TVW05Feb26MA001

Youths smash bus and car windows

By Jo Kennett

LOCAL RESIDENTS are furious after several cases of objects being thrown at vehicles, with the windows of a public bus and car smashed and passengers and drivers lucky to avoid serious injury.

The first incident occurred on Sunday, January 25, when a local woman was driving south into Cabarita beside Cudgen Nature Reserve around lunchtime.

“I was on my way home from work when it happened and it gave me a huge fright because it was really loud when it hit,” the woman, who didn’t want to be named, told The Weekly.

“I was traveling 80km/hr and could easily have had an accident.

“I was shaken up for the rest of the drive home.

“I also don’t know if it was a rock or water bomb as I saw something skittle across the road in front of me which just missed the car in front before the impact on my car.

“I’m angry and frustrated that I have to incur this cost which will be over $500.”

The second incident also happened in the same area beside the bushland between Cabarita and Casuarina, on Monday, June 26, at around 10.30am.

Rocks thrown by youths smashed a large window of a public bus right beside where a female passenger was sitting. That afternoon at around 5.30pm, an-

other local resident was driving slowly across Hastings Point bridge at about 5.30pm as kids were jumping off the bridge when a child ran at her in the middle of the road and threw wet sand at her windscreen.

“He came running up and smashed the sand straight at my face,” the woman, who didn’t want to be named, said.

“He was only about eight - a little blonde kid - but there were about four or five.

“They thought it was funny and they were laughing.

“I couldn’t see (with the sand on the windscreen) where I was going and I nearly killed him.

“I was shaking and I didn’t stop for a couple of hours. It really upset me.”

To make things worse, the woman had just received some terrible news.

“I didn’t go to sleep until about 11pm that night because I couldn’t sleep,” she said.

“I’m 72; imagine if that happened to someone with a heart problem.

“I didn’t report it to the police because I thought it would probably take hours for them to get here and these kids know that.”

She believes we need a police station on the coast.

“We haven’t worked all our lives to be

treated like that,” she said.

“Look where we live. It’s not like they are in the bush and they have nothing to do.

“They are just thoughtless but I don’t think the parents are doing their job.

“We were kids once too but you don’t do that.

“I had just got some really bad news and I was thinking about that and then this happens. It really upsets me. I didn’t need that.”

Early in January a young woman returned from the beach to her car at Wooyung and was shocked to find a rock had been thrown through her left passenger window.

Her mother said she was angry and scared, wondering if it was a personal attack and if anyone was going to follow her.

“She felt really upset - she had worked hard for her car and was angry that someone had done that,” she said.

“It’s actually been an ongoing saga. It still is not fixed; we have been to two different glass places who have given us the run around getting the glass.

“The people who have done this have no idea of the impact on emotions, money and time.”

The woman’s mother said it was “infuriating” that her daughter “couldn’t even go to the beach and feel/be safe” and they are still trying to get the window repaired while “whoever did it promptly moved on” leaving them to deal with the results.

“I do not think I’m the perfect parent, but my kids would never see the screen of their phones if I caught wind of them doing this stuff,” she said.

“Two of my friends live in Casuarina and there were two incidents there, one was walking along the path, when boys on ebikes rode past and ‘mooed’ at her, she confronted them and they threw stones at her.”

“Another was driving along Casuarina way and stones were thrown at her car.

“They are out of control.”

Anyone with information is urged to call Tweed Heads Police Station on (07) 5506 9499 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in the strictest of confidence.

Youths smashed a window in a public bus

A woman almost hit a child on Cudgen Creek bridge at Hastings Point

You

Camphor laurel should be removed

I write in response to The Weekly report around protecting camphor laurel trees in the January 29 story on page 12 – ‘Why protect camphor’.

I agree completely with Craig Huf and think all camphor trees, especially the old ones, should be destroyed.

Margaret Mangelsdorf, Murwillumbah

Demands for action at Kingscliff

I write in response to the reports and letters in Tweed Valley Weekly this year regarding the ongoing safety concerns at Rowan Robinson Park in Kingscliff.

Residents and local businesses are increasingly concerned about the ongoing situation.

What was once a safe, family-friendly space has deteriorated to the point where many community members no longer feel comfortable using the park or beachfront.

There are serious and legitimate safety concerns, including discarded needles, aggressive behaviour, and the potential risk to children, elderly residents and visitors.

It should not take a serious injury or assault for meaningful action to occur. As ratepayers and taxpayers, we expect our local council and police to proactively manage public safety and amenities.

This includes ensuring that public spaces remain safe, accessible, and welcoming for the broader community.

If this situation continues unchecked, it will inevitably impact local businesses and tourism, which Kingscliff relies on.

Visitors are already choosing to avoid the area, and that has real economic consequences.

We are calling on council and police to take decisive, coordinated action to address this issue before it escalates

Products & Improvements

GAS & HOT WATER SPECIALISTS

Electric, Gas, Solar & Solar Heat pumps

further.

The community deserves transparency, accountability, and a clear plan for restoring safety at Rowan Robinson Park.

To fellow community members who share these concerns: please continue to contact council representatives and local police via phone and email, to ensure this issue remains a priority until it is resolved.

Andrew Latimore, Kingscliff Travelling on the XPT experience

I would like to tell your readers about my experience on the XPT train on January 21, from Sydney to Kingscliff day trip.

It is quite unbelievable that the train does not have anywhere to charge your phone or wifi coverage – I know they are more than 40 years old.

I got a text halfway through my journey stating that all passengers will have to alight at Grafton station due to operational issues.

I overheard the crew on the XPT changeover at Grafton they did not have a train driver to take over! Unbelievable!

There were three coaches waiting for us to take us to Casino station where we get on more coaches to our destination.

This would have cost the taxpayer quite a bit of money with hire of coaches and drivers wages.

This is the only day trip from Sydney to Brisbane and it is an embarrassment, only one track in many places and very slow.

Why they don’t upgrade this service is beyond me.

Julie Ashton, Casuarina Tweed homelessness frustration

There is much frustration in the Tweed Shire regarding the homeless population. Drugs, tents, sleeping under shop awnings etc.

I understand and share the frustra-

WILLS WEEK

tion of many, who no longer see their Tweed as it was perhaps 20 years ago. However, if anything is to change it is important that the local community understand and acknowledge the following statistics.

Then maybe collectively, we can lobby government at all levels to do something! God knows I’ve tried for 24 years.

The median weekly rent for a house in Tweed Heads is $825, while units are approximately $725 per week (Source: Real Estate Investar).

Social housing in the Tweed is one of the most in demand in NSW, possibly Australia, and the wait list is 10 years or more depending on personal circumstances.

As of late 2025, there were more than 67,316 households on the NSW social housing register (source: dcj. nsw.gov.au).

It may surprise many that there are older ladies sleeping in their car at night. There are also at times single mothers and children sleeping in cars, tents, caravans and couch surfing. I know, I support them.

So, what is the Tweed Shire Council able to do to help the many who cannot afford accommodation?

There were 31 Pods in Elrond Drive, Kingscliff. They were all decommissioned in December 2025 and the land returned to public open space. I wonder how residents would feel if homeless now started erecting tents in the vicinity of the park?

Why were those pods not used to support the many homeless mothers, and elderly ladies and men. No, the Mayor requested public consultation on the issue, and the pods subsequently dismantled and removed. To where?

If location had been an issue, they could have been relocated to another area. So many little families would have benefited.

While some homeless folk are being accommodated in motels, it is my opinion that the Tweed Shire Council

has no idea as to what to do in relation to the homeless crisis.

Over many years I have put a number of suggestions to the Tweed Shire Council as to possible solutions for accommodating the homeless. All to no avail.

Every proposal has only resulted in the bar being raised higher, making the project economically and practically impossible to implement. Indeed, approximately eight years ago following a round table meeting, Council was most favourable to one suggestion which would have come at some expense for the charity, today however, we are still waiting for the Council to act.

At State Government level, we have the Tweed Hospital which was decommissioned and closed 14 May 2024.

The methadone clinic operates from the Tweed Heads Community Health Centre, at the rear of the old hospital.

At a meeting with Geoff Provest MP a suggestion that a small part of the hospital be used to accommodate the homeless, was met with an outright rejection, similarly with the decommissioned police station in Recreation Street.

Cost of living is now a major factor. There is major poverty facing many, with businesses closing and expenses rising. People are losing their jobs and the homeless rate is increasing.

I shudder to think of the consequences once AI really takes over, and those who once considered their employment secure, are faced with the very sad reality.

In my experience, ‘If you have no job, you will not get a home. If you have no home, you will not get a job’.

John Lee, OAM, president and founder, You Have A Friend Inc, Tweed Heads Support for

Seabreeze high school

I would like to comment on some of the articles in your paper about Pottsville High School.

Wills Week is a great opportunity to have a professional solicitor in your local area provide advice to establish your first Will or update an existing one. Wills Week is made possible thanks to the generous support of solicitors who donate their time to ensure that 100% of your booking fee is donated to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

Booking fee - $160 for a single person - $300 for a couple making mutual Wills

I had lived in Pottsville for 26 years and can assure you the high school was on the original master plan.

The Pottsville Community Association fought to keep that block at Seabreeze for years and the Tweed Shire Council always backed us up. Then since 2013, Wendy Pluckrose was actively involved advocating for the Pottsville High School.

The Land and Environment Court even came up from Sydney and said the land had to remain for a high school.

In 2015, more than 3,000 local residents signed a petition for a High School to be built in Pottsville.

The developer wanted to build houses or Seniors subdivision,but was always knocked back.

I want to correct that the shopping centre that in 2008 the developer Meticon wanted to build on the high school site is not true, because the site for the shops was on the block of land that is on the right side where you first drive into Seabreeze. A high school cannot be built on the Crown land near the public school, because there is a gazetted road that runs up the middle of the block, so there would not be enough land on half of it for a high school. Every time we ever tried to get something done for the Pottsville children over the years we have always been knocked back by people and the authorities that is why there is nothing for children of Pottsville, so please let the government build the high school for local children.

Shirley Gill, Banora Point

Please note the views on the letters page are those of the letter writer and not of the Tweed Valley Weekly. Letters must include a suburb and contact number for verification. Letters may be edited for length or legal reasons. Send your letters to editor@theweekly. net.au or phone: (02) 6672 4443

Book now to secure a meeting with a solicitor to receive advice about having a simple* Will drafted. Full details, including *terms and conditions can be viewed at rescuehelicopter.com. au/willsweek. Wills Week appointment fees do not include the drafting of Power of Attorney or Enduring Guardianship documents.

Tweed rental crisis worsens

By Jo Kennett

THE RENTAL crisis in the Tweed Shire shows no sign of easing, with many tenants, including some with young families, being given notice to vacate without being able to find anywhere to go.

Danielle Nash has lived in her Murwillumbah rental for six years with her three school-age children, one of them with a severe brain injury, and posted online asking for help to find a home.

She only had days left before they had to vacate and even suggested they could live in a shed until they found a proper rental.

“I’ve been applying for months and I know there are others in the same situation,” she posted.

“I’m praying something comes up.”

Danielle told The Weekly that the situation has “really changed our lives and the outlook on life.” “It’s very scary, the unknown,” she said.

“I feel defeated.”

She said it was particularly hard as a special needs mum with no support as her own mother passed away last year, saying she felt like she had lost her whole world at the time.

“I haven’t been able to grieve as I’ve had my mind set on looking for another rental,” Danielle said.

“I’ve applied for so many leading up to the date I have to vacate which is the 6th of February.

“The stress has been so overwhelming that I can’t function properly or make decisions.

“I’ve bought a pop-up camper to stay in and hopefully we can find some land but we will be living rough until something comes up.

“This isn’t fair and we don’t deserve this - my poor kids. I feel like the biggest failure

because I can’t secure a proper roof over their heads.”

Jay Dickings and his family have lived at Banora Point for 13 years and while they are working on buying their own place, they have received notice to leave their rental home.

“We went to an inspection in Banora the other day and there were at least 40 people there,” Jay told The Weekly.

“It was about a 15 minute wait just to view the house.

“Another one we looked at in Tweed was absolutely disgusting for $850 a week.”

Jay, his brother and mother can afford to pay the $850 but said the increase in rental prices was “crazy.”

“We pay $770 for a three bedroom unit which is tiny but the owner is moving back in so we have to leave,” he said.

“We have applied for five houses now and have not been successful.

“We have a dog which makes it a bit challenging.”

Jay said his mother was getting a bit older and wasn’t keen to move too far away from the area they call home and has “tried everything,” to secure a new home.

A Pottsville man who wanted to be known only as Steve, has to move out of his rental but can’t find anywhere to go.

“I looked at a two storey unit with a garage at Lismore which was affordable

Danielle and partner Ben Smith are looking for a rental for their family

and I got it but I didn’t check it out that well when I went there.

“I knew it had flooded but was told it didn’t go into the living space.

“I found soft spots and undulations on the floor when I went to move in and the floor was starting to cave in. When you flushed the toilet it came out the drain.

“I’d already paid the bond and rent in advance and I got it all back and since then I haven’t been able to find anything affordable.

“When I do find something there are so many people queueing it’s like you’re going to a nightclub.

“Now you have to apply to view and I get emails back saying it’s not ready to view and then a few days later it has disappeared off the market before you can see it.

“When you apply they want so much information like employment history and bank statements.

“I don’t think there is anything affordable for a single person on a low income.

“I’ve lived in the Tweed Shire for 26 years but have to move out because it’s just too expensive now.”

Shark debate over Cudgen Creek

By Jo Kennett

FOUR SHARKS attacks in two days has sparked debate about shark mitigation again, and while some local residents have expressed concerns, others say they aren’t worried, including residents who swim in Cudgen Creek where small sharks have been spotted.

Before the three Sydney shark attacks the area received days of heavy rain, with 76mm recorded on Sunday January 18.

Late that afternoon a 12-year-old jumped into “brackish” water off rocks at Vaucluse and was attacked by a shark. He tragically died days later in hospital.

Marine Police said they believed “the combination of the brackish water, the fresh water, and the splashing may have made that perfect storm environment for that shark attack.”

The other two attacks the next day were also in “murky conditions” with two of the attacks believed to have been by bull sharks.

A surfer was attacked at Point Plomer on January 20, after the area received up to 150mm of rain from January 16 to 19, preceding the attack on a surfer, with authorities saying fresh water run off from a creek created the brackish conditions that attract bull sharks.

There have been a number of shark sightings along the Tweed Coast and in the Tweed River recently, and a surfer was knocked off his board at Flat Rock near Ballina recently, sparking concerns over safety in the Tweed Coast waters.

Cudgen Creek

The creek at Kingscliff is a popular spot for fishermen to head out to sea, with a boat ramp, a relatively safe bar on the right tide, a car park for boat trailers and a fish cleaning station.

There have been two sightings of 1.5 metre bull sharks in the creek, and witnesses saw one come in near the fish cleaning table.

Some residents called to have the table re -

moved, saying it was attracting sharks, however fishermen say the sharks go up into the fresh water and there may have been more around because there was a lot of bait fish around this year.

There are signs on the table, beside the boat ramp, saying fish heads and frames are not allowed in the creek, and that they should be disposed of in the bulk bin provided, but.as local fisho’s point out, there isn’t one.

The gills and guts are allowed down the chute and the table is to be washed down after use, according to the sign from the Kingscliff Blue Water Fishing Club.

Local lifeguards have consistently called for swimmers to swim between the flags at the patrolled beach, rather than in the creek, however that won’t stop the locals who swim there.

Tim Jack-Adams owns Watersports Guru, which runs snorkelling tours to Cook Island and hires stand up paddleboards and kayaks in the creek at Kingscliff.

“We have three marine biologists and scientists working for us and I’ve been here for 21 years and I still haven’t seen a dangerous shark out at Cook Island,” Tim said.

“”We’ve had Watersports Guru for 17 years and apart from this year I’ve never seen one in the creek.

“Obviously there are some little ones coming into the creek and having a sniff and going back out again.

“I’ve been talking to our marine scientists about whether it’s just the same one (both reports were of a 1.5 metre bull shark) they are just coming in and sniffing around where the cleaning station is and realising there is nothing there for them and heading back out again.

“I have been swimming in that creek pretty much forever and we swim there most days on high tide and I don’t think it’s bothering anyone too much.”

Some residents posted online suggesting the

chutes be removed from the cleaning tables but Tim agrees with local fishers who say the pelicans that hang around the area clean up most the fish guts and other fish eat the rest.

“I think the fish cleaning station co-habits pretty well with the swimmers,” he said.

The Weekly spoke to two elderly people who didn’t want to be named but who have been swimming in Cudgen Creek for years.

“We swim when it’s high tide,” one of them said.

“We come here because we like the creek; it’s beautiful and there are lots of fish.”

They both said they weren’t concerned about sharks and hadn’t seen one in the creek themselves.

When asked if they think the fish cleaning station should be moved, they both said no.

“It’s been here forever, it’s where the fishermen clean their fish,” the woman said.

“It hasn’t been a problem.”

Creek patrols

It was Saturday mid-morning and a Cudgen Headland Surf Life Saving volunteer drove up the creek on a jet ski, checking on swimmers.

One local resident contacted The Weekly to say they needed more drones in the creek to prevent a shark attack after the shark sightings, one in late December and the other in early January.

The NSW government has put millions of dollars into shark mitigation recently including increased drone patrols, however the Department of Primary Industry and Environment, who runs the NSW Shark Management Program and operates the drone patrols all along the coast, focuses on flagged beach areas.

They have drone patrols from Kingscliff main beach up to the creek seven days a week during holidays and on weekends, doing two 20 minute flights an hour and in those two 20 minutes they go to the creek area three or four times

and zoom in up around the boat ramp. If there are sightings they can relocate to the creek and scan the water further west on the creek.

A Cudgen Headland SLSC volunteer patrolling the creek

The fish cleaning station at Cudgen Creek

Tweed Heads Medicare Urgent Care Clinic

NOW OPEN

7 DAYS

As your local Labor MP I’m proud to be delivering on my election commitment for a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in the Tweed region.

The Medicare Urgent Care Clinic is located at Tweed Health for Everyone Superclinic, 33/35 Corporation Circuit Tweed Heads South.

This means you can get the free, fully bulk billed, urgent care you need.

Federal Member for Richmond

New principals for two rebuilt schools

By Jo Kennett

THE TWEED has welcomed two new principals to lead public schools that had to be rebuilt after being devastated in the 2022 floods.

Principal Katherine Kolarik will take the helm at Condong Public School, and Principal Genevieve Esgate, who has been Acting Principal at Tumbulgum Public School for the past three years, is now officially the new principal. Students at both schools moved

into their newly rebuilt, flood-resilient campuses in December, a major milestone in the Tweed Shire’s flood recovery.

Ms Kolaris has been an Assistant Principal and Classroom Teacher Primary School in the Northern Rivers for the last 11 years.

She told The Weekly her journey to Condong Public School as principal has been quite an adventure.

“I join the team following roles as an Assistant Principal at Lismore Heights and Alstonville Public

ADVERTISEMENT

Schools, but my career actually began much further afield.” she said.

“My family spent a large portion of my daughter’s childhood living and working overseas, and I accepted my very first teaching position at GEMS International School in Tripoli, Libya.

“After several more moves to Indonesia and Malaysia, my family returned home to Australia in 2015, where I joined Upper Main Arm Public School as a classroom teacher specialising in music.”

Ms Polarik said this year is a special one for her.

“I am so excited for the unique opportunity to settle into my role within a brand-new build,” she said.

“There is something special about experiencing all the “firsts” alongside our staff, students, and families.

“My focus is on working together to rebuild the familiar, ensuring our school is once again a visible, vibrant fixture in the community where we can grow our shared identity and experiences.

Being new to both the role of principal and this education network, my biggest challenge will be the clock!

“I have so much I want to learn and achieve that I fear the days will go too quickly and the weeks will fly by. However, orienting myself to this new position is a challenge that I am embracing wholeheartedly.”

In her downtime, Ms Kolarik is happiest when she’s being pushed, both physically and mentally.

“I love the ‘strange mix’ of activities that require effort, introspection, and self-reliance,” she said.

“I love planning for and undertaking

How Mark and Peter found purpose behind the wheel

Two friends share how bus driving is more than just a job, it’s a rewarding way to stay connected with the community. Mark Gillman and Peter O’Neil are two bus drivers who have rediscovered fulfillment behind the wheel with a flexible career that offers purpose. Whether it’s earning extra income or staying active in retirement, bus driving has brought both joy and stability to their lives.

After retiring from his career as a taxi driver, Mark Gillman, 72, quickly grew restless. But now he’s thriving as a bus driver. “You can only mow the lawn so many times,” he joked, realising he needed something more to keep him fulfilled.

Not one to watch the grass grow, Mark has enjoyed five years of bus driving, “The more different runs I do, the more I like it. It keeps you active, which I think is great.”

For Mark and other retirees, bus driving means earning extra income while staying connected and contributing to the community. “It’s fantastic for retirees. You meet people, earn money, and do something meaningful,” he added.

Peter O’Neil, 68, found his calling as a bus driver after a career as an electrician. Peter now works as a bus driver in regional NSW, where he enjoys the close connection with his passengers. “For many elderly passengers, the bus ride is their day out,” Peter shared. “They hop on with a smile, and at Christmas, they bring cards and chocolates.

It’s wonderful.”

Peter drives school routes, which fit well with his part-time schedule.

“Parents really appreciate the care we take in ensuring the little ones get to school safely,” he said. Peter has found a sense of community, not just with passengers but also with fellow drivers. “There are five of us who get together after work for coffee and cake. It’s that sense of connection that makes this job special.”

Opportunities for young drivers

Bus driving isn’t just for retirees though, it’s an excellent career option for younger people looking for a stable income and flexibility. Mark highlighted the financial security it offers, saying, “You can earn a good wage, support your family, and even pay off a mortgage. The hours are flexible, and if you want to work full-time, there’s always plenty of work available.”

Ready to start your journey?

Whether you’re seeking a reliable career or part-time work, bus driving offers something for everyone. If Mark and Peter have inspired you with their stories, why not consider becoming a bus driver? With on the job training and support available, it’s easy to get started. Visit transport.nsw.gov.au/busdriver to learn more and apply today.

a multi-day hike carrying a backpack full of gear, being out on the open ocean in an outrigger canoe, or ski paddling in the elements.

“When I’m looking for a quieter pace to a busy school day, I look forward to practising woodcarving—my most recent creative pursuit.”

One thing Ms Kolarik values “above all else”, is kindness and respect.

“My biggest pet peeve is seeing people be purposefully disrespectful or unkind to others,” she said.

“It costs nothing to demonstrate empathy, compassion, and tolerance.

We are all after the same thing: positive human connection which allows us all to thrive.”

Ms Kolarik was welcomed by teachers and education support staff last week, before school went back, for their first days of educational leadership in their new school community.

Ms Esgate, who lives in Kingscliff, used to teach at Banora Point Public School, then in 2022, relieved as principal at Dungay Public School.

“I was at Dunghay during the floods but I became the Acting Principal at Tumbulgum at the beginning of 2023, so I’ve been here for the whole rebuild.

“It’s exciting for us to finally be in the school with all our new facilities.

“The staff started back this week and we are loving it.

“Now that I have been made principal I think it gives the community confidence knowing the direction we are going in.”

Both schools underwent full reconstructions, with the new buildings elevated approximately three metres

above ground level to improve resilience against future flooding events.

The upgrades include modern classrooms, libraries, canteens, administration facilities and revitalised outdoor areas.

Across NSW, 80 new principals have started meeting staff at school development days to inspire the direction they will set for their schools.

NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar welcomed the new principals.

“Our new principals are stepping into roles where their leadership will shape not only learning outcomes, but the confidence, wellbeing and life chances of thousands of young people and their communities,” he said.

“Our school principals are lifelong learners with a continual focus on teaching and learning, who encourage teachers and support students to be the best they can be.”

Image: Mark Gillman and Peter O’Neil

Genevieve Esgate is officially Principal of Tumbulgum Public School

Katherine Kolarik comes to Condong Public School with a wealth of experience

February roadworks

TWEED SHIRE Council has a range of roadworks scheduled throughout February, with motorists advised to allow extra travel time and drive with care.

Council updated The Weekly with a brief road report, noting that crews will be working across multiple locations in the Tweed. All works are weather permitting, and traffic conditions may change at short notice.

“Our road crews are working hard across the Tweed. Please allow extra travel time and drive with care,” Council said.

Key works scheduled Byrril Creek – Bridge approaches:

Works will commence on 5 February and continue until 31 March 2026, operating Monday to Friday from 7am to 12pm.

Motorists can expect changed traffic conditions, with traffic controllers in operation and short delays likely.

Crystal Creek – Flood restoration works:

Flood recovery works will take place on Numinah Road, between Harrys Road and Marken Place, from 4 to 6 February 2026, between 7am and 5pm.

Traffic controllers will manage intermittent stop-and-go conditions, and drivers should expect delays or consider using an alternative route.

Cudgen – Private power pole replacement:

Night works are scheduled for Sunday, 8 February, from 8pm to 5am, along Cudgen Road, between Collier Street and Plantation Road.

These works will involve a road closure, changed traffic conditions, and traffic controllers, with detour signs in place.

Motorists are advised to take alternate routes.

Fingal Head – Road rehabilitation:

To minimise daytime disruption, works on Fingal Road, north of Wommin Lake Cres -

cent, will switch to nightworks from Monday, 2 February to Friday, 13 February 2026, operating 6.30pm to 7am.

Drivers should prepare for temporary lane closures, traffic controllers, and long delays.

Staying informed Council encouraged residents to stay up to date with roadworks, closures, flood recovery works and upcoming planned projects across the Tweed. Updates are available via Council channels and online at: https://brnw.ch/21wZznK

By Jo Kennett

LOCAL POLICE are appealing for dashcam footage after a driver died in a single vehicle crash at Tweed Heads on Sunday night, February 1.

At about 11.35pm, emergency services responded to reports that a vehicle had crashed into a tree on Ducat Street, Tweed Heads.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the driver and sole

occupant – a man believed to be aged in his 30’s – but he died at the scene.

Tweed Byron Police officers established a crime scene and have commenced an investigation.

A report will be prepared for the information of the coroner.

As inquiries continue, anyone with information about the crash – or who was in the vicinity at the time with any available dashcam/mobile

Fatal crash at Tweed Motorbike crash

phone footage – is urged to contact Tweed Heads Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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

The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

A MOTORBIKE rider has been airlifted to hospital after a crash on a rural road near the Queensland border on Sunday, February 1. Emergency services attended the scene at Numinbah, north-west of Murwillumbah, at around 10am.

After assessing the rider’s injuries, NSW Ambulance paramedics called in the Westpac Rescue Helicopter to a location near the accident.

A man in his 40s was treated by the NSW Ambulance paramedics and the helicopter’s critical care medical team for multiple injuries. He was airlifted to the Gold Coast University Hospital in a serious condition.

with Jo Kennett

Thousands tested for drink-driving

By Jo Kennett

THOUSANDS OF drivers were breath tested in the Tweed Byron, Coffs, Clarence and Richmond police districts as part of a high-visibility traffic operation on the Australia Day long weekend, with many drivers copping double-demerit points and fines.

Of the 9,601 drivers breath tested on the North Coast, 29 were charged for being over the limit.

706 drug tests were conducted with 79 positive readings.

There were also 25 seatbelt/helmet offences on the North Coast and 38 mobile phone/ distraction charges.

574 drivers were caught speeding plus there were 1084 offences recorded.

Drivers were penalised with double demerit points for speeding, illegal use of mobile phones, not wearing a seatbelt or incorrectly wearing a seatbelt, driving with a passenger not wearing a seatbelt or approved restraint, or driving with a passenger incorrectly wearing a seatbelt or restraint and riding without a helmet.

The annual statewide road traffic safety campaign, which ran in conjunction with the double-demerits period, began on Friday, January 23, and ended on Monday, January 26.

Officers focused on preventing and detecting dangerous and high-risk driver behaviour including speeding, drink and drug driving, fatigue, mobile phone use and seat belt and helmet offences.

In total, NSW police conducted 9319 random drug tests, with 746 drug-driving offences detected.

Police also conducted 208,355 breath tests, with 298 drink-driving offences recorded.

Across the state, police issued 11,344 traffic

infringement notices, with officers detecting 3630 speed-related offences, 365 mobile phone offences, and 220 seatbelt/helmet-related offences.

Acting Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Paul Scully said the weekend’s results were concerning.

“Many drivers are doing the right thing, but police are still seeing too many cases of people driving with little to no regard for themselves or others,” Acting Minister Scully said.

“Tragically, six people were killed on the roads this weekend. That’s six families whose lives are forever changed in the worst possible way.

“The police are doing everything they can do, they are out in force taking action against illegal behaviour but we need every driver to do their bit. Do not drive with alcohol or drugs in your system, put the phone away, wear a seatbelt and slow down – arriving a few minutes late is better than not arriving at all.”

Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner David Driver, said speed, distraction and poor decision-making continue to put lives at risk, and the consequences were devastating.

“This has been a tragic weekend on our roads and the loss of life is both devastating and unacceptable. Every fatal crash leaves a family shattered,” Assistant Commissioner Driver said.

“Our officers were out in force as a deterrent for poor driver behaviour, conducting random breath and drug tests and speed enforcement.

“Officers detected many high speeding offences and several drivers who were well above the legal alcohol limit.

“We will continue to maintain a strong presence on the roads, but every driver has a responsibility to make safer choices.”

Teen nabbed for damaging shops

A TEENAGE boy will face court following an alleged incident in Banora Point over the long weekend.

About 5pm on Monday, January 26, Tweed Byron Police officers became aware of the incident at a supermarket and surrounding shops on Fraser Drive, Banora Point. Investigation into the incident commenced. Following inquiries, at about 4pm on Tuesday, January 27, officers arrested a 16-year-old boy. He was taken to Tweed Heads Police Station and charged with affray and malicious damage. The boy was refused bail and appeared at a

The Resilient Homes Program is calling on the local building industry to help make homes safer and more flood‑resilient across the Northern Rivers.

We’re seeking builders, designers, engineers, architects, project managers and house removalists who want reliable work and prompt payments.

With projects running through to March 2027, it’s a chance to help support your community. For more information on the program and how to get involved visit nsw.gov.au/rhpbuild or scan the QR code.

Homeowners and industry can also find out more about funding available by contacting the Reconstruction Authority on 1800 844 085.

children’s court on Wednesday, January 28. Tweed-Byron Police District would like to thank the local community for their assistance in relation to this matter.

NSW Police were out in force on the long weekend

Free Financial Wellbeing workshop

• Scam protection

• Digital banking

• Support in times of need

with resources you can take home and share with family and friends.

Date: Wednesday 18 February 2026

Time: 10:30am – 11:30am, followed by light refreshments

Where:

Banora Point Community Centre, Banora Point NSW 2486

Limited availabilityregistrations essential

https://events.thesmithfamily.com.au/ event/fwbbanorapoint

Dumped cars outrage

By Jonathon Howard

DUMPED VEHICLES are driving Tweed residents around the bend with growing calls for faster response times from authorities for those abandoned vehicles being left for extended periods, with some reportedly remaining untouched for months.

In Murwillumbah, an abandoned car at the top of Murwillumbah Street, directly opposite War Memorial Park, has been sitting in the same position for more than four months, according to residents.

The vehicle has had its wheels removed and is propped up on pieces of wood prompting further concern around how it will be removed.

Local resident Meagan Eriksen said the situation posed a danger to the community, particularly school children who walk past the site weekly, as well as elderly residents, drivers and pedestrians.

“The council has classed this car as ‘non-urgent’, even though there are many reasons why it should urgently be removed,” Ms Eriksen told The Weekly.

She outlined several safety and environmental risks, including the vehicle’s structural instability due to makeshift supports, obstruction to pedestrians and traffic, and the heightened risk of fire or arson.

Concerns have also been raised about the car becoming a target for further vandalism.

Ms Eriksen said the issue was particularly distressing for her 88-year-old mother-in-law, who

Murwillumbah Public School

lives directly opposite the abandoned vehicle.

“This is not the first abandoned car dumped outside her home,” she said.

“I was staying with her when an unrelated stolen car was petrol bombed nearby at night, causing a huge explosion that terrified us and the neighbours. Fire crews had to extinguish the blaze.”

A similar dumped car situation was also reported in Chinderah this week, where resident Larry Newell has questioned why an abandoned vehicle can sit in John Oxley Park for more than three months.

“It would be interesting to know why this abandoned vehicle has been sitting there for the past three months or more and hasn’t been removed,” Mr Newell said. “Isn’t there a council law that prohibits this?”

Under NSW regulations, registered vehicles can generally be parked on residential council roads for up to 28 days in one spot, provided no other parking restrictions apply and the vehicle is not obstructing traffic.

However, vehicles must be moved periodically to avoid being classified as abandoned. Unregistered, damaged or long-term stationary vehicles may be deemed abandoned after 28 days, allowing fines to be issued and removal action taken.

YOUR THOUGHTS: Do you know of an abandoned vehicle in your neighbourhood? Was the vehicle removed or still there? Send us your thoughts and comments via email: editor@ theweekly.net.au

A Bright Beginning to 2026 at MPS

The 2026 school year has begun with excitement, smiles and a wonderful sense of optimism across our school community. From the moment the gates opened on the rst day, there was a buzz of energy as students and staff returned, ready for a year of learning, growth and connection.

Our Kindergarten students settled in beautifully, con dently embracing their rst day of “big school.” With curiosity and enthusiasm, they explored their new classrooms, met their teachers and began forming friendships, making their rst day a happy and memorable one for both students and families.

We were also delighted to welcome several new students to our school this year. They arrived eager to begin their new adventures and were warmly

supported by staff and peers as they became part of our school community. It has been wonderful to see new friendships forming so quickly.

For our returning students and teachers, the start of the year brought a sense of comfort and excitement as familiar routines resumed along with plenty of

smiles. The positive atmosphere re ected a shared enthusiasm for the year ahead.

All classes are especially thrilled to be implementing The Resilience Project in 2026. This whole-school program focuses on gratitude, empathy and wellbeing, supporting students to develop positive mental health strategies and build strong, respectful relationships.

With such a positive start, no doubt 2026 will be a rewarding and successful year for everyone at Murwillumbah Public School.

The dumped car at John Oxley Park in Chinderah

Dumped car at Murwillumbah Street

Vandalised church help

By Jo Kennett

MEMBER FOR Tweed Geoff Provest

has been welcomed to the Tweed Heads Presbyterian Church to acknowledge the support that he and Janelle Saffin MP, Member for Lismore, provided securing funding to improve the church’s security.

That extra security was needed after the church experienced a number of incidents involving malicious damage.

“Through this funding, much-needed security fencing and protective screens were installed,” Mr Provest said.

“Since their installation, there have been no further reports of malicious damage—an excellent outcome for the congregation and the wider community.

“It is important to recognise the significant contribution that churches and faith-based organisations make to our local communities.

“These grants help ensure places of worship are safe and secure, allowing them to continue their vital work with confidence.

“Pastor Michael was present and expressed his sincere thanks to the NSW government for providing the funding, which enables the church to continue delivering its services to the community.”

There have also been reports of malicious damage to Kingscliff Anglican Church over the holidays, with parishioners arriving for a New Year’s Eve prayer service only to find three broken windows and glass all over the floor.

School building blitz

LISMORE MP Janelle Saffin has welcomed a $1,314,937 summer holiday maintenance blitz which has benefitted eight public schools in her electorate as teachers, students and support staff get ready for Term 1.

In the Murwillumbah area, tradies worked on maintenance projects at Chillingham Public School, Dungay Public School and Tyalgum Public School.

The Minns Labor Government is delivering more than $200 million routine maintenance, minor upgrades and larger refurbishment projects at almost 850 public schools across New South Wales.

Ms Saffin took the opportunity to wish all school communities in the Lismore Electorate the very best for the academic year ahead.

Koala help

Ms Saffin also welcomed the Minns Labor Government’s $9-million boost for the wildlife rehabilitation sector, targeted at providing more support for the Northern Rivers and Northern Tablelands regions’ network of passionate and professional wildlife carers.

She said she had “strongly backed the work of Friends of the Koala (FOK), Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital, Quoll Headquarters north of Tenterfield, Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital, and WIRES groups, and welcome new grants and support programs which have been flagged.”

“I’m pleased that my colleague and friend, Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment Trish Doyle was

able to do a deep dive consultation with the wildlife rehabilitation sector which truly reflects the enormous volunteer contributions being made to protect our native species,” Ms Saffin said in her media release. Actions from her review include:

• Expanding training and upskilling carers for situations like fires and natural disasters.

• Grants to cover the cost of food, bandages, medication, and vaccinations.

• Upgrading mental health support for volunteers, including access to counselling and peer support networks.

• Relaunching of the Wildlife Heroes initiative which will act as a centralised hub for information. The package also will include a number of support programs for small operational expenses and collaborative initiatives for rehabilitators, veterinarians, and researchers.

The Minns government is funding wildlife rehab Tweed MP Geoff Provest at the Tweed Heads Presbyterian Church

Five fun things to do with young kids in the Tweed

As the school holidays wind down, many parents breathe a sigh of relief. Long summer days can feel endless, and for some of us, the return to routine is a welcome shift.

With the older kids now back at school, there’s a perfect opportunity to focus on the little ones, your youngest children or grandchildren, and enjoy some one‑on‑one time. The Tweed is full of engaging, low‑cost and free programs designed especially for young children and their carers. Here are 5 great options to enjoy over the coming weeks.

Gallery playdate

- Tweed Regional Gallery

Free - 9–10 am

• Wednesday 4 February

• Wednesday 4 March

• Wednesday 1 April

The Gallery Playdate sessions offer relaxed, creative fun for children aged 6 months to 5 years. Guided art‑making activities are suited to ages 3‑5, while younger children can enjoy sensory play and story time. Each session is inspired by a current exhibition and encourages imagination and early creative development. Bookings essential: events.humanitix.com/gpd

Story time, baby time and toddler time – Tweed and Northern Rivers Libraries

Free - No registration required Libraries across the Tweed and Northern Rivers offer a range of early‑years programs, including Story Time for preschoolers, Baby Time for infants and Toddler Time for little ones who love to move. Sessions may include stories, songs, craft, action rhymes and simple literacy activities to support early learning.

Story Time (during school term)

• Wednesdays: Tweed Heads &

• Murwillumbah, 10–10:30 am

• Thursdays: Kingscliff, 10 –10:30 am. Baby Time (during school term)

• Mondays: Kingscliff, 10:30 ‑ 11 am

• Tuesdays and Fridays: Tweed Heads & Murwillumbah, 10–10:30 am.

Songs and Stories (during school term)

• Fridays: Pottsville Mobile Library, 10:15–10:45 am. Read more about the library program at: rtrl.spydus.com

Last week, we each used

Northern Rivers Rail Trail

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail is a great option for families with young children, offering a safe and accessible place to walk, ride or push a pram. The sealed, gently graded path makes it easy for little legs, and tired parents, to enjoy the scenery at their own pace. Along the way are several villages with welcoming cafés, perfect for a rest stop or a coffee break. The Rail Trail website also provides maps, suggested routes, user‑friendly filters, and even downloadable playlists to help you plan your outing and tailor the experience to your family. For more information visit northernriversrailtrail.com.au

Mini Museum Explorers

- Tweed Regional Museum

Free - 10 –10:30 am

Fridays throughout February and early March:

• 6, 13, 20, 27 February

• 6 March

These weekly sessions combine storytelling, singing, craft and playful exploration of the Museum’s exhibitions. Designed for children aged 3 and over, Mini Museum Explorers offers a gentle and engaging way for little ones to interact with objects and stories from the past. Activities are held in the shaded courtyard, weather permitting. No bookings required. Visit museum.tweed.nsw.gov. auevents‑workshops‑activities to find out more.

Learn to swim – Tweed Regional Aquatic Centre (TRAC)

TRAC offers high‑quality ‘Learn to Swim’ classes for children from 6 months of age. With qualified instructors and lessons available 6 days a week, it’s a practical way to build confidence in the water. Before enrolling, every child receives a free swimming assessment to ensure they join the right level.

2026 term dates began from Monday 2 February, with programs running throughout the year. Families can also access holiday intensive programs, private lessons, and Active Kids vouchers at: trac.tweed.nsw.gov.au/programs‑classes

Council trivia

Did you get last week's question right?

The answer was: False. There's only 31 square kilometres difference between Tweed Shire Council (1,309 square kms) and City of Gold Coast (1,334 square kms). However, there’s over 7 times the amount of people living in the City of Gold Coast region compared to Tweed Shire Council’s region. We're proud of the big, open spaces this gives us. The Tweed has grown a lot in the last 20 years and is now home to about 100,000 people. As more people move here, it’s important we stay true to what makes us special while being able to support a growing region’s needs.

Want to see how we’re making that happen? Visit: tweed.nsw.gov.au/planning‑reporting‑to‑community

Read next weekʼs edition for a new question.

Free event for new rural landholders in the Tweed

Are you new to owning rural land in the Tweed? Local Land Services (LLS) and Council’s Sustainable Agriculture and Environment team invite you to a free BBQ, cheese tasting and information session designed to help you settle in, meet others and feel supported as you learn the basics of managing your property. This relaxed event is a chance to enjoy local produce, hear practical advice from experts and connect with people who are also building their rural knowledge and community ties.

What to expect:

• practical advice on biosecurity, land care and agriculture

• opportunities to connect with local support services and land management experts

• a welcoming space to meet your neighbours and build community connections.

Event details

Burringbar Town Hall

Thursday 19 February, 5.30 ‑ 7 pm (NSW time)

Bookings are essential. To book go to: events.humanitix.com/welcome‑neighbour‑tweed event for new‑farmers‑february

For more information, contact Navanka Fletcher via email at navanka.fletcher@lls.nsw.gov.au or 0409 319 417.

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

Shire boundaries. Council also acknowledges and respects the Tweed Aboriginal community’s right to speak for

Get expert advice to help you manage your land at our free community event.

Look after what makes the Tweed the Tweed. Our water.

Local students drive seatbelt safety campaign

Young designers from TAFE NSW Kingscliff have gone beyond the classroom to tackle a real-world challenge, how to convince their peers to buckle up every time they get in the car.

As part of the national Re:act program, students were asked to create road safety campaigns that speak directly to young people aged 17 to 25. The program doesn’t just test design skills, it asks students to research behaviours, attitudes and barriers to safety, then turn those insights into a message that can save lives.

Holly Porter’s winning campaign, Hug of Life, grew out of that research. Holly surveyed local drivers and passengers and discovered something alarming.

“At least half of the surveys I conducted came back stating that either people do not use their seatbelts correctly or not at all, and that is just mind‑boggling,” Holly said.

Her slogan was inspired by the idea that a seatbelt is like a hug, holding you safe in the event of a crash. The bright colour palette echoes road signage, making the design hard to miss. With support from Tweed Shire Council, Transport for NSW and Safe System Solutions, Holly’s campaign is now on display locally, including a bus shelter along Greenway Drive in Banora Point.

Community

Council’s Road Safety Officer Lily Morgan said the program is a creative way to involve young people in lifesaving behaviour change and puts their safety front and centre.

“Holly has done a fantastic job bringing the message to life in an engaging way, with a clear sense of care throughout the design,” Ms Morgan said.

Seatbelts remain one of the most effective ways to prevent serious injury or death on our roads. The World Health Organisation found they reduce the risk of fatal or serious injury by up to 60% for drivers and front‑seat passengers, and by about 44% for those in the back.

To view the campaign and learn more about the Re:act program, visit reactforchange.org

feedback helps shape key plans

Consultation on proposed changes to Tweed’s Development Control Plan (DCP) and Flood Planning Controls closed last month, following a 13-week public exhibition period.

Throughout the exhibition, Council gathered community feedback through an online survey, emails,

Development application determinations

written submissions and conversations at drop‑in sessions held across the Tweed.

During this time, Council also:

• heard from industry experts, including local planning consultants, architects and developers who contributed to the DCP’s development

• engaged with community leaders to explore how the proposed changes would impact flood level requirements, tree and vegetation protection and residential development

• presented the proposed updates to planning and building professionals working across the region. Council is now reviewing all feedback received and will use it to help shape the final version of the DCP. Want to hear about what happens next? Register for updates and be the first to hear how community feedback is being used and what’s next for the project: yoursaytweed.com.au/register

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

DA25/0509 ‑ Use of alterations and new alterations and additions to existing dwelling including pool and first floor deck

Lot 475 DP 785160, No. 76 Cominan Avenue, Banora Point

DA26/0003 ‑ Construction of a partially above ground concrete swimming pool and deck

Lot 2 DP 1136341, No. 7 Jacabina Court, Banora Point

DA25/0585 ‑ Addition of disabled access ramp, flood barriers and disabled toilet

Lot 101 DP 1058418, No. 144 McLeod Street, Condong

DA25/0442 ‑ Three lot subdivision and demolition of cattle yard

Lot 100 DP 1296984, No. 396 Cudgen Road, Cudgen

DA25/0583 ‑ Construction of an in‑ground swimming pool

Lot 27 DP 1295758, No. 64 Bowen Loop, Cudgen

DA25/0546 ‑ Shed

Lot 606 DP 1003398, No. 166 Duranbah Road, Duranbah

DA25/0483 ‑ Use of existing alterations and additions

Lot 3 DP 556027, No. 26 Mooball Street, Murwillumbah

DA25/0477 ‑ Alterations and additions to existing dwelling

Lot 1 DP 395073, No. 226 Clothiers Creek Road, Nunderi

DA25/0482 Two (2) lot strata subdivision

Lot 8 DP 1035887, No. 29 Overall Drive, Pottsville

DA25/0364 ‑ Use of unauthorised equestrian arena, use of earthworks, use of unauthorised shed to be used as a farm building, and use of unauthorised shed to be used ancillary to an equestrian arena

Lot 149 DP 755721, No. 309 Tunnel Road, Stokers Siding

DA25/0582 ‑ Two storey dwelling and associated earthworks

Lot 718 DP 1291069, No. 8 Townsend Crescent, Terranora

DA25/0584 ‑ Construction of a carport

Lot 38 DP 260022, No. 1 Diamond Place, Tweed Heads

DA25/0457 ‑ Alterations and additions to an existing dwelling including carport forward the building line and front fence

Lot 9 DP 240408, No. 9 Holden Street, Tweed Heads South

DA25/0521 ‑ Alterations and additions to existing dwelling including unauthorised use of shed

Lot 421 DP 865374, No. 1 The Hermitage, Tweed Heads South Refused

DA25/0473 ‑ Use of existing shed building; proposed conversion of carport to garage in order to create attached dual occupancy; use of existing additions to dwelling including covered deck area; use of existing earthworks and retaining wall Lot 2 DP 859749, No. 76 Howards Road, Burringbar

DA25/0542 Home industry and use of existing shed structures Lot 427 DP 1001048, No. 99 Wilman Road, Round Mountain

New speed hump at Koala Beach Estate improves wildlife safety

To help reduce wildlife fatalities in and around Koala Beach Estate, Council is installing a new speed hump on Cudgera Avenue, Pottsville.

The upgrade follows a request from the Koala Beach Wildlife Habitat Management Committee and is funded through the Koala Beach Special Rate.

Chair of the Committee, Rosealie Vallance, said the area is a well‑known wildlife crossing point.

“This stretch of Cudgera Avenue, the main entrance to Koala Beach Estate, is a natural crossing for wildlife and unfortunately there have been many fatalities including wallabies, bandicoots, bush stone‑curlews, brush turkeys and purple swamp hens,” Ms Vallance said.

She said the Committee has been working with Council to explore traffic‑calming measures to protect both residents and wildlife.

“Other measures being considered include temporary and permanent speed radars, signage and investigating lowering the speed limit,” she said.

Works to install the crossing will begin on Tuesday 10 February and are expected to take around 2 days to complete, weather permitting. The road will be reduced to one way during this period, so road users are advised to expect delays.

To learn more about koala conservation initiatives in the Tweed, visit: tweed.nsw.gov.au/koalas

Upcoming changes to Council Meeting times

Starting Thursday, 12 February 2026, Council Meetings and Public Forums will begin earlier in the day. Public Forums will now run from 9:10 am to 10:20 am, allowing time for up to 8 speakers to address Council ahead of the meeting. Council Meetings will start at 11:00 am and finish no later than 9:00 pm . A 1 hour break will be held at 1 pm and 6:30 pm. Visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/council meetings for more information.

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

Get the Tweed Link early

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

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

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

Council’s DA Tracking site located at datracker.tweed.nsw.gov.au

Holly Porter next to her winning bus shelter design on Greenway Drive, Banora Point.

Council staff and community leaders discuss the proposed changes to the DCP at the REIGR Forum in November 2025.

The new speed hump will be installed along Cudgera Avenue, a known area for wildlife crossings.

Council carpark works to commence in March

By Jonathon Howard

AFTER MORE than three years since the partial closure of the multi-level carpark in Queen Street, Murwillumbah, due to a vehicle fire in December 2023, there’s hope that the infrastructure could reopen in full this year.

The carpark was closed after a HiLux caught fire on the second level rendering many of the parks unsafe according to Tweed Shire Council engineers.

The closure has disrupted parking in the town centre and prompted ongoing concern from nearby businesses and residents – mostly concerned by the time taken the restore the infrastructure.

In a worrying development, council has confirmed that some people have been temporarily living within the carpark, including inside areas cordoned off and considered unsafe.

A council spokesperson said it was aware of the rough sleepers and was working with support services.

“Tweed Shire Council is aware that there have been people sometimes living temporarily in the multi-storey carpark at Queen Street, Murwillumbah,” the spokesperson told The Weekly.

“We regularly work with Tweed Byron Police and city outreach programs to assist these individuals to find other housing solutions.”

The spokesperson said safety remained the priority, particularly while the structure is closed and awaiting repairs.

But the good news is council is gearing up to repair the carpark in March and it could take only three months to complete.

“Repair works on the multistorey carpark are due to commence on Monday, March 9, over a period of around three months,” the spokesperson said.

Council has urged the public to stay clear of the site while works are underway and to observe all safety barriers and signage.

YOUR THOUGHTS: Are you eager to see the carpark returned to allow more parking in Murwillumbah? Send your thoughts and letters via email: editor@theweekly.net.au

The multilevel carpark is scheduled for much-needed works in March (weather permitting)

Hastings sewage plant upgrade

A MEETING of the Tweed Communities Alliance on January 27 formalised their communities’ views that the environment, and performance of the new Hastings Point Sewage Plant facility must be the highest priority in any upgrade.

A spokesperson for the alliance maintains that while cost is important, “evidence is mounting that the minor cost differences between the two options being considered are dwarfed alongside public health issues, the potential damage to local tourism, and the Tweed Coast’s long-term environmental legacy.”

Residents of Pottsville, Hastings Point, Round Mountain and Cabarita/Bogangar came out in force last year to air grievances regarding a multi-million-dollar proposed upgrade to the wastewater treatment plant at Hastings Point.

“Concerns centred around Tweed Shire Council’s preference to upgrade the plant using 40-year-old technology rather than shifting to an improved and modern treatment process using membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology,” the spokesperson said.

“These more advanced MBR plants already operate in Byron Bay, Ballina and many coastal regions in Queensland.

“In February 2025, a petition with more than 3,000 signatures lobbied Tweed Council to adopt the option with the best-performing technology.

“An outcry from residents presented a compelling case to councillors that modern MBR technology would not only benefit the environmental, public health, water security and tourism sensitivities of Tweed Coast - but was long overdue.”

In response, councillors voted to set-up a committee with five community representatives and four council staff members.

Technically qualified community members were selected by council in late-2025 after expressions of interest were received.

They will help guide the outcome of a council-commissioned study being undertaken by consultants Beca Hunter, who are tasked with providing a detailed technical investigation and financial comparison of the two options. Community members are encouraged to contact these representatives directly should they wish to have input to the committee’s deliberations.

At the committee’s second meeting, held on December 16, technically qualified members of the Tweed Communities Alliance made a pre -

sentation. Expectations and concerns of the communities were outlined.

Current research and technical data were also presented that not only supported the benefits of MBR technology but made clear that such benefits do much to address the communities’ concerns. The presentation was followed up by a Q&A session from the committee.

Alliance spokesman David Buick says the Tweed community wants to put a stop to the pollution of the dunes and creeks.

“We argue that the proposal to continue using the existing technology would result in an unsatisfactory environmental outcome,” Mr Buick said.

“The coastal dunes and wetlands area around Hastings Point should be protected from future pollution, especially with an expected increase in population and the impact of climate change.

“With severe rain events regularly coinciding with the population surges the area experiences over the summer months, the number of overflows into Christies Creek

and downstream to the estuary at Hastings Point will only increase, and affect the health of residents and visitors alike.

“It will have a detrimental effect on the economy of the coastal strip with the increased likelihood of sewage plant effluent flowing into the estuary and ocean.”

At the committee’s third meeting, on January 13, a process was developed to best compare the council-preferred option with the community-preferred option using an agreed set of criteria.

Locals protesting over concerns about the Hastings Point Sewage Treatment Plant

By Jonathon Howard

STATE Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin has congratulated four apprentices from across her electorate on being among 225 recipients of the 2025 Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships.

Ms Saffin said each apprentice, three of which were from the Tweed, will receive up to $15,000 in support over three years, helping to reduce financial pressures, buy essential tools and equipment and stay on track with their training.

“These scholarships, named in honour of the late Bert Evans AO, continue his legacy of championing practical training and opportunity for all, and recognise our apprentices’ exceptional dedication to their chosen trades,”

Ms Saffin said.

“I’m particularly pleased that 109 recipients are from regional New South Wales, reflecting the Minns and Albanese Labor governments’ shared commitment to developing skills in regional communities.”

Four apprentices awarded

II in Electrotechnology.

Next up was Andrew Duke, 26, of Tyalgum, who was a warehouse manager in Murwillumbah before getting his start with Frizelle Sunshine Mazda at Tweed Heads South as a car washer for six months.

Andrew moved up to the workshop and is now 18 months into a Certificate III in Light Automotive Technology course.

Among the apprentices was Jack Evans, 19, of Murwillumbah, who attended Murwillumbah High School and attended Kingscliff TAFE.

Jack said he honed his practical skills in Victory Auto World’s Tweed Heads South mechanical workshop for the past year.

Before that, he took a gap year, installing garage doors for a Murwillumbah company. While at school, he completed a Certificate

He said the scholarship helped him buy tools and extra storage for them.

Tyalgah resident Chris King, 31, was a food and beverage manager in the hospitality industry before taking up an electrical apprenticeship with Jayden Patterson’s Tweed River Electrical.

Originally from Manchester, Chris is loving working four days a week and studying a day a week at Wollongbar TAFE. He and his partner Sadie are expecting their first child in July.

The fourth and final apprentice announced was Hamish Webster, 36, a Nimbin resident, who is one year into a carpentry apprenticeship with Dunoon-based James Irving Carpentry and Building.

The mature-age apprentice attended Woodlawn College before working as an outdoor educator, cabinet maker, arborist and nurseryman. He attends Wollongbar TAFE. Hamish also accepted a buyback offer for his flood-impacted North Lismore cottage and has relocated it to a subdivision in Nimbin. He says five other neighbours did the same.

Hamish Webster on the porch of his soon to be relocated house in June 2024

Precious hatchlings take to the sea

By Jonathon Howard

THE FIRST green turtle hatchlings of the summer nesting season 2026, have entered the ocean at Kingscliff recently, marking a positive start for marine turtle conservation on the NSW north coast with Tweed playing a key role.

A total of 74 green turtle hatchlings were released into Kingscliff waters in mid-January after NSW TurtleWatch rescued 80 eggs that were at risk of being inundated by waves. The eggs were originally laid in a low-lying section of beach and were carefully relocated to improve their chances of survival.

Green turtles are one of six marine turtle species found in NSW waters, all of which face ongoing threats from coastal development, climate change, predation and human activity.

So far this season, 16 turtle nests have been recorded along NSW beaches, with eight requiring relocation due to their vulnerability to high tides and storm surge.

In these cases, eggs are moved only as a last resort and placed into artificial incubator nests designed to replicate natural conditions.

TurtleWatch volunteers said to maximise hatchling survival, the rescued eggs were incubated using sand from the original nest site and temperature-controlled heaters, under constant supervision by a qualified wildlife carer.

NSW turtles typically nest over a five-month period, and community involvement plays a crucial role in protecting nests from damage.

Members of the public are encouraged to report turtle tracks, nesting turtles or suspected nests so they can be monitored and safeguarded.

Department team leader Duane March said the work of wildlife carers and volunteers was vital to turtle conservation.

“The work of TurtleWatch and other licensed wildlife rehabilitation providers is vitally important in allowing wildlife to flourish alongside humans and our activities,” Mr March said.

“Given how vulnerable these turtle nests are, and how precise egg relocation needs to be, it is important that skilled rehabilitators and volunteers are involved to give hatchlings the best possible chance of survival.”

NSW TurtleWatch representative Merryn Dunleavy said the successful release highlighted the

power of community action.

“It’s tremendous seeing people come together to care for these threatened turtles, nests and hatchlings,” she said.

“It’s exciting to see the hard work pay off when hatchlings finally emerge.”

“The preference is always to leave nests where they are laid. They are only moved as a last resort if there is a serious risk of inundation.”

Ms Dunleavy encouraged community members to get involved, either by volunteering or remaining vigilant during the nesting season.

“This nest is a fantastic example of how, when our NSW communities are on TurtleWatch, we can come together to protect our nests,” she told The Weekly.

Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO Leweena Williams said protecting turtle nests was a shared responsibility.

“Tweed Byron LALC is excited to continue working in collaboration with TurtleWatch and NPWS to protect this season’s turtle nests in the Tweed,” Ms Williams said.

“We are part of a critical global story when

it comes to turtles, and we will continue to contribute on a local level where we can.”

NSW TurtleWatch works with volunteers and community groups along the coast and, in the Tweed and Byron regions, collaborates closely with the Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council (TWBY LALC).

The partnership supports beach and nest monitoring, community education and hatchling releases.

The NSW TurtleWatch program is a collaboration between the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s Saving our Species program and Australian Seabird Rescue.

It operates as a citizen science initiative, with volunteers collecting valuable data on nesting turtles and the threats they face.

Sightings of turtle tracks or nests can be reported to the NSW TurtleWatch 24-hour nesting hotline on 0447 877 149 or to NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service on 1300 072 757.

The beautiful little hatchlings were ready to go. Images by Merryn Dunleavy

A green turtle Image Australian Museum

The turtle tracks helped volunteers - images by Merryn Dunleavy

Ian Kingston Dental Prosthetist

Financial Wellbeing workshop

By Jonathon Howard

TWEED RESIDENTS are invited to boost their financial confidence and protect themselves from scams via a free community workshop coming to Banora Point on Wednesday, February 18.

ANZ and long-standing community organisation The Smith Family will host the free one-hour Financial Wellbeing Workshop at the Banora Point Community Centre, offering practical, easy-to-understand guidance on managing money safely in an increasingly digital world.

“The session is part of a national rollout of Financial Wellbeing Workshops announced last year, designed to help Australians recognise and avoid scams, feel more confident using online and digital banking, and know where to turn if they’re experiencing financial stress,” a media spokesperson told The Weekly.

“Banora Point has been selected as one of the first regional locations to host the program in 2026.”

The workshop is free and open to everyone,

not just ANZ customers, and will cover scam protection, safe online banking habits, support options during times of financial hardship and simple MoneyMinded tools that participants can use in their day-to-day lives.

Attendees will also receive take-home resources to share with family and friends.

With scam losses continuing to rise across Australia, regional communities are often among the hardest hit.

Older Australians and lower-income households in particular can face challenges with digital safety and online banking, making accessible, local support more important than ever.

The Banora Point session will run from 10.30am to 11.30am, followed by light refreshments, and will be delivered by experienced facilitators from The Smith Family in partnership with ANZ.

Places are limited, and residents are encouraged to register early.

Registration can be completed by phoning: 0413 161 686 or online via: events.thesmithfamily.com.au/event/rsvp/fwbbanorapoint#content,

Budd & Piper

Solicitors and Conveyancers

Serving the people of the Gold Coast & Northern NSW since 1927

William Campbell Solicitor

Conveyancing (NSW & QLD)

Leasing

Property Law

Enduring Power of

Attorney & Enduring

Guardian

Wills

Probate & deceased

estates (NSW & QLD)

Retirement living advice

Aged care advice

16 Beryl Street Tweed Heads

N.S.W 2485 (07) 5536 2144 www.buddpiper.com.au campbell@buddpiper.com.au

Eat Well, Live Well: How Smart Nutrition Keeps Seniors Thriving

When families think about elderly care, the conversation often starts with visible needs like mobility aids, medication management and home modifications. These are all important steps for safety and quality of life. Yet, there is another key factor that can sometimes be overlooked: nutrition.

Memory and cognitive function are not just determined by genetics or luck. Eating nutritious meals and getting enough protein can play a role in supporting clear thinking and maintaining independence as we age. Every meal is an opportunity to influence wellbeing. When older adults eat balanced, nutritious meals, their bodies and minds are better supported for daily living. Nutrition is not just about general health, it’s about making daily life a little easier and more enjoyable.

At 25, your body forgives nutritional mistakes. At 75, it keeps score. Ageing affects metabolism and nutrient absorption, so seniors often need fewer calories but more nutrient-dense foods. Diminished senses of taste and smell can also make food less appealing, right

Seniors Festival coming soon

By Jonathon Howard

SENIORS ACROSS the Tweed are invited to celebrate, connect and try something new when the Tweed Seniors Festival 2026 returns next month from March 2 to March 15, under the

when good nutrition matters most. Many older adults face challenges in getting enough of the right nutrients, which can impact overall health and quality of life.

Nutrition can influence how long someone is able to live independently. Eating well helps maintain muscle mass, which can help prevent falls. It supports energy and makes daily life more manageable. Poor nutrition, on the other hand, may increase frailty and fall risk. Every food choice becomes a choice about independence.

Gourmet Meals makes it easier to meet individual needs. Snap-frozen meals go straight to your freezer, giving you convenient access to dietitian-approved options whenever you need them. Each meal is balanced and cost-effective, with choices to suit a wide range of health requirements, from high protein and low fat to gluten free and vegetarian. Discover the full menu of nutritious meals at Gourmet Meals and see how simple it can be to get the nutrition you need, every day. For a copy of our menu contact us on 1300 112 112 or sales@gourmetmeals.com.au

The annual festival offers a packed program of activities, workshops and social events designed to promote health, wellbeing and community

The festival will open on Monday, March 2, with an Opening Ceremony and Seniors Health & Wellness Expo at the Murwillumbah

The event will include local achievement awards, live performances and a range of health

Transport will be available for seniors wishing

Later that day, seniors can take part in the free “Act Now, Stay Secure” workshop from 1pm to 2pm, focusing on online safety and

The session aims to help older residents protect themselves while using digital technology,

Dementia awareness is a key focus of this year’s program, with “Memory in Colour” workshops being held on March 3 at Twin

Two sessions will explore how colour, sound and emotion influence wellbeing, with participants receiving a take-home Colour & Calm

tory can attend a Family History Introduction at South Tweed Sports Club, offering one-on-one research assistance.

Social outings and gentle exercise feature strongly in the program, with a bus trip to the Gold Coast Botanical Gardens on March 3 and the Banora Point Walking Group meeting on March 4 for a relaxed community walk. Cooking programs return in 2026 with SisterChef, a four-week course for senior women beginning March 9, while social events such as morning teas, community singing groups and the FABS Open Day on March 10 provide opportunities to connect and learn about local activities.

vention, funeral planning and dementia support

For full program details and bookings, seniors are encouraged to contact Tweed Shire Council

Home Delivery of Ready-Made Meals

• Large gluten free

• Wholesome and nutritious

• Convenient ready-made frozen meals

• Australian Owned and Operated

• Home delivered and available in selected stores

• Approved Associate provider for Support at Home

• NDIS registered provider

• High protein, high fibre and dairy free meal options

Minimum order requirements apply*

The Seniors Festival is fast approaching and worth noting in your diaries

Finding peace of mind and connection at Ocean View

AFTER NEARLY eight decades living in Sydney’s Maroubra Beach, Patricia Gannon knew moving north would be a significant change, but it would be for the better.

With two of her children and her grandchildren now living in northern New South Wales, Patricia decided it was time to be closer to family. “My health was failing, and I was having trouble getting around, so I thought it was time,” she says.

Patricia’s family helped her make the move to Aveo’s Ocean View Retirement Living at Banora Point, choosing a studio apartment with a large verandah.

“My apartment is a studio and perfect for one person, and it means I can get all the housework done in ten minutes,” she laughs. “The sea breeze comes right through the apartment, it’s great.”

Patricia has quickly settled into life at Ocean View, enjoying community amenities, social

activities and transport services. “I sold my car when I moved here, so having the community bus makes it easy to get to the shops,” she says. For Patricia, the greatest benefit has been connection. “The best thing is seeing more of my grandchildren and my family,” she says. “I also didn’t think I’d make friends as quickly as I have, and the staff here are fantastic.”

Her advice to others considering a similar move is simple. “Don’t hesitate to make the move, especially if you’re on your own.”

Ocean View Retirement Living is located at 2–4 Terranora Road, Banora Point, with views of the ocean from its community centre. Studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments are now available, with a price range of $229,000 to $495,000*.

*Price range correct as of 3 February 2026. You may have to pay a departure fee when you leave this village, and you may have to share any capital gains received with the operator of this village.

Modern apartments now selling

Superbly positioned a short drive from the beach, Ocean View is a welcoming and supportive community. Enjoy the perfect balance of low-maintenance living with the convenience of sought-after community facilities and activities, and local shops, transport and lifestyle amenities nearby.

With affordable studio, 1 and 2 bedroom apartments now selling and the flexibility to pay for additional services such as meals and housekeeping as you need, the choice is yours to enjoy life your way.

FEBRUARY SPECIALS

DEAL ONE:

De-Stress & Renew Package

• Bespoke Rehydrating Facial (Rejuvi + consult)

• Face, scalp & décolletage massage

• Hand & arm massage

• 20 mins feet bliss

• Hot towels + skincare samples

$190 FEBRUARY ONLY $140 Save $50!

FEBRUARY SPECIALS

DEAL TWO:

Bespoke Microdermabrasion

Facial ~ Glow-Boosting Results

• Face + décolletage microderm (Rejuvi)

• Hand & arm massage

• Face & décolletage massage

$120 FEBRUARY ONLY $99

Rebook your next microderm (4 weeks, deposit required) at the same price!

Massage

Facials

Electrolysis

Waxing

Lash & Brows

Cosmetic Tattooing

IPL (Hair Reduction, Skin Rejuvenation, Pigmentation & Capillary Correction)

RF Skin Tightening

WE ARE OPEN: Tuesday to Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 9am - 1pm

Welcome Dr Amany Abdel Galil

Cudgen country champions

By Jo Kennett

CUDGEN HEADLAND SLSC is back on top after winning the 2026 NSW Country Championships and ending a three-year run of victories for Warilla Barrack Point.

As dominant as it was impressive, Cudgen topped the overall point score and had a commanding gap of nearly 300 points back to Warilla in second place, while Port Macquarie SLSC beat out Yamba SLSC for the final podium place.

Broulee Surfers SLSC finished in fifth place – a tremendous effort from one of the clubs that travelled the longest distance to compete.

“Nice to get this one back, we were pretty keen to get it this year,” said Cudgen Headland SLSC President, Adam Mills.

“Our seniors were winning everything, it was really satisfying as a club to come here and take it home again.”

Cudgen Headland came first with 1,209 points, with Warilla Barrack Point second on 930 points.

Gold medals from Cudgen were won by Scarlett George and Oliver Sharpe in the Open Female and Male Iron, Izzy Arghyros in the U17 Female Ski, and the 6-Person Open Mixed Taplin Relay team.

At the end of the first day Cudgen had won the All Age Beach Relay and continued to show the fruits of Head Coach, Scott McCartney’s strong training program throughout the whole day, finishing comfortably on top of the overall point score at the end of day two.

Among Cudgen’s wins were five out of the six available Single Ski Relay golds, only missing out on the full set to a strong trio of Eli Wrig-

glesworth, Will Fowler and Storm Balmain (Warilla Barrack Point SLSC) in the U19 Male. Phoenix Preston, Charlie George and Jack Cross were too strong in the U17 Male Board Relay, while McCartney teamed up with former Open Iron winner, Oliver Sharpe to win the Open Male Board Rescue.

Scarlett George and Jack French also raced alongside Sharpe and Preston to narrowly win the Open Mixed Swim Teams by a single point.

Dr Amany Abdel Galil is a General Practitioner with over 15 years of clinical experience, having worked in several distinguished hospitals across Canada, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. I hold the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) and the Diploma of Child Health (DCH) from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland.

I moved to Australia in 2019 and am currently licensed with the Australian Medical Board (AHPRA) and a member of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).

I have a strong passion for paediatrics and women’s health, including IUD and Implanon insertion and removal, iron infusions, skin checks with minor surgical procedures, as well as the management of both acute and chronic medical conditions).

Cudgen Headland SLSC president Adam Mills with some of his winning team

By Jo Kennett

LOCAL SINGER/songwrit -

er Tiffen Roberts is a regular at Tweed music venues, and if you have seen her perform you may have also noticed her big roadie, Josh Gow, helping to set up or pack up her gear at the end of the show.

Josh grew up at Hastings Point and he and Tiffen both went to Kingscliff High School and met when they were 16. Tiffen grew up in Christchurch, New Zealand and moved with her family to Australia in 2014.

Tiffen’s story

Funnily enough, it wasn’t because of the earthquakes, if anything, they actually delayed the move to Australia, which was maybe fate doing its thing. The plan had always been to move to the Sunshine Coast, but while we were checking out places, Dad spotted an ad in the paper for Casuarina. We went for a drive to have a look, and the rest is history.

I started at Kingscliff High in Year 10 and didn’t meet Josh until later that year through mutual friends.

As a chronic overthinker, I wouldn’t say it was love at first

sight however, the rosy cheeks were definitely cute enough to convince me to go to a bush doof in Pottsville where he’d also be going. From that moment on, we were basically joined at the hip.

A couple of weeks later, Josh asked me to make it official at the formal but being the goodie two shoes that I was, I couldn’t commit. I wasn’t allowed a boyfriend because I was too young.

After almost ten months of persistence and surviving the dreaded friend zone, he tried his luck again and this time, I agreed.

Mum and Dad weren’t even mad, I think they could see his intentions were good and were mostly impressed that he waited that long.

The (marriage) proposal was a long time coming, but for us, it was perfectly timed. We’re both very plan-driven people and always said we wanted to get engaged towards the end of our 20s, once we had set ourselves up.

While driving up to Airlie Beach for Christmas with Mum and Dad, I had a whinge about how long I’d been waiting for a ring. Josh completely threw me off by saying, “May-

be next year.”

Little did I know he already had everything organised. Dad was in on it and Josh proposed on Hamilton Island a couple of days after Christmas. We walked up to the lookout when Mum suggested a photo, and lo and behold Josh had the video ready, capturing the moment. It was perfect. I genuinely love everything about Josh so it’s hard to pick

just one thing but if I had to, I’d say I love that he’s a gentle giant. Calm, kind, and caring. His one true weakness is Fern, our Pomeranian. She has him completely wrapped around her finger… or paw lol. The secret to the success of our relationship is we’re just best friends who don’t take each other too seriously and are still very much kids at heart, just with a mortgage, two dogs, and a wedding to plan! Over the years Josh has learned that agreeing is the safest option.

Josh’s story

For me, it was love at first sight.

I remember telling Tiffen (in a message) that I thought she looked like an “angle” the first time I saw her, clearly meaning angel, with spelling never being my strong suit. It quickly became a running joke.

I stayed persistent and asked Tiffen out at the Year 10 after party… and got rejected. She was set on not having a boyfriend until later, and she wasn’t budging.

About 10 months later, I asked again and this time, she said yes.

From that moment on, we’ve been side by side, growing together and building a life that has felt easy from the start. We’ve now been inseparable

for almost 12 years, engaged for one, and are soon to be married.

Tiffen can be very indecisive, don’t even get me started on trying to order takeaway and she definitely has a fiery side which often comes out in the Maccas drive-through.

But the things I cherish most about her are how kind and supportive she is, and how incredibly loyal she’s always been. Loyalty is rare these

days.

Yes, it did take me ten years to finally drop to one knee… but better late than never.

The secret to our success is simple, we always let each other speak our minds.

Nothing is ever too big to talk through, and we never go to sleep angry.

Most of the time, we’re already on the same page anyway which makes life together pretty special.

Love that works Valentine’s Day Anderson’s Treasure Store

By Rada Campbell

VALENTINE’S DAY often focuses on romance as a single moment – a dinner booking, a bunch of flowers, a reason to dress up and toast love. But after spending the past few months interviewing creative couples across the Tweed, another version of love keeps showing up, quietly and consistently.

It’s the kind built over time. The kind that works.

Some of the most compelling love stories I’ve encountered as a writer for The Tweed Weekly belong to couples who not only share their lives, but also their work. From creative studios to hospitality venues and performance spaces, these partnerships reveal a common thread: deep admiration, openly expressed.

Alan and Peri of Vibrant Imaging speak about each other with an ease that comes from years of collaboration. Each knows the other’s strengths and quirks, and rather than downplaying them, they celebrate them. Their shared creative vision has become a cornerstone of their business and their bond.

At Sayu Restaurant, Jess and Geoff bring that same sense of respect to hospitality. Running a restaurant is relentless work, yet their partnership feels steady and intentional. There is a quiet confidence in the way they back one

another, especially under pressure.

New Courthouse Hotel and Coyote Cantina owners Matt and Jess share a similar dynamic. Taking on a historic local venue is no small task, but they approach it as a team, balancing ambition with care. Their story is one of shared risk and shared reward.

Then there’s Lachie and Jesse, the performing couple whose work in contemporary circus has taken them far beyond the Tweed. Their relationship is grounded in creative trust, mutual respect and a genuine admiration that’s visible on and off stage.

What stands out across all these relationships is not perfection, but intention. These couples are aware of each other’s flaws, yet they choose appreciation over criticism. In a culture that often leans into self-deprecation, they speak kindly of one another, publicly and without irony.

It’s a reminder that love doesn’t have to be loud to be strong. Sometimes it looks like teamwork, encouragement and showing up day after day.

This Valentine’s Day, alongside the roses and reservations, it’s worth celebrating the couples who build together, support each other’s ambitions and prove that long-term love is not only possible - it’s thriving right here in the Tweed.

OPEN EVERY DAY

By Rada Campbell

VALENTINE’S DAY doesn’t always begin with a grand plan. Sometimes, it starts with a look of absolute panic over a cup of coffee. Earlier this week, a familiar face at a local community coffee shop - one of those buzzing Tweed hubs where news, gossip and good advice are traded freely - made a sudden realisation. He had forgotten his partner’s birthday. Completely. The horror must have shown on his face, because within seconds the story spilled out. The response from the surrounding tables was immediate and unanimous. Gasps. Laughter. A chorus of disbelief.

“You can’t forget her birthday,” came the verdict. What followed was a rapid-fire list of corrective measures, delivered with the authority only a local coffee crowd can muster. Apologies were essential. Flowers non-negotiable. Dinner, ideally. And then someone suggested the winning idea.

“A potted rose,” they said. “Not a bunch. A rose.”

He took the advice.

The rose was given, forgiveness was granted, and life carried on. But unlike most last-minute saves, this one didn’t end there.

Over the past year, the rose quietly did what roses do. It grew. It climbed. It bloomed.

The couple realised it had outgrown its original pot. As they moved it into a larger planter box, just in time for Valentine’s Day, the plant revealed its true nature, not a modest potted rose at all, but a vigorous climbing rambler now bursting with colour.

Big, joyful blooms. Right on cue.

It’s a small story, but one that captures something true about love, and about gifting. The most meaningful gestures aren’t always the most expensive or elaborate. Sometimes they’re the ones that last.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, local florists and garden centres are filled with options, but a potted rose offers something different. It doesn’t fade in a week. It becomes part of a home. A marker of time. A reminder of a moment, and, occasionally, a mistake rescued.

Spring into the new era!

Harmony and Mali, the duo behind Essential Harmony, have just taken the reins at Flowerista, transforming the space by merging two shipping containers into one beautifully curated store. Known for their locally made, organic skincare, they’ve expanded the o ering to include the beauty of Flowerista, along with a thoughtful selection of homewares and gi s by independent local makers. It’s a fresh new chapter for Flowerista, grounded in sustainability, community, and feel-good cra smanship.

M|Arts Precinct Cnr Brisbane St & Wollumbin St, Murwillumbah | 0487 297 857 byron owerista@gmail.com

“I enjoy being given commissions. To me the satisfaction of giving a client what they really want is paramount and translates to the ultimate in achievement. Identifying and discerning what a client really wants is the problem. eir solution is for me to embrace and dimensionalise their vision.”

PACIFIC BITUMEN

“These awards reflect the strength of the ensemble”

Shepherd’s Purse wins

By Jonathon Howard

SHEPHERD’S PURSE Theatre Company in Tyalgum was awarded four major honours at the BroadwayWorld Australia Regional Awards recently, for its 10th anniversary production, All The World’s A Stage.

The production received awards for Best Ensemble, Best Play, Best Director of a Play and Best Costume Design, marking a significant achievement for the regional theatre company.

The BroadwayWorld Regional Awards are part of an international theatre platform spanning more than 100 cities worldwide, celebrating productions that demonstrate strong artistic merit and meaningful audience connection.

For Shepherd’s Purse, the awards acknowledge a decade of collaborative work and the strength of theatre created within a regional community.

Artistic director and performer Solar Chapel told The Weekly the recognition affirmed the values behind the company’s work.

“These awards reflect the strength of the ensemble and the shared care behind the work,” he said.

“Everything we do is built through collaboration — between artists, volunteers, the venue, and the audience that gathers with us each winter.”

All The World’s A Stage was conceived as a

celebratory anniversary production and presented during the company’s iconic midwinter Shakespeare season, which is an immersive dinner theatre experience staged annually at Tyalgum’s Flutterbies Cottage Café.

Drawing together scenes, monologues and music from across Shakespeare’s canon, the production showcased the ensemble-led approach that has become central to the company’s identity.

The awards arrive as Shepherd’s Purse reflects on its tenth year of work in 2025, recognising a production shaped by long-term collaboration between artists, volunteers, venue partners and audiences.

Building on the momentum of its anniversary year, Shepherd’s Purse Theatre Company has announced that its 2026 midwinter production will be Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors, which is a first for the company.

The immersive dinner theatre season will again be staged at Flutterbies Cottage Café this July.

The production will be supported by Anthony Skuse, one of Australia’s most respected theatre directors, who will work with the cast during the development process.

Further details about The Comedy of Errors will be announced in coming months.

SAVE A LIFE

Learn CPR for free!

Every year up to 30,000 Australians suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Most won’t survive - not because help isn’t available, but because CPR isn’t started in those critical first minutes.

And with 80% of cardiac arrests happening in the home, the life you save could be someone you love.

Hands on Heart Australia, in partnership with the Cabarita Beach Pottsville Beach Lions, is inviting the community to a FREE CPR and Defibrillator (AED) Workshop.

This practical, hands-on session includes audiovisual training and real- world CPR and defibrillator practice. Delivered by Pacific Coast First Aid, this 2-hour, non-accredited workshop is designed to give everyday people the confidence to act in an emergency.

EVENT DETAILS:

Monday 23rd February

5.30pm

Cabarita Beach Hotel, Pandanus Parade, Cabarita Beach

In just one year, 171 locals have already completed this trainingstrengthening community readiness and potentially saving lives.

REGISTRATION IS ESSENTIAL

Phone 0427 030 810 or Email: cabarita-pottsville@lions201q1.org.au

Be prepared. Be equipped. Learn the skills that save lives.

Creative Collaboration

By Rada Campbell

LISA AND KAREN are weaving more than yarn in Murwillumbah. They are building connection.

The pair have officially opened In The Loop Studio on Commercial Road, bringing together two much loved creative businesses under one roof after years of quietly supporting each other from neighbouring spaces.

Lisa is the artist behind Funky Bunny Designs, best known for her fine art jewellery and intricate fibre works, including micro crochet sea glass necklaces, each one carrying its own origin story. She previously worked from the artist container studios at M|Arts Precinct, where her workshops were popular.

Karen ran her yarn shop, Knit Happens, tucked beside Keiths Cafe, becoming a familiar face for local knitters and crocheters seeking advice, supplies and community.

Six months ago, the pair realised they were both outgrowing their spaces and dreaming bigger. While their practices were different, their values around making, teaching and community were closely aligned.

“It was a long time coming,” Lisa told the Weekly. “We wanted to be on the main street, somewhere people could find us easily.”

Their new shared venture, In The Loop Studio, is built around three pillars: yarn, art and workshops.

The studio stocks Australian wool and specialty fibres with a focus on ethical and sustainable sourcing, alongside Lisa’s original fibre artworks. A dedicated wall will host rotating fibre and textile art exhibitions several times a year.

“We’re marrying craft and art,” Lisa said. “You can come in, admire a finished piece, buy it, or learn how to make something inspired by it yourself.”

Workshops remain central to the space, building on the momentum both women had already created.

Karen’s weekly ‘Craftanoon’ has followed her into the new studio, running every Wednesday afternoon as a low-cost drop-in session.

“It’s a social thing,” Karen said. “People from their twenties through to their eighties share skills and connect. That’s really important in a regional community.”

The move has also expanded capacity, allowing more people to attend workshops in basketry, fibre looping and textile techniques. Monthly project help sessions and visiting workshops are already on the calendar.

For both women, the studio is about more than retail.

“This is a treasure trove,” Lisa said. “New materials, new skills, new ideas. The passion runs deep.”

Karen agrees.

“It’s a place of community and connection,” she said. “That’s what we want it to be.”

In The Loop Studio is located at Shop 1, 10 to 12 Commercial Road, Murwillumbah. Open Tuesday to Friday 9am - 3pm and Saturday 9am - 2pm.

Small Wonders exhibition

By Rada Campbell

SMALL WONDERS opens at Little Gallery in Uki this Friday night, marking the latest solo exhibition by Marlena Basser, a well-known and much-loved figure in the Tweed’s creative and community landscape.

The exhibition brings together abstract paintings, sculptures, hanging works and jewellery, all created using upcycled children’s wooden blocks. The small-scale works explore themes of wonder and play, offering intimate surfaces where imagination is free to move.

Her most popular works are made from small blocks, “It’s about wonder and play, small surfaces where the imagination can move. Some of the works are blockscapes, little landscapes, but they’re really abstract versions of my inner landscape.” Marlena told The Weekly.

Well known for her long-running work as a community facilitator, creative mentor and program leader in local schools and shared spaces, Marlena’s art practice sits naturally alongside her public role. Her work reflects the same qualities she brings to community life - warmth, curiosity, generosity and a deep belief in creative expression.

The blocks themselves offer a balance between freedom and form. Traditionally associated with structure and control, Marlena uses them as

a foundation for intuitive works that feel both playful and considered.

“I’m intuitive and spontaneous, but I also work with structure,” she said. “I run programs, plan journeys for organisations and think strategically. Flow and form work together, like the river and the mountain. That’s very much the Tweed Valley.”

Her creative process often begins without a fixed outcome, allowing lines and shapes to evolve organically. A lifelong doodler, Marlena sees this approach as an intentional extension of instinctive mark-making. While her visual language remains recognisable, the way it is expressed continues to shift and develop.

“People respond to the fact that the work keeps changing,” she said. “The language stays similar, but how and where I express it changes. The pieces are interactive and playful.”

Small Wonders is closely tied to Little Gallery, where Marlena works alongside a collective of local artists. For her, success is not measured by sales alone, but by the creative exchange that happens within the space.

Little Gallery has become a place where visitors can wander in, slow down and step into the curated minds of local artists. Workshops, exhibitions and informal gatherings create an accessible entry point into art for the wider community.

Accessibility is central to Small Wonders. Alongside larger works, the exhibition includes smaller, affordable pieces designed so visitors can take home a fragment of imagination and play. Little Gallery’s annual artist calendar is also available for $25, featuring a sample artwork from each artist exhibiting throughout the year, with reminders already printed inside.

Karen and Lisa In The Loop on Commercial Rd

Artist Marlena Basser working on her new exhibit at the Little Gallery

Rehearsing The Tempest

By Madeleine Murray

MURWILLUMBAH THEATRE COMPA-

NY will present the great Shakespearean classic The Tempest from March 13-29.

Undaunted by the scope and complexity of the work, director Kevin West and the company are tackling a play that begins with a tempest at sea and moves to an island, inhabited by magical creatures and shimmering special effects.

The Weekly dropped into a rehearsal on a sweltering Sunday afternoon in a large warehouse in the new Murwillumbah industrial estate.

The cast of 14 actors, four magic sprites, the director and the choreographer seemed unfazed by the heat, energised by youth, enthusiasm and passion for the project.

In the play, Prospero, a deposed duke turned sorcerer, orchestrates a shipwreck to draw his enemies ashore. He is helped by Ariel, an airy spirit of the island – quick, musical, and invisible at will. Freed by Prospero from imprisonment in a tree, Ariel serves him faithfully by creating storms, illusions, and enchantments, always longing for liberty.

Director Kevin West started off by running through the logistics of the actual tempest. Four dancers were evoking the storm at sea by swaying with long pieces of blue cloth, directed by choreographer Danielle Linegar.

In the middle of the thrust stage marked by blue tape was a boat, represented simply by three posts joined by a long piece of marine rope.

Within this area were noblemen from Milan, trying to survive the imaginary violent wind and battering sea.

“We’re five weeks away, so we’re still

developing the whole concept,” Kevin told The Weekly.

“This was the first opportunity to have everyone here. I don’t want to do a full run, because it’s more important to concentrate on the details and things that we need to get sorted.”

For the next two hours, the actors and dancers ran through the opening storm scene three times. They worked mainly on the logistics, how to sway the posts to give an impression of movement, how to drop to their knees and pray, and how they would get off the stage taking the rope and props with them.

“My policy with theatre is that things keep on moving, it never stops,” Kevin said.

“There are no blackouts, no pauses in the action. The important thing is that the lines are delivered over the storm. It’s just chaos, organised chaos.”

Kevin is a talented, inspiring director who clearly has the respect of the cast. “The one who’s enjoying it the most is me,” he said.

The Tempest is on from March 13-29 at the Murwillumbah Civic Centre. For tickets go to murwillumbahtheatrecompany.com.au.

New wave, punk fun

By Jo Kennett

POPULAR LOCAL band

Preston will be back at the Cudgen Headland Surf LIfesaving Club for a Sunday arvo downstairs at the ‘barefoot bar in the grass’ session on March 1, with their distinct blend of punk, ska and new wave.

Duranbah’s Terry Perkins is the lead singer and said Preston are fine purveyors of the Punk, New Wave, Ska and Roll movement with their interpretations of classic acts like Iggy Pop, The Clash, The Stranglers, The Jam, The Dead Kennedys with a few Sunnyboys etc tunes to round out their repertoire.

Preston played many classic venues in Brisbane and North Coast haunts in the early 2000s as well as Falls Byron Festival January 2019.

Terry is more than just a singer; he is an energetic entertainer and establishes a great rapport with audiences.

He has the vocal chops to move comfortably from soulful ballads to raging rock and previously performed with

seven-piece Ska/Reggae/ Soul/Rock ensemble Never the Sane.

Brian Mann on guitar and vocals has had stints over the years with The Lime Spiders, The Screaming Tribesmen, The Girlies and Ed Kuepper. He now plays guitar and records music with Mick Medew from the Screaming tribesmen. The boys are complimented by Sue and Maree on drums and bass respectively. They also both perform in the all-girl AC/DC show “Her Way to Hell” and “Chick Flick”.

Her Way is a high voltage tribute show presenting all the Acca Dacca tunes you love combined with all the rock and roll swagger you can handle.

Chick Flick hone their craft as a covers band, whilst dabbling in the original’s scene in Queensland. They have produced two EP’s with regular airplay on 4ZZZ.19.

Where: Cudgen Headland SLSC When: 3.30pm to 7.30pm Sunday, March 1.

Director Kevin West gives notes.

INSET: Prospero (Stephen O'Grady) creates the storm with Ariel (Posie Roper)

Give Bridge a try

By Jonathon Howard

• Slimline Verticals, Replacement Tracks & Blades, Parts, Made On Site

• Hollands, Side Channels

• Vision Blinds

• Blockout & View Screen Materials

SHUTTERS

• Thermalite Shutters

SCREEN DOORS

• Flyscreen & Screen Doors

• Remesh or remake, made to measure

• Sliding or Hinged doors, Stacker doors, French doors

• Drop off your screens or send us an email with measurements for a quote

Give your local bloke a call... BLINDS

SENIORS AND residents looking for a new social outing in 2026 are encouraged to mark this one in their diaries as the Tweed Bridge Club hosts a Community Open Day on Sunday, March 8.

The Open Day will run from 10am to 3pm at the club’s rooms in Park Street, Tweed Heads, and is open to anyone curious about the game of Bridge or simply looking to meet new people and enjoy a relaxed day out.

The club’s secretary Gillian Hibbard wrote to The Weekly to call on new members to come and try.

“Designed to welcome members of the local community, the event will introduce visitors to

answer questions and explain how bridge can provide both social enjoyment and mental stimulation — benefits that are particularly valued by older Australians.

“Refreshments will also be available, creating plenty of opportunities to sit, relax and connect with others.

“With its friendly atmosphere and focus on fun, the Tweed Bridge Club’s Open Day is an enjoyable introduction to what many describe as ‘the most enjoyable challenge you’ll ever try’.”

The Tweed Bridge Club has long been a social hub for locals and visitors, offering a welcoming environment where friendships are formed and minds stay active.

Visitors are welcome to drop in at any time during the day, whether for a quick look or a longer stay. Friends, colleagues and family

The clubrooms are located at

For enquiries, please

adjustable bed could be your solution!

*Terms and conditions apply

Playing Bridge keeps the mind active and is fun for everyone

FEATURED BUSINESS

GOT WOOD? Tony does quality craftsmanship with passion

If you’re looking for a craftsman who knows timber inside out, look no further than Tony from Got Wood.

A qualified and fully licensed Carpenter/Joiner based in Stokers Siding, Tony brings more than 45 years of hands-on experience to every project he takes on.

Originally from Melbourne, Tony made the tree-change to the Tweed Valley around 30 years ago, settling on acreage in Stokers Siding where he built his own cottage and gradually established a small, well-equipped joinery workshop.

What began as a passion for quality timber work has grown into Got Wood, a business he’s

proudly operated for the past 18 years.

Tony’s career started as an apprentice building houses and kitchens before progressing into shopfitting, and over the decades he’s worked across boat building, joinery, furniture making, shopfitting and on-site carpentry. That broad experience means he’s equally comfortable tackling practical structural work or fine, detailed custom pieces.

Specialising in standard and custom carpentry, joinery and wood machining, Tony works predominantly with solid timber and plywood, often using recycled or salvaged Australian hardwoods - a big plus for clients who value sustainability and character. Servicing the Tweed Valley, Tony is known not only for his workmanship, but also for his excellent problem-solving skills, clear communication, and reliable work ethic.

From floating shelves and custom furniture to benchtops, doors and window frames, no job is too small or too specialised.

Clean, courteous and always on time, he takes pride in delivering practical, cost-effective solutions tailored to each client’s needs.

If you’ve got a timber project in mind, Tony will do his best to bring it to life.

Call Tony from Got Wood today on 0429 038 412.

For Sale

Eureka Furniture Hamptons Table As new condition, suitable for patio/ outdoor dining. Length 2000mm, Width 1000mm, Height 760mm.

fully registered. Tow tyre, life jacket 2 hats & accessories. $8,000 ono. Phone: 0428 753 080

Public Notice

Notice of Precipe

For the record Daniela Annette Andre of Montecollum, New South Wales is permanently domiciled on the Land and Soil of Terra Australis. I am not a voluntary transactor in commerce, and the paramount security interest holder of all estates, property, assets and collateral, both registered and unregistered, and all associated copyright protected trade names (DANIELA ANNETTE ANDRE, DANIELA A. ANDRE, DANIELA ANDRE). My lawful conveyance to the Land and Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australis was recorded with Public Recording Number RPP44 63900 06100 37832 06605 on Proclamation Date 20 October 2025. All usufruct subjugation ties have been severed with the occupying corporate government of Australia. The corporate Australian kakistocracy and its affiliates are instructed to immediately cease and desist misaddressing Daniela Annette Andre in fraudulent debased Dog-Latin, GLOSSA and to cease and desist infringing upon my estate, property, assets, collateral and copyright protected trade names.

Tweed

essential. Please apply via email: eryn@theweekly. net.au or visit the office and introduce yourself at Shop 7, 41-45 Murwillumbah Street (Palm Court). (02) 6672 4443

CLASSIFIEDS

Rental Properties

FENCING ASSISTANT REQUIRED

Aged 25-30, own car, punctual and reliable. Able to take initiative and work independently. Genuine career progression. Contact Gavin: 0412 697 225

TO LET White Hall Lodge, Located in Coolangatta. Fully furnished single rooms only to rent with cooking facilities. Would suit retired aged pensioner. Close to Club, Shops, beach. No Lease or Bond required. $325 per week. Ph: 0448 363 234 or 07 5599 1089 LOOKING FOR LAND TO LEASE for a tiny home on wheels. One responsible working adult looking for some peace and quiet on host land. Required ASAP. Contact Sarah: 0447 779 285

TO LET 10 acres, creek access, 1km to Uki, private access, self-sufficient campsite, room for several tents. Phone 0492 164 021 Scrap Metal

Contact Wayne Leveridge on (02) 5616 8017 or 0434 431 461 www.pickmeupscrap.com.au Lic.SM-0674

Weekly In Memoriam

TIME Time cannot steal the treasures that we carry in our hearts. Nor ever dim the shining thoughts our cherished past imparts For the memories of the ones we loved still cast a gentle glow, To grace our days and light our paths, wherever we may go. -AUTHOR UNKNOWN

(4)

24 Toilet (coll) (3) 26 Mishaps (9)

28 Epicurean delights (9)

29 Warner Bros’ duck (5)

31 Not secured (5)

32 Common title for a first episode (5)

33 Reliable (9)

34 Violation (9)

36 Interruption (5)

39 Long-legged spider or fatherly type (5)

Chasms (7)

75 Resting area (7) 76 British overalls (8)

2 Some East Africans (8) 3 Mountain sculpture (8) 4 Happen again (5) 5 Living at the same time (10)

6 Rabbit-hunting dog (6)

7 Break (6)

8 Archaic expression that precedes an opinion (8)

9 Options on a ballot card (10)

A late sleeper hits this button (6)

A stake, in poker (4)

Unable to move (5)

Doglike (6)

41 Religious (5)

42 Phraseology (5)

44 Simple (5)

46 Holy birthplace (6)

48 Spotted creatures (10)

50 Tattoo removal or light show (5)

52 Part of a grammatical juxtaposition (10)

54 Jedi Master Kenobi (3)

Series of eight notes (6)

Lens (8)

Mine passage (4)

Time limit (8)

Bridgers of Kyoto fame (6)

(9)

Marx’s collaborator (6)

Stay here, says the hat. I’ll

JUNIO

Tweed squad stars at state championships

By Brooke Carroll

A RAPIDLY rising generation of Tweed Shire swimmers has announced itself on the state stage, with Lawrence Swim Club (LSC) delivering one of its strongest collective performances and a swag of gold medals at the 2025 Queensland State Championships.

Training locally across the Tweed’s TRAC network of pools—Murwillumbah, Tweed Heads and Kingscliff—as well as the Laurie Lawrence Swim School at Banora Point, the squad has shown that regional swimmers can match it with Queensland’s powerhouse metropolitan clubs.

Despite fielding just 20 swimmers, LSC finished an impressive 30th out of 104 clubs, outperforming many teams several times their size. The result caps a year of rapid development fuelled by high quality coaching from TRAC Senior Squad Coach Graham Huband, LLSS’s Lee Simpson, and specialist swim-based strength and conditioning support from Kingscliff’s Xcell Health and Fitness under Jason Thatcher.

The championships produced five individual state medallists a, showcasing the depth of emerging talent across the Tweed:

State Championship medallists

• A udrey Carroll (13 yrs) –Queensland Champion 50m backstroke, Gold 50m Backstroke; 2 gold medals Gold Coast Regional relay team Bronze 100m Backstroke, 200m Backstroke,

• Timothy Wellm (15 yrs) – Silver 100m Backstroke; Bronze 200m Butterfly, 100m Butterfly

• Lennox Eke (14 yrs) – Silver 50m Backstroke; Bronze 100m Backstroke, 200m Backstroke

• Chloe McA uliffe (14 yrs, S10 Multi Class) – Gold 400m Freestyle; Silver 200m Freestyle, 100m Freestyle; Bronze 100m Breaststroke, 50m Butterfly, 100m Backstroke, 200m IM

• Ted Petherbridge (12 yrs, S19 MultiClass) – Bronze 100m Backstroke

• Hunter Gafney State team Regional Relay Gold medalists

Tim, Lennox, Audrey and Chloe, who have now qualified for Age Nationals in April on the Gold Coast, many of the riding squad members have their eyes set to qualify over the coming months as the season heats up.

The club’s development model— keeping swimmers training locally while competing in Queensland’s elite racing pathway—is proving successful.

Originally centred on Laurie Lawrence Swim School participants crossing the border for competition, LSC has evolved into a multi pool, multi school performance hub for Tweed and southern Gold Coast families.

LSC’s Club President Andrew Eke is delighted but not surprised by the recent success.

“The talent coming from the Tweed Shire has always been exceptional, and our recent results show just a sample of what our squad and the region is capable of.” Andrew said.

“Our squad’s recent progress is built on years of strong foundational technique developed in our local programs.

“This region has a proud swimming history, producing athletes like Chris Fydler, Matt Abood and now Flynn Southam, who is actively working with LSC to help guide and inspire the next wave of local talent.

“With local support and a genuine local pathway, our swimmers can stay close to home for longer, stay support-

ed, and still chase big ambitions. The swimming talent is here, the belief is growing, and the future for swimming in the Tweed is looking bright. We’re incredibly proud of what these athletes are achieving and even more excited about where they’re heading.”

Mate against Mate February and March will see school swimming ramp up across the Tweed Shire, with many Lawrence Swim Club athletes preparing to represent their schools in Public (PSSA/CHS), Catholic, and Independent school pathways.

These carnivals will pit teammates against one another as they chase zone and regional selection—along with the ultimate goal of earning a place on the NSW State School Team,

which would see them compete at the National All Schools Championships later in the year.

With momentum from their Queensland State Championship success, LSC swimmers are eager to show the rest of NSW exactly what the Tweed Shire and Far North Coast can deliver in the pool.

Building Towards a Bright Future

With the Brisbane 2032 Olympics on the horizon, the Tweed region is emerging as a potential talent pocket.

Local opportunities continue to expand, including recent performance clinics delivered by Australian Dolphin Flynn Southam, giving young swimmers firsthand insight into elite level expectations.

This February, the club is also tak-

ing part in the Starlight Super Swim Challenge, raising funds to support children in hospital. The squad’s charity page can be found here: https://superswim.org.au/t/lawrence-swim-club

Local Talent, Local Pathways Lawrence Swim Club’s mission remains clear: keep Tweed athletes training locally, supported by high quality coaching and a competitive pathway that doesn’t require families to relocate north.

With a young, energetic squad and a support network that continues to grow, 2026 is shaping up as a breakout year.

The Tweed Shire should expect to hear much more from these swimmers—this is only the beginning.

Byrnes goes ballistic in Colts victory

By Jo Kennett

TWEED BANORA Colts are on top of the ladder with a Tommy Byrnes century against Marist Brothers in Round 13 of the LJ Hooker League on Saturday, January 31, Cudgen dropped a spot, Pottsville went back to back and Terranora is hanging in there.

Terranora sits in fifth spot with just five rounds to go and is a serious contender for a finals spot, with Potty in ninth having their work cut out but it’s the journey right, those Saturday arvo’s in the sun trying to blast the opposition off the field and reliving it all afterwards over a beer.

Things have been a little crazy so apologies as we are way behind with reports, but one thing that HAS changed is that the results are completely unpredictable this year. Round 11

On Saturday, January 17, Pottsville hosted Terranora, with Kai Allan top-scoring on 45 with some great bowling from the Lakes boys (Sandeep Chauhan 4/29 and Jack Minehan 3/23) seeing the Pelicans all out for 132.

Zac Merrion and Sandeep opened well but it was Matt Sutton who made the difference with a half century, with Terranora chasing down the hosts with the loss of seven wickets

to land in fifth spot on the ladder.

Tweed Banora hosted Lennox Head with the Pirates electing to bowl first. Arren Laycock opened with 34, while Tommy Byrnes smashed it with 73 not out, but the Kernaghans blew things up for the Colts, who finished at 10/141.

Despite Ben Thoms taking four wickets the comp leaders were chased down with the loss of just seven wickets.

Marist Brothers hosted Cudgen, with the Hornets chasing down the hosts, on 114, with the loss of six wickets. Alec Williams was deadly, taking 4/13, with Caleb Ziebell taking three and Jimmy Rosser two. Round 12

In round 12 Pottsville played Goonellabah away and made a dream start bowling, removing two openers in the first two overs. Goonellabah slumped to 8/58 before a late stand lifted them to 149 all out. Potty’s Wil Parsons starred on debut with 1/8 off 8 overs and a direct-hit run out. Harry O’Brien took 3/23, while Sam Acret took two. In the chase, Harry O’Brien smashed 45. Wil Parsons showed great composure late, and 14-year-old Jarrah O’Brien calmly hit the winning runs with one wicket left.

(credit to Potty for that info).

Terranora hosted Marist Brothers who won the toss and batted on a flat wicket but were reduced to 2/20

thanks to Dylan Lucas (2/31) and Jack Minehan (1/30) with Brothers all out for 150. Standouts were Sandeep Chauhan (1/17 off 7) and Lachlan Mison (2/18 off 8).

Chasing, the Lakes lads slumped to 4/40 before Matt Corney and Matt Sutton (46) rebuilt. Late wickets saw them at 9/148, but Jack McDonald scored the winning runs for the second week in a row.

Cudgen hosted the Colts, batting first, with Jimmy Rosser, a chip off Pat’s block, getting a half tonne (59) backed up by some good scores and 8/229 at the end of the innings.

In reply Tommy Byrnes went crazy, falling just shy of a century (97) with Jamie Bennett next highest on 35, with the Colts overtaking the Hornets at 6/208 at the end of 31.4 overs.

Round 13

Goonellabah hosted Terranora, who batted first and were all out for 110, with Adeel Ahmed Mohammed top scoring on 23. They were chased down with the loss of just four wickets from the hosts, with Jack Mineham taking 2/24.

Pottsville hosted Casino, who won the toss and made 163 from 20 overs.

Jake Lanyon starred with 4/36. Chasing, Quinn Dobell and Pedi put on 40 before Harry O’Brien scored 30.

A middle order collapse left Potty at 7/103 needing 61 before Sam Acret (26 not out) and Jarrah O’Brien (29)

produced a brilliant 59-run stand before Jarrah was run out with two needed off the last ball. In comes Fin Kelly who wacks it over over the keeper’s head for three in another thrilling back-to-back victory. Way to go boys!

Cudgen played Tintenbar away and batted first, with skipper Alec Williams scoring 45 and Nathan Croft 33, with the Hornets 9/168 at the end of the innings.

Tragically Tintenbar scored a couple of half tonnes, chasing down our boys with a loss of just three wickets after 31 overs.

Tweed Banora hosted Marist Broth-

ers who batted first, who made 9/222 at the end of the 40 overs, a good total in anyone’s books with Ben Thoms taking 4/65.

In reply, well holy moly, someone called Tommy Byrnes the best player in the comp and 122 not out off 78 balls is a pretty good argument. Backed up by Jock Vivers on 55 not out, the Lismore lads didn’t know what had hit them. Tommy and Jock chased down the Brothers at 4/228 after 32.5 overs.

What a summer so far, well done everyone and also to the volunteers who hold the whole thing together.

Terranora's Lachlan Mison sends down a ball to Pottsville in Round 11 at Seabreeze Oval

TRAC coach Graham Huband, with Timothy Wellm, Lennox Eke and Audrey Carroll

Real Estate Estate

FROM COAST TO COUNTRY

AgentS of the week

By Jo Kennett

OUR AGENTS of the Week

are Katie and Shannon Kofoed, who are ushering in an exciting new era as they align with the Witheriff Group in Pottsville.

The partnership brings together Pottsville Properties’ 30-year legacy within the local community and the Witheriff Group’s standing as a leader in premium coastal and beachfront real estate.

With local expertise and specialist market insight, the partnership enhances reach, resources, and opportunity for clients—while continuing to deliver the personalised, boutique service both brands are known for.

Now operating under the Witheriff Group banner in Pottsville, Katie and Shannon remain dedicated to showcasing the coastal lifestyle and delivering a distinctly elevated real estate

experience. We caught up with them for our weekly profile.

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

Katie: When I first left school, I trained to be a commercial pilot, which was an amazing experience, however back then growth for jobs in the aviation industry meant moving out to remote areas or moving to Melbourne to join the airlines. At 18 I was such a homebody and loved the ocean, so I felt that it wasn’t the right path for me, so I started working in our family office in Pottsville for my parents, and found that I loved real estate. It was fast paced and multi- faceted.

This will be my 18th year in the industry. Shannon joined our family business about 10 years ago and I quickly found that he was a natural in selling, but he really wore so many different hats in our small

Open Homes

All times are DST unless specified. Saturday, February 7

DJ Stringer

• 6/311 Golden Four Dr, Bilinga, 9–9.30am QLD Time

• 5/2 Surf St, Bilinga,10–10.30am QLD Time

• 169 Tweed Valley Way, South Murwillumbah, 10–10.30am

• 78 Tamarind Ave, Bogangar, 9.30–10am

• 1/42-44 Thomson St, Tweed Heads, 10.30–11am

• 42 Karingal Ave, Bilambil Heights, 11–11.30am

• 2101/20 Stuart St, Tweed Heads, 11.30–12pm

• 7/20 Dutton St, Coolangatta, 11.30–12pm QLD Time

• 33 Inlet Dr, Tweed Heads West, 1–1.30pm Lifestyle Brunswick Heads

• 7 Tombonda Road, Murwillumbah, 12–12.30pm Tate Brownlee Real Estate

• 56 Condong Street, Murwillumbah, 9– 9.30am

• 36 Firestone Dr, Banora Point, 9–9.30am

• 27 Tumbulgum Road, Murwillumbah, 10–10.30am

• 4/32 Dry Dock Road, Tweed Heads South, 10–10.30am

• 1 Chadburn Lane, Chinderah,10–10.30am

• 16 Grassmere Court, Banora Point, 11–11.30am

• 3 The Parapet, Banora Point,11.15–11.45am

boutique business from tech support to marketing and I’m so proud that we’ve been able to share this journey together and build towards this next chapter with Witheriff Group and evolution for our agency.

My dad (Roger McLeod) sold real estate for 30 plus years and taught us the traditional way of real estate. He gave us a great all-round education from not only selling residential homes, but to sell acreage, vacant land, commercial and developments as well. We believe this was imperative to our growth and we’re really grateful for his education and advice over the years.

Do you have any favourite type of property?

Our favourite to sell are homes that we’ve previously sold and the buyer has renovated. It’s really special coming back to a property and see their ideas that they

• 29 Parkes Lane, Terranora,12–12.30pm

• 13 Altitude Boulevard, Terranora, 1–1.30pm

• 33 Snowgum Dr, Bilambil Heights, 1–1.30pm

• 52 Kingscliff Street, Kingscliff, 1–1.30pm

• 1/103 Old Ferry Road, Banora Point, 2–2.30pm

• 5 Admiralty Pl, Banora Point, 3–3.30pm Raine and Horne Jet

• 35 Park Avenue, Murwillumbah, 9.30–10am

had on their first inspection come to life! Shannon and I have always renovated our own properties and flipped them, so it’s a passion and interest of ours and it’s amazing to be able to be part of the journey. It’s so rewarding to help another family towards having their hard work pay off and sell the home for a great price to help them make their next step.

What’s the hottest segment property market at the moment?

In our Pottsville market, unit’s, townhouses and duplexes have been the hot property! We’ve been able to achieve record results (prices higher than COVID by far) for each complex, and we’re so grateful that our vendors have trusted our process to allow us to achieve these outstanding results for them. This has been a highly competitive market for the past six months, with strong

• 187 Tweed Valley Way, South Murwillumbah, 9.30–10am

• 18 Flinders Way, Ocean Shores, 9.30–10am

• 22 McLeod St, Condong,10.30–11am

• 7/1 Castle Field Drive, Murwillumbah, 10.30–11am

• 16 Lamington Way, Murwillumbah, 11.30–12pm

• 629 Tumbulgum Rd, Tygalgah, 11.30–12pm

• 45 Fernvale Road, Fernvale, 12.30–1pm First National Murwillumbah

• 7083 Tweed Valley Way, Dunbible, 11–11.45am

• 437 Wardrop Valley Road, Wardrop Valley 9–9:30

• 223 Tweed Valley Way, Sth Murwillumbah 10:15–10:45

• 98 Glencoe Road, North Arm 11:15–11:45

• 3 Rowlands Creek Road, Uki 12:15–12:45

Witheriff Group

• 6/204 Marine Parade, Kingscliff, 9–9.30am

• 18B Black Wattle Circuit, Casuarina, 9–9.30am

• 12/41 Kingscliff Street, Kingscliff, 9–9.30am

Shop 2/41-45 Murwillumbah Street, Murwillumbah

Phone: (02) 6672 2499

Same people, new brand.

Over the past six months, we have been working closely with a well-known and highly respected national real estate brand. Following careful consideration, we are proud to announce that Jason and Elizabeth will be joining Raine & Horne as franchise owners, trading as Raine & Horne Jet

From 15 January 2026, we will no longer trade under JET Real Estate. Our company name remains Jet Property Consultants Pty Ltd, now trading as Raine & Horne Jet. This move allows us to continue offering the same trusted local service, supported by the strength, reach, and over 140 years of real estate expertise that Raine & Horne provides.

demand from first home buyers and investors.

Are you seeing many first home buyers taking advantage of government schemes and how is that affecting the market? Yes, we’ve had the pleasure of selling a lot of our listed properties to first home buyers. These are always our favourite deals to put together, it’s a big step for the young people of our area, so we love being able to guide them and be part of the excitement.

Who are you seeing buying and what type of sellers do you have? We’re selling a lot of Burleigh/Palm Beach buyers moving down to our area to escape the hustle and bustle. Pottsville has always been such a great location for the coastal village feel whilst still being connected to the Gold Coast and Byron Shire.

• 604 Casuarina Way, Casuarina, 9–9.30am

• 12/15 Dianella Drive, Casuarina, 10–10.30am

• 33 Collins Lane, Casuarina, 10–10.30am

• 26 Collins Lane, Casuarina, 10–10.30am

• 6/90 Pearl Street, Kingscliff, 10–10.30am

• 8 Forster Avenue, Kingscliff, 10–10.30am

• 9 Bondi Place, Kingscliff, 10–10.30am

• 7-9 Elanora Avenue, Pottsville, 10.30–11am

• 8 Suncatcher Lane, Kingscliff, 11–11.30am

• 16 Black Wattle Circuit, Casuarina, 11–11.30am

• 11 Central Park Lane, Casuarina, 11–11.30am

• 79 Tamarind Avenue, Cabarita, 11–11.30am

• 1/30 Boomerang Street, Kingscliff, 11–11.30am

• 2/30 Boomerang Street, Kingscliff, 11–11.30am

• 22 Sailfish Way, Kingscliff, 11–11.30am

• 8 North Point Avenue, Kingscliff, 12–12.30am

• 37 Black Wattle Circuit, Casuarina, 12–12.30am

• 20 Faulks Street, Kingscliff, 12–12.30am

• 37 Ocean Avenue, Kingscliff, 12–12.30am

• 428 Casuarina Way, Casuarina, 12–12.30am

• 13 Laceflower Parade, Kingscliff, 1–1.30pm

• 48 Vulcan Street, Kingscliff, 1–1.30pm

• 26 Banzai Street, Kingscliff, 1–1.30pm

• 51/685 – 707 Casuarina Way, Casuarina, 1–1.30pm

• 107/1 Black Wattle Circuit, Casuarina, 2–2.30pm

• 306/1 Black Wattle Circuit, Casuarina, 2–2.30pm

Our passion is finding your best way of living.

7 Tombonda Road, Murwillumbah

$855,000 - $940,000

A Breezy, Elevated Retreat with Mountain Views & Timeless Character

Set high on the hill with sweeping views across the surrounding mountain ranges, this beautiful Queenslander style home offers a peaceful outlook, plenty of natural light and a warm sense of character throughout. Designed to make the most of its elevated position, the home enjoys sunshine from morning through to evening, with cooling breezes and leafy surrounds creating a relaxed, private feel. The upper level welcomes you with a spacious open area and high raked ceilings, giving an immediate sense of space and light. This level includes three comfortable bedrooms, along with an ensuite, main bathroom and laundry, making it practical for everyday living. Sinking down a few steps the home opens into a generous open-plan kitchen, dining and living area that flows out onto balconies overlooking the treetops and mountains beyond. It’s an ideal space for entertaining, relaxing or simply enjoying the view.

OPEN HOME: Saturday 7th February, 12 -12:20pm

Same people, new brand.

Over the past six months, we have been working closely with a well-known and highly respected national real estate brand. Following careful consideration, we are proud to announce that Jason and Elizabeth will be joining Raine & Horne as franchise owners, trading as Raine & Horne Jet

From 15 January 2026, we will no longer trade under JET Real Estate. Our company name remains Jet Property Consultants Pty Ltd, now trading as Raine & Horne Jet. This move allows us to continue offering the same trusted local service, supported by the strength, reach, and over 140 years of real estate expertise that Raine & Horne provides.

Our passion is finding your best way of living.

Shop 2/41-45 Murwillumbah Street, Murwillumbah

Phone: (02) 6672 2499

437 Wardrop Valley Rd, WARDROP VALLEY

OPENHOMESAT7THFEB9TO9:30AM

$2,100,000

Tucked away in the peaceful hills of Wardrop Valley, this spacious five-bedroom family home sits on cleared acreage with panoramic mountain views. The two-storey layout offers generous living across multiple zones, a quality kitchen with granite benchtops, and room for everyone to spread out. Outside, the land is ready for horses, cattle, or hobby farming, with a spring-fed dam, established fruit trees, and a handcrafted BBQ and fireplace area perfect for entertaining. Recent upgrades include a new roof, solar with battery storage, fresh paint inside and out, and air

SCOTT, & SARAH READING

Licensee In Charge & Assistant Manager, Licensed Sales Agents

7083 Tweed Valley Way, DUNBIBLE

AUCTION

A SCENIC OUTLOOK WITH THE FREEDOM TO CREATE, RELAX OR INVEST

Set high with sweeping Tweed Valley and mountain views, this outstanding property offers lifestyle, flexibility and long-term opportunity just 6–8 minutes from Murwillumbah.

Featuring two fully approved homes, ideal for extended family, dual occupancy or income potential. The elevated main residence includes outdoor entertaining,

ANNE & JOHN BESGROVE

Licensed Sales Agents and Stock & Station Agents

Phone Anne: 0402 608 503 or John: 0403 513 924

conditioning throughout. The beaches at Kingscliff and Cabarita are just 20-25 minutes away, Murwillumbah CBD is a 10-minute drive, and the property offers genuine rural privacy without sacrificing convenience. Move-in ready with the hard work done.

Phone: Scott 0401 938 937

Email: scott.reading@fnmurwillumbah.com.au

gazebo and saltwater inground pool, while the separate approved 3-bedroom cottage is privately positioned at the base of the property.

Set on approximately 6.48 hectares (16 acres) with sealed driveway, bore water, sheds with power, established fruit orchard and land suited to a range of rural or lifestyle uses. Sold as WIWO – farm enterprise or lifestyle option.

Email: anne.besgrove@fnmurwillumbah.com.au

CREEDENCE DONOGHUE Sales Associate Phone: (02) 6672 7828

FEATURES (ENTRY LEVEL)

• Front entry deck w/ lush green views over cane fields

• Open plan air-conditioned living & dining zones w/ 3m ceilings & polished hardwood flooring

• Large social kitchen w/ ample bench space & store options, Fisher & Paykel Dishwasher & Miele oven

• Expansive full width entertainers deck

• Multi-purpose / media room w/ electric projector screen (projector box required)

• Bedroom w/ walk in robe & two-way bathroom

• Good use of louver windows & grey glass

(UPPER LEVEL)

• Polished timber hardwood flooring & 3m ceilings

• Generous main bedroom w/ waterfront aspect, open style ensuite & large walk-in robe

• Two additional bedrooms + study

• Main bathroom, walk in linen / storage (GROUND LEVEL & EXTERIOR)

• Electric gated entry

• Double auto garage, rear roller door

• Huge storage area & laundry

• 10m pontoon w/ tinny / jet ski dock

6/311 Golden Four Drive

Bilinga

• Open plan air-conditioned living & dining

• Master bedroom w/ air-conditioning, walk in robe, ensuite & access to terrace style balcony

• Bedrooms 2 & 3 w/ mirrored robes & through to Juliette balcony

• Main bathroom w/ shower over bath

• Social kitchen w/ granite benches, d/washer & two-pac cabinetry

• Terrace style balcony Landsize 1088m2 (absolute beachfront) Interest Over $1.950M

9:00-9:30am (QLD)

David Stringer 0418 150 731

42

Karingal Avenue Bilambil Heights

• Generous air-conditioned formal living area leading out to balcony

• Separate dining zone

• Colonial kitchen & meals area

• Full length balcony / deck w/ sun blinds, commanding views & overlooking pool

• Master bedroom w/ air-conditioning, walk in robe, ensuite & opens on to deck

• Fully fenced in ground pool Landsize 1153m2 Buyer Guide $1.295M

Saturday 11:00-11:30am (NSW)

David Stringer 0418 150 731 david@djstringer.com.au

33 Inlet Drive

Tweed Heads West

This unique property offers two council-approved dwellings on one title, delivering an exceptional opportunity for investors seeking strong rental income. Equally appealing to owner-occupiers, the flexible layout allows you to live in one dwelling while renting the other or comfortably accommodating extended family. Landsize 613m2

1:00-1:30pm (NSW)

David Stringer 0418 150 731 david@djstringer.com.au 4 2 2 5/2 Surf Street Bilinga

• Generous open plan living

• Easy care flooring throughout

• Well-appointed kitchen w/ granite benches

• Oceanfront facing wrap around balcony

• Master bedroom w/ walk through robe, ensuite & Juliette balcony

• Large main bathroom w/ bath

• Double side by side lock up garage

Landsize 1022m2

Interest Around $2.5M Open Saturday 10:00-10:30am (QLD)

David Stringer 0418 150 731 david@djstringer.com.au 3 2 2