Tweed Valley Weekly, June 8, 2023

New unit block approved

By Jonathon Howard

TWEED SHIRE Councillors have given the green light for the development of a new flat building on the corner of 1 Brett Street and 26 Recreation Street at Tweed Heads.

The $8.35 million development comprises 22 units across seven storeys and follows a lengthy negotiation process with Council to gain approval.

The development was submitted by Zone Planning Group, whose development application was previously denied in December 2022 due to the building’s setbacks and the number of units.

“The applicant has since revised the design of the proposed residential flat building in an effort to address the reasons for refusal and has submitted the amended design,” Council’s report reads.

The number of units has reduced from 28 to 22 and an additional storey has been added to the building.

The plans now offer greater setbacks and a reduction in the number of units per floor, from seven units per floor to four units, and three units per floor above level five.

“In order to achieve the above outcomes, the building height has increased from 20.1 metres (RL 23.6m AHD) to 22.7 metres (RL 26.2m AHD) with the introduction of a new level six, still well below the maximum building height of

34 metres above ground level natural,” Council’s report states.

Councillors were quick to throw their support behind the development, with Mayor Chris Cherry highlighting: “it’s what the community needs”.

“Housing is in short supply and development such as this is needed to help address this shortage,” she said. The motion was carried in support of the development via a unanimous decision.

Pottsville monopole denied

By Jo Kennett

A DEVELOPMENT application for a new telecommunications monopole at 1126 Pottsville Road, Pottsville, has been denied by Tweed Shire Councillors, who cited the sensitive nature of the location and flagged the applicant’s unwillingness to consider other options.

The monopole, which has a maximum height of 32.4 metres and would carry both Optus and Telstra facilities, was applied for via Service Stream on behalf of Optus Pty Ltd.

“The proposal is for the installation of a new Telecommunications Facility incorporating Optus and Telstra equipment to be co-located onto the new facility,” the application reads.

Councillors discussed and voted against the tower’s approval, highlighting that although Pottsville needs improved connectivity, the site selected — on the main road — is not a good fit.

Mayor Chris Cherry said it was a “really unfortunate situation” as Pottsville needs

improved coverage but is conflicted by the specific site.

“The proponent was asked to move the tower 18 metres or to undertake a further environmental assessment, they declined both options,” Mayor Cherry said.

Mayor Cherry said Tweed Shire Council staff had also attempted to work with the proponent to find alternative sites, but these attempts were unsuccessful.

“Council owns several sites in the area that have not been investigated as yet,” the mayor added.

“We are wanting to help the Pottsville community improve coverage.”

The site in question was denied due to the impacts of ecological and environmental matters, but there are still options according to councillors.

Cr James Owen questioned why Service Stream and Optus did not respond to the Council staff options of moving the tower or investigating another site.

Council’s director of planning and regulation Vince Connell said alternative options were provided to the proponent

who chose to proceed with the current site and application.

Cr Warren Polglase said a time frame should be applied to the tower’s installation to improve the turnaround time and improve Pottsville coverage sooner rather than later.

Mr Polglase added a clause to the denied motion that Council works with Service Stream and Optus to investigate alternative sites to service the Pottsville community with the aim to achieving approval within six months.

All councillors minus Cr Reece Byrnes voted against the tower at the 1126 Pottsville Road location.

BEFORE: The original tower design above was rejected by Councillors

AFTER: The new revised design (above) has received the green light

An example image of a monopole

Black cockatoos: who’s a pretty boy

I took this photo of a black cockatoo today in our tulip tree at Dungay recently and wanted to share it with The Weekly readers.

Beautiful birds. Two of them together. I have never seen one so close. These birds are very shy and difficult to photograph. These photos were zoomed in with a Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra.

The photo shows the entire bird with the height from head to tail estimated at 60cm. Wingspan is estimated at two metres when flying in front of me only 5 metres away.

Amazing sight, what a privilege to see them.

The demerger will mean that the long history of Murwillumbah High School will be restored, a public high school which is one of the oldest in NSW.

The history of the younger Wollumbin High School will be preserved as well, as will the history of both the public primary schools. History is important and should be valued and looked after not discarded. When observing school reunions, it is very evident the value that past pupils put on it.

The stakeholders of public education now have the job ahead of restoring the damage done to public education in Murwillumbah.

Gerry Matthews, Murwillumbah

The messy business of war

Ben Roberts-Smith VC has now been condemned but not tried for any war crimes.

Little more than a year ago, General Angus Campbell tried to rescind medals from 3,000 diggers due to the actions of a few — although he insisted he retain his medals.

School demerger

The recent announcement of the demerger of the two public high schools in Murwillumbah is a welcome outcome to most community members. Sadly it has caused many issues that could have been avoided if it had never happened or handled in a more appropriate manner.

One outcome that it resulted in was the loss of a significant number of experienced teachers from the public system at a time of chronic teacher shortage. Experience cannot be replaced overnight.

Due to pressure put on these individuals to refrain from commenting on the merger situation some resigned, took leave, went to other endeavours, or took up positions in private and independent schools.

As far as I’m aware, Corporal Ben Roberts-Smith’s actions in Afghanistan were subject to the oversight of General Angus Campbell who awarded himself medals, in part based on SAS actions, of which Ben Roberts-Smith was a member.

I can see that the former SAS trooper is going to be hung out to dry by the very officers that should have supervised his actions.

It beggars belief that Ben and his comrades could whistle up a chopper and go on their merry way overnight or most of the day, do their ‘business’ and come back with just about every officer collectively declaring: “I had no idea what they were doing”.

I would remind everyone that these are the very officers that will direct Australian troops in any war we are going to have with China.

General Jim Molan, in a chat with another Australian General ‘wryly’

declared that Australia would be lucky to last three days.

More than one general is aware that three days is optimistic.

There is an adage that the ‘officers have careers while the men have jobs’.

To date I have not seen one single serving officer come forward to support the men that served with them in Afghanistan.

They appear to be very sensitive to their future career prospects.

Bill Collins, Murwillumbah

Destroying the planet

D Weston Allen claims (TVW Letters June 1) that: “Studies have found that mining for renewables … threatens biodiversity more than climate change itself.”

The authors of such a study need to look for a job they can actually do.

Here’s a small sample of what they missed: the billion or so vertebrates incinerated in our latest record bushfires, polar bears, with no ice floes to hunt from, are wandering into towns looking for people or something else to eat, and the Bramble Cay melomys, the first mammal to go extinct due to sea level rise.

North America has lost whole forest ecosystems because now winter doesn’t get cold enough to control the mountain pine beetle.

In the past few years, whales have been starving in the Atlantic, Pacific and lately off our north-west. Warming waters have crashed the populations of their food species. Bad news for whales and everyone else. Whales play a significant role in sending carbon to the sea bottom.

As D W Allen points out, lithium batteries are not ideal. Fortunately, recycling of them is starting up and better technologies are well into development.

All will be futile however, unless we stop digging up and burning fossil fuels. Our last government was hopeless and the current one isn’t much better.

The polar icecaps and glaciers aren’t going to re-freeze any time in the next

few centuries unless some adults take control of energy production.

Alan Watterson, Hastings Point

Camphor laurel is the real enemy

In response to Dr Samuel K Dawson’s letter (TVW Letters June 1) the greatest threat to flora and fauna in the Tweed Valley does not come from farming or from climate change, it comes from the camphor laurel tree which has devastated hundreds-of-thousands of acres of prime land in the Tweed, Lismore and Byron shires.

This highly invasive weed has gone from nothing 50 years ago to now being the dominant plant species in the Tweed. It kills everything in its path. If you have ever gone into a thick camphor infestation you will hear nothing but a deathly silence, no other plants or animals can live with camphors, even spiders won’t touch them and they also kill fish, turtles and lizards. Now you would think that environmentalists would be highly alarmed by this, but strangely they don’t mention it.

William E Goatt, Tyalgum

Thank you from Palliative Support

Thank you so much for the article on Palliative Care Week and Wedgetail Retreat in last week’s paper (TVW front page, June 1).

We are so grateful to you for highlighting palliative care, our hospice, and the ongoing support we receive from this wonderful Tweed community.

Tweed Shire residents are fortunate to have all bases covered concerning end-of-life care, and families have many options as to where palliative patients spend their last days.

They could choose to remain at home with the support of Murwillumbah and Tweed community nurses and Tweed Palliative Support.

Some people choose the medical model and prefer a hospital admis -

sion, Murwillumbah hospital has a newly refurbished palliative care room for patients.

Or guests and their families can be cared for in a home-like environment at Wedgetail Retreat with 24/7 registered nurses and supported by our trained volunteers.

We are the only community hospice in NSW to provide this wonderful service, but we couldn’t survive without our community’s ongoing financial support.

Palliative Care Week’s theme ‘matter of life and death’ encourages us to think about our end-of-life choices and having those conversations with our families about how and where you would like to spend your last days. People over the age of 18 should have an advanced health care directive so their wishes are clear and known by family and friends.

Most importantly, have a current Will with your wishes clearly documented. This can make what is usually a very sad time a little easier for family and friends to navigate. Everyone should think about having these conversations sooner rather than later. It’s much easier to talk about end-of-life issues when able rather than a death bed discussion.

Meredith Dennis OAM, Tyalgum, President Tweed Palliative Support Correction school demerger story

Murwillumbah Public School P&C president and local mother Jade Juleff would like to retract the statement she was associated with, printed in relation to the ‘School demerger’ article, on page 18, June 1, paragraph 21. Ms Juleff was approached for comment but was unable to provide a statement prior to the print deadline.

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.

Ron Campeanu, Dungay

Plenty of health jobs available

By Jonathon Howard

THERE ARE growing concerns that the Tweed Valley Hospital could struggle to adequately staff the new facility by its opening date in November — as the state grapples with critical shortages of health staff.

A quick search of the NSW Health jobs website reveals there are currently 34 jobs for health staff across the Northern Rivers and 19 of those are advertised for The Tweed Hospital.

A spokesperson for the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) responded to questions from The Weekly and said they were actively recruiting new staff.

“Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) is actively recruiting to fill vacancies and new roles as the hospital expands to ensure all services will be delivered safely and with appropriate staffing levels,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson added that any healthcare professional considering employment at the new hospital should apply now.

“Healthcare professionals who are interested in working at the new Tweed Valley Hospital and the current Tweed Hospital are encouraged to apply for positions as they become available through the NSW Health jobs website,” the spokesperson said.

“NNSWLHD will also be holding a careers expo in the coming months for anyone interested in healthcare or related roles. More information will be provided closer to the date.”

Several residents, who did not want to be named, have approached The Weekly in the past month with a range of ques -

tions and concerns regarding the state’s newest hospital.

Among them are concerns around the parking model at the new hospital.

The previous NSW Coalition government announced a free parking model last year for the new hospital, which has been costed by the now Labor government.

A Parliamentary Budget Office report titled ‘Free parking at all rural and regional NSW public hospitals, including Shoalhaven and Tweed’ has estimated lost revenue of $14 million over four years across five hospitals that don’t offer free parking — Lismore, Coffs Harbour, Belmont, Maitland and Shoalhaven — and the new Tweed Valley Hospital.

The Weekly put residents’ concerns and questions to NSW Minister for Health and Medical Research Ryan Park, Health Infrastructure and NNSWLHD.

Mr Park’s media team responded with

quotes attributable to a spokesperson.

“This issue was subject to an election commitment, and we will have more to say on it in due course,” the spokesperson for Mr Park’s office said.

Member for Tweed Geoff Provest said he was committed to opening the hospital in November and understands that staffing is a challenge — highlighting that health staffing is a nationwide issue.

“I am raising these local issues with the Health Minister Ryan Park soon, in the hope of bringing further clarity and a positive result for the people of the Tweed,” he said.

“I have found Minister Park to be quite agreeable and I am sure we can reach a positive outcome.”

Mr Provest said he was unaware of any parking fee for staff and is hopeful the parking issue can be resolved in due course.

The new hospital opening is rapidly approaching

blame teachers

By Jonathon Howard

FORMER MURWILLUMBAH High School deputy principal Michael McNamara is calling for peace and healing following the Labor government’s announcement to scrap the Murwillumbah school merger plan.

Mr McNamara spent much of his career in Murwillumbah’s education system before making the move south.

He has continued to follow the local merger process and subsequent demerger announcement and feels the blame should not rest on staff.

Mr McNamara said the blame for the merger mess lies “squarely with the previous government” and not teaching staff.

“As a former deputy principal at Murwillumbah High School, I found the whole situation around the proposed amalgamation challenging,” he wrote to The Weekly.

“Members of local communities affected need to remember that it was not local teachers or principals who made the decision to reconfigure the provision of public education in Murwillumbah. It was the NSW state government of the time.”

Mr McNamara said as public servants, teachers and principals of local schools had: “no choice but to implement the

decisions of government”.

“Their role was to try to make it work as best they could to the greatest benefit of local students and local communities,” he said.

“Teachers, at all levels, have been directly impacted by the decisions of the previous government. Some have had to seek new roles.

“Those staying have had their personal and professional lives extremely disrupted.

“People who had planned to spend the rest of their careers serving the educational need of the Tweed Valley have had to move elsewhere.”

He noted many instances of Facebook posts of people targeting individuals by name, which he said was both “scary and disappointing”.

He’s now urging Tweed Valley residents to “take a deep breath and think about who should be held to account”.

“That people applied for, and were appointed to, positions that were advertised appropriately, is not something they should be attacked for,” he said.

“In my view, the previous government, in forcing staff and students to move from the Murwillumbah High site just months out from an election that most commentators acknowledged was a likely

win for the opposition, was an exercise in desperation,” he said.

“Whoever made that decision should be held to account.

“I can guarantee that it was not anyone on the ground in Murwillumbah…from principal to classroom teacher.

“As someone who spent a quarter of their teaching career at Murwillumbah High, I implore everyone in the Tweed Valley community that I love to allocate the blame for this shemozzle where it belongs…at the previous government and education minister, not to the local school leadership.”

Stone & Wood staying put

By Jonathon Howard

STONE & WOOD have announced a multi-million dollar upgrade and expansion plan for their current Murwillumbah brewery site and have shelved plans to build on a secondary site on Honeyeater Circuit.

Although the beer company, now owned by Lion, had previously announced plans to expand to its new Honeyeater Circuit site, those plans have been placed on hold as the company has instead purchased its current Kite Crescent site.

Kite Crescent will now undergo a redevelopment with a new tasting room and major expansion plans.

The company has been settled on the Kite Crescent site for almost a decade but did not previously own the site.

With the aim to break ground later this

year, Stone & Wood are in the design stage of creating a more efficient and sustainable brewery, with work forecast to carry through until late 2025.

As part of the transformation, Murwillumbah residents and visitors to the region will be able to enjoy a Stone & Wood tasting room and beer garden on site by 2024, with plant tours also part of the new plans.

The operational and sustainable upgrades for the brewery will include carbon dioxide collection, brewhouse energy recovery, further beer waste reduction and a larger water reuse reticulation system.

Fermentum — Stone & Wood’s parent company — supply chain leader Rich Crowe said Stone & Wood have put so much heart and soul into the Kite Crescent brewery over the past nine years.

“So we’re excited to announce we have

now purchased the site, securing this as our home for the future and progressing its well-deserved upgrade,” he said.

“The current plans will not only see a great improvement in our safety, quality and sustainability measures.

“But also mean future jobs for the region, work for local suppliers through the design and construction phases, and eventually a great space for the community to come together and share a glass.”

Michael McNamara

Stone & Wood's current Kite Crescent site will undergo a redevelopment

Did you know the Greens are blocking Labor’s $10 billion social and affordable housing plan?

Sign the petition to tell Adam Bandt, and Greens Party MPs and candidates, to stop playing political games and stop blocking Labor’s affordable and social housing for our community.

The Greens are teaming up with the Liberals, Nationals, and One Nation in Parliament to block Labor’s $10 billion Housing Australia Fund. This fund will build social and affordable housing, housing for women and children fleeing domestic violence, and more.

There are people across the North Coast who are relying on this Bill passing Parliament, but the Greens Party is refusing to listen to our community. Add your voice and let them know that teaming up with the Liberals, Nationals and One Nation to block housing for those who need it most is disgraceful.

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 172L a day

as at 5 June 2023

In brief ...

Heading to the tip? Read this!

Stotts Creek Resource and Recovery Centre (the Tip) will have a temporary weighbridge put in place for the next 3 to 4 months as the site goes through a range of upgrades.

Residents visiting the Centre are asked to follow the signs and take extra precaution when entering the site.

This new weighbridge is a temporary measure that will not affect access to other parts of the Recovery Centre including the Junktion Tip Shop and Community Recycling Centre (CRC).

The new upgrades to the centre and its surrounds are a necessary step towards adapting the current site for a more sustainable future.

Seen a deer in a headlight?

A new survey has just been launched to gather community support to better understand the prevalence, impacts and perception of feral deer in the Northern Rivers.

The survey in partnership with Kyogle and Byron Shire councils to understand the community’s perception of feral deer, the impacts of feral deer, the presence or absence of feral deer in the Northern Rivers and the need to control them.

The Murwillumbah Community Centre in Knox Park is now back in operation following a significant restoration after damage from the devastating 2022 flood.

Flood resilient Murwillumbah Community Centre reopens

Fifteen months after flood waters devastated the Murwillumbah Community Centre at Knox Park, its doors officially reopened again on Wednesday 31 May. This followed the completion of a significant restoration project led by Council’s Flood Restoration (Infrastructure Delivery) team.

The Community Centre was inundated in the February 2022 flood with water up to 700 millimetres deep extensively damaging the building internally. Restoration works, which started in February 2023, were proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.

The building features best practice construction and more flood-resilient and sustainable design.

Manager of the Murwillumbah Community Centre, Wendy Constantine, thanked Council and MCC staff and volunteers for their efforts and patience.

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

The Murwillumbah Community Centre hub houses and delivers a range of services to Tweed residents including emergency relief, financial and budget counselling, Indigenous family support, youth services, supported playgroup, seniors support and welfare support. It also accommodates more than 30 outreach services for organisations from Lismore to Tweed Heads.

Minor upgrade for public toilet at Burringbar

A minor public toilet upgrade at Burringbar Memorial Reserve and Masterson Park has commenced and will be completed by the end of June, weather permitting.

The upgrade is to ensure the accessible public toilet is compliant with current Australian Standards. Upgrades will include improved access for users with a disability, path widening, painting the exterior, recoating floors and upgrades to internal fixtures and fittings.

Council is urging residents to fill out the new survey, with results to be used to formulate management programs to stop the spread and prevent the establishment of feral deer in the Northern Rivers.

There have been 50 confirmed sightings of feral deer reported in the Tweed since the Northern Rivers Feral Deer Alert program was launched in May 2021.

Residents are urged to complete the short survey by 31 October 2023 at tweed.nsw.gov.au/deer and report all sightings to feralscan.org.au/deerscan. Read the full story at tweed.nsw.gov.au/latest-news

Be an Ambassador for the Tweed Regional Museum

The award-winning Tweed Regional Museum is looking to expand its fantastic team of Museum Ambassadors. As a Museum Ambassador you will play a key role in welcoming and assisting visitors to the Museum. You will contribute to the daily operation of the Museum Shop and support Museum exhibitions, public programs and special events.

Tweed Regional Museum shares the stories of our community. It inspires wonder and provides unique experiences in unexpected places. It is part of a network of interesting spaces helping the Tweed be a vibrant place to live and visit.

The public toilet in the park at Burringbar Memorial Reserve is being upgraded.

A portable accessible unisex public toilet and a standard toilet have been installed in the park during construction. This project is part of Council’s commitment to protect and improve the quality of the Tweed's public open spaces as part of Council’s Open Space Strategy 2019–2029 Find out more about the future upgrade of Burringbar Memorial Reserve and Masterson Park at yoursaytweed.com.au/burringbar

What are your thoughts on Crystal Creek Hall site?

Following advice from structural engineers, Council closed the Crystal Creek Hall in March this year, as the works required to make the building safe and up to code were substantial.

The only option for Crystal Creek Hall in its current state is to remove the building.

Council wants to hear from the Crystal Creek community to help Council determine the future use of this site.

You can provide feedback in the following ways: Attend a Community Conversation

• Come along in person on Wednesday 14 June 2023 from 5:30 pm at Chillingham Hall to have your say.

• Refreshments will be available from 5 pm.

• Visit yoursaytweed.com.au/crystalcreekhall to register your attendance.

Complete the community survey

• Complete the online survey before 14 July 2023 at yoursaytweed.com.au/crystalcreekhall

• Hard copy surveys will be available at the Murwillumbah Civic and Cultural Centre front desk and Chillingham General Store.

Mail your feedback

• Post a submission addressed to the General Manager, Tweed Shire Council, PO Box 816, Murwillumbah, NSW 2484.

Once community feedback has been collected and reviewed, Council will assess the suggestions and incorporate them into the decision-making process regarding the future use of this community land.

To learn more visit yoursaytweed.com.au/crystalcreekhall

“Joining our team is a great opportunity to grow your skills, expand your knowledge of our region and meet new people,” Museum Director Molly Green said. For more information about the Museum and the role of Museum Ambassador, please visit museum.tweed.nsw.gov.au/ambassador-program or email trm@tweed.nsw.gov.au

Become a Museum Ambassador and play a key role in welcoming and assisting visitors to Tweed Regional Museum.

Rehabilitation works on Foysters Jetty

Rehabilitation of the concrete piles supporting Foysters Jetty on Minjungbal Drive, Tweed Heads has commenced.

The work is expected to take 12 weeks and due to be completed by the end August 2023, weather permitting. Deteriorated sections of the jetty will be replaced to ensure the structure is safe for the community. Land-based access to the jetty will be limited during construction.

While the jetty will be closed on the landward side, vessels will still be able to access pontoons. The vessel sewage pump-out facility will be still available during construction.

Gates onsite will be locked out of hours and the site will be fenced during construction.

Find out locations for other boat ramps and jetties in the Tweed at tweed.nsw.gov.au/boat-ramps

Development proposal for public comment

Rehabilitation works on Foysters Jetty is currently underway.

The following development application has been received by Tweed Shire Council and may be viewed on Council’s DA tracking site located at datracker.tweed.nsw.gov.au for a period of 14 days from Wednesday 10 May to Wednesday 24 May 2023.

The proposal is not designated development and the Tweed Shire Council is the consent authority.

ApplicantLocation

Elkn Pty Ltd Lot 2 DP 1242396 & Lot 2 DP 568035; No. 529 Cudgen Road, Cudgen

Proposal

Temporary use of land - airstrip

Survey giveaway apology

Council would like to express our sincere apologies for an administrative error that occurred during the recent Sport and Active Recreation Strategy survey, which affected the planned giveaway.

While we were able to collect the valuable survey responses of those who participated, unfortunately the survey did not collect any participant personal contact details, so there is no way of randomly selecting or notifying a winner from survey entries received.

We regret any disappointment caused to the participants of this initial survey.

The giveaway will be re-run when the draft Sport and Active Recreation Strategy goes on public exhibition later this year giving everyone the opportunity to re-enter for a chance to win the 6-month family membership to Tweed Regional Aquatic Centres.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us on 02 6670 2400 or email tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au

We appreciate your continued support as we work towards a draft Sport and Active Recreation Strategy for Tweed Shire.

Community group support

Application no.

DA23/0231

The following development application has been received by Tweed Shire Council and may be viewed on Council’s DA Tracking site located at datracker.tweed.nsw.gov.au for a period of 14 days from Wednesday 7 June to Wednesday 21 June 2023 .

The proposal is not designated development and Tweed Shire Council is the consent authority.

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

Request for offer

RFO2023081 Grazing Licence – Lot 1 DP 1069561

Wardrop Valley Road, Murwillumbah

Have your say

Add your voice to decision making in the Tweed

Crystal Creek Hall site

Seeking community feedback from 7 June to 14 July 2023

The Crystal Creek Hall was closed in March 2023 as it was deemed unsafe. Council wants to hear the views of the Crystal Creek community to determine the future use of this site.

Have your say

You are invited to share your feedback:

Offers close: Wednesday 12 noon (AEST) 28 June 2023

Offers must be lodged as specified in the offer documentation.

Request for offer documentation is available at no charge 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 2021. 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

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

• In person: Attend a Community Conversation on Wednesday 14 June 2023 from 5:30 pm at Chillingham Hall and/or

• Online: yoursaytweed.com.au/crystalcreekhall

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

• Email: tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au

Hard copy surveys will be available at the Murwillumbah Civic and Cultural Centre front desk and Chillingham General Store. Submissions close 5 pm on the 14 July 2023.

Enquiries: Sharon Moore and Amanda Micallef, Community Development

Phone: 02 6670 2400

Email: tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au

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.

Nominations are now open for Essential Energy’s Community Choices program.

The program aims to support grassroots organisations that support our communities, with a total of $250,000 to be shared by eligible community groups in 20 zones across Essential Energy’s network area.

Eligible organisations such as sporting clubs, community associations, animal shelters, surf lifesaving clubs, Country Women’s Associations, community halls and men’s sheds are encouraged to nominate.

More information on the program can be found at essentialenergy.com.au/choices

Nominations close at 5 pm on Monday, 26 June 2023.

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

DA21/0609 – Two storey dwelling and attached garage

Lot 33 DP 532088, No. 3 Echuca Crescent, Banora Point

DA22/0701 – Use of unauthorised above ground swimming pool

Lot 28 DP 240020, No. 27 Terranora Road, Banora Point

DA23/0216 – Above-ground swimming pool

Lot 1 SP 53491, Unit 1/No. 321 Darlington Drive, Banora Point

DA22/0705 – Two storey dwelling with attached garage including inground swimming pool, retaining walls and 1.2 m front fence

Lot 34 DP 1266201, No. 1 Evergreen View, Bilambil Heights

DA23/0049 – Inground pool and deck

Lot 47 DP 740854, No. 51 Karingal Avenue, Bilambil Heights

DA23/0123 – Alterations and additions to existing dwelling, house raising and carport within the front building line

Lot 438 DP 221546, No. 19 Mimosa Avenue, Bogangar

DA23/0195 – Alterations and additions to existing dwelling including a carport within the front building line

Lot 49 DP 830352, No. 4 Sandalwood Drive, Bogangar

DA23/0063 – Two storey dwelling with attached garage including inground swimming pool and 1.8m front fence

Lot 17 DP 1264557, No. 19 Blue Horizon Drive, Casuarina

DA23/0143 – Two storey dwelling with basement, inground pool and front fence

Lot 68 DP 1264557, No. 22 Black Wattle Circuit, Casuarina

DA23/0191 – Carport within the front building line

Lot 615 DP 755740, No. 22 Fingal Road, Fingal Head

DA21/0941 – Alterations and additions to an existing dwelling and erection of attached secondary dwelling including carport and fencing

Lot 4 DP 28153, No. 246 Old Bogangar Road, Kings Forest

DA23/0067 – Dwelling with attached garage

Lot 126 DP 1284746, No. 57 Castle Field Drive, Murwillumbah

DA23/0074 – Two storey dwelling with attached garage and in-ground swimming pool

Lot 10 Section 17 DP 28390, No. 9 Seaview Street, Tweed Heads South

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

Round Mountain burn-off

By Jo Kennett

NSW NATIONAL Parks and Wildlife Services and Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteers conducted two separate burns near Round Mountain on Friday, June 2, causing some concern among locals.

“We did a burn-off on a property on the north side of Round Mountain Road,” Cudgen RFS captain Troy Middlebrook, said.

“That was organised by Jarred Lee from Tweed Coast Rural Fire Brigade who knows the local landowner who regularly burns that property.

“It’s covered in molasses grass which is very flammable

“We were just there to assist Tweed Coast in doing the job.”

Troy took the photographs of what he described as a “successful hazard reduction burn.”

“We had perfect burning conditions and it was just a coincidence that we chose the same

day to burn off as National Parks at Cudgen Reserve which backs onto North Star at Hastings Point,” he said.

“So people saw two plumes of smoke that they commented on social media on.

“National Parks invited us to help out with their burn but we were already helping out Tweed Coast.

“National Parks have a five-year cycle of burns and in the spirit of cooperation we often assist with those, including helping out at the site opposite the pony club.”

Troy said local firefighters don’t often get good windows for burn-offs.

“We live in one of the wettest places in NSW so we have a lot of fuel to burn if it’s dry,” he said.

“A lot of people ask why we don’t do more hazard reduction burns, but it’s often too wet, so when we do get a window we put the burn in. It rained that evening in fact.”

The hazard reduction burn aims to protect homes in the event of future fires

The hazard reduction burn

Higgins threat case heard

By Jo Kennett

A BANORA Point man accused of making death threats on social media against Brittany Higgins, her partner, their dog, and a NSW MP has fronted Tweed Heads Court where his conditional bail was extended.

David William Wonnocott appeared in the local court on Wednesday, May 31, where his solicitor told Magistrate Geoff Dunlevy a plea of guilty had been entered earlier in relation to the single charge of “using a carriage service to menace, harass or offend on January 9.”

The charge relates to independent NSW MP Alex Greenwich, where Wonnocott was arrested in relation to those charges in February before being released on bail.

Mr Wonnocott’s bail conditions banned him from any contact with Mr Greenwich, as well as banning him from attending the Sydney Mardi Gras earlier this year and banning him from going within 100 kilometres from the Sydney CBD. Magistrate Dunlevy ordered a brief of evidence be served on or before July 12 and for the matter to be mentioned on July 24.

A NSW Courts and Tribunals employee said Wonnocott was excused from attending court on July 24 if legally represented, explaining that it was for administrative purposes only.

Mr Dunlevy said the matters against Wonnocott would proceed on indictment (usually the case if someone is charged with a serious crime that warrants a trial by jury) as the Commonwealth Department of Public Prosecution did not consent to summary jurisdiction (being ruled on solely by a magistrate).

It was 49-year-old Wonnocott’s first court appearance since detectives from the NSW Police Terrorism Investigation Squad arrested him at Tweed Heads Police Station on April 19, charging him with “using a carriage service to

make a threat to kill” on April 11, 2022, and “using a carriage service to menace, harass or offend” between July last year and February, 2023.

He was also served with a firearms and weapons ban and searches were conducted on his vehicle and a home at Banora Point.

At the time of his arrest in April, NSW Police released a statement saying that in February, detectives from the Terrorism Investigation Squad commenced an investigation after receiving information about threats of violence made through a social media platform (Instagram) in relation to participants of a mass gathering.

During the investigation, detectives uncovered a total of 49 messages with similar threats or offensive content sent from a number of accounts which were believed to be linked.

Further inquiries revealed one of the accounts was also allegedly linked to messages sent on social media allegedly threatening to kill Ms Higgins, her fiance David Sharaz and their pet cavoodle.

Police tendered a court document at the time of his arrest saying they believed that Wonnocott “would be in contact with far right wing thinking groups with radical views that practice and endorse violence towards members of specific minority groups.”

Ms Higgins, a former Liberal Party staffer in Canberra, alleged she was raped by former colleague Bruce Lehrmann in the office of Australia’s then defense minister Linda Reynolds in 2019.

Lehrmann pleaded not guilty to the rape and the charge against him was dropped after the first trial collapsed as a result of juror misconduct.

On Wednesday Magistrate Dunlevy extended Wonnocott’s bail on the proviso he has no contact with Ms Higgins and her fiancé.

Fire at footy club

By Jo Kennett

FIREFIGHTERS WERE called in to help extinguish a fire which broke out at the Tweed Coast Raiders clubhouse at Cabarita in the middle of a big day of football on Sunday, June 4.

The Raiders reserve grade side were playing the Lower Clarence Magpies in a five-match day of rugby league when the fire broke out in the kitchen of the clubhouse at about 1pm. Smoke billowed from the kitchen as volunteers struggled to put the fire out.

Emergency services were called to the scene a short time later.

“The chip cooker caught on fire,” Jo Bowden, one of the volunteers who was working in the kitchen when the fire broke out, said.

“Then we had to wait for the fire brigade. “It took ages to get it out. We used our fire blankets and our extinguisher, but we had to wait to make sure it was safe because there was so much smoke.”

Tweed Coast and Cudgen Rural Fire Brigade volunteers arrived and made sure there was no

fire in the walls and ceiling, saying the Raiders volunteers had done a good job getting the fire out with the blanket and extinguisher. Raiders representatives will be meeting with Council staff to talk about some minor upgrades they say will make a big difference, such as increased power input to the kitchen.

Brittany Higgins and partner David Sharaz with their cavoodle

Police allege that Wonnocott also targeted Alex Greenwich MP

Tweed Coast Rural Fire Brigade firefighters at the Raiders clubhouse fire

Local legend gives from Return & Earn

By Jonathon Howard

POTTSVILLE LOCAL Wendy Pluckrose has been a strong supporter of Share the Dignity for years and when she discovered Return & Earn it seemed an obvious way to raise extra funds.

Share the Dignity works to make a real, onthe-ground difference in the lives of women and girls experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence or doing it tough.

Share the Dignity distribute sanitary items to those in need and work to end period poverty.

Ms Pluckrose said she’s experienced tough times and understands how important it is for women to have these items.

“In all the disasters we’ve had, period items were the last thing on anyone’s mind,” she said.

Ms Pluckrose has installed bins at her own home as well as at local shops and restaurants to collect recyclable drink containers.

She has branded her fundraising efforts “Cans 4 Pads”.

“Return & Earn is just free money!” she said.

“It’s a little bit of effort, but it makes a big difference.”

Most days, she collects between $10 and up to around $50.

It may not sound like much, but that’s 100 to 500 bottles and cans.

“My goal is to consistently make $50 a day,” she said.

Over the past year, Ms Pluckrose has raised nearly $3,500, which goes a long way toward buying pads and tampons.

She also keeps an eye out for when items are on sale to make the most of the funds.

Ms Pluckrose, who is semi-retired, added that a perk of the recycling is meeting new people

along the way.

“There’s so much positivity and support for what I’m doing,” she said.

She is already planning for when Return & Earn expands to take wine bottles as well.

“I have a couple of restaurants who have said they will save theirs for me,” she said.

“They sell so much wine — it’ll really blow funds up!”

Deer sightings up

By Jonathon Howard

HAVE YOU seen any feral deer on or around your property? Tweed Shire Council would like to hear from you via a new survey launched last week to gather community support to better understand the prevalence, impacts and perception of feral deer in the Northern Rivers.

There have already been 50 confirmed sightings of feral deer reported in the Tweed since the Northern Rivers Feral Deer Alert program was launched in May 2021. Council, in partnership with Kyogle and Byron Shire councils, has launched the survey to understand the community’s perception of feral deer, the impacts of feral deer, the presence or absence of feral deer in the Northern Rivers, and the need to control them.

Local feral deer management expert Rachel Hughes, who is managing the survey on behalf of the councils, said feral deer were spreading and it could potentially be a big problem if we don’t take action now.

“Feral deer are in all states and territories of Australia, but they are in largest numbers in the eastern parts of Victoria and NSW, where they are spreading quickly,” Ms Hughes said.

“For example, in NSW, the six species of fe -

ral deer now inhabit 22 per cent of the state, where their distribution has spread by 35 per cent since 2016.

“Just over the border in Queensland, feral deer are a significant problem and have recently been spotted in front yards, along roads and in suburbia. If we don’t act now, it won’t be long before they potentially establish in the Northern Rivers too.”

Council is urging residents to fill out the new survey, with results to be used to formulate integrated management programs to stop the spread of feral deer in the Northern Rivers.

“Our challenge is to stop the spread and prevent the establishment of feral deer in the Northern Rivers,” Ms Hughes said.

“The purpose of this survey is to gather information about the presence, absence and distribution of feral deer in the Tweed, Kyogle and Byron Shire regions. Results from the survey will provide important data for the Northern Rivers Feral Deer Alert Program.”

Residents are urged to complete the short survey by October 31 at tweed.nsw.gov.au/deer.

Prevent feral deer getting out of control by reporting all sightings to feralscan.org.au/ deerscan.

You’re in Great Hands at Murwillumbah Public School

The most critical factor in supporting student learning is ensuring that the well-being of every student is given the highest priority. To learn effectively each child needs to feel cared about, valued and included. When children feel happy and secure in their learning environment and parents and teachers have high expectations of their potential, they have the best opportunity to succeed.

Murwillumbah Public School delivers highly effective health and personal development programs that are supported by the schools PBL( Positive Behaviour for Learning) initiative. PBL focuses on the three key principals of Respect, Responsibility and

Learning to guide interactions in the school environment. Learning activities based on these principles are designed for delivery across the whole school and students develop a strong understanding of expected behaviours and their own role in ensuring everyone feels “ cared

about, valued and included.”

Murwillumbah Public School also provides very specific programs in personal development and health that equip students with the understanding and skills to identify risks to themselves and others and make informed decisions in these

areas. Child protection and drug education are examples of these highly effective initiatives.

The school particularly puts emphasis on students developing positive relationships with each other and staff. Students are given opportunities to display leadership and empathy for others in peer support programs and are represented in class and stage meetings. This results in students taking ownership for decisions made and committing to ensuring that children at Murwillumbah Public School are happy, healthy and in great hands.

Wendy Pluckrose is donating proceeds from Return & Earn to a great cause to aid women

A herd of feral deer captured on camera in South East Queensland in 2022

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Sustainability Awards

NOMINATIONS ARE now open for the biannual Tweed Sustainability Awards and Tweed Shire Council is urging residents and businesses to apply for one of four award categories.

Initiated by Council in 2019, the awards were officially launched at the Murwillumbah Community Garden this week to coincide with World Environment Day.

It’s only the third time the awards have been held that have the aim of celebrating local sustainability champions and eco-friendly initiatives across the Tweed.

Tweed Mayor Chris Cherry said she was “thrilled” to launch the awards.

“It’s important that we celebrate our environmental champions – those members of the community who are going above and beyond to take action and achieve outcomes that protect and enhance the Tweed’s internationally significant environment,” Cr Cherry said.

“We know our community has so much love for our beautiful environment. It’s this love for the Tweed that motivates people across our community every day to examine how they farm, how they do business, how they connect

in the community, or how schools enable our children to learn how to play a part in protecting the Tweed now and into the future.

“These awards help us to amplify entrants’ projects by shining a spotlight on the great work they are doing, which ultimately benefits all of us in 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.”

Nominate yourself or someone else online by midnight on Monday, July 31, via: tweed.nsw. gov.au/tweed-sustainability-awards

The Tweed Sustainability Awards are now open for nominations

For over 30 years, Uniting has been providing high-quality aged care services for seniors on the Far North Coast.

current aged care home has reached the end of its intended life. With input from the community in 2022, we have further developed the masterplan that will transform Uniting Kingscliff into a welcoming seniors community that enhances the

Father and son to the rescue

By Jo Kennett

A FATHER and son from Salt have saved the lives of several swimmers at Kingscliff South beach early on Sunday morning, June 4. Salt resident Kevin Johnson saw the group on the beach when he went in for a quick surf at around 6.15am.

“My son Riley was sitting at the end of Elliston Street watching me surfing and I could hear the group swimming and having fun,” Kevin said.

“I got out and talked to my son and turned and watched them. I said to two ladies on the beach that I didn’t think they were okay and they said they didn’t think they were either.”

Riley had already started walking home when a bush turkey came out at him and he turned back around.

“He saw me going in and realised what was going on and took off his shoes and shirt and swam out to help,” Kevin said.

“Two of them had gone out to assist the other two who were in the rip but none of them could swim well so we cut them off and told them to go back in while we got the others.

“I got to the second furthest out and he was semi-drowning, going under. I pulled him up and held him and said, ‘I need to go to the other guy, you will be right, my son is coming’.”

Kevin paddled out another 15 or 20 metres to the second man, grabbed his arm and held him up.

“He was in a lot of difficulty and I got him to hang onto my legs while I paddled my surfboard,” he said.

“It took a while because we were paddling

against the rip but to the side of it.

“My son got to the other guy and started swimming back to shore doing sidestroke with the guy’s arm around his chest, so by the time he got him in he was pretty exhausted.”

Kevin said the men, who he described as “big guys” with what he thought were Middle Eastern accents, were very thankful to get to the shore.

“They said, ‘You saved our lives. You are heroes. We would never have survived; we were going to drown’, which was true,” Kevin said.

“The surf wasn’t big but the rips there can be very deceiving for those not experienced in the water like this group.

“I understood they were on a bucks weekend and had been out celebrating the night before. They were in no condition skill wise or physically to swim in an unpatrolled beach where there was a rip.”

One of the men threw up when he got to the beach and Kevin advised him to go to hospital in case he had water in his lungs which can be fatal.

“I’m a volunteer on-call lifeguard at Cudgen Surf Club,” he said.

“Riley is a surfer and he plays representative touch footy and is very fit.

“We explained the dangers of swimming where there are no flags on an open beach like that and the rips and they weren’t aware of that.

“There were so many ways I might not have been there or seen what was going on.

“We would definitely have had two fatalities and maybe four so thank goodness it turned out okay.”

Safely on shore after escaping a strong swellLocal legends Kevin and Riley Johnson

Defence ramps up at Chinderah

By Jo Kennett

THE CONSTRUCTION of a new home for an Australian Army Reserve Unit and Army Cadet Unit in Chinderah is part of a federal program to ramp up defence in line with the Defence Strategic Review, according to the Assistant Minister for Defence.

Matt Thistlethwaite MP said the federal government was increasing the defence budget over the course of the next four or five years.

“A big investment will be in better facilities for the Australian Defence Force (ADF),” Mr Thistlethwaite told The Weekly during a site visit at Chinderah on Monday, June 5, along with Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot.

“We know that we have to grow the ADF by about 18,000 troops over the course of the next 15 years, and if we are going to do that and retain people in the ADF, we have to make sure we are supplying them with the best training and facilities possible.

“We need that extra 18,000 to grow the ADF to ensure we can defend Australia into the future.

“That’s the projection that we are working off from the Defence Strategic Review.”

Mr Thistlethwaite said the pace of technological advancement and the pace of the military build-up within the region “means that Australia needs to meet that commitment to defend our people into the future and investment in new infrastructure like this will help facilitate that.”

“The Defence Strategic Review said Australia needs to be able to defend itself in the case of an unfortunate situation and that’s why we have entered into the

AUKUS arrangement,” he said.

“It’s also why we are doing a lot of work in the cyber security space and the space domain, and it’s why we are recruiting new people into the ADF and supporting those that are already members of our defence force.”

When asked about concerns about the $368 billion cost of the AUKUS nuclear submarines, Mr Thistlethwaite said they were “affordable” and the best way forward.

“Over the next 30 years that cost is 0.15 per cent of GDP so it’s affordable,” he told The Weekly.

“We need to replace the ageing Collins class submarines because they are coming to the end of their lives and the best technology is nuclear-propelled, conventionally armed submarines.

“They have a greater range, they are faster, and they can stay under the water longer, which is the three things you want in a submarine program.”

Mr Thistlethwaite said it would also ensure Australia’s industrial base was being “revolutionised.”

“We are going to create 20,000 jobs and a whole range of new skills not only for

people in the cities but for regions like this as well,” he said.

“The Defence Strategic Review said we need to ‘harden the north’ so we need to invest more in facilities and bases in the north of Australia.

“Particularly in places like Townsville, Cairns, Darwin, Port Hedland, Tindal Air Base in Katherine and across the north, greater investments in capacity and infrastructure projects to ensure we have the best trained and most capable defence force into the future.”

Ms Elliot said she was pleased to be joined by the Assistant Minister for Defence in turning the sod on a new depot at Chinderah for Army reservists and cadets.

“This marks the start of construction of new facilities and a permanent home for the Australian Army right here in Chinderah,” she said.

“The construction and management of this project will also be led by two Indigenous-owned businesses.

“Building this new facility helps with our flood preparedness and creates more local jobs. It’s a win-win for everyone and I’m proud Labor is delivering it.”

Read more on page 28...

Tweed Valley Weekly Locals Supporting Locals

Crystal Festival

MANY OF Australia’s top crystal and gem traders are set to converge on the Murwillumbah Showgrounds for the extraordinary three-day Northern Rivers Crystals, Gems and Craft Festival (June 10, 11 and 12).

Gates will open at 9am each day and feature an incredible range of crystals and crafts of every shape and kind.

Festival organiser Rob Scott said the festival has become a huge draw card for buyers wanting to cut out the middleman and buy direct for the eighth year of the event.

“We’re excited to be presenting another huge Northern Rivers Crystals, Gems and Craft Festival this year,” he said.

“I would like to encourage locals and visitors to come down for a look and keep an eye out for a unique crystal or gem amongst the many on offer.”

This year will also feature a range of food and drink stalls including vegan food available this year.

“We have confirmed 35 top dealers from across Australia, which is an outstanding collection to be presented this year with some great prices on offer,” he said.

“We have jewellery and beads from Afghanistan and quartz from United States, as well as a range of Australia paleontology which is dinosaur bones and a range of other amazing items.”

Mr Scott said the outdoor traders are featuring many crystals, opals and pearls as well as antique jade on offer and rose quartz and novelties and collectables. All for a $7 entry fee.

“Come on down to the showgrounds and support this great annual festival that’s awesome fun for the whole family,” he said. For more information contact Rob Scott on 0405 904 881.

An artist's impression of the new Chinderah Defence Force site

The iconic Crystal Festival is ready to roll this week

Sunday 18th June Murwillumbah Showground

Students for reconciliation

By Jonathon Howard

STUDENTS FROM Tweed River High School have shared some of their thoughts around the meaning of Reconciliation Week.

The school’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tutor Jadah Macnamara-Phillips helped The Weekly compile some of the students’ thoughts with questions including what Reconciliation Week means to them and how has your community been affected by Reconciliation.

The theme for last week’s National Reconciliation Week, Be a Voice for Generations, encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives — where we live, work and socialise.

Year 11 student Jaden Burton said Reconciliation Week means everyone coming together. “No matter your skin colour or where you come from, and being in harmony and peace,” he said.

“Throughout school and year 11 Aboriginal

studies, we are further expanding our knowledge about Aboriginal history and reconciliation.

“Reconciliation in our community is showing that we are all one, no matter our skin colour or culture, and that we are all equal and have the same healthy mindsets.”

Fellow Year 11 student Shar Merchant said Reconciliation Week mean respecting each other.

“For me and the community, Reconciliation Week means respecting each other no matter who you are and what your background is, and coming together as one,” she said.

“During my schooling experience, I have learnt the history behind Reconciliation Week.

“I am currently now in Year 11, and choosing Aboriginal studies has really helped me further my knowledge.

She said there has been a positive impact of Reconciliation in the community.

“Which has brought our community closer together, and we have learnt to respect each other no matter who you are.”

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Bizarre intruder alert

TWEED POLICE are appealing for help to track down a bizarre intruder who broke into a Tweed Heads home in the early hours of Saturday, June 2, and spent nearly two hours relaxing, eating and watching a child sleep.

The man was captured on CCTV cameras in the house, watching a baby girl sleep in her parent’s bedroom, having a beer and a snack, playing with the family’s dog and relaxing on the lounge, before being chased out by the father.

The story has since made national headlines and local police are appealing to the public to help identify the intruder.

Tweed-Byron Local Area Command Police Chief Inspector Mick Dempsey said the incident was under investigation and asked for help from the public to identify the man.

“CCTV has been requested and the intruder’s photo that was supplied has been circulated,” Ch Insp Dempsey told The Weekly.

“Forensic Services have been advised and our detectives are in charge of the matter.

“They have been in touch with the victim this morning so it’s been given the highest prioritisation and we have everyone on it.

“We are seeking any information about the incident, so if anyone has anything we ask them to ring Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”

The residents, Tom and Isabella Ridgewell, were asleep in their bedroom with their sixmonth-old baby daughter Amora asleep in a crib beside their bed, when the man entered their Kennedy Drive home.

Mr Ridgewell spoke to Channel Nine’s Today Show on Sunday, June 4, describing what had happened.

“We didn’t know he was in the house until we saw him come into the bedroom and from

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then it was only seconds until he was out of the house,” he said.

“It was until we looked into how he got in that we started watching footage from inside the house and realised that he had been in the house for nearly two hours.”

Tom said when he woke up to see the stranger looking at them the adrenalin kicked in.

“You’re just protecting your wife and baby,” he said.

“It all happened at that point in a matter of probably only 30 seconds between him being inside the house and outside the house. It was just so surreal.”

Mr Ridgewell chased the man out of his home with a bat, saying the incident made him feel sick and scared.

“To know he got so close to my wife and daughter is what concerned me most,” he said.

“He’s essentially just come in and made himself at home but he’s been very careful not to make any noise.

“He’s obviously known that we were here.

“He’s walked into our bedroom and introduced light into our bedroom which has started to stir our daughter.

“At that point we have started to wake up.

“He has then left the room, come out to the sofa, tucked himself in, got some cheese and some beer and then just sat there just looking at the wall.

“He didn’t put the TV on, he didn’t do anything.”

Mr Ridgewell said he had no idea who the man was or why he was in their home.

“We have done our best to circulate his image in our area, hoping that someone knows who he is.

“It’s just concerning and I feel we are just at risk essentially.”

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85894

Tweed Mall redevelopment

By Jonathon Howard

CONCEPT PLANS to redevelop Tweed Mall were submitted to Tweed Shire Council on Tuesday, May 23, and would change the face of the area with 13 new buildings for accommodation, a hotel, retail and office space, all amongst a green corridor.

The owners of Tweed Mall, Elanor Investors Group, plan to spend almost a billion dollars on the five-hectare Tweed Mall site, which will be one of the largest developments in the Tweed Shire’s history.

If approved, the Tweed Heads site would undergo a staged facelift via an investment not seen since the construction of the iconic Twin Towns Services Club at the border.

Elanor Investors Group have proposed a price tag for the redevelopment of up to $906.8 million to make its grand vision a reality.

Given the substantial cost of the redevelopment, Council will not determine any development application.

Instead, the Northern Regional Planning Panel will be the determining authority. Council said the application will go on public exhibition from June 14 to June 28 and be advertised via Tweed Link.

The concept proposal for the staged redevelopment is comprehensive to say the least, with up to 13 buildings proposed of varying heights to a maximum to 15 storeys.

The indicative total gross floor area is 178,601 square metres, comprising a residential development with up to 1,371 dwellings equating to approximately 114,632 square metres.

Shopping will remain a key focus with approximately 45,126 square metres of retain space, along with office use of around

14,306 square metres, tourist and visitor accommodation of 4,537 square metres and the provision of 1,258 car parking spaces for all components of the project.

Mayor Chris Cherry said Council has been working closely with the owners to create the best possible outcome for residents and visitors.

“As an identified key site within the Tweed City Centre Local Environmental Plan 2012, Council has been working closely with the Tweed Mall owners and NSW Government Architects to devise a design excellence process to ensure the Tweed gets the best possible outcome over this strategically important site,” she said.

“The process to date has included the formation of a panel of design experts who provided advice throughout the early design stages of the project, which has directly informed the concept development application currently under assessment.

“This large site has the opportunity to deliver an international standard of food and beverage, retail, commercial, enter-

Nappy rebate

TWEED SHIRE Councillor Nola Firth has recently moved a successful motion to adopt a Reusable Nappy Rebate Scheme, which will motivate parents to drop the disposable diaper and take up reusable nappies.

The Reusable Nappy Rebate Scheme was supported via a unanimous vote with an allocation of $10,000 from the 2023/24 draft budget.

Cr Firth said the non-disposable rebate has already been adopted by other councils and the rebate would not impact rates revenue.

“There are 3.7 million disposable nappies used a day in New Zealand and Australia,” she highlighted in a Council meeting on May 18.

“It is one of the biggest contributors to plastic waste as well as ordinary waste and it takes hundreds of years for these nappies to disappear. There is about one cup of crude oil per nappy.”

tainment, tourism and residential uses.

“As such, the role this site plays to enrich the future of the Tweed Regional City cannot be overstated.

“The city centre is in need of revitalisation, but it is vital that a clear vision, which can be owned by the local community and business community alike is achieved so as to bring about meaningful change.”

Mayor Cherry said while it is not possible at this stage to determine the exact number of additional residential properties this project will bring, “it provides an exciting opportunity to deliver more housing for the Tweed”.

“Given its central location, this is a great opportunity to provide homes for our key workers like teachers, police and nurses,” she said.

YOUR THOUGHTS: Would you welcome a major redevelopment of Tweed Mall? What would you most like to see at the site? Send us your thoughts and letters to editor@theweekly.net.au

Cooly Rocks On

THE ROCKING good times are set to continue at Coolangatta this weekend for the iconic Cooly Rocks On Festival.

This high-energy frenzy festival offers another huge line-up of events until Sunday, June 11.

The free, award-winning five-day event will take over the foreshore and streets of Coolangatta with music, markets, muscle cars and much more.

Step back in time with more than 1,000 vintage and classic cars on display, live hip swinging rock ‘n’ roll performances, over 100 beachside market stalls, pageants and the allnew Elvis Precinct.

“If you haven’t experienced the Cooly Rocks On festival before, this is your opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and community,” the event organisers said.

“Providing entertainment for everyone, the fun of the event culminates into a huge party where the streets come alive.”

The favourite locals local

The Tweed Mall site redevelopment proposal will transform the 'heart of the Tweed'

Burringbar & Mooball Discover

BURRINGBAR IS a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Northern NSW that captures the hearts of all who venture into this enchanting town.

The Weekly is pleased to feature local businesses, new and old, in this special ‘Discover”’feature.

With its picturesque landscapes, vibrant community spirit, and captivating local attractions, Burringbar has become a beloved destination for both locals and tourists alike.

Known for its quaint charm, Burringbar boasts a main street lined with historic buildings and boutique shops, creating a nostalgic ambiance that harks back to a simpler time.

can explore local shops, browse unique handi where friendly locals are always ready to engage in a warm con

Nature enthusiasts find solace in the natural wonders that surround Burringbar.

The town offers breathtaking hiking trails that cater to both seasoned adventurers and leisurely strollers with the Northern River Rail Trail now one of its jewels.

The nearby Burringbar Range and Mooball National Park provide opportunities for wildlife encounters and immersive bushwalking experiences. Burringbar’s community spirit is palpable, with residents actively involved in various initiatives to enhance the town’s wellbeing.

As Burringbar continues to flourish, it remains a destination that invites visitors to slow down, appreciate life’s simple pleasures, and bask in the tranquil beauty of its surroundings.

& Mooball

Discover Mooball

MOOBALL WAS put on the map

when locals decided to deck the village in a cow theme as visitors always called it moo-ball, despite it being pronounced mow-ball. Black and white buildings, telegraph poles and play equipment was all painted black and white, and the quirky village started to draw in the tourists.

There a giant replica of a Yamaha motorbike Wayne Rainey rode, an auto museum in the Moo Moo Roadhouse, an awesome little Post Office/cafe and the iconic Victory Hotel.

There used to be a banana festival held in the back of the Victory Hotel where the competitors ran in relays three miles up and around the mountain and came back carrying a case of bananas.

Brett O’Keefe runs Burringbar Quality Meats and grew up in Mooball.

“I knew everyone there,” he said.

“We were teenagers when we did the first banana run up the hill on Pirlo’s farm behind the pub; I think it was the early 90s.

“They caught fish at Wooyung and had a weigh-in at the Victory Hotel;

it was called the Burringbar Mooball Fish and Nana Carnival.”

Peter Dusi was also a runner in the carnival and told The Weekly last year, when the pub reopened after closing down briefly, that he had some great memories of Mooball.

“The most memorable thing that had happened was when Johnny Amos’ Panel Shop blew up and we were all playing cards here at three o’clock in the morning.

“Leo Kelly brought me the fire hydrant over and I’d never used one in my life. I plugged it in, and he said, ‘Put it on the fuel bowsers’ and it was blowing me around the paddock like a rag doll.

“I was wetting the police and they’re all still sitting inside on the grog and I was out there ringing wet, so I wet every bugger with it.”

Mr Dusi said he didn’t put the fire out.

“A 45kg gas bottle blew through the roof like a rocket into the paddock and I was on the other side with a fire hydrant and I said, ‘that’s enough of this’.

“That’s one of the funny memories. I’ve never seen any blues here, but we’ve had a lot of good times.”

Sod turned on new Army Reserve base

By Jo Kennett

THE FEDERAL Assistant Minister for Defence and Member for Richmond Justine Elliot turned the first sod on a multi-million dollar Australian Defence Force project at Chinderah on Monday, June 5, which they say will bring jobs to the shire and help in natural disasters.

Matt Thistlethwaite MP joined Ms Eliot at the Naru Street site which will be home to a new facility for the Australian Army’s A Company, 41st Battalion, Royal New South Wales Regiment (Army Reserves Unit) and 225 Army Cadet Unit.

“This facility will provide a base to train the current generation of troops and the next one as well,” Mr Thistlethwaite said.

“I know that Justine Elliot has been a great supporter of jobs in the area so this is important for the defence force but also for the community.”

Mr Thistlethwaite said he had been very keen to use Indigenous companies for the build.

“Defence is the largest landowner in the country and no one knows this land better so it makes sense to work with First Nations companies,” he said.

“No doubt it will be called for in future natural disasters so it’s an important base and I look forward to joining Justine here in 12 months when construction is completed.”

Ms Eliot said the construction “means more local jobs.”

She thanked ADF members for their help during the floods.

“It gave us comfort to see that support on the streets during that horrible time,” she said.

The facility will be built on raised ground and on stilts above flood level, according to Managing Director of Jabin Project Management, Dennis Jose.

“There were a lot of ups and downs with the project so to finally be here turning soil is fantastic,” he said.

“We will be working with local subbies to employ local Indigenous people. DDR does that a lot which is fantastic.”

Officer Commanding of Alpha Company, 41st Battalion, Royal NSW Regiment, Callum Wait, said they had been operating out of Murwillumbah until the facility was destroyed by fire in 2004 and since then has been at TS Vampire at Tweed Heads South.

“TS Vampire is for navy cadets and very small, so this facility is purpose built for infantry training for up to 110 people,” he said.

“We can store all the things we need to train and have fixed IT infrastructure we don’t have now that allows us to stay connected.

“It also provides that physical footprint that our soldiers can stage from in the event of an emergency such as a flood.”

DDR Pty Ltd, which is 51 per cent Indigenous owned, secured the $12.71 million contract for construction and will employ local workers and subcontractors on the build.

DDR Director Katarina Skene said they were thrilled to win the contract.

“We partner with Duratech and have about 49 per cent women in the business,” she said.

“We try to encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and young people.

“We will have about 30 people working on the project, a lot from the building next door, which has a roofing and building contractor because we are trying to use as many local subcontractors as we can.”

Indigenous-owned company Jabin Project Management will provide support to DDR Pty Ltd and Managing Director of Jabin Dennis Jose

said the construction will include a multi-user depot with storage, parking, and associated infrastructure as well as a minor refurbishment of TS Vampire.

Jiga Jiga Paints Director Bevan Mailman (brother of actress Deb) said they were about taking ancient things and bringing them into a modern light.

“Tom Hutcheson (founder) has a long history in the industry and our logo is 60,000 years old and still painting,” Mr Mailman said. “Our paint range is all environmentally friendly; we felt we had a respon-

sibility as the natural custodians to choose a product that did care for Country.

“We hope Jiga Jiga will be celebrated as an iconic brand and the first of its kind for years to come.

“We want to work with government and infrastructure companies.

“If you want to meet the Aboriginal people on the road to reconciliation, meet them on the crossroads of business because they are all looking at self-determination and ways to care for Country and it’s wonderfully empowering.”

Sod turning at Chinderah with Member for Richmond Justine Elliot and Assistant Minister for Defence Matt Thistlethwaite

Big crowd walk on Country

By Jo Kennett

AN EVENT celebrating Reconciliation Week at Kingscliff on Sunday, June 4, was a big success despite the rain, according to event organisers.

The Family Centre’s Jo Blanchard said the event was attended by about 500 people.

“There were about 250 people at the Walk on Country which was led by Uncle Russell Logan and Uncle Frank,” Jo said.

‘Uncle Frank was great, telling stories about animals along they way and the landscape, the flora and fauna.

“The Sea of Hands was really nice. Everyone really embraced it and understood what it was about.

“We had all different people participating in activities, there were old people and young people and all sorts of people

“The Banaam Dancers performed and The Black Pearls played and they were both great.

“There hasn’t been an event like that in Kingscliff before so people who were out and about were really surprised and appreciative and said they loved learning about the First Nations culture in the area.”

Photos Lee Burgess

INCLUDES

• Hotel/Game Lodge/Tented Camp accomodation

• 28 Breakfasts, 14 Lunches & 14 Dinners included

• Return Road Transfers

• 4x4 Safari Vehicles & Luxury Vehicles

• English Speaking Guide

• Game Drives & Game Walks

• Cape Peninsula Tour

• Cape Winelands Tour

• Cape Town City Tour

EXCLUDES

International flights, visas, gratitudes, items of personal nature.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Departs from Nairobi. Price per person twin share based on travel 29 May 19 June 2023. Scheduled departures throughout the year, subject to availability. Minimum 2 guests, maximum 18 guests.

Just a reminder ...

Our team from Helloworld Main Street Murwillumbah are still operating locally and indeed are in town every Monday to meet with clients.

We operate by appointment only, providing Face to Face Travel Service for our Murwillumbah/Tweed Valley clientele.

A:Suite 11, 1134 -1136 Gold Coast Hwy Palm Beach QLD 4221

P: 07 5601 6669

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PUBLIC NOTICE

Aboriginal Heritage Proposed Community Facility and associated infrastructure, Fingal NSW Letitia Road, Part of Lot 705 DP 726473

Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) propose to design and construct an educational hub and required infrastructure within the Tweed Shire Local Government Area. Proposed works include development of a pergola/outdoor gazebo, upright garden beds, landscaping including parking, toilets, associated ancillary works and services. The proposed works may impact known Aboriginal sites and areas of archaeological potential.

As part of the project, Tweed Byron LALC is preparing an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment (ACHA) in accordance with the Guide to investigating, assessing and reporting on Aboriginal Cultural heritage in NSW (OEH 2011). The project may result in an application for an Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit (AHIP). Virtus Heritage has been engaged to undertake consultation with Aboriginal people according to the Department of Planning and Environment’s Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Consultation Requirements for Proponents 2010 (DECCW 2010).

The Tweed Byron LALC wishes to invite Aboriginal people and Aboriginal groups who hold cultural knowledge relevant to determining the signi cance of Aboriginal Objects and Places within the project area to register in a process of community consultation with Tweed Byron LALC regarding the proposed activity. The purpose of community consultation with Aboriginal people is to assist the proposed applicant in the preparation of the ACHA and any application for an AHIP and to assist the Department of Planning and Environment in their consideration and determination of any AHIP application.

To register your interest, please contact:

Dr. Mary-Jean Sutton

Principal Archaeologist

Virtus Heritage Pty Ltd

PO BOX 101

Pottsville NSW 2489

Phone/Fax: (02) 6676 4354

Email: consultation@virtusheritage.com.au

The contact details of the proponent for this project are: Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council admin@tblalc.com

Registrations must be received by phone, writing, or email by 5pm on 26th June 2023.

Please be advised that, as per the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Consultation Requirements for Proponents (DECCW 2010) the names of Aboriginal persons and groups who register an interest will be forwarded to Heritage NSW in the Department of Planning and Environment and the Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council.

By Brad Nardi

Winter tourism update

ONE OF the central roles of Tweed Tourism Co (TTC) is to increase awareness of the region as an appealing holiday destination, and giving the winter months a boost is generally a part of the strategy.

We currently have three separate marketing campaigns either active, or soon to be.

The first is a dedicated initiative in partnership with the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre to support the 100 Years Celebration.

Olley would have turned 100 in June of this year, and her legacy as an Australian artist, as well as the Art Centre in Murwillumbah inspired by her works, are both incredibly significant.

This campaign has combined traditional print and digital activity with outdoor advertising on bus shelters, and targeted media partnerships including Weekend Edition and Inside Gold Coast.

Messaging has focussed on the current Margaret Olley: Far from a Still Life exhibition and surrounding events, with a view to visitors staying longer and discovering more of the Tweed’s artistic personality.

Away from the Gallery initiative, we have also launched a major winter campaign, inviting families from Brisbane and the Gold Coast to experience how beautiful the Tweed is in the cooler months.

This campaign highlights the Northern Rivers Rail Trail with great new imagery and video content appearing on digital shopping centre screens and online, including through a partnership with the Brisbane Kids publication.

If that all wasn’t enough, we’re currently finalising details for a July promotion showcasing the incredible events taking place throughout the winter months, including the Tweed Winter Wedding Open Day on July 16, the 2023 Australian IRB Championships in Kingscliff (July 20-23) and the wonderful Social Fabric exhibition at Tweed Regional Museum, on until July 15 — just to mention a few.

You can stay up to date with local events via the website: WhatsOnTweed.com.au

Saying goodbye in July

I’m also sharing some personal news this week, as I have resigned my position here at TTC.

The past four and a half years have provided me the opportunity to come to the Tweed (a bit of a homecoming as a child of the area) to set up a team dedicated to our local industry.

I’ve been incredibly lucky to have had strong support from many and I’m so very proud of the Tweed Tourism team that will continue to grow and offer even greater support for our industry stakeholders.

I’m moving on to a new opportunity with the British Tourism Authority (known by the brandings of Visit Britain/Visit England), and whilst I’m looking forward to this new challenge, I’ll always have great memories of my time here working in the Tweed.

Many thanks to you all for making our local tourism industry such a great team to be a part of.

Mavis’ coming to Uki

By Madeleine Murray

BREAKING NEWS: Mavis’ Kitchen is coming to Uki with a takeaway called The Pantry by Mavis.

Mavis’ general manager Clive Bailey was on site last week as workers hung doors, punched through a wall and got ready to paint and lay new flooring for the grand opening.

Surrounded by tools and piles of equipment, Clive is clearly undaunted by a challenge.

“We expect to open at least by the end of the month, but I’m aiming for June 19,” he told The Weekly.

The builders had just finished cutting a hole through the east wall to give more light and access to the garden for some outdoor seating.

The plan is to paint all the walls white and put some grey vinyl/timber on the floor.

89990

“We’re going to keep it as good quality takeaway, using produce from Mavis’ and the garden

as well,” Clive said.

“Roberta, our chef from Mavis’ Kitchen, is coming to work here. She’ll be making cakes and pastries, takeaway burgers, chips, and all the things you expect from a takeaway.”

Mavis’ is also applying for a liquor licence, with the plan to put in a little wine and pizza bar.

“We’re just freshening it up, giving it a little facelift,” Clive said.

“We have no plans to do anything crazy, or outside the box. We’ll just give people what they are looking for, what they are expecting.”

“The Pantry will complement Bastion Lane Espresso next door. We won’t have coffee, but we’ll have a smoothie and juice bar.”

Jackie, the gardener at Mavis’ Kitchen, will put some plants up on the wall in the front section where there will be bench seating.

The Pantry by Mavis will open by June 30, if not sooner.

Bruno at work on the new takeaway which is set to rock Uki soon. Inset is Mavis' GM Clive Bailey

w i t h Quinny

QUEENSLAND SOMEHOW found a way to win game one of Origin again.

NSW outside the first and last 10 were dominant but couldn’t get the result on the scoreboard. Lots of calls for Teddy and Freddy to go but they have a chance at redemption in game two, albeit at Suncorp.

I was simply amazed at the performance of Carrigan and Cotter.

There is no hiding the fact I am a massive fan of Carrigan and what he brings to a team, he is the future captain of Qld and the Broncos of that I have no doubt.

The physical toll and impact an Origin would have on an individual is hard to father, but 80 mins in the middle by those two blokes was

amazing.

Cleary is a big out and on the back of Latrell missing game one they have had some big outs. Going to Brisbane will be a massive ask at a sold-out Suncorp.

The women’s game is coming along in leaps and bounds as evident by the 35 per cent increase in ratings on the TV and highest crowd ever at a women’s stand alone game.

Game two in Townsville will be great and continues to have the female version head along the right track.

I love watching Jesse Southwell the young 17-year-old half play - she has a massive future and the game is producing some proper athletes in Ciesolka, Chapman, Sergis, Robinson and Aiken.

The Raiders keep winning and the Tigers are having a crack.

Ricky was prickly about resting Croker so he could play his 300th game at Canberra and good on him.

This is a wonderful achievement for a wonderful ambassador of our game and his club. As a coach, a lot is about tactics and technical components, however, you can’t underestimate belief, trust and care in your players and what that brings to a footy team - just ask Wayne.

The Titans have got themselves into a bit of a

predicament and are earning the reputation of a team that gets run down and regularly.

They have a massive game against the Tigers this week which is followed by the high flying Broncos and then Canberra away. Some tough decisions need to be made quickly to save the season.

The Broncos looked comfortable against the Sharks and sit nicely with three byes up their sleeve a bit over half way into the season. They will be desperate to avoid the fade out of 2022.

Penrith got home against the lowly placed Dragons but the loss of Cleary will be felt. It might be a godsend similar to 2022 when he was suspended that he gets a freshen up mid season, however, hamstring injuries are never ideal.

A big congrats to the Mullumbimby Giants in claiming the Cookie Cup against the Mustangs on Sunday. Mullum bounced back from a heavy defeat the previous week to the premiership favourites Biliambil to play with lots of heart and skill to get the victory.

The Cookie Cup is a special acknowledgement and tribute to a wonderful human being who played his heart out for both clubs. We all miss you mate.

See you at the footy.

Quinny

Crocker celebrating his 300th game. Image by Fox Sports

NRL – 2023 SEASON ROUND 15: JUNE 8–12

FREE SHOWS in Skylines

WED 7 JUNE

DJ Jeff (Auditorium) $10 7pm-10.30pm

THU 8 JUNE

Route 66 (Skylines) 6pm-9pm

DJ Jeff & Shadoogie (Auditorium)

SOLD OUT ! 7.30pm-10.30pm

FRI 9 JUNE

Buddy Love & The Tremors

(Skylines) 7pm-10pm

SAT 10 JUNE

Little Stevie & the Tailfins

(Skylines) 6pm-9pm

SUN 11 JUNE

Floorburners (Skylines) 6pm-9pm

MON 12 JUNE

DJ Jeff (Auditorium) $10 1pm-6pm

By Madeleine Murray

THE SMALL Works Gallery in Murwillumbah will feature a retrospective of a talented printmaker from June 24.

Barbara Anne Davidson (1928-2022) was a prolific and well-respected artist in Sydney with a career spanning over 70 years.

Upon her passing last year she left behind a large collection of art work. Barbara’s son Andrew, and grand-daughter Emma, have taken on the task of safely preserving the many prints and organising exhibitions.

Andrew was an obstetrician for 17 years in Tweed Hospital and John Flynn from 1994.

“I am very happy to honour my late mother’s art by holding this exhibition,” Andrew told The Weekly.

“I am organising it with my daughter Emma who lives in Currumbin, and found the gallery.

“We know the Murwillumbah area is quite art and culture focused. We were looking for a small gallery in the area for our first exhibition and when Emma found Small Works Gallery it really fit the bill.”

The show will include some early drawings and sketches from Barbara’s younger years, and will show her progression through various techniques of printing including lithography, etching and collagraphy.

Print show coming Heartbreak to healing

All of Barbara’s prints are personally printed on her presses in her studio using various printmaking techniques such as lithography. Most are on paper but a few are on other materials. Usually each added colour requires a separate pass through the hand-powered press, a laborious process.

Barbara was inspired by her house and garden, and iconic scenes around Sydney.

Each work began as a pen or pencil sketch from life and then went through various stages in her studio, gradually building up many layers.

In later years, Barbara began using traditional hand binding techniques to present her prints in artists’ books, which will be in the show.

“She felt this helped her art tell a story,” Andrew said.

The prints are mounted with museum quality rag mat and framed for protection with wood and Perspex, while some unframed works will be available as well.

Andrew and Emma will be present during the five days of the exhibition.

To see more work, go to https://www.barbaraadavidson.com

Barbara Davidson – A Retrospective will be at the Small Works Gallery, Murwillumbah from June 24-29. Open Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm. Weekends 11am-4pm.

By James Lindsay

BLINK AND you might miss Jackson’s rise to the top.

The Murwillumbah-based musician is the latest on the scene with two debut albums set to be released across the next two months.

The road to the first album was unconventional for Jackson. He stumbled into music when his relationship ended, turning to song writing as a form of therapy.

What followed was nothing short of extraordinary – 186 songs written in just six months, including almost 100 in the past month.

When explaining his music, Jackson describes the albums as “all about honesty and emotion.”

It’s raw yet relaxing. Playing with his rhythm acoustic guitar inspired him to move past the heartbreak and transform pain into songs.

“I didn’t talk too much when the love of my life ended,” Jackson told The Weekly.

“I had to get my feelings out somehow, so I started journalling which I then turned into song formations.”

Jackson’s music is not just about the heart-

break that started it all. It’s about the journey that followed and the raw emotion that comes with it. His unique sound and honest lyrics are sure to resonate with listeners

Inspiration in his song writing comes from many sources. This includes experiences with his kids and an adopted niece who wants him back home in Melbourne, to name just a few.

Jackson worked with producer Yarn in Mullumbimby to capture that rawness in his recordings. Yarn has worked with a range of musicians and has a knack for bringing out the best in their performances.

“I’ve learnt that I feel music,” Jackson said.

“It’s part of me, it’s something that can’t be taught. I’m now in full control of my art and the sounds I want to accomplish with the feeling in every breath.”

The first album, Days Drift Waves Hit, is set for release this month, with the second album following just two months later in August. For more info, go to www.jacksonuntapped. com

James Lindsay is a Sydney-based music writer.

Days Drift Waves Hit by Jackson is well worth a listen, writes James Lindsay

I have demonstrated many acts of bravery across my life but when I really think about it maybe the more courageous thing to do would have been to ask for help or even to say no. Being unliked, not fulfilling someone's expectation of you and admitting that you need help are all things that take a great deal of courage.

'Gaslit'

You're being too sensitive... get over it C'mon its not that bad. Harden up The world doesn't revolve around you Some things are not as obvious as a ramp or cane. I suffer in silence and sit in shame. Noises razor sharp and I struggle to breathe. Someone just listen to me please.

Submit for Photovoice

TWEED HEADS residents living with a disability are invited to take part in a photography project, designed to capture their experiences of the world and give others more understanding of life with disability.

Known as ‘Photovoice’, the five-week photography workshop project is being led by not-forprofit organisation, Social Futures, an NDIS partner in the community.

Social Futures Capacity Building and Engagement Manager Lynda Hope said Photovoice is a form of photographic storytelling.

“Photovoice explores the concept of ‘disability pride’ and each week participants take a photo connected to a theme that helps them express how they feel. The topics the group will discuss include ‘I love being me because…’, ‘inclusion’, ‘courage’ and ‘pride’,” Ms Hope said. “Photovoice will be run online, so all participants need is a smart phone or a camera, and

the Zoom video chat app.

“You will also have the chance to make new friends.

“We will teach you how to use your smart phone or camera with tips and tricks on taking great photos.”

Ms Hope said every week participants will then share their photos illustrating that theme and then explain their photo as a group.

You can learn more about Photovoice by visiting: socialfutures.org.au/service/photovoiceshare-the-world-through-your-eyes/

Ms Hope said she wanted to organise a community exhibition of the photos participants were happy to share.

If you are aged 18 years or older and interested in being part of Photovoice – Disability Pride groups please phone: 1800 522 679 or email lac@socialfutures.org.au

Citadel hosts Nolan Angell

By Madeleine Murray

GENES FRONT man Nolan Angell is coming to Murwillumbah to debut Lyrica, his first solo album.

After 30 years and 12 Albums as lead singer-songwriter with indie folk blues band The Genes, the Cabarita local has produced an album of stripped back songs, focusing on the music, lyrics and performance.

“Since I began song writing I have always wanted to record a solo album in the purest sense, guitar, vocals, harmonica, all live takes, no overdubs,” Nolan told The Weekly.

“It was a challenge but I’m really proud of what we’ve captured, and I’m excited to be playing these songs in concert.”

The songs took shape through a combination of recovering from surfing accidents and pandemic lockdowns.

“I would describe the songs as modern folk with impressionist imagery. Deceptively simple and subtly thought provoking.”

Nolan is a legend to many people.

Journalist Pat Whyte wrote in the Courier Mail: “Every recorded offering from The Genes has been an intimate document of the travels and travails, life and loves of Nolan Angell, who is surely one of the finest songwriters in this country.”

Music enthusiast, and son of Bullamakanka founder Rex Radonich, Reuben Radonich is really looking forward to The Citadel gig, not only to hear the new album live but maybe some Genes classics.

“From a Genes fan’s perspective Lyrica is a cracking album,” the Casuarina local told The Weekly.

“It’s a wonderful eclectic mix of folk, blues and country feels. It’s Sunday chill, foot tapping, soulful vibes.

“If you are a fan of Vance Joy, Johnny Cash,

Dylan, Paul Kelly or Cat Stevens then you will enjoy Nolan Angell.

“Nolan’s lyrics encapsulate a feeling of nostalgia, life on the road and his love of storytelling through his music.

“My favourite track is Photos in the Dark, with its bluesy guitar riffs and bold lyrics.

“There are many stand out tracks, like the Hello Cruel World with its classic soulful harmonica highlights.”

Nolan Angell, supported by Shani Forrester, plays The Citadel in Murwillumbah at 7:30, Saturday June 17. For tickets (which are $15), go to https://thecitadel.com.au/events

DON’T MISS the very last tickets for TIM FREEDMAN & OLLIE THORPE this Sunday! New films this month are SWEET AS, the poignant coming-of-age road journey film, a stunning portrait of migratory shorebirds in FLYWAYS, and AUDREY NAPANANGKA - a love letter to the power of family - On Demand Screening minimum numbers required.

THE BLUE CAFTAN explores the complexities of secret love and BOOK CLUB: THE NEXT CHAPTER takes a whirl through Italy. Nostalgia rules in JESUS REVOLUTION, and Nick Cage brings it home in comedy vampire flick RENFIELD

LONG STORY SHORT: WILLIE NELSON AT 90 honours the great man and musician in a special concert. Don’t miss the FINAL screenings of compelling doco JOHN FARNHAM: FINDING THE VOICE and the intertwined story of humans and trees in THE GIANTS.

MOHINI COX and JASON BAGGIO are back with BALCONY SESSIONS every Friday 5.30-7.30pm. On Saturdays ONE OF US IS LYING returns on 10 June and SHELLY BROWN graces the stage on 17 June.

Khanthaly’s Kitchen serves up delicious light dining every Fri and Sat evenings. BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW

TIM FREEDMAN & OLLIE THORPE - Sun 11 June (almost sold out)

DUSTED OFF – A play by BRETT HUNT – Sun 16 July VISIT OUR WEBSITE for new shows!

Book Club: The Next Chapter 1:00PM

The Blue Caftan 3:15PM

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

The Giants (FINAL) 5:35PM

Book Club: The Next Chapter 7:55PM

The Blue Caftan 1:00PM

John Farnham: Finding the Voice (FINAL) 3:30PM

Balcony Sessions (LIVE MUSIC) with ONE OF US IS LYING 5:30-7:30PM

Long Story Short: Willie Nelson 90 5:30PM

Jesus Revolution 1:00PM

Book Club: The Next Chapter 3:30PM

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

Renfield 5:45PM

Long Story Short: Willie Nelson 90 7:45PM

SAT 17 JUNE

The Blue Caftan 1:00PM

Jesus Revolution 3:30PM

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

Book Club: The Next Chapter 5:55PM

Tim Freedman and Ollie Thorpe

Renfield 8:15PM

SUN 18 JUNE

Book Club: The Next Chapter 1:00PM

Jesus Revolution 3:20PM

Flyways 5:45PM

Nolan Angell will debut his solo album

BARRY O’ROURKE

Qualified horticulturist for professional gardening care.

BARRY is a qualified horticulturalist and offers a wide range of services to his clients. He has been established in the Tweed Valley for 5 years, however he established his own gardening business on the Gold Coast for a number of years before being drawn to the beauty of the Tweed Valley.

Barry completed a horticulture apprenticeship in Canberra working in many areas of horticulture including the gardens of Government House and the Prime Ministers lodge, both have ornamental gardens as well as fruit and vegetable gardens.

Barry can also offer his clients in the process of selling their home a garden makeover service.

Having sold his previous property himself, Barry is well aware of the importance of first impressions to buyers. For a relatively small outlay, a large return can be gained.

Barry has recently taken up a position of supplying Fruit & Vegetables to the Northern

FEATURED BUSINESS

For all your gardening needs & for professional gardening care give Barry a call on 0417 725 937 or (02) 6672 7786.

District exhibits at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Barry was thrilled the Northern Districts won the best quality produce at the last Sydney Show recently held back in April.

Healing your garden

By Amber Alley

IN A workshop at the Murwillumbah Community Gardens, you will learn how to change the soil of your garden to yield healthy plants with high nutrition value.

It’s all in the name: SoiLife increases the life-giving quality of your soil.

The SoiLife system is designed by David Gourlay. ‘Fermentation in the making of the organic mix creates a probiotic for the soil. This causes growth in positive soil microbes.

This is why SoiLife is not just a fertiliser, as it also heals the soil.

“The ongoing effect is increased soil capacity for nutrients to reach healthy plants,” David explained.

“We work with small gardens and large farms. We are a local business and offer strong support after sales.”

The company is currently working with the Southern Cross University and Griffith University in studies to show how this system enhances the soil. Come and learn how to balance and heal your garden soil with a simple and easily applied system.

The workshop will be held on Saturday, June 17, from 2pm to 4pm.

The cost is $15 non-members or $5 members. Bookings are essential and can be made via: trybooking.com/CILUD (Please note we at the Community Gardens have no commercial interest in SoiLife Australia.)

The MCC acknowledges the support of Tweed Shire Council and ITV to create these workshops.

David Gourlay creator of SoiLife

Long established local independent mobile pool servicing business for sale. Everthing you need to run your business from home. Enquiries: Michael 0421 216 377 Car for Sale 99 NISSAN NAVARA 2wd Ute. Rego Aug 2023. 20hp pressure cleaner + hose + ramps and accessories, everything you need for a small business. $2,900. Phone or text 0422 188 165

Caravans Wanted

Piano Tuner/Removal

Scrap Metal Removal

SELLING YOUR VAN? THINKING OF SELLING YOUR VAN? SELL ON CONSIGNMENT WITH US! Benefits: No phone calls at all hours No waiting for people to show up Real interested buyers High quality listing with features and photos No strangers at your door We do all the work!

ON WHAT WE DO We will get the best price for you with no hassles or security concerns. Our business has thousands of vehicles passing by every day, your van gets great exposure! Tweed Coast Caravans has a professional website which attracts thousands of customers each day from all over Australia. We will give your RV a professional photo advertisement which will be displayed on our website as well as several other leading industry websites & social media. We regularly wash and maintain your RV in top condition while in our yard. Once we have taken a deposit on your RV, we will contact you to advise when the new owner is collecting and therefore when you will receive your monies. Once sold the monies from the sale are deposited into our Trust Account and then dispersed to your account. This takes approximately 5 working days before the money is available to you.

THINKING OF SELL YOUR VAN ON CONSIGNMENT SELL YOUR VAN ON CONSIGNMENT TWEED COAST CARAVANS Ph: 07 55 243 745 24 Minjungbal Dr, Tweed Heads South NSW 2486 www.tweedcoastcaravans.com.au • sales@tweedcoastcaravans.c

WITH Ph: 07 55 243 745 59 Tweed Valley Way South Murwillumbah 2484 www.tweedcoastcaravans.com.au • sales@tweedcoastcaravans.com.au Licence No. MD060299

First Aid Courses HLTAID009 Provide CPR ($50) HLTAID011 Provide first aid ($100) HLTAID012 Provide first aid in an education and care setting ($120) HLTAID014 Provide advanced first aid HLTAID015 Provide advanced resuscitation To book a place just Phone 0466015373 Southern Cross First Aid First Aid kits approved for all work places www.firstaidsc.com Construction Induction Tweed Heads South Phone 0466 015 373 Safety CORP RTO 91694 White Card Firewood FIREWOOD Western Qld Firewood Neil Mack Fencing Call Neil 0427 241 680 8418 Tweed Valley Way Free Sing For Fun Benefit for Health and Mind. Phone Margaret: 0438 819 809 FREE! For Sale 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

House Sitting

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

Experienced BASS PLAYER and an experienced KEYS MUSICIAN required for a working band. Located Tweed Shire. Contact Wayne 0413 216 609

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

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

Positions Vacant

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

MECHANIC WANTED Are you semi-retired and or looking or work? Would like to work 2 to 3 days a week? A small business needing a maintenance man to keep our vehicles running. Interested? Call us on 0411 507 885 for more details.

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

TWEED HEADS COOLANGATTA TAXIS

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

Phone 07 5536 3371

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

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

Social Group

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

Genuine people only

To Let

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

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

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

Death Notices

BROWNING Kathleen “Mary” 30/05/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

TRAINOR Sybil Joan 30/05/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

SMITH Glenice Barbara 01/06/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

JOINER Paul Kevin 02/06/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

REID Cynthia Valerie Joan 02/06/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

SANDHU Sarwan Singh 02/06/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

OLIVER Francis Allan 03/06/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

SALTER Coralie Margaret 03/06/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

Michael John FLANAGAN 28/5/2023

Heritage Brothers O7 55991500

Kenneth Leonard ZEALEY 28/5/2023

Heritage Brothers O7 55991500

Mary GUTHRIE 1/6/2023

Heritage Brothers O7 55991500

Allen Michael WATSON 1/6/2023

Heritage Brothers O7 55991500

Kenneth “Grant” MORRIS 2/6/2023

Heritage Brothers O7 55991500

Funeral Notice

In Loving Memory GREG BALGOWAN

Late of Murwillumbah

Passed away on Sunday 4th June 2023

Aged 71 Years

Dearly loved Husband of Kerry Balgowan (dec’d).

Loved Father and Father-in-law of Lee & Men Thi, Van and Kade. Cherished Grandfather of Bodhi, Wyat, Rhet and Maya. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend Greg’s Funeral Service to be held at Murwillumbah General Cemetery, Tree Street Murwillumbah on Friday the 16th of June at 11am.

Ph: (02) 6672 2144 Murwillumbah McGuiness Funerals

In Loving Memory of MARGARET MCMAHON

9th June 2022

A year has passed.

Your precious love and memories will live with us forever. Much loved and missed by all of your family.

Funeral Notice

Glenice Barbara Smith

PASSED AWAY PEACFULLY 1ST JUNE 2023

AGED 84 YEARS

LATE OF MURWILLUMBAH

Dearly beloved wife of Geoff for 62 years.

Loving mother and mother in law of Diana & Ralph, Laurence, Murray & Kellie.

Beloved grandmother of Michael, Zoe, Laila Mia and Daniel.

Survived by her sister Pamela Forster. Family and friends are invited to Glenice’s Funeral on Friday 9th June at Murwillumbah Uniting Church at 11am

Funeral Notice

In loving memory of

EVELYN MAY PROKOP

Memorial Service ursday, 15 June 2023, 1 p.m. AEST e Chapel, Tweed Heads Memorial Gardens and Crematorium 176 Kirkwood Rd, Tweed Heads South NSW 2486 AUSTRALIA e service will be webcasted on the internet by Simplicity Funerals.

Food & drinks will be provided a er the memorial service. RSVP your attendance, tributes, messages to Gerard Prokop by 9 June 2023 on 0400 611 722 or e-mail evelynprokop.estate@icloud.com

HILL, Robert Bruce

10/3/1924 – 12/6/2012

God called your name so gently That only you could hear No-one heard the footsteps Of the angels drawing near ...... Softly from the shadows, There came a gentle call You closed your eyes And went to sleep ...... You quietly left us all.

Lovingly remembered

Your Children: Lynette, John, Beverley, Jennifer

In Loving memory of My Darling Wife & Nan

Shirley Mae Cobb

15/4/28 - 11/6/19

If roses grow in Heaven

Lord, please pick a bundle for us place them in my Wife’s arms and tell her they are from us. Tell her we love her & miss her and when she turns to smile, place a kiss on her cheek and hold her for awhile. Please take good care of her.

anks for 71 lovely years.

Always in our hearts: Ernie, Darryl & Sarah, Neville & Jessica Ceanne & Neil, your Grand Children & Great Grand Children

below!

How part? On this keen ridge

But one may pass.

In the same dull daily weather. We may not wait . . . yet look

They call you-go!

My life shall be your bridge.

“A MEETING” BY EDITH WHARTON

On a sheer peak of joy we meet; Below us hums the abyss; Death either way allures our feet

If we take one step amiss. One moment let us drink the blue

Transcendent air togetherThen down where the same old work’s to do

Tribute to surfing legend Rick Neilsen

ON BEHALF of the Neilsen Family, it is with great sadness to convey the passing of one of Queensland’s greatest surfing legends, Rick Neilsen.

Born on the Gold Coast on July 20, 1948, Roderick James Neilsen, better known as ‘Rick’ or ‘Ricky’ was a fun-loving colourful character, admired by the surfing community. He learned how to surf at Broadbeach in 1960/61 on his local beach break where a Council Park has been dedicated to the famous Family name opposite Britannia Ave., Broadbeach. The third oldest of six brothers Len, Kevin, Paul, Jon and Gary, Rick attended Broadbeach State School before following in his father’s footsteps, William Arthur Neilsen affectionately called “Ganger” in the building trade. Ganger was a builder boss (hence the nickname) and the first professionally paid Surfers Paradise lifeguard

sponsored by a group of businessmen led by Jim Cavill prior to Council funding.

Following in the success of fellow Broadbeach two times National Junior champion Peter Drouyn, Rick and Paul joined Drouyn’s lead to carve out a career path in competitive surfing. They were invited members of the prestigious Gold Coast Windansea Surf Club based at Paula and Bev Stafford’s flats at Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise. Bev and Ganger were great mates and Surfers Paradise Surf Club champions. Their mother Betty was an adept seamstress who designed tailor-made beach baggies, boardshorts, then called okanuies. Rick was a trendsetter, a fancy dresser who liked wearing stylish fashionable clothes.

By 1967 Rick began surfboard shaping at Lawrie Hohensee’s as a sought-after shaper while designing boards for himself and Paul. From 1967–72, Rick represented Qld in consecutive National titles. He registered a win in 1970 Noosa Open amongst some of the best surfers in the Country including Hawaiian champions Gerry Lopez and Jimmy Blears.

In 1971 Paul won the Australian Open Mens title on a board Rick had especially shaped that would help them successfully launch Brothers

Neilsen Surfboards and the Australian Championship board.

Rick was runner-up in the finals at the 71 Bells Nationals and together with Paul was selected into the Australian Team for the 1972 World Surfing Championships at San Diego, California.

Later that year, Paul won the Smirnoff Pro on an 8/2 gun that Ricky had shaped in Honolulu glassed by Paul. At the same event, Ricky registered his best international result with an impressive performance to make the semi-finals at Haleiwa, North Shore, Oahu. His tall frame of 6/2 and lanky legs were perfectly suited to the Hawaiian surf, especially at Sunset Beach where he continued to revisit through the seventies.

He persuaded “Ganger” into paddling out in the channel at Sunset to watch him surf and to say the old man had surfed Sunset. Ganger and Eddie Aikau’s father Sol were good friends. Rick embraced the Aloha spirit and the 1976 Hawaiian surfboard stingers, shaping his own version to be a super popular model in the Brothers Neilsen stores and further enhance his shaping reputation.

Rick was married to Elaine (Lainey), who gave birth to their son Adam, but tragedy struck when their beautiful Burleigh Heads home burnt down losing much of the Family pos-

Local riders competing

By Debra Minto

BURRINGBAR RESIDENTS Karen Lee and Jenny Thompson will travel to Queensland at the end of this month to compete in the Australian Endurance Championships - Tom Quilty Gold Cup.

This annual 160km event attracts international competitors and will take place on Saturday, June 24, at the Stirling’s Crossing Equestrian Complex in Gympie.

Endurance Horse Riding relies on the availability of nature trails over long distances for both training and competition.

Endurance events are staged over distances of 80, 100 or 160km courses, with competitors having to ride at least half of the time in complete darkness.

Horses need to be fit and must pass periodical vet checks during these events, to confirm they are fit to continue.

Horse welfare is paramount and due to the many hours spent in the saddle to successfully complete the long distances, a strong and enduring partnership is forged between horse and rider.

Heritage values of the Australian Stockman and the Australian Light Horsemen, whose lives depended on the fitness and endurance capabilities of their horse run thick in this sport.

R.M. Williams and Kimberly cattleman Tom Quilty were the driving force behind the first ever Endurance Riding event held in Australia back in 1966.

Despite a distinct lack of local training areas available for this type of equestrian sport in the Tweed Shire, Karen and Jenny have made it this far by travelling outside of the area to keep their horses in shape.

In May, the duo competed over a distance of 80km at the Tenterfield Endurance Riding Club’s Girard State Forest ride base - with Jenny and her horse Stirlings Vada placing first in the lightweight division and Karen on Markus Romulus placing second in the middle weight division.

“Our horses travel well together, and I reckon we have them ready for the Quilty challenge,” Karen said, who is hoping for a fourth Quilty buckle at this year’s event.

Karen’s first Quilty was in 1991 on Werterloona Lionel, then in 1997 on Hurricane and in 2019 on Markus Romulus.

Karen is a two-time Queensland State Team member, in 1991 placing first and in 2019 placing second in the team’s division.

She has also been selected in the Queensland Team for 2023.

While having been an accomplished horse rider for most of her life, Jenny Thompson is competing in the National Championships for the first time.

“I will be happy to get through the 160km and still be able to walk the next day,” she said.

“My ankle was injured when a motor-cycle fell on it last year, so I’ve had to become an expert in ankle strapping support it an minimise the pain.”

sessions and memorabilia. Tragically not long after, Elaine unexpectedly died from an accidental fall.

He was an avid deep-sea diver with 60s GC surf legends Trevor Elms and Basil Noonan exploring the depths of various offshore reefs at Cook Island, Fido Reef, and off Burleigh Headland.

Rick loved surfing up and down the East Coast and traveling to Hawaii and Bali. Although it was Burleigh Point where both Rick and Paul made their mark. He had an infectious personality, and possessed a raucous laugh - everybody loved this loquacious larrikin.

Rick was one of Queensland’s alltime surfing greats, transitioning from longboards to shortboards and shaping champion-winning surfboards throughout. Rick is survived by his

only son Adam and his five brothers. All will sadly miss this lovable giant of Australian surfing. Rest in Peace Ricky.

The Family kindly ask you to respect their rights to privacy in this time of mourning and has directed any further information to please contact. Andrew McKinnon 0412754974 or Mal Chalmers 0400762280.

1. Black and white photo - Rick Neilsen was a member of the Australian Team at Oceanside California for the 1972 World Surfing Championships. Photo by Jeff Divine.

2. Colour photo - Rick Neilsen was a semi-finalist at the 1972 Smirnoff Pro won by brother Paul at Haleiwa, Oahu, Hawaii. Photo by Steve Wilkings.

Mullum takes Cookie Cup

By Jo Kennett

MULLUMBIMBY WON the Cookie Cup against Murwillumbah, an annual game played in loving memory of Grant Cook, who played for both Murwillumbah and Mullumbimby and tragically passed away in September, 2016. The much-loved father of two was originally from Mullum, but moved to Murwillumbah and was playing in a preliminary final when he tragically collapsed and later died.

The Mustangs went on to win the 2016 premiership over Cudgen in honour of their mate.

In the Round 8 memorial game on Sunday, June 4 Murwillumbah went down 30-14. Mustangs president Nigel Lofts said some of their former first graders who played with Cookie spoke to the boys before the game about the importance of the day.

“There are still a couple of players at Mullum that grew up with Cookie like Wayde Kelly, who came up to Mustangs when Cookie did, so it means a lot,” he said.

“It was very physical and Mullum had a really good first half and scored a couple of really good tries off kicks and we couldn’t catch them.

“They scored a late try to seal the game. We had the cup presentation and then we all went and had a beer so it was a good day.”

Lofts said the Mustangs have been “hammered by injuries this season” with 11 players out for a recent game.

“We’ve lost both our centres including Adam Walker and Liam Cusack,” he said.

“It has given a lot of the young blokes an opportunity. We’ve blooded four or five so far, including Connor Smith on the weekend.

“Our Reserve Grade and Under 18s sides are both leading the comp.”

Bilambil Jets took their Kyogle game to the junior’s field.

“We had 8 junior life members and 12 Jets juniors that played with the first grade side,” captain Tom Rolles said.

“It was good to bring it back and tie it in so when they finish 16s the juniors have a pathway and keep playing with us. We have quite strong juniors,” he said.

“We got the result against Kyogle. I was happy

we stuck to our game plan.

“As the game progressed there were opportunities elsewhere and sometimes it’s hard to stay in line with our plan but we did.

“Harry Fitzhugh has a hairline fracture in his hand and he’s been playing but he finally got it looked at so he’s out.

“We are still winning, and still enjoying it but there are still a lot of things we can get better at which is good and there is still plenty of time.

“We have Casino on June 18 and then Ballina at home and they haven’t lost so that will be huge.

“They have this week off and then they have the bye so they will be nice and fresh and it should be a good game.”

The Cudgen Hornets just lost a tight-fought 16-12 home game against Marist Brothers.

Sixth-placed Tweed Coast Raiders won a thriller against seventh placed Lower Clarence 18-12. The Lower boys joined forces with Raiders Under 18s in 2016 so they have a close bond and it’s always a hard-fought but friendly game.

Coach Shane Robinson said Lower Clarence have a very good side this year “so to come back from 12-6 at half time was really good for the young kids coming through against a quality team.”

“We are all learning and with those experienced players around us like Drew Lanston (who scored another great try) and Brayden Evans, we are starting to discover ourselves as a team,” he said.

“The boys want to keep bettering themselves each week and they are.

“We are only half way through the season and we are looking forward to the second half. “We still have the two top teams to play (Bilambil and Ballina) but it’s so close that no game is a given this year.”

Robinson said Jake Ryan was off for six weeks but Dan Willoughby should be back from injury for the Mullum home game on June 25 and Cam Pollard should be as well.

“People are fighting for their positions which is a healthy situation for the club,” he said.

Tribute by Andrew McKinnon

Goodluck to Karen Lee and Jenny Thompson for later this month. Image by Sarah Sullivan

Stamp duty savings Brand new homes

By Jo Kennett

MANY FIRST home buyers will pay no stamp duty from July 1 after changes to the First Home Buyer Legislation Amendment Bill put forward by the new Minns government passed the NSW Upper House on Thursday, June 1.

The legislation passed the lower house on May 31 before being debated and passing an upper house vote.

The new legislation will make stamp duty exemptions and concessions available to more people, which was an election commitment of the NSW Labor government to implement “a fairer, simpler way to help more first home buyers.”

Under the reforms, the stamp duty exemption threshold will rise from $650,000 to $800,000 on July 1 this year.

Additionally, stamp duty concessions will apply to properties worth between $800,000 and $1 million.

The measures will see first home buyers

save up to $31,090.

The Minns government said the former Perottet government’s proposed land tax scheme which would have seen first home owners paying annual land tax in lieu of stamp duty was unfair because it gave people paying between $1 million and $1.5 million much larger stamp duty reductions than those able to afford homes under $1 million.

That scheme will close on June 30.

However, grandfathering provisions mean anyone who opted into it will be able to continue paying land tax until they sell their property. The reform means that 84 per cent of first home buyers will be able to access the assistance, giving them an advantage over investors bidding for the same property.

Based on current market conditions, NSW Treasury expects around 8,600 first home buyers each year to qualify for a total exemption from stamp duty, and 4,400 people to enjoy a concessional rate of stamp duty.

By Jo Kennett

WITH NEW stamp duty legislation coming, it could be the perfect time for first home buyers, or anyone else who loves the thought of owning a home that has never been lived in before, to splash out on a new home in Murwillumbah’s Hundred Hills Estate.

MANA Real Estate Agency now has two brand new Hotondo Homes for sale in Hundred Hills Estate.

“We have been proudly involved since the beginning when we sold more than 30 lots in the release,” MANA founder JulieAnn Manahan said.

“Now, Hotondo Homes has finished building the spectacular spacious homes, and we have some exciting new listings on the market.

“Nestled in the picturesque surroundings of the Murwillumbah hinterland, this estate is a unique blend of natural beauty and modern living.

“Hundred Hills offers the best of both worlds; the tranquillity of the surrounding hills and panoramic views, with all the essential amenities, schools, conveniences and world-class galleries, cafes and markets of Murwillumbah only five minutes away.

“Weekends will be packed with fun — take your pick from a walk in the hinterland, a dip in a waterhole or a drive to the beach.

“There’s a strong sense of community at Hundred Hills. With parks, walking trails, recreational areas, and communal spaces, it’s an ideal estate for families and a great opportunity to engage with like-minded people and build lasting relationships.”

Julie-Ann said Hotondo Homes have premium fittings and top-notch appliances and design extras, like an open butler pantry, LED lighting, expansive windows and vaulted ceilings.

“Hotondo Homes recognises the importance of sustainable and energyefficient building practices which is important to us,” she said.

“They incorporate energy-efficient features and environmentally friendly materials into their homes, helping homeowners reduce their carbon footprint and save on energy costs.

“The gardens are beautifully landscaped with alfresco living top of mind, making them the ideal family home.

Open homes on Saturday and Sunday: 66 Castle Field Drive: 11am-11.30am, 86 Castle Field Drive: 12pm-12.30pm.

6 Colli Close, Ocean Shores

Sunlit serenity - the dream starts here BATHS

BEDS BATHS CARS 3 1 2

Contact Agent Julie-Ann Manahan 0411 081 118

Luxury living at Hundred Hills Estate

66 Castle Field Drive, Murwillumbah

Brand new family home with a pool

86 Castle Field Drive, Murwillumbah

2

BEDS BATHS CARS 4 2

Contact Agent Julie-Ann Manahan 0411 081 118

Your Northern Rivers & Tweed Real Estate Agency

BEDS BATHS CARS 4 2

2

Contact Agent Julie-Ann Manahan 0411 081 118

Zara Springs is a true patch of paradise

351 Zara Road, Zara

BEDS BATHS CARS 3 2

Contact Agent

4

Julie-Ann Manahan 0411 081 118 jam@manare.au

Contact Agent Julie-Ann Manahan 0411 081 118

Your Northern Rivers & Tweed Real Estate Agency manare.au

manare.au

hello@manare.au

hello@manare.au

(02) 6680-5000

(02) 6680-5000

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

KIRRA WAVE - stylish oceanfront living'

501/46 Pacific Parade Bilinga

Experience the essence of living by the sea from this luxurious (3) bedroom split level apartment, positioned on the 5th level (North side) of this stunning establishment, directly opposite North Kirra Beach.

Relax in style and soak up the splendid ocean vista that extends from the lights of Surfers Paradise to the peeling point breaks of Kirra & Snapper Rocks.

KEY FEATURES:

• Gorgeous hard wood timber flooring throughout

• Open plan living

• Extensive bi-fold doors leading out to generous deck style balcony w/ stunning gas fireplace

(07) 5599 5222

• Gourmet kitchen with Miele appliances, coffee machine, stone bench tops, integrated dishwasher & wine fridge

• Ducted zoned split-level air-conditioning throughout

• Master bed with fitted walk-in robe, ensuite, dual basins & spa bath with ocean views

• Bedroom (2) with ensuite & private balcony

• Separate powder room

• Lengthy study nook

• Lift access direct to unit

• In ground pool in complex

• Double lock up garage (side by side)

P 332

For Sale

Interest Over $2.750m

Open Saturday 10th - 12:30- 1:00pm

David Stringer 0418 150 731

david@djstringer.com.au

the home of real estate

MOST PROMINENT DEVELOPMENT SITE IN KINGSCLIFF

76 Marine Parade Kingscliff

Outstanding opportunity to capitalise and re-develop this high profiled landmark site which allows for both Residential & Commercial options.

This prime landmark site is located on the highly exposed junction of the beachfront esplanade and Seaview St, directly opposite the Kingscliff Surf Club and surrounded by a smorgasbord of cafés & retail outlets, the Kingscliff Shopping Village anchored by Woolworths and the highly acclaimed Kingscliff Hotel which is a few hundred meters away.

KEY DETAILS:

• 885m2 allotment

• 2 street frontages (Marine Pde & Seaview St)

• Zoned MU1 (mixed use Residential / Commercial)

• Height to 13.6M / Floor ratio 2:1

• Suit luxury apartments, retail, professional offices & medical (STCA)

For Sale

By Negotiation David Stringer 0418 150 731 david@djstringer.com.au