must be used; creating new problems in availability and cost, with the Government shifting the onus to the individual, with the potential to create an access divide. In a media release, the Perrotet Government said it will procure Rapid Antigen Test kits. “And make them available for free to people across the State, to give additional options to people and allow those who need to get a PCR test to do so,” it stated on December The date for when RATs will be made free has not been released, as across the Northern Rivers, people search and scramble for supply. One woman posted on a Tweed community Facebook page: “Does anyone know of anywhere that has rapid

NSW HEALTH IS CALLING ON NORTHERN RIVERS RESIDENTS ‘TIS THE SEASON TO BE NEIGHBOURLY

This holiday season, NSW Health is calling on NSW residents to look out for their neighbours, especially if they live alone, are bereaved, or separated from family.

Chief Psychiatrist Dr Murray Wright said the holiday season is not a universally joyful occasion and there will be people in our neighbourhood’s experiencing loneliness, grief, and stress.

“Don’t underestimate the power of giving others your time, your conversation or inviting them to share a meal with your family,” Dr Wright said.

“They’re among the most important gifts we can give each other. Positive, healthy relationships have a direct impact on our sense of wellbeing. They can reduce feelings of anxiety and depression and boost our self-esteem.

“In contrast, loneliness is a risk factor for depression and thoughts of suicide.

“Make an extra effort this holiday season to be there for older members of your community; young people who don’t have strong relationships with their parents; people whose loved ones have died recently; and people in financial difficulties.

“You cannot solve their problems, but your time, companionship and consideration could reassure them that they’re not alone in their time of stress or heartache. “If you are someone who’s struggling, and perhaps having thoughts of suicide, please don’t struggle alone or in silence.

“Please turn to people you trust, talk to your GP, or call a 24-7 crisis line, such as Lifeline, Suicide Call Back Service or Kids Helpline.

“It might seem hard to believe at this precise moment, but life can get better, and you can rediscover hope for your future.” If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please contact the below services: • Lifeline: 24/7 support 13 11 14 • Suicide Call Back

Service: 24/7

support 1300 659

467 • Kids Helpline: 24/7 support for children or young adults 1800 55

1800 • NSW Mental

Health Line: For referrals to local mental health services by local mental health professionals 24/7, call 1800 011 511

An extended list of extra mental health support services can be found here: https:// www.health.nsw.gov. au/mentalhealth/ services/Pages/ support-contact-list.

aspx

ASIC bans two Tweed Heads-based fnancial advisers for fve and seven years

ASIC has banned James Furnell and Adrian Summers for seven and fve years respectively. Mr Furnell was a director and authorised representative of United Wealth Group Pty Ltd (United Wealth Group). Mr Summers is the director, and was an authorised representative and responsible manager, of United Wealth Group.

The ban prevents Mr Furnell from providing any fnancial services, performing any function involved in the carrying on of a fnancial services business and controlling an entity that carries on a fnancial services business. ASIC found Mr Furnell failed to act in his clients’ best interests by failing to conduct reasonable investigations of products that might meet his clients’ needs. He failed to provide appropriate advice and engaged in misleading or deceptive conduct by failing to disclose his association with a product provider and misleading clients in relation to product fees.

The ban prevents Mr Summers from providing any fnancial services, controlling an entity that carries on a fnancial services business and managing, supervising or auditing the provision of fnancial services and providing training about fnancial services or products. ASIC found Mr Summers engaged in misleading or deceptive conduct by failing to disclose referral fees and misleading clients in relation to product and ongoing contribution fees. He failed to provide appropriate advice and advice that was in his clients’ best interests.

ASIC found that both Mr Furnell and Mr Summers failed to disclose the risks associated with an investment product and ASIC has reason to believe they are not adequately trained or competent to provide one or more fnancial services. Mr Furnell and Mr Summers have the right to appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for a review of ASIC’s decision.The bannings have been recorded on the Banned and Disqualifed Persons Register. ASIC’s Moneysmart website has useful information for consumers whose advisers have been banned.

Background

Mr Furnell was an authorised representative of United Wealth Group from 1 September 2017 to 16 June 2021. He was a director of United Wealth Group until 23 April 2021.

Mr Summers was an authorised representative of United Wealth Group from 15 December 2018 to 26 July 2021. He was a director of United Wealth Group from 15 March 2019 and responsible manager from 1 April 2019.

Glamour DOG GROOMINGPetz

• Clipping of all breeds • Warm hydrobath & turbo blow dry • Flea rinse • Attention to eyes, ears & nails • All ages, sizes & breeds welcome • Maximum 1.5hr wait times • Competitive prices - contact for a quote

Salon located at Valley View Pet Resort also available Mondays at Tweed Coast Vet

114 Cudgen Rd DURANBAH NSW

Contact Tennille 0407 305 609 Email: tennille_84@yahoo.com.au tennille_84@yahoo.com.au

Learn to Square Dance

Give it a go. First session Free

Alstonville

Uniting Church Hall

Sign-On Day & Dance

REGIONAL WOMEN ARE THE LIFEBLOOD OF SO MANY OF OUR RURAL COMMUNITIES EMPOWERING FUTURE RURAL FEMALE LEADERS

The NSW Government has today launched a new round of the Future Women Rural Scholarship Program to help women living in rural and regional NSW achieve their goals.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said $120,000 is available to women from regional, rural and remote parts of the State to take up leadership development opportunities.

“Regional women are the lifeblood of so many of our rural communities - they are the ones who keep us connected at the same time they are working and raising a family,” Mr Toole said.

“I urge any eligible woman who wants to boost her leadership potential and who has a burning desire to help other women in their goals to apply.”

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said the program is about boosting the leadership potential of women living in remote, rural and regional NSW.

“I am also sure women in our cities will realise what amazing work our country women can achieve and how working together can make a difference

for everyone, whether you’re based in Bondi or Bourke,” Mrs Taylor said.

“This program was an overwhelming success last year, garnering hundreds of applications from women across a range of industries including science, agriculture, food, health and more. I have no doubt that we will see another exceptional result this year.”

Recipients receive a place in the Future Women Platinum+ Program worth $5,500, where they will take part in networking, mentoring and digital learning opportunities.

Recipients will also be invited to attend the Future Women Leadership Summit on 7 and 8 March 2022 to

celebrate International Women’s Day.

Last year’s recipient, award-winning artist Zoe Young from the NSW Southern Highlands, said the program gave her the opportunity to attend conferences on leadership and business, resulting in her recent exhibition in Los Angeles, breaking new ground for regional NSW artists in the international art world.

“Thanks to the Future Women platform and the generosity of the NSW Government, I am now in a position to be mentoring emerging rural women artists,” Ms Young said. Applications are open to women living in remote, rural and regional NSW aged 18-39 years old. Applications close on 28 January 2022 and recipients will be announced on 14 February 2022. The NSW Government has partnered with Future Women, an organisation delivering virtual events, leadership training and a curated digital network to its members. To fnd out more, please visit:

futurewomen.com

FOCUS ON GOOD HEALTH IN 2022 Good health in focus for 2022

NSW Health is urging residents to focus on good health in 2022 and to start setting healthier habits that nurture a positive mindset and a healthy and active body.

Director of Population Health and Strategic Programs, Megan Cobcroft, said while the global pandemic was far from over, the arrival of the new year provided an opportunity to rethink, refresh and restart the new year with good habits that promote healthy living.

“Many people use the new year to rethink their goals, refresh their mindset and hit the restart button to make some bold changes, but more often than not, people set unachievable goals which causes them to lose motivation, and they quickly fnd themselves falling back into old habits which can negatively impact on mental health,” Ms Cobcroft said.

“Most of us generally understand the health impacts of drinking, smoking, poor eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle, so we start the new year determined to take action, but adopting new habits can be challenging. We advise setting small, incremental and realistic goals and drawing on the extensive public resources we have available to support you in achieving them.”

Ms Cobcroft said NSW Health will spend $31.5 million on healthy eating and active living initiatives to prevent overweight and obesity in 2021-22, including support services.

She said a further $330 million was allocated to counter drug and other substance addiction, $13.8 million for quit smoking programs and tobacco control initiatives and a record $2.68 billion in mental health services across inpatient and community settings in NSW to continue to support people in need across the state.

“NSW Health offers a free, expert health coaching service to support residents to kickstart their health goals and stick with them long term,” Ms Cobcroft said. “Health coaches can help set realistic ftness and weight loss goals that encourage starting slow and gradually increasing physical activity with a focus on lifestyle

changes. “Nutrition and dietary support for weight loss is available free of charge for eligible NSW residents and can be easily accessed through a GP referral.

“NSW Health also provides support to help residents to quit smoking and manage addiction to alcohol and other drugs through publicly funded and private services across the state.” Each NSW Health local health district has a central intake line to connect people with alcohol and other drug services in that region. For more information, visit https://www.healthyliving.nsw. gov.au. To quit smoking, speak to your GP, set a quit date and visit ICanQuit or simply dial 13 7848 (13 QUIT). For those ready to kickstart their health this new year, visit the Get Healthy Service or call 1300 806 258 for free over the phone health coaching.

Tips on how to manage stress and anxiety over the festive season, or for resources to support wellbeing, can be found at: https://www.

health.nsw.gov.au/mentalhealth/ services/Pages/support-contactlist.aspx

Photo: (From left) Federal Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud MP, Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan MP, North Coast Local Land Services Board Member David Dawson, North Coast Local Land Services Sustainable Agriculture Team Leader Emmaline Froggatt, North Coast Local Land Services Operations Manager Lauren Wilson.

Smart grant for local land services

NORTH Coast Local

Land Services were recently advised we were successful in securing a Smart Farms Grant for soils extension activities.

Local Land Services will deliver individual advice, group workshops and feld days, videos and podcasts aimed at improving farmers confdence in making good management decisions based on soil test results.

Participating farmers will receive two free soils tests along with test result interpretation and assistance to work out what actions can be taken to improve soils on their property.

Participating farmers will be submitting their soil test results to National Soils Databases, improving our national knowledge about agricultural soils. There will likely be more than 500 participating farmers and 1000 soil test results submitted to National Soils Databases over the duration of the project.

The project will run over two years in conjunction with other coastal Local Land Services regions.

The objective of the Smart Farms Grant is to deliver actions from the National Soil Strategy.

The Smart Farms Soils Extension Activities Grant is an initiative under the National Landcare Program.