The Northern Rivers Times Edition 156

“the journey has been just smoke and mirrors”

“Limboland”

BY KATE COXALL

Last week, on Friday, angry residents and business owners protested in an event organised by ROR (Reclaiming Our Recovery) with the Knitting Nannas, in front of the closed NRRC (Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation) office in Lismore, where they say “the journey has been just smoke and mirrors”.

Many residents who had been waiting in what they have called “Limboland” were dismayed to receive phone calls, sometimes more than one repeating the same information, telling them simply “you are ineligible” for buybacks, retrofits or house raising, something many say they were waiting on, before they could move forwards.

In a bizarre move by NRRC, new maps were released, the same week, showing flood risk zones which did not take into account any flood data from the 2022 floods. On street’s where neighbours died in their fully inundated homes in 2022, residents received calls to say they were not eligible, due to not being at high risk, as found out, by ABC’s Bruce McKenzie.

Peter John Somers a Coraki resident attended and said “I have experienced dissatisfaction with the Government Schemes and processes, which is why I have come today. In 2017 the floods came into my home in Coraki just above the floorboards, in 2022 they reached the fan height on the ceiling in the first flood, the second flood,

it reached halfway up the wall.”

“When I bought my home, the real estate agent didn’t tell me I was buying in a flood zone.”

‘My home is basically written off, I have been waiting a year and a half to do something about it, and I should have fallen into the criteria for the Buyback or house raising, but received a phone call yesterday telling me I was ineligible, and given no other options, but an appeals process.”

Cathie DosbaThomson, a Social Worker who had been working at the hospital after the flood said “hundreds of people have been called at once, with staff reading from a script, to tell them they are suddenly ineligible, many who have received little to no prior contact after application, many still living in tents in their lounge room, unable to move on, to rebuild and recover because they have been waiting for the past 18 months to know

what to do, many with no walls, still suffering immensely.”

Pete Clout from South Lismore received a phone call saying “they have changed the mapping, and subject to the new maps, he is now ineligible for anything”.

Emotions charged, he told the Northern Rivers Times “I near drowned in my living room, I lost everything, and this waiting game has just been such a nightmare!”

“I have had no case manager, I have just been waiting and waiting, all I had received was a text to say I was registered. My neighbour opposite me has received a buyback, I had 2.7m in my house to the tops of the door frames. I was born here and have seen every flood since I was a child, and they aren’t getting better, they are just getting worst and we are being fed lies.”

Members of the protest spoke directly to The

Northern Rivers Times about their suicidal thoughts due to this news being “just devastating, and feeling like we are all alone in this, with lies and no way forward in sight.”

Janelle Saffin who was in attendance, said “This is my community, I always stand with my community, they are hurting and I am here

secured $150 million to go towards flood mitigation projects in the Northern Rivers, this money was allocated out of the 2022/2023 financial year. Today is June 30, the end of the 2022/2023 financial year. $100 million of this is yet to be allocated.”

In regards to the Resilient Homes and Buyback program, Senator Davey who met with Federal MP Kevin Hogan, was reminded that “Anthony Albanese told the people of

with them to let them know that in Sydney this week I took the feelings and messages directly to the NSW Premier, I got the other 3 MP’s for the North and the 7 Mayors with me, so we moved as a pack, and we told the Premier exactly what’s going on here.”

“He said he acknowledged that the process happening here for the Northern Rivers Communities is not working, and is not good enough and he promised to have a ‘reset’ taken.”

“The two Ministers will be up here [this] week

and next week, Minister for Planning this week, and Minister for Planning and Minister for Emergency Services next week. We put Tranch 2 to him, and the 6000 homes requiring support, 2000 then 2000, then another 2000, and he asked for time, but is considering it.”

In response to Kevin Hogan’s press release on the same day, blaming Labour for the botched rollout, despite the Coalition Government being in power for the initial months after the floods hit, where he said “16 months ago I

Lismore ‘no-one would be left behind’.

Ms Saffin said “I never beat up on the Coalition Government last year, I worked with them to get the best outcomes for my community, and at least we got some things, some commitments and I got the Resilient home program, Scott Morrison didn’t deliver it, that happened under a Labour Government Federally the State government took 6 months to do it, and also, when you are in the opposition, State or Federal, just get out and work with the Government of the day.”

“the journey has been just smoke and mirrors”.

ELECTRIC BLANKET CAUSES FATAL HOUSE BLAZE IN YAMBA

BY SARAH WATERS

FIRE and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) are urging residents to remain vigilant about fire risks during winter following the death of a 73-yearold woman in Yamba last week.

On June 27, neighbours at a retirement village on Orion Drive, Yamba, carried an elderly woman out of her burning, single-level home just after 9pm.

Firefighters and NSW Ambulance Paramedics desperately tried to revive the unconscious woman, who had suffered smoke inhalation, but were unable to.

Fire crews from Yamba, Maclean and Grafton extinguished the house blaze.

Experts from the FRNSW Fire Investigation and Research Unit (FIRU) examined the scene and determined a faulty electric blanket started the blaze.

Fire investigator Inspector Chris Hughes said extreme caution was needed when using electric blankets this winter.

“It’s essential that you check any electric blankets for worn out or bent wiring,” Mr Hughes said.

“If the blanket’s been compromised electrically, don’t take any chances.

“If there’s brown scorching on the blanket or a frayed power cord, then throw it out and replace it.

“It’s also crucial to remember that electric blankets should not

remain on all night - use them to warm your bed and switch them off to reduce the fire risk,” he said.

Firefighters said the home was fitted with a smoke alarm but they’re not certain it was working.

The incident comes less than two months after Fire and Rescue NSW launched their Winter Fire Safety Campaign. The campaign aims to educate the public about fire risks during winter.

Residents are urged to check their smoke alarms are working and are installed in living areas and bedrooms.

Other tips to keep fire safe during the cooler months, include ‘keep looking when cooking’, not overloading power boards, clearing lint from dryers and keeping towels at least one meter away from heaters.

Residents can phone their local fire station to book a free safety visit from firefighters, who come to the house and ensure fire alarms are installed properly. About 20 people die in NSW each year from fires that could have been prevented. Most of these fires occur in homes. For further information on fire safety please visit: www.fire.nsw.gov. au/

Each year, Council actively participates in The Aussie Bird Count, a community science initiative organised by BirdLife Australia.

BirdLife Australia has been at the forefront of preserving native bird species and promoting biodiversity for over 120 years, making it an integral part of the nation’s bird conservation efforts.

The Aussie Bird Count initiative serves as a platform for individuals to become citizen scientists by contributing to the collection of critical data on bird populations and distribution. These observations play a vital role in informing conservation strategies and management

decisions.

By encouraging participants to explore urban environments and connect with nature, the event promotes a sense of responsibility towards preserving birdlife and biodiversity.

Count summary for the Lismore 2022 survey

The count ran from 17–23 October 2022. The following statistics summarise the results of the 2022 Aussie Bird Count for the Lismore local government area. 432 observers participated in the Bird Count, submitting 659 counts.

Participants recorded a total of 18,477 individual birds during Bird Week.

160 bird species were recorded

Casino Beef Week Named Finalist for Festival/Event of the Year at the 2023 North Coast Tourism Awards

CASINO, NSW – The Casino Food Co-op Casino Beef Week, the renowned celebration of the vibrant beef industry and agricultural heritage, is proud to announce its selection as a finalist for the Festival/Event of the Year category at the highly anticipated 2023 North Coast Tourism Awards.

Casino Beef Week has long been a highlight on the festival calendar, attracting locals, domestic tourists, and international visitors to the beautiful town of Casino on the NSW North Coast. The event highlights the region’s rich culture, agricultural legacy, and the world-renowned beef industry, making it a must-attend experience for all.

Being named a finalist for Festival/Event of the Year is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of the entire Casino Beef Week team, as well as the support of the local community and stakeholders. This recognition affirms the festival’s exceptional contribution to the visitor economy and its commitment to delivering an unforgettable experience for attendees.

Casino Beef Week stands out as an utterly unique festival within the agricultural and food industry sector. With a focus on the beef industry and a comprehensive range of activities and events, the festival captivates audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

New belt added to boxer’s wardrobe

BY SAMANTHA ELLEY

From cattle auctions to live music performances and cooking demonstrations, Casino Beef Week offers a truly immersive experience that educates, entertains, and engages visitors.

The North Coast Tourism Awards honour excellence in the tourism industry, recognizing outstanding achievements, innovation, and contribution to the region’s visitor economy.

The Festival/Event of the Year category highlights the festivals and events that have made a significant impact on the tourism landscape, displaying the best of what the region has to offer.

As a finalist, Casino Beef Week is thrilled to be in the company of other exceptional events that have left a lasting impression on visitors to the North Coast. This recognition reinforces the festival’s commitment to continuously enhancing the visitor experience, promoting regional tourism, and strengthening the local economy.

The winners of the 2023 North Coast Tourism Awards will be announced at a prestigious gala event on 27th of July 2023 at The Plantation House, Tweed Heads. The Casino Beef Week team eagerly awaits the results, excited about the opportunity to celebrate the festival’s achievements alongside fellow industry leaders and visionaries.

Maddog Boxing Gym has done it again, producing another winner, this time at the Australian Boxing Council’s State of Origin series, which is held once a year.

Sunny McLean from Woodburn came home from Brisbane the other weekend with the title of champion of the Featherweight Division.

The 14 year-old Evans River School student went into the fight with the weight on his shoulders and came out with the weight of a champion belt.

Coach Scott Smith could not be prouder.

“Sunny fought the Queensland champion for the lightweight division, the grade above him,” said Scott.

“He had come down to Sunny’s division and was two years older than him, but Sunny came out the champion.”

Sunny’s win took NSW into the series 8 wins to 4 against the sunshine state, but in true Queensland fashion, the underdogs came back to a draw at 13 all.

“So, we’ll sort it out in Sydney,” said Scott.

A serendipitous moment was realised when Scott remembered it was almost 30 years to the day that he fought for

NSW in the same series, beating Queensland.

“I was lucky enough to win most outstanding boxer of the series, so if Sunny wins in Sydney, he might get the same title,” he said.

“He was incredible in his fight. We had a plan and he stuck to it.”

Scott said all the Maddog boys are training well with the events that are coming up.

“I have promoters ringing me wanting the boys to fight in their events,” he said.

“We are very professional and keep our standards to as high a level as we can.”

I love working with our local communities to make a difference.

Sunny McLean of Woodburn with his new belt and his coach Scott Smith wearing the tracksuit he won 30 years ago in the same series.

Council goes into bat for Shirley – again

BY TIM HOWARD

Attempts to rectify a naming anomaly on the approaches and crossing of the new Grafton bridge that has shocked locals have hit a brick wall, but moves are afoot to have one more try.

Grafton residents were shocked when the wrappers came off the signage on approaches to the Balun Bindarray Bridge last December to see it named Shirley Way.

The name was in honour of former Grafton City Council mayor and community icon Shirley Adams and the community expected to see her full name on the bridge approaches.

Unfortunately, due to a new policy at the organisation which oversees this, the Geographical Names Board, this had been outlawed.

The policy forbidding the use of two names for a location was created to avoid confusion among emergency service organisations during call outs.

Mrs Adams husband John and daughter Virginia, Clarence MP Richie Williamson and Clarence Valley Council, formally and informally have made representations to the government to have Mrs Adams full name used on the bridge approach signs, but to date all have been rebuffed.

This has not deterred the council, which last week, voted in support of a notice of motion from Cr Karen Toms to lobby politicians and the names board again.

“There’s a lot of Shirleys in the world, but there’s only one Shirley Adams,” Cr Toms said.

Cr Toms’ NOM urges the NSW Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib to conduct a review of the policy.

Unfortunately Cr Toms work has created a conflict within the council where Mayor Ian

Tiley has been working behind the scenes to achieve a similar outcome.

Debate on the matter revealed the Mayor had been working with former Grafton City

deputy during his first stint as Clarence Valley mayor “I felt that I could embellish our next submission by having the former GM of Grafton city assist,” he said.

“And he was doing

decided or chosen to go to the public arena and I’m very disappointed, with it. Nevertheless I’ll live with whatever the council’s decision is.”

But Cr Toms, who learned about Cr Tiley’s project at the councillor’s workshop prior to the June meeting, was adamant the council needed to put it into a resolution including a reference to Mr Smith’s involvement.

Cr Toms said she did not intend to cause embarrassment to the mayor or Mr Smith.

“I personally thought it can’t do that without a council resolution,” she said.

“So that’s why I put point five there. Not to embarrass you not to embarrass Mr. Smith. It’s purely to give more information about surely to the Minister.”

Other councillors were not so sure and voted in support of an amendment to remove point five of resolution referencing Mr Smith.

The council voted unanimously to:

1. Seek a review of the Geographical Names Board Policy that restricts the use of a given or first names in conjunction with a surname.

Boatharbour Landcare4lifestylers

Council’s Environmental Strategies staff participated in the Landcare4Lifestylers event, which took place on 20 May at a private property in Boatharbour. This event was specifically tailored for smaller acreage landholders who sought support in community connections, grant opportunities and regeneration strategies focused on wildlife habitat.

The venue, a formerly overcleaned parcel of land, has undergone a remarkable transformation through reforestation efforts.

Now, a flourishing 12-year-old forest, it stands as a testament to the power of restoration.

speakers representing the region. One particularly noteworthy topic centred around growing food in our backyards, inspiring attendees to explore sustainable food production methods within their own properties. Additionally, there was a special focus on native bee habitats, with informative displays and practical tips to create an environment that supports these vital pollinators.

Landcare4Lifestylers proved to be an invaluable platform for landholders to connect with like-minded individuals and learn effective strategies for regenerating their land for the benefit of wildlife habitat.

general manager Ray Smith on a submission to be put to Mr Dib and other ministers including the NSW Minister for Women, Jodie Harrison.

Cr Tiley spoke against the motion and did not want Mr Smith’s role promoted because his involvement had been private until now.

“I’ve been making something happen here on this matter for months,” he said.

“I’ve been talking to all manner of people politicians at all levels, the minister and others.

Cr Tiley said he had worked with Mrs Adams when she was mayor in Grafton and he had the same role in Maclean and she had been his

that. He’s currently doing it as a private individual, but I’m more than happy to include a submission to Minister Jihad, as well as the Minister for Transport and the Minister for Women.

“And that’s well advanced and I don’t think that it needs a further resolution from this council to tell your mayor how he is to do this.”

Cr Tiley was concerned Mr Smith might be embarrassed if his involvement was publicised.

“It’s been in train for a long time and what was said last Friday was for the information of councillors,” he said.

“Cr Toms, today, has

2. Write to the NSW Surveyor-General (Chair) Ms Narelle Underwood and the Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, The Hon. Jihad DIB, MP to conduct the review.

3. To advise the Minister that there are no houses or infrastructure on the section of road named Shirley Way, that could cause confusion (or delay) for Emergency Services, if it was named “Shirley Adams Way”.

4. Seek approval from the Minister to have “Shirley Way” renamed “Shirley Adams Way” as resolved unanimously by Council (resolution 07.20.013) September 2020 and supported by the broader community.

Guests were guided through the forest by Jesse Vandenbosch from Big Scrub Bush Regeneration. Jesse shared the site’s history and provided valuable insights and strategies for those interested in embarking on their own bush regeneration projects.

The event also featured engaging talks from various

Thank you to the organisers, speakers and all those involved in making Landcare4Lifestylers a successful event. For more information, reach out to Boatharbour Landcare at boatharbourlandcare@ gmail.com or for other areas, visit Richmond Landcare to connect to your local group.

Grafton City Council mayor and community icon Shirley Adams

LOVE BITES 2023

Northern Rivers Love Bites is a Respectful Relationships Education Program for young people aged 15 - 17 years delivered in Secondary schools. It is a nationally accredited, evidence-based program designed by NAPCAN. The interactive workshops focus on consent and aims to encourage Healthy relationships and reduce relationship violence and sexual assault amongst young people, the information workshops are followed by creative workshops and community campaigns.

The enthusiasm and efforts of the Love Bites facilitators once again ensured that despite losing all our equipment, materials etc. Due to the flood … we were rewarded with inspiring contributions and feedback from

SafeWork NSW to blitz Coffs Harbour farming businesses

schools and workshop participants.

LOVE BITES has commenced submitting grants for the 2023 year of delivery we need to raise $20,000 to train facilitators, pay musicians, sound engineers, artists, and meet material costs. The information sharing Healthy relationship workshops are delivered by the local domestic violence and sexual assault responders, youth workers and support service sector in collaboration with the participating School, at no cost to the community. Each session takes one day to deliver with workshops in the morning and Art and Music workshops as a medium for young people to express and share their learnings in the afternoons.

Application for Appointment of Board Members

SafeWork NSW inspectors will be visiting farming businesses in the Coffs Harbour area this Wednesday and Thursday (28 and 29 June) to ensure workers

Agricultural businesses have a legal obligation to ensure safe systems are in place for workers who are working in remote or isolated areas. This can include proactively monitoring workers with

to make sure they are competent, especially if they are working alone or out of mobile reception which is common in farming.

Compliance checks will be conducted at as many farm locations and processing sites as possible in the Coffs Harbour area with inspectors taking a zerotolerance approach to serious safety breaches.

“Since the start of 2022 there have tragically been 20 people who have lost their lives either working on farms or doing work associated with farming in NSW.

are being kept safe.

The compliance program is focusing on safety priorities such as working around vehicles and machinery, falls prevention, chemical safety, consultation as well as ensuring workers are kept safe when working alone.

regular phone calls or using distress alarms. Workers, especially those new to the industry, workplace, or to a particular job on the farm, need to be supported and supervised when performing highrisk tasks. Appropriate controls must be used

Seasonal workplaces have been identified as a priority area for SafeWork NSW in 2023. The outcomes of this program will be shared with the sector to help drive continual improvement in workplace safety practices.

Acting Head of SafeWork NSW John Tansey said:

“The contribution of seasonal workers to the agricultural economy is invaluable and we need to ensure they are kept safe.

“Every farm worker deserves to get home safely. It’s also important to recognise that the impacts of incidents are felt more acutely in regional areas due to the smaller populations and connectedness of the community. This targeted compliance program is about working towards zero with agricultural businesses and workers to prevent serious injuries.

“Farming and agricultural work has some unique safety challenges, particularly in relation to working in isolated environments. This program is about making sure businesses and workers plan around those challenges before harvest starts to keep everyone safe.”

WILLIAMSON ASKS QUESTIONS IN NSW PARLIAMENT ON FLOOD RECOVERY

Dunoon Public Recreation & Public Hall Reserve Land Manager

Ever wondered who is responsible for keeping Crown reserves operating?

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

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

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

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

The Dunoon Public Recreation & Public Hall Reserve Land Manager manages the Reserve No. 85191 at Dunoon notifed on 15-Jan-1965 for Public Hall, Public Recreation. The term of appointment will be for a period not exceeding 5 years.

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

All applications are required to be lodged by 7 August 2023.

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

State Nationals MP for Clarence has quizzed the NSW Labor Government on food recovery buyback numbers ahead of a critical meeting with the NSW Premier tomorrow around the delivery of funding for Tranche 2 of the Resilient Home Program.

In the NSW Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, Mr Williamson asked the NSW Minister for Planning Paul Scully how he would explain to the 4000 Northern

Rivers families they have missed out on vital funding support under the Resilient Homes Program following the release of fgures by the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation.

“It’s disappointing the Minister spent most of his time pointing the fnger at the previous Government, but I do welcome his comments that the door is not closed on further options and support for

impacted residents,” Mr Williamson said.

“Now is not the time to be playing the blame game.

“This is a confusing and distressing time for families trying to recover and rebuild stronger following on from the catastrophic foods and we need to be fair dinkum about delivering on promised support not playing politics.

“The NSW Labor Government now holds the purse strings and needs to step up and deliver on funding for Tranche Two of the Resilient Homes Program.

“I will be doing everything I can to ensure the delivery of the promised funding at tomorrow’s meeting with the Premier”.

ONLY PEOPLE POWER CAN SAVE THE $250 REGIONAL SENIORS TRAVEL CARD

Richmond and Clarence Valley seniors concerned about the cost of living have been asked by Clarence Nationals

MP Richie Williamson for their support in his local campaign against planned cuts by the Sydney Labor Party razor gang to the popular $250 Regional Seniors Travel Card.

Mr Williamson will next week offcially launch a local Petition in Grafton and Casino calling on the Minns Labor Government to continue with the signature NSW Nationals initiative following the four-year trial period which will close to new applications prematurely on 7 July.

“The $250-a-year card for regional seniors refects the reality that Sydneysiders enjoy massively subsidised public transport that just isn’t available in the Richmond and Clarence Valleys,” Mr Williamson said.

“We all understand that Labor’s priority is its metro electoral heartland, but I encourage them to govern fairly for all NSW citizens, not just those from Newcastle, Sydney and Wollongong.

“Since its inception, more than 12,000 Richmond and Clarence valley seniors have claimed the direct debit card showing just how popular it is.

“It not only adds to the social welfare of older locals but injects

millions of dollars into the local economy.

“It’s not too late for seniors to apply for the card this year but they will need to be

“The response to my survey has been overwhelming and has highlighted just how important the Regional Seniors Travel Card

survey are available by contacting his offce on 66431244 or email clarence@parliament. gov.au.

The local Petition

Have your say: Community Values and AspirationsRichmond River Catchment Health

quick as the NSW Labor Government is suspending new applications from 7 July.

“It’s important to stress that this will not affect seniors who already hold a card as active cards can continue to be used until the expiry date printed on the front of the card.”

Mr Williamson said his electorate wide newsletter that has recently hit the letterboxes includes a survey asking locals which former NSW Nationals in Government initiatives they most want to keep.

and other cost of living measures like the $250 Regional Apprentice and University Travel Card and Active and Creative Kids vouchers are to people living in the regions,” Mr Williamson said.

“All of these costof-living measures introduced by the former NSW Nationals in Government are under risk by the NSW Labor Government, so it’s important locals speak up about how important they are to them.”

Mr Williamson said additional copies of the

launches will take place at the following times and locations:

MONDAY, 3 JULY 12 noon in Market Square, Pound Street, Grafton TUESDAY, 4 JULY 11.00am at the Platypus RSL Day Club, Walker Street, Casino For those who cannot attend a launch in person, a hard copy of the Petition to save the Regional Seniors Travel Card is available from Mr Williamson’s offce and can also be signed online at www. savethetravelcard.com. au.

The Richmond Catchment plays a crucial role in supporting our communities. It serves as a primary source of drinking water, irrigation for agricultural activities and habitat for numerous plant and animal species. These waterways are of cultural significance to the people of the Bundjalung nation. The health and wellbeing of the catchment directly impacts the quality of life and livelihoods of the residents in the region.

By researching the community’s connection to rivers within the catchment, we can gain insights into the values, attitudes and behaviours of the people who rely on these waterways for various purposes.

Southern Cross University is conducting a research project focused on understanding and improving the health

of waterways in the Richmond River Catchment. This project aims to shed light on the vital role these waterways play in the community and explore future plans for their preservation and enhancement. The research project represents a significant step towards understanding and safeguarding these precious waterways. Participating in this project allows individuals to contribute their perspectives and aspirations, ensuring a collaborative approach that aligns scientific research with community values. Survey submissions close on 6 August. A series of community workshops will be held throughout July on the catchment health. Please refer to the poster below for event times and dates. Submit surveys here: www.richmondriver. mysocialpinpoint. com.au/communitiesvalues-river-health

Koala News

Friends of the Koala are assisting a group of researchers from various universities by getting a survey out to our Northern Rivers landholders.

The survey explores factors that may motivate or prevent landholders from participating in conservation agreements on their land, focusing on whether extreme weather events such as drought and bushfires could influence these decisions.

The research aims to learn more about what landholders think about these agreements and their reasons for adopting them. This largescale survey is being sent out to private landholders all across NSW. Access the survey here: bit.ly/ privatelandsurvey2

A GEM OF A PROGRAM HELPING THE LISMORE COMMUNITY TO REBUILD

The Resilience Project founder and presenter Hugh van Cuylenburg made a special appearance in Lismore today to motivate, inspire and share his expertise on Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness (GEM) with students and Coles team members.

Hugh, a bestselling author and co-host of the popular The Imperfects podcast, was joined by Coles ambassador and Olympic champion Sally Pearson at Lismore South Public School as part of a partnership between Coles and The Resilience Project (TRP), which has enabled 4,800 Australian students and over 120,000 Coles team members to participate the positive mental health program since 2020.

Three schools in Lismore - Lismore South Public School, The Living School and Lismore High School – have been able to participate in TRP’s school wellbeing program this year through funding from Coles, and nearly 250 students and teachers from Lismore South PS and The Living School were in attendance at Hugh van Cuylenburg’s presentation today.

A recent study from University of Adelaide of 160,000 students during the COVID-19 pandemic (2019-2021) found that students who have participated in The Resilience Project’s school wellbeing program have maintained

consistent emotional wellbeing and improved life satisfaction, in contrast to those that did not participate in the program1.

The research also found TRP participants experienced an increase in perceived support over the period from their peers and the wider school community which differed to non-TRP participants, who experienced a steady decline2.

The Resilience Project is centred around teaching the three principles of Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness, and is helping not only students but teachers, parents and guardians as well to cope with the stresses of life both in and out of the classroom.

Hugh van Cuylenburg said the program presented in Lismore has been delivered in 21 other disaster affected regions within the last 3 years and all have strongly resonated in the local communities.

“I’m grateful to be able to come to Lismore to see frsthand the recovery process in the community, particular among children and young people and frontline workers from Coles,” he said.

“The Resilience Project has proven through research that providing the tools and interventions to build resilience can signifcantly lower the risk of mental illness and buffer the negative

effects of stressful life events such as natural disasters and the pandemic3.”

“Lismore is an incredibly resilient community, but the long-lasting effects of an event like the 2022 foods cannot be underestimated. I hope The Resilience Project can play a part in helping this community to heal, recover and move forward.”

Lismore South Public School Assistant Principal Gaye Titcume said the program has already had a positive impact in the school community in just six months of delivery.

“So many of our students were directly impacted by the 2022 foods and are still recovering today from the trauma of the event,” she said.

“The Resilience Project has helped our students to navigate through this challenging period by giving them simple yet effective strategies to cope. The GEM principles are universal and The Resilience Project’s school wellbeing program is so engaging and inspiring for our students.”

“We have seen positive changes in not only our students but among the wider school community and Hugh’s visit to our school has created further excitement. His energy, passion and words will remain with our

students and teachers for years to come.”

Coles frst partnered with The Resilience Project in 2020 to help team members across the country cope with the stresses and anxieties experienced at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Coles Lismore Store Manager Cheryl Muirhead said the program has helped team members to look ahead and to rebuild after three diffcult years.

“Our team was frst introduced to The Resilience Project when COVID frst hit and our team members were dealing with panic buying, safety and hygiene protocols and a lot of uncertainty,” she said.

“The GEM principles helped our team to cope with the added stresses of working on the frontline during COVID and it transferred into helping us to be more resilient

when the foods hit in 2022 which affected every single team member in some way, big or small.”

“We’re incredibly grateful to be able to share The Resilience Project’s wonderful program with the schools in Lismore through funding from Coles.”

The Resilience Project has been delivered to more than 1,000 schools and early years services and

500 workplaces as well as sporting clubs and teams (including Australian cricket, netball, soccer, NRL and AFL teams) across Australia and New Zealand.

Coles’ partnership with The Resilience Project has enabled the school wellbeing program to be delivered in 30 Australian primary and secondary schools with vulnerable cohorts over the past two and half years.

Coles Lismore Store Manager Cheryl Muirhead, Sally Pearson and Hugh van Cuylenburg with Myah and Charlie from Living School Lismore

Flood Adaptation Abandoned: NRRC’s Funding Uncertainty Hinders Reconstruction Efforts

Thousands of Northern Rivers residents have been waiting anxiously for 16 months to see whether or not they would receive assistance via home buy-backs, retroftting or house raising. This week, hundreds are being told they will receive no help from Government.

Residents who narrowly escaped their homes with water fowing high through the second storey, have received curt phone calls from Service NSW to inform them they will receive nothing. Many are still homeless, living with family or in partly destroyed homes. Morale has dropped to a new low.

Beverly Jan Rawson of Broadwater said “it has been the hardest day since the foods. We are totally Invisible.”

Members of A Way Forward are calling on

the NSW and Federal Governments to urgently provide additional funding to the NRCC to extend their Resilient Homes program. Climate disruption has hit our communities hard, and this region could be an example of adaptation and preparation for what comes next. However, it is currently at risk of being an example of how we left our communities behind.

A Way Forward is a group that consists of community leaders, academics, town planners, legal experts, environmentalists and economists who have been meeting with the NRRC since it became active last October, seeking to gain clarity of process and now, to provide advocacy for the community. At a meeting with the NRCC this Monday, according to AWF spokesperson

David Tomlinson, it became increasingly clear that the resources to return Lismore and the neighbouring towns and villages to health are woefully inadequate.

“The NRRC has received $700 million for the frst stage of the buy-back programme. This tranche of funding is easily exhausted. The NRRC received more than 6400 registrations of interest from across the northern rivers but only 1011 buy-backs are underway. The target for buybacks now stands at 1,650, 150 fewer than initially estimated. The funding falls far short of our community’s needs.”

“Residents who receive no help from either tranche are likely to become trapped on the food plain with nowhere to go. House values have plunged since the foods and food insurance is not available for homes

or businesses.

The eligibility criteria for buybacks, specifcally the risk categories identifed in the maps, generated concerns. The NRRC explained that they employed a widely accepted methodology of assessing a 1 in 500-year food risk. This methodology was applied across seven local government areas, taking into account factors such as velocity, depth, and danger. Council models were utilized, with the exclusion of data from the extraordinary 2022 food due to its assessed unlikelihood of recurrence.

At the meeting, Professor Jerry Vanclay stressed the importance of peer review in validating the methodology applied. He provided evidence that the February 2022 food was predictable and

needs to be considered in forward planning.

With the limited funding available, the AWF group recognises that Lismore is the most important area of strategic focus for the rebuild at this stage.

However, Dr Hanabeth Luke, a member of the AWF group, said there were grave concerns that heavily impacted downstream communities felt they were being left behind.

“The speed and impact of the 2022 foodwaters on upstream and downstream communities must also be recognised,” she said. “Whether or not that includes house-raising or other measures, we need to think about adaptation for the whole catchment.”

In addition to the technical aspects, the meeting highlighted the communication

challenges faced by the NRRC. Annie Kia voiced concerns regarding the community’s understanding of the risk and the detrimental impact of uncertainty on mental health. The Flood Recovery Study showed that uncertainty has been linked to more than half of affected residents not coping.

The meeting concluded with inquiries regarding the release of NRRC tranche 2 funding, an uncertain timeline for the government’s decision. It was noted that the NRRC have made representations to the government requesting the release of the second tranche funding, and this decision now rests with the New South Wales State and Federal government.

“We must take urgent steps, locally and nationally, to adapt to a future which is vastly different from the one we know.”, said Mr Tomlinson.

Flood repairs behind $210 million capital works spend

BY TIM HOWARD

Clarence Valley Council’s capital works works program for the next financial year will hit $210.2 million, more than triple the amount has historically delivered.

At last week’s meeting the council adopted its integrated planning and reporting framework made up of the 2023/2024 Operational Plan and its resourcing strategy incorporating:

• Long Term Financial Plan (2023/2024 to 2032/2033)

• Workforce Management Strategy (2022/2023-2025/2026)

• Asset Management Strategy (2022/2023 –2031/2032)

• 2023/2024 Fees and Charges

The report to councillors said the grants to fund natural disaster repairs were the main reason the capital works budget had trebled. The substantial increase is made possible by a significant increase in grant funding, in particular Natural Disaster Repair Works to repair 2022 flood damage.

The $210 million capital works program features:

• $67.7 million to emergency restoration and betterment works for essential public assets damaged by the February 2022 floods (and $25 million for

Claude Monet painting coming to Tweed

2024/2025).

• $37.8 million to other road and bridge infrastructure projects;

• $38.5 million to water and sewer projects;

• $31 million to community facility and building projects;

• $19.97 million to the continued replacement of timber bridges;

• $15 million to Regional Aquatic Centre project;

• $13.83 million to demolish Treelands Drive Community Centre and commence construction of Yamba Community Precinct;

• 13.6 million to commence construction of the Maclean Cultural and Community Precinct;

• More than $5.3 million in road safety programs with safety works around high pedestrian activity areas in Angourie, Brooms Head, River Street Maclean, Iluka, Minnie Water and Grafton.

• $8 million to open spaces, sports field and holiday parks projects. This includes the creation of a dedicated team to undertake Town and Village Beautification Works. The works include improving amenities and shelters, and beautification and improvement of town and village entrances. The map below shows where maintenance and renewal works will be carried out across the Clarence Valley

BY SARAH WATERS

A $174 million masterpiece by French impressionist Claude Monet will head to the Tweed later this year.

The painting - Meules, milieu du jour (Haystacks, midday) 1890 - is one of fve artworks from the National Gallery of Australia, which will be shared with the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre in Murwillumbah.

Three art pieces by iconic Australian artist Margaret Olley will also head to the Tweed, as well as Natura morta (Still life) 1956, by Giorgio Morandi.

Monet’s famed painting will arrive this October for a two-year period, while the artwork by

Morandi and Olley will arrive next year on a fve-year loan.

Tweed Regional Gallery Director Susi Muddiman said the masterpieces bring enormous opportunity to the region.

“To have artworks from this collectionespecially the work of acclaimed painter Monet - is extraordinary,” Ms Muddiman said.

“We are thrilled to be part of this program, not just in terms of the tourism and economic development but, of course, how it cements us as a leading regional gallery.”

Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre is able to temporarily host the major art pieces through the Australian

Government’s Sharing the National Collection initiative.

The initiative aims to share artworks from the National Gallery of Australia with regional galleries.

Director of the National Gallery of Australia

Dr Nick Mitzevich said sharing a Monet painting with the Tweed was an exciting start for program.

“This picture is a jewel in the national collection,” Dr Mitzevich said.

“It is the most important Monet in the country, and we are delighted to be sharing it with regional Australia.”

Dr Mitzevich also said Margaret Olley was a distinct champion of regional galleries through philanthropy.

“This announcement coincides with the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Margaret Olley’s birth and I cannot think of a better embodiment of this initiative, which supports galleries across the country,” he said.

Sharing the National Collection is part of Revive, Australia’s new national cultural policy.

Over four years $11.8 million will fund the costs of transporting, installing and insuring artwork in the national art collection so major pieces can be seen across the country for extended periods.

The Tweed Regional Gallery is one of the frst regional galleries to beneft from this program.

Claude Monet’s painting Meules, milieu du jour (Haystacks, midday) 1890 will be on display at Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre this October.

Urgent reset looms for Northern Rivers flood recovery

LAST WEEK I called for a reset on how the Resilient Homes program is being rolled out by the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation (NRRC) across the Northern Rivers – and I now have that commitment.

I’m pleased to report that Premier Chris Minns has now met with me, the other three State MPs from the Northern Rivers and our local mayors. He listened to us, acknowledged the process has not been working for Northern Rivers communities and agrees that a reset is required.

The Premier has directed the Minister for Emergency Services the Hon. Jihad Dib and Minister for Planning the Hon. Paul Scully to visit the Northern Rivers over the next fortnight, meet and report back.

The Federal Government has also said that it is committed to working through any request they receive from the NSW Government regarding tranche 2 for the Resilient Homes program.

There has been confusion, disappointment and anger since the maps were announced by the NRRC. Maps scaled down the 6,000 homes we were led to believe were eligible under the Resilient Homes program, and now we’ve been told that it will only be 2,000 homes all up across the Northern Rivers that will eligible.

We had been told and believed that it would be 6,000 homes eligible for a split of approximately 2,000 buybacks, 2,000 house

raises and 2,000 retrofits, as per the following from the NRRC: Resilient Homes Program…(4 November 2022, NRRC website)

“Approximately 6,000 Northern Rivers residents are eligible for Resilient Homes Program assistance. This includes 2,000 residents who will be eligible for voluntary buy backs.”

The Nationals were in Government when the NRRC was set up and have recently been very critical

The Lismore Quad

110

Magellan St Lismore

Sat 8 July & Sun

9 July

1pm-5pm Free

of the program’s scale back, but their own website states the following:

Much-Needed Support for Northern Rivers Flood Victims…(28 October 2022, Nationals website)

“Around 2,000 homeowners in flood-prone areas of the Northern Rivers of NSW will now be eligible to raise, repair, retrofit, or have their home voluntarily bought back, as part of a new $800 million program.”

The NRRC had also talked about tranche 2 funding as well and we

believed that it would be put forward for funding.

No senior public servant would state this unless there were signals from above.

It was also recently reported that Labor cut the recovery funds. There were no funds to cut as the NSW Coalition Government had not done the necessary Budget request work to secure the funds before the state-wide March election.

That is a very brief history of the Resilient Homes fund, not to rake over it, but to give context to the

confusion. Confusion though that has caused deep community concern and now it is time to get it fixed, hence the call for tranche 2 and the reset.

It is also time for all the recovery work to be incorporated into the NSW Reconstruction Authority (NRA) that I secured so that we would have a body modelled on the Queensland Reconstruction Authority that operates successfully and in collaboration with their local MPs, councils and communities.

The reset means a very different way of communicating as our communities need and deserve better.

Premier Minns has called me “a fierce advocate who has tirelessly fought for her community” and I will continue to fight for everyone up here.

The Minns Government inherited this trainwreck and despite being in power for just three months, they are backing me in and working to correct things.

World Environment Day World Environment Day

• MC Comedian Mandy Nolan: Introduction

• Deidre Currie: Welcome to Country Ceremony

• Mayors Address

This Bundjalung dance group passes on knowledge of the Elders and Indigenous Earth Care through dance and expression, extending a hand to welcome our participation.

This local circus troupe has students from toddlers to adults. Many have gone on to pursue circus as a profession. Susie & her crew will entertain you with some seriously funky acrobatics & tricks sprinkled with a touch of humour Photo: Alissa Sharp

In this day and age The Pitts are a true rarity, an actual performing family acrobatic troupe, all the children have performed from birth (sometimes before) and continue to work together through ups & downs. The Pitts perform a variety of rare and spectacular circus acts with a touch of dark laconic lunacy

Daughter of Nan & Hugh of the Terania Forest Protest Movement which is an iconic success story in the continuing struggle to protect native forests. Terri will share her own heart-warming environmental songs as well as original Terania protest songs with her lilting voice & guitar

Nomi Ben Harush is a 17 year old student currently studying HSC music at Cape Byron Rudolph Steiner School. Nomi will make her performance debut on our festival stage with her own brand of soulful songs and melodies that she is eager to share.

An eclectic extravaganza of fun Luna Junction weave a colourful tapestry of traditional and original music. Jovial and joyous with undertones of nonsense. Shani Forrester and her dynamic troupe juggle genres and instruments with environmental themes taking the audience on a journey around the globe.

Feel Earth s vibration through the power of Japanese Drumming which originated in Shinto beliefs that Nature is sacred and its elements are all around us. Taiko uses whole body drumming and music to connect us with elemental energies. ‘Kizuna means ‘Bond’. This group have been sharing the art and power of Taiko throughout Australia.

• Closing address

• Thanks to all

Long term warriors for our forests will explain why native forests are vital to our own survival as well as our native wildlife. Australia s native forests are being destroyed at alarming rates (mostly for toilet paper!) What can we do about it? The role forests play in reducing C02 emissions is paramount in the latest IPPC research – signed by Governments of nearly every Nation in the World.

This species is now listed as Vulnerable under Federal laws – the biggest threat being loss of The ‘Citizen Scientist’ Glossy Squad are having a birds. Find out about glossy ecology, specialist habitat, how to spot them and how important you are

This year s theme for the UNEP World Environment Day is “Solutions to Plastic Pollution”. Anthony will host a lively presentation and discussion about this global problem with insights into the “big picture” and local solutions. In this family-friendly session, he will give easy and practical examples to help us reduce our plastic footprint. Maybe you have some to share as well??

Recent living disasters have highlighted the importance of the connection to community and to our environment. Starting with the earth beneath our feet we can relearn ancient techniques of building

Cultural Educator Minyangbal Goodjingburra Man Uncle Franc Krasna will be story-telling and talking about Connecting to Country and it s cultural relationship to the environment. He will show specimens of coastal resource plants to explain their various uses.

A citizen scientist and forensic wildlife photographer based in northern NSW As a bush regenerator, I visit some of the area s most beautiful forests and am passionate about photographing some of the stranger lifeforms that call these forests home including the weirdest members of the insect and fungi world like insect and spider eating fungi.

bees here in the Northern Rivers - especially is life like inside the hierarchical hive. Pests which can infest and kill stingless bee hives. Eduction: a gentle method of duplication (as opposed to splitting).

Seamus tics all the right boxes

BY SAMANTHA ELLEY

Tourette Syndrome is no laughing matter, unless of course, you are talking to Seamus Evans.

The TV host, breakast radio personality, comedian and more recently, spokesperson for Tourette Syndrome Association Australia was diagnosed with the neurological condition, along with ADHD, at the tender age of 10 years old.

Speaking to the students of St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Casino last week, he explained that Tourette Syndrome shows itself through tics that a person may not always be able to control.

“It’s like having an itch on your arm and you scratch it without realising it,” Seamus said to his audience.

“They can be noises or movements.

“My cure (for dealing with Tourette’s) is humour, being able to make you laugh.

“But when I was your age I hated it.”

Seamus went on to say to the students that you don’t get to choose what you’re dealt with in life, but you

can work with it.

And that is exactly what he did.

His desire to become a TV host landed him a role with

“I thought, ‘let’s see how long I can last’ and I never let my flaw ever stand in the way of achieving my dreams. I had to accept it.”

Tim Low: Science in the Pub

role,” said Seamus.

“Again, I knew I had come this far, I thought, ‘how much further could I go?’

“So I would read every night and then I practiced my writing.”

Seamus lasted with Totally Wild for 3 years until he decided to leave to follow a growing passion for radio.

“I moved to Melbourne to be the next big thing in radio, but nobody cared and I felt rejected,” he said.

“I had to be resilient or I would fall into depression.”

So Seamus kept a gratitude journal, listing things he was grateful for and what he knew he was good at.

“Just because I was different didn’t make me less than,” he said.

Tim Low’s Birdsong event was finally made possible thanks to the generous seed funding provided by Inspiring Australia through the Northern Rivers Science Hub, with co-contribution from Council, Big Scrub Rainforest Conservancy and Richmond Landcare.

Big Scrub Rainforest Conservancy Vice president Mark Dunphy opened the talk by outlining the impact on birds in our region since European settlement.

on the remarkable significance of Australia in the study of birdlife. Tim, a leading expert in the field, highlighted our region as the epicentre of birdsong evolution, highlighting the diversity and uniqueness of Australian avian species.

Toasted TV on Channel 10 after he left school, however, his tics were obvious and when threatened with losing the job before he started he knew he had two options.

“One, I could quit, as it was too hard,” Seamus said.

“Or two, go for it.

Seamus was four years with Toasted TV before becoming a reporter on the kids’ show Totally Wild.

“When I got the job with Totally Wild, I had concerns as I couldn’t read and write properly which was a problem with a journalism

Eventually breaking into the breakfast radio world, Seamus now hosts a radio program on the Sunshine Coast, while also travelling the country to share his experiences in schools and with corporate organisations.

“Tourette Syndrome is not a setback, it is something to manage,” he said.

“You can turn your flaw into a superpower.”

Mark touched on the great proliferation of Camphor Laurels within our region as a food source for bird species but also the return of our rainforests thanks to restoration works of the last 40 years.

Renowned bird researcher, Tim Low, led an in-depth talk during this event on bird behaviour across the globe.

Tim’s talk focused on unravelling the fascinating world of bird populations, with particular emphasis

During his presentation, Tim shed light on the Lyrebird which he described as one of the world’s best songbirds. He delved into the intricacies of the Lyrebird’s song, exploring its complexity, range, and its ability to mimic various sounds found in its natural environment. The Lyrebird’s remarkable vocal capabilities serve as a testament to the rich avian biodiversity found in Australia.

The Birdsong event successfully generated a greater appreciation for Australian birdlife, while highlighting the region’s vital role in the study of birdsong evolution and preservation.

Hanging out at East Coraki: desperate koalas looking for trees

By Maria Matthes & Ina EgermannFriends of the Koala

Friends of the Koala is excited to have received a grant from the Australian Government to support its “Hanging out at East Coraki: koalas thriving in an agricultural landscape” project.

The area is being overpopulated with so many koalas living in the East Coraki area, and not enough koala food trees to sustain the local sub-population. It is an area where Friends of the Koala rescued several koalas with extremely poor body condition, often as a result of not enough quality leaf available.

The project includes weed control in koala habitat along the river and tree planting koala habitat on several properties, as well as koala habitat assessment and monitoring of the koalas. Many of the favourite food trees suffered during the drought, and then many of the smaller trees were hammered by the flood.

These riparian areas are critically important to the koalas during dry times, with more koalas moving for

water. FOK will be doing all it can to create an environment where the koalas will be able to not just survive but thrive.

FOK has been doing the habitat assessments and has been quite shocked at seeing trees regenerating after being affected by the food, and the koalas are eating all the reshooting leaves they can reach, over and over.

We can’t get more trees in the ground quick enough. We are so appreciative of the great support from the landholders to having more koala trees and koalas on their properties.

If anyone in East Coraki or elsewhere would like to help our koalas by supporting our project, including planting some trees, controlling weeds, or assisting with health checks, habitat assessment and monitoring, we would love to hear from you. Keep an eye out on our social media for our future community planting days.

For more information contact Maria (0467 855 990) or Ina (0413 710 917) at Friends of the Koala or email ina@friendsofthekoala. org

40 sinceyears the hanging of a young woman

BY SAMANTHA ELLEY

Lennox Head resident Dr Vahid Saberi remembers his aunt Simin Saberi as a vibrant, ever smiling and joyful young girl.

“Everyone in the family loved being around her because of her fun loving and witty personality,” he said. “She was also known for her calm resolve and courage.

“She was frm in what she believed and resolute.”

It was this courage and calm resolve that saw Simin, along with nine other young women from Shiraz in Iran, executed by hanging because of their Bahai faith on June 18, 1983.

On this date, members of the Bahai faith gathered to remember these brave women who died 40 years ago, as part of the #OurStoryIsOne campaign.

“They sacrifced their lives willingly so that women could be free, so that the girl child could be educated, so that people could have the freedom to believe, so that women and men

could be equal,” said Dr Saberi.

“The 10 Bahá’í women, one of whom was Simin Saberi, were taken to a square in Shiraz, Iran, under the cloak of night.

“After months of torture and imprisonment, they were hanged without the knowledge of their families and in front of each other.

“Each forced to watch the next woman’s death in a harrowing attempt to coerce them into renouncing their belief. None did.”

The youngest was 17 and most were in their 20s. Simin was 24.

“Their crime was their belief in a faith that promoted gender equality, justice and truthfulness,” said Dr Saberi.

“I had left Iran when the news of her execution reached us.

“Before execution, Simin had suffered much torture and persecution.

“This is in addition to what the Bahá’ís in Iran routinely suffered

- confscation of their homes and belongings, being sacked from their jobs, deprived of education and imprisonment.”

Simin was the youngest child in her family and due to the challenges the Bahá’ís faced, the family often relocated and earning a comfortable life was tough.

In 1977, after graduating from high school, Simin secured a good job.

But shortly after, the Islamic Revolution applied what it called the “Purifcation Law”.

“This meant that Bahá’ís, including Simin, were dismissed from their jobs,” said Dr Saberi.

“The family was in fnancial diffculty and so Simin started sewing at home and working as a salesperson to support the family.”

A book entitled ‘Flowers of Shiraz’ about the martyred women, contains some of the recollections from Simin’s mother.

Simin, my daughter, displayed remarkable patience, resilience and energy. One night, some people came to our house. The electricity was cut, and stones rained down upon us. The room’s windows shattered. Fear gripped us deeply. I had two young daughters and a newlywed bride in the house. Finally, with the help of my son, we managed to reach

Fighting for flood recover y

The NSW Gover nment has agreed to review a proposal to cut funding to the Resilient Homes Program for flood affected homes across the region, following representations I made to the Premier in conjunction with the Nor three state MPs and the seven Mayors.

This bipar tisan approach includes elected representatives at State and Local Gover nment level from Labor Par ty, the Greens and Independents.

All of us are committed to representing locals first and we are more than happy to put par ty political differences benefit of locals.

his car and fee the area. When we were a signifcant distance from the city, we stopped … We were all in our pyjamas and barefoot, and it was cold. After fnding some respite, we discovered that Simin’s legs were covered in shards of glass. We sat there, meticulously removing the glass from her feet, astounded by her endurance and patience. Eventually, we arrived in Tehran under the same circumstances and returned home after a month. Upon our return, we had to rebuild our lives from scratch, as we didn’t even possess basic necessities. With Simin’s assistance, we sewed and knitted for others until late at night, earning meagre wages.

Dr Saberi picks up the rest of the story: During all these diffculties, Simin continued to teach children’s classes.

Focusing on virtues of kindness, patience, confrmation, contentment and so forth. Qualities which were needed to give resilience during those challenging times. For this reason, the Revolutionary Guards were looking to arrest her.

The news had come that they had visited the home of a Bahá’í in Shiraz, inquiring about a person named Simin Saberi.

At the time, Simin was in another town. The family got in touch with her and informed her that the Revolutionary guards were out to arrest her. They told Simin to go to

her brother’s house. That is what Simin did. But one month later, she was arrested.

On October 23, 1982, by order of the Shiraz Revolutionary Prosecutor, 38 Bahá’ís were arrested. Among those detained were two of Simin’s uncles. Simin and her brother decided to visit their parents, knowing that their mother would be distraught given the arrest of her brothers. When they arrived, they noticed that the door was open. They parked the car and were about to get out when they were surrounded by several armed plainclothes agents. One of them

leaned into the car window and asked for their names. When Simin introduced herself, the agent nodded with a mocking smile.

They exited the car surrounded by the agents and went into their parents’ house. They saw their mother sobbing.

The guards collected all the books in the house, as evidence of Simin being a Bahá’í, and took Simin with them and left.

The detained Bahá’ís were held in a detention center in Shiraz. They were all held in the same constrained small cell.

Their interrogations was flled with insults, humiliation, threats and in some instances, physical punishment.

was frm and composed and had remained frm in her belief.

Simin was moved to another prison as forty other Bahá’ís had been arrested and they needed more space to accommodate them. Simin’s mother told of how Simin maintained her cheerful demeanour and her constant smile in prison. Never complaining or talking about sadness. She would always reassure everyone that she was well and there were no problems.

Once the interrogation of the Bahá’í prisoners were completed, they were swiftly taken to court. The hearings were conducted behind closed doors, with no right to legal representation. Typically, they lasted

only a few minutes. Simin’s charges, like other Bahá’ís, primarily related to activities within the Bahá’í community. Simin was also charged with holding educational classes, and her fnal charge was that she was single.

After reading the charges, the judge would pose the ultimate question to the prisoner: Islam or execution?

Simin, like the other Bahá’ís, chose her belief in the unity of the human race as one family, the unity of all religions, the equality of men and women, the abolition of extremes of wealth and poverty, universal education.

Simin was hanged on June 12, 1983. Along

with the nine other Bahá’í women, Simin was led to the Chowgan Square, where they were hanged at an unknown time later that night.

Simin Saberi was a young woman of only 24 years when she was executed.

The story of these ten young women in Shiraz 40 years ago is a story of resilience, and sacrifce for equality and freedom of belief is not over.

“Today the same story is repeating itself in Iran,” said Dr Saberi.

“It is the same story of discrimination both as women and as Bahá’í s: imprisonment, torture and execution.”

#OurStoryIsOne is the campaign to help bring justice for women and those of faith to Iran.

One of Simin’s cellmates recalled Simin returning to the cell after several days of interrogation and isolation. She recalled how she returned, strikingly thin and pale. She had lost much of her weight. Simin had shared with her cellmates that they had taken her to the basement, blindfolded her and made her wait where she could hear whipping and a woman’s anguished cries. Simin had said that each strike had felt as though it landed on her back. Then they had shown her another Baha’i woman’s injured back. Simin, like the other lady, had suffered immensely but

Simin Saberi

Title: Chint Singh: The Man Who Should Have Died

Author: Narinder Singh

Parmar

Publisher: Shawline

Publishing Price: $29.84

By Samantha Elley

If your interest is stories that inspire, stories that tell of people who go against the odds, stories that make you want to pump your st in the air and go ‘Yeah!!’ then you cannot go past Chint Singh: e Man Who Should Have Died.

Chint Singh was an o cer in the Indian army during World War Two.

In 1942, Singapore fell to the Japanese government and Singh and 2400 other Indians were taken as prisoners of war and shipped to Papua New Guinea to work as labourers.

Over the next two years, the POWs would experience hell on earth.

Many of them lost their lives in the unforgiving jungles and swamps thanks to tropical disease,

Diary of a Flood Survivor

malnutrition and torture by their captors.

Even the Allied forces were a danger, as there were continual bombing raids over their camps.

By 1945, only Singh and ten other soldiers had survived the rigors of their capture when they were rescued by Australian forces.

To rub salt into the wound, as the other ten soldiers were ying back home - Singh had travelled to Australia - their plane crashed and they were killed.

Singh was the sole survivor of 2400 Indian POWs. But the story doesn’t end there.

Singh became the chief witness in the Australian War Crimes Commission as they investigated the atrocities committed by the Japanese Imperial Army.

e story adds a level of poignancy when it is told by his son, Narinder Singh Parmar, the author of this book.

e book is written in his father’s words through diaries and notes which he kept, written on whatever paper he could nd during his ordeal.

ose notes later became evidence at the Commission.

e book is available through amazon.com.au

You know how last week I asked if you had forgiven the food?

Well, I probably should ask you the same about the State government.

Last year we were being promised almost the world, well, at least the support to help our communities get back on their feet.

More recently, we have been promised a shadow of that.

In fact, it is kind of like the story of a young lad who had been told by his father that for Christmas he was getting a car.

The lad thought, ‘Great,

I will be able to drive myself to school, my part-time job, my friends’ places. I won’t need to depend on my parents for lifts. It is the frst step to making my way in the world.’

Then on Christmas morning, there was a small box under the tree.

He thought, ‘They must be the keys’…but no, it was a matchbox car.

Thank you to the State government in recent days, we have been handed our matchbox car, with the announcement that the promises given last year, have been

scaled back from 6,000 homes to be dealt with in the Resilient Homes Fund through Buyback, House Raising or Retroft, down to just over 1,000.

It seems, when questioned, the Government’s only comeback was the previous government didn’t budget for it.

The Minister in question even admitted the local government member had been in his ear, so he is aware of how urgent and desperate the need is, but preferred to play politics.

I don’t know, I would have thought if a

government was taking over such an important role, such as helping their constituents, the people they are in service to by taking on their public role, they would fnd the money.

My understanding is the Federal government was funding at least half the scheme, so that is half as many cake stalls they have to run.

It may take a little longer to forgive the government for only providing their version of a useless matchbox car, but I will work on it.

Clean sweep for mayor’s minutes

BY TIM HOWARD

Commemorating war sacrifices and a community tragedy and securing the region’s water supply were the subjects of a clean sweep of mayoral minutes at the latest council meeting.

Mayor Ian Tiley brought the three minutes to the Clarence Valley Council meeting last Tuesday and wrapped up all of them with unanimous support In around five minutes.

Firstly he secured support for the council to support and publicise the centenary of the cenotaph in Memorial Park, Grafton, which will be celebrated on Remembrance Day, November 11.

The mayor brought a similar minute to allow

council involvement in the 80th anniversary of the cubs drowning in 1943.

Plans are afoot to hold a commemoration of the tragic events on December 11, 1943 when 13 cubs scouts drowned after the boat carrying them back from a picnic on Susan Island overturned in the Clarence River.

Once again the vote was unanimous.

On a more

contemporary note, Cr Tiley’s third mayoral minute sought to maintain pressure on the new government to ensure water security in the region.

He moved the council should make representations to the Minister for Water, Rose Jackson, to ensure ALP election promises of draft water security for the Clarence, were met, particularly water filtration.

Cr Tiley said although the Labor candidate had not been successful in Clarence, it was still important to ensure the government honoured the commitments its candidates made.

In a separate item at the meeting, council awarded the tender for the preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a filtration plant at the Rushforth Road Water Treatment Plant.

The EIS, to be carried out by Epic Environmental Pty Ltd, signals the start of the planning approval process for future construction of a filtration plant.

An EIS does not commit council to undertake future works, but once approved

He had a minimal chance of survival, but he did

2024 15 DAY EXPLORE SRI LANKA GROUP TOUR

Departure Date: 18 February 2024

$4,700 per person

Single Supplement - $1,200

A smiling sun all year round, golden beaches, ancient cities, exciting safaris, colourful culture, adventure sport and lovely people! Few places in the world can offer you such a remarkable combination of stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, captivating cultural heritage and unique experiences including 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites! Visit an animal sanctuary, enjoy a Jeep safari in Yala and Wasgamuwa National Parks, take a train ride from Kandy to Nanuoya, visit tea and cinnamon plantations, have High Tea at the Grand Hotel and enjoy a traditional Ayurveda massage! This tour lets you truly explore Sri Lanka! Sit back and travel in comfort, everything taken care of with this escorted small group.

Price Includes:

Fully escorted tours are escorted by a Director, member of staff or trusted traveller from Casino Travel Shoppe!

• Home/airport pick up and delivery from the Northern Rivers & surrounds

• All transport including return airfares in economy class

• Quality accommodation

• Sightseeing entry fees and tipping (excludes driver and guides)

• Breakfast & dinner daily, 3 lunches plus a High Tea

There is something about childhood, our own in particular, that we get to relive or experience in a very tangible way (for the feetingly beautiful thing that it is) when we have children of our own. As a parent you get to watch your child from the very moment of birth, unfolding and becoming their own unique expression of life.

Such thoughts came to mind for me recently when my own daughter turned 10, which is not old by any means, but there’s no way it feels like a whole decade has passed since she was frst handed to me no larger than a coke can, but one with exotic little bird like eyes that seemed to take everything in.

From day one I felt the sublime enormity of being a dad, the bright sheen of being the parent of a newborn child; as such I’m so glad I kept a diary of the entire experience for at least the frst 12-months. One day I’ll get it printed out for my daughter to hopefully appreciate my transition from selfinvested sod to selfess clod who made far more earnest mistakes than he did breakthroughs.

One of the frst entries in my sleep deprived but no less wide-eyed journal was, “Located some place between a pure hope and a prayer, I want you your whole life through to be able to feel nothing but unconditional love and support from me with regards to everything you do.” I’m not sure I’ve adhered to this even thus far, but it has created many a clear parental parameter that I hope will always keep

Tweed tap water equals top 4 bottled water brands in Australia

New laboratory tests reveal the Tweed’s tap water stands shoulderto-shoulder with leading bottled water brands in Australia.

me accountable in some way.

The French Nobel Prize-winning author, Andre Gide once said, “I believe that each new generation arrives bearing a message that it must deliver; our role is to help that delivery.”

And in many ways, what Gide expressed, fully pertains to the role or prime function of being a parent – which is to enable our children to realise their full potential well beyond all that we have to give, grant or infuence them with.

While it is a given that we each grow old, a rare few remain children, or at least refuse to allow their inner child to be replaced by an overly serious adult (even the word itself implies something that needs constant ’adding’ to make it vaguely real). Whereas childhood requires nothing more than what it has at any given moment.

Relatedly, the great Herman Hesse once exclaimed, “I want nothing, I long for nothing, I hum gently the sounds of childhood, and I reach home astounded in the warm beauty of dreams.”

My greatest wish, for not just my little 10-year-old daughter, but for people of all ages, is that they remain receptive to the voices and clear messages that children so readily impart. As Jean-Paul Sartre so well said, “In the struggle between the generations, children and old people often join forces: the frst deliver the oracles; the second decipher them. Nature speaks and experience translates: all adults have to do is shut up.”

The comprehensive analysis compared tap water sourced from the Tweed River near Murwillumbah against the 4 most popular bottled water brands in the country for pH, fuoride, mineral content, total dissolved solids and conductivity - a measure of saltiness.

The test results from the NATA-accredited Tweed Laboratory Centre show the quality and safety of Tweed tap water equals the tested bottled water – and has the added beneft of being signifcantly cheaper and better for dental health.

Tweed Shire Council Water and Wastewater Operations Manager Brie Jowett said the results verifed the local community could confdently rely on their tap water as the rational choice for hydration.

“I’m not surprised by these results,” Mrs Jowett said.

“The rich volcanic origins of our soil are refected in our tap water – its mineral content in particular is higher than most of the leading bottled water brands tested.

“You’d be hard-pressed to buy water off-the-shelf with a better mineral

bottled water samples.

Tweed tap water was the only tested sample that contained the recommended level of fuoride for dental health, perfectly within health guidelines, and was the most alkaline water tested, with a pH of 7.9.

All the lab results

Filling a 600 mL bottle with Tweed tap water 1,667 times would match the cost of one 600 mL bottle of bottled water.

Mrs Jowett said the importance of these fndings goes beyond cost benefts and personal preferences.

“If you choose

content for calcium and magnesium in particular, which are important for our health.”

The test results show Tweed tap water is also lower in sodium than the 4 bottled water samples tested and lower in chloride than 3 of the

for Tweed tap water were well within the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

A 600 mL bottle of water on the store shelf has a price tag of about $3.25. One thousand litres of Tweed tap water costs less – about $3.30.

Tweed tap water over bottled water, you will save money, reduce the amount of plastic pollution in waterways and help lower the amount of pollution that’s created by the bottling process and transporting bottled water to your local shop,” she said.

“We’ve all heard about the concept of buying local.

“It’s time we extended that concept to water – buying local when it comes to water means choosing tap water, not bottled water.”

Find out more about the Tweed’s tap water quality at tweed.nsw. gov.au/drinking-waterquality.

Child’s play…by Nigel Dawe

Choose tap: Tweed’s tap water stands up to the quality of big-name brands and is a lot cheaper.

The 2023 cane crushing season is underway

The 2023 cane crushing season is underway after months of maintenance work in the harvesting and milling sectors.

Clarence growers are expected to cut some 500,000 tonnes of sugarcane and the Tweed crop is estimated to come in at 405,000 tonnes of sugarcane.

With the Richmond crop still impacted by the 2022 flood events, the total crop is forecast to come in at 350,000 tonnes and is being

processed at Broadwater sugar mill on a 5-day crushing week. Despite the reduced crop, growers are set to receive $54 per tonne, which is a record cane price. This positive price, along with favourable weather conditions, is expected to drive a major planting effort across the Tweed, Richmond and Clarence Valley regions later in the season. The sugarcane industry has been a stalwart of agriculture in the

northern rivers for over 150 years. Sugarcane is such a hardy and reliable crop for this area. Add to that an industry model that is set up to support growers with the best pricing outcomes, farm productivity advice, variety development and a sales and marketing network for finished goods – and you have an industry that is strong and vibrant enough to handle not just the good seasons, but also the not-so-good seasons.

Lismore Tree Day

This community tree planting day will take place on the riverbank near Trinity Sports Fields on Saturday, 29 July.

Join us as we aim to plant 1000 new plants on the riverbank, linking previous plantings and creating a corridor for our wildlife. This is a great opportunity to make a positive impact on our environment and create a sustainable habitat for our local flora and fauna.

All are welcome to be a part of this amazing initiative. The event will commence at 10am with a Welcome to Country.

For any inquiries or more information about the event, please feel free to reach out to Wilsons River Landcare at wilsonsriverlandcare@ gmail.com.

Murwillumbah community invited to have their say over demerger Mayor welcomes disbanding Lismore Local Planning Panel

Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg has welcomed the NSW Government’s decision to disband the Lismore Local Planning Panel and return planning powers to councillors.

“I would like to thank the Minister for taking on board Council’s resolution at the March Ordinary meeting that councillors did not need assistance in undertaking our role as the consent authority,” he said.

“I would also like to thank our State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin who actively lobbied the Minister on Council’s behalf.”

Minister for Planning Paul Scully wrote to the Mayor on Friday to advise his decision after recent visits to the Northern Rivers.

Earlier in the year, the NSW Government had announced it would establish the Lismore Local Planning Panel to “speed up development” in

Lismore after the February 2022 natural disaster.

However, at the March Ordinary Meeting, councillors passed a motion that they had never asked for assistance, are not in need of assistance and that “councillors have little to no impact in relation to planning delays, since we have no direct involvement in operational matters, and rarely call any matters up for consideration by councillors”

The community will see no change as Council’s Planning team have continued to undertake the approval of development applications. This will mean Councillors can again “call up” specific development applications for Council’s decision.

The Local Planning Panel had yet to met, with the first meeting scheduled for 28 June 2023.

COMMUNITY consultation ahead of the demerger of the Murwillumbah Education Campus will begin next month, with the Department of Education running a series of face-to-face sessions.

Starting on Monday 24 July 2023, students, staff, parents and carers at the four schools will have their own consultation sessions where they

can ask questions and provide their input.

The sessions will help identify what is important to the school community before, during and after the transition.

Face-to-face sessions will be held across three days: Monday 24 July, Tuesday 25 July and Friday 28 July.

A link to the stakeholder feedback form will be emailed to

PACEMAKER SERVICE EXCITING NEWS FOR COFFS HARBOUR PATIENTS

I’m delighted Coffs Harbour Health Campus is now providing life-saving pacemaker implantation services locally, which removes the requirement for most patients to travel.

I’ve worked closely with Coffs Harbour cardiologist Dr Austin May to help ensure this procedure is being made available at our local hospital. I congratulate Dr May on his tireless advocacy which has helped make it reality.

I’m also grateful for the important role played by the Mid North Coast Local Health District Board in the introduction of these pacemaker implantation services at Coffs Harbour Hospital.

I know the Minister for Regional Health in the former Coalition Government, Bronnie Taylor, worked extremely hard securing this service for our community, and I thank the current Minister for

Health, Ryan Park, for his ongoing support of this initiative.

It’s exciting news indeed that communities across the Mid North Coast will now be able to access this procedure right here on their doorstep, instead of having to travel to places such as Newcastle or Sydney.

This specialist treatment being offered at Coffs Harbour Health Campus will

beneft patients most particularly, as well as their wider support networks because they can be close to their families while they recover.

This is the frst pacemaker service offered in Mid North Coast public hospitals and is a wonderful coup for the entire hardworking health team at Coffs Harbour.

Dr May will perform the pacemaker implant

those who are unable to attend while the broader community can provide feedback via murwillumbahschools@ det.nsw.edu.au

The Department will also be engaging with stakeholders from a cross-section of the community, including the Teachers’ Federation and the Aboriginal Education Consultative Group. Other interested parties will also be invited to get

in contact via email.

In addition, the Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car, will visit Murwillumbah early in Term 3 to meet with parents, teachers and the Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffn.

Janelle Saffn said:

“At the election, the Minns Government committed to stop the merger and maintain four separate schools in Murwillumbah.”

“Now it is time to work with staff, students and families in the school communities to deliver the right solution.”

Minister Car said:

“This consultation process shows the Minns Government is delivering on our commitment.”

“The Department’s consultation will be thorough and prompt so we do not keep the community waiting any longer than necessary about the future of their schools.”

New Sheriffs to support Lismore courts and keep law and order Lismore Court is to get two new Probationary Sheriff’s Offcers following a ceremony at Old Government House in Parramatta today marking the end of their training.

procedures at Coffs Harbour Health Campus, with the support of a specialist team including pacemaker technician Leanne Emery and pacemaker nurse Sarah Drum.

This new service demonstrates the vital role Coffs Harbour Hospital continues to play in the delivery of excellent healthcare to our local community.

The work of Sheriff’s Offcers is central to the effcient functioning of the courts and justice system. They provide security at court complexes; serve warrants, summonses and other orders issued by the courts; enforce writs, warrants and property seizure orders; administer the jury system; and they prepare courtrooms and call and swear in witnesses.

Training consists of a 10-week intensive course which emphasises communication skills and building

relationships with people in the community. It includes tactical training and perimeter security, and how to anticipate and respond to risks and de-escalate tense situations.

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffn said Sheriff’s Offcers are key to the safe running of our courts and perform many duties of which the public may not be aware.

“I welcome the new Probationary Sheriff’s Offcers to Lismore, I thank them for their service to the community, and I wish them and well in their new careers.

https://dcj.nsw.gov. au/about-us/careersat-communities-andjustice-nsw/pathways/ sheriffs-offcer.html

At Coffs Harbour Hospital celebrating today’s announcement are (from left) pacemaker technician Leanne Emery, Member for Coffs Harbour and Shadow Minister for Tourism, Emergency Services and the North Coast Gurmesh Singh, Dr Austin May and clinical nurse educator (cardiology) Tamisha Johnson.

The much loved NAB Darrel Chapman Fun Run is on Sunday, 27 August 2023.

option to donate through this process as well,” Rebekka said.

Our Kids, NBN, Lismore City Council and the Lord’s Taverners organise this iconic family event that brings the community together in the heart of Lismore.

The NAB Darrel Chapman Fun Run consists of three major events on the day: the Lord’s Taverners 10km, the Master’s Games Half Marathon for our keen runners, or the Our Kids 4km for the whole family.

The Our Kids 4km is free, with the option to purchase a shirt to wear on the day when registering online.

The Lord’s Taverners 10km run is $50 to pre-register, or $70 on the day. The Master’s Games Half Marathon is $70 with pre-registration, or $90 on the day.

Entrants in both the

10km and 21km events receive a free shirt with pre-registration.

The Our Kids 4km is a great event where you can gather your friends, bring your prams, dress up, and walk or run. For those unable to be present on the day, the Southern Cross University Virtual Marathon is a great way to get involved. The Virtual Event can be completed between 21-27 August by either walking, running, cycling or even swimming.

Lismore Mayor, Steve Krieg, said he was excited about the return of the Darrel Chapman Fun Run.

“This has always been a great event for a very worthy cause. I am looking forward to taking part this year and

encourage everyone to do the same or come along and cheer for those who are either running or walking,” Mr Krieg said.

“It promises to be a fun day out.

“My congratulations to Our Kids and the organisers, and I thank the Lismore Master’s Games for coming on board as a sponsor this year.”

Rebekka Battista, Our Kids Fundraising Coordinator, said the event was a great chance to bring people together.

“This is such a great event for Lismore; it brings the community together and raises vital funds to help local kids who need medical care. We do ask everyone to register to ensure all participants are accounted for on the course. There is also an

Part of the Darrel Chapman Fun Run is the NAB Team Challenge. If you are a business, community group, a school or group of friends, you can register as a team. The team with which raises the most funds is awarded a trophy.

To register, head to www.darrelchapman. com

If you have any questions regarding the event, call the Our Kids offce, during business hours, on 6620 2705.

About Darrel Chapman Darrel Chapman, husband, father, and distinguished academic and sporting legend, lost his battle with cancer in October 1992. Having been both a keen sportsperson and respected sports administrator, Darrel was a much loved and highly regarded member

of the Australian sporting community. Schooled at St. John’s College, Woodlawn near Lismore, Darrel played Rugby League for Australia and captained South Sydney before becoming NSW Assistant Director of Sport. He also established the Human Movement Science and Sport Management program at Southern Cross University. His legacy lives on through this event.

It’s ‘Leemo Cat’ back. CRIKEY, I most certainly have lots of news. Whilst I am much better NOW, ‘Mum Jane’ had to take me to the nifty Vet. Hospital again this past week. (I reckon I could walk there blindfolded I’ve been there so much lately!) I had to have 3 teeth removed ‘cos they were causing me pain. I had been unable to eat ANY food for some days as it hurt too much. For a feline such as me, one accustomed to, and most partial to partaking of fne treats, this was a catastrophic scenario. (Curiously, Mum was actually given the 3 teeth to bring home for me. OMG! She informed me this morning she is going to pop them into some special broth she’s cooking for me.) In my view, her inane comment was not worth me even bothering with a response. (I did however, think that perhaps she could get creative & make a wee necklace for me instead, using the teeth & some beads??) I have more to tell you. I asked Mum, from my Plush Blue Blankie snuggle corner ‘Mum, WHO is this chick called Taylor Swift? Being in ‘recuperation’ & resting mode, I’ve been listening to our radio non-stop (ABC only of course) and reading many papers. There is so so much news about her. Could you enlighten me please Mum ‘cos I’ve heard & also read people are queuing for hours & paying huge amounts of $$$ for tickets to see her when she comes to Australia NEXT YEAR?’ I received the

MEANIE dismissive ‘stare-glare’ look from Mum, but she did deign to reply. ‘Leems, I believe she sings songs of some description or other. She must also have a 2nd job modelling skimpy underwear ‘cos in any pictures I’ve seen of her (by accident of course) she is most scantily attired whilst singing loudly, ficking her tresses & gyrating around the stage. Ooooh, really quite embarrassing viewing my boy. And, I might add, compounding this “sight” are lots of other scantily clad (though they do have many feather & sequins & stuff) girls & young men kinda dancing, leaping & twirling around like they’ve been bitten by an angry army of maurading jumping ants. AND NO, Leems, I have never ever heard any of her songs, (nor have some of my buddies from Lismore CWA) and I most certainly don’t have any plans to head in that direction. Gottit?’ CRIKEY. My clever mind did a ‘Swift’ calculation about Mum’s taste in music and I truly believe it comes down to that saying that “Men are as old as they FEEL and Women are as old as they LOOK.” Hmm! This, to me, means Mum is most assuredly far too old to have a great fondness for any music written after Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture back in1880. Oh well, not to worry. I fgure there has always, and will continue to be, bones of contention between people on so many things in life. It might well be Music, but then, it could be Food, Politics, Religion, Movies, Books, The Voice Referendum, oooh, the list goes on endlessly. Before I go, I DID have a query.

‘Mum, YOU had a tooth out and got a new one. Can I also get 3 new teeth please? A curt reply emanated from the old Woman… “Leems, you’re dreamin.” ‘Spose I’ll go back to sleep. Nitey, Leemo.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON DISASTER RESILIENCE TO HEAR FROM NORTHERN RIVERS COMMUNITIES

The Senate Select Committee on Australia’s Disaster Resilience begins three days of public hearings in the Northern Rivers region today.

Across three days of hearings in Ballina, Lismore and Tweed Heads, the Committee will hear from community organisations, councils, not-for-profts, disaster resilience experts and other groups.

The Committee is inquiring into Australia’s disaster preparedness, response and recovery workforce models, collating lessons learned and best practices to inform Australia’s resilience and response to future natural disasters.

Since January 2022, the jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements have been activated for 65 disasters in 332 unique Local Government Areas (LGA). This represents over 61% of Australia’s 539 LGAs.

The Northern Rivers hearings follow hearings in Canberra, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, Adelaide, Perth and regional Western Australia.

The Commonwealth Government has also commissioned an independent review of commonwealth disaster funding, which is being led by Mr Andrew Colvin APM OAM, a former Australian Federal Police Commissioner who led national recovery efforts after the 2019-20 Black Summer Bushfres.

The visit comes as Commonwealth-funded recovery and resilience projects continue to be rolled out across the Northern Rivers, including announcements this year:

• Over $17 million on Northern Rivers disaster resilience and mitigation projects through the frst stage of the Disaster

Ready Fund, announced earlier this month.

• $236 million over 10 years to establish a national, reliable food warning network, announced in May, along with an additional $15 million funding for New South Wales.

• $50 million for Phase 1 of the Northern Rivers Resilience Initiative, announced in February, which is delivering 16 food resilience projects spread across all 7 Northern Rivers LGAs.

These more recent funding announcements complement previous initiatives, including over $3 billion in joint Commonwealth and New South Wales government funding through the

Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements

Category C and D assistance measures.

For more information about Commonwealth disaster funding, and the Independent Review of Commonwealth Disaster Funding, visit the National Emergency Management Agency website.

For more information about the Senate Select Committee on Australia’s Disaster Resilience, see the Committee website.

Quotes attributable to Senator Tony Sheldon, Special Envoy for Disaster Recovery:

“It’s essential that Governments draw on the lived experience of communities impacted

by natural disasters, to inform how we continue to improve our approach to resilience, response and recovery.”

“On every visit I have made to the Northern Rivers region as Special Envoy, I have found the feedback from local communities invaluable, and that feedback has fed directly into the Government’s work.”

“The Albanese Government is committed to ensuring the Northern Rivers region builds back better, and together with the Minns New South Wales Government, we are making the investments and reforms necessary to make that happen.”

“Leemo has views on just about anything” Teeth & Ageism are a swiftie play”

SAVE THE REGIONAL SENIORS TRAVEL CARD

Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh has launched a local petition to stop the Labor government from cutting the $250 Regional Seniors Travel Card.

Mr Singh, the Shadow Minister for Tourism, Emergency Services and the North Coast, hopes the petition will save the seniors travel card from being cut in the upcoming NSW budget.

“The Regional Seniors Travel Card has become a local lifeline for seniors in our community,” Mr Singh said.

“Holding a $250 regional travel card allows seniors to take a trip to visit friends

and family, travel for a doctor’s appointment, or visit the shops to pick up groceries.

“I hope we get as many people as possible to sign this petition to convince the Minns government to keep funding this important cost-of-living measure.”

Since 2020 more than one million cards have been issued helping seniors maintain their independence by easing the cost of travel.

“We all know someone in our community who benefts from the Regional Seniors Travel Card, and we all have an important reason to sign this petition,” Mr Singh

said.

“Over the coming weeks I will be asking people to share this petition far and wide to save our Regional Seniors Travel Card so seniors in our community can continue to do things they love and need to do.

“The Labor Government has prioritised Sydney projects over regional seniors, and we hope this petition will convince the Minns government keep it in place.”

To share or sign the petition to help save the Regional Seniors Travel Card, go to: www. savethetravelcard.com.au

SUMMIT SHAPES THE FUTURE OF THE OUTDOORS

Ky Furneaux, Outdoors NSW & ACT Ambassador, began her career as an outdoor education teacher but has since surpassed her own expectations. She stated, “If I hadn’t experienced outdoor education at the start of my journey, I wouldn’t be where I am today. There are immense opportunities for young people and career seekers to balance a fulflling career with a connection to the outdoors, where they constantly feel invigorated and alive.”

Today, Outdoors NSW & ACT, along with 180 stakeholders, convened at Lennox Head to address the challenges facing the industry and pave the way for a more prosperous future, not only for industry participants but for the entire community. Outdoor recreation and education have been proven to offer tremendous benefts to participants. These benefts range from the healing effects of connecting with nature to physical exercise, social interaction, and the development of skills that cannot be acquired within a classroom setting. The Summit attendees, who witness these results frsthand, are perplexed by the challenges confronting the industry.

Distinguished author, speaker, futurist, and researcher, Mark

McCrindle from McCrindle Research, was among the participants. He set the stage by discussing the demands that education, businesses, and organizations face in light of the changes brought about by Generation Alpha.

According to Mark McCrindle, “The emerging generation of high school students (Generation Alpha) will need to be adaptive, resilient, and lifelong learners, as they are projected to have an average of 18 different employers across 6 separate careers in their lifetime.” Mark highlighted that Generation Alpha will not only be Australia’s largest generation but also the most formally educated, technologically supplied, globally connected, and socially mobile generation ever,

as mentioned in his latest book, “Generation Alpha.” However, the most signifcant long-term threat to this generation is mental health conditions, as already indicated in the ABS Census 2021.

Nature therapists present at the Summit emphasized the visibility of the mental health epidemic and their daily efforts to address it. They were joined by providers of activities that offer an antidote to mental health challenges. School Camps, Duke of Edinburgh Award, Leadership Camps, and other programs have consistently demonstrated improvements in mental health and well-being. The question arises: why doesn’t every child have access to these opportunities?

Mark McCrindle further quoted, “Two-

thirds of teachers state that it is most important for schools to focus on the holistic development of children rather than just academic results.” Considering this, why isn’t outdoor education prioritized when it can fulfll many students’ needs and contribute to their overall health?

Lori Modde, CEO of Outdoors NSW & ACT, and the host of the Summit, emphasized the need for collaboration with stakeholders to address these issues and forge a path toward resolution. “It is increasingly alarming that outdoor experiences remain limited to privileged students due to their inclusion in private school planning, yet public schools are increasingly deprioritizing outdoor education. We are aware of its potential benefts for our children.”

Ky, who received the Stunt Woman of the Year award, has worked as a stunt double for actors like Anne Hathaway and Sharon Stone in the American flm scene.

As the world’s most published adventurer, she recently released her book ‘Survive.’ Her message to today’s youth is simple: “Connect with the outdoors for your health and lifestyle, and you may discover an amazing career as well.”

Dr Phil Hamdorf, President of Outdoors NSW & ACT, highlighted the industry’s pressing need for job positions to be flled within the next three years as the industry recovers from the impact of COVID-19. Following a recent survey conducted by the organisation they now know how serious this problem is. “Due

to the majority of staff being international skilled visa holders prior to COVID-19, the industry is currently facing a shortage of 3,360 positions in NSW & ACT alone, with an additional 11,760 needed in the next three years” says Phil.

“People are not aware of the opportunities in an outdoor career, and we are collaborating with schools across the state to present the outdoors as a viable option for those who do not wish to work behind a desk,” the CEO emphasized.

According to the McCrindle Education Report, “Five of the six biggest challenges for students today are related to social cohesion, mental wellbeing, managing stress, and pressure.” If outdoor activities can address many of these challenges and potentially attract new career seekers to the industry, it represents a win-win situation. The Outdoor Industry Summit will now combine strategy and action to turn these solutions into reality. The Outdoor Summit also addressed training and qualifcation needs, the impact of climate change on the industry, best practice risk management, and maximizing networks and collaboration with stakeholders.

Montana: A Majestic Haven for Adventurers and Nature Enthusiasts

Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Montana is a breathtaking destination that offers a unique blend of awe-inspiring landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. With its vast expanses of untouched wilderness, towering peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and charming small towns, Montana beckons travelers from around the world. In this article, we will explore why Montana is a great place to travel to and discover the wonders that await in the Treasure State.

Montana’s natural beauty is unparalleled. From the mesmerizing Glacier National Park in the north to the stunning Yellowstone National Park in the south, the state boasts some of the most extraordinary landscapes in the United States.

Visitors can marvel

at the majestic Rocky Mountains, hike through pristine forests, witness cascading waterfalls, and encounter diverse wildlife, including bears, elk, wolves, and bighorn sheep. The unspoiled wilderness offers endless opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fshing, and wildlife photography, ensuring a memorable and exhilarating adventure for every traveler.

Montana is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. With over 30 million acres of public land, including national forests and wilderness areas, the state provides boundless opportunities for exploration. Outdoor activities abound, whether it’s rafting down the rapids of the Clark Fork River, skiing the powder-flled slopes of Big Sky Resort, or embarking on a horseback riding

adventure through the vast prairies. Montana’s numerous lakes, such as Flathead Lake and Whitefsh Lake, offer excellent fshing and boating opportunities, while its extensive trail systems cater to hikers, mountain bikers, and backpackers of all levels.

Montana’s rich history and cultural heritage are deeply rooted in the traditions of Native American tribes, early pioneers, and the Old West. The state is home to several Native American reservations, where visitors can gain insights into the vibrant cultures and traditions of the Salish, Kootenai, Crow, and Blackfeet tribes. Additionally, Montana preserves the legacy of the American West through historic sites such as Virginia City and the Little Bighorn Battlefeld National Monument, where visitors can

immerse themselves in the stories of explorers, fur trappers, and the legendary fgures of the Wild West.

Montana is dotted with charming small towns that exude a welcoming

offer a delightful blend of unique shops, art galleries, farmto-table restaurants, and local breweries. Strolling through these picturesque towns, visitors can soak up the

at the Milky Way, meteor showers, and the mesmerizing Northern Lights, painting the night sky in vivid hues.

Montana’s raw and untamed beauty, coupled with its abundance of

and friendly atmosphere. Places like Whitefsh, Bozeman, and Missoula

authentic Montana spirit, engage with locals, and partake in community events and festivals that showcase the state’s vibrant arts, music, and culinary scenes.

Montana is an ideal destination for stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts. The state is renowned for its dark skies, far away from light pollution, which allows for unparalleled stargazing experiences.

In fact, Montana is home to two designated Dark Sky Sanctuaries: the Medicine Rocks State Park and the Glacier National Park. Visitors can witness a celestial spectacle as they gaze

outdoor adventures, rich cultural heritage, and picturesque small towns, makes it an unforgettable travel destination. Whether exploring its national parks, immersing oneself in Native American traditions, or simply basking in the tranquility of its vast landscapes, Montana offers an escape into a world of natural wonders. So pack your bags, embrace the spirit of adventure, and embark on a journey to Montana – a place that will leave you aweinspired and rejuvenated, forever capturing a piece of your heart.

Grape Expectations by Max Crus

Pocket full of ignominy.

Along time ago I took a leisurely stroll down the main street, which was busy, chatted to some people, did some window shopping and popped into a shop to pick up an order.

“Excuse me, Max”, the woman behind the counter said, “you have your t-shirt on back-to-front?”

No big deal I thought, hardly worth mentioning, but thanks for letting me know.

“…and inside out”, she continued.

Stockman’s Ridge Orange ‘Rider’ Gruner Veltliner, 2022, $35. Gruner veltliner sounds like a character in a submarine movie, but it is lovely to say and, in this case, the cheaper of two versions from Stockman’s, lovely to drink. A novel twist on

“Well, you’re an optometrist aren’t you, why do you think I’ve come here”, I retorted, or would have if I was quick enough.

It’s funny how people immediately make the judgement that you have done something like that because you are old, ie they think you are older than them, which is often not even correct, in which case neither is it funny.

Annoyingly, in general, people make ageist jokes about you long before

white wine. 9.4/10. Stockman’s Ridge Orange Gruner Veltliner 2022, $40. This is like a fullbodied chardonnay without the baggage. Plenty going on, fun to think about while it’s happening, but none of it overwhelming as chardonnays can sometimes be. It’s a

Max Crus is a Clarence Valley-based wine writer and Grape Expectations is now in its 26th year of publication. Find out more about Max or sign up for his weekly reviews and musings by visiting maxcrus.com.au

you are truly old enough to warrant them, and in the fulness of time when you are, it is completely inappropriate to do so. Anyway, recently, a decade later, I had a second wardrobe malfunction which, embarrassingly, I didn’t discover until I was undressing for bed, compounding the ignominy by having been in public for much of the day, meeting countless people, friends and strangers alike, none of whom had the good grace

wonder there isn’t more of it. 9.5/10.

82 Metres Yarra Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2021, $16. Somewhat subdued as far as sauv’s go, it’s a simple but satisfying take on summery or sun-flled lunch fare at an equally satisfying and simple price. More like a characterful

to alert me that the left back pocket of my trousers was hanging out.

A small thing, but it looks ridiculous, disgusting even, and the sort of thing that makes people think you are either too old or too young to dress yourself, the reality that you dress in the dark and never look in the mirror, let alone turn around in front of mirrors, never crossing their minds.

But the real culprit here is clothing manufacturers. What possible use is a left,

verdelho than a bitey pungent sauv’ blanc.9/10.

82 Metres Yarra Valley Shiraz, 2019, $18. This is like my dress code, uncomplicated, yet surprisingly moreish and deceptively easy to drink, which is utterly unproblematic at $18 and a modest

back pocket? No-one ever uses them.

They’re like left-hand rear-vision mirrors, 93 per cent of drivers and 100 per cent of Coalition voters and Trump supporters never look left, even if their life would be better for it.

I have never put anything in a left, back pocket. Indeed trousers didn’t have them until Levi Strauss came along. Maybe cowboys have a use for them?

You can put your phone

13.5 per cent. 9.2/10.

Byrne SA Double Pass Shiraz, 2021, $20. Plenty of bang for your buck at 15 percent and only $20, and although not sophisticated, the richness is amazing. Bit like a Kardashian. Made to share with many. 9.3/10.

Byrne SA Single

Max Crus

there and not fnd it until you wash your clothes. You can put your theatre ticket there and have to buy another for the same reason. Stupid place for a pocket and therefore by extension, stupid to put anything in it, and an accoutrement just waiting to embarrass, which immediately explained why the eyes of the woman behind the counter in the bottle shop followed me out the door. She used to work at the optometrists.

Vineyard Riesling 2021, $20. With neither the bite nor the steeliness of cooler climate rieslings this has more depth and is probably a good wine to sway those old coots who think all rieslings are sweet. Is that ageist? 9.1/10.

RECENT CATTLE MARKET REPORTS

CASINO

NRLX MARKET REPORT

WEEK ENDING FRIDAY 30 JUNE

Agents yarded a total of 1,174 head at the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange regular prime sale on Wednesday 28 June. Young cattle again well supplied along with a fair penning of cows. The yarding of young cattle consisted mainly of vealers and weaners with a small offering of yearlings. Quality was very mixed with several pens of well bred steers and heifers through the sale, however

GRAFTON

BROUGHT TO YOU BY DONOVAN LIVESTOCK & PROPERTY PH: 02 6643 4411

GRAFTON FAT CATTLE SALE 20/06.2023

A smaller yarding once again with only a handful of Prime Cattle on offer. With the low Export numbers not all processors operated which affected the Bullock prices. However, Prime Condition Cows sold frm to dearer while plain Cows sold frm. Young cattle sold to similar rates with quality playing a major role in pricing.

there was increased numbers of plain conditioned weaner steers and heifers sold. Buyer participation was restricted at times depending on quality.

Cow prices held frm on last week averaging 182c/kg and reaching a top price of 220c/kg. Heifer prices also saw little change with an average of 209c/kg and $495 and top of 302c/kg and $1,404. Bull prices were slightly stronger with 44 head sold averaging 206c/kg and $1,315. Steer prices remained steady with an average of 283c/kg and $652 and top of 352c/kg and $1,202. A large number of bullocks sold on the day averaged 245c/kg and reached a top of 262c/kg.

FORTHCOMING SALES

THURSDAY 6TH JULY 2023 – GRAFTON STORE

CATTLE SALE, 9:00AM, GRAFTON SALEYARDS

TUESDAY 11TH JULY 2023 – GRAFTON FAT

CATTLE SALE, 8:00AM, GRAFTON SALEYARDS

TUESDAY 25TH JULY 2023 – GRAFTON FAT

CATTLE SALE, 8:00AM, GRAFTON SALEYARDS

Sale Highlights

Grafton Fat Cattle Sale Tuesday 27th June 2023

A/c AM & IM Wood sold an Angus Cross Cow 225.2c/kg weighed 750kg - $1,689.00

Livestock agents held a combined store sale at the NRLX on Friday 30 June with 1,258 head going under the hammer. Steers topped their category at 362c/kg and averaged 297c/kg and $666 whilst heifers reached a top of 302c/kg and averaged 221c/kg and $540. Cows reached a top price of $1,800 whilst cows & calves topped their market at $2,150.

For more information on the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange including upcoming sales, please check us out on Facebook or Instagram and visit our brand new website.

A/c RK Gaudron & SM Cosgrove sold a Brangus Cow 215c/kg weighed 590kg - $1,268.50

A/c Tallawudjah Pty Ltd sold Angus/Hereford Cross Cows 209.2c/kg averaged 605kg - $1,265.66 p/hd

A/c Southern Sky Farms Pty Ltd sold a Brahman Cow 217.2c/kg weighed 575kg - $1,248.90

A/c LD Holdings sold Brahman Cows 210.2c/kg averaged 543kg - $1,142.59 p/hd

A/c Waterview Grazing sold Angus Steers 310.2c/kg averaged 267kg - $829.79 p/hd

A/c Neville Walters sold an Angus Steer 308.2c/kg weighed 215kg - $662.63

A/c Waterview Grazing sold Angus Heifers 246.2c/kg averaged 226kg - $556.41 p/hd

FREIGHT REBATE OF $50 WILL BE PAID WHEN 2 OR MORE BULLS PURCHASED

WARWICK

MC DOUGALL & SONS SHEEP & LAMB REPORT

28th June 2023

Cattle numbers were a little bit shorter this week as we moved towards the end of the fnancial year and Sheep and Lamb numbers were up slightly. The markets were in a quandary with the cattle not rising or falling whilst the opposite could be said in the ovine trade. Lambs and Mutton were in a line with Southern markets, falling in line with the sales conducted this week. The better types of fnished well presented stock are maintaining a premium in falling markets.

Vealer steers av 277.4c/kg topping at 346.2c/kg or $608.41 to $1048.00

Vealer heifers av 211.5c/kg topping at 322.2c/kg or $449.55 to $879.01

Feeder steers av 306.8c/kg topping at 350c/kg or $1105.74 to $1683.00

Feeder heifers av 231.2c/kg topping at 270c/kg or $896.58 to $1151.00

Yearling steers av 312.9c/kg topping at 368.2c/kg or $814.03 to $1411.43

Yearling heifers av 235.5c/kg topping at 388.2c/kg or $584.25 to $1297.70

Steers av 282.9c/kg topping at 348.2c/kg or $1709.56 to $2256.80

Heifers av 226.7c/kg topping at 319.2c/kg or $1109.30 to $1643.88

Manufacturing steers av …na…c/kg to return $..na.... Cows av161.6c/kg topping at 210c/kg or $758.05 to $1470.00

Bulls av 207.3c/kg topping at 268.2c/kg or $1011.34 to $2197.25

Lambs topped at $146to av $92.03 ($27 down)

Hoggets topped at $113 to av $75.86($2up)

Ewes topped at $105 to av $65.12($17down)

Wethers topped at $109 to av $81.52($19down)

Rams topped at $70 to av $52.22($34down)

Lamb Rams topped at $70to av $59.80($9down)

Ewe lambs topped at $122 to av $101.81 ($17up)

Sale total averaged $83.54 a drop of $20/head week on week.

Sows sold from $165 to $240, Boars to $70, Gilts from $200 to $230, Baconers from $122 to $183, Pork from $159 to $168, stores from $40 to $150

Drakes sold to $25, Call ducks to $22.50, trio to $12.50, Hens to $12.50, Roosters to $12.50

Sheep and Lamb numbers were up with 2443 head meeting the market. The heavy, fnished end for both Lamb and Mutton escaped the falls seen in the trade and back to the paddock types.

Volume again was in the fore for the weekly sheep and lamb sale, with Agents and vendors combining to present 2443 head for the buying panel. The School holiday’s saw an increase in the number of attendees always good to see the younger kids having a good time at the sales. Their parents depending on which platform they were there for either buying or selling may not have been as happy.

Vermont Past Co sold Xbred lambs 55.5kg to Lawsons

Butchery and Thomas Foods for $132

Kim Aisthorpe sold Dorper lambs 48kg to GR Prime for $126 and $115

Don Marshall sold Dorper x lambs 45kg to Eversons for $114

Stillwater Past Co sold Dorper lambs 48.8kg to GR Prime for $48.8kg and ewes to Eversons for $50

Alaringa Rural Enterprises sold Dorper ewes to Thomas Foods for $74 and Eversons for $42

Bellalie Farming sold Merino ewes with a third wool skin to Eversons for $62 and $30

Russell Day Homes sold Merino x wethers and ewes to Eversons for $90, ewes to Eversons for $20, lambs 36kg to restockers for $50, 70kg ram hoggets to Eversons for $51, 47.5kg hoggets to Eversons for $50

Archer Pastoral sold Merino x hoggets 55kg to Eversons for $50, Ewes to Thomas Foods for $75, and restockers for $17

Australian agrifood industry set to beneft from extension of honey bee genetic program

Australia will continue to be home to a national honey bee genetic improvement program until at least April 2024, with Plan Bee announcing it has been extended for another year.

The extension means that the program, delivered as part of the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Rural R&D for Proft Program will continue its mission of establishing a national honey bee genetic database to improve the productivity and proftability of Australia’s agriculture sector.

The program which began in 2020 has made signifcant progress in furthering the adoption of modern genetic selection practices in Australia. It has been stunted by several disasters including the 2019-2020 bushfres, fooding in eastern Australia and most recently the NSW varroa mite incursion – which led to the destruction of the program’s colonies in Tocal.

The extension allows the program to launch a series of planned initiatives that could have immeasurable long-term impact to the quality of Australia’s honey bee stocks. That’s according to Plan Bee Program Lead, Paul Blackshaw.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to continue the vital work of Plan Bee,” said Mr Blackshaw.

“We’re currently preparing to launch version two of the Plan Bee Breeding Manual, a vital resource which is already helping beekeepers and breeders to unlock the potential of modern science to improve the quality of our honey bees.”

“This resource helps breeders select from desired traits, including pest and disease resistance, future-proofng the industry from threats like varroa.”

The project team continues to seek input from the beekeeping industry and encourages all beekeepers to participate in the program.

“We are always looking to work closely with breeders across the

country to build our national genetic database. With each contributing

bee breeder, our data set improves, allowing us to make better choices when selecting for traits.”

The benefts of a successful national genetic improvement program transcend the honey bee industry. In fact, around 65% of agricultural production in Australia depends on pollination from honey bees according to the 2010 report Pollination Aware, The Real Value of Pollination in Australia.

“Whether it be pollination productivity, resistance to disease, or ability to stay active for longer, genetic selection helps bee breeders, beekeepers and growers to become more productive and sustainable.”

“Each year we are faced with new challenges, whether that be disasters, incursions or the simple premise of feeding more people with fewer resources. Better bees can help us face these challenges head on, and thanks to modern genetic practices we’re on the right path.”

This work is a frst for

the Australian honey bee industry and the project extension will enable the industry to develop estimated breeding values for honey bees and further extend best practice standardised selection methods for breeders.

Plan Bee (National Honey Bee Genetic Improvement Program) is supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment as part of its Rural Research and Development for Proft program. The project is further supported by AgriFutures Australia, the Department of Primary Industries, University of Sydney, University of New England Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit, Better Bees WA Inc, Wheen Bee Foundation, Costa Group, Olam, Beechworth Honey, Monson’s Honey and Pollination, South Pacifc Seeds, Australian Queen Bee Breeders Association, Australian Honey Bee Industry Council, and commercial beekeepers

MC DOUGALL & SONS SHEEP & LAMB REPORT

Plan Bee Researcher, Nadine Chapman examinig a colony of bees

Ground truth: CSIRO launches national data and information tool for soil

Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, has launched a new tool that will help Australia sustainably manage a critical natural resource which sustains lives and livelihoods.

Now live and available for use, the Australian National Soil Information System (ANSIS) brings together soil data from across Australia, connecting multiple data sources to provide access to nationally consistent soil data and information. It will equip farmers, policy makers and researchers with the data and information they need to better manage, restore, and protect Australia’s soils.

Speaking at the Soil Science Australian conference in Darwin, ANSIS project lead at CSIRO, Peter Wilson, said it was an important step forward for the future sustainable management of soils in every part of the country.

“Soil is the backbone of our food security, and it is critical that we manage it effectively for climate change adaptation and economic and environmental prosperity to support national and global agrifood priorities,” Mr Wilson said.

“Until now, it’s been exceptionally diffcult to fnd, access, integrate and compare soil data.

“This new system brings together all this information providing easy access to soil data and information that will underpin the effective management of soil.”

ANSIS will be a valuable tool for farmers and farm advisors, allowing them to compare the condition of their soil with other soils in their region; monitor how their soil has changed over time; and inform opportunities for change or improvement in land management practices.

Governments and

industry bodies will be able to use data and information through ANSIS to support the development of effective policies to ensure our soil is sustainably used

Australia’s National Soils Advocate, the Hon Penelope Wensley AC said the launch of the new national soil information system was an exciting development.

management of Australia’s soil.

“I know development of the system has been a challenging task and extend my compliments and thanks to CSIRO

its role in climate change adaptation and mitigation, and the impacts we have on this valuable natural resource.

and enhanced for future generations, and to inform policy decisions in areas such as drought resilience, climate adaptation, natural capital accounting and biodiversity conservation.

“It represents a major advance in implementation of the National Soil Strategy.

“Good data, available in a consistent, accessible form, is essential for better understanding and

and everyone involved in delivering this important new tool for soil stakeholders and policy makers,” she said.

Mr Wilson said ANSIS would enable researchers to better understand the way our soil works,

ANSIS is supported by funding through the Australian Government National Soil Strategy (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) in collaboration with CSIRO and partner organisations.

The ANSIS project brings together Australian soil data from a range of sources. Credit: CSIRO/Stuart Walmsley.

ANSIS will provide data and information to enable improved soil management. Credit: CSIRO/Stuart Walmsley.

More productive, healthy and resilient soil can provide multiple benefts for farmers. Credit: CSIRO/ Stuart Walmsley.

BEST ON THE BOX

FRIDAY BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS

SEVEN, 7pm

A fresh face is joining the Better Homes and Gardens family, and she’s set to inspire girls and women alike to take on the challenges of a trade. Aimee Stanton (above) might be familiar from her stints on House Rules and Australian Survivor, but tonight she o cially joins this much-loved show as a guest presenter, sharing her know-how in DIY and plumbing. The plumber and tiny house creator teams up with architect Peter Colquhoun on a tour of the Hawkesbury Showground for the Tiny Home Expo. Filled with inventive design ideas and inspiration for living a more sustainable life, it’s an inspiring peek at how going small can let you live large.

FRIDAY, July 7

SATURDAY GOING PLACES WITH ERNIE DINGO

SBS, 7.30pm

Get o the tourist track with the delightful Ernie Dingo (below) and take a journey with extra heart. A presenter on The Great Outdoors for more than 15 years, Dingo knows a lot about Australian wildlife and nature, making it an absolute pleasure to join him on his adventures around our beautiful country. Tonight, he returns with season ve of this beautifully shot, uplifting travel show.

Comedy’s Aaron Fa’aoso’s language and dance skills are put to the test at home in Bamaga, while Bianca Hunt breaks into Broken Hill’s drag scene. Featuring the ancient forests and sand dunes of Pemberton, it’s a salve for the soul.

SUNDAY FBI

TEN, 9pm

Star power and fast-paced cases keep this slick police procedural from blending into the pack.

dramas are

shoot

Law & ’s Dick Wolf sticks to its gun with an unbeatable setting – New York – and a formula that delivers felonies and histrionics in equal measure. Tonight, in “Flopped Cop”, there’s gun re galore. For a series that focuses on the frenetic nine-to- ve of these hardworking o cers, this episode extends a compelling window into Ti any’s (Katherine Renee Kane, above) personal life. The case delves into an accountant who is fatally “liquidated” for testifying against a notorious drug lord, with Ti any at the helm of the investigation.

6.00 The Drum. Analysis of the day’s news.

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 First Weapons: Returning Boomerang. (Premiere, PG) Hosted by Phil Breslin.

8.00 Death In Paradise. (Mv, R)

A masked man stabs a woman in her home.

9.00 Utopia. (PG, R) Tony is frozen out by the minister when he’s reluctant to announce an ambitious new project.

9.30 Gold Diggers. (Mls, R) Two sisters search for rich husbands.

10.00 ABC Late News. Coverage of the day’s events.

10.15 The Split. (Ma, R) Christie arrives in London.

11.15 Harrow. (Final, Mav, R) Fern goes missing.

12.10 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

ABC TV PLUS (22)

We Hunt

Together. 1.40 Killing Eve. 2.25 Brassic. 3.10 Friday Night Dinner. 3.30 ABC News Update. 3.35 Close.

5.00 Moon And Me. 5.25 Teletubbies. 5.35 Late Programs.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 World’s Most Scenic River Journeys: River Dordogne.

(R) Bill Nighy narrates a voyage through the green heart of south-west France on the Dordogne River.

8.30 Hampton Court: Behind Closed Doors. (PG, R) Part 2 of 2. Tracy Borman visits the chaplain of Hampton Court’s Chapel Royal, Father Anthony.

9.25 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 7.

1.50 Nine Perfect Strangers. (Mlv, R)

3.30 Food Safari Water. (R)

4.30 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 7News Local.

6.30 7News @ 6:30.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs catches up with Torres Strait Islander chef Nornie Bero to look at native ingredients.

8.30 MOVIE: Sister Act. (1992, PGv, R) After witnessing her mobster boyfriend murder his chau eur, a second-rate lounge singer is placed in witness protection at a convent, where she reluctantly agrees to join the choir. Whoopi Goldberg, Maggie Smith, Kathy Najimy.

10.35 To Be Advised.

12.05 MOVIE: Frisky. (2015, Mls, R)

Two Australian friends move to San Francisco. Claudia Pickering, Monica Ammerman.

2.00 Home Shopping.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current A air.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 19. St George Illawarra Dragons v Canberra Raiders. From WIN Stadium, NSW.

9.55 Golden Point. A wrap-up of the St George Illawarra Dragons versus Canberra Raiders match, with news and analysis.

10.40 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 5.

From the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, England.

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) A group of people tries to take credit after the park receives some much-needed rain.

6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news and events.

7.30 Location, Location, Location Australia. Mitch Edwards and Mark McKie head to Melbourne’s inner city and western suburbs.

8.30 Have You Been Paying Attention? (Malns, R) Celebrity panellists include Urzila Carlson, Aaron Chen and Celia Pacquola.

9.30 The Graham Norton Show. (PGlsv, R) Celebrity guests include Lesley Manville, Hugh Bonneville, Lashana Lynch and Big Zuu.

11.30 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news and events.

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Late-might talk show.

1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

6am Children’s Programs. Noon

MOVIE: The Dust Factory. (2004, PG) 2.00 Full

House. 2.30 Raymond. 3.00 MacGyver. 4.00 The

Nanny. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 MOVIE: Tom & Jerry. (2021)

Australian macadamia crop forecast revised

The 2023 Australian macadamia crop forecast has been revised down by 11% from 60,000 tonnes in-shell to 53,160 tonnes in-shell at 3.5% moisture (from 64,400 to 57,000 tonnes in-shell at 10% moisture), announced the peak industry body, the Australian Macadamia Society (AMS), today.

AMS CEO Clare Hamilton-Bate says the Australian macadamia industry has been experiencing unprecedented market conditions, due primarily to the combination of reduced global demand and a rapidly increasing global supply.

“Australian macadamia growers and the entire industry are

facing a very diffcult year, with the softest farm gates prices in more than a decade,” says Ms. Hamilton-Bate.

“Overall, the crop quality is very good and reject levels are down, however nut size is smaller and there has

been a decrease in total kernel recovery.”

Ms. Hamilton-Bate says several factors have converged to contribute

Feral pig numbers

Farmers are asking for more resources to combat an exponential rise in the number of highly destructive feral pigs, with fears for safety and property.

NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said millions of feral pigs were breeding and rampaging across the countryside, thriving after years of high rainfall, attacking native animals and livestock, and causing massive damage to crops and infrastructure.

The past three years had been a boom time for pigs, Mr Martin said, and while government control efforts had made a slight dent in the overall number of pigs in certain areas, there

were too many reports of a booming breeding population to ignore.

“From the Western Riverina through the Central West and up into the Northern Tablelands, we’re hearing members

tell us they’ve never seen pigs this bad before,” Mr Martin said.

“Aerial shooting over the past year saw 80 per cent more pigs culled than the year before, and authorities have

to the reduction in the 2023 crop forecast, including variable seasonal conditions and weather events as well

as cost rationalisation and prudent economic decision-making by growers.

“Kernel supply will also be impacted because an increased amount of crop is being sold to the nut-in-shell market.”

The crop forecast will be reviewed again in September and the fnal fgure for the 2023 Australian macadamia crop will be announced by the AMS in early December.

The 2023 crop is based on actual factory receipts of the Australian Macadamia Handlers Association (AMHA).

The AMHA represents 85% of the macadamia crop in Australia.

‘out of control’

than 63,000 feral pigs had been culled as part of co-ordinated aerial and on-ground shooting and baiting in the past 12 months, although Mr Martin said anecdotal reports from farmers meant the actual numbers were likely far higher. He said there were serious concerns about what would happen after June 30, when the state government’s additional pig control funding ended.

distributed 74 tonnes of baits to landholders, but the numbers continue to grow particularly on public land.

“It’s clear the pig numbers are growing out of control now, and

we need a drastic and sustained increase in resources for everyone involved to get on top of the problem once and for all.”

According to Local Land Services, more

“Trying to keep the pig numbers down farm-byfarm is a bit like trying to put out half a fre – if you’re not tackling the whole problem methodically, it’ll just keep coming back,” Mr Martin said.

LOCAL BUSINESS SUCCESS: RANGER NICK announced as a WINNER in the 2023 Australian Rural Business Awards

Ranger Nick has been announced as a winner for the Innovation and Sustainability Excellence Award at the annual Australian Rural Business Awards on the 23rd June, 2023.

The Australian Rural Business Awards are presented by Australia’s leading online marketplace for rural and regional small businesses Spend With Us to celebrate, highlight and recognise the absolute talent that exists out there in rural and regional Australia.

Highlighting, in an Australian Rural Business Awards, what small businesses in rural/ regional Australia are achieving in business excellence, innovation and sustainability, new business, Australian

made and e-commerce. The awards are designed to recognise the strength, resilience, and talent of small business owners in rural and regional areas who have, in the last few years alone, gone through droughts, bushfres, mouse plagues, foods, lack of tourism, a global pandemic and rising costs of living.

Ranger Nick says he is extremely excited to be named as a winner of the Innovation and Sustainability Excellence Award. “I am just over the moon and feel enormously fattered to be bringing home a trophy. It’s beyond my wildest dreams, frst the nomination and now the winner. All the hard work, challenges and dedication to buy

local and encouraging environmental sustainability over the past decade has fnally paid off. It makes me ever so grateful to all my supporters.”

Raised in the scrubs of South West Queensland, Ranger Nick has been exposed to living in the bush his entire life and was working as an environmental education support offcer and Ranger Guide in outback Queensland. When he was approached by a large Outdoor Expo company to perform camp oven cooking demonstrations, he did not have to think twice to do what comes naturally to him.

Since 2010, Ranger Nick has been demonstrating camp oven and bush cooking skills professionally, travelling the country and abroad. Successfully claiming the Guinness World Record title for the Longest Damper at 153.002m, Ranger Nick is the resident Bush Cook on Channel 7 Mate’s “Step Outside with Paul Burt”, has weekly radio segments on “West Bremer Radio”, monthly podcast interviews, is the author of four books, has released a DVD, developed a

comprehensive Outdoor Training Program and frequently gets invited to judge at large camp oven cooking competitions. He has provided cooking demonstrations at camping & 4WD shows, large-scale corporate events, and various festivals nationally and internationally over the past decade plus.

The opportunity to travel extensively and passing on the knowledge to fellow adventurers is inspiring in itself and strengthened by the encouragement of supporters and followers, it keeps Ranger Nick going and excited about life, hence making a positive impact on others.

Delighted to be named a fnalist, Ranger Nick is proud of his achievements, particularly when he was approached by Channel 7 Mate and is now featured as the resident bush cook on “Step Outside with Paul Burt”. The strong environmental focus of Ranger Nick’s message is in line with keeping Australian heritage and traditions alive. Ranger Nick was nominated in the 2023 Australian Small Business Champion Awards and with over 4500 quality entries, has been recognised as a fnalist

in the environmental category.

It can be challenging to be a successful small business in rural and regional Australia, and community plays an enormous part in that success. Ranger Nick believes that community has played a large part in his business

challenges in competing with big corporations, hence a point of difference has to be established that ensures a beneft to the customer and the community at large.

The founders of Spend With Us, Jenn Donovan and Sarah Britz have

success where good old-fashioned customer service is refected in personal relationships and supporting each other. It can be tight knit, where word of mouth referrals are still the main source of advertising. A good reputation and ethical values are crucial to the survival of any business, and more so in a rural community, where residents rely on each other. Without support of the community, a small business will face

been overwhelmed by the response to the awards and are so excited to see how many businesses have been involved.

“There is nothing that gives us greater joy than seeing businesses from the bush succeed and to see their passion and determination shine through. We’re also so thankful to our amazing sponsors who have also been inspired by many of our winners journeys”, says Donovan and Britz.

FUNDING BOOST TO TACKLE THE INCREASING THREAT OF INVASIVE SPECIES

The work of the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions will be strengthened by the Federal Government’s recent funding announcement regarding the National Pest Animal Management Coordination Program.

The increased funding will advance the activities of the Centre’s National Feral Cat and Fox Management Coordinator Program and the National Wild Dog Action Plan and supports the Centre’s drive to reduce the $25 billion annual cost of invasive species in Australia.

Mr Bruce Christie, Chair of the Centre,

said “This funding announcement highlights the Federal Government’s commitment to working alongside organisations such as ours to combat the devasting environmental, social and economic impacts of invasive species.

Although Australia is a leader in containing pests and weeds, there is always more we can and should be doing to prevent the spread of invasive species. This funding increase will enhance the Centre’s capacity to guard our unique ecosystem against such threats”.

The Centre employs National Coordinators to

support the coordinated, best-practice management of feral cats, foxes and wild dogs as well as supporting externally based National Coordinators for Wild Deer and Feral Pigs.

Ms Gillian Basnett, National Feral Cat and Fox Management Coordinator, said “I’m excited to continue working with the Federal Government and other key stakeholders to enhance the national coordination of invasive species control.

This ongoing funding for national coordination means we can build on work we have undertaken over the

frst two years of the project. We can better equip landholders and land managers in effective on-ground management programs, seek to decrease the number of native animals threatened by feral cats and foxes and reduce their agricultural impacts”.

Mr Geoff Power, Chair of the National Wild Dog Action Plan Coordination Committee, said “This is great news – it gives us the opportunity to deliver current activities and will better support our efforts over the coming two years.

We still have a lot

of work to do and need to keep the foot on the pedal, but this funding goes a long

way in protecting our biodiversity system, our way of life, as well as enhancing productivity”

Australia’s reputation will suffer under live sheep ban: Farmers

The National Farmers’ Federation has warned a consultation panel assessing the phase-out of live sheep exports that Australia’s status as a favoured food exporter will suffer should the ban proceed.

In a submission to the consultation process, made public today, the NFF has named broader trade impacts among

several reasons the phase-out plan must be scrapped.

“We’re an exporting nation, and one of the strongest global voices for free and open agricultural trade,” said NFF President, Fiona Simson.

“If we start arbitrarily shutting down export markets it sends an awful message to our

customers overseas.

“We export over 70% of what we produce, and we’re Australia’s second largest export industry, so the broader ramifcations of this need to be weighed up,” Ms Simson said.

The NFF’s submission also outlines steps taken in recent years to meet community expectations.

“The live export

industry has gone above and beyond to meet community expectations. We have the world’s best assurance framework to care for animals right through to processing in-market.

“Australia stepping back from its global leadership in this space would be a backward step for animal welfare.”

The submission also

points to the economic damage the ban would create – felt most acutely in Western Australia.

“We’re talking about signifcant job losses along the supply chain, and a long term hit for communities, particularly in WA.

“It’s a reckless economic own-goal at a time when we’re teetering on the brink of a recession. And we’re not talking about something off in the distance. The uncertainty this policy is creating is

having real impacts right now.”

With formal submissions now closed, farmers are calling on the Government to urgently re-think its policy as the evidence mounts.

“It’s only responsible that in light of overwhelming feedback and evidence, the Government take this opportunity to correct its position. It should do that urgently to restore confdence to the industry in WA.”

MyServiceNSW Accounts Expand to Include Land Tax Payments

People across the state will now be able to access even more transactions using the NSW Government’s MyServiceNSW Account with the platform expanded to include the ability to manage land tax obligations.

The addition of Revenue NSW’s Land Tax Online service to MyServiceNSW accounts allows people to now seamlessly move between paying or managing land tax to other services like renewing a driver licence or applying for costof-living support and vouchers.

Once linked, customers will be able to view or manage their land tax, lodge a return, request an exemption, access their notices of assessment, pay or set up a payment plan.

People can also opt-in for digital notifcations via their account, giving customers an alternative to paper notices and speeding up their

delivery time from ten business days to just 48 hours.

The migration to the MyServiceNSW Account delivers on Revenue NSW’s customercentric commitment and will help the 175,000 customers who own land in NSW and pay land tax stay on top of their obligations.

The move follows making the management of fnes available through MyServiceNSW accounts in February 2023 with more than 36,000 people now having linked the fnes service to their account.

With more than 2.7 million logins into MyServiceNSW accounts each month to complete everyday transactions like renewing a Working with Children Check or applying for Digital Trade Licences the addition further cements the account as a one-stop-shop for government services.

Customers will be able

Thinking Real Estate. Think TCR

to continue to manage their land tax obligations on the Revenue NSW website, in person at a Service NSW Service Centre, by calling 1300 139 816, with BPAY payments or via post.

Land tax is an annual tax levied at the end of the calendar year on property which is above the land tax threshold. In most cases a principal place of residence is exempt, and other exemptions and concessions may apply.

More information on land tax can be found at: https://www.revenue. nsw.gov.au/taxes-dutieslevies-royalties/land-tax

Minister for Finance

Courtney Houssos said:

“The migration of the Land Tax Online platform into MyServiceNSW accounts puts customers in control of how they manage their tax obligations.

“Gone are the days where it is one account for licencing and another account for taxes, people

now have more ways to connect and transact with government in one convenient digital location.

“This initiative continues the Government’s commitment to accessibility and openness and will

signifcantly improve customer experiences.”

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“As life gets busier, our time becomes more precious so keeping government transactions as simple as possible is increasingly important. Whether it is registering a vehicle, checking demerit points or applying for government rebates, once again,

the MyServiceNSW is making interactions with the government even easier.”

“The MyServiceNSW account expands on the face-to-face experience of more than 114 Service Centres across the State to make your dealings with the government easy to access and quicker to complete where possible.”

Housing density aligns with infrastructure at Green Square

Another piece of the Green Square puzzle is complete today with the next stage of housing close to critical infrastructure reaching its peak in Zetland.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said Green Square is a great example of the NSW Government working with industry to deliver a successful mixed-use precinct including private, social and affordable housing close to public transport.

“Today is the topping out of three new residential apartment buildings including The Frederick, Portman on the Park and Portman House. The completion of this $210 million project will see the delivery of 311 new homes as part of one of the largest urban renewal projects in Australia,” Mr Scully said.

“Green Square is a true demonstration of why successful

places are underpinned by connecting housing growth with infrastructure delivery.

The Minns Government is focused on delivering infrastructure aligned to housing, in partnership with developers and councils.

“Our Housing and Productivity Contributions scheme, which is before the parliament, creates a funding structure that will genuinely support housing supply by dealing with a key bottleneck –infrastructure. The new system is expected to

raise approximately $700 million each year when it is fully operating which will be invested in infrastructure like roads, schools, hospitals, emergency services and open spaces to support homes and jobs.

“It will allow the time gap between housing and infrastructure to close recognising that growing communities need infrastructure delivery to support them,” Mr Scully said.

It is expected by 2036 there will be a total of 33,528 homes in Green Square and City South with 15% of homes

dedicated to social and affordable housing.

Mirvac CEO Development Mr Stuart Penklis said Mirvac will deliver more than 1,600 apartments in Green Square along with offce, retail and substantial public spaces within the Green Square Town Centre.

“This precinct fosters a community that will meet the needs of its residents for years to come, this commitment could not be more important as we play our part in increasing housing supply where it’s needed most.”

QUICK CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Trophy (3)

3 Great playwright (11)

9 Finger-end guard (7)

10 Chat (7)

11 Follower of Martin Luther (8)

12 2000 Olympic city (6)

14 And not (3)

15 Free (11)

17 Body of water to the East of Italy (8,3)

19 South (Span.) (3)

20 Royal male (6)

21 Original (8)

24 Drank (7)

25 Porch (7)

26 Anarchy (11)

27 Gosh (3)

DOWN

1 Disputed Spanish region (9)

2 Hint (7)

3 Cavalry sword (5)

4 Mediterranean port of Egypt (10)

5 Catch sight of (4)

SUDOKU

6

16

1 In what year was Gmail rst released (in beta): 1998, 2001 or 2004?

2 Bundaberg is a city found in which Australian state?

3 Does the term ‘BreadTube’ refer to content creators on the left or right side of the political spectrum?

7

20

WORD

The

-LETTER WORD No. 153

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included, and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

Secret

BAKED

4 What is the title of Taylor Swift’s ninth studio album?

5 Which company owns the social cataloging site Goodreads?

6 Taipei is the capital of which country?

7 In terms of image resolution, what does dpi stand for?

8 What is a drupe?

9 Teresa Palmer (pictured) stars as which character in the British fantasy series A Discovery of Witches?

10 In what year was the rst female editor of The Age appointed?

ACROSS

1 Black bird (4)

5 Peruvian capital (4)

6 Gelatinous substance (4)

7 Twinge (4)

DOWN

1 Applaud (4)

2 Capital of Latvia (4)

3 Yemen neighbour (4)

4 Wolf (norse) (4)

puzzles

Each number corresponds to a letter. Can you crack the code?

CROSS MATH

HIDDEN WORD

Solve all the clues and an eight-letter word will be spelled out.

1 Super heroes: – boy and Lavagirl

2 Animated movie: Lady and the –

3 Animated movie: The Prince of which country?

4 A Bugs Bunny catchphrase: What’s – –?

P E S

5 Kid’s book: The –Who Came to Tea

6 Famous French kid’s books about an elephant

7 Hilarious kid’s book series: Captain – Pants

8 Kid’s book: Should I Share My Ice –

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW...

NETFLIX ROMANCE

Insert

missing letters to make

across

words –ve

1. Which of these Netflix Originals does not star Noah Centineo?

A. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before

B. Always Be My Maybe

C. The Perfect Date

D. The Kissing Booth

2. A Christmas Prince stars which New Zealand actress as love-struck journalist Amber?

A. Rose McIver

B. Lucy Lawless

C. Rose Matafeo

D. Keisha Castle-Hughes

3. Which singer had a US No.1 hit thanks to its inclusion in Someone Great?

A. Dua Lipa

B. Florence + the Machine

C. Lizzo

D. Demi Lovato

4. Which female comedian co-wrote and leads the cast of Always Be My Maybe?

A. Amy Schumer

B. Ali Wong

C. Ti any Haddish

D. Jenny Slate

WILLIAMSON ASKS QUESTIONS IN NSW PARLIAMENT ON FLOOD RECOVERY

Get ready to be captivated by enchanting melodies, powerful rhythms, and aweinspiring performances as the highly popular Northern Rivers Youth Orchestra takes centrestage at the Whitebrook Theatre, Southern Cross University, on the 6th of July at 6:30PM. This eagerly awaited concert promises an unforgettable evening of musical brilliance, showcasing the wonderful talent of the region’s young musicians (and some buddies from afar!).

Under the expert direction of their esteemed guest conductor Patrick Brennan, as well as sectional leaders from

the Northern Rivers Conservatorium itself, the Northern Rivers Youth Orchestra will bring to life a diverse repertoire that spans classical masterpieces, contemporary compositions, and stunning arrangements of

popular favourites. This year you will hear works by John Williams, Hans Zimmer, Shostakovich, Vivaldi, Coldplay, and themes from TV and the movies including Star Wars, Game Of Thrones, and Spiderman. The concert will be a

testament to the hard work and dedication of these young musicians as they showcase their skill and passion for music, and to the support and encouragement provided by parents, teachers, and the wider community. Through

PH: 6686 9600

ELEMENTAL PG 109 Min

INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY M 154 Min

NO HARD FEELINGS MA+ 103MIN

SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE PG 140 Min

THE FLASH M 144 Min

THE LITTLE MERMAID PG 135 Min

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - DEAD RECKONING PART 1 M 163

TRANSFORMERS: RISE OF THE BEASTS M 127 Min

and an unwavering commitment to musical excellence, these exceptional individuals have honed their skills and developed a greater understanding of the dynamics and teamwork of the orchestra.

tireless rehearsals and workshops over the previous three days

The Whitebrook Theatre provides the perfect backdrop for this mesmerising musical journey; as the orchestra takes the stage, the theatre will come alive with a symphony of sound, leaving the audience in awe of the power of music. This concert is not only an opportunity to witness the incredible skill of these budding musicians, but it also serves as a testament to the power of music education and the transformative impact it can have on young lives.

The Northern Rivers Conservatorium, the driving force behind the NRYO, has provided these students with a nurturing and supportive environment in which they can hone their craft and cultivate a lifelong love for music.

HANS: DISCO SPEKTAKULAR TOUR

Home Shows

TOUR 2023 Saturday August 5, 2023 @ 8:00 pm

THE JOHNNY CASH SPECIAL

Saturday August 12, 2023 @ 7:30pm

RHYTHMS OF IRELAND

Monday August 14, 2023 @ 6:30pm

BJORN AGAIN: THANK ABBA FOR THE MUSIC 2023

Friday August 25, 2023 @ 8:00pm

MUSIC OF THE NIGHT TRIBUTE TO ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER

Sunday August 27, 2023 @ 2:00pm

MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL

Saturday, September 2, 2023 @ 7:30pm

Thursday, September 21, 2023 @ 7:00pm

SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR: HOPE

Friday, September 22, 2023 @ 7:30pm

SHE WILL ROCK YOU “THE STORY OF WOMEN WHO DARED TO ROCK THE WORLD”

Friday October 6, 2023 @ 7:30pm

THE AFTERNOON AT THE POPS:

THE MUSICALS OF BROADWAY

Sunday October 29, 2023 @ 2.00pm

THE AUSTRALIAN INXS SHOW

Saturday December 9, 2023 @ 7.30pm

RUNNING INTO THE SHADOWS OF FLEETWOOD MAC (PG)

Friday May 17, 2024 @ 8.00pm.

Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the Northern Rivers Youth Orchestra! And to stay in touch with more great events coming up, please follow us on Facebook, check our website, or subscribe to our mailing list.

EVENTS: https:// events.nrcac.edu.au

ENQUIRIES: nryo@ nrcac.edu.au

SUBSCRIBE: subscribe.nrcac.edu.au

Son

of

a Vietnam veteran honours the legacy with story and song in DUSTED OFF

Actor, musician, and singer/songwriter Brett Hunt brings to the stage the story of his family and his father Frank Hunt – the Frankie from I Was Only 19 who ‘kicked the mine the day man kicked the moon’. Just as in Redgum’s iconic song 40 years ago, through story and song, this one-man play explores the legacies of war, of post-traumatic stress, and of a family’s survival and redemption through intergenerational trauma.

Growing up in a house often flled with Vietnam vets, Brett observed frsthand the intense feelings of alienation, the destructive effects of PTSD, the broken family relationships and the impact on women and children. He also witnessed the camaraderie and brotherhood that these men had forged and their ability to support each other with humility, strength and a sense of humour.

In an emotional climax to Frank’s journey as a veteran, in 1987 during the Welcome Home Parade, Brett and his siblings found themselves onstage with their father with John Schumann singing I Was Only 19 with an estimated 60,000 people, veterans and their families, singing along. Frank and his wife Connie had battled for decades to recover and build a loving family and a future, despite a legacy of physical and emotional pain, the indifference

of governments and contempt of society. As a play and selection of songs, DUSTED OFF has its genesis in the Vietnam experience but it is as much about love as it is about war. It is not a case for war, nor a glorifcation, nor a regret. It is a universal exploration of a young

veteran’s motivations, injuries and efforts to keep a family together through indescribable challenges. It is a tale of generations and Brett’s birthright to tell, as a son, grandson, and great grandson of veterans. A troubadour, a journeyman, and a keeper of the fame, Brett is fundamentally a storyteller. The stories he tells are gripping and authentic. With story and song, DUSTED OFF is an enthralling and uplifting one act play that will take you on an unforgettable journey. The Regent, Murwillumbah on Sunday 16 July 5pm. Veterans discount applies. www.theregent.com.au

MUSICAL BINGO

Frank and the 4 kids WelcomeHomeConcert 1983

PRESERVING BUNDJALUNG WEAVING PRACTICES: ARTS NORTHERN RIVERS LAUNCHES ‘BULAAN BURUUGAA NGALI’

Arts Northern Rivers has announced the upcoming launch of ‘Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali, We Weave Together,’ a special publication dedicated to preserving the weaving practices of Bundjalung women. The launch will take place during this year’s Byron Writers Festival in August, under the theme of ‘Wild Imagination,’ which boasts an impressive lineup of over 120 infuential writers and thinkers.

As a featured event of the Festival, the Weaving Gathering will take place on Saturday, August 12th, from 10am to 2pm. This unique opportunity allows attendees to engage with

Bundjalung Elders and weavers, celebrating traditional techniques and the launch of the publication. Participants can immerse themselves in the cultural practices and weaving techniques showcased in the book, learning directly from the Elders and Weavers themselves.

The event aims to foster dialogue, appreciation, and celebration of the revitalised weaving practices that are central to Bundjalung culture, as showcased in ‘Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali.’ Through stories of Elders and weavers, historical materials, and

traditional plant species and techniques, the publication serves as a powerful testament to the strength, endurance, and talent of these remarkable artisans.

Over the past four years, Arts Northern Rivers has conducted workshops where local weavers generously shared their knowledge and techniques with Aboriginal communities across the Bundjalung region. These workshops have united women from Bundjalung and beyond, revitalising age-old weaving practices.

The publication captures the enduring reclamation journey, sharing stories of Elders, exploring historical museum collections, and

outlining traditional plant species and harvesting techniques, inviting others to learn this ancient Bundjalung artform.

Written by acclaimed writer, producer, and director Rhoda Roberts AO, compiled and produced by Kylie Caldwell, and edited by Melissa Lucashenko, this publication foregrounds and empowers Indigenous voices, turning the dominant perspective back to First Nations women as practising artists. It also features an immanent woven prelude by Melissa Lucashenko, the winner of the Miles Franklin Award. The publication offers a captivating exploration of

the Bundjalung weavers’ traditions within the Northern Rivers of NSW, beautifully presented through a rich visual display. The stunning imagery, skillfully captured by acclaimed photographer Kate Holmes, along with the talented mentee photographer Kris Cook, showcases the intricate artistry and craftsmanship. Additionally, this publication provides a rare glimpse into the meticulously crafted baskets through archival imagery from Australian and International museum collections.

“Everything is connected, as you will discover. With

each story here, there resonates a different lens through which to explore the Bundjalung region and the lived experiences of the weavers. Our Bundjalung culture is central to our lives, and the women you will get to know here have made a signifcant contribution towards the frst invaluable step, renewing our hearts and minds. They are encouraging those who reside On-Country – and those who are provided for by Country – to join us and begin a new dialogue.”Rhoda Roberts AO

For more information about the publication and to stay updated with how to purchase visit artsnorthernrivers.com.au/ project/bulaan-buruugaangali.

To attend the Weaving Gathering at the Byron Writers Festival Saturday August 12th (entry included with Saturday Pass) visit the Byron Writers Festival for tickets at byronwritersfestival.com/ festival.

Mitsubishi

2013 Toyota Rav4 Turbo Diesel

2018 Isuzu D-Max LS 4x4 Turbo Diesel

2016 Holden Colorado LS Duramax Turbo Diesel

2018 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Auto

2016 Holden Colorado 4WD Auto Space Cab

2010 Subaru Impreza R 5 speed manual 2.0L

2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid Auto

2017 Mazda BT-50 4WD Turbo Diesel Auto

2011 Subaru Forester X AWD Auto

2012 Subaru Impreza S Premium

2007 Toyota Hilux SR 4WD 3.0L Turbo Diesel

2024 Mazda BT-50 dual-cab ute gets tough and takes on Toyota HiLux Rogue and Ford Ranger Wildtrak

By Jeffrey Gibbs

Mazda will soon offer a ‘Pro’ accessory pack for its SP and Thunder top-spec BT-50 utes, which adds mechanical and styling upgrades to better compete with the ‘adventure’ style utes of rivals.

In July 2023, Mazda will offer the BT-50 SP Pro and Thunder Pro packs which cost less than $10,000 and come with suspension and lighting upgrades. These packs present an alternative solution for individuals contemplating purchasing a Toyota HiLux Rogue or Ford Ranger Wildtrak. If anyone is thinking about buying a Toyota HiLux Rogue or Ford Ranger Wildtrak, they can consider Mazda BT-50 SP Pro and Thunder Pro packs as alternative

options since both are available from July 2023 and cost less than $10,000 with suspension and lighting upgrades.

The SP Pro pack improves the off-roading capabilities of the more luxurious top-spec Mazda utes through Old

One Stop Tyre Shop

Man Emu Nitrocharger suspension with a 2.0-inch lift, twin-tube shock absorbers, 18-inch wheels, a Lightforce LED light bar and ‘SP Pro’ decals for $7668.

At $9046, the Thunder variant’s Pro pack includes a single hoop bullbar and LED lightbar, a snorkel, and Old Man Emu BP-51 suspension that has nitrogen-flled dampers with a remote reservoir. Additionally, it is manually adjustable and already somewhat tough. It is also manually adjustable.

The ‘sleek’ headliner for the BT-50 range, which is the SP grade, commences from $68,510 before on-road costs. It costs $73,410 to start the more rugged

Thunder.

The SP and Thunder models of Mazda’s top-spec BT-50 utes will soon be available with a ‘Pro’ accessory pack that adds mechanical and styling upgrades to better compete with rival adventure-style utes.

The ‘Pro’ accessory pack enhances the mechanical and styling features to compete better with rival adventure-style utes.

In July 2023, Mazda will offer the BT-50 SP Pro and Thunder Pro packs at a price below $10,000. These packs include lighting and suspension upgrades. They offer an alternative to the Toyota HiLux Rogue or Ford Ranger Wildtrak for potential buyers. From July 2023, Mazda will offer

the BT-50 SP Pro and Thunder Pro packs that cost less than $10,000 and provide suspension and lighting upgrades. These packs present viable alternatives to the Toyota HiLux Rogue or Ford Ranger Wildtrak, for those considering them. The Mazda BT-50 SP Pro and Thunder Pro packs offer alternative options to those who are thinking about buying a Toyota HiLux Rogue or Ford Ranger Wildtrak, costing less than $10,000 and including suspension and lighting upgrades.

The SP Pro pack improves the off-roading capability of the more ‘plush’ of the two top-spec Mazda utes by adding Old Man Emu Nitrocharger suspension with a 2.0-inch lift, twin-

tube shock absorbers, 18inch wheels, a Lightforce LED light bar, and ‘SP Pro’ decals for $7668. Continue reading article by scrolling through Top Videos.

At $9046, the Thunder variant’s Pro pack includes a single hoop bullbar, LED lightbar, snorkel, and Old Man Emu BP-51 suspension with manually adjustable nitrogen-flled dampers and a remote reservoir to enhance toughness. It is also manually adjustable. Before on-road costs, the SP grade of the BT-50 range begins at $68,510 and assumes ownership as the “sleek” headliner. Thunder begins at $73,410 and is more rugged.

The Isuzu D-Max’s development cousin powers both with a 3.0-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel, generating 140kW and 450Nm. They both feature a six-speed automatic transmission.

Mazda has sold 5864 BT-50s until the end of May this year. The Mazda ranks fourth among the top-selling Ford Ranger’s 18,725, the Toyota HiLux (16,993), and the D-Max (8810) with which it shares a platform.

With 5471 sales, the Mitsubishi Triton closely follows behind, claiming the ffth position.

The beginning of a new era for Harley-Davidson CVO models

By Jeffrey Gibbs

Harley-Davidson has unveiled their new and improved premium motorcycles. The improved performance and advanced technology of the new CVO Road Glide and Street Glide are highlighted.

Harley-Davidson’s Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) is showcasing their two new fancy 2023 models with a powerful MilwaukeeEight VVT 121 engine added in the middle of the year. The V-Twin engine, angled at 45 degrees, generates 86 kilowatts of power and 183 Newton meters of torque.

The motor has a size of 121 cubic inches and a displacement of 1977cc. It comes with cylinder heads that are cooled by a new system for better performance. It also has something called variable valve timing (VVT) and a new intake system. One counter-weight is adjusted to eliminate unwanted shaking.

The CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide now have something new - selectable ride modes! These modes let you electronically control how the motorcycle performs and how much technology helps you. It’s the frst time these bikes have this feature.

The rider can choose from four different modes: Road, Rain, Sport, and two customizable modes. Each one has a unique mix of how it gives power, slows down the engine, handles corners with ABS and controls traction when turning.

Both CVO models have the Harley-Davidson RDRS system too. Both bikes’ overall design heavily relied on the engine. We created an impressive new

appearance to make sure that important parts blend together smoothly. The recently created fairing, fuel tank, side covers, and saddlebags are all included. The outcome is a big change in how it looks that still honors and clearly comes from the familiar shapes of earlier Harley-Davidson Grand American touring motorcycles. Both CVO versions will come with two options for paint/fnish. These options are Dark Platinum with Bright Smoked Satin pinstriping and inner fairings that match the color. The engine has Gloss Black powertrain and air cleaner with Scorched Chrome accents.

The lower rocker boxes, pushrod tubes, and exhaust have a Scorched

2024 Kawasaki

Chrome fnish. The Adversary Collection accessories are coated in Black powder with highlighted machine details.

Buyers have the option to choose Whiskey Neat/ Raven Metallic two-tone with a matching inner fairing for an extra price. The workers apply this intricate paint design by hand. The deep orange Whiskey Neat base has Raven Metallic panels laid over it, with airbrush accents.

We also include a vibrant orange stripe where the colors change.

In this paint design, the powertrain and air cleaner are colored Gloss Black. Additionally, there are orange accents on the engine inserts. The lower rocker boxes and pushrod tube collars are painted in Whiskey Neat.

By Jeffrey Gibbs

Kawasaki has announced that several new models

The chrome covers the pushrod tubes and exhaust pipes. The Adversary Collection accessories have a Black and Orange double anodized fnish. Both bikes are lighter than the previous ones they replace, which also enhances every aspect of their performance. The braking, handling, and acceleration have all improved. The comfort of the rider when lifting the motorcycle off the side stand, balancing while stopped, and moving the bike in the garage is important. Highperformance suspension parts help drivers feel more confdent when steering.

In the same way, it greatly improves how comfortable the rider feels. The front suspension has a 47mm

also see new road and dirt bikes, as well as all-terrain vehicles called side x sides.

The motorcycle’s lighting is completely LED-based, which is meant to provide both style and performance. Additionally, it helps other drivers notice the motorcycle more easily. The headlights are made to create a uniform distribution of light.

The comfort on long journeys is greatly improved by the new seat shape and padding materials. The handlebar on the CVO Road Glide bends wider and fatter. Long-haul riding becomes more comfortable because this places the rider’s hands in a natural position.

The technology updates feature a fresh infotainment system that runs on Skyline OS. The previous CVO motorcycle models had a 12.3-inch TFT screen instead of analogue instruments and most of the switches.

SHOWA inverted fork that can travel 117mm.

The rear suspension travel has increased by 50 percent, measuring 76mm in the new model compared to the previous one.

SHOWA dual outboard emulsion technology shock absorbers make that possible. The left saddlebag has a new remote hydraulic pre-load adjustment knob. It is located in front of the bag. Premium Brembo components give us the ability to brake. The front of the vehicle has really good braking that feels great and works well. It uses two disc brakes that are 320mm in size and have special Brembo caliper’s with four pistons. The fourpiston Brembo caliper controls the rear brake, which is 300mm wide.

It is bright and wellorganized. It has three different views (Cruise, Sport, and Tour). It can be used with Apple and Android devices. The screen has coatings that prevent refections and fngerprints too.

The improved entertainment system has extra features like Wi-Fi connection, new voice recognition abilities, and DAB+ digital radio. It also includes a fresh Bluetooth receiver for using wireless headsets.

The CVO Street Glide and Road Glide models also have a top-quality audio system from Harley-Davidson that performs really well. Rockford Fosgate powers it. The Stage II confguration presents a fresh 4-channel, 500-watt RMS amplifer.

To learn more about both CVO models, reach out to your nearby Harley-Davidson dealer.

will be coming to Australia in 2024, with the ZX-6R being the main highlight. We will not only have a sports bike with medium capacity, but we will

The 2024 Ninja ZX-6R is the newest powerful bike in the famous Ninja series. Kawasaki’s famous 636cc four-cylinder engine provides the power for it. It’s expected to come in the third quarter of 2023 and is sure to bring excitement for riding on the road and track.

The 2024 Eliminator offers a smooth and comfortable road

experience with its stylish, streamlined design and easy manoeuvrability. The upcoming model will arrive in two versions: one named after itself, and another called SE. It is equipped with a 451cc engine that has two parallel cylinders.

Exciting news for dirt bike riders has been confrmed by Kawasaki, as they are bringing the new KX450 and KX450X down under. The KX112 mini motocross bike will be joining the local

line-up, which is a frst for Australia.

The MULE PRO-FX 1000 series is reliable and performs well for hardworking people who use side x sides. Australia has confrmed both the HD Edition and the Pro-FXT 1000 LE for release.

Kawasaki will release the pricing and more information about their 2024 models when they get closer to launching them offcially.

2023 Harley Davidson CVO Road Glide and CVO Street Glide. Below: New infotainment and Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121

Finding rewrites understanding into Parkinson’s disease pathway

WEHI

Researchers have solved a long-standing mystery about how a protein helps rid the body of damaged mitochondria, in fndings that could help lead to potential new treatments for Parkinson’s disease.

At a glance

• Discovery answers a long-standing question about how Optineurin, a protein that is highly expressed in the human brain, helps the body remove damaged mitochondria.

• Mitochondria are tiny structures found in almost all cells that are essential for the body to function properly. When mitochondria break down, they can cause a range of diseases.

• The discovery could inform the development of future treatments for Parkinson’s disease – a condition that currently has no cure.

While mitochondria play a crucial role in producing the energy our cells need to carry out their various functions, when damaged, they can have profound effects on cellular function and contribute to the development of various diseases.

Broken-down mitochondria are usually removed and recycled through a garbage disposal process known as ‘mitophagy’.

PINK1 and Parkin are two proteins vital to this process, responsible for ‘tagging’ malfunctioning mitochondria for destruction. In Parkinson’s disease,

mutations in these proteins can result in the accumulation of damaged mitochondria in the brain, which can lead to motor symptoms such as tremors, stiffness and diffculty with movement.

The new research, published in Molecular Cell, solves a mystery about how the protein Optineurin recognises unhealthy mitochondria ‘tagged’ by PINK1 and Parkin, enabling their delivery to our body’s garbage disposal system.

Associate Professor Michael Lazarou, a Laboratory Head in WEHI’s Ubiquitin Signalling Division, said the discovery flled a vital knowledge gap that would transform our

Optineurin does this provides us with a framework on how we might be able to target PINK1 and Parkin mitophagy in disease and prevent the build-up of damaged mitochondria in neurons as we age.

“Achieving this would be instrumental to people with Parkinson’s disease – a condition that continues to impact more than 10 million people worldwide, including 80,000 Australians.”

Outlier discovery PINK1 acts as a ‘watch-house’ inside the mitochondria, responsible for monitoring their health. When it detects problems, it activates Parkin, which tags damaged mitochondria for removal.

They work together to instruct our body to generate cellular ‘garbage bags’ around broken-down mitochondria and enlist the help of Optineurin to initiate this process.

when it comes to how our bodies remove mitochondria.

“This has allowed us to look at the features of this pathway involving

this could then prevent the accumulation of damaged mitochondria in this region, which is a signifcant precursor to Parkinson’s disease.”

a collaboration with Professor Sascha Martens’ lab at the Max Perutz Labs, University of Vienna and was supported by

understanding of this cellular pathway.

“Until this study, Optineurin’s precise role in initiating our body’s garbage disposal process was unknown,” Assoc Prof Lazarou, who also holds a co-appointment with Monash University, said.

“While there are many proteins that link damaged cellular materials to the garbage disposal machinery, we found that Optineurin does this in a highly unconventional way that is unlike anything else we’ve seen from similar proteins.

“This fnding is signifcant because the human brain relies on Optineurin to degrade its mitochondria through the garbage disposal system driven by PINK1 and Parkin.

“Knowing how

The new study revealed that Optineurin removes damaged mitochondria by binding to an enzyme known as TBK1. From there, they found that TBK1 goes on to activate a specifc cellular machine that is key to generating these garbage bags around unhealthy mitochondria.

First author Dr Thanh Nguyen said: “Other proteins don’t need TBK1 to help them trigger this degradation process, making Optineurin a real outlier

TBK1 as a potential drug target, which is a signifcant step forward in our search for new Parkinson’s disease treatments.

“The ultimate goal would be to fnd a way to boost levels of PINK1/ Parkin mitophagy in the body – especially the brain – so that damaged mitochondria can be removed more effectively.

“We also hope to design a molecule that could mimic what Optineurin does, so damaged mitochondria could be removed even without PINK1 or Parkin.”

“Given Optineurin is critical in activating the garbage disposal system in our brains,

Dr Nguyen said while clinical application of the research is years away, the discovery had laid the essential foundation needed to understand how Optineurin works and realise the pathway’s potential as a future therapeutic target.

“Our next step is to work with WEHI’s Parkinson’s Disease Centre to validate our fndings in neuronal model systems to understand why Optineurin behaves this way, which will provide further insight into how we can target Optineurin and TBK1 to enhance treatment options for people with PINK1/ Parkin mutations in the future.”

The research involves

the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), the Australian Research Council (ARC), the Human Frontiers Science Program and Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) through the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF).

The study, “Unconventional initiation of PINK1/ Parkin mitophagy by Optineurin”, is published in Molecular Cell (DOI: 10.1016/j. molcel.2023.04.021).

WEHI authors: Thanh Nguyen, Grace Khuu, Wai Lam, Marvin Skulsuppaisarn, Runa Lindblom and Michael Lazarou.

For all your aches, pains, strains and migraines THINK BOWEN THERAPY (THE AUSSIE THERAPY)

Practicing Bowen Therapy for the past 27 years

Dr Thanh Nguyen (L) and Associate Professor Michael Lazarou (R) Credit: WEHI

Cellular ‘garbage bags’ being built through Optineurin (green), around damaged mitochondria (red). Credit: WEHI

Grevillea: A Unique and Versatile Australian Native Plant

Grevillea, a native Australian plant, is gaining popularity in gardens worldwide due to its unique and attractive characteristics. With its stunning fowers and ability to attract birds and pollinators, the grevillea is not only a visually appealing

ecosystems. In this article, we will explore what a grevillea is, its benefts, and essential care tips to help you cultivate a thriving grevillea garden.

What is Grevillea?

Grevillea is a genus of evergreen shrubs and small trees that

group of plants is native to Australia, where they are found in a range of habitats, from coastal regions to arid inland areas. Grevilleas are known for their unique and vibrant fowers, which vary in colour, shape, and size depending on the

birds, insects, and small mammals.

Care Tips for Grevillea:

1. Sunlight and Soil: Most grevillea species thrive in full sun to partial shade. Ensure they receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Grevilleas prefer well-draining soil with a

grevilleas to conserve soil moisture, suppress weed growth, and protect their shallow root systems. Ensure the mulch is kept away from the plant’s stem to prevent rot.

6. Pest and Disease Management: Grevilleas are relatively pest

Grevilleas are stunning Australian native plants that offer both aesthetic beauty and ecological benefts to gardens. Their striking fowers, wildlife attraction, drought tolerance, and support for biodiversity make them a valuable addition to any landscape. By

addition to any garden but also plays a crucial role in supporting local

belong to the Proteaceae family. With over 350 species, this diverse

species.

Benefts of Grevillea in the Garden:

1. Striking Flowers: Grevilleas produce spectacular fowers that come in various shades of red, orange, pink, yellow, and white. Their unique shapes, often with long spider-like stamens, make them visually captivating.

2. Wildlife Attraction: The nectarrich fowers of grevilleas attract an array of birds, including honeyeaters and lorikeets, making them a delightful addition to bird-friendly gardens. These plants also attract bees and other pollinators, promoting biodiversity.

3. Drought Tolerance: Grevilleas are well-adapted to Australia’s challenging climate, as many species have evolved to thrive in dry conditions. Their ability to tolerate drought makes them ideal for water-wise and lowmaintenance gardens.

4. Biodiversity Support: By planting grevilleas, you contribute to preserving Australia’s unique biodiversity. The nectar and pollen of grevillea fowers provide a vital food source for native fauna, including

slightly acidic to neutral pH. Avoid heavy clay soils that retain excessive moisture.

2. Watering: Once established, grevilleas are generally drought tolerant. However, regular watering is essential during their early growth stages. Water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth. Avoid overwatering, as grevilleas are susceptible to root rot in waterlogged soil.

3. Pruning: Pruning grevilleas is necessary to maintain a compact shape and encourage bushier growth. Prune after fowering, removing spent fowers and leggy growth. Avoid cutting back into old wood, as grevilleas have limited regenerative capacity.

4. Fertilization: Grevilleas are generally low nutrient-demanding plants. Apply a slowrelease, native plantspecifc fertilizer during spring to support healthy growth. Avoid excessive fertilization, as it can promote lush foliage at the expense of fower production.

5. Mulching and Weed Control: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of

and disease resistant. However, keep an eye out for common garden pests such as aphids, scale insects, and spider mites. Treat infestations promptly using appropriate organic pest control methods.

following proper care guidelines regarding sunlight, soil, watering, pruning, and fertilization, you can enjoy the vibrant and rewarding presence of grevilleas in your garden while creating a habitat for local wildlife.

CHEESY TOAST-TOPPED BEEF STEW

15 INGREDIENTS

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 750g beef chuck steak, cut into 4cm pieces

• 1 brown onion, fnely chopped

• 3 carrots, sliced diagonally 1cm thick

• 2 celery sticks, thickly sliced

• 2 garlic cloves, fnely chopped

• 1 dried bay leaf

• 3 sprigs fresh thyme

3 METHOD STEPS

Step 1

Heat half the oil in a large, fameproof baking dish over high heat.

Season beef. Add half the beef to dish. Cook for 4 minutes or until browned. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with remaining beef

Step 2

Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining oil to dish.

Add onion, carrot, celery, garlic, bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until onion softens. Add wine. Bring to the boil. Boil for 3 minutes or until reduced.

15m prep 10h prep

2h 25m cook 1h 10m cook

• Sprigs fresh thyme, to serve

• 1/2 cup red wine

• 2 cups Massel Beef Style Liquid Stock

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 600g baby white potatoes (see notes)

• 6 thick slices crusty bread (see notes)

• 3/4 cup grated tasty cheese

Return beef to dish with stock and tomato paste. Bring to the boil.

Season with salt and pepper. Cover. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 1 hour. Add potatoes. Cook, covered, for a further 1 hour or until beef and potatoes are tender. Discard bay leaf and thyme.

Step 3

Preheat grill on high. Arrange bread over stew. Sprinkle with cheese and extra thyme leaves. Grill for 4 to 6 minutes or until bread is golden and cheese is melted. Serve.

LAYERED CARAMEL CHEESECAKE

10 INGREDIENTS

• 250g plain sweet biscuits

• 150g butter, melted

• 3 x 250g packets cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup caster sugar

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

4 METHOD STEPS

Step 1

Preheat oven to 170°C/150°C fan-forced. Grease a 6cm-deep, 22cm (base) round springform pan.

Step 2

Process biscuits until fne crumbs. Add butter. Process until combined.

Press mixture over base and side of prepared pan. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 3

Using an electric mixer, beat cheese, sugar and vanilla until smooth.

6 servings 10 servings

• 3 eggs

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 200g sour cream

• 380g can caramel Top ‘n’ Fill

• 1/4 tsp mixed spice

Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating to combine. Fold in lemon juice and sour cream. Spread half the caramel over biscuit base.

Step 4

Pour half the cheese mixture over caramel. Stir remaining caramel into remaining cheese mixture.

Pour into pan. Sift mixed spice over top. Bake for 1 hour 10 minutes or until just frm. Cool in oven for 3 hours, with door slightly ajar. Refrigerate overnight.

Serve.

Funeral Notice

Margaret Emma Duley

nee Graham Formerly of Homeleigh, Late of Whiddon Kyogle.

Dearly loved Wife of John Keith Duley (decd). Mother and Mother-in-law of Graeme & Gail, Peter & Annette, James (decd) & Noelene, and Geo rey & Celinda. Grandmother to her 15 Grandchildren and 30 Great Grandchildren.

Dear sister of Walter (decd), Bill, Stewart (decd), Keith (decd), and Joyce. Passed away 1 July 2023. Aged 91 years.

Relatives and friends of the late Margaret Duley are respectfully invited to attend her graveside funeral to be held at the Kyogle Cemetery Monday 10 July 2023 commencing at 11 am.

Ph: 02 6632 1720

Funeral Notice

Mallett

Lorelle Alberta (Relly)

2nd of July 1956 – 21st of June 2023

Funeral Notice

John Edward

Drinkwater

of Dobies Bight, Casino passed away peacefully on 17 June 2023 at St Vincent’s Hospital, Lismore.

Aged 91 years

Dearly loved husband of Brenda and father of Russell Rest in Peace

John loved this beautiful world and travelled extensively He also appreciated to the full his life on the land and the natural environment.

A man of many talents, knowledge and wisdom, he had a lovely sense of humour and was admired and liked by all who knew him. He epitomised that greatest of human attributes, modesty.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, 10th July 2023 at St Mark’s Anglican Church, Casino, NSW. commencing at 11am.

Funeral Notice

BIRMINGHAM Nance Imelda (nee Constable) formally of Cannon Point Coraki and Casino. Born 3 August 1932(Narrabri) Died 27 June 2023 (Casino) aged 90 years.

Daughter – Sister -Aunty - Nurse – Wife – Mother –Grandmother – Farmer – Artist - Friend

Dearly loved wife of Terry (dec’d) much loved mother, mother-in-law and friend of Roseanne and Frank, Katrina, Martin and Tania, Melissa and Michael, Tim and Aisling and Mary-Jane and Paul. e most amazing grandma to Rachel, Corina, Tom, Edward, Annie, Isaac, Blake, Jimmy, Aiden, Lane, Liam, Elliot, Mollie, Eva, Hannah, Holly, Amy and their partners. Great grandma to Casey, Brodie, Dillon, Ella, Odette and Charlie.

Sister, sister-in-law, aunty and adopted grandma to many.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Requiem Mass for Nance, which will be held at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Coraki Friday 14 July 2023 commencing at 11:00am to be followed by interment at the Coraki Cemetery.

As Nance was a bowel cancer survivor, we request instead of owers donations to Bowel Cancer Australia appreciated

Ph: 02 6621 8266

Relly Passed away unexpectedly at Lismore Base Hospital aged 66years.

Beloved daughter of Albert and Eula (both deceased).

Dearly loved sister and sister-in-law of Margaret and Cliff (dec) Davis, Julie and Rod Burgess, Robyn O’Neill (dec), and Clinton and Judy.

Relly was a much-loved aunty and great aunty, cousin, and friend to many and special dearest friend of Barry Nicol.

Relly’s funeral service was held at St Andrews Anglican Church 28th of June 2023.

This page is dedicated to all of those that we have lost.

rates, friendly service

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Email: northernriverstreeservice@gmail.com

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The Channon covering all areas of the North Coast

The Channon covering all areas of the North Coast

Email: northernriverstreeservice@gmail.com

The Channon covering all areas of the North Coast

COMMUNITY NOTICES

includes morning or afternoon tea (children under 12 free).

Crawford House Museum is at 10 Wardell Road Alstonville and for the Airing will be open 9.00am - 4.00pm on Friday 7th July and Saturday 8th July and 9.00am - 2.00pm on Sunday 9th July.

For enquiries, call Lina on 0490668990 or Barbara on 0439482580

EMBROIDERERS GROUP

Meetings are 9.30am-2.30pm 1st and 3rd Wednesdays and 2nd Saturday of each month except December and January. Our venue is the Resource Centre at the rear of Crawford House Museum, Alstonville. We welcome embroiderers of all ability levels to meet, share and learn.

Phone numbers only, no email addresses

ALSTONVILLE

ALSTONVILLE BRANCH OF THE RED CROSS

The Alstonville Red Cross branch meets monthly in Alstonville. As meeting dates sometimes vary, please call Carol on 0424 742 774 for details of our next meeting.

Northern Rivers Day Prostate Cancer Support Group

The next meeting of the Northern Rivers Day Prostate Cancer Support Group is to be held on Wednesday July 12th - 10am until 12 noon at the Alstonville Plateau Sports Club, Deegan Drive, AlstonvilleMen previously or newly diagnosed with prostate cancer are urged to join with the group to experience the personal cancer stories told which give a great opportunity for all present to share, learn and beneft from each otherPartners and Carers are most welcome to attend as family are very much involved with the process and treatment of those with this diagnosis -

GUEST SPEAKER - Jodie

CochraneSouthern Cross UniversityEnquiries phone Bob Corney 0493 075 612 -

ALSTONVILLE & DISTRICT

CRICKET CLUB

Alstonville & District Cricket Club will be celebrating its 50th year of existence since the amalgamation of the two village clubs on the plateauAlstonville & Wollongbar on 10th July 1973.

The reunion of former and current players will take place on Sat 21st & Sun 22nd October weekend. Plans include a Welcome BBQ luncheon at one of the home competition games being played at either Hill Park, Wollongbar or Geoff Watt Oval, Alstonville on the Sat 21st Oct. (Cricket draw for season 2023/24 still to be determined). Drinks will continue to fow from 4:00pm onwards at the Alstonville Plateau Sports Club.

On Sun 22nd Oct, a special luncheon will be held from mid-day onwards at the

Sports Club. Guests will be entertained with cricket stories from each decade and all attending former and current 1st Grade players will receive a keyring with their playing number attached (in line with the sequence of selection).

Leading into the reunion celebrations, an ‘Old Mates’ group will meet every month at ‘The Crossing Cafe’ Main Street, Alstonville for a social gathering and beverage to renew old friendships and forming new ones. For further enquiries for cricket reunion contact Jack Oates (mob: 0429 533 940) or for ‘Old Mates’ contact Garry Ensbey (mob: 0403 033 227)

ALSTONVILLE PROBUS

CLUB

Alstonville Probus Club meets on the last Thursday of each month at Plateau Sports Club at 10.00 am. This commences with a cuppa and chat, with the formal meeting commencing at 10.30 which includes an interesting guest speaker. All visitors are welcome.

ALSTONVILLE QUOTA CLUB

A local women’s service club that meets on the 1st Tuesday of the month at the Plateau Sports Club. Quota is committed to supporting and improving the physical and mental wellbeing of the disadvantaged in our community through local projects.

CRAWFORD HOUSE MUSEUM

Alstonville Plateau Historical Society is delighted to welcome back the everpopular Airing of the Quilts to Crawford House Museum on Friday 7th July, Saturday 8th July and Sunday 9th July. Don’t miss this display of beautiful handmade quilts featuring the skills and art of quilters from the Alstonville Plateau and surrounding areas. The theme for this year’s quilting challenge is “Buttons, Braids, Buckles and Bows’’. Shiralee Stitches will have a pop-up shop and Richmond Valley Woodcrafters will have a display and items for sale. The entry fee is $7.00, which

5pm. Be seated at 12:45. Restricted session (under 300 Masterpoints) Thu 1pm – about 5pm. Friday mornings, Help with Play. Open to anyone who would like some help with their game from teachers on duty. 9am to about 11:15pm. Sessions are $5 for members and $7 for visitors at 13 North Ck Rd, Ballina. Call Judy Forsyth: 0407664337.

BALLINA CWA BRANCH

booked, but we are taking names for the one to Pacifc Fair on Wednesday November 29th. Cost is $26,00. Contact Wendy 0419 560 916 or Pamela 6681 1022

BALLINA LIGHTHOUSE

RSL DAY CLUB

Angling Club (families are welcome). Ph: Allan Watt: 0402 749 582

BRUNSWICK HEADS

BRUNSWICK VALLEY VIEW CLUB

Brunswick Valley VIEW

MCLEANS RIDGES CRAFT

GROUP meet at the McLeans Ridges Hall, Cowlong Road, McLeans Ridges on the 2nd Saturday of each month from 9.30am to 3.30pm. Scrapbooking, card making, paper craft, knitting whatever takes your fancy. Come along for an enjoyable day. Bring your own morning tea and lunch. Coffee, tea, milk provided. A small fee to cover hall hire. Ph 0401 047 513.

SQUARE DANCING

Summerland Larrikins Squares

Alstonville, Fridays 7.30pm9.30pm at Uniting Church Hall, 59 Main Street, Alstonville. Contact 0407663017 for further information. New dancers welcome.

THE RETURNED AND SERVICES LEAGUE OF AUSTRALIA (NSW Branch)

ALSTONVILLE SUBBRANCH

Alstonville RSL sub-Branch will now hold their monthly meetings on the second Wednesday of the month at 11am at the RSL Hall, 13 Bugden Ave (next door to the Alstonville Medical Centre). All ex-Service persons are welcome to attend, and we have a convivial morning tea on completion of the meeting. Alstonville RSL sub-Branch have a ‘Lower Deck Luncheon’ at 1200 each Friday, everyone is welcome, we sit out the back of the Hall, order lunch from local suppliers, and have great conversations with good mates. There is always plenty of support & advice on any issue!

BALLINA

BALLINA ARTS & CRAFTS CENTRE INC. (BACCI)

We are a diverse group of Artists and Crafters that participate in wonderful group exhibitions. Over 50 members are from all over the Northern Rivers. Meetings are usually on the 1st Monday of every month at the Cherry Street Sports Club. Social gathering at 5, for a 5.30 start.

Ph: Deb on 0432105540

BALLINA BRIDGE CLUB

“Social play every Monday 9-11.30am”. Sessions for all levels of players on Mon, Wed, Sat from 1pm to about

Ladies that are at a loose end on a Wednesday morning, might like to come and join our happy band of members. We meet every Wednesday from 9.00am to noon and can learn many crafts from fellow ladies. Barbara, our Handicraft’s Offcer (0428116668) is there to lend a hand when help is needed. She also teaches us new handicraft techniques. If you have any UFO’s (unfnished objects) why not call in to see us for the morning? Morning tea is served at a cost of just $3. All are welcome. Mahjong is played in our rooms every Wednesday and Thursday from 12.30pm at a cost of $4. Everyone welcome. “Our next fundraiser will be on Sunday 9th July at the Farmer’s Market, Missingham Bridge, Ballina from 7.00am to 11.00am. Everyone is welcome.”

BALLINA EVENING VIEW CLUB

Meets on the second Wednesday of each month at the Ballina RSL Club at 6.30 for dinner at 7pm - Guests are always welcome. Our members support the education of disadvantaged children in Australia by fundraising activities and social events in our local community for The Smith Family - by sponsoring 5 Learning for Life students. Ph: Julie Stephan 0434988770.

BALLINA FREE COMMUNITY HOT BRUNCH

Ballina Free Community Hot Brunch, First Saturday of each month.

Everyone is invited to come and enjoy a hot brunch of sausages, rissoles bacon & eggs, cereal, tea and coffee. Or just come for a chat. Frozen take away meals available.

Carol: 0438812235

BALLINA LADIES PROBUS CLUB

Ballina Ladies Probus Club welcomes new members. We meet at the Ballina RSL Club on the frst Wednesday of the month at 10am to enjoy the company of likeminded ladies and to listen to an interesting Guest Speaker, and have a cup of tea or coffee. We have outings and Coach trips throughout the year, and this year have been having a Friendship Morning Tea. once a month at a variety of cafes around Ballina. For more information contact Wendy 6686 0916 or Beryl 6681 6360

The trip to Robina Town Centre on July 12th is fully

A Day Club for elderly and isolated people in our community, held every Thursday at the Richmond Room Ballina. Enjoy morning tea and a mental stimulation exercise like Tai Chi, followed by lunch and afternoon musical entertainment.

Every Thursday 10am to 2pm cost $10 Richmond Room, Regatta Avenue Ballina RSVP Lorraine Fox 66874350, 0439301249

BALLINA SENIOR CITIZENS BRIDGE CLUB

Social Bridge Play in Seniors Hall. Swift Street Ballina on Wednesday & Saturdays @ 12.05 pm Enquiries Phone: 0493425002 for details.

BALLINA TOY LIBRARY

Welcomes families from Ballina Shire. 9 Regatta Avenue, Ballina. Open Tuesdays 1pm - 3pm, and Saturdays 10am - 1pm. Ph. 0411719074.

ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT RETIREES

“The next meeting of the Association of Independent Retirees Far North Coast Branch will be held on Friday 7 July 2023 at 9.30 for 10.00am. This meeting will be held in the Ballina RSL Club, 1 Grant St, Ballina and everyone is welcome to attend. This meeting is our Annual General Meeting, and all positions are declared vacant, and we are hoping to fll vacancies in the Committee with new faces and new ideas. There will be no guest speaker, but the events of the past year will be presented and ideas for the coming year discussed. Morning tea will be served at this meeting, and this will give you a chance to catch up with your friends and acquaintances. Any enquiries please contact the President/Secretary John Ritchie on 0437 5098 618.”

IN FOCUS TOASTMASTERS CLUB

How about trying something different? If you would like to improve your communication and leadership skills or simply make new friends and have fun, you are warmly invited to attend the In Focus Toastmasters Club. We meet the 3rd Wednesday evening of each month. You may attend either from the comfort of your own home via zoom or join us in person at the Cherry Street Sports Club, Ballina.

NORTHERN RIVERS

NAVAL & MARINERS ASSOCIATION

This association was formed to attract veterans for companionship, wellbeing and to supply advocacy to veterans. We hold an informal gathering every Friday, 2.30pm at Ballina

Club’s monthly luncheons are held at Brunswick Heads Bowling Club on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 10.30am for 11am.

Apologies to Wenda on 0449 563 580 no later than the Monday before. VIEW stands for Voice, Interests and Education of Women. The club supports seven disadvantaged students in The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program. 1800 805 366

CASINO

Casino Country Women’s Association

The next meeting of Casino Evening Branch of the Country Women’s Association will be held at the Casino Uniting Church Hall at 6pm on Thursday 6th July.

Come along and meet a friendly group of women working to help the community while having fun. Supper supplied. All welcome. Phone Jo 0417798622

CASINO & BONALBO UPPER CLARENCE LIONS CLUBS

Casino Lions club now meets each 4th Wed at the RSM.

CASINO COMMUNITY MEN’S SHED Mon, Tues, Wed, attendance limited to 50 members, 8am1.30pm. Contact 66626423

CASINO & DISTRICT FAMILY HISTORY GROUP INC

We are open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 2pm, Wednesdays from 12pm to 4pm and every third Saturday from 9 am to 11.30 am. We are in Room 5, upstairs in the School of Arts building in Walker Street, Casino. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 10 am. For a small fee we can do research for you as well. Call 6664 1118

CASINO CWA

The CWA Casino Day gives a big thanks to everyone who helped make the Casino Golf Club Charity Golf Day held 25th June such a success. Held for Casino toddler Arlo Sonnex who suffers from Congenital Insensitivity to Pain. Anyone still wishing to donate can deposit into the SLCU account, CWA Casino Branch – Arlo Sonnex. BSB: 728 728 Account :22330235. Our next monthly meeting at the Casino Community Centre 9.00am Thursday July 20th (3rd Thursday of the Month) 2023. All welcome, come and have a cuppa and see what we are about. Enquires Margaret Good 66621746, Jennifer Baker 043892060.

CASINO EVENING

BRANCH OF CWA

The Casino Evening Branch of the CWA meets on the frst Thursday of the month at the Casino Uniting Church Hall at 6pm. Come along and have supper and fnd out what we do. All welcome.

Enquiries to: Jo 0417798622

CASINO FUN DAY OUT FOR SENIORS

A day out for ALL LONELY PEOPLE of our aged communities from Casino, Kyogle, Lismore, Coraki, Woodburn and Evans Head. Feel free to get your own group together for a great day.

Where: Casino RSM Club

Date: Friday 15th September 2023

Time: 10.30am-2.30pm

Cost: $10

10.30am: Sandra BinneySolicitor, information on necessity of wills, power of attorney and guardianship.

10.45am: Vivianna- Pharmacist @ Scrivener & Webb, information about available and supplied services.

11.00am: Gerard DunlopSeniors Right Service, information about rights as older citizens.

11.20am: Lucky Door Prizes and Raffes Drawn.

12.00pm: Light lunch served with tea/coffee.

12.45pm: Entertainment from The Minstrels.

Contact: Jan Danaher0414625680 for Transport, Seating, Catering Purposes and any other Enquiries.

CASINO GALLERY-ART at the CASSINO GALLERY.

The Casino Art Group meets here every Thursday to Saturdays 10am to 3pm Interested in promoting YOUR medium? Come to the gallery for information.

CASINO LADIES AND FRIEND CRAFT GROUP

Meets 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month. Bring your own morning tea. Names to be in by lunch time Monday. Phone Vivian on 66621838 or Jan on 66626424.

CASINO MEALS ON

WHEELS

If you would be interested in volunteering your time to help with meals on wheels give the offce a call on 66621217.

WEEK 4

MONDAY

D. Armitage & J. Corocher

TUESDAY B.Bennett

M. Benn

WEDNESDAY J.&J. Boyd

THURSDAY R. & D. Lee

J.Yates

FRIDAY W & P. Edwards Richmond Valley Council staff

CASINO MINI RAIL

Every Sunday 10am to 4pm. Weather permitting. West Street Casino. Phone 0455673722.

CASINO MIXED PROBUS CLUB

Our Meeting is on fourth Thursday of each month at Casino RSM Club at 10:00am.

Contact Kathleen Griffns, President phone 0427622470 or Daphne Boyd, Secretary phone 0400070085.

CASINO UNITING CHURCH

CAFÉ PRAISE…. Every Wednesday @ 10-11am. All Welcome 10am Morning Tea Fellowship. Welcome and Chat 10.30am Praise and Worship

CASINO VIEW CLUB Monthly luncheon meeting at Casino RSM Club at 11am, second Thurs of every month. Contact Jan on 0418715374

CWA Casino

The CWA Casino Day thanks our wonderful community for all their continuing donations to help Casino toddler Arlo Sonnex who suffers from Congenital Insensitivity to Pain. Anyone still wishing to donate can deposit into the SLCU account, CWA Casino Branch BSB: 728 728 Account :22343776. Our next monthly meeting at the Casino Community Centre 9.00am Thursday July 20th (3rd Thursday of the Month) 2023. All welcome, come and have a cuppa and see what we are about. Enquires Margaret Good 66621746, Jennifer Baker 043892060.

AA-LIVING SOBER

MEETING is held every Tuesday 12:00-1:30pm At the Casino Baptist Church Cnr. West & Canterbury Streets Casino each week. The group will discuss a chapter on living sober out of the AA Living Sober Book. Contact George 0427133372

FAIRY HILL CRAFT GROUP

Thursday July 6th, 10 a.m. at Fairy Hill Hall on Summerland Way. Christmas in July lunch. Please bring a plate to share with our friendly group and your current craft project. New and former members always welcome. Please phone Sue 66633233 for more details.

LION’S CLUB CASINO

Lion’s Club meeting is held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday each month at Casino RSM Club from 6.30pm for a 7.00pm start.

Secretary: Denise Green 0448014682

LISMORE CASINO NAVAL ASSOCIATION

Meets bi-monthly at Casino RSM, new members welcome. Ph: Chris 66293269 or Jim 0427400625.

ST MARKS OLD TIME NEW VOGUE DANCE CLUB

St Marks Anglican church hall Barker Street Casino. Old Time and New Vogue. Revision & Beginners.

Every Tuesday from 3pm5.30pm @ $5 per head.

First Saturday night of each month from 7pm -10pm @ $10 per person.

Live music Judy Johnson

New members, all ages most welcome.

Bring a plate to share in a supper. Contact Ronald: 66623328 / mob: 0449710552

THE PLATYPUS RSL DAY CLUB operates every Tuesday at the Community Centre from 10am to 2pm. The day consists of gentle exercises, mental stimulation, games and entertainment. Members are asked to pay $7 for their morning tea and lunch. Transport can be provided within the town limits. If you are feeling socially isolated or just need a day out, please contact Robyn on 66623871. New members are welcome.

WINDARRA VOLUNTEERS

Windara Volunteers are once again holding BINGO FOR KIDS on Wednesday, 12 July 2023, 10am start, suits ages 5 - 14 years. Cost only $10pp which includes bingo, chips and lollies.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please book with Windara 66623800.

EVANS HEAD

EVANS HEAD CWA

BRANCH meets every third Tuesday for lunch at noon. New members welcome. More info Roz 0427825560

EVANS RIVER RSL DAY CLUB

The Evans River RSL Day Club meets each Monday in the Remembrance Room at Club Evans RSL Evans Head from 10am until 2pm Cost $10 includes Morning Tea and Lunch. We have several vacancies for volunteers and members, anyone who is feeling in need of some company are welcome to attend. Come along and join in the fun. Contact Merilyn on 0401493316.

EVANS HEAD SEAGULLS CRAFT & QUILTERS GROUP

Meet every Tuesday 9am12noon in the Recreation Hall (opposite the Kiosk).

We invite you to join us for a relaxing morning of crafting, friendship and sharing ideas. Beginners are very welcome. Finishing UFO’s, Embroidery, Gold Work, Hexagons, & Group Projects are just some of the crafts done.

TABLE TENNIS AT GOONELLABAH

Tuesday and Thursday mornings social playing: 9am-12noon; Monday and Wednesday nights social playing: 7-9pm; Training Monday mornings: 9am12noon; Junior coaching after school Wednesday 3.30pm-4.45pm, $6 a session. Everybody is welcome – all levels. Phone centre on 66251602. Mon-Thurs 9.00am1.00pm

THE PROBUS CLUB of Goonellabah meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month at the Workers Sports Club in Oliver Ave. All welcome. Goonellabah Probus is solely a social club. We have a guest speaker each month and go for outings throughout the year. Meetings on Thursday commence at 10am and fnish at midday. For further information, please contact Gloria Francis on 02 6629 1442.

GRAFTON

The Grafton U 3 A Jabberfest meeting for July will be held on Monday 10th at the New Life Church in Arthur St commencing at the usual time of 10 a.m.

The frst session of the morning will give us an opportunity to come to grips with the computerised games, Wordiply , Wordle and Spelling Bee where we will be able to follow a demonstration and a group play to learn some of the intricacies of what to me at least is quite a mystery. A brave new world indeed and what can be a most enjoyable way to spend some time!!

Following the morning tea break, our members, Morrie and Fiona Duggan will present a SCENIC JAPAN with their stunning photography from their travels through this most desirable overseas holiday destination So, we look forward to another enjoyable morning at the New Life Church commencing at ten a.m.

GRAFTON AND DISTRICT GARDEN CLUB

‘Connecting people with an interest in gardening, plants, fowers and nature’

Our next meeting is on Thursday July 6 at the Joan Muir Centre, 194 Turf St Grafton from 10am till midday. Entry is $2. Please bring morning tea to share if you are able…we will supply coffee and tea.

There will be the regular Bring and Buy table so if you have plants, cuttings or produce you would like to donate it would be greatly appreciated… labelling plants and cuttings will help others know what they are buying. All proceeds go to the Club.

Our guest speaker will be Janeen speaking about native bees; this topic always generates a lot of interest so I hope you can make it.

Public Offcer: Carolynne

Taylor: 0421 270 596

GRAFTON CWA

Meetings of Grafton CWA are held on 2nd Friday of each month in the CWA Rooms, cnr Duke and Pound Sts.

Morning tea is at 9.30am, followed by the meeting at 10am. Our next meeting will be on Friday, 14th July, when guest speaker will be Mark Poole, NBN Ambassador. Craft mornings are held on 2nd and 4th Mondays at 9.30am-a good opportunity to get together to do some craft, meet other people, have a cup of tea and

a chat.

As well as the regular meetings and Craft mornings, members also take part in other activities. Some members of Grafton CWA have just enjoyed a visit to Schaeffer House Museum, to see the Bridal Display. Other outings planned for the next few months include visits to the Lawrence Museum on 25th July and Yvonne McSwan’s home to view her doll collection on August 25th and some members will be attending the Friendship Morning at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Hall on 20th July. Several outings are planned for the next few months, including visits to Schaeffer House on 28th June to see the Bridal Exhibition and have morning tea, the Lawrence Museum on 25th July and Yvonne McSwan’s home to view her doll collection on August 25th. Some members will also be attending the Bellingen CWA’s 90th Birthday Morning Tea on 1st July, and the Friendship Morning at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Hall on 20th July.

Anne McLellan

GRAFTON’S MIGHTY CLARENCE TOASTMASTERS CLUB

Perhaps it’s time to fnd out what it’s all about! If you would like to improve your communication and leadership skills. Make new friends and have fun, you are warmly invited to attend the Mighty Clarence Toastmasters Club. We meet on the 1st & 3rd Wednesday evening of each month. You may attend either from the comfort of your own home via zoom or join us in person at the Joan Muir Community Centre: 194 Turf Street, Grafton.

GRAFTON SENIOR CITIZENS

Grafton Seniors recently held a soup day, with over 30 in attendance. Day began with morning tea of biscuits & slices. With planned bee presentation cancelled at short notice, some competitions, & 5 games of bingo were held. Lunch was a choice of 3 homemade soups, & a variety of breads.

Many thanks to committee who contributed soups, slices, served meal, organised games, & to all for supporting function. All agreed it was a lovely relaxing day, with time for a chat with friends. Reminder, no activities, or meeting, frst 2 weeks of July, due to races

8 day tour to Narrabri, Dubbo, Tamworth, from 12 August, still requires more bookings. Enquiries, Sandra, 66427720 or 0417464946.”

GRAFTON SENIORS BE FIT EXERCISE CLASSES

Every Friday at the Uniting Church, Prince Street. Join us for gentle exercises designed for Seniors. We meet at 10.30a.m. for a cuppa and a chat with the exercises commencing at 11. All equipment is provided

and there is no cost to the participants.

Further information can be obtained from Joan or Brian on 66447347 or 0416067315, or from Dot on 66423248 or 0477213017

GRAFTON VIEW CLUB

Grafton VIEW Club meets on the 4th Tuesday each month at Grafton District Services Club, Mary Street, commencing at 10.30am. Please come along, enjoy yourself with a tasty meal, a motivated guest speaker & ultimately disadvantaged children will be helped. Please phone Vorna at 66424719 for catering purposes no later than the Friday before the meeting. As well, a social outing is held each month. You are warmly invited to come along to the next meeting to have some fun & help disadvantaged children. See you there!

CLARENCE RIVER HISTORICAL SOCIETY

“Schaeffer House Museum at 190 Fitzroy Street, Grafton. Is in full swing for 2023 with visitors starting to arrive by the busload! What do they see? First and last, the pretty gardens with a wide variety of plants, fowers, herbs and sheltering trees for the birds, butterfies, bees, and resident skinks. Inside the cool house they experience time travel as they see how people led their lives on the Clarence over 170 years ago, building for us a rich heritage to value forever! They will also see how to value the knowledge and help given by the original inhabitants on whose land the newcomers settled. It’s a never-ending story in your “Story House” museum. Our vintage clothing collection will soon be stored away to make way for a new display, so pay a visit soon to Your Schaeffer House Museum! Don’t forget we have nine other great museums in the clarence Valley just waiting for another visit from you!

PS: Our resident gnomes can be found somewhere in the garden. Others are tiny and hiding away!!

Museum opening hours are Tues to Thur and Sunday 1pm to 4pm $12 – Family $5 –Adult and $2 – Child.

Research hours are Tues to Thur only from 9am to 3pm. There is a small charge for researching.

Our contact number for special openings is 6642 5212”. Should you wish to discuss this matter further please do not hesitate to contact me on either (02)66425212 or 0406397404.

SCHAEFFER HOUSE MUSEUM, 190 PRINCE STREET, Grafton, NSW

Many items are being ‘rested’ and replaced with different interesting historical photographs, paintings, and objects. Come to see if you can “spot” the changes!

Our museum is constantly changing, just like the lovely garden that surrounds it!

When did you last “drop in?”

All our museums have different

COMMUNITY NOTICES

collections and are entertaining so check out the opening times for Alumy Creek, Iluka, Yamba, Glenreagh, Maclean, Lawrence and Copmanhurst. Schaeffer House hours: Tues, Wed, Thur, and Sun 1-4pm

Admission Family of four

$12.00 Adults $5.00 and children $2.00

We have been welcoming many new members lately, if you would like to join our historical society, you too, can receive our quarterly newsletters and receive many benefts in the Research Area.

HASTINGS POINT

HASTINGS POINT COMMUNITY CHOIR

Do you enjoy singing. Our repertoire covers a variety of music styles – both unison and part singing We would love you to join us. New members needed. You will be made most welcome

When: Tuesday Evenings from 7pm – 8.30pm Where: Tricare

Residential Village Community Room Tweed Coast Road, next to Shell Petrol Station. For more information, contact Jean Berry 0414794380

PROBUS CLUB OF HASTINGS POINT

The Probus Club of Hastings Point Tweed Coast meets at 10am on 3rd Tuesday each month, in the residents’ lounge at Hastings Point Tricare. Retirees and seniors are welcome to join this happy social group. Phone the Probus president 0409872773 for additional information.

KINGSCLIFF

KINGSCLIFF

TWEED COAST U3A (University of 3rd Age) established with the aim of providing a supportive and engaging environment for people over 45 years not working full-time, in promoting active aging, fostering social connections and empowering older adults to lead fulflling lives.

At the heart of our community are the friendships that bloom and fourish.

There are over 44 Classes available for example – art, craft, book chat, yoga, pilates, tai chi, canasta, brain games, languages, writing life stories, walks, cycling.

Membership for Term 3 & 4 (July to Dec 2023) only $40 –No limit on number of classes you can attend.

Join us to create meaningful connections, share stories, laughter, and create lasting memories.

Contact Julia 07 5524 8995

KINGSCLIFF 500 CARD CLUB

Kingscliff 500 Card Club.

Monday and Wednesday afternoons 1pm to 4pm Cudgen

Surf Club

New players WELCOME

Contact: GARY 0499869992

KYOGLE

KYOGLE COUNTRY MUSIC

Kyogle Country Music’s next

music day is to be held at KYOGLE BOWLING CLUB on Sunday 9th July with short meeting at 11am followed by Music, Music, Music. All Welcome. $2 Donation at Entry Point to help pay Room Hire.

KYOGLE SUNSHINE CLUB

Meets every Thursday at 9.30am. For more details contact 0499824274.

KYOGLE TIDY TOWNS FARMERS MARKET

Held every Saturday morning in Stratheden Street from 8am -12. Come along grab some local fruit & veggies, experience all Kyogle has to offer. New Stall Holders welcome. Ph: Anne 66321851

LION’S CLUB OF KYOGLE

Meeting is held on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday each month at the Kyogle Lion’s shed from 6.30–7pm. Contact Neville Moon on 0448222334.

RICHMOND RIVER

BEEF PRODUCER’S ASSOCIATION

Meet on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at Kyogle Showgrounds in the luncheon room at 7pm. Ph: Jan on 0427293455.

ROTARY KYOGLE BAZAAR

Fourth Saturday of every month.

See Rotary Kyogle Bazaar on social media for all the details or call 0459512249.

LENNOX HEAD

LENNOX HEAD CWA

Handy Craft Mornings on Mondays 9.30am-12noon in the community centre at Lennox Head. Call Jan on 66816150.

LENNOX HEAD DAY VIEW CLUB

The Lennox Head Day VIEW Club meets on the frst Monday of each month at the Lennox Head Community Centre with the meeting starting at 11am and includes an interesting speaker and concludes with a light lunch. An informal Coffee and Chat meeting is held on the third Monday of the month. The Club sponsors three students through The Smith Family Learning for Life scholarship program that provides educational items for disadvantaged Australian children. New members and guests are most warmly welcomed, and enquiries may be made to Enid 047187511 or Dawn 0466717435.

LENNOX HEAD EVENING

VIEW CLUB

Meets on the second Tuesday of each month upstairs at the Lennox Hotel at 6.30pm for dinner at 7pm. Guests are welcome. “VIEW members support the education of disadvantaged Australian children by raising much needed funds for The Smith Family. Through fundraising activities and social events in local communities, members raise money that goes directly to The Smith Family’s learning

and mentoring programs for disadvantaged. students.” Lennox Head Evening VIEW Club currently sponsors two Learning for Life students.

Ph: Sue Brennan 0409728814.

LENNOX HEAD LIONS CLUB

New members welcome to join our close-knit club where the emphasis is on community service in a fun environment. Meetings are on the frst and Third Wednesday of each month at Club Lennox starting at 6.30pm. Members do what they can, when they can to facilitate the needs of our club.

PROBUS CLUB OF LENNOX HEAD

Meets 9.30 for 10 at Club

Lennox, 10 Stewart Street, on the frst Thursday of each month. Visitors are welcome, also retired, or semi-retired people wishing to join our nonservice club to hear interesting guest speakers and to join in trips and outings are invited along. Ph: June Zentveld on 66871004

LISMORE

Lismore Home Garden and Education Club will be holding a meeting Thursday 13thJuly at 1pm. East Lismore Bowling Club. Special for July Camelia or Fern, please stage by 12.30pm. New members welcome. More info contact Sec 0448294496

LISMORE BASE HOSPITAL

AUXILIARY

Lismore Base Hospital

Auxiliary are holding a Christmas in July on 22nd of July at 12 noon at the Lismore Heights Bowling Club 181 High Street Lismore Heights. Tickets are $35.00 a head for a two Course meal. We will be having games, Raffes, lucky door prizes and a Hundred club. Come along and have a great day out with friends. Contact Carol on 0414847199 for tickets.

Money raised goes towards buying vital equipment for Lismore Base Hospital.

LISMORE CITY CONCERT BAND

Rehearsals are held during school terms on Mondays, 6.15-7.45pm at Southern Cross University. If you can play a concert band instrument: brass, woodwind, or percussion, please come and join us! All ages welcome. We have some instruments available for loan.

Ph: 0432575911

LISMORE CWA

We would like YOU to join us for the opportunity to be involved with a truly friendly group of fun, diverse & interesting women of all ages. You will make new friends who will support you, plus you’ll be part of contributing to the lives of Women and Children in our area through our fundraising endeavours. PLEASE THINK ABOUT IT! Why not come along as a ‘guest’ to see how

you feel and experience the difference. being a CWA Member could bring to you and your life. We meet on the frst Thursday of each month at 9:30am for a 10am start.

FOR MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION call our President Allison Kelly on 0428 216 079. We also run CRAFT meetings each Friday. You’ll learn new things, once again meet new friends, and enjoy creating beautiful craft in great company.

FOR CRAFT INFORMATION call Vicki Boyle 0437465642.

LISMORE LIBRARY NEW LOCATION IN THE CBD

While the Lismore Library is under repair, you can fnd a Pop-Up Library at 146 Molesworth Street (Was Williams Shoes), for all your reading, watching and information needs. The library has a fresh collection of donated community books, DVD’s, Puzzles and more, with weekly programs and events. The library is open 7 days a week.

Free Tech Help Lismore Pop-up Library every Tuesday and Thursday by appointment

Our tech team can help you master your phone, tablet, or laptop. Email, Facebook, Apps, Photos…even how to turn the thing on!

Make sure to book a oneon-one, 45-minute session, that can be tailored to your individual needs! For more information and to book an appointment phone Lismore Pop-up Library on 0266212464.

Origami Peace Crane Workshop

Saturday 8 July, 10am – 12pm at Lismore Pop-up Library

Learn to make Origami Peace Cranes at the Lismore Library every Saturday in July. The created cranes will go on display at the library in August and will be gifted out to our community in September. Contact the Lismore Pop-up Library on 02 6621 2464.

Bookmark Weaving

Monday 10 July, 10am – 11am at Goonellabah Library

Why dog ear your book when you can weave a bookmark to keep your page. Easy to do, fun to make, visit the Goonellabah Library to create your own. This activity is for children aged 6-12 years. Contact the Goonellabah Library on 02 6625 1235.

Badge Making

Monday 10 July, 2pm – 3pm at Lismore Pop-up Library

Join our school Holiday program and make a badge. Design your picture and express yourself!

This activity is for children aged 5-12 years. Contact the Lismore Pop-up Library on 02 6621 2464.

Zine Making Workshop

Tuesday 11 July, 10am – 11am at Lismore Pop-up Library

Lismore Library is hosting a Zine Making workshop with local zine-maker/writer/artist Benjo Kazue to teach the art of zine making, what they are, how to make them, copy them

and distribute them. This activity is for children aged 6-12 years. Contact the Lismore Pop-up Library on 02 6621 2464.

Rainforest Botanic Gardens

Storytime

Thursday 13 July, 10.30am – 11.30am at the Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens

To celebrate our local elders, the Lismore Library and Rainforest Botanic Gardens will be hosting a special story reading under the trees with Auntie Thelma. Held at Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens (After main gate, frst right to Visitor Centre and then fnd the cubby house!)

Pop on a hat and join the fun! For more information phone Lismore Pop-up Library on 02 6621 246

LISMORE MEN & COMMUNITY SHED

President: Don Abrahams 0437576837 Vice President: Bob Greig 0404860504

Opening Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 9.00am – 3.00pm We are a community based non-proft organisation. Everybody is welcome: men, women & people with a disability of all ages. We encourage social inclusion. Our aim is to promote the mental, physical & emotional well-being of people in our community.

Shed Activities

Members work on their own projects, Mentoring is available, General woodworking, Welding & light engineering, Repair & restoration of items for the public Constructing projects, of items for the public Constructing projects for preschools, hospitals & other organisations Assembling fatpack, Minor maintenance work for the elderly & disabled, working with the disabled, talking with other members or simply having company.

Memberships: $40year

Attendance Fee: $3 tea/coffee

Location: 15 Industry Drive East Lismore

LISMORE ORCHID SOCIETY INC.

Lismore Orchid Society now meets 3rd Wednesday each month, 1:30pm to 4:00pm at Goonellabah Community Centre in the Goonellabah Public Library, 27 Oliver Ave Goonellabah. Ph: Bev on 0400326289

LISMORE PARKINSONS DISEASE SUPPORT GROUP

Parkinsons NSW Lismore Regional Support Group. We meet every third Friday of the month. Next group Meeting is Friday, 21st of July. Commences at 10am to 12pm at the South Lismore Bowls Club, 25 Wilson Street South Lismore. New members welcomed. Snacks & cold drinks available. Tea and Coffee with a Gold Coin Donation.

Social Networking with Coffee and Tea, Special Guest Speaker, PD Nurse Tim Ayers, and Companion Support

Group. Any inquiries contact Marie 0448871290

LISMORE SENIOR CITIZENS

Meet at the Goonellabah Community Centre every second Thursday starting at 9am where we have morning tea followed by games bingo how etc we play cards Monday and Friday and play bowls Tuesdays and craft every second Tuesday afternoons come and join our friendly group you will be very welcome.

LISMORE SPINNERS & WEAVERS

Please join us…... Weaving, Spinning, Felting, Dyeing, Knitting, Crochet, Workshops, Chat…. Sharing Craft & Ideas. From 10am, on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Fridays of each month. (Formal business meeting is 10.30-11.30 every 1st Friday) McLeans Ridges Hall Cnr Cowlong and McLeans Ridges Rds. (off Bruxner Hwy) Morning Tea provided. Bring your lunch (and a mug) Contac: Kim: 0423935060, Linda: 0419489987

LISMORE TARGET RIFLE CLUB for .22 calibre rifes, meets Wed nights from 6.30pm & the 1st & 3rd Sat of each month from 1.00 pm. Air rife shooting for .22 & 177 air rifes will also be available at the Saturday shoots. For more information, please phone Derek on 66282082 (ah).

CO-DEPENDANTS

ANONYMOUS (CoDA)

Co-Dependants Anonymous is a Twelve Step Fellowship of people whose common purpose is to develop healthy relationships. The only requirement for membership is a desire for healthy relationships.

The CoDA meeting in the Lismore area meets on Mondays from 6.30pm to 7.30pm at Riverland’s Drug and Alcohol Centre. 75 Hunter Street, Lismore. For further information call 0456178826 or 0408336143

EAST LISMORE BOWLING CLUB Community Bingo Tuesday night 7.30pm start. 20 games of bingo + progressive jackpot Neilson Street East Lismore. Everyone Welcome

EAST LISMORE SOCIAL TENNIS

Social Tennis is played at East Lismore Tennis Club, Cnr Neilson St & Oakley Avenue every Tuesday from 8am. We invite social players of all abilities to join us, we are a mixed group who enjoy a morning’s tennis without the commitment of competition. Ph: Fay Ross 0412910487. Everyone welcome.

MAINLY MUSIC

Fun, interactive, music sessions for young children [birth to school age] and their parents/ caregivers in a relaxed setting on Tuesdays starting at 9:30am

during School Terms. Children will be introduced to music, creativity and more. They will develop gross motor skills, as well as socialise with others in a loving, shared family environment. Morning tea with snacks included. Mainly Music at Lismore Anglican Parish Centre, 10 Zadoc Street, LISMORE. T: 0266213200

NR U3A LISMORE INC. (UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE)

Have you retired or just about to, from the workforce?

Are you looking to exercise your mind and body and keep both well oiled?

Well, Lismore U3A [university of the third age} could be just the place for you. This worldwide organisation has been running in Lismore for the past 30 years and thousands of local people have benefted from its programmes. It’s a great place to meet like-minded people and make new friends. The last three years have been diffcult for us as they have for everyone, and we are on a recruitment drive to meet and greet you!

We start 2023 with a choice of at least 30 classes, which include, Languages, Photography, Science, History, Qigong, Genealogy, and many others. We also have a social calendar each term.

U3A is entirely run by volunteers, with the committee and tutors coming from our membership. The joining fee

Is $50 for 1 year and entitles you to attend any course you choose throughout the year; you can go every day if you wish. Why not peruse our site to see if there is a course that would be of interest to you. There is an online enrolment form that you can complete and any queries you have can be directed to our secretary, Pat, McLaren- Smith Ph. 66227408

PROBUS CLUB OF LISMORE HEIGHTS

Our mixed group meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month at the Lismore Heights Bowling Club in High St. Our brief meeting is followed by morning tea and a guest speaker. Senior’s lunch for $15 at noon is optional. Guests and visitors are welcome. Ring/text Pam on 0418766247 for details of our other monthly social gatherings and outings.

ROTARY CLUB OF LISMORE NETWORKING

Want to be part of an innovative, interesting, and inclusive networking group who meet fortnightly to share ideas, meet other professionals and work together to make a difference in your community?

Then Rotary Club of Lismore Networking could be the answer for you! Meets on the 2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month at 5.30pm at The Civic Hotel (210 Molesworth Street Lismore). Ph: Rita on 0413300578 or Gae 0412742095.

ROTARY CLUB OF LISMORE WEST INC

East Lismore Bowling Club

each Thursday at 6pm. New members would be made most welcome. Further information available on 0428151934.

ROTARY CLUB OF SUMMERLAND SUNRISE

Interested in contributing to community? Local and international?

The Rotary Club of Summerland Sunrise meets every Friday at 7.05am for Breakfast at Options

Cafe, Main St. Alstonville until further notice. Join us at Options please. Ph: 0435990919

SUMMERLAND AMATEUR

RADIO CLUB

Meetings of the club are normally held on the second Sunday of each month at the clubrooms: 412 Richmond Hill Road, Richmond Hill at 1pm. Visitors are welcome. The clubrooms are usually open on Sunday afternoons from about 1pm onwards. We are primarily amateur radio enthusiasts and welcome persons interested in radio, electronics, astronomy, and similar subjects.

SUMMERLAND BONSAI SOCIETY INC.

Come and learn an addictive hobby with us. We provide personal support from experienced teachers as well as demonstrations and Bonsai information.

Club days are held on the second Saturday of every month at 1pm in the Arts Pavillion at Lismore Showgrounds. Be inspired about the art of creating little trees. Ph: 0438103601

THE ROTARY CLUB OF LISMORE

The Rotary Club of Lismore –Book Sale

Date Saturday 8th July 2023

Venue – Lismore Showground – Norma’s Kitchen Pavilion – 8 a.m.

All Books $1.00 and $2.00 –Children’s Books are Free (2 per Child)

Further donations of books are welcome – For pick up please phone Terry 0427 500610 All proceeds support local community projects. For more information phone Terry 0427500610 or Brian 04 29129573

ZEN AND INSIGHT MEDITATION – LISMORE HEIGHTS INSIGHT (VIPASSANA)

MEDITATION and practice:

This mindfulness-based meditation group sits on Wednesdays from 7:008:30pm. The evening includes meditation instructions, sitting and walking meditation, Dharma talks and discussion.

For further details, please contact Rosie - 0402682925

ZEN MEDITATION and practice The Zen meditation group sits on Mondays from 6:30pm-8:15pm. The evening includes instructions, sitting meditation, Dharma talks and individual interviews with the teacher.

For further details, please phone: 0427778837

Beginners and experienced meditations are warmly welcomed at both groups.

MACLEAN

MACLEAN VIEW CLUB

Monthly meetings the 3rd Thursdays of each month at 11am. Contact Ruth Toyer on 0409844212 by Mondays, no later than 7pm. Numbers are required for catering purposes.

MURWILLUMBAH

MURWILLUMBAH

TWEED COAST U3A (University of 3rd Age) established with the aim of providing a supportive and engaging environment for people over 45 years not working full-time, in promoting active aging, fostering social connections and empowering older adults to lead fulflling lives. At the heart of our community are the friendships that bloom and fourish.

There are over 44 Classes available for example – art, craft, book chat, yoga, pilates, tai chi, canasta, brain games, languages, writing life stories, walks, cycling.

Membership for Term 3 & 4 (July to Dec 2023) only $40 –No limit on number of classes you can attend. Join us to create meaningful connections, share stories, laughter, and create lasting memories.

Contact Julia 07 5524 8995

COMMUNITY PRINTMAKERS

MURWILLUMBAH

Fine art printmakers. Meet at studio space 224 Stokers Rd, Stokers Siding. Prints, gallery, workshops and more! Ph: Peter 0498399640 or Sue 0408493253.

MURWILLUMBAH

COMMUNITY GARDEN

Members and visitors are invited to join the group for activities and gardening tips most Sundays. Time 3-5pm, street parking, BYO, covered footwear, comfy clothing, hat, and water. Children ok with strict supervision. Covid plan operating. Ph: Bob Johnson (02)66225792.

NIMBIN

OLD TIME NIMBIN CENTRAL SCHOOL REUNION

We are pleased to invite you and your partner to join your fellow classmates for drinks and lunch at the Nimbin Bowling Club Sunday the 10th of September 2023. Club opens at 10am. Bistro opens for lunch at 12pm. Approximately $20. Chefs’ menu will be provided closer to the day.

Photo ID will be required for club entrance.

We will need numbers for catering by the last meeting in mid-August 2023, please reply to an organiser by this time.

Royce Andrews: 0477006140, Rhonda Ryan (Whitney): 0448234254

POTTSVILLE

POTTSVILLE TWEED COAST U3A (University of 3rd Age)

established with the aim of providing a supportive and engaging environment for people over 45 years not working full-time, in promoting active aging, fostering social connections and empowering older adults to lead fulflling lives.

At the heart of our community are the friendships that bloom and fourish.

There are over 44 Classes available for example – art, craft, book chat, yoga, pilates, tai chi, canasta, brain games, languages, writing life stories, walks, cycling.

Membership for Term 3 & 4 (July to Dec 2023) only $40 –No limit on number of classes you can attend. Join us to create meaningful connections, share stories, laughter, and create lasting memories.

Contact Julia 07 5524 8995

POTTSVILLE FUN

CROQUET CLUB

Meets at Black Rocks Sports Fields on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8.30am. New members are welcome to come and join us for a hit and a bit of fun. For any further enquires please call Jean on 0431606375.

POTTSVILLE LADIES LIFEBALL

Every Thursday morning 9.30am to 11.30am. Pottsville Community Hall, $5 per session includes morning tea. No joining fees. Ph: Jan 0431909760.

TWEED HEADS

TWEED COAST U3A (University of 3rd Age)

established with the aim of providing a supportive and engaging environment for people over 45 years not working full-time, in promoting active aging, fostering social connections and empowering older adults to lead fulflling lives. At the heart of our community are the friendships that bloom and fourish. There are over 44 Classes available for example – art, craft, book chat, yoga, pilates, tai chi, canasta, brain games, languages, writing life stories, walks, cycling.

Membership for Term 3 & 4 (July to Dec 2023) only $40 –No limit on number of classes you can attend. Join us to create meaningful connections, share stories, laughter, and create lasting memories. Contact Julia 07 5524 8995

Poets and writers on the Tweed meet every Tuesday at the South Tweed Sports Club 1.303.30pm. Beginners welcome. Phone 0755248035.

TWEED HEADS PROBUS CLUB Probus Club, Coolangatta/ Tweed Heads. Be at Club Tweed at 10-00am on the frst Wednesday of the Month.

Visitors and new members are very welcome.

RICHMOND-TWEED FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY INC

The Society holds its monthly general meeting on the frst Saturday of every month at Players Theatre, 24 Swift Street, Ballina, from 2pm-4pm and at each meeting we have a presentation of a topic at that meeting we hope you will continue to support us announcing this through your relevant media outlet, I have listed some upcoming meetings:

Saturday 5 August Meeting: AGM plus talks on The Black Sheep in the Family coordinated by Joy Conlon

TWEED PATCHWORK GROUP

Meet the 1st and 3rd

Wednesday of the month at South Tweed Community Center from 9-1pm at 18 Heffron Street Tweed Heads south all beginners welcome phone Moira on 0418686643. A friendly group of people with common interest in seeing, quilting and related craft.

TWIN TOWNS DAY VIEW CLUB

V I E W as in Voice, Interests, Education of Women (not many people are aware of what ‘VIEW’ club stands for!) AND NOT ONLY IN NAME: We are a group of ladies who care what will become of our youth! Our heritage – Their heritage – It is sad but true that many of our young people have no direction in their lives. Every morning we wake to the news that violence has occurred overnight in what was once considered a safe neighborhood. How do these offending children/ youth feel the next morning knowing they have caused so much heartache - is this why we also hear of youth harming themselves so they can spread the pain? So, this is where VIEW Clubs and other similar clubs are starting from the bottom of the ladder by providing much needed funds to educate our youngsters so they will WANT to become the very best person they can not only in education but in their community and being proud of themselves and giving their parents hope for their child’s future. We at TWIN TOWNS DAY VIEW CLUB PROVIDE

THE NECESSARY FUNDS to educate just 7 of these children. We know not where they come from, but someone in their community has contacted THE SMITH FAMILY and they in turn contact VIEW CLUBS OF AUSTRALIA who anonymously contact a VIEW Club who in turn take over the responsibility for these worthy children’s fees and so year after year their tertiary fees are paid. These fees are raised by VIEW Club members who attend meetings, listen to interesting guest speakers and regularly have days out at each other’s homes – so FUN and a tremendous satisfaction of knowing we are helping

our future generation. More information can be gleaned by contacting our President Kathie on 0407709629.

YAMBA

YAMBA DAY VIEW CLUB

Yamba Day View Club’s monthly luncheons are held at Yamba Bowling Club on 3rd Monday of month, starting 10am for 10.30am. Acceptance and apologies to President Lyn 66463164 by Friday prior to luncheon for catering purposes. We hold a monthly social outing either for lunch or morning tea and visitors are always welcome.

YAMBA LIONS CLUB

Yamba Lions Club’s meetings are held 2nd & 4th Thursdays of month at Yamba Bowling Club, commencing at 7pm for 7.30pm. For further information, please contact the Secretary Peter 0417546097. Social outings also held at various time and visitors and new members’ welcome.

ALL NORTHERN RIVERS

NRCF WOMEN’S GIVING CIRCLE

The Northern Rivers Community Foundation (NRFC) is inviting Northern Rivers women to play an active role in empowering vulnerable women and girls in our region.

The newly formed NRFC’s Women’s Giving Circle brings Northern Rivers women together to achieve equality and human rights for women and girls in our region and enable them to realise their full potential. Ph: 0499862886

The NORTHERN RIVERS HASH HOUSE HARRIERS is a non-proft community group that is part of a worldwide organisation. The Hash House Harriers meet every Monday at 6pm for a run/walk from various locations around Lismore, Alstonville and Ballina. The run/walk lasts for approximately an hour, followed by friendship, banter and grub. We are very friendly and welcome new members.

NORTHERN RIVERS

PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP

Covering Wollongbar to Ocean Shores.

Meets 2nd Friday of each month at Summerland Farm, Wardell Road, Alstonville. A general catch up & chat with the opportunity to join in a casual Q&A session with Rebecca, our Parkinson’s nurse. She will be there to answer any questions that you may have about anything to do with living with Parkinson’s or supporting or caring for a loved one. Maybe you want to know about symptoms, medication, treatments or services etc.

Rebecca is there to support us and help you manage your disease so that you live your best life. All those living with Parkinson’s Disease or those supporting them are most welcome.

Please RSVP Cheryl 0428286753.

Warnings

See www.bom.gov.au/australia/warnings

Northern Rivers District:

Partly cloudy. High chance of showers, most likely in the morning. Light winds.

Thursday. Mostly sunny day. Slight chance of a shower in the afternoon and evening. Light winds becoming northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day then becoming light during the afternoon.

Northern Tablelands District:

Cloudy. High chance of showers, most likely in the morning. Winds north to northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h turning west to northwesterly 15 to 25 km/h during the morning.

Thursday. Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers on and west of the ranges, slight chance elsewhere. Winds west to northwesterly 25 to 35 km/h.

New South Wales:

A shower or two in many parts, more frequent across the ranges and slopes. Dry and partly cloudy in the far west. Patchy morning fog about the central and northern inland. Daytime temperatures above average in the east, tending a little below average in the far northwest. North to northwesterly winds.

Thursday. A few showers along the ranges and southern inland, more frequent about the southern and central ranges and adjacent western slopes. Snow falling on the Alps above 1300 metres. Sunny periods in the east and far northwest. Daytime temperatures a little above average in the east and near average in the west. Northwesterly winds, freshening about the ranges, far west and parts of the Illawarra and Hunter during the day.

Byron Coast:

Winds: Northerly 15 to 20 knots turning northwesterly 10 to 15 knots during the day. Seas: Around 1 metre. 1st Swell: Southerly

1 to 1.5 metres, decreasing to around 1 metre during the evening. 2nd Swell: North to northeasterly around 1 metre.

Weather: Partly cloudy. 70% chance of showers.

Coffs Coast:

Winds: Northerly 15 to 20 knots turning northwesterly 10 to 15 knots during the day. Seas: Around 1 metre. 1st Swell: Southerly 1 to 1.5 metres, decreasing to around 1 metre during the evening. 2nd Swell: North to northeasterly around 1 metre.

Weather: Partly cloudy. 70% chance of showers.

Gold Coast Waters:

Winds: North to northeasterly 15 to 20 knots tending north to northwesterly 10 to 15 knots during the day. Seas: 1 to 1.5 metres, decreasing to 1 metre during the evening. 1st Swell: South to southeasterly around 1 metre inshore, increasing to 1 to 1.5 metres offshore. 2nd Swell: Northeasterly below 1 metre inshore, increasing to 1 to 1.5 metres offshore. Weather: Cloudy. 90% chance of showers.

Ghosts and Rebels in top two spots

the effort of anyone. Everyone dug deep for each other.”

Stevens was also critical of his team’s attacking plays.

“We were clunky with our shape in attack,” he said. “When we had the ball we didn’t go through with the right processes.

“Too many times we wanted to score off every play rather than keep building pressure on them.”

He paid tribute to veteran fve-eighth Hugh Stanley, who score the team’s only try of the frst half.

“Even when we were behind Hughie kept everyone on track,” he said. “He’s defnitely been one of our most consistent players all season.”

Level at 6-6 at half time, the Roosters skipped out to a 16-6 lead with 20 minutes to go and the Rebels were looking at the rare prospect of consecutive home defeats.

“Then with about 10 to go Keaton Stutt got the win for us.”

Bizarrely in the excitement no-one had noticed young Rebels centre Jye Boehme had collapsed on the feld about 20m from where Stutt had scored.

“Jye went down just before Keaton scored, but everyone was following the play and didn’t see what had happened.

“We went back for the kick off and didn’t notice anything until some pointed to him lying on the ground.”

Play was halted with about nine minutes left and the referee called the game off with about three minutes to go, invoking the controversial no extra time for injury rule. It took an ambulance more than 40 minutes to arrive at the ground to take Boehme to hospital.

Either way Stevens said it was a sad thing for the young player and big problem for the Rebels, depending on how long he was out.

He said second rower Nick McGrady could ft in there, but much would depend on the seriousness of the injury.

The Rebels are home next week to Bellingen, second from the bottom of the ladder.

But Stevens said the Rebels needed to be wary of the Magpies who upset Woolgoolga 28-24 on Sunday to crawl off the bottom of the table.

“They’re not a team to take lightly,” Stevens said. “They’ve actually been competitive in most of their games and have knocked off a couple of teams.

“We won’t be taking them lightly.”

Scores

BY TIM HOWARD

The Grafton Ghosts and South Grafton Rebels have secured the top two spots on the Group 2 Rugby League table with wins over top four rivals in Sunday’s home games.

At Frank McGuren Field the Ghosts won an arm wrestle 14-10 against Macksville after trailing 4-2 at half time.

Second half tries to fve-eighth Rhys Hambly and try scoring ace Dylan Collett pulled the home team to the top of the table.

But it was a far from convincing performance with poor ball security, especially coming out from their own half, piling a lot of pressure back on them.

Both teams defended stoically in the frst half and it looked like the score at half-time could be the lone penalty goal by Ghosts fullback Cooper Woods.

But Sea Eagles centre Brodie Bartlett had other ideas and when a Ghosts attacking raid broke down about 15m out from his line, he snapped

up the loose ball and sprinted the length of the feld to score.

Bartlett scored again in the second half, but that effort was cancelled out by the Ghosts two tries and conversions from Woods in the second half.

Scores

Grafton Ghosts 14: Tries Rhys Hambly, Dylan Collett. Goals Cooper Woods 2 conv. 1 pen.

Def

Macksville Sea Eagles: 10: Tries Brodie Bartlett

2. Goal Andrew Blair. At McKIttrick Park, South Grafton, a hip injury to boom centre Jye Boehme caused the game to be shortened by eight minutes with the home team leading Nambucca Roosters 18-16.

It was a game that tested the Rebels resolve as they looked down for the count when the Roosters stretched out for a 16-6 lead well into the second half.

Rebels skipper Grant Stevens bemoaned his team’s lack of discipline in the frst half.

“We’ve got to be better

than that,” he said. “We gave too many cheap penalties and we turned over too much ball coming out of our end. But I couldn’t fault

“We started to turn it around with 20 to go and started to get some good ball,” Stevens said.

“We got a repeat set and scored a try off the back of that to get us to 16-12.

Stevens said Boehme was complaining of pain in his leg which was twitching when trying to move it.

He said the injury seem to be in the hip area, but there were conficting thoughts whether it was a dislocation or a nerve injury.

South Grafton 18: Tries Hugh Stanley, Keiron Johnson-Heron, Keaton Stutt. Goals Nick McGrady 3. Def

Nambucca 16: Tries Tyreece Sines, Dane Saunders, Logan Jones. Goals Tyrone RobertsDavis 2.

A potentially serious hip injury to powerful young centre Jye Boehme took some of the gloss from the South Grafton Rebels come-from-behind 18-16 win over Nambucca at McKittrick Park. Photo: Gary Nichols.

Hard-running Grafton Ghosts centre Dylan Collett fell just short of scoring in the opening minutes of the second half against Macksville on Sunday, but the decisive try late in the game.

Looker doubles up in the Cup Prelude

BY TIM HOWARD

Former local jockey Ben Looker has piloted his second winner in as many years into the city’s premier horse racing event.

A 10-out-of-10 ride from looker has given six-year-old gelding Our Bambino an automatic berth into the Westlawn Finance Grafton Cup on July 13.

It was a career highlight for trainer Patrick Murphy, who brought the horse up from Goulburn specifcally for a berth in the Cup.

Murphy said he had been “very confdent” Our Bambino could

win the McKimms Real Estate Grafton Cup Quality Prelude (2230m), but he said the Grafton Cup would be a “step up”.

“If the horse has the same attitude as he showed today he had every chance,” Murphy said.

Coming to Grafton in July has fgured in the lives of many racing people who bring horses here chasing Cup glory and Murphy was no exception.

“I’ve been coming to Grafton ever since I was one year old,” he said.

“Mum and dad brought us here for holidays so I’ve got lots of good memories.

“I did my apprenticeship as a jockey in Coffs Harbour, so it’s always good to come here and catch up.”

Murphy, who has been train for two years, described Our Bambino as his best horse.

“He won at Kembla for me in recent weeks and stepped up again today,” he said.

“He’s been racing and performing in the country and in town. This is his seventh win for me.

“These sort of races – country cups – are his sort of races.”

Although Sunday’s win signalled success in the frst part of Our Bambino’s campaign,

Murphy said he would be cautious with him.

“At the moment we’re saying he’s likely to be in the Cup, but we’ll see how he pulls up,” he said.

Overall Sunday’s racing pleased CRJC executive offcer Michael Beattie.

He said it was a big improvement on the opening day last year, marred by a horror fall which seriously injured Grafton jockey Leah Kilner and forced the postponement of four races.

Beattie was also delighted with the quality of the racing, believing it was a vindication of the

prelude day format.

“Five of the races on prelude day guarantee automatic entry to races later in the carnival for the winners,” he said.

“I know the winners of the Grafton Cup Prelude (Our Bambino) and the John Carlton Cup (Lou Mary) brought them here specifcally to gain entry for the Grafton Cup and the Ramornie Handicap.

“The format of the racing has been built around the idea Prelude day will encourage trainers to take in interest in the whole carnival and it is clearly working.

“I think, despite the crowd being down slightly, it was a really good day of racing.”

Beattie said attention now turned to Sunday’s South Grafton Cup,

which has beneftted from becoming a qualifying event for the $3million Big Dance to be run at Randwick on Melbourne Cup Day.

“Last year was the frst time the South Grafton Cup was a Big Dance qualifer and it attracted a quality feld,” he said.

“The 2022 South Cup winner, Surf Dancer, went on to have Group wins, won at the Sydney Spring Carnival and the Brisbane Winter Carnival.

“That’s how strong that has made the race.”

He said his weather forecaster have predicted sunny conditions. And he is keeping his fngers crossed.

Casino. RSM Womens Bowls results

Today we had 2 rinks of social bowls & the result for Wednesday.

27/6 was:

Winners of the day calculated on the lowest margin were: C. Doyle, J. Creighton & M. Hellyar def K. McKay, C. Haynes & H. Lavelle with one shot the difference.

The other social game winner was:

A. James, M. Jordan, J. Cooke & R. Skirrey def

A. James, L. James, J. Dwyer & I. Watson.

The frst round of the Club selected pairs starts on Wednesday 5/7.

CHERRY STREET CROQUET CLUB SPORTS RESULTS

TOURNAMENTS : Gold Coast Tweed

Region Association Croquet Mens Open.

M.Gidding 1, M.Biddle

2, D.Luxmore 3, R.Smillie 4. Over 70s : P.Deeth 1, E.Burridge

2, B.Rubeck 3, L.Parker 4, P.Martin 5, G.Martin 6.

M.Hains 1, S.Oeding

M.O Doherty 2, P.Scott G.Porter 3, R.Poynting

D Jones 4.

Final W : N.Watts

L.Hudson 1, J.Hart

G.Modlich 2, J.Charnock N.King 3.

NSW Advantage Singles Championships:

Final X : M.Carwood 1, S.Daley 2, C.Cox 3, R.Poynting 4.

Final Z : G.Knight 1, P.Gentle 2, C.Beaton 3, J.Hannigan 4.

Norman Watts, winners of the W Advantage Croquet doubles fnal with Col Beaton Byron Bay Club President.

CORAKI VETERANS GOLF RESULTS

THURSDAY 29/6/23

GOLFING

EVANS HEAD

WOMENS BOWLS

Evans Head Ladies held our Leo & Toni

McDonald Memorial Gala Four on 28-06-23

Winners - Evans Head

- P. Marsh, P. Basso, G. Orchard, J. Jones.

Second RoundAlstonville- +15 - R. Esler, K. Howard, M. Becquet, J. Lowein.

MAHJONG 30th

June, 2023

NSW Golf Croquet Advantage Handicap Doubles Championships:

Final X : S.Daley

M.Mitchell 1, C.Cox J.Hannigan 2, M.Carwood P.Gentle 3, W.Fryer M Hughes 4.

Final Z : S.Cook

P.Scofeld 1, S.Elliott

G.Leach 2,G.Knight

H.McCalman 3.

Final Y : S.Bryan

Final Plate : G.Porter 1, G.Modlich 2, H.McCalman 3, L Hudson 4.

Sponsorship: Thank you Cherry Street Sports & Bowling Club McGrath Realestate Ballina Coffee & Kitchen Ballina

Toyota Ballina Club Byron Libby Hudson,

44 Players on Thursday winner N Cupitt 2nd L Bonner 3rd A Ganter free game T Duff, chicken/ ball winners T Doyle, M Fairfull, T Newton, W Herbert, I Welsh, J Weaver S Toms, K Lloyd, T Perkins, W Swindle. Nearest pins 3rd/12th 6th/15th S Ormond.

This Thursday golfers are asked to arrive on time for the monthly medal followed by the barbque the match committee would like to get the feld away a little earlier if possible please.

AS USUAL TILL THEN GOOD

- 2W+34 - L. Vidler, G. Marczan, B. Montague, S. Downs.

Runners/up - Evans

Head - 2W+29 - M. Adams, M. Carey, V. Hart, T. Cselka.

Third Place - Cabarita

- 2W+23 - K. Potter, J. Fisher, C. Glew, S. Goode.

First RoundAlstonville - +14

Susan Scott, 2. Lorna Simpson, 3. Pam Farrell, 4. Wendy Thornton, 5. Barbara Ellan, Bev Lasater, 7. Pauline Kearney, 8. Ann Hewitt, 9. Jan Small, Lesley Ritchie, Ronda Taylor, 12. Shirley Coleman, 13. Sarah Bull, 14. Margaret Bryant, Lauren Rosenberg, 16. Sally Lowry, 17. Jan Boardman, 18. Valda McLerie, 19. Yvonne Weddup, 20. Linda Lovett, 21. Jan Henley, 22. Shirley Atkinson, 23. Vanessa Reynolds, 24. Jenny Lang, 25. Cindy Smith, 26. Lisa Wong, 27. Diana Auret.

Jockey Ben Looker goes for the whip on Our Bambino about 100m from the fnish line in the McKimms Real Estate Grafton Cup Quality Prelude (2230m).

Visiting Goulburn trainer Patrick Murphy and Our Bambino accept the Grafton Cup Prelude Trophy guaranteeing a spot in the July 13 Grafton Cup.

Rebels turn it on for Indigenous Elders

BY TIM HOWARD

The South Grafton Rebels turned back the clock to a time

even before rugby league, holding a special ceremony to commemorate Indigenous Elders Day

and in particular the late Auntie Irene Daley. Clouds of billowing smoke from a smoking ceremony cleared the

ground of evil spirits and painted dancers brandishing spears dancing in time to the music of didgeridoos and clapping sticks.

An event organiser, Janita Cooper, said the highlight of the day was dedicating a “ponder seat” at the Ryan St end of the ground to Auntie Irene.

“We wanted something to represent what Auntie Irene and her family have meant to the Rebels football club,” Ms Cooper said.

“Auntie Irene used to always come and sit over there (to the left of the pine tree at the Northern end).

“It was a spot that was always associated with

them so that’s we we put a bench decorated with some of her artwork.”

Ms Cooper said organisers had approached Auntie Irene’s son, country music legend Troy Cassar Daley to fnd the right piece.

“Troy came on board straight away and donated this piece for us,” Ms Cooper said.

She said the Rebels frst grade jumpers were also printed with Auntie Irene’s artwork.

She said the visiting Nambucca rugby league club had joined in the spirit of the day.

“The came out in their Indigenous shirts and joined in the ceremony,” she said.

“Our frst graders also joined in and mingled

with the Elders talking and having photographs taken.

“It was a really special day and every Elder I saw left with a big smile on his or her face.

“And it wasn’t just local mob, there Indigenous people from out Brewarrina way here and other representing a lot of country.”

Rebels secretary Terry Power echoed Ms Cooper’s thoughts, but also singled her out for special praise.

“She did an unbelievable amount of work, her and Erin (Gallagher) and their team, to get this to be such a success,” he said.

“It’s a credit to them and everyone from the club who was involved in it.”

Rebecca Burgess sports a huge smile during celebrations for Elders Day at the start of Naidoc Week at McKitrick Park on Sunday. Photo: Gary Nichols

Young indigenous dancer Lennox Monaghan gets into the spirt of the occasion at McKittrick Park, South Grafton on Sunday. Photo: Gary Nichols.

Mick Woods and Fleur Davidson with some younger dancers at the Rebels Elders Day/Auntie Irene Daley celebrations at McKittrick Park on Sunday. Photo: Gary Nichols.