TVW30Apr26MA001

Residents demand answers over wastewater upgrade

By Jonathon Howard

HASTINGS POINT residents are calling for greater transparency over the long-awaited upgrade of the local wastewater treatment plant, with concerns the consultation process is “falling short”.

The Tweed Communities Alliance (TCA), representing 11 residents’ associations, says communication around the project has been inadequate.

The issue stems from a February 2025 council motion to further investigate upgrade options for the ageing facility, including whether to retain existing systems or adopt modern membrane technology.

TCA member David Buick said communication with the community had been “lacking”.

“Community members of the committee have been told the engineering consultant will deliver a draft report in May 2026, wrapping up the work of the committee in June,” he said.

Engineering firm Beca Hunter H2O is preparing a comparison of two options, including costs and environmental outcomes.

“Between Beca Hunter’s final report being presented soon and the plant’s current status not fit for purpose, a watchful community awaits the outcome of the engineering and costs studies requested by Tweed councillors in February 2025,” Mr Buick said.

“The current status of this work is a mystery to the communities of the Tweed.”

More than 3,000 residents signed a petition in early 2025 calling for a best-prac -

tice upgrade of the more than 40-year-old plant.

“Like most Tweed Shire plants, the Hastings Point facility on Round Mountain Road regularly fails EPA compliance for sewage treatment,” Mr Buick said.

“The community made clear their demands for an upgrade that meets or exceeds current NSW Environment Protection Authority requirements.”

In response, Tweed Shire Council says work is progressing, with further updates expected soon.

Acting Manager Water & Wastewater Business & Assets Elizabeth Seidl said council had recently updated community groups.

“Council recently shared an update on the Hastings Point Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) upgrade with local community groups and associations, including the Tweed Communities Alliance,” she said.

“This update outlined the work underway by independent engineering consultants

BECA Hunter H2O, who are preparing updated concept designs, cost estimates and environmental performance information for the two shortlisted options.

“This technical information is expected in May 2026.”

Ms Seidl said the consultative committee has been actively involved in the process.

“The project Consultative Committee was formed following Council’s 2025 resolution, to ensure community members were involved throughout the options assessment and upgrade planning… These recommendations have now been adopted

by BECA Hunter H2O.”

She said the upgrade aims to improve reliability, ensure EPA compliance and cater for future growth, with more information to be released as it becomes available.

“The proposed Hastings Point WWTP upgrade aims to improve the plant’s performance and reliability, so it can consistently meet its EPA licence conditions, manage peak holiday loads and cater for future population growth.” She also noted additional work underway elsewhere in the shire.

“Council is also progressing a separate project at the Banora Point WWTP to improve EPA compliance, where bird activity on the effluent holding lagoon has been affecting water quality after the treated water enters the lagoon.

“All other wastewater treatment plants across the Tweed reliably meet their EPA licence requirements.”

Tweed rentals critical

By Jonathon Howard

RECORD-LOW vacancy rates and surging regional rents are hitting tenants hard and it’s particularly bad in parts of the Tweed Shire, with Murwillumbah having one of the lowest vacancy rates nationally, as rental prices continue to reach new heights.

Economists are warning the rental market has become one of the most dangerous pressure points in the inflation fight - increasing rents push up inflation which usually sees the Reserve Bank putting interest rates up which pushes inflation up. Which doesn’t make a lot of sense. However it does appear that many rent-

ers have hit their affordability ceiling and rental price growth is beginning to slow.

That’s according to the Domain Rental Report for March 2026, which shows Tweed median house rental prices for March 2026 were $920 per week, up 8.2 per cent from March 2025 when it was $850.

In March 2021 the median rental price for a home in the Tweed was just $595, an increase of 54.6 per cent over five years.

The rental vacancy rate is around 0.55 per cent, well below the 3 per cent considered healthy.

The Weekly spoke to one man, who didn’t want to be named, but outlined what life is like looking for a rental in the Tweed Shire.

“You have to apply via a paid portal to register to view [a property],” he said.

“Then if I get to view it there’s a door person checking people off like getting into an exclusive nightclub in the 80s.

“Then you apply to rent it. And wait for your rejection. So it’s just like going to a nightclub back in the 80s. Except the rejection comes later and there’s no music or drinks.”

The resident has been looking for 18 months for a home, having been given notice to move after spending the last 25 years living in the shire.

“I’ve been looking intensely for at least seven months, two or three times per week...”

Continue reading on page 22.

The Hastings Point wastewater treatment plant is nearing the end of its life

You

single pass* to the film of your choice

Tumbulgum Fishing Club

April update

Our April comp was a hit with great weather and another good turnout of people.

Seventeen new members was great to see. Thanks to Tumbulgum Tavern for the bistro vouchers for two of our lucky newbies. Welcome to the club! Our club obviously loves fishing but we also have a great opportunity to give back and be involved in our broader community.

This month we gave $1,000 to Volunteer Marine Rescue Point Danger. I can personally vouch for the work these guys do (might have had a bit of a jet ski breakdown a few years ago) and totally suggest becoming a member if boating or jet skiing, especially offshore. Thanks to Aaron for showing up to our presentation, and big shout out to your crew and the work you all do to get us home safe when bad circumstances arise.

$100 was gifted to us from the local Tumbulgum Scooter Rally which we gladly handed out as free raffle tickets. Well done to the lucky winner and thanks to everyone for getting involved.

Mystery fish and members’ draws didn’t go off this month so as usual they will jackpot for the next comp.

Two new additions to the leader board, and well done to our senior and junior champions.

I did notice Shane Griffiths was trying to beat his record 88cm flathead with a 80cm submission, sorry mate, not good enough! Haha!

Next competition is May 17. See you there! Tight Lines...

Nathan Day, Tumbulgum fishing club Inc president, Tumbulgum Food choices can mitigate climate change

A truly exceptional documentary was attended by a full house at The Citadel on Wednesday, April 22, titled ‘Eating Our Way To Extinction’ narrated by Kate Winslet. While the film was confronting, the Q&A with

Products & Improvements GAS & HOT WATER SPECIALISTS

local climate scientist Gerard Wedderburn Bisshop and nutritionist Veet Karen offered hope, emphasising the opportunity for every one of us to mitigate climate change through our food choices.

The entire documentary is available free on YouTube and for food inspiration check out the Facebook page FoodAware Murwillumbah, for more information.

Kerry Stelling, Murwillumbah Yes to Pottsville Beach toilet idea

It is definite “yes” for a toilet at Pottsville Beach (TVW, April 23, page 5).

We are the only town on the Tweed Coast without a beach toilet, shower, fresh water tap, surf club bar/restaurant and footpath leading to the beach across the Pottsville bridge, which is, by the way, very unsafe to walk along the road where cars often exceed the speed limit. Pottsville is always treated by the council like Cinderella, and focus is always on Kingscliff or Cabarita, in my view.

M Grubski, Pottsville Beautiful words of coming home

Playwright, writer, bohemian Bob Ellis, Murwillumbah born Lismore raised, wrote on a return trip from Sydney: “driving home I became aware that, as the countryside grew more familiar, it was embracing me uncritically, and somehow humbly, as one of its creatures, I was coming home. There seemed to be a warm, climactic finality about it. It felt in some way like the last time.

The twilight grew more lovely over Brunswick Heads, Murwillumbah, Condong, some of the loveliest landscape in the world, and this, I felt would be the quintessential time. I was coming home.”

Have to say, every time I drive to Murwillumbah, I agree with you Bob Ellis.

Simon Alderton, Fernvale Thoughts on electric

vehicles (EV)

After watching the second presentation by Liam Bartlett on Chanel 7’s Spotlight program last Sunday night (April 19), I would give very careful consideration to acquisition of EVs, house batteries, or solar panels, supplied and produced by China’s child and slave labour.

So, I will wait until Australia gains a responsible government who will give the green light to recommence production of clean copper and nickel and rare earth minerals, of which we have an unlimited abundance.

Maureen Maher, Tweed Heads Electric vehicle, ‘yes or no’ question

As the new owner of the excellent Ioniq 5 EV, I give it a resounding yes. Superb models that sold for $75,000 three years ago are now selling for $40,000 with at least 23 years of battery life left.

There is very little wear as these vehicles as they don’t have engines, so maintenance costs are minimal.

But after the incredibly smooth drive and handling it’s all about the fuel cost.

I basically don’t pay anything to power it. My solar panels (or 5c kw night rate) take care of this for me.

Even when travelling, an overnight trickle feed at a powered site gives me 250km of charge.

There are plenty of other advantages with its hi-tech driving assist and computer controlled interior features.

One outstanding thing is that the car is actually a portable battery.

It powers 240V appliances from an external socket (great for camping).

This battery can also provide electricity to the house via a standard socket and lead.

It’s called ‘vehicle to load’ and it’s a game changer. In a blackout it could power the house for 3 days (allowing for a bit of driving for supplies).

I hear some arguments against EV’s regarding materials used in the batteries. But all modern cars have

eyeliners and lip blush. Powder and Hybrid brows also available. Free 15 minute consultations or over the phone consultations.

Hats off to Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers

Thank you so much for the tireless work that you do in picking up injured wildlife on our roads and caring for them.

The Team Koala members are so grateful for the endless hours you put in, through the day and night ,to help our precious wildlife.

This amazing organisation , Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers, drive 10,000 kilometres a month to pick up our poor defenseless creatures which humans have hit on our roads. We are so lucky to have a group such as this in the Tweed Shire. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything that you do. We truly appreciate it. Jenny Hayes, Team Koala Inc president, Murwillumbah

electronic batteries which use these same materials.

The Ioniq goes extra lengths using recycled interior materials (like soy bean seat foam). It’s simply a no-brainer and Australia is very late to the global movement towards a low carbon future and energy self-sufficiency.

Marion Riordan Nunderi

Battle for black gold

Who’d have thought that climate change denier and US president Donald Trump would ‘just stop oil’ or that our Prime Minister (PM) Anthony Albanese would beg Brunei for a bit of fossil fuel.

Reminds me of former PM Kevin Rudd wanting OPEC to increase oil production only months after pro

claiming climate change to be the great moral challenge of our time. Our energy minister meanwhile doubles down on his energy transition while berating us for driving motor cars with roof racks and flat tyres instead of heavier and dearer EVs recharged overnight using coal-power. And our trusty treasurer on a prolific public spending spree conveniently blames our soaring inflation and interest rates on a war which started after they took off.

D Weston Allen, Cudgen

“Kathy is wonderful. Her knowledge and expertise are obvious, and she always makes me feel comfortable and I know I'm in good hands. She takes the time to explain things and genuinely cares about her clients. I always leave feeling well looked after. Highly recommend. Thank you, Kathy!”

“My appointment with Kathy to top up my Lip Tattoo blush last week was as usual a five star experience. Kathy's approach to applying this treatment was very professional and her friendly, caring manner puts you at ease.”

Greenhills site transfer

By Jonathon Howard

THE FUTURE of the former Greenhills

Aged Care Facility in Murwillumbah remains a challenge, with Tweed Shire Council facing a costly and complex decision over the flood-affected site.

The South Murwillumbah facility has become a growing burden for council as it continues to deteriorate following the 2022 flood disaster that triggered a landslip along the Tweed River.

Transferred to council ownership in April 2024, after its closure by the United Protestant Association of NSW, the site has since been plagued by safety concerns, structural instability, break-ins and mounting maintenance costs.

A detailed council report presented at the April 23 meeting revealed the scale of the challenge, with full remediation of the landslip estimated to cost between $4.9 million and $6.4 million — funding that’s not currently allocated in council’s long-term financial plan.

Council staff noted the site’s long history, operating as an aged care facility from the early 1970s until its closure in October 2022, and highlighted ongoing discussions with the NSW Reconstruction Authority and Homes NSW about its potential use for community housing.

Despite strong support from councillors, including Cr Meredith Dennis, to

DON’T DON ’ T

MISSIT MISSIT

repurpose the site for housing, the report outlined significant financial and engineering hurdles.

A lower-cost alternative, described as a “do nothing” approach involving battering the slope rather than fully stabilising it, was estimated at $1.1 million.

“It is noted, however, that this option does not remediate the landslip itself and therefore presents an ongoing risk in the immediate vicinity and a reduced building envelope,” council’s report read.

Under that option, only around 20 of the original 44 units could be retained, with additional demolition, compliance and rebuilding costs expected to reach about $5 million.

“Independent advice provided by third parties indicates that a full demolition and rebuild scenario represents the most viable long-term option from a financial risk mitigation and asset management perspective, as it would result in the longest asset life,” council’s report read.

Overall, the total cost of repurposing the site could exceed $10 million depending on the approach taken.

To date, the NSW Reconstruction Authority has committed up to $1.4 million through its Resilient Lands Program, with approximately $170,000 already spent on geotechnical investigations.

Meanwhile, the vacant facility has become an increasing liability, with ongoing expenses for insurance, maintenance and security, alongside repeated incidents of break-ins, theft and vandalism.

With external funding for landslip works set to expire in 2027, the report warned council could be left to shoulder the full financial burden without a viable solution.

Several options have been explored, including transferring the land to a com-

munity housing provider or selling the site to fund housing elsewhere.

At last week’s meeting, councillors unanimously backed a plan to transfer the site to community housing providers Anglicare North Coast and Social Futures.

“A key condition would ensure the land must be used for community housing or be returned to council at no cost,” the motion read.

“The decision will now go to public exhibition for 28 days, with submissions to be reviewed before a final determination is made.”

Councillors also supported a request to redirect funding to support the project.

“Council formally requests the NSW Reconstruction Authority to reallocate the landslip treatment funding for the former Greenhills Aged Care Facility to Anglicare North Coast and Social Futures, subject to the delivery of a community housing outcome on the site,” the motion read.

An image of the riverbank erosion behind Greenhills taken in May 2023

A photo from the past of Greenhills which once housed 44 seniors

Councillor calls for safer footpaths

By Jonathon Howard

CONCERNS OVER the state of footpaths across the Tweed Shire have been brought to the forefront by Councillor Kimberly Hone this month, as she urges greater investment and a shift away from what she says is a reactive system that leaves vulnerable residents at risk.

“If you’ve walked around the Tweed lately, you’ve probably seen it: a bright yellow line sprayed across a cracked or uneven footpath. It’s meant to signal danger,” Cr Hone said.

“But for many in our community — especially older residents, people using mobility aids, and those caring for someone with a disability — that line doesn’t fix the problem. It simply highlights it.”

Cr Hone said current funding levels are inadequate to meet the needs of a growing region.

“Right now, our council budget allows for just one kilometre of footpath repairs each year. One kilometre. In a growing shire with ageing infrastructure, that barely scratches the surface,” she said.

She warned that while repairs tend to prioritise town centres and key service areas, everyday locations such as suburban streets, bus stops and parks are often overlooked.

“Yet these are the very places people rely on every day to stay healthy, connected, active, and independent,” she said.

Cr Hone said many hazards are caused by tree roots and water damage, which worsen over time if left untreated.

“Painting

“Painting a warning over them may reduce council liability, but it does not reduce the risk of trips, falls, or injury,” she said.

“For someone with limited mobility or impaired vision, it can turn a simple outing into a dangerous challenge or in some circumstances, keep people homebound.”

She said residents frequently raise footpath safety as a key concern, but the current complaints-based system places an unfair burden on those most affected.

“As a councillor, this is the most common concern residents raise with me. And what’s more troubling is how the system currently works. Repairs are often triggered only after a complaint is made,” she said.

“That means the burden falls on those most affected—people with disabilities and their carers—to repeatedly report hazards just to have them considered. That’s not practical, and it’s not fair.”

Cr Hone said discussions at the Equal Access Committee reinforced the need for a more proactive approach.

“When I brought this issue to the Equal Access Committee, the response was clear: our community deserves better. We should not be

waiting for accidents to happen or relying on a complaints-based system that leaves too many gaps,” she said. In response, Cr Hone successfully advocated for additional funding in the latest council budget.

“That’s why I pushed to secure an additional $44,000 in this year’s budget specifically for footpath repairs and maintenance,” she said.

“By identifying surplus funds and working with my fellow councillors, we’ve taken a small but important step forward.”

She acknowledged the funding boost would not resolve the issue entirely but said it represents meaningful progress.

“It won’t fix everything overnight — but it means more hazards addressed, more paths made safe, and more people able to move around our shire with confidence,” she said.

Cr Hone said improving footpaths is about more than infrastructure.

“This is about more than concrete. It’s about dignity, safety, and fairness. Our footpaths should connect our community — not limit it,” she said.

While welcoming the additional funding, she noted that further investment is still needed, including a comprehensive shire-wide assessment.

“There is still more to do. A full shire-wide assessment remains unfunded, and long-term investment is needed to bring our infrastructure up to standard,” she said.

“But progress starts with recognising the problem — and taking action where we can.

“Because in a community like

ours, no one should have to choose between staying home and risking a fall just to go for a walk.”

YOUR THOUGHTS: Do you know

a Tweed footpath that could do with some urgent attention? The Weekly is interested in your thoughts and letters via email: editor@theweekly.net.au

Cr Kimberly Hone with local Kyle Sculley with his mother, Kaz Sculley are throwing their support behind the councillor's push to improve footpaths across the Tweed Shire. Do you know a footpath crack or "yellow line" that could do with some work?

Tweed Heads Medicare Urgent Care Clinic

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

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

Federal Member for Richmond

Fight against cattle tick given cash boost

By Jonathon Howard

CATTLE PRODUCERS across the Tweed Shire are being urged to stay alert following confirmation of ten local cases of red water disease, a potentially fatal condition spread by cattle ticks.

Also known as bovine babesiosis, the disease attacks red blood cells and can cause fever, anaemia, weakness and, in severe cases, rapid death.

The confirmed cases have raised concern across the Northern Rivers, particularly in border regions where cattle tick remains a persistent threat due to its spread from Queensland.

The warning comes as the NSW Government announced a major overhaul of its cattle tick response, backed by a $7 million funding boost aimed at rebuilding biosecurity measures and strengthening protections for livestock producers.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty visited the Northern Rivers last week, highlighting the urgency of improved protections for areas like the Tweed.

In a statement, the Minister said she had appointed Dr Katherine Clift as Independent Biosecurity Commissioner, tasking her with reviewing and improving the state’s cattle tick program.

The review followed concerns from industry stakeholders that the program had declined in effectiveness in recent years, particularly along the NSW/Queensland border where cattle tick is well established.

Dr Clift’s report outlined 14 recommendations aimed at strengthening

the program after consultation with beef and dairy industries and northern NSW communities.

“I would like to thank Dr Katherine Clift on delivering her report on reviewing the cattle tick program that our government inherited, so that we can improve and better manage the program,” Minister Moriarty said.

“Our government will now move to rebuild this important livestock biosecurity program, and we will implement all 14 of her recommendations backed by significantly increased funding of $7 million.

“This is important work and we will get the program back on track for beef and dairy farmers whose livestock are endangered by cattle tick spreading from Queensland.

“The former National Liberal Government allowed the cattle tick program to shrink and waive from a stated commitment to eradication, which was just not acceptable to anyone.

“The Minns Government is turning that unacceptable approach around, and rebuilding the program based on expert advice from the Biosecurity Commissioner and in collaboration with the livestock industry.

“Our Government is focused on protecting and growing our agricultural industries and the announcement today on rebuilding the Cattle Tick Program, again demonstrates that our Government is the one that really delivers for our farmers.”

Under the renewed program, eradication will be the primary objective, supported by expanded veterinary and technical resources, as well as increased investment in research into

chemical resistance, diagnostics and emerging control tools.

Authorities are also reviewing surveillance and response strategies along the NSW/Queensland border, with the Tweed considered a frontline in preventing further spread.

Local farmers are being urged to monitor their herds closely and report any suspected cases immediately. Farmers have been raising concerns for years

Far North Coast NSW Farmers Chair, Craig Huf, says the newly released Independent Biosecurity Commissioner’s report into the NSW Cattle Tick Program, confirms long-standing concerns held by farmers about declining resourcing, poor program delivery and a lack of onground capability.

“The Commissioner’s report makes it clear — the system is under-resourced, fragmented and struggling to cope with the scale of the outbreak,” Mr Huf told The Weekly.

“Most concerning is the stark reduction in frontline staffing. The report highlights a fall from around 70 staff in 2020 to just 21 today, at a time when infestations have surged. That is simply not good enough.”

Mr Huf said this decline in staffing has directly contributed to delays, inconsistent enforcement, and a failure to contain the spread of cattle tick across the Northern Rivers.

“We now have more than 580 infested properties in NSW – a significant escalation – and yet fewer boots on the ground to deal with it,” he said.

“The report clearly states that limited and inconsistent resourcing is

constraining what is otherwise a technically sound program. That is a direct indictment on current government management.”

The Commissioner’s findings also point to deeper structural issues, including fragmented governance, poor coordination between agencies, weak data systems and declining stakeholder confidence.

“These are not new problems,” Mr Huf said.

“The recommendations in this report – stronger resourcing, better governance, clearer accountability, improved compliance and enforcement – are exactly what NSW Farmers and producers have been calling for over a number of years.”

Mr Huf said the report reinforces that eradication remains both feasible and economically justified, but only if the government is prepared to properly invest in the program.

“The report shows eradication delivers a benefit-cost ratio of 25 to 1,” he said.

“That’s a compelling case, but it only works if the government backs it with real funding and real staff on the ground.

“We cannot continue with a model that relies on landholders carrying the burden while government capability continues to shrink.”

Mr Huf said the current approach has leaned too heavily on “education and communication” rather than enforcement and operational delivery.

“Producers don’t need more brochures – they need a functioning system that inspects properties, enforces compliance and works with neigh -

bours in a timely manner,” he said.

NSW Farmers call for urgent response

NSW Farmers is now calling on the NSW Government to urgently respond to the report by:

•Restoring staffing levels to meet operational demand

•Rebuilding a strong, coordinated cattle tick program

•Delivering consistent compliance and enforcement

•Providing long-term funding certainty

“This report is not a surprise to farmers on the ground – it simply validates what we have been experiencing,” Mr Huf said.

“It is positive that the Government has recognised the need to act and committed $7 million to the program, and we hope this marks a genuine turning point.

“The question now is whether that commitment will be enough to turn around the decline in the program program and whether the management strategy identified will deliver the outcomes needed on the ground.”

Read more on page 35.

Minister Moriarty and Minister Saffin announcing the funding

“I had amazing teachers at my local public high school. They truly inspired me, shaped the person I am today, and influenced my career.”

Jemma, Class of 2018 at a NSW public school

Find out how your local public school is

by Jo Kennett

Death referred to homicide squad

By Jo Kennett

THE 2021 death of Jackson Stacker, a 25-year-old Melbourne man found dead at Sleepy Hollow, has been referred to the NSW homicide squad for investigation following a coroner’s inquest recommendations handed down last Thursday, April 23.

Jackson’s badly decomposed remains were found in a paddock at Sleepy Hollow with a hunting knife in his chest and his skull separated, leading to suspicions of foul play.

Ian’s father said the police had decided early on that it was suicide, despite the knife in his chest suggesting it wasn’t, and the homicide squad were never called in to investigate.

His parents never believed their son had taken his own life, and have fought to have Jackson’s death investigated for the past five years.

Jackson’s mother Sandey told The Weekly that she had spoken to Jack-

son the last day he was alive and said he seemed fine.

Jackson’s parents were overcome with emotion when the recommendations were read out in the State Coroner’s Court at Lidcombe last week.

“It was the best outcome we could have hoped for from the Inquest,”

Ian told The Weekly.

“The inquest identified some areas where things could have been done better.

”Hopefully there will be a more intense investigation now despite being nearly five years after his death.

“We miss him.”

State Coroner Teresa O’Sullivan found no evidence the knife involved belonged to Jackson, and its origin remains unknown, leaving open the possibility of homicide.

Due to decomposition, forensic pathologists could not determine the cause of death or whether the wound

was self-inflicted.

The coroner found that Jackson likely died between July 22 and August 25, 2021.

He had appeared upset to a friend before his death, but had no history of self-harm.

The coroner found the police investigation was not inadequate, but said earlier referral to the homicide squad was warranted.

Jackson was travelling in his campervan after working for a solar company in the Byron area when his family reported him missing to police in August.

Jackson was last seen alive at the Sleepy Hollow Rest Area on the northbound side of the M1, just north of the Pottsville Road overpass, on the afternoon of July 22.

He had stopped, waiting for the border crossing to Queensland, which was temporarily closed due to COVID, to reopen.

The family reported him missing, having been unable to contact him for “a couple of weeks.”

Ian, a two time NBL Coach of the Year and recent head basketball coach at the Australian Institute of Sport, said he last spoke to Jackson on July 14.

Ian said Jackson, the eldest of his five sons, was “in good spirits” and was on his way to the Daintree Rainforest in north Queensland, an area where the family had holidayed which Jackson loved.

He told his father he would be off the grid for a while so they weren’t concerned about not hearing from him until someone contacted the family wanting to buy Jackson’s campervan which they found abandoned at the rest area.

The van had been broken into and they had found the registration papers and contacted Ian.

Tweed Police found his van at the rest area on August 24, then searched farmland adjacent to the rest area where they located human remains

later confirmed to belong to Jackson.

“While searching nearby farmland on Pottsville Road, police located human remains, which have been sent for forensic examination,” a police statement said at the time.

“A crime scene was established, and the area was extensively searched.” Police told the family they believed his body had been there for 34 days. Jackson’s skull was found several metres from his body, although police and the coroner couldn’t rule out an animal being responsible.

Jackson was found with a 30-centimetre hunting knife in his chest. Picture: 60 Minutes (Nine Network)

Jackson Stacker was found dead in bushland at Sleepy Hollow in the Tweed Shire in 2021. Inset is the mother of Jackson Stacker, Sandey MacFarlane outside court during the inquest (image by Nine News)

Walkers make grim discover at wooyung

A POLICE search is underway at Wooyung Beach after the grim discovery of a human foot, which is believed to have washed ashore.

The right foot was found by beach walkers shortly after 5pm on Thursday, April 16. The couple immediately notified authorities and later contacted The Weekly after making the discovery.

The couple who found the foot said around seven officers from the Tweed/Byron Police District attended the scene, assisted by specialist forensic investigators from Lismore. “The area was secured as initial examinations were carried out,” police told The Weekly.

Police confirmed further forensic testing will take place in the coming days as investigators work to determine the origin of the remains.

“A coordinated search of the beach resumed on Friday, April 17, led by officers attached to the Tweed/Byron Police District, as inquiries continue,” police said.

“Detectives are also reviewing missing persons reports from both New South Wales and Queensland as part of the investigation.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact NSW Police Force at Tweed Heads Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Anzac Day road blitz

FOUR PEOPLE have lost their lives during the Anzac Day long weekend as police conclude a major traffic operation, with 97 drivers busted drink driving and 207 caught with drugs in their system in the Northern Region, which includes the Tweed Byron Police District.

Police conducted a high-visibility deployment across the state during Operation Anzac Day 2026 from 12.01 am Friday, April 24, to 11.59 pm Monday, April 27, with a double demerit period targeting speeding, mobile phone use, seatbelt and helmet offences.

In the Northern Region, police issued a total of 2,630 infringements, including 892 for speeding offences.

Officers conducted 33,807 breath tests, which resulted in 97 PCA (prescribed concentration

of alcohol) charges.

They also carried out 1,696 drug tests, detecting 209 positive drug-driving offences. Additionally, 49 infringements were issued for mobile phone use and 25 for restraint-related offences.

During this period, there were 75 major crashes recorded in the region, with one fatality.

Across the state, police issued 11,098 Traffic Infringement Notices, including 3,471 for speed related offences, 438 for mobile phone usage, and 249 restraint offences.

Police conducted more than 240,600 breath tests, with 338 drink driving offences detected and conducted 9,463 drug tests, with 777 drug driving offences detected.

Spin City is open

By Rada Campbell

SPIN CITY Laundromat has a fresh take on an everyday essential, opening its doors and bringing a modern approach to a long-standing local service in Murwillumbah.

Owner Lachlan said the decision to expand into the town came down to simple demand.

“There was only the one laundromat in town, so we thought there was a demand there,” he told The Weekly.

The new site forms part of a broader investment in the area, with Lachlan and his business partner purchasing a row of five shops in Murwillumbah last year.

One vacant space presented the perfect opportunity to introduce the Spin City concept to the community.

While laundromats have traditionally been purely functional, the Murwillumbah location has been designed with comfort in mind.

“The main thing for us was to have a really modern and clean environment so people feel comfortable being in there for an hour or two while they do their washing,” Lachlan said.

The space features updated machines and a contemporary fit-out, aimed at shifting perceptions of what a laundromat can be.

It also operates as a fully cashless business, a move Lachlan said improves safety and reduces the risk of theft while creating a more secure environment for customers.

“We’ve just put some really cool, modern fit outs in place and are improving that industry a little bit,” he said.

A strong local element is already being built into the business, with Murwillumbah resident Charmaine set to launch a wash, dry and fold service from the site in the coming weeks.

The service is expected to appeal to busy locals looking for convenience, particularly families and workers managing full schedules.

While Spin City is ultimately a practical service, Lachlan said he is already seeing it become part of the town’s routine.

Customers are pairing their laundry runs with coffee stops and catch-ups, making use of surrounding businesses.

“You can grab a coffee from down the road and meet a friend while you’re there,” he said.

It is a small shift, but one that reflects how even the most everyday tasks are being re-imagined as part of community life.

Spin City Laundromat is located at 27 Wollumbin St, Murwillumbah, with wash, dry and fold service launching soon. For more information visit: spincitylaundromat.com.au

Wet and wild April

By Jo Kennett

IT WAS another wet Anzac Day this year, with heavy rain across much of the shire, but services endured with the likes of the service men and women of the catafalque party stood stoically and copped it on the chin, in true Anzac spirit.

It has also been windy, with the minimum gusts recorded for April 28 kilometres per hour (km/hr) and 67km/h the maximum at Tweed Heads.

It was a continuation of the windy, rainy weather over the previous two weeks with the Tweed so far having had between 150mm and 200mm this April.

The average rainfall for the Tweed Shire in April is approximately 157mm to 159 mm, based on long-term data from Elders Weather, so it’s slightly higher than average.

While February and March are usually our wettest months, April typically sees significant rainfall in the Tweed on around 9 to 12 days.

Tweed Heads has had 172mm or rain so far this month over 11 days, up to Tuesday, April 28. The highest rainfall was 50.8mm on Anzac Day, April 25, 40.8mm on Monday, April 27 and around 30mm with rain still falling on Tuesday, April 28.

“To each of the service men and women who stood in the pouring rain during services today to provide a catafalque party, your dedication and control was amazing to see,” Mayor Chris Cherry posted with a photo of a service woman standing guard in the rain at the Tweed Heads Anzac Day ceremony.

Kingscliff had a wet Anzac Day as well, with 40mm of rain falling on April 25, 45.2mm on Monday, April 27 and a total of 162.8mm for the month to Tuesday, April 28.

It’s been a bit drier in the hinterland, with Murwillumbah receiving 92mm this month, with 50mm on Anzac Day.

That’s a bit lower than the mean monthly rainfall of 151.9 and could be greatly needed as forecasters say there are signs that a very strong, or ‘super’ El Niño could develop in the tropical Pacific Ocean later this year.

That means we could be in for an extra dry and warm winter and spring.

While the rain is good for farmers looking for soil moisture to sow their winter crops on, it’s not helping out with the harvest of crops like soybeans which is underway.

As for the rest of us, well, most people would just like to see a little of that sunshine that we so often take for granted.

NSW Farmers Far North Coast Branch Chair Craig Huf said the rainfall has provided a “timely boost to pasture and soil moisture with local cane growers generally pleased, although some areas were already reaching capacity earlier in the week and will be cautious about any further heavy falls”.

“There are also soybean crops ready for harvest, and prolonged rain could begin to impact those paddocks,” he said.

“Further west the situation remains extremely tough, with large parts of the state still battling severe dry conditions.”

A service woman standing guard in the rain at the Tweed Heads Anzac Day service

Photo Mayor Chris Cherry

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Tweed Link

From lifelong careers to giving back

The Tweed is quietly becoming home to one of the most experienced, skilled communities. Retired professionals, tree changers, people beginning new chapters after long careers - arriving with decades of expertise and a genuine desire to put it somewhere meaningful. At Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre, some of them have found exactly that.

Three of the gallery’s volunteers recently sat down to share how they got here, what they brought with them, and what keeps them coming back.

Tony spent his career as a GP. When he retired to the Tweed, he was ready for something different. Today he volunteers at the gallery, sings in a choir, and tends to 3 Landcare groups caring for local reserves and wildlife corridors.

“It’s really different to being a GP,” Tony said. “That was intense, high responsibility. This is balance. This is feeding different passions.”

Vivienne brought decades of experience in education and industrial relations to the Tweed - years as a union secretary, then representing university staff in negotiations. A friend mentioned the gallery was looking for volunteers. She didn’t hesitate.

“It’s not about who or what you used to be,” Vivienne said.

“Your interaction is about life now. There’s something special about saying: this is me, and this is what I can give.” Lynne grew up in Sydney spending her pocket money on art magazines. She came to the gallery first as a visitor, drawn back again and again until she realised she wanted to be part of it.

“When you leave at the end of the day, you actually feel you’ve done something worthwhile,” Lynne said. “You feel enlivened. It’s made your day.”

Kree Harrison, Operations and Business Officer at Tweed Regional Gallery, says the volunteers’ impact reaches far beyond the front door.

“They are ambassadors,” Kree said.

“Visitors ask them where to get a good coffee, where to go for lunch. It spills out into the town, into the community.”

She has watched real friendships form through the program. A group of 8 volunteers recently organised their own trip to Brisbane together. It started at the gallery.

Tweed Regional Gallery is now welcoming new volunteers. No particular background is needed — just curiosity, warmth and a desire to be part of something.

Applications are online. A staff member will be in touch for a friendly conversation, followed by a group induction before your first shift.

Find out more at tweed.nsw.gov.au/volunteering

Join our next Farm Walk and Talk at Cudgen

Local farmers and community members are invited to take part in the next Farm Walk and Talk at Cudgen Road Farms on Friday 8 May from 9 to 11 am.

The popular Farm Walk and Talk series is heading to Cudgen this May, offering a chance to visit Cudgen Road Farms, NSW’s largest family‑operated sweet potato farm, and hear directly from the people working the land.

The Cudgen plateau has a long and proud agricultural history, shaped by rich soils and a favourable coastal climate. Today, the area faces increasing pressure from changing land use and development, yet it remains one of the most important areas of productive farmland in the Tweed. During the visit, participants will hear from Cudgen Road Farms about how the business is responding to these challenges and learn about sustainability initiatives being rolled out across the farm. The event also provides an opportunity to connect with other local farmers and staff from Council’s Sustainable Agriculture Program.

Event details

Date: Friday 8 May

Time: 9 to 11 am

Place: 752 Cudgen Road, Cudgen Bookings: tweed.nsw.gov.au/agriculture‑farming

Council trivia

Did you get last week's question right?

Answer: A is correct. About 1,200 calls come through to our customer service team each week.

Whether it’s to report an issue, ask a question or just get pointed in the right direction, we’re here to help you find the information you need.

If you want to be the first to receive news, you can sign up to get Council news delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe now at tweed.nsw.gov.au/subscribe Visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/report-problem to report a problem.

Read next week's edition for a new question.

Art and craft day for the Banora Point community

Looking for a great way to support the local community and pick up something truly unique?

The FABS Art and Craft Day is coming to Banora Point this May, offering a fun, family‑friendly day out for everyone.

Residents are invited to discover handmade art and craft while supporting local community groups at the event, presented by Fun Activities for Banora Seniors (FABS) The day will feature a range of handmade art and craft stalls, giving visitors the chance to browse, buy and support local creatives. Whether people are searching for a special gift or enjoy discovering one‑of‑a‑kind pieces, there will be plenty to explore. Families can enjoy a sausage sizzle, coffee cart, raffles and face painting for children, making it an easy and enjoyable way to spend a Saturday together. With a welcoming atmosphere and something for everyone, it’s a great opportunity to connect with the community. A gold coin donation on the day will support Wallum Pre‑school, with funds raised helping give back to local community.

Date: Saturday 2 May

Time: 9:30 am to 2 pm

Place: Banora Point Community Centre, corner of Leisure and Woodland Drive

For more information, visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/fabs, call 07 5569 3100 or email communityservices@ tweed.nsw.gov.au

Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre is now welcoming new volunteers. Photo credit: Tweed Tourism and Kiff & Culture.

Gallery volunteers Lynne, Vivienne and Tony at Tweed Regional Gallery.

Council’s popular Farm Walk and Talk series heads to Cudgen Road Farms this May (Image courtesy of M. Prichard).

Handmade art and craft stalls that support the community.

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

New cameras target illegal dumping

Surveillance cameras will be used to deter illegal dumping and identify offenders in public places across the Tweed.

The cameras aim to discourage people from dumping household waste in public bins, bushland, road reserves and rural areas. Significant penalties apply for anyone caught.

Illegal dumping costs the Tweed community more than $200,000 each year, with more than 200 incidents reported annually. Beyond the clean‑up cost, dumped waste damages the environment, attracts pests, creates odours and helps invasive weeds spread.

Resource Recovery Unit Coordinator Rodney Dawson said surveillance cameras are one of the tools Council uses to manage illegal dumping in public places.

“We know the community has asked us to take stronger action, and we are doing what we can to protect and preserve our shared places,” Mr Dawson said.

Residents are reminded there are free and convenient ways to dispose of waste legally across the Tweed, including:

• Free on‑call kerbside collection, available to all residents with a domestic wheelie bin service. Find out more at tweed.nsw.gov.au/on call kerbside collection

• Stotts Creek Resource Recovery Centre, where many items can be dropped off free of charge. Council officers can issue on‑the‑spot fines of up to $6,000, with maximum penalties of $250,000 for individuals and $1 million for corporations.

Great Glossy Count returns in May

Tweed residents are being encouraged to take part in a national citizen science event to help protect one of Australia’s most threatened birds.

The Great Glossy Count will run on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May 2026, inviting volunteers to help collect important data on the South‑eastern Glossy Black‑Cockatoo.

The South‑eastern Glossy Black‑Cockatoo is listed as vulnerable under Australian conservation law and continues to face serious threats from habitat loss. The birds rely almost entirely on the seeds of native she‑oak trees for food, making it vital to understand where they live and feed.

Information collected during the count helps guide conservation efforts and protect remaining habitat across the species’ range.

Residents can register now to take part in the 2026 count at eventbrite.com/cc/great‑glossy‑count training‑workshops‑2437179

An online training session is also available for anyone wanting to learn how to identify Glossy Black‑ Cockatoos, recognise she‑oak trees and collect data in a way that supports scientific research.

Virtual workshop

Date: Tuesday 5 May 2026

Time: 6:30 pm

Bookings: bit.ly/2026GGCWorkshopSeries

Computer systems upgrade affecting Council services

There will be a major systems upgrade from 5 pm Tues 28 April until 9 am Tuesday 5 May which will mean that the public and Council staff will have limited access to information that you might need. This includes ePayment & Property services, DA Tracker and all Property Enquiry tool and online forms, except for Report A Problem.

General information regarding rates or water use will also be affected and Council staff (both in‑person and on the phone) may not be able to address your questions about these topics. If you wish to report a request for council service, please do this online via Report A Problem on our home page. There may be some delays in processing applications and requests when systems resume on 5 May.

Please check council’s home page for updates during this period tweed.nsw.gov.au/home

Proposed road closing under section 38b Roads Act 1993

Council proposes to close a section of the Council public road being part Cobaki

as indicated on the below map.

The purpose of the closure is to enable Council to give the land as compensation

All interested community members are invited to make submissions concerning the proposal

advertisement by:

• Mail: The General Manager, Tweed Shire Council, PO Box 816 Murwillumbah NSW 2484

• Email: tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au

Under the provisions of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009, such submissions may be referred to third parties for consideration.

Once the submission period is completed, feedback will be considered, and a decision will be made in relation to the road closure.

Submissions close: 5 pm 27 May 2026

Council Ref : PN:3666

Enquiries : Lauren Beck, Technical Officer - Property, Ph 02 6670 2400

Free workshops to build stronger community groups

Local not‑for‑profit organisations and community groups can build practical skills through a new series of free capacity building workshops delivered by Tweed Shire Council.

The workshops run from 5 to 13 May and are designed to help community groups strengthen governance, plan effectively, deliver successful projects and improve grant success.

Sessions will be held in Murwillumbah, Tweed Heads and Hastings Point

The program covers a range of practical topics, including project management, strategic planning and grant writing, with sessions suitable for volunteer committees and groups delivering services that benefit the Tweed community.

Workshop topics

• Project management essentials

• Are you grant ready?

• Strategic planning

• Advanced grant writing

• Running a successful community group

• From data to decisions: making sense of population data

Who can attend

The workshops are free and open to:

• not for‑profit organisations

• community groups and volunteer committees

• groups delivering services that benefit the Tweed Shire community.

Places are limited and registration is essential. Bookings: collections.humanitix.com/tweed‑shire‑ council‑capacity‑building‑workshops‑2026

Current vacancies

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

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

Development application determinations

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

Application details

Approved

DA25/0609 ‑ Carport

Lot 1 SP 32030, Unit 1/No. 19 Kauri Avenue Bogangar

DA26/0109 ‑ In‑ground fibreglass swimming pool

Lot 16 DP 1052380, No. 13 Reef Water Circuit Bogangar

DA26/0118 ‑ Swimming pool

Lot 4 DP 240227, No. 48 Tamarind Avenue Bogangar

DA26/0077 ‑ Secondary dwelling and storeroom

Lot 89 DP 261914, No. 10 Poinciana Avenue Bogangar

DA26/0103 ‑ Erection of a two‑storey dwelling house with attached secondary dwelling and associated earthworks

Lot 77 DP 1305738, No. 8 Bowen Loop Cudgen

DA26/0007 ‑ Additions and alterations to existing dwelling

Lot 196 DP 1069887, No. 16 Point Break Circuit Kingscliff

DA26/0108 ‑ Alterations and additions to existing dwelling

Lot 48 DP 879147, No. 41 Kingfisher Circuit Kingscliff

DA26/0110 ‑ Inground swimming pool

Lot 4 Section 3 DP 2055, No. 32 Tumbulgum Road Murwillumbah

DA25/0620 ‑ Alterations and additions to existing dwelling and earthworks

Lot 433 DP 1270825, No. 13 Darro Road Terranora

DA25/0610 ‑ Garage conversion to bedroom

Lot 76 DP 259616, No. 14 Blundell Boulevard Tweed

Heads South

DA25/0575 ‑ Relocation of existing dwelling, alterations and additions including house raising, new farm building and flood mitigation earthworks

Lot 1 DP 336936, No. 595 Tumbulgum Road Tygalgah

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

Glossy Black‑Cockatoos are a threatened species in NSW.

Increased surveillance on public place bins aims to deter offenders from dumping household waste.

Road, Cobaki (adjacent to Lot 9 DP711758)

Works on council carpark grind on

By Jonathon Howard

WORK ON the Queen Street multi-level car park in Murwillumbah remain on track, according to Tweed Shire Council, despite the wet weather and delays due to supply issues.

Council provided The Weekly readers with some images of the works which started in late March and are progressing well, with the deadline of completion expected around late June (weather permitting).

Council said much of the recent activity has not been visible from outside the site, as early stages of the project focused on specialised treatment works.

Council faced challenged with the process

after a key supplier entered liquidation earlier this year, forcing contractors to source and test alternative materials to ensure they met the required engineering and safety standards.

In a bid to maintain momentum, council brought forward the demolition phase of the project, which began on Monday, March 23, earlier than originally scheduled.

“We’ve worked hard to resolve an unexpected supply issue as quickly as possible,” Council’s Manager of Parks & Active Communities Murray Smith said.

“Bringing the demolition forward is our way of keeping momentum,”

Council said it remains committed to completing the project on schedule.

Murwillumbah Public School

PROMOTING EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION

Exciting Start to Term 2 with New Learning and Upgraded Facilities

Students and staff have returned to school refreshed and ready for an exciting Term 2, following a productive break and valuable professional learning for teachers. Before students arrived, teachers participated in two days of professional learning focused on supporting every learner. These sessions explored understanding neurodivergent learners, strengthening partnerships to support student learning and wellbeing, and effective strategies for managing childhood anxiety at school. This important work ensures that classrooms continue to be inclusive, supportive, and responsive to the diverse needs of all students.

Teachers also dedicated time to grade meetings, carefully planning and organising for the term ahead. With clear goals and a strong focus on student growth,

staff are well-prepared to deliver engaging and purposeful learning experiences.

We look forward to a term lled with learning, growth, and achievement, as students build con dence and work towards reaching new personal and academic goals.

Over the holiday break, the school also underwent several exciting upgrades to improve student comfort and outdoor spaces. New air conditioning units have been installed in many classrooms, as well as in the library and hall, creating more comfortable learning environments. Outdoor areas have been enhanced with new arti cial grass outside the Year 3/4 and 5/6 classrooms, along the path to the hall, and around the hall itself, with handball lines set to be painted soon.

In addition, a new cold water re ll station has replaced the old bubblers, and two outdoor music chime stands have been installed, adding creative opportunities for students during playtime.

With improved facilities and a strong focus on student wellbeing and learning, Term 2 is set to be a positive and successful term for our whole school community.

Principal: Les Daley

BIG JOB: Council staff have ploughed their way through some of the damaged sections of the multilevel carpark and say they remain on track for the restoration process

““Don’t

Songs and smiles at Condong

By Rada Campbell

CONDONG COMMUNITY VOICES are filling the bowls club with music, laughter and connection each week, as a growing singing group brings people together in a safe and uplifting space.

Shine On Singing Group, held at Condong Bowls Club, has been running for 12 months and continues to grow, offering a free, dementia-inclusive environment for over-65s across the Tweed.

“Once people start coming, they tend to stick with it, you can see the friendships forming and the confidence growing.”

Set up by Dovida community liaison

Leigh Matthews alongside local health workers, the group was inspired by initiatives like Beating Hearts in Lismore and Forget Me Nots in Grafton.

“It’s about creating something inclusive for people who might be struggling or feeling isolated,” Leigh told The Weekly. “There aren’t many dementia-inclusive groups where people can just come and be themselves in a safe space.”

Held weekly, the sessions combine music, movement and morning tea, with participants encouraged to sing along, connect and simply enjoy the atmosphere.

Nurses Cristina Aggar and Erin Davis, who helped establish the group, said the impact over the past year has been significant.

“Some people who first came hadn’t been leaving their house and didn’t have a social group,” Cristina told The Weekly.

“Now they’re here every week, chatting, sharing food and even joining in as part of the band.”

Erin said the transformation has been powerful to witness.

“Once people start coming, they tend to stick with it,” she said. “You can see the friendships forming and the confidence growing.”

For 98-year-old Keith, the group has become a weekly highlight.

“I haven’t missed one,” he said. “I love the singing.”

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,

The welcoming environment means many attendees come on their own, something organisers say is key to its success.

“It’s really important people feel comfortable to walk in by themselves,” Leigh said. “That’s when you know it’s working.”

The group is also supported by the local community, with Condong Bowls Club generously providing the space free of charge each week.

As the music plays, the room fills with voices, clapping and laughter, a reminder of the simple power of connection. Shine On Singing Group is held every Wednesday from 10am to 11.30am at Condong Bowls Club, 6-12 Nandabah Street, Condong. The group is free for over-65s.

For more information, contact Leigh Matthews on 0448 097 938.

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.

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New cameras for dumpers

NEW SURVEILLANCE cameras are being installed by Tweed Shire Council in a bid to discourage illegal dumping of items like mattresses, broken toys and damaged furniture across the Tweed.

The cameras will support council staff to identify offenders more quickly and act as a strong deterrent against people dumping household waste in public bins, bushland, road reserves and rural areas.

Illegal dumping costs the Tweed community more than $200,000 each year, with more than 200 incidents reported annually. Beyond clean-up costs, dumped waste damages the environment, attracts pests, creates odours and allows invasive weeds to spread.

Cleaning up the dumped and damaged goods also has an impact on Council staff because they never know what hazards, including wildlife like snakes, may be hiding in the rubbish. In contrast, waste taken to Stotts Creek Resource Recovery Centre is known and managed, allowing staff to handle it safely. Resource Recovery Unit Coordinator Rodney Dawson said the whole community pays the price for illegal dumping.

“Illegal dumping impacts all of us and costs everyone. It damages the places we care about,” Mr Dawson said.

“Surveillance cameras have been shown to be a strong deterrent and are one of the tools we can use to manage illegal dumping in public places.

“We know the community has asked us to take stronger action, and we are doing what we can to protect and preserve our shared places.”

• Large gluten free

• Wholesome and nutritious

• Convenient ready-made frozen meals

• Australian Owned and Operated

• Home delivered and available in selected stores

• Approved Associate provider for Support at Home

• NDIS registered provider

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

Volunteer musicians lead the weekly Shine On Singing Group, bringing music and connection to the Condong community

Legend Val Foster

By Jonathon Howard

A FAMILIAR face to many across Murwillumbah, long-time volunteer Val Foster has been recognised for decades of service to her community, receiving one of the highest honours from the NSW United Hospital Auxiliaries (UHA).

Mrs Foster was recently awarded life membership of the UHA in recognition of her 25 years with the Murwillumbah Hospital Auxiliary.

According to Auxiliary Secretary Jude Ahearn, the honour reflects a lifetime of dedication to supporting local healthcare.

“If you have lived in the Tweed Shire for any amount of time you would have come across the hardworking Murwillumbah Hospital Auxiliary volunteer Val Foster,” Ms Ahearn said.

“Val is a local treasure of the Tweed and in recognition of her commitment she was recently awarded a life membership of the NSW United Hospital Auxiliaries (UHA), which is the highest award given to a member by the UHA.”

Ms Ahearn said the milestone comes in a significant year, with the Murwillumbah branch celebrating its 100th anniversary.

“Val has been volunteering with the Auxiliary for 25 years and this actually coincides with this year being the 100th anniversary of the Murwillumbah branch,” she said.

Over that time, Mrs Foster has played a central leadership role, including serving as secretary and spending two decades as president.

“During this time Val has served as secretary and also was president for 20 years,” Ms Ahearn said.

“As a lifelong resident of the community, Val has established a strong rapport with the community and has worked tirelessly raising funds to buy equipment for our hospital, conducting the raffles and stalls and engaging with the very

generous Murwillumbah community.”

Her contribution has extended well beyond the Auxiliary, with Mrs Foster supporting a range of local groups and initiatives over the years. She has also worked closely with The Weekly on numerous fundraising efforts for the hospital.

“Val’s volunteering has extended to various other groups in Murwillumbah, and she was acknowledged in 2014 with both the Tweed Wonders of Women Award and the State Hidden Treasures Award for rural women volunteers,” Ms Ahearn said.

The Auxiliary said her recognition as a life member is a fitting tribute to her longstanding commitment.

“The Auxiliary members sincerely appreciate her many years of longstanding and dedicated service to the branch,” Ms Ahearn said.

While celebrating Mrs Foster’s contribution, the Auxiliary is also calling for new volunteers to join its ranks, with numbers declining in recent years.

The group says fresh support is vital to ensure it can continue fundraising for much-needed equipment at Murwillumbah Hospital into the future.

Surfers & swimmers

Hearing aid wearers

Tradies

Those who have had ear trauma, vertigo etc

Val Foster (middle) at the 120th birthday for Murwillumbah Hospital

Big Country Radio

Eldership PRIDE

LAST WEEKEND I was lucky enough to have a stall at the Murwillumbah Youth Festival. Obvious question: As an old lady, what business could I possibly have at a Youth Festival?

Answer: Publicity for the “You and Me Co-Mentoring Project” of course!

If you have seen any previous publicity you will know that this is a new project in Murwillumbah which brings young people and old people together to develop shared understandings. The aim is to combat the invisibility and ageism which both groups experience. The key idea is that both the young person and the senior person have something to offer and something to gain from the partnership, and that this project will demonstrate that there are huge benefits for both parties from that exchange. Since young people have parents and carers, and old people have adult children and carers, we hope that this project will also influence them. Middle aged adults, the so-called “sandwich generation” who are burdened with responsibility for the young and the old, may

With Tweed Senior Ambassador

Karen Dawson

“This is a new project in Murwillumbah which brings young people and old people together”

we modelled what the project is about. She took initiative to decorate the stall at the start. She observed carefully the conversations I had with interested people and had brought a notebook to jot down common questions and answers so that she could do the same. For my part I observed carefully her interactions with the young people who stopped at our stall as part of a treasure hunt.( However it’s undeniable that if as a partnership we were working to our strengths, she was far better at that side her. I wonder if she felt the same

Patrons Day story

By Jonathon Howard and E Scattergood

A 37-YEAR tradition continues at Coolangatta Ladies Bowls Club that has a rich history and is worth celebrating this week.

Coolangatta ladies’ bowlers held their Patron’s Day a few weeks ago, with bowls, raffles, cake and plenty of time spent sitting together eating, laughing and sharing stories.

New bowler Emma Scattergood said she felt honoured to join the group and at one stage the current Patron, Imelda Brosnan, invited new bowlers to the club to come forward and sign a tablecloth.

“Being relatively new to this club, I lined up with the others and added my signature to what appeared to be a very interesting piece of fabric — one that clearly had a story to tell,” she told The Weekly.

“Chasing that story led me to look into where Patron’s Day actually came from.”

After some research, Ms Scattergood said it was in the late 1800s and early 1900s, lawn bowls clubs in Australia, following British tradition, often appointed a Patron or Patroness.

“Usually a local dignitary or benefactor, the role was largely ceremonial but important for community standing,” she said.

“Over time, clubs began holding a dedicated day to honour them, typically with social bowls, afternoon tea or a luncheon, and a few speeches along the way.

“These gatherings were often known as “At Home” days, social afternoons that gradually evolved into what we now recognise as Patron’s Day.

“These days became a regular part of club life, particularly within women’s clubs, where tradition, hospitality and social connection have always played a strong role.”

Coolangatta Ladies Bowls Club was established in 1949, and it is likely the tradition began not long after.

In 1989, on its 40th anniversary, a white tablecloth was signed by attendees at that year’s Patron’s Day, which is a tradition that has continued every year since.

“That tablecloth now contains 37 years of signatures, each one carefully embroidered for longevity,” Ms Scattergood said.

“There is something quite momentous about standing there, looking at those names — wondering about the bowlers who came before, and those still to come.

“It reinforces something many already know about clubs like this: they are worth preserving, as places where support and friendship are always close at hand.”

YOUR CLUB: Have you got a tradition at your club or association that you would like to share with readers? The Weekly is always interested. Please send the editor an email via: editor@ theweekly.net.au

Piper Solicitors

Financial Advice

Rentals at critically low levels for Tweed

Continued from page 3.

“I started looking within an hour’s drive of here and I just got rejected to view a place half an hour north of Toowoomba and also Kyogle in the other direction so I might have to widen my search to Broken Hill,” he joked, though it’s no laughing matter.

At the moment he is living in emergency housing but he doesn’t know how long he will be able to stay there.

The cost of rentals in the shire is higher than our most expensive capital cities, but the high cost of rentals in places like Kingscliff and Casuarina does skew the median.

The average rent at Kingscliff for houses was $1,144 in March this year, up 16.7 per cent from last year and 63.4 per cent over the past five years.

In Tweed Heads rents are up more, 65.1 per cent over the five years to $875 and were up 15.1 per cent from last year. Units were nearly as expensive, $720, up 2.9 per cent over the past year and 60 per cent over the past five. The report only had Tweed Heads unit rents.

Rental vacancy rates are at an all-time low, at 0.74 per cent, well below what is considered “healthy”, 3 per cent, according to the current

data from Real Estate Investor.

The situation in Murwillumbah is even more dire for those looking for a rental home.

The vacancy rate there is currently 0.37 per cent, one of the lowest in Australia, with just 12 homes currently vacant for a regional centre with a population of around 10,000..

Pottsville is slightly better at 0.9 per cent but well below what is considered healthy for the rental market as far as tenants being able to find a home goes.

Murwillumbah median house rents were $750 in March 2026, up 7.1 per cent over the past year and 53.1 over the past five years.

Pottsville was one of the few places where median house rentals remain unchanged from a year ago but at $850 it isn’t cheap, up 44.1 per cent over the past five years.

The Bilambil median was $943, up 7.4 per cent over the year and 49.6 per cent over five years.

According to Domain renters, unable to afford most rentals, are seeking cheaper alternatives, sharing homes more often, and becoming slower to commit when rents outpace their incomes — even in very tight markets.

Rental vacancy rates in the Tweed Shire have plummeted to critical

Baking Pleasures magic

By Madeleine Murray

STEP INTO BAKING PLEASURES, and you enter a fairy tale land of sprinkles, exotic flavours, luminous colours – everything you could ever need for baking and giving joy.

The little house, set in a quiet, accessible part of Minjungbal Drive, Tweed heads, is a must and inspiration for any professional or aspiring baker.

Catherine Rickard and her husband Jason started Baking Pleasures as a homebased passion project 10 years ago. Over the last decade, it has grown into a thriving online destination for bakers across Australia.

In 2024, Catherine and Jason decided to make the move to the beautiful Tweed area with their two young boys for a change of pace and lifestyle.

“We saw a wonderful opportunity to bridge the gap between our online presence and the local community,” Catherine told The Weekly.

“We officially opened our doors to the public in September 2025, so we are celebrating our first few months as part of the Tweed business community! While the website has been running for 10 years, having a physical space where people can come in, delight in the colourful medley of the sprinkles, smell the flavourings and feel the quality of the cake tins has been a wonderful new chapter.”

All 3000 items in the shop are top quality, with an amazing range in each product. We’re talking dozens of shapes of piping tools, food colouring, cake tins and flavourings from mango to musk.

“Our custom edible images are a huge hit,” Catherine said.

“They allow anyone to turn a family pho-

to or a favourite character into a professional-looking cake topper instantly. Our range of sprinkles, cake toppers, readymade frostings, fillings and high-quality fondants are always flying off the shelves.”

Baking Pleasures offers cake decorating workshops, introduction to buttercream, and seasonal themed classes. The courses take the scary out of decorating and make it accessible for everyone.

“This Mother’s Day, we’re encouraging our Northern Rivers locals to skip the store-bought mud cake and try their hand at something homemade,” Catherine said.

“We have everything from simple ‘cheat’ mixes and ready-made frozen cake bases that taste like gourmet treats, to beautiful dried edible flowers that make even a basic sponge look like a masterpiece.

“In a busy world, baking is a way to slow down, create something with your hands, and share a literal slice of happiness with the people you love.”

Baking Pleasures is at 27 Minjungbal Drive, Tweed Heads. For more info, go to bakingpleasures.com.au

Saint

is in year five, will give a speech on what Anzac Day means to

Fun Day on for July 4

THE ANNUAL Tweed Valley Fun Day has been postponed until Saturday, July 4, at Murwillumbah Showgrounds.

The event, which is in its 19th year, was postponed due to heavy rain during the Anzac Day long weekend, but organisers say they are determined to see the event go ahead.

Organisers Jennie Parratt and Shell Loustau told The Weekly that there was some disappointment about the event being cancelled on Saturday, April 25, but they felt the rain and conditions were too challenging.

“We know everyone was keen to come and enjoy the free Fun Day, but don’t worry we’re planning to host it on July 4, with a great range of activities for the whole family,” Jennie said.

“In fact, we’re planning to make it even bigger and better than before.”

Shell said she hopes families will mark the date in their diaries and check out The Weekly for updates.

“We are planning to have a jumping castle, face painting, kite making, woodwork, leather work and so much more, to keep everyone entertained,” she said.

Tweed Valley Fun Day is hosted by all the local churches and is a free event and gates open from 11.30am until 3.30pm (weather permitting), which is at the same time, and everyone is welcome.

Jennie and Shell wanted to thank the Tweed Valley IGA for their ongoing support.

For more information, or to get involved, please contact: 0405 548 844.

Edible decorations

Catherine opened Baking Pleasures in September

Edible flowers and delectable flavours

Glorious range of colours

Anthony's Kingscliff student Yuna Stevens, who

young people.

Top Tradies

HANDYMAN WITH A TRAY UTE

3. W hat does the Latin word and origin of the word plumbing, ‘plumbum’ mean?

4. Does electricity move at roughly the speed of sound or roughly the speed of light?

5. W hat is the 1/3 rule when it comes to mowing?

Located in Tweed Heads

Thelwall Shield

By Jo Kennett

THE KINGSCLIFF Wolves Football Club is inviting the community to honour Mark Thelwall this Sunday and celebrate his incredible contribution to Kingscliff Wolves Football Club, Tweed United Football Club, and football across the Gold Coast.

Over many years, Mark has given so much to the game through his dedication as a player, coach and committee member.

His passion and commitment have left a lasting impact on our community.

“Mark has been an amazing stalwart for the game from playing for the old Twin Towns club up at Goodwin Park 38 or 39 years ago to coaching Tweed Heads and getting them finally into the premier league,” long-time local sports journalist Tania Phillips told The Weekly.

“His sons now play for Kingscliff but he and his wife Debbie were instrumental in keeping Tweed on the Park.”

Recently, Mark has become unwell, so Kingscliff Wolves Football Club and Tweed United are coming together to host a special day in his honour — not only to celebrate him, but to support Mark and his family.

Proceeds from the day will go directly to Mark. The day will feature raffles, gold coin donations, and plenty of fundraising activities. Please come down and show your support for a man who has given so much to the game and our football community.

Time of the event:

- 2pm: U23s kick off

- 3:45pm: Presentation for Mark - 4:30pm: First team kick off

POTTERY FAIR

Murwillumbah Potters Club invites you to join us for our annual Pottery Fair.

Our talented potters showcase a vibrant and diverse collection of handcrafted ceramics in our five kilns – electric, gas, pit, wood and raku producing functional tableware, sculptural pieces and unique gifts. To celebrate the Chinese Year of the Fire Horse our potters have created their own representations of horses. Enjoy a delicious Devonshire tea, or coffee, plus a selection of home baked goodies and cool drinks in our relaxed garden setting.

• Kids can get hands-on with our popular clay play sessions

• Wheel throwing and hand building demonstrations throughout the weekend Thanks and gratitude to Tweed Shire Council for their ongoing support with maintenance of Fernvale School house and hall plus thanks to I’m A Celebrity for their ongoing support in the community.

Take home a one-of-a-kind treasure or an early gift for mum because the best gifts are made by hand.

You will find us at 76 Fernvale Road, Fernvale, five minutes south of Murwillumbah off Tweed Valley Way. Potters from Clay Without Borders will be holding a market at the Pottsville Community hall this weekend, see their socials for further information.

The football community will unite this Sunday as the Kingscliff Wolves Football Club hosts a special day honouring Mark Thelwall, recognising his decades of dedication as a player, coach and committee member across the Tweed and Gold Coast

Wharf Street, Tweed Heads NSW. FIND US ON

juniors

CLUB BANORA

Anzac Day

A STRONG crowd of around 100 people gathered in Chillingham for this year’s Anzac Day Dawn Service, with locals braving wet conditions to honour those who served.

Chillingham local Neville Jennings kindly updated The Weekly on the service, which he said was well attended but did not receive much media attention in the lead up to the day.

The service featured a number of community contributions, including students from Chillingham Public School, the Chillingham Voices Choir and local performer CJ Shaw, creating a reflective and inclusive atmosphere.

Master of ceremonies Josh Fogarty set the tone with an inspiring introduction, while local serviceman Josh Curtis delivered a moving closing address.

Megan Gorton, from nearby Crystal Creek, also spoke, outlining the military service of the Tunstead family.

Despite intermittent rain, the crowd remained engaged throughout the service, before gathering at the local hall for a shared breakfast — a longstanding tradition that brought the community together following the formal proceedings.

The ceremony, though smaller than those in larger centres, reflected the deep respect and connection to Anzac Day within the Chillingham community, with organisers and attendees alike ensuring the legacy of service and

continues to be remembered locally.

By Narelle Blessington

DESPITE THE PERSISTENT THREAT of rain, Uki was blessed to have clear weather for the Dawn Service, held at Uki Cenotaph. A record crowd came out on the misty morning to honour all Australians and New Zealanders who served in the line of defence.

Clancy Fallon, a local Murwillumbah RSL sub-branch member and veteran of Middle East operations, was once again the MC and provided another stirring service. Gary Wall, who combines coffee roasting as well as the love of the bugle, sounded the Last Post.

Two Year 6 students from Uki public school recited the Soldiers Prayer and the Ode.

Des Watson, a well-known Uki identity and Vietnam veteran took on the role of Flag Orderly as he has done in the past Uki services.

After the formalities were over, Uki Hall was packed to the rafters with crowds ready for a delicious Gunfire Breakfast provided by Narelle Blessington, another sub-branch member. Refreshments included tea, coffee and of course, rum.

sacrifice

Veteran Ken Saunders marking the 75th anniversary of the Korean War Photo Tania Spiers-Phillips

Geoff Smith attended the Tyalgum Anzac Day Service representing his father took part in the Battle of Beersheba

Geoff Smith, David Coleman and David Scorpion from a light-horse division from Townsville the flag is the lance used in the charge

A proud moment for Murwillumbah Public School students

Kingscliff Rowan Robinson Park Service

Laying a wreath for Sapper Rowan Robinson Photo Tania Spiers-Phillips

Justine Elliot MP with 102-year-old World War II veteran Howard Maher (OAM) at the Tweed Heads service

Kingscliff Rowan Robinson Park Anzac Day Service local students laying a wreath

Kingscliff Rowan Robinson Park Anzac Day Service by Geoff Provest MP

Veteran Derek Sims during the Anzac Day Dawn Service address in Murwillumbah. Image by Murwillumbah Services Club

The Kingscliff ANZAC Day march Photo Tania Spiers-Phillip

Uki Dawn Service breakfast

Chillingham

Uki Dawn Service

ANOTHER GREAT weekend of footy and well done to the NRL once again honouring our ANZAC’s with moving and heart felt tributes across every game from the weekend — for those that served and continue to do so for our country, thank you for your service.

It’s a great weekend of footy the Anzac weekend and the Tigers continued their 2026 onslaught at a packed Leichardt oval on Thursday night. What great viewing it was to see the old suburban ground completely rocking with the Tigers up and about.

I’m not sure how you score 34 points and lose the game but that’s what the Sharks did and that’s the modern era of rugby league.

I go back to my statement a few weeks ago that the 6 again’s are making the game too fast and hence the huge scorelines and momentum shifts.

The Broncos continue to dig in and get it done whilst the Dogs languish and are desperate for some stability in the spine.

New coach but same result for the Dragons, it was a tough initiation into the head coaching role for Dean Young who definitely didn’t have the same success as Kieran Foran who has gone four straight with the resurgent Manly Sea Eagles who now sit sixth after scoring five second half tries against an inconsistent Parra team. It was quite the hiding with the Chooks running in 11 tries and Tedesco & Walker featuring in many of them.

Speaking of shellackings and hiding’s what is

going on in Melbourne! Six straight losses and some heavy defeats have the perennial winners second last on the table and absolutely struggling.

The vision of Bellamy storming out was pretty damning for the Storm and I’m not sure where their next win is going to come from as they are in a proper form slump that is going to take some work to get out of.

Latrell must know Origin is around the corner and is in great form and I must say I’m a huge fan of Tallis Duncan on the right edge for the Rabbits. Penrith continue to roll on and do what they do and will roll into the Origin period on top again and will once again provide a large contingent of players to the Blues.

The NRRRL continued on the weekend with the Mustangs continuing on their winning ways touching up Bilambil.

Cudgen snuck home against Northern on the back of star forward Caleb Ziebell’s three tries and the Casino downed Tweed in a wet one at Casino to remain undefeated after three rounds. See you at the footy. Quinny

TUESDAY

THURSDAY

Wests Tigers have returned to the top two on the NRL Telstra Premiership ladder after a 33-14 victory over a spirited Raiders

APOLOGY: Last week we printed The Print Spot and Sunnyside Meat's footy tips incorrectly. The ladder has been updated now to reflect their actual choices.

2 May

Soaring talent at Youth Fest

By Rada Campbell

YOUTH TALENT took centre stage at Knox Park earlier this month, as Murbah Youth Fest delivered one of its biggest and most energetic turnouts yet.

Driven by the Murwillumbah Community Centre and its Youth Action Group, the event continues to carve out something many regional towns struggle to offer — a space where young people aren’t just entertained - but actively shaping the experience.

“It’s about celebrating youth and their creative talents in all forms,” organiser Jess told The Weekly.

“It brings connection and purpose. The Youth Action Group brainstorms, plans and runs the day, it builds leadership, confidence and real social inclusion.”

At the centre of this year’s festival was 16-yearold Murwillumbah High School student Sienna Kearsey, who claimed her third consecutive Talent Quest win with a commanding aerial silks performance.

A familiar face on the Murbah Youth Fest stage, Sienna has been part of the event for four years and continues to raise the bar.

“Every year I’m growing my skills, learning new tricks and refining my routine,” she said.

“It’s about smoothing out mistakes and practising until it’s at the standard I want.”

Her connection to circus runs deep. Sienna is the daughter of Alonna Scott, a former international performer and long-time circus teacher, and has been immersed in the world of aerial arts since childhood.

“I’ve been doing aerial silks for eight years. I love the fitness, the skills and the community

Murwillumbah High School student Sienna Kearsey delivers her winning aerial silks routine at Murbah Youth Fest last week.

LEFT: Sienna builds strength and precision mid-performance during her awardwinning aerial silks routine

Behind the elegance of her performance is a demanding discipline.

“It takes a lot of core strength and endurance, and mentally you have to push through when things don’t

“You have to control your emotions and

While a career in circus remains a possibility, Sienna is clear about what keeps her

“It’s always been a passion. I just love do-

She also had a message for younger performers watching from the crowd.

“Everyone starts somewhere. With enough passion and determination, you can learn anything,” she said.

The festival also showcased a wide range of local talent, with Eartha placing second in the Talent Quest and Bhumi taking out the People’s Choice award.

The Bones won the Battle of the Bands, with Stitz Fusion runner-up and Rust earning the People’s Choice.

Cosplay winners included Shanaki, Amy and Amba.

For organisers, the success of the day goes beyond winners and prizes.

It’s about giving young people a platform, a voice and a reason to step forward.

To support future programs or find out more, visit mccentre.org.au.

Aviation event

By Jonathon Howard

MURWILLUMBAH AERO Club will host a special “Back to Murwillumbah” aviation event at the Bob Whittle Murwillumbah Airfield this Sunday, May 3, from 8am.

The event will feature around 20 vintage planes ranging from a Tiger Moth to more modern aircraft such as a Piper.

Aero Club secretary Bruce Gard told The Weekly that it was an exciting time for aviation enthusiasts to come down and check out a range of planes at the Murwillumbah Airfield.

“This is a rare gathering of many vintage and modern aircraft from all over the East Coast,

with some planes coming in from as far as Gympie,” he said.

“Members of the public are invited to come and have a look and ensure they follow the directions from organisers.”

Murwillumbah Lions Club will also be providing an affordable breakfast and lunch at the event.

“The event will open from 8am to 3pm,” he said.

“The best time to attend would be around mid-morning to browse some amazing aircraft.”

Murwillumbah Aero is also arranging another prospective pilot open day event this year – check The Weekly for updates.

By Robert Learmonth

AN EXCITING new format in the Murwillumbah Sporting Car Club’s Khanacross event was launched at the Murwillumbah Showgrounds on Sunday, April 26.

The all-new tarmac course proved a fresh challenge for local drivers, both young and old, with Andew McLean proving too good in his handy Hyundai i20N (see times).

A total of 25 competitors took part and dozens of volunteers all contributed to a great day.

Club president Darren Holland said the new Khanacross course was “well received”.

“We are going to stick to this new format and the grass format, on alternate date (pending Showground’s approval),” he said.

“The course had about 12 corners and a couple of short straights which is really challenging our local drivers, it’s great.”

Mr Holland said the next Khanacross is scheduled for June and they’re calling for new members and drivers to register now.

“I’d like to thank the Murwillumbah Showgrounds society as well as our sponsors, members, committee and participants,” he said.

The following is a breakdown of the top finishers from the latest Khanacross at the Murwillumbah Showgrounds on Sunday, April 26, based on total times:

Overall results:

• 1st Place: Andrew McLean (Hyundai i20N) – 341.94

• 2nd Place: Andrew Bostock (Nissan R33)

– 369.20

• 3rd Place: Brock Philpott (Astra Turbo)

– 376.51

The event saw a competitive field across all classes, with Andrew McLean dominating the day to take overall honours.

From the Farm with Craig

Huf

NSW Farmers - Far North Coast Branch Chair

“TICK REPORT CONFIRMS WHAT WE ALREADY KNOW”

THE FAR North Coast Branch of NSW Farmers Association has been the leading voice in the advocacy to have better management of cattle tick.

As a result the first task of the NSW Biosecurity Commissioner on her appointment w to do a full report. Thankfully the commissioner engaged with those impacted and listened.

The findings of the report into the NSW Cattle Tick Program will not come as a surprise to farmers across the Northern Rivers. For those dealing with cattle tick on the ground, it simply confirms what we’ve been saying for years — the system is under-resourced and struggling to keep up.

The most revealing finding is the drop in frontline staff. In 2020 there were around 70 people working in the program. Today, that number has fallen to just 21 with 17 field staff.

Over the same period, infestations have grown significantly, with more than 580 properties registered as now affected.

That imbalance is being felt in real terms — delays in inspections, inductions to treatment programs and inconsistent (sometimes non existent) traceability, and a program that lacks the capacity to respond as quickly as it should.

The report makes it clear that the fundamental principles are sound. Eradication remains the goal and is economically justified, with benefits estimated at 25 times the cost of the program.

The report also makes clear that success depends on adequate resourcing and on-ground capability — something that has been steadily eroded. Farmers will also recognise the broader issues highlighted in the report: fragmented management, poor coordination, and a lack

of clear accountability.

These are not new concerns. They’ve been raised repeatedly by producers over a number of years.

There is also a growing shift toward a “shared responsibility” model, where landholders are expected to take on more of the management themselves.

While farmers are always willing to play their part, cattle tick control requires coordinated action across properties, backed by strong government support, oversight and traceability. The cost of infestation to farmers is already overwhelming and for many not sustainable. Coastal farmers cannot sustain any further burdens from government.

It’s not something that can be left to individual landholders alone.

To the Government’s credit, a $7 million commitment has now been made to the program. That is a positive step and recognition that more needs to be done.

The question now is whether it will be quick enough to rebuild the program’s capacity and turn around what has been a steady decline. For farmers in the Northern Rivers, this is not just policy — it’s a daily reality that effects their sustainability.

This report provides a clear path forward.

What matters now is whether the response matches the scale of the problem.

Image above of Craig with his son Reuben Huf

The above Hyundai i20N took the win on the day! Inset is the club's MSCC Subaru

JUNIO

TRADES AND SERVICES

GOT WOOD? Tony does - quality craftsmanship with passion

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

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

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

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

proudly operated for the past 18 years.

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

Specialising in standard and custom carpentry, joinery and wood machining, Tony works predominantly with solid timber and plywood, often using recycled or salvaged Australian hardwoods - a big plus for clients who value sustainability and character.

Servicing the Tweed Valley,

Tony is known not only for his workmanship, but also for his excellent problem-solving skills, clear communication, and reliable work ethic.

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

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

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

Call Tony from Got Wood today on 0429 038 412.

BUSINESS BEAT

What was the inspiration for Bolt + Buckle?

Bolt + Buckle was born from a simple idea – to create a space where men actually enjoy shopping, and where finding something meaningful for them feels easy and considered. Early on, we tested the concept at farmers markets around Brisbane, and we kept hearing the same thing: “Men are so hard to buy for.” That insight really stuck with us. It became our tagline, and more importantly, it shaped our purpose –offering a curated, thoughtful alternative to the generic retail experience.

What’s it like working as a couple? We bring very different strengths to the business, which is ultimately what makes it work. One of us is more big-picture, focused on marketing, ideas, and innovation, while the other is detail-driven, grounded in process and financial discipline. Naturally, that leads to different perspectives at times, but it’s a positive tension. It means decisions are well considered, and the business benefits from both creativity and structure.

Sharon, you’re secretary of Business Murwillumbah. How do you see Murwillumbah evolving in the next five years? Murwillumbah has a strong sense of identity and community, and that’s its greatest strength. Over the next five years, I see it continuing to grow as a destination

for people seeking something more authentic – whether that’s independent retail, hospitality, or creative industries. The opportunity is in preserving that character while supporting sustainable growth, so the town evolves without losing what makes it special.

You advertise consistently on the front page of the Tweed Weekly. Why do you think this works for you?

Consistency is everything in small business. Staying visible and connected to your community builds trust over time. The Weekly has a strong local readership, so it aligns naturally with how we want to show up – present, reliable, and part of the community. It’s less about one-off impact and more about building familiarity and recognition over the long term.

What’s your favourite way to relax?

Travel, without a doubt. We love discovering new places, experiencing different cultures, and bringing that inspiration back into both our lives and the business. It keeps things fresh and reminds us why individuality and experience matter so much.

Bolt + Buckle, 11 Commercial Road, Murwillumbah. boltandbuckle.com.au

Madeleine Murray speaks with Patrick Fleming and Sharon Matulick, creators and owners of the iconic Murwillumbah shop Bolt + Buckle

Patrick Fleming and Sharon Matulick have a passion for Murwillumbah. Pics Sally Singh

Weekly In Memoriam

In

Loving Memory of

LAWRENCE ‘JOHN’ KENDRICK

Formerly of South Tweed Heads

Passed away April 15th, 2026, at Dove Palliative Care, Caloundra after a short struggle from an aggressive cancer. Aged 86, four days short of his 87th Birthday. John is survived by his wife Fay of 67 years, and children Phillip, Vicki and Michael.

As per John’s wishes, a private service has been held.

Our beloved Dad Simon (Sam) Menné

Passed away on 13 April 2026.

We invite you to join us for a celebration of his life at the Murwillumbah RSL River Room on Saturday 2 May 2026, 5:00pm

CASEY Judith Anne 18/04/2026

GRAETZ Hans-Peter 21/04/2026

MORROW Ross Anthony 21/04/2026

LAND Phyllis Christine 22/04/2026

RUGG Pauline Mary Ann 22/04/2026

WALTERS Geoffrey Peter 22/04/2026

In Loving Memory of TARU HOOGENBOOM

formerly known as Elaine Margaret Smith 20/01/47 - 09/04/26

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend the funeral service for Taru, to be held at Tweed Valley Cemetery & Crematorium, Eviron Road, Eviron on Monday 4th May 2026 at 1pm.

For those who are unable to attend, you can watch the ceremony at https://together.oneroomstreaming.com /JHX34R

0466 361 820 sam@healingasusual.com

Marie Therese McLean

loving memory of David Andrew Walsh

Late of Reserve Creek

Died in a tragic accident on Sunday 12th April 2026

Aged 61 years

Cherished son of Kevin (dec’d) and Dulcie (Dot) Father of Mitchell and Sarah Loved brother and brother-in-law of Geoffrey & Tanya, Karen & Fred Iwanuscha

Loved uncle and great-uncle

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend David’s Funeral Service to be held at Tweed Valley Lawn Chapel, Eviron Road Eviron, Friday 8th May 2026 at 11:30am

• Funeral Notice • Death Notice

• In Memoriam • Return Thanks

Formerly of Bronte and late of Tweed Heads. Much loved wife for 71 years of Ian (dec) Loving Mother of Trish, Margie, Kathy, Gregory (dec) & Tina.

A loving Grandmother and Great Grandmother.

A service will be held at St Josephs Catholic Church, 58 Frances St, Tweed Heads, on Saturday 2nd May 2026, commencing at 10:30am.

Do not stand at my grave & weep Mary Elizabeth Frye

Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there. I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning’s hush I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry; I am not there. I did not die.

PREISS Karl Heinz 23/04/2026

DIXON Gregory John 25/04/2026

KING-PRIME Evelyn Louise 27/04/2026

Tiare Funerals 0416 389 587

DINTNER Felix 22/4/2026

Simplicity Funerals 07 5599 1800

PERIOTT Dorelle June 21/04/2026

GOSLING Joan 26/04/2026

Heritage Brothers (07) 5535 8758

McLEAN Marie 24/04/2026

PITKIN Isabel 22/04/2026

Mustangs, Cudgen on top of NRRRL

By Jo Kennett

THE MUSTANGS and Hornets sit on top of the NRRRL ladder after a soggy Anzac round three on Sunday, April 26, which saw Murwillumbah dominate in a local derby and Cudgen take the win in a tough away game.

The mighty Mustangs took on the Bilambil Jets in the club’s first home game and they did not disappoint. Mustangs took out the first grade game with a convincing 32-16, six tries to three and already looking like one of the teams to beat this year under coach Arwin Marcus.

The Mustangs ladies got the win in the tackle 12-6, the Under 18s also dominated Bilambil 24-4 but the Reserve Grade went down to the Jets in a tough battle 16-12.

The Tweed Heads Seagulls played Casino away and the Gulls ladies absolutely smashed it in the tackle, winning 34-10.

Unfortunately things went south from there, with the Under 18s losing 30-10, the Reggies, in another tight contest, went down 16-10 before the First Grade Seagulls side scrapped it out with Casino but were unlucky to go down 32-26.

The Cudgen Hornets had a very wet Friday night game in Lismore against Northern United, which sounds more like a brewery than a football club.

The Reggies were up first and got the win 34-12.

Cudgen’s First Grade side had a battle on their hands against Northern until they managed to score two late tries to get the win 26-14, with captain Caleb Ziebell scoring two tries and Sean Pearson scoring one and converting three, to beat the Lismore lads who scored three tries but with only one conversion.

The Tweed Coast Raiders hosted Ballina with the Under 18s getting a 18-18 draw while the Reggies were in front until the final minutes when Ballina crossed for a try to take it to 16-16.

The Raiders First Grade side nearly scored in the opening minutes but Ballina took full advantage, going in for three early tries, before Owen Fredericks finally managed to break through some great Ballina defence.

The Raiders had plenty of possession in the second half and scored another two tries but Ballina came back strong at the end to take the win 26-16.

Raiders Owen Fredericks said they have had a frustrating start to the season.

“It feels like every game this year we’ve been right in it, but we just haven’t been able to win those key moments that shift momentum,” he said.

“Our completion rates and time with the ball are hurting us, and that’s making it tough

against the stronger sides.

“We’ve definitely had patches where we look really strong both defensively and with the ball, just not consistently enough yet. That said, we feel like we’re very close.

“We’ll keep working hard, stay positive, and stick to the process. It honestly feels like we’re one win away from building some momentum and going on a run. We just need to keep improving and back ourselves to get that result

soon.”

They won’t be the only team feeling that way but it’s early days in the competition yet. Next week is a bye for everyone with two locals derbies up in Round 4 on May 10, Tweed Coast v Mustangs at Murwillumbah and Cudgen v Bilambil at Bilambil while the Seagulls host the Bombers.

Kingy boardriders rule the waves

By Jo Kennett

THREE TWEED Coast surfers are leading the charge against some of the world’s best juniors, with Dane Henry taking out the Surfboard Empire North Narrabeen Pro Junior Presented by Florence while Lachlan Arghyros won the Under 18s Surfboard Empire North Narrabeen Ripper, presented by VEIA.

Ava Arghyros made it to the semi-finals of the North Narrabeen Pro Junior which was won by Ocea Curtis, but leads the Australia/Oceania Women’s Junior Tour Rankings after runner up finishes at Newcastle and Phillip Island. Curtis’ win moved her into the No. 2 position, just five points behind Ava.

The event wrapped in small, clean surf on Sunday, April 26, at North Narrabeen, with Ava’s brother Lachlan dominating the Under

18s in the Surfboard Empire North Narrabeen Ripper, presented by VEIA.

The day opened with the Under 18 Boys semi-finals, where Lachie set the tone early, eliminating top seed and local standout Ben Zanatta to progress through to the final.

He capped off his dominant performance, taking the title with a 17.10 heat total.

Lachie was congratulated by fellow Kingscliff Boardriders Club member Dane Henry.

Following a Wildcard appearance in his first CT event at Bells Beach, the reigning WSL World Junior Champion delivered some of

the standout performances of the event on his road to the final.

The 19-year-old saved his best for last however, landing what has become a signature move, a backflip, to post the highest single-wave score of the event, a 9.87.

Combined with an existing excellent score of an 8.00, Dane left the remaining three finalists, Ocean Lancaster (AUS), Sammy Lowe (AUS) and Isaiah Vaealiki (AUS) needing two scores to defeat him despite high scores being earned by all three.

“It was such a sick comp,” Dane said afterwards.

“It was a real long Pro Junior because it had all the groms, but it was a sick day. I watched a bunch of the grom heats, saw Lachlan Arghyros, we’re from the same boardriders at Kingscliff. He took the win and it really fired me up to go out.

“The wind puffed up perfectly for me, so I just wanted to surf how I want to surf and surf how I like to surf and ended up getting two real good scores. So I’m really, really excited and happy.” Dane and Ocea Curtis join a long list of notable historic Pro Junior winners at North Narrabeen, including Kelly Slater (USA), Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), Tom Carroll (AUS), Laura Enever (AUS), Mark Occhilupo (AUS) and Sierra Kerr (AUS).

Bondi Rescue star coming to Tweed

By Jonathon Howard

ONE OF Australia’s most recognisable lifeguards, Bruce ‘Hoppo’ Hopkins, is heading to the Tweed Shire in May to deliver a series of free community workshops teaching a simple but critical survival skill: how to float. Best known for his role on the Network 10 television series Bondi Rescue, Hopkins has spent decades rescuing swimmers in dangerous surf conditions and now travels the world sharing water safety knowledge, including programs in Hawaii and across Asia.

His message is direct: most people would struggle to swim for more than 30 to 60 seconds in an emergency, with fatigue quickly setting in

for those who don’t regularly swim.

“You can drown in minutes, but you can float for hours,” he told The Weekly.

The upcoming ‘Float to Survive’ workshops aim to equip locals with the skills to stay calm, conserve energy and remain afloat until help arrives—something Hopkins says many people have never practised.

Special children’s sessions for ages 8 to 15 will be held on Friday, May 1, at the Tweed Regional Aquatic Centre in Murwillumbah.

Four 30-minute sessions will run from 4pm, focusing on building confidence and teaching practical survival techniques in a safe pool environment. Bookings are essential.

An open water session will follow on Satur-

day, May 2 at Cudgen Creek, near the bridge at the Watersports Guru site. Starting at 9am, the session is open to adults and children aged 10 and over, allowing participants to practise floating techniques in real-world conditions.

The workshops are free community events and aim to address a critical gap in water safety knowledge.

Drowning is often not a result of poor swimming ability alone, but of panic and exhaustion in unexpected situations such as rip currents, river flows or sudden immersion.

The program teaches a simple response: stay calm, float, conserve energy and survive.

Organisers say the skill can be learned in minutes but may one day save a life.

Hoppo is coming to Tweed with a life

Kingscliff local Lachlan Arghyros won the Under 18s event at North Narrabeen. Photo by Matt Dunbar

Lachlan was rippin' it up at Narrabeen

Try time for a Mustangs player against the Jets at the Murwillumbah Leagues Club

Real Estate

FROM COAST TO COUNTRY

SUBURB PROFILE: Murwillumbah officially BOOM town

By Jo Kennett

IT TOOK a while for the rest of the world to discover how lovely Murwillumbah is, with the Tweed River and the cane fields and the ever present backdrop of Wollumbin/Mount Warning, but now they have and it is officially booming.

Murwillumbah has long been the agricultural and service hub of the Tweed Valley, originally servicing the many surrounding dairy, beef cattle, cane and banana farms in the area, and it has one of the prettiest showgrounds in Australia.

The beautiful setting has also attracted many artists and craftspeople, with Murwillumbah also serving as the creative heart of the Tweed Shire.

The Tweed Regional Gallery has to be one of the most beautiful galleries in the country and the wonderful M-Arts precinct is home to artists and makers studios and creative businesses and has helped to cement the reputation of the town as an artists hub.

Murwillumbah & District Business Chamber secretary Sharon Matulick says Murwillumbah has more artists per capita than any other town in Australia.

“Living here is a lifestyle choice to be in a community-focused environment but

Open Homes

Saturday, May 2

Raine & Horne Jet

• 2981 Kyogle Rd, Kunghur “Panorama Estate”, 9.30–12.30am

• 1243 Kyogle Rd, Uki, 9.30–10.30am

• 629 Tumbulgum Rd, Tygalgah, 11.30–12pm

• 3221 Kyogle Rd, Mount Burrell, 1–1.30pm

it’s also a creative space,” she said.

“There are a lot of creative people living here and a lot of new, very diverse businesses.

“Then we have a fabulous museum and art gallery, M-Arts is an amazing space, there’s Husk Distillery, we have the rail trail and a lot of fabulous places in the mountains and really good experiences that bring people here.

“People are drawn to how friendly the people are; it’s a real community vibe and very down-to-earth and authentic.

“We also have some five star restaurants that win the big awards.

“Some people say you can feel the presence of the mountain, it’s a very holistic environment and the town has a lovely heritage feel to it.

“You are also not far from other wonderful villages like Uki and Burringbar and it’s a very easy drive to the beach and some beautiful walks in the area.”

All those good things have seen the population of Murwillumbah grow from 7,032 in 2016 to 9,501 in 2021 and an estimated 10,925 last year; a big jump for a relatively small town.

Last month Murwillumbah had 13 properties available for rent and 29 properties for sale. Median property prices

DJ Stringer

• 236/1 Mariners Drive West, Tweed Heads, 9–9.30am

• 6/88 Pacific Pde, Bilinga, 9–9.30am

• 3/4 Archer St, Bilinga, 10–10.30am

• 33/5 Island Dr, Tweed Heads, 10–10.30am

• 6/241 Golden Four Dr, Bilinga, 11–11.30am

• 4 Burgendy Ct, Tweed Heads South, 11–11.30am

Schmith Estate Agents

• 6/1 Bolton Street Coolangatta, 9.30–10am

• 501/215 Boundary Street Coolangatta, 10.30–11am

over the last year range from $950,000 for houses to $691,250 for units.

That’s up from $820,000 for houses and $535,000 for units in 2022.

If you are looking for an investment property, houses in Murwillumbah rent out for $780 per week on average with an annual rental yield of 4.4 per cent, which has risen quite dramatically over recent years.

Units rent for $500 per week with a rental yield of 4.4 per cent.

That’s up from $565 per week for houses in 2022 and $360 per week for units.

The rental vacancy rate in Murwillumbah is critically low, with recent data showing it hovering between 0.37 per cent and 0.76 per cent, well below the 3 per cent benchmark for a healthy market.

That makes it not just a wonderful

• 1/23 Bosun Boulevard Banora Point, 11.30–12pm

• 49 Dixon Street Coolangatta, 12–12.30pm First National Murwillumbah

• 5 Thomas St, Bray Park, 9–9.30am

• 1501 Kyogle Rd, Uki,10–10.30am

• 37 Hall Drive , Murwillumbah,10–10.30am

• 145 Smiths Creek Rd, Uki,11–11.30am Tate Brownlee Real Estate

• 3/132 Hastings Road, Bogangar, 9–9:30am

• 5 Admiralty, Banora Point, 9–9:30am

• 20/14 Lorikeet Dr, Tweed Heads South,

place to live, but a great place for an investment property, although you will be battling all the young people keen to buy their first home in Murwillumbah.

The incredible community spirit helped get the town through the 2022 flood lives on adding to a thriving local community.

Famous for the Great Murwillumbah Bank Robbery and the legendary Murbah Swamp Beer, Murbah is still a big country town full of down-to-earth people who treasure the finer things in life; long arvo’s at the Impy, weekends at the beach and Sundays watching the Mustangs.

You would be hard pressed to find better people to enjoy life with and a better place to hang your hat than this unique town in the heart of the Tweed Valley, cradled in the loving arms of the caldera.

10–10:30am

• 73A Kingscliff St, Kingscliff, 10–10:30am

• 1/8 Blackbean Place, Bogangar, 10–10:30am

• 22/14 Lorikeet Dr, Tweed Heads South, 11–11:30am

• 59 Banora Boulevard, Banora Point, 11–11:30am

• 30 Beech Lane, Casuarina, 11–11:30am

• 17 Ossa Boulevard, Terranora, 12–12:30pm

• 17 Townsend Cres, Terranora, 12–12:30pm

• 85 Bowen Loop, Cudgen, 12–12:30pm

• 256 Darlington Drive, Banora Point, 1–1:30pm

• 52 Avondale Drive, Banora Point, 1–1:30pm

Murwillumbah's real estate market has officially hit its strides

837 Nobby Creek Road, NOBBYS CREEK

On-site Auction Tuesday 9th June, 1pm (Unless sold before)

Bidding Guide: $1,850,000 to $1,950,000

Acreage with Water Security, Established Homestead, & Flexible Living Potential

Set on 31 private acres in the scenic Tweed Valley, this rare lifestyle property combines usable land, water security and flexible living. Positioned in a quiet cul-de-sac with sealed council access, the elevated homestead captures sweeping views toward Mount Warning. The character-filled residence features beautifully preserved timber interiors, offering warmth, authenticity and a solid foundation for future enhancement.

A key highlight is the substantial three-bedroom wing, connected via breezeway, ideal for extended family living, guest accommodation, work-fromhome setups or potential supplementary income. Complete with its own bathroom, laundry, office, garage, wine cellar, air conditioning and fireplace, the layout provides genuine flexibility for modern lifestyles.

Elizabeth Hickey 0474 908 555

The property is well-equipped for self-sufficient living, with over 110,000L water storage, two springfed dams, solar power with near-new Tesla battery, established tracks, sheds, cool room and growing areas. Blending open usable land with natural surrounds, this is a rare opportunity to secure space, privacy and long-term potential in a tightly held region.

Jason Dittmar 0477 711 858

Paul Sheehan Local Property Expert

5

5

Hinterland Sanctuary with Dual Living Set on approximately 4.65 hectares (11.5 acres) of elevated, usable land, this exceptional lifestyle property offers uninterrupted panoramic views of Wollumbin (Mount Warning) and the sweeping Tweed Valley. Featuring a 25m magnesium pool, it delivers a rare blend of luxury, privacy, and natural beauty.

Immerse yourself into a peaceful existence from this quaint

that extend beyond the Pacific Ocean.

• Spacious open living & dining w/ tiled flooring

• Social kitchen adjoining family / meals area

• Alfresco style all weather sunroom / entertaining area

• Main bedroom w/ walk in robe, ensuite & access to

•

•

• Ducted air-conditioning

• Security screens throughout & monitoring system

• Low maintenance terraced gardens w/ garden shed

• Double automatic garage w/ internal access

The Anchorage Islands

mirrored robes & separate air-conditioning unit

• Ducted air-conditioning & heating

• Indoor / outdoor atrium

• Fabulous covered outdoor entertaining area

• Spacious air-conditioned open plan living & dining

• Front grassy courtyard (maintained by Body Corporate)

• Stylish kitchen with integrated fridge, Fisher & Paykel double dish draws, Stainless Neff oven with separate steamer, wine cabinet & outdoor servery

• Stunning bathroom & ensuite, fully tiled with stylish tap ware & accessories