The mayor previously said that the proposal to locate the tower at 1126 Pottsville Road might not help with reception problems for residents on the east side of Koala Beach, in the lee of the hill, and residents in much of Black Rocks Estate.
Optimal reception requires a clear line of sight in wireless communication between the transmitter and receiver, with obstructions like hills weakening the signal or stopping it completely. A higher location or one east of the hill might work better and council had suggested other site options in the past.
Phone tower delays
By Jo Kennett
POTTSVILLE RESIDENTS and busi -
nesses desperate for a mobile phone tower have been dealt a blow with the news the land pegged for the tower is for sale, with the owner missing in action for months.
The site at 1126 Pottsville Road is now for sale with Sotheby’s International Realty Byron Bay, with an auction on August 13. The property was also listed for sale in 2022 but did not sell.
In late June, a Tweed Shire Council spokesperson said the modification to the phone tower development application was still undetermined and they were waiting on the landowner to agree to a voluntary planning agreement.
However, neither council or Indara, who was building the tower, have been able to contact landowner Matthew Turner.
Mr Turner also had a development application for a caravan park on the property which was recently refused by the NSW Land and Environment Court.
Mr Turner owns Turner Earthmoving and Turner Contracting, which both have a Sovereign Island (Gold Coast) multi-million dollar mansion as their business address.
Attempts by The Weekly to contact Mr Turner through his solicitors and the representative for Indara have been unsuccessful.
Before the caravan park refusal, Mayor Chris Cherry told The Weekly that the delays with approvals was, she suspected, because, “the landowner has got two balls in the air, with the proposal for a caravan park on the same land as the approved phone tower and he is likely waiting for the outcome of the caravan park court
case before he ties himself to any agreement for the phone tower and that means we as a community simply are at his whim and cannot move forward.”
A local’s viewpoint
G regg Miller moved to Pottsville in 2018, “to basically no internet or telephone service.”
He spent the ensuing years fighting to get a mobile phone tower, but despite numerous complaints to Telstra and the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO), nothing happened.
“In May 2018, Telstra suggested I purchase an $1,800 external antenna at my own expense,” Gregg told The Weekly.
“Correspondence with federal ministers included all the business names I visited experiencing difficulties in communications and only being able to accept cash as there was no Eftpos available.”
Gregg lobbied a number of government ministers, local members and Telstra’s Far North Coast Area General Manager, detailing the issues. In 2021, he contacted the Regional Communications Minister, detailing all the areas in the Tweed that were mobile black spots.
“Last year, our councilors voted against the tower until further consultation was taken except for Cr Reece Byrnes who fought for the community with a petition for the tower,” he said.
Council were unable to approve the tower because “statutorily required information” was not provided at the time.
Gregg said that during the floods there was no ATM, Eftpos, internet, phone service or Triple-0 signal, and no phone service during the recent cyclone.
The TIO assigned him a customer ser-
vice officer who suggested that, as he had the NBN connected to the premises, Gregg upgrade to a smart modem.
“For the first time in seven years I was able to make telephone calls from my mobile in the house and use the internet without any issues,” Gregg said.
“My telco also reviewed the seven years of issues and complaints and credited my account accordingly.”
Gregg has some advice for frustrated locals: “When you ring, in just a few words tell them how they can help. On most occasions you will go through a local office. Lodge your complaint and ask for a reference number and advise the operator that you will be lodging the complaint with the TIO. The service provider has 14 days to respond. Remember to continue to lodge every complaint as above, with reference numbers and you will be surprised to get the outcome you’re looking for.”
Telstra maps show Pottsville having full 4G coverage, despite many households and businesses having limited or zero mobile phone reception.
The ACCC is investigating complaints that Telstra, “engaged in misleading or deceptive conduct for over 15 years by dramatically overstating the geographic reach of its mobile network by as much as 40 per cent.
Vodafone alleges Telstra’s mobile phone reach claims rely on customers using an external antenna and without an antenna the reach is far less — a claim Telstra denies.
YOUR THOUGHTS: Do you or your business suffer from signal dropouts or no signal at all? The Weekly would like to hear your thoughts via email: editor@ theweekly.net.au.
You
Destruction of curlew reserve is not on!
In recent days, youngsters on electric bikes have begun to use the bush stone-curlew reserve at Fingal Head as an off-road bike racing track.
The reserve notice and the fencing line marking the reserve were pulled down and parts of the reserve have been torn up by their tyres (see images below).
The bush stone-curlew is a rare bird that warrants strong protection.
Over the years this reserve has been well cared for by the Fingal Head community. This destruction in recent days should not be allowed to continue.
Ken Rippin, Fingal Head
Tweed’s worst road
In response to Arlene Raynar’s letter in The Weekly (July 10) about her concern for unmaintained roads in the Tweed Shire where she mentioned Urliup Road. To verify, Urliup Road has a four-kilometre section with 192 potholes, five long deep trenches and far too abundant corrugations to count.
This situation has presided for months upon months, and the potholes and trenches get deeper with more appearing regularly.
Barbara Downes, Urliup
Make taxis fairer for NSW I reside in NSW and an occasion arose to catch a taxi to the Gold Coast Airport.
The taxi from NSW arrived and
transported me to the airport with a fare of $25.
Upon the return trip, 10 days later, I could only engage a Queensland taxi to bring me back across the border.
The driver was given the destination and spent time programming the GPS before we left the airport.
Next thing, he missed the exit to Kennedy Drive and I informed the driver he had missed the turn-off and the next exit would be Kirkwood Road, which took me several kilometres out of my way.
When we finally arrived at said destination the fare showed $55 and I refused to pay that amount.
I told the driver I would pay $25, next he informed me there was a toll to leave the airport of $5 — never heard of it before.
Had I been able to get a NSW driver who knew the area this would not have happened.
I also wonder how many visitors to the area have been disadvantaged by this agreement.
J Williams, Tweed Heads Airport taxi stress
My recent taxi trip from Coolangatta Airport was such a bad experience for my wife and myself.
We are in a unit on the border of Tweed Heads and Coolangatta.
After walking from the airport to the new taxi rank, the first taxi driver was waiting and grabbed our bags and dropped them onto his dirty torn mat in the boot. I thought this is not a good start. When the driver asked, “Where are you going?” and I said, “Tweed Heads” the trouble started.
I thought he was not happy, so I asked, “How is your day going?” and then he gives us a big spray about sitting on the taxi rank for three hours only to get a short trip and threatening to put us out of the taxi before we were even out of the airport.
He told us very clearly that we should have been catching a bus.
The driver was going on about Uber and how the airport has moved them
from out the front.
People south of the airport pay good money to travel through it and there should be a taxi service available for short local trips.
Welcome to the Gold Coast Airport
— just don’t ask for a short taxi trip
G Creath, Tweed Heads Time for tariff on Queensland taxis
NSW Minister for Transport John Graham should put a tariff on Queensland taxis that cross the border or instigate a legal challenge to address the inequity.
James Russell, Tweed Heads Pod village residents
I am happy that the pod residents have been rehoused (TVW, July 10).
Hopefully the area can now be gifted to Kingscliff Men’s Shed who are in desperate need of an area to build their shed.
I believe the Men’s Shed group have been negotiating with council and local members and are hoping for a positive outcome for such a good cause.
Leigh Cunliffe, Kingscliff Pod closure shame and what about the homeless
I write regarding the closure of the pods and feel it’s heartbreaking that the pods are mostly empty and unavailable for those in need.
We have unprecedented homelessness and an unprecedented housing availability crisis. I’m homeless in freezing temporary shelter accommodation and would go to a pod tomorrow if I could.
I can pay up to $250 week on a disability pension and I don’t drink alcohol or do any drugs and have no criminal background. I’m simply alone and unable to find or afford the rental prices.
I’m old but not old enough to obtain aged care support. I’m unwell trying to recover from the worst illness of my life and my survival for a future isn’t looking likely.
I’m one of so many. The Tweed
HARVEST FLASHBACK
Shire has the highest number of people needing accommodation, but most of the pods sit empty for ages.
There is no humanity considered in that pod closing red tape fiasco.
And it hurts that your article says pods are closing, email your thoughts.
What for? What does my voice do?
Who can hear people like me? Who cares that the homeless situation is getting worse and can open the pods.
Those decision-makers have homes and inside toilets and incomes, and if it’s not happening to them then it’s not actually happening at all. And then it’s swept under the carpet.
Older single women like me are the highest number of homeless people, the poorest and the greatest at risk.
I know an older woman, a pensioner, who is paying $450 a week rent now due to rent rises in her long-term housing. How does she afford food and bills?
They are not building social housing regardless of the homeless situation and the house I lived in for more than 10 years is caged off to be bulldozed due to the flood buyback.
What hope is there? Who can we contact to be heard, what options are available for the many hundreds of
Tweed Shire residents who have need of shelter and housing?
Name supplied but withheld by editor
RBA holding rates is sane choice
We sent them to university to get degrees! Of the 37 economists surveyed only four were, in the word of the newspapers, ‘bold’ enough to say no change. The RBA, despite being stacked by the treasurer, left alone at 3.85 per cent. So, good news for homebuyers, savers and renters. A rate cut would only have encouraged those who could not afford the lifestyle of their dreams to borrow even more to achieve it, and a rate cut would only have forced savers to enter the housing market to rent out their purchases thus forcing up, yet again, home prices and rents.
Ian Pratt, Bilinga
Please note the views on the letters page are those of the letter writer and not of the Tweed Valley Weekly. Letters must include a suburb and contact number for verification. Letters may be edited for length or legal reasons. Send your letters to editor@theweekly. net.au or phone: (02) 6672 4443
Local farmer Mick Cranney supplied The Weekly with these amazing photos of cane cutters from Les Martins' gang taken in 1965 nearing the end of the season. One photo shows Bob French cutting the break row with Sid Hall. The top right image shows two cane bins that overshot the Tumbulgum ferry and ended up in the Tweed River!
Cudgen plateau plans
By Jo Kennett
A $300 MILLION development proposed for the block of land on the corner of Tweed Coast and Cudgen roads, next to the Tweed Valley Hospital, is now on public exhibition with submissions open on the NSW Planning Portal for comment.
The proposal for the Cudgen plateau land is in front of the NSW Planning Department with the developers seeking to have the land rezoned through the Gateway determination process.
The rezoning would enable, “mixed use development: private hospital, essential workers dwellings, research facility, medi hotel and associated land uses.”
The proposed Cudgen Connections health precinct would also include, but is “not limited to”, a private mental health hospital, specialist suites, a university campus, a community hub, shops, food and drink options, a plaza and childcare.
The Planning Department’s Planning Proposal Authority (PPA) team notified affected landowners and occupiers in the vicinity last week with a letter mailout, as per the notification requirements of the Local Environmental Plan Making Guideline, with Tweed Shire
Council also consulted on the extent of the notification area.
According to the department, the PPA team will consider all submissions when making a post-exhibition recommendation to the Northern Regional Planning Panel.
Submitters may be granted the opportunity to attend the post-exhibition panel meeting to raise concerns, however, this will be confirmed at a later date and is at the discretion of the Panel Chair.
The plateau has some of the most unique agricultural land in the country and grows most of the nation’s sweet potatoes, along with numerous other crops, and is zoned State Significant Farmland (SSF).
If the land zoned as SSF goes under 500 hectares, the whole plateau will lose its zoning, opening it up to development, and right now it is just hectares over that limit.
When previously in government Tweed MP
Geoff Provest gave the community an “ironclad” guarantee that if the new hospital was approved on the plateau, no further land would be developed.
Submissions can be made via: www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/ppr/under-exhibition/ cudgen-connection
WARM UP YOUR WINTER
The proposal for the Cudgen development
Inset: An artist's impression of the proposed development from Tweed Coast Road
Dunbible farm on agenda
By Jonathon Howard
A DEVELOPMENT application for a rural property at 300 Bakers Road, Dunbible, is on the agenda for Tweed Shire councillors during their monthly meeting on Thursday, July 17, at the Murwillumbah Council Chambers.
The DA is seeking approval for an existing farm building that was constructed without prior consent in stage one and to convert the building into a residential dwelling in stage three.
Tweed Shire Council has already undertaken investigations at the property and is recommending approval of stages one and two but not stage three.
While elements of the application were endorsed, stage 3 of the proposal — to convert farm buildings into an attached dual occupancy — was not supported due to non-compliance with planning definitions under current zoning laws.
The proposal, lodged by Planit Consulting Pty Ltd on behalf of Damron Investments Pty Ltd, valued at $583,000, sought approval for the use of an existing farm building and the construction of a new one along with a two-lot subdivision across three existing titles.
The site currently spans more than 88 hectares and is primarily used for cattle grazing and
cane farming.
The property falls across five land use zones, though the development works are confined to RU2 Rural Landscape zoning.
Under stage one, approval is being sought for the retrospective use of ‘Farm Building 1’ and construction of ‘Farm Building 2’, along with upgrades to access infrastructure and the removal of a roadside tree (see pictured).
Stage two allows the subdivision of the three existing lots into two — Lot 14 (41.9 ha) and Lot 15 (46.25 ha) — and the conversion of ‘Farm Building 2’ into a dwelling on Lot 14.
However, stage three, which proposed converting ‘Farm Building 1’ into a second dwelling and enclosing the area between the two buildings to create an attached dual occupancy, was deemed inconsistent with the Tweed Local Environmental Plan 2014.
According to the council officers, the configuration does not meet the definition of an “attached” dual occupancy, as the dwellings are separated by a central garage and portions of unconverted farm building space.
“Detached dual occupancies are not permissible within the RU2 zone under current planning controls,” council’s report stated.
“The dwellings are not physically joined in a way that meets the required definition.” Council acknowledged that a future amendment to the Local Environmental Plan (LEP) might allow detached dual occupancies on lots greater than 40 hectares.
A resolution passed on April 3, 2025, indicated council’s willingness to explore this under the Growth Management Housing Strategy.
If adopted, it could make the conversion of ‘Farm Building 1’ into a second dwelling permissible via a new application. The application received six public objections, citing concerns such as visual intrusion, traffic impacts, unlawful tree removal and potential environmental damage, particularly to a white-bellied sea eagle nesting on the site. In response, the applicant
provided measures to protect flora and fauna, and council recommended conditions to safeguard the sea eagle habitat.
Despite compliance issues around previously unauthorised farm structures, the proposal was assessed as broadly consistent with the Tweed LEP 2014 and relevant development control plans.
“Having regard to the relevant matters for consideration under Section 4.15 of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 the application is recommended for approval except the conversion of farm building 1 at proposed Stage 3 to form an attached dual occupancy and recommended conditions have been attached,” council’s report read.
Council is recommending the application for approval with conditions.
New sugar boss
SUNSHINE SUGAR said it is pleased to announce the appointment of Adam Viertel as its new chief executive officer taking over from current CEO Chris Connors who is retiring.
Mr Viertel will officially take over the reins at Sunshine Sugar in early December.
In making the announcement, Sunshine Sugar deputy chairman
Stephen Wagner said the board was very pleased to welcome Mr Viertel to the business.
“He has a solid track record of delivering exceptional results and fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment — traits that align with the values and culture of Sunshine Sugar and the broader NSW sugar industry,” Mr Wagner said.
Mr Viertel brings more than 20 years’ experience in the natural resource and agriculture sectors, including extensive experience in bulk commodity supply chains.
Adam holds a Bachelor of Engineering Degree along with a Master of Business Administration Degree and has completed leadership and executive education programs at a number of international business schools.
“I am honoured to be joining the Sunshine Sugar team and look forward to contributing to the continued success of a business and industry with such a rich history, reputation and strong ties to the community,” Mr Viertel said.
I am confident that together, we will achieve even more milestones and create new opportunities.”
Stage one and two are recommended for approval
Stephen Wagner
Paraglider snagged on powerlines
By Jonathon Howard
THE TALK of the Tweed this week was a hair-raising attempted landing by a Brisbane-based paraglider on Sunday, July 13, who landed on powerlines near Col Wiley Park, near the Byangum Bridge.
The incident unfolded at around 2:45pm when the paraglider, who reportedly has 29 years experience, took off from Tamborine Mountain in a team of four, and had hoped to land at Byron, which did not work out.
The pilot instead attempted to land in the park before he became entangled in overhead high-voltage powerlines on approach.
Power to surrounding properties was cut for more than an hour during the ordeal — causing some mixed reviews from residents.
Emergency services, Tweed Police and the Tweed District Rescue Squad’s vertical rescue team, as well as Essential Energy crews, responded promptly to the incident.
After a quick assessment of the situation (and presumably a few double-takes), it was confirmed that the paraglider had become tangled in 11,000-volt powerlines, dangling awkwardly for about an hour and 30 minutes.
A spokesperson for the rescue squad explained that early requests were made for Essential Energy and their elevated work platform (EWP) to attend.
The team worked quickly to de-energise the lines, issue permits, and safely manoeuvre the EWP bucket under the pilot — carefully plucking him from his harness and lowering him to the ground.
Despite the aerial hiccup, the paraglider walked away unscathed and, according to bystanders, seemed shaken but okay.
“He said he’s highly experienced,” said one amused onlooker.
“Just made a simple mistake I think on landing.”
Others noted the situation could have been a lot worse — had it been the man and not just his parachute that made direct contact with the wires, this story may have been more serious.
The rescue took approximately one hour, and emergency services were quick to point out how much more “protracted and complicated” things could’ve gotten had the pilot landed over the river instead of next to it — where even the heroic EWP operator may have had second thoughts.
In a glowing review of teamwork, the rescue squad praised Essential Energy’s prompt and professional response.
Locals, meanwhile, are still talking about the mid-air drama, with one resident praising the rescue team: “The real hero here is the legend in the cherry picker — was hectic to watch and he kept it all on an even keel”.
As for the paraglider, he was asked if he wanted to comment at the scene but declined.
Tweed Police assessing the paraglider's situation. Inset is a photo by Sioban Bradley of the rescue by Essential Energy
Dr Rosel Flame
EPIRB sparks rescue
By Jo Kennett
MARINE RESCUE Point Danger crews responded to an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) signal off Tweed Heads on Friday, July 11, leading to the rescue of two men after their boat overturned.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Steve Raymond said the alarm was raised a 1:08 pm.
“A crew from Marine Rescue Point Danger was already on the water assisting another vessel when the distress call came through,” Inspector Raymond said.
“With the assistance of Marine Rescue Point Danger radio operators, the Marine Rescue NSW vessel was deployed to the location of the EPIRB, approximately five nautical miles east of Point Danger.
“NSW Water Police and NSW Maritime also responded.
“The EPIRB had been activated by the crew of a vessel that had overturned offshore.
“The two males from that vessel were successfully retrieved from the water.”
NSW Police Marine Area Command tasked Marine Rescue Point Danger with retrieving
A MAN in his 60s was airlifted to hospital with serious hand injuries following a lawn mower accident at Stokers Siding on Friday, July 11.
Around 2:45pm the Westpac Rescue Helicopter was dispatched by NSW Ambulance to the scene after reports of the incident.
NSW Ambulance paramedics were first to arrive and began treating the man, who had sustained significant trauma to his hand while operating a lawn mower.
They were soon joined by the helicopter’s critical care medical team, who provided advanced medical support at the scene.
the overturned vessel.
“It appears as though the vessel has sunk with our crew locating numerous pieces of debris,” Insp Raymond said.
“Conditions offshore were favourable and calm for most of the day.
“It is not yet known how the vessel capsized.
“The multi-agency emergency services response to the EPIRB was rapid.
“This incident highlights the importance of boaters carrying an EPIRB on board — it is a life-saving piece of equipment, and this afternoon it did just that: it saved two lives,” Inspector Raymond said.
Due to the severity of the injury, the man was airlifted to Gold Coast University Hospital in a stable but serious condition for further treatment.
Westpac Rescue chopper aided the man
Help Daymen recover
By Jonathon Howard
A 21-YEAR-OLD Murwillumbah man is recovering in hospital after a serious motorcycle accident early Saturday morning on North Arm Road.
Emergency services responded to reports of a motorbike crashing into a power pole at 3am on Saturday, July 12, leaving local Daymen McLean with severe injuries.
The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was called in to airlift him to Gold Coast University Hospital, where he is now in a stable condition.
Daymen is facing a long and difficult road to recovery, with multiple surgeries ahead and an expected hospital stay of six to eight weeks.
In response, family friend Nicole Scott has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help ease the financial burden on Daymen and those caring for him during this critical time.
“I am doing this fundraiser to help a young, sweet man, just 21 years of age, who has had a major motorcycle accident,” Ms Scott wrote on the fundraising page.
“He has always been a worker, so with no income coming in until he awakes and is able to apply for Centrelink, we’re hoping to give him and his support network some relief.”
Ms Scott also highlighted the challenges facing the household Daymen shares with his brother and their host — a single mother who has opened her home to them.
She now faces taking time off work to support Daymen’s brother in hospital visits, putting
further strain on their already limited resources.
“I’m hoping to be able to keep his room for him,” Ms Scott said.
“It’s going to be tough, but I’m sure with all our help they will get through. Any donations are welcome — every cent counts.”
The local community is being urged to come together to support Daymen and his carers during this challenging time. The GoFundMe page is live and accepting donations.
For those who wish to contribute, the fundraiser can be found by searching “Help Daymen’s Recovery” on GoFundMe or via the following link: gofundme.com/f/daymen-mclean
Cops bust shoplifters
By Jonathon Howard
TWEED POLICE are continuing their crackdown on youth crime in the Tweed Shire and have recently charged two teenagers with multiple shoplifting offences.
The arrests come under Operation Furittus, an initiative designed to target anti-social behaviour, shoplifting and other offences occurring in local shopping centres, public spaces and public transport hubs.
Police said on Wednesday, July 9, investigators enacted a search warrant at a home on Cambridge Court, Kingscliff.
During the search, officers allegedly located and seized a number of clothing items suspected to be stolen and linked to several shoplifting incidents across the area.
A 16-year-old boy was arrested at the property and taken to Tweed Heads Police Station, where he was charged with 22 counts of shoplifting. He was granted conditional bail and is due to appear at Tweed Heads Children’s Court on Wednesday, August 20.
A 17-year-old girl was also arrested at the residence. She was charged with six shoplifting offences and issued a future court attendance notice. She will appear before a children’s court on the same date.
Tweed-Byron Police District Detective Inspec -
tor Matt Zimmer said the operation is part of a wider strategy to ensure community safety.
“This operation reinforces our commitment to maintaining a strong presence in the community by disrupting individuals who engage in criminal activity and holding them accountable for their actions,” he said.
Police confirmed that investigations under Operation Furittus are ongoing, with further actions expected in the coming weeks. Authorities continue to urge members of the public to report suspicious activity to assist with their efforts.
Daymen needs some support to recover after a nasty motorcycle accident
THINK TWICE: Police are cracking down on shoplifters across the shire
Outstanding local doctor calls time
By Jonathon Howard
AFTER 40 years of tireless dedication to medicine, including his groundbreaking work in opioid addiction treatment, Dr Robert Meehan has officially hung up his stethoscope this week.
The good doctor’s last official day at Queen Street Medical Centre was on Tuesday, July 15, although Dr Meehan will still undertake some holiday work when required.
His retirement marks the end of a remarkable career that started in 1984 as a junior doctor at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.
Reflecting on his formative years, Dr Meehan recalled the supportive culture at the Royal that helped shape him into the compassionate GP he is today.
“There was a nurturing feel about the hospital when I was there,” he said, working in obstetrics and the emergency department.
“Even though some births could be scary, we had this lovely daily tradition of coffee and scones with the team at morning tea, which really helped keep us grounded.”
Dr Meehan’s path took a turn into mental health at Wolston Park Hospital, at the end of the mental institutionalisation of the past, a time he loosely compares to the book: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.
“People were still institutionalised back then,” he said, recalling one memory that stands out of a patient who bolted across a nearby field only to be pursued by doctors and staff in white coats.
In 1988, Dr Meehan took up a registrar post at the Gold Coast Hospital in Southport, gaining wide-ranging experience in orthopaedic surgery, gastroenterology, respiratory medicine, neurology and emergency care.
“It was a year of variety and learning,” he said.
Soon after, a GP advertisement led him to the town of Oakey near Toowoomba, where he and his first wife spent seven years. He completed his GP fellowship exams and taught trainee GPs .
That chapter ended with personal change — his marriage split, and he sought a new beginning that would take him to Murwillumbah in 1995.
Starting solo at Treetops Medical Practice, he built a life and a legacy and met the love of his life Joanne, who left her laundromat business to become the Treetops practice manager.
“I was at the stage in life that I wanted to cut my own path and Treetops was the perfect setting as a single GP practice to do so,” he said.
A major shift came in 1998 when Dr Meehan began treating patients with opioid dependency under the mentorship of Dr David Helliwell — a mission that would define much of his later work aiding in hundreds of patient treatment plans.
“Joanne was right behind me from the beginning,” he said.
After 13-and-a-half years, Treetops closed in 2009.
“It was a sad time for Joanne, who was made redundant, but we were able to bring many of our patients to Queen Street Medical Centre,”
he said.
He remembers the warm welcome from colleagues including Dr Betty Marks, Dr Graham Higgins, Dr John and Dr Diana Kennaugh, Dr Jo Biles, Dr Shauna Purser, Dr Phil Lambie, and practice manager Joan Adcock.
Known around the clinic as an IT whiz, Dr Meehan’s expertise extended beyond medicine, but there were challenges.
One unforgettable moment involved spending an entire night in and out of sleep at the practice, trying to transfer patient records from Treetops to Queen Street, only to lose the data transfer in the early morning. It was all fixed in the next 24 hrs with IT support.
Dr Meehan retires with a significant legacy, especially in opioid treatment, where he’s helped more than 1,000 patients, but also being the rock for hundreds of patients with chronic illness.
Over the past year, he’s worked hard to transition his current 90 opioid treatment patients to colleague Dr Shauna Purser, Tweed Opioid Treatment Program and others including six GPs who took over this aspect of care on top of their usual GP care.
Though retiring from full-time practice, he plans to stay registered, teach at the GP level, and give presentations on opioid treatment.
“It’s still a big issue,” he said, referring to opioid dependency.
“But help is out there through programs, support and understanding GPs. We must continue to treat everyone with patience and kindness.” At home, Joanne is ready to wel -
come the shift as Dr Meehan moves from working man to full-time house husband.
“She’s been looking after the house and everything else for all these years. My commitment to home life hasn’t always been strong,” he admits with a smile. He is eager to contribute to the home.
But retirement will not keep Dr Meehan from his hobbies and activities, with plans to travel and recently he became a crew member with Marine Rescue Point Danger and is working towards accreditation. This brings him to sea each week, which he loves. The crew motored to Brunswick Heads last week for a rescue.
“We’re planning some travel to New Zealand and Cairns this year, enjoying time together after so many years of service,” he said.
Both Dr Shauna Purser and Dr Jo Biles summed up the sentiment of their colleagues: “We’ve all enjoyed
working with Bob. I’ve particularly admired his commitment to opioid treatment. He’s been a credit to the practice and will be missed.”
Now 63, Dr Meehan follows in the creative and community-minded footsteps of his father and doctor Ken Meehan, a writer and home movie maker, as well as his grandfather Arthur “Paddy” Meehan, an orthopaedic surgeon who both sadly passed away on the job.
“If only they had retired and enjoyed family life,” he reflects.
Though he’s stepping away from daily patient care, Dr Robert Meehan’s impact on medicine and on the lives of those he’s cared for will continue to resonate long after his final shift.
YOUR THOUGHTS: The Weekly is inviting readers to share their words of kindness for Dr Bob Meehan as he enjoys a well-earned retirement. Please send your messages via email: editor@ theweekly.net.au
“Why Do I Use this Photo in My Ads?”
Dear friend, “I know you.” That’s what people usually say when they meet me in town. Then they say, “You’re Eric. I’ve seen your ad with your photo.” Well, perhaps I should tell you a little more about that photo, and why I use it in my ads. Let’s start with me, the crazy guy, holding his grandson.
35 years ago something happened to me that changed my life forever.
“I’m a carpenter working for a master carpenter at the time. We are building million dollar homes, I’m learning from one of the best. I’m young and making good money, life’s good. But, then it happens,…I develop severe lower back pain, my Doctor tells me I have a “herniated disc”. I’ve had low back pain off and on since the army but this is different. The pain is so intense I can’t stand up, and if I move it shoots sharp pain down my leg. There is no way I can work, I’m afraid I’ll lose my job if I don’t get better. My Doctor gives me drugs, that do not help. The surgeon says I’ll have to have surgery. I was only 23 and decided against it. Finally, my boss convinces me to give his doctor a try. This new doctor does an exam, takes some films and then “adjusts” my
spine. The adjustment doesn’t hurt, it actually feels good. I get relief and I can actually walk out with no help! Oh, by the way, that new doctor is a Chiropractor. Chiropractic works so well for me and for the other ‘miracle cases’ I see in his office, that I decide to quit my job and go to Chiropractic School myself.”
Now as for the photo, that is Silas, my grandson. I just wanted to show him off. You see, I have 5 daughters, 2 granddaughters and now him. He thinks the world of me, I think. Everyone gets adjusted, his whole family. In fact all of my adult kids get adjusted every chance they get. They love it. The challenges of raising a young family are stressful and getting adjusted helps us handle that stress. They all know enough to ask me to adjust them when they feel like they may be getting sick, or mostly just to stay “tuned up”. They know they are better with regular chiropractic care. It’s strange how life is, because now people come to see me with their low back pain. But, they also come to me with headaches, migraines, chronic pain, neck pain, shoulder/arm pain, sciatica, whiplash, back aches, asthma, re ux, numbness, athletic injuries, insomnia, just to name a few.
I would tell you what some of my patients had to say but my registration board won’t allow that.
You should know that I don’t heal anyone of anything. What I do is perform a specific spinal adjustment to remove nerve pressure, and the body responds by healing itself. We get tre-mendous results. It’s as simple as that!
Many people do not have health insurance, and those who do have found their benefits only cover a portion of the care they need. That’s where chiropractic comes in. Many people find that they actually save money on their health care expenses by seeing a chiropractor. Studies show that people actually pay less for their long term overall health care expenses if they
are seeing a chiropractor. Another way to save … peerreviewed scientific studies show that chiropractic may increase certain immune system indicators, naturally and without drugs. Your immune system fights colds, the flu and other sickness. Although all people respond differently to chiropractic care, you may not be running off to the doctor as much. This is especially important if you are self-employed.
You Benefit from an Amazing Offer – Look, it shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg to correct your health. My entire new patient exam, consultation and adjustment is $80 … the whole ball of wax. NO HIDDEN FEES. Please call right away, as appointments fill up fast and I don’t want you to miss out. By the way, further care is very affordable, too. You’ll be happy to know that I have a ordable family plans. You see, I’m not trying to seduce you to come see me with this low start up fee, then to only make it up with high fees a er that. Further Care is very important to consider when making your choice of a chiropractor. High costs can add up very quickly.
Great care at a great fee… Please, I hope that there’s no misunderstanding about
quality of care just because I have this lower exam fee offer. You’ll get great care at a great fee. My qualifications…I’m a Cum Laude graduate of Life University (USA). I’ve been entrusted to take care of tiny babies to pro athletes. After practicing in North Queensland for five years, I moved my family here to Murwillumbah. I just have that low fee to help more people who need care. My assistant is Tanya. We have a GREAT massage therapist in Elias Fisher They are really great people. Our office is both friendly and warm and we try our best to make you feel at home. We have wonderful service at an exceptional fee. Our office is located at: 4/289 Tweed Valley Way, Murwillumbah, (02) 6672 2760. (across from the Old Railway station and next door to the RTA) Call the office today for an appointment. We can help you.
Thank you, Eric Atchison Doctor of Chiropractic P.S. We value your time, it’s important to you. And that’s why we have a policy to make every effort to see you within minutes of your appointment.
The team at Queen Street Medical Centre team are sad to see Dr Bob Meehan (front centre) retire but wish him well for the future
Help shape the future of the Tweed Regional Museum
The Tweed Regional Museum is planning for the next three years — and your feedback can help guide the way.
The 2025–2028 Strategic Plan is now on public exhibition until Friday 8 August 2025. The plan outlines the Museum’s goals to continue delivering top-quality exhibitions, education programs and community events.
As one of the Tweed’s key cultural spaces, the Museum plays a big part in preserving local stories and creating vibrant experiences for residents and visitors alike. Help us ensure that it continues to deliver highquality, inclusive programming which responds to the community's needs and the national cultural trends. Share your thoughts and read the draft plan at: yoursaytweed.com.au/tweed-museum
Nominate
now for the
2025 Tweed Sustainability Awards!
Nominations close Sunday 20 July, so get in quick to recognise your local sustainability champions. The awards celebrate individuals, schools, businesses and groups making a difference — whether through protecting wildlife, reducing waste, regenerative farming, ecotourism, or environmental education.
"These awards are about shining a light on the stories and efforts of people working hard to make a difference," Council's Sustainability Education Officer Jane Moad said.
"Your nomination could be the inspiration another person or business needs to start their own green journey."
Winners of the last awards in 2023 included Summerland Bank, Fingal Head Coastcare, Pipit, Kirra Dive on the Tweed, Stokers Siding Public School, Woodland Valley Farm, Murwillumbah Farmer’s Market and Beverley Fairley. The People’s Choice Award went to Agape Outreach.
Nominees are invited to share what they’ve achieved over the past 2 years. All entries go in the draw to win a 2-night cabin stay at a Tweed Holiday Park. T&Cs apply. Nominate online at tweed.nsw.gov.au/sustainabilityawards
Nominations close midnight, Sunday 20 July. Winners announced Wednesday 15 October 2025.
In brief...
Last week, we each used
181 L a day
Look after what makes the Tweed the Tweed. Our water.
Local Government Week is coming up!
Local Government Week will be celebrated across the Tweed from Monday 4 August to Sunday 10 August.
Keep an eye out for guided tours, workshops, and community events across Council facilities showcasing how Council is part of your everyday.
For more information, go to tweed.nsw.gov.au/local-government-week
Let’s talk sustainable burial options
Want your final act to tread lightly on the earth? Join us for a free info session on sustainable burial and cremation alternatives at the peaceful Tweed Valley Lawn Cemetery & Crematorium.
Presented by Council staff and Halie Halloran from Paperbark Deathcare Funerals, the session will explore gentler choices like natural shroud burials or biodegradable wrapping in paperbark. It will also look at the role NSW Health and your funeral director will play in facilitating your sustainable burial or cremation. After the presentation, enjoy morning tea and chat with presenters about options available across Council cemetery locations.
This Local Government Week event highlights the meaningful ways Council supports the community — beyond roads, rates and rubbish.
Free event – bookings essential.
Register via Humanitix: events.humanitix.com/s-burial
Closing soon – How to Draw a Dinosaur
This is your last chance to see the wildly popular How to Draw a Dinosaur exhibition at Tweed Regional Museum – the exhibition is closing this Saturday 19 July.
See real fossils, create your own dinosaur and explore the science behind why we think dinosaurs look the way they do.
The Museum will then be closed from Sunday 20 July to Monday 28 July while we install the brand new, never-seen-before exhibition, Speak Easy. Be one of the first to see it when the Museum reopens on Tuesday 29 July, in time for Local Government Week.
Museum’s latest Strategic Plan until
8 August (Photo: Dave Kan).
Previous Sustainability Award winners gather at the Murwillumbah Farmers market to encourage locals to submit a nomination for this year’s awards.
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.
Council meeting agenda
Thursday 17 July 2025
The Council Meeting Agenda for Thursday 17 July 2025 is available at tweed.nsw.gov.au/councillors-meetings The meeting will be held at the Council Chambers, Murwillumbah Civic & Cultural Centre, Tumbulgum Road, Murwillumbah commencing at 3:30 pm.
Agenda
Reports for consideration
Confirmation of minutes
5.1. Confirmation of minutes of the Ordinary Council meeting held Thursday 19 June 2025
Schedule of Outstanding resolutions
8.1. Schedule of Outstanding Resolutions as at 8 July 2025
Mayoral Minute
9.1. Mayoral Minute for June 2025
9.2. Mayoral Minute for Wayne Gill and Ron Spence Receipt of Petitions
10.1. Receipt of Petitions as at 2 July 2025
Items by Exception
Reports from the General Manager
12.1. Review of Organisation Structure
Reports from the Director Planning and Regulation
13.1. Development Application DA24/0512 for use of alterations and additions to existing dwelling, use of a detached dwelling addition with garage and use of a 120m2 shed as a farm building at Lot 6 DP 245847 No. 487 Wardrop Valley Road, Fernvale
13.2. Development Application DA25/0086 for use of an existing farm building (Farm Building 1), construction of a farm building (Farm Building 2) and 3 into 2 lot subdivision and associated works in 2 stages at Lot 1 DP 1172372 & Lot 1 DP 1238282 & Lot 10 DP 1131920 No. 300 Bakers Road, Dunbible
13.3. Development Application DA22/0145.01 for an amendment to Development Consent DA22/0145 for earthworks and associated drainage works at Lot 21 DP 1082482 No. 2 Altona Road, Chinderah
13.4. Mobile Food and Drink Outlets operating under exempt development
Reports from the Director Sustainable Communities and Environment
14.1. Minutes of the Equal Access Advisory Committee Meeting held on Tuesday 13 May 2025
14.2. Report from Lake Kimberley Community ConsultationMay 2025
Reports from the Director Engineering
15.1. Proposed Transfer of a Crown Road to Council - Crown Road adjacent to Lot 1 DP866394 and Lot 2 DP734852 (118 and 92 Cranneys Road, North Tumbulgum)
15.2. TEN000036 - Reconstruction of Four Damaged Road Sites Construct Only
15.3. Minutes of the Local Traffic Committee Meeting held Thursday 12 June 2025
15.4. Minutes of the B-Double Routes Agency Advisory Group Meeting held Thursday 12 June 2025
15.5. Variations Report for Contracts Finalised with Reportable Variations - 1 January 2025 to 30 June 2025
15.6. Dulguigan Road Traffic Survey Report - Second Quarter 2025 Reports from the Director Corporate Services
16.1. Councillor Professional Development 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025
16.2. Making the Rate 2025/2026
16.3. Councillor and Staff Interaction Policy
16.4. Variation of Easement, 11 The Bowsprit, Tweed Heads (Lot 209 DP 249155)
16.5. Monthly Investment Report for the Period ending 30 June 2025
16.6. Applications for 2025-2026 Events Sponsorship Funding Reports from the General Manager in Committee
25.1. Planning proposal for Potential Employment Area 6 at Wardrop Valley Road and possible funding regime for a Housing Future Fund
The agenda for this meeting, which may also include any late or supplementary reports, will be updated prior to the date of the meeting and is available on Council’s website. It should be noted that confidential items are considered in closed session, which excludes media and public. Also, the minutes of this meeting will be available as soon as practical following the meeting and are unconfirmed until they are formally adopted at the next Council meeting.
Please be aware that meetings are livestreamed, and video recordings will be available on Council’s website following the meeting. A person’s image and/or voice may be broadcast. Attendance at the meeting is to be taken as consent by a person to their image and/or voice being webcast.
WATER WEEK Week 1 starts 23 JULY 2025
Current vacancies
Check when your water meter is read at tweed.nsw.gov.au/meter-reading
Learn the skills to lead local change
Do you have a great idea to improve your local area? Whether you’re just starting out or already involved in a community project, Council’s capacity-building workshops are here to help you turn ideas into action.
Next workshop is: Project capacity building – how to foster collaboration and test ideas.
Wednesday 6 August, 5 to 7 pm, Kingscliff Community Hall. Light refreshments provided.
Who should attend
• anyone looking to start or grow a community project
• groups involved in Climate Action Café initiatives
• community members or organisations keen to connect and build impact.
What you’ll learn
• how to collaborate using co-design
• identifying practical solutions as a group
• building strong teams and partnerships
• testing ideas before launch
• reaching your target audience
• sharing successes and challenges with others.
This hands-on workshop – part of Local Government Week – will help you grow your skills, build connections and make a lasting difference in your community.
Bookings essential – register via Humanitix: Project capacity building - how to foster collaboration and test ideas
Cudgera Creek Park car park upgrade has started!
Site of the car park upgrade at Cudgera Creek Park.
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
DA25/0201 - Above-ground pool and deck
Lot 27 DP 825044, No. 100 Lochlomond Drive, Banora Point
DA25/0240 - Alterations and additions to existing dwelling and pool shape to be modified
Lot 1011 DP 1067598, No. 9 Mourne Terrace, Banora Point
DA25/0277 - Inground swimming pool
Lot 904 DP 877658, No. 8 Riversdale Boulevard, Banora Point
DA25/0217 - Carport and 1.5m high front fence
Lot 95 DP 261914, No. 22 Poinciana Avenue, Bogangar
CDC25/0073 - Hairdressing Salon - Shops 6 & 7
Lot 904 DP 1113977, No. 2-6 Pandanus Parade, Cabarita Beach
DA25/0251 - Carport forward the building line
Lot 146 DP 1201995, No. 36 Dianella Drive, Casuarina
DA24/0459 - Alterations and additions to an existing dwelling including house raise and swimming pool
Lot 24 DP 1129136, Lot 25 DP 1129136, No. 67 McLeod Street, Condong
DA25/0130 - Dwelling and swimming pool
Lot 6 DP 1145386, No. 45 Cylinders Drive, Kingscliff
DA25/0253 - Dwelling and use of existing shed
Lot 8 DP 1074375, No. 11 Robinsons Road, Piggabeen
CDC25/0044 - Alterations and additions to existing dwelling
Lot 30 DP 790741, No. 3 Warrego Place, Terranora
DA25/0079 - Alterations and additions to an existing dwelling
The northern car park at Cudgera Creek Park, Hastings Point is set for an upgrade to improve safety, accessibility and the overall visitor experience.
Construction is scheduled from 10 July to 29 August 2025, weather permitting. We're aiming to be finished BEFORE next school holidays.
The project will include:
• regrading and asphalting the car park
• new line marking, including an accessible parking bay
• a footpath connection to the playground
• new concrete edging, bollards, turf and tree planting.
During construction, the northern car park will be closed to all vehicles. Pedestrian access will remain open. This upgrade is part of a broader effort to make the park more resilient to weather impacts and accessible for all.
To learn more, visit: tweed.nsw.gov.au/cudgeracreek-park-car-park-upgrade
DA25/0252 - Outbuilding (shed)
Lot 3 DP 789852, No. 239 Rowlands Creek Road, Uki
DA25/0163 – Carport
Lot 305 DP 853944, No. 55 Federation Drive, Terranora
DA24/0457 - Alterations and additions to existing dwelling
Lot 14 DP 848987, No. 12 Kinross Close, Banora Point
DA24/0514 - Packing shed with amenities and associated water tank
Lot 3 DP 771007, No. 156 Burringbar Road, Burringbar
DA25/0033 - Demolition of existing dwelling, construction of new dwelling and secondary dwelling
Lot 2 DP 784897, No. 43 Eyles Avenue, Murwillumbah
DA24/0426 - Alterations and additions to existing brewery, warehouse and continuation of use of the warehouse as a distribution centre and storage premises
Lot 207 DP 1122768, Lot 208 DP 1122768, No. 35-37 Kite Crescent, South Murwillumbah
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.
Get the Tweed Link early
Be one of the first to see all the latest news from Tweed Shire Council each week.
Subscribers to the Tweed Link receive it by email each week on Wednesday mornings, in addition to it appearing in print in the Tweed Valley Weekly on Thursdays.
But that’s not all – you can also subscribe to Council job alerts, media releases and a range of e-newsletters and Council facility program alerts.
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
Lot 222 DP 253493, No. 30 Keith Compton Drive, Tweed Heads
tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au tweed.nsw.gov.au
Sign up at tweed.nsw.gov.au/subscribe
Subscribe to the Tweed Link at tweed.nsw.gov.au/subscribe or follow Council on:
Want to lead local change? Register for Council’s project capacity building workshop.
Creek Park car park is
Hastings consultation
By Jo Kennett
Chances are you or a loved one are impacted by arthritis. Find out how you
TWEED SHIRE Council held a community consultation event on the Hastings Point Headland Management Plan at Hastings Point on Wednesday, July 9.
Council’s Project Officer Coastal Management
Jordan Vickers fielded numerous inquiries at the onsite community information session as local residents popped in to take a closer look at the different options they can have a say on.
Caresse Cranwell was at the session with her father David Cranwell, who spent many years on the Tweed Coast and Waterways Advisory Committee and the Pottsville Community Association and was instrumental in getting the seawalls at Pottsville repaired.
Father and daughter both have similar ideas on what they would like to see at Hastings Point.
“I reckon it’s terrific that council has got a presence here listening to the community, particularly at this peak usage time,” Caresse said.
“There’s a spectrum of opinion [on the options in the plan]. I’m of the opinion to keep it pretty much as it is okay but to manage [traffic] bottlenecks and erosion points on the hilltop to really look after the natural areas but also to continue to enable the community to love the place in the most eco-friendly way.”
Caresse, like some other community members, would like to see one side of the road up to the headland shut to parking, with parking only on the left side of the ascent, as she feels it becomes too narrow and dangerous with cars parked on both sides. Her father disagrees.
“He just wants to keep it as it is pretty much,” she said.
“He agrees with the management at the top but he never drives up there, I’m the one who drives up there.
“I’ve got an illness and so sometimes if I’m just tired and I need to get out, I just go and park up there and I can lie down in the car and I can be outside.
“It improves my mental health and well being and I think things like that are really important to have that kind of access.”
All of the options involved retaining some parking at the top and the ability to drive up to the headland. Community members are divided about turning the eastern end of the headland car park, the worst bottleneck area, into a grassed area as in one of the plan options.
The project area includes Hastings Point headland and car park, Fig Tree Park, Cudgera Creek Park, Cudgera Creek (downstream of the Tweed Coast Road Bridge), the rocky foreshore surrounding Hastings Point headland, and the land from the car park at Peninsula Street to the northern side of the creek mouth.
The draft management plan was developed following consultation with more than 300 local stakeholders, residents, and visitors.
Meanwhile, the car park at Cudgera Creek Park beside the bridge is undergoing an upgrade, with the northern end being ashphalted, line marking for car parks and an accessible parking bay, an extension of the footpath near the playground to the northern end of the car park, the installation of concrete bollards, the re-turfing of disturbed areas, and future tree planting all being undertaken.
Community members and visitors are invited to provide feedback on the draft Hastings Point Headland Management plan until midnight Sunday, July 27 at yoursaytweed.com.au/hastingspointheadland
cover:
• Medical and pain management
• Exercise and nutrition
• Programs and services
Caresse and David Cranwell with Tweed Shire Council's Jordan Vickery at the community information session
Cudgera
being upgraded
FUEL PRICES have changed more than my socks this week with shocking new heights across the Tweed only to drop back to below $2 per litre later in the week.
The Weekly did a search on Petrol Spy on Tuesday, July 15, (prices are subject to change) to find our readers the best price at the bowser with Taylors Corner offering unleaded (U91) for $1.79 per litre and Metro Petroleum also at $1.79 per litre for U91.
It’s hard to find any prices below $1.90 or even $2 per litre on the Tweed Coast unfortunately, and even the servos across the border at the Gold Coast Airport, such as Hope Energy Airport — a secret cheap spot — is still at $1.97 per litre (U91).
Prices were bouncing around on July 15 at 4pm
Let’s hope the prices fall as we go to print — they can’t go up much more, or can they?
Send your fuel and motoring tips to The Weekly editor via email: editor@theweekly.net.au
If you want to fill up the sports car this weekend you might think twice, the highest price The Weekly could find for premium (U98) was an eye-watering $2.24 per litre at Ampol Banora Point West (July 15 at 4pm).
Avoid winter breakdowns
By Jonathon Howard
KEEPING YOUR car in top working order during the frosty months isn’t just about avoiding breakdowns — it’s about safety, reliability, cost savings and peace of mind.
Top local mechanics at A&F Mechanical Services, located at 2/42 Prospero Street in South Murwillumbah, has this week highlighted the importance of regular servicing to avoid the winter woes.
First and foremost, routine inspections on brakes, suspension, air conditioning and diagnostic scans can reveal wear and tear before systems fail, says A&F Mechanical owner Adam McKinlay.
“During the cooler months it’s important to get regular brake checks which help ensure your safety, especially on winding Tweed roads and
Top vehicle tips for winter
during cold mornings,” he said.
“You can also experience battery issues in winter.”
Suspension tune-ups not only improve handling but extend the lifespan of key components, saving money in the long term.”
Using quality parts and lubricants is a must, according to Adam, who stressed only the best parts and oils can reduce the risks of costly mid-trip failures.
It’s also important to check your tyres for uneven wear as well as transmission and power steering fluids,” he said.
“If you have any doubts, bring your vehicle down to A&F Mechanical Service and we can help.”
To find out more or to book a service phone A&F Mechanical Services on (02) 6672 4500.
Inspect belts and hoses 10. Stock a winter emergency kit: include jumper cables, a flashlight, blanket, water, snacks and a phone charger just in case.
Subaru Forester AWD Hybrid Sport.
Impy master chef
By Madeleine Murray
IMPERIAL HOTEL meals are spectacular since Graeme Nutt arrived there nine months ago.
The Weekly went to trivia night at the Impy last Tuesday, and ordered Graeme’s line-caught NT barramundi with burnt butter, baby capers, lemon and broccolini.
The perfectly cooked, crispy skin fish lay beside a generous, bright green bunch of broccolini in a delicate pool of delicious burnt butter sauce.
“We finish the fish with this classic French sauce called Meunière. It’s something I’ve done for 20 years,” Graeme explained.
“You burn the butter, taking it to a temperature where it tastes like hazelnut. You add lemon juice which stops the butter actually burning, then you add the capers and parsley. We make it to order every time.”
This is the sort of conversation that you might have in an expensive French restaurant, so it’s good to find it here at the more accessible Impy. Graeme’s team creates all the sauces from scratch — using beef stock and chicken stock that they make twice a week.
“I am very passionate about teaching the next generation of young chefs coming through,” Graeme said.
“I do menu changes three or four times a year. They’re not massive changes but lots of little tweaks.”
Graeme supports as many local businesses as possible.
“We use Bread Social sourdough, Byron Bay mozzarella in Tweed Heads, Pita Pockets from down the street,” he said.
“If you find all the local people who are doing good things, then it’s easy to do nice food.”
Originally from County Antrim in Northern Ireland, Graeme appreciates the produce of this lush subtropical region and aims for everything
to be local, fresh and sustainable.
“We have a really good butcher as well, which is so important. Everything they use at Jack Sprat’s in Tweed Heads is organic or free range or both. This whole area is like a great food bowl,” he said.
The food at trivia night was all beautifully presented and the crispy golden French fries were irresistible.
And as an added bonus, the coconut margaritas tie with the Tweed River House for the best in town.
With its zinc counters, elegant Victorian blackand-white tiles and spacious layout, the Impy is worth a visit for a meal with friends.
The Imperial Hotel, 115 Murwillumbah St, Murwillumbah. For more info, see impy.com.au
Marvellous Melodies
Conductor - Marco Bellasi
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN Leonore Overture No. 3
EDVARD GRIEG
FEATURING: Ar�st MATT OTTLEY with his “ Sounds of Picture Book Series” & NRSO Ensemble
Chef Graeme Nutt is working wonders at the Impy. BELOW: Chloe with the barramundi
series.
The bravery from Slater to make some big calls showed his class and was the difference between the two teams.
Slater sacks the captain and replaces him with the bloke who would go on to win the Wally Lewis medal as man of the series off two games in Tom Dearden and wasn’t he superb.
Add to that the week Munster had and his performance and it certainly was a win for the ages by Qld and that’s without mentioning the return of Big Papa.
I think Laurie Daley is safe for another campaign but Billy has shown he is an NRL or National coach in the making.
A wild week on the coach’s front with Adam O’Brien seemingly gone, Des hanging around for one more game to get 500 and Todd Payten hav-
ing sleepless nights. The issue here is, who pulls the trigger first to get first choice of Josh Hannay, Willie Peters or a Brad Arthur. What we do know is many
Kieran Foran is to retire after 300 games and what a warrior
A grand final winner and international captain, Foz can hang them up comfortable he has contributed to the game in a positive way.
He was one of my favorites and without a doubt one of the toughest in recent memory. Also a strange decision from the NRL to have Titans host the local derby vs the Broncos on Sunday night at 6pm before Qld schools returned to school on Monday.
I can’t help but think the Bulldogs have stuffed this up with the Galvin situation. It just makes no sense. Add to that what Parra are doing with Dylan Brown and you would think the world has gone mad.
I’m down at Coffs at the Australian Schoolboys and girls carnival and what quality is on display. The girls game is going from strength to strength and the games have been high quality.
We have a local contingent in Bilambil girls Annika Parker and Summer Barton for WA, Tiggi Groves for CIS and A grade star for the Jets Claire Cropp playing for NSWCCC.
Qld will play CHS in the girls final while the boys finals will be decided on Thursday. It is a big week but a quality spectacle.
See you at the footy Quinny
The Queensland changes won the game - image by NRL
Big time bowling
By Andia Cally
CLUB TWEED is thrilled to announce a weekend of world class action at the 22nd Annual Junior Golden Nugget Tournament. This free event is one of the most anticipated in the junior bowls calendar, taking place on Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27.
This year promises to be the biggest and most diverse tournament yet, showcasing 48 of the sport’s brightest national and international rising stars, featuring 24 boys and 24 girls from across Australia, along with standout young talents from Hong Kong, China and New Zealand.
The competition will be fierce, with two days of high-intensity action and unforgettable performances that will keep spectators on the edge of their seats.
The Junior Golden Nugget is known as the tournament where tomorrow’s champions prove their place against the sport’s rising stars. Past winners and participants have used their wins as a stepping stone to a professional career, including Corey Wedlock, Dylan Fisher, Nick Cahill, Jarryd Davies, Kane Nelson, Lisa Phillips, Samantha Noronha, Jessie Cottell, Kira Bourke, and Ellen Fife (née Ryan).
Among the talent is our home-grown Club Tweed standout Lilly Vardy. At just 16 years old, Lilly has already made a name for herself as the back-to-back Queensland under-18 singles champion. With four years of experience under her belt and two previous appearances at this tournament, she’s more determined than ever to make this her breakthrough year.
“This is one of the most exciting events to coordinate each year, the friendship, talent and eagerness of these young players is a credit to their families and their clubs,” Club Tweed Bowls Coordinator Emma Boyd tells the Weekly.
“We are privileged to announce the field for this event, and we look forward to hosting
Last year's winners
the six international players and 42 domestic players.”
Whether you’re a seasoned bowls enthusiast or new to the sport, this is a unique chance to witness the next generation of champions in action. Join the fun Club Tweed for a weekend of emerging talent, top-level competition, and pure sporting excitement.
Mark your calendar and be part of the magic at the 22nd Annual Junior Golden Nugget at Club Tweed, Corner Wharf and Florence Streets, Tweed Heads, Saturday 26 to Sunday 27 July. Visit https://clubtweed.com.au/bowls/junior-golden-nugget for more information.
Recital to remember
By Jonathon Howard
MUSIC LOVERS are in for a real treat this month when acclaimed organist Hamsa Arnold takes to the console at All Saints Anglican Church in Murwillumbah on Sunday, July 27.
The recital promises to be both thrilling and wide-ranging in its musical offering, according to event coordinator Barry Firth.
“Arnold’s performance will feature a captivating program that blends timeless organ classics with lesser-heard gems, including music by Florence Price, celebrated as the first African American woman to be recognised as a symphonic composer,” Mr Firth said.
“The recital will also include music from a film score and works by key 20th-century composers, offering something for seasoned organ enthusiasts and newcomers alike.”
A graduate of the prestigious Music Academy Lucerne with a Master’s degree in Organ, Conducting and Music Education, Arnold has built a distinguished international career.
“He was previously active in Switzerland as an organist, choral director, and lecturer in music education before relocating to Australia in 2014,” Mr Firth said.
“Since then, he has become a prominent figure in the Northern Rivers music scene.
The recital starts at 2:30pm and tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for concession and $10 for children
Please pay at the door or book online via: trybooking.com/DAIGW
Archy ready to ride
SURFING AUSTRALIA is set to host the prestigious Thermos Australian Longboard Titles from July 22–27 at the Tweed Coast, as part of the iconic Australian Surfing Championships.
As the longest-running event on the national surfing calendar, the competition will draw elite longboarders from all six surfing states, with open mens and womens competitors vying for spots on the Australian National Surfing Team, The Irukandjis, and a chance to compete at the ISA World Surfing Championships.
Among the standout competitors is Kingscliff local Archy Bemrose, who recently represented The Irukandjis at the World Championships in El Salvador, progressing through five heats.
After making last year’s open men’s final, Bemrose is back to chase a national title and requalification.
The event boasts a deep and diverse field, including 15-time Australian Champion Jason Livingston (North Curl Curl), defending champion and professional shaper Josh Constable (Noosa Heads), and Clinton Guest (Bokarina), who placed ninth at the ISA Worlds.
Archy walking the nose
Don't miss out on Hamsa Arnold at All Saints in Murwillumbah coming soon
ACROSS
1 Second person in the cockpit (7)
5 Vampire’s mortal enemy (8)
9 Maximum limit on containment (9)
13 Rascal (9)
14 Preferable (6)
16 Dependence (on) (8)
17 The A of USA (7)
18 Hemp (8)
19 Inconsistently (8)
20 Discouraging factor or event (9)
25 Means (8)
26 Fashionably (6)
27 Roll (8)
28 Legal action (7)
30 PIN or ATAR (7)
33 Explanation (13)
37 Impressive, regal (8)
41 Irate (5)
42 Subnormal body temperature (11)
43 Platform (5)
44 Well-read (8)
47 Describes a written work about the author’s life (13)
50 Quandary (7)
53 Headlight type (7)
56 Small and microscopic organisms in the sea or fresh water (8)
57 Sudden convulsions (6)
59 Listen to (someone)
without the speaker’s knowledge (8)
60 Of consequence (9)
65 Seller of gemstones, necklaces and rings (8)
66 Related to trees (8)
67 Strong emotion (7)
68 Avoid by using a lateral movement (8)
69 Shaping garment (6)
72 Relating to a large company (9)
73 Decently, purely (8)
74 Most delicious (8)
75 Stage furnishings (7)
DOWN
1 Sweet sauce (7)
2 Scheme (7)
3 Ganglier (7)
4 Open balcony (7)
5 Troy Bolton from High School Musical is one (7)
6 Look on (3)
7 Muesli grain (3)
8 Prescience (9)
9 Not definitive (14)
10 Synthetic fibre (9)
11 Person who changes according to their surroundings (9)
12 Took on (7)
14 Large coloured handkerchief worn around the neck (7)
15 Journeys (7)
21 Water pitcher (4)
22 Can be eaten (6)
Can be Reversed or Diagonal JUNIOR CROSSWORD
John Burningham book, The - Bed
The cute Mogwai in Gremlins
The pelican in Finding Nemo 4 Instrument, a pair of drums
The boy who wouldn’t grow up, - Pan 6 Mickey Mouse’s dog and a dwarf planet 7 Charlie Brown’s
1. When was Queen Street Medical Centre in Murwillumbah founded?
2. Between which months are the whale watching season for the Tweed?
3. What is the word that describes a whale coming out of the water?
4. How many whales are thought to migrate along Australia’s east coast each year? 20,000, 40,000 or 60,000?
5. What is the common name of the mammal, Megaptera novaeangliae
to November, 3. Breach, 4. 40,000, 5. Humpback whale
23 Sharp reply (6)
24 Not (4)
29 Covert listening device (4,3)
31 Elaborately or highly decorative (6)
32 Looking glass (6)
34 Outcast (5)
35 Emotion (7)
36 Punctuation mark (5)
38 Be present (6)
39 Lowlife (6)
40 Chemical separation of a mixture using silica (14)
45 Fruit used in salads (6)
46 Vehicle propelled by explosive thrust (6)
48 Unsolicited email (4)
49 Satellite (4)
51 Radio audience (9)
52 Christmas plant (9)
53 Pecking order (9)
54 Burdensome (7)
55 Sincere (7)
58 Annoyed, irritable (7)
60 Unauthorised (7)
61 Ancient material for writing on (7)
62 Small fried meatball (7)
63 Excite (7)
64 Leather factory (7)
70 Tropical alcohol spirit (3)
71 Biblical high priest (3)
Minimum word length 4 letters. No plurals allowed. Every word must contain the centre letter (once
Public Notice
First Aid Courses
MONTHLY WORKSHOP
The Lions Club of Cabarita Beach & Pottsville Beach invite you to attend: FREE CPR and Defib (non-accredited) course. The last Monday of each month:
28th Jul
Cat Adoption
24th Nov
Recommence in Feb 2026. These are 2-hour sessions of visual and practical presented by Pacific Coast First Aid and held at Cabarita Beach Hotel. To register, please contact: President Bill Brodie: 0411 406 143 or Secretary Pam Zions: 0427 030 810
Garage Sale
GARAGE SALE. Saturday 19/7, 127 River Street South Murwillumbah. 8am-2pm, Selling quality clothing, horse gear, art supplies and much more.
swap/trade classic custom car. Ph: 0409 209 246
CAMERA,TOW BAR, 8 AIR BAGS, LOW KILOMETRE ENGINE FITTED,NEW CLUTCH, NEW RADIATOR,LOG BOOKS,FULL SERVICE HISTORY, REG 8/25, NSW OR QLD ROADWORTHY. $8,750.00.
SALE
Circa 1920 Silky Oak Dining Suite. Table, 6 Chairs and side board $1,450 Phone 0427 306 022
4x FORD 12 Sloters (14” x 6”) Suit early 1960-1970 Fords Good condition. Not Suitable for GT’s. $800 Phone: 0414 887 454
Position Vacant
POSITIONS AVAILABLE for qualified spray painters and panel beaters, classic cars experience necessary. South Murwillumbah. Phone or text 0447 441 157
WILD DOG BAITING NOTIFICATION
• 3 & 54 Christies Road, Palmvale
• 239 & 245 & 306 & 318 Palmvale Road, Palmvale
• 1475 Reserve Creek Road, Palmvale
• 982 Reserve Creek Road, Reserve Creek that 1080 wild dog baits will be laid on the above-mentioned
from 18/07/2025 to 18/01/2026.
Property owners are recommended to restrain their pets and working dogs and to ensure that they do not enter the baiting location during and after the poisoning operation. In the event of an accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.
1080 poisoned baits will be laid in accordance with the Pesticide Control (1080 Bait Products) Order 2020 under Section 38 Pesticides Act 1999.
Additional requirements may be imposed by NCLLS.
For further information contact Liz Coles (02) 6677 7500 or Mark Schirmer Biosecurity O cer, Local Land Services, 0409 780 695.
Position Vacant
WE’RE HIRING!
TCSG is looking for an experienced truck and quad dog operator to join our busy team!
* 5 days a week
* Occasional half day Saturday * Great team
* Family owned and operated
* Jobs run from Sunny Coast down to Coffs Harbour * $42 per hour Call Sarah for more info 0434 050 330
To Let
TO LET White Hall Lodge, Located in Coolangatta. Fully furnished single rooms only to rent with cooking facilities. Would suit retired aged pensioner. Close to Club, Shops, beach. No Lease or Bond required. $300 per week. Ph: 0448 363 234 or 07 5599 1089
Tuition
IN YOUR HOME MATHS TUITION WITH 15+ YEARS OF MATHS TUTORING EXPERIENCE I COME TO YOU. HIGH SCHOOL AND PRIMARY SCHOOL. PH: 0404 545 384
Scrap Metal
WE BUY CARS, VANS, TRUCKS, 4X4s, UTES & MACHINERY. Good & Bad condition. Paying more than trade in prices. Call now to discuss. 0403 118 534
Weekly In Memoriam
Bill Hallett
1/5/1922 – 11/7/2025
Flight Engineer – RAF Bomber Command, 214 Squadron, Prisoner of War – Luft 7, Poland Late of Pottsville (formerly of Murwillumbah)
With great sadness, we announce the passing of Bill at the age of 103. Beloved husband of Edna (dec.), cherished father of Marilyn Wood and Julie Watson, and father-in-law of Peter and Wayne. Treasured Pop to Michael, Paul, Kris, Tim, Sheri, and Matt, and proud Great Grand Pop to Lachy, Sophie, Will, Haddie, Noah, Louie, Aliyah, and Brax. Bill accepted the reality of his final battle with courage, dignity, and good humour. Our family is deeply grateful for the love, care, and companionship shown to him throughout his long and remarkable life. He will always be missed and remembered forever. Gone but never forgotten.
A private cremation will be held.
In loving memory of
Mildred Elizabeth Higgins
neé Saxby (OAM)
Late of Murwillumbah. Passed away peacefully on Wednesday 9 th July 2025. Aged 95 Years.
Dearly loved Wife of omas (dec’d).
Loved Mother of Gregory & Andrew and Stepmother of James, Peter & Sue.
Cherished Step-Grandmother of Jodi Higgins, David Higgins, Sharon Higgins, Clinton Higgins & omas Healey.
Loving Great Grandmother of Sarah & Rebecca Higgins. Loved Sister of Isabel Colefax. Dearly loved Godmother to Maggie Rooney.
Family and friends are warmly invited to attend Millie’s Funeral service to be held at the All Saints Anglican Church, Byangum Road Murwillumbah, on ursday 17th July 2025 at 10:30am. In Lieu of Flowers, donations to Wedgetail Retreat would be appreciated with a donation box and envelopes available at the Service.
Notice
In loving memory of
Late of Burringbar.
Passed away peacefully on ursday 10th July 2025. Aged 84 Years.
Dearly loved Husband of Caterina. Loved Father and Father-in-law of Paul & Faith and Peter & Heather.
Cherished Grandfather of Braxton.
Family and friends are warmly invited to attend John's Funeral Service to be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Murwillumbah on ursday 24th July 2025 at 10:30am. A er the service the family will leave for the Tweed Valley Lawn Cemetery.
Margaret Ann Head of Murwillumbah, formerly of Taree, passed away on Monday 30th June 2025.
She passed peacefully in Murwillumbah Hospital.
Dearly loved mother, nan, grandnan, sister and friend.
Known for her kind heart, sharp wit and care for people and animals alike.
She will be missed by all who knew her.
In loving memory of Terence Morris Hayes
Passed away peacefully at Tweed Hospital on Wednesday 2nd July 2025 with Soraya by his side.
Aged 81 years.
Dearly loved husband of Soraya
Loved and cherished son of elma and Harry (both dec’d)
Brother and Brother in-law of Kim and Terry, John and Chris
Former Husband of Susan (dec’d)
Loving Father and Father in-law of Vicki, David and Tanya, Anthony and Tracey, Leasah and Trump
Cherished Pop of Zoe (dec’d), Josh, Jaden, Cody, Amber, Tamika, Jessica and Ben
Privately cremated 8th July 2025 “Rest Peacefully ~ forever in our hearts”
Donald Robert Walker “Don”
Passed away on 11th July 2025 at Tweed Valley Hospital, late of Tweed Heads South. Aged 84 years.
Dearly loved friend of Anita
“Loved and remembered by all his family and friends”
Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral for Don to be held in the Chapel of Heritage Brothers Funeral Services, 16 Florence Street Tweed Heads on Friday 18th July 2025 at 11.00am
Gladys Emily Glasby
SORRENSEN Trevor Alexander 13/07/2025
Simplicity Funerals Twin Towns 07 5599 1800
WOODS Nigel MacMurray 06/07/2025
Heritage Brothers O7 5599 1500
FOGARASI Anna 08/07/2025
Heritage Brothers O7 5599 1500
SKELSEY Barry John 08/07/2025
Heritage Brothers O7 5599 1500
HIGGINS Paul 08/07/2025
Heritage Brothers O7 5599 1500
NAYLOR Beryl 10/07/2025
Heritage Brothers O7 5599 1500
BURGESS Roger Hughes 10/07/2025
Heritage Brothers O7 5599 1500
GLOVER Roy 27/06/2025
Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817
ROBERTS Myrtle Violet 03/07/2025
Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817
HANLON Christopher James 05/07/2025
Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817
KOO Jeno 08/07/2025
Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817
KING Dorothy Grace 09/07/2025
Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817
13/08/1938 - 15/07/2019
Just a prayer from the family who loved you Just a memory fond and true In our hearts you’ll live forever Because we thought the world of you.
Your loving husband Bernie, daughters and son-in-law’s Joy and Glen, Colleen, Alan and Jennifer. Grandchildren Natasha, Georgie, Elyse, Cassandra, Samantha, Kirstie, Montana and Cash, their partners and 20 great grandchildren. Forever in our hearts.
In Loving Memory of D othy Lever
20.10.1936 – 16.07.2024
You are greatly missed by your loving husband Ron, your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
PICONE Victoria 09/07/2025
Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817
WATSON Alan James 09/07/2025
Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817
KENT Kathleen Denise 09/07/2025
Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817
BUCKLER Pamela Ann 11/07/2025
Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817
FAULKNER Alma Charlotte 11/07/2025
Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817
MCCORMICK Patrick (Paddy) 11/07/2025
Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817
HOLT Graeme Neville 12/07/2025
Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817
LENNON Edna 12/07/2025
Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817
SOPER Maureen Anne 12/07/2025
Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817
BRADSHAW Chantal 09/07/2025
Tiare Funerals & Deathcare 0416 389 587
In loving memory of
Husk Distillery is carving its own path
By Jonathon Howard
NESTLED ON the banks of the Tweed River at North Tumbulgum lies a distillery that’s carved its own path in the fast-paced world of spirits with rum and gin at its core.
Husk Distillers, the ambitious family-run venture, has done more than craft a unique range of Australian spirits — they’ve re-written the rules of rum making in Australia and created a gin that’s both mesmerising and unique. That’s no easy feat in an industry that’s already packed with competitors and has been reinvented for hundreds of years, and yet Husk has found a niche and in many ways like those immortal words of Frank Sinatra: “I did it my way”.
What began as a dream on a cattle and cane farm in the early 2000s has now blossomed into a world-class distillery with innovation and risk-taking at its core.
The mastermind behind Husk is founder and innovator Paul Messenger, a PhD geologist, risk-taker and visionary who gave up minerals for sugar cane juice and a blue flower that he somehow knew would take the world by storm.
Husk is home to Australia’s first agricole rum, which is not produced from the traditional molasses like most rums, but from freshly crushed sugar cane juice — a bold move that required the installation of the country’s first on-farm cane crusher and their very own micro sugar mill, both of which are a sight to behold.
The Weekly joined Paul in a special tour of distillery recently, which is
truly remarkable and encompasses many moving parts from raw ingredients to crushing, distilling, barrelling, bottling and labelling facilities, all done in house by the dedicated team.
From the welcoming bar spaces and manicured gardens at the front of house, to the industrial and farming operation out the back — Husk is truly a special Tweed Shire-based innovator worthy of global acclaim.
“No one had ever made rum like this in Australia before,” Paul says, as we wandered around the custom-made crushing operation.
“We had to reinvent the wheel. We had to be farmers, millers, mechanics, engineers and distillers all at once.
You’ve got to be a bit crazy to take this on — but you also have to trust
your gut and work bloody hard.”
From the beginning, Husk’s mission was to create a truly Australian spirit, one that reflected the Tweed Valley but could be enjoyed anywhere.
Their efforts have not gone unnoticed, with the Husk Rare Blend Rum, crafted with a blend of juice rum and cane honey rum aged in Appalachian oak, recently won the Raymond B “Spike” Dessert III Trophy for Best Rum in Australia, a prestigious honour awarded only once a year.
But Husk isn’t just about rum. While the first barrells matured quietly, Paul and his team took a daring detour into the world of gin and ended up changing one of the world’s oldest drinks forever.
Released in June 2015 after four painstaking years of development, Ink Gin became an overnight sensation — not just for its smooth,
botanical-forward profile, but for its eye-catching trick: the world’s first all-natural colour-changing gin.
Infused with butterfly pea flower, the gin starts a deep indigo and turns blush pink with the addition of an acid such as tonic water or citrus.
The butterfly pea flower, or Clitoria ternatea, has long been treasured in Southeast Asia for its vibrant blue hue and versatility in both culinary and traditional medicinal uses.
The science is simple, the effect is stunning, and the innovation was unrivalled.
“Back then, nothing like this existed,” Paul recalls.
“We trademarked the butterfly pea flower process in 2013 and patented it in 2015.
“When we launched Ink Gin, we started getting calls from all over the world. It was surreal.”
The international buzz was immediate. A Canadian company — “Empress,” as Paul recalls — even tried to patent the colour itself.
Husk fought back, successfully challenging the attempt. Meanwhile, the flood of imitators began but no one could match the originality or flavour of Ink Gin.
Despite its boutique beginnings, Ink Gin is now the number one selling premium gin in Australia by volume, and all from the Tweed Valley.
The gin is soon to be stocked on business class flights with Thai Airways, to bottle shops across Asia and the Pacific, the blue beverage has become a staple of Aussie craft spirits.
Just as a new distillery was nearing completion in 2017, disaster struck. Cyclone Debbie unleashed the worst flood the Tweed Valley had seen in a century.
The farm was submerged in four metres of water. The stills were swamped, barrell houses were soaked. It was a devastating blow, but not the end, according to Paul, who was again knee high in floodwater in 2022, but his grit and determination were far greater than the floodwaters were devastating.
“It tested us,” he said. “But it also brought out the best in our team and our community.”
With the help of local farmers, mechanics, and the broader Tweed Shire community, Husk, like many other homes and businesses, rebuilt.
In 2019, they opened their new distillery complete with a cellar door, café, and immersive visitor experience solidifying their place as not just spirit makers but regional pioneers.
Husk is now home to more than 50 staff, including Paul’s daughter Harriet, who leads marketing and hospitality.
The team remains deeply connected to the land, the seasons, and the surrounding community.
Their rum is made only during the cane harvest from August to November, reflecting the rhythms of the region.
They sponsor local sports teams, invest in sustainable farming, and push the boundaries of craft distillation
every year with experimental blends and new expressions of Australian botanicals.
“Drink less, enjoy more,” is their mantra — a call for quality, not quantity.
Today, Husk Distillers is more than just a producer of premium spirits, it’s a testament to what happens when bold ideas are backed by hard work, local support, and a fierce belief in innovation.
From crushing cane on the farm to shaking up cocktail culture worldwide, the Messenger family and their team have put Tweed
Shire on the global spirits map.
Their story is not just one of success, but of place, persistence, and providence — and it’s still being written, one barrell at a time.
Visit Husk Farm Distillery in the Tweed Valley to experience the magic for yourself and taste the spirit of innovation that’s making history, right here in the Tweed.
Husk's first crusher, now on display
Where the cane comes in for crushing
Some gin almost ready for bottling
The copper stills that take pride of place
Main: The amazing Husk team that make it all possible. Inset: with the national Spike award
Paul with his first still the one that started it all
The retail end of the business, where all the hard work pays off
A portion of Husk's oak barrell collection
Real Estate
Agent of the week
By Jo Kennett
THIS EDITION’S Agent of the Week is Tara Stone, Property Partner - The Agency Kirra Tweed.
Matching people with property is where Tara shines. She finds joy in helping clients move forward, whether they’re starting fresh, downsizing, upgrading, ending an old chapter or starting a new one. Her professionalism is matched by a creative flair and strong eye for detail, adding a distinctive edge to the way she operates.
Tara says she was drawn to The Agency for its bold, modern brand and its forwardthinking approach to business which is a perfect alignment for someone who values authenticity, individuality and results-driven service.
We caught up with Tara to find out more. Before you were a real estate agent what was the most interesting job you had?
I was always one of those people that never had a clear vision about what I wanted to be as one door would close, another would open, and all the little tools and life skills you pick up along the way, end up leading you to the final destination. I’ve come from a diverse career background in business, finance and design – but for the most part owned and operated a couple of small boutique retail stores. Probably the strangest thing I did at
age 45 was a hairdressing apprenticeship.
I’m sure most people thought I was crazy, but I was just a bit stale with retail and felt like doing something completely different. I returned to my retail business after three years.
How did you get into real estate and what do you like about it?
Getting into real estate was probably the second most unexpected thing I did. Soon after returning to my retail business I was approached by a local agent who I had dealings with buying and selling my properties. He asked if I had ever considered getting into real estate, as they were looking for a female to join their team and thought I would be a good fit. I had never considered it as an option. To be honest I had always ranked real estate agents up there with used car salesmen. That said, it seemed like a great opportunity and one that would allow me to approach the industry in my own style. Nearly six years later, I haven’t looked back. This industry satisfies my brain – keeps me on my toes, focused, challenged and creative, but what I really love is the human side – the conversations, the trust built, the process of helping someone move forward, whether they’re upgrading, downsizing, letting go of a chapter or starting a new one. It’s incredibly rewarding to match people with the property and make what can feel like an overwhelming process feel simple and stress free.
Any tips on beating the competition for a home you want?
With limited stock and strong demand across the southern Gold Coast and Tweed, multiple-offer situations are common, especially on well-presented, well-priced homes. First tip – be prepared. Ensure your pre-approval is in place and up to date so you know exactly what you’re working with. This will ensure you can act quickly and confidently. In a competitive market, buyers often only get one shot – one chance to put their best foot forward. It’s stressful. You don’t want to overpay, you’re unsure how far to stretch, and it’s easy to start thinking about what everyone else might be doing. I always say to buyers in this case, “The last thing you want is to walk away from a missed opportunity saying, ‘Damn… I would’ve paid another ten grand.’” And honestly, I’ve heard that more times than I can count. So staying focused is important. What is the home worth to you? What are you prepared to pay for something that feels right? If it fits your budget and your needs, then trust that. Everyone’s priorities are different. Don’t be swayed by outside opinions. Stick to your plan, your list of nonnegotiables, and don’t second-guess your gut. My last practical tip is to always ask the agent if the vendor has any preferred terms – like timing or conditions. A flexible settlement or a clean offer can sometimes tip things in your favour, even without increasing the price.
• 38 Banool Circuit, Ocean Shores, 10.30–11am
• 119 Commercial Road, Murwillumbah, 11–11.30am
• 6 North Head Road, New Brighton, 11.30–12pm
JET Real Estate
• 62A Rous River Way, Murwillumbah, 9.30–10am
• 130 Brooks Road, Kynnumboon, 10.30–11am
• 168 Bakers Road, Dunbible, 12–12.30pm
First National
• 45 Tumbulgum Road, Murwillumbah, 9.30–10am
• 2/9 Martin St, Murwillumbah, 10–10.30am
• 98 Glencoe Road, North Arm, 10–10.30am
• 25 Riverview St, Murwillumbah, 11–11.30am
• 53 Coral Fern Circuit, Murwillumbah, 11–12pm
Hot property
Positioned in the heart of Tweed Heads, 10 Recreation Street presents a rare opportunity to secure a substantial 911 square metre parcel of land with enormous potential for future development.
Tucked into a tightly held and rapidly evolving pocket, this property offers a blend of immediate liveability and longterm value with its spacious layout and unbeatable location just moments from Tweed Mall, Tweed River, clubs, public transport and beaches.
The existing residence is ideal for owner-occupiers, investors, or developers looking to land bank while exploring the site’s potential. With multiple living zones, flexible room configurations and a generous backyard, this home caters to a range of needs – all within a sought-after coastal hub. This is a golden opportunity for those seeking a well-positioned property in a rapidly growing corridor. To find out more please contact The Agency by phoning 0408 764 931.
• 1 Lillian Rock Road, Blue Knob, 1–1.30pm Tate Brownlee Real Estate
• 3 Osprey Place, Kingscliff, 9–9.30am
• 54 Laura Street , Banora Point, 9–9.30am
• 51/2 Barneys Point Road, Banora Point, 10–10.30am
* Steps to Rail Trail – A top pick for walkers, cyclists & weekenders
* Iconic Queenslander – Restored with
Helen & Bruce Flynn
Licensed Real Estate Agents and Stock & Station Agents
helen.flynn@fnmurwillumbah.com.au
Helen 0435 810 254
Bruce 0422 405 827
Scott, Sarah & Peter Reading
Licensee In Charge & Assistant Manager Licensed Sales Agents
scott.reading@fnmurwillumbah.com.au
Scott 0401 938 937
Peter 0412 934 881
Anne & John Besgrove
Licensed Sales Agents and Stock & Station Agents
anne.besgrove@fnmurwillumbah.com.au
Anne 0402 608 503
John 0403 513 924
BLUE FOX STRENGTHENS LOCAL REAL ESTATE WITH NEW SALES VENTURE
Blue Fox, a respected real estate agency known for its exceptional property management services, is excited to announce a new chapter in its growth with the appointment of Mark Chappell to lead the sales division. This strategic move allows Blue Fox owner and Principal, Melanie Littlemore, to concentrate her expertise and passion exclusively on property management while Mark focuses on delivering expert sales services, creating a partnership dedicated to outstanding client care and successful outcomes.
Melanie Littlemore, who founded Blue Fox with a clear vision of a property management-focused agency, brings over two decades of experience and a genuine warmth that has become a hallmark of the business. Known for her core values of Care, Responsibility, and Joy, Melanie has built a reputation for providing landlords with superior property care, stress-free tenancy
management, and maximized returns on investment. Her commitment to clients and the Northern Rivers community remains unwavering.
"Having built Blue Fox around my passion for property management, it's exciting to now have Mark lead our sales division," Melanie said. "Mark's enthusiasm for sales and his dedication to client care align perfectly with our values. Together, we're offering a seamless, expert service whether clients are buying, selling, or managing their properties."
Mark Chappell brings over 23 years of extensive experience in the Northern Rivers property market, specialising in both residential and rural real estate. Known for his approachable nature and high ethical standards, Mark has earned a strong reputation for delivering tailored guidance and achieving excellent results for his clients.
"Joining Blue Fox is a fantastic
opportunity," Mark commented. "Melanie's passion and integrity in property management create a solid foundation. I'm committed to bringing that same level of care and professionalism to every sales transaction, ensuring each client feels valued and confident throughout their property journey."
Both Melanie and Mark share a commitment to building lasting relationships within the community, backed by their strong local roots. With this new leadership structure, Blue Fox is positioned to continue its growth and further elevate the real estate experience for clients throughout the Northern Rivers and Tweed Valley regions. The combined expertise of Melanie and Mark promises a comprehensive, client-focused approach to real estate that minimises stress and maximises positive outcomes.
Upcoming Auction
Tweed Valley
Nestled in a leafy locale, this stylish architecturally inspired home o ers a thoughtfully designed floorplan and spacious interiors, perfectly suited to both relaxed family living and e ortless indoor/outdoor entertaining. Well-appointed and polished throughout, the desirable property is situated within a short distance to Murwillumbah’s CBD and close to Tweed coast beaches.
PROPERTY FEATURES:
• Kitchen with stone benches & modern appliances
• Seamless & generous living & dining space
• Expansive fully covered deck with green outlook
•Deluxe master suite with walk-in wardrobe & deck access
• Master bedroom with external access to deck
• Swimming pool complimented by a spa bath
• Ample underhouse storage & two garages
• 6.6 kw solar
Looking for a real estate partner who delivers more - for less?
At Harvest & Home, we believe premium service shouldn't come with a premium price tag. Whether you're selling, leasing, or switching agents, we make it easy, and worthwhile, to work with a team who puts your home and your needs first.
Need a property manager? Keep more of what you earn, you deserve it
Low, competitive commission rates without cutting corners
Personalised advice, transparent communication, and results-driven strategies
Local specialists who care about your property as much as you do
Your home deserves more than just another agency. It deserves a team that values what you value, and makes the process seamless. Plus, we have a pool of reliable, qualified tenants ready to move in.
At Harvest & Home, we believe your property is a valuable asset, ripe with potential. Our Expert Sales and Property Management Services are designed to help you harvest the
