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Victory grand opening

By Jonathon Howard

EXCITEMENT IS revving up at Victory Auto World this week, as the team gear up to host a special family fun day and sale weekend to celebrate the official grand opening of the new Ford, MG, LDV and Isuzu buildings.

Victory is hosting its grand reopening weekend on Friday, July 11 and Saturday, July 12, and everyone is invited.

The opening marks a major milestone for one of Tweed’s most iconic dealerships and gives the trusted brands one of the largest and most modern buildings on the Tweed.

After 18 months of hard work and dedication, the brand-new dealerships, led by

owner Victor Lapardin and Dealer Principal Jason Mannix, is ready to welcome customers with open arms alongside its major brands including Ford, LDV, MG, Isuzu plus plenty of used cars.

“The building represents a significant achievement for the entire team,” Mr Lapardin told The Weekly.

“Bringing modern design, state-of-theart facilities, and world-class service to the heart of the Tweed, we are inviting everyone to come down, bring the kids and enjoy a fun day on us — plus we have unbeatable prices on our Ford stock that must be sold.”

Mr Lapardin said this project has been a “true team effort from day one” and has thanked local trades, suppliers and his

staff for their efforts in making it a reality.

“From the foundation to the finishing touches, every detail was built with passion and a commitment to excellence,” he said.

“We’re proud to open our doors and invite the community to come see what we’ve created.”

The event will feature family-friendly fun, food trucks, prize giveaways and exclusive offers on new vehicles.

Whether you’re in the market for a new vehicle or just want to be part of a proud local moment, make sure to stop by Victory Auto World this weekend.

Victory Auto World is conveniently located at 10-18 Minjungbal Drive, Tweed Heads South, or call ahead on 1300 484 286.

Shark attack support

By Jo Kennett

THERE WILL be a community meeting as part of the NSW Government’s Shark Incident Community Support Program — with the date still to be announced — to provide support in the wake of shark attack on Sunday, June 29, at Cabarita Beach.

Shark attack victim and president of The Bite Club, Dave Pearson, says a shark attack can have a ripple effect, not only on first responders and people at the beach on the day, but also others who may feel unsafe going back to what had been their ‘happy place.’

“A lot of people make contact with The

Bite Club afterwards, and we’re here not just for those who’ve been bitten because the ripple of a shark attack goes out far and wide and it’s not just that one person,” he said.

“It’s everybody who was at the beach at the time and I’ve even seen it adversely affect people who use that beach all the time and it’s their happy place and suddenly it’s not their happy place anymore.”

Dave says people can experience different effects in the wake of a shark attack and that he didn’t get post traumatic stress disorder until six months after a bull shark attack which saw him nearly lose his arm in 2011.

“Number one you’ll find is a lack of sleep,” he said.

“One of the other things that people may get is a lack of motivation — they don’t feel like going out, they don’t feel like interacting with people or doing the things they were getting enjoyment from.

Continue reading on page 10.

The Bite Club founder Dave Pearson

Life of a homeless person in winter — final piece

In some cases, you may be lucky enough to have a car to sleep in. At least this provides some security and help if it rains. However, finding a place to park at night that does not have ‘no parking’ signs is often a problem. When it comes to registration, often passing the mechanical test is too expensive which can lead to having to sell the car or abandon it. That is when the person is now looking at sleeping on the street as described before That person is now at the bottom of the well.

I often challenge people and students to experience just for one night what these people have to experience. Go to bed at 5pm and sleep on a concrete floor outdoors. Do not watch TV and talk to anyone. Do not have a meal. Just provide yourself with a single blanket no matter what the weather is. If it rains, make sure you are outside. Beware of persons who may want to rob and harm you.

During the day, a homeless person may have sat up all night for safety reasons. So they may simply sleep in a park or on a park bench. People often criticise them and tell them to get a job. But sitting up all night out of fear or getting wet and cold is something few understand.

In the morning light, they pack up meager possessions into their trolley (their wardrobe) and head off to where they may need to go. It may be to the shops to get meager food supplies

There are few places a homeless person can shower or get something to eat. However, I single out Fred’s Place, a drop-in centre that does provide these facilities during the week. That is where many of the homeless people will go. And then the whole process starts over again for them. Just sit on a bench, maybe have a sleep in the park, take the abuse people throw at you, wait for the evening and go through the whole process

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again.

As I have already quoted, if you do not have a job you will not get a home.

If you do not have a home, you will not get a job.

Please look at homeless people as humans just like us. Know that many of us could just be a few steps away from hard times. Thank you.

John Lee OAM, Tweed Heads

Helping homeless and their pets

Thank you to John Lee OAM for his letters (TVW Letters, June 26 and July 3) describing the myriad of challenges faced by homeless people in winter.

Head Over Hooves Inc is a local charity running the Lend A Paw program helping the homeless and those at risk of homelessness with their pets.

The housing and cost-of-living crisis, domestic violence crisis, climate disasters and rentals not allowing pets all contribute to people struggling to feed, care for and house their pets.

No one should have to part with their beloved pets in a crisis.

Some people choose homelessness with their pets over having to give their beloved family member up.

They will usually feed their pets before themselves.

Their pet means the world to them and is often their soulmate, giving them both physical and emotional support with unconditional love and often warmth and security as well.

Their pet can sometimes be their whole reason for being.

Apart from on the streets, there are many living in vans, cars and tents with their pets, sometimes with multiple pets — both dogs and cats.

Volunteers with The Lend A Paw Program deliver pet food, warm coats, and other essential care items to community centres and crisis centres across the Tweed. We love seeing our deliveries put smiles on faces and produce wagging tails.

Apart from helping people manage

and to regain their stability we also hope to reduce the number of pets entering pounds and shelters and being put at risk of potentially being euthanised.

Please show empathy and compassion for all those doing it tough. We are all just one incident away from being in their shoes.

Susie Hearder, Head Over Hooves Inc, Limpinwood

Costs of getting old

Can I warn your readers to be very careful before moving into a retirement village.

The initial charges at about $1,200 a week are reasonable. It is only when you get really old and need more assistance. I doubt very much that those are advised of the costs.

I am getting to the stage where I am unable to lift a two litre milk bottle. It is now going to cost me $12,000 a year to have my bed made.

Peter Hanson, Banora Point Unmaintained roads

Thank you to Ray Nardi for his ongoing letters to The Weekly calling for our unmaintained roads to become maintained under Tweed Shire Council.

The Tweed Valley is a wonderful place to live for so many unless you happen to live and travel on one of 98 Tweed Shire Council roads that are currently unmaintained like me.

Potholes in the wet weather at night, especially for vehicles such as an ambulance in need, can be testing and life threatening.

Then the opposite of these roads can be a designated fire access road and is providing access to remote areas to find fires as we have had in the past.

Come on council, surely I am more important than a footpath.

Arlene Raynar, Urliup Childcare idea

Why not have a childcare centre at every primary school as part of an education and care for life policy? Well-designed demountable class -

rooms surrounded by safety fences catering for all in the school catchment area would be a lower cost start.

I believe there’s a childcare training centre at the Kingscliff TAFE that would serve as a working example.

Obviously not a demountable building.

The cost of privatised childcare is beyond most and hinders plans of buying a home.

The above solution would be a hugely popular move.

Robert Smith, Kingscliff Shark nets after attack

First, I am totally against shark nets. Drones are excellent and the drum lines are all we need on the Tweed.

One enters the water at one’s own risk. It amazes me whenever there is a shark attack it is full headlines on TV, papers, radio et cetera.

There could have been fatal car accidents or murders on the same day but never much said.

Every time we drive our car we are at much more of a risk. I think that little seal was the cause of this attack, as what had been noticed it was already injured and that shark was on the lookout for it. Unfortunately, the young man most probably looked like the seal, particularly if he had on a dark wetsuit.

Patricia Betts, Kingscliff Pods could be reused

Why can’t the pods be used for nurses, doctors, or any essential services instead of pulling them down (TVW July 10)?

The people who use that land at Kingscliff are some people with dogs or kids using the park in cars.

Moreen Holland, Tweed Heads Be brave and give The Voice another go

Our PM Anthony “Albo” Albanese should be brave and complete the job he started but failed, in 2023 with “the Indigenous Voice” by again introducing constitutional change in his second term that delivers an effective

“human rights” for all Australians including Indigenous Australians. But this time he needs to learn from the 2023’s lesson by being “up front” and getting to the point.

Point being — fairness for all Australians. This way, the show, this time, will generate trust, not distrust, and won’t look like some “tricky” political stunt like it did last time.

Australians are conservative voters but fair people, all they want to know and understand is what they are voting for. “Albo” would be wise to seize the day.

It would deliver him another two terms of office and he would go down in the history books bigger than Bob Hawke and Paul Keating.

Terry Sharples, Tweed Heads World Population Day is on July 11

We passed five billion people in 1987. Today, we’re at 8.2 billion and rising fast, but the planet isn’t expanding with us.

While the human population continues to escalate, insect populations are crashing.

Can humans adapt to the loss of pollinators that support food production, or the extinction of so many plants and animals?

Safeguarding the health and rights of girls and women must include ensuring that all women have control over their reproductive rights through free and voluntary access to family planning with an aim of stabilising and then reducing the number of humans impacting on the planet’s biophysical environment.

Peter Strachan, National President of Sustainable Population Australia

Please note the views on the letters page are those of the letter writer and not of the Tweed Valley Weekly. Letters must include a suburb and contact number for verification. Letters may be edited for length or legal reasons. Send your letters to editor@theweekly.

Fury over land clearing

By Jo Kennett

LOCAL RESIDENTS say developers of a subdivision at 60 Tringa Street have illegally cleared and filled protected buffer zones and are now requesting approval to clear the southern vegetated buffer — all in breach of the development consent.

The residents were furious when Maas Group Holdings illegally ‘moonscaped’ the development site in 2023, including threatened ecological communities via illegal access from residential Tringa Street and were shocked over recent breaches of the development consent at the site, which lies next to Cobaki Creek.

Tweed District Residents and Ratepayers Association president Lindy Smith said that before the Tringa Street amendment went through Tweed Shire Council (TSC) on Friday, June 6, the developer had put in a referral (a request to the Environment Minister) for further clearing, “with not a mention of this through the recent TSC process.”

“The additional clearing is in breach of the legal statutory development consent conditions/provisions and site plan,” Ms Smith said.

“The clearing proposed (marked in yellow on the Proposed Permanent Access map) will wipe out most of the southern vegetated buffer in breach of condition (c) 31 and the legal site plan.

“This does not show the north end of the development site where it has been cleared and filled breaching the Fisheries permit, wiping out the salt marsh which was supposed to be retained and rehabilitated.

“There has been no amendment to any of the buffer reserves and legal provisions or lot layout, and only stage 1 has approval as per C-1E, however stage 2, yet to be

approved, has also been cleared and filled.

“Most disturbing is a document included with the referral to support the additional clearing which states, ‘There are two site access points for the subject site. One accessed via Tringa St through existing vehicle tracks, while the other is accessed via Parkes Drive’ (Tringa Street was never approved as an access).

“This 2015 document also includes an Approved Subdivision Layout plan with the north and west buffers removed.”

Ms Smith said this document has never been included with the Tringa Street reports, nor any of the public exhibition processes.

“In 2015, the legal access to the development site was Hakea Drive as per the provisions of the statutory legal development consent with the temporary access at the north provision lapsing in November, 2014,” she said.

“Residents took me along the west of the development site to the north boundary and not only is there no 10 metre reserve along the western boundary of the development site where ‘no vegetation is to be disturbed in this area and no fill placed on the land’, there has been intrusion into the Crown road reserve.

“Nor is there the 10 metre reserve along the northern boundary as required under the legal site plan and the total failures

along this tidal waterway unconscionable.”

Ms Smith said Maas Group Holdings’ failure to disclose the clean-up notice over the illegally dumped asbestos at their Dubbo residential development, the fine for polluting the Macquarie River and recent flooding of the site, were all breaches of the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Act (EPBC).

One section of the proposal labels the vegetation as disturbed, yet in the 2023 EPBC referral, the same vegetation at the southern end — after most of the site was illegally cleared — was described as “ecologically valuable, with mature hollow-bearing trees and diverse undergrowth,” according to Ms Smith.

“The referral has included the outdated amended development consent 30/11/12, not the current at the time of submitting the referral being the 21/12/23 consent, along with the outdated Fisheries permit 7/4/15, not the current permit 23/12/22 which expired 1/1/25.”

Maas was earlier fined for dumping asbestos at a Dubbo development site and fined nearly $250,000 for polluting the Macquarie River.

The Weekly has contacted Maas Group Holdings and the NSW Minister for the Environment for comment and will publish their response when it is provided.

Murwillumbah Public School

Murwillumbah Public School proudly celebrated NAIDOC Week with a range of engaging and meaningful activities that honoured Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, history and achievements.

The week began on Monday with a smashing performance by the talented storyteller Lucas Proudfoot Lucas captivated students and staff alike with his highenergy show, blending music, storytelling and humour. His lively performance featured the guitar, didgeridoo and stomp box, and had the whole school laughing and learning through his quick wit and cheeky charm.

On Tuesday, the school community came together to enjoy a wholeschool rotation of cultural activities. Each class participated in sessions that explored traditional and contemporary Indigenous practices. Students had the opportunity to cook delicious honey myrtle cakes, paint wooden message-stickstyle artworks for display in the school garden, and take part in Indigenous games that promoted teamwork, movement, and cultural understanding. At the end of the day, the whole school enjoyed eating the cakes they had made while sitting in a yarning circle.

Every student entered a competition to work with local Indigenous artist, Chloe Saddler, to create a unique artwork for the school. Ten students were chosen based on their individual art entries. The combined painting is outstanding. The week was a vibrant celebration of learning, creativity and respect, highlighting MPS’s ongoing commitment to acknowledging and embracing the rich cultural heritage of Australia’s First Nations Peoples.

Maas plans to clear most of the southern vegetated buffer (shown in yellow)

Pearl Street response

By Jonathon Howard

A CONCERNED father has spoken out following the Tweed Valley Weekly’s recent article titled “Pearl Street Mayhem” (Page 11, July 3) and is calling for clarification and balanced portrayal of the properties at the centre of the story.

The article reported that residents in Pearl Street had raised safety concerns about several vacant properties allegedly overtaken by squatters.

In response, Tweed Shire councillors passed a motion on June 19 to write to the owner of 7–13 Pearl Street, urging the demolition of the buildings in line with an approved development application for a 12-storey residential complex.

The development application (DA21/0689) was approved in November 2022 for $33.8 million and is a 12-storey residential flat building containing 95 units.

However, a reader and father Stephen Martin has since contacted the paper to highlight what he believes to be critical omissions from the article — namely that not all properties in question are vacant or derelict.

Mr Martin said that the core problem is the properties at 7 and 9 Pearl Street, which he said have had issues with squatting and unsavoury behaviour, while 11 and 13 Pearl Street are both tenanted.

It should be noted that all properties within 7-13 Pearl Street are due for demolition under the development approval.

“While understanding the concerns of the Pearl Street residents regarding the now vacant and site-fenced properties at 7 and 9 Pearl Street, it should be duly noted (as missing from the story) that the properties of 11 and 13 Pearl Street are both currently tenanted on current paying rental lease agreements,” Mr Martin said.

According to Mr Martin, 13 Pearl Street is

MAIN STREET MEDICAL CENTRE

WORKING 4 DAYS MON/TUES, THURS/FRI 8AM - 5PM

home to a couple who live there to remain close to a family member residing in the Bolton Clarke Darlington Retirement Community at Banora Point.

Meanwhile, 11 Pearl Street is occupied by two working twin brothers who both live with a disability and have maintained a quiet, incident-free tenancy for more than three years.

“They are working citizens looking after themselves in what is currently an affordable housing situation,” Mr Martin said.

“Stability of the environment is one major contributing factor in their ongoing wellbeing.”

He described being “horrified and deeply saddened” by the generalisations made in the published article, which implied all four properties were in disrepair or compromised by illegal activity.

The father also pointed out that 11 Pearl Street is a multi-tenanted dwelling with two of its three units currently occupied. He said it has not exhibited the kinds of problems attributed to neighbouring properties.

We encourage readers to continue the conversation. Feedback and further information can be directed to: editor@theweekly.net.au.

I am an experienced GP who is excited to be working at Main Street Medical Centre. I qualified in the UK in 1995 from Sheffield University and became a GP in 2002, passing the MRCGP with Distinction. I have since been a senior, managing partner, in a practice in Doncaster, Yorkshire, UK . I have a special interest in geriatric medicine, especially care of patients with dementia. I am also interested in cardiovascular medicine, diabetes and mental health.

I care about education and was the senior course organiser for the local GP training scheme. I was a GP trainer in my previous UK practice and a GP appraiser.

As well as being a GP, I have been involved in organising health care in Doncaster; including currently being the clinical director of a consortium of practices and previously being the chairman of NHS Doncaster Clinical Commissioning Group.

I am married to a nurse and we have three wonderful children aged 29, 28 and 16.

We are excited to establish ourselves in Murwillumbah and discover the delights of Australia. I enjoy playing the guitar, photography and travel.

We welcome Dr Molly Colburn back from maternity leave.

Dr Colburn will be working Monday and Tuesdays. Her special intrests include women’s health, sexual health, paediatrics and urgent care.

9 and 7 Pearl Street are the only ones fenced off

Fire ants march to Tweed Taxi of origin feud

By Jonathon Howard

THE DETECTION of an immature red imported fire ant nest at Tweed Heads on Wednesday, July 2, has raised the alarm for Tweed after a swift response from NSW authorities.

The nest was treated by NSW fire ant response teams with a 500-metre surveillance sweep undertaken to check for any further activity.

A new Biosecurity Emergency Control Order will establish a 5km restricted zone to prevent the spread of fire ants, with tight controls on high-risk materials such as soil, mulch, turf, and hay.

Genetic analysis of the ants is underway to trace their origin, while authorities work with the landholder and review any material movements linked to the site.

Fire ants are largely confined to south-east Queensland, and NSW has imposed tough regulations to keep them out, including bans on material movement from infested areas and joint border patrols with NSW Police under Operation Victa.

Since its launch, Operation Victa has stopped 676 vehicles, ordered 24 to return to Queensland, and issued multiple penalties.

In February, two Queensland businesses were fined a total of $60,000 for biosecurity breaches.

The Invasive Species Council believes without further federal government money and support the ant could become established in NSW or nationally.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty praised the swift action and credited increased funding — boosted from $15 million to $95 million — for strengthening NSW’s response capability.

“This detection shows our community education is working,” Minister Moriarty said.

“Our systems are in action, and vigilance remains key.”

NSW Chief Invasive Species Officer Scott Charlton noted the nest was non-reproductive, a positive sign, and thanked the pest control contractor who reported it.

Invasive Species Council Advocacy Manager

Reece Pianta said there is a “national biosecurity emergency unfolding right in front of us” and the Tweed is in the firing line.

“We urgently need the Albanese Government to step up, match Queensland’s $24 million suppression funding boost and commit to the full ongoing eradication program,” he said.

“This is not just a Queensland issue. If fire ants escape the current containment zone, they will spread across the country, devastating agriculture, threatening public health and damaging our wildlife and way of life.

“Fire ants are among the world’s worst invasive pests.

“Their aggressive stings can trigger severe allergic reactions in humans, and they pose a serious threat to pets, livestock, native animals and infrastructure.”

Residents are urged to report suspected fire ants to 1800 680 244 or online via: dpi.nsw. gov.au/fire-ants.

STATE OF Origin is not the only long-running dispute between NSW and Queensland with cross-border taxi rides continuing to disadvantage NSW taxi drivers.

The NSW Government is now calling for urgent cooperation from Queensland to fix a long-standing cross-border transport imbalance that disadvantages NSW taxi drivers, frustrates Tweed residents, and impacts vulnerable passengers needing accessible transport.

Under current laws, Queensland taxi drivers are permitted to pick up passengers in NSW, but NSW taxi drivers are largely banned from collecting fares in Queensland, except at a few designated taxi ranks for NSW-bound trips.

This regulatory discrepancy has created a lopsided playing field with Tweed Shire operators and passengers increasingly feeling the strain.

For residents in border communities like Tweed Heads, the impact is twofold: local drivers lose income opportunities, and passengers, particularly those flying into Gold Coast Airport, face limited service options when trying to return to destinations in Northern NSW.

The disparity is particularly troubling for NSW residents who rely on wheelchair-accessible taxis for medical appointments on the Gold Coast.

These passengers are currently unable to book return trips with their trusted NSW drivers, often experiencing long waits and difficulties accessing the NSW Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme (TTSS) through Queensland operators.

“This situation creates unnecessary distress for people relying on these services,” a spokesperson from the NSW Point to Point Transport Commissioner’s office said.

At a recent Cross Border Tourism and Transport Forum, the NSW Point to Point Transport Commissioner raised the issue, urging reform.

Now, NSW Minister for Transport John Graham has written to Queensland Minister for Transport Brent Mickelberg, requesting an immediate rule change to allow NSW taxi drivers to provide return trips for passengers

using the TTSS.

“We both require a level playing field,” Minister Graham said.

“The current framework gives Queensland drivers an unfair advantage and causes real difficulties for NSW passengers.”

Minister Graham drew a sporting parallel ahead of the upcoming State of Origin series decider, saying: “We expect the Blues to win on the field, but we’re calling on Queensland to play fair off it too.”

Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison echoed the call for change, arguing that essential services like transport should not be dictated by which side of the border you live on.

“Unfair operating arrangements don’t just impact our most vulnerable residents,” she said.

“They hurt small businesses in the taxi sector and damage tourism and hospitality.

“Let’s keep the football on the field and work together for solutions.”

NSW Taxi Council CEO Nick Abrahim welcomed the push, particularly the proposal to allow NSW drivers to complete return trips for TTSS participants, but called for the policy to eventually be extended to all cross-border taxi trips.

“We would like to see this measure extended so all passengers are given the opportunity to return in a NSW taxi,” she said.

While there have been early signs of goodwill from some Queensland service providers, a coordinated cross-border agreement remains elusive.

The NSW Government has confirmed its willingness to work with the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads to implement changes that would improve fairness, service quality, and access to critical transport across the border.

YOUR THOUGHTS: Have you taken a cab from Queensland to NSW recently? Did you find it confusing? Send your thoughts and letters to the editor via email: editor@theweekly.net.au

Miracle Pottsville rescue

By Jo Kennett

MORE DETAILS have emerged about the miraculous rescue of a fisherman adrift in the night on a disabled jet ski off Pottsville on Wednesday, June 25, more than 12 hours after he set off, and the tragedy that spurred the trawler skipper on with his search.

The Pottsville man had gone fishing in the afternoon 12 kilometres offshore from Pottsville, but when he went to return home, his jet ski wouldn’t start. He raised the alarm at 4.30pm before his phone battery went flat, sparking a search made difficult by his lack of a light or communications, involving fishermen, Marine Rescue NSW, NSW Police and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

The Southern King fishing trawler, based in Mooloolaba, had travelled down to work the North Coast and were fishing nearby.

“We shot our trawl gear away at 5.30 pm and were heading south in a similar area just a few miles wider when I saw Marine Rescue [vessel] on the radar inside and below us about five nautical miles (nm),” Southern King captain Shane Baker told The Weekly.

“I wondered what they were doing there at that time so turned the VHF radio over to Channel 16 from our working channel.

“Not long after, I heard the rescue helicopter calling them, so I called Marine Rescue Ballina and asked for more information.

“I got his last position and time they had spoken to him before his phone went flat, so I did my own set and drift coordinates with what the tide and wind were doing.

“I came up with the area I thought he would approximately be around so I altered my original course I had set to trawl to more south west and started trawling in towards the new position.”

Shane turned the side spotlights on the trawler and searched for the jet ski “for two or three hours.”

“It was about 8.30 pm and I had talked to my wife on the phone and we had prayed for him,” Shane said.

“I said, ‘I feel confident I’m going to get him’.

“At 8.45 pm, out of the corner of my eye I spotted him and heard him yelling, ‘Help.’

“I responded, ‘We got ya mate, hang on.’

“I put an event mark down [on his chart] and called Ballina Marine Rescue and told them we had him in our sight.” Shane gave Ballina Marine Rescue the GPS coordinates and told them to “head straight at me.”

“The boys got a life ring but we couldn’t get close enough to him with the [trawling] gear down,” he said.

“I pulled the revs back and winched the gear up, but at this time we had lost sight of him again.

“Now I had the trawl gear

up I could manoeuvre easier, so I headed straight back a bit east-soueast of the mark and couldn’t see him so I tuned the radar in on a one mile scale [the radar is usually tuned out so they don’t pick up every little thing].

“I kept getting a distinct mark coming up four tenths [of a nm] to the south-east of us and put a target on it. It was drifting at one knot so I knew that would be him.

“I headed to the mark with the boys on the bow looking and bang, we bloody got him again.”

The jet ski rider had drifted south from where he’d been

fishing and was around 20 kilometres offshore. Shane told Marine Rescue to head to the trawler as, “I have him beside me now.”

“They were about 1.5 nm to the north of us, so we stayed beside him until they arrived within five minutes and then we could see him get onboard,” Shane said.

“I called and asked, ‘Is all good’ and they responded, ‘Yes’ and were very thankful.

“We threw our gear back over and shot the trawl gear away.

“Myself and the crew were very happy and blessed we had found him.

“I lost my brother 21 years ago on our family trawler and I spent three days searching for him with other vessels and planes but the outcome was no good.”

Shane’s brother Rodney Baker was declared lost at sea after his family’s trawler, the Gulf Stream, sank off Cape Moreton, Queensland, in 2004, when the nets snagged, capsizing the boat. Rodney’s brother-in-law was rescued, while Shane spent three days sitting up the frame of his uncle’s trawler searching for his brother. His parents eventually rang his uncle and told him to get Shane down and bring him home. Shane said that “going home without him to see Mum and Dad,” was very hard.

“So I had a few memories come flooding back at the time we were searching for this fella and I knew with the big man

above and my brother watching over me, we had the best chance,” Shane said. Shane and the Southern King crew were heading home to Mooloolaba “away from weather coming up from the south” when The Weekly caught up with him.

(L-R) Southern King skipper Shane Baker, deckhands Lloyd Sanchez and Henry Maenukua and first mate Isaac Sobey

Seaside Shelter Inc.

♥ MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Calling All Community Minded Champions

We are looking for new committee members. Whether you have experience in community services, voluntary work or not, if you are a compassionate person who wants to make a difference, then we would love to talk to you.

Your involvement in our committee will stengthen the work we do behind the scenes so our partner organisation TheFamilyCentre can provide housing support to young people in the Tweed Shire.

To find out more please phone 0402 128 289 or email dicollier@seasideshelter.org.au

Our Mission is to offer support to children, young people and their families in our community who are at risk of homelessness.

Tyalgum Road open

By Jonathon Howard

“TYALGUM IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS ,”

exclaimed Member for Richmond Justine Elliot during the official reopening of Tyalgum Road on Friday, July 4, after the landslip, affectionately known by locals as ‘The Crack’, was repaired.

The opening marks more than three years since the 2022 Tweed flood, which devastated the road and triggered one of the largest infrastructure projects in the Tweed’s recent history.

Tyalgum community for their patience and understanding. We know that it’s been difficult at times, but we hope that this safer road will be worth the wait!”

Repairs were also thwarted by weather conditions, which were anything but favourable at times.

Ms Elliot said she was “proud to be delivering $24 million in joint funding from the Federal and NSW Labor governments towards the rebuilding of Tyalgum Road”.

To achieve good physical balance, we rely on our brain, eyes, inner-ear, and musculoskeletal system to work in harmony. However, when the fragile vestibular organs of the inner ear and brain are damaged by illness or injury, anyone can lose their ability to balance. Balance disorders are typically under diagnosed and undertreated. More than 1/3 of adults aged 40 years and older experience vestibular dysfunction at some point in their lives.

Common symptoms of vestibular disorders include vertigo and dizziness. Vertigo is a spinning or whirling sensation, or an illusion of the self or world moving. Dizziness is a lightheaded, floating or rocking sensation. Poor balance, nausea, visual disturbances, headache, hearing loss, tinnitus, and pain or fullness in the ears can accompany vestibular disorders.

There are many causes of dizziness or vertigo. But most types of vestibular disorders can be diagnosed by means of a thorough medical history and clinical examination.

The most common type of vertigo is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

(BPPV), and once diagnosed is easily treated with repositioning manoeuvres. Amongst other types of vertigo are Meniere’s Disease, Vestibular Neuritis and Cervicogenic Vertigo Cervicogenic Vertigo is due to a dysfunction in the neck and can be easily treated with Osteopathic intervention.

Dr Rudi Gerhardt has had substantial education in the field of Vestibular Disorders, can diagnose most of the common types, and is able to either treat the condition or refer on for further diagnosis and treatment.

Dr Rudi Gerhardt B.Sc., D.O. Your local Osteopath

The road running to Tyalgum has now been fully restored allowing easy access to Tyalgum village, which comes as a great relief to local businesses and residents.

Funded by the Australian and NSW governments through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, the size and scope of the work presented challenges for engineers and designers.

Tweed Shire Council, working with Transport for NSW, engaged contractor SEE Civil to restore the road at a cost of $24 million, who completed the works on time and under budget.

Mayor of Tweed, Chris Cherry, said that Tyalgum Road has been one of the major roadworks for council since the 2022 floods and she was delighted it was finished.

“Thanks to all the staff at Tweed Shire Council and SEE Civil who worked on this complicated project,” she said.

“I would also like to sincerely thank the

“The Albanese Labor Government is helping the North Coast build back better, by repairing damaged infrastructure and roads while also making sure the region is more prepared for severe weather events in the future,” she said.

“The completion of this project is yet another example of us delivering more resilient roads and reconnects the Tyalgum community with double lane access on Tyalgum Road.”

Minster for Recovery and Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said the reopening of Tyalgum Road is great news for the people of Tyalgum and Murwillumbah.

“Because we haven’t just rebuilt the same road. We’ve delivered a better one it its place,” she said.

“The improvements we’ve made to this road mean that it’s more likely to withstand the weather events of the future and stay open so residents don’t get stuck.”

THANK YOU AND WE'RE OPEN: Member for Richmond Justine Elliot thanked SEE Civil for their efforts and the people of Tyalgum for their patience

Beloved local dies surfing

By Jo Kennett

A MUCH -LOVED local man has died after suffering a suspected medical episode while surfing at Casuarina on Sunday, July 6, with local residents trying to resuscitate him to no avail.

Surf Life Saving NSW Far North Coast Duty Officer David Rope said the man had been surfing in the area in front of Drift Apartments on Kamala Crescent when he was found at around 8.30am.

“The 70-year-old male was found face down in the water still attached to his surfboard,” David said.

“He was found by other surfers in the area who brought him back to the beach and started CPR and contacted Triple-0.

“It’s quite isolated there with the current beach erosion, it’s not even easy to get on and off the beach on foot.”

David accessed the beach by four-wheel drive on the south side of Cudgen Creek, driving the length of the beach to the scene and directing a four-wheel drive ambulance to do the same, while paramedics got down on foot and were already on scene when David arrived.

“Unfortunately, the man didn’t make it off the beach, even after the paramedics arrived and used all their equipment, so nobody probably had any chance of reviving him,” David said.

“The most important step in the chain of survival is early intervention of an AED, a defibrillator, but I think there is every chance in this situation that a defib wouldn’t have done anything anyway because it wouldn’t have detected a rhythm.”

The man was later identified as Murray Woods, who local surfer and artist Christian Chapman described as ‘the godfather of Track 3,’ where he surfed and could often be found doing surf checks.

“I have surfed around there for many years with Murray and nine out of ten early mornings he would be out there,” Christian said, calling him an inspiration who surfed every day, no matter what. “He was a nice man.”

Others called Murray “a great man” who would be deeply missed.

“If you took too long contemplating the surf he would say ‘What are you waiting for? Just go and get your board!’” friend Marco said, calling him a “sweet and kind man” and an “eternal grom”.

David says first responders should seek support if they have any adverse effects.

“They should be very proud of themselves for doing what they did, assisting somebody like that,” he said.

“They were just typical good Australians that have done everything they can do to help.”

Among the tributes at the Track 3 tree was a card saying, “Thank you for helping Murray. We are all eternally grateful. Love the Woods family.”

Shark attack support

Continued from page 3.

“They’re the first signs that something is troubling you and they’re the ones that we have to act upon and we need to talk to people to let them know that we’re not feeling well.

“That’s the tricky thing, especially for Australian males, is to find that person who you can go, ‘Hey, I’m struggling here,’ without being called a sook or a wuss.

“You’ve got to reach out to someone you can trust and you’ve got to talk about it because it’ll engulf you over the coming months and can really have a negative effect for the rest of your life.

“We’re lucky in NSW because they do community events from a shark incident response team, so we’ll go to a community that’s had a fatal or serious shark attack and talk about our experiences and inform the public about what’s actually happening in the ocean which is really good because a lot of people don’t understand what’s going on out there.

“We usually wait a couple of weeks after an attack and we will have information on where they can seek the best help mentally.” Dave often has conversations with people at the program which he says can be tough.

“We are giving our time up to do this, but at the end of the day we’re helping someone and if

you can help someone deal with their grief, their pain or future mental stress, it’s worthwhile.”

Last May, Surfing NSW held Shark Trauma Training at Cabarita, attended by local boardriders.

The Shark Incident Community Support Program is an initiative between DPI, the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program, Bite Club, Surfing NSW and Surf Life Saving NSW to support coastal communities following a fatal or serious shark incident to help educate and recover.

The community meeting is expected to be held later in July, with notification of dates and the venue through flyers, social media and the media for anyone interested in attending.

Dave's tattoo honours his survival journey

Local artist Christian Chapman photographed his memorial to his friend Murray

Beach signage gone

By Jo Kennett

IT’S NOT only our beaches that seem to have disappeared, infrastructure like signs and rescue gear has also gone, but fortunately much of it was saved before it washed away.

The hundreds of fallen trees and vegetation on our beaches are now acting as natural barriers to trap sand, which is already starting to build up again on south side beaches, however there is likely to be more erosion on north side beaches.

Last October, Tweed Shire Council and Surf Life Saving NSW installed new beach safety devices containing rescue tubes at nine locations along the Tweed Coast.

Tweed Shire Council’s Manager Sustainability and the Environment Jane Lofthouse said most of the fallen council signs have been collected by staff.

A rescue tube box landed on the beach at the Peninsula Street access at Hastings Point and the rescue tube was later clipped to the fence.

“Many signs will not be put back until the beach has started to rebuild,” she said.

“In some areas the erosion is back into the tree line so erecting signs is not practical as they cannot be seen.”

Ms Lofthouse said that if any members of the public see a fallen sign, they can call council with the location so it can be collected.

“The good news is the beaches have started to rebuild on the south side of headlands,” she said.

“Unfortunately, we are likely to see increased erosion on the north side of headlands over the next few months.

“Tweed has a natural drift of sand moving from south to north along the coast.

“The headlands and training walls act as hold points for this sand drift.

“The beaches updrift of headlands will not be replenished until the sand has built up on the south side sufficiently to move around that headland.

“The beaches that may erode include Fingal Head, Kingscliff, and Cabarita.

“All this is dependent on the weather conditions over the next six months.”

Ms Lofthouse said council staff from the sign shop are regularly checking the coastline and collecting fallen and at-risk signage.

People can report the exact location of fallen signs to council by phone or through the website: https://www.tweed.nsw.gov.au/council/customer-service/report-problem

Explosion rocks homes

By Jonathon Howard

A LARGE explosion that rocked surrounding homes and had residents on high alert is believed to have been caused by a gas appliance at a unit in Kingscliff on Monday, July 7. Emergency services were called to Monarch Drive and found a “single-level retirement unit well-alight”.

Two elderly residents were taken to hospital following the explosion and subsequent unit fire at about 7.30am.

“An 85-year-old man has been taken to Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital with severe burns; he’s described as being in a critical condition,” NSW Police told The Weekly.

“An 83-year-old woman has suffered minor burns to her face and body and is in a stable condition at Tweed Valley Hospital.”

Witnesses said they heard a large explosion prior to smoke rising from the unit.

Several residents posted online images of smoke billowing from the suburb with residents

as far as Banora Point hearing the sound and even their windows shaking.

Tweed Police are working with Fire and Rescue NSW to investigate the cause.

“Initial advice to police indicates the cause may be a leak from an internal portable gas appliance,” police told The Weekly.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was tasked to the address at around 7:40am.

“A male in his 80s who had suffered burns was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics and the helicopter’s critical care medical team, before being transported to the burns unit at the Royal Brisbane Hospital in a serious condition,” a spokesperson for Westpac Rescue Helicopter said.

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is investigating whether the fire was caused by a leaking LPG system.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed on a confidential basis.

TOP: Locals dragged a dog sign up the beach at Hastings Point. BOTTOM: A rescue tube clipped to the fence on the north side of Hastings Point.

Local Sport Grant program is now open

If your club need facility upgrades, new equipment or the financial assistance to commence new programs that support and encourage participation in sport and active recreation then this program is for you.

Grants of $2,000 – $20,000 are available, with up to $50,000 atvailable in each electorate.

Sport brings communities together and goes far beyond the physical benefits – it strengthens social networks.

Don’t miss this opportunity.

Applications close 1pm, Monday, 18 August. For further information, including program guidelines available at: www.sport.nsw.gov.au/local-sport-grant-program

Member for TWEED

tweed@parliament.nsw.gov.au 07 5523 4816

geoffprovestmp.com.au /GeoffProvestMP

Tweed Link

Plant

1000 trees with us this National Tree Day!

Join Council’s free community planting event at Col Wiley Park, Byangum on Sunday 27 July, from 9 am to 12 noon.

Together, we’ll plant 1,000 native trees and shrubs to help improve water quality, protect wildlife and reduce erosion along the Tweed River.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for families to connect with nature, learn about our local environment, and contribute positively to restoration

while having fun together,” Council’s Waterways Project Officer, Matthew Bloor said.

Everyone’s welcome – and no experience needed!

Where: Col Wiley Park, Byangum

When: Sunday 27 July | 9 am – 12 noon Register (optional): events.humanitix.com/tree-planting-tweed

Let’s grow something great together!

Grants of up to $4,000 for Tweed farmers with bright ideas

Are you a local farmer with a great idea for sustainable land management? Tweed Shire Council is offering grants of up to $4,000 to help bring your ideas to life.

Whether you grow veggies or run a larger operation, funding is available for projects that improve soil health, water management, biodiversity and more. Applications close 31 July 2025.

Learn more at tweed.nsw.gov.au/agriculture or call 02 6670 2400.

Grow your ideas—and a healthier future for the Tweed.

Tyalgum Road is fully restored!

For the first time since the 2022 floods, Tyalgum Road is now open to two-lane traffic, reconnecting Tyalgum village directly with Murwillumbah.

The record-breaking floods in February 2022 caused a massive landslip, known locally as ‘The Crack’, cutting off the main route and forcing detours via Chillingham. Thanks to a $24 million restoration project by Tweed Shire Council and Transport for NSW, the road has now been rebuilt — with 130 concrete piles, 3300 tonnes of rock, and a huge effort from local workers (90% of the crew were Tweed residents!).

Special thanks to the Tyalgum community for your patience throughout this major recovery effort. This safer, stronger road is built to last.

Survey to help shape the future of health care in Murwillumbah Council is supporting the Collaborative Care project – a new initiative to improve access to health services in Murwillumbah and surrounding areas.

If you're 15 or older, you're invited to complete a short survey about the health services that matter most to you.

Led by Rural Doctors Network and supported by NSW Health, the survey will identify local health priorities and help design more accessible, sustainable care in our region.

The survey closes Sunday 3 August 2025. Take the survey: collaborativecare.au/murwillumbah Let’s work together for a healthier Murwillumbah.

MisterChef is back – spots now open Council is once again on the lookout for older men ready to step up to the stove and gain confidence in the kitchen.

The popular MisterChef program returns this July, offering a relaxed and supportive space for men who are new to cooking — whether due to a change in circumstances or simply wanting to build their skills. Running over 6 weeks, the program covers meal planning, grocery shopping and hands-on cooking, with no prior experience required.

The next course starts Monday 14 July and runs until 18 August at the South Tweed Community Centre. Sessions take place weekly from 9am to 12pm. The cost for the full 6-week course is just $30, with all materials provided.

To book or learn more, call (07) 5569 3110, drop into the office, or email: communityservices@tweed.nsw.gov.au

Pop–up fire ant information hub

The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Fire Ant team, Service NSW and National Fire Ant Eradication Program staff will be available to answer questions about fire ants and the recent nest in Tweed Heads South.

Drop by their pop-up information hub this week for expert advice.

When: Tuesday 8 to Friday 11 July, 9 am to 4 pm

Where: Tweed Heads South Community Centre, 18 Heffron Street, Tweed Heads South Council is not the fire ant authority. We're sharing information from the lead authorities for our community.

Please direct enquiries to:

• NSW DPIRD Fire Ant Hotline: 1800 680 244

• National Fire Ant Eradication Program: 132 268

If you suspect fire ants on your property, do not disturb the nest. Report it to NSW DPIRD at 1800 680 244.

Tweed Shire Council wishes to acknowledge the Ngandowal and Minyungbal speaking people of the Bundjalung Country, in particular the Goodjinburra, Tul-gi-gin and Moorung – Moobah clans, as being the traditional owners and custodians of the land and waters within the Tweed Shire boundaries. Council also acknowledges and respects the Tweed Aboriginal community’s right to speak for its Country and to care for its traditional Country in accordance with its lore, customs and traditions.

Residents are invited to plant native trees and shrubs along the Tweed River bank at Byangum on Sunday 27 July.

Hey farmers, apply for up to $4,000 in funding to get your sustainability idea off the ground!

After: The new look Tyalgum Road.

Before: A reminder of the damage caused by the 2022 floods.

These happy chaps attended last year's Misterchef.

Development application determinations

Notification of development application determinations for the purposes of Section 4.59 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (as amended).

Application details

Approved

A25/0256 - Patio

Lot 319 DP 830232, No. 17 Nandina Terrace, Banora Point

DA25/0066 - Swimming pool and 1.8m front fence

Lot 158 DP 31041, No. 14 Lakeview Terrace, Bilambil Heights

DA25/0142 - Alterations and additions to existing dwelling

Lot 22 DP 1030322, No. 38 Collins Lane, Casuarina

DA25/0152 - Two storey dwelling with attached garage and associated earthworks

Lot 59 DP 1300756, No. 53 Bowen Loop, Cudgen

DA25/0236 - Carport

Lot 1 DP 584124, No. 16 Collier Street, Cudgen

DA25/0249 - Swimming pool

Lot 59 DP 1300756, No. 53 Bowen Loop, Cudgen

DA25/0030 - Use of shed

Lot 1 DP 972079, No. 526 Tyalgum Road, Eungella

DA24/0553 - Inground swimming pool

Lot 51 DP 237400, No. 7 Valiant Street, Kingscliff

DA24/0623 - Demolition of existing dwelling and construction of new dwelling with attached garage

Lot 51 DP 237400, No. 7 Valiant Street, Kingscliff

DA25/0238 - Patio

Lot 17 DP 1233194, No. 36 Ocean Avenue, Kingscliff

DA25/0062 - Use of unauthorised building works deck and pergola surrounding swimming pool

Lot 18 DP 259697, No. 54 Hall Drive, Murwillumbah

DA25/0131 - Dwelling and tree removal

Lot 2 DP 794392, No. 795 Piggabeen Road, Piggabeen

DA25/0257 - Dwelling and associated works

Lot 126 DP 701433, No. 47 Tringa Street, Tweed Heads West

DA24/0569 - Two (2) lot subdivision, multi-dwelling housing and 12 lot strata subdivision in (2) stages (over proposed Lot 15 of DA24/0089)

Lot 169 DP 1075495, Lot 930 DP 1079118, No. 4-8 Bells Boulevard, Kingscliff

DA25/0116 - Demolition of existing dwelling, and erection of new dwelling, garage and secondary dwelling

Lot 12 Section 1 DP 7309, No. 25 Orient Street, Kingscliff

DA24/0441 - Alterations and additions to existing retail premises and use of the building as constructed

Lot 4 DP 726862, Murwillumbah Street, Murwillumbah

DA25/0089 - Two lot subdivision

Lot 4 DP 23920, No. 14 William Street, Murwillumbah

DA24/0413 - Use of existing unauthorised alterations and additions to rural workers dwelling including erection of new verandah

Lot 2 DP 734852, Lot 1 DP 524532, No. 118 Cranneys Road, North Tumbulgum

DA25/0127 - Alterations and additions to an existing dual occupancy unit

Lot 1 SP 81657, Unit 1/No. 4 Ponsford Place, Pottsville

DA24/0358 - Construction of factory building for the purposes of General Industry, car parking, landscaping, signage, and associated works

Lot 2 DP 1141351, No. 28-30 Durrington Street, South Murwillumbah

DA25/0099 - Two lot subdivision

Lot 214 DP 1122768, No. 18-20 Honeyeater Circuit, South Murwillumbah

DA21/0656 - Alterations and additions to Hosanna Farmstay including expansion of the existing primitive camp ground from two (2) sites to 33 sites, demolition of 8 camping huts, construction of amenities building, use of ancillary structures, day visitation and signage.

Lot 46 DP 1202426, No. 4 Tunnel Road, Stokers Siding

DA24/0485 - Use of alterations and additions to a secondary dwelling and its change of use to a principal dwelling as well as construction of a new secondary dwelling

Lot 2 DP 1201210, No. 5 North Hill Court, Tanglewood

DA21/0198 - Staged development for a 79 lot subdivision comprising of 77 residential lots, drainage reserve, residue lot and subdivision works over two (2) stages

Lot 1 DP 175234, Lot 1 DP 781511, Lot 63 DP 804148, Lot 753 DP 1291069, Lot 4 DP 1138338, Lot 2 DP 1278145, Lot 2 DP 785420, No. 93 Parkes Lane, Terranora

DA24/0609 - Alterations and additions to existing residential unit (Lot 97 SP 20856)

Lot 97 SP 20856, SP 20856, Unit 2402/No. 53 Bay Street, Tweed Heads

Council

urges

smarter water habits as daily use exceeds target

Council is reminding the Tweed community to use just 160L of water a day and help preserve our precious water supply.

Water and Wastewater Water Cycle Management Coordinator Elizabeth Seidl said we can all make some simple changes to our water habits.

“In recent weeks, we’ve noticed the Tweed’s average daily residential water consumption has been higher than usual,” Ms Seidl said.

“In the past month, our community has averaged 186 litres per person per day. That is 26 litres, per person, above our daily target of 160 litres.

“Residents, businesses and agriculture – we all rely on water, yet a lot of us are on auto-pilot when it comes to using it.

“The water that comes from our taps doesn’t fall straight from the sky — it’s collected, treated and delivered through an entire system. That takes energy, infrastructure, and planning.

“So even when it’s wet outside, treated water is still a limited resource.”

To help, Council has condensed water-saving advice into 5 easy-to-adopt tips:

• Find and fix your water leaks. A dripping tap can waste more than 30L a day.

• Install water-efficient showerheads, taps and

Soup at TRAC

There’s no better way to beat the winter chill than with a hot bowl of soup — and TRAC Starting Block Café (Murwillumbah Pool) has you covered. Throughout winter, the café is serving up hearty soups at lunchtime, with a rotating flavour each week. On the menu this week is delicious Red Curry Pumpkin Soup.

Enjoy it solo for just $5, or level up your lunch with buttered toast for $8.50. Feeling indulgent? Go all in with a golden cheese toastie on the side for $10 — perfectly balanced with just the right cheese-tobutter ratio.

Development proposal for public comment

appliances with at least a 4-star water rating label.

• Use a swimming pool cover to reduce evaporation as the weather starts to warm up. You'll save up to 82L a day.

• Go easy with the hose. Watering the garden uses 15 to 20L a minute.

• Keep your daily shower to 4 minutes. You’ll save 9L for every minute you knock off.

“These might seem like small steps, but collectively they have a big impact,” Ms Seidl said.

“Council is working to raise Clarrie Hall Dam to secure our water supply, yet it’ll always remain important we don’t use more than our fair share.”

For more info visit: tweed.nsw.gov.au/target160

Clarification - Upcoming in-person sessions for draft policy on Assistance Animals in Council Places

In last week’s Tweed Link edition there were incorrect dates for the upcoming information sessions for the draft policy on Assistance Animals in Council Places.

We apologise for any inconvenience. The correct dates are as follows.

• 10 July, 10 am – 11:30 am, Tweed Heads

• 15 July, 10 am – 11:30 am, Murwillumbah

• Online – 23 July, 2 pm – 3pm

Find out more details and register your attendance at: yoursaytweed.com.au/assistance-animals

The following development application has been received by Tweed Shire Council and may be viewed on Council’s DA tracking site located at datracker.tweed.nsw.gov.au for a period of 28 days from Wednesday 9 July 2025 to Wednesday 6 August 2025.

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

ApplicantLocation Proposal Application no.

Rolling Sets Pty Ltd

Lot 448, Lot 653, DP 755740 & Lot 702, DP 720453 & Lot 7312, DP 1121225 & Lot 7339, Lot 7341, Lot 7342, Lot 7343, Lot 7344, Part Lot 7340, DP 1166191 & ROAD 1350; Coral Street, Tweed Heads; Lot 704 DP 877249; Eden Street ; Part Lot 703 DP 877250; No. 18 Coral Street, Tweed Heads

Use of Tenancy 11

associated alterations and additions)

Any person may, during the period specified above, make a submission in writing to Council in relation to the Development Application. Where a submission is in the form of an objection, then the grounds of objection are required to be specified. Any person may, during the above period, make a written submission to the General Manager of Council. It should also be noted that Council has adopted a policy whereby, on request, any submission including identifying particulars will be made public. Council will give consideration to the ‘Public Interest’ and requests for confidentiality by submitters in determining access to submission letters. However, the provisions of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 – GIPA may result in confidential submissions being released to an applicant.

Please note – requirements regarding Disclosure of Political Gifts and Donations

A disclosure is required to be made in a statement accompanying the relevant development or planning application by a person who makes the application. In addition, a person who makes a written submission either objecting to or supporting a relevant development or planning application must also make a disclosure if the person has made a reportable political donation. Further information regarding Donations and Gift Disclosure are available on Council’s website at tweed.nsw.gov.au/development-applications

Approved

DA25/0125 - Alterations and additions to existing restaurant

Lot 1 DP 1007168, Lot 2 DP 1007168, No. 2-4 Stuart Street, Tweed Heads

DA25/0235 - Signage for existing car dealership

Lot 30 DP 1084807, No. 153 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads

DA24/0617 - Construction of eight (8) light industrial units and associated signage

Lot 3 DP 800252, No. 80-82 Industry Drive, Tweed Heads South Refused

DA25/0156 - Temporary use of land as an airstrip Lot 2 DP 1242396, Lot 2 DP 568035, No. 529 Cudgen Road, Cudgen

The above development determinations are available for public inspection free of charge at the Planning and Regulation Division, Murwillumbah Civic Centre, during ordinary office hours OR viewed on Council’s DA Tracking site located at datracker.tweed.nsw.gov.au

Get the Tweed Link early

Be one of the first to see all the latest news from Tweed Shire Council each week.

Subscribers to the Tweed Link receive it by email each week on Wednesday mornings, in addition to it appearing in print in the Tweed Valley Weekly on Thursdays.

But that’s not all – you can also subscribe to Council job alerts, media releases and a range of e-newsletters and Council facility program alerts. Sign up at tweed.nsw.gov.au/subscribe

WATER WEEK 12

Check when your water meter is read at tweed.nsw.gov.au/meter-reading

Current vacancies

Visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/job-vacancies to view current vacancies. Subscribe to receive Job Vacancy Alerts via email at: tweed.nsw.gov.au/subscribe

02 6670 2400

PO Box 816, Murwillumbah NSW 2484

tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au tweed.nsw.gov.au

Subscribe to the Tweed Link at tweed.nsw.gov.au/subscribe or follow Council on:

Catering Contract

CBD upgrades almost done

By Jonathon Howard

The

The

“The

or find us, we suffer,” said one local

business owner, who asked not to be named. Others say the works have taken longer than expected and were poorly timed – especially following a fire at the multi-level car park on Queen Street, which has further reduced parking.

Tweed Shire Council acknowledged the concerns, stating parking bay closures are based on contractor needs and will remain until work finishes this week.

“We ask for the community’s patience while we complete this important upgrade,” a council spokesperson said, reaffirming the July 9 completion date and long-term benefits of improved shade and aesthetics.

Art or a crossing?

Continued from page 1.

The vibrant artwork has drawn praise for its aesthetic appeal and contribution to the town’s cultural identity.

However, not all feedback has been positive. Some residents have raised safety concerns, particularly around confusion with pedestrian crossings. One local took to social media, writing: “Today was the second time I got accosted by pedestrians for not stopping for them at a zebra crossing. Hint — it’s not a crossing. Wrong spot, wrong design, just dangerous!”

Several commenters echoed the sentiment, calling the mural “dangerous” for both drivers and pedestrians.

Others defended the artwork, urging motorists to use logic.

A spokesperson for Tweed Shire Council said it assessed and approved the installation of the artwork under Section 138 of the Roads Act as it was within a road-related area.

While there are no “zebra stripes” or pedestrian crossing signage, drivers are always expected to give way to pedestrians when entering

Proudfoots Lane.

“This rule (Rule 75 -NSW Road Rules) applies to all intersections apart from roundabouts. In addition, pedestrians should take care and always check their surroundings before crossing the road for their own safety.”

It's divided some in the community you be the judge

MAGGIE KUHN

Sharing sweet memories on the land

By Jonathon Howard

IN RESPONSE to The Weekly’s invitation to share memories of the old days of cane farming, Murwillumbah resident Bruce Partland has offered a vivid and heartfelt snapshot of life on the land during the 1950s and ‘60s — a time when community, hard work and creativity shaped daily life along the cane fields between Condong and Tumbulgum.

Bruce’s first home sat beside Dinseys Creek, with the family living on the Lundberg cane farm, a property stretching from the Pacific Highway to the base of Farrants Hill at Eviron.

His father, John Partland, 96, managed the farm for Bruce’s great-uncle Harold Lundberg, who was known for “politicking” at the Condong Bowls Club, the Imperial Hotel, or in his role as Shire President.

In an unexpected connection to the present day, Bruce fondly recalled a neighbour across the creek, Graeme

Partridge, the same Graeme who was recently featured in The Weekly’s 2025 Cane Harvest special.

As a young man, Graeme crafted a makeshift canoe from flattened corrugated iron, bitumen-filled nail holes, and a packing-case stern. That boat became the inspiration for Bruce’s own first watercraft.

“It regularly sank in the murky waters of Dinseys Creek,” Bruce wrote with humour. “But it was ours.”

As a young boy, Bruce was immersed in the rhythms of cane life from planting season to harvest.

He recalls the haunting image of cane cutters returning from a day of cutting freshly burned cane, “black from head to toe,” who loomed large in his childhood imagination as the ‘bogeyman’ of his dreams.

During planting, Bruce and the other children ran wild while the women gathered around piles of cane to strip the ‘trash’ — the leafy outer covering — so it could be fed through the primitive planters of the time.

“There was no OH&S officer to be seen,” Bruce joked, reflecting on a treasured photograph that captures the era.

In the image, Bruce’s father sits proudly at the wheel of an old Fordson tractor, with Bruce himself on his father’s lap, his brother John perched on the bonnet, neighbour Janice Eady gripping the mudguard, and cousin Lyle

and

• Lift chairs

Watkins feeding the cane into the planter.

The photo was taken, Bruce suspects, by the children’s “minder” — his mother, Mary Partland.

Bruce’s recollections paint a vivid portrait of a time when cane farming was not only an economic backbone of the Tweed, but also a way of life deeply entwined with family, neighbours and rural ingenuity.

Bruce said he “graduated from his father’s knee” to driving tractors solo by the age of nine, either rotary hoeing or ploughing land in preparation for planting.

“My last job in the cane industry was operating a Toft Cane Loader [pictured], following the last ever gang of cane cutters in the Tweed —

it was 1973 and the end of an era,” he said. Thank you Bruce for sharing your memories with readers.

SHARE YOUR MEMORIES: Do you have some old photos you could dig out to share with readers? Please don’t let them gather dust — give The Weekly a on (02) 6672 4443 or email editor@theweekly.net.au

John Partland with his son Bruce Partland

John Partland on the Toft Cane Loader

Experience Japan's perfect harmony of tradition and innovation through

two extraordinary journeys in one seamless adventure.

Begin with the precision and elegance of Japan's legendary bullet train, whisking you from Tokyo's electric energy to Kyoto's ancient temples and Nara's sacred deer parks. Then, step aboard PONANT's intimate luxury vessel and embark on a journey to uncover Japan's hidden co astal treasures and pristine islands. Experience breathtaking views as you sail through turquoise waters, where secluded beaches and lush lan dscapes await.

13 Days | Departs 12 March 2026

Package price from $19,229 per person, twin share

18 Days | The Italian Grande | From 10,387* per person

Part One: Tokyo, Kyoto & Nara On The Bullet Train

Experience Japan's most treasured highlights in this carefully curated 5 -day journey before boarding your PONANT cruise. From Tokyo's vibrant streets and ancient temples to sacred Nikko shrines and Hakone's legendary hot springs, immerse yourself in authentic Japanese culture, cuisine, and hospitality.

Part Two: Cruise The Best Of Japan On The Bullet Train

Discover the fairytale ‘town of towers’ San Gimignano. Explore Italy ’s evocative regions as you travel from Milan to Rome discovering regional delights and stunning scenery along the way. Cruise on Lake Como, stay in a dreamy Italian castle, stroll the romantic canals of Venice and explore the idyllic villages of the Cinque Terre. Indulge in local Tuscan delights, walk beautifully preserved medieval towns and of course stay on the Amalfi Coast.

Travel in a first class air -conditioned touring coach 28 meals including breakfast daily (B) and 11 evening meals (D) 17 nights specially selected hotel accommodation Hotel porterage (1 bag per person)

Master sushi-making with local chefs, explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, and retreat to traditional onsen baths with Mount Fuji as your backdrop. Then glide aboard the iconic bullet train to meet your awaiting PONANT vessel the perfect transition from Japan's cultural heart to its stunning coastal treasures

You're invited on a timeless journey around the fascinating and surprising Empire of the Rising Sun, where unbridled modernism and ancestral traditions form a delightful blend, where the history of the samurai rubs shoulders with the delicateness of the geisha, and where the aromas of the tea plantations intermingle with the fragrances of cherry blossom.

ALL tips to your Tour Manager, Driver & Local Guides Fully escorted by our experienced Tour Manager \

In the legendary city of Osaka, embark on this unique 9-day cruise aboard Le Soléal to discover this unrivalled cultural heritage.

ALL excursions, scenic drives, sightseeing and entrances Local CONDITIONS APPLY*: subject to Availability. Prices available at the time of printing. Does not include flights. Credit Card Fees may apply. Contact us for full terms and conditions.

* Conditions Apply. Credit Card Fees Apply. Prices are per person, in Australian Dollars. Prices are per person twin/double share in a Superior Stateroom. Subject to availability at time of booking - Correct and available at 5/6/25. PONANT Prices are yield managed, book early for the lowest pricing. Does not include airfares. Ask you ’re your Palm Beach Travel Consultant for full booking terms and conditions.

Just a reminder ...

Our team from Helloworld Main Street Murwillumbah are still operating locally and indeed are in town every Monday to meet with clients. We operate by appointment only, providing Face to Face Travel Service for our Murwillumbah/Tweed Valley clientele. Contact us now to book your appointment in our NEW LOCATION in the Heart of Murwillumbah. We look forward to hearing from you.

Ian Kingston Dental Prosthetist

Great seniors walk

By Jo Kennett

KATHY MARRIS has been blogging about fun, active ageing at www.50shadesofage.com for the past 12 years and has some great senior-friendly Tweed walks to get you out in the fresh air.

Kathy is divorced with two adult children, two adorable grandchildren, and lives on the Tweed Coast. She enjoys living life to the fullest and loves to keep fit and active by maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Kathy likes reading, Pilates, travelling, playing lawn bowls and blogging, and works part-time as a freelance writer but her real passion is travelling, photographing and writing about brilliant destinations such as these Tweed walks.

Hiking and walking the Tweed

The Tweed in New South Wales offers the best of both worlds with exquisite beaches, rivers and creeks and a lush green hinterland, known as the “Green Cauldron”. For hikers and walkers of all levels of experience and fitness there are literally hundreds of walking trails in the region. Here, I have included some of my favourites.

Terranora Creek and broadwater walk

Terranora Creek, a wide body of water with a number of small islands, branches off the Tweed River and winds its way westwards. This walking path is accessible behind Seagulls Rugby League Club. Follow the path behind the fenced-off compound and the walk commences just past the Oyster Farm. It follows the shoreline of Terranora Broadwater through thick leafy bushland on a flat dirt track to Bilambil where you will see loads of waterbirds, oyster leases and fishing boats.

Tweed Heads Historic Site

Although only a short walk of only 1.2 kilometres, this walk is a great way to learn about the Indigenous heritage of Tweed Heads. It commences from Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Kirkwood Road, Tweed Heads. The walk takes you through mangroves and out over the waters of the Tweed River before returning to a well preserved Bora Ring. It’s a great opportunity to experience Aboriginal cultural heritage, nature, with fantastic birdwatching and photography opportunities.

Tweed River pathway

The pathway that fringes the Tweed River, starts at the old Tweed Heads Hospital, along Keith Compton Drive. It is a very easy flat walk, a 2.9 kilometre loop that eventually takes you through Keith Curran Park and past The Anchorage estate.

There are pretty river views along the path. It features a short boardwalk section over the mangroves in Keith Curran Park where you can observe the river’s ecosystem and marine life.

Healthy Living for Healthy Seniors

Health is important at any age, but it’s especially important for older adults. As we age, our bodies become more susceptible to disease, our energy levels and cognitive abilities decline, and our risk of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, increases. Fortunately, healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle can counter many of the negative effects of aging. Eating a balanced diet and being physically active can help reduce the chance of developing chronic diseases, improve mood and quality of life, and help maintain strength, physical function, and cognitive abilities.

Some tips on how older adults can achieve good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle are:

• Eating a balanced diet

• Vitamins and Minerals

• Staying Hydrated

• Get Moving

• Eating Nutritious Meals

Eating nutritious meals is essential for good health, but preparing meals can be difficult, especially for older adults with limited mobility or time. Gourmet Meals is here to help! Our meals are made with health in mind, using the highest quality

ingredients and no preservatives; and because they are portion-controlled, they make it easier for you to stay within your calorie and nutrition budget. This not only helps in managing your weight but also in maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle. With Gourmet Meals, you can enjoy a variety of delicious and nutritious meals, without having to worry about meal preparation or shopping for ingredients. Simply remove your Gourmet Meal from the freezer, heat, and enjoy! Furthermore, the convenience of having these meals delivered to your door makes it easier than ever for you to eat right and right

on time! For a copy of our menu contact our office on 1300 112 112 or visit our website https://gourmetmeals. com.au

Gourmet Meals offering split pricing to customer on an eligible Home Care Package, to order through your package just simply contact your Home Care Package provider and ask them to set up an account for you with Gourmet Meals - it’s that simple!

HOME DELIVERY OF READY MADE

Customers use the

• Large gluten free variety

• Wholesome and nutritious

• Convenient ready-made frozen meals

• Australian owned and operated

Tastes like home cooking

Home delivered or available in stores

Approved HCP provider

NDIS registered provider

Tweed River Sandy Beach

‘No’ to early super

A NEW national survey has confirmed what many in the Tweed Shire’s vibrant senior community already know: that superannuation is not only critical for a secure retirement, but it also should not be accessed early in life.

The findings, released by National Seniors Australia (NSA) in partnership with the Super Members Council (SMC), are based on responses from more than 3,000 Australians aged 50 and over.

The research reveals that 79 per cent of older Australians regard super as “very important” to their retirement, with many locals echoing the same sentiment.

One of the standout messages from the survey is strong resistance to early access to super. Nearly 89 per cent of older Australians believe super should be preserved strictly for retirement, and 88 per cent expressed deep concern about the financial impact on those who access

Concerns were especially focused on two areas: the long-term damage to individual financial security — particularly for those with already low balances — and the strain on taxpayers if more retirees end up relying on the Age Pension.

Long-time Tweed Heads resident and retiree Margaret Rowley, 72, said the findings resonate with her experience.

“If I didn’t have my super, I don’t know how I’d manage,” she said.

“It’s not just about now — it’s about the future, the health costs, the unexpected things. I don’t think people realise how fast retirement savings can disappear.”

With Tweed Shire’s ageing population continuing to grow, the findings highlight the critical role super plays in supporting independent, dignified ageing — while reinforcing the call for policy that protects and improves the system for current and future retirees.

EPRIDEldership

Hi everyone. It’s Senior Ambassador Phil here again, with a brief message for you all. It’s vaccination time! Last week The Weekly ran an article on vaccination for seniors. I cannot stress enough how important it is to keep up our vaccination against Covid. Just do it! We can send space probes to the moon and land on Mars, which is quite remarkable.

We have advanced technology and that technology tells us that we need vaccination against viruses. Let’s not go back to ‘the good old days’ when viruses killed millions of people. I believe it’s a good thing, not perfect, but nothing is.

On another note, how are you all getting on?

I am involved at present with a developing program for seniors in our community. It’s simply a singalong session with some physical movements to keep us all exercised and happy. It will be held once every week, and it is free — no charge at all. It will be up and running by the end of this month, so stay tuned for this one. I’ll let you know the time and venue shortly. See you all very soon, Phil.

“We’re not elderly we’re ‘elders’”

Shirley turns 100

CHILLINGHAM RESIDENT Shirley Wright celebrated her 100th birthday on Wednesday, July 3, marking a remarkable milestone and joining an exclusive group of Australians — fewer than 7,000 — who have reached triple digits.

Born in Adelaide in 1925, Shirley has witnessed a century of transformation, from horsedrawn carts to artificial intelligence.

Her reflections on a life well lived reveal a deep appreciation for how far the world has come.

“So many things have happened or been invented,” Shirley told The Weekly.

“The moon landing in 1969, television, computers, mobile phones, artificial intelligence.

“It’s quite extraordinary to think I have lived through the reigns of five British monarchs and 26 Australian prime ministers.”

Shirley’s early life was simple but full of character — growing up in the Adelaide Hills, she recalls long walks to school, wood fires, kerosene lanterns and the sound of horses and carts before motor vehicles became commonplace.

That same year of her birth, Ford began building the Model T in Geelong, Victoria.

In 1949, Shirley married Max Wright, a refrigeration engineer, at St Augustine of Canterbury Anglican Church in Unley, Adelaide.

The couple were married for 46 years before Max passed away in 1995. Together, they raised two daughters: Lesley Gail and Helen Hutton.

Shirley now lives on Lesley’s peaceful property in Chillingham, where she moved in 2013 after leaving Adelaide.

Her daughter Helen flew in from South Australia to be with her mother for the special occasion and helped organise the celebration with The Weekly.

“Mum has thrived here,” Helen said.

“She’s surrounded by nature, cared for, and keeps her mind active every day.”

Shirley said there’s no complicated formula behind her long life, but keeping an active mind helps.

“I was always active when I was younger, I played golf and I drove until I was 90,” she shared.

“I use my computer every day to keep my brain active and eat a lean, healthy diet.”

The milestone was marked with a surprise lunch for 30 guests at the Riverview Hotel in Murwillumbah, with family, neighbours and close friends in attendance.

The family said it was a “joyful afternoon”, full of laughter, stories and heartfelt toasts for a woman whose life has quietly spanned some of the most significant events in modern history.

“Life was basic, but we accepted things as they were,” Shirley reflected.

“Looking back, it’s all been quite extraordinary.”

Shirley is the proud grandmother of two grandsons and three great-grandsons, all based in Adelaide, and continues to be an inspiration to those around her.

From The Weekly team: happy 100th birthday, Shirley Wright!

Shirley Wright says keeping her mind active is her secret to a long life

Lions raffle winner

By Jonathon Howard

THE ANNUAL raffle of an emerald and diamond ring, kindly donated by Lawrence and Rina Anderson, was conducted in the Main Street of Murwillumbah recently.

With winning ticket number 2328, the ring was won by Mr L Conte, drawn by nine-year-old Ruben Kerr who just happened to be walking past with his father. All money raised will go to the Lions Medical Research Foundation where researchers are working on many diseases at the Translational Research Institute (with origins as a Lions funded purpose built research laboratory) as well as other research institutes.

Researchers are currently working on a range of diseases including early intervention of gestational diabetes, while a diagnostic test for early stage ovarian cancer is currently proceeding to clinical trials, and many others.

The Murwillumbah Lions Club would like to sincerely thank residents and visitors who supported this fundraiser for medical research over recent weeks.

TOP: Nine year old Ruben Kerr draws the winning ticket

BOTTOM: Raffle winner Mr L Conte with organiser Merilyn Gilmore

PACIFIC BITUMEN

The Weekly’s big circulation boost

By Jo Kennett

TWEED VALLEY WEEKLY is proud to announce a major circulation boost responding directly to reader demand and reinforcing its position as the most-read local newspaper in the Northern Rivers.

Founded in 1992, The Weekly has become a trusted voice for residents delivering the stories that matter most from local council decisions and community celebrations to business success stories and everything in between.

With more and more locals asking, “Where’s my Weekly?” the team has ramped up its Thursday bulk drops, with hundreds of additional editions now available at major shopping centres, corner stores and high-traffic locations with a focus on Banora Point, Tweed Heads and Coolangatta.

“We’ve spoken to dozens of loyal readers who were missing out — so we’ve taken action,” The Weekly’s owner and editor Jonathon Howard said.

“We’ve increased our print runs and expanded our reach to ensure more readers can access a copy.”

Unlike many publications, The Weekly remains independently owned and proudly local, and is the only newspaper that combines both home delivery and bulk drops across the shire, reaching more than 51,000 readers per week.

“We back our delivery and readership with real data — and real results following a strong auditing process that’s ongoing.”

The Weekly’s online edition is also gaining momentum, attracting up to 10,000 unique views per week via its website — giving readers another way to stay connected wherever they are.

As other publications scale back, The Weekly is expanding, and it’s thanks to the incredible support of our readers and advertisers.

“We’ve been part of this community since 1992, and we’re not going anywhere. In fact, we’re growing,” Senior Sales Executive Eryn Young said.

Businesses and local organisations are invited to get involved by hosting a newspaper stand free of charge. To arrange this, please contact the team on: (02) 6672 4443.

From your morning coffee companion to your go-to for breaking news, Tweed Valley Weekly is more than a newspaper — it’s the heartbeat of the Tweed Shire.

Come and see The Weekly team at Shop 7 51–54 Murwillumbah Street (Palm Court), Murwillumbah. Or for story leads phone the editor on 0447 300 258.

Husk

World Environment Day World Environment Day

FESTIVAL 2025 FESTIVAL 2025

Speakers & Performers Stage

Chels Hood Withey: Introduction

•Welcome to Country by Deidre Currie and Ginibi Ballandallah Dancers

•Climate Justice and Rising Tide

Following a recent comprehensive audit, the paper has boosted circulation in key areas such as Banora Point, Tweed Heads and Coolangatta — ensuring it continues to reach every corner of the community.

Inspiring people-led clean energy futures

•Save Wallum • Frogprints

51,000 readers per week

“We don’t fudge the numbers,” Mr Howard

•Rainbow Power Company • Recycle Everything

•Organic Landcare • ReForest Now

Learn about the current work Rainbow Power is doing with communities in the Pacific to deliver innovative communitybased grid and off-grid power solutions, and learn about the deeper impact we as individuals can have on the grid with battery storage.

•NorthEast Forest Alliance

•Wollumbin Dreaming

•Nimbin Environment Centre

Murwillumbah Showground

a 2.5-year collaborative research project led by Griffith University and the Jagun Alliance Aboriginal Corporation, which is working with stakeholders in the region to help build capacity for community-centred climate adaptation planning for biodiversity in the Northern Rivers.

•Northern Rivers Guardians • North East Waste

1:45 pm –2:30 pm

•Tweed Shire Council Sustainability

•TSC Waste and Recycling

12:05 pm – 12:35 pm

Birren Slabb

•Tweed Water Alliance • Soil Life

The Value of our Forests

Gerard Wedderburn-Bisshop

•Climate Justice and Rising Tide

Environmental Scientist

•Save Wallum • Frogprints

Supporting climate adaptation in

Mess Toasties Stall

Govinda Dham

Prof. Brendan Mackey - Director, Climate Action Beacon research programme, Griffith University

The rich biodiversity of Northern Rivers is being impacted by a rapidly changing climate. Adaptation is needed to manage these growing impacts on biodiversity and much work is underway by state and local governments. Northern Rivers Adapts is

•What a Mess Toasties Stall

•Sri Govinda Dham

Kefi and delicious chai

•Good Kefi and delicious chai

• Local Environmental Groups

Environmental Groups •Coffee

•Coffee Vans

•Kids Learning Space

•Rainbow Power Company • Recycle Everything

•Organic Landcare • ReForest Now

•Friends of the Koala

•NorthEast Forest Alliance

•Nimbin Environment Centre

•Wollumbin Dreaming

•Save Wallum • Frogprints

•Climate Justice and Rising Tide

•Climate Justice and Rising Tide

•Save Wallum • Frogprints

•Rainbow Power Company • Recycle Everything

•Rainbow Power Company • Recycle Everything

Birren Slabb, local Goodjinburra musician known for his ocean-inspired rhythms and rootsy sounds, rooted in his childhood of surfing and fishing in Booningbah (Fingal Head). A music style shaped by his coastal upbringing,

•Team Koala • Birdlife Northern Rivers

•Organic Landcare • ReForest Now

•NorthEast Forest Alliance

•NorthEast Forest Alliance

•Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers

•Organic Landcare • ReForest Now

•Nimbin Environment Centre

•Nimbin Environment Centre

•Murwillumbah Community Garden

•Northern Rivers Guardians • North East Waste

•Tweed Shire Council Sustainability

•TSC Waste and Recycling

This talk will highlight the incredible value of forests, emphasizing their crucial role in supporting biodiversity, storing carbon, and providing essential ecosystem services. It will trace a brief history of deforestation, detailing its significant impact on the climate and other planetary boundaries. Drawing on his personal experience mapping deforestation in the Queensland government, Gerard will illustrate the realities of land use and its connection to forest loss and the immense power of reforestation, rewilding, and other initiatives. The overarching message is one of hope and optimism, asserting that the future for our planet, aided by these efforts, is bright.

•Wollumbin Dreaming

•Northern Rivers Guardians

•Wollumbin Dreaming

•Tweed Water Alliance • Soil Life

•Team Koala • Birdlife Northern Rivers

•Friends of the Koala

•C.E.C Children’s space

•Caldera Environment Centre

•Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers

12:45 pm – 1:30 pm

•Murwillumbah Community Garden

Learn bird language

•Wild

•Northern Rivers Guardians • North East Waste

• North East Waste

•Tweed Shire Council Sustainability

•TSC Waste and Recycling

•Friends of Tweed Regional Botanic Garden

•Team Koala

•Friends of Tweed Regional Botanic Garden

•C.E.C Children’s space

•Caldera Environment Centre

With bird language specialist, Andrew Turbill - The Bird Guy Birds are our gateway into deeper nature connection Bird language teach us how we can genuinely listen to the land. Find out how with Andrew Turbill, and dive deeper into the history of Gondwana and our songbirds.

•Tweed Shire Council Sustainability

•TSC Waste and Recycling

•Tweed Water Alliance

•Tweed Water Alliance

• Soil Life

•Friends of the Koala

•Tweed Landcare • Bee Abodes

•What a Mess Toasties Stall

•Sri Govinda Dham

•Good Kefi and delicious chai

•Activated Charcoal

• Local Environmental Groups

•Coffee Vans

•Kids Learning Space

• Soil Life

•Team Koala • Birdlife Northern Rivers

•Friends of the Koala

•Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers

•Tweed Landcare • Bee Abodes

• Birdlife Northern Rivers

•Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers

•Murwillumbah Community Garden

•Murwillumbah Community Garden

•C.E.C Children’s space

•Friends of Tweed Regional Botanic Garden

•Friends of Tweed Regional Botanic Garden

•C.E.C Children’s space

•Caldera Environment Centre

•Wild BnB Wildlife Habitat and Wildlife Projects

•Tweed Landcare

•Caldera Environment Centre

•Tweed Landcare • Bee Abodes

• Bee Abodes

•Wild BnB Wildlife Habitat and Wildlife Projects

•Wild BnB Wildlife Habitat and Wildlife Projects

•Activated Charcoal

gone on to pursue circus as a profession. Susie & her crew will entertain you with some seriously funky acrobatics & tricks sprinkled with a touch of humour.

•Activated Charcoal

their profits while keeping taxes to a minimum.

From 1 July 2025, several legislative changes will come into effect that will impact businesses. The minimum wage is set to increase by 3.5%, the superannuation guarantee rate will rise from 11.5% to 12%, and employers will be required to pay superannuation on paid parental leave. While these changes aim to improve financial outcomes for employees, they also introduce new challenges for employers, particularly in terms

of payroll processing, compliance, and cash flow management. It is essential to factor in these costs and ensure your business is well prepared for these changes. Our practice is here to support local businesses. Whether you need help navigating compliance requirements, managing your tax obligations and tax strategy, or planning for the year ahead, we offer tailored advice and ongoing support. Feel free to get in touch with our team at McMaster Business Accountants.

TOKA ACCOUNTANTS & BUSINESS ADVISORS

The $20,000 instant asset write-off limit has been extended to the 2025–26 financial year. The measure aims to support small business entities (turnover of less than $10 million).

Eligible small business entities can immediately deduct the business

use portion of the cost of eligible depreciating assets costing less than $20,000.

You must first use or install these assets ready for use for a taxable purpose between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026.

The $20,000 limit applies on a per asset basis, so small business entities can instantly write off multiple assets.

ADVISORY GROUP

Smart Planning for a Strong Financial

Start: EOFY doesn’t have to be a last-minute rush. With a bit of foresight, you can minimise stress, stay compliant, and set yourself up for financial success. Take advantage of this time to:

• Refine your budget for better control over your finances

• Set achievable savings and investment goals for the year ahead

• Review your insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage

• Optimise your superannuation strategy for future growth

• Explore business growth opportunities or restructure if you’re a business owner

Taking proactive steps now will position you for a stronger financial future.

STE FINANCIAL

Clean books help you avoid tax bill surprises.

One of the biggest causes of unexpected tax bills is disorganised bookkeeping.

When your records are behind or incomplete:

• Deductions get missed

• Income might be under-reported

• BAS figures don’t match year-end totals

• Your accountant may have to estimate things – and it’s rarely in your favour

Staying on top of your books means your numbers are accurate and up to date.

This gives you a clear view of your tax position early, with time to plan ahead. It also helps you claim everything you’re entitled to and avoid late lodgement penalties.

If your books have gotten away from you this year, don’t stress. Start by getting everything up to date with a good Bookkeeper. Then put simple systems in place, like weekly reconciliation, proper expense tracking, and monthly reviews so it stays that way. Clean books mean no tax time surprises. Just clarity, calm, and confidence.

1. What is the name of the new children’s book, illustrated by Leith Walton?

2. How many readers does the Tweed Valley Weekly reach every week - 24,000; 35,000; 51,000?

3. What is the name of the new art supply store in Murwillumbah? 4. What is the theme for 2025 NAIDOC week?

5. What is the name of Husk Distillery’s new rum with the abbreviation ACR?

the Spider; 2. 51,000; 3. The Artist’s Apothecary;

ACROSS

1 Unusual (8)

5 Restful ease (7)

8 Quarrel (7) 10 Impel (4) 11 Process of circulating air through a liquid (8)

12 Impoverished (4) 13 Reword (10)

15 An organism that lives on another (8) 17 Landing (7) 18 Snooze (4) 19 Murderous (9) 21 Express audible amusement (5) 23 Twisting force (6) 25 Insult (7)

27 Provided for (7) 30 Hardy cabbage variety (4)

33 Small dried grape (7)

35 Evergreen offering durable wood (7) 37 A means of transport (4)

38 Checks the accuracy of (a machine etc.) (10) 40 Outcome (6) 43 Hastened (7) 44 A small space in a wall (6)

45 Native (10) 47 Rib or femur, for example (4) 49 Cocktail of gin and

vermouth (7) 51 Frighten (7)

53 Loud, aggressive rock music (4) 55 Favourable outcome (7)

58 Non-professional (7)

59 Infrequently (6)

62 Fling (5)

63 Consequences of a catastrophe (9)

66 Salary (4)

67 Less noisy (7)

68 Interrogate (8)

70 Loyalty (10)

71 Festive (4)

72 Bliss (8)

73 Leg joint (4)

74 Fair-mindedness (7)

75 Accepting without resistance (7)

76 Journalist (8)

DOWN

2 Vegetable (8)

3 Turn up again (8)

4 Melodies (5)

5 Small, mischievous Irish spirit (10)

6 Handwriting (6)

7 Mend (6)

8 Vividly striking (8) 9 Tenacious (10) 14 Limited (6) 16 Machinery shaft (4)

Weasel-like mammal (5) 22 False (6)

or

24 Nocturnal bird (3)

26 Beneficiary (9)

28 Farce (9)

29 Streaming movement (5)

31 Astound (5)

32 Banish (5)

33 December 25 (9)

34 One who treats mental or physical disorders (9)

36 China’s emblematic animal (5)

39 Japanese sliding door (5)

41 Use sparingly (5)

42

would have watched a classic Origin match, it just has that feel about it.

A tough build up for the Maroons with the loss of Munsters dad and the effect this will have on him and the Queensland team.

The role of Dad’s cannot be underestimated in players careers (both male and female now) and a shout out to the great man BPQ on his impact on my career and my life — Love you Dad.

I was at the Dogs v Broncos game on Friday night and what a game it was.

The Broncos were never a chance until the last 20 mins and they rattled home to get the cash. I must say the Dogs crowd was outstanding.

It is a big stadium Accor and they had it absolutely rocking. It was a great atmosphere that’s for sure and I reckon a sellout at Belmore would be brilliant.

Most other games went to script except for the Tigers snapping the 6 game losing streak with a tough win against the Chooks.

Was great to see the NRLW get underway on the weekend and we saw some of the seasoned stars return and some bright stars of the future - Indie Bostock being the standout with two tries and the try of the round on debut for the Dragons.

The Broncos reinforced favouritism early with a dominant victory and have strike all over the park.

St Joseph’s College girls Rugby League team travelled to Gatton for a friendly against the lockyer valley last week and stopped off at the Broncos NRLW session. A big shout

out to the Broncos girls for their support and engagement with the school kids. Qld made it a double at the ASSRL championships in Townsville winning both the boys 15s and girls 16s age groups in a dominant week of footy.

Cudgen have a big lead on top of the table in the NRRRL and have all but sewn up the minor premiership in A grade. They lead the reggies also with Mullum on top in U18s.

Bilambil girls look very hard to beat in the women’s comp.

Congrats to young Hornet Ky ‘Scruff’ O’Grady on his recent selection in the NSW U12s team after a strong carnival playing for polding, we wish him all the best against Qld. Plenty of footy about at the moment.

See you at the footy.

Quinny

Cameron Munster with his father Steven who passed away

– 2025 SEASON ROUND

Marvellous Melodies

Marvellous Melodies

NORTHERN RIVERS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PROUDLY PRESENTS

Winter Delights

Conductor - Marco Bellasi

Piano Soloist - Ayesha Gough

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN

Leonore Overture No. 3

EDVARD GRIEG

FEATURING: Ar�st MATT OTTLEY with his “ Sounds of Picture Book Series” & NRSO Ensemble

Piano Concerto in A Minor Op. 16

MICHAEL HAYDN

Requiem - Featuring Coolamon Singers Choir

With conductor Marco Bellasi

Orchestra program

By Madeleine Murray

THE NORTHERN RIVERS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA will present a varied and thrilling program at the Tweed Heads Civic Centre on Sunday afternoon, July 27.

Conducted by the dynamic Italian-Australian Marco Bellasi, and starring his brilliant wife Ayesha Gough on the piano, Winter Delights features the Leonore Overture No 3 by Beethoven, Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor, and Michael Haydn’s Requiem, with the Coolamon Singers Choir.

The talented conductor and incandescent pianist were married on January 8 this year. Perhaps as a homage to their wedding, the first half of this concert embraces the theme of marriage and artistic inspiration.

Beethoven’s Leonore Overture No 3 was written in 1806 for his opera Leonore, later renamed Fidelio, a work that celebrates the greatness of marriage.

Date:

Sunday 27th July 2025

ROBERT SCHUMANN

Piano Quintet in E flat Op. 44

Venue: Tweed Heads Civic Centre Corner Bre� St & Wharf St, Tweed Heads NSW

Date: Please Note, SATURDAY 19th OCTOBER 2024

Time: 2.30pm NSW / 1.30pm QLD

Tickets: Adults $60 | Concession $50 | Students $25 Children under 18 years free of charge (when accompanied by an adult ticket holder)

Venue: Tweed Heads Civic Centre, Brett Street, Tweed Heads NSW

Tickets can be purchased at:

Time: 2:30pm Or at Murwillumbah Music (02) 6672 5404 (credit card facility)

Tickets: Adults $50 I Concession $45

School Students $10 & Students 18 years & over $20

Children under 5 years free of charge (when accompanied by an adult)

Tickets also available at the door if not sold out (cash or credit card/EFTPOS)

Enquiries: 0478 012 324

“Edvard Grieg wrote his piano concerto in 1868, a year after marrying his wife Nina Hagerup, and the birth of their child Alexandra; the new family bliss inspired Grieg to write this wonderful piano concerto,” conductor Marco Bellasi told The Weekly.

“I’m very happy to be performing this first half of the concert in the year of my wedding to the great and beautiful pianist Ayesha Gough. Performing the Grieg piano concerto together will be something truly special. I’m wondering whether to perform the first half in my groom attire, and relive through music the most beautiful and important moment of my life, when I got married to Ayesha.”

Ayesha grew up in Murwillumbah, and she has

performed and won awards all over the world.

“I’m very happy to have had the chance to learn the entire Grieg Concerto for this concert, as I played only the first movement as a little girl in the Murwillumbah Eisteddfod,” she told The Weekly.

“What a piece it is! So richly romantic, infused with Norwegian folk dances and memorable melodies. In some ways I feel the Grieg is overlooked as the ‘easier’ concerto on piano competition lists, when it is really such a rewarding concerto and deserves reverence.”

During Haydn’s Requiem, Marco will be thinking of his late father Massimo who passed away last year.

“He and my mother Patricia have been my greatest supporters and my greatest sponsors. My mother is in the soprano section of the choir, so our minds and our thoughts will go to him.”

Winter Delights is on at 2:30pm, Sunday July 27, at the Tweed Heads Civic Centre, corner Brett and Wharf St, Tweed Heads. Tickets at nrso.com.au, or Murwillumbah Music. Available at the door if not sold out. Enquiries 0478 012 324

NORTHERN RIVERS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA www.nrso.com.au

Tickets can be purchased at: www.nrso.com.au or at Murwillumbah Music

La Bohème coming

By Madeleine Murray

EXPERIENCE PUCCINI’S tragic, bohemian love story performed by the great Opera Australia at the Murwillumbah Civic Centre on Tuesday, July 22.

A cornerstone of the operatic canon, La Bohème tells the heartbreaking tale of Mimì and the struggling poet Rodolfo.

On a freezing Christmas Eve, a chance encounter between two strangers ignites a romance that burns briefly in the bitter Parisian winter.

“With its glorious music and universal themes of love, friendship and loss, La Bohème is a story that transcends time and place, which makes it enticing for opera fans and easily accessible for newcomers, providing a wonderful opportunity to showcase the beauty of opera to audiences outside the capital cities,” wrote Australian Arts Review.

Originally set in 1830s Paris, La Bohème has inspired countless modern retellings, including the Broadway musical Rent and Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge.

Opera Australia’s new production directed by the award-winning Dean Bryant (Anything Goes, Sweet Charity), breathes fresh energy into the classic. Bryant’s interpretation revels in the heady exuberance of youth — that moment when the world seems infinite, and the only

thing more intense than love is the desire to make something lasting of one’s life.

“This is a story about a group of young artists dealing with all the huge things in life for the first time,” Dean Bryant told Australian Arts Review.

“Growing up in regional Australia, I had the same passion and urgency to be heard, to fall in love, to live, so it’s particularly exciting for me to be taking this production, set in Paris in the 1970s, across the country.”

This one-night-only performance is presented by the Murwillumbah Theatre Company and will feature a live chamber orchestra. Sung in Italian with English surtitles, the lavish production by our national opera will be a special treat for the Northern Rivers. Audiences can expect a moving, richly textured evening, full of soaring arias and raw emotional power. Seating is in rows, with no BYO or table options. Tea, coffee, and a licensed bar will be available during the 20-minute intermission. Murwillumbah Theatre Company presents Opera Australia’s La Bohème at 7:30pm on Tuesday, July 22, at the Murwillumbah Civic Centre, 10-14 Tumbulgum Road, Murwillumbah. Tickets are $80 - $90, available from murwillumbahtheatrecompany.com.au or trybooking.com/ events/landing/1356661. For more information, contact 0417 205 526.

Marco and Ayesha on their wedding day

Fresh start for art supply shop

By Andia Cally

IN MID-JUNE, Murwillumbah’s beloved art supply store, formerly known as Yellow Brick Studio, unveiled a new name, a fresh look, and a new location at 110 Murwillumbah Street. Rebranded as The Artist’s Apothecary, the store is entering its next creative chapter.

Owner and artist Lisa Arronis was delighted to discover that her new premises in Murwillumbah Street once housed the ultra-stylish Civic Café in the 1930s and ’40s. In a respectful nod to its past, she lovingly restored the space, stripping it back to its art deco bones in preparation for its new incarnation.

This is Lisa’s fifth move since Yellow Brick Studio began as a Byron Arts School graduate-led gallery in Wollumbin Street in 2016.What started with a single jar of pencils has grown into the artist’s equivalent of a candy store, where every drawer and display holds the promise of play.

By 2018, Lisa had taken sole ownership and relocated the business into the back blocks of M|Arts. Each move since was within the precinct, first to a space with better street frontage, which was in the direct path of the 2022 floods that destroyed her stock, then upstairs to the first floor, where she stayed until this transition.

Traditionally, apothecaries were a blend of pharmacy, herbalist, and healer, filled with tinctures, salves, scales, and handmixed cures. Lisa plans to carry this spirit forward, referring to the store’s creative sessions as tonics, elixirs, balms, and potions.

“The tonics will be the drop-in sessions. I’m putting together a menu that will say things like ‘collage is a cure for creative constipation.’”

Committing to a full workshop can be

expensive when you factor in the course cost and materials. The drop-in sessions are a cure for those who want to get creative but don’t know where to begin.

The Apothecary will offer short, two-hour sessions with all materials included for around $40 to $50, allowing people to experiment with different mediums.

The building’s larger foot print has enabled Lisa to extend an invitation to Anne Smerdon from Ar tory, who will run week ly classes in watercolour and sketching.

“We’re here to build community. We love sell ing art supplies, but our real mission is to help people use them and feel less alone in their creative journey.”

Order your art supplies a workshop, in -store 110 Murwillumbah Street, Murwillumbah, 10am–5pm Mon day–Friday, 10am–3pm Saturdays or online https://www.theartistsapothecary.com.au.

Era ends for Thirst Trap

By Andia Cally

LOCAL MUSIC legends Thirst Trap are closing a defining chapter with one final hometown show — Trap House Vol. 2: End of an Era at M|Arts on Saturday, July 12 from 6pm. The band ar e giving fans one last chance to hear the genre-bending setlist that set them apart in Mur willumbah’s creative scene before heading into the studio to record their debut EP.

Known for high-energy shows and infectious melodies, Thirst Trap blend hip-hop, reggae, indie and rock, creating a dynamic, versatile sound. Their seamless shifts between smooth vocals and sing-along choruses have earned them a loyal following and a reputation as one of the region’s most captivating live acts.

This isn’t goodbye, it’s a send-off. With new music on the horizon, the homegrown band is gearing up for its boldest era yet.

“This show is really special for us,” says keyboardist Biku Wernik-Aquorau. “We’re calling it the end of an era because we’re about to record a new EP and the set will change a lot. We’re paying homage to the songs we’ve released and played over the past few years, and this is where it all started.”

The show features a powerhouse line-up of Northern Rivers talent, including Eyesite, Lune to the Moon, and a latenight DJ set from local favourite

TUSCAN.

“This gig is a great showcase of what can come out of the caldera. It’s important for locals to support locals,” Biku said. Backed by Spangled Drongo, Paragon and Pupa, the event blends live music, art, food and community spirit.

Punters can explore Pupa’s pop-up art stall, enjoy woodfired pizza, and sip cocktails or local brews from the M|Arts café and bar. Online ticket holders will also go in the draw for a giveaway featuring merch, local goodies and standout prizes.

“Most of us grew up in Murbah,” Biku tells the Weekly.

“Playing locally is always fun because our biggest supporters can come, friends who’ve been there since the first show. We can let loose a bit more.”

Pre-sale tickets have already sold out, and the buzz is building for what’s set to be a massive night.

Thirst Trap House Vol. 2: End of an Era. Saturday, July 12 at 6pm. M|Arts Cafe and Bar. Tickets via Oztix. https:// tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/ event/55bffde7-e553-4e94-93f8a14f3089601c

Thirst Trap members

The Artist's Apothecary is happy to stock your favourite art supplies

Artist's Apothecary owner and artist Lisa Arronis with the ever-faithful store mascot Mr Finch

Circular timber art

By Andia Cally

AWARD-WINNING local multimedia artist and teacher Michelle Walker has built her career around a deep commitment to caring for Country.

“The ideas I championed through environmental policy, I now express through my art, handmade art tools and materials, and teaching,” Michelle tells the Weekly.

Earlier this year, Michelle collaborated with self-taught local woodcarver Christian (aka Chainsaw) Newton. Together they produced a remarkable collection of mark-making tools that Michelle designed for Lismore’s Circular Timber: From Salvage to Showcase exhibition. This project challenged local makers to reimagine salvaged timber, sourced from buy-back houses in flood-impacted Lismore, as functional and beautiful objects.

“I liked the idea of tree to house, house to tool,” she said.

Their contribution to the exhibition was a set of exquisitely crafted art mark-making tools, featuring hand-forged brass inking tips and natural fibre bristles made from feathers, bamboo, and other organic materials. Each brush head is bound with waxed linen thread, removing the need for toxic adhesives and allowing for easy replacement.

Created at the Tweed Valley Woodcrafters Association in Murwillumbah, these beautiful brushes and ink pens were showcased at the recent open day on June 21, offering visitors a glimpse into the creative possibilities of circular design and nature-inspired artistry.

Also on display were Michelle’s signature “brush rings” — playful, wearable pieces she designed and made herself that reflect her background as a jeweller.

“If a ‘bling’ ring and an artist’s brush had a love child, this would be it,” she said.

transforming them into artworks, art tools, and art-making mediums.

A self-described ‘earth artist,’ Michelle works with a rich palette of biomaterials, including wild clay, handmade charcoal, and natural pigments. Pushing the boundaries of organic creativity, she has also experimented with mycelium, growing it on industrial sawmill waste to create unique art pieces.

The materials that offer themselves from the land define what she makes, grows, reclaims, and reuses. Each material arrives with its own story.

“Using available resources means the natural materials become active collaborators and storytellers in my work,” she said.

“Working with found timber, pigments and clays, making plant-based colours and tools, and growing things like fungi and pellicle allows me to explore more responsible relationships to nature and land.”

A passionate advocate for sustainability, Michelle repurposes natural materials she forages,

Contact Michelle via her website https://michellewalkerart.com to purchase her exquisitely crafted, sustainable mark-making tools. Follow her evolving journey with earth pigments and other natural materials on Instagram: https:// www.instagram.com/michellewalkerart/

Local artist Michelle Walker is inspired by natural and sustainable materials. Image courtesy of Nelly le Comte

planks $300 Phone: 0414 887 454

4x FORD 12 Sloters (14” x 6”) Suit early 1960-1970 Fords Good condition. Not Suitable for GT’s. $800 Phone: 0414 887 454

Public Notice

CALLING FOR WITNESSES To a motor vehicle accident, 17 May 2025 at 11:00am on Kennedy Drive, Tweed Heads. Please contact Southern Gold Coast Lawyers on (07) 5525 7646

Public Notice

MONTHLY MEETING

The Lions Club of Cabarita Beach / Pottsville Beach welcomes you. Our monthly meeting is held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. Our social dinner is held on the 4th Wednesday of each month. Please contact President Bill Brodie on 0411 406 143.

Position Vacant

POSITIONS AVAILABLE for qualified spray painters and panel beaters, classic cars experience necessary. South Murwillumbah. Phone or text 0447 441 157

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Tweed Valley Weekly is seeking a new sales representative to join our team based in Murwillumbah. The role is flexible working hours with a focus on new business development and features. Pay is a strong hourly rate. For more info, please phone:

x 20 inch, Near New, 75% Tread $400 Phone: (02) 6672 1587

CAMPERVAN FOR SALE: IVECO DAILY 1997 Turbo Diesel, fully off grid Solar/Gas, Ensuite, New 12v Fridge, 4x new batteries recently serviced

Weekly In Memoriam

In Loving Memory of Beryl Joan Mapp

née Selke

Late of Murwillumbah.

Passed away peacefully on Saturday the 21st of June 2025. Aged 92 Years.

Dearly Loved Wife of Ronald (dec’d).

Loved Mother and Mother-in-law of Greg & Lyn and Donna & Gary.

Cherished Grandma of Jessica, Emma, Melanie and Mindy. Loving Great Grandma of Seven.

Loved Sister of Marie (dec’d).

A Private Service has been held for Beryl.

RODNEY CHARLES SMITH

Late of Toowoomba.

Passed away peacefully on 29th June 2025, aged 84 years.

Son of Charlie and Evelyn Smith (both dec), late of Kingscli .

Beloved Husband of Beverley.

Dearly loved Father and Father-in-law of Peta and Peter; Troy and Rachel.

Treasured Brother of Errol and Sue (dec), and Uncle.

Dear friend to many.

At peace a er a brief illness. Rod will be missed and remembered with love by all who knew him.

Rod’s service will be available to view via https://www.burstows.com.au/tribute-centre

In loving memory of

Helen Gae Shoobridge

Late of Murwillumbah.

Formerly of Burringbar.

Passed away peacefully on Tuesday 1st July 2025. Aged 81 Years.

Dearly loved daughter of Oswald & Doreen (both dec).

Loved Sister of Winston and Sister-in-law Ruth.

Loved Aunt of Jennifer, Matthew and their Families.

A Funeral Service has been held for Helen.

MILLER Marie 24/6/2025

Heritage Brothers 07 5599 1500

KREUSLER Dennis Wayne 28/6/2025

Heritage Brothers 07 5599 1500

WILSON Annette Agnes 2/7/2025

Heritage Brothers 07 5599 1500

BISHOP Irene Mavis 5/7/2025

Heritage Brothers 07 5599 1500

Ronald Spence

Tweed Shire Council would like to acknowledge former Tweed Shire Clerk Ron Spence, who recently passed away at the age of 102.

The Shire Clerk position is the equivalent of today’s general manager. It was a role Mr Spence held from 1978 to when he retired in 1983. His career at Tweed Shire Council began in 1955 when he was employed a D grade clerk.

Ron was an active member of the Murwillumbah community and his life memberships included the Tweed Valley Justices Association, the Murwillumbah Probus Club, Murwillumbah Bowls Club, Murwillumbah RSL sub-branch and the Tweed Valley Tourist Authority. We extend our condolences to Ron’s family and friends. Councillors, Management and sta of Tweed Shire Council.

22 October 1950 ~ 4 July 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Graham Crawley. Graham will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of sharing in his journey.

Rest easy, Graham - you did it your way.

All our love, Heather, Elle, Madelaine, Minx, Sienna and Frankie, your beloved family.

Wayne ‘Gillie’ Gill

It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our colleague and friend, Wayne ‘Gillie’ Gill.

Gillie worked with Tweed Shire Council for more than 10 years as a Labourer in the Roads and Stormwater Unit, stepping into roles as Acting Ganger and Acting Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator, and regularly supporting our oncall emergency roster.

He was a well-known and much-loved member of the Cabarita Beach/Bogangar community, and his cheerful presence and dedication to the Tweed Depot team will be sorely missed. We extend our condolences to Gillie’s family and friends. Councillors, Management and sta of Tweed Shire Council.

Late of Burringbar, formerly of Sydney and Narrabri. Passed away peacefully on Saturday 8th June, aged 88. Loving and much-loved husband of Nancy for 64 years.

Loved Dad of Malcolm of Murwillumbah and Geoffery of Sydney (dec). Father-in-law to Narelle.

‘Pop’ to 3 Grandchildren and ‘Old Pop’ to 6 Great Grandchildren. Brother to Gordon (dec).

Privately cremated as per Allen’s wishes. Nancy and Malcolm would like to thank Rev Roger Dyer locum at All Saints Murwillumbah, Doctors and nurses and all staff at Greens Care home, Dolphin Funerals and our very close friends that supported us and gave so much love and care with the sad loss of Allen.

To all others that sent �lowers, cards, cooking and phone calls. Please accept this as our personal thanks to you all.

“God has him in his keeping, and we love him in our hearts forever. Rest in Peace”

STRATTON Kenneth William 6/7/2025

Heritage Brothers 07 5599 1500

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

HAYES Terence Morris 02/07/2025

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

CROSS Claude Arthur 02/07/2025

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

NOLTE Craig 02/07/2025

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

BIBBY Amy Theresa 04/07/2025

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

HARRINGTON Roy William 04/07/2025

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

SCHMIDT Inge-Lore 05/07/2025

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

HATCLIFFE Evelyn 06/07/2025

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

Kay Battistuzzi

Funerals

Memoriam

Memoriam

Ph: (02) 6672 2144 Murwillumbah McGuiness Funerals

In Loving Memory of Graham Crawley

In

Funeral Notice

loving memory of

Passed away peacefully 4th July 2025

Aged 83 years. Late of Pottsville and formerly of Murwillumbah.

Beloved husband of Joy.

Much loved father of Mark, Anthony and his partner Kitiya.

Weekly In Memoriam

Funeral Notice

Loved stepfather of Paul and Sonia, Tracey and Jack, and Nicole.

Dearly loved Pop to Lachlan and James and Poppy to Jesse, Luke, Natalie (dec’d) and Julia.

Family and friends of Alan are invited to attend his funeral service to be held at the Melaleuca Station Memorial Gardens Chapel, Tweed Valley Way, Chinderah on Friday 11th July 2025 at 1:00pm. Those unable to attend can access the service at www.heritagebrothers.com.au/streaming

Chinderah Ph: (02) 6674 3777

Alice Mary Stoddart

09/09/1930 – 25/06/2025

Loved wife of Cecil (Dec), Cherished mother and mother-in-law of Norman & Sharon, Wayne & Tania and Melissa & Sean.

Loved Nanna and Great Nanna.

Funeral service to be held on Monday 14th July at 10am at the Tweed Valley Chapel and Lawn Cemetery, 813-871 Eviron Road, Eviron New South Wales.

In

loving

memory Barry Charles Boyd

Late of Duranbah. Formerly of Condong. Passed away peacefully on Saturday 5th July 2025. Aged 92 years.

Dearly loved Husband of Veronica (dec’d).

Loved Father and Father-in-law of Ian & Monica, Neil & Gaye, Cameron & Donna and Alison & Michael.

Cherished Grandfather of Chris, Ashley, Josh, Zac, Nicky, Ella and Riley. Loving Great-grandfather of Amelie and Taylen.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend Barry’s Funeral Service to be held at Tweed Valley Chapel, Eviron on Friday 18th July 2025 at 1:00pm. Followed by a Private Family Burial.

McGuiness Funerals Ph: (02) 6672 2144 Murwillumbah

In loving memory of John Anthony Tassell

Aged 70 years. Late of Banora Point. Beloved and Cherished husband of Rosemary. Much loved father of John, Christopher, Brittany and Father-in-law of Patrick.

Dearly loved Poppy of Taylor, Zandah, Jack, Isabelle and Declan.

Family and friends of John are invited to attend his Celebration of Life service to be held at theMelaleuca Station Memorial Gardens Chapel, Tweed Valley Way, Chinderah on Friday 11 July 2025 at 11am.

Tweed Heads Ph: (07) 5599 1500

Kenneth William Stratton

‘Ken’

Passed away peacefully on 6th July 2025 at Kingscliff Uniting Aged Care. Aged 88 years.

Beloved husband of Marlene (dec’d), dearly loved dad and father-in-law of Dean & Manny, Aleta & Stephen, Aron (dec’d) and Troy (dec’d). proud and loving beach pop to all his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral service for Ken to be held at the Tweed Heads Crematorium Chapel, Kirkwood Road Tweed Heads on Tuesday 15th July 2025 at 10am.

TWEED HEADS

Bronwyn Thelma Brown

Do Not Stand at My Grave & Weep

Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep. I am in a thousand winds that blow, I am the softly falling snow. I am the gentle showers of rain, I am the fields of ripening grain. Of birds in circling flight, I am the starshine of the night. I am in the flowers that bloom, I am in a quiet room. I am in the birds that sing, I am in each lovely thing.

~ Mary Elizabeth Frye

In loving memory of

Roy McKay

Born 23rd May 1923, passed away peacefully at home on 29th June 2025.

Dad, Grandad, Great Grandad and to many, a dear friend and good bloke with a cheeky grin. He made the world a better place simply by being in it.

We’ll celebrate his incredible journey at e Church of Saints Peter and Paul, 65 Palm Beach Avenue, Palm Beach on Friday 11th July 1:00pm.

In Loving Memory of Beloved Husband, Father & Grandfather Patrick Paul Guinea 28.11.1956 – 10.07.2023

God took your hand, and gently so,

To where the light forever glows

But here below, your voice, your name, Still echoes soft in morning rain I speak to you in silent thought, In empty rooms, in dreams at night

Though heaven holds you, warm and close I hold your love with all my might So, rest my love, where angels sing You’re part of every breath I take God has you in his arms And I have you in my heart. Sadly, missed by your loving family.

In loving memory of Bron

Late of Murwillumbah. Passed away peacefully on Tuesday 1st July 2025. Aged 59 years.

Much loved Partner of Robert. Cherished Daughter of Dorothy. Loved Mumsie of Candice.

Loved Sister of Darryl (dec), Neville and Yvonne.

Family and friends are warmly invited to a�end Bron’s Funeral Service to be held at Tweed Valley Lawn Chapel on Tuesday 15th July 2025 at 11:00am.

Ryder the Spider launch

By

A HEARTWARMING new children’s picture book Ryder the Spider is set to launch this month and it’s already creating a buzz across the Tweed for its powerful message of courage, joy and the magic of stepping into the unknown.

The launch will take place on Friday, July 18, from 3pm at M|Arts and attendees at the book launch will be able to colour their very own picture of Ryder the Spider.

The book is a collaborative creation from author Natasha Brooks, illustrator Leith Walton and local publisher Jacki Janetzki, owner of Rosebelle Books Publishing.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Wollumbin/Mount Warning, Ryder the Spider invites young readers on an imaginative journey grounded in the beauty of the Northern Rivers. “Ryder the Spider is more than just a story,” Jacki Janetzki told The Weekly.

“It’s about helping children explore bravery

and joy, while fostering a connection to our local landscape and encouraging them to embrace new experiences.”

The richly detailed illustrations by well-known local artist Leith Walton bring the story to life.

Leith’s work captures the magic and spirit of the Tweed Shire with a visual style that’s already beloved in his M|Arts Precinct studio, where copies of the book are now available.

To celebrate the release, a book launch event is being held to bring together local families, educators, and lovers of children’s literature.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Natasha, Leith and Jacki, hear the story behind the book’s creation, and enjoy a reading of Ryder the Spider.

Jacki hopes the launch will be embraced by the Tweed.

“This project has been a true collaboration of local creatives, and we’re so excited to finally share it with our readers — especially children and families here in the valley,” she said.

By Jonathon Howard

THE SEARCH is on for the perfect name for Tweed Shire’s new koala mascot and the community is invited to help at the World Environment Day Festival (WEDF) on Sunday, July 13.

Team Koala, a local wildlife advocacy group, has launched its first naming competition and will be roaming the WEDF at the Murwillumbah Showgrounds to gather suggestions and take photos with festivalgoers.

Team Koala president Jenny Hayes said she was inspired by the memory of former mascots Sugar Cane Sue and Banana Jim from the former Banana Festival.

“I was always so delighted to see Sue and Jim at the Banana Festival — they were such a strong part of our childhood memories,” Ms Hayes said.

“It was so sad for everyone when the festival closed, and I feel there’s now a strong need to launch a new mascot for the Tweed to once again delight families.”

The new koala mascot will be introduced at Sunday’s WEDF, and the public is encouraged

during the event, which runs from 10am to 3:30pm.

The WEDF, hosted by Caldera Environment Centre and Tweed Landcare, is a free festival that celebrates local biodiversity and promotes action on climate and conservation challenges in the Northern Rivers.

The event will feature expert talks by Professor Brendan Mackey, Dr John Grant, and bird specialist Andrew Turbill. Live performances include Birren Slabb, The Seeding Band, and

Over 20 stalls will showcase clean energy,

“World Environment Day is about sparking conversations and inspiring action,” Isabelle

Golden Nugget Invitational returns

THE HIGHLY revered Golden Nugget Invitational will make its triumphant return to Club Tweed from Monday, July 28, to Thursday, July 31.

This year marks its 38th year as one of lawn bowls’ premier competitions.

This prestigious singles tournament is expected to deliver four thrilling days of elite play, pitting the sport’s brightest stars against one another on world-class greens.

Renowned as one of the most sought-after titles in the lawn bowls world, the Golden Nugget has earned its reputation as a proving ground for greatness.

Past champions read like a who’s who of the sport, including icons such as Ian Schuback, Kelvin Kerkow, Steve Glasson, Ryan Bester, Aron Sherriff, Karen Murphy,

Lynsey Clarke, Natasha Van Eldik, Jo Edwards, and Carmen Anderson.

This year’s field is as impressive as ever, with a line-up packed with international champions, world number ones, and rising young stars.

Club Tweed is honoured to host the Golden Nugget once again, continuing its long-standing commitment to excellence, tradition, and community. With packed crowds expected and the coveted Golden Nugget trophy on the line, the atmosphere promises to be electric.

“This tournament is a celebration of the sport at its highest level,” a spokesperson for Club Tweed told The Weekly.

“It’s not just about competition — it’s about legacy, community, and the love of the game.”

Men’s field highlights

•Jack McShane — t just 20 years old, McShane arrives as the reigning

World Indoor Singles Champion and a rising force in the global scene.

•Lee Schraner – back-to-back Nugget Champion and known for his unmatched consistency on the green.

•Aron Sherriff – a multiple-time Golden Nugget winner, inaugural world number one, and reigning Australian Open Singles Champion, Sherriff enters with a remarkable four-year winning streak.

•Ryan Bester – the 2023 World Singles Gold Medalist adds further firepower to an already stacked men’s roster.

Women’s field highlights

•Natasha Van Eldik – the threetime reigning Golden Nugget Champion returns to defend her crown and further cement her legacy.

•Tayla Bruce – fresh off her 2023 World Singles title, Bruce is one to watch in this high-stakes battle.

•Kelly McKerihen – currently

world number one, McKerihen brings international flair and top-tier form.

•Dawn Hayman – the current Australian Open Singles Champion will look to make her mark at this storied tournament.

Also drawing strong local support will be Club Tweed favourites Lynsey Clarke and Chloe Stewart, both former Australian Jackaroos and seasoned competitors on the national and international stage.

Spectators are encouraged to come down to Club Tweed to experience the action first-hand, meet the stars, and witness lawn bowls history in the making. With the tournament continuing to set the standard for international competition, this year’s G olden Nugget promises to be a must-see event.

For more information, visit www. clubtweed.com.au or call Club Tweed at (07) 5536 3800.

Nurturing young talent for 103 years

MURWILLUMBAH FESTIVAL of Performing Arts (MFPA) is wrapping up another remarkable season of performances at the Murwillumbah Civic Centre, running from June 19 to July 11.

MFPA President Simone Wong described this year’s festival as nothing short of “outstanding,” highlighting the event’s enduring prestige and popularity.

“The Murwillumbah Festival of Performing Arts stands as one of Australia’s longest running and most prestigious eisteddfods,” Ms Wong said.

“Each year, the festival attracts more than 2,000 entries across approximately 500 sections, celebrating the talents of young performers in speech and drama, music, and dance.”

Spanning nearly three weeks, the festival draws talented participants from across the Tweed and North -

ern Rivers regions, and from as far as Coffs Harbour and the Sunshine Coast.

“It has long been a nurturing ground for aspiring performers,” Ms Wong added, noting that many former participants have gone on to enjoy successful careers both in Australia and overseas.

This year also marked a special debut: Fingal Head Public School joined the festival for the first time and wowed the audience with an out-

standing singing performance.

A major highlight of the festival calendar is the Annual Gala Concert, which will take place on Wednesday, July 30, at the Murwillumbah Civic Centre.

“Showcasing standout performances from across all genres, the Gala is a vibrant celebration of emerging talent,” Ms Wong said.

Tickets are just $5, and the concert begins at 7pm, offering a night of inspiring and entertaining performanc-

es suitable for the whole family.

“Don’t miss your chance to witness the stars of tomorrow take the stage today,” Ms Wong said.

Jonathon Howard

By Jonathon Howard

By Jonathon Howard

Name Tweed's newest mascot: koala ??

The trio behind Ryder the Spider

After 20 cherished years, this surprisingly spacious 4 bedroom home is now available for a new family to create lasting memories. Nestled on a desirable corner block, this residence offers exceptional potential for family outdoor living, including room for a caravan for adventurous grey nomads and perhaps even space for a pool. (STCA)

Key Features:

• Generous 804 sqm parcel of prime land

• Bright and inviting north-facing aspect that overlooks a wide expanse of parkland

• Multiple living areas, including formal and casual spaces, complemented by a weather-proof alfresco area that has served as the heart of family gatherings for over 20 years

Conveniently located just moments from Club Banora and the newly refurbished Banora Village Shopping Centre, you will have access to Woolworths, a medical centre, pharmacy, newsagent, bottle shop, and around 25 other specialty retailers and services— all at your fingertips.

• Just minutes from Tweed City Shopping Centre, stunning beaches, the M1 motorway, and Gold Coast Airport

• Effortless access to public transport, local schools, and sporting facilities

• Abundant storage throughout the home

• Includes “Cluckingham Palace,” a ready-made chicken coop for the backyard farmer!

• Comfortable as it is, with exciting opportunities for customization and enhancement

Don’t miss your chance to own this value packed property that promises both comfort and potential!

“Much, much more than meets the eye!”

$1,275,000

Located in the popular “The Clubhouse” complex, this immaculate one-level unit is an excellent opportunity for various buyer profiles in today’s real estate market.

Whether you are a first-time homebuyer, a downsizer, or an astute investor looking to enhance your property portfolio, this unit is a must-see!

The functional layout features two spacious bedrooms, an openplan living area that flows into a partially covered, fully enclosed courtyard.

This property boasts display home presentation with numerous brand new inclusions, as well as low-maintenance gardens and grounds.

Enjoy direct access to the Tweed City Shopping Precinct, and take a short walk to South Tweed Sports and the Coolangatta-Tweed Heads Golf Club. The complex offers a residents’ recreation area complete with a pool, BBQ facilities, restrooms, and a covered alfresco space with tables and chairs for social gatherings and celebrations. Additional features include a lock-up garage and a second car space in front. The expected permanent rental income is around $700 per week. You’ll be just minutes from the beaches and airport, with easy access to the motorway heading north and south.

Whether you’re looking for your first home, downsizing, or seeking a rental investment – the choice is yours!

“The dream starts here”

Real Estate

Agent of the week

By Jo Kennett

THIS WEEK we are profiling Kristy Cameron, principal at Sealuxe Realty, a boutique agency which is based at Pottsville Beach and services the Tweed Coast.

Kristy is local and passionate about her community and the people in it.

The proven track record and innovative customer service of Kristy and her team has helped secure high quality clients. We caught up with Kristy to find out more.

Before you were a real estate agent what was the most interesting/ unusual job you had?

The most rewarding job I had prior to real estate was juggling being a young stay-at-home mum with a part-time admin role working from home for a civil and construction company.

How did you get into real estate and what

do you like about it?

A position came up with LJ Hooker Cabarita in 2005. I was looking for part-time work as I was juggling

being a mum/wife, youth group and school P&C volunteer work, and had just finished a Diploma of Business Management. I started a multirole of various positions, hitting the ground running.

What’s the biggest changes across the market over the past 12 months?

The slight but lingering unpredictability to plan market conditions beyond two to three months in advance. Also economic conditions, interest rates, seasonal predictions being less black and white, residential and commercial developments commenced and completed and market confidence improved.

Are there any changes in the supply/demand equation in property in the Tweed Shire?

A shortage of affordable rentals from Pottsville to Kingscliff, meeting certain demographics of renters such as those lower income earners serving our communities. They’re the demographic we need that form part of the social fabric of why we love living here.

Open Homes

Saturday, July 12

Kel Judd Real Estate

• 52 Tralee Drive, Banora Point, 10–10.30am

• 56/5-7 Soorley St, Tweed Heads Sth, 12–12.30pm DJ Stringer

• 304/141 Musgrave St, Coolangatta St, 9–9.30am

• 2085/18-20 Stuart St, Tweed Heads, 9–9.30am

• 2104/18-20 Stuart St, Tweed Heads, 9.30–10am

• 29 Keegan Circuit, Currumbin Waters, 10–10.30am

• 5 Cedar Ridge, Banora Point, 10.30–11am

• 17/7-9 Parry St, Tweed Heads South, 11–11.30am

• 24/182-184 Kennedy Dr, Tweed Hds West, 11.30–12pm

Also essential workers on contracts — they aren’t driving rental prices up because they’re often seeking the lower end of the market. Then there’s owner occupiers dominating the selling market where property prices are too high for investors to establish a feasible yield in rent.

What sort of buyers are you seeing and where are they from?

A mixture from Sydney and Brisbane at present.

What’s something people can do without spending a fortune to make their property more saleable?

Invest in outdoor spaces and landscaping. Always carry out due diligence to minimise the risk that any capital expenditure won’t cause any financial harm should the market not respond the way you hoped. Check the timeline of works being carried out. Ensure the market you’re targeting is around long enough for the completion of work. Seek advice from an experienced selling agent. Try to avoid decisions based on what you personally would expect if you were the buyer of your home.

• 5 Terranora Rd, Banora Point, 12–12.30pm

• 2/15 Boyd St, Tweed Heads, 12.30–1pm

• 305 Casuarina Way, Kingscliff, 1–1.30pm

JET Real Estate

• 62A Rous River Way, Murwillumbah, 9.30–10am

• 102 Shara Boulevard, Ocean Shores, 9.30–10am

• 25A Eyles Avenue, Murwillumbah, 10.30–11am

• 77B Balemo Drive, Ocean Shores, 10.30–11am

• 114 Booka Road, Upper Crystal Creek, 11.45–12.15pm

• 11 Kurrajong Street, Mullumbimby, 12–12.30pm

LJ Hooker Kingscliff

• 52 Lorien Way, Kingscliff, 9am

• 8/685 Casuarina Way, Casuarina, 9am

• 53 Fingal Road, Fingal Head, 10am

Hot property

THIS WEEK’S pet-friendly Hot Property has all the features of a free-standing home without the price tag and maintenance, all within walking distance of the beach and Salt Village.

5/25 Salt Water Crescent is a beautifully presented and maintained three bedroom, two bathroom, double garage home at Salt Water Residences, in a quiet street surrounded by greenery.

Located in a beautifully maintained gated community with established low maintenance gardens, this beachside home backs onto a reserve and has a backyard and alfresco area.

Enjoy kilometers of beachside cycleways from Kingscliff to Casuarina Town Centre, all within walking distance of the beach for sunset walks, Cudgen Creek and the cafes and restaurants of Salt Village.

This property is listed for $1.3m to $1.4m with Kristy Cameron at Sealuxe Realty and is open for inspection this Saturday, July 12, from 9.30am to 10am or inspect via appointment.

• 31/603-615 Casuarina Way, Casuarina, 10am

• 1/4 Gaggin Way, Kingscliff, 11am

• 2306/07 1-25 Bells Boulevard, Kingscliff, 11am

• 8 Viking Street, Kingscliff, 12pm

• 24 Cudgen Road, Kingscliff, 1pm

• 24/1 Kingscliff Street, Kingscliff, 1pm Tate Brownlee Real Estate

• 3 Osprey Place , Kingscliff, 9–9.30am

• 702/38 Enid Street, Tweed Heads, 10–10.30am

• 69 Cominan Ave, Banora Point, 10–10.30am

• 6/278-280 Marine Parade, Kingscliff, 11–11.30am

• 143 Botanical Circuit, Banora Point, 12–12.30pm

• 2/57 Bione Ave, Banora Point, 12–12.30pm

• 5/4 Botany Crescent, Tweed Heads, 1–1.30pm

• 4120-4121/9 Gunnamatta Ave, Kingscliff, 1–1.30pm

We understand

We understand

We understand that

Our

A New Chapter at LJ Hooker Kingscliff

Same trusted team. Fresh leadership. Bigger vision.

After nearly 40 years at the helm, Paul McMahon has officially handed over the reins of LJ Hooker Kingscliff to two familiar faces: Rhiannon Bald and Vanessa Rhodes.

With deep roots in the community and a shared passion for real estate, Rhiannon and Vanessa are proud to continue the LJ Hooker legacy - delivering the same trusted service while leading the office into an exciting new era.

Meet Your New Owners

Rhiannon Bald

With a decade of experience across sales, property management, holidays, accounts, and operations, Rhiannon’s journey started right here at LJ Hooker Kingscliff. From receptionist at 19 to Licensee and now CoPrincipal, she’s grown with the business every step of the way. A local at heart, Rhiannon is passionate about people, property, and this community she calls home.

Vanessa Rhodes

With more than 30 years in the real estate industry and previous experience leading her own successful agency in Pottsville, Vanessa brings a wealth of knowledge and a clear vision for LJ Hooker Kingscliff’s future. Known for her integrity and leadership, Vanessa is committed to delivering outstanding results across sales, rentals, and commercial property.

Upcoming Auction

Tweed Valley

Nestled in a leafy locale, this stylish architecturally inspired home o ers a thoughtfully designed floorplan and spacious interiors, perfectly suited to both relaxed family living and e ortless indoor/outdoor entertaining. Well-appointed and polished throughout, the desirable property is situated within a short distance to Murwillumbah’s CBD and close to Tweed coast beaches.

PROPERTY FEATURES:

• Kitchen with stone benches & modern appliances

• Seamless & generous living & dining space

• Expansive fully covered deck with green outlook

•Deluxe master suite with walk-in wardrobe & deck access

• Master bedroom with external access to deck

• Swimming pool complimented by a spa bath

• Ample underhouse storage & two garages

• 6.6 kw solar

Is It Time for a Fresh Approach to Property Management?

At The Agency Kirra Tweed, we’re passionate about delivering a more personalised, proactive service for landlords across the Southern Gold Coast and

Too often, we hear from property owners who feel overlooked — frustrated by high staff turnover, poor communication, long vacancy periods, or feeling like just another number. We believe landlords deserve better.

Krystal Camp 0428 456 886

As a boutique, community-focused agency backed by a national brand, we offer dedicated property managers, seamless communication, and strategies that get results — fast. Best of all, switching to us is simple — and you don’t have to wait until lease renewal.

If your property isn’t getting the care or return it deserves, reach out today for a free rental appraisal and property health check.

Lauren Solomons 0428 714 157

Jessie Mudge 0429 630 879

Now Under Construction – A Boutique Collection of Coastal Residences in an Unrivalled Location

6 Ivory Crescent, Tweed Heads

Perfectly positioned in a quiet, tightly held street in central Tweed Heads, Caillon Place is a boutique development currently under construction and set to redefine low-maintenance coastal living. Designed with lifestyle and convenience in mind, this exclusive address offers a rare opportunity to secure a thoughtfully designed residence in one of the Northern Rivers’ most desirable locations.

With a limited number of residences available, each home at Caillon Place has been designed to maximise light, space, and functionality — offering generous open-plan layouts, high-quality finishes, and a modern coastal aesthetic. Whether you are a downsizer, first home buyer, or investor, this development presents an outstanding opportunity to own in a location that continues to see strong buyer demand and capital growth.

Ideally located just moments from the tranquil Tweed River, Tweed Mall Shopping Centre, Jack Evans Boat Harbour, and the iconic beaches of Coolangatta, Caillon Place combines relaxed living with incredible lifestyle access. World-class dining, boutique shopping, scenic walking tracks, and the Gold Coast International Airport are all just minutes from your door — making it the perfect blend of convenience and serenity.

This is your chance to be part of a new chapter in Tweed Heads living — register your interest today and secure your future at Caillon Place.

To find out more or to register your interest, contact our team:

Toby Sandell 0408 764 931 Jacinta Greentree 0474 556 231

The Agency Kirra Tweed –Real people. Real service. Real results.

Tweed Shire.

COASTAL INSPIRED BEACH RETREAT – 350M to the surf!

After a memorable day at the beach, stroll home to immerse yourself within this generously apportioned & immaculate low maintenance residence.

• Spacious tiled living & dining areas

• Stunning hostess kitchen w/ soft closing two pac cabinetry, German quality Siemens appliances including pyrolytic oven

• Full length sliding doors seamlessly flowing out to covered entertaining / alfresco dining area

• Separate powder room

• Double automatic lock up garage w/ epoxy flooring, storage & internal access

• Open family/study area (easily converted to a 4th bedroom)

• Extra-large master bedroom w/ stylish ensuite & two-way walk-in robe

• Two additional large bedrooms w/ built in robes

• Ducted air-conditioning (installed October 2021)

• High quality Redbook carpets (100% Triexta fibre)

• Loads of storage throughout the home

• 5000 litre water tank w/ grey water function

CHARACTER FILLED BEACH HOUSE – true blue'

Enjoy vast open space for entertaining family & friends from this cool (4) bedroom character filled beach house anchored on grassy 811m2 allotment.

• Polished timber & vinyl plank flooring

• Split level air-conditioned living

• Master bedroom w/ ensuite

• Well-appointed kitchen w/ 2-pac cabinetry & stainless appliances

• Expansive covered entertaining area

• Drive through vintage man cave / workshop

• Double carport + heaps of room for van, boat & trade gear

• Electric sliding front gate

• Solar power (12 panels)

304/141 Musgrave Street Coolangatta

THE RHYTHM & SOUL OF KIRRA HILL

Experience the charm & convenience of this virtually brand new luxurious 2-bedroom coastal inspired apartment, positioned at the base of Kirra Hill and in the heartbeat of Coolangatta Gold.

• Open plan living w/ warm engineered oak timber flooring

• Terrace style covered balcony

• Stunning kitchen, w/ 40mm stone benches, integrated dishwasher, Miele appliances & butler's pantry

• Master bedroom w/ lengthy walk-through robe, ensuite & access to balcony

• Bedroom 2 w/ built in robes

• Ducted reverse cycle air-conditioning, electric blinds & ceiling fans

• Double glazed windows & doors throughout

• Secure basement parking (2.2M height clearance) plus large storage cage

• Complex includes stunning roof top pool & BQQ area, gymnasium, sauna & meeting room

• Furnishings by negotiation

17/7-9 Parry Street Tweed Heads South

• Spacious open plan air-conditioned living w/ dining zone & tiled flooring

• Well-appointed social kitchen w/ dishwasher, new oven & rangehood

• Full width terrace style balcony, bathed in sunshine

• Master bedroom w/ new carpets, walk through robe & ensuite

• Bedroom 2 w/ BIR, new carpets & Juliette balcony

• Secure basement parking

• In-ground pool in complex

Stringer 0418 150 731

731

• Generous air-conditioned living area

• Well-appointed kitchen w/ plenty of cupboard space

• Master bedroom w/ ensuite, air-conditioning & access to rear terrace

• Easy manageable gardens, fenced rear yard w/ vegie planters & garden sheds

• Double lock up garage w/ internal access • Solar hot water & power