice is to try not to pro-

mote it, but I’m sorry the cause is lost.

Our parks people are constantly attempting to control it. Our new friends from the southern cities admire the view but seem to neglect much of their properties.

This whole system of maintaining the rural ambience does not address the acres of forgotten land contained within these weed-filled disasters. Break these 100-acre farms up so that small landholders can have a go at rural living.

Greg

Church, Nobbys Creek What goes up must create fear

I now have an acquired globophobia — although only a week old it is real and frightening.

To save readers from racing to their dictionaries, globophobia is a fear of balloons.

Yes, along with everything else the US does, it has added yet another aspect to the paranoid terror they are suffering from.

The ‘reds’ have well and truly escaped from under the bed.

Apart from a pin on a very long stick, what is Australia’s defence posture on balloons?

Have we taken our eyes off the ball?

Has Richard Marles come up with a strategic and tactical solution?

What was the point of the RAAF sending spy planes to the South China Sea when the real threat could be drifting toward us at negligible km/h?

I’m afraid that globophobia is coupled with coulrophobia. Although I have yet to detect one single aggressive balloon, we appear to be surrounded with the latter.

Bill Collins, Murwillumbah

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.

Horror week of crashes

By Jonathon Howard

A SERIES of horrific head-on accidents across the Tweed Valley on Monday, February 6, is serving as stark reminder of the dangers on our roads.

There are now renewed calls for speed reductions on Tumbulgum Road in Murwillumbah following the second headon collision in less than six months. An 83-year-old woman died in the two-vehicle accident on Tumbulgum Road in September 2022.

The first head-on crash occurred at about 2.30pm on Tweed Valley Way near Minnows Road at Dunbible.

The crash sadly killed an 80-year-old woman and a second woman, 30, remains in hospital in a critical condition.

Tweed Police said the accident occurred when a 2004-model silver Subaru Outback station wagon — which was travelling north — and a 2022-model grey Honda Jazz hatchback — which was southbound — collided in the southbound lane.

“The 80-year-old driver of the hatchback died at the scene while the 30-year-old woman driving the station wagon was airlifted to Lismore Base Hospital, suffering multiple fractures and internal injuries, and remains in a critical condition,” police said.

“Officers from Tweed-Byron Police District established a crime scene, which was forensically examined by officers attached to the Far North Coast Crash Investigation Unit (CIU).”

The second head-on crash took place less than an hour later on Tumbulgum Road outside Murwillumbah at around 3.15pm.

The Weekly spoke with Tweed Police on scene at the Tumbulgum Road accident,

which involved a Subaru Outback and a HiLux.

“One man aged 35 (in the HiLux) walked away,” the officer said.

“One woman, 38 years old, in the Subaru, was transferred by helicopter to Gold Coast University Hospital. The woman appears stable, no threatening injuries.

“The woman was with a baby, threeweek-old. The baby was unharmed and airbags saved the young family.”

The officer said an investigation will determine the cause of the accident, but said early indications were that the Subaru has “drifted onto the wrong side into the southbound lane”.

“The HiLux took evasive action to avoid the collision,” the officer said.

The accidents have sparked debate amongst residents, including calls for motorists to slow down and for speed limit reductions.

It’s important to note that the cause of the above accidents is yet to be determined.

However, many Tweed Shire residents have long debated whether Tumbulgum Road could be reduced from 100km per hour to 80km per hour.

“Lower the speed limit, 100kph is too fast on Tumbulgum Road,” said one resident, via social media.

To learn more, The Weekly spoke with Tweed District Rescue Squad Senior Deputy Captain Drew Carr, who said that until police finish conducting their investigation “we won’t know what the cause was”.

“Speed isn’t the only factor in accidents; there are other factors such as fatigue and distraction or other impairments,” he said.

“People will always speculate on social media but it’s inappropriate for us to com-

ment until the investigation is completed.

“Regardless of the outcome of an investigation the message is to manage your fatigue, to make sure you’re not driving under the effects of drugs or alcohol, to limit distractions from handheld devices and to restrain any loose items that could cause an accident.”

Mr Carr said the collision between the two vehicles on Tweed Valley Way occurred about 250 metres south of the Minnows Road turn off.

“There were single occupants in each vehicle,” he said.

“By the time our crew arrived, sadly the female driver of one of the vehicles had passed away.

“The other driver was treated by paramedics and Westpac Rescue Helicopter medical personnel and was conveyed to hospital by helicopter.”

YOUR THOUGHTS: Do you believe reducing the speed limits on certain roads through the Tweed Valley including Tumbulgum Road is a good idea? Send your thoughts and letters to editor@theweekly. net.au

The Tweed Valley Way accident scene

THE LEGAL LIGHT!

Sperm donors and the law

Every year about 3,000 of the babies who are born in Australia are conceived by using donated sperm.

But as family lawyer Anneka Frayne at Stacks Law Firm warns, many legal questions come up in connection with sperm donation and it would be wise to know the law before getting involved in the process.

“People ask whether the donor can contact the child, can the offspring of a donor know who their biological father was, can the prospective mother know who the donor is, and many donors want to know if they have any legal obligations to a child born as a result of their donation,” Ms Frayne said.

“Laws have changed over the years, and since 2010 there have been processes to support the disclosure of information about the people involved in the process.

“The NSW Assisted Reproductive Technology Act 2007 established the Central Register in NSW to hold mandatory information about donors and donor-conceived people. It can provide the opportunity for them to access information about each other if they have both given prior approval.

“The register is run by NSW Health. It holds the name, gender and date of birth of every child born as a result of donor sperm since 1 January 2010, the name of the woman who gave birth to the child, and the name of the donor.”

Donor information includes the name, address and place of birth, ethnicity and physical characteristics and medical history or genetic test results that are relevant to the future health of the sperm recipient and offspring. It also records the gender and year of birth of other offspring from the donor.

People who were donor-conceived before 2010, as well as sperm donors, can voluntarily provide information about themselves to be kept on the register.

If the donor or offspring aged over 18 has consented to having their contact information released, it can be obtained by applying to the register. It would be wise to seek counsel before doing this, as it may have unexpected repercussions.

If the donor has not given permission for their name to be provided to applicants, their relevant medical history, ethnic and physical characteristics can still be disclosed.

Under NSW law, a sperm donor is not the legal parent of the child born from his donation, and has no legal rights or financial obligations to the child. However, this only applies to men who donate formally through a fertility or IVF clinic.

“Donating sperm informally to friends opens up all sorts of potential legal dangers. It may even end up with the donor contributing to the cost of raising the child.”

Responsibility for comment is taken by Stacks Law Firm

Bus drivers under attack

By Jo Kennett

TWEED SHIRE Kinetic, formerly Surfside Buslines, bus drivers went on strike on Tuesday, January 31, calling for better safety to counter serious driver assaults, as well as pay rises for drivers and cleaners.

Tweed drivers and cleaners joined their Gold Coast counterparts in the strike action, with union officials saying Tweed bus drivers are currently being paid less than $28 per hour.

The Transport Workers’ Union’s Jared Abbott said there were two key safety measures they were fighting for: full protective barriers and network officers (security) on board buses.

“Not just partial barriers that don’t stop people reaching the drivers; we need full barriers that prevent things getting thrown on them and drivers being spat on and punched,” he said.

“In the Tweed they are only partial barriers and some have none at all, but the partial barriers are worse than nothing. Sometimes passengers punch the screen to scare the driver and the screen comes down on the driver.

“Some have half a screen and wires but they are pointless. We have had drivers held up at knife point, grabbed by the hair, had cash taken, and been punched.

“That’s why we need full screens so the drivers can be isolated.”

Mr Abbott said he had been collecting bus drivers’ assault stories in the Tweed and Gold Coast “but there are so many assaults we can’t keep up with it.”

“I had three or four people come up to me during the strike about attacks on them. There are one or two assaults daily,” he said.

“Often everyone leaves the bus and the driver is alone and they are the victim of assault.

“Being spat on and having things thrown at them is common but it descends to quite serious assaults of the drivers and also passengers being punched as a result of anti-social behaviour where the driver tries to get them to behave or leave the bus.

“If the drivers see stuff that is not right they feel a sense of responsibility for the passengers although they are instructed to not intervene in such cases.”

Mr Abbott said drivers want network officers (security) on board Tweed buses who have the right to detain passengers

until police arrive.

“There is increasing frustration on the Tweed side of the border because the Queensland Government invests in bus safety but that is not reflected so much in NSW,” he said.

“The Queensland Government has said they will invest $61 million in certain areas including on the Gold Coast with fully secure driver cabins and they are putting on another 79 network officers over the next two years with more funding to come.

“It does change the behaviour of passengers, especially if there is security on board.

“Passengers know a single driver by himself can’t control things, but as soon as you put another security officer on, their behaviour changes.”

“The range of stuff that happens is massive. We had an incident where a driver had a gun pulled on him and the company’s reaction was that it was probably just a toy gun but in court they proved it was a firearm.”

Kinetic sometimes has security on some bus runs because of the frequency of assaults, but drivers say they put them on at the wrong time of day when it “isn’t usually an issue”.

The Pottsville to Cabarita leg of the 603 run is notorious as one of the worst for driver abuse and often by minors.

“The NSW Government needs to take responsibility and invest in paying for security because the company isn’t willing to eat into their margins,” Mr Abbott said.

“The unfortunate nature of contracting out these services is that companies get an amount to provide the service and they won’t invest in more.

“They don’t have to advertise, fare evasion doesn’t bother them because they get

paid either way and the reason the government does that is that it allows them to keep at an arm’s length from issues. They can say our delivery partner does that, not us.”

Mr Abbott said Kinetic employees have not received a pay rise since 2011.

“They have been given an offer to settle an enterprise agreement but that has been rejected,” he said.

Kinetic released a statement saying they had tried to avoid the strike action.

“Kinetic has presented the TWU and drivers with an immediate pay increase of 8.2 per cent backdated to October 2022, to be followed by a minimum 4 per cent increase from October 2023,” the statement said.

“This offer is above wage rate increases called for by the TWU during industrial action taken on December 20, 2022.”

Mr Abbott said the offer was not above what the TWU asked for.

“We have at no point ever said we would accept a four per cent increase in the second year,” he said.

The Weekly asked Transport for NSW if they were looking into providing full barriers and network officers on buses and if they had any role to play in the pay dispute.

Transport for NSW said it expected its partner operators to manage internal industrial relationships with their staff and continued “to encourage and support Kinetic to minimise the impact of industrial action, resolve those issues expeditiously, and reinstate services to customers as quickly as possible in the interests of customers and employees.”

“The safety of drivers and passengers continues to be a priority for Transport for NSW,” the spokesperson said.

MAKE BUSES SAFE: Kinetic bus drivers are calling for safe buses and fair pay

Tweed Link

A Tweed Shire Council publication 02 6670 2400 or 1300 292 872 | Issue 1286 | 8 February 2023 | ISSN 1327–8630

Tweed Shire Council wishes to recognise the generations of the local Aboriginal people of the Tweed Bundjalung Nation who have lived in and derived their physical and spiritual needs from the forests, rivers, lakes and streams of this beautiful valley over many thousands of years as the traditional custodians of these lands.

Last week we each used 173L a day

as at 6 February 2023

Give blood in Murwillumbah

The Australian Red Cross Lifeblood mobile donor unit is visiting the rear carpark of Sunnyside Mall in Murwillumbah this week until Wednesday 15 February.

They are open for appointments each day.

If you want to make a real difference in someone’s life by giving blood visit www.lifeblood.com.au

New phone number for calls

Did you know Council has a call-back feature to save you waiting on hold?

If you ring and all our Customer Service Officers are busy, you’ll be given the option to select a call back rather than waiting. Your position in the queue is held and one of our team will call you on the number you provide.

The number that will show up when we call is 02 6675 1000 This is different to the regular Council number as it is routed through the contact centre software we use. If you use our call back service regularly, you could save the number to your phone so you always know it's us.

We have several other ways of getting in touch, including live chat on the website, email and Facebook Messenger and you can always report a problem online at tweed.nsw.gov.au/report-problem

Apply for Rural Scholarship

Do you want to fast-track your professional goals?

Applications for the 2023 Future Women NSW Rural Scholarship Program are now open. Twenty-four scholarships valued at over $6,000 each are available to women from regional, rural and remote NSW to develop their leadership skills.

To find out more and to apply, visit: futurewomen.com/ruralwomens-scholarship

Applications close Thursday 16 February.

Photographic portraiture award open

Entries are now open for the prestigious Olive Cotton Award for photographic portraiture, held biennially at the Tweed Regional Gallery.

Entries are welcomed from photographers resident in Australia, with both professional and emerging artists encouraged to submit new portraits.

Gallery Director Susi Muddiman OAM said the prestigious acquisitive award is a much-loved part of the Gallery’s exhibition program and ensures the quality and relevance of the Tweed Regional Gallery's collection of Australian portraits.

“This will be the second time an entrant can submit up to two works. We hope to see artworks that celebrate and challenge the notion of what a contemporary photographic portrait can be,” Ms Muddiman said.

“The major award of $20,000 is generously funded by the family of the late Olive Cotton, one of Australia's leading 20th Century photographers.”

The Friends of Tweed Regional Gallery and Margaret Olley Art Centre Inc. sponsor additional acquisitions through the Directors' Choice awards to the value of $4,000. This year will see the People’s Choice Award doubled to $500.

The 2023 award judge is Dr Daniel Mudie Cunningham, an independent curator and critic renowned for his work with contemporary Australian artists and collections. He is also a practising artist whose work over three decades is the subject of a survey exhibition at Wollongong Art Gallery in mid-2023.

Previously, he was the Director of Programs and Senior Curator at Carriageworks from 2017-2022. He has held leadership and curatorial roles at Artbank and Hazelhurst Arts Centre, and teaching and research positions at Western Sydney University, where he completed a BA Honours (First Class) in Art History and Criticism in 1997 and a PhD in Cultural Studies in 2004.

Visitors to the exhibition can cast their own vote in the People's Choice Award for the duration of the exhibition. The exhibitor with the most votes will receive $500, donated by the Friends of the Gallery.

Entries for the Olive Cotton Award close at 5 pm on Sunday 30 April. Finalists will be announced on 29 May and winners announced on 15 July. The finalists' exhibition will be on display from 14 July to 24 September 2023.

To enter and for further information, visit the Gallery website: gallery.tweed.nsw.gov.au/olive-cotton-award

New director for Tweed Shire Council

Naomi Searle has been appointed to the key position of Director Sustainable Communities and Environment at Tweed Shire Council, following a competitive recruitment process conducted by an external agency.

Ms Searle brings more than 17 years’ local government experience across two states. She is currently Director Community and Commercial Services at the City of Busselton in Western Australia.

The role is a key member of Council’s Executive Leadership Team, working with General Manager Troy Green and three other directors. She will lead many critical Council functions including parks and active communities, resource recovery, inclusive and creative communities, sustainability and environment, holiday parks and community care.

Ms Searle said she was excited by both the challenges and opportunities facing Tweed Shire Council.

“Having a passion for local government and regional communities, I'm looking forward to relocating my young family to one of the most magnificent regions in Australia,” Ms Searle said.

“I'm looking forward to becoming one of the Tweed Shire Council team and contributing to the future of a sustainable community.”

Ms Searle replaces long-serving and well-respected Council employee Stewart Brawley, who will be retiring after almost 33 years of service.

General Manager Troy Green welcomed Ms Searle’s appointment.

“I believe Naomi has the experience and leadership skills to

successfully deliver on the key priorities of this key role, including significant environmental outcomes,” he said.

“I’d like to thank the current Director, Stewart Brawley, who will be farewelling Council to enjoy a well-earned retirement with his family at Pottsville. His vast experience, knowledge, calm approach and friendship will be greatly missed.”

Ms Searle will start work with Council on 17 April 2023.

Free twilight movie at Tweed

What are you doing this Friday night? Don't forget to drop into the FREE Twilight Movies on The Tweed to watch Red Dog - True Blue. The pop-up screen will be set up in the large, grassed area beside the new inclusive playground, Goorimahbah Place of Stories at Tweed Heads.

This film is the prequel to the 2011 film Red Dog, and details the early days of Red Dog, the Pilbara Wanderer.

Visit the Twilight Markets beforehand for delicious street food. Movie starts at sundown - approximately 8 pm.

Pop-up coffee van Little Nova is also set up at Jack Evans Boat Harbour for the rest of the month. The van is trading 5 days a week, Wednesdays to Sundays from 6.30 am - 2.30 pm.

Tell Council what you think about the park activation at yoursaytweed.com.au/lovejackevans. This project is funded by the NSW State Government as a part of the Places to Love initiative.

The 2021 Olive Cotton Award Highly Commended – Rusty Crawshaw, The Dengs 2021, Pigment print 100cm x 150cm.

Naomi Searle has been appointed to the role of Director Sustainable Communities and Environment at Tweed Shire Council.

Come along to Jack Evans Boatharbour on Friday night to see Red Dog – True Blue.

Tweed Shire Council has received funding to trial a pop-up cinema in Jack Evans Boat Harbour.

FREE Twilight Movies on the Tweed

Red Dog - True Blue, rated PG

The movie will be screened on Friday 10 February starting at sundown (approximately 8 pm). The pop-up screen will be set up in the large, grassed area beside the exciting new inclusive playground, Goorimahbah – Place of Stories at Jack Evans Boat Harbour.

Bring a bean bag, blanket or chair. Travel by public transport, walk, ride, skate or scoot.

If the event is cancelled due to bad weather we will update our Facebook page – facebook.com/tweedshirecouncil

Tell us what you think on yoursaytweed.com.au/lovejackevans

This pop-up event is supported by the NSW State Government as a part of the Places to Love initiative and will inform and guide the future use of the space.

Development Application determinations

Notification of Development Application Determinations for the purposes of Section 4.59 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (as amended).

Application details

Approved

Notification of Development Application Determinations for the purposes of Section 4.59 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (as amended).

DA22/0452 - Two lot subdivision

Lot 10 DP 559683, No. 5A Peter Street, Banora Point

DA22/0343 - Two storey dwelling and in-ground swimming pool

Lot 47DP 1264557, No. 7 Habitat Drive, Casuarina

DA22/0466 - In-ground swimming pool and 1.8 m boundary block wall

Lot 31 DP 1198266, No. 3 Pavilion Court, Casuarina

DA22/0655 - In-ground swimming pool

Lot 155 DP 1201995, No. 4 Callistemon Avenue, Casuarina

DA22/0451 - Alterations and additions to existing dwelling

Lot 9 DP 876097, No. 5 Maria Court, Condong

DA22/0773 - Dwelling with attached garage and carport

Lot 6 Section 14DP 758571, No. 3 Surf Street, Kingscliff

DA22/0363 - Shed

Lot 1 DP 560888, No. 57 North Arm Road, Murwillumbah

DA22/0624 - In-ground swimming pool

Lot 2 SP 78678, Unit 2/No. 6 Sugar Glider Drive, Pottsville

DA22/0667 - In-ground swimming pool

Lot 1108 DP 1115395, No. 45 Lennox Circuit, Pottsville

DA22/0686 - In-ground swimming pool

Lot 11 DP 847357, No. 38 Summer Hill Close, Stokers Siding

DA22/0688 - Detached dwelling addition

Lot 2 DP 30987, No. 10 Parkes Lane, Terranora

DA22/0625 - Patio roof

Lot 5 SP 36135, TULIP GATE, Unit 24/No. 5 Island Drive, Tweed Heads

DA22/0727 - Inground swimming pool

Lot 58 DP 245048, No. 36 Meridian Way, Tweed Heads

DA22/0253 - Patio within the front building line

Lot 1 SP 16707, Unit 1/No. 29 Inlet Drive, Tweed Heads West

DA22/0521 - Covered patio

Lot 222 DP 217494, No. 4 Lakes Drive, Tweed Heads West

DA22/0838 - In-ground swimming pool

Lot 43 DP 238224, No. 42 Blue Waters Crescent, Tweed Heads West

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

Current vacancies

View current vacancies at tweed.nsw.gov.au/job-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

Burial or cremation? Options, costs and what to consider

At some time, many of us will face the decision of burial versus cremation, whether we are making our own plans for the future or finding ourselves in an unexpected situation.

This Friday 10 February as part of Seniors Week, Tweed Shire Council cemetery business co-ordinator Gregory Puch will guide you through the differences during an open forum.

To be held at the Tweed Valley Cemetery Chapel at Eviron, the forum can help you explore how you to would like to be remembered and how to remember your loved ones.

Bookings are essential – go to toburyornot.eventbrite.com.au.

If you can’t attend in person, watch online. At the time of the event, access the livestream through tinyurl.com/2thxuwy7

You’re invited to a free forum at the Tweed Valley Cemetery to find out more about burial and cremation.

Strict rules for political signage for NSW election

As the NSW State Government election nears, candidates and their supporters are reminded they must comply with State and Council regulations when erecting political signage.

Ahead of the ballot on Saturday 25 March 2023, Council is reminding candidates of the strict rules governing the erection and display of political signage, which is now permitted to be displayed up to 8 weeks ahead of the polling date.

Council officers will undertake a program of compliance and monitoring to ensure all posters and signage containing electoral material comply with the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 Division 2, Subdivision 13Election signs.

As part of these regulations, election signs must be no more than 0.8 square metres in area. This excludes banner signs that contain a continuous row of standard-sized signs.

No signs are allowed to be displayed on Council's road reserves,

either free-standing pole signs or those affixed to trees or street furniture. Signage is also not allowed to be displayed on a trailer parked on a road or road-related areas.

All unauthorised signs will be removed by Council officers.

Election signs can be affixed to private telegraph poles, however the owner needs to be certain the pole is not owned by an electricity provider as legal action has occurred elsewhere in NSW. All signage connected to power poles will be reported to Essential Energy for their attention and action.

Signs can be attached to the walls of houses or commercial buildings, as long as they adhere to size limitations in State regulations and are not attached to heritage or draft heritage items.

Any signs that do not comply with the above rules may be removed by Council officers and will attract a Council fee for retrieval. Any signs remaining one week after the election (1 April 2023) will also be removed.

Flood recovery update – 8 February 2023

Tyalgum Road

The ongoing challenges of restoring the Tweed’s biggest and most complex road slip on Tyalgum Road dominated discussions at the second round table meeting between the Tyalgum community, Tweed Shire Council representatives, NSW Government representatives and the Tweed Tourism Company at Tyalgum on Tuesday, 31 January 2023.

Council’s Manager Infrastructure Delivery, Tim Mackney provided a detailed briefing on the current situation regarding the Tyalgum Road slip.

Mr Mackney said the slip remained a priority for Council which was currently in discussion with 3 contractors regarding restoration of the site.

He said the December Council meeting had cleared the way to enable negotiations between Council engineers and contractors to come up with the best design/construction and price option.

Mr Mackney pointed out the Tyalgum reconstruction work could cost in the 10s of millions of dollars as compared to the cost of the Scenic Drive restoration which was around $3 million and the Reserve Creek Road slip repair which was nearly $6 million.

“We are looking at the different design proposals from each contractor and also the pricing,” Mr Mackney said.

“We are aware that there is a price cost ceiling which, if exceeded, will spark a review by Transport for NSW and that could add another 2 months to the process.

“We would like to stay under the cost ceiling. We are continuing our negotiations and are working toward April to finalise technical and commercial discussions and select the preferred contractor.

“Part of our negotiations is for the successful contractor to include plans for a temporary single lane access across the site which we envisage might be in place by October or November.”

Mr Mackney also said the 2 slip sites on Limpinwood Road were included in a tender package which was currently under review and, assuming no complications, would be ready to go to a Council meeting in March.

With all the planned works for the Tyalgum area, Mr Mackney said it was important that the approach adopted was appropriate for each site, and met funding and long-term maintenance needs – so that future ratepayers are not left with increased costs.

Resident and Ratepayer Association meetings

The Fingal Head Community Association will hold their next meeting on Wednesday 15 February 2023, commencing at 7 pm. The venue will be the Fingal Rovers Surf Life Saving Club.

Road closures – Tweed Enduro

Date: Saturday 18 February 2023

Race starts 7 am and finishes 5.30 pm

Swim Course: Mooball Creek (closed 6 to 9 am). Cycle Course: Tweed Coast Road/Wooyung Road (closed 6 am to 1:30 pm). Run Course: Overall Drive between Anne St and Tweed Coast Rd (closed 6 am – 5 pm). Black Rocks Bridge (closed 6 am to 5 pm). Residents in Black Rocks can use Overall Drive via Anne Street detour during closure times. Please visit tweedenduro.org/roads or contact the team on 02 8507 0796.

Limpinwood Road

The 2 slip sites on Limpinwood Road are included in a tender package which was currently under review and, assuming no complications, should be ready to go to a Council planning meeting in early March.

This includes the slips near Boxsell Road and Charbray Place. Once designs are complete, Council will select the most suitable contractor to carry out the work.

Transport for NSW has confirmed in principle funding approval to cover the cost of repairs.

Patching works have been completed.

Murwillumbah Community Centre

Flood refurbishment continues at the Murwillumbah Community Centre with external high-pressure cleaning now completed. With the focus on building in a more resilient manner, stakeholder meetings have been held on site to discuss a range of issues, from the use of stainless steel for the kitchen benches to the colour of epoxy non-slip floor colours and the positioning of the reception area. Works which have been undertaken on site to date include the existing soft fall being removed and the fence replaced ready for new soft fall installation next week, sewer lines being cleared, floor preparation for a new coating, internal electrical points and data points being raised to 1.5m ahead of new wall sheeting and original plumbing fixtures and fittings accessed and a list of the required additional plumbing items needed compiled.

Commercial glazers have measured up all the door openings and will start manufacturing the aluminium and glass doors to replace the old timber doors.

The 3 air-conditioning condenser units have been degassed and lifting of the mechanical pipework and electrical has commenced. New condenser units have arrived ahead of installation.

Long lead time materials and services have been ordered and scheduled to minimise the risk of time extensions.

An inspection has been carried out on site to ensure all fire system wiring is in place prior to wall sheeting which is expected to start next week and is estimated to take 3-4 weeks.

For more, see tweed.nsw.gov.au/flood-recovery-update

Flood recovery sessions

The Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation (NRRC) will be offering face-to-face sessions in Murwillumbah this coming Thursday 9 February.

You can meet with the team between 12 pm and 2 pm at their popup marquee in the park in front of the Murwillumbah Civic and Cultural Centre, 10-14 Tumbulgum Road, Murwillumbah.

NRRC officers will be on hand to answer any questions about their programs in the Tweed - Resilient Land and Home Programs. No appointments are necessary.

For more info about their programs, visit nsw.gov.au/regional-nsw/northern-rivers-reconstruction-corporation

They're also planning to hold future pop-up sessions in Pottsville and Tumbulgum on Tuesday 14 March. More information will be shared when it comes to hand.

Banora Point house fire

By Jo Kennett

A QUICK-thinking neighbour has helped to save the home of a Banora Point resident, with locals being warned to check their electrical appliances.

Just before 3.30pm on Wednesday, February

1, firefighters from Tweed Heads and Banora Point responded to reports of a house fire in Buncrana Terrace, Banora Point, with callers saying a lady was in a distressed state.

On arrival firefighters found black smoke issuing from the second-floor windows of a large two-storey house.

Firefighters gained entry and were confronted with thick black smoke that filled the second storey with flames coming from the front of a large double refrigerator and cabinets above.

“Thanks to the efforts of a quick-acting neighbour with an extinguisher before firefighters arrived, the fire was kept to the area of origin,” a Fire and Rescue spokesperson said.

The kitchen was partially destroyed by fire and smoke damage whereas other parts of the home received only smoke damage.

Firefighters said it was a timely reminder to regularly clean and check all household appliances to prevent household fires.

The property had working smoke alarms which saved the lives of the residents.

If you are unsure if your smoke alarms work or need batteries replaced you can contact your local fire station to have a home fire safety check completed.

Drink and drug operation

By Jo Kennett

POLICE ARE targetting drink and drug driving in Operation Fume over the month of February with several drivers charged on the first weekend.

The operation started on Friday, February 3, and runs for four weeks.

Far North Sector Traffic and Highway Patrol Chief Inspector David Vandergriend said Operation Fume ran mainly on Friday and Saturday night and flowed into Sunday.

“Over the weekend, 732 random breath tests were conducted, resulting in six positive drink driving charges, one ‘refuse breath analysis’, one driver was charged with driving under the

influence of a drug and one positive random drug test,” Ch Insp Vandergriend said.

“Refusing to be breath tested is treated the same as if it’s the highest range returned. They have their licence suspended as well if they refuse.

“We will be out in force with stationary sites and mobile patrols. It’s no secret that consuming alcohol or drugs impairs your ability to drive and can lead to life-changing consequences.”

Ch Insp Vandergriend says police “will be on the same roads you are, from major roads and highways right through to back roads in rural areas” so have a plan B to get home safely if you’re drinking, don’t speed and stay focused on the road.

The fire was contained to the kitchen

Stolen car burnt out

By Jonathon Howard

A CAR stolen from Casuarina was found in flames at Kingscliff on Wednesday, February 1, the latest in what seems to be a never-ending car theft spree on the Tweed Coast.

The white Range Rover Evoque was stolen at around 3am on Tuesday, January 31, from Sea Eagle Court, with locals reporting hearing a car racing down Casuarina Way at the time.

The owner of the car posted online that the thieves had broken into their home and taken the car keys.

Just 24 hours later, after 3am on Wednesday, February 1, Kingscliff firefighters were called to the car fire at Ned Byrne Oval, the cricket fields opposite the Cudgen Leagues Club.

Firefighters found the car engulfed in flames and set to work extinguishing the fire but the car was completely destroyed.

Local residents are calling for the Kingscliff Police Station to be permanently manned in the wake of the car theft and for harsher penalties for juvenile offenders.

Reaction to wasp sting

WESTPAC RESCUE Helicopter responded to an allergic reaction after a wasp sting at Tyalgum Creek on Monday, February 6.

“Westpac Rescue Helicopter was tasked by NSW Ambulance on a primary mission to a property at Tyalgum Creek, west of Murwillumbah,” the Westpac Rescue Helicopter media team said.

“A male in his 50s had an allergic reaction after being stung by a wasp.

“The patient was treated on scene by NSWA paramedics and the Helicopter Critical Care Medical Team prior to airlifting him to Lismore Base Hospital in a stable condition.”

Firefighters at the car fire at Ned Byrne Oval.

Photo Harry Gray

The rescue chopper at Tyalgum Creek

By Yvonne Gardiner

THE HOUSING and rental crisis in the Tweed Shire has been well documented in past years, and there’s no sign that it’s likely to improve anytime soon.

Tweed Heads alone, based on five years of sales, has seen a compound growth rate of 19.8 per cent for houses and 9.5 per cent for units.

Realestate.com estimated that median property prices in Tweed Heads in the year to January 2023 ranged from $1,257,500 for houses to $706,250 for units.

The huge demand from people wanting to live in the shire, coupled with a shortage of accommodation, means costs of decent housing are far beyond the means of many.

The next NSW state election will be held on Saturday, March 25.

The Weekly asked candidates for the seats of Tweed and Lismore how they would improve this situation.

TWEED Ciara Denham (Greens)

The Tweed region is one of the top communities of growth and development, which is contributing to the cost-of-living crisis for our community.

The Greens have been working towards the implementation of an emergency rent freeze to combat skyrocketing rent costs, and for the strengthening of renters’ rights, including prohibiting no-ground evictions and blanket ‘no pets’ clauses in leases

The Greens have also advocated for the legislation of emergency

provisions to ban short-term rental accommodation in areas which have been given disaster declarations in times of natural disasters, so that all homes in these areas are available to the local community for residential rental accommodation.

Our community needs immediate action, but also drastically needs longterm solutions. The Greens have advocated for investment in affordable housing for decades, which successive LNP and Labor governments have failed to invest in. Housing is a human right, and we should all have a home where we feel safe and secure.

Susie Hearder (Animal Justice Party)

Kindness, equality, rationality and non-violence are the core values of the Animal Justice Party, which means we care deeply about people, animals and the environment.

All beings, whether they be human or non-human, need to feel safe and secure and I am deeply concerned at the high numbers of homeless in our community. It is appalling that people traumatised by the floods are still left without permanent secure housing.

I am also deeply saddened by the number of companion animals affected by the floods and the rental crisis, many being surrendered to pounds and shelters.

Nobody should have to choose between a roof over their head or keeping their family together.

Rental accommodation needs to be pet friendly so families can stay together. Aged care homes and crisis accommodation need to cater for people with their pets.

AJP will stop unnecessary discrimination against tenants with companion animals and increase the availability of homes, including retirement homes that allow pets, balancing the rights of landlords, tenants and companion animals.

Amidst the climate crisis, we need resilient and sustainable housing that will cope much better with the devastating events we are already seeing in the Northern Rivers. Greater incentives are needed for people to downsize and also for multiple property owners to make empty homes available, especially in emergencies. Building of tiny homes should be encouraged.

The current LNP government throws millions at the gambling greyhound racing industry whilst people in our community are struggling to survive on the streets.

Instead, funds are needed to construct more pet-friendly social and affordable housing and crisis accommodation. Housing and homelessness services need to be extended for victims of domestic and family violence as that is the leading cause of homelessness in Australia. Gaps in services need to be identified to help prevent homelessness, and there needs to be targeted rent assistance for older people as homelessness in women over 55 is a growing demographic. We must protect the most vulnerable in our society.

Craig Elliot (Labor Party)

Cost-of-living pressures are at an all-time high, energy bills are out of control and home ownership is becoming increasingly difficult.

Add to this record, numbers of locals struggling with high rental costs, and it’s time for a fresh start here in Tweed. Voting for a new government is just the first step, but it’s a crucial one. As the housing crisis continues to take a toll on residents of the Tweed, it’s time for a change in NSW.

I’m proud to be a part of Chris Minns’ Labor Team, with our Fresh Start Plan. This plan aims to tackle the housing crisis head-on, with a number of practical and effective solutions to make housing more affordable and accessible.

The Fresh Start Plan includes removing or reducing stamp duty for 95 per cent of first-time home buyers, getting rid of the forever land tax on the family home, creating a rental commissioner, and protecting tenants from unfair evictions.

In addition, the plan will ban the practice of secret rent-bidding and introduce a portable bond scheme. The plan will also make it easier for renters to keep pets in their homes and will host a renters’ roundtable to hear from stakeholders and community groups.

One of the key elements of the Fresh Start Plan is a mandatory requirement for 30 per cent of homes built on surplus government land to be set aside for social, affordable and universal housing. This will not only provide more options for those in need but will also provide longer-term funding certainty for homelessness and housing support organisations.

I am asking for your support so Tweed can see real, positive change in the housing market. Our Fresh Start Plan is comprehensive, well-thought-

out, and most importantly, achievable. It’s time for a new approach to housing in the Tweed, and the Fresh Start Plan is exactly what we need.

Geoff Provest (Nationals)

I acknowledge that affordable housing is the number one issue in the Tweed. The flooding events have depleted our housing stocks and population movements during COVID put pressure on available housing in the Tweed, and forcing prices up.

We need more social housing. Last year 12 million dollars in new housing was delivered in the Tweed with further projects planned.

There are two new initiatives that are good steps forward for the Tweed.

First, the NSW Government’s new Shared Equity Homebuyer Help scheme would help attract more police officers, nurses and teachers to the Tweed. Under the plan, the NSW Government will contribute up to 40 per cent for a new home or up to 30 per cent for an existing home bought by eligible frontline service home buyers.

Second is the First Home Buyer Choice which gives eligible first home buyers the choice to pay: a large upfront stamp duty or a small annual property fee. Eligible properties are those homes purchased up to the value of $1.5 million or vacant land up to the value of $800,000. Farming properties are not eligible. The delivery of more land and houses is not straightforward as government, local developers and local councils all have a role to play and I am willing to work with all stakeholders to deliver this as quickly as possible.

Lismore Q&A continued on page 16.

Geoff Provest with Minister Sam Farraway and members of the Pottsville Men’s Shed

Fair go for all species

By Yvonne Gardiner

SUSIE HEARDER cares deeply about the welfare and meaningful protection of animals and believes all beings should be able to live a life free from harm.

She believes that the Animal Justice Party can achieve real changes through giving political representation for all species and has put up her hand as the Tweed candidate in the state election for the second time.

Priority concerns for Ms Hearder are the climate crisis, deforestation, intensive animal agriculture, puppy farms, toxic 1080 poison, unsustainable industries that harm animals or the environment, the mass slaughter of kangaroos and all animals exploited for experimentation and entertainment, including horse and greyhound racing which, she points out, also fuels gambling.

As well as being a founding member of both Friends of the Pound Tweed and Friends of the Hound Greyhound Adoption Group, Ms Hearder rescues wildlife with the groups Friends of the Koala and Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers. She is a former business owner and bush regenerator with a background in horticulture.

“My journey towards a life of compassion and empathy began as a teenager, volunteering with animal rescue organisations, leading to a profound understanding that all animals, humans and non-humans alike are sentient, have unique personalities, emotions, and a strong desire to live,” Ms Hearder said.

“At 22, I visited a slaughterhouse and immediately became vegetarian, and, after seeing what happens to ‘bobby calves’ in the dairy industry, became vegan 13 years ago.

“I continue to volunteer and be a dedicated advocate for animals, the environment and people.”

Ms Hearder is passionate about respecting Aboriginal culture and heritage, protecting

habitat for wildlife and ensuring a peaceful, respectful co-existence for all beings, in a sustainable, shared environment.

Species extinction, especially the imminent demise of koalas in NSW, is close to her heart, as is homelessness for humans, wildlife and companion animals.

She has lived on solar power, regenerating habitat and fostering rescue animals in the Tweed for the past 30 years. Her current rescue family includes two greyhounds, a charismatic rooster and ducks.

The Animal Justice Party was established in 2009 in response to growing public concern over the abuse, harm and mistreatment of non-human animals across Australia. Its aim is to encourage political parties to adopt animal-friendly policies.

Fresh candidate for Tweed Greens

By Yvonne Gardiner

TWEED GREENS have selected a new candidate for the NSW Election, Ciara Denham, after their original choice, Rachael Cavanagh, was forced to step down due to ill-health and personal reasons.

Ms Denham is standing for political integrity and reconciling the Tweed community on “some of the toughest issues that we all face together”. Ciara (pronounced Kirra) lives with her partner and two young children at Bilambil.

“The changes Tweed needs to see are not radical. I am standing for basic social justice needs like a roof over your head, or a reliable income,” Ms Denham said.

“For over a decade, I’ve worked in conservation and environment and understand that we cannot have climate justice without social justice.

“The growing wealth disparity in our region must be reined in. We must mature into a progressive economy that serves the whole of society, and we must have leadership that looks after our most vulnerable people, and ecology.

“As a candidate for Tweed, I will work passionately towards social and environmental justice, building strong community on the way.”

Ms Denham came to live in Australia 15 years ago.

“I’ve seen firsthand the mismanagement of previous administrations, whether they be NSW Labor or the current tired, old Liberal/Nationals ‘coalition’ have had on this state. Something has to change,” she said.

“We need more Greens in the NSW Parliament if we are to tackle the climate and housing crises facing us right now.

Free solar - savings up to $600 on electricity bills

The NSW Government is offering a new way to assist people on low incomes with their power bills by installing free solar systems for eligible households in place of their Low Income Household Rebate. This program aims to improve energy affordability by helping households unlock long terms savings on their electricity bills. While this means you will no longer receive the $285 annual rebate on your electricity bill, you could receive up to $600 in savings per year from your new solar system!

The offer is only available to households that live in the specified regions and meet the eligibility criteria. When participating in this program households will receive a free, fully installed 3kW solar system in place of their Low Income Household Rebate.

SAE Group are the approved provider, designing and installing solar systems to eligible homes in your region.

To be eligible you must:

- Currently be receiving the Low Income Household Rebate

- Agree not to receive the rebate for ten years

- Own your own home

- Not already have a solar PV system

- Hold a valid Pensioner Concession Card or a Department of Veteran Affairs Gold Card

- If you are not the registered homeowner, but your spouse is, you may be considered eligible collectively as a household

A 3kW system is designed to generate an average of 12.6kwh per day, which will deliver electricity savings depending on each household’s energy consumption. Managing Director of SAE Group Glen Ashton comments “We know electricity bills continue to place a lot of pressure on households, and we are pleased to be working with the NSW Government to help ease the pressure on low income households.”

SAE Group are an Australian owned and operated organisation with over ten years’ experience in the solar industry. SAE Group are a Clean Energy Council Approved Retailer, and hold accreditations ISO 9001, ISO 45001 for safety and quality systems. Safety is paramount to us, and it our goal to ensure we provide quality solar systems to eligible households that will deliver ongoing savings for many years to come.

Want to find out more?

Visit: https://energysaver.nsw.gov.au/solar-low-income-households to check your eligibility and apply online or visit www.saegroup.com.au or call us on 02 66 389 439. The Solar for Low Income Household Offer is supported by the NSW Government.

“These crises are all too real and the people of the north of NSW have seen firsthand the disastrous implications for inaction on addressing them.

“For such a wealthy country, Australia could be a world leader in sustainability and social justice.

“I want to see that happen at a local level in Tweed as this is now our home. Like everyone else in Tweed, I want a resilient community for our children, not one ravaged by the full impacts of a rapidly changing climate.”

Animal Justice Party candidate for Tweed Susie Hearder fights for animal-friendly policies

Australia could be a world leader in sustainability and social justice, says Greens candidate for Tweed, Ciara Denham

NSW VOTES 2023 Campaign questions

Q&A: Housing crisis and how to fix it?

LISMORE

Adam Guise (Greens)

We were already in a housing crisis before the floods, with this disaster only exacerbating it.

For too long, both sides of politics have neglected investing in social, affordable and public housing, preferring to leave it to the free market, which has not delivered the housing we need.

The government needs to intervene, and use the Reconstruction Corporation to acquire affordable land to build new housing for those currently homeless and to enable affordable land-swaps and relocations.

Housing is a human right and fundamental to health, happiness, employment and education.

To address the rental crisis, the government should be capping rents, ending unfair evictions and strengthening tenants’ rights.

We should be abolishing negative gearing and fixing up capital gains tax loopholes to stop housing being used for investors and developers to profit from.

The housing market is cooked and is not working in the interests of people who need a safe home.

Matthew Bertalli (Shooters, Fishers and Farmers)

As we move into 2023, the issue around housing is becoming more prevalent than ever.

The increases in interest rates are being felt not only by landowners, but by renters as well. As interest rates increase, the costs to investors are passed on to renters.

In the past 20 years, housing prices have nearly tripled and the housing market in Australia has grown to a staggering $10 trillion.

Many people believe that the current housing crisis is due to low supply, however it is actually due to the poor management of previous and present Coalition governments at both the state and federal level.

During COVID, the then-Coalition Government effectively gave the big four banks an unlimited amount of cheap credit, which then got handed out in the form of cheap mortgages, causing housing prices to skyrocket.

In a single year we saw housing prices increase by 25 per cent. With the Coalition’s policy of keeping wages low, we have seen housing prices increase by 105 per cent, while wages only grew by 18 per cent over the last decade. The ability of the average Australian to afford a house becoming near unobtainable.

There is always the common talking point of the Coalition being good economic managers, yet they move the economy away from being a functioning and contributing economy.

Having so much money tied up in land is not good for the Australian economy. When money is used to purchase land, it is locked up, meaning it can’t be used to invest in building small business or infrastructure.

Due to the property bubble growing to the size it has, it can be incredibly dangerous to fix without the bubble popping. If the bubble should burst, it could send Australia into a recession like that seen by the rest of the world during the GFC.

I will work alongside any of the parties to achieve a carefully constructed policy that will protect our economy and fix the housing crisis.

Janelle Saffin (Labor)

The Northern Rivers has a long and growing waiting list for public housing.

This enduring crisis is not the Australia we want.

The Northern Rivers needs 18,600 houses. My plan, my commitment, is to fix this.

The NSW Government had no supply targets. They have failed miserably on housing.

My experience informs my actions now, not in the distant future.

Where I grew up, we could all get housing, courtesy of the state government.

We paid rent and, after so many years as reliable tenants, were offered to buy our house,

our home.

If people are not given security for themselves and their children, they are disadvantaged from day one.

The market, left alone, will not provide that security, but all are winners if the state government steps up to its responsibilities.

When the Leader of the Opposition, Chris Minns, was in Murwillumbah, I advocated to him that we needed his government, if elected, to step up and have a clear housing policy with targets and a regional focus.

We now have that commitment.

I will make sure it is delivered for our Northern Rivers region and for neighbouring Tenterfield Shire, part of the Lismore electorate.

A Minns Labor Government has committed to a regional build-to-rent program with targets. Thirty per cent of all homes built on surplus government land to be set aside for social, affordable and universal housing.

Labor will remove or reduce stamp duty for 95 per cent of first home buyers, abolish the land tax on family homes, create a rental commissioner to protect tenants, ban the practice of secret rent-bidding and implement a portable bond scheme.

We will make it easier to apply to have pets, host a renters’ roundtable, and provide funding certainty for support organisations and tenancy advocacy services.

I pledge to turn this crisis around and I intend to succeed.

Alex Rubin (Nationals)

We still have people displaced from the 2022 floods, in temporary accommodation/caravans, which is unacceptable.

I am deeply disappointed that our local Labor MP is not solely focused on solving this foundational problem, because everyone deserves the right to have a roof over their head.

In the Army, we had a motto whenever we deployed, ‘We always bring our people home’. In the case of the Northern Rivers, we should not have rested until every displaced family was returned to their home location.

The next step is housing affordability. Since federal Labor was elected in May last year, we have seen home loan interest rates double and rental prices skyrocket, as landlords scramble to offset their borrowing costs.

Currently a 95 per cent LVR Loan (P&I) is between 7-8 per cent, which translates to a $700k loan costing up to $1200 per week to repay.

This is forcing people to make choices, ‘what do I have that I can sell off, where else can I cut back on our food budget and what insurances can I stop paying to make ends meet’.

I am acutely aware of this, as our family was evicted by our landlord (no grounds) and left looking for a place to live as we headed towards Christmas

We were forced into buying a house at the peak of the price rises and now fight to keep up with repayments.

To address the housing crisis, we need leadership, we need to force open the Airbnb market and confront the problem of land banking. Less talk by politicians, fewer working groups, fewer committees; take action on holiday rentals and corporate land banking. In short, we deserve better and our local leadership is not doing enough.

...Could be for you!! Cosmetic Tattooing

Bee workshop a must

By Yvonne Gardiner

MURWILLUMBAH COMMUNITY Gardens

(MCG) will host a special native bee workshop at its site next to the Murwillumbah Showgrounds on Sunday, February 19.

Expert facilitator Courtney Castles, aka ‘The Stingless Bee Lady’, will be supplying the gardens with a working hive of bees to keep and maintain into the future.

Courtney is running a Northern NSW repopulation project to address the impact of flooding on native bees.

“When the floods happened, they covered such a vast area and damaged so much natural bushland, that I could only imagine how many solitary bee nests and stingless bee hives we had lost,” Courtney told The Weekly.

“I really wanted to help repopulate these lost bees.

“By installing the stingless bee hives on the edges of the flooded areas, the bees will naturally duplicate into the surrounding environment and repopulate.

“Having so many more solitary bee hotels located around Murwillumbah will give lots of nesting sites to our beautiful solitary bees too, such as the blue banded bee, teddy bear bee, reed bees etc.”

At the workshop, people will learn about the difference between ‘social’ and ‘solitary’ native bees.

They will have an opportunity to build their own ‘bee hotel’, and take it home.

Australia has over 1,700 species of native bee, which collect pollen from flowers to feed their young.

“We are looking forward to having native bees at the garden, to further increase the biodiversity at our site, and to enable us to take part in repopulating our local area with native bees after the floods,” MCG treasurer Barry Firth told The Weekly.

Murwillumbah Community Gardens is a community-owned resource for gardening, recreation and healthy living.

For more info, go to the Murwillumbah Community Garden page on Facebook.

The workshop is from 3pm to 5pm at Mooball Street, opposite the Mount St Patrick Primary School.

Wear closed footwear and bring sun protection. Children must be closely supervised.

Admission is $20, or $10 members and children, family ticket packages available online. Please book via: trybooking.com/CFFWJ

Bookings are essential, numbers limited. The 2023 workshops are supported by the ITV Studios Tweed Community Initiative fund.

Join the Stingless Bee Lady Courtney Castles

New flood trauma program launches

By Jo Kennett

A FREE mental wellbeing program aimed at helping locals still experiencing trauma from the floods is being offered in Murwillumbah.

Duke Albada is a local art therapist who came up with the idea for the program after helping out in the 2006, 2017 and 2022 floods.

“I helped with the clean up in Murwillumbah and Tumbulgum in 2017 and that’s when it really hit me how devastating and traumatising it was,” she said.

“I changed careers and studied art therapy, which is founded on trauma-informed counselling, including working with people who had been impacted by natural disasters.

Ms Albada volunteered to provide first aid mental health in 2022 at the Murwillumbah community flood hub.

“The people I dealt with were in deep distress,” she said.

“They were not coherent so one of us would take them aside and give them a cup of tea and sit down with them for a chat.

“Some came in two weeks after that because they had not been able to leave and had not been able to communicate with family or friends with communications down which was really distressing for them.

“You have the fear of what might have happened to your loved ones, and that doesn’t go away.

“Some spoke about the fact that it took five or six days to find out if loved ones were okay.”

After the floods Ms Albada did extra training including with psychologist Dr Rob Gordon who described why the trauma is so enduring.

“It is the loss of your security, your living place and your entire support system, so it’s much harder to find the ability to talk it through,” she said.

“Dr Gordon says research shows that six months, one year and 18 months after the event are actually critical times when people need more support.

“Rain is such a trigger for people and dates like the one year anniversary are too.”

According to Ms Albada shame and stigma are a huge issue.

“It’s a year, aren’t you over it yet? Why is it such an issue for you? Someone who has been through that trauma and is experiencing emotional distress might hear that from someone who hasn’t been through it and they might say that to themselves,” Ms Albada told The Weekly.

“The infrastructure is back in place and seemingly everything is back to normal and life goes on, but there are still a lot of houses that are not being lived in and condemned but that are

often pretty invisible.

“I know six homes in Cabarita that are still empty.

“There is so much there that hasn’t been healed or recovered from and that is in both housing but in the trauma as well.

“Your body gets shaken so badly that it takes a long time for that to become normal again.”

The housing and rental crisis have made things much worse.

“I know firsthand that secure housing enables us to develop routines which help us deal with unexpected events and emotions, external and internal challenges,” she said.

“The housing uncertainty definitely contributes to not being able to recover to how their central nervous system was operating before.”

The program sessions are three hours and in two parts. The first part is coming together, having a cuppa, getting to know each other a bit.

“We look at how that trauma is experienced in the body and what people are doing to deal with those stresses when they aren’t here,” Ms Albada said.

“Often they don’t realise what coping strategies they have already learned.

“There we share stories and coping strategies and that is followed by a creative time guided by me, sinking into oneself and doing something with your hands can help you to structure your thoughts.

“It’s not about the art, it’s about time out to reflect deeply and to then verbalise or visualise and you might have ripped up some paper or put paint on the paper.

“Then we have a reflective time on what happened during the creative process.

“Then there’s a break and people can stay and do another hour of individual art therapy or talk, or that might have had enough and head off the day.”

Starting February 7 through to April 11, each Tuesday, 1pm to 4pm at Nullum House, Murwillumbah.

If you are interested in participating, please contact Eve: 0484 913 018 evelyn@mccentre. org.au for more information or to register.

Participants may join just one or as many sessions as suits them.

This program will also soon commence in the Kingscliff-Chinderah locality.

Labor NSW reveals Tweed candidate

By Yvonne Gardiner

NSW LABOR candidate Craig Elliot is having a second attempt at unseating current Member for Tweed Geoff Provest.

Mr Elliot has lived in the Tweed for more than 25 years.

He and his wife Justine, the current federal Richmond MP, have raised their two children, Alex and Joe, in the electorate.

“Tweed needs a fresh start. Geoff’s been there for a long time,” Mr Elliot told The Weekly.

“It’s a tired (Coalition) government that’s run out of ideas.”

He believes that cost of living is one of the biggest election issues, as a direct consequence of the way NSW has been governed in the past 12 years under the Coalition.

Mr Elliot, a former police officer, is currently a superintendent with Corrective Services. He campaigned vigorously during the 2019 election to improve police numbers.

“We’ve seen no demonstrable increase in police resourcing,” he said.

“The police do a great job but there’s only so many of them.

“We need to ensure that our community safety is paramount.

“People want to ensure that they’re safe in their houses and on the streets.”

The merger of four Murwillumbah schools into one mega-school will not happen under a NSW Labor government.

“Obviously the (current) government has an agenda to sell off those sites,” Mr Elliot said.

“Labor won’t be selling the schools, that’s for sure.”

As well as serving as a police officer, Mr Elliot is a former tradie and electrician.

“I know what it’s like to live locally and raise a family here in our beautiful Tweed region. I also know that it’s time for a fresh start,” he said.

“We need a fresh start for Tweed, and that’s something Geoff Provest and his boss (Premier) Dominic Perrottet can’t give us. After 12 years in power, the Liberals and Nationals have had their chance — they’re just a tired old government.

“Residents of Tweed deserve the same level of service as Sydney, and I’m committed to making that a reality.”

Labor candidate for Tweed Craig Elliot is ready and willing to serve the Tweed

Local achievers take out Lions awards

By Yvonne Gardiner

LIONS CLUB of Cabarita Beach/ Pottsville Beach hosted a gathering on Norries Headland, Cabarita Beach, on Australia Day to hand out a free breakfast and a swag of community awards.

Deb Hunt claimed the Garrard Award for an organisation which helps new mothers and their babies. Ms Hunt founded the Support for

New Mums group.

“I want to reduce isolation, anxiety and depression for mums with new babies,” she says.

Her group, with 75 volunteers, has helped more than 100 families.

The Lions Club intends to assist the group financially on an annual basis.

The Johansen Award winner Grant Lavender was described as “a quiet achiever”.

He is vice-president of the Tweed

Coast Rural Fire Brigade based at Pottsville.

“I’m accepting this award on behalf of all the volunteers I work with,” Mr Lavender said.

“I’m just one of 18 active members.

“We keep the community safe from grass fires, attend car accidents, assist the police and paramedics. We helped out with the floods at Lismore and Tumbulgum.

“I was very humbled to get the

award. It means a lot.

“I’d like to dedicate it to the other crew members who give up their family time.”

Lions MC David Cahill said 10-yearold James Kruse was recognised with the Connection to Community award for his entrepreneurial and business talents.

“His products give us all a greater awareness of the longest continuous culture in the world,” Mr Cahill said.

“He co-designed his first set of First Nations stickers with his mother Sasha around three to four years ago, and this year took over the business.

“He is proudly selling all his Aboriginal stickers which include Bundjalung country, Minjungbal, Pottsville, Fingal and a wide range of animals, and is working on a new range to come out soon.

“I was really impressed with his whole attitude.”

Taking out the Most Improved awards, (from left) Evangeline (Evie) Edwards (St Ambrose Catholic Primary School), Harrison Doyle (accepting the award for Mabel Petland of Bogangar Public School) and Charlie Kemp (Pottsville Beach Public School)

Deb Hunt wins the Garrard Award for supporting new mums and babies.

Grant Lavender and his family celebrate his winning the Johansen Award for his work with Tweed Coast Rural Fire Brigade.

Award winners line up at the Lions Club of Cabarita Beach/Pottsville Beach Australia Day presentations.

Pottsville Public School student James Kruse shows off his Connection to Community award.

Matilda Orford (Pottsville Beach Public School) and her Aussie Mateship award. Ella Dean (St Ambrose Catholic Primary School) and Sophie Wheelahan (Bogangar Public School) also took home the same award.

Sandra is retiring

By Jonathon Howard

AFTER 30 YEARS of running Poster Paradise, the loveable local Sandra Guthrie has announced her retirement.

Sandra and her husband Alan have been printing and supporting the community for decades, but felt it was time to pass on the baton.

“Following the February 2022 flood, we lost practically everything in the shop,” she said.

“It was one of the toughest challenges we’ve ever faced in our time in the Tweed.”

Sandra said it was with great reluctance that she decided to move on.

“However, we are pleased to introduce the new owner and operator Jasen Pankhurst, who will step into our shoes and continue the Poster Paradise legacy,” Sandra said.

“I’d like to thank everyone that supported me and especially those during the flood recovery.”

Jasen and his partner Yazmeen Spears have a fresh new vision for the business including an all-new name as XAS.

“We are so pleased to be taking on such a valuable asset for the community,” he said.

“I’d like to thank Sandra and Alan for this

opportunity and look forward to providing the same great service with some new offers available right now.”

XAS stands for Expand Australian Sustainability and has a focus on more than just printing. Jasen has 31 years as a qualified accountant and knows the needs of businesses.

“I love living here,” he said.

“And I’m using my experience to create as many jobs as I can and supporting others that are struggling.”

Jasen said he moved to the Tweed Shire for nature and the people.

“I felt at home straight away here,” he said.

“And now I’d like to share some of my knowledge and experience with other like-minded people.” Jasen is encouraging residents to visit the all new XAS and bring their ideas.

“We want to help with all your ideas, business proposals, accounting questions, printing needs including canvasses and more.”

Sandra is staying in Murwillumbah and will work at XAS when needed.

To learn about XAS visit 4/58 Wollumbin Street, Murwillumbah.

57 Band 6 Results in a range of subjects

5th in the State Standard 2 Mathematics Anna Dubois

13th in the State Standard EnglishLincoln Taylor Dux - Amelie Ogg 98.7 ATAR

16 Band 6 Results in Investigating Science, Chemistry and Mathematics to Year 11 Accelerated students

Nominations for ARTEXPRESS - Tali Santos and Summah Young

Nominations for In Tech - Amy Hanson, Harry Capner and Bede Curnow

Website: mspcmurwillumbah.schoolzineplus.com

Email: mspcmbah@lism. catholic.edu.au

Enrolments: mspcenrolments@lism.catholic.edu. au

Telephone: (02) 6672 2340

-

Yasmeen Spears, Jasen Pankhurst, Sandra and Alan Guthrie

Seniors

Love and integrity are Keith’s secrets to 100 years

By Jonathon Howard

TWEED FAIRWAYS resident Keith Stanford is celebrating his 100th birthday this month and has shared some of his extraordinary story with The Weekly.

Keith was born in Parramatta on February 23, 1923, which was the first year a Dawn Service took place for Anzac Day and the year construction started on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

“I had a lovely upbringing with wonderful loving and caring parents,” he said.

Keith started school at age six at Parramatta Public and attended commerce at Lidcombe.

“My first job was at Henderson & Gregg’s, which was the second biggest

department store in Parramatta.

By 1941, two years after the start of World War II, Keith was called up to the army, serving until 1946.

But WWII is something Keith would prefer not to talk about, so instead we focused on some of his fondest years post war.

“1946 and the war was over,” he said.

“I had been discharged from the army and returned to the old store, as your job had to be kept open for returning soldiers.”

It was around this time that Keith would meet the love of his life and soulmate, Dawn.

The couple live together at Tweed Fairways and after 72 years of marriage are still happily in love.

The couple have two wonderful sons, Wayne and Mark, as well as daughter-in-laws Louise and Barbara, along with three grandsons, four great-grandsons and one great-granddaughter.

Dawn describes Keith as a “wonderful man”.

“He’s such a good man and looks after me well,” she said.

“He also has a family that adore him.”

Keith had many passions throughout his life, including working on film sets as an extra, but his first love was

for the picture theatres.

“I did some work as an extra including in the film Eureka Stockade as well as some work on commercials,” he said.

Keith would later move into theatre projection work and managed movie theatres across Sydney’s metropolitan as well as regional areas.

“I felt privileged to meet stars including Olivia Newton-John, when she was quite young,” he said.

“My favourite film has always been The Best Years of Our Lives.”

When asked about his secret to a long life, Keith said having something to strive for was important.

“Have something in front of you to strive for,” he said.

“Have strong beliefs and aim to have as much integrity as possible, for a person, no matter what their stature, will always walk tall with integrity.”

Although healthy most of his life, Keith was a heavy smoker in his youth and still enjoys the odd white wine.

“I did smoke for a long time, but I gave it up when I turned 40,” he said. When asked about his secret to a happy marriage, Keith turned to Dawn and the pair immediately locked eyes.

“Trust, happiness and loving one another,” the pair agreed.

3 Ways to Stay Healthy and Strong a er 50

Turning 50 is a huge milestone. Everyone deals with aging differently, but being 50 is turning out to be a more awesome experience for some people than expected. They become more confident, especially in their views and opinions. They learn to embrace their quirkiness and really let their creativity flow. They stop sweating the small stuff and focus on what really matters. And last but not the least, they are able to recreate themselves, with a much clearer picture of how they want to spend their days.

Whilst there are many good things about turning 50 and older, it is also when you will start noticing some new physical changes to your body. Some changes may be quite unpleasant but creating better health habits plus having a brighter perspective can make them more bearable and even help you become more amazing and fit as you age.

If you’re not sure where to start, try these three ways to keep you strong and fit after 50.

1. Get moving. Make sure to see a doctor before

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starting an exercise routine. As an older adult, regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Studies show that regular exercise can prevent or delay many age-related health problems like muscle loss, chronic diseases, mental health issues, and cognitive impairment. A complete fitness program includes aerobic exercise, strength training, and stretching. If circumstances make it hard for you to keep a regular workout, find other ways to be in motion. You can take the stairs instead of the elevator, walk briskly whenever you can or take your dog for walks every day.

2. Get your mind in shape. The mind-body connection is real. Keep your brain stimulated by enjoying a daily puzzle or the crossword, playing mind-stretching games like bingo, bridge, chess, or computer games, or reading more. Learning a new skill or keeping an old one is also a good idea as it is said to help in managing feelings of depression. Additionally, make sure to get a good night’s sleep and stay socially active in order to keep your brain in shape and to help

you cope with changes in your mental stability.

3. Get your diet right. Following a nutritious diet is one of the best things you can do for your health as you age. It can help improve your mental sharpness, boost your energy levels, and increase your resistance to illness. To meet your nutritional needs, you must eat foods that are rich in fibre, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, although it’s still best to talk to your doctor about your specific health needs. If you need help choosing or preparing a healthy diet, chat to a family member, carer, or an accredited practising dietician.

If meal planning and preparation is challenging for you, Gourmet Meals offers a great convenient solution. Our quick and easy, great tasting “gourmet meals” are recognised by health practitioners, dieticians, and nutritionists as a healthy meal option, especially for the elderly. They are snap-frozen to preserve all the nutrients and flavours naturally and are delivered straight to your doorstep! Minimum

“The longer I live, the more beautiful life becomes.”

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Keith and Dawn are forever in love

The loving couple live together at Tweed Fairways

Flood victim misses her home

By Jo Kennett

EILEEN LOWNDES was living in her van with her dog at Chinderah Village Tourist Caravan Park when the floods hit, leaving her homeless and ultimately forced to move to Queensland.

“If it hadn’t been for some Fingal locals with a boat that picked us up we wouldn’t be here; they were guardian angels,” Eileen said.

“We got the evacuation order at 4.20pm but there was nowhere to go unless you waded through the river

with the snakes and the logs and the sewerage. There was no way out.

“I’m in my mid-70s and my neighbours were mid-80s and older and they were so frail.

“It was so frightening. You go into fight or flight mode and I was running on adrenaline.

“Now I hear rain and I’m a total mess.”

Eileen breaks down crying as she recalls the traumatic events.

“I had to move to Queensland and now my biggest fear is that I’m not eligible for all the counselling and flood support,” she said.

“The only place I could find to live with my dog was at Logan in a retirement village.

“I’m desperately trying to get back because I’d been based at Chinderah for 13 years and I had an incredible amount of friends and I need that support system and those friends.”

Eileen previously worked as a grief counsellor.

“You tell people about the stages of grief but when you go through it yourself you forget,” she said.

“I walked out with my handbag and my dog and I was in shock.

“In the last two or three months it’s like my brain is opening up again and I really miss the people that I had

around me and the realisation that I’m on my own now.

“If I fell here in this unit no one would know but if people didn’t see me for a day at the (Chinderah) park they would have come to check I was okay.

“The PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) is worse now than it was earlier because the realisation has come in and hit me.”

Eileen was paid out insurance money on her van and says that while she could buy another van, there is nowhere that she could move it permanently in the Tweed Shire.

“Tracey and Doug (Spargo, proprietors of Chinderah Village Tourist Caravan Park) would let me go back but my nerves couldn’t handle it. It frightens the hell out of me,” she said.

“Some moved back but left again because it (the fear of flooding again) was too much.”

Eileen said she has been applying for accommodation in the shire with no success.

“I’ve applied for a pod but there must be Crown land somewhere out of the flood zone that could be used to build homes on,” she said.

“We would need sewerage and power but we could pay rent on the land.

“As good as the government has

been, you still have working mothers sleeping in cars with children. Something has to be done.

“There are people like me that could afford to buy one-bedroom relocatable homes.

“It would be similar to the pods but you would own your own pod.”

In the meantime Eileen is hoping to find a granny flat or one-bedroom unit she can share with her dog and has posted her request on local community pages with no success so far.

“I’m too old to share so if I could get something like that for around $300 I would be over the moon,” she said.

“It took weeks for me to get the courage up to put myself out there with the Facebook post and when I did 70 people liked my post.

“That blew me away and made me feel very humble and wishing to God I was back in my community.”

If you think you can help Eileen out please contact jo@theweekly.net.au or call (02) 6672 4443.

as the floodwater started rising

Eileen's rescue boat

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Seniors Just for Cancer patients need blood

By Madeleine Murray

IF YOU have a friend or relative with cancer, think about donating blood this month. It might be that person you help.

Lifeblood is calling on people to support cancer patients by donating blood this February.

More than 10,000 blood donations are needed every week to support cancer patients, and with diagnoses predicted to increase by 22 per cent by 2031, cancer patients will need more donors to support them over the next decade.

Lifeblood has teamed up with fashion designer Camilla Franks who has designed a limited-edition bandage, which will be rolled onto the arms of donors at Lifeblood donor centres throughout February. One-third of all donated blood collected in Australia is used to treat cancer and blood disease.

Most people know someone who has or has had cancer, but do not realise how blood and plasma helps cancer patients.

Cancer patients often need many transfusions of blood, plasma, or plasma medicines during their treatment.

On average, one acute leukaemia patient in treatment needs nine units of red cells every month, or 36 units of platelets each month, with four donors needed to make up each bag of platelets. They could need one or both products

for the duration of their diagnosis, which can last anywhere from eight months to years.

“During chemotherapy, platelet counts can become very low so patients may receive a platelet transfusion to prevent bleeding,” Lifeblood Donor Services executive director, Cath Stone, told The Weekly.

“Or they may need a medication made from donated plasma, called IVIg, which can help them remain strong enough to fight the disease, by boosting their im -

Seniors Festival

TWEED SENIORS Festival, hosted by Tweed Shire Council, got off to a flying start with the opening ceremony taking place on Wednesday, February 1, at the Murwillumbah Auditorium. The gracious and hilarious Mandy Nolan was the MC for the opening and quickly had the room in stitches. More than 140 people attended and 13 residents received a Tweed Local Achievement Award which recognises seniors that help make our community a diverse, active, and inspiring place to live.

mune systems.

“With the number of cancer diagnoses set to increase to around 1.7 million by 2031, we know that the demand for blood and plasma will be greater than ever over the next decade, so we need people to become donors now.

“We need 100,000 new donors this year alone.”

To book a donation, call 13 14 95 or book online at lifeblood.com.au or on the DonateBlood app.

Dignitaries attending included Member for Tweed Geoff Provest, Tweed Shire Council Mayor Chris Cherry, Deputy Mayor Meredith Dennis, Councillor Nola Firth, with apologies from Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin.

The event highlights included a performance from The Murwillumbah Philharmonic Choir (pictured above), Coolangatta Ukulele Players and The Murwillumbah Men’s Shed Band.

The fun continues until Saturday, February 11, so there’s plenty of time to get out and enjoy some company with fellow Tweed seniors.

A full list of events can be found on the Tweed Shire Council webpage: tweed.nsw.gov.au/community/events-venues/councilrun-awards-events/seniors-festival

GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE: A donor giving blood with the 'Camilla' bandage

“The spirit never ages. It stays forever young.”

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Rotary Aussie Day

By Jeanie Anderson

WHAT A wonderful Australia Day it was. And how grateful we all are that we live in this beautiful and abundant country.

Rotary Mt Warning AM hosted a huge Australia Day celebration in Murwillumbah on Thursday, January 26, for the second year in a row and it’s fast becoming a tradition.

Our thanks to the National Australia Day Council who approved our $30,000 grant for this event to be held in our local community.

After several years of COVID-19 disruptions, followed by the March 2022 floods, Murwillumbah was very much in need of a celebration — and celebrate we did.

Rotary District Governor Karen Thomas honored us by attending and being an integral part of our official awards ceremony, where four community service awards were presented.

Congratulations to Tom Cornish, Brian and Sue Breckenridge, Aunty Jackie McDonald, and Rotarians Peter and Marissa McDonald.

These are truly incredible and inspiring leaders in our community, highlighting our Rotary

values of ‘Service Above Self’.

The event was held at the Murwillumbah Aquatic Centre (TRAC), where almost 1,000 local residents attended.

A huge thanks to our local Indigenous community who were involved in our entire day of activities.

Aunty Deidre opened the proceedings with a meaningful and heartfelt Welcome To Country, followed by Indigenous dancing on three separate occasions, storytelling and interactive workshops.

Many thanks to Rotary Murwillumbah Central who ran the barbecue.

We were also able to provide all attendees with lamingtons, damper, ice blocks and drinks, and even gift bags for the kids.

Our community enjoyed this chance to come together and celebrate, with the added bonus that this $30,000 of grant money was spent within our local community, bringing great economic benefits to local businesses.

We hope you enjoy our pictures of this special day, and we invite you all to come along and join in with us in January 2024.

From L to R: Peter McDonald, Aunty Jackie McDonald, Marissa McDonald, Thomas Cornish, Sue Breckenridge, Brian Breckenridge.

Word Weavers coming

By Madeleine Murray

THREE OF the top Northern Rivers performance poets will get together at the Uki Hall on Friday, February 17, to shock, amaze and amuse.

The Weekly caught up with award-winning poet Thomas Bailey to learn more about the event.

“It’ll be three feature poets all doing feature sets, no one reading from their phone,” Thomas told The Weekly.

“The second act is a small DIY poetry workshop. Often people get really excited when they go to an event like this, and want to create something as well.

“We just go through a nice little create-yourown-poem thing. Then the audience might turn to the person next to them and share their poem, and we might get four or five people up on stage.

“So it’s a huge night, all for an incredibly bargainous price. It’s like buying each of the poets a coffee.”

Performance poetry is like the best of acting and poetry, combined to make an exciting, stimulating, visceral event, often with strong, naked emotions like grief, anger, lust and fear.

Thomas’ poem about trying to repair his ride-on mower is a hilarious story with erotic undertones.

Thomas has been away in Tasmania for a couple of years winning awards. He won the Tasmania Poetry Slam, and came third in the

Poetry Slam at the Sydney Opera House. Damien Becker is a writer, poet and disability advocate living in Murwillumbah. He is a Bunker Spoken Word Prize winner and a former NSW Slam Poetry Champion.

Rebecca Rushbrook is a poetry editor, educator and performer. She is a three-time winner of the Lismore Poetry Cup, a past winner of the Nimbin Performance Poetry World Cup and a finalist at the NSW Slam Championship. WordWeavers is on at the Uki Hall from 7pm to 9pm on Friday, February 17. Tickets are $15 or $10 depending on how you are feeling financially. Chai and cakes for sale, cash only. Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start.

To book, please visit: wordweavers via eventbrite.com.au

Vagina Conversations returns

THE VAGINA Conversations returns to The Regent on Thursday, February 16, with all proceeds going to Women’s Resource Service - Byron Escape Fund, and the Tweed DVIRC Impact Fund.

This outstanding event supports Byron & Tweed Shire women fleeing intimate partner and family violence, and finances women in crisis, paying for emergency accommodation to keep women and their children safe.

Part of the V-Day global revolution to end violence against women and children, awareness activities include a Tuesday morning V Day flash mob, at Main Beach, Byron Bay, followed by two nights at Byron Theatre, the show’s sponsor, before bringing this year’s performers, 10 people with vaginas, to Murwillumbah.

Using spoken word, dance, song, and comedy to share their experiences, this diverse collective of some of Byron Shire’s most eloquent, creative women and non-binary people with vaginas, are presenting their pieces… educating, inspiring and empowering others – even those without womanly appendages.

“It’s funny, sad, courageous, challenging and celebratory,” MC Zenith Virago said.

“This informal show ranges from personal stories to professional anecdotes, skirting political themes whilst flirting with the power inherent in the most potent body part on the planet.” Vaginas give pleasure, bear pain, give life, and bleed, and are both desired and exploited every day.

Approximately 100 women were brutally murdered in the last 12 months by their intimate partners.

Please help raise funds for those who need it most, before more unthinkable, and preventable, tragedy occurs.

With sell-out shows for the past seven years, it’s best to book ahead to secure your seat. For more information: www.onebillionrising. org & www.vday.org

The Regent Spotlight

Thomas Bailey is the current Tasmania Poetry Slam Champion and he's coming to Uki

They say “It takes teamwork to make the dream work”, and truer words were never spoken, particularly in the small business realm. Every sta member counts, and clear communication is key. For those into astrology, I was born under a Mercury Retrograde, in Pisces. This makes my communication style somewhat nebulous; a skill which may serve me well when writing prosaically, but not so great for getting messages across to all team members!

Sometimes I feel like I’m speaking a foreign language, thinking I’m being crystal clear, yet remaining misunderstood, confused in ambiguity. It doesn’t help that I su er choice anxiety, and often struggle with making a decision, unable to o er straight answers – I don’t even know myself! I guess that’s why they’re university degrees in Communication!

So, I am particularly pleased to have an expert in direct speaking and marketing join our team, helping hold us all together, since I have a tendency to intermittently fall apart trying to juggle too many spinning plates. But I am wise enough to acknowledge my

weaknesses, shortcomings, and where any talents are totally lost. Finding someone who has the expertise I lack, and, better yet, shines their light whilst doing it, is of utmost importance when developing the dream team…becoming more professional, stepping it up a notch, and raising The Regent to the next level! Sonia Caeiro Alvarez is the perfect person to do just that, and with her daughter Mahalia already part of our junior team, it’s been an enormous boon to retain the family feel, and we welcome her gratefully! When my prayers were answered, a sense of relief washed over me, and the background tension instantly eased as we agreed to work together. I hadn’t realised how much stress I had been under until a swathe of tasks plummeted from one of my precarious plates! Leave the juggling to the pros! Over the next few months, you’ll see changes, if you’ve been a keen observer. Mainly, it’ll be behind the scenes that becomes slicker, in preparation for exciting things to come…

Stay tuned …and book ahead!

4 interesting new movies start on our single screen this week: THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN + CORSAGE + BABYLON + WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT … and there are more chances to see YOU CAN GO NOW + BLUEBACK …soon swimming off our screen, with the FINAL on Sunday! Remember, if you’ve missed a film, we can still offer you a private screening. This exclusive VIP experience is amazing value! Spend Valentine’s Day evening raising your vibration with your particular person at Kirtan by GaiaTree, with Lulu & Mischka as special guests for this extra-special love-filled night, brought to you by the Sacred Sound Temple.

Friday 10th welcomes new **free** weekly musical offerings on our Balcony, with sessions carefully curated by Mohini Cox, who will also add her vibrant voice to the vibe throughout the night. Saturday’s Sunset Soirée brings Felicity Lawless back to blow away the blues on the 11th … and on Saturday the 18th, beautiful Nina-Rae Saunders will grace our Balcony for the first time!

NEXT WEEK: VAGINA CONVERSATIONS (Thursday 16th) **FUNDRAISER**

+ Oscar contenders continue with THE WHALE + TÁR

BOOK AHEAD: POETS OUT LOUD – WHO WE BECOME **Free event, registration required!** (24th)

MARCH – MEGA MUSIC MONTH:

MAMA KIN SPENDER (3/3) + WILD THYME & GREG SHEEHAN (17/3) + LIOR & DOMINI (23/3) + WILLIAM CRIGHTON & LIZ STRINGER (31/3)

OAM for Tina Wilson

By Madeleine Murray

UKI ARTIST and arts manager Tina Wilson was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) on Thursday, January 26.

“It was such a surprise and an honour to be awarded an OAM, I don’t think it has sunk in yet,” Tina told The Weekly.

Tina moved to Uki from Perth in 2013, and has been working as a children’s book writer and illustrator.

Tina and her partner, author, illustrator and composer Matt Ottley, are sometimes seen down in Uki village.

Not many people know much about what Tina did back in WA, but it was clearly quite a lot.

She was awarded the OAM for service to the visual arts, particularly for founding the Lester Prize (formerly the Black Swan Prize for Portraiture) in 2007.

“My objective was to create a national art award based in WA so that WA artists didn’t have the prohibitive costs of sending their artworks to the eastern states. I had no idea that it would grow into the major cultural and community event that it has become,” she said.

“My nomination was made by Robert O’Connor QC in WA, to whom I am very grateful.

“He saw how much work I, along with my team, put into setting up and running the Lester Prize for 10 years, and all of the associated community programs such as the youth hospital program, workshops for adults with demen -

tia, and the community outreach program in remote WA.

“I am immensely proud that the prize continues to grow and has a prize pool of over $100,000.

“It is also how I met Matt as he was a finalist in 2011.”

Matt and Tina are a beautiful, ethereal couple who have a vibrant creative relationship.

Matt recently produced a multi-modal work called The Tree of Ecstasy and Unbearable Sadness. Matt wrote the story, did the illustrations and composed the music. Tina did the narration, and the magnificent score was recorded with a 97-piece orchestra and 40-voice choir in the Czech Republic.

The film component has just been shortlisted for the 2023 BolognaRagazzi CrossMedia award.

Matt also wrote the music for Tina’s adorable children’s book called Monkey’s Great Adventures.

Tina is one of a number of local artists chosen to create artworks for the new Tweed Valley Hospital.

“I have now completed four large watercolour works which will be hung in the palliative care ward — a real honour,” she said.

Tina will be part of a group show called Bird Nerds at the Small Works Gallery from March 10 to 23.

You can learn more about Tina Wilson at www.tinawilsonartist.com

Tina Wilson (OAM) with one of her amazing artworks

CLUES

1 You might see a witch flying on one of these

2 A famous song from Pinocchio: When You Wish – – Star

3 W hat do you turn on to make it bright at night?

4 A toy airplane you have made from a kit

5 T he Earth moves around the Sun, and the moon moves around the Earth

6 A very cold dwarf planet

7 T he moon is out and the sun is down at this time

8 You can see these sparkling in the sky at night

TEST YOUR TWEED SHIRE KNOWLEDGE

1. W hat is the name of a new fungus discovered by Donovan Teal?

2. W hat does NRRC stand for?

3. How many years has the Westpac Rescue Helicopter been operating for?

4. W hat does GFA stand for in relation to building plans?

5. W hat is the name of the Governer of NSW?

THE WEEKLY’S LOOK AT LIFE WITH PAUL DORIN

30 Perfume (7)

33 Priests (13)

37 Impressive (5, 3)

41 List in the back of some books (5)

42 Not depicting truth (11)

43 Succulent plant; the source of tequila (5)

44 Gullible (8)

47 Difficult to understand (6,7)

50 Cephalopod mollusc (7)

53 Tremble (7)

56 Without a word of a lie (8)

57 Profession (6)

59 Useless personnel (8)

60 Shocks (9)

65 Game played at Yankee Stadium (8)

66 Advocate (8)

67 Chums (7)

68 Interrupting (8)

69 Break (6)

72 Make English (9)

73 Haziest (8)

74 Saturate (8)

75 Betrothed (7)

DOWN

1 Wave created by an earthquake (7)

2 Gives an oral presentation (7)

3 Angry (7)

4 Twinkle (7)

5 Child’s play area (7)

6 Part of the foot (3)

7 Consume (3)

8 Single-player card game (9)

9 Salad staple (7,7)

10 Dispiriting (9)

11 Amuse (9)

12 Conned (7)

14 Hard-wearing (7)

15 Nourish (7)

21 Convention (4)

22 He flew too close to the sun (6)

23 Inconsequential things (6)

24 Not any (4)

WORDSEARCH: TYPES OF TRANSPORT

29 Galvanic (7)

31 Without difficulty or effort (6)

32 Charm (6)

34 Measure of a gem’s weight (5)

35 Clergyman’s salary (7)

36 Indigenous Mexican (5)

38 Smoothly (mus) (6)

39 Sound system (6)

40 Gelatinous

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

BUS TRAIN CAR BIKE

MOTORBIKE SKATEBOARD AIRPLANE BOAT

SHIP TRAM BARGE MOPED

12 words: Good 18 words: Very good 24 words: Excellent

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

SCOOTER

PET OF THE WEEK

Foster Dogs FD1655 $600

Staffy X

D.O.B. 15/07/2022

Desexed Male

M/C # 991003001704226

Jed is a fun loving pup who loves a game then is happy to chill out with his people. He has the staffy nature so would suit a family with someone around most of the time.

Location: Murwillumbah

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

https://friendsofthepound.com/ adoption-expression-of-interest/

JUNIOR CROSSWORD

1. Penicillium tealii, 2. Northern Rivers Reconstruction Commision, 3. 45 years,

4. Gross Floor Area, 5. The Honourable Margaret Beazley

To advertise in The Weekly, call (02) 6672 4443 or email trades@theweekly.net.au

Northern Rivers Aqua Pressure Cleaning

NORTHERN RIVERS Aqua Pressure owner

Dean Waller takes great pride in his work and is extremely respectful to his clients and there’s no job too big or small.

He relocated the business to Murwillumbah two years ago after living and working on the Southern Gold Coast for the past 17 years.

“My partner is a local of nearly 30 years and has a deep connection to the Tweed and surrounding shires, with family and friends living in the area,” he said.

Dean is hoping to grow his business and to let all of the Tweed Shire and beyond know about the services he offers.

“Northern Rivers Aqua Pressure Cleaning services all of the Tweed, Byron, Ballina and Lismore Shires,” he said.

“I always respond to every enquiry in a very timely manner and endeavour to get jobs done within a week of initial contact.

“I also offer flexible timeslots to cater to my customers’ needs, such as weekends (including

Sundays), early AM or PM starts outside of business hours, so as not to affect trade and foot traffic.”

For residential jobs, Northern Rivers Aqua Pressure Cleaning offers services of driveway and pathway cleans, gutter clean outs, patio, pool and deck cleaning as well as external walls and roof cleans.

FEATURED BUSINESS

For commercial jobs, we offer all of these jobs as well as carparks etc.

“No job is too big or too small, and if you have something else that requires a pressure clean, all you need to do is ask,” he said.

“Northern Rivers Aqua pressure cleaning is also a preferred contractor for some local real estate agents, cleaning properties for owners as well as tenants.”

Since launching his small business several years ago, Dean has received stellar reviews and testimonials from clients:

“Shout out to the legends at Northern Rivers Pressure Cleaning for blasting all that dirt and grime off our footpaths and bringing them back to new for when we return,” said one happy customer, Trident Fish and Grill.

“Thanks Deano, the driveway has never looked so good. Highly recommend Northern Rivers Aqua Cleaning,” said another happy customer from a residence. Call 0426 119 550 for a quote! 87477

4.8 QUINTREX 40 HORSEPOWER TWIN

2 stroke oil injection, trailer included $11,000 ono Ph: 0402 111 675 Business

BRAYS

Phone 0400 186 851

Caravan for Sale

White Card Engraving

Sun Ph 0473 512 021 www.goodhandsmassages.com

TWEED HEADS Original Thai Massage. Phone Yah 0477594800

Positions Vacant

DRIVERS WANTED Are you on the pension and looking for extra cash, why not drive a taxi. Unemployed and got a good driving record. For more information contact Ken 0412 899 145

DRIVER National Transport & Logistics company looking for experienced HC or MC drivers at Condong Broadwater or Harwood Sugar Mill sites. Excellent seasonal pay & conditions. Send resume to Wendy.Keel@sctlogistics.com.au.

FARMER NEEDS HELP Excellent Remuneration. All enquiries welcome. Ph: (07) 5590 7029

Legal Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE OF PEOPLE, TACIT ACCEPTANCE

Felicia Gunhild Engstrom of Tweed Heads West, New South commerce, and is the irrefutable Holder in Due Course of protected Trade Names Felicia Gunhild Engstrom, FELICIA GUNHILD all relevant variations of Naming Conventions since unrebutted jurisdiction of Terra Australis also known as the Commonwealth 2022, Public Recording Number RPP4463900051001677183605. ties with the occupying corporate government of Australia any further infringement upon these copyright protected misaddressing Felicia Gunhild Engstrom in fraudulent debased

Business for Sale

Coast to Country Classifieds

Positions Vacant Auction

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

CD Civil are offering a great opportunity in the Ballina, Lismore and Tweed regions for.

• Excavator Operators

• Final Trim Grader Operators

Bed,AirCon,Toilet/Shower. Good Cond. Avail Now $35,990 Neg. Phone: 0412 543 499

• Truck Operators

• Experienced Civil Laborers’

• Civil Pipe Layers

Permanent positions, competitive rates with penalties. Please email your resume to admin@cdcivilgroup.com.au or call our office during business hours 0437 756 621.

POSITIONS VACANT

CAMPER VAN, 2002, 12 mths rego, Has everything, must sell need a fair offer. Phone- 0432 382 688

Courses

Casual Cleaner Required

10 Hour Per Week - No Weekends!

Commercial cleaning position suited to experienced cleaner who prides themself on a high quality of work and dependability.

5454.

Caravan for Sale

20FT ROADSTAR 4000 2005 model, well cared for, Ensuite, Airconditioning, full annex. 0429 721 529 $35.000

Construction Induction

Tweed Heads South Phone 0466 015 373 Safety CORP RTO 91694

White Card For Sale

HILL-ROM ELECTRIC BED Electric multi function adjustable bed and mattress in excellent working condition. Adjustable rails with removable head and foot boards. The multi functions include: up & down, head up & down and foot up & down, controlled by push button controls on both sides of the bed frame. The bed has a safety brake locking system. The mattress is waterproof. Email: vnskean@gmail.com

Contact Serene Living on 07 5536 6820 / or email: mish@ sereneliving.com.au for further information and applications.

Cafe Cook / Barista Required

Great Hours - 8.30 to 2.30 (5 days) - No Weekends!

Ideal position for self-motivated person who enjoys running their own kitchen.

Contact Serene Living on 07 5536 6820 / or email: mish@ sereneliving.com.au for further information and applications.

Positions Vacant

Beautiful riverside cafe, STAR BIRD is awaiting key team members. Do you have 2+ years experience as a chef, cafe manager or head barista? This could be the perfect place for you! Looking for a dynamic and reliable supervisor for this prime location. Above award wages, flexible hrs. Early start, early finish shifts available. Get in touch with us ASAP! OPENING 25th JANUARY for a busy Summer season. starbirdcafe2484@gmail.com

Motorcycle Posties & Delivery Drivers needed

Urgently required Motorcycle riders to deliver mail and small parcels on the Tweed Coast.

Full time positions available, $28.91 PH

Please call Sean on 0419 246 662 or Sharon 0402 530 140

Public Notice

POD TRAILER, 12 months old/ 12 mths rego. Must sell, need a fair offer. Phone 0432 382 688

Free

FREE!

Sing For Fun

9:30-11am NSW time Mondays, at South Tweed Sports Club Phone Margaret: 0438 819 809

Courses

First Aid Courses

HLTAID009 Provide CPR ($50)

HLTAID011 Provide first aid ($100)

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

HLTAID014 Provide advanced first aid

HLTAID015 Provide advanced resuscitation

To book a place just Phone 0466015373 Southern Cross First Aid First Aid kits approved for all work places www.firstaidsc.com

Massage

Massage

PROPOSAL TO INSTALL A NEW MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT MOOBALL NSW

Telstra plans to install a new mobile phone base station located at 250 Pottsville Road, Mooball NSW 2483 (Lot 221 on DP1003549) www.rfnsa.com.au/2483004

1. Telstra Limited (A.C.N 051 775 556) are proposing to provide improved coverage for the Mooball area. As part of the proposed mobile phone base station, Telstra proposes the installation of 4G and 5G technologies in Mooball. Proposed works at the above site will involve the installation of a 38.8 metre monopole, six (6) new panel antennas (each no more than 2.8m in length), associated ancillary equipment, and a new equipment shelter secured within a compound located at ground level.

2. Telstra regards the proposed installation as Complying Development in accordance with the State Environmental Planning Policy (Transport and Infrastructure) 2021 based on the above description.

3. In accordance with Section 6 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or written submissions should be directed to Max Peel, Aurecon Australasia (A.B.N 54 005 139 873) via email to: max.peel@aurecongroup.com or via post to: Max Peel, Aurecon Pty Ltd, 5/863 Hay St Perth WA 6000 Australia by COB 27 February 2023.

Massage

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

(07) 5590 5778

0448 985 778

Positions Vacant

TRADE ASSISTANT/LABOURER Local electrician has a position vacant for a motivated person interested in “hands on” learning in electrical & solar power work. Great opportunity for someone looking to gain experience, before embarking on an apprenticeship. Casual position 2 to 3 days a week. Must have own transport. Contact Darren 0412 693 189 or email solarmurwillumbah@gmail.com

TWEED HEADS COOLANGATTA TAXIS

LOOKING FOR WORK?

NEED EXTRA CASH?

All training provided join our friendly team right now.

Phone 07 5536 3371

DELIVERY DRIVERS WANTED Tweed Valley Weekly is seeking several drivers for newspaper delivery every Thursday Morning. Great Rates, Must be available Thursday Mornings, Insurance provided for first year. Phone: (02) 6672 4443

Public Notice

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP meets on the second Thursday of each month. Doors open in the community Room at 10-30 NSW time. All welcome. Phone: 0427 432 071.

Snake Relocation

Social Group

SOCIAL GROUP OVER 50, Men and ladies, Singles, Organized outings, Get togethers, Nice people and Friendship. Phone: 0428 523 423. Genuine people only

To Let

FREE ACCOMMODATION AND BOARD near Mt Warning. In exchange for veg cooking and light housework, share with female musician in chemical free house, no pets , woofas welcome. Phone: 0467 848 819

COOLANGATTA room to rent 200 metres from the beach, Club, shops, fully furnished, cooking facilities, No lease and No bond. Over 50’s from $225-$250 per week. (07) 5599 1089

Wanted BOOKS bought for CASH

Always buying quality books, fine, old or rare

Please call Haymes Bookdealers on 1300 431 736

Wanted

WANTED by pensioner couple competent person to cut 2 Ringneck birds their claw nails on a regular basis at our home in Banora Point Please call on 0466 789 666 - leave message if no answer

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

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

RENTAL WANTED Flood affected, local working family of 4 desperately seeking a 3+ bedroom max. $650. Prefer Murwillumbah area but open to other locations. Phone: 0477 581 884

Wanted

BUYING ALL COINS Banknotes - MilitariaBadges - 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

Death Notices

Wallace Harley “Wal” Elliott

Passed away peacefully on 2nd February 2023 at Bolton Clarke Darlington Aged Care, late of Banora Point Aged 93 Years

Former President of Twin Towns District Garden Club. Beloved husband of Enid (for 72 years), dearly loved dad and father-in-law of Wendy; Jan & the late Aubrey Amos, much loved Wal to his grandchildren Robbie, Julie, Family and friends are invited to attend a service for Wal to be held at the Tweed Heads Crematorium Chapel Kirkwood Rd Tweed Heads on Friday February 10th 2023 at 10.00am

Ph: (07) 5599 1500

Hampton, Joan Margaret

17th August 1931—3rd February 2023

Late of Tweed Heads South

A special lady who will be sadly missed by many. Friends of Joan a warmly invited to attend her funeral service to be held on Monday 13th February 2023 at the Heritage Brothers Funerals Chapel, 16 Florence St, Tweed Heads at 11:30am NSW.

Tweed Heads Ph: (07) 5599 1500

Vera Joy Charlton (née Patch)

Formerly of Doon Doon 26.2.1937—29.1.2023

Beloved mother to Ken, Robyn, Peter Cherish Grandmother - Christopher, Chloe, Megan, Narissa and Sam.

Adored Great-Grandma to 5.

We will love you, miss you and cherish you for eternity.

A private ceremony has been held.

M ICHAEL FORREST BAMBERY

09.11.1933 - 04.02.2023

Passed away peacefully on Saturday 4th February 2023

Devoted husband to Jean Bambery

Loving Dad & Father in law to Julene & Shane, Michael, Nicole & Brad, Mathew & Helen. Greatly missed by all his GrandchildrenBrayden, Demi, Annie, Shevon, Jade, Levi, Flynn, Savannah, Ethan & Ashton Forever in our Hearts

The greatest treasures are those invisible to the eye but found by the heart.

Family and Friends are warmly invited to attend Michael’s Funeral Service at Tweed Valley Lawn Cemetery, 813 Eviron Rd Eviron, Monday 13th February at 11.00am

Frederick “Fred” McKenzie Lees

29/01/1960 – 26/01/2023

Beloved husband of Megan (Thompson), father to Morgan and Calvin, Poppy to MacKenzie, brother to Jan, John, Bob, Steve, and Jim, uncle to local nephew Chris.

Past-President and long standing member of the Tweed District Rescue Squad. Family and Friends are warmly invited to join us for Fred’s Farewell Service and Interment of his ashes to be held at the Tweed Valley Cemetery, 813-871 Eviron Road, Eviron NSW on Saturday 11th February 2023 at 11am NSW (10am QLD).

Death Notices

In Loving Memory

Stanislovas Algirdas Alexander Reciuga

nicknamed Sahadeva or Saha

Born 25th May 1952

Passed away unexpectedly and suddenly on 10th January, 2023 after a short, serious bout of bad health, in Mayapur India.

Sadly missed by his wife Shyamala Silke Reciuga.

Adored and sorely missed by our children Narayani Emilia Reciuga, Hari-Bhajan Narottam Reciuga, Nitai Gauranga Reciuga & Kishori- Lila Pearl Reciuga

Boom time for rental market

By Jo Kennett

SURGING DEMAND from both domestic and international migration to the Tweed Shire and Coolangatta along with a hot holiday letting market have seen the number of rentals plummet and prices through the roof.

That’s great news for investors but not so good for would-be tenants, including locals who have lived here their whole lives and those who have fled the cities for a sea or tree change.

Every week local community pages are filled with desperate pleas as well as advertisements for rentals, many on the high end price-wise and met with horror, especially from locals who remember the good old days prepandemic (only two years ago unbelievably) when prices were about half of what they are now.

Now the most commonly advertised properties are rooms in share houses for around $300 per week.

The most expensive rental on the market in the Tweed Shire at the moment is at 64 Seaside Drive, Kingscliff (Salt Village) with this six bedroom three lounge room ‘executive’ home, yours for

$1,650 per week.

The cheapest is a ‘suite’ with an ensuite but a shared bathroom, kitchen, lounge, dining and laundry in a fantastic position at the beach end of Tamarind Avenue (2/1) in Cabarita Beach overlooking Cudgen Reserve.

That is available for $270 per week and is listed on realestate. com

Agents on rentals

According to DJ Stringer Property Services principal David Stringer the rental market demand is “still outstripping supply”.

“The rental market has been very strong with limited options and demand easily overshadowing supply,” David told The Weekly Real Estate.

“This is forcing rents up considerably.

“Medium house rents are around $750 per week, with most units starting from $490 per week.

“Our vacancy rate with over 1,000 rentals under management has been less than one per cent virtually since the pandemic and is likely to continue.”

David said recent domestic migration to the region has played a big role in exacerbating

the rental crisis.

“We have seen a surge of people relocating from all capital cities to both the southern Gold Coast and Tweed regions with many wanting or being forced to rent until the right buying opportunity arises,” he said.

“So population growth during and after the pandemic has been a big factor, and a large percentage are owner occupiers with many investors opting to holiday let.

“Moreover, given the fact that it’s a very tight sales market, investor numbers are well down and a large percentage of investors that are fortunate are preferring to reap the rewards from an upbeat holiday market rather than permanent letting.

“This has been evident with an increase in holiday stock through our sister company Gold Coast Holiday Homes.”

First National Murwillumbah principal Scott Reading said they are seeing more rental properties coming onto the market at the moment “which is good news for tenants”.

“For most of last year and into the year before we were seeing around ten properties available

to rent which was causing huge competition for these properties and pushing the rental market up,”

Scott told The Weekly Real Estate.

“Currently we are seeing around 30 properties on the market which is giving tenants more of a choice of properties with more housing to go around.

“This is back to a more normal rental market.

“While there are more rentals available there is still plenty of demand and we are still seeing a low vacancy rate in the Murwillumbah area.”

Head of Property Management at Elders Real Estate Tweed Valley

Matt Garner said he was still seeing high demand for rentals in the Tweed Shire.

“The demand far outweighs the supply,” he said.

“We have not seen a reduction in weekly rental prices, and the market is still performing well with low vacancy rates and record rental prices being achieved across the shire.

“We believe that the rental market has stabilised due to external pressures and cost of living, and we may have reached a temporary ceiling in the return for investment properties.”

RENTAL MARKET: 64 Seaside Drive, Kingsliff, is for rent and it's a beauty!

Listing

13-17 Wharf Street, Murwillumbah NSW

AUCTION ON-SITE, FRIDAY 24 FEBRUARY AT 2:30PM (1:30PM QLD)

Freehold Mixed-Use Investment in the Heart of Murwillumbah

Adam Grbcic and Tony Grbcic from Kollosche Commercial, and Assi Dadon from Real Specialists Commercial are proud to present to the market 13 Wharf Street, Murwillumbah, NSW. This is a historic and iconic building in the centre of Murwillumbah, which offers the investor the security of a 100% leased investment with long term and well trading tenants as well as the longevity of very thorough workmanship and a completely refurbished building.

The property is situated in the core and centre of the Murwillumbah township, which has seen high levels of capital growth, new development and a 19% population growth since 2016 (Census data 2022). Murwillumbah is also recognised as a popular tourist location and known for its art deco facades, organic markets, M/Arts Precinct and local breweries.

The Key Property Attributes Include:

For More Information on this Opportunity, Please Contact:

Adam Grbcic 0404 087 772

adam@kollosche.com.au

Assi Dadon 0415 598 588

assi.dadon@realspecialists.com

- Land Size: 1,650m2*

- Total Retail Area: 787m2* (currently configured into ten retail shops which range from 42m2* to 193m2*)

The Key Investment Attributes Include:

- A 100% leased investment offering a total of 19 tenancies

- Passing net income: $406,491.26* + GST per annum

- Gross Lettable Area: 1,196m2*

- Total Residential Area: 409m2* (comprising nine-studio and one-bed apartments)

- Wide range and spread of tenancies which reduces the risk profile of the asset, currently offering:

- Ten retail tenants including a café, Italian and Indian Restaurants, a kebab shop and a variety or boutique retail stores

- Nine residential studio and 1-bed apartments, which are leased on either 6 or 12 months agreements

kollosche.com.au

*approximate

8844-8870 Tweed Valley Way, Tumbulgum

2 homes | substantial shedding | 337 acres

Immaculate cane farming opportunity, maintained & managed at the highest level by meticulous owner/operator for over 60 years. Consistent yields over 10,000 tonnes annually, offered on WIWO basis with extensive list of Plant & Equipment, all immaculately maintained & serviced. 2 fully renovated homes, substantial shedding. Multiple titles, two street frontage. Retiring owners welcome all genuine enquiries. Contact Belinda Franks for information.

31 Yalambee Avenue, Cudgera Creek

3 bed | 2 bath | pool | extensive shedding | 8km beach

Guide $5 - $5.5m

Ready to Negotiate Contact Agent 0409 152200

Privately positioned 3.08 Ha (7.6 acres) in a quiet cul-desac 8km to Pottsville beach, this low-set brick home offers 2 separate living areas, large kitchen & dining, lush lawn area fully fenced, outdoor deck, firepit & seating, pool with timber deck surrounds, a large solar array (battery ready), core-filled besser shed/workshop plus a separate Colorbond shed, vege patch with fenced paddocks. Genuine sellers want this sold.

Open Home Sat 1pm -2pm

NSW time

$1.795m Must be Sold

973 Reserve Creek Road, Reserve Creek

Residence | Studio | Pool | Shed | 12km Cabarita beach

Beautifully presented, large 4 bedroom home has 5 separate living spaces providing ample room for a family. Brand new pool house & approved separate studio. Coastal breezes assured, 12km to beach, M1 to commute north/south. 8.15 lush usable acres, spring-fed stream, ideal for kids, pets, golf or livestock. This is a rare opportunity in the coastal rural market to get so much living amenity in a quiet and peaceful location. Genuine seller has purchased elsewhere and requires immediate sale.

7 Bellevue Avenue, Bray Park

3 bed | plenty of storage & workshop | lockup garage | 639m2

Open Home -

Sat 11.3012.30pm

NSW time

$2.395m

Ready to Negotiate

Occupying an elevated position with a north/east aspect at the rear, this solid hardwood weatherboard home would make a great first home for your family or an investment.

Positioned within 200m walk to the local Bray Park shops, the home offers 3 bedrooms with robes, large living with great prospect for a large covered outdoor living area, ample storage downstairs with a separate room for the kids to play. Mountain views and cooling afternoon breezes make this one a must to inspect.

Contact Belinda Franks - 0409 152200

Ray White Rural Murwillumbah

Your local, professional - rural & residential specialist.

Open Home Sat 10 -10.30am

NSW time

$745,000 Ready to Sell

Mr Property Services

Enjoy the space and charm of this character filled three bedroom home, only a short walk to the thriving Murwillumbah Township. Three generous sized bedrooms, sensational polished timber floors through the home, enclosed front sunroom/study, open plan kitchen and dining with gas cooking.

115 Riveroak Drive, Murwillumbah

Attention to detail is evident in this immaculately presented 3 bedroom home located in the sought after estate of Hundred Hills. GJ Gardener constructed in 2016, perfectly utilizing the corner block with landscaped gardens and lovely street appeal.

2/13 Silky Oak Court, Bray Park

Sleek and stylish by design with neutral colour tones throughout, a family friendly layout with open plan living opening out to outdoor kitchenette under the pergola overlooking the private inground pool.

Lovingly maintained, extremely neat and tidy 3 bedroom, standalone duplex situated in a quiet cul-de-sac position in Bray Park with a nature reserve as your neighbour.

Price Guide $1,150,000 - $1,200,000

327 Nolans Road, Stokers Siding

A home to get your renovation and creative juices flowing to bring back to its former glory. A high set 3 bedroom home with an enclosed veranda and a massive open plan living space. High ceilings and gorgeous hardwood floors with VJ walls and French doors to accentuate the era and features that are now so on trend and sought after.

15 Darro Road, Terranora

This is your opportunity to build your dream home in the sought after Altitude Living - Terranora. Elevated to capture the views of the Terranora Broadwater and the Cityscape beyond. A generous 667m2 parcel of land with potential to build and live in the stunning Terranora.

If nature and seclusion is what you are after, then look no further than this gorgeous 90.51 acre pocket of rainforest retreat. Supremely located at the end of Nolans Road with a canopy of greenery and stunning scenery meeting you on your descent down the driveway and beyond.

23 The Plateau, Murwillumbah

It may take a creative design but the rewards will be plentiful. The Plateau is such a sought after street and you now have the opportunity to secure a large 1035 sqm vacant block to build your dream home. The land is already securely gated and has views out to Mt Nullum. Situated off a quiet cul-de-sac you won’t find a better location.

Maria Court, Condong

Tweed Valley Way, South Murwillumbah

Main house

Studio

Vacant Land –667m2

Vacant Land –1035m2

Enjoy the space and charm of this character filled three bedroom home, only a short walk to the thriving Murwillumbah Township. Three generous sized bedrooms, sensational polished timber floors through the home, enclosed front sunroom/study, open plan kitchen and dining with gas cooking.

Open home every Saturday until Auction 10am -10:30am

Held onsite at 2.00pm

115

Riveroak Drive, Murwillumbah

Proudly presented by Amy Rosser. For further enquiries phone 0409 641 193

Attention to detail is evident in this immaculately presented 3 bedroom home located in the sought after estate of Hundred Hills. GJ Gardener constructed in 2016, perfectly utilizing the corner block with landscaped gardens and lovely street appeal.

327 Nolans Road, Stokers Siding

A home to get your renovation and creative juices flowing to bring back to its former glory. A high set 3 bedroom home with an enclosed veranda and a massive open plan living space. High ceilings and gorgeous hardwood floors with VJ walls and French doors to accentuate the era and features that are now so on

If nature and seclusion is what you are after, then look no further than this gorgeous 90.51 acre pocket of rainforest retreat. Supremely located at the end of Nolans Road with a canopy of greenery and stunning scenery meeting you on your descent down the driveway and beyond.

12 McMillan Street, South Murwillumbah 312

Darro Road, Terranora

Amy Rosser 0409 641 193

23 The Plateau, Murwillumbah

Key Features Include:

• Open plan kitchen, dining and living with space for home office

This is your opportunity to build your dream home in the sought after Altitude Living - Terranora. Elevated to capture the views of the Terranora Broadwater and the Cityscape beyond. A generous 667m2 parcel of land with potential to build and live in the stunning Terranora.

• Air conditioning to the living space

• Large bathroom with separate shower and spa tub

• Remote single garage with side carport suitable for caravan, boat or trailer

• Additional storage under home

It may take a creative design but the rewards will be plentiful. The Plateau is such a sought after street and you now have the opportunity to secure a large 1035 sqm vacant block to build your dream home. The land is already securely gated and has views out to Mt Nullum. Situated off a quiet cul-de-sac you won’t find a better location.

• Large 778m2 tiered block

• Land Rates - $2740.40 per annum

• Gorgeous street appeal with established gardens

• Views, position and character

Real

391 Tweed Valley Way, South Murwillumbah

5/4

Avenue

HEADS

OWNERS SELLING INVESTMENT - NEAT & TIDY

Greenbank Hospital precinct - 'Allamanda Court'

When you desire location and crave convenience then this unit is a terrific choice!

Solid two bedroom unit in a small complex of only six with low Body Corporate Fees

Open plan living with tidy kitchen and balcony with sun blinds

Single lock up garage

Great investment opportunity

CONTEMPORARY STYLE AND CAPTIVATING

Commanding an elevated presence with views spanning across the Broadwater and beyond

Family residence instantly captivates with an inviting blend of architectural style & quality design

Open plan living and dining with a well-equipped central kitchen and outdoor entertaining deck

Four generous robed bedrooms offer plenty of space for the family

Corner allotment offering dual driveways and easy access to an impressive 664m2

Short drive to local schools, shops, M1 and only 15 minutes to iconic beaches

PRICE GUIDE $1,300,000 - $1,350,000

THE PINNACLE OF ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN & LIFESTYLE BRILLIANCE

Thoughtfully considered design, timeless architecture and modern convenience

Superior finishes and premium inclusions, including a suite of premium integrated appliances

Open plan living and outdoors with the effortless integration with the expansive alfresco balcony

Double lock-up garage with internal access and storage

Nestled in one of Terranora's most popular enclaves only moments to shopping and dining

Immerse yourself in this brand new residence and enjoy a lifestyle without compromise

Spacious one bedroom with ensuite and built-in robes

Large kitchen with heaps of storage plus separate toilet/powder room

Roomy lounge / dining open onto private balcony

Plantation shutters and ceiling fans throughout

10m balcony straddles whole length of apartment 200m flat walk to either Greenmount beach or Rainbow Bay beach

Do you want to know what your property is worth in today's current market?

Schmith Estate Agents is a boutique agency specialising in selling and leasing from Gold Coast to Byron Bay. Local Agent, Ben Tribolet has serviced and successfully achieved premium results for his client around the Southern Gold Coast and surrounds since 2007. We offer an effective and proactive approach that sets us apart from others. Our brand represents sophistication, integrity and success.

CONTACT ME TODAY TO ARRANGE A COMPLIMENTARY AND CONFIDENTIAL SALES OR RENTAL APPRAISAL

Banks

TWEED

81 Henry Lawson Drive TERRANORA

6 3 2

RESORT ENTERTAINER COMPLETE WITH VIEWS, POOL & BAR

Commanding an immediate sense of space, a revelation of quality, style and entertainment excellence unfolds from the moment you enter the property via the secure front gate. Impressive in size and features, nothing has been overlooked in creating this summer masterpiece with versatile indoor/outdoor living options that captures sweeping 180' hinterland, ocean, and Surfers Paradise skyline views within ten minutes' drive to shopping and famous beaches.

3/2 HILL STREET, TWEED HEADS

65 COMINAN AVENUE, BANORA POINT FOR SALE 3 3 2

BOUTIQUE PENTHOUSE WITH PANORAMIC VIEWS ONTOP ICONIC HEADLAND

One of the best pieces of real estate on the east coast of Australia, with front row seats to the beach action, this unique two-level penthouse celebrates the beauty of its idyllic beachfront setting with awe-inspiring views that stretch across from Duranbah Beach all the way down to the headland of Cabarita and Northern NSW. This luxury entertainer in a small complex of only 3 apartments, is sprawled over the top two levels via internal stairs or lift access and offers open plan living throughout. Unbeatable location with unsurpassed irreplaceable views!