The Northern Rivers Times News Edition 282

Lismore 2025 Community Upcycled Christmas TreE

Mr Lennard Blok

Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg with Emergency Management Coordinator Jess Anderson. Photo Samantha Elley

Staf Turn Recycling Into Lismore’s Christmas Gift

Jef Gibbs

Lismore City Council has unveiled its 2025 Community Upcycled Christmas Tree, celebrating ten years of turning recycled materials into one of the most recognisable festive landmarks in the CBD.

Installed this morning at the corner of Keen and Magellan Streets, the colourful installation immediately drew the attention of locals, many of whom have made an annual tradition of inspecting, critiquing and celebrating the evolving design.

This year’s tree is made from more than 150 upcycled kerbside bin lids — mostly yellow — illuminated with fairy lights and adorned with repurposed toys from the Revolve Shop. The design acts as a bright reminder to keep recycling, while also signalling that Lismore is open for business as the festive season begins.

The tradition began in 2015 when council staf volunteered their time to create a Christmas tree built entirely from recovered materials. Over the years, these trees have featured old bikes, tyres, umbrellas, road signs, potted plants, recycled drums and hundreds of

PET bottles — each one a locally engineered symbol of sustainability and creativity.

Lismore City Council General Manager Eber Butron said the project embodies community spirit.

“This tree began as a simple idea — staf volunteering to give something back — and it has grown into a decade-long showcase of what a circular economy looks like when you take it seriously,” he said.

“Thank you to the 2025 staf who built this, and to everyone over the years who has welded, painted or dragged materials out of the recycling stream to make Christmas in Lismore unique.”

Council Infrastructure

Project Manager Martin Soutar, who led the 2025 build, said the return to colourful bin lids was intentional.

“We wanted the tenth tree to be a fun yet blunt reminder that what goes in your kerbside recycling bin matters,” he said. “We need to limit what goes in the red bin and maximise what goes into the green and yellow bins.”

Over the coming days, more traditional Christmas decorations will appear throughout the CBD, including the muchloved Santa supporting the iconic bent pine tree, plus street decorations wrapped around bollards, hung from trees and installed throughout key centres.

Council is also launching its Christmas in Lismore program, including Carols in the Heart on Saturday 6 December featuring Rachael Beck with Rhydian and the Residuals, Bunny Racket, Hillbilly Skank, Isabella A Capella and Luke Vasella, along with Santa’s Wonderland at Lismore Regional Gallery (5–21 December), a CBD Elf Hunt, and Pawtraits at the Lismore Quad. For more information on Christmas festivities in Lismore, visit www. xmasinlismore.com.

CFC Announces Board Leadership Changes

Casino Food Company Ltd (CFC) today announced that Mr Frank Hannigan will step down from his roles as Chairman and Director of the Board, efective 30 November 2025, due to serious health reasons.

Mr Hannigan has provided fresh ideas and strong leadership during his tenure, initially joining CFC as a Board Adviser in March 2024 before being appointed Chairman in May 2025.

“I have greatly valued the opportunity to serve as Chairman of CFC.

Working alongside my fellow Directors and the

senior executive team has been an absolute privilege.

My long association with CFC has meant a great deal to me, and I took on the role of Chairman with pride and a genuine desire to contribute to the Company’s future.

I am confdent CFC is in capable hands and look forward to seeing the business continue to prosper,” said Mr Hannigan.

“Whilst only working with the board for a short time, Mr Hannigan has been very generous in sharing his experience and commercial acumen with the board and

management; it has been invaluable to CFC,” CEO Mr Simon Stahl, said. Along with this change, outgoing Deputy Chairman Mr Lennard Blok will assume the role of Chairman of the Board.

“I am humbled to take on the role of Chairman

of Casino Food Company Ltd and help lead the Company into its next chapter,’ said Mr Blok.

“I am committed to ensuring the Board continues to uphold the highest standards of governance, accountability and strategic oversight.

We will remain focused on strengthening CFC’s commercial performance, supporting our people, and continuing to deliver value to our stakeholders.”

“Mr Hannigan continued the strong foundation set by previous Chairman, including John Seccombe who remains on the Board, and I look forward to

building on that work with my fellow Directors and the senior executive team. Together, we will continue to position CFC for longterm success, sustainable growth, and operational excellence. We thank Mr Hannigan sincerely for his service and will miss his wisdom and insight around the Board room table.”

CFC also confrms that Mr Damien Dougherty has been appointed Deputy Chairman, efective 1 December 2025, whilst Mr John Seccombe and Mr Neil Short will continue in their roles as Directors on the Board.

Staf Turn Recycling Into Lismore’s Christmas Gift

By Samantha Elley

Coming close to the fourth year anniversary of the 2022 foods and Lismore City Council wants to ensure the area and residents are food ready.

“The Brown Street pump station is about to undergo major work with four brand new pumps getting ftted,” said Lismore mayor, Stevie Krieg.

“Given the fact we are heading into our main food and storm season, the current pumps will remain active and operational while the work is getting done.

“Next storm season we will have a brand new fully integrated pump system right up and down our levy which will protect, not only our residents up this end of town but also down at the basin where it traditionally frst goes under water.”

Jess Anderson, Lismore City Council’s Emergency

Management Coordinator, said expressions of interest are open for the tender of the installation of the pumps.

“The project is meant to commence after Christmas and in the early stages of next year and I believe it’s a three-month timeline,” she said.

With the new pumps, rather than only removing fve mls of water in an hour which is the capacity of the current pumps, they will be able to remove 20mls in the same time.

Cr Krieg said Lismore City Council is launching their food preparedness event.

“Lismore’s biggest and most notorious foods have always happened between January and March so it’s about being prepared in the coming months,” he said.

“To make sure if we do have to prepare for a food that everyone knows their evacuation plans and pack

up plans.”

Cr Krieg said a recent survey highlighted the fact that only 29 per cent felt they were well prepared

for a future food event.

“This is why Lismore City Council is joining with NSW Reconstruction Authority, SES and the

Red Cross to hold a free Be Flood Ready event to provide residents with localised information to help people better understand their food risk and take practical steps to prepare,” he said.

The event will be on Wednesday, 3 December and those attending at the Lismore Regional Library will get hands-on help downloading and learning how to use emergency apps and other emergency resources.

There is even a special story time session for young children to help them understand foods and minimise trauma.

Cr Krieg said a few council motions had also helped in the preparedness for foods.

“Things like having our food level height publicised on our website, having more cameras, we’ve installed fve more at our critical hotspots and it is monitored

electronically, updated on our dashboard every fve minutes,” he said.

“We are launching this disaster dashboard which will go live with images which are uploaded every fve minutes of all the major fooding hotspots: the roads that get cut of, our rain gauges, our rainfall by the hour.

“That will be the single source of truth Lismore residents and business owners should tune into and use as the most up-to-date and accurate information to prepare for a food.”

Be Flood Ready events

l Wednesday, 3 December l Lismore Regional Library, 110 Magellan St, Lismore l 10.30-11.30am – Story time hosted by the NSW SES for children l 12-1pm – Flood Preparedness presentation

Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg with Emergency Management Coordinator Jess Anderson. Photo Samantha Elley

Complimentary waterslide tickets spark spirited debate at Clarence Valley Council

By Tim Howard

Plans to give away 250 complimentary tickets for the new waterslides at the Clarence Regional Aquatic Centre sparked a lively and, at times, tangled debate at last week’s Clarence Valley Council meeting.

The slides — an 78-metre green–yellow ride and an 85-metre red–blue slide with extended run-of zones — are due to open in December, funded through a $1.6 million Federal Growing Regions grant matched by council. Standard pricing has been set at $12 for a three-hour session, which councillors noted was signifcantly lower than comparable facilities such as Ballina.

Cr Alison Bryant brought forward the proposal to distribute 250 free waterslide tickets during the December–January school holidays as part of a community promotion.

The initiative, she said, would “give back in a small way” to families who have supported the new aquatic centre since it opened.

Because the tickets are complimentary, the ofer represents $3000 in foregone revenue, but involves no direct expenditure.

Early in the debate, Cr Peter Johnstone questioned whether the giveaway should be more targeted. “If we’re going to have a giveaway, it should be targeted to people who need it,” he said, warning that otherwise “it will go to

people who would be going anyway.”

Cr Bryant said she initially resisted changes because a draft suggestion had focused only on Grafton schools, whereas the facility serves the entire Clarence Valley.

But she invited councillors to propose amendments.

This opened an extended back-and-forth as councillors attempted to craft an acceptable method of distribution midmeeting.

Cr Cristie Yager eventually proposed that the tickets be distributed through Clarence Valley primary schools on a pro-rata basis, ensuring allocation across the region.

After some procedural concerns from Cr Karen Toms about crafting amendments “on the fy,” Cr Bryant and seconder Cr Debrah Novak agreed to accept the change.

Cr Yager said the tickets would likely draw in far more than 250 patrons.

“One or two kids from one particular family may have extra siblings — and parents will come along,” she said. “This is a good promotional thing.”

Cr Lynne Cairns repeatedly pressed council on how the foregone income would be recorded.

“Failing to account for it would understate the true cost of the initiative and reduce transparency around the aquatic centre’s operation,” she said.

Council staf clarifed the foregone revenue would be identifable as income not received, not as expenditure.

Cr Greg Clancy expressed discomfort about ofering free tickets without a clear way to ensure they reached people genuinely in need.

“I don’t know how we could do that,” he said, signalling he would vote against the motion.

Cr Toms also opposed the amended version, arguing the distribution mechanism was now too complicated and placed an unreasonable burden on school staf to

“make an arbitrary decision to pick children who they believe are families who need a free ticket.”

“I loved the initial idea,” she said. “I think it’s awesome... But I can’t support this. It’s become messy.”

In her right of reply, Cr Bryant said the amendment ultimately strengthened the proposal by ensuring tickets stayed within the Clarence Valley and reached families rather than adults.

“Kids are kids, families are families, and everyone is struggling at the moment,” she said.

The amended motion passed 6–3, supported by Crs Novak, Bryant, Yager, Johnstone, Causley and Smith. Crs Clancy, Cairns and Toms voted against. With the decision now made, families can expect the 250 free tickets — allocated via local primary schools — to be available during the upcoming summer holidays as the eagerly-awaited waterslides open for their frst season.

NNSW Health Issues Urgent Warning After Tick Bite Anaphylaxis Cases

Jef Gibbs

Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) is urging residents to take extra precautions outdoors following three recent cases of tick-related anaphylaxis treated in local hospitals. The warning comes as warmer weather and increased outdoor activity raise the risk of tick encounters across the region.

Tick anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur immediately after a tick bite. Symptoms include difculty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, hives, dizziness and fainting. Immediate medical treatment — including the use of an adrenaline autoinjector such as an EpiPen — and

calling Triple Zero (000) is critical.

Residents who know they have a tick allergy are strongly advised to carry an adrenaline autoinjector at all times and maintain an updated anaphylaxis action plan. While most tick bites are minor, NNSWLHD warns they can occasionally trigger mammalian meat allergy or rare bacterial infections.

Associate Director of

North Coast Population and Public Health Robin Auld said prevention and proper removal techniques remain the best defence.

“Protect yourself when outdoors by applying insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants, especially in bushland or areas with tall grass,” he said.

He urged residents to thoroughly check their body for ticks after outdoor

activities — particularly the scalp, underarms and groin — and avoid sitting or lying in long grass or leaf litter.

If bitten, NNSWLHD stresses the importance of not disturbing the tick

“Freeze the tick in place using ether-containing sprays such as Medi Freeze before removing,” Mr Auld said. “For smaller ticks, a permethrin-based cream like Lyclear can be applied.”

Both treatment options are available over the counter at pharmacies.

NNSWLHD encourages the community to familiarise themselves with tick-bite symptoms, safe removal methods and early signs of allergic reaction. Further information is available via the Australian Government Department of Health’s tick-bite resource page.

The water slides at the new Clarence Regional Aquatic Centre are due to open this month and 250 lucky people will get to use the new slides free of charge in a complimentary ticket give away to promote the their opening.

Ballina Community Groups Invited to Join Healthy Living Program

Jef Gibbs

Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) is calling on Ballinabased community organisations to take part in its Healthy Living Program, a growing initiative aimed at helping residents build healthier habits and support long-term wellbeing.

The program focuses on promoting healthy eating, physical activity, social connection and healthy ageing. NNSWLHD hopes to partner with local groups already running health-focused activities, or those interested in expanding their community wellbeing programs.

Acting Director of Aboriginal Health, Oral Health and Health Promotion Cameron Johnson said the district is eager to hear from organisations working to make Ballina a healthier place.

“We would like to fnd out about existing local projects that support people in Ballina with healthy

eating and physical activity,” Mr Johnson said. “By working in partnership with locals and community organisations, we can keep people healthy, well and out of hospitals.”

The district is particularly interested in initiatives involving physical activity, dance, sport, healthy eating programs and social groups for people of all ages, including those developed in partnership with Aboriginal communities.

The Healthy Living Program builds on NNSWLHD’s broader health promotion strategy, which has recently delivered community projects such as healthy eating programs for families, dance-based ftness classes for older residents, and education campaigns highlighting the dangers of vaping. Ballina organisations are encouraged to complete a short online form to express their interest and share details about exist-

ing activities that support families, adults and older community members.

Submissions close Friday 19 December

To participate, complete the survey at: healthupnorth.info/BallinaCommunityPartnershipsSurvey

For further information, groups can contact NNSWLHD’s Health Promotion team via NNSWLHD-HealthPromotion@health.nsw.gov. au

Northern Rivers Rail Trail Named NSW’s Top Tourism Attraction Again

Robert Heyward

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail (NRRT) has once again been recognised as one of New South Wales’ leading visitor experiences, taking out Gold in Tourist Attractions and Silver in Adventure Tourism at the 2025 NSW Tourism Awards

This marks the second consecutive year the trail has won the state’s highest tourism honour.

Announced at a ceremony at Waterview in Bicentennial Park, the awards highlight the Rail Trail’s growing reputation as both an adventure destination and a relaxed recreational escape. NRRT Regional Lead Dean Cooper said the accolades show how strongly the trail is resonating with locals and visitors alike.

“Whether you’re here for a relaxed day out or a multi-day cycling

Opening at Ballina Central, Wattlebee Baby is the Northern Rivers’ only independent boutique bringing everything for bump, baby and beyond together in one beautiful space.

Nadventure, the trail ofers something truly special,” Mr Cooper said.

Over the past year, the Rail Trail team has improved accessibility, upgraded wayfnding and activated new visitor experiences shaped by community feedback. The team was also praised for its swift response to damage caused by ExTropical Cyclone Alfred , reopening the trail quickly and safely.

Northern Rivers operators also shone at the awards, with Better By Bike taking Gold in Tourism Retail, Hire and Services, reinforcing the region’s growing status as a cycling and adventure hub.

With its expanding network, rich history and strong community support, the Northern Rivers Rail Trail continues to be one of the state’s most celebrated tourism assets.

ew Store Opening at Ballina Central on Thursday 27 November

To celebrate opening day, the rst 50 customers who spend over $150 will receive an exclusive gift bag!

Our store will showcase a carefully curated range of Australian brands.

Families will nd an extensive lineup of essentials including;

• Cots & nursery furniture

• Rocking and feeding chairs

• High chairs

• Car seats and restraints

• Maternity and baby wear

• Postpartum meals

• Gift items and everyday essentials

• And much more

Brands including Maxi Cosi, Brutax, Uppa Baby, Babyhood, Bjorn Baby, Baby Rest @wattlebeebaby | wattlebeebaby.com.au

Ballina Central Shop 8, 44 Bangalow Road, Ballina ˜near IGA and Direct Chemist Outlet°

Ballina bike path Image credit – Destination NSW

Fears tunnel trouble could become boiling issue

By Tim Howard

Clarence Valley Council will enter direct negotiations with fve major construction frms after a tender to recommission the Nymboida water supply’s second tunnel failed to attract a single bid . It was a setback councillors warn highlights the urgency of securing the region’s most important piece of infrastructure.

The move, endorsed unanimously at last week’s council meeting, comes amid escalating concern over the deteriorating condition of Nymboida Tunnel 1, a century-old structure currently providing the Valley’s sole access to Nymboida River water.

Tunnel 1, built in 1924 and acquired from Essential Energy in 2021, contains a growing sinkhole near its bulkhead and is considered at “signifcant risk” of failure.

If it collapses, Clarence Valley and Cofs Harbour would be forced to rely entirely on Shannon Creek Dam — a source that has recorded chronically high

turbidity levels since the 2019 bushfres. That scenario would almost certainly trigger a valley-wide boil-water alert.

Council had sought open “design and construct” tenders from August to October for the recommissioning of the disused Tunnel 2, which failed during the 2013 food but can be repurposed to house a new pipeline.

But despite fve frms attending a compulsory briefng, none submitted a bid.

Three companies later reported that the requirement for Federal Safety Accreditation — a condition of funding under the National Water Grid — and the cost of preparing designs had deterred them.

Under NSW local government regulations, a council receiving no tenders must restart the process, cancel the project, complete it itself, or enter direct negotiations.

Staf warned that retendering would likely yield the same result and cause a four-month delay that could jeopardise

council’s application for 5o% federal funding.

With Tunnel 1’s condition worsening, councillors agreed to begin negotiated procurement with the fve pre-qualifed frms: Eire Constructions, Haslin, Ledonne, MAP Projects and Pensar.

Cr Lynne Cairns, who moved the recommendation, said the scale of the risk was alarming.

“Tunnel 1 provides

the valley’s entire water supply and is at risk of failure with the sinkhole,” she said.

“If it does fail, the whole valley’s water supply will come from Shannon Creek Dam ... and we would all be on a boil-water alert.”

Cr Cairns questioned why such a critical vulnerability had not been tackled sooner.

General manager Laura Black responded that the tunnel assets were acquired in 2021, but

could not be progressed until a new Regional Water Supply Agreement with Cofs Harbour was fnalised in late 2023.

“Work has been ongoing since we acquired the assets,” Ms Black said.

“We needed the agreement in place and then the risk assessment and prioritisation to be agreed.”

Cr Peter Johnstone, who, when mayor was a member of the CofsClarence water committee, said the project had been handled as quickly as proper governance allowed.

“This is the best outcome we could have come to,” he said.

“I really don’t think it could have been done any faster, other than under emergency powers.”

Cr Karen Toms noted the $19.75 million project — with Cofs Harbour contributing 36.4% — was already embedded in next year’s capital works program.

“We’ve applied for a 50% fnancial assistance grant because it is really important to us. It’s our water supply,” she said.

Council staf confrmed a detailed negotiation

plan has been reviewed by independent probity advisors O’Connor Marsden & Associates to ensure it meets ICAC standards for direct negotiations.

Once negotiations conclude, both Clarence Valley and Cofs Harbour councils will need to endorse a preferred contractor.

Cr Cairns, in closing the debate, said residents deserved transparency about the stakes.

“Water is the lifeblood of this whole valley,” she said. “Hopefully the grant will be obtained, and hopefully Tunnel 1 holds out — because we’re coming into the hottest months and peak tourist season.

“I don’t think residents or visitors will enjoy boiling water from Shannon Creek Dam.” The motion passed unanimously. If the federal funding bid is successful, work on the project can begin as soon as a negotiated contract is fnalised — a timeline council staf are trying to compress as much as possible to reduce the risk of catastrophe in the Nymboida system.

The Yamba Iluka Christmas Boat Shines Bright for Its 9th Annual Celebration

Jef Gibbs

The much-loved Yamba Iluka Christmas Boat will once again light up the Clarence River this December, marking its ninth year of bringing festive cheer to locals and visitors.

From 1 December 2025 through to early January 2026, the brightly decorated vessel will

cruise and anchor between Yamba and Iluka, turning the river into a moving Christmas spectacle. By day, the boat is decked out in colour and festive fair reminiscent of Santa’s workshop. By night, it becomes a glowing fotilla of twinkling lights, casting a shimmering refection across the water and drawing crowds to the riverbanks.

Each evening at around 8pm, Santa will take his place on the front deck, waving to onlookers, calling out his trademark “Ho, ho, ho!” and playing his favourite Christmas carols. Families, friends and holidaymakers are encouraged to gather along the foreshore to share a simple, joyful moment together as the illuminated boat passes

by.

The event is hosted by two long-time Yamba residents, who frst launched the Christmas Boat with just a single decoration. Over nine years, their small idea has grown into a muchanticipated community tradition, driven by a clear mission: to spread joy and create a welcoming space where everyone can experience the spirit of Christmas, regardless of age or background.

In keeping with that spirit, much of the display is handcrafted from upcycled and repurposed materials. The lights are powered entirely by solar energy, a point of pride for the organisers and a nod to sustainable celebration. The boat generally shines until around 10pm each night, with the lights staying on a little later as Christmas approaches and excitement builds.

The Yamba Iluka Christmas Boat has once again been ofcially recognised as an event by both Visit NSW and

Clarence Valley Tourism, a milestone that refects not only the dedication of Santa and the organising crew, but also the enthusiasm of the wider community.

For those keen not to miss it, daily updates on the boat’s movements—

whether it is cruising the river or anchored in a particular spot—will be shared on social media. Updates, photos and stories can be found by following @ Yambailukachristmasboat on Instagram and Facebook.

A glipse of 2025

Cr Lynne Cairns raised concerns about the delay in addressing the state of the Clarence Valley water supply from the Nymboida River.

Council knocks back environment rate hike

By Tim Howard

Clarence Valley Council has knocked back a report recommending the council apply to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for a special rate variation (SRV) aimed at funding a decade-long program of environmental projects.

This was despite two years of internal planning and a broad community engagement campaign.

The proposed Environmental Special Variation (ESV) would have added 2.17% to general rates above next year’s 4.42% rate peg, equating to a one-year increase of 6.59% in 2026–27 and raising an estimated $970,000 in the frst year. Averaged across the Valley’s rateable properties, the increase would have been roughly $35 per household, though calculated on the existing ad-valorem system rather than as a fat fee.

Council’s staf report noted the unusually broad reach of the ESV information campaign, which ran across newspapers, radio, social media, community stalls, business group visits, and Clarence Conversations.

Staf estimated the material reached at least 200,000 impressions across diferent media.

But the depth of engagement was shallow.

Out of nearly 29,000 rateable properties, only 274 survey responses were received—around 1% of ratepayers.

Of those who did respond, 78% opposed the ESV.

Opposition focused on cost-of-living pressures, distrust of council to deliver promised outcomes, concerns

about existing spending priorities, and a desire to see environmental work funded from internal budgets or grants instead of higher rates.

Only 17.5% supported the proposal, with 4.6% undecided.

The staf report stressed that the 2.17% increase formed part of a 10-year funding package to deliver 75 environmental projects previously adopted in council plans and strategies.

Without the SRV, staf advised, “many of the

projects... will not be completed” and council may face increasing pressure on service levels as environmental conditions decline.

General manager Laura Black said the proposal had reached this point because of earlier council resolutions requiring staf to prepare the business case and run community consultation.

However, it fell to the new council to decide whether to lodge the IPART application.

Cr Karen Toms moved the ofcer’s recommendation to apply for the SRV, seconded by Cr Alison Bryant.

But it was Cr Lynne Cairns who opened debate by questioning why council appeared poised to proceed despite overwhelming opposition among respondents.

“Seventy eight per cent of respondents were against the ESV,” Cr Cairns said. “Why undertake extensive consultation if we’re not taking the result into consideration?”

Ms Black replied that staf had simply acted on council’s earlier direction, and “that’s why it is before you now—

Feros Care Spreads 5,000 Messages of Christmas Joy to Seniors Living Alone

One in four Northern Rivers seniors live alone — and with loneliness rising sharply over Christmas, local charity

Feros Care is stepping in to brighten the season with its largest-ever

to determine whether the council will take it forward.”

Cr Greg Clancy— long one of council’s strongest advocates for environmental action— told colleagues he would vote against the proposal.

“This might shock some people, but I’m actually going to vote against it,” he said.

“The environment is extremely important... but 78% are saying no. We need to take a deep breath and think about why that is.”

Cr Clancy said constituents who contacted him were not opposed to environmental protection or afordability, but to trusting council with new revenue.

“They’re opposing it because they don’t trust council. I think that’s something we have to address.”

He suggested council frst undertake a comprehensive assessment of the Valley’s environmental assets and rebuild public trust before attempting another funding package.

Cr Bryant cautioned the chamber against interpreting the survey results too broadly.

“It wasn’t 78% of the community,” she noted. “It was 78% of respondents—and 100% of the community didn’t respond.”

Even so, councillors appeared unconvinced that the proposal had sufcient social licence to proceed. Cr Toms reserved her right of reply but did not speak further.

With debate exhausted, the motion to apply to IPART for the ESV was put to the vote and lost.

Council will now need to reconsider how— or whether—to fund the 75 environmental projects identifed in its strategic plans, and whether alternative funding sources, internal reallocation, or revised project priorities will form the basis of future policy. Without the SRV, the report warned, council may face “increased competing budget priorities” and rising demand for environmental action as climate and land-use pressures intensify.

For now, however, Clarence Valley ratepayers will not see a dedicated environmental levy on their rates notice next year.

More The Merrier campaign.

The initiative, which began in 2020, has grown into a major cross-state efort delivering over 5,000 handwritten Christmas cards across

Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia. This year, school students, Girl Guides and community volunteers are helping create decorated cards flled with warm, personalised messages designed to remind older residents they are not forgotten.

Feros Care’s General Manager for Customer Experience and Volunteers, Greg Winfeld, said these simple gestures bring extraordinary joy to seniors who may spend Christmas without family or visitors.

“We’ve been supporting older Australians for 35 years and see frst-hand the absolute delight these handwritten cards bring,” Mr Winfeld said. “Every card says you’re not forgotten. It’s a small gesture that can make a

big emotional diference.”

Loneliness a Serious Issue for Seniors

National data shows around 25 per cent of Australians aged over 65 live alone — a fgure that jumps to 43 per cent for those aged 85+.

Older Australians living alone are almost three times more likely to experience loneliness.

Mr Winfeld said the campaign is about creating connection as much as celebration.

“Living alone doesn’t need to feel lonely,” he said. “By expanding More The Merrier into more communities, we’re creating thousands of small moments of connection that genuinely improve wellbeing.”

Teaching Empathy to the Next Generation Participating students and Girl Guides are also benefting, learning about

kindness, empathy and the value of giving. Many seniors keep the cards on their fridge or cofee table for months afterward, cherishing the connection long after Christmas has passed.

How Locals Can Get Involved Northern Rivers residents can support the campaign by donating handwritten Christmas cards or volunteering to help deliver them to seniors.

A local photo and interview opportunity will be available at St Johns Catholic School, Mullumbimby, from

December 1, between 10am and 1pm on weekdays

More information is available at feroscare. com.au/morethemerrier

Data Sources:

• Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Older Australians, Housing and living arrangements Web report. Last updated 2 July 2024.

• BMC Geriatrics. Johnstone et al. (2025). Loneliness and its associated factors in older Australians residing in retirement living communities Article #448

Deputy mayor and Greens councillor Greg Clancy surprised many with his opposition to the environmental levy.

WILLIAMSON JOINS PARAMEDICS TO LAUNCH

Clarence Nationals MP Richie Williamson today joined local paramedics in Grafton to launch a community e-Petition calling on the NSW Government to urgently support an increase Intensive Care Paramedic (ICP) stafng across the Clarence Valley.

The e-Petition, now live on the NSW Parliament website, urges the Government to upgrade Grafton Ambulance Station from a Category B to a Category A station — a change that would increase stafng to 12 ICP positions and deliver round-the-clock specialist emergency care for the region.

Mr Williamson said the community has waited long enough for a safe and sustainable level of advanced clinical support.

“The Clarence Valley is a vast region — over 10,000 square kilometres — home to more than 56,000 people, and visited by thousands more during peak periods,” Mr Williamson said.

“We are more than an hour from regional trauma hospitals in Cofs Harbour and Lismore. With only two Intensive Care Paramedics currently based at Grafton, the level of coverage simply does not match the complexity, geography or population of our region.”

“Today’s launch is about standing with our paramedics and calling on the NSW Government to act. Our community deserves access to the highest level of emergency care — 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

“The Clarence Valley is a vast region — over 10,000 square kilometres — home to more than 56,000 people, and visited by thousands more during peak periods,” Mr Williamson said.

The Clarence Valley’s emergency health workload is compounded by the presence of the Clarence Correctional Facility — the largest prison in Australia — which generates frequent high-acuity incidents requiring ICP attendance.

Mr Williamson said having 24/7 Intensive Care Paramedic coverage would mean:

l Faster access to advanced clinical skills for high-acuity patients

l Improved outcomes for trauma, cardiac and complex medical cases

l More support for paramedic teams working in remote or challenging environments

l Increased career progression opportunities locally

l Stronger clinical mentoring and development for all staf

Mr Williamson said he has raised these concerns directly with NSW Health Minister Ryan Park.

“I have met with the Minister and followed up in writing to make clear the serious risk this shortage presents,” Mr Williamson said.

“Grafton is currently funded for six ICP positions, but by the end of October only two will remain. That is not good enough. We need a full review of the station’s classifcation and stafng to protect the safety of our community.”

Spokesperson for the Health Services Union – Ambulance Division, North Coast,

Luke O’Hearn, said paramedics are committed to delivering the highest standard of emergency care but need adequate stafng to do so safely.

“Paramedics in the Clarence Valley are doing everything they can for their community, but without 24/7 Intensive Care Paramedic coverage, patients are missing out on the advanced clinical care they deserve,” Mr O’Hearn said.

“This e-Petition, initiated by local paramedics, calls for Grafton Ambulance Station to be upgraded to a Category A station with 12 permanent ICP positions — a change that would transform emergency care across the region.

“We thank Richie Williamson for standing with us and for his continued advocacy on behalf of patients and paramedics throughout the Clarence Valley.”

Mr Williamson urged residents across the Clarence and Richmond Valleys and the wider North Coast to add their name to the petition.

“This is a matter of community safety. The more names we gather, the stronger our case. I encourage every resident to sign the petition and help us send a clear message to the NSW Government: the Clarence Valley needs and deserves 24/7 ICP coverage.”

The e-Petition can be found here: www.parliament.nsw.gov. au/la/Pages/ePetition-details. aspx?q=WhenUpp0oq4ZuCp6WJA8Kg

Innovation Transforming How NSW Manages Bushfire Risk

Robert Heyward

Essential Energy is embracing new technology, advanced modelling and crosssector collaboration to better protect regional, rural and remote communities as bushfre seasons grow longer and more unpredictable.

Once considered rare, extreme weather events — including storms, foods and catastrophic fres — are now regular challenges for electricity networks across New South Wales. To stay ahead of these threats, Essential Energy is investing heavily in smarter tools and data-

driven planning to keep communities safer.

Modelling the Future of Fire Behaviour

A key breakthrough has come from advanced bushfre risk modelling developed in partnership with the University of Melbourne and NSW electricity networks.

Network Risk Strategy Manager Ian Fitzpatrick says the system is giving a far clearer picture of how, when and where bushfres may ignite.

“This technology brings together data on past bushfre events, weather patterns, vegetation and network characteristics to estimate not only where a

fre is most likely to start, but what the impact could be on people, property and the environment,” he said.

The modelling has already revealed elevated bushfre risk across dense natural environments — including areas of the Mid North Coast — enabling crews to better target vegetation management, asset repairs and preventative maintenance.

Smarter Eyes on the Network

Essential Energy has also expanded its inspection capabilities with a growing feet of drones and helicopter-mounted cameras, replacing older low-fying aircraft

methods. The improved imaging provides sharper, more extensive data to identify potential hazards earlier.

Artifcial intelligence is now being trialled to analyse inspection photos, speeding up the process of detecting defects and allowing crews to respond more quickly. Alongside this, new Early Fault Detection sensors are being installed on poles to alert teams to emerging issues before they lead to outages or fre risk.

Collaboration Driving Resilience

Fitzpatrick says collaboration remains at the core of improving

Marine Rescue NSW appoints new Northern Rivers Regional Director

Robert Heyward

Marine Rescue NSW has announced the election of a new Northern Rivers Regional Director, following the decision by Darcy Henriksen to stand down from the role at last Saturday’s Annual General Meeting in Cronulla. Former Marine Rescue Point Danger Unit Commander, Keith Smith, was elected unopposed.

Marine Rescue NSW Chair, Nola Watson, thanked Mr Henriksen for his outstanding service and leadership.

“Darcy has brought commitment, professionalism and genuine care for his fellow volunteers to the Board throughout his six years as Regional Director,” Watson said.

“He has made a remarkable contribution to Marine Rescue NSW, and his 17 years of volunteer service at Marine Rescue Point Danger is testament to his dedication to community safety.

“On behalf of our 3,500 volunteers, I thank Darcy for his steadfast leadership and the signifcant legacy he leaves.” Watson said the Board was pleased to welcome Mr Smith to the position.

“Keith brings extensive operational experience and a deep understanding of the

needs of volunteers across the Northern Rivers,” she said.

“His decades of service, both in maritime search and rescue and in senior corporate roles, have equipped him with the insight and capability needed to support our units in a growing and dynamic region. We look forward to the knowledge, energy and strategic perspective he will bring to the Board.”

Mr Smith frst began volunteering in search and rescue in the early 1990s.

Before joining Marine Rescue NSW, he served as a volunteer radio operator and boat crew member with the Point Danger Air Rescue Service from 1991 to 1993. Since joining Marine Rescue Point

Danger in 2019, he has contributed across a broad range of leadership, training and administrative roles, including Unit Commander (2021–2024) and Training Ofcer (2022–2025).

He brings more than 30 years of combined maritime and corporate leadership experience, including as Managing Director of a national sales corporation and senior executive roles across the transport and logistics sector.

Mr Smith said he was honoured to take on the role of Northern Rivers Regional Director.

“It’s a privilege to represent the dedicated volunteers of the Northern Rivers, and I am committed to supporting them as they continue their vital work

safety.

“With bushfre seasons growing longer and extreme weather events becoming more frequent, we can’t rely on old ways of working. By sharing knowledge and harnessing new technology, every year we’re improving how we manage risk and strengthen resilience across the network,” he said.

Essential Energy continues to work with all NSW electricity

networks, the University of Melbourne, Energy Networks Australia, and the International Wildfre Risk Mitigation Consortium, ensuring NSW remains aligned with international best practice.

The company’s full Bushfre Preparedness and Performance Report details its latest initiatives and future plans to lift safety, reliability and resilience for communities across the state.

Landmark Report Reveals True Economic Impact of Disasters on Northern Rivers

Jef Gibbs

saving lives on the water.”

Mr Smith is a member of the Institute of Community Directors and is looking forward to working collaboratively with the Board and unit leadership teams.

“I’m grateful for the trust placed in me and I’m excited to contribute to the ongoing development of Marine Rescue NSW. Together, we can strengthen our capability, support our volunteers and continue delivering an outstanding service to the boating community,” he said.

Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based notfor-proft professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.

A new landmark study released by the NSW Reconstruction Authority has revealed the full scale of economic disruption caused by six years of natural disasters across the Northern Rivers.

The Northern Rivers Economic Profle and Natural Hazard Impacts Report is the most comprehensive assessment ever undertaken of how the region’s economy, infrastructure and communities have been afected.

The report measures the cumulative impact of the 2019–20 bushfres, the 2022 foods, and Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred in 2025. Together, these events delivered a $4 billion hit to Gross Regional Product (GRP), representing 2.9% of total economic activity the region would have otherwise generated.

Socio-economic costs

reached $6.9 billion, factoring in business and asset losses, productivity disruption, mental-health impacts and government spending on response and recovery.

Despite these shocks, the region demonstrated strong resilience, with GRP growing 17.9% in real terms since 2019, in line with overall Regional NSW. Agriculture, tourism and small businesses were among the most heavily impacted sectors, with infrastructure vulnerability, high insurance costs, housing shortages and workforce pressure identifed as major ongoing challenges. Findings from the report will directly inform the Northern Rivers Disaster Adaptation Plan, guiding long-term risk reduction and resilience strategies. Communities will play a key role in shaping the region’s adaptation pathway as planning progresses.

Marine Rescue NSW Northern Zone Commander Darren Hulm and Keith Smith

Australian Unity Opens New Ballina Branch to Tackle Aged-Care Delays

Jef Gibbs

Australian Unity has ofcially opened its new Ballina branch, launching a major boost for aged-care access across the Northern Rivers as demand for home-based support soars.

Located on Clark Street, the Home Health branch will help address the region’s deepening care bottleneck, with more than 2,000 local residents already stuck on the national home care waitlist. That fgure represents about 15 per cent of eligible Northern Rivers residents who have been assessed as needing support but have not yet received government-funded assistance.

The new facility will initially support 118 staf and coordinate care for approximately 1,188 older locals, with Australian Unity expecting those numbers to double as the region’s population continues to age at one of the fastest rates in NSW.

To mark the opening, the organisation hosted a community day ofering free health checks, information sessions, and guidance on navigating the Federal Government’s new Support at Home reforms—rules many

older residents fnd confusing.

Elizabeth Albury, General Manager of Service Delivery at Australian Unity Home Health, said the Northern Rivers is a clear example of both the scale of challenge and the opportunity presented by the current aged-care overhaul.

“Thousands of Northern Rivers residents are waiting for care, while at the same time the population is ageing rapidly. Within a few years, almost a third of the community will be over 65,” Ms Albury said.

She added that while many residents wish to remain in their own homes, they need clarity on how recent changes

afect their eligibility and what services they can access.

“If we don’t get this right, the pressure will keep fowing through to the hospital system and older people in this region will be left behind.”

Ms Albury said delayed access to appropriate aged care has a profound fow-on impact, with NSW taxpayers now spending an estimated $1.2 million per day to cover hospital discharge delays.

“Many older patients remain in hospital beds not because they need acute care, but because suitable home or community care is unavailable. This is disastrous for those

patients, and it also impacts others who struggle to access acute services,” she said.

“Efective home care keeps people well at home and reduces hospital admissions, while also allowing safer, faster discharge when a hospital stay is necessary.”

The new Ballina branch is part of Australian Unity’s broader plan to strengthen regional care networks, expand its skilled workforce, and ensure older Australians can access the support they are entitled to—allowing them to age safely, independently and with dignity in their own communities.

Coastal NSW Land Values Rise to Record $582 Billion

Jef Gibbs

Land values across Coastal NSW have climbed to a record $582 billion, according to the latest fgures released by the NSW Valuer General. The 2% annual increase refects market shifts across residential, commercial, industrial and rural sectors, based on almost 23,000 property sales

Residential land values rose 2.3%, with the strongest

growth in Byron (+13.8%) , Wingecarribee (+7.3%), Newcastle (+6.9%), Tweed (+6.6%) and Lismore (+5.3%).

Declines were recorded in Kiama, Eurobodalla, Shoalhaven and Wollongong.

Commercial land values grew 1.9%, led by Wingecarribee (+16%), Ballina (+5.3%), Nambucca (+4.1%) and Newcastle (+3.7%). Lismore and Cofs Harbour saw decreases.

Industrial land values recorded the biggest overall increase at 4.7%, with major jumps in Tweed (+19.4%) , Shellharbour (+14.9%), Wollongong (+12%) and Ballina (+8.7%). Byron, Bega Valley and Shoalhaven experienced slight falls.

Rural land values fell 0.7% overall, though Wingecarribee (+6.5%), Lismore (+4.3%), Bega Valley (+4.2%) and Tweed (+3.8%) showed

strong gains driven by supply constraints and renewed confdence.

The updated valuations will be used to calculate 2026 land tax for those liable and will inform council rates for approximately one-third of NSW councils receiving new values this cycle. Landholders have 60 days from receiving their notice to lodge an objection with supporting sales evidence. Sandhills

Reopen After $26 Million Byron Bay Flood Resilience Upgrade

Jef Gibbs

The Sandhills Wetlands in Byron Bay have ofcially reopened following a major restoration as part of a $26 million food resilience project designed to protect the town centre, improve water quality and restore a long-lost ecosystem.

Once severely damaged by sand mining in the 1960s, the 5.5-hectare wetlands have now been transformed into a thriving environmental and community asset featuring three large retention ponds, new walking pathways, and habitat zones already attracting native birds, animals and visitors.

The wetlands form stage one of the wider Byron Bay Drainage Strategy , supported by $11.8 million through the Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program, alongside funding from the NSW Government’s Infrastructure Betterment Fund and Open Spaces Legacy Program.

The restored wetlands will capture and hold stormwater runof from surrounding hills before gradually releasing it into Belongil Creek, signifcantly reducing the intensity and frequency of fash fooding in the CBD. Major upgrades are also underway to expand stormwater pipe capacity beneath the town centre, including new culverts almost double the size of existing pipes.

Federal and State Ministers praised the project as a model of environmental restoration, food mitigation and cultural collaboration, acknowledging the guidance of Arakwal Corporation, the Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council and Crown Lands in the co-design process.

Byron Shire Mayor Sarah Ndiaye said early signs show wildlife returning and water quality improving.

“This is one of the most signifcant restoration projects in recent years and brings long-lasting benefts for Clarkes Beach, Cape Byron Marine Park and the wider community.”

Ballina aged care support expands as Australian Unity opens a new branch to address long home care waitlists.

Club Evans is the hub of beautiful Evans Head in northern NSW by providing a new, safe, inviting and exciting venue offering great food, awesome and free entertainment, feature shows, TAB, FREE Wi-Fi, Foxtel and plenty of promotions for all our guests.

A new story for a world running out of time

Comment

By Tim Howard

Human beings are storytellers before we are anything else.

Long before we built cities or parliaments, we told stories around fres— stories that explained who we were, who our allies were, and who might be coming over the hill with a spear.

Those stories helped small groups co-operate, trust one another, and act together. They also helped us decide who didn’t belong.

Not much has changed. We still organise ourselves through the stories we tell. Nations, markets, religions, money— these are all narratives we collectively agree to believe. They hold millions of people together who will never meet.

They are, as historian Yuval Noah Harari argues, necessary fctions that allow us to scale beyond what our brains are naturally built for.

Psychologists tell us the human brain can maintain meaningful relationships with perhaps 150 people. Everything beyond that number requires imagination. And imagination, in turn, requires stories.

A story that has been most powerful for the past few centuries is the story of competing nations.

Each people has its own land, its own destiny, its own fag to salute.

This narrative has been astonishingly successful: it helped build modern states, expand rights, and lift living standards.

But it has always carried a darker side.

Competition between nations—economic, cultural, and military—has also driven world wars, colonial exploitation and ecological damage on a planetary scale.

Today, that national story is taking a dangerous turn. We are reaching the limits of what the planet can tolerate. The climate is destabilising. Oceans are acidifying. Mass species

extinctions are underway. If the 20th century taught us that the world is divided into competing peoples, the 21st century is teaching us something far more uncomfortable: that our fates are entangled whether we like it or not.

This tension is playing out in politics across the world, including here in Australia.

Nationalist populists— from Donald Trump to Marine Le Pen, and versions closer to home—are resurrecting an old narrative: that global co-operation is a threat, that “globalists” are undermining national sovereignty, and that the only safe path is to pull back behind the walls of the nation-state. It is a compelling story because it is simple. It tells people who to blame. It promises that if the nation stands alone, it will stand strong.

But simple stories are not always true. And they are rarely helpful in solving complex problems.

The irony is that nationalism thrives by attacking the very issues

that require co-operation: immigration, climate change, global trade rules, international institutions. These are the domains where shared governance is not a luxury but a necessity.

Yet they are portrayed as threats because cooperating with others, by defnition, requires some willingness to share power.

Globalisation, too, has become a dirty word.

In some corners of the internet the term is whispered with the same suspicion once reserved for the “Jewish bankers” conspiracy theories of the 19th and 20th centuries.

The idea—never the reality—was that Jewish communities, excluded from land ownership and many professions, became fnanciers, and that this stateless network was secretly manipulating the world.

Today’s “globalists” serve the same role in nationalist imagination. They are cast as shadowy elites undermining the nation from above, conspiring across borders,

intent on destroying a way of life.

It is an old story painted in new colours.

What is diferent today is the technological delivery system.

Conspiracies once confned to pamphlets or fringe newspapers now circulate instantly through social media algorithms designed to amplify the most emotionally charged content.

Nationalist movements have not invented new myths; they have simply modernised old ones and piped them into millions of phones.

Even with all its distortions, nationalism speaks to something real: people are anxious.

Borders feel porous. Global markets move faster than national governments. Corporations have become so large and mobile that many communities feel powerless. When BHP or Chevron is worth more than most countries’ annual budgets, who is really in charge?

Global business already moves across borders

with a freedom no human being enjoys. That is not a conspiracy—just a structural fact.

But when people sense decisions afecting their livelihoods are made far away and without them, they become more susceptible to simplistic narratives of sovereignty betrayed.

So, what is the new story we need to tell?

It must begin with a simple recognition: our diversity is real and valuable, but our futures are shared.

We do not need a world government, and we do not need cultural uniformity. But we do need to accept that the challenges we face—climate change, pandemics, economic shocks, AI governance— do not recognise national borders.

We either tackle them together or not at all.

The great task of this century is therefore not to erase national identities but to place them within a larger frame.

That frame is the planet itself. So far we have

treated Earth as a stage upon which nations act, rather than a character in the story—one with limits, vulnerabilities, and the fnal word on what is sustainable.

A more hopeful story would tell us humanity’s biggest victories in the 21st century will be victories we can only win together.

Ending pandemics requires shared science. Stabilising the climate requires shared sacrifce. Managing the power of multinational corporations requires shared rules. Avoiding runaway AI requires shared norms. None of this diminishes the importance of nations. It strengthens them by giving them tools in line with the scale of modern risks.

Most importantly, a new story must make cooperation heroic.

For too long we have equated collaboration with compromise or weakness. But the truth of human history is the opposite. Every great leap—ending smallpox, mapping the genome, exploring space, building the internet— was a cooperative achievement. We succeed not because we compete, but because we collaborate.

We are a storytelling species. And right now, the story we are telling ourselves is too small for the world we have made.

The good news is that stories can change. The urgent news is that they must.

If the old myth taught us that we are a world of competing peoples, the new one must teach us that we are many peoples sharing one fragile, irreplaceable home. Our diferences matter. They enrich us. But they cannot save us if we treat co-operation as surrender and collective action as a threat.

The world is asking for a new narrative—one grounded not in fear, but in shared agency and shared fate. It is time to tell it.

Telling stories has been the defning characteristic of humanity since we frst shared tales around a campfre at the dawn of time. Now the pressure is on to fnd new stories to tell as we look to solve problems on a planetary scale.

Plastics phase out for a cleaner future by Janelle Safn MP, Member for Lismore

Plastic pollution is one of our state’s biggest environmental challenges. It makes up nearly three-quarters of litter in our waterways, and only a small fraction is recycled. Without action by 2050 we risk having more plastic in our oceans than

The Minns Government’s updated Plastics Plan targets unnecessary and hard-to-recycle items, giving businesses time to transition while encouraging investment in recycling and reusable alternatives.

Changes include phasing out plastic bread tags and pizza savers by 2027, non-compostable fruit stickers by 2030, and requiring tethered lids on plastic bottles. Small condiment containers like soy sauce fsh bottles will also be phased out, and takeaway food packaging will be redesigned to be recyclable.

We’re also banning helium balloon releases and requiring food service businesses to accept reusable cups, helping shift our culture toward sustainability.

Funding certainty for TAFE NSW

The Government is delivering on its

commitment to rebuild and stabilise TAFE. From next year, TAFE NSW will no longer have to compete with private providers for annual government funding. Instead, it will receive a long-term budget allowing it to focus on delivering highquality vocational education and training.

This change reduces the administrative burden, enabling teachers to dedicate more time to course development and student support. Independent and community training providers will continue to play a vital role in meeting the state’s skills needs.

This reform is backed by a record $3.4 billion investment in Skills and TAFE in the 2025/26 Budget.

PACER position flled.

I’m pleased to see the return of the PACER program—Police Ambulance and Clinical Early Response—at Richmond Police Command with the appointment of a clinical nurse consultant. I strongly advocated for this initiative, which integrates police, ambulance, and clinicians. PACER will be a vital asset for Lismore,

Maclean Student Wins $5,000 Emerging Artist Scholarship

Jef Gibbs

Maclean’s rising talent Charli Ryan has been awarded the 2025 Emerging Artist Scholarship, a $5,000 prize supporting creative students across the Northern Rivers NSW local news region. The scholarship was presented during a well-attended ceremony at Grafton Regional Gallery on Wednesday evening. The inaugural programme, delivered by The Gallery Foundation in partnership with Grafton Regional Gallery, invited Year 12 students from across the Clarence Valley to submit works in visual arts, design and creative felds. Launched in February, the initiative

aims to strengthen artistic pathways for young regional creators.

A crowd of family, teachers and community supporters watched Ryan accept the scholarship, as shown in the presentation image on page 2, where she appears with Foundation representatives Helyn Davison and Suzanne Campbell. Finalists Announced Across Clarence Schools

The selection panel named six fnalists, representing a diverse cross-section of the region’s schools:

l Paige Huxley –Maclean High School

l Eli Jones – Grafton High School

l Imogen Lee – McAuley

Catholic College

l Thanat Matjangreed –Grafton High School

l Maggie Ross – McAuley Catholic College

l Charli Ryan – Maclean High School

Scholarship Boosts Local Creative Futures

Chair of The Gallery Foundation, Rod Watters, said the standard of entries demonstrated the strength of emerging artistic talent in the Clarence Valley. He said the new scholarship supports long-term opportunities for young creatives in the region.

“Our judging panel were very impressed with the quality of works submitted. This scholarship makes a

valuable contribution to opportunities for creative students in the Clarence Valley, and The Gallery Foundation is proud to bring this forward,”

The

and

Regional

congratulated all entrants and thanked local

and

Watters said.

Gallery Foundation

Grafton

Gallery

teachers

school communities for supporting the inaugural scholarship. Details for the 2026 Emerging Artist Scholarship will be released soon.

2025 Emerging Artist Scholarship Winner, Charli Ryan, with The Gallery Foundation’s Helyn Davison (Secretary) and Suzanne Campbell (Vice-chair).

PACER is back-Janelle Safn MP with Inspector Greenwood and Superintendent Johnson and of Richmond Police Command.

“Leemo has views on just about anything”

THE NATIVITY RE-ENACTMENT

‘LESSON’

(‘Leemo Cat’ here)

‘Hurry you all, look most pious ‘cos ‘Mum Jane’ just got home.’ In she came, with bags of shopping, uttering rude words about the hot weather & then SAW US!!! She stopped in her tracks, fopped in her chair & spoke in a menacing tone. ‘OK you lot, as this is MY HOME, may ask you all what’s going on? I noted ‘Flufy-Bum’ is reposing in my favourite big basket ‘swaddled’ in a CWA Apron & lying in what appears to be old mulch from my garden?’ EXPLAIN NOW!! Eeeek! As the Head Sherang of the Buddies I had to speak. ‘Hmmm, errrr Mum, let me explain. As our Christmas Carol Choir on the lookout was NOT popular, we decided to put on a more calming form of concert this Christmas. We’re doing a ‘Re-Enactment of the Nativity’ & we are practicing. AND, errrm, Mum, we sorta need your help with props & stuf & advice on the right Buddy for each role? Will you?’ She looked like she was going to be most ill. Hmmm? Tea & gingernuts all done: After deep breaths she calmed down. ‘OK, do ANY of you know what props are needed & the roles that need to be flled to do a truly proper Nativity Re-Enactment? WELL? (Hmmm, a Buddies ponder started.) She shouted ‘STOP your stupid ponders & be quiet. GOTTIT? Based on various writings about the Event, you will need a warm Stable, a comfy Manger, Oxen, Sheep, 3 Camels, 1

Donkey, 2 chooks, Gold, Frankincense & Myrrh & so on. The roles you need to fll are Joseph, Mary, the Baby Jesus, 3 wise men (which counts you all out) 3 Shepherds & the Holy Ghost who ZOOMED in & out. As there are not enough of you I reckon this may be a challenge: AND, before I COMMIT to helping I’m allocating chores to you lot: I want Strategic Plans by tomorrow. ‘Leemo’, you get 3 camels & 1 donkey: ‘Brutus’, round up Oxen, Sheep & chooks: ‘Flufs’, build a stable+get 11 bales of straw:’Pasqualie’, ‘cos you’re rich, go get Gold,Frakincense & Myrrh: ’Treasure’, ‘cos you & ‘Leems’ didn’t get married & do that other stuf you can be the Virgin Mary: ‘Scarlet’, you can be the ‘BabyJesus’ ‘cos you’re tiny: ‘Ginger’, you can be Joseph ‘cos of your beard. Hmmm. WE APPEAR TO LACK 3 WISE MEN? Right at that moment there was a loud pounding on our door. Mum opened it and in walked 3 burly ofcers They said they were from the ‘Bureau of Exotic Wildlife Protection & Illegal Entertainment & Building ’ & told us we had been ‘secretly’ dobbed in by an informant named ‘Marley’ (the fat puppy down the road) ref. our plans. OMG!! ‘Pasqualie’ batted her false eyelashes & asked if they were the 3 WISE MEN? She was glared at ferociously by all 3 of them. Needless to say, our brilliant plan has been cancelled. Hmmm! We formed a Vigilante Posse to visit ‘Marley’ the Dobber & strolled down the street like in a cowboy movie. His quite (in retrospect) lovely response was : ‘Well, if you had all invited ME to be an Oxen, I wouldn’t have dobbed, ‘but you left me out completely’. Gottit?’ I reckon me & the Buddies learned a lesson to-day, ’Be Kind always be Inclusive’. Nite with purrs & woofs. Leemo, the Buddies & Marley Puppy.

Letters to the Editor

Have your say in The Northern Rivers Times!

We welcome your feedback, opinions, praise, concerns, and reflections on local issues, events, and stories.

Send your letters to: Jeff Gibbs letters@heartlandmedia. com.au

Deadline: Fridays at noon

Please include your name, address, and phone number for verification purposes (not for publication).

The Northern Rivers Times is committed to providing a platform for diverse community voices. The views expressed in letters are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher, editors, or staff. Letters may be edited for length or clarity. Offensive or defamatory content will not be published.

Public confdence and trust lost

Mayor Ray Smith’s Mayoral Minute of 3 November 2025 states that Dr Amanda Cohn’s (MLC) statements in the NSW Parliament on 23 October 2025 contain unsubstantiated allegations.

At the Extraordinary Council Meeting of 3 November 2025 which was called to respond to Dr Cohn, Mayor Smith said her claims were baseless.

Mayor Smith also said on ABC radio on 4 November 2025, “all four matters that Dr Cohn has raised in her statement, I can refute all four of them, because I have the facts”.

Last week I wrote to Mayor Smith asking him to provide those facts and evidence which support his public statement.

Mayor Smith, refused to provide any evidence to support his claims that Dr Cohn was wrong.

It is very disappointing for the Mayor to make public claims and then

refuse to substantiate them. It undermines public confdence and trust in Council. Clarence Valley Council must do better. Lynne Cairns – Councillor – Clarence Valley Council

To the Recipe Writer

Come on what’s his or her name????

OK, I didn’t think I would ever write to this newspaper about the Food Section, but the Chicken Parmigiana Rissoles will be a winner when I get around the Beef Stroganof Rissoles. Damn, I am getting addicted and all your fault mystery recipe writer. Please don’t tell anyone I’m addicted, my friends wouldn’t talk to me again!

—P. Brecht, Maclean

(Thanks Mr P, we wont tell. All I can say at the moment is that the writer is a man)

A Truly Northern Rivers Edition

This week’s edition captured everything that makes our region what it is — resilient, passionate, quirky and community-minded. From the heavy debates in Clarence Valley Council to the hope ofered by Safe Havens, from Lismore’s steady recovery to the ferce arguments over the Koala National Park, it felt like a living snapshot of who we are right now. Then, just when the heart needed a break, along came Leemo, Nigel’s thoughtful refections, and a set of festive recipes that made the whole paper feel warm again.

It’s rare for a newspaper to balance hard news with heart, but you’ve done it beautifully. Keep going — the Northern Rivers needs this.

— J. Rawlings, Kingsclif

Rental Reality Check

The Rental Afordability Index story was sobering reading. As a single-income worker in the Northern Rivers, I recognised myself in every line about people being pushed further out or stuck in impossible situations. When hospitality staf are expected to commute from Lismore just to work in Byron, you know the system is broken. Thank you for shining a light on the data as well as the human stories – we need all levels of government to treat this as the emergency it is, not just a “market adjustment”.

— K. Morgan,

Ballina

Hidden Toll of “Too Broke to Break Up”

Jef’s piece on separated couples still living together

really hit home. The idea that people can’t aford to leave even when a relationship is over is heartbreaking, especially for kids caught in the middle. Relationships Australia NSW is right – without proper support, this will quietly grow into a much bigger mental health and family crisis. Thanks for naming a situation many are too embarrassed to talk about.

—S. Lang, Goonellabah

Walking Against Domestic Violence

The shoes outside Ballina police station stopped me in my tracks. Seeing 25 pairs representing lives lost to domestic violence was powerful and deeply sad. The planned walk and Rotary partnership with NSW Police show our community is serious about change, not just slogans. I hope every local school, club and business gets behind it – silence has protected perpetrators for too long.

J. Fraser, Ballina

DV Support Must Reach Smaller Towns Too

The Ballina domestic violence activism is fantastic, but I hope similar events roll out in our smaller towns as well. Many women and children in places like Casino, Kyogle and Bonalbo feel even more isolated and watched. They need visible support, safe reporting options and local services, not just posters. Please keep covering these campaigns and pushing for resources beyond the bigger centres.

—M. O’Donnell, Sawtell

Leemo’s Literary Dreams Leemo and the Buddies wanting to publish Precocious Pussy Prattle absolutely made my week. The image of that feline “AGM” and Mum Jane calmly explaining the publishing costs had me laughing out loud. Maybe a full book is out of reach, but I’d happily buy a Leemo calendar or mini booklet for Christmas presents. Please keep this glorious nonsense coming – the world needs more silly, smart joy.

—A.Bennett, Lismore

In Defence of Precocious Pussy Prattle

I think those publishers have no sense of humour! A cat choir getting stoned (by pebbles!) and a disastrous family reunion sound far more entertaining than half the “must-read” books out

there. Don’t give up, Leemo – classics often start as cult favourites. In the meantime, your weekly column is the frst thing I turn to, right after the front page.

R. Wilson, Evans Head

Nigel, Da Vinci and the Rest of Us Nigel Dawe’s meditation on Leonardo da Vinci was a beautiful reminder that curiosity is a muscle we can choose to exercise at any age. I loved the idea of “learning how to see” and noticing what’s right under our noses instead of doomscrolling. In a noisy world, Nigel’s pieces feel like a deep breath and a good conversation with a wise friend. More please.

P. Andrews, Yamba

A Little Less Philosophy, A Little More Plain English While I enjoy Nigel Dawe’s column, sometimes I feel like I need a dictionary and a lie-down afterwards. The ideas are wonderful, but a few simpler examples from everyday life would help readers who aren’t steeped in philosophy. That said, I’d rather have writing that stretches my brain than yet another shallow hot take – so keep the column, just throw us the odd translation!

—L. Hayes, South Grafton

Festive Ham Glory

The Sticky Orange & Golden Syrup Ham is going straight to the top of my Christmas menu. I love that the recipe is clear but still playful – “glaze like you mean it” is exactly the energy my kitchen needs in December. The leftovers ideas are gold too; around here Boxing Day is basically a competitive sport of who can reinvent the ham best. More fun, practical recipes like this, please.

—C. Jarrett, Alstonville

Christmas Crack Bites –Dangerous!

Those Mini Christmas Crack Bites should come with a warning label. I made a batch “for the kids”, then proceeded to eat half the tray myself before they got home. Love the mix of sweet, salty and silly – the tone of the recipe feels like a friend talking you through it over a cuppa. Could we have a New Year’s “detox but realistic” recipe page to follow all this delicious chaos?

—M. Doyle, Tugun

Big Four or Not, Service Matters Most Jef’s piece on non-big-bank lenders was spot on. We

recently refnanced with a smaller lender after years of feeling like a number at a major bank. The rate is better, but what really stood out was talking to the same person each time and getting quick, clear answers. For regional borrowers who don’t ft the neat boxes, fexibility and listening matter more than a fancy CBD logo.

—D. Porter, Grafton

Still Cautious About Smaller Lenders

While I appreciate the balanced view on non-bank lenders, I’m still wary. Convenience of having everyday banking, cards and mortgages in one place is important to me, and in tough times a big institution feels safer. That said, competition is healthy, and articles like this help people compare options properly instead of just defaulting to what their parents used.

—J. Keane, Kyogle

Celebrating St James and Quiet Faith

The story of St James at Yamba, from salvaged timber to a thriving parish, was a lovely reminder of how much quiet community service happens through churches and small congregations. In a world obsessed with new and shiny, it’s moving to see 50 years of weddings, milestones and memories honoured with such care –and a children’s choir to top it of.

—H. McGuire, Maclean

Rural Renters on the Brink

Reading about “extremely unafordable” rents in Byron and beyond, I worry that rural workers like me will soon have nowhere to go. When hospitality staf, essential workers and single parents are efectively locked out of

the whole region, we’re not just talking about housing – we’re talking about the collapse of local services. Declaring “war on homelessness” might sound dramatic, but honestly, it feels justifed.

—T. Reid, Mullumbimby

Sugar Industry Team Efort

The cane season update was a good insight into how much coordination it takes to keep mills running when the weather won’t play nice. Three and a half weeks of wet-weather stoppages would cripple many industries, yet growers, truckies and mill staf just keep adjusting and working together. It’s easy to forget, when you see sugar on a supermarket shelf, how many local livelihoods are tied to that supply chain.

—G. Martin, Harwood

Looking North to Southeast Asia

It’s encouraging to see the National Farmers’ Federation actively seeking partnerships in Southeast Asia. Our region produces world-class food and agritech, and sharing skills around biosecurity and food safety is a win-win. Diversifying markets is smart insurance for our farmers, especially after the last few years of shocks and uncertainty. Please keep covering these trade missions – they matter on the ground here.

B. Larkin, Wardell

Inclusive Sport at Its Best

The Interschools Wheelchair Basketball and Goalball Tournament at Grafton PCYC sounds brilliant. What a powerful way for students to experience disability sport as something exciting and equal, not “special” on the side. The Politicians vs All Stars match is a great touch

too – nothing like seeing our leaders work up a sweat to break down barriers. More stories like this make me proud of our valley.

E. Collins, Junction Hill

Wheelchair Sports Shouldn’t Be Just Once a Year

The Grafton inclusive sports day is fantastic, but I’d love to see wheelchair basketball and similar programs ofered yearround, not just around International Day of People with Disability. Kids who get hooked on it next month should have a pathway to keep playing. With role models like David “DJ” Johnson involved, we’ve got the perfect people to help build something lasting.

—S. Turner, Ulmarra

Cricket Drama in Maclean

That one-wicket win by Maclean over Tucabia sounded like a heartstopper! As a local who often wanders down to Barry Watts Oval on a Saturday, I love seeing our grassroots cricket get proper coverage. Heroes like Dan McColl and Doug Harris might not be on TV, but they’re just as important to our sporting culture as the big names. Keep the detailed match reports coming.

—R. Hughes, Maclean

Thanks from a Grateful Reader

Between Leemo’s antics, Nigel’s philosophy, hard hitting pieces on housing and DV, and recipes that actually work, The Northern Rivers Times feels like a true refection of our region – messy, thoughtful, funny and resilient. I read online during the week and still buy the paper on Thursdays. In an era of clickbait, you’re giving us community. Don’t

underestimate how much that matters.

J. Richards, Lismore Heights

A Chance for Families to Be Heard

The move to bring the Parliamentary Inquiry on unsolved murders and long-term missing persons to the Clarence Valley is long overdue. Families shouldn’t have to travel to Sydney just to have their grief acknowledged. What struck me was how many councillors spoke with genuine compassion, even amid tense debate. A regional hearing would fnally give locals their rightful voice. Well done for pushing it.

— T. Walker, Woolgoolga

Let’s Not Re-Traumatise Families

While I understand the intent behind calling for a hearing, I sympathise with the mother who wrote in saying it could reopen wounds. Many families have held their trauma together for decades. Any local inquiry must be handled with extreme care and clinical support, not just council goodwill. The motion should have included clearer safeguards before passing.

— L. Haddon, Banora Point

Essential but Sensitive Advocacy

Cr Novak is right — technology, fresh eyes and changing memories can reignite hope in old cases. But the debate showed how fragile our community still is around these losses. If the hearing comes north, government must ensure trauma-trained staf, not just administrative ofcers, are present. Otherwise we risk doing harm while trying to help.

— J. Ramsey, Southport

Senses & fences...

By Nigel Dawe

“ALL our knowledge,” once said Immanuel Kant, “begins with the senses, proceeds then to the understanding, and ends with reason. There is nothing higher than reason.” I’m not sure I fully agree, and it might even be considered unreasonable in some circles to disagree, but the limitations of human reason have made themselves none too apparent throughout history. Besides, what can we even know with surety beyond the self-certifying confnes of our thinking processes, that culminate in our so-called reason?

Tackling Kant’s beliefs related to reason however is not my intention, instead I wanted to focus on where I agree with his line of thinking; that being our reliance on our fve senses, and how they form the frst crucial link in a comprehensional chain that eventually leads (all going well) to reason. That we even have fve senses is an indication that human beings outright won some kind of cosmic lottery. Because even if we had just two or three senses, we’d still be one of the most profound creatures to have ever resided on this planet.

But that said, we are so much more than what our fve senses merely suggest.

As Charz Childs once refected, “Our bodies have fve senses: touch, smell, taste, sight, hearing. But not to be overlooked are the senses of our souls: intuition, peace, foresight, trust, empathy. The diference between people lie in their use of these senses.” Which directly relates to our potential, if not capability as human beings, and what we choose to do (whether or

not we rise or meagrely withdraw) with regards to the usage of the actual faculties we possess.

Relatedly, the Irish literary icon William Butler Yeats once suggested, “The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.” If not sharper then considerably more refned, receptive and engaging of their surroundings; seeking and discovering of things that have been discarded or simply overlooked by a mainstream culture that is driven by superfciality, and the shallowest of distractions. “Beware of the rabble,” once warned Friedrich Nietzsche, “for one day they might become master and drown all time in shallow waters.”

The downside to living in a technologically advanced age is that we easily fall for the assumption that everything can be known or at least ‘looked up’, and that all knowledge has been mapped and made clear. Which might be how things are – but in a very limited sense, a sense that lulls us into not having to think (for ourselves) or use our faculties beyond the restricted reaches of mere popular consensus. Which doesn’t have to be the case. A map of sorts for fnding our way back (to the promise of our full potential) was given by Virginia Woolf, who once refected, “For ourselves, who are ordinary men and women, let us return thanks to Nature for her bounty by using every one of the senses she has given us.” Senses that can increase, if not restore the quality, depth and full agency of our lives in ways we can barely imagine.

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North Coast general practices lead the nation in nurse-led care

Jef Gibbs

North Coast general practices are leading the nation in nurse-led care, with a record number of local clinics taking part in a national program to expand the role of primary health nurses.

Healthy North Coast is marking 18 months of successful nurse-led clinics, with 13 general practices in its region enrolled in the Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association’s (APNA) Building Nurse Capacity (BNC) program. Of the 38 practices taking part nationally, one-third are on the North Coast, the strongest uptake in the country and a clear sign of the region’s commitment to strengthening primary care.

Under the BNC program, practices receive 18 months of expert support from APNA to design and deliver nurse-led models of care tailored to local needs. Clinics focus on one of fve priority health areas – cardiovascular health, diabetes, cancer control (with a screening and prevention focus), injury prevention and healthy ageing, and mental health – backed by $12,000 in co-sponsorship funding from APNA and Healthy North Coast to

help establish services.

Healthy North Coast CEO Monika Wheeler said the initiative was already transforming care for patients while easing pressure on busy GPs.

“Over the past 18 months, we’ve seen some truly wonderful and innovative nurseled clinics come to life across the North Coast,” Ms Wheeler said. “From chronic disease support to preventative health and healthy ageing, our nurses have designed services that respond directly to community needs at a time when GP shortages remain a challenge.”

APNA CEO Stephen Duns, who visited the region this week, said the BNC program –funded by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing under the Nursing in Primary Health Care Program –showed the potential of nurse-delivered, teambased models of care to boost access and health outcomes.

“Over the last decade, we’ve helped nurses set up almost a hundred clinics around Australia that have had a real impact on local access to health care and the wellbeing of their communities,” Mr Duns said. “If we break

down barriers, we know that nurses can do more for the health of their communities.”

Across the North Coast, thousands of patients have already been seen through BNC-funded nurse-led clinics, with services ranging from chronic disease management to preventative and healthy ageing support. Two local practices – Kingsclif Health and Cofs Medical Centre – have been recognised among the top-performing clinics nationally and awarded a six-month funding extension.

At Cofs Medical Centre, Chronic Disease Coordinator Kayley Meredith has led the development of a Healthy Ageing Clinic under the program. Since opening in August 2024, the clinic has seen more than 900 patients, ofering home visits, tailored chronic disease support and handson guidance through the My Aged Care system.

“Our proactive, personcentred approach is not only improving patient outcomes but also fostering greater health equity,” Ms Meredith said. “Nurses are at the forefront, delivering holistic care that extends beyond traditional general practice, and the

clinic’s success shows that innovative nurse-led models can both meet urgent community needs and remain fnancially sustainable.”

Healthy North Coast says it will continue working with APNA and local practices to build the primary health nursing workforce and maintain access to quality care across the region.

North Coast general practices participating in the BNC program and their priority areas are: Alstonville Clinic (diabetes), Bangalow Medical Centre (diabetes), Cabarita Beach Medical (diabetes), Cofs Medical Centre (healthy ageing and injury prevention), Kingsclif Health (healthy ageing and injury prevention), Lismore GP Super Clinic (mental health), Long Flat Outreach Medical Service (cardiovascular health), Maclean Medical (diabetes), Mullumbimby Medical Centre (cancer control), O Plus Health Grafton (cardiovascular health), Ocean Shores Medical Centre (cardiovascular health), Port Macquarie Wound Care Clinic (healthy ageing and injury prevention) and Queen Street Medical Centre (cardiovascular health).

Time and distance are no barriers

Title: Dragonfy in Amber

Author: Diana Gabaldon

Price: $16.09

Distributor: Amazon

Continuing on with the Outlander series we are now at the second book so named above.

By now, if you have read Outlander (the frst book) you will be familiar with Claire Randall and her hop, skip and jump back in time to 18th century Scotland.

It is here she met the handsome Jamie Fraser and despite being married in her own time, Claire marries and falls pregnant to Jamie.

The time-mismatched couple work to try and stop the Jacobite uprising, using Claire’s advantage of knowing what the future holds for the rebels.

She is aware slaughter is coming and encourages Jamie to try and stop it, but as so often happens, the events are bigger than

this lovelorn couple and despite their attempts, the uprising continues. In another quirk of fate, just as the Scottish rebellion at the Battle of Culloden has gotten underway, Jamie makes sure Claire gets away and she manages to fnd her way back to her modern husband.

For the next 20 years, Claire keeps her secret, although you have to hand it to her frst husband, Frank, he knows she has been up to shenanigans but chooses to help Claire raise the daughter she came back with from her mysterious disappearance.

When Frank dies, however, Claire has some major decisions she wants to make and that includes trying to fnd out if Jamie survived the battle that nearly destroyed the Scottish culture.

If he is alive, can she/ should she go back? Dragonfy in Amber is available through amazon.com.au

Major Safety Upgrade Begins on

Ballina’s Critical Evacuation Routes

Jef Gibbs

A major infrastructure program to strengthen two of Ballina’s most critical evacuation routes is now moving into its next phase, with duplication works for Fishery Creek Bridge and Canal Bridge progressing toward construction. The upgrades will signifcantly improve access, safety and emergency resilience across the Ballina Shire. The bridges on River Street and Tamarind Drive serve as essential lifelines for communities travelling to and from Ballina Island. During foods, bushfres or other disasters, the routes become crucial evacuation corridors — and reducing congestion has long been a priority for Ballina Shire Council.

Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader said the project will ensure residents have safer and more dependable access when it matters most.

“These bridges are lifelines for our community during major food events, and strengthening them has been a long-standing priority for Council,” Cr Cadwallader said. “The duplications will ease congestion, improve travel times and deliver safer, more reliable access for residents every day, and critically during emergencies.”

The Mayor also thanked the State and Federal governments for backing a project of such importance to the Northern Rivers.

Contract Awarded and Design Phase Underway Ballina Shire Council

has awarded the contract for the dual-bridge duplication to Quickway Constructions, marking a major milestone for the multi-year project.

Under the contract, Quickway Constructions will:

Deliver two new parallel bridges at Fishery Creek and Canal Bridge, creating four lanes of trafc to and from Ballina Island.

Upgrade road approaches to match the expanded bridges.

Improve pedestrian and cycleway connections to support active transport.

Major construction for this stage is scheduled to start in February 2026 at both locations, with completion expected in the second half of 2027

Boosting Flood Resilience

As part of the planning phase, Council publicly exhibited the Review of Environmental Factors for each bridge to gather community feedback. Raising the road sections and duplicating the

Electric Bus Trials Deliver Strong Results Ahead of World Sustainable Transport Day

Robert Heyward

Transport for NSW has released promising new data from its ongoing Zero Emission Bus Program, showing strong performance from 12 electric buses currently operating across fve regional trial sites, including the Tweed. The update comes as the globe marks World Sustainable Transport Day on Wednesday, 26 November.

The regional trials, running for up to 18 months depending on location, have been underway in Tweed, Armidale, Narrabri, Queanbeyan and Deniliquin, with the goal of determining which technologies are best suited to the diverse conditions of regional New South Wales.

Across the trials, the electric buses have logged 1,627 bus days and travelled more than 300,000 kilometres, averaging around 200 kilometres per bus per day. Importantly, the vehicles have already prevented more than 200 tonnes of tailpipe carbon

emissions from entering the atmosphere—an early milestone in Transport for NSW’s goal of achieving a net-zero feet by 2035 Energy Efciency and Performance Surpassing Expectations

One of the standout fndings from the trial is the strong performance of regenerative braking, a system that allows buses to recover energy while slowing down or travelling downhill.

Transport says this has reduced running costs across all environments, reinforcing the benefts of transitioning away from diesel.

The data also indicates that unsealed roads have

little to no impact on the buses’ efciency—an important consideration for regional communities where road conditions vary widely.

Passengers Respond Positively

Passenger feedback has been overwhelmingly favourable, with 80 per cent of surveyed customers reporting satisfaction, citing quieter operation, comfort and smoother rides.

Although the Armidale and Tweed trials were originally scheduled for 18 months, all buses will now continue operating until at least the end of Term 1, 2026, allowing further data collection and

refnement.

A Major Step Toward Net Zero Transport Transport for NSW Executive Director of Public Transport Andrew Milne said the results demonstrate the potential for electric vehicles well beyond metropolitan areas.

“We are committed to increasing sustainability in the regions… We are cautiously optimistic about these results and confdent continuing the trial will deliver valuable insights,”

Mr Milne said.

He noted that the transport sector accounts for around 25 per cent of global CO₂ emissions, and shifting more journeys to electric modes is essential to protecting the planet.

Milne also urged pedestrians to remain alert around the new, quieter buses—especially when crossing roads.

World Sustainable Transport Day, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2023, highlights the vital role that safe, reliable and lowemission transport plays in community wellbeing and climate action.

structures will increase trafc capacity and create more reliable evacuation options during severe fooding.

The project forms a key component of building a more resilient transport network for the region.

Signifcant National Investment

The dual-bridge duplication is supported by $40 million from the

Australian Government’s Emergency Response Fund, administered through the NSW Reconstruction Authority’s Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program

Residents can access project updates and sign up for the newsletter at: ballina.nsw.gov. au/BallinaBridge Duplications

Man Charged as Alleged Accessory to Fatal Fairy Hill Crash

Jef Gibbs

A 44-year-old Casino man has been charged after an ongoing police investigation into a fatal crash at Fairy Hill earlier this year. The charges follow months of work by detectives from the Crash Investigation Unit under Strike Force Gibbons. Emergency services were called to Droneys Bridge Road, Fairy Hill, about 10pm on 26 March 2025, after reports of a single-vehicle crash. When ofcers from Richmond Police District arrived, they found a vehicle submerged in the Richmond River Police believe the vehicle left the roadway before entering the water. The alleged driver, a 23-year-old woman, managed to free herself and was uninjured. With assistance from NSW SES and Police Rescue, the vehicle was recovered, and the bodies of two men—aged 26 and 27 were found inside. The scene was declared a crime scene, and specialist crash investigators launched Strike Force Gibbons to examine the circumstances of the fatal incident. As part of those inquiries, the 23-yearold alleged driver was previously charged and remains before the courts. Following further investigation, ofcers arrested a 44-year-old man at a Summerland Way home in Casino about 7.20pm on Tuesday. He was taken to Casino Police Station and charged with being an accessory after the fact to dangerous driving occasioning death and breach of bail Police will allege the man attempted to help the driver evade arrest and interfered with the ongoing investigation.

Canal Bridge Tamarind Drive July 2025 photo supplied ©

Times The Northern Rivers Times

ENTERTAINMENT

December 04, 2025

REVIEW: PAW Patrol Christmas 2025

A Festive Five-Star Treat for the Whole Family

Jef Gibbs

Paw Patrol Christmas delivers exactly what fans hope for during the festive season: warmth, excitement, teamwork, and a sprinkling of snowy magic. This holiday adventure is bright, colourful and full of heart, making it a perfect seasonal watch for kids and nostalgic grown-ups alike.

The Plot Adventure Bay is gearing up for Christmas when—of course—something goes terribly wrong. When Mayor Humdinger and his loyal (yet bumbling) kittens accidentally derail Santa’s sleigh during a misguided attempt to “improve” Christmas, the entire North Pole operation is thrown into chaos. Santa’s magic crystals scatter across Adventure Bay, the reindeer are missing, and time is running out.

Cue Ryder and the pups, who charge into action with festive gear, glowing lights and their ever-trusty motto: “No job is too big, no pup

is too small!”

The mission expands into multiple mini-quests: tracking down the reindeer, repairing Santa’s sleigh with Rocky’s recycling magic, and retrieving the lost crystals before Christmas morning. Along the way, there are snowstorms, slippery antics, a runaway sleigh, and a surprising appearance from Santa Paws. The pups learn the true meaning of teamwork, generosity and forgiveness—especially when Humdinger needs rescuing... again.

Cast

The regular Paw Patrol cast returns, bringing their signature charm:

• Ryder – voiced by Finn Lee-Epp

• Chase – Justin Paul Kelly

• Marshall – Kingsley Marshall

• Skye – Mckenna Grace / Lilly Bartlam (depending on region)

• Rubble – Keegan Hedley

• Rocky – Callum Shoniker

• Zuma – Shayle Simons

• Mayor Humdinger – Ron

SCREENINGS

HARD (M CULT VAULT Mon: 6:00PM MY BROTHER'S BAND M) Fri, Sat, Sun: 4:00PM

RENTAL FAMILY (M Wed: 6:30PM

ROYAL BALLET: CINDERELLA CTC) Sun: 1:00PM. Wed: 11:00AM

THE DOORS: WHEN YOU'RE STRANGE (M) Thurs: 6:15PM. Sun: 3:50PM FAMILY FILMS

ZOOTOPIA 2 PG NFT Daily except Sat, Wed: 10:30AM, 12:45PM, 2:00PM, 3:00PM, 5:15PM. Sat: 10:30AM, 12:45PM, 2:00PM, 3:00PM, 6:15PM. Wed: 10:30AM, 12:45PM, 2:15PM, 3:00PM, 5:15PM

Pardo

• Santa Claus – Featuring a warm, charismatic performance that fts perfectly into the Paw Patrol universe

The voice work remains energetic and heartfelt, making each pup instantly recognisable and full of personality.

Interesting Facts

• New Holiday Gear: This special debuts custom festive uniforms and gadgets, including Chase’s shimmering snow-map visor and Skye’s candycane powered jet boosters.

• First Appearance of Santa Paws: Fans are treated to the debut of Santa Paws—a magical canine counterpart to Santa who helps guide the pups on their mission.

• Real Winter Sounds: Foley artists used real snow, ice blocks and sleigh bells to give the sound design extra holiday authenticity.

• Environmental Message: Rocky’s sleigh repairs use entirely recycled materials,

ALL FILMS

BUGONIA (MA15+) Thurs: 1:20PM, 8:40PM. Fri, Sat: 12:50PM, 8:40PM. Sun: 12:30PM, 8:40PM. Mon, Tues: 10:30AM, 12:50PM, 8:20PM. Wed: 10:30AM, 12:50PM, 8:50PM

CARELESS PG) NFT Daily: 4:20PM

DEAD OF WINTER (MA15+) NFT Thurs: 11:10AM, 8:30PM. Fri: 10:40AM, 8:40PM. Sat: 10:40AM. Sun: 10:20AM. Mon, Tues, Wed: 10:40AM, 3:30PM, 8:40PM

DIE, MY LOVE MA15+ Daily: 8:40PM

ETERNITY (M) NFT

Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun: 10:45AM, 4:00PM, 6:20PM. Mon, Tues, Wed: 10:45AM, 1:00PM, 4:00PM, 6:20PM FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY'S 2 (M NFT

Thurs, Wed: 1:40PM, 4:00PM, 5:00PM, 8:10PM. Fri: 10:50AM, 1:40PM,

boosting the show’s subtle sustainability themes.

Full Summary

The story begins with a gorgeous cinematic shot of Adventure Bay dusted in snow, with townsfolk preparing for the lighting of the giant Christmas tree. Meanwhile, up at the North Pole, Santa is checking his list when Mayor Humdinger attempts to create the “world’s greatest Christmas takeover.” His chaos knocks Santa from the sky, sending the sleigh crashing near Adventure Bay.

When Ryder discovers Santa stranded, he immediately dispatches the pups. Chase leads the search for the reindeer, Skye scouts the region from above, Rocky begins rebuilding the sleigh, Rubble clears blocked paths, and Zuma dives into the icy bay to retrieve a lost crystal. Marshall, of course, slips his way through the chaos but manages some surprisingly heroic saves.

As the clock ticks, the pups rally Humdinger and

5:00PM, 8:10PM. Sat: 10:50AM, 1:40PM, 5:00PM, 8:40PM. Sun: 10:50AM, 2:40PM, 5:15PM, 8:10PM. Mon, Tues: 1:40PM, 4:00PM, 5:00PM, 6:00PM, 8:10PM

JUJUTSU KAISEN: EXECUTION MA15+ NFT Daily except Sun, Wed: 3:45PM, 6:15PM. Sun: 4:10PM, 6:15PM. Wed: 4:30PM, 6:15PM

NOW YOU SEE ME: NOW YOU DON'T (M) Thurs, Fri, Sat, Mon: 10:30AM, 8:40PM. Sun: 10:30AM, 6:10PM, 8:40PM. Tues: 10:30AM, 6:00PM, 8:20PM. Wed: 10:30AM, 6:25PM, 8:45PM

NUREMBERG (M NFT

Daily except Sun, Mon: 10:45AM, 1:00PM, 5:45PM, 7:15PM. Sun: 10:45AM, 1:00PM, 7:30PM, 8:15PM. Mon: 10:00AM, 1:00PM, 5:45PM, 7:15PM ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER M) Daily except Sun: 1:50PM

the kittens to put aside their mischief and help. This unexpected cooperation becomes one of the special’s sweetest moments.

With the sleigh rebuilt and Santa Paws appearing to lend a magical paw, the pups ignite the sleigh’s lights, herd the reindeer and send Santa back into the night sky—just in time for Christmas.

The episode ends with

SPRINGSTEEN: DELIVER ME FROM NOWHERE M) Thurs, Mon, Tues: 10:30AM, 8:40PM. Fri, Sat, Sun, Wed: 8:40PM TWIGGY M) NFT Daily except Sat, Sun: 3:50PM, 6:15PM. Sat: 3:50PM, 8:15PM. Sun: 1:50PM, 6:15PM, 8:10PM WAKE UP DEAD MAN: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY M) Daily except Thurs, Wed: 11:00AM, 1:10PM, 5:50PM. Thurs: 11:00AM, 1:10PM. Wed: 10:30AM, 1:10PM, 5:50PM WICKED: FOR GOOD PG Thurs: 11:00AM, 1:00PM, 3:45PM, 7:30PM, 8:15PM. Fri, Mon, Tues: 11:00AM, 1:00PM, 3:15PM, 7:30PM, 8:15PM. Sat: 11:00AM, 1:00PM, 3:15PM, 6:10PM, 8:30PM. Sun: 11:30AM, 3:00PM, 5:50PM, 7:30PM. Wed: 11:00AM, 1:30PM, 3:15PM, 7:30PM, 8:15PM

Bay’s tree lighting, snowfall, and a heartfelt thank-you message from Santa.

FINAL VERDICT: «««««

Paw Patrol Christmas is everything a holiday special should be—fun, fast-paced, uplifting and full of festive sparkle. Perfect for families, young fans, and anyone wanting a cheerful seasonal escape.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL ( 1938 ) (CTC) MATINEE MEMORIES Wed: 10:00AM ANDRÉ RIEU'S 2025 CHRISTMAS CONCERT CTC) Sat, Sun: 1:00PM HAMNET (CTC BRITISH CLOSING Sun: 1:00PM, 6:30PM DEAD OF WINTER (MA15+) Thurs, Fri, Mon, Tues: 9:50AM. Wed: 12:45PM ETERNITY (M NFT Thurs, Fri, Wed: 3:00PM, 7:40PM. Sat: 9:50AM, 7:40PM. Sun: 10:20AM, 7:40PM. Mon, Tues: 12:30PM, 3:00PM, 7:40PM

FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY'S 2 (M NFT Daily except Sat, Sun: 12:00PM, 5:30PM, 7:45PM. Sat, Sun: 2:50PM, 5:30PM, 7:45PM

WAKE UP DEAD MAN: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY (M Daily except Sat, Sun: 4:30PM

WICKED: FOR GOOD PG Daily except Sat, Sun: 9:45AM, 2:40PM, 7:30PM. Sat: 10:15AM, 4:10PM, 7:30PM. Sun: 10:10AM, 3:40PM ZOOTOPIA 2 (PG) Daily except Sat, Sun: 10:00AM, 12:20PM, 2:10PM, 5:20PM. Sat: 10:00AM, 12:20PM, 5:20PM. Sun: 10:00AM, 12:30PM, 5:20PM

Adventure

PALACE BYRON BAY

BALLINA FAIR CINEMAS

PUZZLES

TIME FOR TRIVIA

Place the digits 1 to 9 in the blue squares, so that all 6 equations are correct. Multiplication and/or division are performed rst, in whichever order they appear –followed by addition and/or subtraction, in whichever order they appear.

WHICH WORDS

Which is the correct meaning for these words?

1 DELITESCENT

(a) Concealed

(b) Highly pleased (c) Failing in duty

2 IMPRECATE

(a) To involve as being concerned (b) To fix firmly in the mind

(c) To curse

3 JOCOSE (a) Humorous

(b) Humdrum

(c) Inclined to make judgments

4 MARTINET

(a) Someone undergoing severe suffering

(b) A rigid disciplinarian

(c) A puppet moved by strings

5 VERSANT

(a) A mountain slope

(b) A little verse

(c) A Russian measure of distance

1 Georges Seurat was a famous artist from which century? (a) 20th century (b) 19th century (c) 18th century (d) 17th century

2 In the cartoon duo, Rocky and Bullwinkle, what type of animal is Rocky? (a) Fox (b) Dog (c) Moose (d) Squirrel

3 El Alto is one of the largest cities in which South American country? (a) Brazil (b) Chile (c) Bolivia (d) Uruguay

4 Which layer of Earth’s atmosphere is directly above the thermosphere? (a) Mesosphere (b) Exosphere (c) Stratosphere (d) Troposphere

5 In relation to sea vessels, what is a wale? (a) Thick plank of wood (b) Distress signal flag (c) Light piece of rope (d) Iron or steel pole

6 The Raggiana Bird-ofparadise is the national bird of which country? (a) New Zealand (b) Fiji (c) Solomon Islands (d) Papua New Guinea

WEEKLY CROSSWORD

BEST ON THE BOX

SUNDAY

KEN BURNS’ THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

SBS, 8.30pm

A chapter of history that’s been in the spotlight recently thanks to hit Broadway musical Hamilton, the American Revolution has also taken over the past decade of proli c lmmaker Ken Burns’ life. The result is this monumental six-part series, which takes 12 hours to chronicle a con ict that engaged more than two dozen nations and changed the world forever. Kenneth Branagh, Michael Keaton and Laura Linney are among the stars lending their voices to the series’ reconstructions. Sunday’s rst chapter begins in May 1754, when opposition to colonial rule in North America escalates into violence and unites 13 colonies against a common enemy.

FRIDAY, December 5

MONDAY

BIG BROTHER AUSTRALIA

TEN, 7.30pm

Just long enough to prove that the reality format still works, but enough to leave viewers wanting more, 10’s short-and-sweet reboot of the ultimate social experiment arrives at its conclusion on Monday. This nostalgic treat combined almost all the things fans missed most –a house at Dreamworld, Mike Goldman’s narration and live streaming – with new and exciting elements: chie host Mel Tracina (right). Taking the unpredictable nature of live TV (that is, torrential rain) in her stride, the Seats favourite has proven herself one of the most capable presenters around. The public has more say than ever when it comes to choosing tonight’s winner, but it’s Tracina who’s come out on top.

WEDNESDAY

CRIME

SBS, 9.25pm

ABC TV (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (6)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Portrait Artist Of The Year. (PG, R) 11.05 The Forsytes. (PG, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 The Newsreader. (Madl, R) 2.00 Grand Designs Australia. (PG, R) 3.00

QI. (PG, R) 3.30 Forever Summer With Nigella. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs New Zealand. (R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (R) 5.25 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6.00 WorldWatch. 7.30 France 24 English News. 8.00 DD India News Hour. 9.15 Outta Town Adventures. (PG, R) 10.15 Leave No Trace. 11.10 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 MOVIE: Rewards For The Tribe. (2023) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Unwheel Adventures. (PGal, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.25 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.

7.30 Gardening Australia. (Final) Sophie Thomson strolls through a garden symphony.

8.30 Maigret. (Mv) Maigret is hunting the killer of an innocent student when Countess Sophie begs him for help.

9.25 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Tom Gleeson grills four fan favourites who are experts on topics in a comedic quiz show.

9.55 Crime Night! (PG, R) Hosted by Julia Zemiro.

10.25 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)

10.55 ABC Late News.

11.10 Silent Witness. (MA15+, R)

12.15 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)

5.00 Rage. (PG)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 MOVIE: Strange Journey: Story Of Rocky Horror. (2025) Charts the history of The RockyHorrorShow. Tim Curry.

9.05 Discovering Film: Diane Keaton.

A tribute to the late Diane Keaton.

10.00 Rock Legends: Chicago. (PGa)

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 Sisi. (MA15+s, R)

12.00 Tokyo Vice. (MA15+s, R)

2.15 Soldiers. (MA15+av, R)

3.00 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG, R)

4.00 FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Draw.

5.40 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

Dougray Scott (right) returns as tormented Scottish detective Ray Lennox in this crime drama that’s every bit as gritty and compelling as Luther

This small-screen adaptation of Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh’s novel of the same name follows Lennox as he grapples with dodgy characters alongside his own personal demons. Season two picks up as he returns to his job at Edinburgh Serious Crimes, keen to show that he’s fully recovered from a breakdown triggered by bringing serial killer Mr Confectioner (John Simm) to justice in rst instalment. When one of his former colleagues is attacked, Lennox once again becomes embroiled in a ba ing case where nothing is as it seems.

(8, 80)

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 10.30 Cricket. Women’s Big Bash League. Match 36. Melbourne Renegades v Sydney Sixers. 2.00 The Ashes: Pre-Game Show. 3.00 Cricket. The Ashes. Second Test. Australia v England. Day 2. Afternoon session. 5.00 The Ashes: Tea Break. 5.40 Cricket. The Ashes. Second Test. Australia v England. Day 2. Evening session. 6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra Summer. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Golf. PGA Tour of Australasia. Australian Open. Second round. 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG, R) Hosted by Todd Woodbridge.

6.00 7News Local. 6.30 7News @ 6:30. 7.00 Cricket. The Ashes. Second Test. Australia v England. Day 2. Evening session.

7.40 The Ashes: Dinner Break. Takes a look at the day’s play so far.

8.00 Cricket. The Ashes. Second Test. Australia v England. Day 2. Late evening session.

10.30 Un ltered: Cricket. (PG) Glenn Maxwell discusses his cricketing career.

11.00 Why Ships Crash. (PGa, R)

A look at the Suez Canal blockage.

12.10 Miniseries: Any Human Heart. (Premiere, Malns)

1.10 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

5.00 NBC Today.

7TWO (62) VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 11.30 Wiggle And Learn. 12.35pm Millie Magni cent. 1.10 Octonauts. 2.45 TBA. 3.00 Play School. 3.40 Fizzy And Suds. 4.10 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 4.25 Super Monsters. 5.30 Peter Rabbit. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.25 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.00 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.30 Hard Quiz Kids. 9.00 Robot Wars. 10.00 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Morning Programs. Noon DW The Day. 12.30 Deep Fake Neighbour Wars. 1.20 History’s Greatest Of All-Time With Peyton Manning. 2.10 The Bee Whisperer. 3.00 Bamay. 3.35 BBC News At Ten. 4.05 France 24. 4.35 PBS News. 5.35 If You Are The One. 6.35 Jeopardy! 7.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Virgin Island. 10.20 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. 11.15 What It Feels Like For A Girl. 1.15am Letterkenny. 2.30 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. 6am The Zoo. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Animal Rescue. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 DVine Living. 1.30 Escape To The Country. 2.30 The Zoo. 3.00 The Great Australian Doorstep. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Better Homes. 5.00 Escape To The Country. 6.00 Bargain Hunt. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. 8.30

7MATE (64) SBS MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 1.10pm Dr Karl’s

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current A air.

7.30 Find My Beach House Australia. Hosted by Shelley Craft. 8.30 MOVIE: Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom. (2023, Mav) Aquaman must forge an alliance with his imprisoned brother to save Atlantis. Jason Momoa, Patrick Wilson, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. 11.00 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av, R) Stabler uncovers a human tra cking operation.

11.50 MOVIE: Sons Of Summer. (2023, MA15+alv, R) Isabel Lucas.

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Postcards Summer. (PG, R)

9GO! (83) 6am Paris Can Wait. Continued. (2016, PG) 7.25 Del n. (2019, Spanish) 9.10 Another Mother’s Son. (2017, PG) 11.05 Begin Again. (2013, M) 1pm Best Sellers. (2021, M) 2.55 The Movie Show. 4.05 Sidonie In Japan. (2023, PG, French) 5.55 Clockwatchers. (1997, PG) 7.40 Bring It On. (2000, PG) 9.30 Gremlins. (1984, M) 11.30 All The Old Knives. (2022, MA15+) 1.25am Everybody’s Fine. (2009) 3.15 Last Cab To Darwin. (2015, M) 5.30 Clockwatchers. (1997, PG)

6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 Big Rigs Of Oz. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.00 Bewitched. 10.30 Jeannie. 11.00 The West Wing. Noon Pretty Little Liars. 2.00 Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 MOVIE: The Wizard Of Oz. (1939) 9.35 MOVIE:

(5)

6.00 10 News+. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 7.30 Big Brother Australia. (Malns) Hosted by Mel Tracina. 8.30 Sam Pang Tonight. (Mals, R) A weekly tonight show hosted by Sam Pang, featuring a monologue roasting the news of the week.

9.30 The Graham Norton Show. (PGls, R) Graham Norton is joined on the couch by guests including Timothée Chalamet, Colman Domingo and Andrew Gar eld. 10.40 10’s Late News. 11.05 10 News+. (R) 12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R)

COMEDY (52)

TARGET TIME

E M I

K E

RT O

Today’s target: 8 words average 10 words good 13+ words excellent

Find words of four letters or more. Every word must include the centre letter and each letter is used once only. Find at least one nine-letter word. No colloquial or foreign words, capitalised nouns, apostrophes, hyphens. No verbs or plural words ending in ‘s’. Solution list is not exhaustive. Ref: Macquarie Dictionary

STARS & PUZZLES

ASTROLOGY with Joanne Madeline Moore

ARIES (Mar 21 - Apr 19)

Mercury is moving forwards, so it’s time to communicate your creative ideas with extra pizazz, dream mind-blowing dreams, and/or make connections with folk from foreign shores. But – with the Sun, Venus, Mars and the Super Full Moon in your wanderlust zones – many restless Rams will feel cooped up, housebound and a bit stir-crazy. Pull on your travelling shoes and escape on a weekend getaway or plan an adventurous trip for sometime soon.

TAURUS (Apr 20 - May 20)

The Super Full Moon urges you to shine a spotlight on financial matters and personal values. Do you need to let go of certain people, possessions or attitudes that have passed their use-bydate? With the Sun, Full Moon, Venus and Mars activating your money zones, be careful your main form of entertainment isn’t shopping. Your bank balance (and budget) won’t appreciate a shop-till-you-drop kind of week. Saturday night favours socialising with loved ones.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 20)

It’s a good week for Geminis. Mercury is moving forwards – yeah! And on Thursday night/Friday morning there’s a Super Full Moon in your sign, leading to increased energy and motivation. Then, on the weekend, Mercury (your patron planet) makes a lovely link with prosperity planet Jupiter. So, Lady Luck is heading your way! If you want to get ahead, then strive to work smarter, not just harder. Your natural charm and generosity will win people over.

CANCER (June 21 - July 22)

This week there’s a Super Full Moon in your self-sabotage zone, which could dent your Crab confidence, dampen your enthusiasm, and/or make you doubt your intuition. Don’t dwell on the negatives! Hold your head high, tune into your intuition and trust your inner judgement. Be inspired by fellow Cancerian, Princess Diana: “I work on instinct. It’s my best advisor.” The weekend is a wonderful time for joyful celebrations and philosophical conversations.

LEO (July 23 - Aug 22)

With the Super Full Moon stimulating your hopes-and-wishes zone, it’s important to dream a dream, turn it into a goal, and then make it happen. So, your motto is from birthday great Walt Disney (born on December 5, 1901): “All your dreams can come true, if you have the courage to pursue them.” It’s also a good week to plan a party, book a massage, attend a concert, see an exhibition, organise a night at the movies or a lunch date with friends.

VIRGO (Aug 23 - Sep 22)

The buzzword for the week is Communication, as Mercury (your patron planet) is now moving forwards in your neighborhood and conversation zones. Expect increased social interaction and activities within your local community. The Super Full Moon lights up your career zone as you shine on the professional stage. Then the Mercury/ Jupiter trine (on the weekend) is wonderful for conversation, education and networking within your extended peer group.

LIBRA (Sep 23 - Oct 22)

Mercury is moving forwards in your money zone, so a financial problem should start to ease. With the Super Full Moon in your aspirations zone, and bountiful Jupiter in your career zone, it’s time to dream ambitious dreams for the future. Don’t hold yourself back with negative thinking or limiting beliefs. Inspiration for the week comes from birthday great, film producer and entrepreneur Walt Disney: “First, think. Second, believe. Third, dream. And finally, dare.”

SCORPIO (Oct 23 - Nov 21)

This week the Super Full Moon highlights a close relationship, shared finances or a joint venture. Secrets and issues of loyalty could also be placed under the microscope, as you discover whether your trust in someone has been well-placed. And prepare for a welcome burst of Scorpio creativity and energy as Mercury is now moving forwards in your sign. Lucky opportunities could magically manifest, especially via a family member or an international connection.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 - Dec 21)

Jupiter (your ruling planet) and Mercury (which is now direct) activate your money-from-others zone. So – over the next few months – expect a boost to your bank balance via a pay rise, work bonus, bumper tax return, inheritance, superannuation payout or extra business. Any windfall won’t last long if you don’t manage it wisely though. The late week Super Full Moon focuses on a close relationship as passions fire up, or a problem comes to a head.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 - Jan 19)

Mercury is now moving forwards in your hopesand-wishes zone, while the Sun, Venus and Mars are visiting your spirituality zone. Which favours meditation, contemplation, relaxation and investigation as you solve a problem, get to the bottom of a mystery or imagine a fabulous new dream. Then the Super Full Moon shines a spotlight on physical and mental wellbeing as you (ideally) eat more healthily, think more positively and exercise more often.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 - Feb 18)

With the Sun, Venus, Mars and the Super Full Moon all activating your networking and friendship zones, it’s time to communicate and connect (creatively, cooperatively and proactively) with family, friends, colleagues, clients and/or customers. You have the ability to influence people in positive ways as you employ charm, encouragement and praise to get others onside. The weekend Mercury/Jupiter trine promises an overall sense of wellbeing.

PISCES (Feb 19 - Mar 20)

Mercury is moving forwards in your adventure zone, which is good news for Piscean travel plans, long holidays and weekend getaways. Plus – with the Sun, Venus and Mars all transiting through your career zone – it’s a good week to be creatively proactive as you follow a professional dream. However – with the Super Full Moon firing up your home zone – don’t be so work-focused that you ignore your domestic life. If you do, expect there will be dramas!

Byron Council Refnes Plan for Special Entertainment Precinct Trial

Jef Gibbs

Byron Shire Council has moved a step closer to trialling a Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) in Byron Bay, voting this week to continue the proposal while reducing the size of the precinct to concentrate activity in the heart of the town centre. At its November meeting, councillors reviewed a detailed report summarising community feedback on key issues including safety, noise, anti-social behaviour, transport, cultural activity and Byron’s evolving identity. The consultations showed a clear message: residents do not want a return to Byron Bay’s former “party central” reputation.

Mayor Ndiaye said the community’s expectations strongly shape the direction of the trial.

“Council’s interest in a trial Special Entertainment Precinct is grounded in creating a safer town centre after dark and opening up more opportunities for creative and cultural events for people of all ages,” she said.

“Our community told us they want more creative events, they want to protect Byron Bay’s unique identity, and they would value more things to do in the early evening. We absolutely agree.” Clearer rules, safer streets

Under the SEP framework, venues would operate under consistent controls

relating to noise, trading hours, outdoor dining and live entertainment. The model also opens the door to new grant funding streams for town-centre safety upgrades, cultural activation, transport improvements and placemaking projects.

Mayor Ndiaye said the precinct is designed to support Byron’s creative energy while respecting the needs of residents.

“We know Byron has a strong creative community — artists, musicians, makers, small venues, performers and cultural groups. A structured framework gives us a better chance to support that creativity in a way that’s safe, respectful and true to Byron’s identity,” she said.

The Mayor also acknowledged public concerns around noise, alcohol availability and late-night impacts, noting that these matters would be carefully managed throughout the trial. Next steps and community input Council resolved to continue the process for a trial SEP while noting that the project may be halted at several checkpoints if it no longer aligns with community expectations.

The next major milestone will be lodging a Planning Proposal with the NSW Government in early 2026. If endorsed by the State, the Planning Proposal and a draft Precinct Management Plan will go on public exhibition,

giving residents, businesses and creative industries a key opportunity to ofer feedback and shape the fnal design.

Should the State approve a trial, a Precinct Working Group — made up of

residents, business owners and key stakeholders — will be established to ensure the trial refects community values. Expressions of Interest for the Working Group will open in early December.

Byron Cares Christmas Appeal Launched to Support Locals in Need

Jef Gibbs

Fletcher Street Cottage has launched its 2025 Byron Cares Christmas Appeal, urging the community to support vulnerable locals facing hardship, isolation and fnancial stress over the festive season.

For many, Christmas is a time of celebration, yet for others across the Byron Shire it can be a period of uncertainty and loneliness. The appeal aims to raise vital funds to ensure Fletcher Street Cottage can remain open and fully stafed throughout the Christmas and New Year period, providing meals, emergency relief, housing support and festive care for individuals and families doing it tough.

Fletcher Street Cottage Manager Damian Farrell said donations directly help people in crisis.

“Christmas can be incredibly difcult for the people we support. Your donation helps us stay

open, provide warm meals, housing assistance and a place to feel safe,” he said. This year’s appeal also

features The Giving Guide, a list of 12 essential items—from tents and sleeping bags to water bottles and sanitary packs—allowing donors to choose practical gifts that ofer dignity and comfort during summer.

The Cottage continues to operate as a vital support hub, ofering meals, showers, laundry facilities, personalised casework, advocacy and access to 25 visiting specialist services, including medical care, counselling and legal support.

Byron Community Centre Relationships Manager Bec Robinson said the appeal ensures support does not pause for Christmas.

“Every contribution

helps Fletcher Street Cottage provide care and connection at a time when many people feel most alone,” she said.

A special Christmas Breakfast with gifts and festive activities will be held on Christmas Eve for service users. Donors can also drop of new gifts at the Cottage until 24 December.

The appeal runs alongside the Byron Community Centre’s Kindness Tree and the already-fulflled Christmas Hamper Appeal, both reinforcing the region’s commitment to ensuring no one is left behind this festive season. Donations can be made at: www.

fetcherstreetcottage.com. au

Fletcher Street Cottage

Chicken Food Poisoning Warning as New Study Highlights Rising Risks Calls Grow for Urgent Overhaul of My Aged Care After Damning Review

Jef Gibbs

A new national foodsafety study has revealed that chicken remains one of Australia’s leading causes of food poisoning, with more than half of Australian adults still washing raw poultry before cooking — a habit that dramatically increases the risk of illness. The fndings have sparked concern across the Northern Rivers, where chicken is a staple in many households and homegrown produce gardens are common.

The Food Safety Information Council (FSIC) said 51 per cent of Australians continue to rinse raw chicken , mistakenly believing it makes the meat cleaner. Instead, experts warn the practice spreads dangerous bacteria such as Campylobacter and Salmonella across the kitchen, contaminating benches, utensils and

nearby foods. This is particularly concerning for families preparing meals in busy kitchens, where cross-contamination can occur in seconds.

The FSIC estimates that Australia experiences more than 4.6 million cases of food poisoning each year, resulting in tens of thousands of hospitalisations.

Local implications for Northern Rivers households

Food safety educators are reminding households across Lismore, Casino, Ballina and the Clarence Valley that chicken requires extra care at every step — from handling and storage to cooking. With summer approaching and outdoor entertaining increasing, experts say now is the time to brush up on safepreparation habits.

Northern Rivers dietitian

Melissa Andrews said the region’s warm, humid climate adds an extra layer of risk.

“Bacteria multiply faster in heat, so a forgotten tray of chicken left on the bench too long, especially on a 30-degree Ballina afternoon, can become unsafe quickly,” she said.

Key safety tips for home cooks

To reduce the risk of foodborne illness, authorities recommend:

• Never wash raw chicken. Washing splashes bacteria around the sink and benchtops.

• Use separate chopping boards for raw poultry and ready-to-eat foods.

• Defrost safely — in the fridge, microwave or sealed container to stop juices dripping onto other foods.

• Cook thoroughly. Chicken should reach at least 75°C internally, with no pink fesh remaining.

• Clean surfaces immediately after handling raw poultry. Andrews added that using a food thermometer is increasingly popular among home cooks wanting peace of mind.

“Inexpensive thermometers take the guesswork out. They’re a small investment that can prevent a very unpleasant illness,” she said.

A preventable problem

Despite the high number of annual food-poisoning cases, most outbreaks linked to chicken are entirely preventable with correct handling. Authorities are urging Northern Rivers families, cafés and home chefs to rethink old habits and adopt safer, sciencebacked practices.

As the FSIC notes, “If you stop washing raw chicken today, you make your kitchen safer instantly.”

Jef Gibbs

The nation’s peak advocacy body for older Australians says the Federal Government must urgently reform My Aged Care, following a scathing report from the InspectorGeneral of Aged Care that found the system is failing many older people who rely on it for essential support.

The fnal report, released this week, examined the efectiveness of My Aged Care as the singleentry point to Australia’s aged care system. It concluded that the platform is confusing, overly complex, poorly understood, and not ftfor-purpose—particularly for older people with diverse backgrounds, complex needs, or limited digital literacy.

The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) said the fndings align with what advocates across the country have been hearing for years.

OPAN CEO Craig Gear described the review as a necessary reality check.

“The report’s message is clear – My Aged Care is failing too many older people, who are left unable to navigate and access the support they need, when they need it,” he said.

“My Aged Care is meant to be the front door to the aged care system, but many older people are unable to fnd the front door or to step their way through it.”

Platform Too Complex for Older Australians

The review highlighted that many older people are unable to navigate the website and contact channels due to their complexity. The system also lacks dedicated, accessible in-person pathways for those who cannot rely on online services or long phone interactions.

Gear said the complexity

is particularly difcult for older Australians in remote areas—including communities across the Northern Rivers—where digital access, transport limitations, and language barriers heighten the risk of people falling through the cracks.

“Australia has an ageing population, and it is crucial that points of access to aged care cater to the needs of all older people, particularly those from diverse backgrounds and in remote locations,” he said.

First Use of Inspector-General’s Information Powers

OPAN participated fully in the review, providing anonymised data that demonstrated real-world examples of the barriers older people face. This marked the frst use of the Inspector-General’s new information-request powers, introduced as part of broader aged-care reforms.

While the My Aged Care website has undergone recent updates under the new Aged Care Act, OPAN says older people still report difculty fnding providers, comparing prices and understanding eligibility pathways.

A Call for Dignity, Accessibility and Reform

OPAN is calling on the government to adopt the report’s recommendations, which include improving public awareness, simplifying the system, and ensuring equitable access for all older Australians.

“Older people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Reforming My Aged Care would be a positive step in achieving that,” Gear said. The review is expected to inform the next phase of national aged-care reforms, with advocates urging swift action.

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Northeast China

Top Destinations, Budget Tips & Best Accommodation

Northeast China— known as Dongbei—is a fascinating blend of rugged landscapes, Russianinfuenced architecture, and hearty northern hospitality. Stretching across Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning provinces, it ofers travellers a glimpse into a side of China where winters are magical, forests endless, and history deeply intertwined with both Chinese and foreign legacies. From the icecarved wonders of Harbin to the volcanic lakes of Jilin, this region ofers an unforgettable journey through snow, culture, and resilience.

Top 5 Places to Visit

1. Harbin (Heilongjiang Province) – The “Ice City” comes alive every winter with the world-famous Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival. Explore St. Sophia Cathedral, Zhongyang Street’s Russian architecture, and enjoy a sleigh ride along the frozen Songhua River.

2. Shenyang (Liaoning Province) – Once the capital of the Qing Dynasty, Shenyang is rich with imperial history. Visit the Shenyang Imperial Palace, second only to Beijing’s Forbidden City, and the bustling Taiyuan Street for local shopping and cuisine.

3. Changchun (Jilin Province) – Known as the “City of Automobiles,” Changchun is home to China’s auto industry and the former Puppet Emperor’s Palace. Winter brings serene beauty to the Jingyuetan

National Forest Park, ideal for skiing and snow hiking.

4. Dalian (Liaoning Province) – A coastal gem with European charm, Dalian boasts sandy beaches, seafood markets, and wide plazas. In summer, it’s perfect for seaside walks and cable car rides over the hills of Tiger Beach Park.

5. Wudalianchi (Heilongjiang Province) – A geological wonder formed by volcanic eruptions, Wudalianchi ofers scenic crater lakes, mineral springs, and therapeutic mud baths, making it an ideal nature retreat.

Top 5 Deals & How to Save Money

• Winter Festival Packages: Book Harbin festival tickets and hotels together online for big savings.

• Train Travel: Use highspeed rail between major cities—cheaper and faster than fights.

• Local Street Food: Try Dongbei specialties like dumplings, candied hawthorn (tanghulu), and

hotpot for under ¥25.

• Travel Of-Peak: Visit in early spring or autumn for lower hotel rates and quieter attractions.

• City Cards: Buy local passes in Harbin or Dalian for discounted entry to museums and public transport.

5 Essential Travel Tips

• Dress for the Cold: Winters drop below –20°C; thermal wear, gloves, and waterproof boots are essential.

• Language Barrier: English is limited— carry a translation app or bilingual phrasebook.

• Cultural Etiquette: Dongbei locals are warm and direct—sharing food and toasts is part of hospitality.

• Local Transport: Use Didi or buses; taxis are inexpensive but confrm prices before rides.

• Health Precaution: Dry winters can cause dehydration—carry a thermos and stay warm. Best Ways to Get Around

The northeast’s highspeed rail network links Harbin, Changchun,

Shenyang, and Dalian efciently. Within cities, metro systems in Shenyang, Harbin, and Dalian make commuting easy. Buses and taxis are cheap, while bikesharing apps work well in warmer months. For remote destinations like Wudalianchi, chartered vans or local tours are the best options.

Conclusion

Northeast China is where snowfakes dance over imperial palaces and volcanoes meet frozen lakes. Its warm-hearted people, hearty cuisine, and captivating winter landscapes make it one of China’s most unique regions. Whether you’re chasing ice sculptures or soaking in volcanic springs, Dongbei promises an adventure as pure and enduring as its northern winter air.

For Australians, the government’s Smartraveller website provides advisories and warnings for over 175 destinations, with levels indicating risks like “Reconsider your need to travel” (Level 3) or “Do not travel” (Level 4)

Accommodation Options

• Luxury (5★): Shangri-La Hotel Harbin, Conrad Dalian – elegant comfort with panoramic views.

• Mid-range (4★): Holiday Inn Changchun, Softel Shenyang Lido – modern amenities and central locations.

• Budget (2–3★): Kaisa Youth Hostel Harbin, Dalian Lazy Cat Hostel – clean, cosy, and friendly.

Currency & Budget Considerations

The local currency is the Renminbi (RMB or Yuan, ¥)

• Luxury travellers: ¥1,800–2,500/day – 5★ hotels, private guides, and fne dining.

• Mid-range: ¥700–1,000/day – 3–4★ hotels, taxis, and local restaurants.

• Budget: ¥300–600/day – guesthouses, trains, and street food.

Is Australia Becoming a Nation of Renters? The Long Shift Changing How We Live

Jef Gibbs

Australia’s housing landscape is changing in ways that would have been unthinkable a generation ago. While homeownership remains the most common living arrangement, the steady rise in long-term renting — especially among younger adults — has sparked debate about whether the country is quietly moving toward a future where renting is the norm rather than the exception.

Younger Australians Falling Behind on the Homeownership Ladder

For decades, buying a home was an expected milestone achieved by most Australians before middle age. But that pattern is slipping. The current generation of young adults is purchasing later in life, taking on larger mortgages, or missing out on ownership entirely.

The fastest shift is occurring among Australians in their late 20s to late 30s. This age group once held one of the strongest footholds in the housing market. Today, many remain renters well into their 30s as rising property prices, high deposits and tighter lending standards make purchasing increasingly difcult. Even those who do buy are often taking out larger loans and paying them of more slowly.

This shift is signifcant because it reshapes the traditional “rent early, own later” pathway that defned previous generations. Fewer young

people are transitioning to homeownership, and those who do are doing so much later than their parents.

The Growing Dominance of the ‘Mortgage or Rent’ Household

Australia is not on the brink of becoming majority-renter anytime soon, but it is increasingly becoming a nation split between renters and those still paying of mortgages. Outright ownership — once the backbone of the housing system — is slowly shrinking.

Several factors are at play:

• People are taking out longer mortgages and repaying them later in life.

• Many Australians are entering the market at an older age, reducing the timeframe to own their home outright.

• A larger share of families, singles and couples are renting long-term, either through choice or necessity.

The combined group of renters and mortgaged homeowners is now the country’s dominant housing

tenure. This marks a major structural shift that will shape social and economic policy for decades.

Renting is No Longer a Temporary Stopover

One of the most striking changes is the rise in middle-aged renters. Renting is no longer confned to students, young professionals or people transitioning between homes. Increasingly, families with children, couples in their 40s and even older Australians are remaining in the rental system.

This trend refects not only afordability pressures but also social changes. More Australians delay settling down, move more frequently for work, or choose to remain fexible rather than commit to a mortgage. For others, renting is not a choice — it is the only fnancially viable option.

In regional areas like the Northern Rivers, rental demand is amplifed by population infows, rising land values and limited

housing supply. These pressures push some local households into longer periods of renting than they had anticipated.

Is Australia Truly Becoming a Nation of Renters?

Despite the rising share of rented homes, experts believe Australia is unlikely to become a majority-renter nation in the foreseeable future. Even as fewer young adults buy property, older generations continue to hold high rates of ownership, keeping total homeownership above 50 per cent.

Additionally, the transition from paying of a mortgage to fully owning a home — though slower — will still occur for many. Without a severe and permanent disruption to this “step-

up” in ownership, renters are unlikely to outnumber owners in the short to medium term.

That said, the direction is clear: renting is rising across every adult age group, and long-term renting is becoming a normal living pattern for millions of Australians.

A Housing Shift with Big Policy Implications

The gradual drift toward renting carries major long-term consequences.

As more Australians rent for longer — including families raising children and retirees — pressure will grow for stronger tenancy protections, more secure leases, and higher-quality rental housing.

Equally, declining earlylife homeownership may widen inequality. Those

who can secure fnancial help from family will still enter the market, while others may never accumulate housing wealth. This divide could shape life outcomes for decades.

Where to From Here?

Australia is not yet a nation of renters — but it is edging closer to a housing model defned by longer mortgages, later purchasing, and more years spent renting. The trend is slow, steady, and deeply structural.

For communities across the Northern Rivers and beyond, the shift demands clear-eyed planning, investment in diverse housing options, and policies that acknowledge renting is no longer a shortterm stage, but a permanent reality for many Australians.

Renewable Energy Projects Could Help Solve Regional

Housing Gaps, Report Finds

Jef Gibbs

A new national report has revealed that wellplanned renewable energy projects have the potential to boost regional housing supply rather than place further strain on it.

Released Monday, the RE-Alliance report How Australia’s shift to renewable energy can deliver benefcial outcomes for regional housing showcases how councils, communities and renewable energy companies across NSW, Victoria and Queensland are already pairing project development with longterm housing solutions. The report highlights several successful models, including refurbished aged-care homes repurposed for workers, communityowned rental properties,

modular neighbourhoods designed to become permanent towns, and infrastructure upgrades that support future residential growth.

With thousands of workers expected to move through regional Australia as part of the renewable rollout, RE-Alliance says the opportunity is clear: temporary accommodation built for construction phases can become legacy housing if governments and developers plan early.

Despite promising examples, the report warns that communities cannot secure these benefts without stronger support from state and federal governments.

Councils need funding to prepare housing and infrastructure plans ahead of major projects, clearer frameworks to transition

temporary villages into permanent housing, and investment in essential services such as roads, water and sewerage.

RE-Alliance National Director Andrew Bray said many regional areas were already facing acute housing shortages.

“Renewable energy projects bring an infux of workers, and that can put pressure on local accommodation,” he said.

“But with early planning and proper support, those same projects can leave a long-term housing legacy.”

Six case studies illustrate this approach in action, including projects in Wellington, Dubbo and Uralla in NSW, Rockhampton and Gracemere in Queensland, and Mortlake and the Wimmera region in Victoria.

Smart Gardening: How New Tech is Helping Northern Rivers Gardeners Grow More With Less

Jef Gibbs

Across the Northern Rivers, a quiet revolution is sprouting in backyards, balconies and community plots as gardeners embrace technology to make growing easier, smarter and more efcient. From app-guided garden planning to intelligent irrigation systems that water only when needed, tech-integrated gardening is helping locals save time, reduce waste and boost results — all while staying connected to the natural world they love.

Smart irrigation systems are proving especially popular in a region that swings between intense rain and long dry spells. These systems use soil moisture sensors, weather data and automated timers to deliver the precise amount of water each plant requires. For busy families, older gardeners or anyone juggling work and lifestyle commitments, it means no more guesswork and no more coming home to wilted vegies after a hot day. Local garden centres say demand is rising for

sensors that link directly to a phone app, giving gardeners instant insights into soil health, humidity, temperature and watering needs. If a sudden heatwave hits, the app can trigger extra watering or alert the gardener to make manual adjustments. The technology can also help reduce water use — a signifcant beneft for households mindful of costs and sustainability. Planning a garden has also become easier thanks to a growing list of user-friendly apps

designed for Australian climates. These tools help gardeners map out raised beds, companionplant combinations, seasonal planting guides and harvesting timelines. Some apps even use augmented reality to show what a garden layout will look like before a single seed is sown.

Northern Rivers gardeners have also embraced automated compost monitors, remote-controlled greenhouse fans and plug-and-play hydroponic kits that give beginners a reliable start. While some traditionalists prefer a hands-on approach, many locals are fnding that integrating technology doesn’t disconnect them from the land — it enhances the experience.

Gardeners say the biggest beneft is confdence. Whether someone is growing herbs on a balcony in Tweed Heads, experimenting with tomatoes in Lismore, or managing a full backyard patch in Grafton, smart tools provide support that once came only from trial and error.

As the region continues to lead the way in sustainability and homegrown produce, techintegrated gardening is proving the ideal blend of innovation and tradition.

With the right tools, anyone can grow more food, reduce water use and enjoy gardening all year round — and it’s easier than ever to get started.

Intelligent irrigation systems

Automated compost monitors

Remote controlled greenhouse fans

WHATS ON THE MENU

TONIGHT?

Fa-la-la-la-fabulous Festive Intro

Alright, folks—get ready to bring sparkle, satire and serious favour to your Christmas table. Because if you thought the only "in blankets" scenario this season was the one where you and your leftovers collapsed on the sofa post-feast, think again. This recipe takes the humble pig-in-a-blanket concept and gives it a glorious upgrade: juicy chicken breast fllets stufed, wrapped in bacon, sprinkled with brown sugar & paprika. Yes, we’re talking festive, sweet-and-savory, lip-smacking holiday bliss. Perfect for when you want to impress your guests, but also secretly hope they go home early so you can have second helpings.

Ingredients

• 6 chicken breast fllets.

• 12 streaky bacon rashers.

• 55 g brown sugar (about 1/4; cup, frmly packed).

• 1 tsp sweet paprika.

• For the cranberry-pistachio stufng:

• 25 g panko breadcrumbs (1/2; cup).

• 40 g dried cranberries (1/4; cup), chopped.

• 40 g whole pistachio kernels (1/4; cup), chopped.

• 1/2 cup chopped fresh continental parsley leaves.

• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh sage leaves.

• 50 g melted butter.

Method

• Pre-heat your oven to 200°C (fan 180°C). Line a baking tray with baking paper.

• In a small bowl, mix brown sugar + paprika. Set aside.

• In another bowl, combine panko, cranberries, pistachios, parsley, sage and melted butter until your stufng looks like a festive forest foor.

• Using a sharp knife, cut a deep horizontal slit (not all the way through) in each chicken breast to form a pocket. Stuf each pocket with the cranberry-pistachio mixture.

Ultimate Christmas Chicken Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breasts

• Wrap each stufed chicken breast with two rashers of bacon and place on the lined tray.

• Sprinkle the sugar–paprika mixture over the baconwrapped parcels (that’s where the sweet sticky festive magic happens).

• Roast in the oven for ~30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, bacon is crisp, sugar is caramelised and you’re singing carols by candle-light.

• Serve immediately. Consider pairing with veggies you did cook and maybe a cheeky tipple.

Tips for Success & Santa’s Approval

• Prep ahead: These parcels can be stufed and wrapped a day ahead and chilled until you’re ready to bake. Less stress, more festive fun.

• Don’t skip the sugar–paprika sprinkle: It gives colour, crunch and that sweet-savory combo your guests will talk about (or fght over).

• Check the chicken: A safe internal temp is your friend. You want juicy, not desert-dry.

• Leftovers? Ha—unlikely. But if there are any, they’re perfect for Boxing Day lunch-munching.

• Vegetarian guests? Let them feel special with their own veggie parcel, but don’t tell them yours tasted better.

Here’s to a ham-free hero main, full of favour, wrapped in bacon and bursting with Christmas cheer. Let your turkey have a day of—tonight, chicken’s taking centre stage. Enjoy the feast, all you chefs, and may your holiday table get standing ovations!

If you’ve ever wanted your dessert table to look like a sugary winter wonderland (without the logistics of fying everyone to the Alps), these White Christmas Mini Pavlova Trees are your new December obsession. Cute, fufy, snowy, and just fancy enough to convince your relatives you’ve “got your life together,” they’re the perfect bite-sized

• 2 egg whites

• 110 g caster sugar

• 1/2 tsp white vinegar

• 1/2 tsp cornfour

• 300 mL thickened cream

• 2 tbsp icing sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Fresh raspberries

• Desiccated coconut, to “snowify” everything

• Mini mint leaves or edible glitter stars (pure Christmas magic)

Method

• Preheat the oven to 120 °C. Line a tray with baking paper.

• Beat egg whites to soft peaks, then gradually add sugar until glossy and dramatic. Fold in vinegar and cornfour.

• Pipe tall swirls onto the tray like cute little Christmas trees. Bake 1 hour, then cool in the oven.

• Whip cream with icing sugar and vanilla.

• Dollop cream onto each pavlova, add raspberries, sprinkle coconut, and crown each tree with a mint leaf or tiny star.

Tips

• Store undecorated pavs in an airtight container for crunchier results.

• Add edible glitter if you want them to look aggressively festive.

Perfectly sweet, totally adorable, and guaranteed to jingle some bells.

2026 Toyota RAV4

— Full Review & Verdict

Jef Gibbs

What’s New for 2026

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 introduces a major refresh for the compact SUV — it moves to a fully electrifed lineup (hybrid and plugin hybrid), gets updated styling and new onboard tech, while retaining the core strengths that made it one of Australia’s most popular SUVs.

• Hybrid-only (and PHEV) powertrains: The 2026 lineup drops traditional petrol-only engines. Instead, buyers get either a standard hybrid (HEV) or, later this year in Australia, a plugin hybrid (PHEV).

• New drivetrain options: The hybrid system yields around 143 kW (combined) in the standard setup. The forthcoming PHEV is expected to deliver signifcantly more power and allow a meaningful electric-only driving range.

• Updated design and cabin tech: The exterior features a more angular, rugged look depending on trim, while the interior gets a modern overhaul: large digital displays, updated infotainment, and upgraded materials in many variants.

• Improved onboard software and safety: The new RAV4 uses Toyota’s updated software architecture and adds enhanced driver-assist functions.

In short — the 2026 RAV4 represents an

evolution, not a revolution. Toyota has refned what worked, modernised the package, and moved with the times.

Performance & Driving Experience

Hybrid Powertrains: Balanced but Not Sporty

The standard hybrid delivers decent performance for everyday driving. According to recent road-test data abroad, the AWD hybrid version produces about 236 horsepower and can hit 0–100 km/h in roughly 7–7.5 seconds. Transitions between electric and petrol power are smoother than before; the hybrid system feels refned under normal driving conditions.

Fuel efciency remains a strong point: hybrid variants continue to ofer excellent economy, making the RAV4 a sensible choice for city commuting, daily errands, or light touring. That said, under hard acceleration the engine can sound loud and buzzy, and steering feels more “SUVsoft” than sporty. The ride is comfortable but body roll is still noticeable in corners — acceptable for a family SUV but not ideal if you’re chasing driving thrills.

PHEV Variant: What’s Coming

The upcoming plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version has drawn a lot of attention. Estimates suggest it will ofer a strong combined output and electric-only driving range — likely appealing to buyers seeking lower running costs and occasional EV-style

driving.

We expect the PHEV to transform the RAV4’s appeal: more power, greater fexibility, and possibly quicker acceleration. Of course, fnal pricing and real-world performance will matter.

Interior, Comfort & Practicality

• Cabin layout & storage: The redesigned cabin feels more modern and functional. There’s plenty of storage, sensible controls, and a userfriendly layout that works for families.

• Tech & infotainment:All variants get an updated multimedia system running on Toyota’s new software backbone. Higher trims ofer larger screens, responsive infotainment and better connectivity than previous generations.

• Rear-seat room: Despite some updates, the RAV4’s rear space remains just average compared to rivals. Taller passengers may fnd legroom and door-opening space tighter than in larger or newer SUVs.

• Ride comfort:Suspension

tuning remains familyfriendly. The ride is generally smooth over bumps, though not supremely cushioned — typical for a vehicle balancing comfort with handling.

Style, Design & Features

The 2026 RAV4 brings a more modern, rugged style — especially noticeable in trims designed for of-road or “adventurous” appeal. The sharper lines and updated exterior treatment give the SUV a refreshed presence.

Inside, materials and fnishing are a step up compared with older RAV4s. The interior is functional and contemporary, though in more basic trims some materials are still conservative — nothing fashy, but solid and durable.

What’s Not Great —

The Trade-Ofs

No vehicle is perfect. Here are where the 2026 RAV4 falls short:

• Price increases: The updates come at a cost. The new generation carries higher pricing compared with outgoing models, which may erode the value proposition for budget-conscious buyers.

• Rear-seat limitations

: Rear passenger space and ease of access remain behind many rivals.

Families with taller children or frequent rearseat use may notice this.

• Driving dynamics aren’t sporty: While sufcient for everyday driving, the RAV4 doesn’t shine in spirited driving — engine noise under load and body roll during cornering can be felt.

• Some variants lack

premium touches: Lower trims make do with simpler materials and fewer features. If you want full comfort and tech, you’ll likely need to step up to a higher grade.

Verdict: Who the 2026 RAV4 Is For — and Who Should Look Elsewhere The 2026 Toyota RAV4 remains a strong, wellrounded mid-size SUV It’s ideal for:

• Families looking for a reliable, practical daily driver

• Those wanting good fuel economy and hybrid efciency without sacrifcing usability.

• Buyers who value build quality, brand reputation and resale value It may be less ideal if you want maximum rear-seat space, sporty driving dynamics, or if you’re highly price-sensitive If you value practicality and reliability over fash, the 2026 RAV4 remains a very compelling choice — especially once the PHEV version arrives and if you’re willing to spend a bit more for extra versatility.

RECENT CATTLE MARKET REPORTS

The NRLX prime cattle sale on Wednesday, 26 November 2025 delivered a solid market as 1,583 head were yarded, with cows once again dominating the run. Despite mixed seasonal conditions across the region, competition remained strong and prices held frm across most categories.

Bullocks were limited, with 69 head ofered. They sold from 300c to 454.2c/ kg to average 409.7c/kg, returning between $1,290 and $3,554.87. Although numbers were back on recent weeks, buyer interest stayed steady. Bulls presented well, with 92 head penned. They ranged from 240c to 406.2c/kg, averaging 352.2c/kg, and returned between $696 and $3,440.81 a head. Demand stayed consistent throughout the sale. Cows made up the largest share of the yarding, with 578 head forward.

They sold from 100c to 420.2c/kg and averaged 366.1c/kg. Cows returned between $180 and $2,770, contributing more than $1 million in total value for vendors.

A strong line of 404 heifers attracted keen bidding. They made from 85.2c to 480c/kg to average 386.8c/kg. Heifers returned between $50 and $2,666, supported by processor and restocker demand.

Steers were also well-represented, with 378 head on ofer. They sold from 164.2c to 586.2c/kg, averaging 450.3c/kg. Steers

returned between $240 and $2,499, confrming consistent buyer interest. The vealer bull category saw 62 head penned. They made from 105.2c to 498.2c/kg and averaged 350.1c/kg. Vealer bulls returned between $136.76 and $1,463.70 a head.

A further 11 head — including bobby calves, cows, cows and calves, and heifers — were sold on a dollars-perhead basis, ranging from $30 to $1,700. Across all categories, NRLX turned of a combined 590,071.3kg of prime cattle for a total sale value of $2,273,222.58.

Rain across the region delivered mixed outcomes for producers this week, with steady falls boosting confdence for many cattle growers while simultaneously restricting sheep and lamb yardings. As a result, cattle numbers lifted noticeably, while sheep and lamb consignments fell sharply as some producers were unable to muster or truck stock.

Despite the weather disruptions, quality remained sound, and markets were generally frm to dearer across most categories.

CATTLE

A strong panel of buyers supported a larger yarding, with many smaller operators taking advantage of the favourable season to ofoad.

• Bulls averaged 402.1c/kg, topping at 470.2c/kg, returning $1,989.88 to $4,587.12

• Cows averaged 378.5c/kg, topping at 430.2c/kg, to make $1,998.96 to $2,961.48

• Feeder heifers averaged 421.3c/kg, reaching 490.2c/kg, or $1,451.69 to $2,233.00

• Feeder steers averaged 496.2c/ kg, topping at 550c/kg, returning $1,820.56 to $2,668.73

• Heifers averaged 423.5c/kg, reaching 465.2c/kg, for $2,089.70 to $3,515.49

• Steers averaged 454.3c/kg (topping at 484.2c/kg), making $2,646.58 to $3,658.49

• Vealer heifers averaged 436.1c/kg, topping at 464.2c/kg, for $917.25 to $1,244.71

• Vealer steers averaged 536.5c/kg, hitting a high of 642.2c/kg, returning $1,269.23 to $1,661.58

• Yearling heifers averaged 437.6c/kg, topping at 474.2c/kg, for $1,279.86 to $1,934.18

• Yearling steers averaged 495.4c/ kg, topping at 588.2c/kg, returning $1,288.87 to $1,749.66

SHEEP & LAMB

Sheep and lamb numbers were signifcantly down, largely due to wet weather preventing mustering and transport. However, the market held frm, with heavy export lambs slightly dearer and well-fnished trade and replacement lines improving.

• Lambs topped at $300, averaging $203.74 (down $9/head).

• Hoggets topped at $242, averaging $196.63 (down $14/head).

• Ram lambs topped at $200, averaging $166.86 (down $52/head).

• Ewes topped at $220, averaging $143.25 (up $16/head).

• Wethers topped at $180, averaging $177.75 (up $29/head). The total yarding averaged $184.22/ head, an increase of $5 week-on-week.

PORK

Pork numbers increased, with a notable lift in feeder and store lines. The market remained fully frm for all categories ofered.

• Sows: $150–$480

• Pork: to $270

• Stores: $72–$262

POULTRY

Poultry numbers remained steady, with high volumes of light replacement stock.

• Hens to $20

• Chickens to $22.50

• Pullets to $30

• Roosters to $15

• Ducklings to $10

• Drakes to $25

APL / McDOUGALLS SHEEP & LAMB REPORT

Rainfall throughout the drawing area limited supply for the weekly sale, with 1,095 head yarded. Stock came from the New England, South West, and local Darling Downs regions. Buyer support was strong, and the market held frm across most categories, particularly for light fresh stock and well-fnished export and trade lambs.

• Lambs: topped at $300, averaged $203.74

• Hoggets: topped at $242, averaged $196.63

• Ram lambs: topped at $200, averaged $166.86

• Ewes: topped at $220, averaged $143.25

• Wethers: topped at $180, averaged $177.75

• Rams: topped at $198, averaged $167

Vendor Highlights

• Matt Kajewski: Dorper lambs 62kg to Ryan Meats for $290; Hoggets 60kg to restockers for $234

• Rory & Kathy Frost: Dorper X lambs

50.8kg to GR Prime $280; 49.5kg to GR Prime $287

• Ramm Investments: Dorset X lambs

55.4kg to GR Prime $290; 57kg to Warwick Meats $296

• Wayne & Jodi Frank: Dorset X lambs

52.5kg to Tony’s Meats $290; 50kg to Tony’s Meats $300

• Athol & Robyn Sutton: Dorper lambs

46.2kg to GR Prime $232; 42–44kg to McMahon Bros $226; 39kg to GR Prime $195

• Ennismore Farming: Xbred lambs

52.5kg to Warwick Meats $251

• Mizpah Grazing: Xbred lambs 42.8kg to GR Prime $200; Merino ewes to Fletchers Intl $197 and GR Prime $142

• Warren & Tracy Ohl: Dorper X hoggets 47kg to restockers $220; 49kg to restockers $230; 43kg to Nutrien $230; Ewes to GR Prime $198; Rams to restockers $180 & $134

World-First Mobile Coverage Reform Moves Closer as NFF Welcomes Landmark Legislation

Ian Rogers

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has applauded the introduction of the Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO) to Federal Parliament, describing it as a breakthrough measure that could fnally close Australia’s long-standing digital divide.

Introduced by Communications Minister Anika Wells, the UOMO represents a world-frst framework requiring mobile carriers to provide outdoor mobile phone coverage nationwide.

The NFF says the reform has the potential to fundamentally reshape regional communications and deliver longoverdue certainty to rural Australians.

NFF President Hamish McIntyre said the move signals a pivotal moment for farmers and communities who have endured persistent communications blackspots.

“Getting this bill into Parliament is a big moment. For too long, farmers and people in the bush have been on the wrong side of the digital

divide,” Mr McIntyre said.

“This legislation sets a new benchmark to enshrine outdoor mobile coverage as a universal right, no matter where you live or work.”

Under the proposal, anyone with a compatible handset will be able to call or text from anywhere with

clear sky visibility by 2028. This is made possible by the growing capability of Low Earth Orbit satellite systems and “Direct to Device” communications, now sophisticated enough to deliver universal outdoor connectivity.

“For farmers, mobile connectivity isn’t a luxury,” Mr McIntyre said. “It is essential for safety, running their businesses, keeping families connected and responding in emergencies.”

He said the NFF will continue working with the Government and parliamentarians to ensure

the model delivers for those who rely on improved coverage the most.

“This legislation is a good frst step, but we must make sure the details deliver on the promise of universal connectivity for all Australians.”

“Every Australian must have access to this guarantee — regardless of their phone company or how much they pay. If we get it right, Australia becomes the gold standard for regional communications.”

Mr McIntyre also praised Minister Wells’ leadership in embracing satellite-

enabled solutions capable of providing coverage where traditional towers cannot.

“Connectivity drives every aspect of modern farming. Better coverage means stronger businesses, safer people and more resilient regional communities. It’s that simple.”

The NFF has long advocated for better regional telecommunications, including through its work as a founding member of the Rural, Regional and Remote Communications Coalition.

Medical Colleges Push for Rural Training Hubs to Fix Specialist Shortage

Ian Rogers

Australia’s peak medical specialist training bodies are calling for a major overhaul of the nation’s medical training system, urging the Federal Government to establish a network of dedicated regional specialist training hubs to address chronic shortages of rural specialists.

The Council of Presidents of Medical Colleges (CPMC) says the current metro-centric training model is failing regional communities, forcing junior doctors to leave their towns to complete specialist training — and often preventing them from returning.

CPMC Chair, Associate

Professor Sanjay Jeganathan, said the link between training location and long-term workforce outcomes is clear.

“The majority of specialist training remains metro-centric, which takes people out of the regions. We need to fip this.

Doctors who train in the bush, stay in the bush,” he said.

Rural and regional Australia currently has just 2.7 doctors per 1,000 people, compared with 4.3 per 1,000 in metropolitan areas. This gap, according to the CPMC, directly contributes to poorer health outcomes, longer wait times and a lack of consistent specialist care in regional communities — including the Northern Rivers.

Regional Training Hubs Proposed

The colleges are proposing fve multispecialty regional training hubs, allowing registrars from a range of specialties to complete their full training outside capital cities. These centres would be equipped to provide the same highquality education and supervision available in

major hospitals.

Associate Professor Jeganathan said the model has already proven successful through pilot programs in regional Victoria for anaesthetists and radiologists, which demonstrated strong retention rates when trainees were able to remain in their communities.

“We need a coordinated approach

with Commonwealth investment in dedicated multi-speciality training infrastructure,” he said.

“With government partnership, we can create a stable pipeline of doctors for rural and regional Australia by ensuring young doctors can complete the same highquality specialist training close to where they are needed most.”

Government Workshop to Consider Reform

The proposal will be presented at a government workshop in Adelaide this week, supported by consultants KPMG. The workshop will explore long-term reforms to the specialist training system, building on initiatives

such as the $8.3 million Flexible Approaches to Training for Enhanced Skills (FATES) program Associate Professor Jeganathan said strong foundations are already in place, including ruralorigin selection policies and preferential entry for applicants who completed undergraduate medical studies outside cities.

“The next piece is to train specialists in the bush,” he said. “If we establish these regional training hubs, Australia would see a steady fow of rural specialists within four to fve years.”

CPMC represents 16 specialist medical colleges, covering the full spectrum of Australia’s future specialist workforce.

Global Supply to Secure Australia’s Structural Timber Until 2050 NSW Launches $20 Million Boost for Aquaculture Growth

Ian Rogers

Australia is expected to have sufcient structural timber to meet housing construction demand until at least 2050, according to a new ABARES Insights paper released today.

The report fnds that domestic softwood plantations continue to meet the majority of the nation’s needs for structural sawnwood, while international markets play a crucial role in smoothing out fuctuations when local demand spikes. ABARES says the evidence shows that global suppliers remain dependable, giving the industry confdence in long-term availability.

ABARES Executive Director Dr Jared Greenville said the fndings provide reassurance for builders, suppliers and consumers.

“The data supports consumers and producers, ensuring both sides of

the market see structural timber as a reliable and accessible building material,” Dr Greenville said.

He noted that producing structurally graded sawnwood is a long-term investment.

“It takes between 25 to 35 years to grow structurally graded sawnwood, so this outlook of a reliable international market is welcome.”

The paper highlights how

imports rise when demand surges—such as during the COVID-stimulated construction spike in 2020–21 and 2021–22— and ease once the market stabilises.

Australia’s softwood plantation estate remains central to national supply, accounting for around 60% of the total log harvest, worth approximately $1.4 billion annually Dr Greenville said softwood consumption

tracks closely with building activity, adding that having both domestic and global sources strengthens market stability.

“Having diversifed supply options reduces the risk of extreme domestic price swings for sawnwood,” he said.

The full Insights paper, How Global Markets Help Meet Demand for Structural Sawnwood in Australia, is available via ABARES.

Ian Rogers

The Minns Labor Government has launched a $20 million Aquaculture Industry Development Program, aimed at expanding and strengthening the state’s aquaculture and seafood sectors. The program will support growth in oysters, mussels, kelp, algae, freshwater and marine fsh hatcheries, and emerging bioproduct industries.

The new initiative is designed to boost productivity, drive sustainability, and help future-proof the industry while supporting regional economic development.

It aligns with the NSW Government’s Aquaculture Vision Statement, which targets doubling the sector’s farmgate value to $300 million by 2030

Two funding streams will ofer grants between $500,000 and $2 million

for major infrastructure upgrades, equipment improvements, supplychain innovation, lowemission conversions, and projects that promote reuse or the development of bioproducts such as processed oyster shells. The program aims to help the sector meet upcoming challenges including mandatory Countryof-Origin seafood labelling in hospitality from 2026, supply-chain pressures, and managing environmental and biosecurity risks.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the investment will deliver real economic benefts, job creation, and opportunities for innovation, particularly for regional coastal communities.

Applications are open until 18 January 2026, with Aboriginal organisations strongly encouraged to apply.

Sister Monica Hogan RSM

Passed away at Lismore Base Hospital, 26 November 2025 aged 90.

Much loved member of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of Australia and Papua New Guinea, and resident of Southern Cross Care, St Michael’s Casino.

Beloved daughter of Patrick & Lynda (both decd).

Dearly loved sister of Mary, Margaret, Katherine, Dorothy, Jim, and Pat (all decd), and sister-in-law of Carolyn.

Dearly loved aunt of her nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews.

Rest in Peace

Mass of Christian burial for Monica will be celebrated at 10.00 am on Monday December 8, at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Canterbury St Casino.

Funeral Notice

MARLOWE, Lenore Maria ‘Minna’ 29/10/1948 - 20/11/2025

Late of Lismore.

Passed away peacefully on Thursday 20th November 2025. Aged 77 years

Loved Daughter, Granddaughter, Sister, Niece, Cousin, Special Aunt, Grandma and Loving Friend of Many. Family and Friends are warmly invited to attend Lenore’s Funeral service to be held at the Mullumbimby Uniting Church, 132 Dalley Street, Mullumbimby on Friday 12th December at 10:30am (NSW time) After the service the cortege will leave for Mullumbimby Lawn Cemetery. Ph: 02

Funeral Notice

HURNALL (nee DAGG), Joy Rosa 3.02.1933 ~ 22.11.2025

Passed away peacefully at St Vincent’s Private Hospital Lismore. Loving wife of John Hurnall (dec). Mother and mother-in-law to Robert & Lara, Cheryl, James, Warren & Anne Maree, Wendy & Graham, Greg & Ainsley. Grandmother to Patrick, Frank; Abbie, Joseph; Sarah, Jason; Rubi, Finnlay; and Vivian. Loved sister & sister-in-law to Stan (dec) & Aussie, Colin & Deirdre, Doug & Elizabeth, Betty Rachel (dec) & Allen, Jim & Sue. A valued member of the St Mary’s Anglican Church congregation, former President of the Church Guild, and a member of the Ballina Probus Ladies Club.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Joy’s life to be held at St Mary’s Anglican Church, Norton Street, Ballina on TUESDAY December 9, 2025 commencing at 11.00 am. After the service a private cremation will take place. Livestream may be viewed at fwhlive.com/johur

This page is dedicated to all those

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COMMUNITY NOTICES

must be emailed to community@heartlandmedia.com.au before 3pm Fridays

Phone numbers only, no email addresses.

Get the word out about your Club, Membership, Events, etc

ALSTONVILLE

CRAWFORD HOUSE MUSEUM

This year Alstonville Public School celebrates 150 years of education on the Plateau, and Alstonville Plateau Historical Society is presenting a small and eclectic exhibition about the school at Crawford House Museum, running until 25/1/26. The museum is an original farmhouse where you can see many interesting household objects which reflect family life from the beginning of the 20th century to the 1960s. There are also research facilities for information about Ballina Shire, as well as books about local history and other merch. for sale which would make great Christmas presents. If you’re a support worker and you bring a client to the museum, your admission is free. The museum is at 10 Wardell Road Alstonville and is open on Fridays 10am-4pm and Sundays 1pm-4pm or at other times by appointment for groups (closed 20/12/258/1/26).

Alstonville RSL

Alstonville RSL sub-Branch meets on the second Saturday of the month, with morning tea at 10am followed by the meeting, then a light luncheon from 1200. All ex-service persons and families are welcome to attend the lunch.

Quilters Alstonville

We are called Plateau Quilters Alstonville we meet the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the Month at the RSL Hall Alstonville from 1pm until 4pm New members would be most welcome. Bonner 66298267.

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 cupper 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.

EMBROIDERERS GROUP

Meetings are 9.30am-1.30pm, 1st and 3rd Wednesdays and 2nd Saturday of each month. 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.

THE RETURNED AND SERVICES LEAGUE OF AUSTRALIA NSW Branch

ALSTONVILLE SUB-BRANCH

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. Alston suppliers and ranch 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

Australian Independent Retirees

The next meeting of Australian Independent Retirees will be held as usual on the first Friday of the month being 5 December 2025. Seeing this will be the last meeting for the year it will also be our Christmas party and presentation of Certificates of Appreciation in recognition of long-time membership with the Club. The meeting will be held in the Spinnakers room upstairs in the Ballina

RSL Club, 1 Grant Street, Ballina commencing at 10.00am followed by our Christmas gathering. Obviously, there will not be a guest speaker, and we will have to wait until February next year to recommence our usual activities. This means the first general meeting for 2026 will be held on Friday 6 February. However, there will be a committee meeting on Friday 16 January, followed by our usual lunch at Cherry Street Sports Club from 11.30am organised by Marcia Matthes. All members and respective members are welcome to join us to celebrate the new year’s activities with a refreshing luncheon

All enquiries to the President Mrs Jill Huxley on 6686 8958

BALLINA COUNTRY MUSIC CLUB

LIVE COUNTRY MUSIC DAYS of the Ballina Country Music Club happen on the first Sunday of every month except January. The December Live Music Day is on Sunday, 7 December at Ballina RSL Club, Grant Street, Ballina, starting at 10.00 am.

“Ann, Bill and 2Js” one of our popular regular bands, will be playing. Tony Wagner is the feature, Guest Artist. And the Special Guest Artist will be Lily-Grace Grant. There are many regular and some visiting Walk Up Artists. The experienced line dancers demonstrate their skills and others take to the floor dancing however they want! There are great ra le and lucky door prizes, as well as Club members’ and Walk Up Artists’ draws. Come along and enjoy the company and music.

CWA Ballina

Craft every Wednesday from 9.00am to 12.00 noon in the CWA rooms, next to RSL. Monthly meeting every 3rd Monday of the month from 9. 00am.Wanting to learn to knit, crochet or sew? Come and join us. Morning tea $3. All are welcome. Contact Gai Mason, Handicraft o icer on 0433129339.

President Barbara Driscoll 0428116668

BALLINA LADIES PROBUS

The Ballina Ladies Probus meet at 10:00 am on the first Wednesday of each month at the Ballina RSL Club. We currently have vacancies for new members and warmly welcome visitors to join us at a meeting or one of our many outings. Come along and enjoy fun, fellowship and friendship at our monthly meetings, social events, and special activities throughout the year. Our December meeting will be the final one for the year. We hope to have a wonderful celebration of an enjoyable and fulfilling year. Members will come together to share in the festive spirit, looking forward to Christmas and the New Year ahead. Following the meeting, we will be entertained by a performance from the Emmanuel Anglican College Choir and then enjoy a beautiful Christmas luncheon to conclude the year in style. For more information, please contact our President, Jeanette, on 0407 417 470.

Ballina Photography Club

meets on the first Thursday of the month at Northlakes Community Centre, 1 Mulloway Place, Ballina from 6pm to 9pm.We are currently looking for new members and visitors are always welcome. We are a group of enthusiastic photographers who live in and around Ballina. Members share a common interest in photography and have monthly outings to take photos and share images at meetings. Please contact our President Lyn on 0412 758 697

Ballina Meals on Wheels

Knitting and Crochet for Charity Group run by Ballina Meals on Wheels. Group held Monday mornings in Ballina and open to people who are 65years and older. $5 includes morning tea. Call Kristen on Ph: 0419 679719 for more information.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A NEW HOBBY??? COME AND JOIN THE HEADLINERS CHORUS We are an all-female group of all ages who love to sing “Acappella” in 4-part Barbershop harmony. We are well known in the Northern Rivers community and would love you to join us. Come along to a rehearsal on Monday nights from 7pm and for more information see our website or enquire to Tracey Ezzy on 0438 446 809

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 Tuesday of every month at the Cherry Street Sports Club. Social gathering at 5, for a 5.30 start. Ph: Rosie 0438401716

BALLINA BRIDGE CLUB

Social play every Monday 9am to 11:30am.”. Sessions for all levels of players on Mon, Wed, Sat from 1pm to about 5pm. Be seated at 12:45. Restricted session (under 300 Masterpoints) Thu 1pm – about 5pm. Friday mornings, Help with Play on Fri am times 9am - 11:30. 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 Coastal Quilters

We meet at the North Lakes Community Hall in Whiting Way, Ballina on a Wednesday twice a month from 9 am to 2 pm. The group gives opportunities for friendship, support, and socialisation. and to celebrate our creative achievements in the area of quilting and related stitchery. We encourage our members to seek and share knowledge of their skills. New members would be most welcome. The cost is $5 per session Georgia 66876834

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 co ee. Or just come for a chat. Frozen take away meals available. Held at the Ballina Presbyterian Hall Corner of Cherry & Crane St Ballina 10AM TO 12PM Carol: 0438812235

BALLINA LIGHTHOUSE RSL DAY CLUB

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.

IN FOCUS TOASTMASTERS CLUB

How about trying something di erent? 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.

BRUNSWICK HEADS

CWA Brunswick Heads branch will be holding their popular Christmas Market on Saturday 6th December from 8am to 1pm at their hall, corner of Booyun & Park Streets, Brunswick Heads, All your favourites, Christmas cakes, biscuits, jams & pickles, craft gifts, plants and flowers. Come early to avoid disappointment. Contact 0431 908063

BRUNSWICK VALLEY VIEW CLUB

Brunswick Valley VIEW 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

CWA Casino

A big thank you to everyone who helped make our Street Stall on Saturday such a success. We will be selling tickets for our Christmas Ra le – 1st Prize $100 Coles voucher, 2nd Prize $60 Coles voucher 3rd and 4thPrize a home cooked Christmas cake or pudding. Tickets will be on sale at Coles this Wed 3rd Dec and Tues 9th Dec and Woolworths Wed 10th Dec. The ra le will then be drawn. To find out more about our activities through the year and how we support our local community please ring Jane 0427 707 669 or Jennifer 0438 932 060.

Senior Citizens

2025 has seen our Senior Citizens experience many dif-

ferent experiences, namely bus trips to places of interest, functions, morning teas etc. Our Calendar for 2026 has been completed and once again there are a variety of di erent activities for members to choose from. This year our Christmas Luncheon Day will be held on Saturday 13th December at Casino RSM Club upstairs in the Auditorium. Members are required to advise Jan that you will be attending, any dietary requirements and pay their fee of $10 to attend. Members have been asked to supply a small contribution to our hamper ra les. There will be lots of fun, music, trivia, jokes and good food. Look forward to seeing you there. I would like to take this opportunity to wish our community a very happy, healthy and holy Christmas, and hope you enjoy spending time with family and friends. Let’s hope 2026 will be kind to us all! Jan Danaher – 0414 625 680

St Mark’s Singers

Presents a Christmas Concert 6th December 2025 at 1.30pm St Mark’s Parish Hall Barker Casino cost $10 afternoon tea provided

Carols at the RSM we are a bunch of combined church musicians putting on a Carols night for the locals at the Casino RSM (Upper room) 6th of December at 6 PM.

CASINO CHARITY CASH BINGO if you would like to come along and join us each at Casino RSM Club each Thursday mornings 10.00an or Thursday evenings 7.00pm, you are most welcome! Great cash prizes! For any enquiries please don’t hesitate to contact Jan Danaher on 0414625680

Line dance Line dance classes in Casino at St Marks Hall beginners welcome 5pm every Monday first 2 classes free. Info call or sms Lorraine 0418264489

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN LEARNING to KNIT, SEW or CROCHET We are looking for interested people who would like to join a class to learn Through the School Holidays both Adults and Children are welcome Starting 6th Jan 2025 Classes will be organised once we have enough interested people Call Margaret 0488 245 029 or Jacqui 0419 404 216 to express your interest and get more information

Casino Meals are desperately needing Volunteers, to contact the o ice on 66621217. Volunteering once a month for 1hour or so

CASINO MEALS ON WHEELS Volunteers needed Our delivery runs are Mon-Fri

WEEK 2

MONDAY

B.McEnerny & C.Moulden

R.Baker

TUESDAY

B.Bennett

WEDNESDAY

M.&M. Ayshford

G.Mannix

THURSDAY

J.Crooks

S. Garrard & E. Grogan

FRIDAY

M.Anderson

J.Connell

CASINO COMMUNITY MEN’S SHED Mon, Tues, Wed, attendance limited to 50 members, 8am1.30pm. Contact 66626423

CASINO & DISTRICT FAMILY HISTORY GROUP INCW 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

Cassino Gallery Inc.

148 Barker St. Casino. Open Thursday to Saturday 10am to 3pm during exhibitions. Regular exhibitions, workshops, classes, and some markets during the year. Contacts Ralph 0418 485 770, Laszlo 6662 1943, Meg 0435 111 463. Artists, professional/amateur welcome to enquire

about exhibiting their work at the Gallery.

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 & District Orchid Society

Meet the 4th Thursday each month. At St Marks Anglican Hall @ 6:30pm

CASINO MINI RAIL

Every Sunday we are now open from 9.00am to 2.30pm every Sunday (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 Gri ins, 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

CASINO AA MEETING – ID MEETING

is held every Tuesday 12:00-1:30pm At the Casino Baptist Church, corner of West & Canterbury Streets Casino. Newcomers welcome. Contact George 0427 133 372.

CASINO AA WOMEN’S MEETINGS

Held every 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month, 12 –1.30pm at the Casino Baptist Church House, 137 Canterbury St, Casino. Contact Liz 0427133370.

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. Denise Green 0448014682

LISMORE CASINO NAVAL ASSOCIATION

Meets bi-monthly at Casino RSM, new members welcome. Ph: Chris 66293269 or Jim 0427400625.

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.

Eltham

ELTHAM MASONIC LODGE - The Eltham Masonic Lodge welcomes all masons, to attend their monthly meetings, which are held on the fourth Tuesday, each month at the Eltham Masonic Centre. The meetings commence at 7.30 pm. If you are not a mason and are interested in joining Freemasonry, for more information please visit our website or phone 0416530456

EVANS HEAD

EVANS HEAD SEAGULLS CRAFT & QUILTERS GROUP

Meet every Tuesday 9am-12noonin 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.

The Rotary Club of Evans Head

Markets held on the Last Saturday of the month held at Cribb Reserve opposite Illawong Hotel at 8am - 1pm. A vast variety of stores from clothes, candle, Honey Photographs, books, and Organic Vegetables along with Rotary Bacon & Egg Rolls

Rotary Evans Head holds meeting the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month 5.30pm at Evans Head RSL downstairs in remembrance room. New members warmly welcomed. Cont. Sue 0438853921

EVANS HEAD CWA BRANCH

meets every third Tuesday for lunch at noon new member’s welcome. info 0419 753 579

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 0401493316.

GOONELLABAH

TABLE TENNIS AT GOONELLABAH

Tuesday and Thursday mornings social playing: 9am12noon; Monday and Wednesday nights social playing: 7-9pm; Training Monday mornings: 9am-12noon; Junior coaching after school Wednesday 3.30pm-4.45pm, $6 a session. Everybody is welcome – all levels. Phone centre on 66251602. Mon-Thurs 9.00am-1.00pm

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 finish at midday. For further information, Liz 0451 020 241

GRAFTON

Grafton CWA

Grafton CWA will be holding their last meeting and Christmas Lunch at the Grafton District Services Club on December 12. Morning Tea will be at 9.30am, the general meeting at 10am followed by Christmas lunch at 12.00. The Christmas Ra le will be drawn at the Christmas lunch and delivered to the prize winners. General meetings will recommence on the second Friday of February 2026 at the Grafton District Services Club at 9.30am. Handicraft meetings will on the second and fourth Monday each month and restart in February 2026 at the Salvation Army Hall, 91 Oliver Street 9.30-11.30am. The last Handicraft meeting will be 8 December 2025.Look forward to Grafton CWA celebrating their 100th Centenary in 2026. There will be many celebrations and activities with a Grafton CWA Cookbook launch in May and a celebration dinner in October.

GRAFTON AL-ANON FAMILY GROUP

Our meetings are held weekly on Tuesdays at 12md1.30pm at the Salvation Army Hall, 91-93 Oliver Street, Grafton. Meetings are always confidential. The Al-Anon Family Groups are a fellowship of relatives and friends of Alcoholics who share their experience, strength, and hope in order to solve their common problems. We believe alcoholism is a family illness and that changed attitudes can aid recovery. Al-Anon is not allied with any sect, denomination, political entity, organization, or institution; does not engage in any controversy neither endorses nor opposes any cause. There are no dues for membership. Al-Anon is self-supporting through its own voluntary contributions. Al-Anon has but one purpose: to help families of alcoholics. We do this by practicing the Twelve Steps, by welcoming and giving comfort to families and friends of alcoholics and by giving understanding and encouragement to the alcoholic. For further information see our website or to talk to a member in confidence call 1300 252 666

An Amazing Event is coming to Grafton Gallery! Our River, Our Stories, Our Song. Clarence River Guardians and the Grafton Regional Gallery present Water Talks Gathering a celebration of our river on World Rivers Day. Enjoy River Stories, hear about cutting edge river research, and be moved by the Youth Dance Mob’s Performance of Big River Song. When: Sunday 28th September, 11am - 2pm Where: Grafton Regional Gallery Includes: Finger food, tea and co ee. Come and Celebrate Our River! Proudly supported by Southern Cross University and The Lions Club of Clarence - Environmental

GRAFTON’S MIGHTY CLARENCE TOASTMASTERS

CLUB

Perhaps it’s time to find 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 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 Chris 0400490691 or 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, motivated guest speaker & at the same time you will help disadvantaged children. Please phone Helen at 6642 3867 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, have some fun & you will be helping others as well. See you there!

CLARENCE RIVER HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Clarence River Historical Society- Schae er House Museum. 190 Fitzroy Street Grafton. 2460. Phone 0266425212.We are welcoming many visitors through the museum, often from interstate and on bus trips, not only to see our wonderful collection of artefacts gathered over 90 years but also to research family history and/or places of interest in the Valley. Research Room hours are from 9 to 3 Tuesday to Thursday and Museum hours are from1 to 4 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Other times can be arranged. Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for children. If you would like to become a member of our Society and receive our interesting newsletters contact the Secretary, Robyn. Membership fees are $27 yearly.

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 Hastings Point Tricare resident’s lounge, on 3rd Tuesday each month, commencing with a guest speaker at 10am. Retirees and seniors are welcome to join this happy social group. Phone the Probus president Di Mills 044 732 5387 for more information.

KINGSCLIFF

KINGSCLIFF 500 CARD CLUB

Kingscli 500 Card Club. Monday and Wednesday afternoons 1pm to 4pm Cudgen Surf Club New players WELCOME Contact: GARY 0499869992

Kingscli Probus Club

First Wednesday of the month, 10am to 12 noon in the function room of Kingscli Bowls Club. We have an interesting guest speaker each month plus bus trips to various points on the map each third Wednesday of the month. Retirees and seniors are most welcome to join us in this happy social group. Ph Marlene 0428323736

KYOGLE

Kyogle Country Music

Our Christmas Party on 14th December. We have a break till February 9th when we resume for 2026 with AGM. All days held at Wiangaree Hall, and all commence at 11 am. All welcome.

BORDER RANGES RSL DAY CLUB

The Kyogle Border Ranges RSL Day Club meets each Monday in the Kyogle Seniors Centre, 3 Bloore St, Kyogle, from 10am to 2pm.Cost $10, includes Morning Tea and Lunch. We welcome Volunteers and Members, if you are in need of some Company, you are welcome to attend. Come along and have some fun. Contact Oriel 0427245324.

KYOGLE WRITERS GROUP

Kyogle Writers Group meets on the last Saturday of each month and we welcome newcomers. We meet at the Roxy Lane back. entrance to the Kyogle Memorial Institute (Supper Room). Our aim is to provide support and encouragement for those new to writing, as well as more experienced writers. We practice many genres of writing poetry, memoir, and journaling to name a few. Morning tea at 9.30am is followed by our meeting from 10.00am till 12.00 pm. Throughout the year we have planned some wonderful writing workshops facilitated by local authors. For further information contact Vince on 0459 574179 or Susan on 0414 958245.

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 o er. 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.

KYOGLE BAZAAR

Fourth Saturday of every month. See Kyogle Bazaar on social media for all the details or call 0459512249.

LENNOX HEAD

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’: 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 first 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 first Thursday of each month. Visitors are welcome, also retired, or semi-retired people wishing to join our non-service club to hear interesting guest speakers and to join in trips and outings are invited along. Ph: June Zentveld on 66871004

LISMORE

Lismore Parkinsonism Support Groupfor all Parkinson related disorders. We meet every third Friday of the month. Next group Meeting is 19th of December Commences at 10am to 12pm at the South Lismore Bowls Club, 25 Wilson Street South Lismore. New members always welcomed. We also would like to wish everyone a happy Holidays. Any inquiries contact Marie 0448871290

AL-ANON FAMILY GROUPS

Al-Anon o ers help and hope for family and friends of alcoholics. If someone in your family has a drinking problem, you can see what it’s doing to them. But can you see what it’s doing to YOU? For information and help call 1300 ALANON (1300 252 666). Al-Anon Family Groups meet regularly across Australia and online, see Website MONDAY11:00am - 12.30 pm ILUKA - CWA Hall (behind the Iluka Museum), 2 Charles St. TUESDAY 12.00 - 1.30 pm GRAFTON - Hall 2, Salvation Army, 91-93 Oliver St 1:002.30 pm LISMORE “The Studio”, adjacent to 14 Pleasant St, Goonellabah & ZOOM ID 252 666 0000 (no password) (enter at rear of car park, cnr Pleasant & Fischer Sts) WEDNESDAY 6.30 - 8:00 pm BALLINA – Anglican Church, 24 Burnet St & ZOOM ID 252 666 0000 (no password) THURSDAY 5:00 - 6:00 pm (with Alateen) TWEED HEADS Anglican Church, 13 Powell St or by phone: 4022 9113, code 5771881# FRIDAY The Bangalow meeting meets in person on the FIRST and THIRD FRIDAY of the month at 1.00 - 2.30 pm at 17 Station St, Bangalow, (Bangalow Uniting Church, parking next to the Church. SUNDAY 4:00 pm CHINDERAH Seventh Day Adventist Church, 83 Phillip St

LISMORE CWA. Activities Update Stall at the Lismore City Bowlo markets on the 3rd Sunday of each month. Monthly Branch Meetings are held at the CWA Rooms in Spinks Park on the 2nd Friday of each month. Craft Meetings (learning & friendship) are held at the CWA Rooms each Tuesday with a 10:30am start. Christmas Gift Wrapping will be held at 2 locations from the 15th to 24th December. Lismore Shopping SQ. and downtown outside ‘Little Polli & the Blackbird’ Cnr. Carrington & Magellan Sts in Lismore. For Membership enquiries contact our President Aliison Kelly on 0428 216 079: for Craft call Vicki Boyle on 0437 465 642. We look forward to hearing from anyone interested in Membership to come along as a ‘guest’ to either of our meetings.

Lismore Garden Club meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at the East Lismore Bowling Club, commencing at 1pm. The Club has

guest speakers, visits to members’ gardens and enjoy a morning tea and friendship whilst taking in the beautiful gardens. Day trips away are also on the agenda from time to time. There is the opportunity to display something special such as a particular flower or produce each month. New members are most welcome. For further information, contact the Secretary, phone 0416 281 365.

AA MEETINGS

Lismore RED DOVE AA Meetings, Every Monday, Wednesday & Friday 12 Noon and Sundays 10.30am. Upstairs in The Uniting Church, cnr of Keen St & Woodlark St Lismore. Disability lifts available. Newcomers welcome.

LISMORE LIBRARY

Library Afterschool

Lismore Children’s Library is launching a new program of after-school activities called Library Afterschool. This term, we invite local children to get involved in PAPERCRAFT and LEGO activities. All sessions will be fun, free, low-key and inclusive, facilitated by your friendly Lismore Children’s Library sta PAPERCRAFT 3.30pm-5pm at Lismore Children’s Library, first and third Tuesday of the month. Papercraft will include learning to draw, making origami and scissor-and-glue crafts. LEGO 3.30pm-5pm at Lismore Children’s Library, second and fourth Friday of the month Explore our excellent LEGO collection. Alternating themed and free-play sessions. The Northern Rivers Lodge No. 77 meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month (except in January) at the Lismore Masonic Centre, 111 Magellan Street Lismore. We welcome all Masons to an enjoyable and entertaining evening. Inquiries 0412665674

LISMORE CRAFTS & QUILTERS

You are invited to join, LISMORE CRAFTS & QUILTERS. We meet on Mondays at the Lismore Uniting Church, Red Dove, Hall 9.30am - 12.30pm. We do Patchwork, Quilting & all Crafts. We also have night group, who meet at McLean Ridges Hall, Monday evenings, 5.30pm - 9pm. Cost is $30 for the year & $5 each Monday. Looking forward to seeing you. Enquiries to Margaret Boxsell 0427141425

LISMORE LIONS CLUB

Please save your used stamps to raise funds for The Australian Lions Children’s Mobility Foundation. Stamps are collected & forwarded on to be sorted & sold at Auction, to raise money for Children’s Mobility contact Margaret Boxsell on 0427141425

Lismore City Bowling

Lismore City Bowling and Recreation Club Community BINGO every Monday morning 10 am to 12 noon. Morning tea and Progressive Jackpot. All welcome. Phone 66 21 5991.

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 MEN & COMMUNITY SHED

President: Mr Bob Greig 0404860504 publicity o icer Don Abrahams 0437576837

Opening Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 9.00am – 3.00pm We are a community based non-profit 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 flatpack, Minor maintenance work for the elderly & disabled, working with the disabled, talking with other members or simply having company. Memberships: $40-year Attendance Fee: $3 tea/co ee 15 Industry Drive East Lismore

LISMORE ORCHID SOCIETY INC.

City of Lismore Orchid Society Inc. Meetings are now at the Lismore Show Ground, In Norms Kitchen under the Members Grandstand. Alexandra Parade, North Lismore. NSW 2480 Meeting Date; the first Saturday of the month Meeting Time: 9:30am display plants set up, 10:00am meeting starts with a cuppa after. Contact President Mr. Steven Muldoon 0427789773

Orchid meeting involves the sharing of information, knowledge and friendship. All welcome. Lismore City Bowling and Recreation Club Community BINGO every Monday Morning 10am to 12 noon. Morning tea and Progressive Jackpot. All welcome. Ph 6621 5991

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. (o Bruxner Hwy) Morning Tea provided. Bring your lunch (and a mug) Contac: Kim: 0423935060, Linda: 0419489987

LISMORE TARGET RIFLE CLUB for .22 calibre rifles, meets Wed nights from 6.00pm (setup time) & the 1st & 3rd Sat of each month from 12.30pm (setup time). Air rifle shooting for .22 & 177 air rifles 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

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 Roslyn on 0437606674 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 di erence 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 Red Dove Café 80 Keen st Lismore. Join us 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 Red Dove at Lismore Be inspired about the art of creating little trees. Ph: 0438103601

ZEN and INSIGHT MEDITATION - Lismore Heights INSIGHT (VIPASSANA) MEDITATION and practice:This mindfulness-based meditation group sits on Wednesdays from 7:00-8:30pm. The evening includes meditation instructions, sitting and walking meditation, Dharma talks and discussion. For further details, please contact Rosie0402 682 925. Beginners and experienced meditations are warmly welcomed.

ZEN MEDITATION and practice The Zen meditation group sits on Mondays from 6:30pm-8:15pm. If you wish to attend

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.

MCLEANS RIDGES

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. Co ee, tea, milk provided. A small fee to cover hall hire. Ph 0401 047 513.

MURWILLUMBAH

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.

POTTSVILLE

Alcoholics Anonymous: Is drinking costing you more than money? AA works and is very active in Pottsville. We meet every Thursday 7pm at St Marks 15A Coronation Ave Pottsville and local contact 1800 423 431 or 04019 45671

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.

Tintenbar

David Lane’s 2025 Painting Exhibition & Studio Sale open daily from Thurs 4th to Sun 7th December 11.00am-5.00pm (DST). All welcome. The studio gallery is located at 31 Fernleigh Road, Tintenbar in northern NSW. For more information & to arrange a preview prior to the opening please call Maureen on 0418794860. David also accepts commissions

TWEED HEADS

Poets and writers on the Tweed meet every Tuesday at the South Tweed Sports Club 1.30-3.30pm. Beginners welcome. Phone 0755248035.

TWEED HEADS PROBUS CLUB

Probus Club, Coolangatta/Tweed Heads. Be at Club Tweed at 10-00am on the first Wednesday of the Month. Visitors and new members are very welcome.

TWEED PATCHWORK GROUP

Meet the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at South Tweed Community Centre from 9-1pm at 18 He ron 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 VIEW

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 neighbourhood. How do these o ending 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 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

NORTHERN RIVES MUSTANGS If you own a Ford Mustang and would like to do monthly drives with other members for more information, contact John 0404 884 192

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-profit 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 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 Angling Club (families are welcome). Ph: Allan Watt: 0402 749 582

ALL AREAS

NORTHERN RIVERS PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUPS MEMBERS PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING CHANGES TO NORMAL PROCEDURE FOR EACH GROUPDAY GROUP -FINAL GATHERING FOR 2025 TO BE HELD WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 10TH – THIS IS TO BE THE CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON RATHER THAN A REGULAR MEETING COMMENCING 11AM FOR 12 NOON AT THE ALSTONVILLE PLATEAU SPORTS CLUB, DEEGAN DRIVE – ALSTONVILLE– It is imperative that Convenor Bob receives Names and Numbers as soon as possible to enable table bookings to be secured –Partners and Carers as well as Evening Group Members are most welcome to attend -Enquiries phone Bob Corney 0493 075 612 – or 0400 747 630 –EVENING GROUP –TO BE HELD WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 10TH 2025 RATHER THAN THE NORMAL FIRST WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES –TO COMMENCE 6.30 FOR 7PM – ALTERNATE 2 COURSE MEAL CHOICE - LISMORE WORKERS CLUB - KEEN STREET - LISMORE –All welcome including Partners, Carers and Day Group Members –Names and Numbers to be with Convenor Bob Johnson (02) 6622 5792 or Secretary Vida Stenner 0416 196 035 on or before DECEMBER 3RD -

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS If you’re looking for help to stop drinking, you can reach out to Alcoholics Anonymous 24 hours a day. Our phone line is always answered by someone who’s been where you are – an alcoholic in recovery. We understand the challengers, and we know we’re the right people to help you. You can call AA anytime on 1300 22 22 22.

WEATHER

Northern Rivers District:

Mostly sunny. Light winds becoming south to southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h during the morning then turning easterly during the day.

Thursday. Sunny. Light winds becoming east to northeasterly 15 to 25 km/h during the afternoon then tending north to northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the evening.

Northern Tablelands District:

Sunny. The chance of morning fog in the south. Light winds becoming northeast to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the evening.

Thursday. The chance of morning fog. Mostly sunny day. Winds northeast to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h becoming light during the morning.

New South Wales:

Dry and sunny across the state. Patchy morning fog and frost on the ranges. Daytime temperatures a little below average. West to northwesterly winds in the southern half. East to southeasterly winds in the northern half, tending light and variable in the northeast.

Thursday. Slight chance of a shower in the southeast. Mostly dry and partly cloudy for the remainder of the east. Dry and mostly sunny in the west. Daytime temperatures near average in the north and above average in the south. Northeast to northwesterly winds, fresh along the coast.

Byron Coast: Winds: Southerly 15 to 20 knots turning easterly 10 to 15 knots during the afternoon. Seas: 1 to 2 metres, decreasing to 1 metre during the afternoon. Swell: Southerly 1.5 to 2.5 metres. Weather: Cloud clearing.

Coffs Coast:

Winds: Southerly 15 to 20 knots turning easterly 10 to 15 knots during the afternoon. Seas: 1 to 2 metres, decreasing to 1 metre during the afternoon. Swell: Southerly 1.5 to 2.5 metres. Weather: Cloud clearing.

Gold Coast Waters:

Winds: Southeasterly 15 to 20 knots turning easterly during the evening. Seas: Around 1 metre, increasing to 1 to 1.5 metres offshore during the evening. Swell: Southeasterly around 1 metre inshore, increasing to 1 to 1.5 metres offshore during the morning. Weather: Partly cloudy.

Jef Gibbs

LISMORE WORKERS CLUB GOLF RESULTS – WEEK ENDING 29 NOV 2025

A HUGE WEEK ON THE FAIRWAYS – BIG SCORES, BIGGER MOMENTS!

What a massive week of golf — huge felds, hot form, tight contests and some seriously impressive shot-making.

TUESDAY VETS – Naidoo Lights It Up!

Tuesday’s Stableford, backed by JB’s Electrical Test & Tag, delivered freworks with Marcel Naidoo exploding to a brilliant 42 points to take the win.

Chris Slade wasn’t far behind on 40, nudging out Tony Trent in a countback for the runner-up.

NTP action was on fre:

l 2nd: Jozef Kuiters – a razor-sharp 55cm,

l 5th: Kevin O’Neill,

l 8th: Ray Nugent,

l 11th: Paul Giles,

l 13th: Darryl Schwebel.

A massive 77-player feld showed up — a cracking turnout leading into December.

THURSDAY PAR – A Masterclass

Across Both Divisions

Division 1 belonged to Chris Barbary, who punched out a stunning +5, shooting a score that was well below his age — the stuf of club folklore!

Michael Condon was not to be denied either, fring an even-par 70 to secure +4 and runner-up.

SPORTS RESULTS

Division 2 brought its own brilliance with Leonardo Rossitto storming home at +6, ahead of Chris Gulliver on +3.

NTP winners included Bill Roberts on the 11th and Peter Fiore blasting the supershot on the 16th.

SATURDAY – The Big Meat & Seafood Prizes Draw a Massive Field

Saturday’s single stableford was a monster — 153 players chasing armfuls of meat and seafood trays.

The top of the leaderboard looked like this:

l Peter Jeuken – 40

l Denis Crowley – 39

l Dave Sattler – 38

l Clive Guthrie – 38

And on it rolled, with tight scores right down to Tom Menger in 16th on 32.

Pin-seekers dominated the par-threes, with:

l Gordon Dutton landing a ridiculous supershot (29cm!) on the 2nd,

l Anthony Magarry, Danny O’Sullivan, Bill Roberts, Mick Condon and Wayne Devlin all delivering precision darts across the day.

CASINO BOWLS RESULTS – TWO RINKS, TWO THRILLERS!

Casino’s greens hosted a morning of high drama with the lowest margin determining the day’s title.

Janine Robards, playing lead for both teams, was the heartbeat of the headline match. Her combination with Sandra Guthrie, Tanya Maxwell and Ivy

Watson edged out the Robards–Chandler–Haynes–Skinner four in a tense, highquality encounter.

On the neighbouring rink, Raelene Skirrey, also leading both sides, helped guide Carmel Doyle, Judy Carthew and Kaye Jonsoon to a gripping victory over Skirrey–Grice–Hellyar–Lavelle in a match full of gritty conversions and clutch draw shots.

CASINO SOCIAL GOLF – TELLY TUBBY TROPHY GOES OFF LIKE A FIREWORK!

The Dave McIntosh (Telly Tubby) Memorial Trophy delivered one of the most entertaining rounds of the year. Gary Shephard & Matthew Gooding were unstoppable, carding a sizzling net 32.75 to take the coveted trophy.

Hot on their heels came Philip Piccoli & Darryl Green with 35.5 in a performance worthy of applause.

NTP standouts included:

l G. Shephard owning the 9th & 11th, l G. Randall, W. Jackson, R. Horseman

, Vinny, J. Rankin (multiple!), and G. Skennar all hitting pin-high brilliance.

Next week’s Monthly Medal + Playof promises to be huge, with tee-of 6.30–7.30am and visitors warmly welcomed.

CORAKI VETERANS GOLF – 74 PLAYERS, HAM-CHASE MAYHEM!

Coraki Vets turned Thursday into a festive showdown, with 74 golfers battling for Christmas hams — and the bragging rights that come with them.

RESULTS:

l Club Handicap Winner: J. Doriean

l Vets Handicap Winner: A. Parr

l 2nd: J. O’Brien

l 3rd: J. Sauer

l Free Game: R. Rodda

Chicken/Ball Winners: D. Knox, M. Staford, G. O’Conner, S. Dawson, D. Bullock, T. Woods, G. Gibson, W. Henwood, W. Swindle, T. Newton, B. Ross, B. McDonald, G. Tait, B. Micheal.

Nearest Pins:

l 3rd/12th: Bernie McDonald

l 6th/15th: S. Sonego

Monthly Medal hits of Thursday 8:00am sharp

As Max says: “As usual — till then, good golfng!”

CHERRY STREET CROQUET

– CLASS, CLASHES & CLOSE FINISHES

Cherry Street croquet players turned up the heat this week.

S. Hume outlasted P. Hume in a 15–13 thriller, before L. Turner hit back with a commanding 15–10 win over S. Hume. In doubles, P. Waters & P. Hume edged Turner & Hardy 14–13 in one of the best matches of the season.

At the Club Champions Sydney 2025 event, local favourite Ray Chapman shone with a strong second place in Y Division, with standout performances across all divisions.

The club now prepares for its always-fun Presentation Day & Christmas Lunch on December 8 at 12pm

Harwood extends unbeaten run

By Tim Howard

In the only match played in round 8 of the Clarence River frst grade cricket competition Harwood despatched Tucabia

Copmanhurst with a seven wicket win at Harwood Oval.

The two other games in Grafton between Lawrence and Iluka at Ellem Oval and GDSC Easts and Maclean United at Lower Fisher Turf, were called of

without a ball bowled.

At Harwood the home team were in trouble early after Tucabia skipper Matt Pigg called correctly and batted.

Aggressive opener Beau Sevil hit 39 out of opening partnership of 42 with Tim Bultitude, 8.

Sevil clubbed three fours and a six in his innings, but when he fell, caught by Isaac Fischer from the bowling of legspinner Jacob McMahon, the

New Lifesaving Beacons Installed at High-Risk North Coast Locations

Jef Gibbs

Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) has expanded its network of lifesaving technology, installing three new Emergency Response Beacons (ERBs) at high-risk coastal locations across Cofs Harbour. The latest beacons, located at Diggers Beach, North Wall and Bonville Headland, form part of a growing statewide network designed to improve emergency response times at unpatrolled or remote beach locations.

The new installations bring the NSW total to 67 ERBs, with more scheduled as Surf Life Saving NSW continues to invest in safety technology aimed at preventing drownings and improving coordination in critical incidents.

ERBs provide an instant, direct link to the Surf Life Saving NSW State Operations Centre , allowing members of the public to report emergencies and trigger the rapid deployment of lifesavers, lifeguards, and emergency services to the exact location of an incident.

The lifesaving impact of these devices was demonstrated recently at Sufolk Park on the Far North Coast, where an ERB activation helped coordinate the rescue of an unconscious surfer. Byron Bay lifeguards responded by jet ski, performing CPR before the man was transported to hospital.

SLSNSW General Manager of Public Safety and Emergency Management Brent Manieri said the installations come at a crucial time.

“These additional ERB assets are being installed just prior to summer, when

visitation increases and incident numbers rise,” he said. “These assets will ensure vital support can be provided quickly and signifcantly reduce emergency response times.”

In partnership with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, ERBs are now ftted with shark trauma kits. The Cofs Harbour units are the frst in NSW to receive the new kits, with all beacons to be upgraded over the coming months.

NSW Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said the technology adds an important layer of protection.

“Emergency Response Beacons establish an instant link to Surf Life Saving NSW’s State Operations Centre, ensuring swift action in emergencies,” he said. “I encourage beachgoers

Harwood legspinner Jacob McMahon picked up three early wickets to put Tucabia on the back foot after a promising start to their innings at Harwood on Saturday.

wheels fell of.

Opening bowler Mark Vallette, 2-28 and McMahon 3-28 turned 0-42 into 5-60 and the Tucabia innings became a struggle.

An innings of 26 from former South Services player Joe Pigg and 12 from Travis Anderson held up the Harwood attack, but they could not get on top of the bowling and after 40 overs, Tucabia was 9-122.

With the wicket suiting the slower bowlers, wicketkeeper Hayden McMahon ditched the gloves and took a turn at the bowling crease.

to familiarise themselves with ERB locations, particularly when visiting unpatrolled beaches.”

Since 1 July 2025 , ERBs have been activated 118 times, with 14 incidents requiring lifesaving assets to be deployed. In the same timeframe, 14 drownings have occurred in NSW — all at unpatrolled or unmonitored locations.

City of Cofs Harbour Acting Planning and Communities Director Ian Fitzgibbon said the locations selected are known danger spots.

“These ERBs complement patrols by lifeguards and Surf Life Saving Clubs at nearby beaches. They should be used only in lifethreatening situations,” he said. “As we head into summer, we remind everyone to swim between the fags wherever possible.”

It was a decisive move as he ran through the Tucabia lower order, taking 3-15.

Harwood handled the run chase with ease thanks to an unbeaten half century from Alex Moftt, 54no.

He and Kallen Lawrence

shared an 84-run opening stand which put their team on the path to victory. Tucabia took a couple of quick wickets as Harwood closed in on the victory total, but they reached their target with fve overs to spare.

Bohdi Henwood 1-16 and Bultitude 1-24 were the wicket takers as Tucabia cycled through eight bowlers looking for a break through.

The win and the two washout extends Harwood’s lead on the competition table with two weekends remaining before the mid-season break.

Next week Lawrence and Maclean play at Ellem Oval, Grafton, Tucabia make the trip to Iluka Sportsground to play Iluka and Harwood hosts GDSC Easts at Harwood Oval.

A fle photo of Tucabia opener Beau Sevil hitting out during a game this season at Ellem Oval. He top scored for his team on Saturday.

AS CLEAR AS MUD

HARWOOD EXTENDS UNBEATEN RUN

REBELS GO DOWN SWINGING

By Gary Nichols

Photo: Gary Nicholls.

By Tim Howard full story page