Issuu

Swimming photos by Delly Carr and Michael Kline. Bowls photo by Bowls Australia

Car park opening date updated

By Jonathon Howard

THE REOPENING of Murwillumbah’s long-awaited multi-storey car park is now in sight with the date now set to Friday, August 14, providing much-needed relief for parking in the CBD.

The reopening, subject to final approvals, will bring an end to a lengthy restoration process following the devastating car fire in late 2023 that forced the partial closure of the landmark facility almost three years ago.

Businesses and residents have eagerly awaited the return of the car park, which has been sorely missed by shoppers, workers and visitors struggling to find convenient parking in Murwillumbah’s busy CBD.

The Weekly has closely followed every stage of the restoration project; with the hope the reopening will finally ease parking pressure.

A Tweed Shire Council spokesperson said the project was now in its final stages.

“Tweed Shire Council advises the community that the Murwillumbah Multi-Storey Car Park is now expected to open from 14 August 2026, subject to final approvals,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said council had worked closely with contractors to ensure the restoration was completed to a high standard.

“Council has been working closely with the contractor to finalise a painting methodology that delivers the best outcome and value for money for the community,” council said.

Council highlighted that recent weather had delayed the final touches after previously indicating the car park would open on August 1.

“Recent wet weather affected the timing of some final restoration works, resulting in a slight delay to the project’s completion,” the spokesperson said.

Council remains confident the facility will soon be ready for public use.

“Based on current information, council anticipates the Murwillumbah Multi-Sto-

rey Car Park will be ready to open from 14 August and will provide a further update if this time frame changes,” council said.

The spokesperson also thanked residents for their patience throughout the lengthy restoration.

“Council thanks the community for its patience while these final works are completed.”

The vehicle fire caused extensive damage, resulting in the immediate closure of the building while engineers assessed its structural integrity.

The closure removed almost 150 parking spaces from the town centre, placing increased pressure on surrounding streets and public parking areas.

Since then, traders have repeatedly voiced concerns about the shortage of convenient parking, particularly during busy shopping periods and major community events.

The restoration has involved significant structural repairs, safety upgrades and improvements to ensure the facility meets modern standards before reopening.

Plea to make roads safer

FIVE PEOPLE have lost their lives on Tweed Shire roads so far this year, while at least 20 people have died across the Northern Rivers, as the Minns Labor Government launches Rural Road Safety Month with a renewed plea for motorists to make safer choices behind the wheel.

The annual “Join the Journey” campaign, run by the Australian Road Safety Foundation and supported by Transport for NSW, aims to reduce the road toll by encouraging safer driving habits throughout August.

Across NSW, there have been 183 road fatalities in the first six months of 2026, including 123 deaths in regional areas. Country roads account for more than two-

thirds of the state’s road toll, with motor vehicle drivers making up the majority of fatalities, followed by motorcyclists.

The NSW Government is investing almost $500 million over five years through its Towards Zero Safer Roads Program to upgrade high-risk locations. Other initiatives include expanding mobile speed camera sites, mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras, road safety education programs and trials of artificial intelligence wildlife detection cameras.

Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said every road user had a role to play in reducing the road toll.

“This Rural Road Safety Month, we’re asking everyone to join the journey to -

wards safer roads by making safe choices every time they get behind the wheel,” she said.

“Whether you’re travelling for work, visiting family or heading away for a break, a moment of distraction or a poor decision can have lifelong consequences.”

You have won a single pass* to the film of your choice

From Russia with love

I write in response to Peter Barnes’ recent letter regarding the proposed social housing block at 3-5 Heffron Street, Tweed Heads South.

This building design has not resemble to 1950s Soviet Russia (Stalin-era) buildings.

The building facades are mostly brick or prefabricated concrete panels. Go ahead and try find a dark brown Soviet building. You won’t. They are all light coloured, some red and some grey. The 1968 Soviet building that I grew up in has a golden pale brick facade, the same as a gentle sunrise at Kirra.

Your letter made me ashamed to live in this community.

Anna Bentley, Tweed Heads

We support Kingscliff Men’s Shed site

My husband and I 100-per-cent support the establishment of the Kingscliff Men’s Shed at Elrond Drive (TVW, July 30, page 6).

It will provide a great opportunity for men to come together for companionship and social interaction.

It’s a win/win situation for friendship and making of craft items which go to worthy causes.

We think Elrond Drive is a perfect site. Hoping it goes ahead.

D Thomson, Banora Point

Our mayor does a great job

Mayor Chris Cherrys extensive record representing the ratepayers of the Tweed Shire speaks for itself. Her knowledge, honesty and ability to genuinely recognise all aspects of any proposal in a peaceful manner is a shining example that any shire councillor in this country would aspire to.

In my opinion, we do not need Trump/Hanson politics and aggressive behaviour in the Tweed.

John Anderson, Chinderah

Great work surgical team

After reading the article about the surgical team at Murwillumbah &

THERAPIST

Kathy Ward covers all aspects of cosmetic tattooing, EG feather brows, eyeliners and lip blush. Powder and Hybrid brows also available. Free 15 minute consultations or over the phone consultations.

District Hospital recently (TVW July 6), I would like to share my thoughts after recently having surgery at that hospital.

I’m sure most people are a bit anxious when having to go under the knife, but the staff soon had me feeling relaxed and ready to go.

The amount of trouble they went to making me feel comfortable prior to surgery was amazing and everything that was happening during preparation in the operating room was done with confidence and no fuss.

After the surgery I woke up to a room full of smiling faces and a team who obviously care about what they are doing.

I can’t say enough about how good the surgical team is.

Thank you guys.

Ray Burrows, Murwillumbah Thoughts on Cudgen site next to hospital

Driving past the land adjacent to the Tweed Valley Hospital and observing the activity there.

It appears that common sense may have prevailed and the land maybe about to be rezoned to allow it to be used for a better/alternative use such as buildings ancillary to a hospital.

How convenient it will be for residents not to have to drive to John Flynn Hospital to consult a specialist.

Barbara Nowland, Kingscliff

Tweed Heads is not the Gold Coast I want to express my concerns for the proposed overdevelopment of the old hospital site (TVW, July 6, page 3).

I understand we need homes on the Tweed, but to add 800 apartments on the old hospital site is ridiculous in my opinion.

I do not want the Tweed Heads to just be an extension of the Gold Coast with high rise buildings jammed in everywhere.

When will there be any kind of public consultation?

Andrew Lester, Tweed Heads Tumbulgum Fishing Club

July wrap-up

Well, what a great idea it was to postpone the comp by a week. It turned out to be a magical winter’s day.

Thanks to the crew who always show up to make it happen — it almost looks like we know what we are doing!

A huge thank you to all of our sponsors. Please check out the last page of this month’s wrap-up and support our local businesses who continue to support the club.

The July comp was a fantastic success, with 80 entrants, 40 people submitting catches, 116 fish submitted and 14 new members joining the club. It’s so good to see our club continuing to grow and getting new people involved.

The fish were certainly biting, with the haul including 61 bream, 13 whiting, one tailor, nine trevally, 27 flathead and five other species.

Congratulations to all of our category winners, and a special mention to our champions:

•Junior Champion: Reef Ings

•Senior Champion: Jamin Stewart

Thanks also to the BBQ boys, Bevan and Col, who kept everyone fed, and congratulations to Athol Edmonds, who took out Top Bloke & Sheila.

The Members Draw and mystery fish didn’t go off, so both prizes will jackpot.

The mystery fish is still waiting to be claimed, with a $200 voucher prize up for grabs.

Very soon you will receive an email to sign up as a member on our website. Please take the time to do it, as by the next comp our paper spreadsheet will be in the bin!

Your invite will come from fishing@ tumbyfc.com. This is our new email address for all club correspondence moving forward, so please remember to check your junk mail if it ends up there and mark it as safe.

Anyone who has trouble signing up, we will help you out at sign-on for the next comp.

Righto, check out this month’s wrap-

Fire victims “lost everything”

By Jo Kennett

A LOCAL support group has been overwhelmed with donations for the traumatised victims of the Homestead Holiday Park fire last week and are directing donations to fundraisers.

Two residents lost their homes and another two were temporarily forced out due to smoke damage after a fire started up in one of the homes in the Chinderah residential park and then burned the home next door, on Wednesday night, July 29.

The park was completely evacuated until the fire was extinguished.

The Chinderah and Surrounds People’s Hub had been taking donations for the two residents who lost their home but were overwhelmed by the support and had to shut down donations on Friday, July 31.

Two homes suffered smoke damage but those homes are still habitable with residents back in. The two residents who lost their home have been given alternative accommodation in the park.

“They are being supported by friends within the park community,” Robyn Hume from the hub, told The Weekly.

“They’re very traumatized but they’ve got lots of support.

“They lost everything. They have nothing.

“Kim I think left with her pajamas and phone and glasses. No shoes, nothing.

“Shane I think only had his py -

up attached.

The next comp is on August 16.

Tight Lines!

Nathan Day, Tumbulgum Fishing Club president

jamas.”

Fortunately no one was injured in the fire.

“There’s some Gofundme and fundraisers set up for them.

“Kim’s daughter-in-law has set up a Gofundme.

“Their living situations at the moment, whilst they’re temporary, they’re very suitable because they’re both in empty units so they can have their space but that’s been provided within the park from neighbors and friends.”

Robyn said the community had been very supportive of the affected people.

“The community’s just been amazing with clothing and household items for them,” Robyn said.

“We’ve had lots and lots of offers of money which we’ve sent off to the Gofundme.

“There’s a possibility of a fundraiser at the Chinderah pub which a couple of community members are planning.

“We don’t need anything more as far as donations go at this stage until we know where they’re going to live and what they’re going to do and we don’t have storage for any more donations.”

Woolworths remains committed

By Jonathon Howard

THE HIGHLY debated former Murwillumbah Bowls and Sports Club site on Brisbane Street, owned by Woolworths since 2018, has been thrust into the spotlight this week, after being identified as a potential location for a full-line supermarket in Tweed Shire Council’s draft blueprint for the region’s future growth.

The third draft Growth Management, Housing and Employment Strategy (GMHES), now on public exhibition, outlines a 15-year vision for where housing, jobs and infrastructure should be located across the Tweed while protecting the environment, agricultural land and the character of local communities.

One of its key actions is to investigate the future use of the former bowls club site as part of a future review of the Murwillumbah Development Control Plan (DCP).

Responding to questions from The Weekly, a Tweed Shire Council spokesperson confirmed the strategy does refer to the Woolworths-owned site on page 144.

“The reference is to the former bowls club site (which is owned by Fabcot Pty Ltd – Woolworths), however as the strategy identifies, the review of this site would be undertaken as part of a future Murwillumbah DCP (Development Control Plan) review,” the spokesperson said.

Council said any future consideration of a supermarket would need to assess the economic need for another in-town supermarket, impacts on Murwillumbah’s CBD and main street, the loss of private recreation land, flood risk, residential amenity, pedestrian connectivity and how the development would activate surrounding streets.

The spokesperson said the strategy reflected a council resolution adopted on

May 21, 2026.

The broader strategy also proposes a master plan for South Murwillumbah, greater housing diversity, improved flood resilience, enhanced walking and cycling connections and further development of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail precinct.

Across the Tweed, it identifies 19 Development Focus Areas after more than four years of consultation involving more than 1,200 residents and 650 submissions.

The proposal has again divided opinion in Murwillumbah.

There has been residents speaking both for and against a Woolworths store in Murwillumbah, saying it would increase competition, however, those against are concerned about impacts to current businesses.

In a statement to The Weekly a Woolworths spokesperson said the Tweed Shire is a “growing hub and there is demand for additional grocery options in Murwillumbah”.

“We remain committed to delivering a high-quality neighbourhood shopping centre for the community and we continue to engage with Tweed Shire Council in working towards this.”

Woolworths completed community consultation in 2020 and independent community sentiment research in 2023, with responses from more than 760 community members.

According to the results, this identified 70-per-cent support for a new supermarket in Murwillumbah (2023); 86 per cent highlighted the importance of improving the local retail offering (2020) and 81.5 per cent said they shop at Tweed Heads if they can’t access products in Murwillumbah (2020).

Speaking to the GMHS, Tweed Shire Council General Manager Troy Green

Seatbelts

said the strategy was intended to provide a long-term road map for the shire.

“The draft Growth Management, Housing and Employment Strategy provides a clear direction for the years ahead where growth is planned with care, liveability is enhanced, communities remain connected and distinctive, and our internationally significant natural environment continues to support long-term sustainability,” Mr Green said.

He said the public exhibition was the community’s opportunity to determine whether Council had “got the balance right” before the document is finalised later this year.

The draft strategy is on public exhibition until 4pm on Monday, August 31. Residents can view the document and make a submission at yoursaytweed.com. au/growth.

YOUR THOUGHTS: Should Murwillumbah have a second full-line supermarket? Send your views to editor@theweekly. net.au.

Map image from the Draft GMHS (snap shot) featuring Murwillumbah CBD

Council defends Hastings Point wastewater plant

TWEED SHIRE Council has defended the Hastings Point Wastewater Treatment Plant against claims its wastewater disposal system is outdated and environmentally unsafe, saying independent studies have found no evidence the existing dune disposal method is creating a growing environmental risk.

The response comes as the Tweed Communities Alliance steps up its campaign for council to consider a modern membr ane bioreactor technology as part of a major upgrade to the treatment plant, which services Cabarita Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville.

The Alliance has been campaigning for the change for more than two years and has renewed its push ahead of the release of a council-commissioned engineering study expected to go on public exhibition later this month.

Alliance technical committee member Philip Arthur said the community wanted council to embrace newer technology rather than continue relying on what he described as “outdated treatment methods”.

“The new plant will have a 30-year life, so it’s essential that council

chooses the best-performing and most future-proof technology available,”

Mr Arthur told The Weekly.

The Alliance argues the current system, which disposes treated wastewater through a nearly one-kilometre stretch of coastal dunes above Maggie’s Beach, is becoming increasingly unreliable.

It claims filter cloth buried within the dunes frequently becomes clogged, forcing partially treated effluent to escape through surface vents into surrounding vegetation, while also raising concerns about possible long-term impacts on groundwater, wetlands, nearby marine environments and the Hastings Point estuary.

The group has also questioned the treatment plant’s compliance history, claiming Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) license breaches occur regularly across Tweed wastewater treatment plants.

Mr Arthur said future coastal erosion presented another challenge, pointing to studies suggesting the dune system could be breached by rising sea levels and storm activity within the next 20 years.

“If the study finds membrane technology can be delivered without sig-

nificant additional cost, the council should proceed using that technology” he said.

“Although a relatively new method, around 20 years, membrane bioreactors are cost effective and could hold the answer to council’s longterm goals.”

However, Tweed Shire Council has disputed several of the Alliance’s claims, saying the wastewater treatment process and dune disposal system are separate components.

A council spokesperson fielded several questions from The Weekly.

“Wastewater is treated to a very high standard using conventional primary, secondary and tertiary treatment processes,” the spokesperson said.

“Once treated to meet stringent EPA licensing requirements, the treated water is sent to the dunes adjacent to Maggie’s Beach as the approved disposal method.”

Council said the dune disposal area is not outdated and would continue to operate regardless of which treatment technology is selected as part of the upgrade.

“The issue is that the existing treatment plant is ageing and needs to be upgraded so it can produce consistent treated water and continue to protect the dunes, groundwater and local waterways,” the spokesperson said.

Council confirmed it is comparing two shortlisted options.

Option 4 would modernise and strengthen the existing treatment process through upgraded equipment, increased treatment capacity and improved controls, while Option 5 would convert the plant to a mem-

“improving the treatment plant’s reliability and treated water quality”

brane bioreactor system using membrane filtration technology.

According to council, both options are designed to meet the same EPA license requirements and both would continue to use the existing dune disposal system.

Council also rejected suggestions the dune disposal area itself poses an increasing environmental threat.

The spokesperson said assessments undertaken by independent consultants had not found evidence the system was creating a growing environmental risk when receiving properly treated wastewater and being managed correctly.

Engineering consultant Beca Hunter H20 has undertaken studies examining groundwater, surface water and wet-weather overflow impacts as part of the options assessment.

“The main issue is the ageing treatment plant, which needs to be upgraded so treated water quality is more consistent,” the council spokesperson said.

“The upgrade is intended to protect the dunes, groundwater and local waterways over the long term.”

Council acknowledged future coastal erosion and climate change are important long-term risks for coastal infrastructure but said those issues are being addressed through its broader Coastal Management Program rather

than the current upgrade assessment.

“It is not a reason to conclude that the dune disposal system is currently ineffective or should not be used as part of this upgrade,” the spokesperson said.

“The current Hastings Point Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade is focused on improving the treatment plant’s reliability and treated water quality.”

Council also acknowledged the existing treatment plant has experienced performance and compliance issues, saying this was one of the primary reasons the upgrade is being pursued. It said any preferred option must be capable of meeting EPA license requirements, with regulatory compliance treated as a mandatory requirement rather than a trade-off against project costs.

The draft findings of the Concept Design and Multi-Criteria Assessment, prepared by engineering consultant Beca Hunter, are expected to be released for four weeks of public consultation from late August through Council’s Your Say Tweed platform.

A Hastings Point Wastewater Treatment Plant Consultative Committee, comprising technical experts and community representatives, will then consider the community feedback alongside the engineering assessment before making recommendations to council. Councillors are expected to consider the final report, consultation outcomes and committee recommendations before deciding on the preferred upgrade option for the Hastings Point Wastewater Treatment Plant later this year.

Jonathon Howard

Effluent overflow release from a vent at Maggies Beach dunes

Please

Two tax cuts for every Australian taxpayer

Capping PBS medicines at $25, or $7.70 for concession card holders

Doubling bulk billing clinics from Tweed to Ballina

Giving first home buyers a fair go

Extending paid parental leave to a full six months

Making childcare cheaper

Banning supermarket price gouging

Australia’s first Environmental Protection Agency

By Jonathon Howard

A FLOOD that crippled Tweed Shire Council’s operations in 2022, has become the catalyst for one of the shire’s biggest resilience projects, with the official opening of a new $34 million council depot at South Murwillumbah.

The flood-proof site at Industry Central, on the corner of Lundberg and Thornbill drives, is a purpose-built depot.

The facility has been jointly funded through $10 million from the Australian and NSW governments under the Infrastructure Betterment Fund and $24 million from Tweed Shire Council.

Mayor Chris Cherry said the depot represented an important legacy for future generations.

“We’ve seen firsthand the disruption and cost that flooding can cause,” Cr Cherry said.

“By investing in resilient infrastructure like this, we’re putting the Tweed in a much stronger position to respond, recover and rebuild.”

Reflecting on the devastating floods, Cr Cherry said the new depot would ensure history was not repeated.

“To know that we’re making sure that’s not going to happen again is an incredible legacy to leave,” she said.

“This means not only we as a council can be here better and stronger, but it means that a whole lot of our businesses can also do the same.”

The depot forms the centrepiece of Council’s Industry Central land swap program, which has enabled five flood-prone businesses, along with Council itself, to relocate to safer employment land above the floodplain.

A driving force behind the project was coun-

“We’re putting the Tweed in a much stronger position to respond, recover and rebuild”

cil’s general manager Troy Green, who said the new depot fundamentally strengthened council’s ability to respond during emergencies.

“This is a critical piece of infrastructure that fundamentally strengthens council’s operational resilience,” Mr Green said.

“By relocating to higher ground, we’ve ensured our people, plant and equipment are protected — which means we can be out on the ground sooner, supporting the community when disasters strike.”

The previous depot suffered extensive damage during the 2017 flood, when 1.2 metres of floodwater damaged around 30 per cent of Council’s fleet, contaminated fuel supplies and required a ninemonth recovery.

When even larger floods struck in 2022, Council was able to relocate critical assets to higher ground, reducing losses and reinforcing the need for a permanent flood-resilient facility.

NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said the depot was a model for future disaster resilience.

“We know that natural disasters will continue to challenge our regions, which is why moving vital, frontline infrastructure out of harm’s way is just common sense,” Ms Saffin said.

“This project isn’t just about protecting physical assets; it’s about cutting future recovery costs, keeping our emergency workers safe, and ensuring the Tweed community has absolute confidence that essential services will keep running when they are needed most.”

Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot

said the joint government investment would en sure the depot was built to withstand future disasters.

The modern facility includes secure storage for council’s fleet and heavy machinery, office accommodation, solar power, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and capacity for future growth.

Construction also included extensive landscaping, with more than 11,000 plants established around the site.

While council is the first organisation to relocate to Industry Central, construction is expected to begin soon on new premises for the five businesses participating in the land swap program, creating what council hopes will become a thriving, flood-free industrial precinct for generations to come.

FederalMPJustine Elli ot

Mayor

TWEED STUDENTS will have greater access to advanced and extension HSC subjects through their local public school under a NSW Government initiative to expand course options across the state.

As Year 10 students begin choosing subjects for senior school, families are being encouraged to explore the opportunities available through the government’s Inspire strategy.

Where subjects are not offered on campus, students can study them through Aurora College, the NSW Department of Education’s virtual school, while remaining enrolled at their local school.

NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar said the reforms ensured students could access challenging learning opportunities regardless of where they live.

“These reforms mean students can pursue advanced and extension HSC subjects while staying connected to their local public school and community,” he said.

The reminder comes ahead of Public Education Week, which begins on Monday.

Farming grants open Advanced subjects for Tweed students

TWEED FARMERS can apply for grants of up to $4,000 to improve the sustainability, productivity and resilience of their farming operations through Tweed Shire Council’s Sustainable Agriculture Small Grants Program.

Now in its eighth year, the program supports practical on-farm projects that deliver environmental benefits while strengthening local agricultural businesses.

Since 2018, 49 grants worth about $160,000 have been awarded for projects including erosion control, revegetation, water management and soil improvement.

Applications close on August 30 for first-round consideration, with more information available on Council’s website.

Sporting

TWEED SPORTING organisations are encouraged to apply now for a share of funding through the NSW Government’s Local Sport Grant Program.

Up to $2,000 to $20,000 grants are available, with a total of $50,000 available in each NSW electorate.

Funding will support projects that increase participation and retention in sport, create more inclusive opportunities for under-represented groups, and strengthen the long-term sustainability, capability and facilities of community sporting organisations.

Member for Tweed Geoff Provest is encouraging local sporting organisations to get their applications in prior to Monday August 17.

“Community sporting clubs are the heart of our local communities, bringing people together and promoting active, healthy lifestyles,” Mr Provest said.

Applications close 1pm, Monday, 17 August. Visit: sport.nsw.gov.au/ grants/local-sport-grant-program.

Birth Wellness Festival

BIRTH WELLNESS Festival is back for its fifth year at Murwillumbah Showgrounds this weekend with a focus on postnatal recovery and family support.

Event organiser Sali McIntyre said this year’s event features a stellar line-up of birth and postnatal experts who are eager to help families navigate the challenges of pregnancy, birth and postpartum.

“This is the perfect opportunity to find out what resources are available to new families in the Tweed and Southern Gold Coast,” she said.

“Birth Wellness Festival brings together dozens of birth experts in their field and it’s a great way to learn how to overcome the many challenges of starting a family.”

Sali has extensive experience in the birthing sector and operators the Heart

and Soul of Wellness Centre in Murwillumbah, where she’s been helping families to thrive in their birth journeys for eight years.

“The way our society is setup to help women with postnatal recovery is insufficient, and women are often expected to recover from birthing mostly on their own and are expected to bounce back immediately – this is not the case” she said.

“Women need help and rest and recovery, but how do you achieve this?

“That’s why we host the Birth Wellness Festival, it’s about community, using expert advice and bringing women and families together to help each other.”

The event will run on Saturday, August 8, from 9am to 4pm and again on Sunday, August 9, from 9am to 4pm.

Sali said the Birth Wellness Festival is the only birth-focused festival in Australia and is run by a dedicated group of volunteers with a passion for birth and postnatal recovery.

Entry is $66 per adult (kids are free) or $120 for a two-day entry adult ticket (grandparents are $50 per day) at Gate 7 (Farmer’s Market entry gate).

The theme this

Every answer matters

If you know where you’ll be on Census night, Tuesday 11 August, you can complete the form for your household as soon as you get your instructions. Complete online, on paper or with help from us.

year is: "Celebrating birth, strengthening community and honouring culture"

Missing Persons Week spotlight on Yvonne

By Jo Kennett

NSW POLICE have launched a fresh appeal at a special event in Sydney for public assistance to locate missing Dungay mother Yvonne Whear as part of this year’s ‘Answers Still Matter’ Missing Persons Week 2026.

Yvonne, aged 73, was last seen driving along Queensland Road, Murwillumbah, on Thursday, February 19.

About 3.20pm that day, her vehicle – a gold-coloured Ford Escape wagon with NSW registration EWS28P – was seen heading north on Queensland Road towards Dungay. Yvonne has not been heard from since and neither her nor her vehicle have been located.

Yvonne is described as being of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern appearance, around 154cm tall, of a medium to solid build and with long grey/brown hair.

She is known to frequent the Murwillumbah and Dungay areas.

Significant resources have been deployed trying to locate Yvonne, including searches in Dungay and Murwillumbah, involving the use of drones and helicopters, police boats and sonar equipment, trail bikes, and police in vehicles and on foot.

Yvonne’s daughter, Gillian Hallac, said every day that goes by brings more confusion and heartbreak.

“Our family is doing everything we can to cope, but the uncertainty is overwhelming,” Gillian said.

“The support from the community has meant so much, and we just hope someone out there holds the piece of information that will bring Mum home.

“I miss her advice, her voice, her presence.

“Behind every missing person is a family waiting for answers”

“It’s the everyday moments that hurt the most – the ones we never thought we’d lose. “We just need to know where she is and what has happened so our family can finally breathe again.

“Someone out there knows something. Even the smallest detail could help bring Mum home, and we’re begging people to share what they know. Our family, especially her grandchildren – need answers.”

Missing Persons Week is an annual national campaign to raise awareness of the issues and impacts surrounding missing persons and runs between Sunday, August 2, and Saturday, August 8.

This year’s ‘Answers Still Matter’ campaign highlights the unwavering commitment of investigators to uncovering the truth for families seeking closure and communities wanting clarity.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism

Yasmin Catley MP said no family should have to live with the uncertainty of not knowing what happened to a loved one.

“Behind every missing person is a family waiting for answers, and police work tirelessly to bring those answers home,” Ms Catley said.

“For Gillian and her family, the search for Yvonne continues. Police will do everything they can to find answers, following every lead and using every available resource to find her and bring her home.

“The NSW Government is committed to giving police the tools they need to support these searches – whether that’s drones, bikes, boats

or specialist expertise.

“Missing Persons Week is a reminder of the heartbreak and uncertainty families experience when someone they love disappears. It’s also a time for the community to reflect on what they may have seen, heard or know that could help bring Yvonne home.”

Detective Inspector Paul Fenwick, Missing Persons Registry, said investigators are determined to find answers the family deserves.

“Yvonne’s disappearance has had a profound impact on her family and the wider community, and finding answers for them remains a priority,” Det Insp Fenwick said.

“Every lead is assessed, every piece of information is followed up, and we continue to appeal for public assistance.

“Significant resources have already been deployed from multiple agencies in the search for Yvonne. These efforts will continue as we work to establish what happened and where she may be.”

“Someone in the community knows something that could help us. Even the smallest detail – something you may not think is important – could be the key to locating Yvonne. Now is the time to come forward.”

Tweed-Byron Police District Crime Manager, Detective Acting Inspector Chris Elliott said they are committed to establishing what occurred.

“Since Yvonne’s disappearance there has been considerable speculation, but the investigation remains open,” Det A/Insp Elliot said.

“Detectives continue to examine all available information, and at this stage we are keeping an open mind as to what may have happened.

“Extensive searches and investigative work have been undertaken over many months, in-

Yvonne Whear

volving drones, helicopters, police boats, sonar, trail bikes and ground crews. While this remains a missing person investigation, we are pursuing every opportunity and assessing all information received from the public.”

“Investigators have not identified any evidence to suggest Yvonne intended to voluntarily disappear. Anyone who saw Yvonne, spoke with her, or noticed her vehicle around the time she went missing should contact police – even a small detail could help move this investigation forward.”

For more information on the campaign, visit: www.missingpersons.gov.au

For more information on Yvonne Whear, visit: https://www.missingpersons.gov.au/search/nsw/ yvonne-whear

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

with Jo Kennett

Chinderah park fire

By Jo Kennett

A CHINDERAH residential park had to be evacuated after fire broke out on Wednesday night, July 29, destroying two homes but fortunately no one was injured.

At approximately 6.46 pm firefighters from Fire and Rescue NSW Tweed Heads and Kingscliff responded to reports of a caravan fire within a holiday park on Chinderah Bay Drive, Chinderah.

Initial Triple Zero (000) calls indicated the caravan was well alight, with LPG cylinders exposed to the fire.

On arrival, firefighters immediately commenced a fire attack.

Thankfully, all occupants had safely evacuated and were accounted for.

Additional resources were requested from Fire and Rescue Banora Point, along with the HYTRANS bulk water transfer system from Fire and Rescue Bangalow.

Despite the rapid response of firefighters, two residential units were destroyed, with a further two sustaining heat and smoke damage.

More than 400 metres of hose was deployed to relay water from water mains on the street to the fireground, enabling crews to bring the fire under control.

Firefighters said their thoughts are with the residents affected by the incident.

A reminder to ensure working smoke alarms are installed and tested regularly, and to have an evacuation plan in place.

Early warning saves lives.

Fire fundraisers setting up

A FUNDRAISER has been set up for one of the victims of the fire at Chinderah’s Homestead Holiday Park with another one planned in the near future.

Jeremy Prickett, the son of a female victim named Kim, has issued a plea for help to get Kim back on her feet as she was unable to insure her home after the 2022 floods.

“On the night of 29 July 2026, our family experienced something no one ever expects.

My mum Kim, a 66 year old retiree, lost her home in a devastating fire at the Homestead Holiday Park in Chinderah, northern New South Wales.

“The fire completely destroyed her demountable home, leaving nothing behind.

“While we cannot express how grateful we are that she escaped with her life, absolutely everything she owned (apart from her phone and the clothes on her back) has been lost.

“Like many people living in areas affected by the 2022 floods, she was unable to obtain affordable insurance due to the property’s flood risk.

“This heartbreaking reality has now left her with no financial safety net after losing her home and every single one of her belongings.

“The fire destroyed far more than Mum’s home. It took a lifetime of memories.

“It destroyed her furniture, clothing, treasured photographs, family keepsakes, and all of the everyday belongings that made her house a home.

“It took things that can be replaced and things that never can.

“It took my grandparents’ ashes, and even our family Scrabble board that had been passed

down through generations and was a staple at every family gathering.

“At 66 years old, my mum is now faced with the unimaginable task of starting over from absolute scratch.

“As a family, we are doing everything we can to support her. We will be contributing our own time, labour and resources wherever possible, but the cost of replacing even the basic necessities is overwhelming.

“We have created this fundraiser to help cover immediate essentials such as temporary accommodation, clothing, toiletries, medications, replacing important personal items, and the costs involved in clearing the site and beginning the long journey towards rebuilding her life.

“Every donation, no matter the amount, will make a genuine difference. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this page with your family, friends and community would mean just as much.

“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness, generosity and support during this incredibly difficult time. Our family is deeply grateful for every message, every share and every contribution.

“With heartfelt thanks, Jeremy (Kim’s son) By Monday, August 3, more than $7,000 had been raised for Kim, although a new home is likely to cost far more than that and donations are still being sought.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-kim-rebuildafter-losing-everything-in-a-house-fire

There is also a fundraiser planned for another one of the victims and we will have details of that upcoming.

A fundraiser has been started for one of the victims

Fighting the Chinderah blaze Photo Fire and Rescue Banora Point. BELOW: Photo Fire and Rescue Banora Point

Organ recipient ‘living the dream’

By Jo Kennett

FOR FIVE years, Eve Martin spent three days a week receiving renal dialysis at the former Tweed Hospital after developing kidney failure.

Two years ago, her life changed when she received an emergency kidney transplant at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane.

This month, she returned to the renal dialysis unit at Tweed Valley Hospital to thank the specialist nurses who cared for her, surprising staff with how well she looked.

“I woke up from my transplant and on the first day felt almost no pain, I was filled with joy,” Eve said.

“I cannot speak highly enough of the staff who cared for me.

“I was surrounded by nurses so sweet and efficient and doctors who made me feel wonderful.

“I’m living the dream now. My sur-

tion stalls was held at Tweed Valley Hospital.

Dr Michael Lindley-Jones, who leads NNSWLHD’s organ donation team with Organ Donation Clinical Nurse Consultant Howard Clare, said DonateLife Week was an important opportunity to encourage people to register and discuss their decision with loved ones.

per cent and also much higher than the national donor rate of 35 per cent, although Ballina, on 60 per cent, is the third highest in NSW. All the Northern Rivers shires have more than half the populatin registered for organ donation.

Almost 139,000 Northern NSW residents have joined the Australian Organ Donor Register.

However, Dr Lindley-Jones said new registrations across the district fell by 21 per cent last year, mirroring

“Continuing to grow the number of people on the Australian Organ Donor Register is

ant, as wellaging people to talk to their family about their registration decision,”knowledgedtion of staff involved in facilitating organ donation.-

“I’m living the dream now. My surgery was a total success, and I urge everyone to register to become an organ and tissue donor.”

nificant mobilisation of staff and emotional resources, and without the dedication of our staff we wouldn’t have the success we do,” he said.

Despite strong registration rates, demand remains high.

Around 2,000 Australians are on the transplant waitlist, while about 14,000 people receive dialysis. More than 50 people die each year waiting for a lifesaving transplant. During DonateLife Week, landmarks including Twin Towns Services Club was illuminated in DonateLife magenta.

NSW Health is also partnering with Service NSW to promote registration through the MyServiceNSW app and service centres.

Registering takes about one minute with a Medicare card via DonateLife or the MyServiceNSW app.

Twin Towns lit up for Donate Life Week

Eve Martin was given a warm welcome from nurses Sandra Landers and Myer Lyndon when she visited the renal dialysis unit at Tweed Valley Hospital recently

Council trivia

Did you get last week's question right?

Answer: 1986 is the correct answer.

Tweed Link

According to Council records, Council established its facilities at Buchanan Street in 1986, when the first Council building application was lodged for a workshop, amenities building, store and offices, with works valued at $360,000.

Read 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

Trading turbulent waters for higher, more solid ground

Tweed tourism shines at North Coast Region Tourism Awards

Some mornings, Lyndon Poirrier looks out his office window at a river so calm it is hard to believe what it can do.

"It’s almost like facing your demons. I look at the river and I see it being so safe, looking so tranquil. And then I have visions of it coming up at a rate of knots, spilling over the side, emptying out into the cane fields," Mr Poirrier, CEO of the Williams Group said.

The North Coast visitor economy gathered at Pacific Bay Resort in Coffs Harbour on Thursday 30 July, and the Tweed was well represented. Operators and attractions from across the Shire took home 10 awards.

Council trivia

Did you get last week's question right?

Answer: 1986 is the correct answer.

His family-owned company has traded in Murwillumbah since 1935. In 2017, floodwater inundated 4 of its South Murwillumbah operations, washing stock into the Tweed River. In 2022 the water came back higher, over the production machinery. It took staff weeks to clean out the truss plant, the hardware stores, the seed and grain shed.

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail won Gold in 2 categories: Tourist Attractions, and Excellence in Accessible Tourism, the first time it has entered the accessibility category. The Tourist Attractions win also puts the Rail Trail in contention for Hall of Fame status at the NSW Tourism Awards, which it would reach with a state-level win 3 years running.

"Watching how sad they were about what it looked like after the water subsided – it was extremely taxing on everybody, mentally, emotionally, physically. But they just kept turning up every day," Mr Poirrier said.

"Accessibility is not a compliance item for us. It is a core value that guides how we design, deliver and grow the Rail Trail," Northern Rivers Rail Trail Regional Lead Dean Cooper said.

Council knew the feeling. Its own Buchanan Street depot went under in the 2017 floods, taking trucks, plant and stores with it.

He said the result reflected years of work across staff training, infrastructure, digital access and visitor information, looking at the whole visitor journey rather than physical access alone.

"We had a community hurting. They needed a Council to be able to get up and respond and assist them get back on their feet," Tweed Shire Council General Manager Troy Green said.

Tweed Holiday Parks was recognised in 3 categories. Kingscliff won Gold for Caravan and Holiday Parks, Pottsville North took Silver in the same category, and Fingal was Highly Commended for Cultural Tourism.

"Kingscliff and Pottsville North are run by teams who know their regulars by name, and Fingal has built something genuinely special in the way it shares culture with visitors. That is what gets recognised in a room like this," Manager Destination Communication and Customer Experience Tiffany Stodart said.

The answer was the Industry Central land swap, the first of its kind in Australia: 14.02 hectares of flood-free land, offered to flood-affected businesses in exchange for their sites in the floodplain. Five businesses came through the process, alongside Council’s new Murwillumbah Depot. The remaining lots were sold and the NSW Government’s investment repaid in full, with the land secured at no cost to ratepayers.

The difference shows the next time it floods, TSC Director Engineering Tim Mackney said:

"Our stores, our workshops and our staff can all stay high and dry – which means we’ll be able to hit the ground running straight away."

For Williams, the decision came after some sleepless nights and hard talks around the board table. But after 91 years in the Tweed, the company was never going to leave.

Its manufacturing division will be first onto its new block at Industry Central — on ground the river cannot reach, securing its future in the Tweed.

Read 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

Tweed tourism shines at North Coast Region Tourism Awards

"Accessibility is not a compliance item for us. It is a core value that guides how we design, deliver and grow the Rail Trail," Northern Rivers Rail Trail Regional Lead Dean Cooper said.

Other Tweed businesses recognised on the night included Tweed Eco Cruises, which won Gold for both Ecotourism, and Tour and Transport Operators, Better by Bike (Gold, Tourism Retail, Hire and Services), Husk Distillers (Gold, Tourism Wineries, Distilleries and Breweries) and Cascade Springs (Bronze, Hosted Accommodation).

Visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/industry-central-land-swap to find out more about The Industry Central Land Swap project.

Ritual exhibition now open at Tweed Regional Museum

The 2026 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards are presented by Destination North Coast in partnership with the NSW Tourism Association. For the full list of winners and finalists, visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/rta2026

and Bronze awards.

particular the Goodjinburra, Tul-gi-gin and Moorung

Council also acknowledges and respects the Tweed

and traditions.

Ritual is now open until Saturday 21 November. The exhibition draws on stories, objects and traditions from across the Tweed's diverse communities, many of them contributed by residents and local lenders. On display are artefacts from the local Sikh and Hare Krishna communities, alongside curios from more personal rituals, including children's teeth collected by the tooth fairy.

Among the collection highlights are 2 of the earliest known headstones in the Tweed, stark reminders of the maritime dangers that have threatened coastal communities over generations. A headstone honouring Margaret Wootton and Charles Wootton records the loss of the cutter Mary Jane during a voyage between the Tweed River and Sydney in 1861,

in which Charles drowned. Another commemorates members of the Boyd family who died when the schooner Ebenezer was wrecked on the Tweed River bar on 30 July 1859.

In the Museum courtyard, a free interactive play space explores tea rituals from around the world, showing how a simple daily practice became a symbol of hospitality, reflection and connection across cultures.

Artist Matthew Aberline's new installation, A Garden Grows Towards the Light, immerses visitors in giant inflatable lanterns with light and sound. The Our Seasons gallery features commissioned illustrations by Jaz Meier of Harley & J, celebrating the landscapes, flora and changing rhythms of the Tweed.

Visitors of all ages can add to a growing paper flower garden in an activity called Seeds and Seasons, inspired by local flora.

"At a time in the world where division can feel front and centre, it is my hope that Ritual offers a warm reminder of what brings us together," Exhibition Curator Kalindi Hopping said.

Ritual will also open after dark during the Tweed Regional Museum Street Party on Saturday 5 September.

Exhibition details

Date: Tuesday 28 July – Saturday 21 November

Time: Open 10 am to 4 pm

Place: Tweed Regional Museum, 2 Queensland Road, Murwillumbah

Cost: Free

Find out more at museum.tweed.nsw.gov.au/ritual

This project is supported by Create NSW through the 4 Year Multi-Year Arts and Cultural Funding Program.

He said the result reflected years of work across staff training, infrastructure, digital access and visitor information, looking at the whole visitor journey rather than physical access alone.

Tweed Shire Council wishes to acknowledge the Ngandowal and Minyungbal speaking people of Bundjalung Country, in particular the

– Moobah clans, as being the traditional owners and custodians of the land and waters within the

and

boundaries. Council also acknowledges and respects the

Aboriginal community’s right to speak for its Country and to care for its traditional Country in accordance with its lore, customs and traditions.

Goodjinburra, Tul-gi-gin

Moorung

Tweed Shire

Tweed

Now and then: (top) the new Murwillumbah Council depot, 2026, (bottom) Buchanan Street depot 2022 flood impact.

Tweed tourism wins Gold, Silver and Bronze awards.

Tweed tourism wins Gold, Silver

Nominations now open for the 2026 Tweed Shire Australia Day Awards

Do you know someone who makes a positive difference in the Tweed community?

The Australia Day Awards provide an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the people or groups who quietly work behind the scenes, lead community initiatives, support local causes and inspire others.

Categories include:

• Citizen of the Year

• Arts and Culture

• Volunteer of the Year (group or individual)

• Sporting Achievement (group or individual)

• Community Event of the Year

• Young Achiever in Community Service

• Senior Ambassador.

Anyone can submit a nomination, including individuals, clubs and community organisations. Nominees must be Australian citizens with a strong connection to the Tweed and have made a positive contribution to the community over the past 12 months.

Nominations close at midnight on Friday 25 September 2026. Submit your nomination today at tweed.nsw.gov.au/australia-day-awards

Development application determinations

Sustainable agriculture grants open for 2026–2027

Tweed farmers looking to improve the sustainability and resilience of their properties can now apply for grants of up to $4,000 through Tweed Shire Council's Sustainable Agriculture Small Grants Program.

For local farmer John from Pumpenbil, a previous grant helped fence off gullies and waterways, creating wildlife corridors while improving pasture management.

“Limiting cattle access to waterways and providing clean drinking water through troughs has improved both animal health and pasture condition,” John said.

“Equally valuable has been the technical advice and support provided through the program.”

At Stotts Island, another grant recipient, Robert, trialled a multi-species cover crop on his sugar cane farm. The results produced about 45 tonnes of dry matter and significantly increased nitrogen levels, reducing the need for chemical nitrogen inputs.

These projects are among 49 grants funded through the program since 2018, supporting local initiatives including erosion control, riparian restoration, native revegetation, water management and soil improvement.

Now in its eighth year, the program supports practical on-farm projects that improve environmental outcomes while strengthening farm productivity

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

DA26/0122 – Alterations and additions to existing dwelling

Lot 582 DP 217268, No. 5 Grevillea Road, Bogangar

DA26/0421 – Inground swimming pool

Lot 118 DP 1201995, No. 28 Callistemon Avenue, Casuarina

DA26/0298 – Single storey dwelling with attached garage

Lot 305 DP 1308592, No. 36 Enmore Crescent, Kings Forest

DA26/0327 – Two storey dwelling with attached garage Lot 301 DP 1308592, No. 44 Enmore Crescent, Kings Forest

DA26/0367 – Swimming pool and surrounds Lot 214 DP 1308590, No. 14 Culgoora Street, Kings Forest

DA25/0574 – Use of alterations and additions and proposed alterations and additions to an existing dwelling – as amended Lot 28 DP 249874, No. 5 Sand Street, Kingscliff

DA26/0261 – Alterations and additions to existing dwelling incl. carport and 2 metre fence within the front building line Lot 1 DP 780133, No. 75 Kennedy Drive, Tweed Heads

The above development determinations are available for public inspection free of charge at the Planning and Regulation Division, Murwillumbah Civic Centre,

and long-term viability. Funding can be used to trial innovative farming methods, adopt sustainable land management practices and address environmental challenges on agricultural land.

Council's Acting Program Leader – Sustainable Agriculture, Aiden Sloman, said local farmers play a vital role in caring for the Tweed's natural environment.

“Farmers manage much of the Tweed's landscape and are uniquely placed to deliver positive environmental outcomes alongside agricultural production,” Mr Sloman said.

“The most successful projects we've helped fund started as simple ideas and evolved into lasting improvements for both farm businesses and the surrounding environment.”

Eligible applicants must be primary producers or actively farming land within the Tweed Shire.

Landholders are encouraged to discuss potential projects with Council's Sustainable Agriculture team before submitting an application. Applications for the 2026/27 funding year close 30 August 2026 for firstround consideration.

For program guidelines, examples of previously funded projects and application information, visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/sustainable-agriculture-grants or contact the Sustainable Agriculture team on 02 6670 2400

the Tweed Link early!

Stay up to date with Council news and happenings across the Tweed by having it delivered direct to your inbox.

Expression of interest – clean fill

Council is calling for expressions of interest from landowners willing to accept clean fill from its construction projects.

Council would deliver the fill free of charge to the property if the trip is shorter than that to a Council disposal facility. If the trip is longer, the property owner would be charged a gap fee based on mileage.

Properties suited to accepting fill must be able to be accessed by a tandem truck. In wet weather, fill can only be delivered to properties with all-weather access.

If Council accepts a property as suitable, it will add the property to a database and contact the applicant when clean fill becomes available from a nearby worksite.

For more information or to lodge an expression of interest, visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/disposal-of-fill

Current vacancies

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

WATER WEEK 3 Check when your water meter is read at tweed.nsw.gov.au/meter-reading

Landholders inspect a gully and dam fencing and revegetation project at Brays Creek, funded through the Sustainable Agriculture Small Grants Program.

ALERT

Council soon decides the best upgrade for the 50-year-old Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) that services Caba, Hastings and Potty: The Hastings Point WWTP. For decades, this WWTP has discharged effluent into the beach dunes at North Hastings and sometimes Christies/Cudgera Creek and Hastings Point Estuary.

FAILINGS

Council’s old technology does not reliably achieve EPA licence standards today, let alone into the future - at the environment’s expense.

By Jo Kennett

MARINE RESCUE Point Danger has been called in to help out a couple of mates fishing a long way offshore who got into trouble and needed a tow on Monday, August 3.

The team at Point Danger got the call for help from two mates in their 7 metre open cabin boat, who were enjoying a day out fishing when trouble struck.

Unfortunately they were stuck 25 nautical miles (about 46 kilometres) east of Tweed Heads with reported engine troubles.

That’s right out in the shipping lane, which made it even more dangerous, but with good conditions the Point Danger 31 crew pointed the bow east and didn’t hang about.

On arrival, according to Marine Rescue Point Danger, “it turned out the gremlins were battery-related, and a jump start seemed to solve

the problem, at least initially.”

“After shadowing the vessel back for a few miles, further issues and limp mode being triggered called for a tow for the remaining 20nm,” a Marine Rescue Point Danger spokesperson said.

“Huge thanks to our amazing volunteer crew onboard Point Danger 31, Tod, Guy and Steve supported by our Radio Operators Gary, Joseph and Brant.

“After a 50nm round trip, 250L of fuel and hours on the water, two extremely grateful and relieved fishermen were towed back to the safety of the Tweed River.”

Long range rescue Swimmer rescued

By Jo Kennett

A SWIMMER has been located during a multi-agency search at Fingal Head on Monday, August 3, after spending the night in the water.

At about 6.45pm, emergency services were called to Dreamtime Beach, Fingal Head, following reports a swimmer had gone missing.

Officers from Tweed Byron Police District attended and were told a 30-year-old woman had entered the water and not returned.

A search of the water and beach commenced with the assistance of Marine Area Command, Queensland PolAir and Westpac Rescue Helicopter, however, the woman was not located.

The search was suspended at 11pm and recommenced on Tuesday morning, August 4.

About 6.55am, a woman was located near a floating marker in the Tweed River.

Water Police, assisted by Police Negotiators, were able to bring the woman safely aboard a police vessel.

She was taken to Fingal Wharf where she was assessed by NSW Ambulance paramedics, before being taken to Tweed Valley Hospital for further assessment.

TWEED COMMUNITIES DEMAND

• Minimise pollutants to Christies/Cudgera Creek, Hastings Estuary and the dunes and foreshore between Hastings Point and Cabarita Headland - these are key to public health and the area’s priceless environmental and recreational values.

• Council must improve wastewater treatment while dealing with a growing population.

• Council’s upgrade must allow for the dunes becoming ‘inoperable’ due to projected sea level rise combined with storm events that are predicted to wash away the system

• Currently council’s answer to erosion disabling these dunes is for poorly treated effluent to be discharged to Christie’s/Cudgera Creek and Hastings Estuary. AN UNACCEPTABLE OUTCOME

TWEED WWTPs MUST BE BROUGHT TO THE BEST PERFORMING STANDARDS

 for future generations

 for environmental protection

 for public health and water security

 for improved amenity and the economic security tourism provides

Hospital Auxiliary marks 100 years

ONE OF the Tweed Shire’s longest-serving volunteer organisations celebrated a remarkable milestone at the Murwillumbah Services Club on Tuesday, July 28.

The wonderful United Hospital Auxiliaries (UHA) of NSW Murwillumbah Branch marked 100 years of service to Murwillumbah & District Hospital and the local community.

Members gathered for their annual general meeting and a special afternoon tea at the River Room with a special cake to mark a century of fundraising, advocacy and volunteer support.

The centenary celebration recognises those volunteers whose commitment has helped shape healthcare in Murwillumbah and supported countless patients and families across the district.

Established in 1926, the Murwillumbah

branch predates the formal creation of the United Hospital Auxiliaries of NSW and has played a significant role in the history of healthcare in the district.

In its early years, the auxiliary successfully campaigned for improvements to the original hospital, including support for the major brick extension that opened in 1939. During World War II, members helped the hospital through critical shortages of medical staff and resources, while in more recent decades the branch has continued to fund essential medical equipment, patient comforts and hospital improvements. In 2008, members established the volunteer-run hospital coffee shop, which remains a major fundraising initiative, while the branch's commitment to patient care was recognised statewide when it won the prestigious Norman

Frozen meals and fitness: Fuelling an active lifestyle

Staying active as we age isn’t just a lifestyle choice—it’s a key part of maintaining independence, energy, and a sense of wellbeing. From morning walks and tai chi to swimming sessions or keeping up with the grandkids, staying on the move helps strengthen muscles, bones, and overall stamina. But staying active also relies on something just as important: the right nutrition.

Preparing balanced, nutritious meals every day can be tiring, especially when fatigue, dietary requirements, or mobility challenges get in the way. That’s where modern frozen meals can make a real difference. Today’s high-quality frozen options are packed with flavour and carefully designed with seniors’ health in mind, providing the protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals that support muscle, bone, and digestive health. They’re portion-controlled, ready in minutes, and help reduce waste, so you can enjoy more of the things you love without the stress of daily cooking.

Gourmet Meals are complete, balanced meals with everything you need in one package—lean proteins,

colourful vegetables and heart-healthy ingredients—so there’s no need to add anything extra. Staying hydrated and enjoying a protein-rich meal after exercise helps your body recover and maintain strength, keeping you energised for everything from a morning stroll to an afternoon of gardening or playing with the grandkids.

Every Gourmet Meal is dietitianapproved, snap-frozen to lock in nutrition and flavour. From lean fish and chicken dishes to warming, protein-rich favourites or vegetarian options full of fibre, there’s something to suit every taste and lifestyle. Whether you’re managing a health condition, living independently, or simply want more free time, Gourmet Meals makes it easy to stay well-nourished and fully enjoy your day.

Contact our friendly team to find out more—and make mealtime effortless, nourishing, and enjoyable, so you can focus on living your healthiest, most active life.

Place an order today by calling 1300 112 112 or visit our website www.gourmetmeals.com.au

Today, the auxiliary has around a dozen active members who continue to raise funds through raffles, craft stalls and the coffee shop, ensuring every dollar raised benefits Murwillumbah Hospital.

Secretary Jude Ahearn said the centenary was a tribute to generations of volunteers.

“To reach 100 years is something very special and a tribute to the many volunteers who have given their time and energy to support our hospital and the people of the district," she said.

"Everything we raise stays local and goes back into helping patients, staff and visitors. We are very proud of what generations of members have achieved."

Long-serving members say the organisation's values have remained unchanged despite a cen-

tury of change.

"Our members have always believed in helping others and giving something back to the community," one member said.

"There have been many changes over the years, but the heart of the auxiliary has never changed. We are proud to be carrying on a tradition that began 100 years ago."

Another member said the centenary honoured the contribution of generations of local families.

"Many women before us worked tirelessly for the hospital and we stand on their shoulders," she said.

• Large gluten free

• Wholesome and nutritious

• Convenient ready-made frozen meals

• Australian Owned and Operated

• Home delivered and available in selected stores

"Reaching 100 years is a wonderful achievement and we hope the branch continues to serve the community for many years to come."

• Approved Associate provider for Support at Home

• NDIS registered provider

• High protein, high fibre and dairy free meal options Minimum order requirements apply*

Nock Rosebowl in 2012.

The Murwillumbah UHA volunteer members

UHA volunteers and special guests to help celebrate 100 years of UHA Murwillumbah

Aged care nurse pay rise

MEMBER FOR Richmond Justine Elliot announced that from August 1, 2026, the Albanese Labor Government delivered a fifth increase to award wages to the dedicated nurses who provide aged care services to older Australians.

“Under the Albanese Labor Government, aged care nurses have received five wage increases because we believe these workers should be properly valued for the care they provide to older Australians, including on the North Coast,” Ms Elliot said.

Ms Elliot said since 2022, a Registered Nurse on level 2 pay point 3, the most common level amongst Registered Nurses, has seen their pay increase by more than $36,000 a year.

“An enrolled nurse on the most common level and pay point has seen their pay increase by almost $32,000 per year,” she said.

liver better care for older Australians receiving aged care services.

“Nurses in aged care should be able to have a long, fulfilling career supported by strong and sustainable wages growth and that’s exactly why Labor has acted.

“The Albanese Labor Government has invested more than any previous government to ensure aged care workers are equipped and compensated appropriately to deliver the worldclass care locals deserve.

“Labor is helping Australians earn more and keep more of what they earn and that’s why we have acted to boost wages and close the gender pay gap.

“After a decade of decay under the Liberals and Nationals, aged care workers deserved better pay and Labor has delivered exactly that.”

For more information is available on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website: www.health.gov.au/ topics/aged-care-workforce/whatwere-doing/better-and-fairer-wages

EAR CLEANING CLINIC

Ear wax removal

The indignity of old age

THERE’S A phrase which is quite popular with health care professionals. The phrase is “The Dignity of Risk.”

It is usually applied when someone is anxious or worried about their elderly relative/ neighbour.

I can’t see what’s dignified about lying on the floor for several hours because your emergency alert is still by the bed and you can’t reach it, and you haven’t seen an actual person since yesterday.

But I wonder if “The Dignity of Risk” is supposed to mean: “old people are not idiots even if their bodies let them down all the time?”

As an old person myself, I do get a bit tired of the assumption by some younger people that wrinkles and sore joints mean I should be spo ken to very loudly and with super simple words.

The thing is, by the very fact that we’ve been on the planet for six or seven decades – or more – we oldies have necessarily done quite a few interesting things, and seen a few patterns come around again and again.

And now we have the luxury of choosing how we spend our time.

The elders in the You and Me Co-Mentoring project are choosing to put energy into making connections with some young people and finding that it’s fun.

The young people in the proj ect are finding out that those old people who are annoyingly slow at the supermarket checkout may have lived quite amazing lives. My hope is that by the end of

the project both young and old will recognise that they all have talents and skills which are useful in a healthy, caring community.

Healthy Town initiative

There’s a new initiative coming soon to Murwillumbah called “Healthy Towns”. Over the next two years, something called “Social Prescribing” is going to be part of what happens when you see your doctor in Murwillumbah.

The idea is that as well as, or maybe instead of pills, there will be a discussion with you about how “Social Prescribing” might be worth a try. This might include joining a club which interests you or becoming a volunteer. Finding out how that has gone will be part of the medical follow-up, just like with pills and X-rays. So, we will get to see if young and old people get more involved in clubs and community events in the next two years, and if it makes a difference to their health. Which one might you join?

We have all got more to offer than it appears at first glance. Sometimes we don’t even know ourselves what we’re capable of until we give things a go. Usually, you get as much out of offering to do something as the people you intend to assist.

Young people can do all kinds of things and manage lots of tasks easily. Old people have a lot of experience, have seen many unusual things and can do more than you might expect. Both groups have a lot to offer which may currently be invisible – or taken for granted. So, I think the phrase I would prefer for young and old people in our community is “The Dignity of Being Valued.”

Tutu Day for kids

By Jo Kennett

TWEED VALLEY Hospital staff joined community members across the Northern Rivers on Friday, July 31, to support Tutu Day for Our Kids, wearing colourful tutus to raise funds for paediatric medical equipment for local hospitals.

Cabarita Beach Sports Club joined in the fundraising fun at Pottsville Beach Sports Club and everyone had a great day.

The annual fundraiser brought together doctors, nurses, businesses, sporting clubs and community members in support of children receiving care closer to home.

Our Kids Fundraising Coordinator Rebekka Battista said the campaign continued to grow after its successful launch the previous year.

“Tutu Day was launched last year and the Northern Rivers embraced it with incredible enthusiasm,” Ms Battista said.

“This year, the campaign grew even bigger,

with more than 53 teams registered, including staff from Tweed Valley Hospital.”

Community support across the region included South Tweed Bowls, Club Tweed, Murwillumbah Services Club and many other local organisations, businesses and community groups.

“It was so encouraging to see so many businesses, workplaces, schools, sporting clubs and community groups embracing the fun while raising funds to help local children receive the best possible medical care close to home,” Ms Battista said.

“Our vision is to see Tutu Day become a Northern Rivers tradition. It’s a simple, fun way for everyone to get involved and make a real difference for local kids.”

Funds raised through Tutu Day will support the purchase of paediatric medical equipment for local hospitals, helping children across the Northern Rivers access the care they need closer to home.

A Joy l Journey of Faith

I’m Megan, a 36-year-old artist and architect living and working in Kingscliﬀ, and I am thrilled to share my journey to the Catholic Church. I became a Christian at 19 after a really hard period in life which found me quite depressed and wondering what was the point of life. After understanding the Gospel message of Jesus, my faith gave me purpose and peace like I had not experienced before. I have now been Christian for many years, however over the last couple of years my husband and I began to search deeply on the origins of the Christian faith and what the early church actually did and believed. It led us to ﬁnding the Catholic Church and we educated ourselves on what the Church actually believed (rather than our misconceptions).

Upon starting to attend Mass at St Anthony’s in Kingscliﬀ, we found that it was a place where we could enter into a beautiful, reverent and almost meditative space. It was so peaceful yet so powerful the way the Mass would lead

us and we couldn’t help but feel so fulﬁlled every time we went. We soon connected with a wonderful and growing community of people - some truly amazing Kingscliﬀ locals from all backgrounds and walks of life. It has become our home and we look forward to meeting every week and participating in all the other activities, such as small meeting groups and spaces to ask questions.

After being conﬁrmed at Easter I have found so much joy in my Catholic faith. As an artist in particular, I have been able to connect with a rich history of art and artists, stories of the early Church and Saints that I continue to draw inspiration from. This rich history and culture have inspired me and grounded me in new ways and I can’t help but express that in my art. I would encourage anyone who is curious about faith to come along or reach out - there is really nothing to lose and so much to gain.

St Anthony’s Parish, Kingscliﬀ is about to hold an RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) Enquiry Night.

If you are curious about the Catholic faith and interested to learn about the RCIA, you are invited to come along.

WHEN: Tuesday, 18th August, 6.30 pm

Murwillumbah Public School PROMOTING

EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION

Murwillumbah

Murwillumbah Public School celebrated NAIDOC Week with a wonderful week of learning, culture and community, giving every student the opportunity to deepen their understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures. Students took part in whole-school rotations celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through Indigenous-inspired art, baking delicious wattle seed muf ns and playing traditional Indigenous games. A highlight of the week was a special performance by renowned Indigenous entertainer Dion Drummond, who captivated students with stories, songs, dance and cultural artefacts representing both Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal cultures. Students and staff enthusiastically joined in, creating a fun and interactive experience that celebrated the richness and diversity of Australia’s First Nations cultures.

Principal: Les Daley

WHERE: St Anthony’s Catholic Church, 12-14 Pearl St, Kingscliff, in the parish meeting room. For more information email: pa@stanthonysparishkingscliff.org or phone 02 6674 1284 (Tues-Fri) www.stanthonysparishkingscliff.org

Public School Celebrates NAIDOC Week

Ten talented student artists were also selected to work alongside renowned local Indigenous artist Jason King, creating a collaborative painting while learning about Indigenous art, symbolism and storytelling.

The NAIDOC Week activities celebrated the rich history, diverse cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, providing students with meaningful, hands-on cultural experiences that fostered respect, understanding and reconciliation.

Pottsville Beach Sports Club got in on the Tutu Day for our Kids Photo Pottsville Beach Sports Club

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

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

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

The most common type of vertigo is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

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

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

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

Janelle Saffin

together, delivering results

Landholders across the Northern Rivers are working to repair creeks and riverbanks damaged by the 2022 floods, replanting native vegetation along 40km of riverbanks, fencing off waterways, and improving how water moves as part of a pilot program.

In our region there are a total of 35 Caring for Catchments projects underway on private land across four catchments, to stabilise waterways and support long-term catchment health.

Caring for Catchments is a great, combined effort. It is funded by the Albanese Government through the Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program, administered by the

NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) and delivered by the North Coast Regional Landcare Network in partnership with landholders and communities.

I advocated for this program in the aftermath of the 2022 floods that ripped through our rivers, riverbanks and landscapes.

So far, about 62 hectares have been revegetated, 40km of riverbank restored, and more than 84,000 native trees and sedges planted, to reduce erosion and improve the condition of creeks and river systems.

Nearly 7,000 people have participated in the initiative through training, education and project delivery, helping build our local capability to continue this work.

New Aboriginal Driver Instructor program

Transport for NSW has set up an initiative under its Driver Licensing Access Program, to train Aboriginal driving instructors. Everyone deserves the opportunity to gain their licence, and as we know, it is particularly important in regional areas where having a drivers licence can be critical for securing a job. By training Aboriginal driving instructors, the Government is investing in local leaders, creating meaningful employment opportunities and ensuring communities have trusted local people delivering driver education.

The first cohort includes 20 Aboriginal participants from the Far West, Western, Northern and Southern regions of NSW. Once training is complete, the initiative will expand to more communities across the state.

Our chapters are meeting each week, and members are growing their businesses through word of mouth quality referrals.

On the Gold Coast and Tweed Shire, we have just under 500 members who are supporting each other through this.

Today BNI® has more than 9,200+ chapters successfully operating in over 70 countries worldwide. Our members enjoy unparalleled business growth.

In the Tweed Area, our three local business groups are BNI Aspire on a Wednesday morning, BNI Eagle on a Thursday morning or BNI Pinnacle on a Friday morning. All and anyone are welcome to visit!

BNI provides a positive, supportive, and structured environment for the development and exchange of quality business referrals and we invite YOU to join us to network with amazing business owners.

Janelle Saffin views a Caring for Catchment project with Landholder Jeff Imeson (right) at his Coffee Camp property and Jim Kinkead (left) the President of North Coast Regional Landcare.

The wonder of children’s art

By Julia Collingwood

‘WONDER’ the latest exhibition of children’s art from Aetaomah school is showing at Art Post Uki from Thursday August 6.

This is Aetaomah’s fourth exhibition at Art Post. The unselfconscious child’s view of the world is revealed in 55 paintings, feltwork and drawings, each reflecting a world of wonder.

Education at Aetaomah is based on the Steiner/Waldorf holistic approach, which aims to develop the child’s intellectual, artistic and practical skills, with a focus on imagination and creativity.

A unique feature of the Steiner/Waldorf art method is ‘form drawing’ where children come to experience the world as made of straightness and roundness.

Children begin by drawing free-hand straight and curved linear forms followed by lines in a rhythmic repetition. Gradually they develop hand-eye coordination, controlled movement and concentration.

Apart from form, children are also taught the importance of colour as a tool to reflect emotions and feelings such as joy, conflict, suffering, light and darkness.

The effect of this teaching method can be seen in these magical paintings which bring a ray of sunshine to our world.

‘Wonder’ opens 3.15pm Thursday August 6 at the Uki Post Office. Closes September 2. Opening hours: 7am-5pm weekdays, 7.0012.30pm Saturday and 8am-12.30pm Sunday.

Artwork by Oskar Schoenberg, Year 3

Tree by Astro Day, Year 6

Aetaomah children in the art class

Dental Week

Bromleys

Missing teeth or uncomfortable dentures can make eating, speaking and smiling with confidence more difficult. Fortunately, advances in digital denture technology mean today’s dentures can be more precise, comfortable and natural-looking than ever before. Whether you have natural teeth, wear partial dentures or full dentures, regular dental check-ups remain essential. Dentures should be assessed regularly, as changes in your gums and jaw can affect their fit over time. Simple habits such as cleaning your dentures daily, removing them overnight (unless advised otherwise), maintaining good oral hygiene and eating a balanced diet all help keep your mouth healthy.

This Dental Health Week, if you’re experiencing discomfort or your dentures no longer fit well, don’t ignore the signs. Seeking professional advice early can help restore comfort, function and confidence in your smile.

Murwillumbah Smiles

Maintaining good oral hygiene is an essential, yet often overlooked, part of your overall well-being. Taking proper care of your teeth, gums, and mouth not only helps prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath, but also plays a significant role in reducing the risk of systemic conditions such as heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes.

Effective oral hygiene starts with brushing your teeth twice daily for two minutes using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a remineralising toothpaste to strengthen enamel and prevent decay. Equally important is daily interdental cleaning, whether with floss, interdental brushes, or a water flosser, to maintain gum health and keep plaque under control.

A consistent at-home routine, along with a professional check-up and clean every six months, helps maintain healthy teeth, while identifying potential issues early before they cause pain or become complex to treat.

Good oral hygiene is a simple yet powerful investment in your longterm health.

Biltoft

Dental

Common Questions Our Dentists Are Asked

Should I brush right after eating? Not straight away, especially after acidic food or drink. Enamel is temporarily softened, so brushing can wear it down faster. Wait about 30 minutes first.

Is flossing really necessary if I brush well? Yes. Brushing alone only cleans around 60% of each tooth’s surface. Floss reaches between teeth, where most decay and gum disease begins.

Does brushing harder mean cleaner teeth? Actually the opposite. Hard brushing wears away enamel and irritates gums. A soft-bristled brush with gentle, circular strokes is far more effective.

Does a missing tooth matter if it doesn’t show? Yes. Gaps let neighbouring teeth shift and can cause bone loss, affecting your bite. Implants, bridges, or dentures restore both function and a healthy smile. If nothing hurts, do I still need check-ups? Definitely. Most problems don’t cause pain until advanced. Regular check-ups catch issues early, while they’re simple to treat.

Tweed Coast Denture Studio

As a prosthetist, I often remind patients that healthy dentures begin with healthy habits. Cleaning your dentures every day, removing them overnight, and gently brushing your gums, tongue, and any remaining teeth helps reduce bacteria and protect your oral health. Regular denture check-ups are just as important. They ensure a comfortable fit and allow us to identify potential problems early. Well-maintained dentures don’t just improve your smile; they support your overall health, confidence, and quality of life.

Karl Eisermann, Prosthetist at Tweed Valley Denture Clinic, Murwillumbah, and Tweed Coast Denture Studio, Tweed Heads.

King St Dental

Healthy Choices Can Still Harm Your Teeth

Many drinks considered healthy, including smoothies, sports drinks, and flavoured waters, can contain acids that gradually wear away tooth enamel. The concern isn’t always the sugar— it’s how often your teeth are exposed to acid. Frequent sipping keeps your mouth acidic, giving enamel less time to recover. Protect your smile by avoiding frequent sipping, drinking water afterwards, and waiting at least 30 minutes before brushing after acidic foods or drinks.

This Dental Health Week, look beyond the label and consider how your everyday choices affect your oral health.

Friendly local care, with your overall wellbeing in mind

We provide whole-family dentistry in a calm, welcoming space

From preventive care to more advanced treatment options, the experience is designed around comfort, clarity, and long-term health. Our experienced dentists and clinical team are committed to providing comfortable, personalised care from your very ﬁrst visit.

ORAL MICROBIOME

SAFE MERCURY AMALGAM REMOVAL

HOLISTIC COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION & ORAL DISINFECTION (CLEAN)

SKIN NEEDLING & PLATELET RICH PLASMA THERAPY

COSMETIC DENTISTRY

PAEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

IMPLANTS

ORTHODONTICS

INVISALIGN®

Regular dental check-ups help protect your smile and catch small concerns early. At Casuarina Dental, we aim to make every visit comfortable, supportive, and tailored to you - with a focus on both oral health and overall wellbeing.

Week

Casuarina Dental

A healthy body starts with a healthy smile. Dental Health Week is a great reminder that caring for your teeth and gums is an important part of looking after your overall health.

While many people think of oral health as simply preventing cavities, healthy gums are equally important.

The Mouth-Body Connection

Research has shown that gum disease is associated with a number of serious health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, pregnancy complications and respiratory disease. Although gum disease does not necessarily cause these conditions, ongoing inﬂammation in the mouth can contribute to overall health problems and may make some medical conditions more di cult to manage.

The Good News is gum disease is largely preventable. You can make a signiﬁcant di erence with four simple habits:  Brush twice a day with ﬂuoride toothpaste  Clean between your teeth daily

Limit sugary foods and drinks

Attend regular dental check-ups

Many dental problems develop silently, so routine examinations allow issues to be detected and treated early, helping you maintain both a healthy smile and a healthier body.

AT THE FOOTY with Quinny

82-12. The biggest score since 1935 (when it was three-point tries!).

That was a simply amazing performance by the Chooks that has put everyone on notice. Now I know there are good days and bad days but the Cowboys were simply woeful and the Roosters were flying.

You would expect some sort of bounce back from Payten’s men this weekend against the Titans on Thursday who will be looking for some redemption after the Wah’s game.

What I will say is the atmosphere at Cbus on Saturday with a stadium full of Warriors fans was amazing.

It would be great to see it packed out like that every week so well done Warriors supporters.

The Bulldogs are making a late season surge and I feel it would be a long time since we haven’t seen either Melbourne or Brisbane in the finals but that’s the reality in 2026 with both teams going to miss the top 8 even with five rounds to play.

Suncorp was pretty full on Saturday and the season from hell continued to get worse as the Knights dismantled the hapless Broncos.

All eyes will be on Nicho Hynes this week to see if he can break the goal scoring record for most kicks in a row.

Nicho overtook the great Luke Covell on the weekend as the highest point scorer for the Sharks and now has his eye on Hazam El Mazri’s record - against the Dragons you would suspect he’s a good chance also.

The trainwreck that is the Wests Tigers continued to stutter along on the weekend dropping

another game to the inconsistent Eels.

I reckon Benji would be desperate for this season to finish.

Friday night 6pm should be a beauty this week with the third placed Warriors taking on the juggernaut that is Penrith.

A big congratulations to Casino junior Matt King who was named NSW Blues State of Origin coach to replace Laurie Daley for next year.

King carved out an amazing career of his own and his coaching career is heading the same way.

I loved the concept of taking the NRLW to Wagga Wagga on the weekend for the Magic Round.

The big country towns like Mudgee, Bathurst, Tamworth etc need more of this.

Two rounds to go in the NRRRL and the Mustangs made a big statement on the weekend with a massive win over premiers Marist Brothers. For and against could play a big role for the top spot and also who falls into the top 6.

See you at the footy. Quinny

5909 Tweed Valley Way Mooball Ph: (02)

Tweed Valley

Mustangs try time for the last home game of the season

Concrete • Concre�ng Mesh / Tools / Sealers • Landscaping Material Supplies • Rocks / Sands / Soils / Mulches

Retaining Wall Blocks / Pavers / Besser Blocks

Our dear followers, readers and food lovers,

Winter season is offering it’s best at the markets now! The last couple of months have been abundant with Winter goodness, and our farmer’s stalls have been full of root vegetables, such as carrots, radishes, potatoes, sweet potatoes and beetroots with cauliflowers, broccoli and cabbages. Winter greens are also in abundance, and you can find lettuce, kale, herbs and different varieties of spinaches with us. These and plenty of more are available with our farmers Everest Farm, Summit Organics, Sylva Lining Organics, Daphne’s Pantry, Jumping Red Ant and A vocadoes from Burringbar

Other new season’s arrivals include Andy and Costanzo Apples who have new season’s green apples and pears in his baskets. The new season macadamias have also arrived at the markets, and you can find yours from Rainforest Foods stall. The sweet strawberry days are also here! The delicious winter favourite is now on season with Sarah and Monty’s Strawberries! But be quick,

the season’s first strawberries sell out fast! If you are not lucky enough to get yours this week, no fear, this is just the start of the season, and you will find these treats from the markets for a while now!

We are also proud to announce that we have a new pathway from our carpark to the markets. This will make a big difference over the months of wet season. We’re very happy about this improvement and we hope many customers enjoy dryer feet and steadier walk to the markets from now on.

This months was time for the School Holidays and we were happy that so many of you enjoyed the holiday fun with your families. Our beloved face painter Anna and Shorty Brown were entertaining the small and the big children. It was so much fun!

You’ll find all of our local farmers, producers and food vendors yet again this week bringing you the fresh, local and seasonal food you love. Come and enjoy a lovely morning with music, your favourite cuppa, breakfast and get your weekly shopping with us. We are grateful for your support to our local community!

Looking forward to seeing you at the markets, Kaisa

New flavours at the market

We are excited to announce that we have had many new stalls joining us over the last month and a bit. One of them is Germaine’s Pickles and Gary. Gary’s bringing us his family tradition in a form of French Mauritanian pickles. Unlike kimchi and sauerkraut which are made using a fermentation process, French pickles are preserved in mostly vinegar and low percentage of cold pressed organic olive oil. Gremaine’s Pickles contains prebiotics, and they are gluten-free, vegan and made from organic vegetables that are sourced in Northern Rivers and made in Mullumbimby. Gary’s bringing us three different flavous and says they are best served with cheese and crackers, with breakfast on toast and egg, on sandwiches or as a side for all pickle lovers!

Another beautiful food stall has joined in us since last time and that’s Community Bagels from Bangalow. Roy is the owner of this

small business built around local sourcing, seasonality and connection to Northern Rivers. Their bagels are organic, hand-rolled and wildly fermented for 36 hours. They are served open-faced and generously layered with seasonal, changing toppings depending on what’s available in the community. We love the philosophy behind this and warmly welcome Roy and the Community Bagels to the markets! Other exciting news are that Sol Ghee is returning to the markets after a break, and we welcome Jennie back with her Certified Organic ghee products. This time she’s also bringing her lovely organic dhal mixes to make the home cooking easier for you. You’ll find Jennie with us from now on every fortnight. Please go and say hello inside the shed!

Local collaborations

Our stalls are creating new flavours and wonderful thing together. On of them is from Caldera Brewing & Blending who have created two new beer flavours. Their ‘Tweed Special’ is a botanical saison with organic chamomile flowers sourced from Daphné’s Pantry and conditioned

on raw honey from Sunny Times in the Tweed Valley. The other newbie is a Plum Saison, made with whole organic plums from the Granite Belt.

Contento Chocolate and Caldera Brewing & Blending are also joining forces, and you can find Contento’s chocolate now from Caldera B&B’s stall. Mayda will be still joining us separately in the future, but this collaboration makes it easier for you to find her beautiful, handcrafted treats. Mayda has also new flavours to showcase: Pecan praline (Tweed Rived Pecans), Lemon Myrtle and Calandula (Daphne’s Pantry), Rasberry and thyme saison (Caldera Breweing and Blending), and Finger lime (Mountainside Finger Limes) Local partnership at its best!

When: EVERY Wednesday from 7am to 11am - come rain or shine! LIVE music from 8am.

Where: Murwillumbah Showground

Market Contact Details

Market Manager Email: hello@ murbahfarmersmarket.com.au

Mobile: 0459 566 990

Finding her sound Conscious Light doco

By Rada Campbell

AT JUST 17, Murwillumbah High School Year 12 student Wren Hynes, who performs as Wren Lilian, understands two kinds of musical electricity: holding a room alone and disappearing into the bigger sound of a band.

At the school’s AMPLIFY concert, Wren did both. Her solo and ensemble performances revealed a musician with immense talent and a future beyond school.

Wren has played piano since she was five, beginning lessons with Jenni Hibbard and spending childhood “in my own world whistling a little song.”

Now a self-taught guitarist and songwriter, she is drawn to female-fronted indie rock and the gritty, vulnerable sound of artists including Blondshell and Wednesday.

“I’m particularly drawn to unusual ways of emotional storytelling and music that surprises me,” Wren told The Weekly.

Her songs can begin with a film, someone else’s story or an idea arriving without warning. Still discovering her own style, Wren said audience reactions often catch her off guard.

“I’m never really thinking about what people feel when they hear my music, so I’m often surprised when I hear people’s thoughts after a show.”

Performing alone brings more nerves, but also power.

“Having more of a connection to the audience gives me confidence,” she said. “I love playing in a band because I like the shared experience of making a complex sound and being louder than I am by myself.”

Wren credits her first piano teacher Jenni, current teacher and acclaimed pianist Ayesha Gough, and Murwillumbah High School’s music teachers with shaping her development.

After Year 12, she hopes to move to Melbourne, study music at university and find more

or live production, she is

it open.

“To do any of these in the future would make me very happy,” she said.

Wren Lilian performs with Ari Ehrlich on Thursday, August 20, at This Stuff Matters: Australia, Gaza and the Future of Australian Democracy. Music begins 6.30pm at The Regent Theatre, 5 Brisbane Street, Murwillumbah. Tickets $15 online or $20 at the door via Humanitix.

By Jonathon Howard

AN AWARD-WINNING documentary exploring the life and teachings of spiritual teacher Avatar Adi Da Samraj will be screened at the CWA Hall in Murwillumbah next month, offering residents the chance to learn more about his philosophy and spiritual work.

Conscious Light – The Divine Life and Revelation of Avatar Adi Da Samraj will be shown at the CWA Hall, 16 Queen Street, on Thursday, August 13, from 7pm to 9pm. Admission is free, with donations welcomed.

The documentary draws on extensive archival film, photographs and audio recordings, alongside interviews with long-time students who lived with Avatar Adi Da and continue to practise the spiritual path he established.

Event organiser Howard Rontal said Avatar Adi Da dedicated his life to helping people realise what he described as the ultimate nature of reality.

“Avatar Adi Da Samraj devoted His human life to revealing and establishing a means for all human beings to discover the ultimate nature of ‘Reality’, which he describes as ‘Conscious Light’, or the ‘Bright’,” Mr Rontal said.

“Avatar Adi Da communicated the ‘Bright’ not just through words or philosophy, but by his direct spiritual transmission of It.”

Mr Rontal said the central message of Avatar Adi Da’s teachings was that people could move beyond the limitations of ordinary existence.

“The great message that Adi Da Samraj brings to all is that the fundamental need of every human heart is to exceed the paradox of mortality, of bodily existence in a finite world, and to realise infinite love, perfect freedom, and boundless happiness,” he said.

“Such realisation is not only our most essential need, it is also our certain and inevitable destiny.”

According to organisers, the film also ex-

amines Avatar Adi Da’s place within a long tradition of spiritually realised teachers and highlights the worldwide community that continues to study and practise his teachings.

Mr Rontal said Adi Da’s books on spirituality, philosophy and practical wisdom have been recognised by many readers as significant contributions to contemporary spiritual thought, with Adidam centres and sanctuaries now established around the world.

The screening is open to the public, with organisers inviting anyone interested in spirituality, philosophy or personal growth to attend.

musicians who share her interests. Whether her future leads towards performing, songwriting

leaving

At 17, Wren is already writing, performing and shaping a sound of her own

(4)

(7)

(6)

(7)

(5)

Caustic (9)

Scorch (4)

(7)

Keepsake (8)

Implied (10) 71 Stringed instrument (4)

72 Not a soldier (8)

73 New (Lat) (4) 74 Put pressure on (7) 75 Lush (7)

76 Legislator (8) DOWN

2 Without mercy (8)

3 A bird found in Australia (8) 4 Dark hard wood (5) 5 Depict; exemplify (10) 6 Off the hook (6) 7 Screenplay (6) 8 Kept back (8)

Careful, attentive (10)

Drink of the gods (6)

Adoration (4) 20 Information of

or political value (5)

22 French art movement (6)

24 Small explosion (3)

26 Final demand (9)

28 Study of the origin of words (9) 29 Cursed (5) 31 Truism (5)

32 Transparent gemstone (5)

33 Superfluous (9)

(5)

Anaesthetic (5)

Evidence (5)

Undressed kid (5)

Abundant (5)

Smallgoods item (6)

Train engine (10)

Sustain; experience (5)

1. What kind of fur-covered animal not normally seen here was

2. What is the common name of Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus? 3. People who are deaf can access smoke alarms that vibrate and use strobe lights, True or False?

4. Fur seals have two layers of fur, one for insulation and one for waterproofing, True or False? 5. Which local Blind company is

Tweed Valley

“By

“Our

Built on fire and family

By Rada Campbell

BY SUNDAY lunchtime at Murwillumbah

Leagues Club, 200 kilograms of smoked meat can disappear within two hours.

But long before customers queue for brisket, ribs and handmade sausages, 2020 Smokehouse BBQ pitmaster Will Magnusson has already put in almost a week’s work.

Preparation begins on Monday with trimming meat, making sausages, sauces and rubs, pickling and fermenting. On Sunday, Will lights the fire at 2am, burning through about half a cubic metre of timber before staff Sam and Darcy arrive at 7am.

“The few hours they’re with us on a Sunday are really the final stage of a process that’s been happening all week,” Will told The Weekly. The story began at Tyalgum General Store in June 2020, when the local carpenter committed to firing up his smoker every Sunday.

The original menu was a simple test of brisket, pulled pork and pork ribs. Within six weeks, crowds had overwhelmed the operation and both

Will and the store had upgraded their smokers. The name was inspired by 20/20 vision and a belief that genuine barbecue should happen in full view.

“You can see the fire, the smoke, the meat and the process from start to finish,” Will said.

When COVID interrupted the Tyalgum operation, Will put down his carpentry tools, moved the smokehouse to Murwillumbah Leagues Club and made barbecue his full-time career.

His Tongan heritage remains at its heart.

Growing up, Sunday meant family gathering outdoors around food, a tradition reinforced by his later travels through the Americas and fascination with low-and-slow barbecue.

“The best barbecue isn’t just about perfectly smoked meat,” Will said. “It’s about creating an atmosphere where people feel welcome and connected.”

Christina helped shape that wider vision, creating the relaxed Sunday gathering they once struggled to find when their own children were small.

Families now celebrate birthdays, meet friends and bring visitors to experience “their” local barbecue spot.

section. The first person to email: trades@ theweekly.net.au and include the location of the frog will win a $25 Voucher at Scales Seafood.*

Christina Magnusson serves up an abundant Smokehouse grazing platter beside one of the smokers

Will also draws an unlikely connection between his former trades and playing guitar and vocals with Murwillumbah metal band Decryptus.

Barbecue, he said, combines “the craftsmanship of carpentry and the passion and energy of metal”.

and Christina

After Underseasoned placed 2020 Smokehouse at number 54 among barbecue joints outside the United States, the couple is now developing wholesale pies and sausages while expanding its range of barbecue rubs.

Will’s BBQ Smokers Masterclass runs from 11am to 3pm on Saturday, August 15, at Murwillumbah Leagues Club, 1 Dorothy Street. Tickets are $180 through Humanitix or email 2020smokehousebbq@gmail.com

Pitmaster Will Magnusson

Will

Magnusson celebrate after receiving industry recognition

Council (‘the Project Area’). The address and co-ordinates of the proposed infrastructure are listed below:

• Corner of Numinbah & Zara Road, Chillingham (Rous River) (-28.313788, 153.276414, 28.313938, 153.276150)

• 271 Couchy Creek Road, Numinbah (Couchy Creek) (-28.265241, 153.279160)

The Proponent is proposing to undertake minor works in relation to the remediation, replacement, and/or relocation of flood warning infrastructure at the Project Area which includes ground disturbing works. AHS has been engaged by the proponent to manage these activities. The proposed project may be the subject of an application for an Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit (AHIP). The Proponents details are as follows:

Samanatha Wall, Leasing Manager – FWIN Program, Property Services, Enterprise Services Group, The Bureau of Meteorology, E: samantha.wall@bom.gov.au

On behalf of the proponent, and in line with Section 4.1.3 of the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Consultation Requirement for Proponents (DECCW 2010), AHS invites Aboriginal people who hold cultural knowledge relevant to determining the cultural significance of Aboriginal objects and places within the Project Area to register an interest in the process of Aboriginal community consultation. The purpose of community consultation is to assist in the preparation of an application for an AHIP and to assist in the consideration and determination of the application.

If you would like to register an interest, please contact the below in writing by Close of Business, 20 August 2026.

Kirsten Downey, Senior Heritage Consultant

Australian Heritage Specialists Pty Ltd

Email: projects@ahspecialists.com.au

Phone: 07 3221 0000

Please include the name and contact details of your preferred contact person in your registration. We note that details of the Aboriginal people or organisations who register an interest in consultation will be forwarded to both Heritage NSW and the Tweed Byron LALC. Please advise at the time of registration if you do not wish for your details to be forwarded to either entity.

Weekly In Memoriam

Death Notices

Heritage Brothers 07 5599 1800

Joan Dunstan 28/07/2026

Keith Boorman 27/07/2026

Lynette Batley 28/07/2026

Karlene Klopsch 26/07/2026

Robert Chapman 18/07/2026

Gwendoline Berry 31/07/2026

Dolphin Funerals 1300 678 443

TURNBULL Christopher John 27/07/2026

GEORGE Leon Keith 28/07/2026

MCDONALD Lorraine 30/07/2026

ALLSO Warren Vincent 02/08/2026

GIBBONS Dennis John

Funeral Notice

In loving memory of JUDY MEIKLE

Late of Tweed Heads South

Born 3 November 1948, passed 3 August 2026 Aged 77 years

Loving Wife to Bob Mother to Mark and David Grandma to Samantha, Robert, Lachlan, Ryan and Mary Funeral service to be held at St Augustine’s Catholic Church, Cnr McLean & Tweed Streets, Coolangatta on ursday 13th August at 11:30am followed by a private family burial at Mudgeeraba.

Following the service, the family invites friends to share light refreshments, memories and stories on Judy’s life at South Tweed Bowls Club, commencing at 2pm.

e family invites you to wear a touch of purple as this was Judy’s favourite colour. Please no owers. If inclined, donations to Rare Cancers Australia.

Return Thanks

Colleen Dawn Cheetham

e Cheetham family sincerely thanks all those who o ered their condolences, support and kindness following the passing of our beloved Colleen.

e owers, cards, meals, messages and prayers provided great comfort during this di cult time. Your presence and shared memories helped us honour and remember her life. We also extend our gratitude to the sta of McGuiness Funerals Murwillumbah, for their compassion and professionalism, e Celebrant Angela Quinn, on her warm and heartfelt graveside presentation and to the sta of Murwillumbah Greens Care Nursing Home, for their dedicated care of Colleen in recent years. Appreciation to Murwillumbah Services Memorial Club for their support.

With Sincere anks, e Cheetham Family

Sell out shows at Tyalgum

By Jonathon Howard

SHEPHERD’S PURSE Theatre

Company has celebrated the most successful season in its history, with every performance of The Comedy of Errors selling out a month in advance and more than 50 people joining a waiting list.

Staged over two weekends in July at Flutterbies Cottage Café, the Shakespeare comedy drew audiences from across the Tweed, Northern NSW and South East Queensland, with the venue transformed into a lively Turkish marketplace complete with live music, fine dining and theatrical antics.

Directed by Solar Chapel, the production featured a mix of local performers and professional actors from Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sydney, with around half the cast made up of local talent. Costumes by Dian Johansson and sets created by local volunteers helped bring the immersive production to life.

The show has since received national recognition in Stage Whispers, with veteran theatre critic Les Solomon describing Shepherd’s Purse as a “remarkable company”.

“Every year I question the distance to see this remarkable company and every year the visit proves not only worthwhile but deeply stimulating,” he wrote.

Artistic Director Solar Chapel said

the production was a true community effort.

“We are proud that a production created in a small village can attract audiences from across the region while showcasing the extraordinary creative talent that exists here in the Tweed,” he said.

Following the record-breaking season, the company is preparing a special Shakespeare event featuring internationally renowned scholar Professor James Shapiro in partnership with Sydney’s Sport for Jove Theatre Company, as well as its 2027 Midwinter Shakespeare production.

In Loving Memory of Lorraine McDonald née Lever

Late of Murwillumbah. Passed away peacefully on Thursday 30th July 2026. Aged 91 Years.

Dearly loved wife of Joe (dec) Loved Mother and Mother-in-law of Peter & Renae, John & Vicki, Kim & Geoﬀ, Mark & Monica and Greg. Cherished Grandmother of Katrina, Tracey, Troy, Georgia, Belinda, Kristin, Lauren, Camilla, Shayne, Taylor, Riley, Cleo and Jack. Loving Great-grandmother of 11. Great-great-grandmother to 3. Loved sister of Hugh (dec), Ron, Kevin and Lyn (dec).

Family and Friends are warmly invited to attend Lorraine’s Funeral Mass to be held at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Murwillumbah on Tuesday 11th August 2026, at 10:00am. After the service, the cortège will leave for the Murwillumbah Lawn Cemetery, Tree Street Murwillumbah.

Funeral Director

Four gold medals for Flynn

By Jo Kennett

TWEED HEADS swimmer Flynn Southam has swum the fastest 100m freestyle race in Commonwealth Games history at Glascow, winning four gold medals, and breaking three Games records.

Southam won his first individual gold in the men's 100m freestyle swimming final on July 28, setting a new games record of 47.13. He held the previous record of 47.09 set on day one of the games.

Flynn’s lead-off leg in the Men’s 4 x 100m relay was the fastest 100m free in Commonwealth Games history (47.09) with the team taking out the gold medal.

Flynn did the freestyle leg of the Men’s 4 x 100m medley and won gold and did the free -

“Thank you everyone for all the support. I appreciate you more than you know.”

style leg in the mixed 4x100m freestyle relay alongside Kyle Chalmers, Shayna Jack, Meg Harris, setting a new record time of 3:19.36 ahead of England and Wales.

The former Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar school student also won silver in the 50m freestyle which Cam McEvoy won.

Flynn posted on Instagram on “The beauty of having nothing to lose…”

“Been waiting so damn long for a result like this to happen and it finally has. Ironically lead-

ing into the biggest race of my career with so much pressure on me to perform I simply said “F it," Flynn wrote.

“I don’t care if I win or lose, break a WR or add two seconds to my pb” thriving in the unknown and the dancing with the devil is my new favourite feeling btw

“My mentality all week has been about representing my country, family, coaches and everyone else who has believed in me.

“So I owed it to them to have that dawg mentality and be brave no matter what

“All respect to the king @kyle_chalmers3 asking to share the podium with one of my childhood idols means more than any gold medal.

“Thank you everyone for all the support. I appreciate you more than you know.”

Gold for Damo and Serena

By Jo Kennett

TWO TWEED Heads Bowls Club athletes, Serena Bonnell and Damien Delgado have won gold in the para pairs bowling.

Serena and Damien both represent Club Tweed, playing with the Tweed Ospreys.

Serena paired with Louise Hoskins to win Australia’s first bowls gold, defeating reigning world champions New Zealand’s Julie O’Connell and Teri Blackbourn 6-3, 4-4.

After taking the opening set, the Australians fought back in the second, with Bonnell producing a stunning final shot to trail the jack for the required three to seal victory and take the Jackaroos’ first gold of the campaign.

Serena joins her husband, Tony Bonnell, as a Commonwealth Games gold medallist after his efforts in the para triples at Gold Coast 2018, while Hoskins has broken the record for the old-

est Commonwealth Games gold medallist ever.

Serena’s journey to gold began in 2001, when she was studying law and psychology at Griffith University and travelled to China to do a legal internship.

She fell seriously ill and by the time she returned home, she had limited use of her left arm and was starting to lose the use of her right leg and spent six months in hospital. Serena got into lawn bowls over a decade ago when she realised she could play in an inclusive and adaptive environment and now she has won a Commonwealth Games gold.

Cabarita’s Damien Delgado paired with and James Reynolds to claim a dominant 8-1, 7-2 gold medal victory over New Zealand’s Kurt Smith and Mark Noble.

Australia controlled the match from the opening end, with Reynolds securing his second Commonwealth Games medal, while Delgado

upgraded his Birmingham silver to gold. The pair joined Jake Fehlberg as the only para bowlers to win Commonwealth Games and World Bowls Championships gold.

Damien said he felt relieved to get the win, “not only my sacrifices but sacrifices at home with my wife and kids who miss out on time at home and with me.”

“Just to do it for them, I’m just wrapped,” Damien said.

“It’s a pretty special moment to have all those titles for us and in Australia as well.

“My wife and three kids will be wrapped. I think if we won they were going to have the day off school so they’ll be more happy about that.

“It’s going to be great to get home and celebrate all our success with them.”

“Damo” took up the sport in 2014, five years after losing his leg in a car accident which led him to the rinks at Cabarita Beach Bowls Club.

“I was down at the club and they told me I could get a wheelchair that would fit on the green and away I went.”

Damien works at the club, juggling parenting duties with wife Jessica as parents to three children.

Tweed Ospreys Coach, Development Coordinator Adam McKeown and Tweed Ospreys Premier League Marquee Gary Kelly won the gold medal in the Men’s Pairs Commonwealth Games representing their home country of Northern Ireland.

Berlin comes home Murwillumbah on top

By Rada Campbell

POTTSVILLE ARTIST Drew McDonald is bringing his creative journey full circle, returning from a Berlin residency to unveil a new exhibition in Murwillumbah.

Now Is Not Now opens at the SWELL Gallery in the M|Arts Precinct, presenting dark, absurd and allegorical paintings shaped by Drew’s 2026 residency with SWELL Sculpture and Avalon Arts Precinct.

For Drew, sharing the work close to home is as important as the international experience that inspired it.

“After Berlin, it felt important to bring Now Is Not Now home because Northern NSW and south-east Queensland is where so much of the support for my artistic practice began,” Drew told The Weekly.

“My local community has always backed me with real enthusiasm, so showing this body of work at M|Arts feels like closing the loop, bringing the story back to the people that helped send me to Berlin and grow as an artist.” Best known for sculpture, Drew won the $15,000 Neumann Family Award at SWELL in 2025 for Beach Ball Spider, a playful yet unsettling bronze work combining an arachnid and beach ball.

Berlin pushed the emerging artist beyond sculpture and into painting, photography and immersive installation.

Now Is Not Now draws inspiration from Pieter Bruegel the Elder’s 1559 painting Netherlandish Proverbs and Francisco Goya’s Black Paintings, connecting historic ideas of human folly, fear and absurdity with the strange theatre of contemporary life.

The paintings explore how old patterns of power, ego, desire and delusion continue to repeat themselves within contemporary life.

Although atmospheric and at times dark, humour and playfulness remain central to Drew’s practice, inviting viewers to find their own meanings within the work.

Drew said organisations willing to invest energy in supporting artists created the foundations for strong culture and vibrant communities.

“I have a deep respect for SWELL, Avalon Arts and M|Arts,” he said.

NOW IS NOT NOW is on display from August 8 to 15 at the SWELL Gallery, M|Arts Precinct, 105 Wollumbin Street, Murwillumbah. Entry is free. Visit the SWELL Sculpture website: swellsculpture.com.au

By Jo Kennett

MURWILLUMBAH have blasted their way back to the top of the ladder in the NRRRL and are in with a good chance of hosting the grand final after taking down Marist Brothers in dominant fashion.

It was Sponsors Day at Murwillumbah, with the Mustangs playing their last home game of the regular season.

The LLT side went down in a tough battle, 18-10.

The Under 18s continued their undefeated streak with another 18-10 win over the Rams.

The Mustangs’ Reserve Grade side beat the Rams 44-0, while the First Grade side absolutely dominated the third-placed Marist Brothers 50-4.

It’s shaping up to be a massive finals series if the Mustangs can secure hosting rights, with all five teams, including the women’s tackle side, sitting comfortably inside the top six heading into the final two rounds.

It was also the last home game for the Seagulls, who hosted Bilambil, but it was the Jets who came away with most of the wins.

Bilambil won the women’s match 28-4 and Reserve Grade 26-6, while the First Grade side, sitting ninth on the ladder, pulled off a surprise 12-4 win over the fourth-placed Seagulls.

The sixth-placed Seagulls Under 18s recorded a 16-4 win over the seventh-placed Jets.

Cudgen, sitting eighth, travelled to Casino, where the Under 18s recorded a big 44-0 win, but Casino claimed the Reserve Grade clash 32-12.

The First Grade side, also in eighth spot, put up a good fight before going down 34-20 to the second-placed Cougars.

It will be the first time in quite a while that Cudgen has missed the top six.

Casino Cougar

been named the new NSW State of Origin coach. The Tweed Coast Raiders Under 18s travelled to Mullumbimby on Saturday and went down 22-4 to the Giants.

The Raiders hosted Northern United on Sunday, with the Reserve Grade side edging out a hard-fought 22-18 win.

Luca Todd scored three tries before backing up in First Grade.

Northern, who have forfeited several First Grade games this season, didn’t have enough players, so nine Reserve Grade players backed up for First Grade.

It was appreciated by everyone, as it meant the match could still go ahead.

It proved to be a one-sided affair, with Cam Cullen scoring five relatively easy tries for the Raiders, while Ethan Ferguson kicked four goals and converted nine tries, lifting him to fourth on the overall First Grade points-scoring ladder. Northern fought back after half-time and managed a couple of tries, but the match was ended early under the mercy rule with the Raiders leading 74-12.

There are two big local derbies next week, with Bilambil hosting Murwillumbah for its Old Boys and Sponsors Day, which is expected to draw a huge crowd and plenty of excitement.

Cudgen hosts the Tweed Coast Raiders on Sunday, while the Tweed Heads Seagulls host Mullumbimby.

Former

Matt King has

Pottsville artist Drew McDonald with a surreal shark-and-banana sculpture, reflecting the humour, absurdity and unease that run through his practice

Pottsville artist Drew McDonald

Try time for the Raiders against Northern United

Tweed Osprey's Serena Bonnell going for gold

Flynn won gold in the mixed 4 x 100m relay

Flynn Southam on his way to gold

Real Estate

FROM COAST TO COUNTRY

AGENT OF THE WEEK

By Jo Kennett

OUR AGENT of the Week is Oscar Van Megchelen, an award-winning director and sales expert at Elite Local Agents with nearly 20 years’ experience serving the Tweed Coast.

A Pottsville local, he combines market knowledge, expert marketing, and clear communication to achieve outstanding sales results.

Passionate about his community, Oscar supports local charities, coaches junior sport, and brings extensive qualifications, professionalism, and trusted expertise to every property transaction. We caught up with Oscar to find out more.

HAVE YOU ALWAYS WORKED IN REAL ESTATE AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GO INTO THE INDUSTRY?

I started my working life at Woolworths in the seafood department before moving into real estate. I’ve now been in the industry for 19 years. I was drawn to real estate because I enjoy working with people, negotiating outcomes and helping families through what is often one of the biggest financial decisions they’ll ever make. Every day is different, and I enjoy the mix of problem-solving, marketing and building relationships with people in our community.

Open Homes

Saturday, August 8

Raine & Horne Jet

• 63 Tyalgum Road, Byangum, 9-9.30am

• 837 Nobbys Creek Road, Nobbys Creek, 9.30 -10.30am

• 149 River Street, South Murwillumbah, 1010.30am

• 24 Taylor Drive, Pottsville, 10-11am

• 7/1 Castle Field Dve, Murwillumbah, 11-11.30am

• 46 Brisbane Street, Murwillumbah, 11-11.30am

• 88 Rous River Way, Murwillumbah,12-12.30pm

• 3 Panorama View, Kunghur, 12-2.30pm

• 20 Panorama View, Kunghur, 12-2.30pm

• 2981 Kyogle Road, Kunghur, 12-2.30pm

• 34 Chevell Place, 1-1.30pm Tate Brownlee

• 5/8 Marian Street, Tweed Heads, 9-9:30am

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT WORKING IN REAL ESTATE AND WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES?

The best part is helping people achieve a great result and seeing how much of a difference it can make to their lives. Whether it’s a young family buying their first home, someone downsizing, or a long-term owner selling a property full of memories, it’s rewarding to be part of that journey.

The biggest challenge is that every property and every client is different. Markets change; buyer sentiment changes and unexpected issues can arise during a sale. My role is to stay calm, communicate clearly and guide clients through those challenges to achieve the best outcome.

WHAT TYPE OF PROPERTY DO YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF MOST EXPERT IN OR PASSIONATE ABOUT?

I specialise in residential property across the Tweed Coast, from beachside homes and family residences through to lifestyle acreage properties. Having lived and worked in the area for many years, I have a strong understanding of the local market and what buyers are looking for in each suburb. I particularly enjoy marketing unique homes because every campaign requires a tailored strategy rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

• 6/146 Kennedy Drive, Tweed Heads West, 9-9:30am

• 19 Banora Boulevard, Banora Point, 10-10:30am

• 90 McAllisters Road, Bilambil Heights, 1010:30am

• 6 Boyle Avenue, Banora Point, 10-10:30am

• 4 Liriope Street, Casuarina, 10-10:30am

• 2/6 Eastlakes, Tweed Heads South, 10:30-11am

• 2/14 Triton Street, Tweed Heads South, 1111:30am

• 158/2 Falcon Way, Tweed Heads South, 1111:30am

• 33 Liriope Street, Casuarina, 11-11:30am

• 38 Curtawilla Street, Banora Point, 11-11:30am

• 2 Azalea Court, Banora Point, 11:30am-12pm

• 22 Australia Drive, Terranora, 12-12:30pm

• 37 The Hermitage, Tweed Heads South, 1212:30pm

• 16 Bosun Boulevard, Banora Point, 12-12:30pm

• 14 Valleyview Place, Terranora, 12-12:30pm

• 4 Hibiscus Parade, Banora Point, 1-1:30pm

WHO ARE YOU SEEING BUYING PROPERTIES AT THE MOMENT AND WHERE ARE THEY MOSTLY COMING FROM?

We’re continuing to see strong interest from buyers relocating from Sydney, Melbourne and Southeast Queensland. Lifestyle remains a major driver, with many people looking for a better worklife balance, a coastal lifestyle and a greater sense of community. At the same time, there are plenty of local buyers upgrading, downsizing or investing as their circumstances change.

WHAT’S THE BIGGEST CHANGE YOU HAVE SEEN ACROSS THE MARKET IN RECENT TIMES/YEARS?

The market has become much more informed. Buyers have access to more data than ever before, and they do a lot of research before making decisions. We’ve also seen interest rates influence buyer behaviour, creating a more balanced market compared to the extraordinary conditions during the COVID boom. Well-presented homes that are priced correctly continue to perform strongly, while buyers are generally taking a little more time to make decisions.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR SELLERS?

Preparation makes a huge difference. Present your home well, invest in quality

• 26 Champagne Drive, Tweed Heads South, 1-1:30pm

• 17 Townsend Crescent, Terranora, 1-1:30pm

• 1/23 Lochlomond Drive, Banora Point, 1:30-2pm

• 4 Minerva Court, Banora Point, 2-2:30pm

• 1055/20-22 Stuart Street, Tweed Heads, 2-2:30pm

Elite Local Agents

• 1/14 Hampton Court, Pottsville, 10-10.30am DJ Stringer

• 6/2 Ducat St, Tweed Heads, 9-9.30am

• 4/29 Teemangum St, Tugun, 9-9.30am

• 36 Peninsula Dr, Bilambil Heights, 9-9.30am

• 25/22 Binya Ave, Tweed Heads, 10-10.30am

• 6/241 Golden Four Dr, Bilinga, 10-10.30am

• 65/955 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach, 1111.30am

• 1 & 2/8 Triton St, Tweed Heads, 11-11.30am

• 2/38 Garrick St, Coolangatta, 11-11.30am

• 4/16 Dutton St, Coolangatta, 11.45-12.15pm

• 6/2 Surf St, Bilinga, 12-12.30pm

marketing and choose an agent who understands your local market and has a clear strategy for attracting buyers. Pricing is also critical. The goal isn’t simply to attract attention—it’s to create competition among genuine buyers, which ultimately delivers the best result.

WHAT ABOUT BUYERS? ANY ADVICE FOR PEOPLE TRYING TO GET INTO THE MARKET AT THE MOMENT?

Do your homework, understand your budget and be ready to act when the right property comes along. Good properties still attract strong interest, so having your finance organised puts you in a much stronger position. I’d also encourage buyers to think long term. Waiting for the “perfect” market can often mean missing opportunities. Buying the right property that suits your needs and holding it over time has historically proven to be a sound approach.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?

Most of my spare time is spent with my family. We love getting outdoors, enjoying the beaches and waterways around the Tweed Coast and making the most of everything this area has to offer. Living locally is one of the reasons I’m so passionate about helping others find their place here—it’s a fantastic community to be part of.

• 169 Tweed Valley Way, South Murwillumbah, 12.15-12.45pm

• 3 Compass Way, Tweed Heads, 12.45-1.15pm Schmith Estate Agents

• 21 Firestone Drive Banora Point, 10-10.30am

• 58 Currumbin Chase Currumbin, 11.30-12pm

• 5/38 Pacific Parade Bilinga, 1-1.30pm

• 19 Stanley Street Tweed Heads, 2.30-3pm

• 205/120 Marine Parade Coolangatta, 3.30-4pm First National Murwillumbah

• 25-27 Irving St, Tumbulgum, 9-9.30am

• 30 Riverbend Way, Murwillumbah, 9-9.30am

• 25 Thomas St, Bray Park, 9-9.30am

• 22 Thomas St, Bray Park, 9.45-10.15am

• 498 Tweed Valley Way, South Murwillumbah, 9.45-10.15am

• 2 Maria Court, Condong, 10.30-11am

• 1501 Kyogle Rd, Uki, 10.45-11.15am

• 86 Kings Gully Road, Dunbible, 10.45-11.15am

• 1243 Kyogle Road, Uki, 12-12.30pm

• 30 Colonial Drive, Condong 9:45-10:15am

CAMPBELL Real Estate Sales Consultant

HOW CONFIDENT ARE YOU THAT YOUR INVESTMENT IS IN THE RIGHT HANDS?

Meet Tegan - Your dedicated Investment Property Specialist.

Tegan’s approach to property management is de ned by her extensive experience and hands-on mentality. As a local resident and property owner herself, she understands the importance of maintaining properties to the highest standards. She takes pride in personally overseeing each property’s management, ensuring that it receives the attention it deserves. Scan the QR code to learn more:

of interest closing 21st August A rare 41-hectare coastale estate. Over 100 acres of lifestyle, adventure & opportunity

Positioned just 3 kilometres from the pristine shores of Cabarita Beach, this extraordinary 41-hectare (approximately 101-acre) landholding presents one of the Tweed Coast’s most compelling lifestyle opportunities. Offering an exceptional blend of rural tranquillity and coastal convenience, this is a property where space, freedom and adventure come together in one remarkable setting.

Thinking of moving this Spring?

Don’t guess what your home is worth - know.

The property market is constantly evolving, and understanding your home’s current market value is the ﬁrst step towards making informed decisions.

Whether you’re considering selling this Spring or simply planning ahead, we’re offering complimentary property appraisals to help homeowners understand exactly where their property sits in today’s market.

Spring buyers are already looking. Is your property ready?

Book your complimentary appraisal today and get ahead of the Spring market.

JASON DITTMAR

Director/Licenced Real Estate Agent 0477 711 858

TANIA SHEPPARD

Licenced Real Estate Agent 0438 446 578

ELIZABETH HICKEY

Director/Licenced Real Estate Agent 0474 908 555

DAN WISE

Sales Consultant 0458 413 633

2 2

Perfectly positioned within the iconic Reflection on the Sea, this expansive three-bedroom residence delivers an exceptional combination of space, privacy and effortless indoor-outdoor living. The generous open plan design flows seamlessly to an enormous private terrace, creating the perfect setting for entertaining or simply unwinding in one of Coolangatta's most sought-after beachfront addresses. With patrolled beaches, vibrant cafés, awardwinning restaurants, boutique shopping and everyday conveniences all at your doorstep, this is luxury coastal living without compromise.

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

1 FINGAL ROAD, FINGAL HEAD

Positioned opposite the Tweed River in one of the Tweed Coast's most tightly held communities, this charming coastal cottage offers an enviable lifestyle with exciting potential to make it your own. Rich in character with beautiful timber floors, a flexible dual living layout and a large double garage/workshop, it's the perfect opportunity for first home buyers, young families, tradies or investors to secure a foothold in sought-after Fingal Head. Whether you're searching for a weekend escape, family home or your next project, this is an opportunity to secure one of the Tweed Coast's most authentic beachside lifestyles. THE FINGAL DREAM

6/2 Ducat Street Tweed Heads

PRIVATE COASTAL LIVING - 1100m to Kirra Beach'

• Open plan living w/ TV/study nook area

• Terrace style balcony

• Well-appointed social kitchen (dishwasher may be inoperable)

• 2 good size bedrooms w/ built in robes

• Tidy bathroom w/ combined laundry

• Lock up garage Buyer Guide

$795K-$845K

Saturday 9:00-9:30am

David Stringer 0418 150 731 david@djstringer.com.au 2 1 1

169 Tweed Valley Way South Murwillumbah

TRI-LEVEL FAMILY ENTERTAINER

• Front entry deck w/ lush green views

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

• Large social kitchen w/ ample bench space\

• Expansive full width entertainers deck

• Multi-purpose / media room

• Generous main bedroom w/ waterfront aspect

• 10m pontoon w/ tinny / jet ski dock

Landsize 654m2

Buyer Guide $1.150M-$1.195M

Open Saturday 12:15-12:45pm

David Stringer 0418 150 731

david@djstringer.com.au

TWO 3-BEDROOMS DUPLEX VILLAS

Enjoy the perfect balance of space, privacy and convenience from the choice of two 3-bedroom duplex villas which can be purchased jointly or individually – the choice is yours!

• Spacious (3) bedrooms, master w/ walk-through robe & ensuite

• Open plan living & dining area w/ air conditioning

• Well-appointed kitchen w/ gas cooktop & dishwasher

• Main bathroom, separate bath & separate WC

• Built-in robes & ceiling fans to all bedrooms

• Security screens throughout

• Private fully fenced yard with outdoor entertaining area

• Unit 1 has an additional pergola

• Automatic garage with internal access, plus parking for second vehicle

Landsize 754m2 (combined)

Buyer Guide Unit 1 - $995K Unit 2 - $995K Open Saturday 11:00-11:30am 322

David Stringer 0418 150 731 david@djstringer.com.au