The Weekly caught up with a group of inspiring businesswomen for our front page photo and asked them to speak on the theme.
The operator of Nurse Next Door Tweed Shire Lauren Macdonald shared how a personal challenge turned into an opportunity for her
brother-in-law who has experienced life-changing support through the business and is now part of the recruitment team.
“Now he speaks to people daily about making a difference. It’s helped his confidence,” she said, describing how meaningful employment can transform our outlook on life.
Read more on page 6 & 26-33.
Call for urgent flood study funding
By Jo Kennett
IT’S FOUR years this week since the Tweed Shire was hit by flooding which caused devastation, but one farming advocate says we could have worse floods in the future and is pushing for the funding for an urgent flood study to help prepare.
Neil Baker is a fifth generation Tweed Valley farmer who runs pasture-raised cattle and pigs at his Eungella property.
“In 2022 we lost 30,000 head of cattle in the floods in the Northern Rivers and another 30,000 were lost due to disease and sickness after,” Neil told The Weekly.
“Cattle get flood mud scours (Yersiniosis) from grazing on grass that has silt on it that can carry bacteria that causes scours in the cows and if you don’t act quickly you will lose them. “
In 2023, Neil called a public meeting at Condong about getting a CSIRO study of flooding in the shire, as Richmond Shire Council put their hands up for.
“We had over 200 people attend with only five days’ notice because the community is really concerned about our ability to prepare for floods,” he said.
“We’ve not had the worst flood yet because we have never had the three rivers, the tributaries of the Tweed River, be at record levels of flooding at the same time.
“We need a funded CSIRO and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) study for the Tweed so at least they can model what will be the various scenarios in the event we have two or three rivers flood.
“In 2017 and 2022 it was only the Tweed that copped the extreme flood levels, it wasn’t the Oxley or the Rous.
“Chris Chrisostomos is the local SES intelligence officer and he has attended a few meetings with me, for example NSW government cabinet meetings at Tweed Heads.
“We had a discussion with the NSW Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dibb
and Janelle Saffin and they agreed that the CSIRO NEMA study is the premier study available in Australia.
“We also had a meeting with the Federal Emergency Services Minister Kristy McBain with Justine Elliot, Janelle, the mayor and a few other farming representatives here at the Council chambers last year.
“We provided our thoughts to the Emergency Services Minister who said yes, you definitely want the CSIRO and NEMA to do the study.
“Janelle and Justine have assured us they are doing their best to ensure the funding and I know there are discussions between state and federal ministers but at the end of the day what do we have to do to get the best study for the Tweed?
“The question is why hasn’t Tweed jumped on board when Richmond was offered the study?
“It took a meeting where all of the councillors and the mayor attended and subsequently they put their hands up to the government requesting that funding, but we are still waiting for that funding.
“It’s a multi-million dollar study that would be funded by state and federal funding.
“Richmond Valley received funding but unfortunately the CSIRO don’t have the resources to do a detailed study at the same time for the Tweed.”
The Richmond Valley study, which included Lismore, is expected to be completed mid-year.
Government response
Member for Richmond Justine Elliot said “the federal and NSW Labor governments have delivered billions for disaster resilience, recovery and preparedness.”
“I will keep working with my colleagues to ensure our community is better prepared and I’ll continue to advocate for future flood studies,” she said.
“The CSIRO is currently focused on the Richmond River study and any work on the Tweed River would need to wait until
that is completed.
“I understand applications for Round Four of the Albanese Government’s Disaster Ready Fund will open in coming months and I will be encouraging Tweed Shire to apply.”
Minister Kirsty McBain told The Weekly that “the CSIRO is currently focused on working with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) delivering the Northern Rivers Resilience Initiative (NRRI).”
“Future work on the Tweed River could be considered once the NRRI has concluded,” Ms McBain said.
“The Albanese Government is strongly committed to disaster resilience and risk reduction because we know that natural disasters are becoming more frequent and more intense. That’s why we’re investing up to $1 billion in our flagship Disaster Ready Fund (DRF).
“We announced $200 million in funding to support 96 projects in every state and territory as part of round three of the DRF in November last year.”
“Work is currently underway to design Round Four, with guidelines expected to be released in the coming months.
“The DRF is run in partnership with states and territories through a lead agency. They are responsible for prioritisation and coordinating project proposals within their jurisdiction.
“State and Territory involvement in the DRF process helps to ensure proposals are aligned with regional risk mitigation plans and local priorities for investment in resilience.
“Potential applicants are encouraged to work with the Lead Agency to discuss their eligibility for DRF Round Four funding.
YOUR THOUGHTS: Do you believe a flood study should be funded for the Tweed Shire? Send your thoughts and letters to The Weekly via email: editor@theweekly. net.au
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain was in the Tweed last year to discuss disaster preparation
Closure of Nullum House is shocking blow
The closure of Nullum House in Murwillumbah will be devastating to those experiencing homelessness, domestic violence victims and those that are the most vulnerable in our community.
Many of these people do not have cars to regularly travel to Tweed Heads and those with cars can’t afford petrol to do so.
The vital services provided by Nullum House include nourishing meals, hot showers, the ability to wash clothes and emergency relief and food.
But another important experience at Nullum House is the social gathering in a safe space, protected from the elements, where communication and the social connections are so important.
I volunteer with Head Over Hooves, Lend A Paw program, where we provide pet food, accessories and parasite control to Nullum House and other crisis and community centres in the Tweed for pets of those in need.
Pets are welcomed at Nullum House, and they are provided for in this wonderful safe space also.
And the appreciation, warm smiles and wagging tails are a testament to the wonderful service provided by Nullum House, their staff and volunteers, who are also devastated by the impending closure.
All the infrastructure is there, and this service has been operating for 17 years. Volunteers are available and as with so many services in our community should be cherished, not abandoned.
The requirement for funding is for staff, who are equipped to handle all situations, emergency relief and food.
All levels of government, I believe, have a duty to help the most vulner able in our community.
to come up with $9.2 million for the new pound facility, and that was des perately needed after not having a
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pound for six years.
Whilst not without faults this facility is a great asset to our community. I attended the open day last week and was told by a Friends of the Pound (FOP) volunteer that only six dogs would ever be held there, when there are 40 kennels available.
Whilst FOP have offered emergency foster care for up to three cats, dogs of the vulnerable have not been offered refuge, despite the 40 kennels.
Surely the occasional kennel could be provided for this much needed service.
If our governments can come up with $9.2m to house homeless pets and ranger services, the very least they can do for people experiencing homelessness is find the funds to let the amazing and essential service that Nullum House provides continue.
Susie Hearder, Limpinwood Go Vegas-style on the Minjungbal Drive
I think that the idea of giving the ‘Minjungbal Drive roundabout a glow up’ is a good one by Cr Owen (TVW, Feb 26).
I think it should be done literally with a gigantic neon sign saying: ‘Welcome to Tweed Heads South!’.
In the daylight the sign, painted in fluoro colours, should outshine our brightest sunlit days.
Māris Bruzgulis, Bilambil Heights Say no to sand mining
I read with utter disbelief your story on Mandalay Metals application for an exploration licence to test for minerals in sand being pumped to the Gold Coast (TVW, Page 3, Feb 26).
For those who don’t know sand mining on the North Coast was one of the worst ecological disasters this country has experienced in recent times.
Hundreds-of-kilometres of rainforest
industrial scale, the fragile coastal environment gone forever.
Sand mining belongs back in the dark ages.
Everyone who lives in this part of the world needs to send a huge, emphatic “no” to those responsible for promoting this.
Don’t believe me? Please read The Fragile Edge by Michael De Good. David Toyer, Tweed Heads Traffic congestion outrage on Kennedy Dr
Really! Trimming vegetation in the centre of the roundabout and side of the bridge is going to help traffic congestion at Kennedy Drive how (TVW, Page 3, Feb 26)?
This should be done regardless of traffic problems.
A cross-river bridge from Lakes Drive to opposite side of river is surely the way to go.
It would eliminate all cars going to South Tweed Heads from the middle part of Kennedy Drive.
Coming along Kennedy Drive for appointments you have to add 20 minutes to your trip, regardless of when you leave, as you never know what the traffic will be like.
The worst l have seen is traffic backed up to Cobaki Creek bridge. People were doing U-turns to go through Bilambil and out through Terranora.
On Tuesday recently, l saw a motorbike rider stuck behind cars in the jam, cross to the other side of the road and drive along the footpath! Not legal, safe or smart to do so.
We have lived in this area for 48 years now and the development in the area has contributed to the traffic problem.
Sue Thompson, Tweed Heads West
When council delays a DA, families pay
When Tweed Shire Council delays a development application for a year, it isn’t a paperwork problem, it’s a financial and emotional wrecking ball.
I’ve lived the nightmare, waiting a year for approval, with tens-of-thousands spent on design fees and rising construction costs – only to have our home plans stalled indefinitely.
The stress and anxiety nearly broke us.
Families lose real money in fees, rent and interest. Plans collapse. homes are sold.
Burnout and mental strain become the hidden cost of backlogs.
What recourse do residents have?
The courts which are expensive, slow, and out of reach for ordinary families.
The Ombudsman? Backlogged by months.
Meanwhile, councils claim they owe no duty of care while taking their time.
Every phone call ends with promises that are never kept.
Big developers can fight.
Ordinary families cannot and that’s exactly who suffers.
No private business could operate like this and survive.
Yet councils do, without consequence. Catching up now doesn’t undo the damage already done.
Belinda McKenna, Bogangar Why stall on Tweed’s secondary dwellings policy
Do proponents of preserving farmland against second dwellings also oppose the loss of farmland to wind and solar factories, or instead the fuel required for modern mechanised agriculture?
Some opponents of second dwellings appear not to know that farmers build and maintain their own access roads, use septic systems and tank water, or pay for town water if they can access it.
Much of the Tweed is too steep, rocky, weedy or depleted for viable farming.
The dairies and banana farms which were once prolific have almost disappeared. Farmers are fast becoming fewer and older.
Young tomato farmers moved to Bundaberg long ago. Wealthy ‘tree changers’ have pushed land prices too high for small farms to amalgamate. Viable farmers struggle to find affordable and willing workers.
Cattle farmers struggle to control poisonous weeds. Camphor laurels and other noxious weeds are taking over.
Illegal dwellings already littering the Tweed will multiply until the law is changed and appropriate rates received.
D Weston Allen, Cudgen Homeless life at Tweed Heads – not all bad It can’t be all bad being homeless at Tweed Heads, they seem to enjoy a number of privileges not available to other citizens in my opinion. For example, erecting structures in prime locations like Jack Evans Boat Harbour without council permission, having dogs off the lead, drinking in prohibited areas, urinating in public, screaming obscenities day and night with no response from authorities, while sitting at bus shelters or marching around the CBD.
They then have food and clothing supplied and all this is sponsored by the taxpayer.
David Nelson, Tweed Heads Use the old Tweed hospital for homeless? You read in The Weekly and wider media about the shortage of housing in the Tweed.
I have a solution, we have a multiroom site with own ensuite to each room. Where is this? The old Tweed Heads hospital! A lot cheaper surely than building new houses?
Sue Thompson Tweed Heads West
Help find Yvonne Whear
By Jo Kennett
A LOCAL family is calling on the public to save any dashcam footage that might lead to locating their beloved mother and grandmother who has been missing for 14 days.
Yvonne Whear has been missing since Thursday, February 19, which the family say is completely uncharacteristic of her and they are pleading for assistance.
Yvonne had attended a class at Murwiilumbah TAFE which finished at 3pm and Tweed Police say she was seen at the Shell Service Station on Tweed Valley Way in Murwillumbah at 3.15pm.
The 73-year-old was then seen at 3.22pm driving her light gold 2002 Ford Escape wagon, NSW registration EWS 28P, heading north on Queensland Road towards her home in Campbells Road, Dungay.
She has not been seen or heard from since.
According to her family, Yvonne has never gone off alone before, has no signs of dementia, and it’s the first time she’s ever been away from her animals.
“She’s just so committed to her pets, even when she was away for a day she told her daughter (Gillian) to check on them,” the family member said.
“It’s so out of character for her, she always seemed to have a pretty firm routine.
“She is a devoted mother of four and is a loving grandmother to 13 grandchildren.
“Yvonne has never stopped her interest in learning new things as she currently is studying a Certificate of Visual Arts at Murwillumbah TAFE which she studied diligently in her spare time.”
Yvonne continued her work as a disability and elderly care worker on the weekends.
“She is a nature lover and animal enthusiast, always talking about her animals,” the family member said.
“She has lived with animals and on farmland most of her life.
“She was often visiting family and having the grandkids up on the farm.
“She was always up for a chat and displayed a keen interest in other people’s lives and what they have going on, which I always appreciated.”
The family are urging anyone who might have any possible footage of any roads on the route from Murwillumbah to Campbells Road, Dungay and surrounding roads in the area, or from anywhere else in the area around that time on February 19, to save the footage and contact police.
Anyone who sees or knows information about Yvonne Whear is urged to contact Tweed Byron Police District on (07) 5506 9499 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Yvonne was last seen in her gold Ford Escape wagon on Queensland Road
Yvonne was at the Shell Service Station, Tweed Valley Way in Murwillumbah just before she disappeared
Gift to Gain in business
By Jonathon Howard
Continued from page 1.
At Raine & Horne Jet, director Elizabeth Hickey said collaboration has been central to the company’s growth.
The agency recently became the first corporate charity partner of Rotary Mt Warning AM, raising funds for Tweed Palliative Supoport Wedgetail Retreat.
“Since this community-first initiative, we have helped raise almost $1 million in vital funds,” she said.
For Elders Real Estate Tweed Valley manager Rebecca Dudgeon, nurturing future talent has been both rewarding and laying the foundation for future business leaders.
Her team welcomes work experience students from local schools each year, many of them young women.
“The feedback is always great and it builds their confidence,” she said.
At Print Spot Group, owner Vanessa Hampton believes businesses have a responsibility to uplift their communities. “If you can’t look after your community, then who will,” she said.
“We feel even our small clients are just as im-
portant as a large client and helping with small jobs can often lead to longterm relationships and larger clients,” she said.
Michelle Kuramochi is the landowner and operator of Raven Place and said for her “collaboration is about sharing our space, audience and opportunity so we all grow together”.
“We host workshops and experiences that highlight other people’s skills, knowledge and craft,” she said.
Join VIEW Club event
As part of International Women’s Day the Coolangatta Tweed VIEW Club is once again hosting a special speakers event on Friday, March 6, at the South Tweed Sports Club from 10am.
Event organiser Penny Thorpe has invited three speakers to inspire and enlighten guests from a range of fields.
“This year we are happy to welcome speakers Tweed Shire Mayor Chris Cherry, Tweed Citizen of the Year 2026 Jennifer Booth and nurse and businesswoman Annie Hunt,” Penny said.
“We are again inviting everyone to come along to this special event and hear from our outstanding local speakers to inspire future generations.”
Continued in our special feature on page 26-33.
Top cafe forced to close!
By Jonathon Howard
THE LOCAL dining scene has been rocked by the sudden announcement that Riverland Kitchen on Kennedy Drive at Tweed Heads, will close its doors this Sunday, March 8, at 3pm, following what owners describe as a long-running zoning dispute with Tweed Shire Council.
In an emotional message shared with customers online by Abby Posner, the café said it had been in discussions with council for two years attempting to resolve zoning issues related to the use of the premises.
“It is with a heavy heart and much disappointment that Riverland Kitchen will be closing,” the statement read.
“This will come as a shock to most; however, we have now been given an ‘Order to Stop’ use of the premises for the purpose of a restaurant or café.”
The order reportedly prevents the business from continuing to trade as a food and beverage venue, despite operating in that capacity for several years.
The announcement triggered an immediate and passionate response from loyal patrons, many expressing disbelief and frustration.
“How can they stop use as a restaurant or café? That’s what it’s been for years!” one commenter wrote.
“Once again people working hard day in day out and creating jobs for locals, and you shut them down using excuses like zoning,” another resident replied.
Some community members questioned why other nearby hospitality venues appeared unaffected, while others called on local repre -
sentatives, including councillors to intervene. The café’s owners have not publicly detailed the specific zoning classification at issue but indicated the directive leaves them with “literally days to go.”
Riverland Kitchen has encouraged customers to visit for “one last breakfast, lunch, coffee or whatever else you have enjoyed from our kitchen,” paying tribute to what they described as their “fabulous team” of staff.
“Shattered,” wrote one regular. “The food is delicious and the customer service was 100 per cent all the time. The Tweed area has lost something truly special.”
Unless a last-minute resolution is reached, Sunday afternoon will mark the end of Riverland Kitchen’s chapter in the community — a closure that many residents say leaves more questions than answers.
A spokesperson for council responded to The Weekly questions and said the site is zoned R3 Medium Density Residential “where cafes and restaurants are prohibited development but the site has the historic benefit of two DA’s: D96/0177 for a bait and tackle shop and DA08/0544 for a change of use to include takeaway food”.
“That means that the site can be used for those purposes as per the conditions of those applications (bait & tackle shop and/or takeaway food) or the owners can apply for a DA to expand continuing uses (the law limits a 10 per cent increase) or a planning proposal to change the permitted uses at the site which they have not done,” the spokesperson said.
VIEW Club members are inviting the community to another
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
Calls for aged care at old hospital
By Jo Kennett
A TWEED Shire residents group has written to the NSW Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park, urging him to consider using the old Tweed Hospital site to provide desperately needed aged care beds to free up space in local hospitals.
The Tweed District Residents and Ratepayers Association (TDRRA) think the site could also supply essential services accommodation and would like to see Shaping Outcomes, a disability support service, reinstated in their former home at the hospital site.
President of the association Lindy Smith said Minister Park had recently written to local councils about the shortage of residential aged care beds “which is now creating bed-block pressures in our public hospitals”, asking councils to expedite development applications (DAs) for current and future projects.
The resident’s association, which met last week with the hospital site on the agenda, has long advocated that the site be kept in public hands rather than privatised.
Ms Smith said there are “serious issues” with the development of residential aged care beds in the Tweed Shire and “no doubt elsewhere across the state where approvals are being rorted,” by having developments approved that have little if any “aged care” in place.
“Under the provisions and concessions of the Environmental Planning and Assessment (EPA) Act, DAs are
approved under the guise of aged care as independent/seniors living with no (or little) actual increase in aged care being the outcome of the development,” Ms Smith wrote to the minister.
“A development for aged care was approved by the government as a staged seniors living under its SEPP (DA06/0413) at Hastings Point, Tweed Coast.
“Over the years the approval has been subject to multiple amendments with no aged care.
“It is currently in court with its latest DA to increase the number of apartments with no residential aged care - the purpose of the original approval gone.”
A recent application to modify the development was refused first by Tweed Shire Council and then by the The Northern Regional Planning Panel last year.
“The current development application seeks approval for the construction of a further 69 independent living units (in four buildings) in lieu of the approved 94 support living units and the high care facility and by way seeks to amend the use of the site from the approval under DA06/0413,” the Council report stated.
Mayor Chris Cherry said of the panels refusal that residents, “bought in with the reasonable expectation that they could move from the Independent Living Units (ILU’s) to the Supported Living Units then on the aged care facility, so they could age in place with dignity and with their network of friends and family around
them and as yet, no aged care beds have been provided.”
Hastings Point Progress Association president Gary Thorpe said the developer “was originally able to bypass various legal requirements by calling it aged care.”
“The ruling in the high court was that aged care is so important that it pretty well trumps everything,” he said.
“They have always maintained that aged care - staged care for ageing in place - was going to be included in the final stages but now they are saying it’s never going to happen.”
“Why is that state significant?
“It’s just a bunch of apartments.”
Ms Smith told the Minister Park that last year the NSW Independent Planning Commission approved a modification application for a residential aged care facility in Kingscliff, “a gross overdevelopment of the site
Murwillumbah Public School
contrary to Tweed’s planning tools” with the approval for 199 new units with just an additional eight aged care beds – “again the aged care provisions being rorted.” Many local residents opposed the development.
“The Tweed Hospital (TTH) site would be an ideal place for a proportion to be developed as a residential aged care facility, along with a portion for essential worker accommodation,” Ms Smith said.
“It is also of crucial importance that an area of the THH site retains medical services and reinstates Shaping Outcomes in their home. It is critical the THH site remains in public hands and is not sold off, adding further to the loss of our public assets.”
Ms Smith also questioned Mr Park on why the Northern Local Health District board minutes have been publicly available on their website for many years, “however have no
From Puzzles to Performances: Lunchtime Buzz at Murwillumbah Public School
Lunchtimes at Murwillumbah Public School are vibrant, purposeful and full of choice. Across the school, students are making the most of their break by joining clubs, practising talents and connecting with friends in meaningful ways. Chess Club continues to attract keen strategic thinkers, with students carefully planning moves and building their problem-solving skills. In Garden Club, green thumbs are busy planting, watering and caring for the school garden, learning about sustainability and teamwork along the way. The library offers a calm and welcoming space for students who prefer to read, draw or enjoy quiet activities. In the hall, passive play provides opportunities for Lego construction, puzzles and board games that challenge young minds
Les Daley
longer been publicly available since at least October 2024, asking him why that had changed.
“Subsequent to the Planning Reforms Bill its consequences are now coming to light with our local elected councillors being removed from DA processes, local council roles, community consultation, relevant expertise in various fields reduced and independent oversight removed, along with strategic planning for regional NSW to be dumped into a single plan relevant to development – enabling yet further loopholes to be rorted by developers and big corporate business.”
YOUR THOUGHTS: Would you like to see the old Tweed hospital used for aged care? Please share your thoughts and ideas via email: editor@ theweekly.net.au
and encourage cooperation. Music can be heard as the recorder group and school choir rehearse for community performance opportunities, building con dence and school spirit. Meanwhile, the dance group is enthusiastically preparing for its involvement in the upcoming Far North Coast Dance Festival, showcasing dedication and creativity.
The oval is always a hive of activity, with students enjoying football, soccer and cricket, while our youngest learners from Kindergarten to Year 2 make the most of the play equipment and sandpit.
At MPS, lunchtime is far more than a break in the day — it’s a time to explore interests, develop new skills and strengthen friendships in a supportive and engaging environment.
There are calls to use the old hospital site for aged care and essential service workers housing
Should we eradicate camphor laurel?
By Jonathon Howard
A HEATED debate is unfolding across the Tweed Shire over the future of camphor laurel trees, with Tweed Shire Councillor Kimberly Hone set to move a motion to remove the trees’ protection status and shift the focus from “management” to “eradication”.
Cr Hone argues the current approach to camphor laurel is inconsistent with advice from the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and the state’s expectation that invasive species be actively controlled and progressively removed.
On the ground, the scale of infestation is significant, says Cr Hone.
“Camphor laurel dominates or co-dominates more than 13 per cent of surveyed bushland in the Tweed and forms part of a broader 91,000-hectare infestation across the Tweed, Brunswick and Richmond River catchments,” she told The Weekly.
“Left unmanaged, the species spreads rapidly through high-rainfall floodplains and disturbed land, forming dense monocultures that crowd out native vegetation and threaten long-term landscape health.
“For landholders, the issue also carries an estimated $4.3 million in annual losses due to reduced productivity and ongoing control costs.”
Cr Hone said farmers and rural residents are concerned that existing policy risks protecting a species they are being asked to fight.
“As a councillor, I believe our responsibility is to face the reality of the threat, align our policy with DPI guidance and state expectations, and back practical, common-sense management that supports those caring for the land,” Cr Hone said.
“This is about protecting our environment, our rural economy and the future character of the Tweed — by listening to the people on the ground and acting before the problem grows beyond control.”
Council has previously responded to concerns about the camphor laurel, stating it recognises the risk invasive species pose to both the environment and the economy.
According to Council’s media team, the proposed amendments to the Tweed
Development Control Plan 2025 (DCP) do not increase protection of invasive weeds such as camphor laurel.
The DCP controls only apply to urban-zoned land and do not apply to clearing of vegetation on rural-zoned land associated with routine farming and land-management practices, which remain regulated by Local Land Services under the Local Land Services Act 2013.
“Council’s current DCP requires approval to remove very large trees on urban-zoned land, including non-native trees with a diameter of 80cm or
greater,” council said.
“The Draft Tweed DCP 2025 proposes reducing the size threshold for approval from 80cm to 40cm in urban areas, excluding invasive weeds such as camphor laurel where these trees are less than 100cm in diameter.”
Council’s spokesperson said trees in urban areas play a critical role in providing shade, improving air quality, absorbing carbon and rainfall, and cooling neighbourhoods.
However, critics say the response confirms their concerns.
NSW Farmers’ Far North Coast Branch chair Craig Huf has been vocal on the issue and said recognition alone does not resolve the problem.
“Recognising the issue of camphor’s impact on the environment and the burden on farmers in no way resolves it — it’s just empty words,” Mr Huf said.
“Council has a plan to protect these invasive species but no plan to remove or even control them.”
Mr Huf argues that while the proposed amendments may not increase protection, they
also do not remove it.
“It is our view that amendments should be focused on removal rather than preservation,” he said.
He also raised concerns about future land rezonings, noting that large tracts of rural land may be rezoned as conservation zones, which could see urban-planning controls applied.
“To suggest otherwise is simply misleading,” he said.
“We are not concerned with technicalities and measurement of the trees — be it 80cm or 100cm — the proposed
changes will make next to no difference.
“We are concerned that resources are being allocated for an invasive weed to be protected and there is no resource being allocated for a strategy, even long term, for their removal.”
YOUR THOUGHTS: Do you believe camphor laurel should be removed en masse, or could this impact council’s aim of providing vital shade, urban cooling and carbon sequestering? Share your thoughts and letters via email: editor@theweekly. net.au
Camphor laurel a pest or useful heat suppressor?
by Jo Kennett
Local domestic violence shock
AS THE Tweed prepares to celebrate International Women’s Day this week, it’s come as a shock to some readers that violence against women remains a major issue for the shire.
Tweed Police released alarming numbers of domestic violence taking place in homes across the Northern Rivers.
In fact, 12 people were charged with 28 domestic violence related offences alone, including:six charges for assault, four charges for stalking or intimidation, four charges for using a carriage service to threaten or harass, three charges for assaulting, hindering, resisting, and intimidating police, three charges for intentionally choking, three charges for contravening apprehended violence orders, two charges for destroying property, and one charge for sexual touching.
Police said a 43-year-old male was arrested and charged with two outstanding warrants, six domestic violence and assaulting police offences in Murwillumbah. He failed to appear at the Murwillumbah Local Court and warrants were issued for his apprehension.
Shortly after he appeared at the courthouse and breached the conditions of an apprehended violence order by allegedly making threats.
He was located by police nearby and resisted arrest before he was subsequently restrained after a violent struggle with police.
He remains in custody and will appear at the Tweed Heads Local Court on June 30.
Meanwhile, in another domestic violence case, a 43-year-old man from Victoria was arrested and charged with do-
mestic violence assault and the intentional choking of a 70-year-old woman at Upper Crystal Creek.
He was refused bail by police and given conditional bail by the Parramatta Bail Court to next appear at the Tweed Heads Local Court on March 9.
After being released he was arrested and charged the same day in Surfers Paradise.
He subsequently travelled to Victoria where he was apprehended by police upon his arrival in Melbourne for four outstanding warrants and he remains in police custody.
The report posted online by Tweed Police, resulted in a range of responses and plenty of praise for the officers working at the frontline.
“It’s a jungle out there,” one person said.
“All the DV offences, if they breach an AVO especially with violence then lock them up, no bail, and each time they do
it the sentence increases, you can’t kill or harm them from prison, keeps those at risk of harm safe and free’s up police resources,” another person responded online.
“Thank you for all that you do,” several people commented, while others were appalled that offendors often get out.
“Interesting..look how many times police are opposing bail but the courts grant it. Just for some to reoffend,” one person responded to the police post.
“Those stats are always worrying especially DV. Great Police try to keep community safe shame the court system can’t do the same.”
“Thankyou to our dedicated police.
“The Bail courts should be ashamed of themselves!
“Shocking looking at it all but I’m especially appalled at the extent of domestic violence!”
Shots fired, stolen tractor crashed
THIRTY-SEVEN PEOPLE
were arrested and charged at Tweed Heads and Byron Bay Police Stations between February 19 and 25, with one man arrested after stealing a gun and firing shots and crashing an allegedly stolen tractor.
A 29-year-old male from Uki was arrested and charged with nine offences after breaking into multiple dwellings in Mount Burrell and interacting with the residents.
At one address he allegedly took firearms from a gun safe and discharged one of them.
Both firearms have since been recovered by police.
At the same address he took a tractor and crashed it on the property. The man was arrested and will next appear at the Tweed Heads Local Court on March 9.
Woman charged with vape sales
A 28-year-old female from Kingscliff was charged with selling vapes from a tobacconist in Byron Bay.
These items are only permitted under law to be dispensed
by an authorised pharmacy. She is due to appear at the Byron Bay Local Court on March 23.
In addition, twenty-one people were charged with traffic-related offences, some for multiple offences.
There were nine charges for drink driving or failing to submit to a breath test.
There were two charges for driving under the influence of drugs, five charges for driving whilst suspended, four charges for driving whilst disqualified, and one charge for police pursuits or failing to stop.
Six people were charged with property offences, some for multiple offences, including one person charged with shoplifting, one with break/enter and stealing on multiple premises and two people charged with taking and driving a motor vehicle without the consent of the owner.
Two people were charged for possessing goods suspected of being stolen, one with possessing stolen number plates and three people were charged with possessing prohibited drugs.
Hundreds of online comments have praised local police for their action
Man drowns at Kingy
BEACHGOERS ARE being warned to be aware of ocean conditions before entering the water, after a man died after being pulled from the water at Kingscliff on Tuesday, February 24.
Emergency services were called to Kingscliff Beach at around 4pm, about two hours after high tide, following reports a man had gone missing in the water.
Tweed Heads Marine Area
Command officers searched the area with the assistance of the Westpac Helicopter.
A short time later, police retrieved the man, commenced
first aid, and transported him to the Water Police Station.
NSW Ambulance paramedics assessed the man; however, he died at the scene. While yet to be formally identified, the man is believed to be aged in his 50s.
A recent report analysed three coastal drowning incidents along the Far North Coast.
All occurred under easterly quadrant swell (ESE–ENE).
Moderate surf heights (0.6–1.8 m) combined with perpendicular swell approach and tidal movement created rip-favourable conditions.
The swell direction was identified as the primary environmental common factor across all cases.
The man went missing in the surf nearly two hours after the tide started running out, which can make conditions more dangerous, and the swell was from the east, which the analysis found to be a primary cause of the three coastal drownings.
Police have commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident and will prepare a report for the Coroner.
Who’s flogging flags?
AN AUSTRALIAN flag has been stolen from a surf club at Kingscliff for the third time in recent months.
The flag (pictured right) was taken from the pole in front of Cudgen Headland Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) on Tuesday night, February 24. It was the second in a month someone has stolen the Australian flag from the flagpole on the verandah of the surf club.
“We now have a flagpole near the statues where we can fly all three national flags on occasions (most recently Australia Day) but who would risk flying any flags while this is going on,” Cudgen Headland SLSC’s
David Field said.
“The flag has flown from the pole for years without problem and now someone has decided to make it their mission to steal it just days after it was replaced.”
David said each flag cost $80.
“Justine Elliott, as our MHR (Member of the House of Representatives, federal parliament), does donate all three flags - the Aussie, the Aboriginal and the Torres Strait Islander flag - but we have actually had three Aussie ones stolen and two in the last month.
“We flew all three on the new
flagpole on Australia Day.
“The flag has flown for years without incident and now (it’s been stolen) three times in a few months.
“Flags were taken from the flagpole each time.
“It means someone needs to bring the flag in each night and put it up each morning.”
Footy player critically injured
By Jo Kennett
A YOUNG rugby league player is in an induced coma after breaking his back in a trial rugby league game between the Burleigh Bears and his former team the Tweed Heads Seagulls at Piggabeen Oval on Saturday, February 21, and remains in a critical condition.
Rising star Jacek McLaurin had only recently signed with the Bears, the Bron co’s feeder club, to play in the QRL Queensland Hostplus Cup, and had just come off the bench when he was injured in the trial game after being tackled and landing on his head.
The match was abandoned while he was airlifted to Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital, where he remains in an induced coma in Intensive Care.
Queensland Rugby League (QRL) issued a statement saying they would be provid ing support to both those involv on‑site doctor immediately treated a Burleigh player when play was paused during the second half of the match at Piggabeen,” a Queensland Rugby League (QRL) spokes person said.
“The game did not continue as the doc tor and additional qualified club personnel attended to the player until an ambulance arrived at the ground.
“He was flown to hospital, where he is currently receiving the highest standard of care and support from medical profes sionals. The QRL acknowledges the level of professionalism and care displayed by all who were at the ground.”
Bears chief executive Damien Driscoll also praised the medical team.
‘We have an outstanding medical team and they were first on the scene, quite
quickly, and did a tremendous job in a difficult situation,’ Driscoll said.
Jacek was supposed to be flying to Las Vegas with the Titans of Coal rugby league team to play in the 2026 Vegas 9s Men’s Community Division in late February.
The Titans of Coal posted online before the accident saying they were “fired up” to welcome Jacek back.
“A game breaking, explosive centre/full back, Jacek is the type of player who can change a match in a single play. Powerful, fast and fearless and has genuinely played almost everywhere across the backline,” the club posted.
The Seagulls released a statement saying they were deeply saddened by Jacek’s inju ry and sent their thoughts to their former player, “his family and everyone affected.”
Jacek, known to his mates as Yak, also played centre with the Cudgen Hornets in 2024, who posted their condolences.
“Yesterday our mate Yak, a former Cud gen Hornet, suffered an injury on the field. Yak is a quality player and an even better bloke, always up for a chat and always there for his mates. Everyone at the Cud gen Hornets is sending Yak and his family our love and positive thoughts.”
His brother Hamish posted an update on Jacek’s condition the day after the game.
“My dear brother @jacekmclaurin has broken his back playing footy. He’s in a critical condition in Brisbane hospital. He has had one surgery already and will have another soon. He will be in an induced coma for a few days.
“We are hopeful for some good news, but the harsh reality with these injuries is that it never usually ends well.”
Jacek’s best mate, Dolphins star Jack Bostock, who the Bears player recently
holidayed with in Bali, revealed Jacek had fractured his C4 and C5 vertebrae.
Family sent an update on Jacek’s condi tion on Wednesday, February 26, saying Jacek “successfully underwent surgery to stabilise his spine. He remains in an induced coma however his condition is stable.” On March 2 they said he had suc cessfully undergone several surgeries and doctors were still waiting for the swelling to go down to assess his injuries.
The Brisbane Broncos put out a state ment saying they “are keeping Jacek Mc Laurin in our thoughts and send our full support to him, his family and his team mates at our affiliate partner, the Burleigh Bears, at this incredibly difficult time.
“From everyone at the Broncos, we are wishing Jacek and those closest to him strength, courage and hope.”
Jacek played for the Cudgen Hornets in 2024
Tweed Link
Lightweight and easy to manoeuvre, the wheelchair is designed for fun both in and out of the water.
New self service beach wheelchair increases access at Jack Evans Boat Harbour
A new self‑service beach wheelchair is now available at Jack Evans Boat Harbour’s Central Beach, offering greater accessibility for people with disabilities.
The Hippocampe all‑terrain beach wheelchair is available free of charge and is designed for use on sand, pathways and in the water. The chair can be booked through Council’s Bookable system and is available 7 days a week. It is suitable for both adults and children, ensuring everyone can enjoy the harbour.
After the online booking, the new beach wheelchair is collected from a secure storage unit rather than through staffed collection points, providing more flexibility for users and their carers. As with all Council beach access equipment, an assistant or carer is required for safe use. This person must be a capable, water‑confident adult who can assist with safe transfers and provide guidance and support at all times. A life jacket is essential and must be supplied
by the user.
The launch follows International Wheelchair Day on 1 March, a global celebration of mobility, accessibility and the contributions of wheelchair users. The timing highlights Council’s ongoing work to improve access in line with the Tweed Access and Inclusion Plan, which guides improvements to infrastructure, facilities and community participation.
This initiative has been developed by Tweed Shire Council in partnership with the Equal Access Advisory Committee and an Access Consultant. Their feedback has helped ensure the water area is more accessible for everyone, while addressing challenges such as tidal changes and sand movement at the site.
For more information about Council’s beach wheelchairs, visit: Accessibility services | Tweed Shire Council.
To book the beach wheelchair at Jack Evans Boat Harbour, visit: Beach Wheelchair – Jack Evans Boat Harbour | Bookable Tweed Shire Council
Have your say on upgrades at Cudgen Recreation Reserve
Cudgen Recreation Reserve, located next to Cudgen Public School, is set for an upgrade to create safer, more modern and welcoming facilities.
Many of the reserve’s existing features are ageing or worn, and Council is planning to replace or improve the toilets, multi‑use court and cricket nets.
A draft concept plan has been prepared for the upgrade, including 2 options for car parking. Council is inviting the community to provide feedback before the design is finalised and construction begins.
The upgrade will retain the reserve’s current uses, with no major changes to how the facilities operate. Planned improvements include a new toilet block and accessible pathway, new cricket nets, a multi‑use court for tennis and basketball, shade tree and seating considerations, accessible parking options and a rebound wall for ball sports.
The much‑loved Norfolk pines along the road will remain. Due to funding limits, play equipment, additional school car parking and lighting upgrades are not included in this stage of works.
Community feedback gathered during consultation in 2020 has already helped shape the project. With
funding now secured, the upgrades are ready to progress.
The draft concept plan is available to review, with community feedback open from 4 March until 4 pm on 1 April 2026.
To view the proposed plans and have your say, visit yoursaytweed.com.au/cudgen‑reserve
Council trivia
Did you get last week's question right?
Answer: True!
Each year, Council receives between 50 and 150 resident requests for new trees in nature strips. Before planting, Council arborists check underground services and nearby infrastructure, then suitable locations are scheduled for planting in winter. By working together, we can grow Tweed’s urban tree canopy and increase shade across our neighbourhoods. Once trees are planted, we ask residents to help care for them so they can become well established.
Think your street needs a tree?
Visit: tweed.nsw.gov.au/trees‑public‑land
Read the next week's edition for a new question.
Thank you for being part of our everyday
Learn more at tweed.nsw.gov.au/part of your everyday
In brief ...
Need help with your energy bills? Visit our Power Pop‑up Stall next week
As part of Seniors Week, Council staff will be available to help you understand your energy bills, review your current electricity plan and check if you’re eligible for rebates.
Accredited home energy assessor and experienced solar installer Seb Crangle will be available on Tuesday 10 March to provide advice on solar, batteries and electric vehicles.
Event: 10 am – 2 pm Tuesday 10 and Wednesday 11 March Tweed City Shopping Centre, opposite Mathers Shoes
Drop in any time — no bookings required. Please bring along a recent electricity bill. Learn more at tweed.nsw.gov.au/saving‑energy
Centre next week.
Stay up to date on Murwillumbah multi‑storey car park repairs
Repair works are underway at the Murwillumbah multi‑storey car park, which was damaged by fire in December 2023.
Access to the car park will be reduced throughout the project, with full closures required at times. Council is asking the community to follow safety signage, allow extra time when travelling through the area and plan ahead for alternative parking when needed.
To stay informed, check the current planned works page at tweed.nsw.gov.au/roadworks. Updates will be posted there as works progress.
Thank you for your patience as we complete these essential repairs and work to restore full access to the facility.
Cudgen Recreation Reserve is set for an upgrade to improve facilities for the local community.
Review your current electricity plan with Council staff at Tweed City Shopping
Tweed Shire Council wishes to acknowledge the Ngandowal and Minyungbal speaking people of the Bundjalung Country, in particular the Goodjinburra, Tul-gi-gin and Moorung – Moobah clans, as being the traditional owners and custodians of the land and waters within the Tweed Shire boundaries. Council also acknowledges and respects the Tweed Aboriginal community’s right to speak for its Country and to care for its traditional Country in accordance with its lore, customs and traditions.
Remember: only flush the 3Ps
Each year, Council removes around 156 tonnes of bathroom and kitchen waste from the Tweed’s wastewater network.
Council’s Acting Manager Water and Wastewater –Business and Assets, Elizabeth Seidl, said the biggest issues come from items that do not break down the way toilet paper does.
“The rule for toilets is simple: only flush the 3Ps –pee, poo and (toilet) paper,” Ms Seidl said.
“What you flush down the toilet or pour down the drain, whether at home or at work, has a big impact on our sewerage systems and your own plumbing.
“When you flush the wrong thing down the toilet, or pour the wrong thing down the sink, it builds up in our wastewater network and can cause serious blockages, damage and sewage overflows.
“Beyond the environmental damage this can cause, it also leads to unnecessary expenses for Council and Tweed ratepayers.”
Never flush:
• wipes (even those labelled “flushable”)
• tissues
• paper towels
• cotton buds
• dental floss
• nappies
• condoms
• tampons or pads
Never pour down the sink:
• fats, oils or grease — these can combine with un‑flushables to form fatbergs, leading to blockages and overflows.
Put food scraps in your green‑lid bin so Council can turn them into compost, and never pour medicines or chemicals down the drain.
Find out what’s safe to go down your toilet and sink at tweed.nsw.gov.au/only‑flush‑the‑3ps
Proposed Classification of Land
In pursuance of section 34 of the Local Government Act, 1993, Council proposes to classify proposed Lot 11 in the plan of subdivision of Lot 10 in DP1071301 as Operational Land.
A period of twenty eight days from the date of this notice is allowed for any person to lodge a written submission to the proposed classification:
Mail: General Manager, Tweed Shire Council, PO Box 816, Murwillumbah 2484.
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
FABS (Fun Activities Banora Seniors)
As part of the Seniors Festival, the Banora Point Community Centre will host an Open Day showcasing the wide range of activities offered by FABS (Fun Activities Banora Seniors). Drop in to explore what’s available, meet the groups and try something new.
Activities on offer include gentle exercise, chair yoga, Stretch Your Mind, card playing, crochet, Mah Jong, art and Singing for Fun.
• Friday 6 March 10 am ‑ 3 pm.
Free event ‑ bookings not required
• Banora Point Community Centre
Cnr Leisure & Woodland Drive
There are more than 40 events happening across the Tweed Seniors Festival from 2–15 March. Find the full program at: Tweed Seniors Festival | Tweed Shire Council
Notice of Adoption
Tweed Shire Development Control Plan Section A3 –Development of flood liable land
Under clauses 2(1) and 2(2) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021 notice is hereby given that Council resolved on 12 February 2026 to adopt Tweed Shire Development Control Plan Section A3 – Development of Flood Liable Land.
Section A3 applies to all flood liable land within the Shire of Tweed.
Section A3 provides an update of flood planning controls to help ensure that new homes and buildings are built above known flood levels, with a lower risk of flooding and greater resilience to climate change.
The aims of this section of the DCP are to:
• Present the planning and development related components of Council's Flood Mitigation Strategy;
• Set detailed standards for land development in order to minimise the adverse effect of flooding on existing and future communities
• Progressively implement the provisions of the NSW Flood Risk Management Manual (2023)
• Implement Tweed Shire Council’s various Floodplain Risk Management Plan Recommendations, and
• Implement the Flood Risk Management Policy and Interim Flood Planning Levels Policy
The document can also be viewed on Council’s website at www.tweed.nsw.gov.au
Proposed Classification of Land
Tweed Shire Council is in the process of acquiring proposed Lot 560 in a proposed plan of Subdivision of Lot 440 in DP1320227 at Kings Forest Estate for a drainage reserve.
Council proposes to resolve to classify the lot as Operational land in accordance with the provisions of section 31(2) of the Local Government Act 1993.
The lot is outlined in yellow in the diagram shown below:
A period of twenty‑eight days from the date of this notice is allowed for any person to lodge a written submission to the proposed classification.
Mail: General Manager, Tweed Shire Council, PO Box 816, Murwillumbah 2484
Email propertyofficer@tweed.nsw.gov.au
WATER WEEK 6
Have your say
Add your voice to decision making in the Tweed
Cudgen Recreation Reserve
Council is planning upgrades at Cudgen Recreation Reserve (next to Cudgen Public School) to improve toilets, the multi‑ use court, cricket nets and other community facilities. A draft concept plan is now open for feedback.
Have your say
Go online, find out more and share your feedback by 4pm on 1 April 2026 in one of the following ways:
Your input will help shape the future of this much‑loved reserve. Council confidentiality policy: On request, any submission including identifying particulars will be made public. Council will give consideration to the ‘Public Interest’ and requests for confidentiality however, the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 may require confidential submissions to be released to an applicant
Help us make decisions with you Register at yoursaytweed.com.au
Development application determinations
Notification of development application determinations for the purposes of Section 4.59 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (as amended).
Application details
Approved
DA26/0023 ‑ Single dwelling and shed
Lot 66 DP 755748, No. 1 Back Creek Road, Back Creek
DA25/0455 ‑ Patio roof
Lot 530 DP 857005, No. 31 Avondale Drive, Banora Point
DA25/0467 ‑ Attached carport forward of the building line and 1.8m front boundary fence
Lot 1 SP 47733, Unit 1/No. 204 Darlington Drive, Banora Point
DA26/0027 ‑ Construction of an attached fly‑over roof
Lot 927 DP 877658, No. 30 Riversdale Boulevard, Banora Point
DA25/0466 ‑ Carport
Lot 437 DP 31998, No. 176 Peninsula Drive, Bilambil Heights
DA25/0571 ‑ Demolition of existing dwelling and relocation of an existing dwelling to site and alterations and additions
Lot A DP 403665, No. 6090 Tweed Valley Way, Burringbar
DA25/0613 ‑ Two ‑storey dwelling
Lot 12 DP 1295758, No. 77 Bowen Loop, Cudgen
DA25/0408 ‑ Detached dual occupancy and two swimming pools
Lot 4 DP 1295758, No. 93 Bowen Loop, Cudgen
DA25/0548 ‑ Attached dual occupancy with two in‑ ground swimming pools
Lot 10 DP 1291087, No. 88A Cylinders Drive, Kingscliff
DA25/0562 ‑ Change of use of an existing detached studio to secondary dwelling
Lot 253 DP 1033384, No. 21 Muskheart Circuit, Pottsville
DA25/0501 ‑ House removal/demolition
Lot 1 DP 340526, No. 70 Wardrop Street, South Murwillumbah
DA25/0627 ‑ Dwelling with attached garage, associated earthworks and retaining, driveway access
Lot 402 DP 1252575, No. 9 Altitude Boulevard, Terranora
DA25/0343 ‑ Construction of a 9‑storey residential flat building
Lot IDP 7219, No. 5 Boundary Lane, Tweed Heads
DA26/0017 ‑ Advertising sign
Lot 1 DP 525413, No. 34 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads
DA25/0519 ‑ Shed
Lot 1 DP 869745, No. 39 Meadow Place, Uki
tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au
Check when your water meter is read at tweed.nsw.gov.au/meter reading
The above development determinations are available for public inspection free of charge at the Planning and Regulation Division, Murwillumbah Civic Centre, during ordinary office hours or viewed on Council’s DA Tracking site located at datracker.tweed.nsw.gov.au
Women in Construction Week
By Jo Kennett
IT’S WOMEN in Construction Week and new data shows the critical role women are playing in the construction industry, helping grow the skilled workforce needed to deliver homes, infrastructure and major projects, including women working in the Tweed.
The number of females in NSW enrolling in construction trades courses more than doubled in the five years to 2025.
Among them is Hayley Miles, a qualified carpenter and TAFE NSW Kingscliff graduate, who is part of the 12 per cent of women working in the construction industry in Tweed.
The 41-year-old, Murwillumbah resident, worked as a hairdresser for thirteen years before she pursued her passion for woodwork.
“I come from a family of tradies so choosing to become a carpenter was never that surprising,” said Hayley.
“Changing careers mid-life to work in a male dominated industry was challenging but I’m pleased I did it.
“I started a carpentry and joinery apprenticeship down in Melbourne; I was building sets there for entertainment venues, films and arenas.
“We packed them down and got to travel around Australia and overseas to install them which was pretty cool.” After the COVID lockdown Hayley decided to move home to the Northern Rivers and started her apprenticeship again with her brother who runs RMC (Robbie Miles Custom Build).
“I loved it,” Hayley, who was the only female on site, said.
“I learned heaps, mixing with all the trades.” Hayley spent one day a week for three years studying carpentry at Kingscliff.
“”I really enjoyed TAFE at Kingy,” Hayley said.
“There was one other young girl in the class and the teachers and staff were great.
“Since graduating from TAFE NSW Kingscliff, I’ve started my own business, Hells Bells Carpentry (she’s a mad ACDC fan) doing small renovations, kitchens, decking etc.”
Hayley was visiting Tweed River Timbers, who specialise in giving new life to salvaged timber, buying supplies one day when boss Peter Sutton offered her a job. She took up his offer.
“We work with camphor laurel a lot and I get to turn it into products like kitchen benches, panelling and cabinetry,” Hayley said.
“It’s sustainable and it’s all locally sourced which is really cool.
“I started part-time but really fell in love with working here and now I’m full-time.”
Hayley’s boss Peter said she is up there with the best workers he has ever had.
“She is really capable at what she does and she’s super organised,” Peter said.
“She’s got great people skills, great attention to detail and she’s just the whole package.”
Hayley said she is proof there’s no gender or age barrier to becoming a tradie.
“By working hard and being assertive, your skills and reputation can take you anywhere,” she said.
“We are creating more space for women in these industries. Women are saying, “I want to do that” and they do.”
TAFE NSW Executive Director of Teaching and Learning in Construction and Energy, Jennifer Perkins, a qualified electrician by trade, said increasing female participation was strengthening both the culture and capability of worksites.
“TAFE NSW is training the majority of women entering construction-based trades in the Northern Rivers, and increasing female participation isn’t just important, it’s essential to meeting industry demand and growing the
workforce,” Ms Perkins said.
strengthens teams, boosts produc tivity and supports the long-term future of the industry.”
TAFE and Tertiary Edu cation, Steve Whan said increasing female par ticipation in the trades was key to building a resilient, future-ready workforce for New South Wales.
“The construction industry needs more skilled workers, and supporting more women to enter, train and thrive in the
“TAFE NSW is supporting more women to train and succeed in trade-based jobs, proving that gender should er to pursuing a rewarding,
TAFE NSW Kingscliff graduate Hayley Miles at Tweed River Timbers
Exciting book launch
By Jonathon Howard
AN EXCITING new voice in young adult fantasy novels is emerging from the Tweed Shire with local author Gill Summerville launching his debut novel Valon’s Adventure on Tuesday, March 2.
The book, published by Hembury Books, is the first instalment in the Dragonhome series, a heartwarming and imaginative saga that follows a family of tiny dragons navigating life in the human world.
Invisible to adults but clearly seen by children, the dragons form unlikely friendships as they face everyday challenges such as schoolyard bullies to environmental dangers and the uncertainties of growing up.
“At its heart, Valon’s Adventure is a story about resilience, empathy and living in the moment,” according to Mr Summerville. He said the idea for Dragonhome was born from a desire to capture the wonder of childhood while exploring deeper life lessons.
“Children have this extraordinary ability to see magic where adults often see routine,” Mr Summerville (pictured right) said.
“I wanted to create a story where that sense of wonder isn’t imaginary — it’s real, and it matters.”
The story gently tackles themes of belonging and courage, while encouraging readers to focus less on worrying about the future and more on appreciating the present.
“Valon’s Adventure is about recognising that what makes us different can also be what connects us,” he told The Weekly.
“It’s about love, resilience and the bonds that form when we truly see one another.”
Mr Summerville’s imaginative storytelling draws heavily on a life filled with adventure and creative pursuits.
He has fished for piranha in the Amazon, swum alongside sharks and crocodiles, and
trekked across Machu Picchu, Easter Island and Stonehenge.
His creative résumé is equally rich having attended Broadway shows and performed in 40 stage musicals as an actor, singer and support cast member.
He also co-wrote and released an album that reached the finals of the Tamworth National Country Songwriting Contest.
Beyond the stage, he spent 20 years running a flower farm and devoted a decade to studying yoga, eventually becoming an ordained swami — experiences that have shaped both his worldview and his writing.
“Travel, music, farming, yoga — they’ve all taught me something about connection,” he said.
“That sense of connection between people, nature and the unseen world flows directly into Dragonhome.
“I hope both children and adults walk away feeling a little more open, a little more curious.
“There’s magic around us all the time — sometimes we just need to remember how to see it.”
Valon’s Adventure was launched on March 2 and is available online by searching the title.
Paramedics welcomed
PARAMEDICS were welcomed to the Tweed Shire on Saturday, February 28, as part of a state-wide effort from the Minns Labor Government to boost regional and rural health response times.
The deployment forms part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to recruit 500 additional paramedics for regional, rural and remote areas across NSW.
An additional 125 paramedics will begin working across regional NSW in the coming months as the third intake under the Regional 500 program.
They join 250 paramedics already on the road, strengthening frontline services in communities where demand continues to grow.
Paramedics have already commenced in Grafton, with further recruits starting in Gunnedah, Tea Gardens and Tweed Heads from February 28.
The Minns Labor Government is also investing $10 million into health worker housing for paramedics in regional NSW as part of the $200.1 million Key Health Worker Accommodation program.
NSW Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said the investment ensures equitable care across the state.
“This boost to the paramedic workforce ensures patients right across NSW continue to receive the highest quality emergency medical care, regardless of where they live,” Minister Park said.
“We are rebuilding our emergency health services by investing in our paramedics.
“Our commitment to recruit 500 regional paramedics is already helping deliver worldclass emergency care to regional and rural communities.
“We know how critical timely healthcare is, and these new roles will help improve outcomes for patients and their families.”
Secretary of Health Services Union NSW Gerard Hayes welcomed the additional support.
“These additional paramedics are welcome news not only for our regional communities, but also the existing NSW Ambulance staff who are critically important to these areas outside our cities,” he said.
“By investing in more paramedics, the Minns Labor Government is also investing in the wellbeing of our crews on the ground, allowing them to continue doing amazing, life saving work to the highest standard.”
NEW
Gill's new book is out now
Music for recovery
By Rada Campbell
FIDDLING SPIRIT filled the Murwillumbah auditorium earlier this week when Fiddle Faddle featured in the launch of the Tweed Seniors Festival.
The much-loved old-time string band was part of the official program at the Civic & Cultural Centre on Tumbulgum Road on March 2, bringing banjos, fiddles, ukuleles, bass, guitars, washboards and even a pair of cow ribs known as “the bones” to the celebration.
The group has around 25 members, with about 15 performing at any one time. They specialise in old-time music, a traditional folk style closely related to bluegrass, with roots stretching back centuries.
Co-leader Phil Eizenberg, Tweed Shire Senior Ambassador 2025, helped establish the band alongside founder Louise Bally. Both have nurtured the community group since 2017.
For Leonie Schwarzel, who plays banjo, guitar and bones, the band represents far more than music. Ten years ago, she suffered a cerebral haemorrhage.
“I lost coordination and fine motor movement on my right side,” she told The Weekly. Her neurologist prescribed something unexpected as part of her rehabilitation.
“He said, ‘I am prescribing playing as much music as you possibly can.’”
Music, he explained, is one of the most powerful ways to rebuild neural pathways.
Leonie had only taken up guitar later in life as she transitioned into retirement. After her stroke, she leaned into it fully.
When she moved to Dum Dum nine years ago, settling into the 109-year-old former schoolhouse on two acres, she searched for a musical outlet and found Fiddle Faddle.
“It suddenly became accessible,” she said.
The group, largely made up of seniors, welcomes beginners and seasoned players alike. Many members began their musical journeys in retirement.
Within weeks, Leonie became the band’s administrator.
Since then, Fiddle Faddle has performed at agricultural shows, Christmas carols and community ceremonies. The band operates as a not-for-profit and raises funds for local causes including Wedge-Tail Palace, donating more than $900 last year. They have also walked and played through town to raise awareness for prostate cancer.
“It’s all about community, staying active and challenging yourself as you get older,” Leonie said.
Music remains central to her life. Her 99-yearold mother lives locally in aged care, where Leonie regularly plays piano and leads singalongs. For Tweed residents in their 50s, 60s or 70s wondering whether to pick up an instrument again, her message is simple. “It’s never too late. The brain is neuroplastic. You don’t know what doors will open.”
Fiddle Faddle meets Thursdays from 10am to noon at the CWA Hall, Queen Street, Murwillumbah. To learn more or book the band, contact Phil Eizenberg on 0418 436 172.
Fiddle Faddle Old Time Community Group
Budd & Piper
Solicitors and Conveyancers
Serving the people of the Gold Coast & Northern NSW since 1927
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
Going strong at 100
By Jonathon Howard
THERE WAS a special celebration at Bolton Clarke Darlington Retirement Village in Banora Point last week as Laurie McMillan marked his 100th birthday.
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
Friends, family and fellow residents gathered for a special happy hour on Wednesday, February 25, to honour a man whose story has become woven into the fabric of the village community.
Laurie is only the second person in the village’s history to reach 100 while still living independently, which is a remarkable achievement that reflects his resilience and enduring zest for life.
Close friends of Laurie and residents Rita Lindsay, Margaret Mathers, Jeannie Johnson and Ken Staines helped The Weekly compile the following report.
Having moved to Darlington in late 2007 with his late wife Gwen, Laurie quickly became a central figure in village life.
“Within two months of arriving from Sydney to support their son Paul and grandchildren Danny and Ellie, both Laurie and Gwen had volunteered for the residents’ committee,” Rita said, reading from her prepared speech.
“Laurie stepped into the role of president, while Gwen served as secretary.”
Rita said one of Laurie’s early responsibilities was acting as a “meet and greet” ambassador for new residents, personally welcoming them and encouraging participation in activities.
“At a time when dozens of cottages were being filled in quick succession, he became known as the village’s “everywhere man,” she said.
“Over the years, Laurie helped foster a vibrant social calendar filled with dancing, singing, movies, pool, bowls, social nights and tai chi.
“When the original tai chi coordinator stepped
Beyond the village, Laurie and Gwen were active in their local church community and shared a deep love of music, dancing and movies — a tradition Laurie continues today.
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down, Laurie volunteered to lead the group himself — a role he continued in for about eight years.
Member for Tweed Geoff Provest attended Laurie's special 100th birthday celebrations. Lower image: He might have turned 100 but Laurie's still quick to the draw
Music in her bones
By Rada Campbell
AT 90 years old, Betty of Nunderi is still line dancing twice a week, still playing nine holes of golf and still moving through life with a rhythm that began in a tiny country town nearly a century ago.
Born in 1936 in Stroud, Betty grew up in a convict-built house her grandfather once owned. Her parents ran the local store. She remembers sneaking biscuits from tins, catching beetles under the streetlights and roaming without fear.
“It was a wonderful life,” she told The Weekly.
But at just 10 years old, her world shifted. In 1946, her mother made the brave decision to leave an abusive marriage, taking Betty and her sister by train to Singleton to begin again.
“Mum worked her heart out,” Betty said. “She never drove a car. She walked everywhere. She brought us up so well.”
Music never left her. Her parents played for country dances, and as children Betty and her sister would lie on benches in local halls, half asleep while fiddles and accordions carried on into the night.
“Music’s always been in my head,” she said. “I’ve got music in me.”
That music found new form in 1993 when a friend showed her the steps to line dancing during a golfing trip. Betty was hooked. Since then, she has danced at venues across the Tweed, from Murwillumbah and Condong to Burringbar and beyond.
Teachers have come and gone, but the dancers have kept it alive themselves.
“When we lose a teacher, one of us says, ‘We can’t stop dancing. I’ll do it,’” Betty said.
For her, it is far more than exercise.
“It’s everything, the movement, the music, the camaraderie,” she said. “If someone hasn’t been for a while, we ask why. Everybody cares about everybody.”
Even COVID could not stop her. When venues
closed, Betty invited the group to dance in her carport. They moved tables aside, played music on an iPad and shared coffee and biscuits.
Last year, shingles kept her off the floor for three months. Now back dancing after Christmas, she has learned to pace herself. She watches the instructions seated, then stands to dance. She avoids too many turns.
“You’ve got to adjust your mind and your body,” she said. “As soon as the music starts, your feet just do it.”
She laughs when she turns the wrong way in a routine. “We call that a variation,” she said.
Betty believes dancing keeps her memory sharp, her reflexes quick and her spirit young. It keeps loneliness at bay. It keeps community close. On Saturdays, after dancing, her daughter picks her up and they head to Tumbulgum for coffee and lemon meringue pie.
So, what’s next?
“More dancing,” she said simply. “As long as I can.”
In the Tweed, where community still gathers in halls and music still matters, Betty is living proof that resilience can shape a life, and that at 90, joy can still move to the rhythm in your bones.
Betty, 90, at her Nunderi home where music and memories fill the walls
Healthy Living for Seniors Senior Health Expo Pottsville
FRIDAY 6 MARCH 2026
9AM
2026 Health & Wellness Expo
By Jo Kennett
THE POTTSVILLE and District Men’s Shed is holding its 2026 Health and Wellness Expo on Friday, March 6, at the Pottsville Beach Community Hall, to help connect seniors to support.
The expo is part of the NSW Government sponsored and Tweed Shire Council supported 2026 Seniors Festival and will run from 9am to 2pm.
The event is being held indoors at the hall to avoid interruption from weather that caused two cancellations in 2025.
The hall is located on Tweed Coast Road near the oval so it is quite central and there is parking available.
The aim of the expo is to help the local community to connect with service organisations, health care providers, clubs, and government bodies; all of which are important to the health and wellness of community members.
Exhibitors include Sharp Eyes Optometry, Sunshine Hearing, Pottsville Central Medical
Practice, Ramsay Pharmacy, Sun Doctors, Lane Chiropractic, Wellness Wayfinder, Jessica Hunter Nurse Specialist, Amber Conn Occupational Therapist, Sleep Healthcare Australia, Pottsville Tennis Club, Pottsville Fishing Club, Pottsville Bowls Club, Croquet Club, Pottsville Pickleball, Community Transport, Together Pottsville, SES, Volunteer Rescue, Pottsville Community Association, Australian Unity, Lions Club, BUPA, Mongrel Men, Tweed Prostate Support Group, Red Cross, Gamble Aware, Dovida Homecare, Meals on Wheels, Service NSW, Service Australia, Wellways, Rural Adversity Mental Health, Carers NSW, Seniors Rights, Healthy Aging and Tweed Shire Council. Pottsville Men’s Shed is more than just the workshops they run and the group is also looking to recruit new members who may have administrative and management skills. They are always looking for places in their management and sub committees and say “there are so many other opportunities for members to use their skills.”
Owner of
With over 38 years in the beauty industry, Kathy Ward has dedicated her career to helping women look and feel their best. As the owner of The Cosmetic Tattoo & Beauty Bar, she has built a thriving business known for its expert cosmetic tattooing, standard and advanced beauty treatments, and unwavering commitment to client care. Kathy’s passion extends beyond beauty - she is deeply committed to empowering women with confidence and self-expression. Whether enhancing natural features through precision tattooing or offering personalized beauty services, she ensures every client leaves feeling their absolute best. Her business is built on the core principles of honesty, trust, and integrity, creating a welcoming space where clients feel valued and respected.
Supported by two talented, local, female staff members, Kathy has fostered a team that shares her dedication to excellence. Together, they provide a professional yet nurturing environment where women can relax and rejuvenate.
Proudly based in Murwillumbah, Kathy loves being part of the local community, connecting with clients, and contributing to the region’s vibrant small business network. Her dedication to quality, ongoing education, and industry-leading techniques has made The Cosmetic Tattoo and Beauty Bar a trusted name in our beauty industry.
massage, electrolysis, IPL, RF, Waxing,
Women in Business
Q: What is a challenge you have overcome in life or business that you can give other women advice on ?
Kathy Ward
The Cosmetic Tattoo and Beauty
Being married 35 years, raising triplets, and running businesses wasn’t glamorous. It was exhausting at times. I had to learn that I couldn’t do everything perfectly — and that was okay. The advice I give women: 1. Your family is everything — but your dreams matter too. 2. Ask for help. 3. Let go of guilt. You are allowed to build something meaningful. We can be a present as mothers and be strong businesswomen. It doesn’t have to be one or the other.
Kristen Merrion
Tate Brownlee Real Estate
My advice to other women in business is simple: Give to Gain . For 20 years owning Tate Brownlee Real Estate, I’ve learned that success comes from lifting others as you climb. Invest in your team, support your community, and back yourself with confidence. I’m proud to lead a team of 20, raise four children, and support clubs like Cudgen Leagues, Bilambil Jets, Tweed Colts, Casuarina Hockey, local schools and the Heart of Women’s Award. Build strong systems, stay consistent, and don’t shrink your ambition. When you give your time, knowledge and support generously, the growth—personally and professionally—always returns.
Trusted Financial Experts
Oracle Advisory Group is proud to be a trusted part of the local community, supporting clients across Murwillumbah, the Tweed, and the Gold Coast with high quality accounting and financial services. We are known for building long term relationships and providing advice you can genuinely rely on.
As a growing and proactive firm, we offer a complete range of services, including accounting, financial advice, insurance, and mortgage brokering. This means you can access clear, practical financial solutions all in one place.
Our team is made up of 18 dedicated and highly skilled women who are passionate about helping clients feel confident and in control of their financial decisions.
We take pride in offering personalised support and guidance that truly makes a difference.
Women in Business
Q: What advice can you give other women to succeed in business?
Janelle Saffin Member for Lismore
My own background in small business, from running a legal practice to managing a pub, has taught me how rewarding and challenging the journey can be. As women, we often have to advocate for ourselves in spaces where our presence hasn’t always been assumed. In my role as Minister for Small Business, I work with my ministerial colleagues to ensure small business is always considered in policy decision. From reducing red tape to better infrastructure, from workers compensation to improving procurement, small business needs to be at the forefront of decisionmakers minds. Small businesses are the beating heart of regional communities, and it’s vital they remain supported. Choosing to go into business is a bold and worthwhile step, and our state is stronger for the growing number of women taking it.
Celebrating Women in Business
“From main street to the paddock regional women are building businesses creating jobs and opportunities and backing their communities”
Janelle Saffin MP MEMBER FOR LISMORE
Michelle Kuromochi
The Raven Place
Stay in your own lane and be consistent. It’s easy to get distracted by what others are doing, but real progress comes from focusing on your own vision and showing up for it every day. Build something aligned with your values and let your work speak over time. Consistency builds trust, with customers, community and yourself. You don’t have to be the loudest to be successful. Quiet dedication, clear boundaries and steady effort create something far more sustainable
Kristie’s love for the Tweed Valley runs deep, shaped by her country upbringing and the strong sense of community that has guided her both personally and professionally. As the top-ranked agent in Murwillumbah and 2484, she’s proud of her success— but even more grateful for the incredible community of women who inspire and support her every step of the way.
Beyond real estate, Kristie’s greatest joy comes from being a mum to her three children. Whether she’s cheering from the sidelines at a soccer game or spending time outdoors, she knows that balance and connection are at the heart of everything she does.
Authorised
Tweed Valley
For Kristie, real estate isn’t just about buying and selling—it’s about helping people through life’s biggest transitions with honesty, care, and confidence. She’s built a reputation for her integrity, dedication, and unwavering commitment to making the process as stress-free as possible. When you work with Kristie, you’re not just a client—you’re part of a community she truly cares about, and she won’t stop until she achieves the best outcome for you.
“International Women’s Day holds a special place in my heart, as I’m passionate about celebrating this occasion. I firmly believe that when women support and uplift one another, remarkable things unfold.”
0427 328 764
kristie.hoffman@elderstweedvalley.com.au
Kristie Hoffman
by Janelle Saffin MP. Funded using Parliamentary entittlements.
• Invitations
Women in Business
Q: What is a challenge you have overcome in life or business that you can give other women advice on ?
Vanessa Hampton
Running a printing and signage business hasn’t just taught me about colour profiles and production deadlines — it’s taught me resilience. One of the biggest challenges I’ve overcome is learning to back myself, especially in moments of doubt. In business, there are seasons where cashflow is tight and the pressure feels heavy. Add to that being a woman in an industry that is often seen as trade-based or male-dominated, and it can sometimes feel like you have to prove yourself twice over.
As women, we often carry both roles quietly — leader at work, nurturer at home, being a mother — and still question if we’re doing enough. What I’ve learned is that confidence isn’t something you wake up with; it’s built through action. Every hard season strengthens you. Every obstacle teaches you something.
There were times I questioned whether I was capable enough, strong enough, or experienced enough. But every challenge forced growth. Every hard season built thicker skin and clearer vision.
My advice to other women in business is simple: Don’t wait until you feel ready. Don’t shrink yourself to make others comfortable. And don’t let temporary setbacks define your long-term potential. Resilience is built in the uncomfortable seasons. And often, the hardest chapters become the foundation of your strength. Contact our local family business for any printing and
Women in Business
Q: What advice can you give other women to succeed in business?
Justine Elliot
Your local MP
“Always advocate for yourself in all aspects of life – whether it be personal or professional. By being outspoken and take chances, you can break down barriers and biases. The more that we do this, gender equity becomes not just a goal – but a reality. I’m proud to part of the first federal government in history that’s majority women. The Albanese Labor Government has kept up the momentum to make women’s lives safer and more equal. We’re also delivering on our promise of more choice, lower costs and better care for Australian women and girls.”
Oracle Advisory Group
You can always count on me.
Women in the Australian business landscape often juggle many roles, making it essential to treat your accountant as a strategic partner, not just a once-ayear tax historian.
Before any major decision, signing a lease, buying equipment, or restructuring, adopt a simple rule: Check First - Understand what you don’t know. Protect Your Vision: A quick financial check-in can prevent tax surprises that stall your progress.
Leverage the Experts: Bring in your accountant or business banker early; their insight on GST, asset protection, and funding structures can save you time, money, and stress.
In 2026, successful women in business aren’t doing it alone; they’re ensuring their financial team is proactive and fully engaged. Don’t ask for permission, ask for the data.
Justine Elliot MP
Authorised J. Elliot, ALP, 107 Minjungbal Drive Tweed Heads South
Women in Business
Q: What advice can you give other women to succeed in business?
Raine and Horne JET Team
Success looks different for every woman, but one thing we strongly believe - as an office and as individuals - is that confidence grows from action. Back yourself, even before you feel completely ready. Elizabeth often says experience is built by stepping forward, not waiting until everything feels perfect.
Tania believes consistency and integrity are everything - show up, do the work, treat people well, and your reputation will speak for itself. Tiarni encourages women to stay curious and keep learning, while Pitie reminds us resilience is a superpowerchallenges are stepping stones. Surround yourself with supportive people, ask questions, own your voice, and never underestimate em pathy and authenticity. There is space for strong women in every industryand when women support women, we all rise.
Women in Business
Being a woman in business - particularly in the real estate industry - is both empowering and rewarding. It’s an environment that calls for resilience, strong negotiation skills, empathy, and leadership. As women, we bring a unique balance of professionalism and genuine connection to our clients, and there is real strength in supporting and lifting one another as we grow. Collaboration over competition creates stronger businesses and stronger communities.
We firmly believe that when women champion each other, we all rise. Sharing knowledge, celebrating wins, and offering encouragement during challenges builds confidence and momentum - not just individually, but across the industry as a whole. Creating space for others at the table is just as important as earning your own seat.
We’re proud to be stepping into an exciting new chapter ourselves, having recently rebranded with a fresh new look and moved into a new office space with greater window exposure and room to support our growing team. It’s a reflection of the growth we’re experiencing and the vision we have for the future - one built on professionalism, opportunity, and supporting each other every step of the way.
Q: What advice can you give other women to succeed in business?
Skye Swift
Varela Swift Pharmacy
To succeed in running a business there needs to be demand for your product or service. To smash it: add self-belief and great work ethic. To sustain your success, ensure you have a supportive environment- mentally and physically- and deep passion for the impact you’re creating.
Rebecca Dudgeon
Elders Tweed Valley
Back yourself, even before you feel fully ready. Confidence often grows after you take action, not before. Build strong relationships, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to seek support or mentorship. Set clear boundaries around your time and energy, and learn your numbers so you stay in control of your business. Most importantly, stay consistent, success isn’t about perfection, it’s about showing up every day and being willing to adapt, learn, and keep moving forward.
#GiveToGain
MEET MICHELLE
Owner of Raven Place –Roadside Farm Café in Clothiers Creek
People often say, “This is so random… why Japanese food in the middle of nowhere?” or ask, “How did this come about?”
Raven Place is the unfolding of a life story shaped by travel, heritage, food, and community. It was a dream long before it became a reality, a place where Japanese food, fresh eggs, a veggie garden, and community could come together in one beautiful space.
I discovered my love of food, and the art of cooking, pickling, and fermentation while living in Japan. Those years shaped the way I cook and the way I think about food: made from scratch, shared generously, and designed to nourish.
Raven Place is a peaceful retreat in someone’s day. A place with easy parking. A place you can bring your dog. A place to pause. Guests are welcomed by the sounds of birds, cows, and horses, and by staff who genuinely care. Every dish is created with time and intention woven through it.
Raven Place is true home-style Japanese street food. Join us for your Japanese favourites, gluten-free karaage chicken cooked in tallow, Kimchi & cheese toasties, handmade gyoza and wontons, okonomiyaki, and delicious mochi desserts. Whether you’re grabbing something quick on the road or settling in, every bite reflects the flavours, traditions, and heart behind Raven Place.
With more than 20 years of healthcare and business experience,
“Health, vitality, joy and success are an inside game. They come from uncovering, knowing, accepting and loving who you truly are. When you feel calm, clear and connected within yourself, you make better decisions for your health, relationships, and future. This is the most powerful way I know to thrive, no matter your current circumstances.”
Together with co-owner Mathew Peate, Varela & Swift Pharmacy run a predominantly female team. Their compassion, dedication, and genuine care have shaped a culture that goes well beyond traditional pharmacy services, creating an experience where customers truly feel seen and supported.
“Everyday, we feel great appreciation for the wonderful team we have looking after a community that we adore.”
Beyond prescriptions, the team offers personalised vitamin and supplement guidance, skincare support, preventative health solutions, and connection- especially for the men and women who carry the mental load at work and home.
Skye firmly believes that health, happiness and success don’t come from doing more, but rather from creating an environment where self and others can truly thrive.
This has enabled Skye to extend her impact through her health and mindset business, where she supports entrepreneurs, professionals, and leaders to mitigate stress and align their ambition with vitality, clarity, inner peace and purpose.
“Many high achievers discover that no amount of drive or achievement can satisfy an internal voidthey seek more energy, better health, and deeper fulfillment. We help them achieve this from within, by dissolving limiting beliefs, strengthening nervous system capacity, and instilling health foundations”.
Skye is passionate about creating this awareness throughout the Murwillumbah community.
“When people shift their internal state, everything else begins to improve naturally- creating clearer minds, greater vitality, and richer fulfillment.”
To learn more, visit skyeswift.com and visit the team at Varela & Swift Pharmacy for your health & beauty needs.
Skye Swift (co-owner Varela & Swift Pharmacy) optimising health from the inside out.
Skye Swift’s passion lies in helping people thrive, not just get by.
Women in Business
Q: What is a challenge you have overcome in life or business that you can give other women advice on ?
Kristie Hoffman
Elders Tweed Valley
One of the biggest challenges I’ve overcome was coming from humble beginnings and not having an easy path through education. I realised early that if I wanted more for my life, it was up to me. I worked extra hours, educated myself in every way I could, and carved out my own path. My advice to other women is this: you can do it. Anything you don’t know or understand can be learned. If you truly want something, stay committed, work consistently, and persist through the hard seasons. Remain deeply connected to your purpose and your “why.” When you know why you’re doing something, it becomes easier to push through obstacles and block out the noise. Your beginnings do not define your limits — your determination does.
Belinda Franks
Evergreen Exclusive Estates
I believe women are reclaiming their spiritual power and guiding humanity back to balance, harmony and humility. They are beacons of light, leading a collective energetic shift toward a more conscious and intentional way of living — for themselves, their families, their communities and the consciousness of the planet. The challenge I have overcome is having the courage to walk my own path, honour my individuality, speak my truth, be fully seen and believe in myself, each day. When we each choose to pursue this inner alignment, we create lives defined not by circumstance, but by conscious intention and authentic power.
From a ‘stay at home mother’ to a Managing Director, Lauren Macdonald opened one of the first Nurse Next Door Home Care Services locations in Australia in 2020.
At the time, owning an organisation that could provide a new model of care for the aged and disability sectors—o ering care and nursing support with a genuine focus on customer service and a high degree of clinical oversight—was somewhat of a ‘pipedream’. It just so happens that Nurse Next Door’s core company purpose is on Making Lives Better.
Lauren’s organisation now employs over 100 team members and provides support to over 70 individuals in local communities who require assistance. Nurse Next Door’s philosophy of care is built on a foundation of positive psychology and possibility. The services the organisation provides help address the growing demand on the healthcare system, particularly as the Gold Coast & Tweed regions' higher proportion of older people—currently around 26 percent of the region—continues to grow.
For Lauren it was about building an organisation with a sense of purpose, Lauren says ‘there is a genuine need in their local community across both aged care and disability support to not only provide fundamental healthcare in the home but to reconnect people with the things that give their life meaning: belonging, respect, autonomy and choice.’
Women in Business
Q: What is a challenge you have overcome in life or business that you can give other women advice on ?
Lauren McDonald
Nurse Next Door
Running a 24/7 business that cares for vulnerable people is an immense responsibility. My greatest challenge was establishing a routine that balanced the needs of my family, the business, and my own well-being. Achieving this balance took significant time, consistency, and discipline. Trust your instincts and back yourself. Lean into your knowledge and experience; you already have what it takes to achieve the results you want.
Yasmin Monk McGrath Estate Agents
Early in my career, I had to overcome the pressure to prove myself in rooms where I was often underestimated. Instead of trying to match noise with noise, I focused on mastery - knowing my industry, preparing relentlessly and delivering consistent results. Over time, that credibility speaks louder than ego ever could.
I’ve also learned that ambition doesn’t require apology. You can be driven, decisive and still lead with integrity. The key is backing yourself before the evidence feels overwhelming. My advice to other women is simple: don’t wait to be invited to the table. Earn your place, own your space, and let your work make it undeniable.
Yasmin Monk Auctioneer and Sales Agent
McGrath Coolangatta | Tweed Heads | Tweed Coast
In a competitive and high-pressure industry, respect is earned through preparation, consistency and results. Yasmin has built her reputation on clear strategy, disciplined negotiation and a standard of service that never wavers.
As both an auctioneer and sales agent, she brings calm authority to every campaign, guiding clients with transparency, precision and confidence. Her approach is measured, intentional and firmly client-focused.
Deeply connected to the Tweed Coast community, Yasmin leads with integrity while balancing business leadership and family life, proving that strength does not need to be loud to be powerful.
article that said the viewing only increased by 1.12% but with 350 million people that’s still a few more eyes on our game in the states and hopefully they continue to increase it and stick with the concept next year with another four teams heading over and hopefully our Titans are one of them. Plenty of locals headed to Sin City and it looked like quite the event.
The Knights got the job done against the Cows and already the talk is Payten is under pressure! Seriously, it’s round 1 and he’s already on the chopping block, why would anyone want to be an NRL coach. Plenty of controversy around the Golden Point thriller where Critta proved his class and leadership again with the clutch play. I think the call on strip was wrong and it was a loose carry but the Dragons had chances to win the game. Flanno
wasn’t happy but to come out before round 1 and tell the fans they can’t win the comp anyway is an interesting approach from every angle. World Champions Hull were hammered by Leeds in another game where once again the mental side of things determined the result as evident by Coach Willie Peters interview after the match. I like him and think he will be the next coach in the NRL.
Some ripper games this week with the Lomax cup kicking us off on Thursday with the Storm and t he Eels. I feel the Eels and Roosters will be the big improvers in 2026. A huge game at Suncorp with the premiers taking on the mighty Panthers (who will have Nathan after he got off - again!).
The Qld Cup kicks off this weekend in what should be another great season of footy. On that note a quick
shout out to the ‘Yak’ who was injured in a trial a few weeks ago, we are all thinking of you brother and sending love.
T he Northern Rivers men kick off their Country Championships campaign this Saturday at Lismore on a huge day of Rugby League. The Lisa Fiaola girls, Women, Andrew Johns and resurgent Laurie Daley team will all play against the Northern Tigers. Grand finalists the Murwillumbah Mustangs will pla y a trial on Saturday night in Murwillumbah, against the Gold Coast TItans u/21’s side who will play in the NRLQ series in QLD in 2026. This should be a great spectacle and chance to watch some quality footy early in the year. See you at the footy (Saturday night in Murbah!)
Quinny
$18 Lunch Specials
The Newcastle Knights got the win in Vegas Photo Newcastle Knights
By Jo Kennett
OVER 30 volunteers including Tweed Heads MP Geoff Provest, members of the Tumbulgum Fishing Club, and six lovely ladies from May’s Fresh Flowers at Tweed Heads South joined Big Trev at The Jack Evans Boat Harbour last Sunday to help clean up. The local Lions Club worked the barbecue for the volunteers, which was supplied by Twin Towns.
Cabarita had a good turn out and Hastings Point had 17 absolute legends who turned up, got completely drenched, and helped keep Hastings Point absolutely beautiful. A massive thank you to all (sorry we had trouble with the photo of the Potty crew who did such an amazing job at HP).
Megan and Lachie cleaning up Hastings PointSophie and Pippa at the Hastings Point clean up
Clean up Australia legends Van Johnson and Cohen Aitkins at Hastings Point
Genius at the gallery
By Madeleine Murray
TWEED REGIONAL
GALLERY has struck gold with Zahalkawor ld, a large exhibition by photo-media artist Anne Zahalka which covers 40 years of her rich and varied work.
In 1987, when she was 29, Zahalka won a residen cy and spent a year at the Künstlerhaus Bethanien in Berlin. This was a time of immense inspiration and creativity for the artist as she explored her family’s roots and immersed her self in European painters, particularly the Dutch Masters.
One of her great influences was Vermeer – she made striking portraits of her friends using some classic Vermeer elements such as a swathe of curtain in the foreground, light pouring in from a side window, and the perspective of a black-and-white marble floor, which she constructed herself using adhesive marble vinyl.
“I also like the architecture of the facades of shop fronts in Murwillumbah and funny signage. I’m drawn to many things here including the flora and fauna.”
Zahalka builds an actual set in a studio, creating a room with a floor, walls and windows, then furnishes it with significant objects from the past and the present. The final work is a haunting combination of something strange but familiar.
Born in Sydney in 1957, Zahalka is the daughter of an Austrian Jewish mother and a Czech Catholic father who met and married in London during the war. Her mother Hedy was sent away, age 17, from Czechoslovakia in a kinder transport in 1939 and her grandmother was murdered in Auschwitz in 1942.
Her family’s story of persecution, exile and survival gives her deep empathy for migrants and refugees. Her beautiful work is layered with pathos and meaning, with flashes of humour and irony. Her photos have passed into the lexicon of unforgettable images, used on magazines, book covers, and now the $1.70 stamp.
The Weekly caught up with Anne during her two-week residency in the Tweed Regional Gallery studio. “It’s beautiful and enveloping being surrounded by the landscape of the caldera,” she said.
“The atmospheric effects from my studio of light and cloud is so changeable. I’ve made a series of photographs of the panoramic views from my windows each morning and sometimes at sunset where I see the sun disappear over the mountains. It’s so interesting to see the difference from one day to the next.
Other elements of this rich, beautifully curated show are Wild Life, Lost Landscapes, and a recreation of her studio, a stark contrast to Margaret Olley’s.
This is a must-see show. Some of these images will stay with you long after you leave the gallery.
Zahalkaworld is on at the Tweed Regional Gallery, 2 Mistral Rd, Murwillumbah, until May 17.
Flood buy back auction
MURWILLUMBAH IS set to host one of the first flood buyback auctions of 2026, with 10 relocated homes set to go under the hammer on Tuesday, March 17, as part of the NSW Government’s revived Resilient Homes Program.
The Murwillumbah auction will feature properties from Murwillumbah, Bray Park and Burringbar, offering buyers the chance to secure flood-affected homes with no reserve price, meaning bidding can start and end at just $1.
Buyers must then relocate the homes to floodfree land.
The initiative is part of the return of one of Australia’s most unique housing sale programs, which has already seen 130 flood-affected properties sold after being purchased by the NSW government through the Resilient Homes Program.
Most purchasers to date have been locals, with sale prices ranging from $1 to $200,000, drawing nationwide attention.
As part of changes introduced for 2026, successful bidders must now have a confirmed destination site ready at the time of purchase. All homes must be relocated by the end of
the year.
The NSW Reconstruction Authority has established a dedicated Relocation Concierge service to guide buyers through the process, alongside online resources to help navigate moving and restumping the properties.
The Resilient Homes Program is considered Australia’s largest climate adaptation initiative, focused on removing homes from high-risk floodplains while preserving their structure and character on safer ground.
Member for Lismore and Minister for North Coast Janelle Saffin said the auctions represent more than property sales.
“We aren’t just auctioning houses; we are saving the ‘tin and timber’ soul of the Northern Rivers,” she said.
“These auctions give local families – especially those starting out – a rare, affordable shot at home ownership while ensuring our region’s unique character is preserved for the future.
“It’s about moving our history to higher ground and giving these beautiful homes a second life in a safer place.”
Zahalka with The New Bathers
The Papapetrou Family by Anne Zahalka
PACIFIC BITUMEN
Treasure trove
By Rada Campbell
STEP INSIDE Victoria Spring’s jewellery studio at the M|Arts Precinct in Murwillumbah and it feels like opening a velvet-lined jewellery box.
Fresh flowers scent the air. Lamps cast a golden glow across trays of vintage brooches and hand-crafted necklaces. Glass cabinets shimmer with Victorian-Esque treasures. On the workbench, unfinished pieces sit mid-creation, tools resting beside reclaimed gemstones collected over decades.
Victoria is not simply a local artisan
In the early 1990s, her boutique on William Street in Paddington was at the height of its popularity, becoming a destination for vintage-inspired jewellery in one of Sydney’s most influential creative precincts. Surrounded by emerging designers and artists, including neighbour and friend Collette Dinnigan, Victoria helped shape a generation of romantic, reclaimed design.
Her boutique doubled as an exhibition space, championing sustainability long before it became fashionable. In 1992, Pierre Emanuel Taittinger of the famed French champagne house purchased thousands of dollars’ worth of her jewellery, later expressing interest in featuring her pieces at the Crillon Hotel in Paris, a rare moment of international recognition for an independent Australian woman building her own design legacy.
Three decades on, that same craftsmanship and conviction live quietly in Murwillumbah.
After years in the industry, Victoria says two things have never changed.
“The materials,” she told The Weekly “All the
THIRST
By Madeleine Murray
beautiful vintage pieces I’ve been collecting for years. And the style, that romantic, Victorian aesthetic.”
Fashion trends, she notes, are cyclical.
“Brooches are fully back. Big chunky necklaces. Very Wuthering Heights. If you hang around long enough, everything comes back into fashion.”
Now she’s inviting the community inside her world.
Victoria will host jewellery-making workshops in March and April, with a focus on play and intuition.
“Play,” she says. “People often think they’re not creative. But everyone is. You don’t need experience. You start intuitively, what speaks to you.”
Participants are guided through boxes of reclaimed jewels and vintage findings. Children, adults and grandparents are welcome.
Victoria has always embraced upcycling.
“Upcycling is the way to go,” she says. “I’ve always been conscious of that. Now it’s very appropriate.”
What she notices most is the shift in energy.
“There’s a sense of excitement. People fully engage. They light up.”
In a time when many are seeking experiences over possessions, Victoria believes creating something meaningful carries lasting value.
“To make something special for somebody, that’s powerful.”
Victoria Spring’s jewellery workshops will be held on Saturday, March 15 and Saturday, April 19 from 10am to 1pm at the M|Arts Precinct, 105 Wollumbin Street, Murwillumbah. Bookings email victoria@victoriaspring.com.au Instagram @victoriaspringjewels
TRAP at M|Arts
an important moment for the band.
MURWILLUMBAH’S LIVE MUSIC SCENE
will get a jolt of energy on Saturday, March 14, when alternative rock band THIRST TRAP launches its new single Waiting On Time at the M|Arts Precinct.
The event marks the group’s second release ahead of its debut EP and continues a steady rise for the band, which has been building a following across the Australian live circuit. Their sound mixes indie-rock with hints of reggae rhythm, and they have built a reputation for lively performances and emotionally charged song writing.
The band has appeared at SXSW Sydney in 2025, many festivals, and has supported wellknown acts including Birds of Tokyo, British India, Beddy Rays and The Delta Riggs. Joining the lineup on the night will be local performers Clay Pigeons and Fin Key. Closing the night with a bang, THIRST TRAP will drop their instruments and hit the decks to deliver a late-night DJ set to keep the energy hot and sweaty.
The venue will be an evolving creative space across the night, with live art installations curated by Pupa Aus, featuring local artists Margot Mallett, Luke Henery and Sea Snake Design. Frontman Django Dillon says the show marks
“This is the second single from our debut EP, so it feels like we’re really stepping into a new chapter for THIRST TRAP,” he told The Weekly.
“Waiting On Time is about feeling like you’ve wasted your best years on someone, and this night is the opposite of that. It’s about letting go and going all in.”
He says bringing together music and visual art reflects the spirit of the region. “The Tweed has such a strong creative pulse. There are so many talented people here, and nights like this are about bringing everyone into the same room and turning it up to 100.”
The THIRST TRAP single release party runs from 6pm till late, on Saturday, March 14, at M|Arts precinct, Brisbane Street, Murwillumbah. Tickets available via Oztix. Capacity is limited and tickets are available through Oztix.
THIRST TRAP will launch its new single at MArts
Raw edge revival relaunches
By Rada Campbell
UKI ARTISTS are reconnecting through creativity with the relaunch of Raw Edge Art Collective at the historic Uki School of Arts Hall.
Founded and curated by Lisa Young, Raw Edge originally ran for two years as a monthly showcase before COVID halted gatherings in 2020. Now, with renewed energy, the collective returns, meeting every three months on a Sunday to share work, stories and support.
What unites the artists is not a traditional gallery model, but the village itself.
“We all met organically because we’re artists in Uki,” Lisa told The Weekly.
The collective brings together artists Alan Watts, Johanna May, Jex Lopez, Vicki Prentice, Robyn Hartley, Ed Binns, Ben Rubble, Paula Peach and Lisa Young.
There is no pretence here.
“It’s about sharing,” Robyn said. “Connection. Being around each other. That’s the joy.”
Photographer Paula said the atmosphere is grounded in generosity rather than ego.
“We give a lot of our art away,” she said. “It’s not just about selling. It’s about being together.”
For ceramicist Ben, who works across functional ware
and sculptural pieces, showing in the hall offers something digital platforms cannot.
“When you live out of town, you really have to put yourself out there,” he said. “This is about community. People meeting you, seeing the work in person.”
The textured character of the Uki School of Arts Hall reflects the ethos of Raw Edge, authentic, experimental and inclusive. Rather than polished white walls, visitors are greeted with warmth, conversation and direct access to the makers.
The revival was sparked
when artists reached out to reconnect.
“Some of the artists really wanted to get back out there,” Lisa said. “So we said, let’s do our collective again.”
More than an exhibition, Raw Edge Art Collective is building momentum as a platform for collaboration, encouragement and creative courage in the Northern Rivers.
Raw Edge Art Collective will be held on Sunday March 15 from 9am to 3pm at the Uki School of Arts Hall, 1462 Kyogle Rd, Uki, where visitors can meet the artists and purchase work directly.
piece of fiction (8) 59 Type of nut (9) 63 Hide securely (8)
Follower of an Asian religion (8)
Canadian city (7) 69 French writer and monk, – Ricard (8)
Emphasise (6) 71 Feeling, emotion (9)
72 Absence of light (8) 73 Perceives (8) 74 Entertained with storytelling (7)
32 By chance (6) 34 Animal-loving Australian family (5)
35 Expressive movement (7)
36 Grey matter (5)
38 Budgerigar, for one (8)
39 Amount produced (6)
(14)
(6)
Protester (4)
Unauthorised (7)
(9)
5. Is the
Valley
FEATURED BUSINESS
Michael came to Murwillumbah
33 years ago to work at Griffith Table craft. He then worked at Stevens Joinery for 3 years before starting his own business from his home at Eungella, working on timber joinery, antique restoration and one-off pieces of hand-crafted furniture. Michael has exhibited in Sydney and Brisbane, consistently winning awards being judged by some of Australia’s finest designer furniture makers. In 1999, Michael was awarded a Churchill Scholarship to study antique restoration and conservation techniques and travelled to America, England, France and Austria.
Over the years, Michael has become recognized as one of
TRADES AND SERVICES
MICHAEL BORTON - ANTIQUE RESTORATION & FINE FURNITURE MAKER • 0408 661 593
the area’s specialist craftsmen. Although he still does the occasional kitchen and joinery work, he almost exclusively does antique restoration and one-off commissions of furniture in any style. Working in collaboration with a client, he researches design detail to give the client the look, form and function they are looking for in their home.
Likewise, with Michael’s restoration and reproduction work, attention to detail is everything. Conservative restoration and the importance of keeping everything as original as possible (using the same timbers, construction details and glue) and being able to do French polish colour matching
cannot be understated. Often a client can’t tell what has been done, although the whole piece may have been knocked apart and reassembled.
Another service Michael provides is tutoring, which he has done for nearly 20yrs, assisting Geoff Hannah in his classes in Roma and Muckadilla and then locally for Adult Education and in Mungindi and Bellingen. He now teaches from his home workshop and has a small group that comes weekly. He will also do one-on-one classes tailored to individual needs. All students work on their own special projects.
To see more of Michael’s and students’ work, you can visit the business website:
www.australianfinefurniture design.com or Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ countrycabinetmaker
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Public Notice
TWEED BYRON LOCAL ABORIGINAL LAND COUNCIL EXTRA-ORDINARY MEETING - LAND DEALING APPROVAL
DATE: Friday 13th March 2026 TIME: 10:00am
PLACE: Minjungbal Museum & Cultural Centre Cnr Kirkwood Road & Duffy Street, Tweed Heads South AGENDA items include;
The purpose of the meeting is to decide whether or not to approve a proposed seven year lease of part of 14 Letitia Road Fingal Head NSW (part Lot 276 DP 7557450) to the Fingal Fellowship Church. Authorised: Chairperson Tweed Byron LALC
TWEED BYRON LOCAL ABORIGINAL LAND COUNCIL ORDINARY MEETING
Welcome, Apologies, CLBP Update, General Business.
Authorised: Chairperson Tweed Byron LALC
PUBLIC NOTICE
Proposed termination of strata scheme number 43951 being property situated at 24 Mimosa Avenue, Bogangar NSW 2488
Notice is given of an intention to apply to the Registrar-General for an order terminating the above strata scheme and the consequent dissolution of the owners corporation pursuant to section 142 of the Strata Schemes Development Act 2015. Any person having any claim against the owners corporation of the above strata scheme or any estate or interest in or claim against any of the lots comprised in the strata scheme is required, on or before 20 March 2026, to send particulars of the estate, interest or claim to:
Tweed Valley Weekly is seeking a motivated part-time Salesperson to grow our Trades and Professional Services section and manage notices. The role is ideal for someone who enjoys building relationships with local businesses and community members. The position is three-days per week with an attractive hourly rate and comfortable working environment. Strong communication skills and a friendly, professional manner are 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
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.
Weekly In Memoriam
In Memoriam
In our hearts, He will always stay, Loved and remembered, Every
Sadly missed by his sisters-in-law Thelma and Edna, Frank, and his nieces and nephews. In Loving Memory Francesco “Frank” Dusi 07/12/1934 ~ 04/03/2024
Funeral Notice
In loving memory of 12.03.1937 - 03.03.2026
Formerly of Wagga Wagga, more recently of Pottsville. Beloved wife of Perc (dec’d).
Adored Mum to Craig (dec’d), Stewart (dec’d), Sally, Jenny & Michael, Travis & Brendan, Philip & Sarah.
Much loved grandmother of 10 and great grandmother of 12.
After a brief illness, Mum is now at rest with Perc and her boys.
Family and friends of Bev are invited to a Memorial Service at 11am, Wednesday 11th March 2026 at St Mark’s Anglican Church - 15A Coronation Ave, Pottsville. In lieu of Flowers, donations may be made in Bev’s name to Wedgetail Retreat, Dulguigan. In Loving
Memory of
Alexis Hufton 25.12.1999 – 05.03.2018 Our Brave Courageous Warrior My Daughter, My Granddaughter, Our Sister, Our Angel. Though Heaven holds you now We carry your love and spirit always Until we meet again We will cherish you forever We love and miss you so very much. Love Mumma Bear, Pop, Shaun and Hunter xx.
PARNELL Jean Eunice 24/02/2026 Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817
If I should go tomorrow, It would never be goodbye, For I have left my heart with you, So don’t you ever cry. The love that’s deep within me, Shall reach you from the stars, You’ll feel it from the heavens, And it will heal the scars.
Real Estate
FROM COAST TO COUNTRY
Witheriff Group Summer Auction hitfundraiser a success
THE WITHERIFF Group
Summer Auction, held recently at the Kingscliff Beach Bowls Club, was a huge success, with 16 prestige properties going under the hammer and thousands raised for a local family doing it tough.
Of the homes available for purchase, six were sold at auction, one was sold after, one is under offer and seven are under negotiation.
The auction generated $20 million in sales. The biggest sale from the event was $7,750,000 for 75 Cylinders Drive, Kingscliff, a stunning beachfront beauty designed by renowned architect Jayson Pate, set on an expansive landscaped block.
“Giving back to the community is incredibly important to the Witheriff
Open Homes
All times are DST unless specified. Saturday, March 7
DJ Stringer
• 1444/6-8 Stuart St, Tweed Heads, 9–9.30am
• 9/277 Golden Four Drive, Bilinga, 9–9.30am QLD Time
• 7/105 Golden Four Drive, Bilinga, 10–10.30am QLD Time
• 1/42-44 Thomson St, Tweed Heads, 10–10.30am
• 2046/20 Stuart St, Tweed Heads, 10.45–11.15am
• 16/19 Ivory Cres, Tweed Heads, 11.00–11.30am
• 2101/20 Stuart St, Tweed Heads, 11.15–11.45am
• 7/20 Dutton St, Coolangatta, 11.15–11.45am QLD Time
Group and we are proud to announce we raised $2,000 in a charity raffle with all proceeds going to a local family going through a challenging time as they navigate a difficult medical journey,” Witheriff Group director Nick Witheriff said.
“We are proud to continue our community endeavours after being recognised by Realestate.com. au as a finalist for the ‘contributions to community’ award.
“Nights like this are a reminder of how amazing it is when people come together, whether it’s around property, local business,
• 27 Tumbulgum Road, Murwillumbah, 10–10.30am
• 14 Laura Street, Banora Point, 10–10.30am
• 59 Banora Boulevard, Banora Point, 11–11.30am
• 36 Firestone Dr, Banora Point, 11–11.30am
Raine and Horne Jet
• 166 Kunghur Creek Road, Kunghur Creek, 9–9.30am
• 18 Flinders Way, Ocean Shores, 10–11am
• 2981 Kyogal Road, Kunghur, 10–1pm
• 629 Tumbulgum Road, Tygalgah, 9.30–10am
• 45 Fernvale Road, Fernvale,11–12pm First National Murwillumbah
• 7083 Tweed Valley Way, Dunbible,11–11.30am
• 129 Minnows Road, Fernvale,12:30–1pm
Witheriff Group
• 6/204 Marine Parade, Kingscliff, 9–9.30am
• 6/90 Pearl Street, Kingscliff, 9–9.30am
• 4/11 Orient Lane, Kingscliff, 9–9.30am
• 14 Lobelia Crescent, Casuarina, 9–9.30am
• 1 Sutherland Street, Kingscliff, 10–10.30am
or helping those who need it most.”
“A huge shout-out to everyone who purchased raffle tickets or donated prizes, your generosity will make a real difference to a local family in need.
“Collectively we have raised $2,000 which really shows the spirit of this community.”
Hot property
THIS WEEK’S Hot Property is a rare original Kingscliff Hill beachside cottage with views of the ocean and development potential.
25 Hungerford Lane has been held by the same family for decades, and is, for the first time, being offered for sale with Witheriff Group.
Built on 532m² of prime land in one of Kingscliff’s most sought-after locations, this home comes with two street frontages and is just waiting for a new lease on life.
Elevated to capture glimpses of the ocean and coastal breezes, the site offers significant redevelopment potential (subject to Council approval),
It’s a once-in-a-generation chance to secure a foothold on Kingscliff Hill, where land is scarce, positions are tightly held, and opportunities like this are rarely repeated. The sellers are motivated and so this home will be auctioned and sold under the hammer on March 20, providing an unbeatable opportunity for anyone looking to create their dream home in one of the best spots in Kingscliff.
• 16 Black Wattle Circuit, Casuarina, 10–10.30am
• 45a Nautilus Way, Kingscliff, 10–10.30am
• 12/15 Dianella Drive, Casuarina, 10–10.30am
• 25 Hungerford Lane, Kingscliff, 10–10.30am
• 33 Collins Lane, Casuarina, 11–11.30am
• 24 Collins Lane, Casuarina, 11–11.30am
• 2 Omar Street, Kingscliff, 11–11.30am
• 11 Valiant Street, Kingscliff, 11–11.30am
• 11 Central Park Lane, Casuarina, 11–11.30am
• 8 Forster Avenue, Kingscliff, 11–11.30am
• 2 Terrigal Street, Pottsville, 11–11.30am
• 8 Northpoint Avenue, Kingscliff, 12–12.30pm
• 25 Cylinders Drive, Kingscliff, 12–12.30pm
• 26 Banzai Place, Kingscliff, 12–12.30pm
• 79 Tamarind Avenue, Bogangar, 12–12.30pm
• 15 The Quarterdeck, Tweed Heads, 12–12.30pm
• 7/12 Willow Ave, Bogangar, 12.30–1pm
• 48 Vulcan Street, Kingscliff, 1–1.30pm
• 15 Beason Court, Casuarina, 1–1.30pm
• 107/1 Black Wattle Circuit, Casuarina, 1–1.30pm
• 306/1 Black Wattle Circuit, Casuarina, 1–1.30pm
• 806/27 Garrick St, Coolangatta, 1–1.30pm
• 66/685 Casuarina Way, Casuarina, 2– 2.30pm
• 14 Blue Haze Crescent, Banora Point, 2–2.30pm Schmith Estate Agents
• 3/2 Hill Street Tweed Heads, 12–12.30pm
• 11/28 Coolangatta Road Coolangatta, 12.30–1pm QLD TIME
• 49 Dixon Street, Coolangatta, 12–12.30 Qld time MANA
• 1/16 Helen St, South Golden Beach, 9–9.30am
• 10 Gin Gin Crescent, Ocean Shores, 10–10.30am
• 1/21A Balemo Drive, Ocean Shores, 10–10.30am
• 25 Flinders Way, Ocean Shores, 10–10.30am
• 15 Nargoon Court, Ocean Shores, 10–10.30am
• 23 Philip Street, South Golden Beach, 11–11.30pm
Witheriff Group Director Nick Witheriff at the auction
25 Hungerford Lane, Kingscliff - for sale with the Witheriff Group
Witheriff Group Summer Auction was a hit as was the charity raffle
AUCTION ONSITE
5pm Friday 20th March 2026
(If Not Sold Prior)
GRAND BEACHFRONT MASTERPIECE
Commanding a substantial 775m² beachfront parcel in prestigious Kingscliff, 25 Cylinders Drive is a residence of extraordinary scale and presence.
Built by Golden Edge Homes, the home showcases uncompromising craftsmanship, European-inspired finishes and a level of detail rarely seen in coastal property. Spanning three lift-connected levels, it delivers an immediate sense of grandeur, where soaring proportions and refined materials combine to create a home that is both palatial and deeply considered.
Designed for those who appreciate true luxury, the interiors balance statement architecture with warmth and liveability. Expansive living zones flow effortlessly to the beachfront alfresco setting, while premium stone, marble and bespoke finishes elevate every space. From the showpiece kitchen with world-class appliances to the private cinema, wine cellar and wellness facilities, every inclusion reflects a commitment to quality, comfort and prestige. The opulent 25
master retreat offers a sanctuary-like experience, complete with its own lounge, indulgent spa ensuite and balcony capturing sea breezes and coastal light.
Equally impressive in function as it is in form, the residence incorporates advanced infrastructure, extensive garaging, and energy-efficient systems to support a modern executive lifestyle. Entertaining is effortless, relaxation is instinctive, and the connection to the ocean is ever-present. This is not simply a luxury home –it is a landmark beachfront offering, prized for its scale, craftsmanship and irreplaceable position.
A rare opportunity to secure one of Kingscliff’s most substantial and luxurious beachfront residences - a home of true scale, presence, and distinction.
Contact Nick Witheriff 0405 618 477 Shaun Cardillo 0416 190 170 for further information or to arrange an inspection.
Contact Witheriff Group for a FULL information memorandum.
This private executive residence, beautifully positioned to capture spectacular views over the lush Wardrop Valley. Set on approximately 3.04 hectares (7.5 acres), this solidly built, fully renovated home has been designed with lifestyle, comfort, and functionality in mind. From tranquil water ponds at the entrance to expansive recreational facilities, this property delivers an enviable balance of acreage privacy and resort-style living.
This ducted air-conditioned family home offers multiple living areas both indoors and out, seamlessly blending everyday comfort with
elegant entertaining.
• Large entry foyer with brick feature wall and landscaped rock garden outlook
• Open plan living, dining, and kitchen, flowing effortlessly to the alfresco, pool, and tennis court
• Entertainment/lounge room perfect for family gatherings or a relaxed retreat
• Kalora wood burner for cosy evenings
2981 Kyogle Road, KUNGHUR
23 Lots from $399,000 to $1,500,000
Panorama Tweed Valley - Rare Hinterland Acreage with Iconic Views
Escape the ordinary and embrace a lifestyle defined by space, scenery and serenity at Panorama Tweed Valley - a tightly held rural land estate set in the heart of the Tweed Valley hinterland.
Surrounded by rolling green hills and framed by World Heritagelisted national parks, Panorama Tweed Valley offers an exceptional opportunity to secure premium acreage with breathtaking panoramic views across some of Northern NSW’s most iconic landscapes, including Wollumbin (Mt Warning), the Nightcap Range, Border Ranges and surrounding escarpments.
This is a place where mornings begin with mist drifting through the valley, days are filled with birdsong and open skies, and evenings end with unforgettable sunsets stretching across the horizon.
Acreage Designed for Lifestyle Living:
Panorama Tweed Valley has been thoughtfully designed to offer a balance of privacy, elevation and usability. The estate features a limited collection of generously sized rural residential lots, ranging from approximately 4,050m² (1 acre) through to larger holdings, providing ample space to create a custom home, lifestyle retreat, hobby farm or
Jason Dittmar 0477 711 858
multi-generational residence.
Many lots enjoy elevated positions, capturing uninterrupted valley and mountain views, while gently sloping land allows flexibility in home design, outdoor entertaining areas, gardens, sheds or studios.
Select lots offer north-facing aspects, ideal for maximising natural light, energy efficiency and year-round comfort.
Freedom to Build Your Vision:
Panorama Tweed Valley allows you the freedom to build a home that reflects your lifestyle - whether that’s a contemporary architectural residence, a country homestead, or a relaxed hinterland retreat.
Dual living zones may be available on applicable lots (STCA), making this estate well suited to:
• Extended family living
• Guest accommodation
• Home-based businesses
• Additional income opportunities
Bitumen road access and established services ensure day-to-day convenience without compromising the rural setting.
Connected, Yet
Peacefully Removed:
While the setting feels wonderfully secluded, Panorama Tweed Valley
remains highly connected for modern living.
• NBN / Starlink compatible
• Telstra 4G coverage
• School bus service at the estate
• Ideal for remote work, creatives and professionals
Whether you’re working from home, running a small business or simply enjoying the flexibility of modern connectivity, this location supports it all.
The Best of Hinterland & Coast:
Panorama Tweed Valley is perfectly positioned to enjoy both hinterland charm and coastal lifestyle.
• Approx. 15 minutes to Uki Village, known for its café culture, community spirit and local school
• Short drive to Murwillumbah for shopping, healthcare, dining and services
• Around 45-60 minutes to Kingscliff, Cabarita Beach and Byron Bay
• Under 1 hour to Gold Coast International Airport
Spend your weekends exploring local markets, national parks and waterfalls, or head to the coast for world-class beaches, dining and surf
- all within easy reach.
A Lifestyle Investment with LongTerm Value: With limited acreage land available
in the Tweed Valley and increasing demand for lifestyle properties, Panorama Tweed Valley represents not only a remarkable place to live, but also a strategic long-term investment.
The combination of location, views, land size and zoning flexibility makes this estate highly desirable for owneroccupiers and investors alike.
Key Highlights:
• Premium rural residential land in a tightly held location
• Panoramic mountain and valley views
• Lot sizes from approx. 4,050m² (1 acre) and above
• Elevated, gently sloping and usable land
• Dual living zoning on applicable lots (STCA)
• NBN / Starlink compatible & Telstra 4G
• School bus service available
• No body corporate fees
• Close to Uki, Murwillumbah, beaches and airport
Enquire Today: Opportunities like Panorama Tweed Valley are increasingly rare. Secure your place in a location where lifestyle, land and long-term value come together seamlessly.
Prices are available at www.panoramatweed.com.au
On Top Of The World Emerald Mountain
An exclusive release of just six 1-hectare lots, perched high on one of the Tweed Coast’s most iconic mountain estates. North-east facing and elevated to capture panoramic views across the surrounding nature reserve and out to the ocean beyond. Only 3km to Cabarita Beach and 2km to the M1, this is where coastal living meets hinterland serenity. Titles are registered. Finally ready to build.
Four of the six blocks offer proposed dual street access, providing exceptional flexibility for home design, secondary access, or future value enhancement. Opportunities of this scale, elevation and proximity are rarely offered in such a tightly held location.
AUCTION On-Site, Saturday 21 March 2026, 1:30pm (NSW) st
Don’t miss your chance to secure a piece of this pristine estate today! Please contact Exclusive Selling Agents:
Emerald Mountain View, Tanglewood NSW
3 3 2 3/2 HILL STREET, TWEED HEADS BOUTIQUE PENTHOUSE WITH PANORAMIC VIEWS ONTOP
One of the best pieces of real estate on the east coast of Australia, this unique two-level penthouse in a small complex of only 3 apartments, celebrates the beauty of its idyllic beachfront setting with awe-inspiring views that stretch across from Duranbah Beach all the way down to the headland of Cabarita and Northern NSW. Unbeatable location with unsurpassed irreplaceable views ! Auction On Site (weather permitting) Sunday 8 March at 12pm (NSW time) unless sold prior.
ENCORE @ SALT
Kingscliff’s most prestigious beachside enclave - The Final Release of Vacant Land.
Salt Village, Tweed Coast’s benchmark coastal address - a master planned community defined by lush landscape, open coastline and a deeply connected village atmosphere.
Encore represents the final opportunity to secure vacant land within the heart of this coveted precinct. Lot sizes from 450m² to 707m² with 10 Sold and just 4 remaining.
This is the last release | There will not be another | Priced from $1,595,000
Positioned on tightly held beachfront Cylinders Drive, this is the final townhouse within the exclusive Palmira collection — one of Kingscliff’s most sought-after addresses.
Designed with house-like proportions, private lift access, plus sprawling internal and external living areas. An exclusive rooftop captures breathtaking ocean views - this is downsizing without compromise.
Steps from the sand and moments to Kingscliff Village, this is refined beachfront living, defined by privacy, solid concrete construction and premium finishes.
Priced $4,250,000 | 90% Built with Sanctuary 28 | Secure Now, Move in May
VANA - UPCOMING RELEASE
An opportunity within one of Kingscliff’s most distinguished coastal addresses.
Spanning 160m² to 325m², this limited release includes four half-floor residences, an expansive skyhome and one exceptional penthouse - each elevated to capture sweeping outlooks along Marine Parade.
DA approved, with completion late 2027, allowing time for considered planning.
Priced from $2.595m | Register to secure your position | Scan below
PIPER - BRAND NEW
Positioned 3rd floor with ocean glimpses, this refined residence offers light-filled interiors, generous balcony and open-plan living - 2 secure car spaces & ample storage.
A Brand-New boutique collection PIPER delivers effortless coastal living just steps from the sand and moments from Kingscliff’s cafés and village centre.
Designed for lock-and-leave ease or astute entry into a premier coastal address.
Priced $1,485,000 | OPEN Sat 9:30 – 10:00 NSW Time | 41 Kingscliff St, Kingscliff
Occupying the entire top floor, this 278m² full-floor residence is PIPER’s most distinguished offering - a private sanctuary suspended between ocean and hinterland.
With direct lift access and expansive glazing, the home captures dual-aspect views across living areas to terraces made for long lunches, quiet sunsets and effortless entertaining.
House-like proportions with the refinement of boutique apartment living. Priced $2,800,000 | OPEN Sat 9:00 – 9:30 NSW Time | 41 Kingscliff St, Kingscliff
They begin quietly.
In planning meetings. In early briefings. In conversations about what’s next.
Become a Friend of Maddison Rd/Witheriff Group - our private concierge community for those looking to secure luxury coastal property before it reaches the broader market.
• Priority access to pre-release and off-market projects
• Early-bird pricing opportunities
• Invitations to exclusive launch events and private briefings
• Tailored buyer matching based on your lifestyle plans
• Insight into what’s coming - before it’s announced
Whether you’re downsizing, future-proofing, or planning a lifestyle transition in the next five years, early clarity changes everything.
This isn’t about urgency, it’s about being prepared.
SCAN the QR Code, Create your profile, Discover what’s next - first.
Tweed Broadwater - Tweed Heads
Tweed Broadwater - Tweed Heads
Banksia Waters - Tweed Heads
Tweed Shores - Chinderah
AUCTION WEEK!
7083 Tweed Valley Way, DUNBIBLE
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, gazebo and saltwater inground pool, while the separate approved 3-bedroom cottage is privately positioned at the base of
129 Minnows Road, FERNVALE
Privately positioned and elevated at the rear of the property, this outstanding Tweed Valley acreage offers scale, water security and exceptional rural infrastructure just minutes from Murwillumbah.
• Permanent creek + 3 dams, including large spring-fed dam with pump to header tank
• Substantial two-storey residence – ideal for dual living or extended family
• Separate studio/shed plus extensive shedding and machinery storage
• 135,000L salt-water pool with beach entry and spa section
ANNE & JOHN BESGROVE
Licensed Sales Agents & Station Agents
Phone Anne: 0402 608 503 or John: 0403 513 924
the property.
Set on approximately 16.48 hectares (40.73 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.
• 5+ paddocks, laneway system, horse shelters and stock yards
Immerse yourself into a healthy way of life from this solid first level 2-bedroom lifestyle unit, commanding splendid water views across rolling lawns of the ever-changing Tweed River.
• Spacious air-conditioned living
• Well-appointed kitchen w/ vinyl plank flooring & modern appliances
• Enclosed sunroom / balcony overlooking the Tweed River
• Main & second bedrooms w/ built in robes
• Large fully tiled bathroom w/ combined laundry, includes washer & dryer
• Single lock up garage
ONE WEEK UNTIL
AUCTION
PARKSIDE LIVING – IN THE HEART OF TWEED
• Both bedrooms all with built-ins wardrobes & good size
• Functional kitchen with ample storage
• Bathroom with bath & shower (original condition)
• Separate toilet
• Tiled internal laundry with external access
Landsize 1025m2 Buyer Guide $950K Open Sat 11:00-11:30am (NSW)
David Stringer 0418 150 731
david@djstringer.com.au
• Single lock up garage On Site Auction 9:00am 14th March (NSW) Open Thursday 4:00-4:30pm (NSW)
David Stringer 0418 150 731 david@djstringer.com.au 2 1 1
VINTAGE BEACH COTTAGE – surrounded by conveniences'
• Hardwood timber flooring throughout
• 3 bedrooms, main w/ air-conditioning & built in robe
• Open plan living w/ split system airconditioning
• Shower over bath
• Fully fenced yard w/ side access through to double garage w/ part mezzanine storage
Landsize 613m2 Buyer Guide $895K Open Sat 12:00-12:30pm (NSW)
David Stringer 0418 150 731
6 1 5 4
Riverfront Homestead - Equine Estate
Framed by the flowing Rous River and gazing directly to the iconic silhouette of Mt Warning, this riverfront estate is a private rural sanctuary where luxury living, and world-class equine infrastructure exist in complete harmony. Welcome to 76 Dulguigan Road.
Manicured paddocks, extensive stabling and a covered training arena create a professional-level equine environment, with infrastructure designed for efficiency and horse welfare. 76 Dulguigan
