Tweed Valley Weekly, November 24, 2022

Paradiso refusal rescinded

By Jo Kennett

A previous application had requested that 12 of the 50 units be changed to dual use tourism and residential, from the orig inal tourism zoning.

“That was refused because of car park issues and we felt removing 12 units would have a negative economic impact,” Mayor Chris Cherry told The Weekly.

“Kingscliff is the main tourist town in the shire and there isn’t actually much tourist accommodation in the centre of town.

“The applicants did an economic impact assessment and fixed some of the legal aspects on the car park issues and they came back with an application for eight of the units to change use (rather than 12).”

Mayor Cherry said Council refused that application “mostly on social equity grounds”.

“People have bought in knowing they are tourist units and if only some of them transition to dual use that increases their value considerably,” she said.

“We had the Kingscliff Ratepayers and Progress Association and others request

we refuse it because of the need to protect dedicated tourism accommodation.

“If there is any chance we can ever get back control over short-term holiday let ting we need dedicated tourist accom modation.”

Council voted four to three to refuse the DA the second time around but then had advice from staff around the legal prospects of defending the refusal.

“They fulfilled the legal aspects for the car parks even though future units won’t,” the mayor said.

“We can’t refuse it on the grounds of the other unit owners not being able to have the same advantage.

“In the end we supported it because there weren’t legal grounds to refuse it.”

The mayor said she had made clear at the council meeting on Thursday, Novem ber 17, that it wasn’t a precedent.

“Just because we approved this doesn’t mean other people will be able to have the same gains,” she said.

“I have no doubt other people will come forward for similar parking variations.

“As I said at the meeting, when we create variants we create legacy issues forever but it’s just not possible (to allow more of these variants) with the number of car parks we have and the growth we are see ing in the shire.”

Cudgen Club recovery in sight

By Yvonne Gardiner

CUDGEN LEAGUES Club is now able to push ahead with repairs to its fire-dam aged clubhouse after Tweed Shire Council approved its development application.

At a meeting on November 17, Tweed Shire Councillors voted unanimously in fa vour of the multi-million-dollar alterations and additions to the club at 7 Bradshaw Place, Kingscliff.

The staged development will include a formal entry and lobby, cold rooms, kitchen and loading areas, bistro and bar, and a gaming area.

A modification to the level one floor plan will allow for an outdoor terrace and construction of a new roof.

Happy as he was to learn of the DA approval, club president Sean Alcorn says much work still needs to be done to final ise internal design and layout.

Sean was elected in December 2021 after the prospect of amalgamating with other local clubs was rejected.

“All the flood work in the area has made prices go up. Building in this environment

is really expensive,” he said.

“We’re currently negotiating with insur ers and the builder.”

Sean said the club’s board would meet with members to find out how they want to proceed with regards to financing.

“It’s been a long, long journey. There’s still a long way to go,” he said.

Tweed councillor Rhiannon Brinsmead said the community would be so excited to see the club restored to its former glory.

“The fire left a real gap in the communi ty. It’s a very much-loved asset,” she said.

“My boys played rugby league there. So many non-profits used it as a venue

for meetings.

“The community wants to see it rebuilt. It’s been a bit of a long road.

“It’s something more than a building, it’s the sense of community the members create.”

In an update to members on February 14 this year, Sean said building a club fit for purpose was an important strategy in long-term sustainability.

He said the focus of the club needed to be on food and family, good entertainment and good management.

“Participants were not supportive of a gaming focus,” he said.

have voted unanimously to rescind a refusal of a de velopment application (DA) for a change of use of eight Kingscliff Paradiso Resort apartments, as there was no legal grounds to refuse it.

DA APPROVED: Cudgen Leagues Club is ready for the next big step

RESCISSION: A crucial motion was reversed by Tweed Shire Councillors

Fundraiser success

Thank you Tweed Shire residents and local businesses for the wonder ful gifts, raffles and donations, with a special thanks to South Tweed Bun nings for their contribution ,which included the venue where we were able to bring this fundraising adven ture to fruition.

We were able to raise over $1,400 which went towards our benefactors The Smith Family and their ‘Toy and Book Appeal’ for their Learning for Life students and similarly disadvan taged children.

Now ‘tis time for Christmas cel ebrations which starts off with a Christmas Church Service and then December 1 we begin celebrations with entertainer Rhydian Lewis and his magical vocal chords.

The Twin Towns Day VIEW Club is very proud to have the honour of sponsoring seven Learning for Life students for whom we tirelessly work for.

We meet at the South Tweed Sports Club for a monthly luncheon, the next will be Thursday, December 1 where everyone is encouraged to wear something festive.

For further details phone president Kathie: 0407 709 629.

Twin Towns Day VIEW Club, Tweed Heads

Talking China

In response to D Weston Allen (TVW, Nov 17), it is certainly cor rect that China has announced plans to build a number of new fossil fuel power stations.

It is equally true that China has committed to ‘net zero’ (by 2060) and is annually spending billions on transitioning to renewable sources of energy.

From figures I’ve seen, in 2021, Chi na spent more than twice the amount of the next country (USA) on the transition to zero carbon.

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Power Prices Rise by 18%

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

Feed in Tariffs for Solar Crash

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ing from this investment; arguably the best value for money electric vehicles at the moment are Chinese — the Atto and the MG.

Of course, China is not alone in having its plans altered, not by a distrust of renewables, but the war in Ukraine; but don’t listen to me, listen to the head of the International Energy Agency (as part of the World Energy Outlook 2022 report): “When people misleadingly blame climate and clean energy for today’s crisis, what they are doing — whether they mean to or not — is shifting attention away from the real cause: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine”.

As someone who spent more than four decades working as a scientist in both government and private industry, I agree that a degree of scepticism is often important, but a scepticism that ignores the evidence is very much contrary to a scientific approach.

I’m reminded of those Republi cans in the USA who are sceptical that Biden won the last Presidential election, despite the overwhelming evidence that contradicts their view.

Brian Bycroft, Pottsville

I’m calling a truce!

Thank you to Wes Allen (TVW letters page), for our small climate debate over the past few editions.

And thank you for being more gra cious with me, than perhaps I was with you.

Have a Merry Christmas and Happy 2023.

Scott Morgan, Cudgen

Just moved here? Please take care of the Tweed

We are overwhelmed by giant dev il’s fig at the moment.

Even if we didn’t notice it, many weeds grow in our garden.

People come into our area from the affluent cities. Nice view, 50 acres, and think cool, let’s grow some fruit trees.

Well, what’s ending up happening is naive expectations and significant weed expansion.

Yes, the view is nice, but what about the rest of your land that is signifi cantly covered in destructive weeds. What about the dogs that kill every thing within their territory including the garden snake and lizards — all these are part of our environment?

Yet many vote for The Greens? Sorry, words are cheap. I want to save the planet too, but it seems a tad grim, in my opinion.

Greg Church, Nobbys Creek

Come see Hindmarsh Road

I would like to comment on Ray Nardi’s letter in The Weekly praising Tweed Shire Council roadwork crews, which I felt was good.

However, I would like to ask the residents come for a drive on Hind marsh Road to see the condition the road is currently in.

Let me tell you, Hindmarsh Road is a goat track and is only accessible by one vehicle at a time.

When we have heavy rain, the road gets washed away, I think the road is a disgrace.

I am constantly renewing my vehi cle parts due to the condition of the road costing more money.

I also believe there are a lot of trucks on Hindmarsh Road lately, which also contributes to damage of the road.

Lorraine Martin, (Hindmarsh Road) Nunderi

Prevent drowning this summer

Following on from a record number of drowning deaths in the past year, Royal Life Saving Society – Australia is urging all parents and carers in your area to always ‘Keep Watch’ around the water.

Our latest research reveals 549 children aged 0 to 4 have died from

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drowning in Australia in the past 20 years.

Forty per cent were aged just one year old.

This clearly reveals there needs to be much more action on supervising young children around water — which is why we urge everybody to ‘Keep Watch’.

The drowning risk for young chil dren peaks in summer; 38 per cent of all drowning deaths take place between December and February.

More than half of all deaths oc curred in swimming pools, making pools the leading location for drown ing among young children.

Drowning in young children is often quick and silent.

Everyday distractions like answer ing the front door, checking on dinner in the oven or answering a text message can divert someone’s attention away from the crucial task of supervision.

This can then enable a child to en ter the pool area unaccompanied.

Active supervision means giving your full attention and avoiding dis tractions.

It is important that you check your pool fence and gate. Pool gates should never be propped open for any reason.

Justin Scarr, CEO, Royal Life Sav ing Society

Church service to re member

I attended the most adorable church service last Sunday, November 13, Holy Communion at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Uki.

They were celebrating its one hun dredth birthday and the church was packed, all wearing their best, most summery outfits, on a day blessed with sunshine and pleasant breeze.

The Reverend Dr John Tyman beams nothing but friendliness and good will.

It is the first time I have heard a

celebrant joking — and the congre gation chuckling — before offering the sacraments.

“We don’t want to kill you all, so it’s COVID-19 safe, in separate paper cups”.

True to the sensibilities of the area, the Body of Christ was gluten free, and the fruit juice non-alcoholic.

We had delicious morning tea in the garden afterwards. But a snake lurks in this Eden.

Despite the active involvement of the church in many valuable cultural and community undertakings, it is under threat of being sold, to pay for the sins of others, elsewhere.

It seems to me this would be a fur ther abomination.

Robbie Wesley, Murwillumbah

More walks in nature

Regarding J Jacob’s letter to The Weekly, November 10, regarding the closure of the Wollumbin (Mt Warning) track.

We have a lot of visitors to Mur willumbah, particularly families who are very keen to experience a short rainforest walk.

Usually they are not keen to drive too far and ask if there is such a walk close to town.

The Border Ranges National Park is beautiful but often they will say too far to drive.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the Lyrebird Walk at the base of Wol lumbin could be turned into a loop walk?

How ideal this would be for our visitors and a great positive for Mur willumbah.

Gerry Matthews, Kielvale

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.

Thefts rock Tyalgum Store

By Jo Kennett

THE OWNER of the Tyalgum General Store says the town is struggling after COVID-19, flood road closures and a recent spate of thefts that threaten the viability of local businesses.

Jamie Dowling managed the general store before he bought it three years ago on the day of the first COVID lockdown.

He, like other businesses, struggled through the worst of that period, but managed to rebuild his business until it was thriving in the lead up to the February 28 flood.

“Tyalgum was packed all the time with visitors prior to the floods,” Jamie said.

“It was a finalist in the 2021 NSW Top Tourism Town (for small towns) and you couldn’t move in the place. The town was pumping.

“Then the floods destroyed everything.”

Landslides saw the town cut off with a major landslide closing Tyalgum Road and landslides and damage on Limpinwood Road towards Chillingham.

“Tyalgum Road is going to possibly take another 18 months to repair,” he said.

“It’s the worst landslide in northern NSW and it’s still slipping so there isn’t much they can do.

“Our only access is through Chillingham and it’s pretty bad as well. We panic when it rains because if that road goes, we are completely cut off.”

Then the pub closed, impacting busi nesses further, and now a spate of thefts have brought many business owners to their knees.

“It’s more than just my store,” Jamie told The Weekly.

“I’ve been losing stock and money and it’s been going on for a while but so have

other businesses. Things are going missing everywhere.

“People are coming onto people’s prop erties while they are asleep and stealing their ATVs (all-terrain vehicles).

“Yesterday alone I had over $100 worth stolen and I am catching people all the time since I installed security cameras.

“I have had people climb up windows and down walls and steal $250 from the pay it forward box.

“My policy is that if people don’t have enough money they always walk out with what they need, so customers throw their change in all the time, that’s what it’s there for.

“We also had a staff member steal mon ey. We don’t know exactly how much but it was considerable, so with that included we have lost tens of thousands of dollars.”

Jamie currently employs 15 staff and up to 25 during busy times.

“I work 15 hour days and when you’re struggling to keep the business open this is just heartbreaking,” he said.

“It has definitely affected the mental health of a lot of people, myself included.

“I don’t sleep much. It’s just so much you can’t shut off.”

“I’ve always said it’s not about the mon ey, it’s about the community, because with out them I’d have nothing.

“We had a meeting with councillors last week with a road update and trying to get resources.

“I’ve never been eligible for any help because when COVID hit I didn’t have any earnings figures because I had only just taken over.

“With the floods we don’t get anything because we weren’t directly impacted.

“I’m doing it tough, but the majority of businesses pay rent and all the costs are

rising including power, insurance, and food is going through the roof.”

After the floods when the town was with out power, ATM and EFTPOS machines, Jamie gave local residents credit to buy whatever they needed.

“We gave out free food and credit be cause you can’t see people going hungry,” he said.

“All the local regulars repaid it but we are still owed about $8,000 from others who didn’t come back.

“I’ve always been community minded and if people come and ask I will help in any way I can.

“I just won’t tolerate theft; I just won’t.”

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DISAPPOINTED: Tyalgum General Store owner Jamie Dowling is fed up with thefts

Don’t let puppies suffer

By Jo Kennett

THE MANAGER of a popular local pet resort is warning parents not to buy the kids a puppy for Christmas this year w ithout considering all the implications.

Cabarita Beach Pet Resort manager Wayne Jackson said dogs bought as pres ents often end up having to be rehomed or worse.

“It’s just like: ‘What are we going to get the kids for Christmas? Oh they will love a puppy,’” he said.

“By the time the Christmas holidays are over and everyone is back at work and school, a puppy is all alone all of a sudden.

“They suffer from separation anxiety and boredom and might start chewing things, by the time they are six months of age people are pulling their hair out.” Wayne said puppies are a 15-year com mitment.

“If you are going to be away a lot the only options are doggy daycare — which you need to budget for — or to get another dog to keep them company,” he said.

“It’s better not to look at them unless you think of the long-term commitment because nine times out of ten people will walk away with a puppy if they go look at one.

“They are not even going to contemplate six months down the track let alone years.

“Nobody thinks about the psychological effect on the animals, even young puppies, of being rehomed.

Wayne said a lot of people are having to get rid of dogs to find a rental home.

“There was a lady who had to get rid of their dog because she was living with it and her kids in her car,” he said.

“It’s like kicking one of your kids out when they have to be rehomed because a

family can’t find a rental with the housing crisis,” he said.

“You know how much love and devotion dogs will give to their owners, so to be suddenly dropped off and left on your own like you are nothing is really sad, often through no fault of the owners these days.

“The mental effect on the owners having to give up their dog is huge as well.

“There are so many homeless people who are homeless so they can have their dog with them.”

Wayne said a lot of people bought dogs during COVID lockdowns and he has seen a huge increase in dog anxiety levels since COVID.

“They thought, ‘We may as well buy a dog to entertain the kids, then when they go back to work and school they haven’t got the time for their dogs,” he said.

“Then everyone wanted to get away once they could go on holidays so a lot of dogs ended up in kennels with anxiety wonder ing where everyone had gone.

“So many dogs have no social skills now because they have never been around peo ple or other dogs. I have never seen so much anxiety in dogs before.”

Wayne advises families to think of the long-term implications before buying.

“Who is going to be there work-wise and school-wise, and what about when you go on holidays? You need to consider that,” he said.

“Can you afford doggy daycare, kennels, vets and even food is so expensive for dogs these days.

“It’s so easy to look at puppies and think how cute they will be with the kids, but the kids lose interest really quickly and grow up and are busy doing their own thing.”

Wayne says many backyard and regis tered breeders will have pups available for Christmas.

“A lot of breeders play on people’s emo tions, especially around Christmas, and it’s all emotional buying,” he said.

“They know the demand will be there and four to six months down the track the pounds are full and they are trying to rehome all the dogs,” he said.

“I hate seeing dogs being rehomed. It’s terrible for them.

“The heroes are the thousands of volun teers at all the shelters and all the foster carers that try to take care of the dogs.

“It’s a lot of work picking up all the pieces after a well-intentioned gift goes wrong.”

TWEED VALLEY Wildlife Carers is making a desperate plea for dog and cat owners to control their animals following the savage death of a bush stone-curlew at Tweed Heads on Friday, November 18.

Wildlife Carers member Wendy Litchfield said she was ap proached by a member of the public who had witnessed a curlew being attacked by an off-leash dog outside the Tweed Heads Council Chambers at Brett Street.

“She had just asked a man walking a dog to put a leash on the animal when it attacked and savagely mauled the bird,” she said. “I assessed the curlew, but it had already died from its horrific injuries.

“Sadly, the bird’s mate was extremely distressed as was the lady who reported the incident.”

Ms Litchfield said it was a “senseless death” and all because a dog owner had chosen not to leash his dog.

“Our curlews are endangered and to see a healthy breeding adult killed needlessly is extremely heartbreaking,” she said.

“So much work is being done in our shire to protect and nurture these wonderful birds that losing any, all because of a selfish dog owner, makes the conservation of them so difficult.”

Ms Litchfield said it was the second animal she’s seen in a week killed by domestic pets.

“The second was a water dragon killed by a cat let out at night by the owners,” she said.

She’s now pleading with pet owners to put native and sensitive animals first or risk losing them forever.

“Please, please be responsi ble pet owners and leash dogs in public,” she said.

“There are currently 14 off-leash parks in the Tweed Shire, if you want your dog to have the freedom of running unfettered, please use them. And please keep cats inside at night, give our native an imals a chance.”

PUPPY LOVE: It can seem like a great idea but is a puppy for Christmas the right choice? Maybe not. Wayne Jackson (pictured)

A bush stone-curlew was mauled at Tweed Heads recently

Tweed Link

Last week we each used 172L a day

Meet Target 160 this summer

As the weather warms, Council is reminding everyone in the Tweed to save water and meet the Target 160 goal.

Water and Wastewater Business and Assets manager Anthony Burnham said even when there are no water restrictions, it’s important for all residents and holidaymakers to use just 160 litres of water per person a day.

“There’s a limited supply of tap water and 2 factors are making it more important than ever for all of us to save water all the time,” Mr Burnham said.

“Another 15,000 people are set to call the Tweed home by 2041 and climate change is making rainfall in our region more uncertain.

“While the planned upgrade of Clarrie Hall Dam will help secure our water supply, we all have a shared responsibility to save water and the environment.

“The most cost-effective action we can do as a community is to reduce our water use.”

Mr Burnham said everyone in the Tweed typically uses about 200 litres of water per person each day. This year thanks to La Nina and ongoing wet weather, water use has slowly reduced with residents achieving Council’s Target 160 goal in recent months.

However this week, water use has jumped as the weather warms to 172 litres per person a day.

“You may have skipped watering the lawn, you might have reduced your showers to 4 minutes or maybe you have mulched your garden beds and haven’t needed to water as much,” Mr Burnham said.

“Whatever you have been doing, please continue to save water throughout our summer months in particular. That’s when our water use usually skyrockets every year.

Join a ‘Coffee with a Cop’ at Uki

As we head into the busy summer months, it's important to recognise the variety of different road users out and about in the Tweed.

Motorcycle riders are more exposed and risk serious injuries if they are in a crash. There were almost 2,700 motorcyclists killed or injured in NSW last year. Motorcycle Awareness Month is held in October each year and Tweed Shire Council supported the campaign by providing increased targeted messaging and by supporting events across the Tweed.

The campaign, an initiative of the Motorcycle Council of NSW and Transport for NSW, is designed to encourage the community to support everyone’s wish to get home safely.

Council's Road Safety Officer Lily Morgan chatted with local resident and motorcyclist Brian Knudsen on what matters to him when it comes to riding in our beautiful Shire.

“We have some of the best scenic views with a mix of interesting bends and lower trafficked roads, including good gravel roads in the national parks for adventure riders,” Mr Knudsen said.

“When it comes to motorcycle riding, training and skills are important to know how to protect yourself from risks on the road. Always learning, always practicing. When it comes to safety, protective gear is a must.”

The Motorcycle Clothing Assessment Program (MotoCAP) and the Consumer Rating and Assessment of Safety Helmets (CRASH) program are the key source of safety information for motorcycle riders.

“The right gear can greatly reduce the likelihood of permanent injuries from a crash and shorten hospital recovery times. It’s a nobrainer to gear up,” added Ms Morgan.

NSW Centre for Road Safety statistics show that even though motorcycles only represent 4 per cent of motor vehicle registrations, they account for 21 per cent of all road fatalities and 12 per cent of all road injuries. Ms Morgan said that we can all play our part by looking out for motorcyclists on our roads.

When asked what drivers could do to support motorcyclists more, Mr Knudsen said it is a good idea to “remove distractions within the car, causing some drivers not to see motorcyclists and creating dangerous situations.”

All motorists should check twice for motorcyclists and be aware of blind spots. If you’re riding, look out for hazards. Road safety is a shared responsibility.

Council, in partnership with Transport for NSW, will be co-hosting “Coffee with a Cop” event, from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 November at the Mount Warning Hotel at Uki. Book your free tickets now at coffee-with-a-cop.eventbrite.com.au

“Come and join us this weekend at the ‘Coffee with a Cop’ event. Enjoy a free coffee or soft drink while we connect with motorcycle riders to assist with identifying community needs,” Ms Morgan said.

To find out how we’re supporting the community to stay safe on our roads, visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/roads

“Thank you to everyone for meeting Target 160 in recent months. When we each save a little, we all save a lot.”

Go to tweed.nsw.gov.au/target-160-litres to see if you are meeting the target and to gain tips on how to save water indoors and outdoors.

Change to soft plastics

The REDcycle soft plastic collection program is no longer available.

What does this mean for you?

You need to put your soft plastics in your waste (red lid) bin and they cannot be recycled in your yellow bin.

Council will update residents as soon as there is another option for the recovery of soft plastics.

For the moment it’s best to avoid using soft plastic wherever possible. You can do this by:

• Buying loose produce using reusable bags

• Buying bulk food and use your own containers if your local shops allow it – there is no harm in asking

• Avoiding individually packaged items

• Opting for cardboard or paper packaging

While the current situation is unfortunate, the REDcycle program has been reducing waste to landfill for 11 years and your efforts have not been wasted!

For more information on recycling visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/recycling-reducing-waste

Come and celebrate inclusion in the Tweed this December

Live music, dancing and a whole lot of fun will take place early next month to mark the Tweed’s celebration of International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) on Saturday 3 December.

Council will be hosting the half day fair for everyone at Kingscliff Community Hall and the adjacent Rowan Robinson Park on Coodjinburra Country, from 9am to 2pm NSW time.

The fair will be just one of the thousands of events globally which aim to celebrate the diverse and vibrant nature of our communities and to also start conversations at a local level that challenge perceptions and attitudes about living with disability.

There will be live music, dance performances, inclusive movement

classes, face and hand painting, food, photo displays and a designated chillout space. For full details on the program for the day visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/idpwd

International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is a United Nations Observed Day celebrated every year on 3 December. It is a day to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of people with disability and to promote awareness, understanding and appreciation in our community.

This year's theme for the day is 'Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world'.

Jump on to the Cane Toad Challenge in December

Three upcoming cane toad busting challenges will be held across the Tweed throughout the cane toad season.

Council in partnership with Watergum are working with the community to get rid of the pest from the environment. The first weeklong challenge starts on Monday 12 December. Log your catch and join the toad busting fun from your own home!

The idea is to get together with friends and family, get outside and collect cane toads from your local environment. Log your data online to enter this fun competition and be in the draw for some very exciting prizes! The team or individual that catches the most cane toads wins.

First prize is a family pass to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, second prize is a toad busting kit and third prize is a Steve Parish kids’ cane

toad story book and a cane toad control manual. Prizes are drawn on Monday 19 December.

Find all the event details and extra resources on the Facebook event page at https://fal.cn/3tNtV. Daily updates will be posted during the event so be sure to log your data throughout the week.

Cane toads collected can be donated at local Tweed Shire cane toad drop-off points and will be used by Watergum to create toad tadpole lures.

Find out more about how to get involved and what to do at tweed.nsw.gov.au/cane-toads. Here you will also find a video about how to correctly identify cane toads and humanely euthanise them.

For more information contact canetoads@watergum.org

“People living with disability contribute and have such an important part to play in our community. This event and this day are about recognising this and opening a wider conversation about how our community can be even more inclusive for everybody,” member of the Tweed Equal Access Advisory Committee Wendy Buckingham said.

An Auslan interpreter will be available on the day. All accessible and inclusive features of this event are available in accessible document formats, so people of all abilities can find out more and plan their day.

For more information about this event, please contact Giselle Benitez Hetherington, Community Development Officer - Ageing & Disability on (02) 6670 2442.

Join in the Cane Toad Challenge next month.

Tweed

Local resident Brian Knudsen talks about motorcyclist safety during Motorcycle Awareness Month.

Flood recovery update 23 November

Tyalgum Road

Road closure and road works, business support and viability and health and well-being issues were among key concerns discussed at a round table meeting between Tyalgum business and community representatives and NSW Government agencies and Council at Tyalgum on 16 November.

Held at the Tyalgum Hotel, which is currently being refurbished in preparation of a mid December opening, the meeting agenda covered a wide range of issues identified as by the Tyalgum community as having major impacts.

Council’s Director Engineering David Oxenham provided an update on the engagement of contractors and consultants looking at not only restoring the major land slip but also slips on Limpinwood Road.

Mr Oxenham said Council, in consultation with Transport for NSW, was looking at what would be the best approach to the flood recovery work, reassuring the meeting that Tyalgum road access was among Council’s top priorities.

For full details of the meeting visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/flood-recovery-update Mooball flood visit

The NSW Government’s Flood Property Assessment team will be visiting Mooball in the mobile registration vehicle this Friday.

The team can assist residents, businesses and primary producers with accessing: a free property assessment, including an inspection report and repair schedule with estimated costs; if required, an electrical make safe and structural inspection and free property demolition if applicable and only with the property owners’ consent

The team will be on Tweed Valley Way at Mooball between 9am and 4pm this Friday 25 November.

For this week’s details of the meeting visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/flood-recovery-update

Development Application determinations

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

Application details

Approved

DA22/0123 - Dwelling and secondary dwelling with inground pool

Lot 85DP 1264557, No. 42 Black Wattle Circuit, Casuarina

DA21/0535 - Alterations and additions to existing dwelling and rural tourist facility (tourist accommodation)

Lot 2DP 1091831, No. 607 Cudgen Road, Cudgen

DA22/0361 - Carport within the front building line Lot 17 DP 250827, No. 8 Uniacke Drive, Banora Point

DA22/0617 - Inground pool, deck and 1.8m retaining wall

Lot 1089 DP 31968, No. 91 McAllisters Road, Bilambil Heights

DA22/0300 - Alterations and additions to existing dwelling Lot 70 DP 1030322, No. 34 Eclipse Lane, Casuarina

DA22/0664 - Retaining wall

Lot 391 DP 1052082, No. 46 Macadamia Drive, Pottsville

DA22/0505 - 1.8 m fence, gate and ancillary structure (cubby house) Lot 7 DP 776195, No. 1 Highland Drive, Terranora

DA22/0612 - In-ground swimming pool and retaining walls

Lot 415DP 1252575, No. 35 Altitude Boulevard, Terranora

DA22/0244 - Alterations and additions to existing dwelling and new shed Lot 1 DP 781662, No. 8870 Tweed Valley Way, Tumbulgum

DA22/0391 - Carport Lot 14 DP 801161, No. 65 Ducat Street, Tweed Heads

DA22/0411 - Carport

Lot 1 SP 21708, Unit 1/No. 19 Bambaroo Crescent, Tweed Heads

DA22/0395 - Alterations and additions to existing dwelling (patio and new bathroom)

Lot 3Section 12DP 28390, No. 5 Ocean Avenue, Tweed Heads South

DA22/0465 - Carport within the front building line

Lot 601 DP 1010132, No. 9 Semillon Court, 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

Compost workshop at the Tweed Library

As part of Council’s efforts towards eliminating food waste and ensuring it doesn’t go to landfill, a free composting workshop will be held at the Tweed Heads Library on Friday 16 December at 10 am.

Join North East Waste and Tweed Shire Council for a fun-filled practical morning learning all things compost as part of the Let’s Get Our Scrap Together community education campaign.

Learn composting fundamentals, including how to make your own compost container, what can be composted, how long it takes to compost, how to manage weeds and vermin, as well as ways to use your home-made compost in the garden.

A compost expert will also offer trouble-shooting advice for those who need more specific support.

One lucky participant will go home with a compost bin and everyone will take home a bag of compost. The workshop is part of Council’s commitment to work together with the community to reduce our impact on the natural environment.

Tweed Shire residents of all ages are welcome. Bookings are essential and spaces are limited. Book online at free-compost-workshop-tweed.eventbrite.com.au

Proposed road closing under section 38B Roads Act 1993

(NSW), notice is given that Tweed Shire

being part unnamed road, Numinbah (west of Lot 1 DP 358996) indicated as Lot 3 in

Upon closure of the road, Council intends to give the land as compensation for the

NUMINBAH ROAD

WATER

All interested persons are invited to make submissions concerning the proposal to the General Manager, Tweed Shire Council, PO Box 816 Murwillumbah NSW 2484 or via tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au, within twenty eight days of the date of this advertisement. Please note that under the provisions of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (NSW), such submissions may be referred to third parties for consideration.

Once the submission period is completed, Tweed Shire Council will consider all duly made submissions before deciding whether to continue with the road closure proposal.

Council Ref: PN: 29789, Unnamed Road, Numinbah Enquiries: Jennie Stephenson, Technical Officer - Property, Ph (02) 6670 2400. For the General Manager, Tweed Shire Council. yoursaytweed.com.au/road-closure-numinbah

Development proposal for public comment

The following Development Application has been received by the 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 23 November 2022 to Wednesday 7 December 2022.

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

Applicant Location Proposal

ELKN Pty Ltd Lot 4 DP 30841; No. 10 Minjungbal Drive Tweed Heads South; Lot 3 DP 30841; No. 12 Minjungbal Drive Tweed Heads South; Lot 1 DP 810555; No. 8-10 Cooloon Crescent Tweed Heads South

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

File No.

The following Development Application is the subject of an appeal to the Land and Environment Court following refusal of the Development Application by Tweed Shire Council. The amended documents associated with the appeal may be viewed on Council’s DA Tracking site located at datracker.tweed.nsw.gov.au for a period of 14 days from Wednesday 23 November 2022 to Wednesday 7 December 2022.

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

Applicant Location

Proposal

File No. John Spedding, Donna Spedding Lot 2 DP 121377; No. 271 Carool Road Carool

Recreation facility (outdoor) DA21/0989

Any person may, during the period specified above, make a submission in writing to Council in relation to the Development Application. Where a submission is in the form of an objection, then the grounds of objection are required to be specified.

Any person may, during the above period, make a written submission to the General Manager of Council. It should also be noted that Council has adopted a policy whereby, on request, any submission including identifying particulars will be made public. Council will give consideration to the "Public Interest" and requests for confidentiality by submitters in determining access to submission letters. However, the provisions of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 - GIPAA may result in confidential submissions being released to an applicant.

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 Councils’ website tweed.nsw.gov.au/development-applications

Come along to a free compost workshop at the Tweed Heads Library.

Council proposes to close part of a council public road

red on the map.

acquisition of land for road under s.44 Roads Act 1993 (NSW).

Tweed SES crews awarded

By Jonathon Howard

took place at Twin Towns function room on Saturday, No vember 19.

Our hardworking SES personnel are at the frontline of environmental disasters as well as recovery efforts.

In attendance was Member for Tweed Geoff Provest and Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot. The awards ceremony is a chance to say “thank you” to

LONG SERVICE

Kenneth Sanderson

(Murwillumbah National Medal 15 years)

Sanders Hetherington (Murwillumbah National Medal 15 years)

Kristine McDonald

(Tweed Heads Unit National Medal 15 Years Long Service and 10 Years Long Service)

John Hurston (Murwillumbah Unit 10 Years Long Service)

Jye Bartley

(Tweed Heads Unit 10 years Long Service)

Greyden Campbell (Murwillumbah Unit 10 Years Long Service)

Bryan Brazel

(Tweed Coast Unit 10 years Long Service)

Robyn Brazel

(Tweed Coast Unit 10 years Long Service)

Alex Hetherington

(Murwillumbah Unit 10 Years Long Service)

Ian Robinson

(Tweed Coast Unit 5 Year Long Service)

Hilton Fletcher (Tweed Coast Unit 5 Year Long Service)

COMMISSIONER’S UNIT CITATION

Grant Frost (Murwillumbah Unit)

James Kelly (Murwillumbah Unit)

John Murphy (Murwillumbah Unit)

Danielle Waters (Tweed Heads Unit)

Geoffrey Hitchcock (Tweed Heads Unit)

Tim Carlson (Tweed Heads Unit)

Accident at Wooyung

By Jo Kennett

A MAN has been hospitalised with serious injuries after his car hit a tree at Wooyung on Friday night, November 18.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was tasked by NSW Ambulance to reports of a serious single-vehicle accident at Wooyung.

NSW Ambulance paramedics and the He licopter Critical Care Medical Team treated and stabilised the 32-year-old male driver who was suffering from multiple injuries after the car he was driving left the road and collided with a tree.

The man was transported by ambulance with

the Medical Team escorting them to the Gold Coast University Hospital in a stable condition for further treatment.

Another man was hospitalised after an acci dent at Byangum on Thursday night, November 17.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was tasked by NSW Ambulance to the serious accident between a truck and a motorbike on Kyogle Road at Byangum, south of Murwillumbah.

Local paramedics and the Helicopter Critical Care Medical Team treated and stabilised the male motorbike rider, who suffered serious leg fractures, prior to being airlifted to Gold Coast University Hospital.

Pharmacy vaccinations

By Jo Kennett

LOCAL PHARMACISTS are gearing up to provide residents with even greater access to vaccinations following an announcement by the NSW Government to ease restrictions on the vital jabs.

Member for Tweed Geoff Provest said the NSW Government was eager to ease the pres sure on patients who find it difficult to get an appointment with a GP by making it easier to access medications and vaccinations through local pharmacies.

Mr Provest said the reforms will expand the number of vaccinations pharmacists can ad minister.

The NSW Government have authorised phar macists to administer a wider range of public health and travel vaccinations, including Japa nese encephalitis, hepatitis A and hepatitis B, poliomyelitis, typhoid and zoster.

“As well as supporting a statewide pilot where appropriately trained pharmacists can prescribe medications for certain conditions, such as skin ailments, ear infections, and hormonal contraception,” he said.

Mapp and Hession co-owner Paul Hession said the government’s announcement has two key areas.

“The first announcement was pharmacists in NSW can now vaccinate against an increased range of diseases,” he said.

“Previously we did influenza, COVID-19,

whooping cough, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, and meningococcal.

“We can now also vaccinate against hepatitis A and B, polio, typhoid and shingles.

“This means patients no longer need to see the doctor to get a prescription first but can present at the pharmacy and the pharmacist can provide the vaccination.

“The inclusion of hepatitis A and B and ty phoid is particularly timely as people start to travel more, they can now visit the pharmacy for all their pre-holiday health needs.”

Mr Hession said the second announcement is that from February 2023, in a 12-month pilot program, pharmacists will be able to assess and treat uncomplicated urinary tract infec tions (UTI).

“This is a major advance, as women who sus pect they have a UTI will no longer need to make an appointment with the GP, but will be able to have the pharmacist assess them and, if appropriate, will be able to receive antibiotic treatment on the spot without the need for a prescription,” he said.

“The changes mean patients are able to re ceive timely treatment for a painful condition that would normally mean a wait for a GP ap pointment, or a trip to the hospital emergency department.”

Anyone requiring more information is en couraged to speak with their local pharmacist or consult your GP.

If your home has been damaged in the floods you may be able to live in a caravan on your property.

after storms and floods

The NSW Government at-home caravan program will provide you with a temporary caravan.

This means you can live on-site while your home is repaired and will help you stay connected to your neighbours and community.

To find out if you’re eligible for the at-home caravan program and start the application process today. Visit nsw.gov.au/caravan

The scene of the Wooyung accident. Inset is the Westpac Rescue Helicopter tasked to aid the man

Lighthouse demolition

By Jo Kennett

THE DEMOLITION of the Captain Cook Memorial and Point Danger Lighthouse on the NSW-Queensland border is about to get underway with the site to be closed to the pub lic from this week as part of a long-awaited redevelopment.

Construction of the $6.1 million redevelop ment is due to begin mid-January, once the demolition is completed.

Point Danger Marine Rescue Unit Command er Keith Smith met with the builders, Lloyd Constructions, and Tweed Shire Council last week to discuss the overhaul of the lighthouse and memorial, which was built in 1971 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the voyage of Captain Cook along the east coast of Australia in the Endeavour.

The new facility will include a cafe with tabled seating outside on the public viewing lower deck as well as inside, public toilets, and wheelchair access around the site including the viewing platform.

There will also be a new operations room and offices for Point Danger Marine Rescue, a storyboard gallery with Indigenous as well as European history and maritime stories includ ing from the rescue service, and additional car parking spaces on Tweed Terrace.

Fingal Head Bundjalung/Yugambeh artist Christine Slabb will provide the Indigenous storyboards and artworks for the gallery and landscaped environment.

The work is a joint project between Gold Coast City Council, Tweed Shire Council and the NSW Government as the site straddles the border.

Pedestrian access to the area will be restrict ed until September 2023 when the rebuild is expected to be completed.

The views over Duranbah Beach and Rain bow Bay, as well as the Coolangatta Centaur Memorial and Walk of Remembrance draw in

around 2,000 visitors each day.

The redevelopment of the site was originally supposed to start in April, 2021, and be finished by the end of the year; however COVID saw the project postponed.

The Marine Rescue Point Danger operations room has already been relocated down the hill to the rescue base in Coral Street, Duranbah, with cameras used by the team to monitor the Tweed Bar.

Volunteers have a gift shop and have been holding fundraising barbecues on the weekend at the Coral Street base on the beach front at Duranbah.

The redevelopment does not include a Marine Rescue NSW fundraising gift shop so the win ner of the tender for the cafe will have to stock and sell Marine Rescue fundraising products. The cafe will operate seven days a week from 6am to 8pm.

Gold for Tourism Awards

By Jo Kennett

TWEED BUSINESSES were big winners at the 2022 NSW Tourism Awards held at Luna Park in Sydney on Thursday, November 17.

Three local businesses, Potager, Tweed Eco Cruises and North Star Holiday Resort, took out the top gong for excellence and will go on to the Australian Tourism Awards next March.

Tweed Eco Cruises won gold for NSW Tour and Transport Operator and bronze in the Eco Tourism category.

Owner Kylie Peterson said it was a great achievement for her crew “who work so hard on delivering the best cruises.”

“All of them have passion and drive for our business to ensure it’s a wonderful experience for our guests,” Kylie told The Weekly.

“To be recognised by the industry with this gold award is a fantastic achievement for all of them and us as a family business that has operated on the Tweed for 25 years.

“We have wonderful support from the Tweed community so big thanks to everyone who sup ports us.”

“When we set about creating Potager nearly seven years ago, our goal was to have ‘local’ at the heart of everything we do,” owner Peter Burr said.

“From the local businesses we support, to the producers where we were the first restaurant to use their product, to the potters who make our dining ware, to the locals we employ — includ ing the local kids we have given their first job to — and importantly to the many locals who come to Potager on a regular basis as their goto dining destination, we’re proud of the place that we hold in the community.

“After navigating some difficult years, first losing my partner Gareth (who was also our chef) to pancreatic cancer three years ago, then COVID, then the weather events, I’m proud of the fact that together with my amazing team that we’re still here, showcasing much of this beautiful region we call home.”

North Star Holiday Resort won gold in the Caravan and Holidays division.

new lighthouse and memorial

Potager — A Kitchen Garden, was the winner of the 2022 NSW Tourism Awards for Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services.

Mount Warning Estate at Dum Dum took out the bronze medal for Self-Contained Accommo dation while Berger Houseboat Holidays won bronze in the Unique Accommodation category.

The Tweed Tourism Company took out bronze for Tourism and Marketing.

An artist's impression of the

GO TWEED: Tweed tourism businesses were recognised for their hard work this year

By Yvonne Gardiner

TOP OF the agenda at a new NSW Farmers’ branch meeting in Mur willumbah this week will be the gut-churning effects of wild dogs attacking livestock.

Byangum farmer Neil Baker says wild dogs and foxes have mauled and killed more than 45 calves, sheep, goats and cows in recent years on Tweed Valley farms adjacent to Mt Nullum, at Eungella, Byangum, Stok ers Siding and Dunbible.

“In the last two months, there have been additional attacks at Carool and the Clothiers Creek area resulting in a further six cows killed. Fifteen wild dogs in a pack killed five cows. They were mauled and bled to death,” Neil said.

Recently, wild dogs were caught on camera six times digging up 1080 baits.

“These wild dogs create mayhem, cause significant financial loss and mental stress. The genetics lost can be irreplaceable,” Neil said.

“Local Land Services have been brilliant, providing expertise, advice and baits. They engaged a shooter who killed four wild dogs in June.

“Some wild dogs, no matter how much you bait them, they don’t take the bait.

“One case we had, our ram was killed. It was a wild dog feasting on our ram in broad daylight. These dogs are that brazen. We have lost over a dozen sheep to these attacks.

“If you lose breeding stock, it’s not only the financial loss, it’s decades

of work.

“A stud cow could be worth $10,000. In 12 months, mauled calves could have been worth $1500.”

In a nine-week period of constant baiting on his family’s property, Neil killed seven wild dogs and five foxes.

“Tweed Shire Council and NPWS (National Parks and Wildlife Service) own more than 1000 acres on Mt Nullum. They are responsible for predator control, yet haven’t been following their stated management plans,” Neil said.

“They blame poor access and in effectiveness of baiting. The reality is, there is an access road in good condition with a council lock on the gate. The baiting is very targeted.

“Just how much wildlife has been killed in the reserves? It appears the wild dogs may have eaten out the park and are now ranging on our farms for food.

“Council and NPWS have been ‘missing in action’.

“They use the excuse that baiting isn’t effective. Firstly, they have been mostly using fox baits , not wild dog baits. Secondly, it takes over 60 baits to kill a lace monitor lizard which they say is a reason why they don’t bait.

“We urgently need a coordinated campaign managed by Local Land Services.”

Tweed Mayor Chris Cherry said council was committed to working with the farmers to try to get the best outcome both for them and our en vironment.

“Wild dogs have a massive impact

on our farmers and their livestock. They also destroy so much of our native wildlife so council takes their control very seriously,” she said.

“Council’s role in wild dog control is the same as any landowner — we have a responsibility to operate con trol of feral animals on our lands.

“The best way to do this is to have a coordinated approach with all land holders in the area.

“To this end, we recently met with Local Land Services, NPWS and about 20 local landholders and agreed a coordinated baiting program around March and October each year, if there is evidence of dog activity, was the best way to try to stay on top of the wild dog population.”

Cr Cherry told The Weekly this last year had been a bad one for wild dog attacks on livestock.

“There has not been a lot of activity on our wild dog monitoring cameras in the reserves so it has been difficult to know where is best to concentrate a control program,” she said.

“Obviously the most efficient and humane control method is shooting, but the terrain in our reserves is very difficult country so this is probably better done on the grazing lands where farmers are losing sheep and calves, and where the dogs are ex posed, out in the open a lot more.”

Cr Cherry said a lot of “misinfor mation” was being broadcast about control of wild dogs.

“Council conducted a baiting pro gram at Mt Nullum over September/ October,” she told The Weekly.

“The year before when we tried to

do a baiting program, our cameras picked up that the goannas were tak ing many of the baits, so we halted the program.

“There is no point continuing bait ing if it is evident the target species is not getting to them.

“Control of wild dogs is a difficult one and requires all of us as landown ers to work together. The horror of seeing wildlife or livestock mauled by dogs is terrible.”

An NPWS spokesperson said the department had launched the largest feral animal control program in its history.

This program involves ground and aerial baiting, trapping and shooting.

“More than 70,000 pigs, goats, deer, foxes, cats, rabbits and other feral animals have been removed from our national parks in the past two years,” the spokesperson said.

“In partnership with Tweed Shire

Council, spring baiting for fox and wild dog control in the Mt Nullum area has been underway since Sep tember.

“NPWS is also participating with other land managers in the develop ment of a cross-tenure pest predator plan, which includes the Mount Nul lum Nature Reserve.”

Neil says more than 40 farmers were set to join their new branch, to be called possibly Tweed or Far North Coast branch.

“The wild dog issue was discussed at length at the NSW Farmers’ annual conference as it is a state-wide issue,” he said.

YOUR THOUGHTS: Do you have an issue with wild dogs? The Weekly would like to hear your thoughts on this matter. Please email the editor via editor@theweekly.net.au - or phone 0447 300 258

The remains of a Tweed Valley cow that was the victim of a wild dog attack

Geoff Provest’s Tweed Koala Plan is working

WORKING with Currumbin Wildlife Hospital Senior Vet Dr Michael Pyne and Tweed Shire Council to deliver the Tweed’s first ever Koala Hospital.

WORKING with Tweed wildlife community groups, volunteers and locals to deliver practical outcomes to save and grow the Tweed koala population.

WORKING with the NSW Government to buy up more habitat to support Tweed Koalas, including expanding the Cudgen Nature Reserve.

WORKING in NSW Parliament by not supporting legislation inconsistent with the Liberal and Nationals Government goal of doubling the NSW koala population by 2050.

Catch up with Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin

First steps towards recovery

THE seed of an idea I had during the flood disasters earlier this year became law last week and a new body tasked with the prevention, preparation, recovery, and reconstruction for the impact of all disasters in New South Wales will be created.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority is modelled on the successful Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA).

When the catastrophic floods hit the Northern Rivers region it was clear that we needed whole different way of what I call “doing disaster”.

Since day one I have advocated for a NSW Reconstruction Authority — an overarching agency to guide preparedness, response, recovery, reconstruction, mitigation and transformational adaptation.

For my community to have the best preparedness for and response to disasters — and there will be more — requires the state to have the best response to disasters.

This historic bill heralds a wholesale change to the way in which New South Wales will deal with all disasters, not just floods.

The Authority will have the following functions and powers:

• Facilitate the protection, recovery, and reconstruction of affected communities;

• Mitigate against the impacts of potential disasters on communities; and,

• Improve the resilience and adaptability of affected communities to potential disasters.

The Authority will deal with natural disasters such as bushfires, floods, earthquakes, landslides, heatwaves, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and tsunamis. Hazards caused by natural disasters, including air pollution, water and soil contamination and water insecurity will also be within the Authority’s remit.

NSW Labor has supported the creation of the Authority and moved a series of amendments to improve the governance, transparency, and oversight arrangements associated with it.

Importantly, I got an amendment through to ensure the Authority was subject to Parliamentary scrutiny; a Joint Select Committee will review whether it is meeting the objectives of the Act, exercising its powers under the Act, as well as review every disaster.

Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully, kindly thanked me for my efforts in convincing the government to proceed with the legislation.

“Janelle Saffin is the real champion of this legislation, and the creation of the NSW Reconstruction Authority is an important

legacy, she and the Lismore community can be proud of,” Mr Scully said.

Economic Environmental Recovery Plan now imperative

N ine months on from the floods, I have written to NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet to take stock of where the Northern Rivers region, and in particular the Electorate of Lismore that I represent, stands in regard to our flood recovery.

I welcomed the Premier’s joint announcement made with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on an $800-million Resilient Homes Fund package for the Northern Rivers that I strongly advocated for since early days.

Options include voluntary house purchase (including relocatables), voluntary house raising, and retrofitting to make homes more flood resistant.

I have let the community know that it is a start, not the end, and will take considerable time.

It is importantly the first in New South Wales as we embark on the transformational adaptation that is required to live with wild weather and climate change.

Northern Rivers residents can express your interest in the Resilient Homes Fund by going to https://www.nsw.gov.au/regional-nsw/ northern-rivers-reconstruction-corporation/ resilient-homes-fund/resilient-homes-program Now that this package is being put in place, it is imperative that a comprehensive EconomicEnvironmental Recovery Plan be rolled out for the Northern Rivers.

An Economic-Environment Recovery Plan needs to be shaped through the lens of what has happened here; that is we were hit by an event that was akin to an inland tsunami, leaving in its wake a humanitarian disaster on a scale not seen since Darwin’s Cyclone Tracy in 1974.

We need economic and environmental plans for all seven local councils, as well as neighbouring Tenterfield Shire (Lismore Electorate) reviewed with detailed consideration given to transformational adaptation.

In Australia there has been adaptation, but to date it has been incremental, which is why an Economic-Environmental Recovery Plan becomes more imperative with our rebuild, and in some instances, our staged retreat, which cannot simply mean abandonment.

I shall continue to advocate to secure the changes and developments we need.

LANDMARK DAY: Lismore MP Janelle Saffin joined NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot for the Resilient Homes Fund announcement in North Lismore

A Philharmonic Christmas

by Deborah Cheetham, Tobin Stokes, Johann Sebastian Bach and many more.

AS THE fundraising concert ‘We’re Back’ in August this year for Wedgetail Retreat was a successful event, the Murwillumbah Philharmonic Choir is preparing a more formal concert for Sunday, December 4. This follows the choir’s ‘normal’ routine for pre-Covid.

The programme will contain a variety of choral works and some varied Christmas carols and songs.

Preparation includes such works as, the Requiem by John Rutter, Hymn to the Virgin and excerpts from The Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten, as well as excerpts from Songs of Sanctuary by Karl Jenkins and arrangements of The Lord is my Shepherd by Franz Schubert and Howard Goodall. To add to these most enjoyable works are works

The choir meets regularly through NSW school terms, rehearsing every Monday night from 6pm to 8pm. In 2023, after 43 years of rehearsing at Murwillumbah High School, the choir has had to find a new rehearsal space, due to the construction year for the amalgamation of the four public schools in Murwillumbah. Fortunately, we have secured the Undercroft at All Saints Anglican Church. Again, I acknowledge the tremendous support I have with Associate Music Director Mary-Anne McShane and accompanist Beth Brooks, as well as other support directors, Dean Patterson, Vanessa Bowe and Darren Postema.

Light Christmas cheer will be served after the concert.

Heather Martin OAM, Music Director

(L-R) Mary-Anne McShane (Assistant Music Director), Heather Martin OAM (Music Director) and Beth Brooks (Music Accompanist)

Speed dating for green thumbs

By Jonathon Howard

A NEW speed dating program with a difference is coming to the Tweed Valley on Sunday, No vember 27, to give singles and budding green thumbs a chance at love.

Participants will make a date and plant a tree to see what blossoms, according to Tweed Land care, who’s hosting the event from 2.30pm.

The hope is that the event will encourage the planting of local koala trees and might even help locals find a partner.

“Meet new people and maybe even the partner of your dreams at Landcare for Singles 2022,” event organiser and Tweed Landcare coordinator Amalia Pahlow said.

“You’ve heard of speed dating, well this is speed planting.

“Plant a new tree with a new person every five minutes and then join everyone to mingle

over a free tasty dinner.

“We will be planting koala food and habitat trees so even if you don’t meet your match, at least you will feel fantastic having done some thing positive for the Tweed environment and wildlife.”

Ms Pahlow said a bus will pick up participants in Murwillumbah at around 2.30pm (location will be provided upon registration) and take them to the planting site 10 minutes away at Nunderi.

If you are unsure if the event is suitable, please phone: (02) 6670 2199 (Thursday) or email at amalia.pahlow@tweedlandcare.org.au

The event is proudly supported by ITV Stu dios Tweed Community Initiative Fund and Foundation for Parks and Wildlife.

Numbers are limited and bookings are essential via: trybooking.com/CDVEU

LET LOVE BLOSSOM: A speed dating and planting event is on this weekend

By Jonathon Howard

MY FASHION Store on Murwillumbah Street is pleased to announce the launch of a special Christmas fundraiser for Tweed Palliative Sup port and Wedgetail Retreat.

Customers can simply purchase a special Christmas butterfly decoration for any nom inated amount or even as a gift, and hang the butterfly on the store’s special tree.

Owners David and Robert along with their staff said they were proud to offer the fundraiser for Christmas this year.

“We wanted to find a way to raise some extra funds for our amazing Tweed Palliative Support care team this Christmas,” Robert said.

“It’s such a great organisation and they need

all the help they can get at Christmas.

“We thought the special tree donation was a great way to do that.

“We wanted to get our local Christmas elf (aka Sarah Vale) involved and spread some Christmas cheer.”

Customers can make any donation to the butterfly tree appeal.

“You can donate funds, gifts, toys, anything new, even purchase in-store and we wrap and cover everything,” David said.

The appeal will run until Friday, December 23, and the donation will be made on that date.

The My Fashion Store team wanted to wish all their customers and community a very Merry Christmas and happy 2023.

GIFT OF

The Murwillumbah Christmas elf (aka Sarah Louise Vale) is helping the My Fashion Store team to spread the word about the butterfly bauble appeal

Hinterland Trail concerns

By Yvonne Gardiner

BUSHWALKERS FEAR that the new multi-million-dollar Tweed Byron Hinter land Trails project will lead the way to an expensive white elephant.

They say the 36-kilometre trek is cer tainly not up to the “international trail” standard it’s being promoted as.

The $7.3 million project includes a fourday walk from Mount Jerusalem National Park to Nightcap National Park.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Ser vice (NPWS) says the project will deliver new and improved nature-based tourism experiences for visitors to the Northern Rivers hinterland.

An NPWS spokesperson said the walk had been designed for people to walk in one direction, beginning at Manns Road trail head near Uki in the north and fin ishing at spectacular Minyon Falls in the south.

Kingscliff bushwalker Trevor Reece, also a member of the Friends of Mt Jerusalem National Park, questions why there has been no public consultation or commu nity Q&A sessions for a project of this magnitude.

“This is taxpayer money, and the trail needs to be sorted right as it will have substantial impact for now and in the fu ture for the Tweed,” Mr Reece told The Weekly.

“It’s not well designed at all. All you’re doing is walking through dry bush. It seems to bypass the really nice rainfor est areas.

‘This is looking pretty primitive for an international trail.

“NPWS are very vague at communicat ing with the public. The Tweed end is definitely lacking in attention.”

Fellow bushwalker and Friends of Mt

Jerusalem NP treasurer Tom Lane, of Ban ora Point, investigated the trail route with rangers on preliminary walks in 2018-19.

He and Trevor are disappointed that a campground on Manns Road at the start of the walk, on the original plan, has been

“They do need a trailhead camp close to the Unicorn Falls area,” Mr Reece said.

NPWS says a new trail head on Manns Road will feature facilities including visi tor information, parking and a bathroom.

“The multi-day walk has been designed as a Grade 4 trail, best suited to self-reli ant, experienced bushwalkers,” an NPWS spokesperson said.

“The three, minimal impact camp grounds proposed have been designed to appeal to these types of walkers and will be equipped with essential facilities, including camping platforms, toilets, shel tered tables and water tanks.”

The Tweed Byron Hinterland Trails proj ect is due for completion in 2023.

The public exhibition period for the Tweed Byron Hinterland Trails masterplan

Coercive control bill

WOMEN, CHILDREN and all members of the Tweed Shire community will be made safer after historic and life-saving coercive control reforms passed Parliament recently.

Member for Tweed Geoff Provest welcomed the passage of the laws through Parliament.

“Coercive control is a form of domestic abuse that involves patterns of behaviour that have the cumulative effect of denying victim-survivors their autonomy and independence.”

“The new law will make it an offence to carry out repeated abusive behaviours to a current or former intimate partner with the intent to coerce or control, and will carry a sentence of up to seven years in jail,” Mr Provest said.

The bill is the first of its kind in Australia and will now crim inalise coercive control.

Coercive control is a form of domestic abuse that involves patterns of behaviour which have the cumulative effect of denying victim-survivors their autonomy and independence.

The new law will make it an offence to carry out repeated abusive behaviours to a current or former intimate partner with the intent to coerce or control, and will carry a sentence of up to seven years in jail.

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin echoed Mr Provest’s com ment in welcoming the reforms as “long overdue”.

“Do this crime and you will do the time,” Ms Saffin says.

“As a Parliamentarian, lawyer and a former manager of a wom en’s refuge, I’ve seen the devastating impacts of such behaviour on too many women and children, and their extended families.

“The Bill received bipartisan support and it will be reviewed to address some concerns that groups have raised with me and other MPs.”

If you or someone you know needs help, 24/7 support is available:

• NSW Domestic Violence Line: 1800 656 463

• NSW Sexual Violence Helpline: 1800 424 017

• 1800Respect: 1800 737 732

scrapped.

closes on Friday, December 23. Hard copies are available for viewing at the NPWS office at 135 Murwillumbah Street, Murwillumbah.

Bushwalkers Tom Lane (left) and Trevor Reece suggest that Unicorn Falls in the Mt Jerusalem National Park is an ideal starting point for the trail

Bushwalkers Tom Lane (left) and Trevor Reece at the proposed start of the Tweed Byron Hinterland Trail

Welcome to The Weekly

By Jonathon Howard

Madeleine was an avid reader of The Weekly and said she was delighted with the chance to join the editorial team.

“Jonathon Howard, the editor, and Jo Kennett, a senior reporter, have been doing an amazing job, but the workload must be taking its toll,” she said.

Madeleine brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the newspaper, having reported on identities such as Heath Ledger, Stephen King and director Mike Nichols for Spectrum in the Sydney Morning Herald.

But her true passion is writing about the Tweed’s exciting and diverse arts and cultural events.

“We live in such a beautiful part of the world,” she said.

“I feel fortunate to call the Tweed Valley home and it’s a pleasure to work with one of the best local newspapers in the state.”

“When they asked me to join the team and aid in the local coverage, I jumped at the chance.”

Madeleine is now calling on local venues and entertainment operators to contact The Weekly with their events and stories.

“It doesn’t matter how big or small, it would be great to hear what you have got planned and get some coverage in the local paper,” she said.

Anyone wanting to contact Madeleine for a story can send their information to editor@ theweekly.net.au

Dr Virginia Howard (Osteopath) BClinSci, MOstMed

Dr Michael Worthington (Osteopath)

Dr Rudi Gerhardt (Osteopath) B.Sc., D.O.

Dr Daniel Hawkins (Osteopath) BClinSci, MOstMed

SEASONED JOURNALIST and passionate Uki resident Madeleine Murray has joined the Tweed Valley Weekly news team reporting in the entertainment, arts and general news rounds.

WELCOME: Madeleine Murray is passionate about finding a good local story. Image by Ryan Brown

Summer Dayz at Burringbar

By Jonathon Howard

IT’S TIME to get the party started at Burringbar with the launch of Summer Dayz Festival at Club Burringbar on Saturday, December 3 from 2pm to 10pm.

Summer Dayz Festival is all about relaxing, playing and partying to herald the start of summer and to bring the com munity together, according to event organiser Joanne Fisher.

Ms Fisher said the event will combine the sights, tastes, sounds and creative activities of the Tweed Valley that are ideal for summer holidays.

“This is the perfect family fun event for the whole com munity,” she said.

“We have been through a lot in Burringbar this year, as have the whole Tweed Shire, so it’s time to embrace the summer heat and party as a community.”

Summer Dayz will feature a range of live music, magic, ‘Wild Rangers’ reptile show, arts, crafts and chef workshops, barefoot bowls, children’s games, dance, choir, ukulele for beginners and those ready with a few chords, drumming circle, laser tag, silent discos and so much more. Help with land management and weed identification will also be offered, which is ideal for any new residents to the area.

“Set in the peaceful, child friendly and accessible grounds in the Burringbar Valley, this event is free to attend and suitable for all ages,” Ms Fisher said.

The organisers are inviting anyone who is interested in sharing their creative skills to run a workshop, anyone who loves to dance and have fun to coordinate the silent disco and they also need bar staff for a pop-up bar.

“This event is designed to celebrate all the good things that summer brings to our region,” Ms Fisher said.

“It is also proudly funded by the NSW Government in partnership with Tweed Shire Council.”

For further information please phone Joanne Fisher on 0438 952 263 or visit club burringbar.com.au

It Takes a Town bids farewell

COMMUNITY MINDFULNESS initiative It Takes a Town is bidding farewell for now and will re-emerge in 2023 as a smaller group with the title ‘Imagine 2484’.

This new initiative will engage residents, clubs, businesses and schools, in imagining what safer, healthy and regenerative futures for the 2484 postcode area might be like.

It Takes a Town convenor Carmen Stewart asked that residents watch out for the emergence of Imagine 2484.

“It will provide impetus in directing us towards a future worth living in,” she said.

It Takes a Town launched on the same weekend as the 2017 floods.

Between 2017 and 2021, It Takes a Town acted as a conduit for the generosity of the residents living in the 2484 postcode area.

“Through It Takes a Town, over 20,000 hours of volunteer time and over $400,000 in donations was contributed towards the wellbeing of local families and individuals,” Ms Stewart said.

In 2022, It Takes a Town has worked closely with the Volunteer Hub and The Family Centre to generate and distribute a fund of $320,000 to households impacted by the flood.

Most of these donations came from local residents, business es, clubs and artists hosting fundraisers, although donations came from as far away as Victoria and North Queensland. The bulk of this fund has now been distributed.

Ms Stewart wanted to thank all those who contributed to the flood recovery.

“The 2484 postcode area is home to one of the most gener ous communities in Australia,” she said.

“This has been evident since the inception of It Takes a Town, particularly-so since the 2022 flood.

“We know how to come to gether and support each other.

“This bodes well for our com munity’s future.”

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Summer Dayz Burringbar is December 3. Featured above is Jo Fisher (coordinator, back right) with the team, including Bernie Fisher, Deb Minto and Janet Mitchell.

Convenor Carmen Stewart

By Jonathon Howard

“I think it would give the whole town a life — especially after COVID lockdowns.

Murwillumbah & District Business Chamber have teamed up with The Weekly to launch the Christmas Win dow Competition and Twilight Shop ping event, with the chance to win one of three prizes for best window display.

Chamber president Rebecca Whan (aka Santa’s little helper) joined with Chamber elves (Phillip Hepburn and Jerami Grasso) to spread the word and get businesses involved.

“Imagine lights lining our CBD this Christmas,” Rebecca said.

“We want to make sure businesses are registering via our website and they adhere to the Tweed Shire Council requirements.”

Businesses can line their windows, but also use non-transitioning lights on the street frontages.

“There are lots of ways you can cel ebrate your business this Christmas with decorations,” she said.

“Please get in touch to find out more.”

The Weekly will also be on the look out for the three best dressed windows.

For more information visit: business murwillumbah.com.au

Varella Swift

TYALGUM PRODUCTION

company Hearts Aflame Productions hosted the first post-COVID Tyalgum Dance Spectacular at the Tyalgum Community Hall.

A sell-out crowd of over 120 guests entered a transformed Tyalgum Hall, decorated to create an exquisite old-world ballroom, complete with crystal chandelier.  Hosted by ‘Dancing with the Stars’ judge Mark Wilson, the evening kicked off with a bang. In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the movie ‘Strictly Ballroom’,

first up the audience was treated to a specially recorded video direct from the star of the film himself, Paul Mercurio, offering memories and well wishes for Tyalgum’s event this year.

Electrifying performances from the current Australian Latin Dance Champions Thabang Baloyi and Jenny Wan, with their fiery Latin footwork, burnt up the Tyalgum floor.

The exquisite and elegant ballroom bracket graced to all by the beautiful Tweed based dance couple Rhett and Emma Salmon, and an entertaining and fabulous New Vogue segment courtesy of

Melissa Wyatt and Renn Hunt.

Each dance couple offered one item ‘in theme’ of the movie, dancing to one of the movie songs, and in costume. For the grand finale, Thabang and Jenny re-enacted the iconic final scene from the film, Scott and Fran’s Paso Doble.

A standout of the night was the astounding operatic soprano Sofia Troncoso, a recent new addition to the arts scene in our region, graduate of London’s Royal Academy of Music, and recent leading lady with Opera Queensland, Sofia’s soaring voice guided the audience through

It’s so great to be back presenting our flagship event again at the stunning Tyalgum Hall. This is the perfect venue to be presenting this event, making this available for our local region to enjoy right on their doorstep.

With all Tyalgum has been thrown in the last few years, we were amazed and thrilled to be sold out for this event a week in advance.

A touching tribute was a surprise item of the evening, acknowledging the show’s codirector and choreographer

with a special dance recreated from one of his career highlights almost 40 years ago.

The evening rounded out with a real party! The whole audience danced in a conga line to ‘Love Is In The Air’.

This event completes Hearts Aflame’s 2022 season, be sure to keep watching the website for more details on the 2023 season: www. heartsaflameproductions.com or follow on Instagram and Facebook — Hearts Aflame Productions.

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Lot 114 DP 1284746 No. 86 Castle Field Drive MurwillumbahDwelling & Pool

Lot 112 DP 1284746 No. 82 Castle Field Drive MurwillumbahDwelling

classical arias and modern classics throughout the show.

Doug Potter, a former Australian Ballroom champion and renowned dance coach,

By Solar Chapel

By Madeleine Murray

SETH BAKER is only 22 years old but he’s already creating quite a stir in the Tweed Shire.

Seth, who grew up in the Tweed, is the dashing owner of The Gin Experience, a mobile cocktail van done with style and flair.

“My uncle and I had this idea in Newcastle about two years ago” Seth told The Weekly. “We’re partners in this — we built the trailer, got the wholesale accounts, crafted a menu, and we’re on the road now.”

Seth and his uncle purpose built the classy chrome and steel van themselves in six months.

Now it’s on the road with a licence to operate throughout NSW.

The Weekly caught up with Seth at the open ing of the Capturing Nature exhibition at the Tweed Museum. Guests stood around drinking colourful gin cocktails from fluted glasses, while a giant megafauna wombat operated by three puppeteers moved among them, roaring and tossing its head.

Three handsome barmen, sporting crisp white

shirts and suspenders, wielded cocktail shakers like Tom Cruise in the film Cocktail, backlit by the purple and white neon sign The Gin Experience.

Gins include Hellfire Sloe from Tasmania, Wild Gin from South Australia, and of course Husk Gin from Tumbulgum.

The exquisite Mulberry Dream features Ink Gin shaken with organic mulberry cordial, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, aquafaba (a magical foam) and a dehydrated strawberry. Three other cocktails have equally interesting ingredients. The selection is small and expertly chosen.

The Gin Experience is available for weddings, events, parties, and functions.

“I love the art of creation and collaboration,” Seth said. “This business has given me the op portunity to meet and work with some awesome creative people.

“We’re a specialised cocktail catering service that provides the best cocktails in NSW.”

Bookings through Instagram @theginexperi ence_ Or email drink@theginexperience.com.au

Ninety-seven people from Uki and beyond filled the church, and gave generously when the collection plate was passed around. Because visitors far outnumbered regular members of the congregation, and the costs of the service had already been met by those who ministered, it was decided that the collec tion, which amounted to $652.85, should be given to Stuart Beaumont, the much-loved local instrument maker whose home, workshop and collection of beautiful musical instruments had been destroyed by fire the week before.

This was a touching gesture of kindness and symmetry. The church and the Rev John Tyman are known for their dedication to justice, charity

and human rights, The future of the building itself is still uncer tain, given the wish of church authorities to sell it to help cover compensation payouts to individuals sexually abused in other parishes.

The GoFundMe campaign for Stuart is: https://gofund.me/2cfc13ec

THE BEAUTIFUL Holy Trinity Anglican Church of Uki celebrated its centenary on Sunday, November 13, with a moving and generous gesture.

The Madeleine Murray

STYLE AND FLAIR: Morgan Williams, owner Seth Baker and Ruben Craney are the masters of a good drink and they're mobile

Fire destroyed Stuart's (inset) house, car and amazing instrument collection

Book a trusted local tradie

WHEN YOU use one of The Weekly’s Top Tradies and Services (here and see pages 48-51) you know you are booking a trusted local operator who is qualified, has an outstanding local reputation and can offer competitive quotes.

These days the Internet is flooded with information that can make a simple task of booking a local tradesperson extermely complicated.

By using The Weekly’s Trades and Services you know you are dealing with a tradie that understands the local area, has a track record and solid qualifications.

Remember, local tradespeople provide lasting employ ment, understand the local conditions and are just around the corner when you need them.

Our local tradies also offer established credentials,

licensing and can help to recommend other tradespeople to help with all your home, garden or business needs.

Another reason to use our trusted local tradies is for the ‘buy local’ principal, which provides you stronger ties to the Tweed Shire community and you never know who you might meet with friendships that can last a lifetime.

If you had a good experience with a local tradesperson, you might recommend them to a friend, who in turn recommends them to another friend and the local cycle begins.

So, the next time you pick up the phone to call on a tradie, think local and reach for The Weekly.

This way we can all help strengthen our community and our future.

Remember to tell ‘em The Weekly sent you!

It’s that time again for our Food Bowl article!

As we near to Christmas, the market is a hive of activity – not only do we have some pop up stalls coming to join us, but we also have some new stalls joining us on all being well a permanent basis.

Closer to Christmas we will have a facepainter and some other fun activities for the kiddies!

The new stalls include the Byron Fermentary, Sweet n Sourdough and Three Goannas – we hope that these new stalls add more variety and produce to our wonderful market. Please do pop by when you next visit and welcome our new stalls.

In the lead up to Christmas we have a wide variety of pop ups joining us – so the market is the perfect place to get all your Christmas pressies sorted in one stop –

watch out for the CWA (with their Christmas cakes), Men’s Shed, Sun & Earth (natural sunscreen), Ahana Candles, UKI Ginger, Emu Beads, Moonface Maddy, Swell Ceramics, Bronys, Renee Jeffery, Earrings By Law and Muddy Hands.

We hope you enjoy this update and look forward to seeing you every Wednesday at the market!

What’s in season at the market?

We are very happy to hear that Basil Pesto is in season and so is now back at Byron Spice Palace!

What we love about the dips at Byron Spice Palace is that they are all made with local, seasonal produce –which makes it even more special when a favourite comes back into season and we get to enjoy it again.

The Basil Pesto is incredibly tasty and is great served as a dip on a platter or even added to some of Woodland

Valley Farm’s pasta along with some cherry tomatoes from Jumping Red Ant and a sprinkle of cheese from Cheeses Loves You or Nimbin Valley Dairy – yum.

You may have also noticed that Jumping Red Ant have had Jabuticaba berries in –they are in season, which is very exciting. Jaboticaba is an unusual looking purple black skinned fruit know as the Brazilian Grape Tree – being a popular native to Brazil.

For anyone who hasn’t tried Jabuticaba berries before they are both sweet and acidic – they have a tart skin and a pale, fleshy centre that's incredibly sweet.

Now for the health benefits, Jabuticaba berries are a rich source of vital nutrients, including calcium, phosphorus and iron, they also have a high concentration of vitamin C and other antioxidants.

With the Christmas season fastly approaching it is great to hear that mini fruit cakes, large fruit cakes and a range of gift packs are in stock at Mad Mountain

Lyn and Tim tell me that their tamarillo jam is the perfect match for their fruit cakes - yum.

The gift packs also look great, including the hot chilli gift pack and the savoury gift pack – they are the perfect gift for that foodie friend or family member – and no need to worry about wrapping!

What’s new, tasty or interesting at the market?

Bron and Andrew of Smoothie Operators have now started their new summer breakfast for us – their chia pudding. For any of you who are having withdrawal symptoms from Bron’s delicious winter porridge, this is the new summer breakkie for you along with your juice. Certainly one to try!

We are very excited to let you all know that the Byron Fermentary is now joining our market.

Katerina's produce line includes fermented seasonal vegetables, fermented medicinal juices, mead and salts - all of her product flavours are dependent on what is in season at the time.

All of these products are great for our gut health, so please do pop by and have a chat to Katerina about her produce range.

Matti from the Three Goannas has also joined the market.

Matti brings with him a range of cordial drinks – we have been told that Matti is one of the first people in Australia to create a range of non-alcoholic, low sugar drinks and cordials, using herbs associated with relaxation including damiana, Japanese raisin tree, passionflower, ginseng and wild rosella fruit.

Sounds like a delicious cool drink as we head into the warmer months and

especially with Christmas around the corner.

You will also see Megan from Sweet n Sourdough joining us this coming week, which is another delicious addition to our market.

Sweet n Sourdough hand make their sourdough doughnuts with their own sourdough starter, which makes their doughnuts light and fluffy.

Megan then fills the doughnuts with delicious fresh, local (where possible) and seasonal fillings including lemon curd, dark chocolate ganache, raspberry and chia jam (v), brown sugar custard, raspberry and lemon glaze (v), and lastly passionfruit and lime glaze (v).

Oh my goodness these sound divine!

When and where can I catch the market?

See you at the Murwillumbah Farmers’ Market, at the Murwillumbah Showgrounds (via the Harry Williams gate) from 7am to 11am every Wednesday –come rain or shine!

There will be a different local musician at the market every week!

If you would like more information – follow us on Instagram or Facebook, subscribe to our weekly newsletter or contact the market manager, Claire Strodder by email (manager@ murwillumbahfarmers market.com.au) or phone (0415 328 672).

MEMBERS ONLY

Students perform at Opera House

By Madeleine Murray

UKI PUBLIC School choir was chosen from hundreds of choirs to perform at the Festival of Choral Music at the Opera House.

“We were up against choirs from all around NSW,” teacher and choir conductor Vikki Ar mour told The Weekly.

“It was very competitive. We were absolutely thrilled to be selected.

“It’s an enormous amount of hard work to prepare and maintain a choir of this standard, but it’s a great joy.”

The students and their parents need to be deeply committed to their musical and choral education. They rehearse on Tuesday night for one-and-a-half hours, plus an hour on Thursday.

“They love singing the parts, and enjoy that physical thrill you get from singing harmonies with others,” Vikki said.

The students from Year 4, 5 and 6 were invited to Government House, where they sang for Her

Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley in the ballroom. Each child was presented with a medal.

Student Frankie Bond was interviewed for 10 minutes in front of 3000 people.

“She spoke so confidently and brilliantly about Uki, “ Vikki said. “She absolutely nailed it.”

The 2022 Festival of Choral Music, held in October, is an annual showcase of NSW public school students in a combined choir.

This four-concert festival is one of the core state-level arts programs managed by The Arts Unit of the NSW Department of Education.

The choirs sing repertoire specifically ar ranged and composed for them.

The series provides a unique opportunity for schools to access targeted high quality reper toire and professional learning opportunities.

The festival also featured the NSW Public Schools Sinfonia, NSW Public Schools Stage Band and the NSW Public Schools State choir.

Citadel folk tunes

By Madeleine Murray

KIM CHURCHILL is bringing his beloved folk anthems and new gems from his upcom ing album Dawn Sounds to Murwillumbah’s Citadel for two nights this Friday, November 25, and Saturday, November 26.

The show promises to be a wholesome and captivating evening of stories and sing-alongs.

“Each show will be a beautiful night of sto rytelling, an honest reflection on life as we live it, and a romping high energy one-man band show,” Kim said.

Kim arrived on the folk scene in 2009, and his laidback folk style continues to strike a chord with industry and fans alike.

He has played renowned festivals such as Glastonbury, Montreal International Jazz, and South by Southwest.

This is the first time he’s come to The Citadel, as part of a tour around all corners of Austra lia. A second night was added to his visit, by

popular demand.

“I’ve heard so much about The Citadel,” Kim told The Weekly. “It’s one of those venues loads of people have mentioned to me and I’m so glad I’m finally coming to play! And to do two nights as well is a real treat.”

Raised on the coastal town of Merimbula, the songwriter was previously crowned Australia’s National Youth Folk Artist of the Year.

Kim Churchill will play from 8.30pm. For tick ets please visit: thecitadel.com.au

Uki Public School choir with teachers (from left) Edna Kendrick, Matt Pines, Vikki Armour

Celebrating people living with disability

By Madeleine Murray

LIVE MUSIC, dancing and a whole lot of free fun will mark the Tweed’s celebration of Interna tional Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) on Saturday, December 3.

Tweed Shire Council is hosting the half-day fair at Kingscliff Community Hall and the ad jacent Rowan Robinson Park on Coodjinburra Country from 9am to 2pm.

The free event is just one of thousands globally that celebrates the diverse and vibrant nature of our communities.

The fair aims to start conversations at a local level that challenge perceptions and attitudes about living with a disability.

Lily Budiasa and a Spin It DJs set will provide the music. While Sprung — Integrated Dance Theatre will perform and invite people to join creative dance workshops.

The International Day of People with Disabil ity event will begin with a traditional Welcome to Country by Bernie Williams.

To get everyone moving, fitness and dance group connect and captivate will follow with their all-inclusive movement classes.

There will be a photo booth to capture the magic of the day, as well as face and hand painting.

Cudgen Headland Surf Life Saving Club will be giving beach buggy rides along the foreshore, weather permitting.

Kingscliff Community Hall will have a chill out space. Here, visitors can view a pop-up Disability Pride Photovoice Project from Social Futures — a recently completed body of work representing the unique stories and perspectives of people living with disability in the Tweed. An Auslan interpreter will be available. This year’s theme for the day is transformative

solutions for inclusive development.

Wendy Buckingham, member of the Tweed Equal Access Advisory Committee, told The Weekly, “People living with disability contribute and have such an important part to play in our community.

“This event is about recognising this and opening up a wider conversation about how our community can be even more inclusive for everybody.”

The United Nations-observed day is an op portunity for our community to make positive changes to the lives of 4.4 million Australians — and approximately 19,000 people within the Tweed community — who experience some form of physical, sensory and/or cognitive disability.

All accessible and inclusive features of this event are available in accessible document for mats, so people of all abilities can find out more and plan their day.

For more information, please visit: tweed. nsw.gov.au/international-day-of-people-with-dis ability-in-the-tweed or phone (02) 6670 2442.

Kingy game changers

By Jo Kennett

A TEAM of Kingscliff Public School (KPS) students, mentored by professionals from some of the biggest companies in the world, have won the Design Award for Impact and Awareness at the Game Changer Challenge held in Sydney on November 8 and 9.

More than 300 teams from 180 schools competed, where teams faced were with the challenge, ‘How do we provide a healthy life for all at all ages?’

“Our students thought of natural disasters and mental health effects on the young and made an app that would show a location young people could get a face-to-face connection after a natu ral disaster,” KPS Learning and Support teacher and project mentor Asha Lambert Patel said. “One of the student’s houses at Fingal got flooded and all of them were affected by the anxiety and disconnection after the floods so they had real life experience.

“The semi-final was a day of competition against 60 other teams and our team of five year 6 students were selected for the grand final in Sydney.”

A total of 36 teams from NSW high schools and primary schools made it through to the

grand final, with the Kingy kids selected as a ‘Judges’ Choice.’

“The whole trip was amazing,” Ms Lambert Patel said.

“They got to work with industry professionals from companies like Google, Microsoft, Adobe, HP, Canva, who mentored them over the three days to present their final pitch.

“There were five awards given out and they won the Design Award for Impact and Aware ness against other primary and high schools teams.”

Ms Lambert Patel said there was initially some shock that they had won.

“There was some disbelief to start with but they are very proud of themselves,” she said.

“I think the emotional connection that every one has with natural disasters at the moment is what stood out.

“That was part of their pitch, that natural disasters are increasing and we need to be pre pared and I think that resonated with a lot of the judges and people in the room.

“It has really opened their eyes to the possi bilities for the future.

“They did very well and I was very proud of them.”

A community fair to mark International Day of People with Disability will be held in Kingscliff

WHIZ KIDS: Dylan Davis, Jayden Bekue, Jasper Cheah-Hastings, Mila Geddes and Sunny Martin

Piggabeen comedy show

By Madeleine Murray

COMEDIAN MANDY Nolan and friends will bring the laughs to Piggabeen Hall on Satur day, December 3, for a special Stand Up for Piggabeen event.

Mandy was one of just five comedians in the country who received funding from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival to create a new show.

“It’s a wonderful pat on the back from the industry,” she told The Weekly.

“As regional comedians we often feel for gotten. It’s so good to know that even though we don’t live in capital cities we’re still on the radar.”

The same could not be said for our regional communities. And that’s exactly why Mandy is stepping up to present a comedy show at Pig gabeen Hall to raise money for the Piggabeen and Cobaki Progress Association.

“The money raised goes to maintaining a wonderful community asset – the hall where we are performing,” she said.

“Country halls are meeting places, they are mini event centres, yoga rooms. Local halls are there for birthdays, wakes and all sorts of

personal events.”

Mandy will be heading up a show that features legendary comedian Lindsay Webb, who once held the Guinness record for the longest show at 38 hours and 6 minutes.

Lindsay, who is heading off to the Adelaide Fringe Festival with his latest show that cele brates 5000 live shows, has a unique ability to work spontaneously.

Adding to the fun is comedian Sandeep To tlani. Born and raised in India, Sandeep is a trained dentist as well as a pizza-eating com petition winner.

Moving between Indian and Western cultures, Sandeep has performed comedy in three lan guages on some of the biggest stages across Australia and India supporting big time local and international acts.

Sandeep has a fresh perspective, an engag ing stage persona, and an intriguing, hilarious comedy style.

Tickets to Stand Up for Piggabeen are $35 with ten dollars from every ticket going towards the Piggabeen and Cobaki Progress Association.

At 7pm, there is a barbecue with BYO and the show starts at 8pm. For tickets please visit: trybooking.com/CDZKF

Psychological thriller

By Madeleine Murray

AFTER THREE unsuccessful attempts to put on a production during COVID-19, the newly created Uki Moon Theatre is finally presenting its first production at Uki Hall this month.

House on the Lake is a psychological thriller so razor sharp it’s criminal. As the layers of deception and deceit emerge, the audience is left reeling from the intellectual assault on the nervous system.

David, a rational, cool-headed criminal lawyer, wakes up in a small, meagrely furnished room, and discovers he has lost his memory.

David’s dark memories surface with the help of his doctor, and reveal a shocking secret.

Director Penny Irving told The Weekly, “Aidan Fennessy’s play House on the Lake is a psychological thriller, full of deception, twists and turns which challenge the intellect and keep you captured till the end.

“The crime narrative relies on what is said and not said. The task is to track the truth and lies — when, what, who, how and most importantly why?

“There are careful repeated setups of facts

and clues that kept me intrigued to the very last line.”

Yasir Assam, the actor who plays David Rail, told The Weekly, “It’s a gripping yarn, the script is a real page turner.

“The first time I read it I couldn’t put it down — I had to find out what happens next. The play is deeply psychological and philosophical yet isn’t dry or boring. It entertains and makes you think in equal measure.”

Jane Thornton, the actor who plays Alice Lowe, said: “I’ve long been fascinated with why people do what they do, nature versus nurture and the influences that coerce us into positive and negative behaviours.”

House on the Lake runs at the Uki Hall on Fridays and Saturdays for the next three weeks, November 25 and 26, as well as December 2, 3, 9 and 10.

Doors open 6pm for a 7pm start.

Light refreshments and drinks will be available at the venue.

Tickets are available for House on the Lake: trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=931211&

Find out more about the Uki Moon Theatre at: ukimoontheatre.com.au

STAND UP FOR PIGGABEEN: Mandy is a fearless comedian and wants to help our local halls

UKI THRILLER: House on the Lake is a psychological thriller that will light up the Uki Hall stage

HUSSY HICKS & ÁINE TYRRELL really rocked the house like only they can, but with half the size crowd as last year. I’m still determining how much of a factor our troublesome website issues contributed to these lower numbers. Though last year, coming out of Lockdowns and medical apartheid, it was a very different landscape, as everyone was gagging to get out and have some fun! And the Hussy Hicks played the perfect performance as we were finally permitted to dance and shake it all off. There’re always so many factors to audience sizes, some impossible to forecast, leading to an entirely unpredictable result – and a ball of anxiety in my stomach, wishing it to sell well enough to make it worth everyone’s effort. Many people are non-committal when it comes to making plans, preferring to see how they feel on the day, and which way the wind will be blowing! But, rest assured we have some wonderfully exciting live events on, beginning with an extra-special ticketed Balcony concert on Friday with Shivam Rath displaying his unique crystal-ball slide

technique. Then on Sunday, the Grigoryan Brothers, Slava and Leonard, showcase their suite of music, inspired by 18 objects personally selected from the National Museum of Australia’s vast collection, tracing our diverse and complex history. The compositions are inspired by various artifacts including ancient 65,000 year old ochre of the Madjebebe rock shelter, a convict love token, a lifebuoy from the Tampa, and Sir Donald Bradman’s famed cricket bat. This Is Us was composed by Slava and Leonard during lockdown with each living in different states, and while they have included original compositions within past programs, this is the first time they have performed an entire program of original works. In December, and beyond, there’s so much on it’s hard to keep track, and days may get lost amongst the busy pre-X-mas period, so best to check our calendar, book it in your diary, get excited and invite your friends! Or, book a private screening if you’ve missed a movie you’d really wanted to see. We’ll treat you like a VIP!

Shivam coming to Regent

MULTI-INSTRUMENTALIST SHIVAM

RATH grew up in Byron Bay, from under one year old until 18, when he began travelling into the city and abroad.

Like most residents, he values the community and nature found in this special region. With a musician for a father, it’s small wonder Shivam has blossomed into his own career, utilising his natural talents.

“My first musical memory was learning Indian Scales by singing with my father who also stud ied Indian Classical Music when I was around three and soon after for pocket money,” he said.

“There’s many photos of me sitting in his lap while he was playing the tabla drums.

“Thanks to my father’s connection and influ ence I began seriously practicing myself after I went to India end of 2009 and met his Tabla Teacher from 35 years before and began study ing with him also.

“He was a great musical saint in my eyes, and also pointed me to the Indian slide guitar or Mohan Veena / Chattarangi.”

This became Shivam’s chief instrument of choice, utilising a crystal ball as the means of sliding.

However, joy is found in many instruments,

and Shivam will be launching his latest album, “Soul Sangeet” on The Regent’s balcony on Friday night, so come for a delicious Vegan bowl and witness his incredible multi-instru mental talents.

“I love playing lots of different instruments including, flute and voice so the Mantra Hop style is showcasing this with real-time live loop ing and other musical influences coming in,” he said.

Catch Shivam’s special blend on Friday, No vember 25, from 7pm to 9:30pm. Please note, this is a ticketed event. $30 ($25 concession)

First, on Friday, Shivam Rath will be performing a special ticketed Balcony gig of Indian Classical music, including the soul-cleansing Crystal Slides, to launch his new album, Soul Sangeet. Joined by special guest artist, jazz/flamenco guitarist, Ben Stenhouse, this will be a magical evening. With only 40 tickets available, book ahead to secure your spot! Delicious dinner is available (Vegan options of course!) But, best to call, or pop in, as our website is still experiencing major issues. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience and understanding whilst we workshop the issue.

Maddi O’Briene will be serenading our Sunset Soirée audience on the Balcony this Saturday 26th (6-8pm) and next week, our weekly local live music expands to include Sunday arvo (3-5pm), starting with the smooth sounds of Jesse Witney Bill Jacobi, another crowd favourite, is on Saturday night for some more banjo-bopping fun. It’s the last chance of the year to see these two amazing artists! Never fear tho, they’ll be back in 2023, along with more fresh faces and our beloved resident artists, as we continue to support local & live music! Please donate what you can on the night, to help keep these nights alive!

***PLEASE NOTE THERE HAVE BEEN SOME SCHEDULING CHANGES SINCE LAST WEEK*** NEW FILMS THIS WEEK: WHINA + THE VELVET QUEEN + DECISION TO LEAVE LAST CHANCE TO SEE: MILLIE LIES LOW

Book your Christmas Party or other celebrations on our Balcony, or hire the whole cinema for your event. Please enquire at events@the-regent.com.au

Join Poets Out Loud

TWO FREE community performance events ‘How We Heal’ and ‘Who We Become’ present ed by Poets Out Loud, are coming to Murwil lumbah in December 2022 and February 2023.

Poets Out Loud is a local initiative that em powers voices through writing and spoken word. The group will host the events on Friday, December 2, and Saturday, February 24, at The Regent.

As part of the ‘Together Tweed: Let’s Recon nect’ program, a showcase of stunning poetry, art and storytelling will inspire the community to reconnect after recent disasters.

Headlining ‘How We Heal’ will be WA poet Scott-Patrick Mitchell, wisdom keeper Kylie Miles, and First Nations artist Michael Philp. In addition to the feature artists, a small group of participants will perform personal stories developed at a free writing workshop prior to events.

Poets Out Loud director Sarah Temporal said she wanted to give people the tools to process difficult experiences with creativity and courage. “To help us reconnect in a safe space, and to let the light in,” she said.

“With these new events at The Regent, I have the opportunity to bring many different stories of healing to the stage, and also present some incredible performers and cultural leaders to

guide that conversation.”

Expanding on their inclusive programming motto that “Poetry is for everyone”, Poets Out Loud will offer Auslan interpreting, quiet space, and wheelchair access for these events. Attend ees with special requirements are encouraged to contact the organisers.

Poets Out Loud Community Voices events are proudly funded by the NSW Government and delivered in partnership with Tweed Shire Council.

Free tickets for ‘How we Heal’ on Friday, December 2, 6.30pm, are available now at po etsoutloud.org. Bookings are essential.

Scott-Patrick Mitchell

Sarah Temporal

Elise Lang

The Regent Spotlight

SHIVAM RATH is set to bring his amazing sound to The Regent

Holiday vehicle (7)

Justify (7)

Australian marsupial (5)

Elephant tusks (5)

Glove (6)

Spiky desert plant (6)

Mechanical aid (7)

Inherited character unit (4)

Ventures (5)

Journal (5)

Hide (4)

Dexterity (5)

Brings shame to (9)

Scottish capital (9) 34 Lowers (4) 36 Film theatre (6) 37 A hardwood used in furniture (8) 38 Gloomy (4) 42 Flightless aquatic birds (8) 43 Spice made from red peppers (7) 44 Under obligation (8) 45 Common reptile (6) 46 Bully (3) 47 Expend (3) 48 Maintain (6) 53 Attractive (8) 55 Tauten (7) 56 A red wine (8) 59 Ogle (4) 61 Shackles (8) 62 Lottery (6)

63 Frightens (4) 64 Front legs of an animal (9) 67 Boat in the process of flipping (9) 69 Ciphers (5) 70 Molten rock (4) 71 Not at all (5) 73 Ugly mythical creature (5) 74 Emollient (4) 75 Bubbler (7) 76 Deed (6) 78 Ascends (6) 79 Ring (5) 80 Meat dish (5) 81 Beach bird (7) 82 Experienced a prickling sensations (7)

WORDSEARCH: TWEED LOCALITIES

19 Artillery (8) 22 Double-digit number (6) 24 The i in Roy G. Biv (6) 29 Assume (5) 30 French vegetable dish (11) 31 Smug 50-down (5) 32 Playwright (11) 33 Smelly American mammal (5) 35 Long dramatic speech (9) 39 Of the stomach (9) 40 Diversions; conundrums (7) 41 Lace-up girdles (7) 49 Bravely (10) 50 Show pearly whites (5) 51 Baking utensil (5) 52 Hoard (coll) (5) 54 Formed a mental image (8) 57 Gibberish (6) 58 Fling (6) 60 Going over again (9) 63 Annoying (9) 64 Engaged woman (7) 65 Concerned (7) 66 Tooth doctor (7) 68 Farewell (7) 318792456 861357942 175489623

1. How much is the cash prize for the Wollumbin Art Award? 2. W here is the Wedgetail Retreat palliative care facility located? 3. W hat is the name of the school which has a secondary campus at Dungay? 4. W hat iconic momument at Point Danger will undergo major renovations soon? 5. W hich community organisation runs a breakfast kitchen at the Murwillumbah cattle sales yards each fortnight?

TEST YOUR TWEED SHIRE KNOWLEDGE SUDOKU

Pond fish (3) 49785 41 3 56 4

Swift (5) 456138279 549826317 683215794 9 Letter Puzzle: begun, bruin, brume, burg, burin, burn, burning, ennui, enuring, erbium, grub, gunmen, gunner, imbrue, imbue, inure, menu, numb, number, NUMBERING, numbing, ruin, ruing, rumen, rune, rung, umber, urge, urine

Strained (5) THIS WEEK’S SOLUTIONS Junior Crossword: Solutions: Crowd, pizza, night, ghost, exams, plane, Noah’s, Paris (CANTEENS)

Nothing (3) 38 Activities Thursday, November 24, 2022 Tweed Valley Weekly Locals Supporting Locals 9 6759 4

HIDDEN ICONS THE WEEKLY’S LOOK AT LIFE WITH PAUL DORIN

Because you read it, read it in the Weekly. If this is your number plate, you have won one of our amazing prizes! You have two weeks to collect your prize.

DAK11E

51 4 26 4 19584 LAST WEEKS ICONS newspaper p. 6, festival p. 14, bowser p. 26 Is this your number plate?

Display our Weekly Sticker on your car to win. The winning number plate will be published each week! READ READIT, READIT, THE... www.tweedvalleyweekly.net.au

LAST WEEK’S SUDOKU 1. $15,000, 2. Dulguigan, 3. Sathya Sai College, 4.. Captain Cook Memorial, 5. Lions Club Marnie Foster Dog 1644 $600 Mastiff X D.O.B. 01/01/2022 Desexed Female M/C # 991003001704151 MARNIE came to the pound with her brother and parents in very poor condition. She had large patches of hair missing all over her body and was very thin. After weeks of treatment and lots of TCL she has blossomed into the beautiful girl she is today. She can’t wait to start a new life with a loving family. Location: Murwillumbah For more information contact Yvette on 0421 831 128. Interested?. Please complete our online adoption expression of interest.https://

$50MEAT VOUCHER $50FRUIT & VEG VOUCHER Main Street (02) 6672 1155 Terms and conditions: By displaying our sticker on your car, you give Tweed Valley Weekly permission to publish your vehicle’s number plate in a future edition to announce winners. To claim your prize, you must be able to prove that you are the owner of the vehicle, by presenting registration papers to sta at our Queen St. o ce.

Sunnyside Mall (02) 6672 3158

friendsofthepound.com/adoptionexpression-of-interest/

& Upholstery has been servicing the Tweed Coast for more than three years and bring a fresh new approach to upholstery.

Owner/upholster Phil Cox and his team members Danielle Loxton, social media/ interiors, and Lisa Young, sales and inhome stylist, work together to create their customer’s visions.

With more than 40-years’ experience in upholstery, Phil focuses on repairing and recovering furniture from daybeds, statement chairs, dining chairs, ottomans, cushions, window seats, caravan cushions and custom upholstery.

“We have a range of fabrics in store to choose from or we can source what you are looking for from our Australian fabric houses or overseas,” he said.

“We believe quality furniture has a far

greater life span than cheap imports.”

Phil said investing in a quality piece of furniture will serve you better including family heirlooms.

“They don’t make furniture like they used to,” he said.

“Lisa is our home stylist and is in store, or she can visit clients to help create their visions with more than 20 years’ experience

in the fashion and interior styling industries.”

Seaside Interiors & Upholstery offer a free pick-up and delivery service from within the Gold Coast and Tweed Coast areas.

Visit the friendly team at 2/84 Hastings Road, Cabarita, call 0435 116 897 for a free quote or visit the website: www. Seasideinteriors.com.au to make an appointment.

Legal Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE OF PEOPLE, TACIT ACCEPTANCE

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

I would like to say what a terrific local forum we have in the shape of the Tweed Valley Weekly (TVW). Whether it be international topics that interest the likes of you and I, or more local issues like flood recovery, homelessness or crime in the community, just to name a few, the TVW gives us a voice. Keep up the good work.

Travel

PHUKET HOLIDAYS FOR OVER 55’S $85 per day includes- 4-star accommodation, 1 hour massage, English speaking tour guide with motorcycle hire. For further information phone0434 712 735

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

TWEED HEADS Original Thai Massage. Phone Yah 0477594800

Positions Vacant

FARM WORK CASUAL LABOUR needed for farm work. P/time casual. Weeding, mulching, general farm labouring. Own transport. Ph: Pamela 9am-1pm Mon-Fri: 0417 682 276

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

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

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

SCHOOL BUS DRIVER Crossan’s Buses operate put of Lundberg Drive Murwillumbah. Short local school run 4 hrs. per day. Must have MR License, working with children, public passenger vehicle authority. Immediate start. Ph Ern 0412 960 377

Positions Vacant

Senior Youth Specialist

• Location: Lismore and Surrounding Areas (Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Richmond Valley, Tweed)

• Employment Type: 3x Temporary Full-Time Vacancies

• Salary: $116,211 to $128,061 pa, plus Employer’s Contribution to Superannuation and Annual Leave Loading

About the Office the Advocate Children and Young People (ACYP)

The Advocate works to improve the safety, welfare and wellbeing of all children and young people in NSW. The Office of the Advocate speaks up for children and young people to ensure that their rights are respected, and their points of view heard by adult decision makers. The Office of the Advocate engages with the children and young people of NSW and listen to their feedback and input.

About the Role

ACYP is seeking an individual who is passionate about driving better outcomes for children and young people in Northern NSW who have been impacted by floods. This is a role where you can really make a difference in the lives of children and young people and the wider community.

In this role you will work with individual children and young people to create and implement tailored plans to support them in navigating support services to meet their immediate needs. You will also drive community consultation work with children and young people to find out what additional supports they need from government and community.

Building and maintaining positive and collaborative working relationships with stakeholders in the area will ensure your success in this role and the success of the service you can provide to children and young people.

This is a role for someone who wants to do work that really matters in the community and make a lasting positive impact on the lives of local children and young people.

Closing Date: 11:59pm Wednesday 30 November 2022

For any enquiries regarding the role please contact Una O’Neill at una.oneill@acyp.nsw.gov.au or on (02 )9248 0977.

Advertisement link: https://jobs.dcj.nsw.gov.au/job-invite/57473/

Reference Number: 57473

Positions Vacant

Are you looking to further your career within strata management with an innovative forward-thinking company?

Strata Plus is known for their professional and personal approach and being an employer of choice offers a fantastic workplace culture. We are looking for a strata manager to join our Tweed, NSW team who has drive and a demonstrated history of client service excellence, that wishes to work within a company that has incredible mentors in a variety of disciplines, sound attractive? then this could be the role for you.

You Need:

To embrace change, enjoy resolving client matters to build strong client relationships.

You Enjoy:

Getting stuff done to make us all better. You thrive on learning and sharing.

Providing outstanding client support, following established processes to ensure compliance and minimal risk exposure in your allocated portfolio.

You Expect:

A place where people are good at listening and great at taking action.

Technology and systems that assist you in successfully managing your workload.

A friendly, enjoyable place to work where individuals challenge each other to succeed.

We Like People Who: Take pride in their work, support their clients, and enjoy working in an inclusive environment.

Want a long-term career in strata with ongoing professional development.

Like setting themselves goals and achieving them.

Create a lasting impression with owners, committee members and tradespersons

We Expect:

People who demonstrate initiative and take responsibility

Individuals to prioritise and multitask and deliver outcomes in demanding position.

Prompt follow up and resolution of issues.

We Need a strata manager with the following experience and qualifications:

Experience: Individuals who aspire to further develop their 3+ years’ strata experience. Can make timely decisions related to their assigned portfolio

Previous experience in managing complex management structures, including Building Management

Committees

Qualifications: Class 2 agent licence

Relationship Management: Focus on managing client expectations in the best interests of the owners in the schemes.

Correspondence & Issue Management: Engaging with strata committee members via email, phone or in person to provide information and resolve scheme related issues.

Apt complaints resolution through the implementation of action plans

Client Service Management: Prepare and maintain documents and records related to schemes using strata information systems

Compliance & Risk Management: accountability to ensure insurance renewals, claims and levies are filed prior to deadlines.

To be considered, you must possess the following skills; Excellent communication skills, both written & spoken

A keen eye for detail & quality

Ability to follow, be a team player & work autonomously Be resilient and remain calm in a high volume fast paced environment

Proficient in Office 365

excellent working knowledge of the Act and Regulations.

To apply: If you are keen to explore joining us, reach out and outline why you are the right fit for Strata Plus. We will send you an invite to our online profiling even if your resume is not quite ready. You can also call Verica Mirkovic – People & Culture Manager for a confidential chat on 8198 8500.

18/11/2022

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

BRYANT William Clinton 21/11/2022

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TURNER Dorothy May 15/11/2022

White Lady Funerals 07 5536 5300

MCPHERSON Raymond Lawrence 17/11/2022

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KITCHING Angela 10/11/2022

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BOYD Arlene Mary 5/11/2022

Heritage Brothers 07 5599 1500

LAMBERT Molly 7/11/2022

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DAVIDSON Andrew Geoffrey 9/11/2022

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WOOD Alan Arthur 11/11/2022

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BURNETT Jay Denise 17/11/2002

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WYCH Anthony Brian 20/11/2022

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PARKER John Arthur 12/11/2022

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BARRY Kenneth Edward 14/11/2022

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PRESTON Leslie George 14/11/2022

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HARRIS Philip David 16/11/2022

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KIRKLAND Marjorie May 16/11/2022

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RUMMERY Nola Mary 17/11/2022

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BRYANT Patricia Eleanor Mar jorie 18/11/2022

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COUSTLEY Robert “Bob” 20/11/2022

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FLETCHER Ruth Nerida 20/11/2022

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EDWARDS Alfred “John” 21/11/2022

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Wallace McKenzie

24/03/1935 - 22/11/2022

Late of Uki, passed away peacefully in Albury, early on Tuesday.

Eileen Bowker

Passed away peacefully on 12/11/2022

Aged 89 years

Beloved Aunty and friend to many. A private cremation has already taken place.

IN GOD’S CARE.

Funeral Notice

Eileen Isabel Hendrick

Late of Chinderah, Passed away Tuesday 15th of November 2022. Aged 102 years and 11 months. Rest in peace, from your Loving family.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend Eileen’s Funeral Service to be held at Kingscliff St Anthony’s Catholic Church on Thursday 24th 2022 at 10.30am (NSW time).

After the service, the cortege will leave for the Murwillumbah Old Catholic Cemetery. (At 36 Kyogle Rd, Bray Park)

Ph: (02) 6672 2144 Murwillumbah McGuiness Funerals

Harbans Singh Johal (Harry)

Late of Murwillumbah N.S.W Australia Formerly of Jandiala, Punjab, India. Passed away peacefully after a short illness on Thursday the 17th November 2022. Aged 72 Years.

Dearly loved husband of Gian Kaur Johal Loved Father and father-in-law of Rajinder, Parminder, Sukhvit, Nena, Sandra, Kirandeep, Satvir and Sudarshan.

Cherished Grandfather of Gurbaksh, Ravijeet, Diya, Ekheera, Dayalbaksh and lshraj.

Family and Friends are warmly invited to attend Harbans funeral service to be held at the Tweed Heads Memorial Gardens and Crematorium, 176 Kirkwood Road Tweed Heads South N.S.W 2486 on Friday 25th of November 2022 at 10am (N.S.W time). After the service the cortege will leave for the Gurudwara Sahib Gold Coast for Sehaj path Bhog and Kirtan.

Ph: (02) 6672 2144 Murwillumbah

Snake Catcher

Coast to Country Classifieds

ROOM TO RENT 2 weeks bond, $260 per week, free wifi , boarding house, full size kitchen. Well presented, big backyard. Tweed Heads, good location - contact Robert 0401 172 656

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

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

Sally Pearson get active at Kingcliff

By Jo Kennett

SOME OF Australia’s greatest track and field stars visited the Tweed Little Athletics centre at Walter Peate Oval in Kingscliff on Saturday, November 19, as part of a national tour to in spire the next generation of Aussie athletes.

Australian hurdles legend Sally Pear son, dual World Champion Jaryd Clif ford, 2018 Commonwealth Games high jump champion Brandon Starc and 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medallists, KelseyLee Barber, Matthew Denny and Nina Kennedy, along with Little Athletics ambassa dors were at the centre to share their training tips with aspiring athletes.

Centre Manager of Tweed Little Athletics Sheree Bradford said they were very excited to have Sally come along to their Saturday morning Ath letics as part of the Coles Community round.

“It was great to have Sally there to interact with the kids in their events,” Sheree said.

“She was more than happy to sign autographs and get photos with the athletes.

“Many of our older athletes were a little star struck, especially those

who idolise her as budding hurdlers themselves.

“Sheree said Sally took time to take part in some hurdle skill sessions.

“She participated in some long jump with our younger kids and was there to encourage one of our under nine boys in high jump who broke the cen tre record,” she said.

“The under 8s loved having Sally jump in on their Tug-O-War and then signing their hats, shirts and even a few foreheads.

“It was really a great experience for our athletes to meet Sally.”

The appearances are part of Little Athletics Australia’s Coles Commu nity Round where kids and families participate in Coles-inspired activities such as banana relays, shopping bas ket races and Little Athletics’ version of ‘fashions on the field.’

Coles Ambassador and triple Tokyo Paralympics medallist Jaryd Clifford said it didn’t seem that long ago that he was doing Little Athletics.

“I still remember the Australian ath letes who took the time out to visit my centre,” he said.

“It was always so exciting and in spirational, and I hope to be able to provide that same buzz to the little athletes I see this weekend.”

This year’s Coles Community Round coincides with Coles’ com mitment to Little Athletics Australia for a further three seasons.

Coles General Manager Corporate Affairs & Indigenous Affairs Sally Fielke said Coles is delighted to con tinue its support of grassroots sport and provide opportunities for kids to lead healthier, happier lives.

“Little Athletics is at the heart of communities across Australia and inspires kids to keep active and stay healthy,” she said.

That’s why we’re delighted to ex tend our support for Little Athletics Australia to 2025.

“Since our partnership began in 2017, Coles has been extremely proud to have donated more than 3.7 million bananas and distributed over $2.2 million in sports equipment grants to grassroots Little Athletics centres to support young kids and volunteers across Australia.”

“Coles Community Round has be come one of the highlights of our partnership and our team members love getting involved in their local community by cooking BBQs, raking long jump pits and helping across the events.”

Woolworths donates $50k

MURWILLUMBAH CRICKET

Club received a major boost earlier this afternoon, with a $50,000 dona tion from Woolworths.

The funding was announced in conjunction with a surprise visit to Rabjones Oval by Australian cricket legend Shane Watson.

Shane was sharing some cricket tips with local youngsters as he ran a Woolworths Cricket Blast program.

Woolworths said it wanted to find the best way to help Murwillumbah Cricket Club bounce back from the February flood.

“Woolworths are acutely aware of the struggles the Northern NSW community have been going through

over recent years and wanted to help the community get back on their feet following the floods,” a Woolworths spokesperson said.

“The funds will go towards rebuild ing the club house, replacing cricket equipment lost during the floods, and covering registration fees for Wool worths Cricket Blast participants from Tweed Valley Cricket Associ ation in 2023.

“Woolworths understands the im portance of local sporting clubs and associations to the community and are proud to support Murwillumbah Cricket Club to help in their recov ery.”

PULL! Sally Pearson joins in the fun at Tweed Little Athletics tug'o war

Sally Pearson signing autographs for fans at Tweed Little Athletics

Cricket legend Shane Watson was in town for the announcement

Local kids took part in the Woolworths Cricket Bash with Mr Watson

Real Estate

FROM COAST TO COUNTRY

Land of opportunity at Tweed Heads West

By Jo Kennett

TWEED HEADS West used to have a bit of a westie reputation and prices to match, which is kind of crazy when you consider how close it is to lots of really good stuff.

It’s bounded by the Queensland border to the north, the Pacific Highway in the east, Terranora Creek and Bilambil Heights in the south, and Cobaki Creek, the Cobaki Broadwater and Cobaki Lakes in the west.

So basically, for a western suburb, it’s a far cry from Mount Druitt, because it’s surrounded by nature and water and a short

drive to some of the loveliest beaches on the Gold and Tweed Coast, as well as all the restaurants, cafes and shopping you could want.

Years ago a family member had a new house here in a new estate and it was all very well, new back then, but Tweed Heads West has well and truly grown up and grown into its own now.

The smart money started moving into the suburb a while back because there are so many lovely homes either on the water, looking over the water, or a stone’s throw to some sort of water.

Just like the Penrith Panthers, Tweed Heads West has been on a winning streak for the last couple of years, but it still has plenty of opportunity for buyers, with most real estate here cheaper than just about anywhere in the shire.

Last month Tweed Heads West had 20 properties available for rent and 59 properties for sale.

Median property prices over the last year range from $900,500 for houses to $458,500 for units.

If you are looking for an

Open Homes

Saturday, November 19

DJ Stringer

investment property, houses in Tweed Heads West rent out for $695 per week with an annual rental yield of 4.3 per cent and units rent for $450 per week with a rental yield of 5.3 per cent.

Based on five years of sales, Tweed Heads West has seen a compound growth rate of 18.1 per cent for houses and 15.2 per cent for units.

The most expensive house on the market in Tweed Heads West at the moment, that has a price on it, is a four-bedroom canal front home at 6 Tattler Court which is for sale for $1.85 million.

It’s on an 800-square-metre block with a giant garage for all your toys, a big pool and entertainment area.

The home is fully renovated, has a saltwater pool and its own private sandy beach with a jetty to pull your boat up to after a hard day’s fishing.

At the other end of the market, apart from a raft of homes in residential parks, is a unit at 3/14 Honeysuckle Street for $399,000.

It’s also been renovated and has two spacious bedrooms in a small well-maintained complex within

cooee of everything.

It’s a five-minute drive to Kirra Beach and two minutes to the M1 if you are heading out to work or want to escape south on the weekend like everyone up that way seems to.

This is a happening market, with 13 three-bedroom houses for sale in the last month and 32 sold in the last year.

If you are coming in at the entry level, there were 17 two-bedroom units available in the last month, so there’s plenty of opportunity

5/42 Garrick St, Coolangatta ‘Expressions of Interest’ 1:30-2pm QLD Time

MANA Real Estate

19 Chevell Place, Smiths Creek, 9-9.30am

4/2 Nunyar Court, Ocean Shores, 9.30- 10am 1/10 Naroomna Drive, Ocean Shores, 9-9.30am 4 Walgooan Way, Ocean Shores, 10-10.30am 51 Garden Avenue, Nunderi, 10.15-11am 20 Wirruna Avenue, Ocean Shores, 10.30-11am

1D Short Street, New Brighton, 11-11.30am

1/3 Haylard Court, Ocean Shores, 11.30-12pm

10 Flintwood Street, Pottsville, 1-1.30pm Sunday, November 27:

30 Nugget Street, Diggers Camp, 12-1pm

for savvy buyers to get into the market.

If you are going to be a westie, you can’t go wrong choosing Tweed Heads West to do it because it represents some of the best bang for your buck and liveability in this amazingly beautiful shire.

As us bona fide westies can tell you, sometimes the west really is the best.

Tate Brownlee Real Estate

14 Point Lookout Chase, Murwillumbah 9-9:30am

5 Westray Avenue, Banora Point 9-9:30am

1/85 Henry Lawson Drive, Terranora 10-10:30am

21 Piggabeen Road, Tweed Heads West 10-10:30am

39/3-19 Amaroo Drive, Banora Point 11-11:30am

17 Pulkara Court, Bilambil Heights 11-11:30am

12 Ribbonwood Pl, Terranora 12-12:30pm

37 Illawong Crescent, Terranora 1-1:30pm

20 Bosun Boulevard, Banora Point 2:30-3pm

JET Real Estate

32 Ewing St, Murwillumbah – 9.30 to 10am

1/34 Beryl St, Twee Heads – 11 to 11.30am

237 Mount Burrell Rd, Mount Burrell – 11 to 11.30am

DJ Stringer is listing this tidy renovated home at 2/7 Albatross Circuit

Tate Brownlee has this great Tweed Heads West home at 21 Pigabeen Rd

This immaculately renovated five-bedroom home in Nunderi is a rare find. Close to Murwillumbah and not far from the coast, this picturesque semi-rural area is highly sought after for good reason.

Recently renovated, this spacious family home has everything you need. Step into the large bright open-plan living area and note the expansive windows bringing the beautiful garden in. Welcome home. adrian.hoferek@manare.au

Delivering the ultimate blend of characterful charm and modern sophistication, this classic 1930’s residence has been extensively renovated and reinvented for our contemporary lifestyle.

Set in an elevated position with an easterly aspect and views to the distant mountains, the private and stylish home offers an ambience of understated elegance throughout. With high ceilings, a crisp white colour scheme, lovely French doors which fill the home with natural light, and gleaming polished timber floors, the property certainly makes a statement in style.

Scenic Coastal Acreage with Magnificent Island & Ocean Views

Under instructions from Transport for NSW, this property will be offered for sale by Auction, at our

There are a number of zones excluded from the biodiversity areas which allow a range of possibilities.

office. Consisting of approximately 1047 acres (426ha), large properties such as this, so close to everything are a rare find.

Near to the coastal villages of Wooli and Minnie Water with views to the Solitary Island Marine Park from the escarpment, a 25 minute drive to Grafton and 10 minutes to the new Pacific Highway, this huge holding of undisturbed freehold hinterland begs to be explored.

Due to its natural significance the acreage has been selected for the Biodiversity Stewardship program where state funding has been allocated for conservation purposes. Approx. $1,400,000 is held in trust in perpetuity. Funding covers maintenance of tracks, weed control, fire management and much more.

Home site and entry trail approx. 5ha (12.35ac) Blackbutt timber plantation approx. 12.5ha (30ac) 10 campsite areas of 2,500m2 each Central exclusion area 1.75ha (4.32ac)

Escarpment viewing area/campsite 5ha (12.35ac) Suitable for a simple lifestyle of living in the bush and appreciating some of the best nature has to offer or perfect for a small scale eco tourism venture (STCA) where hikers, campers and mountain bikers can enjoy the great outdoors.

A fabulous opportunity to secure a natural wonderland. This property will be sold at Auction, Register now!

Maclean