Tweed Valley Weekly, June 15, 2023

New Tumby fishing club

By Jo Kennett

DESPITE BEING only six months old, the Tumbulgum Fishing Club is already one of the biggest clubs on the east coast with more than 200 members and a wellknown major sponsor.

The club was started by Dan Purkis (president) and Nathan Day (vice-president) who said there was a junior soccer club and a dragon boat club but otherwise “a bit of a void.”

“I’d been president of Palm Beach Boardriders and Tumbulgum Rangers Sports Club and I got approached in the pub about starting a fishing club,” Dan said.

“We had a meeting and decided to run a competition on the third Sunday of each month.

“We didn’t look at how other clubs were run because we wanted to do it our way.”

The competition runs from 6am to 2pm with prizes for the biggest bream, trevally, tailor, flathead, jewfish, mangrove jack and whiting, and a brief presentation before going across to the tavern for a drink.

“We also have a top bloke award, a drongo award and random awards for things like sending a picture of a stick or a thong just to keep it fun and not overly serious,” Dan said.

“We already have 200-plus members. Tumbulgum is a super tight knit community and so I got people to put their names down at the pub and within a week

we had 60 members and 13 sponsors.”

The first competition was such a success that Willem Powerfish heard about it and they asked if he wanted to be a sponsor.

“He said he wanted to be the major sponsor and asked what we needed and I said, ‘We need a trailer, a marquee, a barbeque, tables, chairs, etc’ and he said, “Write me an invoice’,” Dan said.

“He came down to a comp and talked about mental health and the kids were all stoked.”

Vice-president Nathan Day owns IC Signs and made stickers and brag mats to measure the fish on and also made a special three-metre brag mat for Powerfish.

“He made 100 and he gave them out for free with stickers and we recently bought them all fishing shirts, so for their $30 membership they got about $100 worth,” Dan said.

“We also commissioned local Aboriginal artist Jason King to reproduce the famous Tumbulgum groper exactly as it was on the wall with an Aboriginal motif in the

background.”

The club bought a new pool table for The Tumbulgum Tavern, which lost its table and with it a lot of the old pub atmosphere in the floods, and keeps the proceeds.

“We’re looking at installing a fish cleaning bench near the boat ramp,” Dan said. “We also had some less fortunate kids who came to town with one set of clothes so we threw in $500 each to buy new clothes.

“We want to spoil our members and serve and be an asset to the community.

“I was told by Rodney from Addict Tackle that we could be the biggest fishing club on the eastern seaboard and we are only six months old.

“The community has been right behind us the whole way which is really exciting and we have a whole team and committee that do an amazing job.

“That same kind of camaraderie we saw after the floods has come through in the fishing club.”

Hospital opening delayed

By Jonathon Howard

TWEED VALLEY Hospital will not open in November 2023 as scheduled due to a range of factors including COVID and the 2022 flood, and will instead open in early 2024.

Northern NSW Local Health District’s (NNSWLHD) Acting Chief Executive, Lynne Weir, who is working closely with Health Infrastructure, provided the media with an update on the hospital and outlined the reasons for the delayed opening of the state’s newest hospital.

She said the delay relates to a number of external pressures, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the February 2022 floods, construction industry labour shortages and global supply chain interruptions.

Ms Weir said the NNSWLHD will continue to engage with hospital and community stakeholders to keep them informed of the updated opening schedule.

Employee numbers and staffing concerns were not listed as reasons for the delay,

despite some locals speculating that the new hospital will “struggle with staffing”.

“The hospital’s new opening schedule will ensure there is sufficient time to undertake the important operational commissioning phase, as well as prepare for the transition,” Ms Weir said.

“After construction is completed, there are many commissioning activities which are essential to ensuring the hospital and its staff are ready to safely receive patients.

“These include installing furniture, fixtures and equipment, as well as completing clinical cleans and stocking departments with medical consumables in preparation for receiving patients.

“Our staff orientation, inductions and training phases are also extremely important, and we look forward to working with our project teams and our workforce to make this process as smooth as possible.”

Ms Weir said Health Infrastructure and NNSWLHD are working closely with the construction contractor as the hospital progresses through the final stages of construction, which is expected to be

completed later this year, followed by the operational commissioning.

“I want to thank the project and construction staff for their tireless efforts and professionalism throughout this process,” Ms Weir said.

“As a Local Health District, we are collectively excited about what this new hospital means for the delivery of firstclass health care to the Tweed Valley community.”

For more information on the Tweed Valley Hospital development, visit: tweedvalleyhospital.health.nsw.gov.au/

DELAYED OPENING: The new Tweed Valley Hospital will now open in early 2024

GOIN' FISHIN': The all new Tumbulgum Fishing Club has launched and it's popular

Yes to Tweed Mall but…

Yes for the Tweed Mall redevelopment. Something more appealing would be preferable. It might bring more housing in short term, but Tweed Shire Council needs to make an executive decision on the concept and environmental impact.

Tweed Heads is the gateway to the Northern Rivers and state of NSW, a better architectural design is needed than those blocks of pigeon-coop dwellings as you enter Tweed Heads — it would be overbearing.

There has not been much thought on the impact of structure and infrastructure, and also the population in a confined area.

The winter/summer sun will be nonexistent to parts off Wharf/Bay streets until late afternoon, something like Surfers Paradise – a wind tunnel. It will be like welcome to a nightmare on Wharf Street

Peter Lazer, Terranora

Let’s talk about camphor laurels

In response to William Goatt’s letter (TVW Letters, June 8), camphor laurels were originally planted around schools as quick growing shade trees and as windbreaks because the native forests had been removed for timber and farming.

Camphor has many uses both as the last remaining cabinet timber on the coast and the main food source for thousands of native pigeons as they follow the trees seeding up the coast. The reason we have so many camphor trees is because the bird poop contains the seeds that readily germinate and outcompete other plants.

However, according to the NSW DPI: “there is no substantiated evidence to support the claims of adverse impacts on native taxa. In the case of some rainforest pigeons, there is evidence that camphor laurel fruit may be a major winter food, and that patches of camphor laurel provide important stepping stones, linking frag-

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mented rainforest remnants (Date et al. 1989, Date et al. 1991 and 1992)”.

In addition, the federal government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (2003) recommends that: “the threatening process ‘Cinnamomum camphora, Camphor Laurel most toxic chemotypes’ is not eligible for inclusion as a key threatening process in the list referred to in section 183 of the EPBC Act”.

I strongly believe that climate change and overpopulation are far greater threats to all life on earth.

Barry Reid, Murwillumbah

Exorbitant rents

Not until the government forces banks to pass on the RBA rate increases to savers will there be an end to increases in rent and house prices.

Savers are not idiots — that’s why they have savings — they want a respectable return on their savings.

Until saving rates offer a decent return, savers are forced to buy property to rent. Competition between savers and home buyers forces prices up.

The saver then needs to increase the rent to gain a respectable return on the higher price paid.

It’s a pity the Commonwealth Bank was sold, for if not, the government could have set its savings rate and all banks would have needed to follow suit, and then we wouldn’t have savers needing to become investors.

Let the government stop the spiral in rents and house prices by forcing banks to pass on RBA rate increases.

Ian Pratt, Bilinga

Please stop the Kunghur Hall countdown

To the member of the Kunghur community who continues to use the community chalk board to advertise their daily countdown until the preschool is closed, please stop. It is not about the hall, clearly, and this is impacting families and children.

You are welcome to celebrate when the service has concluded and you are

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not affecting families and children still very much present.

I am a mother of a seven-year-old child with multiple conditions and a disability. My three-year-old is subjected to aggression and emotional dysregulation everyday — dominated by living with disability.

Kunghur Preschool is his refuge. It is the only place and opportunity he has to engage with neuroatypical children and enjoy time with sameage peers. It is the joy and highlight of every week. He knows this time is nearing to its end and feels sad about this.

Please stop with your arrogant countdown and celebrate when the time is respectfully right. Patience is a virtue — there is such little time left.

Miki Francis, Uki

I vote ‘no’ to the Voice

In response to David Cross (TVW, June 1), he is incorrect to say that “it is a fact that the constitution does not lay down the details of any of our processes of government”. If you read pages eight to 20 of our foundation document, you will find plenty of details regarding the Commonwealth Government’s processes, and I encourage him and all readers to read it.

Thirteen pages is enough detail to describe the limits of our federal government processes, but the Voice’s 16 words to recognise the First Peoples of Australia is not sufficient detail for the Australian people to have an informed understanding of how it will operate.

Some detail on the Voice would help us make an informed decision. Start with who, what, when, where, how and why for starters.

Why do we need ‘The Voice’? Finally, one question Labor can actually get an answer for — ‘To bridge the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians”. There are other ways to bridge the gap if our government would listen.

We should acknowledge and rec -

ognise the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first on this continent/nation and are to be honoured for looking after the land sustainably for 65,000 years. The constitutional change should only be about recognition and I and almost every Australian would vote yes to that. There should be two questions at the referendum. The first to have recognition and the second separate question to deal with ‘the Voice’.

I will vote no for ‘the Voice’. We can listen to each other without having ‘the Voice.’ We don’t need another layer of government — there are already too many layers. We are already the most over-governed people on the planet.

Any time ‘the Voice’ does not ‘felt listened to’ then they will have the right to take any and every decision of the parliament to the High Court which would be their new right under the constitution Labor proposes. Government will grind to a halt.

Nathan Jones, Cudgen Great work Hannah

I am writing about the recent article by Madeleine Murray in the Tweed Valley Weekly about Hannah Setchell, the mother-of-five who runs three cafes in the Tweed.

The article says that Hannah is passionate about her work, particularly training talented staff.

I recently visited the Tweed Regional Gallery with my elderly mother and her friend.

At lunch in the cafe, Hannah heard that it was my mother’s 93rd birthday. Hannah was touched. So touched, that she drove into town and returned with a bunch of roses as a gift.

Hugging my mum, she shared how she was inspired by this little old woman, this beautiful treasure.

This was inspiring to me. That a perfect stranger cared enough to go out of her way to honour an elder.

This perfect stranger Hannah. She saw my mum. Not just as a paying

customer but as a unique person.

To me, this is customer service par excellence. Thank you Hannah.

Bruce Everett, Tweed Heads Junk science

Alan Watterson correctly questions studies finding that renewables might do more harm than good to the environment.

Such is the pressure to publish or perish that most peer-reviewed papers in every field are seriously flawed junk science. Almost every conceivable problem is now linked in the literature to climate change, but how certain can we be? Were our fierce fires a few years ago caused by climate change, as Watterson asserts, or by our failure to continue controlled burns practised for thousands of years before white settlement, or by both? Victoria’s worst fires were in 1851. Are polar bears wandering into towns to find food because of fewer ice flows or because they are more numerous and less fearful of man since we stopped hunting them?

Are some whales starving because waters are warmer or because of overfishing, harvesting krill for its oil, or population growth after whale hunting was banned?

Should we crisscross Australia with thousands of kilometres of high-voltage power lines and cover an area the size of Tasmania with black panels and bird-bat-insect-killing machines to produce expensive and unreliable electricity while China opens another coal-fired power station almost every week and pollutes its lakes with radioactive waste for our wind turbines? Or should we follow Finland and produce much more reliable, cleaner, greener, and cheaper nuclear energy?

D Weston Allen, Cudgen

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.

El Niño alert issued

By Jonathon Howard

TWEED SHIRE residents could be set to experience dry conditions not seen since 2019 when the Clarrie Hall Dam dipped below 30 per cent.

Tweed Shire Council has been actively calling on residents to save every drop in anticipation of a long dry spell.

The Bureau of Meteorology has moved from El Niño “watch” to El Niño “alert”, meaning there is around a 70 per cent chance of El Niño developing this year.

Bureau of Meteorology senior climatologist Catherine Ganter said climate models and indicators now meet the Bureau’s El Niño alert criteria.

“While the models show it’s very likely the tropical Pacific Ocean temperatures will reach El Niño levels during winter, we have seen some movement in the atmosphere towards El Niño conditions,” Ms Ganter said.

“While our El Niño alert criteria have been met, these changes will need to strengthen and sustain themselves over a longer period for us to consider an El Niño event,” she said.

The Bureau’s criteria for the definition of El Niño alert have been developed as part of a staged system to alert Australians on the increased likelihood of El Niño.

El Niño describes changes in the tropical Pacific Ocean that affects global weather and occurs on average every three to five years.

During El Niño, there is a higher chance of drier weather in eastern Australia and it’s more likely to be warmer than usual for the southern two-thirds of Australia.

“The Bureau’s long-range winter forecast is for drier and warmer conditions

across almost all of Australia, and the climate conditions in the Pacific Ocean are already factored into our forecasts,” Ms Ganter said.

“The long-range forecast for winter also shows an increased chance of below average rainfall for almost all of Australia and the move to El Niño alert does not change this forecast.

“The Bureau currently forecasts Australia’s rainfall and temperature up to three months ahead. We use a climate

version of our weather model to make these long-range forecasts and this model uses information about ocean and land temperatures, wind patterns and more.

“This model already takes into account the likely conditions in the Pacific Ocean, but also conditions elsewhere across the globe, such as the tropical Indian Ocean and how they are also likely to influence Australian weather and climate,” Ms Ganter said.

Application for Appointment of Board Members

UKI Public Hall And Recreation Reserve Land Manager

Ever wondered who is responsible for keeping Crown reserves operating?

Countless facilities like showgrounds, local halls and parks are run by Statutory Land Manager Boards, made up of people just like you. People who understand the need and have a desire to manage public land and assets for the benefit of the entire community.

Your role as a Board Member is voluntary, but the rewards of giving something back to the community are priceless.

We are looking for a good mix of people with a variety of skills, however, sound business and financial management skills and objective decision-making expertise would be a distinct advantage.

Don’t let this opportunity to do something for yourself and your community pass you by – contact us today.

The UKI Public Hall And Recreation Reserve Land Manager manages the Reserve No. 140022 at Uki notified on 31-Jul-1987 for Public Recreation, Public Hall. The term of appointment will be for a period not exceeding 5 years

Application for membership can be made via portal.crownland.nsw.gov.au

All applications are required to be lodged by 14 July 2023.

For further information contact: Joe Endean on (02) 6642 9204 or go to reservemanager.crownland.nsw.gov.au

THE LEGAL LIGHT!

Am I legally bound to help someone in danger?

I see someone clinging to the edge of a cliff – but it is slippery and dangerous to reach them. A person is caught in a rip and dragged out to sea – is that a shark fin I see heading toward them?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Proposed development at Caba

By Jo Kennett

A NEW development application (DA) for a block of land on Tweed Coast Road at Cabarita has caused concern about traffic safety from some locals, while others believe it will help alleviate the housing crisis.

The DA seeks approval for the removal of trees on the 696 square metre site, construction of a three and four-storey mixed use development comprising two commercial tenancies, nine residential units, above basement car parking, earthworks and landscaping.

The proposed $6.5 million development comprises two units and two retail outlets on the ground floor, four units on the first floor, and three units on the second floor with a rooftop terrace.

There are concerns around the underground car park entry, which lies off Rosewood Avenue just below the roundabout at the Tweed Coast Road intersection.

Locals commented on social media that the car park entry might be too close to the intersection, and people turning down the hill from Tweed Coast Road into Rosewood Avenue might not have time to brake for a vehicle turning into the building.

One local said the intersection and road was very busy and there had recently been an accident where a car crashed through a garden and into a unit opposite the proposed car park entry.

“In my opinion it is not a safe option,”

the resident, who didn’t want to be named, told The Weekly.

“I am not against the development, only the entry to the basement.

“I will be lodging an objection to the current DA on that basis.”

The local property owner said Rosewood Avenue, which leads to Clothiers Creek Road and the M1, is a high volume road which she believes increases the danger.

The woman said another concern was the danger it might present to the many pedestrians using the footpath on the south side of Rosewood Avenue near Tweed Coast Road to go to the beach or the shops, as there is no footpath on the opposite side of the road.

The block has no access to Hastings Road and the entry is on the western boundary of the site.

In 2020, a $5 million mixed use development comprising a basement car park and ten units were approved by Tweed Shire Council.

Two of those units were on the ground floor with a cafe, five units were to be on the first floor (now it is four) and three units and a pool were proposed for the second floor, but the rooftop pool has been scrapped from the latest DA.

A DA lodged in 2006 for a $3.5 million, three-storey mixed development comprising 16 tourist units, two retail shops and two restaurants was ultimately surrendered.

It shows how the market has changed,

with the tourism side of things overtaken by Airbnb and larger luxury apartments being the build of choice for canny developers, and while some locals said that it would help with the housing crisis, it will do little to alleviate the crisis at the lower end of the market.

The site was sold for $450,000 in 2002, $660,000 in 2006 months before that DA was submitted and ultimately surrendered to not go ahead, then there was a price drop to $495,000 when it was sold in 2015.

Three years later in 2018 the site was sold for $814,000, and it was the new owners who profited, selling in November, 2022, for $2.75 million.

Have your say on the development on the Tweed Shire Council DA tracker web page. Go to datracker.tweed.nsw.gov.au and enter DA23/0225

Tweed Mall could take decade

By Jonathon Howard

THE PROPOSED Tweed Mall redevelopment could take as long as ten years to complete and that’s not including the time it will take for the Northern Rivers Planning Panel (NRPP) to assess and determine any approvals.

Due to the high cost of the project, $906.8 million, the proposal will not be determined by Tweed Shire Council and will instead fall to the NRPP.

The site’s owners, Elanor Investors Group, said in a media statement the new town centre will create an estimated 500-plus construction jobs each year and will be delivered in stages over a ten-year period — taking the project into the early or mid-2030s.

“Tweed Mall has served as an important everyday needs shopping centre for its customers for decades and is now ready to evolve into a vibrant, mixed-use town centre,” the company said.

Elanor Investors Group said it has been planning the property’s evolution since acquiring the centre in 2016 and believes the masterplan reflects “our long-term vision to evolve the site into a sustainable mixed-use town centre, responding to the region’s need for dwellings and changing consumer preferences to live, work and play”.

“The masterplan provides an opportunity to reframe the narrative and future of Tweed Heads and will celebrate diversity and history,” the company said.

“The new town centre will deliver an

international standard of everyday retail, food and beverage, commercial, entertainment, tourism and residential usages.” Housing and employment are expected to be two big focus points at the precinct, upon completion, with an expected 1,371 additional dwellings and supporting an estimated 3,000-plus ongoing jobs.

Tweed Mall site design proposal

The entry to the proposed 25 Tweed Coast Road development concerns some locals

Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Islander Voice to Parliament

Information from Justine Elliot, your local MP

A referendum will be held across Australia later this year on creating an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ‘Voice to Parliament’.

WHAT IS THE VOICE?

Everyone knows you get better results by listening to people on the ground, and letting them have a say on the laws and policies that affect them.

The Voice is about improving the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in practical ways, including health, education and housing.

That’s what the Voice will do – it will give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians a say on the policies that affect their communities, which will improve lives.

The Voice will be an advisory body made up of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians who will provide advice to Parliament and Government on issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

The Voice members will be chosen by their community, and will include people of all ages from all over Australia.

LOOKING FOR MORE INFO?

Detailed information can be found online at www.voice.gov.au

LIMITS OF THE VOICE

The Voice won’t run programs or have veto power over laws or policies.

It’s about giving advice on policies that affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and making sure their voices are heard.

WHEN IS THE REFERENDUM?

A referendum date will be announced later in the year.

HOW WILL IT WORK?

Australians will be asked the following question:

A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

Do you approve this proposed alteration?

JOIN THE LOCAL CAMPAIGN FOR YES!

As your local MP, I’ve created a group on Facebook as a central location for information, campaigning, and events for the Far North Coast. I’ll be sharing important updates and events, as well as support - including my Community Care Van, materials and more - to make it happen. It’s also a place for you to share your own community events and spread the wordthis group is for locals interested in the Voice to get involved and make it happen.

Scan the QR code or visit www.justineelliot.com.au/supportthevoice to join the campaign.

Let’s make history together.

Authorised J Elliot, ALP, 107 Minjungbal Dr Tweed Heads South

Elliot MP Federal Member for Richmond

Justine

Tweed Link

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

Last week we each used 168L a day

as at 12 June 2023

In brief ...

Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation pop-up sessions

The Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation will be hosting information pop-up sessions in Murwillumbah every Thursday, starting this week.

From Thursday 15 June, community members can drop-in to the centre at Murwillumbah 2484 Hub, Shop 7, 41–45 Murwillumbah Street.

The centre is open from 9 am to 1 pm each Thursday, with appointments available from 1 to 5 pm each week. ‘By appointment’ sessions can be booked with case managers or via the Resilient Homes Program info hub. To book, email resilienthomesprogram@nrrc.nsw.gov.au or call 1800 844 085.

Crystal Creek Hall survey

Council is seeking community input into the future of the Crystal Creek Hall site, after the hall was closed earlier this year for safety reasons.

A dedicated online survey has been created to capture the community’s thoughts, suggestions and preferences. Visit yoursaytweed.com.au/crystalcreekhall to complete the survey, which will remain open until 14 July 2023. All local residents are invited to take part and express their views. Hard copy surveys will also be available at the Murwillumbah Civic and Cultural Centre’s front desk and at the Chillingham General Store.

The 50-metre outdoor swimming pool at Council’s Murwillumbah complex will be closed from 19 June until October 2023 to complete maintenance and flood restoration work. All of the centre’s indoor facilities and programs will remain open.

Murwillumbah pool to close for repairs

The 50-metre outdoor swimming pool at the Tweed Regional Aquatic Centre’s Murwillumbah complex will be closed to the public from 19 June for approximately 4 months.

The pool closure is to complete maintenance and finalise restoration work caused by the 2022 floods under Council’s insurance coverage. The pool will reopen in October, weather permitting.

The full refurbishment is expected to extend the life of the pool by another 10 to 15 years.

The 50m outdoor pool and ‘Slide ‘n Dive’ are usually closed during the winter months.

All of the centre’s indoor facilities and programs will remain open – including the 25 m and hydrotherapy pools. Learn to Swim lessons and other programs will also continue to run.

TRAC Murwillumbah last underwent a major upgrade from 2007 to 2009 at a cost of more than $13 million. For more information, including opening hours and charges, visit our website at trac.tweed.nsw.gov.au

Car park upgrade at Bray Park off-leash dog park

Council will upgrade the car parking area in front of the off-leash dog park at Bray Park Reserve, Tree Street, Murwillumbah next week as part of Stage 2 of the project.

The work will start on 19 June and take approximately 6 weeks to complete, weather permitting. Works will include car park resurfacing (asphalt) and line marking. During construction, the car park area will be temporarily

closed. The off-leash dog park will remain open however, vehicle access to the carpark will be temporary impacted. Residents and visitors to the Tweed have been enjoying the new off-leash dog parks since opening in January 2022 as part of Council’s commitment to providing our community with opportunities to be active and healthy. Find out more about off-leash dog parks in the Tweed at tweed.nsw.gov.au/where-can-I-walk-my-dog

Fingal Head viewing platform upgrade

The viewing platform at Fingal Foreshore Park is about to be upgraded. Work will commence on Monday 19 June and will take 5 weeks to complete, weather permitting.

The upgrade will include:

• improved access to views for users with a disability

• improve circulation space on the viewing platform

• path widening from accessible parking bay to the viewing platform

• staining of the exterior

• new decking

• seating.

During construction the viewing platform and beach shower (adjacent to the platform) will be closed.

The viewing platform upgrade is part of Stage 2 of the upgrade of the new inclusive playground at Fingal Foreshore Park which was officially opened earlier this year.

The decking material to be used is a 100% recycled product made from bottles, bags and recycled wood as part of Council’s commitment to reduce our impact on the natural environment.

This project is supported by the Better Waste and Recycling Fund NSW EPA. Find out more about the Fingal Foreshore Park project and its history at yoursaytweed.com.au/fingal-foreshore-park

Youth Music Venture former participant and now an assistant mentor, Cody Leenders, performing at this year’s Tweed Australia Day Awards ceremony.

Rock on with young musos

Young musos of the Tweed are getting ready to rock on at the Youth Music Venture (YMV) grand finale showcase concert at Seagulls Club this Sunday 18 June. This is the second year YMV has operated in the Tweed. The free program, which began on the Gold Coast in 2009, is open to young people in our community aged 11 to 17 years.

Three bands from the venture will perform at the YMV showcase event which will be emceed by The Voice Australia’s Chang Po Ching.

Each band has already undergone 8 weeks of mentoring from their own musical mentors, themselves esteemed musicians, to show them the ropes and help develop their skills in a professional environment.

The YMV Showcase Concert will take place at Seagulls Club on Sunday 18 June, from 2 to 5 pm.

For tickets, head to humanitix. Tickets cost $20 for those aged 16 years and over. Under 16s are free. To participate or register, visit youthmusicventure.com.au or call Ian Grace on 0424 143 140.

The viewing platform at Fingal Head is getting an upgrade this month.

Nominations now open for Tweed Sustainability Awards

Nominations for outstanding efforts by members of the community to protect and care for the Tweed’s precious environment are being sought as part of this year’s Tweed Sustainability Awards.

Initiated by Tweed Shire Council in 2019, the biennial awards were officially launched at the Murwillumbah Community Gardens on Monday 5 June, coinciding with World Environment Day as a fitting reminder of the theme.

Only the third time the awards have been held, their aim is to celebrate local sustainability champions and eco-friendly initiatives across the Tweed community.

Council’s Sustainability Program Leader Debbie Firestone said the awards provided a great opportunity to promote local businesses, community groups and individuals doing inspiring things in the community.

“I see so much leadership and work going on across the Tweed community to step up our efforts to reduce our collective environmental footprint,” Ms Firestone said.

“Awards like these are vital for acknowledging that leadership and effort, often from volunteers, so I hope people put themselves forward to be recognised and celebrated by their community.”

Entrants are invited to share the actions and impacts they have achieved over the past 2 years, with nominations open to both new and previous nominees.

There are 4 award categories this year:

• Regenerative Agriculture: Recognising outstanding contributions to the restoration of soils, waterways and biodiversity in agriculture.

• Wildlife and Habitat Conservation: Recognising

Keep an eye out for Kei apple

outstanding contributions to the protection and conservation or active management of wildlife and native habitat.

• Tweed Tourism and Hospitality Sustainability: Recognising outstanding contributions by tourism and hospitality operators that demonstrate exceptional commitment to the environment, community and economic development of the region.

• Tweed Sustainability: Recognising outstanding contributions to improve sustainability across multiple impact areas by individuals, schools, community groups and businesses.

Visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/tweed-sustainability-awards to nominate yourself or someone else online by midnight on Monday 31 July.

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

Nominations are now open with 4 categories in this year’s Tweed Sustainability Awards.

Get the Tweed Link early by email

Be one of the first to see all the latest news from Tweed Shire Council each week.

Subscribers to the Tweed Link receive it by email each week on Wednesday mornings, in addition to it appearing in print in the Tweed Valley Weekly on Thursdays.

But that’s not all – you can also subscribe to Council job alerts, media releases and a range of e-newsletters and Council facility program alerts.

Sign up at tweed.nsw.gov.au/subscribe

Kei apple (Dovyalis caffra) is a highly invasive plant and is listed as a ‵Regional Priority – Prevention′ weed under the North Coast Regional Strategic Weed Management Plan. This plant is not to be bought, sold, grown, carried or released into the environment in the North Coast of NSW.

Originally from southern Africa, Kei apple is a drought and frost tolerant plant which can be found in Queensland and New South Wales. It grows in wooded grassland areas, bushland and along forest edges, and will tolerate most soil types.

Kei apple grows up to 6 metres high with sharp thorns, has smooth green leaves and produces apricot-coloured edible fruit. Plants spread easily by seed, the fruit are eaten by birds and new plants often grow under trees or other places where birds perch. The plant has allelopathic properties, which means it will release hormones that kill surrounding plants and groundcovers.

Left uncontrolled, Kei apple forms a dense monoculture that has the potential to outcompete, and shade, native plants. The large, sharp spines can cause serious injury and infection to people and livestock and can restrict the movement of native animals.

Do not attempt to treat or dispose of Kei apple yourself.

If you see this plant, please notify Rous County Council Weed Biosecurity on 02 6623 3800 or rous.nsw.gov.au/report-a-weed

We will lead an initial response for the treatment and disposal of the plant to stop it from spreading. For more information, visit NSW WeedWise at weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/Weeds/KeiApple

The Tweed Sustainability Awards were launched recently at the Murwillumbah Community Gardens. Deborah Bryce from the Murwillumbah Community Gardens is pictured with Council′s Sustainability Education Officer Jane Moad (middle) and Sustainability Program Leader Debbie Firestone (right) with some of the fresh produce grown in the garden.

Kei apple grows up to 6 metres high with sharp thorns, has smooth green leaves and produces apricot-coloured fruit.

Photos: Rous County Council.

Fox control across Tweed

Pest animal control works are continuing across Tweed coastal areas this week after a successful program in previous years.

Recent camera monitoring recorded pest animal activity in coastal bushland areas at Fingal Head, Kingscliff, Hastings Point and Pottsville, with foxes and European hares recorded in these areas. These introduced pests are a threat to native wildlife and habitat.

A highly experienced specialist contractor is carrying out the control works until Friday 16 June 2023

Warning signs are in place, with public access to all locations prohibited during the dates and times advised.

Contact Council’s Program Leader Pest Management Wildlife Protection on 02 6670 2400.

Request for offer

RFO2023101 Expression of Interest - Greenhills Lodge Repurpose (Property: 433 – 437 Tweed Valley Way, South Murwillumbah)

Offers close: Wednesday 12 noon (AEST) 30 June 2023

Offers must be lodged as specified in the offer documentation.

Request for offer documentation is available at no charge from at tweed.nsw.gov.au/tenders-contracts

All offers will be opened at closing time and will be considered by Council in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act 1993 and the NSW Local Government (General) Regulation 2005. The lowest or any offer is not necessarily accepted and canvassing of Councillors or staff will disqualify. For further information please email contact Contracts Administration on adminidu@tweed.nsw.gov.au

The purpose of this expression of interest (EOI) is to seek an organisation(s) interested in repurposing the Greenhills Lodge Residential Aged Care Facility located at 433–437 Tweed Valley Way, South Murwillumbah NSW 2484, Lots 19 and 20 in DP9871 (Property).

Development proposals for public comment

The following development applications have been received by Tweed Shire Council and may be viewed on Council’s DA Tracking site at tweed.nsw.gov.au/datracking for a period of 14 days from Wednesday 14 June to Wednesday 28 June 2023.

Application details

DA23/0091 - Use of existing structure as a restaurant and associated parking

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

DA22/0578 – Use of deck, swimming pool, pool deck and cabana

Lot 569 DP 755740, No. 10 Laura Street, Banora Point

DA23/0148 – Carport

Lot 2 SP 20894, Unit 2/No. 15 Toolona Avenue, Banora Point

DA23/0218 – In-ground swimming pool

Lot 1 DP 1008470, No. 21 Botanical Circuit, Banora Point

DA23/0230 – Patio roof

Lot 5 DP 263814, No. 153 Pioneer Parade, Banora Point

DA23/0029 – Two storey dwelling with attached garage and in-ground swimming pool

Lot 9 DP 1227671, Lot 8 DP 1227671, No. 3 Willow Avenue, Bogangar

DA21/0939 – Secondary dwelling

Lot 204 DP 241367, No. 13 Kurrajong Avenue, Bogangar

DA23/0176 – Two storey dwelling with attached garage

Lot 524 DP 1137688, No. 10 Forster Avenue, Kingscliff

DA23/0197 – Alterations and additions to existing dwelling including portico, 1.5 m front fence and carport forward of the building line

Lot 84 DP 260286, No. 5 Kindee Street, Kingscliff

DA22/0629 – Demolition of existing sheds and construction of a secondary dwelling

Lot 22 DP 704246, No. 11 Ozone Street, Kingscliff

DA23/0213 – Alterations and additions to existing dwelling including house raising

Lot 1 DP 545176, No. 104 Clothiers Creek Road, Nunderi

DA23/0189 – Partial in-ground swimming pool and associated decking

Lot 241 DP 1033384, No. 11 Muskheart Circuit, Pottsville

DA23/0190 – Alterations and additions to existing dwelling including house raising and re-siting

Lot 6 Section 9 DP 2974, No. 23 Wardrop Street, South Murwillumbah

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

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

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

Lot A DP 409903, Lot 1 DP 375383, No. 34 Crabbes Creek Road, Crabbes Creek

Mr Warren Brett Keogh

DA23/0209 - Concept Development Application under Section 4.22 of the EP&A Act 1979 for the staged redevelopment of the Tweed Mall – concept plan only (NRPP)

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

Elanor Funds Management Limited

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

A disclosure is required to be made in a statement accompanying the relevant development or planning application by a person who makes the application. In addition, a person who makes a written submission either objecting to or supporting a relevant development or planning application must also make a disclosure if the person has made a reportable political donation. Further information regarding Donations and Gift Disclosure are available on Council’s website at tweed.nsw.gov.au/development-applications

Have your say

Add

Proposed licence of Council-managed Crown Land

Council proposes to grant a license in respect of community land as follows:

• Property: 76 Fernvale Road, Fernvale, Lot 7005 in DP92890 and Lot 181 in DP755698, Crown Reserve 91428 as outlined in the location diagram shown below.

• Term: Five (5) Years

The land has previously been leased to the proposed licensee and the previous agreement has expired. Council now proposes to enter into a new 5-year licence agreement with them for their use of the premises.

Have your say

Written submissions relating to this proposal are to be made to Council up to 12 July 2023:

• Online: Complete the submission form at yoursaytweed.com.au/fernvalehall

• Mail: PO Box 816, Murwillumbah, NSW 2484

Fernvale Road

• Permitted use: Community centre (as per Crown Reserve dedicated purposes) Fernvale Road

• Email: tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au

Under the provisions of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (NSW), such submissions may be referred to third parties for consideration.

Council reference: PN:41954, Licence – Fernvale Hall

Enquiries: Jennie Stephenson, Technical Officer – Property, 02 6670 2400

Learn more at yoursaytweed.com.au/fernvalehall

This notice is in accordance with section 47 of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW).

Help

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

Pen gun and drug charges

By Jo Kennett

A MAN has been arrested and charged with drug and firearm offences after being found with a homemade pen gun during a vehicle search on Thursday, June 8.

Police were conducting what they called ‘high visibility proactive patrols’ in the lead-up to the long weekend when they pulled over a car on Cunningham Street, Tweed Heads, at about 11pm after witnessing what they described as suspicious behaviour.

They searched the car and found a homemade .22 calibre firearm disguised as a metal pen (a single shot weapon known as a pen gun), 25 rounds of .22 ammunition and a small quantity of methamphetamine and cannabis leaf.

Police said pen guns were a real concern after three men found a pen gun and accidentally

fired it, shooting one man in the stomach in 2013.

While he survived, police said a shot from a pen gun can be fatal.

“They’re just as lethal as any firearm,” a senior police constable said at the time.

“They’re easily concealable, classed as a firearm and these sorts of firearms have caused serious injuries and deaths in the past.

“They’re used for illegal purposes only.”

The 49-year-old Tweed Heads South man was arrested and taken to Tweed Heads Police Station where he was charged with possessing an unauthorised, prohibited firearm in public, not keeping a firearm safe, the unauthorised possession of ammunition, as well as two counts of possessing a prohibited drug.

He appeared in Tweed Heads Local Court the following day, Friday, June 9.

Stop parking illegally

By Jonathon Howard

A LOCAL disability advocate is calling on Tweed Shire residents and visitors to stop using designated disabled parking unless they have the required permit.

The local, who prefers not to be named, said he was shocked to discover the number of vehicles — none of whom had displayed any parking certification — taking up disabled car parks. “It makes life extremely hard for those trying to find a park whilst living with a disability,” he said.

“I’ve been monitoring the situation up at Tweed Heads and I can say from experience that many cars are using disabled parks without permits. It needs to stop, please.”

According to NSW Police, motorists can receive an on-the-spot fine or penalty notice of $581 and one demerit point for misuse of a disabled park.

However, if you choose to have the matter dealt with in a local court, the maximum penalty you can face is a fine of $2,200.

Anyone wanting to apply for a disabled parking permit can do so via the Service NSW website.

Horror long weekend

By Jo Kennett

HUNDREDS OF people have been charged with drink-driving across the state over the long weekend, with the ten fatalities from the tragic Hunter Valley bus crash bringing the state road toll to 14.

NSW Police Force joined with Transport NSW to target excessive speed, alcohol/drug driving, fatigue, seatbelts and distracted driving to prevent road trauma over the King’s Birthday long weekend which ran from midnight on Friday, June 9, to midnight on Monday, June 12.

Police conducted 167,453 breath tests across the state over the weekend.

Police said that in the Northern Region, which includes the Hunter in a long coastal strip that runs from the Tweed border to Newcastle, 1,175

speeding tickets were handed out.

There were 31,703 breath tests undertaken with 76 people busted over the legal limit for alcohol.

There were 58 major crashes in our region, with a shocking 299 across the state.

The Weekly was unable to get in touch with Tweed Police for a breakdown of charges in our shire.

Police were out in force at the weekend

Truck rollover choas

By Jo Kennett

EMERGENCY SERVICES responded to a truck rollover on Tuesday afternoon, around 4.30pm, on Numinbah Road at Crystal Creek on Tuesday, June 13.

There were initial reports that the driver may have been trapped in the truck.

Tweed District Rescue Squad president Drew Carr was on scene along with Rural Firefighters and Fire and Rescue Murwillumbah.

“Fortunately, the driver was out and unharmed by the time emergency services arrived,” Mr Carr told The Weekly.

“He was a bit shaken up but had no serious injuries.

“The truck came to rest on its side blocking the road.

“We stood down and left it in the care of Rural Fire Service volunteers and Fire and Rescue to clean up; there was some oil and fuels on the road that had to be managed.”

The cause of the accident is under investigation.

That’s when local farmer Clint McCabe decided to open up his paddock to let cars waiting

at the scene bypass the accident, resulting in a bit of off-road action.

“I saw all of a sudden, some cars driving through the paddock and I thought: ‘that’s pretty cool of him’,” Mr Carr added.

“It was really kind of the farmer to do that as cars can cause damage to paddocks but he was kind enough to let that happen so everyone could go on their merry way.”

Photos of cars driving through the paddock were posted on a local community Facebook page and met with more than a thousand likes with many people calling Clint a ‘legend’.

“That’s gold, what a champion,” a local commented.

“Wish more people were like this. Thanks farmer.”

As dusk descended and the emergency team worked on the truck, a long line of cars with lights on, snaked around the edge of the farm waving and yelling out their thanks to the McCabe family as they passed.

“It was just nice to see everyone be able to get home and not sit in traffic for five hours,” the family told The Weekly.

A big thank you to the McCabe family.

Noah Hampton-Taylor took this shot following the accident

Men’s health matters

By Jonathon Howard

MEMBER FOR Tweed Geoff Provest is encouraging the community to celebrate the men of our community as part of Men’s Health Week. Mr Provest said this year’s focus is building healthy habits by identifying small changes that can benefit men’s and boys’ health and wellbeing.

“Men’s Health Week is designed to encourage discussion about improving the physical, emotional and mental health of men and boys,” Mr Provest said.

“When people think about mental health, they often think mental illness and the stigma associated.

“We all have a role to play in encouraging each other to towards good health, and a big part of that is around shared experiences like going for walks together, playing sport or even

Tweed winter winner

TWEED HEADS has come up tops in a newly released winter travel survey based on accommodation availability, value and traveller interest.

The top 2023 Wotif Winter Weekenders saw the border town ranked number two in the top ten most popular winter destinations in Australia.

Cairns came out on top but they have crocodiles and crappy beaches so you want to take that with a grain of salt.

Wotif was founded in Brisbane by Aussie Graham Wood and went global before being sold to US travel website giant Expedia.

To be frank, these things are basically PR exercises, which doesn’t take away from the fact that Tweed Heads is indeed one of the funnest places to holiday in Oz.

Being so close to many of our homes, Tweed Heads makes for an easy and fun holiday within walking distance of all the action, the beautiful beaches and the river of the Twin Towns.

However, remember that you will usually get the best deal booking direct with your chosen accommodation place and it will put more money into the coffers of local operators who had it pretty tough over COVID.

sharing healthy meals together.”

Mr Provest said keeping healthy is important to promote a positive environment with your children and can have a huge impact.

Engaging in outdoor exercise has been shown to improve self-esteem, reduce stress and depressive symptoms.

A simple walk down the path to the park or beach can be all it takes to lift your mood.

“Men need to remember to keep their health in check and engage with your local GP or health professional,” he said.

Sky Muster Plus

MEMBER FOR Richmond Justine Elliot announced that 3,555 North Coast premises can now order uncapped satellite broadband services via the NBN Co’s new Sky Muster Plus service.

This follows a successful trial of Sky Muster Plus which will boost internet speeds in areas such as the Tweed.

The new Sky Muster Plus Premium service will provide customers with unmetered data 24 hours a day and faster speeds of up to 100Mbps. Ms Elliot said the service responds to increasing demand for more data and faster speeds from satellite users caused by the growing use of video streaming, and people working and studying from home.

This complements the Albanese Labor Government’s commitments to improving NBN technologies in regional areas, including a $2.4

billion investment to expand full-fibre NBN to an additional 1.5 million premises – 660,000 of which will be in regional areas.

“This announcement is fantastic news for locals who rely on satellite broadband to stay connected and informed,” Ms Elliot said.

“The new Sky Muster product will allow thousands of Australians to access unmetered NBN data for the first time in Australia. It’s a game changer for regional communities like ours.

“The Albanese Labor Government is improving the NBN to give Australians access to 21st century communications infrastructure they need and deserve.

“As your strong voice in the Albanese Labor Government I’m proud to be improving the NBN and ensuring regional communities like ours are not left behind.”

How it’s set up would be determined after the referendum with input from First Nations people, the broader public and the Government. The Parliament would then make a law to set up the Voice.

The intention is that its members will be chosen by and representative of, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from across Australia. Be ready for the conversation, get informed at Voice.gov.au

Hospital report

By Jonathon Howard

MORE THAN 18,200 patients were admitted to the emergency departments (ED) of both The Tweed Hospital and Murwillumbah District Hospital in the quarter to March this year.

That’s according to the latest Bureau of Health Information (BHI) Healthcare Quarterly report of the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD), which shows there were a total of 54,913 attendances across all NNSWLHD emergency departments.

Acting Chief Executive for Northern NSW Local Health District, Lynne Weir, said staff were providing “excellent care” to the community in the wake of local challenges.

“After a difficult year following the devastating floods in Northern NSW, our staff and our health system are continuing to put patients at the forefront of all we do,” Ms Weir said.

A total of 3,530 planned surgeries were performed across the region, with nearly all urgent planned surgery (94.9 per cent) performed on time.

“We are continuing to collaborate with private hospitals in the region to provide additional surgical care to our residents,” Ms Weir said.

“Our teams have worked incredibly hard to increase our surgery capacity, resulting in no

category 1 (urgent) procedures being overdue at the end of the March 2023 quarter.”

“We have also seen significant reductions in the number of overdue category 2 and 3 cases in 2023.”

MURWILLUMBAH DISTRICT HOSPITAL

had 4,578 ED attendances during the quarter.

The majority of patients (85.8 per cent) started their treatment on time, which is better than the average for hospitals of a similar size in NSW (71 per cent). More than eight in 10 patients (84.6 per cent) left the ED within four hours and almost all patients (96.3 per cent) were transferred from ambulance to ED staff within the 30-minute benchmark.

THE TWEED HOSPITAL had 13,694 ED attendances during the quarter. More than seven in 10 patients (79 per cent) started their treatment on time, which is better than the average for hospitals of a similar size in NSW (64.6 per cent).

Almost seven in 10 patients (69 per cent) left the ED within four hours of arriving, which is also better than the average for comparable hospitals in NSW (53.9 per cent).

The 2022-23 budget for the NNSWLHD is more than $985 million, an increase of more than $40 million, or 4.3 per cent more on the previous year’s budget.

Chronic fatigue

By Jonathon Howard

CHRONIC FATIGUE remains a “major issue” for many residents in the Tweed Shire, according to a local support group, which is encouraging those suffering in silence to reach out.

The Tweed Coast Chronic Fatigue Support Group (TCCFSG) hosted a public information sharing day at Tweed City Shopping Centre recently and said the results were surprising.

Group member Susan Bernardo said a number of people asked for an information pack, but many still suffer in silence.

“The needs are largely hidden,” she said.

“The stories are invariably the same, the frustration of having friends, colleagues and family not understanding or even believing just how real and debilitating this condition is, or the desperate concern about a family member who is struggling with this condition. Along with a medical profession that is often not helpful because of their lack of understanding about this condition.”

Ms Bernardo said for many years the TCCFSG has been learning about chronic fatigue syndrome, which is generally referred to as MECFS or myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

“We understand each other and support each other as much as we can,” she said.

“Recently there has been ground-breaking research at Griffith University Queensland, where Professor Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik’s team have proven that people with MECFS have impaired movement of calcium into their cells, which then impairs the ability of the cells to make energy.

“They have also shown that low dose naltrexone restores the movement of calcium into the cells.

“Not everyone is able to handle this medication because of the possible side effects, but many people with MECFS have experienced a significant increase in energy whilst on this medication.”

Ms Bernardo said it is now also generally accepted within the research community that people suffering ongoing fatigue with long COVID have the same biological impairments as people with MECFS.

“So, therefore, treatments that help people with MECFS will also be helpful for people with long COVID,” she said.

The group meets on the first Friday of the month at the Home and Community Centre (HACC) in Heffron Street, Tweed Heads, from 10.30am to 12pm. Entry is $5 to cover costs.

For more information please email: mecfstweed@gmail.com or phone: (07) 5593 9319.

TOP MARKS: NNSWLHD staff were recently rated highly for their delivery of health care services

Financial Advice

 Re�rement Planning

Da Manager album

TWEED COAST rock band Da Manager have a busy week ahead. Their first single ‘Cloud Machine’ will be released this week on Friday, June 16.

To mark the occasion, the band have been invited onto Byron Bay’s legendary local radio station BayFM99.9 on Thursday, June 15, from 2.20pm to play and talk about the new song. Da Manager will then play the Byron Music Festival on Saturday, June 17, taking the stage at 12.45pm.

The band’s hard hitting but catchy rock sound is made by Banjo Golder, 14, on guitar and vocals, Arlo Kirk, 16, on lead guitar, Phoenix Preston, 15, on bass and Cruz Kill, 15 on drums. The boys are at three different high schools in the area with Banjo and Phoenix at Kingscliff High, Cruz at Lindisfarne and Arlo at Mt St

02 5631 1733

Patrick in Murwillumbah.

Da Manager formed just over a year ago, quickly gathering a strong local following and recently played one of the main stages at Byron Bluesfest having won the hotly contested 2023 under 18s Bluesfest busking competition.

Seas the Day is on

By Jo Kennett

SURF FANS are in for a treat this weekend with Kingscliff’s beachfront coming to life for the world’s biggest female surf contest and festival on Saturday and Sunday, June 17 to 18. Seas the Day will feature a tag team surf contest as well as plenty of entertainment and some of the biggest female names in the industry. The inaugural event is one of the first of its kind and aims to encourage women to compete in a pressure-free environment alongside a program filled with females of the surfing industry, great food, live music and entertainment.

The fun tag team contest is open to female surfers of all abilities (foamies allowed) in Open Women’s Shortboard, Open Women’s Longboard and U18 Shortboard divisions.

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There will be three hubs with guest speakers as well as workshops incorporating yoga, meditation, breath work and more that everyone can enjoy.

Layne Beachley, Kate Wilcomes, Chelsea Hedges, Isabella Nicholls and India Robinson will be among a host of big names appearing at the event.

For more info see seasthedaysurffestival.com

FEST: Sophie McCulloch will speak at the festival

Minimum order $55.00 (excl delivery of $8.50)

WORLD'S BIGGEST SURF

Changes to centre Telecross concerns

By Jonathon Howard

SEVERAL RESIDENTS are concerned the Banora Community Centre could face closure due to a lack of funding and a petition has been launched to save the facility.

The centre currently operates Fun Activities for Banora Seniors (FABS), which has been operating for the past 16 years and is highly valued by elderly residents.

Among those concerned Banora Point residents is Fran Geysen, who updated The Weekly following a community meeting in mid-May.

“At present, a Tweed Shire Council employee works from the Centre on community affairs two days per week which allows the Centre to be open for community activities on those two days,” she said.

“It is the funding for this person’s position that is to be withdrawn.

“It is the understanding of the FABS Committee (the committee of volunteers that helps organise the activities at the centre) that this is purely a budgeting decision and as a result the centre is at risk of closing.”

Ms Geysen said many people, mostly elderly residents, attend the Centre for activities on these two days and the committee believe the service is vital.

“To lose this valuable source of socialising may mean more isolation, more loneliness and we’ve learned from COVID what that can mean to some people,” she said.

The Weekly put Ms Geysen’s and the committee’s concerns to Council and received a response from Naomi Searle, Director of Sustainable Communities and Environment.

“The FABS program offered by Council’s Community Care Unit is one of a suite of programs and services funded by the Federal Government,” Ms Searle said.

“Earlier this year, Council officers undertook a review of the Community Care Unit and pre -

sented a report to Council with recommendations on the future of these programs and services.

“Subsequent to this, Council resolved to withdraw from a number of them, and as such, officers are working through an exit strategy to connect alternate service providers to these to provide programs and services where possible.”

Ms Searle said Council recognises the value of the FABS program and is reviewing how the outcomes derived from this program, and more broadly seniors’ programs, can be delivered into the future.

“There are a number of examples across the Shire where programs like this are successfully run,” she said.

“The Murwillumbah Community Centre and Pottsville Beach Neighbourhood Centre are two good examples of this.

“One option is to work with the Banora community to replicate a similar model.

“Having said this, the Banora community is different from others throughout the Shire, therefore other models and/or other programs could be developed and progressed.”

Ms Searle said consultation will be undertaken with the community to determine how these programs can sustainably continue into the future.

“Council officers will then work with the Banora community to implement the recommendations on the preferred outcomes resulting from this consultation,” she said.

“It is our intention that appropriate services are provided to the community that reflect their needs.

“In the meantime, programs will operate as they have been.”

By Jonathon Howard

A VITAL Red Cross service that connects many Tweed Shire elderly residents with a friendly caller each day, known as Telecross, is undergoing some major changes including a reduction in the calls and digitalisation.

Several Telecross volunteers contacted The Weekly requesting the proposed changes are investigated, after they expressed concern the service could close.

A spokesperson for Red Cross said the service is undergoing a range of digital changes and reduced frequency of calls.

Volunteers Sue Jones and Sue Yarrow have more than 25 years of Telecross volunteering between them and say the calls are “extremely vital to connect our elderly”.

“Our clients are elderly people, many of whom had Telecross as their only contact with people for days on end,” Ms Yarrow said.

An Australian Red Cross spokesperson said the organisation, like many others, faces increasing and more complex demand for humanitarian support and services.

“As a result, we have had to look at what we do and how we do it and adapt the way we work as an organisation to ensure we are able to continue meeting the needs of those who need us most, well into the future,” the Red Cross spokesperson said.

“We’ve updated some of our systems and process that enable Australian Red Cross to deliver the Telecross service.

“These changes include moving away from a paper-based process to a new electronic system for managing client calls and introducing a minimum shift commitment of one hour per week for volunteers.

“Ultimately these changes will ensure we have a consistent nation-wide scheduling, call assurance and escalations process, increase data

security and strengthen our alignment to the Aged Care Quality Standards by focusing on transparency, accountability, and call assurance visibility.”

The spokesperson said Red Cross is committed to providing all volunteers and clients with the support needed to make this transition successfully, and have made self-paced online learning available, along with live virtual sessions.

“We acknowledge that some volunteers may find these changes challenging, and we are committed to working with everyone to ensure they have the support they need in order to continue participating in the program, or of course to remain volunteering within the organisation through other internal opportunities,” the spokesperson said.

“Importantly, clients will continue to receive their regular Telecross calls within their nominated call days and time periods.

“Clients are also able to access the Telechat service.

“This will be less frequent but longer calls that focuses on social connection and companionship. Clients can access both Telecross and Telechat.”

For more information about accessing Telecross as a client, please call Red Cross on 1300 885 698.

a new concept in tness

Helps

Agape is here to help

By Jo Kennett

A WONDERFUL local not-for-profit has a free support program for anyone still struggling with trauma and anxiety in the wake of last year’s catastrophic floods, as well as flood relief grants.

CALL (07) 5524 4881

Morning Sessions

Monday to Friday 7am- 12pm

Afternoon sessions

Tuesdays & Thursdays 3pm – 6pm

Theresa Mitchell is the founding director of Agape Outreach and said that the long waiting times for people to access emotional support was the reason they put together a wellness program.

“Agape currently has wellness programs running weekly at our Tweed Heads base at 56 Recreation Street, Tweed Heads, for people struggling with anxiety after the floods,” Theresa said.

“These are run by Caroline Ballenger, who has run programs for the government before and she works in substance issue support.

“As there is such a long waiting list for people to access emotional support this is a great alternative and it is free.

“Caroline is running both one-on-one sessions and group programs.”

Theresa said that Agape is also facilitating flood relief grants of $500 Visa cards for the Rotary Club.

“These Visa cards are eligible to Tweed Shire residents that were affected in the February floods last year and are either still rebuilding but are moving back in, or are living in their house and still rebuilding.

“People will need to come into Agape to provide their identification and proof of address at the time.

“People who received a Rotary Visa card in the first round last year are able to apply again. Call Agape on (07) 5293 7154 to book.

Apprentices facing hardship

TWEED SHIRE apprentices facing financial or personal hardship are being encouraged to apply for part of a $2.25 million NSW Government scholarship program. Applications are open until Friday, July 21, for the 2023 Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships program, which will support 150 people with $15,000 each to complete their training and further their career.

The scholarships support apprentices who, along with hardship, can demonstrate a high aptitude for vocational education and training, and are committed to on and off the job training in regional NSW. The scholarship program is named in honour of the late Bert Evans AO, a passionate advo-

cate of vocational education for more than 30 years. A total of 751 Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships have been awarded since 2014. The NSW Government-run program offers grants of $5,000 annually over three years to help people overcome personal barriers to finish their apprenticeships and go onto rewarding careers.

The scholarships are awarded to apprentices in NSW who have demonstrated financial hardship and/or personal hardship, capability for vocational education and training, and a positive attitude and application in the workplace and in off-the-job training.

To find out more please phone: 13 28 11.

We’ve got your Number at Murwillumbah Public School

Mathematics and its critical role in our future is a high priority at Murwillumbah Public School. The school delivers a comprehensive mathematics curriculum that is complemented by significant resources, highly skilled support staff and enrichment programs that allow students to further explore areas of mathematics in individual and group situations.

Students build upon their knowledge and understanding in the areas of numeration, space, measurement and data by applying it in practical problem solving. An important component of this is to have students explain and demonstrate how they arrived at a particular conclusion. The ability to show that different methodology can be used to achieve the same result

is important in the development of thinking skills.

Practical use of a range of measurement resources, building materials, pattern blocks, numeration charts and current technologies allows students to have hands-on experiences that broaden their mathematical knowledge. Making mathematics fun is a key to promoting confidence in and enjoyment of this key learning area.

Because of the programs offered Murwillumbah Public School continues to perform at levels well above state averages in numeracy, as evidenced by annual NAPLAN testing.

Great Mathematics is something you can count on at Murwillumbah Public School.

you relax and feel great!

Housing desperate

THE NOT-FOR-PROFIT organisation

Social Futures has welcomed the release of the draft Northern Rivers Resilient Lands Strategy, and is calling for social and affordable housing targets on the sites that will eventually be earmarked for housing.

CEO of Social Futures Tony Davies said it was very encouraging that 22 Northern Rivers sites will be investigated as areas for new housing developments.

“Once sites are approved, it is essential that the areas have targets for social and affordable housing,” Mr Davies said.

“What we know is that the Northern Rivers has always had much lower levels of affordable housing than the state as a whole.

“Now is the time we can address that — so we want to see a significant investment, and an investment that is made up front and early.

“We want affordable and social housing built into neighbourhoods, so we have mixed tenure and opportunities for diverse communities with diverse housing.

“We want this to be an opportunity to overcome the housing challenges we have experienced for so long in this region.”

Mr Davies said only significant investment in housing would ease the region’s crippling post-

flood housing crisis. According to the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation (NRRC) website, 6,469 households are still waiting for either a buyback, house-raising or retrofit from the Resilient Homes Fund.

Mr Davies said it was crucial new housing estates had affordable housing so essential workers could move to the region.

“We find in our community services organisation that it’s hard to get staff to move to the region because it’s so costly. We’re hearing that police, teachers, health professionals of all types are struggling to find somewhere to live,” he said.

“It is vital for our recovery that we have a workforce in human services and emergency and other services, so we have the foundations for a strong and robust community.”

Mr Davies said he was pleased to see that the plan outlines ‘immediate on-ground investigations’ at 15 sites, with the aim of housing around 7,800 residents impacted by last year’s flooding, with six of the sites in Lismore and two in the Tweed.

“We have heard that some plots of land may even be developed by the end of next year – that is fantastic,” he said.

MOTORING IN THE TWEED

Taylen is ripping MX

By Jo Kennett

YOUNG BOGANGAR motorbike riding prodigy Taylen Howard has had a huge weekend of wins at the NSW Junior Track Championships. Taylen’s biggest fan, his mum Elly, said the 11-year-old raced in and won two NSW titles over the weekend.

“The 2023 NSW Junior Track Championships for 2023 were held at Macleay District Motor-

cycle Club, where Taylen Howard competed in two classes, 65cc nine to under 13 years and 85cc two-stroke and 150cc four-stroke nine to under 13 years,” Elly told The Weekly.

“Racing consisted of five rounds on the oil long track.

“Taylen was undefeated all day on both motorbikes, winning ten races and taking out the NSW Title in both divisions.”

GO TAYLEN! Taylen Howard in action at the NSW titles and (inset) his first place results

Victory extravaganza sale

By Jonathon Howard

VICTORY ORGANISATION, a renowned automotive dealership at Tweed Heads, is set to ignite the car-buying scene for three days from today for its highly anticipated extravaganza sale.

The event promises to be a paradise for car shoppers, offering an extensive selection of vehicles at unbeatable prices with a special family fun day event this Saturday, June 17.

The fun day will feature a jumping castle, barbecue, face painting, ice cream truck, snow cones and a cash cube.

The dealership team is ready with a range of great offers and is proudly displaying the impressive line-up of models, ranging from sleek sedans to rugged SUVs, catering to every taste and preference.

One of the key highlights of the sale is the newly launched Ford Ranger, a versatile and luxurious SUV that combines style with robust performance.

Equipped with advanced safety features and cutting-edge technology, the Ranger offers a smooth and exhilarating driving experience for both city dwellers and adventure seekers.

Alongside the Ranger, Victory Ford is also showcasing the highly sought-after Ford Mustang, an iconic sports car that epitomises power and elegance.

Car enthusiasts will have the opportunity to admire its bold design and experience the thrill of its roaring engine during test drives arranged throughout the sale.

To further sweeten the deal, the dealership is offering exclusive discounts and

incentives on both new and pre-owned vehicles.

Customers can take advantage of special financing options, low-interest rates, and generous trade-in offers to make their dream car a reality.

Victory Organisation has a dedicated team of knowledgeable sales professionals who are ready to help customers find their perfect match.

With their expertise and friendly approach, the dealership aims to ensure that each visitor feels confident and supported throughout the car-buying process.

Additionally, all car purchases during the sale will include a complimentary

Motorkhana

By Jonathon Howard

FIRE UP your engines for the return of the popular Murwillumbah Showgrounds Motorkhana event on Sunday, June 18.

Drivers will test their skills against some of the Tweed Valley’s finest young drivers, and visitors can watch all of the action and check out the amazing local cars.

Event coordinator Rob Learmonth says the event promises to be another exciting day of fast driving in a controlled and safe environment.

“It’s a great day at the course and can teach a driver many new skills,” he said.

“The best thing is it’s supervised, not on the road and is a safe place to put your foot down.”

Mr Learmonth says the Motorkhana has become an iconic event in Murwillumbah and is helping drivers, young and old, to push their skills to the limit.

Please note entries closed on Wednesday, June 14. No entries will be accepted on the day. This is to ensure the club complies with Motorsport Australia’s administration and insurance

maintenance package, providing peace of mind for the years to come.

“We are thrilled to host the grand sale extravaganza and offer our customers unmatched savings and an exceptional car buying experience,” said Jason Mannix, dealer principal of Victory Ford.

“Our goal is to ensure that everyone who walks through our doors leaves with a smile on their face, knowing they’ve found the perfect vehicle at an incredible price.”

With the grand sale extravaganza in full swing, the Victory team invites car shoppers from near and far to seize the opportunity and drive away with their dream car at an unbeatable value.

MURWILLUMBAH TYRE SERVICE

'V' FOR VICTORY: The Victory Organisation Group are fired up for the three-day sale

Fuel prices down

TWEED MOTORISTS are being encouraged to fill up in mid-June as bowser prices have dropped to their lowest prices since December 2022.

Taylors Corner in Murwillumbah continues to offer the most competitive prices on both regular unleaded for $1.77 per litre and diesel for $1.84 per litre, as of Tuesday, June 13.

RACQ Principal Economist and Affordability Specialist Dr Ian Jeffreys said motorists need to take advantage of the cheaper prices.

“The combination of the cheap phase of the cycle and a reduction in wholesale prices in the last few weeks has meant this is the cheapest unleaded we’ve seen in the south east (Queensland) for quite some time,” he said.

“It’s always difficult to say exactly how long these lower prices will stay around for which is why we’re telling motorists to fill up the tank right to the top and aim to pay 170cpl or less.”

Dr Jeffreys said diesel prices have also been trending down but margins were still higher than usual.

“Average diesel prices have dropped by a couple of cents in the past week, but margins are still around 6 cents higher than the historic average of 12cpl,” he said.

“We want to see fuel companies lower diesel

prices to reflect a fair margin and pass these savings on to motorists.

“Whether you fill up with E-10, unleaded or diesel make sure you’re getting the best deal you can by using fuel comparison apps and reward the service stations that are giving you the best price at the bowser.”

MOTORING IN THE TWEED

IN OUR fast-paced world, where keeping on the road is key, having a dependable vehicle battery is of the utmost importance.

Whether it’s for your daily commute, long road trips, or emergency situations, a good battery plays a crucial role in ensuring vehicle performance, convenience, and peace of mind for motorists.

Car batteries are the heart of a vehicle’s electrical system, according to Sunshine Batteries and Radiators in Murwillumbah, who has helped provide a list of the reasons why you should always have an up-to-date battery in your vehicle.

Here’s why it is essential to have a good car battery:

1. Reliability on the road: a reliable car battery ensures that your vehicle starts smoothly, particularly during cold weather or when you haven’t driven for an extended period. A weak or failing battery can lead to frustrating instances of being stranded with a non-starting car. A quality battery reduces the risk of such inconveniences, giving you peace of mind and confidence in your vehicle’s readiness.

2. Consistent Performance: modern vehicles are equipped with numerous electrical components that require a stable power supply. It prevents voltage fluctuations that can potentially damage sensitive electronic components and guarantees consistent performance across the board.

3. Safety and peace of mind: a reliable car bat-

tery is a safety net during emergencies. It powers critical systems such as hazard lights, emergency flashers, and communication devices. In unforeseen circumstances, like breakdowns or accidents, a functioning battery ensures you can signal for help and communicate with others, providing a crucial layer of safety.

4. Fuel efficiency: an efficient battery ensures that the vehicle’s charging system operates optimally. A healthy battery reduces the strain on the alternator, promoting better fuel efficiency and potentially extending the life of other vehicle components.

5. Environmental considerations: as the world embraces sustainability, it’s essential to recognise the environmental benefits of a good car battery. A well-maintained battery enables efficient energy storage and utilisation, supporting eco-friendly transportation options.

To maximise the lifespan and performance of car batteries, regular maintenance is crucial. This includes monitoring battery health, keeping terminals clean, ensuring proper connections, and conducting routine checks by Sunshine Batteries.

Investing in a quality battery and adhering to maintenance practices safeguards against unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. To find out more, give Sunshine Batteries and Radiators in Murwillumbah a call on (02) 6672 3042, or visit their office at 30 Brisbane Street.

Little Book of Noticing

By Madeleine Murray

THE LITTLE Book of Noticing by Tumbulgum author Gavin McGahey is a self-help book that challenges readers to ask themselves a pivotal question: ‘are you carrying the weight of others on your shoulders?’.

Drawing from personal experience, Gavin unravels the thought processes that govern our lives, empowering readers to shed the shackles of ego and embrace authenticity.

Crafted as a selection of personal short stories, The Little Book of Noticing invites readers to view life through a lens of simplicity and peace.

“This book came from my heart and soul,” Gavin told The Weekly.

“I wanted to share my vulnerability, to help others live a more peaceful life and let go of the expectations that are often placed on us.”

Each story is a reflection on the power of self-inquiry, urging us to question our reactions, emotions, and the allure of dramas that often entangle us.

Central to the book’s message is the concept of judgment and its profound impact on our

well-being.

Through the transformative power of noticing, Gavin encourages readers to replace judgment with noticing, fostering deeper connections with ourselves and those around us.

The book has practical tools and strategies to navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity, compassion, and fulfillment.

By exploring the power of self-inquiry and the art of noticing, Gavin seeks to transform lives and shape a brighter future.

“To embark on your own journey of self-discovery and simplify your life, grab a copy of The Little Book of Noticing today. It’s time to replace judgment with noticing and unlock the profound beauty that lies within,” Gavin said.

As well as writing several books, Gavin founded an international software company for the Automotive Collision Repair Industry to assist businesses to greater profitability and build an inspiring culture.

To find out more about Gavin or to order his book, go to www.gavinmcgahey.com or call Gavin on 0409 152 314.

Gavin McGahey has recently released a little book that can help change your life, he says

Tweed Valley Weekly Locals Supporting Locals

Centre back in action

IT WAS one of the most impacted buildings in Murwillumbah’s Knox Park, but after 15 months of hard work, the Murwillumbah Community Centre (MCC) reopened its doors on May 31.

The building underwent a $1 million restoration project after the February 2022 flood destroyed the property.

The Community Centre experienced up to 700 millimetres of water through the building internally, destroying meeting and consulting rooms, reception, kitchens and amenities, plus structural walls, doors, windows and flooring –all impacting the delivery of services.

Proudly funded through Round 5 of the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund, restoration works started in February 2023.

Council’s Infrastructure Delivery Team worked closely with MCC manager Wendy Constantine to design and deliver a revamped facility made more resilient to floods and other natural disasters through new features and measures.

Mayor Chris Cherry toured the new centre last month, noting the best practice construction and its more sustainable, flood-resilient design. “We were pleased to be able to temporarily rehome the Murwillumbah Community Centre over the past year so they could continue to offer their critical services, but it is fantastic

to finally see them return to their home again,” Cr Cherry said.

“While it’s not practical to relocate the centre or make it completely flood-proof, flood-resilient measures have been incorporated in the refurbishment to reduce the impact from any possible future floods we might experience.

“This is part of our plans to build back better and help boost resilience in the community to ensure we are better prepared for the future.”

MCC Manager Wendy Constantine thanked MCC staff and volunteers for their commitment to the community since the floods.

“They have not only been flexible in their service delivery, but despite their own personal challenges, have worked tirelessly to ensure uninterrupted service to the community in a caring and compassionate way, ensuring people have had their basic needs met while supporting them through their recovery journey,” Ms Constantine said.

“We also thank Tweed Shire Council for putting us up at the Coolamon Centre while they renovated the Community Centre and are really thankful that they have designed the building to be more flood-proof going forward.

“All MCC staff and other services who typically work from the Community Centre are happy to be back working from this space, offering support to the community and having a bit of normality once again.”

DUETODE-MERGERWEARE NOWTAKINGENROLMENTS

Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry and MCC Chairman Barry Longland (front, centre), accompanied by support staff from both organisations

Quinny

THE MAROONS have made three forced changes and added some form to the extended bench.

Xavier Coates was magnificent in the Storm’s demolition job of the Sharks and was the obvious replacement for the injured Cobbo.

Gilbert and Arrow are done for the series and Fotuaika and Nanai have returned. Nanai exploded onto the rep scene in 2022 and big Mo was outstanding for the Titans on the weekend.

AJ Brimson and Corey Horsborough have been added to the extended bench and understandably so given their form.

Coach Freddy has had some difficult choices to make and has gone with Moses to steer the

ship. You would have to think Freddies job is on the line if he doesn’t get a result at the Cauldron next Wednesday. Latrell’s return is a massive win for the Blues. His sheer presence around training and when you’re putting your boots and jersey on, look over and see Trell Mitt suiting up it creates confidence - he is just one of those players! I thought Leniu might have got a spot and it helps that Martin will be cleared to play as he is in sublime form.

A massive congrats to Murwillumbah junior Reece Robson for his inclusion in the 17. Reece has been a rock solid contributor for the Cowboys for the last few years and is built for Origin, it is a wonderful achievement for motivation for all the young footballers in the Tweed. It will be a massive event at Suncorp next week and no surprises to see it has been sold out a long time ago.

Some interesting results on the weekend with a few blowout scores. The Titans finally put 80 mins together and got a much needed win before the bye. Croker’s 300th game got the better of the Raiders who were blown away by a committed Warriors. At round 16 the Warriors sit 6th and are playing a quality brand of footy, well done to coach Andrew Webster.

Fatigue might be finding it’s way to the Dolphins with two big losses and Manly scoring at will at Brooky on saturday night.

The Dragons were in complete control for 76 mins on the weekend and nearly blew a massive lead in a confidence boosting win.

The Broncos were dead in the water before a touch of Ezra Mam and Reynolds magic allowed them to snatch a victory.

Penrith blew away a struggling Roosters who just look to be off the pace at the moment and the Storm annihilated the Sharks to burst their bubble.

Moses and Gutherson took the game away from Canterbury in the first 20 mins with a top level performance. The Dogs seem to be improving and better but still sit in 15th spot with a much higher finish predicted.

Seven teams with byes this weekend with five interesting games and some desperate teams needed a W.

The NRRRL enjoyed a weekend off due to the King’s Birthday and returns this week with a few of our local teams needing to turn things around in the second half of the year.

See you at the footy.

Quinny

(02) 6672 1844

Stuart

Image by NRL

NRL – 2023 SEASON ROUND 16: JUNE 16–18

GCCO proudly presents "Six Strings" Recital at Bond University

Gold Coast Chamber Orchestra and Bond University are delighted to announce their next recital. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening!

Australian guitarists Hamish Strathdee and Emma-Shay

Gallenti-Guilfoyle will be performing with a string quartet from the Gold Coast Chamber Orchestra. The program includes works by Villa-Lobos and the Luigi Boccherini Guitar Quintet No 4 in D Major with the famous “Fandango” movement.

Champagne afterwards with the musicians.

To book: www.gcco.com.au

When: Tuesday 11 July 2023 6:30PM Where: Bond University University Drive Gold Coast, 4229

Shakespeare in Love

TYALGUM’S AWARD -WINNING Shepherd’s Purse Theatre Company will present the Australian Community Theatre premiere of Shakespeare In Love at Flutterbies Cottage Cafe on July 13, 14 and 15, featuring live original music performed by Sydney-based Renaissance music group Pastance.

Based on the Oscar-winning screenplay by Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard, adapted for the stage by Lee Hall, with music by Paddy Cuneen, this production will be the first time the acclaimed comedy hit has been seen in Australia outside of Melbourne. ‘Shakespeare

In Love: The Play’ brings all of the fun, adventure and romance of the hit 1998 movie vibrantly to life.

With special permission from Disney Theatrical, Tyalgum’s own Shepherd’s Purse Theatre Company will present this event in its well-loved format of the Annual Midwinter Shakespeare event. Guests will be treated to a two-course banquet-style dinner with a goblet of mulled wine and the play.

“Shakespeare in Love is the ultimate play for us to do,” said the play’s director Solar Chapel. “It has every ingredient you could ask for. It has comedy, romance, sword-fighting, dancing, music, and it is a non-stop celebration of theatre.

“This is a larger scale production than we normally do for the Shakespeare nights. This year we welcome on board ‘Pastance’ who will be playing all of the music for the play live, as well as members of the Vox Caldera choir from Lismore under the musical direction of Nicholas Routley.”

Pastance will present music from the play written by Paddy Cuneed, with lively instruments including harp, lute, percussion, vocals and violin.

“We are thrilled to have been given special permission to perform this hit West End play. As a result of the floods in our region, Disney

Theatrical very kindly granted us permission for this, to assist the businesses and enterprises in Tyalgum,” Solar said.

The plot follows the journey of the Bard himself. Penniless and indebted to two demanding producers, struggling young playwright William Shakespeare is tormented by writer’s block until he meets the beautiful Viola de Lesseps, daughter of a wealthy merchant, whose fiery passion for poetry and drama leaves her secretly longing to be an actor.

Both are despondent when they learn that Viola’s father has promised her to the stuffy Lord Wessex in order to gain a title for their family. Under the veil of secrecy, Will and Viola’s passionate love affair becomes the basis of the very play he is writing – Romeo and Juliet. With opening night – and the wedding day – fast approaching, the plots race toward a parallel conclusion. Will it all work out in the end or are the two star-crossed lovers destined for tragedy?

Tickets for this premiere event are priced at $95, and include dinner and show.

Seats are selling fast - to secure your spot call 0488 713 241 or head to shepherdspursetheatre. com.au to book your tickets.

We Are Ready event

A GATHERING of more than 800 people took place at the Tweed Heads/Coolangatta border for the We Are Ready event on Saturday, May 20.

Event co-ordinator and speaker Debra Yuille provided The Weekly with an update from the event and said it was part of the 202 Global Freedom Movement.

“These events were held around the world on that day,” she said.

“Locals gathered to learn about a wide variety of topics ranging from diet and exercise, living sustainably, how to avoid the impending energy crisis, stopping the light rail stage 4, Australia Exits the WHO (World Health Organisation) and the legality of AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency).”

Speakers included the suspended Dr William Bay, Dave Oneegs, Dylan Oakley, Roobs Flyers, Debra Yuille, Zarshua Mack, Kevin Loughrey, Luke Hart and Mandy Bishop.

Paul Seils entertained the crowd with ‘Hold the Line’ which hit number one on the US country charts out of Nashville.

“No man, woman, or group thereof has the right to initiate fraud, force or coercion against another man, woman, or group thereof — Libertarian Creed,” Ms Yuille said.

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Wealth of wisdom

By Ginny Hewlett

A WEALTH of wisdom, life experience and golfing memories was on show for the traditional annual OBE (Over Bloody Eighty) day at the Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club recently.

This wonderful group of octogenarians and nonagenarians were invited to participate in a special golf competition followed by a luncheon by ladies president Bev Prosser.

Committee member Sheila Sullivan organised a high tea with all the trimmings including delicious petit fours, fine china, damask napkins and beautifully decorated tables.

Sharpshooter Glad Wilson was delighted to

accept the golf trophy of the day from captain Linda Wright.

At 94 years young, the doyenne of our group is Joy Anshaw.

Joy is an active competitor who is a long-standing member of the club and enjoys our regular outings.

Joy started playing regular golf once she finished working in the early 1980s, and we are delighted to see her out on the course, often more than once a week.

Since she started playing, Joy says she has witnessed many changes, “all of them for the better”.

And her secret to a long life is to “get up and keep going”.

FEATURING

 

    

  



Members of the

OBE enjoy their regular outings.

Big Country Radio

By Madeleine Murray

A VETERANS’ band will join three youth bands at a Youth Music Venture concert at Seagulls on Sunday, June 18.

The power of music to inspire and bring people of all ages together has made the success of the Gold Coast-based Youth Music Venture.

Since its inception in 2009, Youth Music Venture (YMV) has brought young people together, putting them in bands, providing guidance through a dedicated group of professional musicians and then preparing the bands for a public concert.

From humble beginnings YMV has grown to four programs and performances during the year but this time founder Ian Grace is adding a veterans’ band.

Ian has created the Veterans Music Venture, an Australian first which aims to bring veterans together in a band environment.

Like the young people taking part, the band will perform as part of this year’s Tweed YMV concert.

The veterans’ show will be in honour of Ian’s good friend, veteran Shaun Spain, who tragically took his own life in January this year.

Shaun was a big supporter of the YMV and his sad passing affected Ian deeply.

Veterans to inspire Picnic at the gallery

“I’ve had plenty to do with many veterans and found they needed support, especially in the area of mental health,” Ian told The Weekly.

“Shaun’s tragic story is reflective of so many veterans and the mental challenges they face.

“He had a love of music, as do many of our former service men and women so it makes perfect sense to use that love of music to bring them together in a supportive way.

“The veterans’ program is the first time it has been staged anywhere in Australia and we hope to see it grow from here.”

Legendary comedian and Vietnam veteran Col Elliott will perform a special song he wrote in honour of his veteran colleagues.

Former Youth Music Venture graduate Chang Po Ching, a semi-finalist in The Voice Australia, will join the line-up for an afternoon of great entertainment.

Tickets are $20 for people 16 and over, kids under 16 enter free.

For tickets, go online to Humanitix Youth Music Venture Showcase Concert Tweed 2023 or go to the link bit.ly/3oCThRE

For more information, go to youthmusicventure.com.au

The Youth Music Venture Showcase Concert is at Seagulls Club, Tweed Heads, from 2-5pm on Sunday, June 18.

By Madeleine Murray

IF YOU like a picnic, with wine, cheese and art, on a hill overlooking one of the most beautiful views in the country, then come to the Tweed Regional Gallery on Sunday afternoon, June 18. Bring a chair, picnic blanket, nibbles and art equipment if you feel like drawing or painting.

Guest artists Ron and Jonathan McBurnie will be on hand to give you advice or comments on your work.

Even if you don’t want to paint or draw, you can just roam around, look at other people’s work and make new friends.

It’s a fun, relaxed afternoon, in an idyllic setting.

There will be live music, free kids’ activities, and the Tweed Regional Museum’s psychedelic-coloured Museum on Wheels will be there with some en plein air art from the gallery’s collection.

‘En plein air’ is a French term meaning in the open air. Friends like Monet and Renoir used

to go on painting expeditions to capture the changing light and beauty of an outdoor scene.

Margaret Olley began her career as a landscape artist and loved to work en plein air. “Home is wherever my wicker basket happens to be… and it is always full of paint,” she once said.

There will be covered and uncovered areas for artists on the western side of the gallery lawn, with plenty of opportunity to meet other artists and watch them work.

The gallery café Apex Dining will be serving warm soups, delicious hotbox items and family packs directly from the picnic ground.

Vocalist Layla Goundrie and guitarist Kingston Chavez of Moonboat will play amazing music inspired by bossa nova and soul.

They will be followed by Sahar, an Iranian singer-songwriter and poet.

No bookings required. More information at gallery.tweed.nsw.gov.au/whats-on

The picnic is on the lawn at the Tweed Regional Gallery, from 2-5pm, on Sunday, June 18.

Art with a spectacular view. Photo Jaka Adamic. Margaret Olley drawing outdoors in 1965. And (right inset) guest artist Ron McBurnie sketching outside at the TRG

Shaun Spain, YMV guitarist Flynn Edwards and YMV founder Ian Grace at HOTA.

Catch Chillingham Choir

CHILLINGHAM VOICES Community Choir

will present an eclectic program of choral music in Murwillumbah on June 25.

The Pieces and Bits concert will feature the Latin American classics Libertango and Carnavalito, a set of sea shanties including the well-known Wellerman, two songs from Shakespeare and the Vaughan Williams cantata In Windsor Forest.

This wonderful choir benefits from the musical skills of four experienced conductors: Harlie Axford OAM, Dean Patterson, Barry Firth and Barbara Crellin, as well as two talented pianists, Mary Wiseman and Lynne Turpie.

“After disruptions occasioned by the COVID pandemic, our members have made a welcome and enthusiastic return to rehearsals and are now ready to share their enjoyment of choral music with members of the community,” choirmaster Harlie Axford told The Weekly.

“The program will be enhanced by contributions from our iconic sub-groups – the Hot Chilli Chicks and Cool Chilli Dudes.”

Chillingham Voices will draw from their previous repertoire and reprise old favourites such as Wild Mountain Thyme, and Mukari.

The program will also include new hits, such as the folk songs Lady of Autumn and Long Black Veil.

Prior to the enforced COVID recess, the

choir gained a reputation within the Tweed District for performances of The Mikado and The Armed Man, a Chillingham Rocks Concert in the Park, a Celtic concert and a concert of songs from Hollywood movies.

Choir members also enjoyed trips to various parts of Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand where they sang with local choristers.

Proceeds from this concert will go to the Uki Refugee Project which supports refugees and asylum seekers through friendship, financial assistance, advocacy and raising awareness. For more info on the URP, go to http://ukirefugeeproject.org

Previously the choir has supported Wedgetail Palliative Care Retreat and donated proceeds to the local Flood Relief Fund. Choir members are active in the Chillingham Community Association and volunteer each month at the Chillingham Market.

Tickets are available through Trybooking (www.trybooking/CIWGW) or at the door from 1:30 pm. General admission $12, concession $10, children under 12 free. Complementary cake and drink.

The Pieces and Bits concert starts at 2:30 on Sunday, June 25 at the Jessie McMillan Hall in Wollumbin Street, Murwillumbah.

Tafe shows at M|Arts

By Madeleine Murray

TWO ART shows from Murwillumbah TAFE will be in M|Arts, Murwillumbah this month. The inaugural Bachelor of Creative Practice (BCP) exhibition will be held in the M|Arts Photography Studio from June 10-22.

The BCP graduating students will be the first to receive a Higher Education degree from TAFENSW Murwillumbah, so the exhibition called Upon Reflection is a celebration.

“Upon Reflection is a group exhibition that focuses on intersections of student’s current art practices,” visual art teacher Hobie Porter told The Weekly.

“It was established that personal reflection of art practice plays a crucial role across all of their respective art practices.

“The significance of emotional connection to content was also identified as a key driving force behind the collective.”

Part-time students, also the first crop of students undertaking the BCP, will be holding a collaborative exhibition called Heart of the Matter in the Visual Arts Studio of M|Arts.

“Heart of the Matter is an exhibition that engages with the concept of fragility of our place on this planet and in the universe,” visual art teacher Dave Hickson told The Weekly.

“It does this with artwork in suspended ceramic by Emma Chandra; with an ephemeral cardboard construction by Inara Kent; and with X-ray boxes housing organic imagery reimagined in intense colour by Nikki O’Callaghan.

“The exhibition invites visitors to draw a particular form onto a large sheet of paper, dissolving the separation between artist and audience.”

The Bachelor of Creative Practice is a challenging, rewarding course that focuses on creative exploration, possibility, innovation, and collaboration. The course is delivered both

full-time and part-time.

The student’s studies were affected by the 2022 eastern Australia floods, one of the worst of the nation’s floods on record.

Students and lecturers were stranded for weeks, some without power, internet and phone.

Most managed to continue their studies online, but it was a stressful time.

One of the lecturers had to ride his bicycle to a local public school to access the only internet service in the region in order to continue classes online.

Hardly anyone could access the Murwillumbah campus due to landslips, but even if they could it would have been useless as the campus was converted to an evacuation centre at the time.

Opening night will be at M|Arts, Murwillumbah from 6-8pm on Friday June 16. The exhibitions finish on June 22. M|Arts is open from 10am-4pm Monday to Saturday.

As winter sets in there is something for everyone at The Regent! Come on down for movies, live music, and cosy, classic cocktails. New to the screen is a meditation on life, death, and friendship in THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRY, and the heart-warming French dance film, RISE (EN CORPS)

SWEET AS tells the inner journey of at-risk teens in the heart of the Pilbara, and AUDREY NAPANANGKA is a love letter to the power of family.

LONG STORY SHORT: WILLIE NELSON AT 90 honours the legend in an all-star live concert film, and FLYWAYS explores the ancient routes of migratory shore birds.

BOOK CLUB: THE NEXT CHAPTER whirls the group through Italy, and JESUS REVOLUTION starring Kelsey Grammer tells the true story of a hippie street preacher. THE BLUE CAFTAN explores love in a life of lies, and Nicholas Cage stars as Dracula in RENFIELD MOHINI COX and JASON BAGGIO are back with BALCONY SESSIONS every Friday 5.30-7.30pm. On Saturdays SHELLY BROWN returns on 17 June and PARISSA BOUAS graces the stage on 24 June. Khanthaly’s Kitchen serves up delicious light dining every Fri and Sat evenings.

BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW

BROADWATERS – Winter Chill Tour – Sat 8 July

DUSTED OFF – A play by BRETT HUNT – Sun 16 July VISIT OUR WEBSITE for latest show dates!

Jesus Revolution 1:00PM

Book Club: The Next Chapter 3:30PM Balcony Sessions (LIVE MUSIC) with MOHINI COX & Special Guests 5:30-7:30PM

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry 1:00PM

Jesus Revolution 3:25PM

Balcony Sessions (LIVE MUSIC) with MOHINI COX & Special Guests 5:30-7:30PM

Renfield 5:45PM

Long Story Short: Willie Nelson 90 (FINAL) 7:45PM

The Blue Caftan (FINAL) 1:00PM

Jesus Revolution 3:30PM

Balcony Sessions (LIVE MUSIC) with SHELLY BROWN 5:30-7:30PM

Book Club: The Next Chapter 5:55PM Renfield 8:15PM

Book Club: The Next Chapter 1:00PM Jesus Revolution 3:20PM

SAT 24 JUNE

Book Club: The Next Chapter 5:50PM Sweet As 8:00PM Sweet As 1:00PM

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry 3:00PM Balcony Sessions (LIVE MUSIC) with PARISSA BOUAS 5:30-7:30PM

Rise (En Corps) 5:30PM Renfield 7:55PM

SUN 25 JUNE

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry 1:00PM Book Club: The Next Chapter 3:30PM Sweet As 5:45PM

From left-Graduating students Mandy Bell, Vicky Tulle and Gail Alexander

TEST YOUR TWEED SHIRE KNOWLEDGE

1. How many humpback whales are estimated to migrate along the East Australian coastline each year?

2. How long is the Kokoda Trail?

3. W hat is the name of the tower that would carry Optus and Telstra facilities which was recently denied approval at Pottsville?

4. W hat year saw the first Reconciliation Week?

5. W hich iconic restaurant is opening a takeaway in Uki?

1. About 40,000, 2. 96km, 3. A monopole, 4. 1993, 5. Mavis’ Kitchen

WORDSEARCH: TWEED RETREATS

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

LAST WEEK’S SUDOKU

crystalcreek, babblingbrook, riverretreat, jodhaibai, wollumbinpalms, larocher, harekrishna, waterfallhideout, oakscasuarina, tyalgumridge

PET OF THE WEEK

Bella

Foster Dog S20

$400 Location: Banora English Staffy X Kelpie

D.O.B. 02/02/2016

Desexed Female

M/C # 900023002145029

Sweet Bella has asked us to find her a home of her own, she would love an owner all to herself.

A work from home owner is ideal as Bella can be needy at times, she likes to lay next to you while you work. Or a fit retiree who can spend time with her. She loves walks and the water.

Her new home should have no other pets and a fully fenced yard.

FOTP will give a training support package to the new owner of Bella. Bella would make a fantastic companion dog to the right person. She is fully vaccinated, desexed & housetrained.For more information contact Yvette on 0421 831 128 or complete our online adoption expression of interest. https://friendsofthepound.com/ adoption-expression-of-interest/

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.

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

Tweed Valley

League legend Billy Bischoff passes aged 85

LEAGUE LEGEND and Tweed

Shire resident William (Billy) Francis Bischoff passed away surrounded by family and friends following an extraordinary life.

Billy’s son Christian contacted The Weekly to help share some of his father’s remarkable tale, from narrowly missing out on major premiership wins to coaching the Seagulls Football Club. Billy had done it all in a time when footy was tough to say the least.

Billy’s life started on March 12, 1938, on the precipice of World War II. He was the second child to William James Bischoff and Dolly cavil Bischoff, and younger brother to Shirley Constance.

Billy grew up in Annandale in the inner west of Sydney, which is where Billy was taught the gift of generosity.

“However penurious the times were, it certainly didn’t impact in any way the open door and generosity of the Bischoffs, the fun that ensued from a little wooden cottage in a very working-class area of Sydney. I believe this is where my father’s extraordinary generosity of spirit was built,” Christian told The Weekly.

“My grandfather William James (we all know him as Bok), passed to his son Billy the baton of that most generous vessel that nestled within their bosom, big hearts lots of ticker, served them well in life, and it served

them well on the playing field.”

It was during his formative years that Billy and his surrounding community noticed he was quite a talent on the footy field.

“Even though Dad’s pedigree from his father Bok was indeed most noble, being a part of the 1939 grand final-winning team against Souths and indeed being honoured with the best and fairest player (receiving a handshake) in that grand final, Dad’s future looked bright,” Christian said.

“It wasn’t long before Balmain rugby league spotted this talent, and signed him up with their junior rugby league, the Leichhardt Wanderers.”

It was around this time that Billy would find the love of his life.

“There was another wonderful excitement brewing in his late teens, and it came to fruition when on the balcony of the Prince Edward theatre in Sydney, my mother was on a blind date to meet up with a young star of the football field, Johnny Rapper,” Christian told The Weekly.

“However, in my mother’s inimitable style, she gazed upon another young up-and-coming star of the rugby league arena, and his name was Billy, and she turned to her friend Eileen who arranged this blind date and said ‘who’s that boy, I want him’, and that is how it all began.

“Things progressed very quickly. Mum and Dad were married in

1958 on March 15; Dad had only just turned 20 and Mum was still a few months shy of her 19th birthday.

“Patricia Lorraine Teasdell doesn’t muck around when she makes her mind up, and I’m sure Dad was equally beguiled by the blonde bombshell that thundered down that staircase to take hold of Billy, and that hold stayed for over 65 years of marriage. Until the very end, Mum and Dad were holding hands.”

Although Patricia was Billy’s life love, his passion extended to rugby league where he played 151 first grade games for the Balmain Tigers, now Wests Tigers, and rated fourth of the most games played in the great history of the Balmain Tigers since 1908.

“Toward the end of 1965 Billy was offered the contract to come up and captain-coach West Tamworth Robins. This was I believe a bravo moment in the history of this wonderful uniting between Mum and Dad and their three little boys, heading to what now is the country music capital of Australia,” Christian said.

“In 1980, once again Dad took the family on another adventure and this was to the Gold Coast, and be the coach of Seagulls Rugby League Club, from 1980, ‘81, ‘82.

“In 2003 my father retired from Seagulls Rugby League Club as sub-assistant manager, and that gave him as we now know 20 years to trav-

el, to tinker, to mow, clip, and immaculately manicure his garden which he loved so much. Where indeed Mum

and Dad lived most of their lives, and what a happy one.”

At home and on the field Billy was a legend

Business for Sale

Long established local independent mobile pool servicing business for

Caravans Wanted

Firewood FIREWOOD

Public Notice

Proposed Road Disposal Section 152D Roads Act 1993

In accordance with section 152D of the Roads Act 1993, notice is hereby given of the proposed sale of the Crown public roads listed in Schedule 1. If a sale proceeds, the road(s) will cease to be a public road upon transfer of the road to freehold land in accordance with section 152H of the Act.

Schedule 1:

• Crown roads at North Tumbulgum within and adjoining 92 and 118 Cranneys Road. (File Ref: 22/08441, Cluster: 639989)

For Sale

Ph: 0459 098 873

reside.

All interested persons are hereby invited to make submissions concerning the proposal to Department of Planning and Environment-Crown Lands, PO Box 2215, DANGAR NSW 2309 within twenty-eight (28) days of the date of this advertisement. Any person is entitled to make submissions with respect to the sale or disposal of the road. Please note that submissions may be referred to third parties (such as council or the applicant) for consideration in accordance with the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009.

For the Manager, Business Centre Newcastle

For further enquiries please visit the website roads.crownland.nsw.gov.au or contact Tracey Ward by email at tracey.ward@crownland.nsw.gov.au or on (02) 4904 2576 quoting file references above.

NEW GRANNY FLAT never been set up, opens to 6x6 building. Built by Same Day Granny Flats. I’m in Tweed area. $29,500 Contact Peter 0419 702 409

For Sale

LABRADOR RETREIVER PUPS FOR SALE Family pets, lovel nature. Vet checked and microchipped Female golden. No: 953010006395423. Male black No: 953010006395348. 10 wks. Ready for new.

Ph: 0433 073 471 or (02) 6677 7347.

For Sale

GIANT FATHOM E BIKE 2019 Model. One owner, new battery worth $1200. Great condition, comes with charger, head and tail light. $1,800 ono Ph: 0422 827 881

2021 DOMINATOR BLACK SERIES CAMPER for sale. This Camper has it all with full ‘Off-Road’ and ‘Off Grid’ capability. A lot of extra’s are included as this Camper was taken to Cape York and all camping was totally ‘Off Grid’. One of the best set-ups you will come across. $18,000 ONO Ph: 0459 289 880

ELECTRIC SCOOTER Afiscooter C. First class condition and working as brand new. Instruction book included. Features include Large sized container with a full-size cover and two inner tubes for the wheels. $2,250 phone: 0427 347 301 or 02 6672 1679 for an inspection.

Double Electric Bed

Excellent condition, linen & quilt available. $750 (cash only)

Ph: (07) 5536 1407

House Sitting

HOUSE SITTER Responsible, mature professional, single person, can care for pets, 5 years’ experience on the gold coast and tweed area. Have references, immediate start, phone 0411 201 316

Musician Wanted

2018 OFF-ROAD MARS Camper Trailer, f orward folding, pull-out kitchen, full annex. Registered to February 2024. $13,500

Ph: 0449 165 780.

Experienced BASS PLAYER and an experienced KEYS MUSICIAN required for a working band. Located Tweed Shire.

Personal DISILLUSIONED BY ONLINE

DATING SITES?

There are 42 Thai ladies aged 50 – 60 that are available for

• Caring

• Cooking

• House keeping

• Massage

• Companion

For detailed information

Phone John 0434 712 735

Piano Tuner/Removal

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

Call Jed the Piano man

Cheapest and the best. 35 years in the biz

Complimentary Piano tune

With every removal

Also offering the best piano lessons in town

(07) 5590 5778 0448 985 778

Positions Vacant

FARMER NEEDS HELP

Office work, filing, typing & simple calculations. Ph: 0467 905 917

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

LADY REQUIRED, knowledge of webster packs, some meal prep, some house duties. 3 days per week, 1.5 hours per morning. Sunday included, some flexibility, reliable, required as soon as possible. Location Tweed Heads. Ph: 0424 184 949

COURIER DRIVER Wed- Fri, early starts, knowledge of Brisbane and Gold Coast advantageous. Truck requires driver license. Need to be reliable, clean and tidy. Phone Rod 0448 156 524

TRUCK DRIVERS National Transport & Logistics company requires HC/MC seasonal cane truck drivers at Condong, Broadwater & Harwood Sugar Mill sites. Competitive pay rates. Send Resumé/CV to Wendy.Keel@sctlogistics.com.au or call 0409 568 795 during office hrs.

CASUAL BUS DRIVER POSITION

J&B Buses Murwillumbah. Variable hours, local charter work, suit local. Must hold a MR license, NSW driver authority. Current working with children check. Phone John: 0427 453 091

Death Notices

Positions Vacant

TWEED HEADS COOLANGATTA TAXIS

NIGHT DRIVERS REQUIRED. All training provided join our friendly team right now.

Phone 07 5536 3371

Scrap Metal Removal

CLIFFORDS METAL RECYCLING Do you have scrap metals? we can pick up. Deceased estates and farm machinery included. Or you can bring it in @ 60 Quarry Road south Murwillumbah. Open 7am to 4pm Weekdays. Only licensed recycling yard in Murwillumbah. Ph: 0411 507 885 or 0429 936 197

Social Group

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

To Let

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

1-2 Bedroom house

10k’s from Murwillumbah

Would suit mature couple, $450 p/w Ph: 0467 800 432

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

Wanted

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

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

BOOKS bought for CASH

Always buying quality books, fine, old or rare Please call Haymes Bookdealers on 1300 431 736

GERDES Sandra Maree 05/06/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

WOODS Debra Ann 05/06/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

CUSACK Charles John “Charlie” 06/06/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

CAPRA Neville John 08/06/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

HAMBLY Margherita Rose 11/06/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

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

Wanted

BUYING GOLD & SILVER COINS Banknotes

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

Death Notice

In Loving Memory of CHARLES JOHN CUSACK (CHARLIE)

Passed away peacefully on 6th June 2023. Aged 69 years.

Devoted Husband to Kay. Loving Dad & Father-in-law to Benjamin & Maria and Corey & Tahlia.

Proud and loving Pop to Ella, Evie, Emilia, Felix and Otto. Brother & Brother in-law to Patrick & Joyce and Peter & Zita. Charles will be greatly missed by family and friends. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend Charlie’s Memorial Service at Condong Bowls Club on Saturday 17th June 2023 at 11am.

Funeral Notice

In loving memory of

VALERIE ENID SMITH (née Hebblewhite)

21.4.28 - 6.6.23

Passed away peacefully in JFH surrounded by all of her family. A very heartfelt and special thank you to all the doctors, nurses and carers who looked a er Mum with such kindness Loved by all who new her…. Beloved wife of Jack (deceased)

Beloved Mother of Wendy, Stephen, Georgina, Valerie and cherished by their partners Susan, Jack, William, Wallace and Royce. Nanny of 14.

Nathan, Bianca, Brooke, Alexis, Tanya, Jacqueline, Benjamin, Adam, Katie, Kellie, Luke, Joel, Nelson, Brayden

Great Nanny of 9.

Zoe, Anders, Kinley, Vivienne, William, Finn, Eva, River, William Family and friends are warmly invited to attend e Tweed Crematorium on Friday 16th June 2023 at 11.30am

Noel Herbert Scott

21st December 1937-10th June 2023

Loving Partner to Bev. Beloved Dad to Timothy, Michael, Tania, Kellie and Katherine.

Grandfather to 11 and Great Grand Father to 4. Cherished Brother to his brothers and sisters. Will be sadly missed.

Tweed Heads Ph: (07) 5599 1500

In Memoriam

In loving Memory

Debra Ann Woods

19/6/1955 - 5/6/2023

Passed away peacefully, surrounded by family

Beloved Daughter, Sister, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and Partner

Cherished by extensive family and friends.

Adored by all.

Known by all for immeasurable kindness, generosity and compassion. Lover of nature, guardian of all creatures great and small, lifelong musician and so full of love.

Thank you Mum we will carry you in our hearts for eternity.

2/9/1947

“The staff have become like family to my Mum and this means the world to us. We love them too.”

dad safe, protected and happy.”

.

Our Victorian Residences:

Our Local Residences:

Lynbrook Park

Heritage Lodge | Murwillumbah

42 Olive Road, Lynbrook

194 Byangum Road

The Ashley 17-21 Ashley Street, Reservoir

Rosebrook

Ra es | Tweed Heads South Peregrine Drive, O 2 Falcon Way

441 Waterfall Gully Road, Rosebud

Newmans on the Park

33 Newmans Road, Templestowe

We believe that everyone deserves to live the happiest life they can. So by providing the right care, the very best

We believe that everyone deserves to live the happiest life they can. So by providing the right care, the very best

We understand that the decision to join our community is a level of care and compassion our residents enjoy, you’ll want to call McKenzie home.

We understand that the decision to join our community is a level of care and compassion our residents enjoy, you’ll want to call McKenzie home.

Charlesbrook

1 Innisfallen Avenue, Templestowe

Sut ton Park

1300 899 222 mckenzieacg.com

– Joanne Smith, Maggie’s daughter.

– Kerry , daughter of a McKenzie resident

Curiousity over Pottsville luxury home

By Jo Kennett

HAVE YOU been curious about what looks like a massive build on the western side of Pottsville with a multitude of tradies’ utes parked nearby?

It looks too big and elaborate to be a house but that’s exactly what it is.

What promises to be one of the most beautiful homes in the region is being built on Coronation Avenue by award-winning OneUp Building.

Designed by local architect Rachel Norman, the home has a resort-style feel with a strong emphasis on functionality according to the team at OneUp.

The owners live in Darwin and wanted to create their dream retirement home.

They had known Rick Simmons, who co-founded OneUp with Scott Somerville, for years, so they approached OneUp to do the build.

“They would be living remotely and unable to visit the site on a regular basis so they needed a team they could trust would deliver for the bulk of the build process,” Rick said.

Project Coordinator Nathan

Wethered has been with OneUp since 2006 and has worked on some of Sydney’s most beautiful, luxury homes.

He jumped at the chance to relocate to the north coast for the build.

“It’s a great opportunity,” Nathan said.

“There’s such a good community here. I love the collaboration and the solutions-based approach everyone takes.

“We’ve created a great team, and my aim is for OneUp to be recognised as one of the premier builders in the region.

“We aim to have the same reputation up here as we have in Sydney.”

Rick said they knew there were a lot of great builders around the northern NSW southern Queensland region already but they took on the build “because of the size, scale and quality of this project.”

“It’s aligned with the type of luxury homes we love to build and that’s not something everyone can do,” Rick said.

“We’ve always had a dream to do regional and larger-scale work and this was the perfect opportunity.

“Thankfully, Nathan jumped at it. Having a team member of his calibre on the ground makes it work.” Having some great local tradies on the ground helped to bring the project together.

“Added to that is our determination to use the best local tradespeople and sub-contractors around to ensure we get the right result,” Rick said.

“We also want to support the local community in the process.

“I’m proud to say we’ve also employed our own local crew and they are a dream team.”

Architect Rachel Norman said the owners asked her to create a home base that provided plenty

of space for friends and family to stay.

“It’s not often that you have such a substantial footprint to work with,” she said.

“The main driver was to provide an outlook from all bedrooms and living areas to the nature reserve at the rear of the property.

“While the house is luxurious in its size and appointment, it is truly about creating a space for family and friends to come together.

“The material palette sets the project apart, from inception the use of sandstone has been at the forefront with other material selections working in to complement this natural material.

“Working closely with OneUp

we have refined this palette, reviewing samples, experimenting with different finish options to ensure the overall finish is one of exceptional quality and an understated luxury.”

Rachel has plenty of experience with the Tweed Shire Council approval process which helped in the build.

Apart from this home, she has designed three new duplexes in Pottsville including one in Seabrae Drive and the big new duplex with the distinctive wooden privacy screens just south of the Norries Headland car park entry at Cabarita.

LUXURY POTTSVILLE: The Coronation Avenue home under construction is attracting quite the interest

Mr Property Services

4 Maria Court, Condong

4 spacious brms | 2 living areas | media/office | pool

This immaculate and beautifully maintained family home will be a joy to come home to. Taking in an elevated position overlooking the parkland setting offers a protective position without losing your stunning river & mountain view. Spacious throughout with a beautiful modern kitchen, 2 separate living spaces plus a media room/office, ensuited master brm and a private, fully fenced yard with large covered outdoor living area & inground pool. Vendors are downsizing.

22

Dorothy Street, Murwillumbah

4 brms | modern kitchen | covered verandah | storage

21 Mooball Street Murwillumbah

1113m2 with rear access | 3 brms or 2 living | 2 sunrooms

Offering character and convenience within walking distance to the shopping precinct, sporting fields and Mt Saint Patricks, this wonderfully solid home retains original features that include: 11ft (3.3m) ceilings, vj board linings, breezeways above doors, French doors, original hardwood floors, weatherboard clad exterior (presently pvc clad) and a large covered rear deck overlooking the back yard. Offering a versatile floor plan with 2 bedrooms plus 2 sunrooms at the front of the original home with a central lounge area and separate dining adjoining the kitchen. The front bedrooms offer a potential to utilise the corner sunroom for an extra bedroom, playroom for the kids or an ensuite and walk-in robe. There are lots of options for this property. Get your hands dirty and capitalise.

Open Home Sat 11 - 11.30am

Price Guide $1.2 - $1.295m

This well-presented home is ready for a new family. Situated in a quiet street less than 2km from the town centre, this solid, low maintenance home offers features that include; freshly painted interior, original timber floors, modern kitchen, 4 good size bedrooms, ceiling fans, a/c living & main bedroom, study(walk-in linen or potential ensuite), a fully covered rear deck overlooking the yard for outdoor living and dining, fenced rear yard connecting to the football fields and parkland for the kids and pets, storage downstairs.

8

Riverview Street, Murwillumbah

3 bed | 2 bath | extensive storage | walk to town

Open Home Sat 10 -10.30am

$799,000 Ready to Negotiate

Open Home Sat 1 - 1.30pm

Guide Range $670k to $690k

Meticulously presented, this home provides modern comfort with added benefits that include extensive secure storage areas, plenty of covered car accommodation for (5) vehicles, including your trailer, boat or caravan, plus room in the fully fenced rear yard for children, pets and a garden, all conveniently accessed from the rear lane (Nullum Lane) through double gates. There is nothing to do but move in and start enjoying this low maintenance property, being able to walk to town, access to parkland (Knox Park) for the kids and of course freeing yourself up to enjoy your weekends. No renovations, no huge lawns or big gardens to look after either. Genuine seller is relocating for work & business opportunities.

Belinda Franks - 0409 152200

Ray White Rural Murwillumbah

Open Home Sat 12 -12.30pm

Price Guide $890k to $920k

Our Community Comes First

CHARMING COUNTRY RETREAT - ILLALANGI'

10

Old Ferry Road Banora Point

Welcome to ILLALANGI an exquisite elevated low set residence, providing a harmonious fusion of timeless country charm and contemporary luxury.

Nestled amidst the breathtaking scenery of Tweed River and Terranora Inlet, this idyllic retreat-style property on 1492m2 of land, offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

KEY FEATURES:

• Full length deck overlooking the Terranora inlet and Tweed Rivers

• Galley kitchen w/ servery window overlooking picturesque river views

• Formal living room w/ split system A/C and Coonara fire place

• Media/Family Room w/ access to rear deck via quality stacker sliding door

• Master bedroom featuring an atrium ensuite, walk in robe with quality joinery & access to the rear deck

• Detached self-contained residence with separate entrances at front & rear, featuring Master bedroom w/ ensuite, kitchen, living room and full length deck with water views

• Double lock up garage

• Garden shed and recreational shed.

For Sale

433 bath bed

car

Price Guide $1,950,000 - $2,100,000

Open Inspections by personal appointment

David Stringer 0418 150 731

david@djstringer.com.au

Competition

PRIZES FOR EACH CATEGORY PLUS EVERY GARDENER THAT ENTERS GOES INTO THE DRAW TO WIN THE MAJOR PRIZE!

You don’t have to be a professional gardener or possess a green thumb to enter!

THE CATEGORIES ARE AS FOLLOWS (YOU CAN ENTER UP TO 3 CATEGORIES)

Meet our special guest, garden guru & ABC Radio ‘Good Gardening’ celebrity Phil Dudman at our exclusive awards event, THURSDAY 19TH OCTOBER 2023, 3PM - 5PM (QLD Time)

Entries - now open & close 30th of September 2023... Judging dates will be announced early September Visit: www.djstringer.com.au/garden to enter, or scan and email the form below to: reception@djstringer.com.au

1) SMALL SPACE GARDEN – BALCONY, COURTYARD/PATIO For gardens with balconies, courtyards or patios.

2) GENERAL SIZED GARDEN

All general gardens up to 1000 m2 of land space.

3) LARGE GARDENS & ACREAGE Gardens larger than 1000 m2 of land space.

4) EDIBLE GARDEN & VEGIE PATCH

Edible gardens including vegie patches.

5) SUSTAINABLE GARDEN Sustainable Gardens/Eco friendly and the use of natural/organic products – no size limit.

6) PRETTY GARDEN We’re looking for pretty flowering gardens in this category big or small.

Or scan the QR Code to enter

7) COMICAL OR QUIRKY GARDEN For that garden that oozes personality & or charm in any shape or form, big or small.

8) SCHOOL GARDEN Edible, sustainable, flowering , students gardens & or just beautifully maintained grounds.

9) BEST WATER FEATURE Special fish pond & or general water feature of any size.

10) BEST MAN CAVE Can be attached or unattached to home, sports bar area / billiard room or workshop but it must represent its owners personality.

11) BEST TENANTS GARDEN Tenants must have been renting the home & maintained all gardens for in excess of 12 months.

12) BEST COMMUNITY GARDEN Community garden with various participant gardeners.

OPEN TO SOUTHERN GC - PALM BEACH TO COOLANGATTA & TWEED TO KINGSCLIFF RESIDENTS