Voice of the rivers and the night sky project to be funded Launch of Tinny Heroes film receives standing ovation

Local community will take the lead in improvements to the rivers around Kyogle thanks to a Stronger Country Communities Grant from the NSW Government. The project, titled “Weaving the voice of the rivers and the night sky” has been driven by locals who identified the health of their rivers as a major priority.

To aid this cause, Project Coordinators and Youth Workers will be appointed to work with local project teams in Woodenbong, Muli Muli, Wiangaree, Kyogle, Bonalbo, Tabulam and Mallanganee – all made possible by the $208,000 grant.

NSW Nationals Member for the NSW Upper House said funding allocated to the Kyogle City Council will allow this project to proceed.

“The waterways of this whole NSW Northern Rivers region are part of the heart and soul of this area. They are part of the stories, the folklore and the everyday life of the people who live here.”

“A project like this will give the community the lead in the improvements in the river system they want to see. Having that ownership will give increased pride in the river system and the work being undertaken,” Mr Barrett said.

“This is just one of a number of projects The Nationals have delivered right across the Lismore Electorate. Because we get regional communities, we believe in regional communities and we want these communities to continue to grow”

Suzie Coulston, General Manager of Kyogle Together who will be overseeing the project, said the project will include storytelling and record keeping, passing on important knowledge in relation to the health of the river system.”

“This project will increase the health of our community - when you have healthy rivers and rivers systems you have healthy communities,” Ms Coulston said.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said in the past five years the Stronger Country Communities Fund had delivered more than 2000 grassroots projects, benefitting every Local Government Area in regional NSW.

“We all know how important it is for communities to have great places to come together to build social connections and boost their wellbeing through sport or community events,’’ Mr Toole said.

“It’s the little things that make a big difference to the way we all work, live, play and do business, and the NSW Liberals and Nationals in Government are delivering the projects that make a difference to everyday

By SAMANTHA ELLEY

It was standing room only at the launch of the short film Tinny Heroes in Woodburn last week.

Then by the end, it was a standing ovation with rapturous applause, and everyone was on their feet.

The film, co-directed by journalist Susanna Freymark and filmmaker Jimmy Malecki, captured the essence of the work those who had small boats did when Woodburn was inundated with flood waters.

Richmond Valley mayor Robert Mustow acknowledged that due to the tinny heroes, no lives were lost in Woodburn and surrounding areas.

Woodburn residents, Scott and Naomi Robinson were at the

Woodburn Memorial Hall to see the launch of the film, having experienced the effects of the 2022 flood themselves.

“I’m here to support the community,” said Naomi.

“I don’t know what to expect but I think it will be confronting and will affect people more than they think.”

Scott said the experience of the flood had gone so quickly, he was curious to see the footage of the event.

People’s reactions were obvious by the end of the 20 minute film, when they got to their feet and applauded.

They laughed and cried and remembered, and now the story of the Tinny Heroes will carry on through history.

“I thought it was wonderful,” said Naomi after the film.

“It depicted exactly what happened.

Scott also enjoyed it.

“It was great and this film is getting the story out there,” he said.

“Everyone could relate to it.”

Further screenings of Tinny Heroes will be at:

CASINO

March 10 at Casino Library at 10am, 10.45am, 11.30am and 12.15pm. Because of limited space there are several screening sessions. Bookings are required by close of business on Thursday, March 9. Call 6660 0354.

MCKEES HILL

March 9 at McKees Hill Hall, cnr Fig Tree Lane and Bruxner Highway at 6pm. Free sausage sizzle.

BALLINA

March 12 at Ballina at Cherry Street Sports at 7pm.

EVANS HEAD

March 15 at Evans Head Library at 10am and 10.45am. Bookings required by close of business on Tuesday, March 14. Phone 6660 0374.

Evans River K-12 School screening to be confirmed.

KYOGLE

March 17 at Kyogle Library at 5.30pm. Bookings required by close of business on Thursday, March 16. Call 6632 1134.

BONALBO

In March, Date to be confirmed.

WARDELL

Wardell will show the film when they have their outdoor cinema set up. It has been offered to them.

$7 MILLION LEGAL SUPPORT FOR FLOOD AFFECTED COMMUNITIES IN NSW

Flood affected communities in NSW will be able to obtain free legal advice as a result of a $7 million Commonwealth funding investment to aid ongoing relief and recovery.

Commonwealth Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said the new funding for community legal services in NSW meant people will have ongoing ready access to free, independent and confidential support to help navigate legal problems including insurance claims, housing and tenancy rights, employment issues and social security, credit and debt, domestic violence, destroyed documents and parenting arrangements.

“These devastating floods have taken every material thing from those affected. The Commonwealth’s extra funding for Community Legal Centres means they’ll now have the legal assistance they need to help rebuild their lives,” Mr Dreyfus said.

“Every part of people’s lives is impacted by these natural disasters and we want to ensure that legal assistance is available to them at this critical time.”

NSW Attorney General Mark Speakman said the funding will help Community Legal Centres (CLCs) continue to support people through the ongoing flood recovery.

“The floods wreaked havoc on our State,” Mr Speakman said.

“In the challenging aftermath of a natural disaster free legal assistance is crucial, especially to people who are socially and economically disadvantaged.”

Seven CLCs will each receive $250,000 per year, over four years:

• Northern Rivers CLC

• Welfare Rights Centre

• Tenants’ Union of NSW

Further information about the services being provided by CLCs is available at https://www. clcnsw.org.au/legalhelp-flood-affectedcommunities-nsw-2022