A NEW chapter is about to begin for the Murwillumbah Community Centre, with management officially transferring to The Family Centre from July 1 after years of community service under its outgoing Management Committee.
The transition marks the end of one era and the beginning of another, with the committee expressing both gratitude for those who helped build the centre’s legacy and optimism for its future ahead.
“As of 1 July, management of the Murwillumbah Community Centre has transitioned to The Family Centre,” the committee said in a joint statement to The Weekly.
“It’s a fresh start, filled with opportunities for Murwillumbah and villages.”
The committee said it wanted to acknowledge the dedication of staff, volunteers and contributors who had devoted their time, care and resources to supporting some of the region’s most vulnerable residents.
“As a new chapter begins, the exiting Management Committee would like to acknowledge the staff, volunteers and contributors who have given their time, care and resources to the wellbeing of others in our community,” the statement read.
Special recognition was given to the many volunteers who prepared and shared meals through Nullum House, a long-standing community hub providing food and support for those doing it tough.
The committee also thanked a wide
range of organisations that have regularly supported the centre, including Sathya Sai College students for preparing food hampers, Murwillumbah Services Club for delivering weekly meals, Hare Krishna Govinda Farm, Coriander Restaurant and Heart of Love Foundation for preparing meals, Sacred Heart Church for supplying fresh food and groceries, Share the Dignity for feminine hygiene products, Lend A Paw and Head Over Hooves for pet food and accessories, and Foodshare and SecondBite for rescuing surplus food and transporting it to Murwillumbah for distribution.
The committee also acknowledged the many local businesses and individuals who have donated food, goods and resources over many years.
“With deep gratitude to the many volunteers, staff and clients of the Murwillumbah Community Centre who helped to make the Centre and Nullum House a place of belonging,” the committee said.
“There is some sadness in a chapter closing, but more than anything, there is great hope that The Family Centre will bring renewed energy, services and care to our local area.”
The Family Centre now assumes responsibility for the Murwillumbah Community Centre, with the transition expected to build on the site’s long history of delivering practical support, community connection and essential services to residents across Murwillumbah and the surrounding villages.
New chapter begins Flood resilience works
By Jonathon Howard
WORK HAS officially started on a major upgrade of the Blacks Drain crossing on Tweed Valley Way at South Murwillumbah, with the project designed to improve flood resilience and keep one of the Tweed’s most important transport links open during future severe weather events.
The crossing has been washed away three times from the first in February 1954, March 2017 and most recent February 2022, which have been the three worst floods ever recorded in the Tweed.
Each time the crossing failed, it severed a vital connection between local communities and the Pacific Highway, disrupting access for residents, businesses and emergency services.
The upgraded crossing will feature stronger concrete pavement, improved pedestrian access, new traffic safety infra-
structure and concrete slope protection to reduce the likelihood of road closures during future floods.
The project is being jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Labor governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, with more than $22 million committed to repairing and strengthening essential infrastructure across the Tweed.
The package includes $9.39 million for betterment works through the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package, with up to 35 causeways and culverts across the shire to be upgraded.
Construction is already underway and the completion date has been set to late 2026 (weather permitting).
The work is being undertaken by local contractors alongside Tweed Shire Council crews. The project also involves managing critical underground water and
sewer infrastructure at the site.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain, said the upgrade would improve reliability for the community.
“With work now underway at Blacks Drain crossing, the Tweed Shire can look forward to safer and more reliable road travel,” she said.
“These upgrades will help maintain a vital connection to the Pacific Highway during flooding events.
“The Albanese Government is investing in projects like this across the country to increase disaster resilience and preparedness.”
NSW Minister for Recovery and North Coast Janelle Saffin said the project was about preparing the Tweed for the future.
“We aren’t just repairing what was there before... Continue reading on page 6.
The Family Centre team have officially taken over the Murwillumbah Community Centre
The World Cup 2026
Let’s hope the world cup will do it.
Unite all the nations, soccer’s always a hit. Wear your team shirt, the whole world will unite, In a game we all love a sporting delight. Whether you support France or Poland Portugal, Germany or England. Argentina or Panama Spain Australia or Canada. Some years you make it, some years you don’t Some years you’ll be in it, and some years you won’t.
Let’s all enjoy each Countries big day, The Netherlands or the U.S.A.
I’m sorry if I missed your country So many, it was not intentionally. Soccer is for all nations on earth, To prove your skills, and take pride in your work. Let’s make a beautiful world, from the beautiful game, Take pride in our country, as they call it by name.
In this year A.D. 2026, Enjoy all the games, and all of the kicks.
Maggie Cadman, Murwillumbah
Kingscliff needs Cudgen Connection
I have only lived in this area of Kingscliff for a short time, but I find the article in regards to the Cudgen Plateau in last week’s Tweed Valley Weekly (TVW, June 25, page 5) leaves me a bit confused.
The Cudgen Connection needs to be developed the sooner the better. If you don’t the developer will take his money elsewhere and this area will become a backwater.
It’s time for all parties to put the heads together to get the best outcomes for this area – that seems to be really required for the Tweed Valley Hospital to thrive.
The traffic is only going to get worse
if the Tweed Shire Council does not fully advocate for better roads and kerbing within this area, as it is now woeful, it looks like a country town that nobody loves with grass and rubbish all along the side of roads, lacks good parking areas.
Anything new and big in the area would enhance the overall look.
Let’s face it, does the Tweed Shire want to become a city one day or is it content to just be a country shire?
Laurie McMahon, Kingscliff
More bus services means more freedom
I was genuinely excited by the possibilities of double the buses for Murwillumbah, as described in your recent article (TVW, June 25, page 8) and believe the increased frequency of bus services will be lifestyle changing for me, living in the Murwillumbah area, as an aging disability pensioner.
An increase in frequency of bus services will give me the freedom to take a quick trip up to Tweed for shopping, beach walks, lunch or maybe see a movie, and easier access to consult specialists at the (John Flynn) hospital which will also apply to travelling to Kingscliff.
Trying to co-ordinate whatever I needed to do with the two hourly Murwillumbah to Tweed bus timetable and my fluctuating health and physical abilities, usually just wasn’t possible.
What should have been a short trip up and back would easily blow out to four to five hours and that could be exhausting.
If you missed the bus, it was a two hour wait for another!
I’m usually not able to drive my car for health reasons and the increasing cost of fuel and wanting to live an eco-conscious lifestyle are three good reasons for me to catch the bus to Tweed and Kingscliff.
Now with more frequent bus services, I feel confident, I can manage to do so.
While an hourly bus service from
Murwillumbah to Tweed is of course important for those accessing employment, I expect the increased frequency of bus services will open opportunities for both the older and younger age cohorts in our community.
Teenagers may be granted a bit more independence, allowing them and their parents greater freedom, as they explore our beautiful region and what it has to offer.
It seems to me the increase in the frequency of buses in the Tweed Shire will bring more opportunities and many benefits to both myself and the broader Tweed Shire community.
Just as I enjoy a trip up the coast to ‘get out of town’ I’m sure other residents living closer to the coast would love to hop on a bus to Murwillumbah and explore all the unique enjoyments, the town has to offer.
I’m already planning to take a bus trip, the first week the extra buses are running!
Therese Krix, Bray Park Cooler reduction burns are essential
After falling for several years, the global temperature is rising due to an El Nino building up in the tropical Pacific Ocean and likely to increase our summer bushfire risk.
Increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide also increases bushfire risk by promoting plant growth (fuel), especially during warm wet winters.
In a world of rapidly rising emissions, cutting ours to zero would make no measurable difference, but reducing fuel loads by following the Aboriginal tradition of preventive burns during the cool months would. Opposing cool burning now and then blaming climate change for fierce fires might be good for politics but not for the environment.
D Weston Allen, Cudgen Cudgen Connection is the next step for health Development of this land next to the new Tweed Valley Hospital for
use as shown in The Weekly’s article (TVW, June 25, page 5), is absolutely essential to complete the development of our new hospital and provide the extra services that are required to make it complete.
The hospital (and this land) is built on land that is far from prime agricultural land and let us be honest and ask what has it been used for in the past 30 or 40 years – in my 35 years in the area absolutely nothing.
I might further add that the people now objecting to the proposed further development to make the hospital site totally operational did not protest about homes being built on what is clearly prime farm land opposite the street leading to Cudgen Public school.
At the end of the day this hospital and its proposed added facilities are absolutely necessary and are/will be a wonderful asset for our town and the Tweed Shire.
C Ainsworth, Kingscliff
Fearful of using footpaths
It is great to see some action being taken to control the dangerous use of these e-bikes (TVW, June 25, page 10).
I live at TriCare retirement village and there are many residents who are frightened to go for walks along Tweed Coast Road.
A lot of e-bike riders have no respect for others using the shared paths – not all riders, I should add, some ride within the law.
It would be great to feel safe and free to use these paths, as a lot of residents no longer able to use cars.
B Attatd, Hastings Point Safe Haven was valued
I’m not familiar with how support agencies like Safe Haven operate (TVW, June editions). Nor am I privy to the decisions made recently that has led to its closing.
It seems to me that everyone is doing the best they can during these challenging times and so I’m optimistic that such decisions were well-in-
tentioned.
Nonetheless, the immediacy of support that Safe Haven offered the community was of value and will be missed.
Simon Thatcher, (Psychologist), Murwillumbah
Save Ted Bear Tree
I cannot believe the council would even consider removing the Ted Bear Tree on Fraser Drive (TVW, June 25, page 6).
We are not permitted to remove even a Sally wattle from our property, yet this remarkable, and, as you say, much-loved Moreton Bay Fig Tree has to go to allow for a roundabout. Surely a more appropriate entry could be found where the land is more even. Years ago, when Fraser Drive was paved and widened, Ted and Bun Bear (pictured below) gave some of his best farmland to allow the road to be located away from the tree. He was honoured and remembered by the sign naming the tree after him. Apart from this generous act the tree marks our area as special, not just a suburban road.
A sterile “recreation area” with a couple of unused swings will never compensate for the loss of this magnificent tree. We can never regrow another like it.
Gayle Greber, Bungalora
Tweed needs CSIRO flood study
By Jonathon Howard
THE RELEASE of a highly anticipated CSIRO flood resilience report this week has brought renewed hope for communities along the Richmond River, but the Tweed has largely been left out of the modelling due to what some locals say is a missed opportunity.
The 90-page report, released on Tuesday, June 30, forms part of the Northern Rivers Resilience Initiative (NRRI) and focuses exclusively on the Richmond River catchment, identifying flood mitigation measures that could significantly reduce flooding across Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Ballina.
While Tweed Shire Council participated in the project’s consultation process and contributed river data, the report contains no Tweed-specific modelling or recommendations.
Instead, it concludes that strategically located upstream detention basins, flow path improvements and other structural measures could substantially reduce flood heights, flood depths and inundation across the Richmond River catchment.
The report was developed following the catastrophic February-March 2022 floods, when the Albanese Government commissioned CSIRO to investigate practical ways of reducing future flood impacts using detailed hydrodynamic modelling.
Over two rounds of consultation during 2025, CSIRO worked with councils, businesses, farmers and residents to develop six flood mitigation scenarios based on three major historical floods in 2008, 2017 and 2022.
The modelling found the most comprehensive package of flood mitigation works, known as Bundle 2, produced the greatest
reductions in flood levels throughout the Richmond catchment.
However, while the science provides hope for communities in the Richmond Valley, many Tweed residents are questioning why their catchment has missed out.
In fact, Tweed’s involvement was limited to consultation, stakeholder briefings and the collection of bathymetry data for the Tweed River and its tributaries.
The report clearly states the modelling domain was restricted to the Richmond River catchment, leaving no assessment of flood mitigation options for the Tweed.
The omission has frustrated many local residents and business owners, with The Weekly receiving repeated feedback that the Tweed’s flood impacts continue to be overshadowed by the focus on Lismore and other Richmond River communities.
That concern comes despite the Tweed experiencing one of its most destructive natural disasters in 2022.
Floodwaters reached communities from Tweed Heads and Chinderah through Tumbulgum and Murwillumbah to the hinterland villages and south to Bogangar and Pottsville.
The Tweed River peaked at 6.5 metres at Murwillumbah, damaging more than 2,100 homes, displacing around 1,600 residents and leaving Murwillumbah accessible only by boat at the height of the disaster.
Read a farmer’s view
Fourth generation Tweed Valley farmer Neil Baker has extensive knowledge on the flood recovery process and said the entire Tweed Shire, consisting of farmers, industry, businesses and residents, “deserve the best most respected flood study in the country”.
“Why are we getting a second-rate flood
The CSIRO study was released this week
study when we could’ve had the Rolls Royce of flood studies via the CSIRO and NEMA,” he said.
“The latest data when combined with the best researchers and best computers in the country, from both CSIRO and NEMA, have the ability to provide us with the best options for flood preparedness.
“During meetings with state and federal emergency services ministers last year, with Member for Richmond Justine Elliot and Member for Lismore and Minister for North Coast, Janelle Saffin, they all referred to the CSIRO and NEMA study as the “Rolls Royce of flood studies”, so why are we settling for a council flood study worth a few hundred-thousand dollars.
“There is still an opportunity for council to apply for round four of the flood study funding, and I would hope that council submits an application, as per a previous council resolution.”
Continue reading, including from council, on page 20.
Supports the community with aged care, dementia support, and respite services for older people and their carers so they can rest and recharge. We’ve been doing this for over 35 years and counting. We now also offer a brand-new day program in central Murwillumbah, making it easier for local people and carers to access support close to home.
Clients can enjoy a range of activities, live music and social connection at at our new centre at 16 Prince Street (meals and transport included), giving carers more than six hours back to rest and recharge. We also offer in-home and one-on-one social support, group activities, and community excursions for older people and those living with cognitive challenges.
State invests in Bay Lobster Blacks Drain
By Jonathon Howard
AN EXPANSION of Australia Bay Lobster Producers at Chinderah is set to strengthen the Tweed’s reputation as a centre for aquaculture innovative after the company secured $2 million from the NSW Government to build a new ornamental finfish hatchery.
The funding, announced as part of a $41 million investment in 31 aquaculture projects across the state, will allow Australia Bay Lobster Producers (ABLP) to develop a hatchery that will breed ornamental finfish for export, supply fingerlings to other aquaculture operations and support the restocking of NSW estuaries.
The project is one of the largest individual grants awarded under the Minns Government’s Regional Development Trust aquaculture program.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the investment reflected the government’s commitment to growing a modern and sustainable seafood industry.
“This $41 million investment demonstrates the Minns Government’s commitment to building a modern, sustainable aquaculture sector and positioning NSW as the leader in quality seafood production and marine bioproducts,” Ms Moriarty said.
“This funding program is new to the industry and delivers on our plan to grow this unique sector so we can boost jobs and innovation along our coast and inland waterways now and into the future.
“Our seafood products are amongst the best in the world, and we need to increase production, enhance supply chain efficiency and sustainability, so that our local businesses can take advantage of market
demand for quality and low carbon footprint seafood.”
ABLP founder and managing director
Michael Dalton said the funding would support the next stage of the company’s long-term vision for the Chinderah aquaculture precinct.
“This initiative will help promote ecologically sustainable land-based development, best-practice management, and grow investor confidence on sites like ABLP, which has Australia’s only dedicated temperate ocean intake seawater pipelines and services a developing aquaculture precinct in Northern NSW,” Mr Dalton said.
“The hatchery will grow ornamental finfish to supply the global public aquarium market and position the Tweed Shire as a leader in sustainable marine aquaculture, delivering integrated economic, environmental, and social benefits to boost regional prosperity and ecological sustainability.”
The announcement builds on more than three decades of work by ABLP, which has transformed a former sugar cane property at Chinderah into one of Australia’s most
advanced land-based aquaculture facilities.
Established as a small family-backed research venture, the company has grown into a public unlisted company employing more than 80 people and pioneering sustainable aquaculture technologies.
ABLP is best known for developing patented techniques to breed and farm Bay Lobsters, commonly known as Moreton Bay bugs, in climate-controlled recirculating aquaculture systems. The company combines aquaculture production with premium wild-caught seafood and has invested heavily in infrastructure, including dedicated seawater pipelines that provide a reliable supply of pristine ocean water to its Chinderah operation.
The funding forms part of the NSW Government’s strategy to double the value of the state’s aquaculture industry by 2030.
Across the state, projects will also modernise oyster farming, expand seaweed processing, develop renewable energy systems and improve seafood waste recycling, with the sector already contributing almost $250 million annually to the NSW economy and supporting around 2,200 jobs.
Continues with Minister Saffin from page 3.
“We are investing in a stronger, more resilient crossing that gives our community the long-term confidence they deserve. It ensures that no matter what weather comes our way, the Tweed stays connected, strong, and moving forward together.
“I know this stretch of the Tweed Valley Way well and am pleased to see this upgrade moving forward to keep our community safe and moving. This project is a fantastic example of the three levels of government working together to build back better.
“Roads in our region are lifelines that keep our communities connected.”
NSW Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said resilient infrastructure was essential for flood-prone communities.
“I know firsthand what floods do to communities. I’ve seen the anxiety that sets in as storm season approaches and the uncertainty of not knowing whether the roads will hold. Whether you’ll be able to get work, get your kids to school, or reach someone who needs help.
“The Minns Labor Government is determined to break that cycle by building infrastructure that’s fit for the environment it actually lives in. Roads and crossings that don’t just get repaired, but get built back stronger.
“This is about giving people the certainty and confidence they deserve as each season comes around.”
Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot said the investment would strengthen the region’s transport network.
“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 the future.
“As your local MP, I’m proud to be delivering funding to ensure that Tweed Valley Way is more resilient and reduce road closures following severe weather events.”
Tweed Shire Council Director Engineering Tim Mackney said the project would deliver long-term benefits for the community.
“This project is about building something that lasts.
“Every time this road goes under, the whole community feels it – so it’s incredibly important we get this right and deliver a crossing that stands up to the kind of weather we’re seeing more often.
“I’m proud of the work our teams have already done to stabilise the site, and I’m looking forward to seeing this long-awaited upgrade finally take shape.”
Minister Moriarty meeting with Australia Bay Lobster Producers at Chinderah
Sally found safe and well
By Jo Kennett
THERE HAS been a huge outpouring of love with the news that Sally, an iconic eight-year-old golden retriever who went missing from Kingscliff Nursery, had been found.
Sally, who features in television ads for the nursery, went missing from the Cudgen Road property on Thursday, June 25, with owner Shane Barlow posting online to ask people to keep an eye out for her.
The response was huge, with hundreds of people posting online to share their concern, their own experiences with Sally, and offers to help look for her.
Some thought she had been stolen.
“The response was quite touching,” Shane said.
“Every person from Byron to Brisbane were making lovely comments asking if she had been found and if she was okay.
pouring of love and support for Sally.
“It was overwhelming. There seemed to be a big push in the local community to put down sticks and come and help to try to find her.”
Staff, neighbours and local residents searched the nursery, and neighbouring properties.
“Our staff came in on their days off and walked the property and checked in sheds and things but there might have been a bit of a cross-over,” Shane said.
“Our property is probably five acres but we covered all the neighbours’ properties as well and they searched all the brushland on their own properties and any shed or old forest areas they went through with torches.”
Shane posted on social media sites for lost pets.
“I didn’t want to make her a statistic, putting her on these Lost and Found sites,” he said.
“Deep down I wasn’t too worried.
“All the girls were being quite supportive but like all things they turn
Shane said he went for a surf while Sally was missing and admits
“She’s always with me and when I go for a swim she always tries to swim out and drown me,” he said.
“Whenever I go to the beach I can’t enjoy it because I’ve
got to take Sally everywhere and she jumps all over me, so there’s a lot of love but a lot of hindrance.
“She loves running, she loves the ball but she is attached at the hip to me.
“I think she’s taken the water as her own and I’m not allowed in there.”
Sally was missing Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
Early on Sunday, Shane posted online that she was still missing.
“Thank you to everyone helping look for Sally. It’s been wonderful. Still no word on her whereabouts,” he said.
The beloved pooch was finally found on Sunday morning.
“One of the staff members came in for her 9am shift and we all heard a bit of a dog bark,” Shane said on Monday.
“The staff member tracked down a closed container door and said, “Can someone help me open this” and they opened it up and she bounded out as though nothing had happened.
“She seemed fine.
“She was very excited. She bounded down and she growled and grunted and wanted cuddles so we all gave her big cuddles and she got the zoomies and zoomed around and then I think she just wanted to get back in the buggy and forget it all.
“She had a big drink and we gave her some biscuits and she ate her dinner last night and is back to normal.”
It’s believed Sally followed someone into the container and was accidentally shut in.
Shane said the staff and his mum were “quite emotional”, as was the
community when they heard that Sally had been found, with many posting online that it was “the best news” and had been the talk of the town.
“The staff and mum all spend time with her and feed her and look after her,” he said.
“She’s a great community icon.
“The community were very happy she had been found.”
Shane joked that it was all a publicity stunt “to get the Kingscliff Nursery online profile up a bit.”
“She does pull her weight from time to time,” he joked.
“Not often but when she needs to she comes out swinging. “A little drama goes a long way.”
School
Shane said he was going to give her a bath and put her in front of the fire where she could dream all about it.
“It’s a dog’s life I tell you,” he said.
“She’s got all these thousands of people around the coast looking after her wellbeing and she just comes out without batting an eyelid, sits down in front of the fire and goes to sleep as if nothing happened. There is no emotional damage.”
Shane said the community support has been amazing.
“Now I think she just wants to get down to the beach and go for a run; I think that’s the only thing on her mind,” he said.
Shane Barlow with his shadow, Sally, after she was found
Sally wondering what all the fuss is about and when she can hit the beach
Fire destroys historic shed
A WORK shed with historical significance has been destroyed by fire at Terranora on Thursday, June 25, with firefighters believing an electrical fault was the likely cause.
Fire and Rescue NSW crews from Banora Point and Tweed Heads stations were called to reports of a building fire off McAuleys Road shortly after 8pm.
When firefighters arrived, they found the small work shed well alight and worked late into the evening to bring the blaze under control and fully extinguish it.
The fire was contained to the shed, preventing it from spreading to nearby structures, and no injuries were reported.
Firefighters said the loss was particularly unfortunate as the owners had invested significant time and effort restoring the shed, which held historical significance.
Crews thanked the owners for providing detailed information about the shed’s construction, layout and contents, which assisted firefighters in safely and efficiently extinguishing the blaze.
The fire is not being treated as suspicious, with an electrical fault believed to be the likely cause.
Locals fed up with vandalism
THE LATEST acts of vandalism in Pottsville have sparked community anger, and locals are fed up with the destruction around the town, with a bin burned down and a park shelter damaged on Saturday night, June 27.
The incidents happened just before 9.30pm with the bin, near a bus stop on Tweed Coast Road, beside the vacant land in the centre of town where the market is held, destroyed by fire.
Wood was ripped off a picnic table shelter in Ambrose Brown Park. Matches were found nearby and some ends of the wood had burn marks.
Locals say they are fed up but there seems to be no solution in sight.
The vandalism has been ongoing, with graffiti also being a major problem.
Tweed-Byron Police have asked locals to report all incidents to Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 or to nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Reports to Crimestoppers are anonymous.
Man held over bashing
A 25-YEAR-OLD tradie has been denied bail after being charged over an alleged violent assault that police say occurred just hours after a wake for alleged Tweed Heads murder victim Beau Hinze-Yates.
Tradie Michael Flinn appeared before an online bail court on Friday, June 26, charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The prosecution alleges the victim was punched multiple times in the head, causing him to lose consciousness, before he was taken to hospital.
During the hearing, Flinn’s defence solicitor said he had attended the wake of a close friend before the alleged assault and
indicated the defence would dispute the prosecution’s account of what happened.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Leanne Smith opposed bail, telling the court the victim remained unconscious during the ambulance trip to hospital and was still unconscious on arrival.
Judge Coultas-Roberts noted there were significant differences between the prosecution and defence versions of the alleged incident.
However, after considering the police facts, she said the evidence indicated the accused had struck a man known to him at least twice in the head.
The judge described the alleged assault as serious, saying the victim collapsed following the incident and required hospital treatment while unconscious.
The court also heard Flinn was already on bail for another charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm when the alleged offence took place.
After considering the evidence, Judge Coultas-Roberts refused Flinn bail.
He is scheduled to appear before Tweed Heads Local Court on July 20.
Flinn was attending the wake of 34-year-old father Beau HinzeYates, who was allegedly assaulted with a metal pole by a man known to him on the street at The Hermitage, in Tweed Heads South, before being driven by a woman to a property in Seaview Crescent, where he was left in the driveway and died at the scene.
A 29-year-old woman, Indeeka Short, was later charged with hindering the discovery of evidence in a police investigation over the murder, allegedly committed by her former lover, 31-year-old father Kyle Hallard.
Both Ms Short and Mr Hallard were known to Mr Hinze-Yates.
Mr Hinze-Yates was described by friends as a “father to a beautiful 3-year-old, a son, a brother, a friend to so many.”
Firefighters using thermal imaging to locate hotspots Photo Fire and Rescue Banora Point
The bin was destroyed Photo Facebook
Flinn had attended the wake of Beau Hinze-Yates Kyle Hallard, was charged over Mr Hinze-Yates murder
Man charged over chase
A 23-YEAR-OLD man has appeared in Tweed Heads Local Court following an alleged police pursuit near Bogangar late last year which ended with him crashing into a tree.
Police allege officers from the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command attempted to stop an SUV travelling on the Pacific Highway at Tanglewood, just west of Bogangar, about 6.40pm on December 18 due to the manner of his driving.
When the driver allegedly failed to stop, police initiated a pursuit, which continued along Clothiers Creek Road.
Officers briefly lost sight of the vehicle near the intersection of Sliprails Road before locating it a short time later after it had crashed into a tree.
Fire and Rescue NSW firefighters, NSW Ambulance paramedics and VRA NSW members attended the scene and freed the driver from
the vehicle.
The man was treated at the scene before being taken to Gold Coast University Hospital.
He was released from hospital in January.
Police will allege a subsequent blood analysis returned a positive blood alcohol concentration reading of 0.054.
On May 27, 2026, the man was served with a court attendance notice for alleged police pursuit and dangerous driving, low-range drink driving, failing to stop at a stop line or stop sign, and exceeding the speed limit.
He appeared in Tweed Heads Local Court on Monday, June 29.
A critical incident team from Richmond Police District investigated the circumstances surrounding the police involvement in the incident.
The investigation will be reviewed by the Professional Standards Command and overseen by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.
Police Auslan visit
THERE HAS been a flood of community support after Tweed-Byron Police District officers visited Uki Public School on Tuesday, June 23, to take part in an Auslan lesson.
The visit was designed to help strengthen communication with members of the community who use Australian Sign Language.
Police joined Year 1/2 and Year 3/4 students during their Auslan classes with teacher Michelle, where they learnt signs relating to policing and emergency situations.
Police said the students were welcoming, engaged and eager to share what they had been learning in class.
The lesson gave officers the opportunity to build their understanding of Auslan and improve their ability to communicate with people who are deaf or hard of hearing during everyday interactions and emergency situations.
Tweed-Byron Police said gaining this insight
helps officers better understand the community and strengthens the way they support local residents.
When Tweed-Byron Police posted online about the visit, they received a huge flood of support with many calling it ‘amazing’ and ‘a great initiative.’
One woman wrote that, “As an Auslan advocate, seeing this really made my day.”
“Thank you for investing time into learning skills that help make our community more accessible, welcoming, and inclusive,”she posted.
“The students should be very proud of what they’ve learned, and it’s wonderful seeing police officers who are able to communicate with our Deaf community
Police thanked the students and staff at Uki Public School for welcoming them into the classroom and allowing them to be part of the learning experience.
Lifebridge has been supporting Seniors in the Tweed Shire and Northern Rivers for 40
A Tweed Byron Police officer at the Uki Public School Auslan class
The car was found crashed into a tree at Tanglewood
By Jo Kennett
MARINE RESCUE Point Danger volunteers have been recognised for their work during the devastating 2022 floods, receiving the NSW Premier Flood Emergency Citation.
The citations were presented at the unit’s Annual General Meeting on Saturday, June 20.
The Premier’s Flood Emergency Citation recognises the extraordinary response efforts during the major flood events between 2021 and 2023.
Marine Rescue Point Danger members assisted with radio and communications, first aid, logistics support (refuelling and emergency supplies) and administrative duties.
Kat Baker, Paul Blazek, Gavin Bond, Gary Burch, Glen Hatton, Brooke Mason, Chris Murphy, Chris Quinn, Russell Robinson, Paul Rockall, Alan Rowlandson, Gil Thomas and Juliet Thompson were all thanked for their service to the community during the floods and congratulated on their citation.
Former members Graham Challender, Tom Cullen and Tony Water also received the citation.
At the same meeting Paul Rockall was recognised for 20 years of continued volunteer
service with Marine Rescue NSW.
Paul has served in a number of volunteer executive positions within the unit, and is currently acting as the unit’s Emergency Services Liaison Officer, WHS Officer and Property officer.
Rescue Vessel Coxswain Chris Quinn was recognised for 15 years of continued volunteer service with Marine Rescue NSW.
Unit commander Aaron Ashley wrote that “Chris has accumulated hundreds of rescues, countless bar crossings and plays a pivotal role in the training and mentoring of our rescue crew.”
“Chris frequently responds to weekday and after-hours call outs, and is first to volunteer for opportunities to further serve his community.”
Watch Officer Darrell Todd and Radio Operator Gary Burch were both congratulated on ten years of service to Marine Rescue NSW, having “logged thousands of hours between them, ensuring the safety of mariners and responding to a number of life-threatening emergencies whilst serving in our radio base at Point Danger Lookout,” according to Commander Ashley.
“Both gentlemen play a pivotal role in the onboarding, training and continued mentorship of our radio operators and trainees,” he said.
Marine Rescue Point Danger unit commander Aaron Ashley with citation recipients
Tweed Link
Sport is how a community keeps time
For the clubs that play beside it, the Tweed River is a contradiction. It is the reason people live here, and the reason they brace every wet season.
"Facing the river is a double-edged sword," Hockey Tweed Operations Manager Matt Bartell said.
"You've got the beauty of being so close to a beautiful place, and the freedom of the river. But you've always got that underlying question of what's next, and when."
The 2022 floods tore through sporting grounds across the shire, gutting canteens, stripping change rooms and destroying electrical systems. Research from the University Centre for Rural Health, which surveyed 2,180 Northern Rivers residents after major flooding, found 91 per cent had been affected, with those displaced more likely to experience anxiety and post-traumatic stress.
At Hockey Tweed, many members had water through their own homes. When the club got back on its feet, they turned up for each other off the field as well as on it. It is the kind of connection that makes the case for sport, with the Australian Sports Commission reporting 86 per cent of Australian adults believe sport and physical activity are good for their health and wellbeing.
"If you don't have teammates who are there for you, you can be in a corner by yourself, and it's hard," Matt said. "But when you know there are 11 other people who'll pat you on the back and want to hang out with you, that's uplifting."
Joanna Hogg, who helped lead the recovery for Tweed Shire Councils's sports areas, says the risk is part of life in a river town.
"We're a river community. You do get a bit apprehensive, but you can't get away from the beauty of the area," she said.
"After an event like that, people get really isolated. These spaces bring everyone back together, and our main objective was to get them open as quickly as possible."
Over the 3 years since, Council has restored sporting grounds across the Tweed with flood-resilient materials and raised electrical systems, backed by the Australian and NSW Governments, so clubs can bounce back in days rather than months. At Barrie Smith Fields, home to Hockey Tweed, and John Rabjones/Les Cave Ovals in Murwillumbah, Tweed Shire Council delivered new canteens, change rooms, irrigation and rebuilt decks.
Living on the Tweed means the river will rise again. But across the shire's sporting grounds, the community now knows it can get back up faster, and that it will not be doing it alone.
Read more about Facing the River series here tweed.nsw.gov.au/latest-news
Farm Walk & Talk returns with visit to Numina Farm
Council’s popular Farm Walk & Talk series continues with a visit to Numina Farm at Brays Creek on Thursday 2 July.
their journey and passion for livestock, beekeeping and caring for the environment. Working with Council’s Sustainability and Environment team and Tweed Landcare, they have spent years improving soil health, waterways and biodiversity on their property.
Set within the rolling hills of the Tweed Volcano Caldera, the area has a long history of grazing and remains a key agricultural region, thanks to its fertile soils, favourable climate and larger farm sizes. Join an informative morning to connect with local farmers, Council staff and Tweed Landcare. Light refreshments will be provided.
Event details
Date: Thursday 2 July
Time: 10 am to 1 pm
Place: Numina Farm, Brays Creek, near Tyalgum (address provided on registration)
Bookings: events.humanitix.com/farm-walk-and-talknumina-farm Join us for great
Council trivia
This week's question. True or false?
Not all volunteer organisations can accept volunteers during a disaster due to safety and training requirements.
Think you know the answer? Read next week's edition to find out.
In brief ...
JUNKtion Tip Shop — temporary closure
JUNKtion Tip Shop at Stotts Creek Resource Recovery Centre will be temporarily closed from Wednesday 1 July to Saturday 4 July, while the shop moves into the expanded shed area. The shop will reopen at 8:30 am on Wednesday 8 July. Thank you for your understanding.
Planting trees for habitat workshop
Are you a rural landholder interested in planting trees for habitat, but not sure where to start?
Join us for a free, half-day workshop designed to give you the knowledge and confidence to establish a successful habitat planting on your block.
This workshop will be held at a local property where you’ll see firsthand the difference between a recent planting and a well-established planted forest –helping you learn what success looks like over time.
What you’ll learn:
• how to decide what to plant
• when and how to plant
• what’s involved in good site preparation and ongoing maintenance.
We’ll also provide tips along the way, including how to select good seedlings from a nursery and the indicators of a good planting.
Date: Friday 17 July 2026
Time: 9 am to 12 noon
Place: Kynnumboon (address provided on registration)
Places are limited: early bookings are encouraged.
For more information, contact Michael Corke, Private Land Conservation Officer, on 02 6670 2400 or email tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au
First-generation farmers Pamela and Sean will share
The Bill Dawes Stand at John Rabjones Oval, Murwillumbah: before works in 2023 (left) and restored in 2025 (right).
Barrie Smith Fields clubhouse roof showing above the flood.
Can’t
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.
Avoid single-use waste at your next gathering—borrow a reusable party kit from your local library.
NAIDOC Week 2026 — community celebrations
Join NAIDOC Week from 5 to 10 July 2026 across the Tweed.
A range of events will celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, heritage and connection to Country, including cultural activities, community gatherings, sport, beach events and ceremonies for all ages.
Highlights include the Opening Ceremony, Cultural Day, Sports and Community Expo, Saltwater Day, the Tweed NAIDOC March, Corroboree and NAIDOC Ball.
Events are held at various locations across the Tweed and are coordinated by the Tweed Heads NAIDOC Committee.
View the full program: tblalc.com/naidoc
Please note: events are drug and alcohol free, except the Tweed NAIDOC Ball, where alcohol will be available for purchase.
Have Your Say
Draft plan of management, 99 Elrond Drive, Kingscliff
Council is inviting community feedback on the draft Plan of Management for 99 Elrond Drive, Kingscliff.
The draft plan proposes:
• changing the land classification from park to general community use to support a wider range of activities
• retaining most of the site as open space for relaxation, walking and recreation
• exploring an off-leash dog area in response to community need
• allowing for a community facility, such as a Men’s Shed or similar shared space
• setting clear guidelines for how the site will be used, managed and improved over time.
Have your say
All community members are invited to view the draft plan and provide feedback.
Consultation period
Opens: Wednesday 24 June
Closes: 4 pm, Tuesday 4 August
Find out more and have your say at yoursaytweed. com.au/projects/POM-elrond-drive-kingscliff
Parks and open spaces naming policy
Council is inviting community feedback on the draft Parks and Open Spaces Naming Policy. Why this matters
The way parks and public spaces are named reflects the Tweed’s community, history and identity. What’s changing?
The updated policy aims to:
• make naming guidelines clearer and easier to understand
• better recognise Aboriginal and Indigenous names, including opportunities for dual naming
• reflect local diversity, culture and heritage
• improve transparency in how naming decisions are made. What this means for the community
• fair, consistent and transparent naming decisions
• stronger recognition of culture and community values
• a clear process for how names are selected.
Have your say
Help shape how parks and open spaces are named across the Tweed.
Provide your feedback by:
• completing the survey online
• emailing tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au (subject: Public Open Spaces)
Find out more and have your say at yoursaytweed. com.au/projects/public-open-spaces-policy
Swap, reuse or refuse this Plastic Free July
It’s Plastic Free July, a great time to rethink everyday plastic use. Do you rely on plastic wrap, takeaway coffee cups or food wrapped in plastic? Small changes can make a big difference. Join these free online workshops to learn how to reduce plastic at home and work:
Low plastic eating made easy — Thur 2 July, 2 pm
Plastic free periods made easy — Tues 7 July, 7 pm
Planning a celebration? Skip single-use waste and borrow a reusable party kit from your local library. Kits are available at Murwillumbah, Kingscliff and Tweed Heads libraries. Each kit includes 12 cups, plates, bowls, forks and spoons, plus one jug. Contact your local library to book.
Find out more about Plastic Free July and simple swaps you can make at plasticfreejuly.org
Notification of integrated development applications
Development application no. DA26/0407
A development application has been lodged by Zone Planning NSW Pty Ltd seeking development consent for erection of a pontoon, travel lift and hard stand area ancillary to approved boat building and repair facility and relocation of the current approved office building and demolition works at Lot 1 DP 612314; No. 9293 Tweed Valley Way, Chinderah . Tweed Shire Council is the consent authority for the application.
The proposed development constitutes “Integrated Development” pursuant to Section 4.46(1) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. The following approvals are required in this regard:
Provision Approval Authority
Sections 89, 90 & 91 of the Water Management Act 2000
Water use approval, water management work approval or activity approval under Part 3 of Chapter 3 Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Section 138 of the Roads Act
Consent to (a) erect a structure or works (b) dig up or disturb the surface of a public road or (c) remove or interfere with a structure work or tree on a public road or (d) pump water into or (e) connect a road to a classified road
Development application no. DA26/0418
Transport for NSW
A development application has been lodged by Zone Planning Group seeking development consent for staged earthworks and associated ancillary activities at Lot 1 DP 1169394 and Lot 54 DP 755740; Piggabeen Road, Cobaki Lakes; Lot 206 DP 755740, Lot 228 DP 755740 and Lot 55 DP 755740; Sandy Lane, Cobaki Lakes . Tweed Shire Council is the consent authority for the application.
The proposed development constitutes “Integrated Development” pursuant to Section 4.46(1) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. The following approvals are required in this regard:
Provision Approval Authority
Sections 89, 90 & 91 of the Water Management Act 2000
Water use approval, water management work approval or activity approval under Part 3 of Chapter 3
Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
The development applications and documents accompanying them may be viewed on Council’s DA Tracking site located at datracker.tweed.nsw.gov.au
The documents will be available for a period of 28 days from Wednesday 1 July to Wednesday 29 July 2026.
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.
Any submission objecting to the proposed development must state the ground upon which such objection is made.
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
Section 4.55(2) modification application for public comment
The following Section 4.55(2) 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 14 days from Wednesday 1 July to Wednesday 15 July 2026. The proposal is not designated development and Tweed Shire Council is the consent authority.
Amendment to development consent DA25/0119 for demolition of existing structures and erection of a centre based child care facility including associated signage
• Removal of 5 trees to facilitate revised design outcomes, including car parking and acoustic fence adjustments.
• Provision of an additional 6 car parking spaces.
• Relocation of bin storage area to the south-eastern corner of the site.
• Acoustic fence alignment adjusted to the western and northern boundaries.
• Minor shift of building footprint northward associated with revised parking layout.
• Amendment to verandah 3 along the northern boundary.
• Outdoor play area 2 (eastern side) reduced from 236m² to 222m².
• Outdoor play area (western side) reduced from 586m² to 559m².
• Outdoor play area 3 (northern boundary) increased from 73m² to 108m².
File no.
DA25/0119.01
• Inclusion of vegetable garden along the western boundary between outdoor play areas 2 and 3.
• Increase in upper-level outdoor play area from 410m² to 435m².
• Gross floor area increased from 993m² to 1,005m².
• Relocation of bike storage from adjacent to bin storage area to the mechanical plant area on the ground floor.
• Removal of internal wall between bottle room and art prep room on the ground floor.
• Addition of another library space on the upper floor with corresponding removal of office space.
• Addition of storage room on the ground floor with corresponding removal of comms room adjacent to the ground floor office.
• Removal of suspended slab on the northern elevation, replaced with slab-on-ground construction.
Any person may, during the period specified above, make a submission in writing to Council in relation to the modification application. Where a submission is in the form of an objection, then the grounds of objection are required to be specified.
In accordance with Clause 107 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021, there is no right of appeal under Section 8.8 of the Act by an objector.
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.
Any submission objecting to the proposed development must state the ground upon which such objection is made.
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
Major landslip repairs Dulguigan Road
Four landslip sites along Dulguigan Road have been stabilised, improving safety and long-term resilience on a key rural route.
The repairs were completed between January and June 2026 after prolonged wet weather caused multiple slope failures along the road.
Each site required a different approach. Crews reshaped slopes, installed soil nails and applied targeted revegetation to stabilise the surrounding ground. At 2 sites, slopes were trimmed to safe profiles and treated with a rainforest blend hydromulch to encourage rapid regrowth and reduce erosion.
More complex work was needed at the other 2 sites. Crews installed more than 100 soil nails per site in 5 rows, extending 6 metres into weathered rock. The slopes were reinforced with mesh for added stability.
The project was delivered by local contractor Oz Stabilisation & Construction Services Pty Ltd. For more information on Council’s Flood Restoration Program, visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/flood-restoration
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
DA26/0216 – Roof over existing balcony
Lot 4 DP 30318, No. 17 Bimbadeen Avenue, Banora Point
DA26/0117 – Single storey dwelling with attached garage
Lot 41 DP 1308587, No. 50 Enmore Crescent, Kings Forest
DA26/0148 – Single storey dwelling with attached garage
Lot 35 DP 1308587, No. 62 Enmore Crescent, Kings Forest
DA26/0181 – Two storey dwelling house with attached double garage, retaining walls and associated earthworks
Lot 214 DP 1308590, No. 14 Culgoora Street, Kings Forest
DA26/0198 – Two storey dwelling with attached garage Lot 315 DP 1308592, No. 25 Enmore Crescent, Kings Forest
DA26/0204 – Two storey dwelling with attached garage Lot 8 DP 1308587, No. 75 Enmore Crescent, Kings Forest
DA26/0211 – Two storey dwelling house with attached double garage and associated earthworks Lot 3 DP 1308587, No. 98 Enmore Crescent, Kings Forest
DA26/0212 – Single storey dwelling with attached garage Lot 94 DP 1308587, No. 4 Spirabo Street, Kings Forest
DA25/0533 – Demolition of existing residence, 3 storey dwelling with detached garage, swimming pool, associated earthworks
Lot 3 DP 511812, No. 16 Moss Street, Kingscliff
DA26/0152 – Construction of a side carport/awning Lot 86 DP 1241079, No. 60 Lorikeet Drive, Tweed
Heads South
Refused
DA26/0098 – Three into 2 lot subdivision
Lot 168 DP 822799, Lot 1 DP 133400, Lot 90 DP 755724, Everests Road, Eungella
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
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
WATER WEEK 11 Check when your water meter is read at tweed.nsw.gov.au/meter-reading
Development proposal for public comment
Resilient Homes Program pop-ups
Residents taking part in the Resilient Homes Program can drop into a community pop-up hosted by the NSW Reconstruction Authority. The Customer Service team will be available to answer questions, talk through next steps and support homeowners progressing through the program. Murwillumbah community pop-up
Date: Thursday 9 July 2026
Drop-in: 9 am to 12 noon
Appointments: 1 pm to 4 pm
Place: Murwillumbah Community Centre, Nullum Street, Knox Park
For more information, call 1800 844 085 or visit nsw.gov.au/resilienthomesprogram
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 14 days from Wednesday 1 July to Wednesday 15 July 2026. The proposal is not designated development and Tweed Shire Council is the consent authority.
ApplicantLocation Proposal
Newton Denny Chapelle Pty Ltd Lot 101 DP 1266301; No. 24 Pearl Street, Kingscliff
Change of use to mixed use development including office premises and recreation facility (indoor), and alterations and additions to existing building including demolition works
Application no
DA26/0406
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.
Any submission objecting to the proposed development must state the ground upon which such objection is made.
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
Have your say
Add your voice to decision making in the Tweed
Planning proposal – Terranora Road, Bungalora
The community is invited to review a planning proposal seeking to amend the Tweed Local Environmental Plan 2014 with respect of Lot 1 DP 792256, being 824 Terranora Road in Bungalora as outlined below.
The objective of this planning proposal is to enable a dwelling house. In addition, the planning proposal seeks to apply conservation zoning over high environmental values present on the site. The planning proposal and supporting information are on exhibition on Your Say Tweed from 1 to 29 July 2026.
Have your say
Written submissions must be received by 4 pm on Wednesday 29 July 2026 and may be made:
• online at yoursaytweed.com.au/terranora-road-planningproposal
• by email to tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au
• by post to The General Manager Tweed Shire Council, PO Box 816, Murwillumbah, NSW 2484
The delegate to the NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces has determined that Council is not authorised to be the local planning authority in relation to this planning proposal.
Planning Proposal – Wardrop Valley Road, South Murwillumbah
The community is invited to review a planning proposal seeking to amend the Tweed Local Environmental Plan 2014 with respect of Lots 4–9 DP 811482, Lot 1 DP 842157 and Council-owned Lot 1 DP 1069561, at Wardrop Valley Road in South Murwillumbah, as shown below. The objective of this planning proposal is to enable rezoning of the subject land to a E1 Local Centre, E3 Productivity Support and E4 General Industrial zones.
Outside of employment zones, parts of the subject site will be zoned environmental conservation to ensure protection of high environmental value areas. Council-owned Lot 1 DP 1069561 is proposed to be partially zoned E4 General Industrial, and partially zoned C3 Environmental Management. The planning proposal and supporting information are on exhibition on Your Say Tweed from 1 to 29 July 2026.
A drop-in session will be held on 14 July 2026 from 2 to 4:30 pm in Canvas and Kettle meeting room in Council’s Murwillumbah office, where Council planning staff will be available to answer questions.
Have your say
Written submissions must be received by 4 pm on Wednesday 29 July 2026 and may be made:
• online at yoursaytweed.com.au/wardrop-valley-planningproposal
• by email to tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au
• by post to The General Manager Tweed Shire Council PO Box 816 Murwillumbah NSW 2484
The delegate to the NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces has determined that Council is not authorised to be the local planning authority in relation to this planning proposal
Dulguigan Road.
Disability support team big winners
By Jo Kennett
JULIE LOWE and the amazing team at Full Circle Support has been recognised at the Tweed Business Awards 2026, taking the gong for Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion and Employer of Choice (20 Employees and Under).
They were also Highly Commended for Outstanding Business Leader (20 Employees and Under) Director Julie Lowe and Outstanding Employee for Support Worker Jarnae.
Julie went online to say how humbled and grateful they were for the recognition.
“When I started Full Circle Support, it was simply about making a genuine difference in people’s lives,” she wrote.
“I never imagined the journey would lead us here.
“Building a business in the disability sector has been incredibly rewarding, but it has also come with its share of hurdles. Like many providers, we’ve navigated constant change, scrutiny, evolving compliance requirements, and the uncertainty surrounding the future of the NDIS.
“Despite those challenges, one thing has never changed and that is our purpose and passion.
“Every decision we make is centred around our clients, our team, and creating opportunities for people to live meaningful, connected and fulfilling lives.
“Supporting parents, carers and loved ones so they know they don’t have to do it alone is something we are incredibly passionate about.
“We will continue to advocate fiercely, speak up when it matters, and ensure the voices of those we support are heard.
“I also want to acknowledge Jarnae who received Highly Commended – Outstanding Employee. “Jarnae embodies the values of Full Circle Support every day through her kindness,
compassion, professionalism and genuine commitment to improving the lives of others all while overcoming personal challenges in life. We are incredibly proud to have her as part of our team.
“These awards are not mine alone. They belong to every member of the Full Circle Support team who turns up each day with compassion, integrity and dedication.
“They belong to our amazing clients, who inspire us daily, and to their families who place their trust in us.
“To our community, supporters, and everyone who has encouraged us along the way – thank you. Your belief in what we do means more than you’ll ever know.
“I didn’t start Full Circle Support because it was easy.
“I started it because people deserve to be seen, heard, included and valued.”
Congratulations to the Full Circle team on a well deserved win.
Financial Advice
Kathryn Willowhite
Changing how we talk about Dementia
By Jo Kennett
THE RECENT screening of Human Forever at the Bangalow Film Festival has inspired important conversations about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, encouraging communities to look beyond the diagnosis and see the person behind it.
Among those attending was Lifebridge CEO Bronwyn Mitchell, who described the documentary as both impactful and thought-provoking.
“Human Forever challenges many of the assumptions society holds about dementia,” Ms Mitchell said.
“It reminds us that while a diagnosis brings change, it does not mean a person’s life, identity, purpose, or ability to experience joy suddenly disappears.”
“Human Forever challenges many of the assumptions society holds about dementia”
Through its support of older Australians across the Northern Rivers, Lifebridge sees firsthand the impact dementia can have on individuals and their families. While the journey can be challenging, Ms Mitchell believes greater awareness, education, and understanding can help reduce stigma and improve quality of life.
“It certainly doesn’t have to be all bad,” she said. “We understand the grief and sense of loss that can accompany a diagnosis for loved ones.
“Navigating this transition requires empathy, patience, and support for everyone involved.”
Lifebridge has recently launched a new Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) program,
Toachieve 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
Lifebridge wishes to foster a more inclusive and understanding community
facilitated by Deb from Home Care Society. The evidence-based program is designed to support people living with dementia through engaging activities that promote confidence, social connection, communication, and cognitive wellbeing.
“We are excited about what this program can offer our community,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Our aim is to help people affected by dementia feel more confident, connected, and supported throughout their journey, while also providing encouragement and support for their carers.”
Lifebridge hopes the conversations sparked by Human Forever will continue to foster a more inclusive and understanding community where people living with dementia are valued, respected, and empowered to live meaningful lives. For more information about the Cognitive Stimulation Therapy program, contact Lifebridge on 1800 043 186.
(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
Full Circle Support founder Julie Lowe. FRONT: Julie, Jarnae and the Full Circle Support team with their awards. Photos Full Circle Support
Tweed flood studies
Continued from page 5.
“Council wishes to nearly double the height of the Bray Park Weir, while they have inconsistent rules that they apply for flood mound construnction, how can they be seen as an independent regulator and be a constructor of at the same time,” Mr Baker said.
Council’s Manager of Roads and Stormwater
Danny Rose said the council chose to pursue its own comprehensive flood investigations while the Richmond River modelling was underway.
“While the scale of the problem in the Richmond required federal agency involvement, the Tweed pursued an update and expansion of our Tweed Valley Flood Study, which was completed in 2024,” Mr Rose said.
“We are now using that data to look at our options to face the challenge of more frequent and more destructive flood events.”
Council has also secured State and Federal funding for one of the largest flood recovery programs in the region, with $186.7 million invested to restore almost 5,000 damaged sites following the 2022 floods, the 2024 flood event and Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred in 2025.
The recovery has included rebuilding 3,989 damaged road sites, repairing 386 bridges and culverts, restoring 175 parks, stabilising almost 30 kilometres of riverbank and planting more than 51,000 trees to strengthen erosion-prone areas.
Council’s General Manager Troy Green said recovery had focused on building infrastructure capable of withstanding future disasters rather than simply replacing what was lost.
“Our crews know this catchment. They know where the water goes and how fast it moves,” Mr Green said.
“Across nearly 5,000 sites we have not just repaired what was lost, we have rebuilt to a stronger standard wherever funding allowed.
“We have put rock protection along riverbanks to stop them washing away and lifted bridge
structures higher above the water. In our sporting clubs and community halls, for example, we have used flood-resilient materials like epoxy floors and metal fittings, so that after the next flood they can be hosed out and back in use in days rather than stripped back and rebuilt.”
The CSIRO report has been accompanied by a further $3 million funding commitment from the Albanese and Minns governments to progress feasibility studies into the Richmond River flood mitigation options.
Federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain said the report provides governments with a scientific foundation for future investment decisions.
“The release of this report is a significant milestone for Northern Rivers communities,” she said.
“It gives us a scientific basis for understanding which flood mitigation measures could make the biggest difference.”
NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said the modelling demonstrated that flood levels could be lowered across all four Richmond River councils.
“There is still a way to go, but we are moving forward,” Ms Saffin said.
CSIRO stressed that while the modelling demonstrates flood mitigation is technically feasible, further engineering design, environmental approvals, cost-benefit analysis and detailed feasibility studies are required before any projects can proceed.
Meanwhile, Tweed Shire Council is continuing work on updated Flood Risk Management Plans using new LiDAR mapping, river bathymetry data, climate projections and community consultation.
YOUR THOUGHTS: Do you want the best flood study available to prepare the Tweed Shire for future flood events? Send your thoughts and letters via email: editor@theweekly.net.au.
YOUR SPECIALIST DIESEL MECHANICS
Myth busting EVs
By Jo Kennett
MODERN ELECTRIC vehicles (EVs) have excellent range, are less likely to catch fire than petrol cars, and have batteries that can last longer than many cars, according to a new report into integrating EVs into the electricity network.
A Victorian Parliamentary inquiry found misinformation about electric vehicles (EVs) on subjects like range, battery life and environmental impacts is undermining consumer confidence and slowing Australia’s transition to cleaner transport.
“misinformation is undermining consumer confidence”
That’s despite rapid improvements in vehicle technology and charging infrastructure.
The Legislative Council Economy and Infrastructure Committee’s report, released on June 3, follows an inquiry into integrating EVs with Victoria’s electricity network, and came with 109 findings and 40 recommendations.
Fully electric vehicles made up more than 16 per cent of new car sales in Australia in April, rising sharply following the fuel price spike after the US and Israel bombed Iran in February, but still trail the global average of around 25 per cent.
The inquiry found misconceptions about driving range, charging availability, battery life, fire safety, environmental impacts and electricity grid capacity continue to discourage buyers.
One of the most common concerns, known as “range anxiety”, was found to be increasingly
largely unwarranted considering improvement in technology.
Modern EVs usually have a range of between 400 and 500 kilometres, with some models capable of travelling more than 600 kilometres on a single charge.
The inquiry found that most Australians drive only around 40 kilometres a day, meaning many EV owners only need to recharge once a week, with approximately 80 per cent of charging taking place at home overnight.
Safety concerns were also examined. While battery fires can be more challenging to extinguish, evidence presented to the inquiry showed electric vehicles are significantly less likely to catch fire than petrol or diesel vehicles.
Experts said public concern is often fuelled by confusion between EVs and smaller battery-powered devices such as e-bikes and e-scooters, which are subject to different safety standards.
The committee also found fears surrounding battery longevity are largely outdated. Evidence suggested EV batteries commonly last between 15 and 20 years, often outliving the vehicles themselves while retaining most of their original
“The one thing that unites all human beings... is that, deep down inside, we all believe that we are above-average drivers.” DAVE BARRY
capacity. Australia’s battery recycling sector is also expanding rapidly to support growing demand.
The report dismissed claims that widespread EV adoption would overwhelm the electricity grid, instead highlighting the potential of smart charging and bidirectional technologies such as Vehicle-to-Grid and Vehicle-to-Home systems.
These technologies allow EVs to store renewable energy and return electricity to the grid during periods of peak demand, improving
reliability while reducing costs.
The inquiry concluded that outdated perceptions, rather than technological limitations, are now one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption, recommending improving public understanding to speed up the shift to lower-emissions transport.
The report was released just as The Tesla Model Y became the first electric car to lead the overall Australian sales charts – across all fuel types.
Fuel excise changes come in
By Jo Kennett
THE FUEL excise cut has been reduced as of July 1 but before it was, only a couple of months after everyone thought the sky was about to fall in, decreased demand had seen fuel prices hit their lowest in five years.
The federal government has extended the fuel excise cut, due to finish on June 30, until August 2, to help with cost of living pressures.
The 32 cents a litre cut has been reduced to 16 cents a litre though, as of July 1, to stop everyone raiding every servo in the shire on June 30.
The government says that extended but decreased reduction will save us around $11 on a 65 litres tank of fuel.
Which is good news for drivers along with the drop in oil prices.
Fuel around the Tweed Shire on Tuesday, June 30, was sitting around $1.70 with a few old faves in the $1.60s and the odd outlier who obviously needed to get the EOFY stocktake done, up around $2.
By the time you read this it will probably be around the high $1.80s, with the 16 cent discount taken off, which is still better than
before the war.
The whole Middle East is being reshaped economically because of the invasion, with leaders in t he Emirates desperately trying to secure their future, and fighting amongst one another.
Imagine all those oil rich sheiks and princes driving around in old clunkers like the rest of us, rather than their usual fleet of Rolls Royces.
What fun!
After the shocking mistreatment of the Iranian football team at the World Cup, the Iranians won’t be in any mood to kiss and make up either, so hostilities look to keep on keeping on.
Whatever happens, the invasion has accelerated the push into electric vehicles dramatically and they certainly won’t be the economic powerhouses that they have been, although the Saudis are now moving oil through Red Sea ports and making the biggest windfall of everyone.
Big oil companies like BP, ExxonMobil and Chevron are also making huge profits from the war. Was that the idea the whole time?
Who knows, but despite the predictions of impending doom, we are all still driving around getting on with life. Those sheiks can have their Rolls Royces. Who would swap that for life in the beautiful, though slightly soggy, Tweed Shire.
MURWILLUMBAH TYRE SERVICE
Christmas in July Navigation Run
CHRISTMAS WILL arrive five months early for members of the Murwillumbah Sporting Car Club (MSCC) when the club hosts its annual Christmas in July Navigation Run and Dinner on Saturday, July 18.
The festive social event will begin with a navigation run departing from Condong Bowling Club, where participants will meet at 3pm before setting off around 3.30pm on a scenic drive through the Tweed.
The evening will continue with a Christmas-themed dinner at the Murwillumbah RSL from 5.30pm, complete with lucky door prizes and plenty of festive cheer.
Family and friends are welcome to join the celebration, with dinner priced at $25 per person. RSVPs are required by July 3 please.
While known for its motorsport events, the social gathering reflects the strong sense of community that has underpinned the club since it was founded in April 2018 by a group of local motorsport enthusiasts.
Today, MSCC hosts hill climbs, motorkhanas, sprints and club competitions, while also running its highly regarded Young Driver Program, which gives young people from the age of 12 the opportunity to learn advanced driving skills in a safe and supervised environment.
Club secretary Jodie Campbell said the Christmas in July event was one of the highlights of the club’s social calendar, bringing members together away from the track.
The event is open to members, family and friends, with organisers encouraging anyone interested in the club to come along.
For bookings or more information, please contact Jodie Campbell on: 0412 767 922.
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All products are Australian manufactured and come with warranties and can be serviced by us. Please support local manufacture.
By Jo Kennett
POTTSVILLE BEACH Community Hall will celebrate its 40th birthday this Saturday, July 4, with a free day of family-friendly fun, live music and a birthday cake baking competition.
For four decades, the much-loved hall has been at the heart of community life, with hard-working volunteers welcoming generations of locals through its doors for events, celebrations, meetings and activities.
The community is invited to enjoy a full day of free entertainment and activities, including a sausage sizzle, live music, children’s entertainment, historical displays and a community birthday cake competition.
Festivities begin at 11am with a live DJ, while families can enjoy kids’ craft activities, face painting, games and free snow cones throughout the day.
A historical photo display will showcase the hall’s rich history, the tuck shop will be open all day, and a licensed bar will operate from 2pm.
The celebrations continue from 3pm with a
Welcoming
free performance by seven-piece band Yacht Rock Holiday, bringing classic hits and party favourites to the community stage.
Local bakers have been hard at work with their entries for the Community Birthday Cake Competition.
You will be able to taste their homemade cakes, with entries judged on presentation, creativity and taste by both community members through a People’s Choice vote and special guest judges.
Winners will receive vouchers from local businesses, with all cakes shared among the community following judging.
The community is encouraged to bring family and friends and join in celebrating 40 years of one of Pottsville’s most valued community spaces.
What: Pottsville Beach Community Hall 40th Birthday Celebration
Since 1969, the Boyle family has proudly cared for the Tweed Heads Community.
It all began with Christopher Boyle, who opened the doors of our local pharmacy with a simple goal: to provide trusted, personal health care.
In 1995, his son Hayden Boyle carried that vision forward - growing Priceline Pharmacy Tweed Heads into the friendly, professional, and community-focused pharmacy we know today.
Today, Patrick Boyle as the third generation continues this family legacy of pharmacy excellence and care.
From our family to yours - thank you for over 57 years of trust, health and community.
Yacht Rock Holiday will be rocking the Potty Hall birthday party
TWIN TOWNS
CLUB BANORA
CLUB BANORA
Family Fun Day
By Jo Kennett
THE ANNUAL Tweed Valley Fun Day which was postponed earlier this year is now on this Saturday, July 4, at Murwillumbah Showgrounds.
The event, which is in its 19th year, was postponed due to heavy rain during the Anzac Day long weekend, but organisers say they are determined to see the event go ahead.
Organisers Jennie Parratt and Shell Loustau told The Weekly that there was some disappointment about the event being cancelled on Saturday, April 25, but they felt the rain and conditions were too challenging.
“We know everyone was keen to come and enjoy the free Fun Day, but don’t worry we’re planning to host it on July 4, with a great range of activities for the whole family,” Jennie said.
“In fact, we’re planning to make it even bigger and better than before.”
Shell said she hopes families will mark the date in their diaries and check out The Weekly for updates.
“We are planning to have a jumping castle, face painting, kite making, woodwork, leather work and so much more, to keep everyone entertained,” she said.
Tweed Valley Fun Day is hosted by all the local churches and is a free event and gates open from 11.30am until 3.30pm (weather permitting), which is at the same time, and everyone is welcome.
Jennie and Shell wanted to thank the Tweed Valley IGA for their ongoing support.
For more information, or to get involved, please contact: 0405 548 844.
Exclusive Dragon Pearl
Join the fun at the Murwillumbah Showgrounds this Satuday for the annual Tweed Valley Fun Day
AT THE FOOTY with
THE TEAMS are in, the changes are made and we are strapping ourselves in for the decider.
A few forced changes due to injuries and concussion but I like what NSW have done. Hard to drop To’o as the reigning Brad Fitler medalist but he hasn’t had a good series and Bostock has grown another leg this year and is a good choice.
The Roosters heaped some more pain on the Broncos and winning this week against the Sharks becomes essential if the premiers are to stay in the contest.
The logjam in second has continued with four teams equal on 24 points with the Warriors, Roosters, Dolphins and resurgent Knights all vying for that all important top 4 spot. Of these, the Dolphins are in super form and doing well.
300 games for Jason Taumalolo is some achievement in the front row and at the one club. A stalwart for Australia, Qld and then one of the originals who jumped ship to the powerhouse that is now Tonga.
I feel the magical 300 mark will become harder and harder to attain given the modern game but the ‘other’ JT is a Cowboy legend, well done.
Joey Walsh will need to take a big step up to assist the Eagles with the season ending injury to Luke Brooks on the weekend. Manly are going very well and Brooks has been super, it remains to be seen how they will travel without him.
The NRLW kicks off this week with the Sharks taking on the Knights on Thursday night. It is shaping up to be a great season of women’s footy and if the Origin is anything to go by we
can expect some real quality in the women’s space. The big guns of Brisbane and Roosters will take some beating again that’s for sure but don’t be surprised to see some of the mid rangers threatening the top 2.
A bit of a clearing out by the top 3 in the NRRRL on the weekend with Mustangs, Casino and Marist a few points clear of everyone towards the top. It was a great weekend at Murbah with a quality game for the 10 year reunion. Mustangs snuck home late in the game but Cudgen are definitely warming to the task.
Some of the best talent in the country head to Coffs this weekend for the ASSRL championships and to select the Aussie Schoolgirls and boys team for the end of the year. Good luck to all involved.
Large • Small & Large Deliveries • Retaining Wall Blocks / Pavers / Besser Blocks
NRL – 2026 SEASON ROUND 18: JULY 3–5
Amplify Strikes a Chord at Murwillumbah High
By Rada Campbell
FOR TWO hours, the Elliott Centre pulsed with music, movement and applause as Murwillumbah High School students took to the stage for Amplify on June 24. Three stages operated in constant motion. While dancers swept across the centre stage and pianists commanded the grand piano, acoustic acts emerged on one side and rock bands ignited the other. There were no awkward pauses or lengthy set changes. Performers appeared almost as quickly as the audience could turn their heads, creating an experience that felt more like a professional showcase than a school concert.
The talent was extraordinary.
Zoe, Ella and Romy delivered an angelic rendition of You’re Still the One, while Ashton, Hailey and Wren brought the house down with a spirited performance of Kalinka, complete with accordion and balalaika. The Junior Dance Ensemble’s contemporary piece Feather & Stone drew some of the loudest applause of the night.
Yet Amplify is about far more than performance.
After years of upheaval - from floods to the merger and eventual separation of Murwillumbah High School and Wollumbin High School - the school’s creative community is helping students lay down roots again. Principal Zoe Tiernan has spoken of building a strong sense of identity, pride and connection within the re-established school community, and Amplify felt like that vision in action.
Head Teacher CAPA, Lachlan Glasby, has overseen the continued evolution of a production that began more than two decades ago as a modest Arts Week event. Each year, profits are reinvested into lighting, sound and staging, steadily transforming the show into the polished
spectacle audiences see today.
Music teachers Jessica Neubert and Dion Hobbins said the greatest growth happens behind the scenes.
“The learning starts after it’s all set up,” Dion told The Weekly. “Students go from feeling overwhelmed to feeling incredibly proud because they own their role.”
That pride was on display at the show’s conclusion when Year 12 students surprised the audience by presenting Year 11 performers with a ceremonial gong to inherit for future Amplify productions - a gesture of trust, continuity and tradition.
While schools teach subjects, they also create the memories, friendships and traditions that students carry long after the final curtain falls.
Amplify transformed Murwillumbah High School's Elliott Centre into a professional performance venue, with three stages creating a seamless showcase of music, dance and theatre.
Murwillumbah High School's Senior Dance Ensemble performs Putting on the Ritz
Songs of war and peace
By Rada Campbell
MURWILLUMBAH-RAISED PIANIST
Ayesha Gough will perform close to home this July as Coolamon Singers bring centuries of music, and the emotions of war, loss, hope and peace, to Coolangatta in a concert season featuring the premiere of an arrangement of Matt Ottley’s Lux Aeterna.
For Ayesha, an internationally performed pianist and 2015 Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition winner, the concert carries a strong regional connection through her own Tweed roots and the work of the Murwillumbah-based artist, author and composer.
“For me, it is vital to celebrate and encourage culture within Australia,” Ayesha told The Weekly.
“I love connecting with regional audiences, especially those in the area in which I grew up.”
The program, Mass in Time of War, takes its title from Joseph Haydn’s 1796 mass, written as Napoleon’s forces threatened Austria.
Coolamon Singers president Lawrie Yakimoff said the concert reflects both history and the uncertain times of the present.
“Humanity has always been faced with conflict, and our concert reflects these tensions,” he told The Weekly.
“It captures all the colours and emotions of war, and through music draws together the
horrors, noble deeds, loss of innocence, and hopefully eventual victory and peace.”
Music director Marco Bellasi said the program also invites audiences to consider war beyond the battlefield, as an allegory for the internal struggles people face in life.
The concert spans Western classical music from the Middle Ages to the 21st century, including works by Josquin de Prez, Haydn and Karl Jenkins.
Lawrie said Ottley’s Lux Aeterna, though written in Latin, carried a deeply human message.
“At the core, we need to love life and not destroy it,” he said.
Coolamon Singers performs four-part choral music and has built a reputation for ambitious programming under Marco’s leadership.
Lawrie said the choir aimed to bring joy to both audiences and singers, while promoting choral excellence in the region.
“There are many choirs in Northern NSW and the Gold Coast, but Coolamon is one of the few performing such challenging music,” he said.
He said for curious listeners unfamiliar with classical choral music, the concert offered “a concise overview of the variety of sound and emotions that can be experienced”.
Mass in Time of War will be performed at 2.30pm on Saturday, July 18, at St Augustine’s Catholic Church, Coolangatta. Tickets are available via TryBooking.
New book by local author
By Jonathon Howard
A BEAUTIFUL new children’s picture book created right here in the Tweed is helping young readers to view the world through a brighter, more inclusive lens.
Local author Stephanie Collas, who lives with cerebral palsy, has published her first book Rainbow Wheels, a gentle, uplifting story that celebrates friendship, kindness, empathy and inclusion through the eyes of a young girl in a wheelchair.
At its heart, the book is simple but carries a powerful message that difference is something to be understood, not overlooked.
Rainbow Wheels follows a young protagonist navigating everyday life with curiosity and joy, inviting children and families into conversations about disability representation from an early age.
For Stephanie, the project is more than a creative milestone it reflects a life already marked by determination, expression and community connection.
She is also an artist, actor, small business owner and volunteer, and now adds “published author” to a growing list of her achievements.
Her work has already been rec ognised beyond the local com munity, with Rainbow Wheels submitted to the State Library of NSW as part of its growing record of contemporary Australian storytelling.
She has also launched her own au thor platform, using social media to promote disability awareness and inclusion through storytelling and creative engagement.
A Facebook author page has also been created to share updates and connect with readers called Stephanie Collas Author Page.
Community supporters say the book is an important contribution to children’s literature
because it presents disability not as a barrier, but as a lived experience woven naturally into story and character.
It is also part of a broader push for greater visibility of people with disability in local creative industries—an area where authentic representation is still growing. Collas said she was delighted to see interest in her story and hopes the book encourages early conversations about inclusion.
From her Tweed Heads South home, Rainbow Wheels has become more than a book launch—it is a small but significant step toward ensuring children’s stories reflect the diversity of the real world.
And in doing so, Stephanie Collas is helping turn the page toward a more inclusive future— one story at a time.
Coolamon Singers' upcoming program
Stephaine Collas has published her first book
New chef at Tweed Gallery
By Madeleine Murray
A GREAT CHEF is like gold to a restaurant. It makes all the difference to have a creative, passionate leader in the kitchen, someone who inspires, who loves to experiment with seasonal food and local produce.
And now Apex dining at the Tweed regional Gallery has found just that person – Damien Mejan-Fripp.
You couldn’t really get much more local than Damien who went to Crabbes Creek primary school, and Kingscliff high school.
“I always liked cooking,” Damien told The Weekly.
“From about the age of 10, I was cooking at home. My brother used to cook for the family and I got inspired by him. Just watching him cook made me want to do the same thing because he was my big brother.”
After Damien graduated from high school he travelled around Australia and when he got back he thought he needed a career.
He started off at the Sandbar Grill which turned into Osteria, and then he moved over to the Spice Den.
Damien loves to experiment with interesting ingredients such as Ube, the purple sweet potato from the Philippines.
“We did scones here last week and I did vanilla pancakes with Ube and maple syrup.”
So here’s a hint to the prospective visitor to the gallery. Be sure to ask what’s on the specials, because Damien likes to experiment.
“Hannah really trusts me to do whatever I want,” he said.
Damien has been at Apex for about three months and has just produced a new winter menu which includes Frippy’s fried chicken –secret spiced fried chicken, lemongrass, garlic ginger, soy glaze, parmesan cheese, and a traditional Japanese spice blend called togarashi.
“Damien’s intense and kind energy will bring a subtle, spiced deliciousness to the Apex kitch-
en,” owner Hannah Setchell told The Weekly.
“A true perfectionist with sauces, Damien is dedicated to showcasing our premium local produce, such as our Tweed trawler tamarind poached prawns.
“He has a deep passion for Asian cuisine, elevating traditional flavours with creative, contemporary twists.”
Damien loves the Tweed and its produce, and he has plans to subtly introduce some native ingredients into the menu.
At the moment, the plums, green mango, passionfruit, mandarins, and green papaya all come from his mother’s property.
Apex Dining is at the Tweed Regional Gallery, 2 Mistral Rd, Murwillumbah. For more information about the menu, go to apexdining.com.au
MURWILLUMBAH THEATRE Company’s exciting new production, the award-winning play
“The Sum of Us” plays over two weekends at Murwillumbah Civic Centre Auditorium from Thurs 23rd July to Sun 2nd August.
“The Sum of Us” by David Stevens centres on Harry, a widowed father, and his gay son Jeff as they both search for love. Harry is openly supportive of Jeff’s sexuality, even helping him find a partner, which contrasts with the prejudice faced by Jeff’s boyfriend, Greg, from his own family. Meanwhile, Harry begins a relationship with a woman who struggles to accept Jeff’s identity.
The play explores themes of acceptance, family, and belonging and shows how relationships can falter due to societal attitudes and personal fears
An award winner on the Off–Broadway stage,
“The Sum of Us” rose to greater heights in the film starring Jack Thompson and Russell Crowe.
“The Sum of Us” will show for eight performances at Murwillumbah Civic Centre Auditorium over two weekends. Opening Night is Thurs July 23rd with a complimentary glass of bubbly from 6.30 pm
Please be aware that this play will be performed as “theatre in the round” at floor level and not on the stage, giving the audience a more intimate view of the performance. Consequently, there will be no BYO, but food and drink will be available to purchase before curtain-up (doors open at 6.30 pm) and during the interval.
A licensed bar will operate while the canteen will serve tea, coffee, cake and precooked meals.
Tickets are available at https://www.trybooking.com/DLSIB or from Murwillumbah Theatre Company’s website.
Wedgetail fundraiser triumph
By Madeleine Murray
COMMUNITY SPIRIT was on full display at this year’s trivia fundraiser organised by the Rotary Club of Mt Warning AM for Wedgetail Retreat. The evening of Saturday, June 20, ended with an outstanding $25,382 raised to support the vital local service.
The event has been held annually at the beautiful Murwillumbah Golf Club and this year attracted 168 enthusiastic participants who put their trivia skills to the test while also supporting raffles and auctions throughout the evening.
This year’s total exceeded last year’s fundraising result by more than $5,000 and brings the amount raised over the past five years to
heavily on volunteers and community support.
Operating costs for the hospice are approximately $3,000 per day, making fundraising events such as the annual trivia night essential to ensuring the service can continue providing compassionate palliative care to local families. The evening was marked by generosity, laughter and strong community support, with players enthusiastically purchasing raffle tickets and bidding on auction items.
Organisers thanked everyone who attended, donated prizes, volunteered their time and contributed to the event’s success, describing the result as a testament to the region’s ongoing commitment to supporting compassionate
If you would like to continue to support this
The Sum of Us plays over two weekends from Thursday the 23rd of July
Organising committee members Michael Greentree, Simone Wong, Mark Moore, and Meredith Dennis from Wedgetail Retreat
standard (5)
Acquaint oneself (6)
Artist’s stand (5)
Planes (9)
Death (9)
Truthfulness (7)
The L in LGBT (7)
What 17-down
(3)
Succeed (coll) (3)
2. In what suburb would you find McCollums
3. Who purchased 600 acres in what was then known as Dunbible Creek in 1882? 4. Which 1973 festival in Nimbin aimed to celebrate alternative
and surrounding shires, with family and friends living in the area,” he said. Dean is hoping to grow his business and to let all of the Tweed Shire and beyond know about the services he offers.
“Northern Rivers Aqua Pressure Cleaning services all of the Tweed, Byron, Ballina and Lismore Shires,” he said.
“I always respond to every enquiry in a very timely manner and endeavour to get jobs done for customers within the time frame they require.”
“I also offer flexible timeslots to cater to my customers’ needs, such as weekends (including Sundays), early AM or PM starts outside of business hours, so as not to affect trade and foot traffic.”
For residential jobs, Northern Rivers Aqua Pressure Cleaning offers services of driveway and pathway cleans, gutter clean outs, patio, pool and deck cleaning as well as external walls and roof cleans.
For commercial jobs, we offer all of these jobs as well as carparks etc.
“No job is too big or too small, and if you have something else that requires a pressure clean, all you need to do is ask,” he said.
“Northern Rivers Aqua pressure cleaning is also a preferred contractor for some local real estate agents, cleaning properties for owners as well as tenants.”
Since launching his small family owned business, Dean has received stellar reviews and testimonials from clients:
“Shout out to the legends at Northern Rivers Pressure Cleaning for blasting all that dirt and grime off our footpaths and bringing them back to new for when we return,” said one happy customer, Trident Fish and Grill.
“Thanks Deano, the driveway has never looked so good. Highly recommend NorthernRiversAquaPressureCleaning,” said another happy customer from a residence.
Call 0426 119 550 for a quote!
Public Notice
Pacific
Wednesday 15th July 2026 (8 Boyd St Tweed Heads) Come along and meet our Brothers over Drinks and Pizza in a casual atmosphere. Have a look inside and find out more about Freemasonry.
Scrap Metal
located at 854 Cudgera Creek Road, CUDGERA The proposed upgrade will improve Telstra 4G and 5G services in the area.
2. The proposed upgrade works on the existing lattice tower consist of:
• Removal of six (6) existing panel antennas
• Reconfiguration of two (2) existing panel antennas
• Installation of six (6) new panel antennas (less than 2.8m in length)
• Installation of four (4) new panel antennas (less than 1.1m in length)
• Installation/replacement of ancillary equipment
3. In accordance with Section 7 of the Industry Code C564:2025 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment, we invite you to make comments about the proposal
4. Please direct comments to Mark Baade (Planning Consultant) on mark@saqconsulting.com.au, 0417 088 000 or to SAQ Consulting, P O Box 50 Clayfield QLD 4011 by Thursday 16th July 2026
For
For more information about the proposal, scan the QR Code or visit www.rfnsa.com.au/2484001
Telstra Limited ACN: 086 174 781 SAQ
Support Group
GROW Mental Health Program
A free peer support group, held in confidential settings, assisting people with their life’s difficulties. We welcome you to attend our weekly meetings on Mondays between 10am-12pm at the Anglican Church, Cnr Florence & Powell Streets, Tweed Heads. Refreshments are provided afterwards.
Weekly In Memoriam
In loving memory of JOHN M c VEAN
Passed away peacefully on 18th June, 2026
Aged 89
Dearly loved husband of Marion (67 years)
Brother to Alison and Hugh Brother-in-law to Coral
Loving father of Diane, Gavin and Andrew Father-in-law to Peter, Catherine and Catherine Grandfather (Da) to Katie, Emily, Daniel, Madeleine, Benjamin, Samuel, Teagan, Isabel and Joshua
Great Grandfather to William, Louie, Charlie, Meadow, Ruby and Sa
Memorial Service
LYNNETTE FRANCES ‘LYNNE’ BECK
26.11.1937 ~ 14.06.2026
“At Peace Now”
Loved Wife of Don.
Beloved Mother and Mother-in-law of Liz & Glenn Chauvier and Allison & Michael Scott.
Loving Grandma of Claire & Rohan, Angus, Monique, omas & Jade and Rachel.
Dearly loved daughter of Hec (dec) & Ena (dec) Robertson.
Loved sister and sister-in-law of Nancy (dec) & Bill (dec) and Betty & Brian (dec).
Sister-in-law of Val & Pat (dec), Margaret (dec) & Phil and Dennis & Dianne.
Family and friends are warmly invited to attend Lynne’s Memorial Service at the Presbyterian Church Murwillumbah, Friday 10th July at 10:30am.
22/10/1950 - 4/7/2025
A year has passed and today we remember you with so much love and gratitude for all the memories you gave us.
We would like to think that you are somewhere peaceful with your fishing rod or maybe drinking a beer with your mates up there.
You maybe gone from our sight but not our hearts.
Forever loved and forever missed, Heather, Elle, Minxy, Siena & Frankie
Passed away peacefully 23rd June 2026
Late of Banora Point, formerly of Canberra, Melbourne and Croydon, England
Aged 91 years
Beloved husband of Ilona (dec’d). Cherished brother of Godfrey (dec’d), Courtney, and Stanley (dec’d), and loving brother-in-law of Margaret (dec’d), Diane, and Norma. Treasured uncle of Michael, Andrew, Susan, Christopher, Alison, and Virgina.
Family and friends of Dudley are invited to attend his funeral service to be held at the Banora Point Uniting Church, 63 Darlington Drive, Banora Point on Monday 6th July 2026 at 1.30pm.
For those unable to attend, Dudley’s service will be streamed online at www.heritagebrothers.com/livestreams.
In loving memory of Stu Stuart
John North
Late of Dulguigan
Passed away peacefully on Thursday 25th June 2026
Aged 63 Years
Dearly loved husband of Christine Loved father and father-in-law of Brendan, Ashleigh & Jake
Cherished pop of Chayse
Dearly loved son of Allan & Maureen (both dec’d) Loved brother of Louise
Family and friends are warmly invited to attend Stuart’s Funeral Service to be held at Tweed Valley Lawn Chapel on Monday 6th July 2026 at 10:00am.
Loving mother and mother-in-law to Robyn & Graham, Judy & Wayne, Barry & Christine. Cherished Nana to Shane, Paul, Louise, Melanie, Laura, Alyssa and Margo. Adored Great-Nana to Riley, Phoebe, Arlia, Immy, Emily, Joshua and Parker.
A
family
and
Paperbark Deathcare & Funerals 0466 526 156
Frank Edward LARKIN 01/06/2026
John Thomas WILKINSON 06/06/2026
Kamala Amelia BLACK 09/06/2026
Edward Anthony PARKES 11/06/2026
Richard James McEWEN 11/06/2026
Raymond John GELFIUS 12/06/2026
Barry Leigh SAUNDERS 16/06/2026
Barbara Lyndle RAILTON 20/06/2026
Marie France ROSE 22/06/2026
Saeed SHOGHI 24/06/2026
PADYAVALLE
25/06/2026
Maureen Junita McEWAN
26/06/2026
Simplicity Funerals 07 5599 1800
Michael James Burnes 19/06/2026
Strike, John 27/06/2026
Heritage Brothers Funerals 07 5535 8758
Hendrica Capilli (Penny) 26/06/2026
Laurence McCoy 20/06/2026
Michelle Hamilton 17/06/2026
Dorothy Farr 19/06/2026
Lima Bray 18/06/2026
Madeleine Muhmenthaler 26/06/2026
John Fraser 19/06/2026
Robert Burns
27/06/2026
Tiare Funerals 0416 389 587
Richard John Carter
28.6.26
Lacey Rowles
Peter Dawes
26.6.26 Leo Pietzsch. 25.6.26
Harry ‘ e Horse’ Pearson
02/02/1949 ~ 29/03/2020
Dolphin Funerals 1300 678 443
On behalf of past & present members of the MSMC Social Golf Club our prayers & fond memories are shared with Harry’s family and friends. A genuine good bloke, a well respected member of our Social Golf Club for more than 40 years and great gol ng partner.
On behalf of past & present members of the MSMC Social Golf Club our prayers & fond memories are shared with Peter’s family and friends.
A loveable larrikin, a great golfing partner and well respected member of our Social Golf Club.
Our mate Harry will never be forgotten.
Our mate ‘Dawesy’ will never be forgotten.
CROPPER Jean Ann 23/06/2026
STEWART Lorrell Ann 23/06/2026
TREACY Mark Robert 25/06/2026
ROSSALL Denise Margaret 26/06/2026
SCRANAGE Ross Timothy 27/06/2026
MCKINNON Timothy John 28/06/2026
In loving memory of Graham Keith Crawley
ANTHONY ‘DUDLEY’ HORSCROFT
Chinderah Ph: (02) 6674 3777
beloved
member
friend to many, who will be forever loved and sadly missed. Nancy’s life will be celebrated at the Melaleuca Station Memorial Gardens, 9394 Tweed Valley Way, Chinderah on Friday 10th July 2026 at 11:00am. Following the service, family and friends are warmly invited to join us for light refreshments.
Moesha makes world cup history
By Jo Kennett
World Aquatics called “absolute dominance” .
The final swim was run in rough Atlantic Ocean conditions with Moesha dominant in the first sprint lap to earn the bonus. She then dropped back but fought back to the lead in the penultimate lap.
She fought off two Hungarians, Bettina Fabian and Viktoria Mihalyvari in the home stretch to take gold.
The 28-year-old swimmer, who like generations before her, has spent her life in the Tweed Shire, was ecstatic with the victory.
Moesha says she was thrilled to have signed with sponsor Speedo Australia & New Zealand this year, calling the partnership “a dream come true.”
“Thank you to everyone supporting me,” she wrote.
“Gr8 Health, Central Engineering Pty Ltd, Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS).
“Thank you to Gina Rinehart and Hancock Prospecting for the continued support of our swimming team.
Thank you also to the organising committee for the great event and to the locals for being fantastic hosts.
Moesha spent her early years at Terranora and has been living at Piggabeen since grade one.
She went to Banora Point Primary School and Tweed River High before finishing at Palm Beach Currumbin High School.
PIGGABEEN SWIMMER and Olympic silver medalist Moesha Johnson has created history by becoming the first athlete to win each of her events in the Open Water Swimming event to be crowned World Champion on June 21 in Portugal.
“Over the weekend I achieved something I didn’t even think possible. 2026 World Cup Champion with a perfect points score,” she posted to her social media.
“A history-making season.
The win puts her on track to secure a place at the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028.
The final event win gave Moesha a clean sweep of all four 10 kilometre events over the past year, often with huge margins, and seven for seven in individual world cup events, which
“The first athlete to win every World Cup stop and attain maximal points.
“The first Australian to win overall World Cup Champion.
“Open water is always an adventure, a true challenge of all things mind and body, and I hope that people can start to see these attributes of our sport and all things it embodies.
Moesha was inspired to take up swimming by her uncle Brad Cooper who was an Olympic gold medallist and ran a swim school at Burleigh with Moesha’s aunt, which was later bought by Laurie Lawrence. At the 2024 Summer Olympics, Johnson competed in the 10km marathon.
She led for the majority of the event, but could not hold off a late challenge from Sharon van Rouwendaal of the Netherlands, finishing with the silver medal. Moesha also finished sixth in the pool at the 2024 Paris Olympics and the 2025 World Championships in the 1,500m.
“The first athlete to be undefeated in every single individual event,10km, 3km knockout and sprint laps.”
“Never doubt His mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you.”
At the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, Johnson won the gold medal in the 5km and 10km events.
Taikato-Simpon’s debut thriller in Mustang derby
brating,” with the club thanking past players, coaching staff, and members for making it a memorable day.
In the LLT the Mustangs continued their great form to take down the Cudgen ladies 22-12.
The Under 18s was a tightly-fought contest with the Mustangs getting the win 20-16.
Cudgen Reserve Grade went down 26-12.
Mustangs First Grade players Matt Bollard and Shannon Gardiner have been selected for the Tweed Seagulls
ing work at the club, to get the win 42-14.
First Grade were short on players and had four players from reggies and Under 18s back up, but they only managed one try from Cam Cullen, while Kyogle scored four.
Tahne Robinson, who played for the Raiders when they won the comp in 2018, was dominant for Kyogle, getting a try and converting most of them too. We want you back Tahne!!
It was the Indigenous round celebrating the history, culture, and con-
By Jo Kennett
IT WAS round 10 of the NRRRL on the weekend, with Murwillumbah getting a clean sweep over Cudgen in a thrilling local derby on Saturday, June 27.
It was a big day at Murwillumbah, ten years since the Mustangs took out the premiership in jubilant scenes, following the tragic death of Grant ‘Cookie’ Cook.
Murwillumbah came out firing in First Grade with a try straight up, followed quickly by another one to take the lead.
Cudgen fought back, getting two of their own and then they went try for try.
It was debutant Dylan Taikato-Simp son who provided the biggest thrill by scoring the winning try for the Mustangs in the final minute of play, to get the win six tries to five, 30-26.
Members of that 2016 winning team presented First Grade players with their jerseys before their game then got to watch the boys get the win while no doubt enjoying a cold one or two.
Apparently that was followed by a “great night of reminiscing and cele -
who does a heap of amaz -
Basketballers off to USA
By Jo Kennett
The boys will first undergo an intensive three-day development camp experiencing academy life at Utah Prep Academy. Following their training, they will head to Las Vegas to compete with top-tier international prospects over a seven-day competition as members of the Nike EYBL Australian team and the LockedIn Elite US Tour Team.
Casino, who
have been up round the top of the ladder all comp, took them down 28-16, with the Rams’ Eddie Walker Willi scoring three of their four tries.
The Tweed Heads Seagulls played Mullumbimby at Mullum, with the LLT comp leading Gulls winning 2610, while the Under 18s went down 14-12.
Reserve Grade also lost 18-12.
The Seagulls First Grade side went head to head with Mullum, four tries apiece, ending with an 18-18 draw. Round 11 this weekend will see Cudgen take on Kyogle at home, the Raiders hosting the Bombers, the Seagulls off to Byron, the Mustangs off to Casino (should be a great match) and Bilambil playing Northern at Lismore.
FOUR LOCAL junior athletes from the Amigos Basketball Association in Banora Point secured a rare opportunity to showcase their talent on the world stage after being selected to compete in the prestigious Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) in the United States this July.
Local players Kobi Maynard, Kobi Savage, Kyrie Pantino, and Noah Totorica will journey to America as part of the LockedIn Elite roster. LockedIn Elite is one of only two international programs globally aligned with the Nike EYBL, a premier competition widely recognized as the dominant grassroots pathway to college basketball and the NBA.
World champion Moesha Johnson on the podium in Portugal
World champion Moesha Johnson on the podium in Portugal
Try time for Murwillumbah Photo Tiara Wood
The Mares got the win in the LLT Photo Tiara Wood
Real Estate
FROM COAST TO COUNTRY
AGENT OF THE WEEK
By Jo Kennett
THIS WEEK’S featured local agent is Kasey Pereira, Associate Director of Sales at Tate Brownlee Real Estate, who shares his story and the scoop on the local market.
With more than a decade working in the Tweed property market, Kasey has built a reputation for his clear communication, unmatched work ethic and deep market knowledge.
Having overseen hundreds of successful property transactions, Kasey leads a sales team dedicated not only to securing the deal but also to ensuring clients are supported every step of the way.
Kasey’s business acumen, creative marketing strategies and masterful negotiation skills give his clients a distinct advantage. We caught up with Kasey to find out more.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GO INTO REAL ESTATE?
It was introduced to me around 10 years ago by my girlfriend at the time, who worked in property management. We had conversations about what the agents in her office did, and it sparked a lot of interest.
At the time, I was enjoying the sales and marketing aspect of my personal training business more than the actual
Open Homes
Saturday, July 4
Raine & Horne Jet
• 2981 Kyogle Road, Kunghur, 9–12pm
• 3 Panorama View, Kunghur, 9–12pm
• 20 Panorama View, Kunghur, 9–12pm
• 46 Brisbane Street, Murwillumbah, 9.30–10am
• 629 Tumbulgum Road, Tygalgah, 10.30–11am
training.
From there, it was a natural progression into what I still believe is the best game of sales and marketing I can find. The importance of servicing my clients has also carried directly from the fitness industry into real estate.
WHAT ARE THE BEST THINGS ABOUT YOUR JOB?
I love everything about the job. The good, the bad and the ugly all form part of an industry that I view more as a lifestyle than a job. I enjoy the variety of properties we’re privileged to represent across the Tweed Shire, ranging from acreage and waterfront homes to brand-new builds, centuryold homes, beachfront properties and everything in between.
It’s a unique advantage that the Tweed Shire holds over many other markets and is part of the area’s natural allure.
WHO ARE YOU SEEING BUYING PROPERTIES AT THE MOMENT?
There is always a strong foundation of interstate buyers, mainly from Sydney and Melbourne. At this stage, given the way the Sydney market is performing, it is more common to meet Victorian buyers.
The most interesting factor, however, is
• 1243 Kyogle Road, Uki, 11.30–12pm
• 837 Nobbys Creek Road, Nobbys Creek, 12.30–1.30pm DJ Stringer
• 2/118 Sunset Blvd, Tweed Heads West 9:00–9:30am
• 36 Peninsula Dr, Bilambil Heights, 9–9.30am
• 5/18 Dutton St, Coolangatta, 10–10.30am
• 54 The Quarterdeck, Tweed Heads, 10–10.30am
• 7/20 Dutton St, Coolangatta, 10.45–11.15am
• 29 Townsend Cres, Terranora, 11–11.30am
the amount of local movement. We are selling many homes to locals who are upsizing, downsizing or relocating. Also becoming more common as the economy tightens are families consolidating multiple properties into one with dualliving options.
WHAT’S THE BIGGEST CHANGE YOU HAVE SEEN ACROSS THE MARKET IN THE PAST YEAR?
Buyer numbers are certainly down over the past 12 months. There also seems to be a tendency to procrastinate when making decisions, with an overarching theme of fear of overpaying rather than the fear of missing out (FOMO) we became used to after COVID. This is not the end of the world, as people will always need to buy and sell. The Tweed offers a phenomenal option for many demographics, and we are still seeing excellent results for many of our clients each week, even if we have to sift a little deeper through the buyer pool.
WHAT IS YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR SELLERS?
Engage an agent sooner than you feel is necessary. The importance of navigating this market is not just getting your home sold but also securing your next property, and an experienced agent will understand this and have a plan for your specific situation. When researching
• 2/38 Garrick St, Coolangatta, 11.30–12pm
• 169 Tweed Valley Way, South Murwillumbah, 12–12.30pm
an agent, focus on the metrics that matter: properties sold, days on market, and the ability to maximise the sale price.
WHAT ABOUT BUYERS? ANY ADVICE?
There are certainly opportunities in the market right now. To make the most of them, buyers need to be crystal clear on their borrowing capacity and serviceability. They should understand exactly what they are looking for and how that property compares with recent sales. Many opportunities are also presenting themselves off-market. As a company, we are selling around 30 per cent of our properties this way.
ANYTHING ELSE YOU CAN SHARE WITH READERS?
The market is not as apocalyptic as many media headlines would have you believe.
Although it is tougher than the postCOVID peak, we are still seeing fantastic results each week. As a buyer or seller, focus on the things you can control. For sellers, that’s the preparation and presentation of your home, along with selecting the right agent and sales strategy.
For buyers, it’s understanding and securing your finance, knowing the market intimately, and presenting strong offers.
• 108 Darlington Drive, Banora Point, 10–10.30am
• 43 Henry Lawson Dr, Terranora, 10–10.30am
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• 37 The Hermitage, Tweed Heads South, 12–12.30pm
• 16 Bosun Boulevard, Banora Point, 12–12.30pm
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• 14 Valleyview, Terranora, 1–1.30pm
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In the heart of Cabarita Beach, CABA Residences off a rare chance to live the coastal life you remember CONSTRUCTION NEARLY COMPLETE, MOVE IN SEPTEMBER 202
It may be slightly cooler but the market is still HOT!
Considering a move?
Your next chapter starts with the right advice. Connected to our community. Committed to results.
Looking to Sell?
Looking to Buy?
Looking to Lease?
We’re here to help.
Let’s chat.
Outstanding opportunity to immerse yourself into an enviable lifestyle from this well-appointed 4-bedroom residence anchored on a prime 989m2 waterfront allotment within moments to Coolangatta CBD and world class surf beaches.
• Formal living & dining areas w/ plantation shutters
• Generous kitchen w/ stainless appliances
• Air-conditioned family room w/ high pitched ceiling
• Large air-conditioned main bedroom w/ bay window, mirrored robes, dressing area & ensuite
• 3 additional bedrooms (2 w/ built in robes)
• Covered entertainment area w/ sun blinds
• Oversized double automatic lock up garage w/ rear roller door plus heaps of room for additional cars, boat & caravan (on driveway & RH side of home)
• Impressive in-ground pool w/ expansive bathing areas (refer agent regarding pool fencing compliance)
