Tweed Valley Weekly, January 26, 2023

Flood

By Jonathon Howard

TWEED AND Lismore residents are losing their hair and their patience with the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Commission (NRRC) which is facing tough criticism from flood victims.

The NRRC was formed seven months ago and is supported by a billion dollar budget for infrastructure funding.

But many residents believe the funds are no closer to being provided and some are taking their concerns to the streets.

The Weekly was told in mid-November last year that case managers would be reaching out to approximately 6,000 Northern Rivers homeowners who are eligible to receive assistance from the Resilient Homes Program, which will offer home retrofitting, home raising and home buybacks.

Of the 6,000 eligible homeowners, approximately 2,000 will be eligible for a bu-back. The others will be eligible for either retrofitting or home raising.

The Weekly has approached several Murwillumbah flood victims and as yet none of these residents have had a case manager allocated.

A group of residents gathered in protest outside the NRRC office in Lismore on Monday, January 23, to voice their frustration and “demand long-awaited answers about transparency and socially just development interventions.”

“People’s homes hang in the balance, and the NRRC refuse to provide basic answers to people so they can move on with their lives,” a post via social media said, encouraging flood victims to join the gathering.

“They have the information, they have the funding, yet we are stuck waiting for answers on a case-by-case basis, so they don’t have to face the truth.

“Although it will be unfair, we prefer the hard truth.”

At the core of the concerns from residents are the following questions: how is the NRRC will change its practices for timely and transparent communication; what are the criteria for buybacks; how will any insurance for flood or storm affect what people will receive; and where are the maps?

NRRC chief executive David Witherdin was on holidays at the time of print and was unable to respond to media questions.

His colleague, acting NRRC CEO Kieron Hendicott, did respond to The Weekly, but did not address the questions

directly and instead emphasised that the NRRC welcomes community feedback and respects the community’s right to protest.

“The Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation (NRRC) welcomes the opportunity for further dialogue and remains firmly committed to building a more resilient and sustainable Northern Rivers region, to better cope with future natural disasters,” he said.

“We respect the community’s right to protest today and appreciate their concerns in the aftermath of this unprecedented natural disaster.”

Mr Hendicott said there is no denying the emotional and physical toll this has taken on residents.

“The NRRC has reached out to event organisers to acknowledge their concerns and establish a dialogue,” he said.

“Since its establishment, the NRRC has forged strong community relationships to better understand their needs and priorities, ensuring they rebuild from this devastating weather event.

“We have held more than 40 community events and dozens of stakeholder meetings across the region in the past two months, with around 1,400 attendees, and received more than 6,500 registrations under the Resilient Homes Program.

Read Harper’s response

Lismore resident Harper Dalton, who helped organise the protest, provided The Weekly with a response to NRRC.

“Whilst the NRRC has acknowledged the community’s concerns in a statement, it has still not given any people living with their lives in limbo, in flood-affected homes, caravans or emergency accommodation any further clarity about what options they’ll be eligible for, and what the long-term recovery of community is going to look like,” Mr Dalton said.

“We are still desperately waiting for basic information like who’s eligible for what under the resilient homes package.”

Mr Dalton vowed to continue holding rallies until questions are answered.

“The event organisers will continue to hold peaceful rallies until this very basic yet vital information is released to the public,” he said.

YOUR THOUGHTS: Have you been contacted by the NRRC following the flood? Do you have a case worker allocated? The Weekly would like to hear from flood victims on this matter. Please contact the editor via editor@theweekly.net.au

“We continue to listen and welcome further community feedback.”

Harper Dalton supplied this image to The Weekly after helping lead a protest against inaction and transparency from the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Commission

CONGRATULATIONS

JOHN TYMAN

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System not broken

In principle I agree with an Indigenous Voice to Parliament but feel that it will be subsumed into a rubber stamp. Conservative government is paramount and sharing, even in a democracy, is a forlorn hope.

The ‘Voice’ assumes the system is broken, that representative government does not represent, that electoral representatives aren’t interested beyond party politics.

An acknowledgement of prior habitation of Australia before Britain is a fact and should be included in the preamble and content of an amended constitution. That the continent had people before other people came and forcefully colonised it.

Let’s not forget that ‘our’ constitution is an Act of British Parliament and signed by Queen Victoria ‘by her own hand’ as stated.

What about an update? Something relevant that includes ‘rights’.

I have always said that there should be two classes in Australia: Australians and Australians living in distress. While anyone is in distress, we all are.

Bill Collins, Murwillumbah

In bad taste and incorrect

In response to Neville Jennings’ letter (TVW, Jan 12) I have the following comments.

In federal parliament we have eleven Aboriginal senators and outside we also have a number of Aboriginal advisory bodies: the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission, the Ministerial Taskforce on Indigenous Affairs, the Office of Indigenous Policy Coordination, the National Indigenous Council, and Closing the Gap, to mention a few. This is a very large representation of Indigenous Australians per head of their population.

All Australians, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous were granted Australian Citizenship in 1948, before that we were British subjects.

In 1962 Aboriginals were given the

right to vote. Mr Jennings should look back with pride to 1962, the year which gave a ‘Voice’ to Indigenous people for the first time, their true ‘recognition’.

His comments regarding Senator Jacinta Price I believe to not only be distasteful but totally incorrect.

She speaks with first-hand wisdom regarding the grassroots-level needs of her ‘mob’, speaks of the domestic violence (some experienced by relatives) and alcoholism, the lack of school attendance in remote areas and she questions how the ‘Voice’ will achieve any more than the present parliament electives have done, which would seem to be very little to date.

She is not divisive, merely expressing free thinking and free speech, as is her right as an Indigenous Australian and as she was elected to do.

She believes the ‘Voice’ is divisive because to single out a people because of their race and favour them in our constitution over other citizens of ethnic race is divisive and racist.

Our anthem states “Australians all let us rejoice” so we should reject tokenism of the ‘Voice’, and hope that Jacinta Price will be able to convince her fellow Aboriginal senators (even the colonising hater Lydia Thorpe) that action where it is needed is stronger than meaningless words.

Carole Flood, Hastings Point Lucky for some A lucky country for whom? Not for those most in need!

As another Australia Day approaches and I long to be without reservation in expressing love for my country and a longing that it be known not just for its blue skies and cuddly koalas but for its generosity of spirit, its compassion and love of justice, and in its response to the pleas of those who have risked life and limb to escape persecution or death in distant homelands.

Instead, sadly, I am less than proud of my country’s treatment of refugees. And I am puzzled why, when

there are labour shortages in Australia, and those held in internment camps in PNG and in Nauru have so much to offer, our government prefers to lower the drawbridge, denying them entry.

Instead, we prefer to leave Australian hospitals, schools and businesses short staffed while we look for ways to lure workers from further afield at great expense.

Many of those held in PNG and on Nauru have been detained for a decade, without hope.

Yet these are human beings, like us, who quite apart from the issue of simple justice have much to offer us as have refugees who have come to Australia in times past, without whose contributions we would be immeasurably poorer as a nation.

I was heartened by promises made at election time that the Australian government “will ensure asylum seekers who arrive by irregular means will not be punished for their mode of arrival”.

We must end the suffering of those still held in detention in our name. It is our call, not that of the United Nations. We simply need to care enough, you and I.

John Tyman, Murwillumbah Respectful dialogue

I am writing in response to the recent letter by Garry Ingram (TVW, Jan 19) in which he comments on the Voice to Parliament referendum and the current closure of the Mt Warning Summit Track.

In my view, the Uluru statement from the Heart resulted from a broad and lengthy dialogue amongst Indigenous Australians who came to a consensus on this issue.

I commend the federal government and former Minister for Indigenous Australians (Ken Wyatt) for supporting the idea of a referendum to finally recognise First Nations people in our constitution and to set up a formal mechanism whereby Indigenous people can comment on upcoming legislation affecting their livelihoods.

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I would be proud of a generation that agreed to such a proposal. It is my contention that political players like Jacinta Price represent a divisive and vocal minority on this issue.

And why do I get a feeling of deja vu when conservatives use the ageold blocking device of calling for ‘more detail’ on the Voice?

Regarding the Mt Warning Summit Track issue, I appreciated the summary of recent negotiations on page 16 of last week’s edition of The Weekly.

Local division on the issue would be dramatically ameliorated if the Wollumbin Consultative Group and the National Parks and Wildlife Service took up the suggestion of allowing Indigenous rangers to guide small groups of people through the park on cultural awareness tours.

I do sympathise with Indigenous people who were distressed by the actions of a minority of visitors who showed disrespect towards this Aboriginal Place but the current situation seems to be self-defeating because local Indigenous people are prevented from accessing their own Sacred Space.

The proposed guided tours would allow Indigenous people to connect with their heritage and also allow non-Indigenous people to learn about that heritage whilst enjoying the park. This model works well in other parts of Australia and has been effective as an act of reconciliation.

Let’s get on and resolve both issues through respectful dialogue.

Neville Jennings, Murwillumbah Longer, happier lives

Tweed residents are very fortunate to have a clement climate and wonderful environment to enjoy, to burn off extra calories accumulated over the festive season with walking, cycling, swimming and almost any sport. We are also fortunate that state and local governments have enhanced our recreational and sporting facilities in recent years. A special thanks to state MP, Geoff Provest, for facilitating grants to many clubs.

Some feel the need to exercise but lie down until the feeling passes or sit watching the cricket or tennis to get it vicariously! Walking or cycling instead of driving short distances won’t save the planet but might save your health.

Frequent physical activity at any age is vital to keep the joints moving, the bones and muscles strong. It can also slow the mental (cognitive) decline with age, especially the learning of new sports, dances etc. Activities that improve balance, such as Tai Chi, greatly reduce the risk of falls and fractures. If the benefits of exercise could be put in a pill, everyone would take it and live longer, happier lives.

D Weston Allen, Cudgen

Love to ED from Ireland

I am visiting Australia for the first time to see my relatives living in Uki.

A few days ago I was feeling unwell with a lingering cough from a previous flu. I tried to book a GP appointment but it was impossible as all the clinics in town were completely booked out.

I had no option but to go the ED of the Murwillumbah Hospital. Well, I have never been in a better hospital with better service than this.

I was attended almost immediately by a very friendly doctor, who prescribed an X-ray, which was done immediately after, and ten minutes later the same doctor saw me again and gave me some antibiotics.

The whole affair didn’t take more than an hour, everybody was super friendly and super efficient — and it was free of charge as my country has a reciprocal arrangement with Australia. Murwillumbah is very lucky to have such a good hospital.

Nora Barbieri, Uki

By Yvonne Gardiner

ANYONE VISITING Tweed beaches during the summer school holidays, and experiencing the crowds, would probably think that tourism in the region is booming.

For businesses dependent on tourism, however, trading periods ebb and flow.

Tourism is an important part of the Tweed’s economy, contributing an estimated $278 million a year.

Oaks Casuarina Santai Resort general manager Raul Dev reports a quieter 2022 festive period than the year before.

“Christmas was relatively quieter around this area as compared to the previous year, but we had full capacity on New Year’s Eve,” Raul told The Weekly.

“In December we were sitting at 60 per cent capacity.

“Normally we run at a 90 to 100 per cent capacity over the weekends and 60 to 70 per cent early to mid-week.

“The last three years have been very profound and encouraged us to work with the community more than ever, supporting other businesses.

“Years 2020 and 2021, we were extremely busy since we were in the COVID-safe health bubble and were one of the favourite NSW destination for travellers.

“With all the borders opening up and travel restrictions being lifted, people are taking the opportunity to travel overseas, with Bali being one of the destination hot spots.

“So far we have been steady and projecting a busier quarter with lots of conference and wedding enquiries coming in.”

Raul said that boutique-style conferences and wedding ceremonies were popular at the resort.

“Weddings are such a big market in the Tweed because of beautiful beaches and restaurants, and it’s not so busy and commercialised as other places,” he said.

“Our Balinese-style resort is a minute’s walk to the beach, shops and restaurants. It’s a hidden gem”.

Drift Clothing and Gifts owner Sharon Brodie has been in business at Cabarita Beach for 10 years.

“This has been the worst Christmas trading period I’ve ever known,” Sharon said.

“Visitors are not spending a lot of money. They are looking for bargains. They want discounts.”

Sharon believes the downturn in her trade is due to lower tourist numbers, shorter stays, online shopping, overseas holiday bargains and a drop in spending.

“A lot of people have COVID credits to go overseas,” she said.

“Others are cutting their holidays short.

“Interest rates have gone up so mortgages have gone up.”

While tourist spending has been disappointing for Sharon, she says locals are her “bread and butter”.

Mist Gallery owner Helen Otway, of Cabarita, has a different story to tell about summer holiday trading.

She showcases 50 artists in her gallery, many of them from the Tweed.

“Sales in December were so much better than the year before,” Helen told The Weekly.

“January hasn’t been as good as in previous years.

“We haven’t had the people who are interested in looking at local art.”

For an in-depth look at the shire’s tourism industry, The Tweed Tourism Co is set to launch a regional business survey.

ARE you due for a skin check but feeling a little apprehensive about what to expect? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! But don’t let that stop you from scheduling a skin check appointment. The early detection of a skin cancer can drastically improve your outcomes and survival.

If you are wondering what to expect at a skin check, then I will explain to you roughly what happens. It is important to know your family history of skin cancer, and in particular, what type of skin cancer they have had. This can help your doctor determine if you’re at a higher risk for developing certain types of skin cancer.

First things first, you don’t need to worry about stripping down to your birthday suitall you need to do is remove clothing down to your bra and underwear. Your doctor will examine your skin from head to toe, looking for any suspicious moles or spots.

They will also ask you about any changes in the appearance of your skin or any new moles or spots that have appeared recently. The doctor also uses a device called a dermatoscope to examine moles and other suspicious spots more closely. A dermatoscope magnifies the area being examined and allows your doctor to see structures within the skin that may not be visible to the naked eye.

If your doctor finds a spot

or mole that looks suspicious, they may take a biopsy. A biopsy involves removing a small piece of skin and sending it to the lab for a closer histological examination. The results of the biopsy will help your doctor to determine if the spot or mole is cancerous or benign.

Overall, a skin check with your doctor is a quick and easy way to ensure the health of your skin. It is important to schedule regular appointments and to be honest with your doctor about any changes or concerns that you may have regarding your skin.

With the right care and attention, you can help keep your skin healthy. So don’t be afraid to schedule that appointment, it’ll be over before you know it!

Dr Thomas Solano

Solano at work in the Superclinic at Tweed Heads

Oaks Casuarina Santai Resort general manager Raul Dev looks forward to a busy first quarter of 2023. Inset is Mist Gallery owner Helen Otway who showcases local artists

Tweed Link

Last week we each used 175L a day

In brief ...

Residents honoured in Tweed awards

Who are our Tweed Shire Australia Day award winners?

Due to the timing of the publication of the Tweed Link, we are unable to include details of the winners at the ceremony held on Thursday 26 January. There will be full details in next week’s issue.

The good news is you don’t have to wait until then to find out. Follow Tweed Shire Council on Facebook and Instagram to hear more about the inspiring 2023 winners and the work they do in our Tweed community. We’ll post as soon as we know the winners following the ceremony.

If you’re not on social media, you don’t miss out. You can view Council’s Facebook feed 24/7 at tweed.nsw.gov.au/news-updates

Australia Day fun

Council is sponsoring 2 Australia Day events in the Tweed on Thursday 26 January.

At Tumbulgum, the Tumbulgum Community Association is hosting a free family fun day at Rangers Sports Club, Bawden St which starts at 8 am with a traditional Aussie breakfast barbecue.

There will be music, local awards, a children’s craft session and displays of children's art and village photographs.

Opportunity to participate in Rail Trail Partner Program

Tweed Shire Council is calling for businesses to register their interest in joining the Rail Trail Partner Program in advance of the 24km Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail opening in March.

Council and its tourism partner The Tweed Tourism Company will work with operators interested in commercial partnerships to offer guest experiences across the areas of: Taste (food and beverage); Stay (accommodation); Move (travel and transport options); Explore (education and recreation) and Enjoy (entertainment and events).

Manager Destination, Communication and Customer Experience

Tiffany Stodart said adjoining landowners and businesses who want to be part of the region’s newest must-do experience should register their interest now.

“We are ready to hear from our business community, adjoining landowners and those interested in making the rail trail a great experience,” Ms Stodart said.

“The opportunities are many – cafés and coffee, ice cream and gelato, gourmet hampers and picnics, bike hire and shuttle services, education, recreation and cultural tours and so much more.”

The Rail Trail Partner Program provides adjoining landowners and

businesses the opportunity to progress to commercial partnerships to make the most of the economic benefits of the rail trail.

The easy-to-use online form requires basic business details, what type of experience businesses are offering, and a summary as to how they will align with the trail’s values of Discovery, Connection, Freedom, and Fun.

Visit northernriversrailtrail.com.au/register-interest-partner-programtweed to register your interest in becoming a business partner of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.

A new and comprehensive rail trail website also is on track to launch in early February 2023 and will provide a wide range of trail information and experiences. The new site will replace the existing page at northernriversrailtrail.com.au

Funding for the Tweed section was provided by the Australian Government under its Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Package Fund, and from the NSW Government under its Restart NSW fund.

To stay informed, subscribe to the rail trail’s news and follow Northern Rivers Rail Trail on Facebook and Instagram

For enquiries regarding the operations of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail call 02 6673 0404 or email hello@northernriversrailtrail.com.au

Tweed Seniors Festival back with bumper program

Tweed seniors, you have reason to celebrate. This year’s festival, which runs from the first to 12 February is our biggest yet, with a full program of more than 40 exciting events.

The festival’s theme for 2023 is Celebrate Together, a wonderful theme that promotes Council’s goal of fostering an inclusive community where we care for each other.

The festival will showcase a range of community groups, services and fun activities that allow people to learn a new skill, enjoy themselves and socialise with others.

It also involves our Local Achievement Awards, which celebrate seniors in our community who have gone above and beyond to help make the Tweed a diverse, active, and inspiring place to live.

The opening ceremony for the festival will be held on Wednesday 1 February at the Murwillumbah Civic and Cultural Centre Auditorium from 10 to 11:30 am.

The ceremony is a free event, open to all in the community, and will include music by the Murwillumbah Philharmonic Choir and Coolangatta Ukulele Player, followed by a presentation of our Local Achievement Awards.

A morning tea will be provided at the ceremony by the Murwillumbah

Country Women’s Association (CWA). There will also be information from service providers related to programs and services for people aged 65-plus.

Transport to the event on the day will also be available from Tweed Heads and Banora Point.

Other events throughout the festival include morning tea and tours of Tropical Fruit World, chair yoga, indoor bowling, croquet – even a country music concert!

There will be bus day trips, art-making sessions as well as volunteer opportunities.

Council’s Community Care Coordinator Joanne Watters encouraged all local seniors to join in the fun.

Every year, the Tweed Seniors Festival is run in conjunction with the NSW Seniors Festival – the biggest celebration of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

For more information and a full program, please visit Council’s website at tweed.nsw.gov.au/seniors-festival

To book a spot at the opening ceremony (and transport) please contact communityservices@tweed.nsw.gov.au,phone 07 5569 3110 or visit tweed_seniors_2023.eventbrite.com.au

Reminder – save money on your power bills

Don’t forget to register for the 2 free events to help you save money on your power bills as part of Seniors Week 2023.

The events will be held on Wednesday 8 February from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm at the Banora Point Community Centre and Friday 10 February from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Kingscliff Bowls Club.

Attendees will go in the draw for a free home energy assessment (valued at $250) to receive personalised advice about saving money on energy bills.

Light refreshments provided and places are limited.

Register for either session by 9am Monday 6 February at tweed.nsw.gov.au/saving-energy

Left: Retiree Brenda Taylor from Hastings Point saved money after winning a free home energy assessment.

Finish the morning cheering along players in the traditional Cricket Match – Village People v. North Tumbulgum Cavaliers.

At Tyalgum, the Tyalgum District Community Association is hosting an event at the community hall from 9:30 am.

There will be a flag raising, Acknowledgement of Country and singing of the National Anthem followed by a decorated bike parade and community awards.

For more details on these events, visit whatsontweed.com.au

Free Australia Day event at Murwillumbah pool

Come along to a free community event at the Tweed Regional Aquatic Centre (TRAC) on Thursday 26 January from 10 am to 2 pm.

Bookings must be made via Eventbrite to enter the facility as numbers are limited.

The event is hosted by Rotary Club Mt Warning AM Murwillumbah in conjunction with National Australia Day Council.

Council is also offering free access to the Murwillumbah pool after the event from 2 to 5 pm. Check in at reception. No tickets required for the afternoon session. Come and enjoy Australia Day at TRAC!

Join the cane toad busting challenge to make a positive impact on the environment and win prizes.

Tackling the Tweed’s cane toad problem

Toad busters of the Tweed – are you ready? The second week-long cane toad busting challenge starts on Monday 20 February.

Join the Facebook event to register then get together with friends and family, get outside and collect cane toads from your local environment. Log your catch each day during the week and be in the draw to win a family pass to Tropical Fruit World plus more.

Council is working in partnership with Watergum and our community to rid this pest from the Tweed. Actions like this will help to protect our natural environment to pass onto our next generation.

Visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/cane-toads to find out more about cane toads and register.

Tweed Shire Council wishes to recognise the generations of the local Aboriginal people of the Tweed Bundjalung Nation who have lived in and derived their physical and spiritual needs from the forests, rivers, lakes and streams of this beautiful valley over many thousands of years as the traditional custodians of these lands.

An updated artist’s impression of the start of the Rail Trail at Murwillumbah Railway Station. The Tweed’s newest must-do attraction is set to open in March 2023.

Flood recovery update – 25 January

Scenic Drive

Motorists using Scenic Drive will notice further changes to traffic conditions when contractor Australian Marine and Civil Pty Ltd seals the restored section of the site A slip site.

Following the sealing of the restored lane at site A, traffic will switch lanes to allow for drainage work on the north side of Scenic Drive to be completed.

One lane of traffic will remain open, under the control of traffic lights while the work is completed.

The Scenic Drive section of the road across the major slip site remains in ‘caretaker mode’ with both lanes open for use, having water-filled barriers against the downside of the road and reduced speed to 40km.

The guard rails and line marking at site B have now been completed. Line marking at site A will be carried in early February.

Limpinwood Road

Short-listed construction contractors are underway with concept designs with the aim of having 30 per cent of the designs and tender pricing to Council this month.

This includes the slips near Boxsell Road and Charbray Place. Once designs are complete, Council will select the most suitable contractor to carry out the work.

Transport for NSW has confirmed in-principle funding approval to cover the cost of repairs.

Patching works have been completed.

Community Centre resumes service

The Murwillumbah Community Centre (MCC) has resumed normal services for 2023 at the Coolamon Centre in Murwillumbah.

The MCC service will also be operating from the Anglican Church at 41 Pearl St, Kingscliff.

For those seeking flood recovery support, bookings are required.

For more information contact the MCC on 02 6672 3003.

Chinderah Donation Hub reopens

The Chinderah Donation Hub, located at 23/18 Ozone Street, Chinderah, in the Chinderah Industrial Estate (behind the BP Service Centre), located between Supaloc and Chinderah Motors, has reopened.

Then Hub is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 4 pm. Services NSW staff will continue outreach services resuming on Thursday from 9 am to 4 pm as numbers continue to be high and consistent.

NSW Reconstruction Authority takes on resilience role Following the termination of Resilience NSW in December last year, the majority of functions of the agency have now been taken on by NSW Reconstruction Authority (NSW RA).

The work of the former Resilience NSW remains a priority and is ongoing and will continue as part of the NSW Reconstruction Authority which is dedicated to assisting communities in floodimpacted regions.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority Act 2022 establishes the agency as the lead agency for disaster prevention and preparedness and reconstruction and recovery following disasters and other emergencies.

While under the Act, NSW RA will continue key functions such as disaster prevention and preparedness, including:

• reconstruction and recovery following disasters and other emergencies

• to provide advice and support to local councils to help maximise the effectiveness of councils’ disaster preparedness and reconstruction programs

• to lead public education on disaster risks and certain disaster preparations

• to assist with the development of flood plans.

For more information, visit the NSW Reconstruction Authority website at dpie.nsw.gov.au/nsw-reconstruction-authority

Community Recovery Sessions

The Tweed community is invited to a free Community Recovery Session featuring one of Australia’s leading natural disaster preparedness and recovery consultants, Dr David Younger.

To be held at the Tweed Heads Civic and Cultural Centre on Friday, 3 February 2023 from 2 to 4 pm, this session will focus on wellbeing and disaster recovery.

Dr Younger is a Melbourne-based clinical psychologist who has dealt with major natural disasters such as the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires, established community recovery initiatives and has an advisory role dealing with floods, droughts, cyclones, terror attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Come along to understand more about personal and community recovery after a natural disaster like flooding.

Dr Younger will share key messages designed to help you understand more about coping with the challenges we are facing and, what you can do to maintain your overall health and wellbeing.

He will also talk about how communities can best support themselves.

This event is supported by headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation, NSW Department of Health and Australian Red Cross.

The free tickets are available on Eventbrite but places are limited so be quick – tweed.nsw.gov.au/tweed-community-recovery-session

Current vacancies

be referred to third parties for consideration.

Submissions close: 5 pm, 16 February 2023

Council ref: PN: 43230

Enquiries: Emily Rockliff, Technical Officer – Property Phone: 02 6670 2400

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

View current vacancies at tweed.nsw.gov.au/job-vacancies

Subscribe to receive Job Vacancy Alerts via email at tweed.nsw.gov.au/subscribe

DA22/0133

DA22/0684

Lot 497 DP 222347, Lot 498 DP 222347, No. 8 Diane Crescent, Bilambil Heights

DA22/0078 – Two storey dwelling and inground swimming pool

Lot 15 DP 1231670, No. 11 Sea Eagle Court, Casuarina DA22/0303 – Use of retaining wall Lot 10 DP 1133087, No. 82 Riveroak Drive, Murwillumbah

The above development determinations

DA22/0420 – Two lot subdivision

Lot 517 DP 1132400, No. 26–32 Honeyeater Circuit, South Murwillumbah DA22/0294 – Patio, swimming pool and 1.8m high front fence and use of alterations to the lower ground level

Lot 1 DP 588564, No. 69 Ducat Street, Tweed Heads DA22/0538 – In-ground swimming pool

Lot 2 DP 332370, No. 10 Enid Street, Tweed Heads

DA22/0070 – Use of home office and stairs

Lot 2 SP 68842, Unit 2/No. 51 Panorama Drive, Tweed Heads West DA22/0058 – Two lot subdivision

Lot A DP 103527, No. 2 Blacksmiths Lane, Uki

Proposed resolution to classify land as operational, Commercial Road

Tweed Shire Council is in the process of acquiring Lot 1 in DP114799, 77 Commercial Road, Murwillumbah, for the upgrade to the flood pump station (image right). Council proposes to resolve to classify the land as operational land in accordance with the provisions of section 31(2) of the Local Government Act 1993

Have your say

You may lodge a written objection to the propposed land classification stating the reasons for your objection by 4 pm Wednesday 22 February 2023.

• Email: tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au

• Online: yoursaytweed.com.au/commercialroad

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

Submissions close: 4 pm, 22 February 2023

Council ref: PN: 3827

Enquiries: Sally Curran Technical Officer – Property Phone: 02 6670 2400

Council gives notice that it proposes to name the private roads dedicated in a plan of subdivision of Lots 1 and 27 in DP286231 (S94/0070.09) in Kunghur, Tweed Shire as shown below:

• Sisters Court

• Doughboy Close

• Panorama View Have your say

You may lodge a written objection to the proposed naming stating the reasons for your objection by 5 pm Thursday 16 February 2023.

• Email: tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au

• Online: yoursaytweed.com.au/subdivkunghur

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

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

Submissions close: 5 pm, 16 February 2023

Council ref: PN: 112624

Enquiries: Emily Rockliff, Technical Officer – Property Phone: 02 6670 2400

To keep up to date on flood recovery works and community support, visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/flood-recovery-update

Proposed naming of roads in Mebbin Springs subdivision, Kunghur

Northern NSW Local Health District

Murwillumbah District Hospital

Notice of construction works

Murwillumbah District Hospital will undergo renovations to upgrade services for patients and staff and improve the patient experience.

Works are scheduled to commence on 28 January 2023 and continue through to April 2023.

Upgrades include improvements to the Emergency Department triage and reception, palliative care room, medical imaging and fire safety upgrades.

The hospital, including Emergency Department, will remain open throughout the renovations.

Changes to public access and parking at the front and rear of the hospital will begin 24 January to enable safety scaffolding to be erected.

• Signage will direct patients and visitors to alternative entry and exit points

• Staff/traffic wardens will be on hand to assist people flow during times of disruption

• Onsite parking will be limited for the duration of the works.

We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.

For more information, please contact Tracey Claverie, Executive Officer/ Director of Nursing on (02) 6672 0000. LP0402

89259

Youth caught at Kingscliff

By Jo Kennett

A TEENAGER has been charged with 26 offences after a spate of car thefts across the Tweed Shire, in what has become a concerning teen crime wave that is seeing many offenders go largely unpunished.

Local police said that on Monday, January 16, detectives from Tweed Byron Police District commenced an investigation after a spike in stolen motor vehicles and related offences across the Tweed Shire.

About 1pm on Tuesday, January 17, inquiries led detectives to a property at Kingscliff, where they located a vehicle that was allegedly stolen from a property at Nerang on the Gold Coast.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested at the property and taken to Kingscliff Police Station.

A subsequent search of the property revealed several allegedly stolen items.

A mobile phone was also seized, with footage on the device revealing further alleged offences.

The youth was charged with 26 offences including four counts of break and enter into homes, stealing to a value under $60,000, eight counts of car theft, five counts of having goods suspected of being stolen, three counts of entering a vehicle or a boat without the consent of the owner/occupier, two counts of driving recklessly/furiously or speeding in a dangerous manner, possessing a prohibited drug, and dishonestly obtain property by deception.

The teen was granted strict conditional bail to appear before a children’s court on Wednesday, February 22.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Silversides said police believe the teenager arrested “was significant in that (car theft)

space.”

“There are a number of young people coming in from Queensland particularly involved in those sort of car theft crimes,” Ch Insp Silversides told The Weekly.

“A lot of them are joy riders but the crimes are predominantly property related; break and enter, stealing from vehicles.

“They will take anything of value, particularly wallets, phones, keys or anything that is easily transported out of the home that can readily be converted to cash or that they can on-sell.

“It’s generally in the early hours of the morning and then they return to Queensland where they will use credit cards until they are cancelled.

“It’s a mix of local youths but more predominantly Queensland youths.

“You should also be mindful of securing

your property, locking vehicles, homes and garages and making sure items of value in the home, keys, mobile phones and wallets are put away.”

Detectives from Tweed-Byron Police District are continuing investigations and thank the community for their assistance with this matter.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk recently announced tougher penalties for young Queensland offenders in response to the alleged killing of a woman in her home north of Brisbane on Boxing Day, a move many Tweed Shire victims, who believe youths have been going largely unpunished, will welcome.

Woman hit by car

By Jo Kennett

AN ELDERLY woman is in a serious condition after being hit by an out-of-control car which crashed into a popular Tweed Heads South pub on Saturday, January 21, with police saying drugs and alcohol did not appear to be a factor.

Tweed Police said emergency services were called to Minjungbal Drive, Tweed Heads South, at about 4.10pm after reports a woman had been struck by a vehicle.

Police were told the vehicle was travelling north along Minjungbal Drive before it left the road and struck a car and a 78-year-old woman walking on the footpath.

The woman and her husband had just got out of their car which they had parked in front of the South Tweed Tavern when the driver of the Toyota lost control and hit the woman, resulting in her being thrown over the outdoor bar tables.

The patient was treated on scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Critical Care Team prior to trans -

porting her by road ambulance to Gold Coast University Hospital in a serious condition.

A Westpac Rescue Helicopter spokesperson said the female victim sustained multiple pelvic and leg injuries in the accident.

The 62-year-old woman driving the Toyota was uninjured and was taken to The Tweed Hospital for mandatory testing.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Silversides said drugs and alcohol did not appear to be a factor in the accident.

“As of 3pm Sunday the victim was still having surgery but we have had no further update,” he said.

Firefighters from the nearby Tweed Heads Fire Station also attended the scene and helped clean up some of the debris to make the area safe for drivers and pedestrians.

Officers from Tweed-Byron Police District established a crime scene, which will be examined by specialist police from the Crash Investigation Unit, with an investigation into the crash is underway.

car ploughed into the South Tweed Tavern

NABBED: A teenager's arrest is the tip of the iceberg in the youth crime epidemic

By Jo Kennett

CUSTOMERS AT KFC Tweed City almost had their chicken flame grilled on Sunday, January 22, after a fire broke out in the kitchen.

Emergency services responded to numerous triple zero calls for the appliance fire at around 2.40pm, with Fire and Rescue Tweed Heads firefighters quickly on the scene.

They said that on route to the scene more information became available that the fire was located in the KFC kitchen at “the busy Tweed City Shopping Centre”.

Fire and Rescue Tweed Heads reported that “firefighters were confronted with a smoke-filled shop and electrical fire in the fat fryer which proved difficult to access.”

“The fire was extinguished a short time later using CO2 (carbon dioxide) extinguishers and

a thermal imaging camera to monitor ongoing heat in the affected area,” a spokesperson said.

“Firefighters managed to remove panels on the appliance to access and assess the damage.

“The shop was handed back to managers a short time later with minimal disruption to shoppers.”

Fire and Rescue Regional North 2 attended the scene along with Fire and Rescue NSW.

According to Fire and Rescue NSW the leading cause of home fires in NSW is leaving cooking unattended, with the Keep Looking when Cooking campaign designed to raise awareness of the need to be vigilant in the kitchen.

KFC Tweed City was opened and operating as normal on Monday, January 23.

The business is back to normal and open regular hours.

Cops nab couple

By Jo Kennett

A COUPLE have been taken into custody at Banora Point and charged with a number of offences including driving a stolen car and drug possession after a police chase

Tweed Police said that on January 6 this year, the occupants of a ute stolen from Mt Gravatt, Queensland, with separately stolen rego plates, are alleged to have committed an offence at Banora Point.

On Tuesday, January 10, at about 2.48pm the ute failed to stop for police on the Pacific Motorway at Tugun.

A short chase took place before police terminated the pursuit due to the dangerous manner of driving.

On Friday, January 13, at 2.50pm, police arrested a 32-year-old Broadbeach man and a 30-year-old Banora Point woman at Banora

Point.

They were taken to Tweed Heads Police Station and the man was charged with two counts of driving while disqualified, police pursuit, not stopping, driving dangerously and driving a stolen vehicle.

He was also charged with two counts of receiving goods stolen outside NSW, using an unauthorised number plate and malicious damage.

The man was refused bail and remained in custody prior to appearing before Tweed Heads Local Court on January 16.

The Banora Point woman was charged with driving while suspended, being a passenger in a stolen vehicle, possessing a prohibited drug, receiving goods stolen outside NSW and having goods in custody suspected of being stolen.

The woman was released on conditional bail to appear before the Tweed Heads Local Court on February 20.

Meth drug charges

By Jo Kennett

A MAN has been charged with supplying prohibited drugs after a raid on a Tweed Heads residence uncovered meth and cannabis.

Police said that in October 2022, the Northern Rivers Region Enforcement Squad commenced Strike Force Lenane to investigate the supply of methamphetamine.

On January 12 this year, Strike Force investigators and Tweed-Byron Police executed a search warrant at a Tweed Heads residence and seized methamphetamine, cannabis and scales. A 30-year-old Tweed Heads man was arrested and charged with 21 counts of supplying a prohibited drug.

He was also charged with two counts of supplying a prohibited drug on an ongoing basis, possessing a prohibited weapon, and three counts of having goods in custody suspected of being stolen or unlawfully obtained.

The man was refused bail and remains in custody and appeared at Tweed Heads Local Court on January 23.

Pollies working together

By

LOCAL POLITICIANS continue to put their differences aside and are working together to aid the flood recovery process, recently announcing a joint $70 million to help repair community infrastructure.

Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot joined with Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin and Member for Tweed Geoff Provest to announce the cash splash outside Tweed Shire Council’s Murwillumbah office last week.

Under the $70 million Community Assets Program, Tweed Shire Council can now apply for funding to repair parks, playgrounds, walkways, places of cultural heritage, and other community assets like libraries, pedestrian bridges, and community-based pre-schools.

The program, jointly funded by the federal and state government under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), will target North Coast Local Government Areas (LGAs) and includes Tweed.

While all NSW disaster declared LGAs from the February and June 2022 events are eligible, funding will be targeted to those councils that had experienced the greatest damage.

“The Albanese Government continues to work with the NSW Government, and all levels of government, to provide important support to communities like ours on the North Coast,” Justine Elliot said.

“The floods last year were devastating for our region, and nearly a year on, we know there is still so much work to be done. This funding means that many of our vital community assets like parks, playgrounds and libraries can be repaired.”

State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin

welcomed the additional funding, saying it will help the five local councils in her electorate restore some of the community infrastructure that remained damaged by flooding almost a year ago.

“The Community Assets Program is aimed at ‘building back better’ for the future by improving the resilience of these essential assets in Lismore City, Kyogle, Tenterfield Shire, Tweed Shire, and Byron Shire local government areas,” Ms Saffin said.

“I encourage eligible councils to make the most of this opportunity to support our local communities as they come back stronger than ever.”

State Member for Tweed Geoff Provest said the federal and state governments’ Community Asset Program will help repair vital community infrastructure.

“The funding in this package will pro-

Car theft victim thanks locals

A CASUARINA woman whose car was stolen has thanked the community for their support after the car was allegedly used in a ram raid on the Gold Coast.

Penelope Holloway had her 2021 Jeep Compass stolen from near her home on Casuarina Way on Monday, January 9, one of several stolen on the Tweed Coast that night. It was found by police the next day. A young man was later arrested in NSW over the alleged theft.

“Apparently it was involved in an accident after a ram raid at Tallebudgera; I think the guy was underage so they couldn’t tell me the details,” Ms Holloway said.

“It was apparently found next to another stolen car. It wasn’t a write-off, it just had wheel damage and it’s being assessed for repairs.

“The police said a lot of kids steal cars for joy rides and take Snapchat videos and dump them.

“Everyone was really worried because I’m on my own with the children. The disconcerting thing is I had my garage opener in the car and details about where we live.”

The single mum had an insurance hire car for two weeks but had to hand it back on January 24, just before school returns.

vide the extra assistance many regional communities need to repair, restore and enhance community infrastructure directly damaged by floods,” Mr Provest said.

“Recovery after a natural disaster is a slow process and it often takes time to recover and repair important infrastructure, which is why I am pleased both the federal and state governments can assist with further support to get the job done.

“Under this program, local councils hardest hit by floods are eligible to apply for funding between $100,000 and $7.5 million for projects that support the repair, restoration and betterment of directly impacted community infrastructure,” Geoff Provest said.

Applications for the Community Asset Program are now open. For more information and to apply, visit: www.nsw.gov. au/2022CLIRP

“They chucked a whole heap of stuff out of the car and I had all the kids back-to-school stuff so that was a bit of a bugger,” she said.

“I have two kids at Kingscliff Public School and I have to try to get it all next week without a car. “

“My sister lives with me and she has a newborn due next week so there will be a bit of time with school starting that I won’t have a car while it’s repaired.”

Ms Holloway said the community has been very supportive.

“The community has been so wonderful and just responded with such kindness,” she said.

“I have had so many lovely messages.

“You see the worse side of things but the best side too.”

Jonathon Howard

WORKING TOGETHER: Lismore MP Janelle Saffin, Tweed MP Geoff Provest, Member for Richmond Justine Elliot and Council's general manager Troy Green

A 2021 Jeep Compass similar to the one stolen from Casuarina

Geoff Provest’s Tweed Valley Hospital Plan is working

A $2.5 million Nationals in NSW Government investment will help strengthen Tweed Valley Hospital and its workforce with new state of-the-art training and research facilities.

This will allow students and clinicians to further develop their skills, and increase our capacity to provide outstanding, patient-centered care to the Tweed community.

This is a critical first step in establishing an integrated training model that will deliver education of the highest quality to regional health care workers.

The investment will see an enhanced TAFE NSW’s presence at the Tweed Valley Hospital’s Health Hub via an integrated clinical training and research space

farmers branch

By Jonathon Howard

NEWLY-APPOINTED chair of the NSW Farmers Far North Coast Branch, Craig Huf, is a straight shooter who will speak his mind and is eager to go into bat for Tweed and North Coast farmers.

And he’ll need all the support he can get as local farmers faced some of the biggest challenges in the past 12 months and not just due to flooding.

Mr Huf wants to take a consultative approach to the role and is encouraging local farmers to register with the new branch via the website.

“I urge rural landholders to join the momentum we have and become a member to contribute and have their say. Membership is available at nswfarmers.org. au,” he said.

Mr Huf and the board are set to tackle planning challenges, weed and pest management, and improving cattle tick management as the branch’s top priorities.

More than 30 local cattle, sugar cane and horticultural producers recently attended the branch’s first meeting in Murwillumbah, heralding a new era for agriculture in the Tweed Valley and Byron Shire.

And the freshly minted North Coast Branch is eager to improve engagement with policymakers to achieve the best results for members.

Mr Huf said having a local branch of the state’s peak agricultural advocacy body would improve engagement with all levels of government, and deal with rural land issues stemming from poor

policy developed without adequate input from landholders.

“NSW Farmers has a great track record of farmer advocacy, and it’s very comforting to be part of an organisation that is covering you while you are head down in the paddock at work each day,” Mr Huf said.

“While everyone relies on farmers for their food, all too often we see decisions made that make it harder to produce that food and that erode the sustainability and resilience of agriculture and food production in the region.

“People need to be aware that more and more imposts on Australian farmers makes them less competitive, and that ultimately means more imported overseas products on supermarket shelves. We’re keen to tackle those issues.

“We want to really improve genuine consultation and communication and stop the continued erosion of our ability to be productive farmers.”

The new branch identified seven key areas of focus for the next 12 months, and Mr Huf said he would love to see more people get involved to deliver what the region needs.

“I think rural landowners and farmers should have a louder voice in the management of weeds like camphor laurel, which poses a risk not just to farmers but towns as it’s flammable.

“We are actually advocating for policy to support commercialising the harvesting of camphor laurel. If we allow it to be removed more easily by commercial operators, we’ll create economic activity,

Quad bike rider injured

A QUAD bike rider has been hospitalised after an accident at Banora Point on Wednesday, January 18.

reduce the burden of management on farmers, and reduce the risk to residents — that’s what I call a win-win-win!”

Mr Huf said the work done by NSW Farmers to secure more support for flood-affected farmers and communities last year, and the work to protect landholders from being sued by trespassers who injured themselves, was proof that membership was worthwhile.

“That catchcry of ‘Stronger Together’ couldn’t be more true — we’ve seen how important it is to stick together over the past year or two,” Mr Huf said.

Deputy Captain of Fire and Rescue Banora Point Jamie Bowe said emergency services responded to reports of an accident on Laura Street at 4.42pm.

Mr Bowe said the man was injured when the quad bike collided with a concrete bollard.

Firefighters arrived shortly after and closed the area off to traffic while paramedics treated the injured sole quad rider.

NSW Ambulance transported the quad rider to hospital while firefighters worked to make the scene safe by removing the vehicle and debris from the roadway, and applying absorbent to a minor oil spill.

The scene was then left with Tweed Police.

Mr Bowe said it was a timely reminder to only operate registered road vehicles on public roads.

STRAIGHT SHOOTER: Craig Huf has taken on the chair role for the new farmers branch

The quad bike hit a concrete bollard

NSW VOTES 2023 Campaign update

Campaign heating up for March election

By Yvonne Gardiner

THE COUNTDOWN is on for the state government election in the seats of Tweed and Lismore, with voters set to make their choice of candidates on Saturday, March 25.

The NSW Labor Party has yet to announce a candidate for the Tweed electorate and speculation around who it could be is running rife. We await the party’s update.

Each week The Weekly will put questions to candidates from across both the Tweed and Lismore electorates, including their top priorities, election commitments and questions around flood recovery.

This week we take stock of our local candidates with a rundown of their movements and visits from state politicians, as well as some election thoughts from the Tweed Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The Chamber identified jobs as their one key issue for the election and emphasised that greater employment was needed to address the severe skills shortage and lack of available staff for businesses.

Other areas of concern from the Chamber included energy prices, development application approval times, and the urgent need to address the current land and housing shortage, which then flows into the rental crisis.

Meanwhile, the Community and Public Sector Union in NSW conducted a survey in the Tweed electorate asking members to rate how concerned they were about the wages cap, privatisation of NSW public services, adequately funded public services, workloads, job security and a fairer industrial relations system.

When asked how importantly they rated being concerned about the privatisation of NSW public services, 83 per cent of respondents said, “a lot”.

Greens candidate for Lismore Adam Guise joined a community rally outside the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation on Monday (January 23), demanding a socially just and community-led recovery.

“As one of so many who was personally impacted by floods, I’m determined to keep fighting for a fair recovery for our region. Relocations, voluntary buybacks and social and public housing must be at the core of the government’s response,” he said.

Nationals candidate for Lismore Alex Rubin visited the Murwillumbah Showground Markets on Sunday.

He has thrown his support behind Premier Dominic Perrottet, after reports that Perrottet wore a Nazi uniform to his 21st birthday party more than two decades ago

“As a Coalition candidate of Jewish descent and having worked with our Premier as a first responder to the

Free solar - savings up to $600 on electricity bills

Northern Rivers floods, he is a strong and inclusive leader,” Mr Rubin said.

A $2.5 million NSW Government investment will help strengthen the new Tweed Valley Hospital and its workforce with state-of-the-art training and research facilities, according to Tweed MP Geoff Provest.

“This multi-million-dollar investment will deliver dedicated training facilities and pave the way for Tweed’s frontline health services in the future,” Mr Provest said.

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin has called on the NSW Government to have a greater sense of urgency and to improve its communications with local residents sweating on decisions about its Resilient Homes and Resilient Land programs.

Ms Saffin said that while she had worked well with the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation, their main failing was one of communication.

“I’m fielding a constant stream of questions from locals desperate about their individual housing situations and wondering what they should be doing while waiting for voluntary buybacks or house raising or retrofitting,” she says.

The Federal Government’s new Disaster Ready Fund (DRF) will provide up to $1 billion over the next five years, from July 2023, to improve Australia’s resilience to nat-

The NSW Government is offering a new way to assist people on low incomes with their power bills by installing free solar systems for eligible households in place of their Low Income Household Rebate. This program aims to improve energy affordability by helping households unlock long terms savings on their electricity bills. While this means you will no longer receive the $285 annual rebate on your electricity bill, you could receive up to $600 in savings per year from your new solar system!

The offer is only available to households that live in the specified regions and meet the eligibility criteria. When participating in this program households will receive a free, fully installed 3kW solar system in place of their Low Income Household Rebate.

SAE Group are the approved provider, designing and installing solar systems to eligible homes in your region.

To be eligible you must:

- Currently be receiving the Low Income Household Rebate

- Agree not to receive the rebate for ten years

- Own your own home

- Not already have a solar PV system

- Hold a valid Pensioner Concession Card or a Department of Veteran Affairs Gold Card

- If you are not the registered homeowner, but your spouse is, you may be considered eligible collectively as a household

A 3kW system is designed to generate an average of 12.6kwh per day, which will deliver electricity savings depending on each household’s energy consumption. Managing Director of SAE Group Glen Ashton comments “We know electricity bills continue to place a lot of pressure on households, and we are pleased to be working with the NSW Government to help ease the pressure on low income households.”

SAE Group are an Australian owned and operated organisation with over ten years’ experience in the solar industry. SAE Group are a Clean Energy Council Approved Retailer, and hold accreditations ISO 9001, ISO 45001 for safety and quality systems. Safety is paramount to us, and it our goal to ensure we provide quality solar systems to eligible households that will deliver ongoing savings for many years to come.

Want to find out more?

Visit: https://energysaver.nsw.gov.au/solar-low-income-households to check your eligibility and apply online or visit www.saegroup.com.au or call us on 02 66 389 439. The Solar for Low Income Household Offer is supported by the NSW Government.

ural hazards.

Ms Saffin hopes the NSW Government, through the NSW Reconstruction Authority, will identify key projects to better prepare the Northern Rivers and Northern Tablelands regions for future natural disasters that will surely come.

Any referendum on the Voice to Parliament needs to be specific and detailed, so all Australians know exactly what they are voting for, according to Nationals candidate for Lismore, Alex Rubin.

“Not acknowledging our First Nations Peoples in the preamble of the constitution (1901) needs to change,” he said

“Recognising the service of First Nations Peoples, who fought to defend Australia, must be celebrated in our history.”

Greens candidate for Tweed, Rachael Cavanagh, says the increasing housing developments encroaching on our natural environment are impacting on our communities and just adding more pressure to our society and environment.

“We need change. We need new voices that support the needs and aspirations of our community for a more sustainable future,” she says.

“The major parties are not working for you. But your vote can break the business-as-usual approach.”

The 2023 NSW state election will elect the 58th Parliament of NSW, including all 93 seats in the Legislative Assembly and 21 of the 42 seats in the Legislative Council.

The election will be conducted by the NSW Electoral Commission.

Calling all Tweed parents – don’t forget to download your $500 Before and After School Care (BASC) if you haven’t already.

Every family with a child going into Kindergarten in 2023 can now download their voucher until 31 January 2023. This program is just another way the NSW Nationals in Government are continuing to help families with household budget pressures.

Across the state more than 305,000 vouchers worth $500 have already been claimed by parents and 219,000 have been redeemed at a BASC service to help families with the cost of care.

To apply or find out more information about BASC vouchers, visit: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/bascvoucher

By Yvonne Gardiner

A PACKED program of 40 events will give Tweed seniors lots to explore during the Seniors Festival from February 1 to 12.

They can have a go at sailing, crafts, land care, chair yoga, singing, croquet, art, running, indoor bowls, or join a MisterChef class that will give men a few tips about cooking.

There’s a free workshop about waste, and advice on how to be energy-efficient. Bus trips, morning teas, music concerts, farmers’ markets, ancestry advice and festival fun days are among the activities on offer.

Hastings Point Community Dunecare is one of the groups welcoming visitors during the Seniors Festival on February 7 from 9am to 11am.

Arthur (Goody) Good has been working with Dunecare for 20 years on the 12.5-hectare site.

“When I first started, there was a couple of oldies. We’d use our own tools,” he said. “We’ve built the nursery to grow our own plants.”

Goody said the Seniors Festival open morning would involve a “walk and talk”.

“We’ve been putting new labels on trees for the walk,” he said.

“A lot of people like their gardens but they’re scared of the bush.

“A volunteer with Dunecare has to be able to get on the barrow and on the shovel.”

The group meets on Tweed Coast Road just north of North Star Holiday Park.

Tweed Landcare, of which Dunecare is a part, involves hundreds of volunteers working on bush regeneration, weed control and planting native trees.

Bookings are essential for the two Landcare events, by phoning 0493 146 626 or emailing amalia.pahlow@tweedlandcare. org.au.

The opening ceremony of the Tweed Seniors Festival runs from 10am to 11.30am at the Murwillumbah Civic Centre Auditorium on Wednesday, February 1.

Local achievement awards will be presented and the Murwillumbah Philharmonic Choir will entertain.

Morning tea is included and bookings are essential on 07 5569 3110.

Transport to the event will also be available from Tweed Heads and Banora Point.

The festival’s theme for 2023 is Cele -

Get your seniors travel cards now

SENIORS LIVING in Tweed will save $250 on travel costs thanks to the state government’s Regional Seniors Travel Card. Member for Tweed Geoff Provest said applications are now open for a fourth year and he is encouraging seniors to take advantage of the initiative now.

“The NSW Nationals in the state government are cutting the cost of living to make daily life easier thanks to our Regional Seniors Travel Card,” Mr Provest said.

“The $250 prepaid Visa card can be used on fuel, taxis, electric charging stations, pre-booked NSW TrainLink regional trains and coaches, helping those eligible with the cost of getting from A to B.

“We know how much seniors value this card, with over 35,000 travel cards redeemed in Tweed last year. This extra assistance can mean a few extra visits to the grandkids, or make seeing friends locally, getting to the shops, or attending medical appointments much easier.

“I really encourage all eligible seniors to get their applications in and save themselves $250 on travel costs for this year.”

The Regional Seniors Travel Card has injected $196 million into regional economies, with more than one million cards issued since the scheme started in 2020.

brate Together.

Council’s community care coordinator Joanne Watters encourages all local seniors to join in the fun.

“The Tweed Seniors Festival is all about celebrating our community and the diverse range of opportunities we have open for seniors in the area,” she said.

“You can come and meet other seniors in your area, socialise, learn something new or just have fun with like-minded people.”

Every year, the Tweed Seniors Festival is run in conjunction with the NSW Seniors Festival — the biggest celebration of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

For the full program, visit council’s website at www.tweed.nsw.gov.au.

Applications are now open and will close on November 30, 2023.

Seniors can apply online at service.nsw.gov.au, by visiting their local Service NSW shopfront or calling 1800 569 070.

Fingal Head Coastcare will also welcome visitors during the Seniors Festival, on Thursday, February 2, from 9am to 11am.

Hastings Point Dunecare volunteers (from left) Andrew Browne, Trish Cavanagh, Arthur (Goody) Good and Graeme Hodgkinson welcome seniors.

New hospital traffic and road report

Parking

Valley Hospital, due to open later this year.

The Weekly put several questions to HI about parking and accessibility of what will become one of the busiest emergency departments in regional NSW.

Parking fees are yet to the be formally announced according to HI, who said “the final (fee) details will be confirmed closer to the opening of the hospital”.

“The Northern NSW Local Health District and Health Infrastructure have worked with Transport for NSW, Surfside Bus lines, TAFE NSW, Tweed Shire Council and the Queensland Government on a precinct wide transport and access plan for the area surrounding the Tweed Valley Hospital,” a spokesperson for HI said.

“This plan considers community and public transport, traffic flows, car parking amenity, walking and cycling tracks, and includes multiple vehicle entry points to the hospital campus along Cudgen Road, providing access for private cars, community transport services and other private transport services including taxis and ridesharing services.”

HI said the new hospital will feature a dedi-

cated emergency department drop-off area as well as a dedicated drop-off and pick-up area at the hospital’s main entrance

“A separated direct access route for ambulances and an at-grade and multi-level car parking, distributed around the campus to provide ease of access to various areas on the campus for patients, visitors and carers,” HI said.

Hospital staff will have a dedicated car park and there will be dedicated disabled parking.

Pedestrian and cycle pathway connections are also catered for with “bicycle parking and end of trip facilities which will promote active transport and connect the site with the surrounding areas”.

Health Infrastructure provided the following responses over the road network.

Cudgen Road widening

A portion of Cudgen Road is being widened from two lanes to four lanes to facilitate traffic flows in the area surrounding the hospital campus.

A new signalised intersection is being constructed at the main entrance of the hospital to further support access to the hospital.

Tweed Coast Road

T he Tweed Coast Road/Cudgen Road intersection is being upgraded to facilitate more efficient access to the hospital when it opens to patients.

The upgrade works include the provision of additional turn lanes and turning capacity; road and surfacing improvements; lighting and traffic signals; and drainage and services installation.

Hospital campus access and egress points

K ey access points include the main entry, which provides access to the drop-off areas; multi-deck car park and other at-grade car parks; a service ring road for emergency and service vehicles, as well as staff access to dedicated car parking; and a slip lane providing access to the Health Hub buildings.

Numerous studies were undertaken during the planning phase, including surveying staff travel habits. There will be more than 1200 car parking spaces available on opening, with capacity to increase to 1500 spaces.

This includes a multi-deck car park, an atgrade car park, mobility spaces and short-term parking facilities.

The multi-deck car park will include dedicated staff parking, which will be secure and accessible to staff only. Electric vehicle chargers will be provided, and there is provision to include a retail outlet such as a coffee shop. In relation to parking fees, the final details will be confirmed closer to the opening of the hospital.

Public transport

The Tweed Valley Hospital is located on an existing public transport route. Bus stops will be located on both sides of Cudgen Road, directly adjacent to the hospital, with a pedestrian crossing to be installed at the new traffic lights.

The hospital will also connect and build on established pedestrian and cycle routes in the area. End-of-trip facilities are located in the multi-deck car park and include bike parking, showers and lockers.”

By Jonathon Howard

Hospital road and parking map

Tweed Valley Hospital road network

The new hospital is set to open this year

Potty business owners fed up with youth crime

By Jo Kennett

A GANG of youths that have been creating havoc in Pottsville in recent months have also caused extensive damage to commercial premises and business managers have had enough.

Commercial manager of RBR Property Consultants Melissa Young manages around 100 commercial tenancies and has “never had a problem with vandalism to this extent before.”

“As the story in The Weekly said, there has been a lot of vandalism, break and enters, destruction of property, not just to the public but also to businesses,” Ms Young said.

“The IGA has been broken into; I spoke to the manager of another business and they have CCTV footage.

“RBR Property Consultants are the managing agents for Pottsville Plaza and we have CCTV footage. We also contract Eximm Security that does sporadic checks and it always seems to occur on a Saturday night.”

Ms Young said the culprits were a group of “between four to six kids on bikes.”

“It’s always the same group and they are young to early teenagers,” she said.

“They are having parties; we have found bongs, food rubbish, small gas canisters, a three-metre wooden fence and defecation in the underground car park.

“We’ve had the security cameras torn down and had to replace them, we’ve had the telecommunication box that does the whole plaza stripped back.

“First National Pottsville Beach got to work and their phone lines were down and they went into the underground car park and they had ripped the wire out of the casement and the owner had to replace it.”

The property manager said that while it usually happens at night when the businesses are closed, the problems with the gang of young people are also happening during the day.

“They are causing havoc, for instance yelling out expletives when business owners have customers in,” Ms Young said.

“When they come out and try to move them

owners have had to get to their level which they didn’t want to nor should they have too. There is no respect.

“The language is quite threatening. The proprietor of the post office was there at the end of one day and was very worried and had to lock his doors. It isn’t good enough.”

Ms Young said the damage had been extensive and cleaning up all the rubbish had been costly.

“We’ve had vandalism from the plaza around to Pottsville Beach Real Estate and all the shops there” she said.

“Pottsville Plaza is a common area and open to the public; we have the medical centre, conveyancers, real estate, an optometrist, a natural health business, a skincare and wellness business and the pathologists.

“These kids are getting the mulch out of the planter boxes and throwing it around and using liquid soap on the disability ramps so now it’s a public liability and it would be extremely dangerous to the public if it wasn’t cleaned up.”

Ms Young has spoken to other business owners who say the police are “very aware” of what is going on.

“It’s at the point that we are going to have to go through all the CCTV footage and the perpetrators are going to get caught,” she said.

“It will be a big shock to them but to the parents as well.

“It’s not just the vandalism these youths are doing but their actions may lead to an accident and cause injury from their foolish and disrespectful behaviour.

“Pottsville has always been a beautiful little coastal town but it’s got to the point where police do need to do more.”

Pottsville Community Association recently held a meeting with Tweed Police and Member for Tweed Geoff Provest. President Wendy Pluckrose told The Weekly there had been new tagging (graffiti) two weeks ago and again over the last weekend.

YOUR THOUGHTS: Do you run a business on the Tweed Coast or Tweed Valley and have been a victim of vandalism? The Weekly would like to hear your thoughts, email editor@the

Graffiti at the Pottsville Plaza and (inset) a damaged communications box in the Pottsville Plaza car park

Business owners and operators at Pottsville Plaza are fed up with vandalism. Inset is Commercial manager of RBR Property Consultants Melissa Young

By Madeleine Murray

IF YOU thought meat-eating fungi only existed in science fiction films, think again.

These tiny carnivores are a favourite subject of Uki photographer and citizen scientist Donovan Teal.

Donovan spends hours taking photos, and often sending samples of insects or spiders covered with meat-eating fungi off to a lab.

But he never expected to have a new species of mould named after him.

“As a citizen scientist it’s been amazing working with experts and the highlight was learning that scientists were naming a new mould after me,” Donovan told The Weekly.”

The mould called Penicillium tealii was discovered by Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries lab scientists on the body of a dead spider Donovan had sent to the lab for genetic testing.

This unique mould grows on certain kinds of meat-eating fungi.

“Meat-eating fungi hunt living spiders and bugs,” Donovan told the flabbergasted Tweed Valley Weekly reporter.

“The fungi take control of their prey, manipulate them to an ambush location, glue them there and kill them.”

The story becomes increasingly bizarre.

“The fungi then use their prey’s nutrients to fruit out mushrooms and scatter the spores to infect more bug or spider hosts,” Donovan said.

So it seems that not only do fungi kill and eat their prey but they also grow mushrooms from the carcass and scatter the spores to kill more bugs.

Not even the greatest horror writer could think up something quite so grotesque and incredible, yet true. And it’s all going on

right here in our backyard.

Donovan does most of his work “just chilling in the backyard” of his bush block in the forest outside Uki.

“The meat-eating fungi are usually small,” he said, “so it’s not about how far you can trek into the jungle, but more about taking your time to see what’s in front of you.

“These are a major predator of invertebrates. But unless you are willing to take your time and be a bit Zen, you will never notice them.

“I try and give the little guys some air time. It’s only been two years since I’ve had a camera for macro photos.

“Anyone can take pictures of birds, frogs and snakes but it ain’t so easy to capture the hidden parasites and predators that

Police will be out in force

TWEED POLICE are urging motorists to drive safely this Australia Day holiday period with plenty of coppers on the beat and double demerit points for the long weekend.

Operation Australia Day will commence at 12.01am on Wednesday (January 25) and conclude at 11.59pm on Sunday (January 29).

Double demerit points will apply for the duration of the operation for speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt, and motorcycle helmet offences.

Traffic and Highway Patrol officers, with assistance from Police Area Commands and Police Districts, will be deployed across all metropolitan and regional areas in NSW to keep the community safe over the busy period.

Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Trent King, said with Australia Day falling on a Thursday, police expect a lot of people on the roads from Wednesday and across the weekend.

“With double demerits in place over five days we urge everyone to remember the consequences if you do the wrong thing behind the wheel,” Acting Assistant Commissioner King said.

hide in the shadows.

“They ain’t rare, just easy to miss. It’s like hide and seek!

“I am quite passionate about sharing these strange life forms with people, so I can’t wait for people to see my collaboration with our own local fungi guru Stephen Axford in his upcoming documentary, Follow the Rain (Stephen’s amazing fungi footage has been used in David Attenborough films.)

“We have incredible world class biodiversity in the Tweed area and it’s such a thrill to introduce some of it to the world.”

Donovan, aged 44, is self-taught in photography and ecology. He currently works as a bush regenerator, but was previously in retail aquaculture, and the military.

“While police will be doing everything in their power to work with the community to keep our roads safe, we also want to advise motorists that everyone has a role to play.

“Inside each and every vehicle you pass on the road is a loved one: a mate, a mother, a father, child or a sibling, and we can all take steps to keep them out of harm’s way.”

Citizen scientist Donovan Teal is a 'fun-guy' and loves doing bush regeneration work

call McKenzie home.

Murwillumbah Hospital funds

By Jonathon Howard

THE FUTURE of Murwillumbah District Hospital is being further cemented with the announcement of a suite of improvements to its facilities as part of an almost $2-million renovation.

Construction work will commence on Saturday, January 28, to upgrade the emergency department, triage area and reception, medical imaging reception, palliative care room and fire safety measures throughout the site.

Northern NSW Local Health District chief executive Wayne Jones said the hospital will remain open throughout the refurbishment works and people should continue to present to the emergency department if they require urgent medical care.

There will be some changes to public access at the front and rear of the hospital which will be clearly signposted.

“Patients rate the care they receive at Murwillumbah Hospital very highly, and these upgrades will build on the already excellent experience our staff continue to provide to our community,” Mr Jones said.

“The enhancements to the hospital will create a more accessible ED triage and waiting area which caters for all patients, including those with a disability.”

Upgrades to the medical imaging department will improve patient flow and disabled access and create a purpose-built brighter reception area — all improving the patient and staff experience.

Palliative care room improvements will create a calm and peaceful environment which feels more like home.

There will be facilities for family members to stay overnight with their loved one and a living room will provide a breakout space with tea and coffee making facilities.

“We will also redesign the space to enable patients to enjoy the beautiful views that surround the hospital” Mr Jones said.

“Murwillumbah District Hospital is an excellent facility and plays an important role in delivering health services across the Tweed Valley.”

Murwillumbah District Hospital works start later this week

Thoughts around strange tunnel image

By Jonathon Howard

A MYSTERY photo of the Burringbar Range Tunnel has prompted widespread feedback and input from many people.

The Weekly published two images on Thursday, February 19, of the tunnel on two consecutive days that were provided by a Burringbar family.

The family and those who know the family have vouched for the photos’ authenticity and the family are seeking an explanation from any experts.

Whilst some residents said they felt the images could have been altered digitally or changed in some way, a local photographer pointed to light refraction as a possible answer.

Michael Busby of Tomewin said, in his opinion, the differences in the two images “are simply a change in perspective because of compression caused by zooming in”.

“The first image was taken from further away but with a longer focal length (zoomed in) and the second from closer, but with a shorter focal length

(zoomed out),” he said.

“Zooming in shows less of the foreground, and the distant objects appear relatively larger.

“Zooming out shows more of the foreground (a wider perspective) but distant objects always appear much smaller.

“The fact that the people at the other end of the tunnel weren’t there when they

walked through just means that they had left.

“If they appeared to disappear downward, that’s probably because they were walking away at the same time.”

Dr Greg Wightman of Pottsville, who has had extensive experience in photography, said he believes the images are real.

“Though it would not be difficult to modify either of the two published images to enlarge or reduce the size/position of the far entrance to the tunnel, I do not see a compelling reason to doubt their authenticity,” he said.

“A cursory internet search will yield photos of the Burringbar Tunnel taken from a similar position by different individuals at different times with different cameras and under differing ambient conditions.

“The most likely explanation for this difference, in my view, is light refraction.

“Refraction will cause distortions in the size and position of distant objects as light waves travel from one medium through another (think sunsets).”

Dr Wightman said in relation to the Burringbar Tunnel, the specific character of distortion will depend on a variety of factors, including humidity and density of air in the tunnel versus that of open air outside either end of the tunnel, the quality of light (such as early

morning versus midday), the difference in the amount of light within and outside the tunnel (which in this case is extreme), temperature differences outside and within the tunnel, and so on.

“The peculiar ‘objects’ that appear within the far entrance of the tunnel in one of the published photos have the characteristics of a mirage, which itself is generated through light refraction; therefore the ‘objects’ appeared to be men concerned to flatten and disappear as they drew closer.”

Claire White of Murwillumbah was not afraid to say what many are thinking when they look at the images and raised the prospect of ghosts.

“Thanks for the story that captured the images at the end of the tunnel,” she said.

“It’s very obvious to me that these are ghosts, the fact that they got smaller then disappeared is another factor which supports this.

“We have a lot of history and it is possible there has been murders or massacres around this area.

“So much was covered up around 245 years ago. Anything is possible.”

YOUR THOUGHTS: Do you have an explanation for the mystery image? The Weekly would love to hear your thoughts and letters to editor@theweekly. net.au

Burringbar Range Tunnel by Damian Palise (first photo)

Burringbar Range Tunnel by Damian Palise (second photo)

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Bretto receives black belt

TRIUNE MMA pro fighter and small business owner Brett Jacobsen has recently achieved a major milestone in his Jiu-Jitsu career by receiving his black belt.

The ‘Blessed Brawler’, as he’s known in the cage, is now stepping up his classes and personal training schedule to help locals fulfill their new year’s resolutions and to enjoy the fun of fitness again.

Brett owns Triune MMA, Murwillumbah’s very own mixed martial arts club at a flood-free site on Lundberg Drive in South Murwillumbah. The club is open for all ages and abilities from first timers to seasoned professionals.

“It was a long time coming, but I’ve got the black belt now which is a huge honour and is for me a milestone considering the two-year delay at the border due to COVID,” he said.

“I received the black belt from one of Australia’s best competitive grapplers and coaches Pasha Stolyar at Southside Training Centre.

“The main reason I started training MMA, Jiu-Jitsu and boxing years ago was because my fitness had waned and I’d chubbed up a tad.

“Now at my age, I’m fitter than I’ve ever been and I have a ball keeping in shape.

“I’m now hoping to help others in 2023 with one-on-one classes, kids classes, adult fitness and more.

“Just give me a call and we can get started on your plans with some great rates.”

Brett said his kids classes are a great way to teach youngsters valuable lessons of disci pline, confidence and fitness.

“Far from being a thug sport of brutes and bullies, MMA should produce fit, confident, disci plined kids who don’t need to

prove anything to others,” he said.

“Fun, self-defence, fitness, sportsmanship, friendship, discipline, motivation and confidence are some of the many great things that you

Brett Jacobson aka The

Blessed Brawler has recently received his black belt

HI TO our market community and all the food-lovers out there!

On behalf of the market, we hope you all had a restful holiday period and are now returning to normal, thank goodness! It was an absolute please in the lead up to Christmas and over the holiday period to have you all join us for the morning and enjoy the pop-ups and festive fun – thank you all for supporting our market and stallholders, we are incredibly grateful.

Many of you may already be aware, but there have been some changes to the gates and parking at the market – I would like to use this as an opportunity to communicate this message to any of our customers that do not already know.

As a result of complaints received

to Tweed Shire Council and concerns relating to safety, Council has imposed the following conditions on our market:

• The main gate (gate 7) is to remain locked for the duration of the market (this is next to Gold Coast Seafood).

• All customer parking is to be onsite at the Showground – access as per usual at gate 5 (entrance) and gate 6 (exit). Gates 5 and 6 will be opened at 6.30am every week.

• Customers are not permitted to park at gate 8 – this gate will be locked at 6.40am with no alternative exit available.

• There is to be no roadside parking down Queensland Road. We would like to stress that the

changes mentioned above are at the direction of the Council (rather than the market).

I would like thank all of you for co-operating and adapting to the new changes – and of course for your continued support. If any of you have any questions or concerns, please do come and speak to either myself of Gav at the Market Office or one of our stallholders. You can also contact me directly –see details at the end of this article. We hope you all enjoy this update and look forward to seeing you every Wednesday at the market! Claire x.

anti-oxidant, boosts your immune system, and anti-inflammatory and much more.

Rivergum Cottage’s product range includes elderberry syrup in jars (varying in size) and gummy bears. Please do join me in welcoming Rivergum Cottage to our market family and if you have any questions about their product please pop by and see them.

I don’t know about you but I am loving the vibrant coloured produce over at Byron Fermentary at the moment. Katerina at Byron Fermentary has of late being bring along her radish mix kimchi with her.

In exciting news, we have a new stall that has recently joined us at the market - Rivergum Cottage. You may recall they actually started just before Christmas but there was so much going on before Christmas you may not have noticed.

Rivergum Cottage hand crafts organic elderberry products from beginning to end. Bek tells me that elderberry syrup has been a powerful cold preventative and remedy for hundreds of years and that it’s health benefits include a high content of vitamins A and C, it’s an

This kimchi is made from watermelon radish, daikon, chilli and ginger – doesn’t this look divine.. Eating kimchi (and Katerina’s other delights) is the perfect way to start getting our health back on track after the holiday period.

Kimchi is fermented and so is full of probiotics (great for gut health), it helps your immune system and fights inflammation.

Tania at Summit Organics has let me know that her beautiful dahlias are in their peak at the moment, so now is the time to get your bunch and enjoy these delights at home.

As some of you may already know Tania’s expertise is growing organic vegetables but three years ago she started her passion project – growing flowers and in particular growing dahlias – and as expected they are all organic.

This year Tania has planted over 1000 dahlia tubers (wow) so her dahlia beds are absolutely blooming and they are coming our way.

You will see that Tania’s dahlias come in a wide variety of sizes and colours – so there is something for everyone. Pop by to see Ryan on your trip to the market for your colourful bunch of happiness!

Over at Johnny’s Garden a Sylva Lining Organics there is an abun-

dance of snake beans, which are in season and look delicious.

Snake beans are slightly sweet and crunchy meaning they are perfect for any Asian-inspired dishes – like stir fries and curries. They are also low in salt but high in zinc, fibre, potassium and of course iron, so great for our health too.

When and where?

See you at the Murwillumbah Farmers’ Market, at the Murwillumbah Showgrounds (via gate 5) from 7am to 11am every Wednesday – come rain or shine!

There will be a different local musician at the market every week –so come along, gather with friends and family and get stocked up on your local and fresh weekly produce!

If you would like more information – follow us on Instagram or Facebook, subscribe to our weekly newsletter or contact the market manager, Claire Strodder by email (manager@murwillumbahfarmersmarket.com.au) or phone (0415 328 672).

What’s in season, tasty and interesting at the market this month?

By Madeleine Murray

THE LADIES painting group, which meets every Friday afternoon in the Banora Point Community Centre, is holding an arts and craft exhibit.

The colourful show will be opened on Friday, February 10, by Susi Muddiman, OAM, the brilliant director of the Tweed Regional Gallery.

The opening will be festive, with wine and cheese, a speech by Susi, and a raffle with part of the proceeds donated to Wedgetail Retreat palliative care home.

Prizes include artwork and over $500 worth of local business vouchers.

Joanna Davies will entertain the guests with classical piano music on a professional keyboard, and there will be a lucky door prize.

The works, priced from $10 to $200, cover a huge range of styles, sizes and mediums.

The craft part of the exhibit includes needlework, card making, scrapbooking, crocheting and an introductory wall for family history.

“This event embraces community spirit. Local

businesses support it, we support a charity and the artists get to show their creativity. It’s a win-win,” artist and organiser Vickie Mussio told The Weekly.

The exhibition is something the Fun Activities for Banora Seniors Art Group (FABS) runs when an opportunity arises, such as Tweed Seniors Week. It’s a great place to buy something special for yourself or someone else.

“We are a group of 12 who loves to paint, draw and generally be creative,” Vickie said.

“We don’t have a teacher as such but get tips from a very experienced lady who loves to teach.

“We have a wealth of experience within the group, especially in watercolours.

“We like to include the other creative groups at the community centre in the exhibitions.

“The centre is a well-organised hub that serves many locals but we always have room for more.”

The Banora Point Community Centre art and craft exhibition opens at 6pm on Friday, February 10. It is also open from 9am to1pm on Saturday, February 11.

Arts and craft show Salvos activities

By Madeleine Murray

TWEED SALVOS has a great range of social and physical activities lined up for this year.

On Tuesday, indoor bowls costs $4 and includes two games and light refreshments. All ages and experience are welcome.

On Thursday, GrooveAbility for $5 is dancing for fun for people with disabilities supported by their carer.

This is restarting in February and bookings are essential.

Gentle exercise for all ages, genders and abilities is also on Thursday from 10.30am to 11.15am and costs $5 per class.

The Open House Café, serving barista coffee and cake for a suggested $4 donation is open from 10am to 2pm on Thursday.

A lunch meal is served from 12pm to 2pm for a suggested $5 donation.

The café is a great place to meet old friends and make new ones while having a coffee and a bite to eat.

If a donation is unaffordable then it’s free.

“At Tweed Salvos, we are more than just a charity, we’re a family, a place where people can belong and call home,” senior pastor Nicole Viles told The Weekly.

“We’re about building community.”

The venue is the welcoming Tweed Salvos building in the same precinct as the Banora Point Community Centre. There is a large foyer with activity rooms off it, a café to one side, and a Springloaded gym.

“We try and make it like home,” Nicole said. “We say welcome home.”

On Sunday morning, an interactive and vibrant service from 10am to 11am for all ages is followed by morning tea.

During the year the community garden is open to everyone with and without gardening

experience. NDIS service is welcomed.

Family outdoor movie nights are held each school holidays on the big screen in the backyard of the property. The program features movies suitable for all ages at no cost.

Alpha is eight weeks of interactive sessions, held over a meal, which explore the big issues of life and faith by unpacking the basics of Christian belief.

The program delves into questions like, who is Jesus, why and how do i pray, and how does God guide us.

“Everyone is looking for a place to belong to fit in,” Nicole said. “A place where people know your name and you’re welcome. That’s what we provide, a place for all generations.”

For more information, phone: (07) 5524 5081, or go to: tweed.centre@salvationarmy.org.au

The painting group produces some outstanding artworks making the exhibition well worth a visit Join the social events at Salvation Army Tweed

AUSTRALIA DAY has undergone quite the transformation in the last few years, though resentment and unrest towards celebrating the date with such a dark past, has been brewing for much longer.

This year reached peak protest as Channel 10 has chosen not to cover it at all. Alternatively called Invasion Day or Survival Day, this relatively recent rebranding has allowed insight into the viewpoint of the orig-inal “owners” - not that such a concept exists in First Nation’s cultural ideals.

The Traditional Custodians of this Country remain, reminding us that sovereignty was never ceded in the land branded “Terra Nul-lius”, or “Empty Land”, proclaimed uninhabited via tricks of scienti c classi cation by those rst British explorers, keen to secure colonial outposts for the Queen. Now the next Queen we’ve all grown up with, who initiated the decolonisation process, is dead, and the questions around monarchy and elite ruling classes are growing louder in the groundswell.

Even movies are re ecting this (recent releases The Menu and Triangle of Sadness

come to mind!) This January 26th I will be screening 3 movies. Of course, having Lyle the Crocodile is a bit of a tongue-in-cheek o ering, something G rated for the kids, not strictly Australian, but featuring one of our famous animals! I felt compelled to screen some First Nations content, and what better contender than the incredible documentary about artist and activist, Richard Bell, aptly entitled “You Can Go Now”.

The nal lm for the day is a double dose of Aussie goodness, based on Tim Winton’s novel, and directed by one of Australia’s best directors, Robert Con-nolly. “Blueback” is a beautiful adaptation, with stunning performances, as bright stars are born with both young “Abby” actresses, Ilsa Fogg and Ariel Joy Donoghue, with Mia Wasikowska carefully carry-ing the grown-up character forward.‘Straya Day used to mean something di erent when I was grow-ing up. It was a celebration of Aussie mateship, the “Slip another shrimp on the Barbie” culture that became world renowned thanks to my father. But I think he’d agree we should change the date, may-be to May 8, maaaayaaaaate….

Valentines Night

SACRED SOUND Temple and The Regent presents Valentine’s Night with local musicians Lulu & Mischka (pictured) on Tuesday, February 14, in what will be a night to remember.

Lulu & Mischka’s exquisite voices, beautiful melodies and acoustic instrumentation guide listeners to join in sound and silence through the power of chanting heart songs, medicine prayers and Mantras in a soulful and authentic way.

Based in the Northern Rivers region of NSW, this couple offers the chance to be part of their radiant journey into the transformational practice of song, voice, inner joy, embodiment and presence.

Blissful, ecstatic & meditative.... Hearts wide open.

This last decade has seen them traveling the world gathering traditional prayers & mantras

throughout Europe, Asia, South America and Australia, creating a solid following, sharing on big stages and intimate ceremonies, at grass roots gatherings and big line up festivals.

Opening the night will be local band GaiaTree. Come and join us for a night of Love & Community.

Doors open 5pm with a Vegan meal & Chai available. Tickets are $30 cash at the door please or order via: trybooking.com/CFJAR

are open for the public holiday, showing 3 films on the day; a crocodile pop singer, LYLE, for the kid’s entertainment, and 2 great Aussie films... family-friendly BLUEBACK (based on the Tim Winton story, directed by esteemed Aussie talent, Robert Connolly – “The Dry”) and timely documentary YOU CAN GO NOW, following First Nations activist artist, Richard Bell. What better way to spend Australia/Invasion/Survival Day?

THE FABLEMANS (Golden Globe Best Drama winner and Oscar nominee) begins on our screen this week. AVATAR is having a final ENCORE on Saturday night… and bidding farewell for three films on Sunday, with FINALS of MARCEL, MAURICE + EMILY.

PARISSA BOUAS is gracing our Balcony for the Sunset Soirée this week. These weekly live music offerings are FREE to attend, although donations are most welcome! February kicks off with newcomer to our Soirée session scene, BURNING HANDS. Check out our website for artist bios and all the other upcoming balcony musicians, as well as the feast of fantastic Live Events coming soon! Book ahead with our Early Bird discounted pricing, available for a limited time after announcement of the gig.

NEXT WEEK!!!

KUEPPER WHITE (THU 2/2) + THE VERY LAST LIST OF VIVIEN WALKER (FRI 3/2)

FEBRUARY FILMS:

THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN + BABYLON + TÁR + WE ARE STILL HERE + WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT

Star Bird now open

MURWILLUMBAH LOCALS have been patiently waiting for the bright, colourful Star Bird Cafè to open, which has experienced a series of delays since the devastating floods almost a year ago.

“It was a series of unfortunate events!” owner Allira Cornell said.

“For the last few months, we always planned to be opening next week, then something else happened!”

But now the time has finally come!

Nestled in a gorgeous garden between the road and the river, right by the Industrial Estate roundabout, on Tweed Valley Way, Murwillumbah, this little gem is sure to cheer your morning.

Lounging beside the mighty Tweed river on provided picnic rugs, sitting in the leafy garden, or perched at the bench bar on the covered back deck, it’s the perfect position to contemplate your morning, with your favourite beverage and

delicious, nutritious food, made from premier, local produce.

Star Bird’s healthy, wholesome menu, available anytime, offers tasty treats of house-made fresh juices, vegan smoothies, refreshing gourmet cold-drip coffee, scrumptious bacon & egg rolls, burgers, and counter-ready options, friendly for all dietary needs.

Feast on fresh Gluten-free fish & chips overlooking the relaxing river, or try our quick takeaway, with ample roadside parking for easy collection - even for a van or trailer! Soak up the slow simplicity of this idyllic riverside location.

Available for events, celebrations and pop-up restaurants, Star Bird will smooth your morning routine, and soothe your afternoon drive home.

Choose either option for a convenient commute, making the most of the magic of Murwillumbah’s best riverside rest... The Star Bird Cafe - open now!

Weekdays from 6am, come and say hello.

The Regent Spotlight

The former Roundabout Cafè has a new lease on life now known as the Star Bird Cafè

JUNIOR CROSSWORD

CLUES

1 This animal is in a poem, burning bright in the forests of the night 2 What k ind of fairy leaves money under your pillow? 3 Warbucks does this for Annie, and saves her from Miss Hannigan’s orphanage 4 Maleficent is an evil one, Elsa is the Snow one 5 Eric, Triton and Mufasa the lion are all these 6 Which Mr. Man meets Mr. Miserable after opening a door in a tree? 7 This lady is fr iends with Popeye the Sailor Man 8 Can you write the five vowels in alphabetical order?

ACROSS

1 Jesus restored his life after four days (7) 4 Pills (8) 8 Grow larger (8) 11 Taking someone by force (9) 13 Bird with a large brightly-coloured beak (6) 14 Charm (8) 16 Leading lady (7) 17 In the open air (8) 19 Arouse (8) 20 Someone who uses a plane to make words in the sky (9) 24 Car misfire (8) 25 Quidditch ball (6) 27 Country folk (8) 29 Fate; the events that will happen (7) 31 US state (7) 33 Taking possession of (13) 37 Used for sleeping (8) 41 Nearer to freezing point (5) 42 Stop suddenly (5) 43 Spin (5) 44 Roasted (5) 45 Californian national park (8) 48 Global (13) 51 Organise incorrectly (7) 54 Language of

Myanmar (7) 56 Starchy, banana-like fruit (8) 57 Availability (6) 58 1940 Disney film (8) 59 Righteously angry (9) 63 Age of the dinosaurs (8) 65 Dry biscuits (8) 68 Remain (7) 69 Fabric (8) 70 Noisily (6) 71 Being alone (9) 72 Graveyard (8) 73 By the highway (8) 74 Postpones, puts aside (7)

DOWN

WORDSEARCH: MOUNTAINS OF THE TWEED

Can be Reversed or Diagonal

23 Unhurried (4) 26 Roughest (8) 28 Old sailor (4) 30 Snake (7) 32 Set light to (6) 34 Edible crustacean (5) 35 Deep natural underground cave (7) 36 Mediterranean island (5) 625714398 857932614 581629743

TEST YOUR TWEED SHIRE KNOWLEDGE SUDOKU

1. Who started the ritual of New Year resolutions? 2. After which Roman god is January named? 3. Which date has been suggested as a replacement date for Australia Day? 4. What does NPWS stand for? 5. The use of what animal w ill now be limited on the Northern Rivers Rail Trail? PET OF THE WEEK

Bithongabel Burrell Chowan Cougal Durigan

Hobwee Jerusalem Misery Mumdjin Merino

38 138295476 319467825 943178562 9 Letter Puzzle: emir, firm, firmer, form, former, forming, frogmen, from, germ, gnome, grim, grime, inform, informer, merino, mien, mine, miner, minor, mire, monger, more, morn, nome, norm, omen, reform, REFORMING, rime

HIDDEN ICONS THE WEEKLY’S LOOK AT LIFE WITH PAUL DORIN

Theoretical (8) 39 Centre to circumference (6) 40 Academically (14) 46 Cured meat (6) 47 Brewing ingredient (4) 49 Frank (4) 50 Roarer (4) 52 Exudation (7) 53 Monomaniacal (9) 54 Involving two eyes (9) 55 Margin (5) 59 Hearten (7) 60 Rubbish (7) 61 Excuse of being elsewhere (5) 62 Disease contracted through wound (7) 64 Practice (5) 66 Vacation island (5) 67 Douses (5) 68 Religious (5) THIS WEEK’S SOLUTIONS Junior Crossword: Tiger, Tooth, Adopt, Queen, Kings, Happy, Olive, AEIOU (THANKYOU) 58 642 32

Nullum Throakban Wanungara Wollumbin Worendo

32 97 913 63 4

Display our Weekly Sticker on your car to win. The winning number plate will be published each week! READIT,READIT, IT,IN

Because you read it, read it in the Weekly. If this is your number plate, you have won one of our amazing prizes! You have two weeks to collect your prize.

29 6 587 45 97 Is this your number plate?

GR202

LAST WEEK’S SUDOKU 1. The ancient Babylonians, 2. Janus (the two-faced god of beginnings and endings), 3. May 8 (mate) 4. National Parks and Wildlife Service, 5. Horses Amber Foster Dog FD1619  $550 Staffy x D.O.B. 14/8/2021 Desexed Female M/C # 953010005023382 Acquired Date: 26/05/2022 Amber is a lovely girl who loves her people. She is happiest when she can be with you. Amber needs high fencing and no other pets, though she is ok with most dogs. Would be ok with older children. Location: Murwillumbah For more information contact Yvette on 0421 831 128. Interested?. Please complete our online adoption expression of interest. https://friendsofthepound.com/ adoption-expression-of-interest/

$50MEAT VOUCHER $50FRUIT & VEG VOUCHER Main Street (02) 6672 1155 Terms and conditions: By displaying our sticker on your car, you give Tweed Valley Weekly permission to publish your vehicle’s number plate in a future edition to announce winners. To claim your prize, you must be able to prove that you are the owner of the vehicle, by presenting registration papers to sta at our Queen St. o ce.

Sunnyside Mall (02) 6672 3158

LIFE A Little Greener (LALG) is a spray fee, organic business with a focus on not only supporting other businesses in the Tweed but also our local community in every way we can.

We specialise in those with residential or lifestyle blocks wishing to start their selfsufficient journey and lock in their own food security.

LALG owner Rachael Sanderson moved to Murwillumbah when she was 14, finished high school and travelled around the world only to find herself back in the Tweed five years ago to be closer to her family and raise her children here.

“LALG has been operating for just over 12 months and now has a team of 4 motivated and enthusiastic people to help those in the tweed build their dream property,” she said.

“We cover from the southern Gold Coast down to Byron Bay.

“We take a holistic approach to property management, offering your usual organic garden care , but also veggie garden support and development, orchard maintenance and design, organic property consulting, edible garden design & construction and environmental weeds management.

“We also support the development of worm farms and composting too.

“We are both hands-on and supportive in our roles in our work ensuring our clients are empowered with knowledge to manage their property and provide their family organic, nutrient dense food for years to come.

“Soon we will be offering hands-on workshops, and online resources for those growing in the subtropics so feel free to follow along on the socials to find out more @life.a.little.greener or phone 0416 205 248.

“We also offer work for those with NDIS plans who need support with their gardens.”

Testimonial: “That’s the unique thing about Rachael. She doesn’t just help you in your garden she helps the community by giving back and supporting and promoting local businesses always. Through Rachael all things are possible. Not just a stunning garden that restores the soul,” Lauran (local client)

Positions Vacant

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

CD Civil are offering a great opportunity in the Ballina, Lismore and Tweed regions for.

• Excavator Operators

• Final Trim Grader Operators

• Truck Operators

• Experienced Civil Laborers’

• Civil Pipe Layers

Permanent positions, competitive rates with penalties. Please email your resume to admin@cdcivilgroup.com.au or call our office during business hours 0437 756 621.

Positions Vacant

Beautiful riverside cafe, STAR BIRD is awaiting key team members. Do you have 2+ years experience as a chef, cafe manager or head barista? This could be the perfect place for you! Looking for a dynamic and reliable supervisor for this prime location. Above award wages, flexible hrs. Early start, early finish shifts available. Get in touch with us ASAP! OPENING 25th JANUARY for a busy Summer season. starbirdcafe2484@gmail.com

POSITIONS VACANT

Casual Cleaner Required

10 Hour Per Week - No Weekends!

Commercial cleaning position suited to experienced cleaner who prides themself on a high quality of work and dependability.

Contact Serene Living on 07 5536 6820 / or email: mish@ sereneliving.com.au for further information and applications.

Cafe Cook / Barista Required

Great Hours - 8.30 to 2.30 (5 days) - No Weekends! Ideal position for self-motivated person who enjoys running their own kitchen.

Contact Serene Living on 07 5536 6820 / or email: mish@ sereneliving.com.au for further information and applications.

BOOTH, SUSAN JUNE

Late of Coolangatta, passed away peacefully on January 20, aged 78, surrounded by family and friends.

Loved and adored sister, sister-in-law, partner, stepmother, aunt, cousin and friend.

Snake Relocation

Wanted

TWEED HEADS COOLANGATTA TAXIS LOOKING FOR WORK?

NEED EXTRA CASH? All training provided join our friendly team right now.

Phone 07 5536 3371

Positions Vacant

DELIVERY DRIVER Chilled & frozen foods. Thursday & Friday early starts, knowledge of Brisbane preferable. Well presented & good communication skills required. Text 0488 156 524 for details

DELIVERY DRIVERS WANTED Tweed Valley Weekly is seeking several drivers for newspaper delivery every Thursday Morning. Great Rates, Must be available Thursday Mornings, Insurance provided for first year. Phone: (02) 6672 4443

SINGHS BUS SERVICES are looking for drivers to service Tyalgum. L/R or M/R licence required, 20 hrs p/w. Phone: 0412 661 794

Public Notice

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP meets on the second Thursday of each month. Doors open in the community Room at 10-30 NSW time. All welcome. Phone: 0427 432 071.

Social Group

SOCIAL GROUP OVER 50, Men and ladies, Singles, Organized outings, Get togethers, Nice people and Friendship. Phone: 0428 523 423.

Genuine people only

WANTED Limes, Lemons and passionfruit. Please help Peter, 0488 297 768

WE BUY GOOD & BAD TRUCKS, VANS, 4X4’S, UTES, CARS & MACHINERY Any condition up to $12,500 Free Tow as Needed. Call now to discuss 0403 118 534

RENTAL WANTED Flood affected, local working family of 4 desperately seeking a 3+ bedroom max. $650. Prefer Murwillumbah area but open to other locations. Phone: 0477 581 884

To Let

FREE ACCOMMODATION AND BOARD near Mt Warning. In exchange for veg cooking and light housework, share with female musician in chemical free house, no pets , woofas welcome. Phone: 0467 848 819

COOLANGATTA room to rent 200 metres from the beach, Club, shops, fully furnished, cooking facilities, No lease and No bond. Over 50’s from $225-$250 per week. (07) 5599 1089

Funeral Notices

In loving memory of Maree Leigh

Late of Limpinwood.

Heritage Brothers 07 5599 1500

Valda Eileen EDWARDS 18/1/2023

Relatives and friends are invited to attend The Tweed Heads Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Tweed Heads South on Monday, January 30, at 11.30 a.m. (NSW time) to celebrate Sue’s life and share stories and memories of a wonderful woman.

If you are unable to attend, but would like to participate in the service, please use this link. https://rb.gy/yvzdjv

Tweed Heads Ph: (07) 5599 1500

In loving memory ...

Barry John McKeever

Late of Banora Point. Passed away peacefully on Sunday 22nd January 2023. Aged 84 Years.

Soulmate to Wife Carole.

Adored by his Children Joanne & Peter, Carolyn & Greg and Greg & Leslie.

Cherished Grandad of fourteen and Great-Grandad of nine.

A Private Service has been held for Barry.

Ph: (02) 6672 2144 Murwillumbah

Passed away peacefully on Wednesday 18th January 2023. Aged 64 Years. Much loved Mum of Jason, Becky, Tim, Chelsea, Rachel, Katie, Rexy and Jackson.

Cherished Nanna of Nine. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend Maree’s Funeral Service at Tweed Valley Lawn Chapel, Eviron Road, Eviron on Friday 27th January 2023 at 10:00am (NSW time). Ph: (02) 6672 2144 Murwillumbah

Heritage Brothers 07 5599 1500

Susan June BOOTH 20/1/2023

Heritage Brothers 07 5599 1500

Rae “Estelle” LOUGHMAN 20/1/2023

Heritage Brothers 07 5599 1500

Adela BURNS 20/1/ 2023

Heritage Brothers 07 5599 1500

VONNAHME Erika Gerda 18/01/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

BYER Judith Jean 20/01/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

FLANAGAN Brian Bernard 20/01/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

HARRISON Shelley Irene 20/01/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

BECKERT John Horst 21/01/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

McMANUS Dorothy Edith 21/01/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

HALLIDAY Stuart 22/01/2023

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

2023 Cudgen Classic ssic

Cudgen Classic Winners

U10 - Banjo Staite (Cudgen) & Indy Stewart (Lennox)

U11 - Beau Colless (Tugun) & Amy Roberts (Lennox Head Alstonville)

U12 - Joel Rodd (North Burleigh) & Ivy Mison (Cudgen)

U13 - Alexander Frost (North Burleigh) & Layla Wyper (Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park)

U14 - Phoenix Preston (Cudgen) & Lola Maloney (Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park)

U15 - Fletcher Burdekin (Cudgen) & Isabella Tate (Cudgen)

U17 - Noah Thomas (Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park) & Scarlett George (Cudgen)

Age Champions for the entire Carnival

U10 - Banjo Staite (Cudgen) & Scarlett Mison (Cudgen)

U11 – Beau Colless (Tugun) & Amy Roberts (Lennox Head Alstonville)

U12 - Felix Forbes(Yamba) & Ivy Artz (Currumbin)

U13 - Charli Mills (Cudgen) & Alexander Frost (North Burleigh)

U14 - Phoenix Preston (Cudgen) & Lola Maloney (Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park)

U15 - Isabella Tate (Cudgen) & Fletcher Burdekin (Cudgen)

U17 - Scarlett George (Cudgen) & Noah Thomas (Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park)

Sailing for young and old

At the helm

OLD PEOPLE, young people and entire families sailed four races in a blustery south easter on Sunday, January 8, 2023, on the lower reaches of the Tweed River.

One Corsair, one MG, one Impulse, three Pacers, and more Lasers than a Jedi master could handle sailed the short demanding course with varying levels of grace and speed. Some of the more experienced sail-

ors showed their stuff, and the likes of Kate Yeomans, Peter Fell, and the visiting Nick, all sailing Lasers, were the regular top finishers.

For others, it was about getting around the course without significant problems. Although a problematic gybe mark brought a few unstuck with a couple of spectacular swims, all crews enjoyed the blast reach to the finish. The race committee could not help but notice that nearly everyone had a smile on their face as they crossed the finish line.

For mine, though, the day had to go to up-and-coming junior sailor Ari

and his crew Brennan in a club pacer who had four great starts and sailed well to complete the four races, mixing it up with the Lasers.

A big thank you once again to all those that give their time to the club to make the racing and socialising happen.

The next race held on the 22nd of Jan is a class championship race day, and a big turnout is expected.

Congratulations to those members of the club who competed and completed the 2022 Sydney to Hobart yacht race on Hutchies Yeah Baby. Well done, indeed.

Potty, Colts and Cudgen in T20 finals

By Jo Kennett

THE T20 finals are on this weekend at Reg Dalton Field with three Tweed teams vying for top honours and plenty of entertainment on offer for cricket fans.

Potty, Colts and Cudgen in T20 finals this weekend

On Sunday at 9 am, Cudgen take on Goonellabah for a spot in the grand final while Tweed Banora Colts will be hoping to get a win over Pottsville (from 12.15pm) to join them.

The winners will play for the championship at Reg Dalton Field on Sunday at 3.30pm.

In the LJ Hooker T20 League Cudgen are still on top with the Colts in fourth spot.

Last weekend was Round 7 of the Two Day League.

Cudgen played the Panthers and Murwillumbah president Adam Housen said they lost the toss and got sent into bat.

“We were bowled out for 87 in the first innings,” he said.

“Cudgen were 4/148 and declared and then sent us into bat for the last hour.

“We were 4/74 at the end of play and on Sunday we were all out for 179 which left Cudgen to go out to bat chasing 118 which they got with the loss of two wickets.”

James Julius took 13 wickets for Cudgen and Jake Weir took ten while Ryan Reid was 53 not out in the second innings.

Marist Brothers played Pottsville with Potty taking the win.

Pottsville’s Oscar Van Megchelen said

Marist Bros won the toss and batted first.

“They made 167 and then we made 268 and declared and sent them back to try to get them outright,” he said.

“They were 3/60 and then it rained.

“We went back on Sunday and got the runs and declared at 269 with a 101 run lead and put them back to bat. Marist Bros finished at 3/84.

Man of the match was Kagisho Pedi.

Pottsville has won five games in a row.

The Colts went down in a thriller to Goonellabah, with the Colts 7/311 and the visitors 7/312.

Why not get down to Kingy this weekend to cheer on our local lads in the T20 final with all the action from 9am Sunday and the final from 3.30pm. Good luck to all the boys for a great weekend.

Pottsville has won five games in a row.

The Colts went down in a thriller to Goonellabah, with the Colts 7/311 and the visitors 7/312.

Colts coach Adam Rogers said they declared at 7/311 with Tom Byrnes 111 not out and Sam Powell on 58 with an hour of play left.

“Goonellabah made 1/39 and then we came back on day two and they actually chased the runs down,” he said.

“Jack Cooper came back from Brisbane grade comp and got 113 runs and another couple got 50 but it was really good cricket and a great game despite us losing.”

Adam reckons that if Caleb Ziebell (playing with the Gold Coast Dolphins) and Jack Cooper play the T20 final on Sunday then Cudgen and Goonellabah will be hard to beat.

LJ Hooker League two-day competition cricket ladder

with Matt Andrews

Real Estate Estate

FROM COAST TO COUNTRY

Tweed land values have skyrocketed

By Jo Kennett

THE NSW Valuer General has just released the latest land values, with the Tweed Shire experiencing big increases between July 2021 and July 2022.

The land value is the value of the land only and doesn’t include the value of a home or other structures. Property sales are the most important factor valuers consider when determining land values.

Land values are one factor used by councils to calculate rates.

The increase in values in the Tweed Shire was consistent across residential, commercial, industrial and rural property, with demand from buyers relocating from cities to the area and working remotely, as well as tree and sea changers and retirees.

Market drivers include relative affordability, additional supply from increased building to accommodate population growth, and the Pacific Highway upgrade and access to interstate and international destinations from the nearby Gold Coast international airport.

Residential overview

A very strong increase in residential land values between July 2021 and July 2022 was consistent across all markets and was led by coastal locations including Casuarina, Cabarita Beach and Kingscliff, offering coastal proximity and relative affordability compared to major centres and Byron Bay.

The highest jump over the year from July 1, 2021 to July 1, 2022 was at Kamala Crescent, Casuarina, which has R1 zoning (multi-dwelling housing, residential flat buildings) with a 5,394-square-metre lot doubling in value from $3,160,000 to $6,320,000.

Cunningham Valuers and Property Advisers owner Tim Cunningham said a suburb’s new values “will depend on the growth that suburb has seen over the past few years.”

“Beach front/beach side areas have generally seen more growth than say Banora or South Tweed, therefore the new land values are in line with this,” Tim said.

“With Kamala Crescent I think it was coming off a low base

Open Homes

Saturday, January 28

Tweed Heads Coolangatta Real Estate

4/117 Wharf Street: 10am-10:30am

23 Blundell Boulevard: 11am-11:30am

16/3-19 Amaroo Drive: 12pm-12:30pm

Elders Tweed Valley Amy Rosser

8 River Street 9am-9.30am

12 McMillan Street South Murwillumbah 10-10.30am

1 Maria Court, Condong 11-11.30am

115 Riveroak Drive Murwillumbah 12-12.30pm

2/13 Silky Oak Court Murwillumbah 12.45pm- 1.15pm

at $3.16 million and they were wanting it in line with the actual site value on a development site basis given the size.

Land at Marine Parade, Kingscliff, zoned R3 (townhouses and villas but not units) had the next biggest rise in values, with a 850.9-square-metre block increasing 80 per cent from $1,900,000 to $3,420,000.

While still strong, most residential value increases tapered off heading inland.

Rural overview

Tweed Shire experienced a big increase in rural land values with larger rural holdings in both coastal and hinterland locations and productive river flat country leading the trend.

The highest rise recorded was at Tunnel Road, Stokers Siding (74.5 per cent over the financial year to July 2022) with 40 hectare properties jumping from $980,000 to an incredible $1,710,000.

Eviron Road at Duranbah was the next highest with a 70 per cent rise over the year.

Tim Cunningham said he has already seen a number of

First National Real Estate Murwillumbah

12 Golden Links Drive Murwillumbah, 11-11.30am

257 Dulguigan Road, Dulguigan, 9-9:30am

11 Bagoo Ave, Murwillumbah, 9-9:30am

9 Mooball Street, Murwillumbah, 9-9:30am

2/21 McPherson Court, Murwillumbah, 9:45-10:15am

141 Glenock Road, Dum Dum, 10-10:30am

4 Ted Brown Close, Kunghur, 10-10:30am 261 Tunnell Rd, Stokers Siding, 10-10:30am 109 Bonnydoon Road, Uki, 10:45-11:15am

12 Golden Links Drive, Murwillumbah, 11-11:30am 150 Midginbil Road, Midginbil, 11-11:30am

4 Smiths Creek Rd, Uki, 11:30-12pm

2043 Kyogle Road, Terragon 12:30-1:15pm

434 Hopkins Creek Road, Hopkins Creek, 2-2:30pm

Schmith Estate Agents

1/7 Advocate Place, Banora Point 9.30-10am 65 Cominan Avenue, Banora Point 10.30-11am 27 Margaret Street, Tweed Heads 12-12.30pm 81 Henry Lawson Drive, Terranora 12-12.30pm

properties in the Byron area on the market or sold for less than the new 2022 land value.

“I would suggest if you own a property in NSW, this year would be a good year to check your new land value to make sure it is not excessively above what the actual value of land is, given we are now seeing a softening in market conditions and value levels,” he said.

“This could help reduce your local rates and any land tax payable.”

He said they have been doing a lot of property settlement/family law valuations.

“I’m not sure if this is a cyclical thing or a result of the increased financial stress that may be caused today by the increase in interest rates and the cost of

living,” Tim said.

“Quite a lot of people are opting for a tree change and moving to regional areas like Tenterfield, Stanthorpe, Warwick etc from the Gold Coast, Tweed, Byron and Brisbane where you can buy a lot more for less and live a ‘simpler’ life.”

Tim said many people are getting valuations for refinancing as interest rates rise as they come out of low fixed interest rates, which he says makes financial sense.

“The main trend I am seeing is that properties are now taking longer to sell when compared with interstate migration slowing from peak COVID times.”

To find the land value of your suburb go to valuergeneral.nsw.gov.au

93 Bienvenue Drive, Currumbin Waters 12.30-1pm

DJ Stringer

8/13 South Street, Kirra `$1,100,000’ 9-9:30am QLD Time 11/206 Pacific Pde, Bilinga ‘Interest Over $1,200,000’ 1010:30am QLD Time 1102/14-22 Stuart St, Tweed Heads ‘Price Guide $780K-$790K’ 10:30-11:00am NSW Time 26/6-8 Thomson St, Tweed Heads ‘Price Guide $795K-$850K’ 11:30-12pm NSW Time 2B/3-9 Eden St, Tweed Heads ‘Buyer Range $775K-$845K’ 1212:30pm NSW Time 1603/22 Kirkwood Rd, Tweed Heads South ‘Price Guide $1.295M-$1.350M’ 1-1:30pm NSW Time

MANA Real Estate

4 Eloura Court, Ocean Shores 9.30am-10am

1/3 Halyard Court, Ocean Shores 10am-10.30am

9 Galleon Lane, Brunswick Heads 11am-11.30am

9 Gaggin Street, New Brighton 12pm-12.30pm

5 Phillip Street, South Golden Beach 1pm-1.30pm