Tweed Valley Weekly, Feb 29, 2024

Tweed Valley Weekly Locals Supporting Locals

Let’s clean up Tweed

By Jo Kennett

CLEAN UP Australia Day is on this Sunday, March 3, and organisers are calling on the public to join in to help clean up the beautiful Tweed Shire.

There is also a clean-up of the Tweed River on Sunday, March 10, from Fingal Boat Ramp, with organisers asking divers, snorkellers and locals with tinnies to come and help.

It is often the only time of the year that many areas get cleaned, so numbers of helpers on the ground really matters. If you can spare an hour or two to do something amazing for the environment there are clean-ups all over the shire, including some lovely beach and river locations.

Cabarita Beach 8am–11am: Lions Park, Norries Headland. Meet at the barbecues in Lions Park .

Cudgen Nature Reserve 8am–10am. Meet opposite the Pony Club, Round Mountain Road, near the intersection with Tweed Coast Road.

Fingal Head 8am–11am. At 1 Letitia Road. Meet just north of Fingal Head Public School, adjacent to the campground for Tweed Holiday Parks Fingal Head. Jack Evans Boat Harbour from 10am.

Meet Watersports Tweed, Bay Street, Tweed Heads, near the water in Chris Cunningham Park. Local legend Big Trev will be hosting drinks and a barbecue after the event so it should be fun.

Hastings Point 8am–11am. Meet across from Hastings Point General Store.

Murwillumbah Community Gardens 3pm–5pm: Meet at the entry to the gardens near Merv Salmon Gate, Murwillumbah Showgrounds.

Pottsville 8.30am. Meet at Ambrose Brown Park, Pottsville, beach side of Pottsville Hall and oval.

Wooyung 8am—1pm. Meet at Wooyung Beach Holiday Park, 515 Wooyung Road. Good footwear, gloves (only if you already have some), hats and sunscreen are recommended.

Fingal River clean-up on March 10 with an 8am start. This clean-up is being held later in March to coincide with a big tide for better visibility. Tweed Gold Coast Free Divers Club’s Craig McNiven says they are looking for snorkellers, divers and people with tinnies that can transport divers with rubbish to help out. The clean-up is sponsored by Tweed Eco Cruises with prizes to give away on the day.

Meet near the jetty at Fingal Boat

Ramp, 64 Fingal Road. Bring your own snorkelling and dive equipment, personal protective equipment like gloves, hat, sunscreen and remember insect repellent. For more information on www.cleanup. org.au but feel free to just turn up and register at the site.

Two years since the devastation

By Northern Rivers Community Foundation

IT’S AN anniversary we won’t forget — almost two years to the day that a second catastrophic flood hit our region and profoundly affected our communities.

The region has come a long way but we know there’s plenty still to be done.

Physical and wellbeing impacts remain prevalent in some communities.

The auditor-general’s flood report, published this week, found NSW had “no plan” to house 2022 Lismore flood survivors, and that two years on, hundreds remain on waiting lists.

The Northern Rivers Community Foundation’s (NRCF) flood survey last year found an organisational recovery rate of 6.4/10, against a community recovery rate of 4.8/10.

Where are we one year further down the recovery pathway?

In the weeks following the 2022 disaster, NRCF — who have since funded many of the organisations working doing grassroots recovery and resilience work — called over 300 community organisations across the region to understand the impact of the disaster.

These calls provided critical information

that helped to identify where immediate support was needed and led to almost $1 million in rapid response grants.

To track the recovery and status of Northern Rivers organisations and the communities they serve, Northern Rivers Community Foundation is releasing the Flood Survey for the third year.

NRCF CEO Sam Henderson said the survey gave vital data which could be used to advocate for the Northern Rivers.

“We know that many grassroots and charity groups stood up and were essential to helping neighbours and communities during the unprecedented flood disaster,” Mr Henderson said.

“We aim to understand how these organisations are going, and building back this social capital is essential for our regeneration and readiness.”

The research project will provide a valuable snapshot of community recovery. It also aims to uncover the ongoing issues and conditions impacting community recovery, for NRCF to be better placed to support not-for-profit organisations in the important work they do across the region.

NRCF hopes that the findings of this 2024 report will contribute to positive outcomes for the support that our region

receives.

 Loved one taken into our care 24 hours, 7 days

 All required mortuary attention and preservation

 Completion of all application and registration forms

 Doctor’s cremation certificates

 Environmentally friendly cardboard coffin

 Private transport to crematorium and cremation fee

 Death registration and official BDM death certificate

 Delivery of ashes to loved one’s family or friends

Locally owned by Ben & Emma Little Servicing The Tweed Valley and Surrounds All enquiries welcome

As a planned five-year longitudinal study, it will become an important tool for community groups to be informed and advocate to government on what our combined recovery needs.

NRCF is calling on the leaders of community organisations that helped in the response and recovery from the floods to be part of this research by completing an online survey.

The survey is open until March 31, and takes about six mins to complete: surveymonkey.com/r/L9HBCQ7

It Takes a Town volunteers. Image by Nat McComas photography

Ready for Clean Up Australia Day: Cabarita Beach Dunecare's Faye Nash and Sally Schaffer with Jackie Monkman, Katy Arrowsmith, Elsie and Arthur

Speed reduction disappointment

I am utterly disappointed that a fourth petition signed by concerned locals (TVW, February 22, ‘Petitions falling flat’) to lower the speed limit on Clothiers Creek Road — a well-recognised koala corridor — has been rejected again by Tweed Shire Council and the state government.

The Tweed Shire has just recently been declared one of the fastest growing regions in NSW, with more and more development going on and pushing the local koala population closer and closer to extinction.

Apart from habitat loss and disease, road kill is amongst the major killers of koalas.

The Tweed has lost 50 per cent of its koala population in the last decade and the council itself has predicted they will be completely extinct in another decade or so if nothing is done.

Clothiers Creek Road is a dangerous road for both humans and koalas alike. I use this stretch of road regularly and am amazed how many impatient drivers tailgate me as I keep my speed down to give crossing koalas a fighting chance.

Oncoming cars sometimes cross the double yellow lines at speed, nearly wiping me out recently.

If safety of humans is to take priority over protection of koalas, reduce the speed limit now. We can then have a win-win.

Eva Robinson, Casuarina

The last koala population

Thank you to our Tweed Shire Council Deputy Mayor, Cr Meredith Dennis, for vocalising the issue and frustration many locals feel about the wiping out of koalas on Clothiers Creek Road at Bogangar.

That road was built though a very sensitive bushland area that provides critical habitat and linkages for Tweed Coast koalas and other wildlife.

The local community is left heartbroken every time they find a dead koala on that road or fear the worst

when they see a koala with her joey trying to cross it.

Instead of doing the right thing at the beginning when this road was built, to design the road to allow koalas and other wildlife safe passage, they chose to do nothing but let the koalas meet their own fate.

Building roads that dissect critical corridors and through wildlife sensitive areas should not be allowed.

There are always better options available which could also include raising the roads in sections and creating a ledged underpass, bridges, chicanes, speed humps and speed radars that issues automated fines.

Let’s get this done and not repeat the same mistakes of the past.

Irene Timmins, Pottsville

Moving on the homeless is not the answer

I can assure you that the majority of homeless are not by choice.

There is always a few that are lazy and don’t dispose of rubbish properly, just as there are a few that think the homeless are getting something for nothing and use the old chestnut of rubbish dumping to get the homeless moved on to someone else’s problem.

There are litter bylaws, but most councils don’t/wont enforce them, yet will spend money to enforce move on/no camping bylaws.

If someone in council would think outside the box, they would have bins there with a regular pick up. They would also provide assistance in helping people to get affordable housing and health.

As I see it, the main cause for unaffordable housing is the greed of a lot of landlords as they can get an exorbitant amount from their homes from renting to tourists through shortterm rentals. Just how many liveable houses are in the Tweed that don’t have full-time residents?

Also, a drive around the flood areas in the Tweed will show how many homes are fenced off and are awaiting something to be done with them. Are

they going to be moved and set up for housing or are they to be demolished?

Rent used to cost about one-and-ahalf days’ wage, now it costs about one week’s wage for one person.

A one-bedroom granny flat for a pensioner is around $380 per week in Murwillumbah. Add on water and electricity and there is not much left for food or medicine.

Something needs to be done, but moving the homeless on is only a temporary measure.

P Wrongdrum, Tweed Heads Tweed entry debate

It would be nice to see some money spent on the beautification of the Tweed Heads entry area, but I think more importantly would be money spent on taking care of the vulnerable people in the area.

If homelessness is an issue, address homelessness with more affordable accommodation.

If there is graffiti issues, we should be looking at ways to engage our youth. There is not much on offer for our adolescence in the area.

Badlands Vinyl (Bay Street, Tweed Heads) — who ran an all-ages gig for local high school students in their shop last weekend — have this week been banned by council for hosting such events. Apparently live music and community gathering is too much for some residents to bear.

Issues like this need addressing. If we are going to shut down community-run events that do address Tweed’s entrance issues in a positive way, let’s provide another space for the community to gather.

How about a youth drop-in centre on Wharf and Bay streets that could hosts all-ages gigs, jam nights and pool tables. Somewhere for the community to gather and something for our youth? A spray-painted planter box would be nice, but let’s fix her beauty from the inside out!

Nerida Growth, Tweed Heads

I’m sick of trash and bad attitudes at Tweed entry

The bus stop in front of Tweed Mall is a favourite place for homeless to gather and at times abuse passersby and people awaiting a bus.

The bench near Woolworths has virtually become a no-go zone. This is during the day. No longer will I walk at night around this area.

The park on both sides of nearby buildings is a haven for this element of society.

M Jones, Tweed Heads Women in g-strings –what’s the problem?

Most men reading your letter (TVW Letters, Feb 15) would probably say ‘where was I that day?’ in response to women wearing g-strings in public places. Should have offered to do the shopping for the wife that day! Regarding hygiene, everyone is at more risk from people going to the toilet and not washing their hands before grocery shopping then risking a g-string in public.

Unless the lady was bum surfing on surfaces around Woolies, what’s the problem? I have a very hairy chest, so probably should button my shirt right up. Don’t want to risk dropping some big curlies in the supermarket.

Not to mention men who don’t wear shirts at all — where will it all end?

P Norman, Crystal Creek Regulate e-vehicles

I read with interest the letters and reports from people regarding the merits and also the problems with e-scooters and e-bikes.

I have also had concerns regarding safety with these. Not only with safety for the riders as talked about in the news, but more importantly for people walking on shared paths.

Many of the riders have a blatant disregard for users of shared paths. I was walking with my husband across a bridge in Surfers Paradise which had a sign that read: ‘No bike riding on bridge’.

As soon as we came off the bridge I

heard someone yell out “excuse me”.

When I turned to see who was speaking, a woman on a hire e-bike crashed into me.

When I said she shouldn’t be riding the bike on the bridge, her excuse was, “I only got on the bike after the bridge ended.” Luckily, I wasn’t seriously injured.

These bikes and scooters need to be better regulated in NSW.

Carol Camilleri, Terranora

Price gouging outrage

The recent revelations about price gouging by the two major supermarkets comes as no surprise to anyone doing their weekly shop. Every business has to make a profit but the way in which these two operate is beyond the pale. There appears to be a determined course of misrepresentation, lies, and cost manipulation against suppliers and consumers.

The result — a cost of living crisis and inflation which in turn gives them more cover to increase their margins.

The result being record profits for their shareholders and massive bonuses to those that formulate these scams.

The retiring Woolworths CEO has been praised by the company as one of the best that they have employed. Allegedly receiving with bonuses upwards of $20 million when he leaves in September.

Think about that the next time you go shopping.

Gwyn Hooper, Uki

Move to ban political hosts

By Jonathon Howard

COUNCILLOR REECE Byrnes says he will call for a ban to political candidates hosting Tweed Shire Council-funded events during a council meeting on Thursday, March 7.

Cr Byrnes’ motion was raised in response to what he said is “community outrage” over local comedian and Greens political candidate for Richmond, Mandy Nolan, hosting the annual Seniors Festival event organised by Tweed Shire Council next month (March 11-24).

“Over the past weeks I have been contacted by many local residents who are concerned that Greens political party candidate Mandy Nolan will be hosting an upcoming Tweed Shire Council Seniors Festival event,” Cr Byrnes, who is employed by the Labor Party, said.

“I believe it’s outrageous for political party candidates to be given a platform to promote themselves and their politics at council events where ratepayers may be footing the bill.

“This motion will stop political candidates promoting themselves on what may be ratepayer money.

“This motion will return accountability and transparency to Tweed Shire Council.”

The motion consists of three parts, including that council instigate a process to “ensure transparency and accountability” when appointing political candidates to non-political ratepayer funded/sponsored events.

“Where political candidates are selected/ recommended these recommendations are presented to the elected body for public scrutiny/oversight and approval,” the motion’s second part reads.

“These recommendations be made public by way of a council report on a bi-annual basis.”

The proposal has outraged and confused Ms Nolan, who told The Weekly she has received widespread praise for her master of ceremonies (MC) work and said: “she’s a little stunned”.

“That I have been accused of promoting politics before an event has actually happened, it’s bizarre,” she said.

“The only person promoting politics in this circumstance is the Tweed Labor councillor Reece Byrnes.”

Ms Nolan wanted to give some context to the matter, stating that she has worked as a comedian for 38 years.

“In that role in my community I have hosted business awards, facilitated conferences, and given a ‘lighthearted’ touch to everything I do,” she said.

“Last year I hosted the Tweed Shire Council Seniors Festival.

“In attendance alongside seniors were Tweed Mayor Chris Cherry and state Member for Tweed Geoff Provest.

“They along with the attendees all remarked how enjoyable my skills as a comedian were in making the awards event entertaining for all. It’s why I was invited to do it again.”

Ms Nolan stressed that she has a long history working with elders in the community and launched a government-funded program called ‘Stand Up for Dementia’ which she delivered to respite centres across the region for almost a decade.

“I have had research on this program published in an international peer reviewed medical publication,” she said.

“I have also worked for various community organisations creating bespoke events for Seniors Week to encourage

engagement and inclusion in this region and in the Sunshine Coast.

“Projects include a stand-up comedy show featuring seniors called ‘Shooting from My Hip Replacement’, a fashion parade called ‘Vintage Cheek’ and a photographic exhibition.”

In closing, Ms Nolan said she knows how to wear many hats and wanted to assure Cr Byrnes that she’s not using her role as MC or entertainer for political gain.

“I wear many hats in my community and as a professional performer I know what is appropriate,” she said.

“I would never use a role like MC for a Seniors Festival for political gain.

“It was unfair and inaccurate for Councillor Byrnes to suggest that I would.

“For the Seniors Festival I will be wearing my clown hat.

“Reece is welcome to come and try it on!”

Read council’s response on page 6.

YOUR THOUGHTS: Do you believe political candidates should be excluded from hosting ratepayer funded events in the Tweed? Please send your thoughts and letters to editor@theweekly.net.au

FACE OFF: Cr Reece Byrnes will call for a ban to political candidates hosting Tweed

Shire Council events.

Candidate Mandy Nolan is hosting the annual Seniors Week event next month.

Creek water quality improves

By Jo Kennett

A POST-FLOOD waterways study has revealed Pottsville’s Mooball Creek and Cudgera Creek at Hastings Point had some of the worst water quality north of Sydney last September, but a Tweed Shire Council spokesperson said it has improved since then.

The Mooball Creek water samples from September 2023 that showed ‘very poor’ water quality were taken just near the main bridge while the Cudgera Creek samples were taken near the Koala Beach bridge.

A Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water spokesperson said that the East Coast Flood Project is a monitoring program across several waterways that were affected by the 2021/22 floods, and includes the Tweed River.

“The data is being used to build a picture

of how water quality is recovering, with the final technical report to be delivered in June 2024,” the spokesperson said.

“The project has eight real time telemetered loggers, with two located in the Tweed River at Tumbulgum and in Cudgen Lake, monitoring for water quality indicators such as water clarity, algae, bacteria and nutrients in the Tweed area.

“In addition to the current, real time monitoring, the project collects manual water quality samples.

“The data from manually collected samples are current until September 2023.

“The results from manually collected samples require laboratory and data analysis, with the next update scheduled for early March.

“Water quality monitoring results have been used to grade water quality at sites within waterways.”

Tweed Shire Council’s team leader of

coast and waterways, Tom Alletson, said that council monitors water quality at multiple sites in Mooball, Cudgera and Cudgen creeks every two months.

“Council has supplied the majority of data used by the NSW EPA in the assessment of post-flood water quality recovery in the Tweed and has just received a request to supply the most recently available data to the EPA so that they can finalise their analysis,” Mr Alletson told The Weekly.

“Council’s first water quality monitoring for the coastal creeks of 2024 occurred on February 19.

“Water quality in each of the three coastal creeks is strongly affected by rainfall and run-off from surrounding lands.

“Typically, the further upstream a sample site is located, the more strongly it is affected by surrounding land use, as the diluting effect of tidal flushing is reduced.

“Following high rainfall, when water quality looks bad, for example when it looks very murky, there will almost certainly be higher levels of bacteria present, with an increased risk to swimmers.”

Mr Alletson said that in dry periods at high tide when the water is clear, bacteria levels are typically very low.

“While council has not received a report from the EPA on their sampling program, it is expected that data will show a return to ‘normal’ following the flood,” he said.

“Normal means daily and monthly variability due to tides and rainfall.

“Water quality targets for bacteria and other parameters are often exceeded following periods of heavy rain.

“The last water sampling run conducted by council in 2023 showed low levels of bacteria in all monitoring locations in the coastal creeks.”

Council’s response

By Jonathon Howard

Continued from page 5.

TWEED SHIRE Council’s director of sustainable communities and environment, Naomi Searle, said Mandy Nolan has been engaged to MC the opening of the 2024 Tweed Seniors Festival, to be held in the Murwillumbah Civic Centre on Monday, March 11.

The event is organised by the Seniors Week Festival Working Party through council’s Community Care Unit.

“Mandy was invited to MC the event in her capacity as a comedian, after her appearance at last year’s event was met with widespread applause from festival-goers,” Ms Searle told The Weekly in response to a motion raised by Cr Reece Byrnes to ban political candidates from presenting at council-run events.

“Her work with seniors over many years — including creation of the Stand Up for Dementia Program which she ran for 10 years and the creation of several bespoke seniors programs both in the Northern Rivers and on the Sunshine Coast — further speaks to her suitability for this role.

“Working Party members felt Mandy would be the ideal person to bring the opening together in a light-hearted manner, with the morning set to include presentation of Local Achievement Awards, entertainment, information relevant to seniors living in the community and morning tea.

“Mandy volunteers her time for this event and is not paid by council.

“When Mandy is emailed her notes for the event, it will be confirmed with her that any reference, in print or verbally at the event, should be in her professional role as a comedian and not as a standing candidate for the seat of Richmond.”

For more information on the festival, including the program, please visit https://www.tweed.nsw.gov.au/community/events-venues/council-run-awards-events/seniors-festival

MURWILLUMBAH EAST PUBLIC SCHOOL

MEPS has hit the ground running in Term 1 of 2024, not only settling into new classrooms with their teachers, but with an amazing number of opportunities and activities for our students to participate in. We’ve also been able to welcome new staff and new students to our MEPS community.

Kindergarten has had a great start after completing our Transition to School program ‘Learning Ladder’

last year. Our littlest learners have quickly settled into classroom routines and have been enjoying their days being part of ‘big school’.

On Wednesday 7th February, MEPS students participated in our school swimming carnival with everyone rewarded at the end of a very hot day with a free swim! 13 students progressed to Murwillumbah District Carnival and out of those, 4 are competing at the Far North Coast Carnival in Ballina this week. Good luck super swimmers!!

Our School Councillors, House Captains and SRC have all been

selected, badged, and are already fulfilling their duties within our school. Our 6 School Councillors were invited to represent MEPS at the National Young Leaders Day in Brisbane where they had the opportunity to hear stories from leaders across various fields and meet their idols and role models. This is one of the many opportunities our leaders get to experience at MEPS. Attendance matters here at MEPS where every day counts towards learning, making friends and building skills. Students can often be heard quoting our #missingschoolmissingout

Address: 45 George Street Murwillumbah NSW 2484

Tel: 02 6672 6781

Email: murwillume-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Website: https://murwillume-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/

catchphrase as no-one wants to miss any of the exciting happenings around our school. Follow our Facebook page to see more. Looking at enrolling your child at MEPS this year, contact our school office on (02)6672 6781 to make an appointment with our principal, Mrs Vanessa Chaffey, who would love to show you around our wonderful school.

Seniors Festival 2024 is ready to launch

Water quality in Mooball and Cudgera creeks was very poor in September 2023

Tweed Link

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

Looking north over Cudgen Creek, Kingscliff towards Tweed Heads. How would you like to see the Tweed develop over the next 20 years? Join in the conversation at one of several engagement opportunities over coming weeks.

Growth opportunities on the Tweed Coast

Council is developing the Tweed Shire’s plan to manage housing and employment growth. The Draft Options Paper is currently open for public feedback.

This week we are putting a spotlight on the coast and highlighting some of the suggested options to provide housing and employment opportunities to 2041. You can refer to proposed changes 24 to 48 in the Draft Options Paper

Many of the suggested changes have previously been identified in earlier strategies and plans adopted by Council.

Coastal localities include:

Kingscliff – proposed changes to Kingscliff include opportunities already identified in the Kingscliff Locality Plan and include low-density and low-rise medium density housing, as well as business land uses.

The intent of the suggested changes is to provide greater housing diversity across the locality and support opportunities to live close to employment destinations.

Cudgen/Tweed Coast Road intersection – change 35 identifies land that is ideally located to allow for establishment of services and facilities ancillary to the adjoining Tweed Valley Hospital.

Bogangar/Cabarita Beach – the changes proposed are intended to facilitate a broader mix of housing types with access to a village centre and local coastal reserves.

Hastings Point – changes proposed look to infill development and increasing medium density accommodation which provides choice and affordable

housing options.

Pottsville – one proposed option at Pottsville is to increase residential density around the existing commercial node. Council proposes to further investigate a range of housing types within close proximity of this node.

Other changes look at providing diverse housing and employment generating opportunities for Pottsville and Pottsville west.

Find out more and have your say

Community feedback is being sought on any likes, concerns or suggestions to how changes within the Draft Options Paper might be improved.

Visit yoursaytweed.com.au/futuretweed to view the Draft Options Paper and interactive map detailing the proposed changes.

Hard copies are available at both Council offices at Tweed Heads and Murwillumbah.

Complete a submission form before 4 pm on Friday 22 March 2024 in one of the following ways:

• Online – yoursaytweed.com.au/futuretweed

• Email – tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au

• Mail – General Manager, Tweed Shire Council, PO Box 816, Murwillumbah NSW 2484 or delivered in person to the Tweed or Murwillumbah Council offices. Visit yoursaytweed.com.au/futuretweed for full details of community engagement opportunities.

Share your thoughts on short-term rentals

The NSW Government is seeking feedback on the planning policy and regulatory framework for short-term rental accommodation and on options to encourage the supply of long-term rental accommodation.

It is investigating policy changes to help unlock housing supply and improve housing affordability in NSW. Short-term rental accommodation occurs in legally approved residential premises, not traditional tourist and visitor accommodation such as motels and hotels. Your feedback will help ensure they strike the right balance between the benefits of short-term rental accommodation, including to the tourism economy, and encouraging more supply of long-term rental accommodation in NSW. For more information and links to the discussion paper and a questionnaire visit yoursaytweed.com.au/shorttermrental

Have your say by 14 March 2024.

Last week we each used 163 L a day

Save water, save money

In brief ...

The latest on raising Clarrie Hall Dam

As many as 50 people dropped into the Uki and Murwillumbah community information sessions held in early February to learn the latest on Council’s proposal to raise Clarrie Hall Dam.

The team completing the final stages of the environmental impact assessment into raising the dam was on hand to answer questions and discuss all aspects of the proposal.

The conversations have informed the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that is being prepared. The EIS is the key requirement of the NSW Government before it can determine whether the project can go ahead. If NSW Government approval is given, the project will then be considered by the elected Council, who will make the final decision on whether to proceed with the next stage of the project.

It’s not too late to have your say. To ask questions and register to receive future updates, including notifications about the upcoming EIS exhibition period, head to yoursaytweed.com.au/clarriehalldameis

Council adopts plan for future of tourism

Recognising how important tourism is to our local economy, Council has voted to adopt the draft Tweed Destination Management Plan 2024–2030, after carefully listening to feedback from community and industry stakeholders.

The plan outlines our strategy for tourism in the region over the next several years.

Our next priority as a Council is to create and implement a new Events Strategy along with an Events Sponsorship Policy

The Destination Management Plan aligns with both the broader North Coast NSW Destination Management Plan 2022–2030 and the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy (VES) 2030. These plans set goals to boost visitor spending across our region.

You can access the Tweed Destination Management Plan on yoursaytweed.com.au/destination

Council has voted to adopt the draft Tweed Destination Management Plan 2024–2030

Are you a Tweed senior struggling with tech?

Students from Tweed River High School will be assisting local seniors with using technology as part of collaborative project with Tweed Shire Council.

The Tech Generation program aims to help local seniors struggling with using devices such as mobile phones, laptops or tablets by offering one-on-one tutorial sessions with kids who have spent most of their life in a digital world. The program is running as part of the Tweed Seniors Festival, with the first session taking place on Tuesday 19 March.

Details

• When: Tuesday 19 March from 11 am to 12 noon

• Where: Tweed Heads Community Centre Activities Room, 18 Heffron Street, Tweed Heads South. Bookings are essential. BYO device. To qualify for a session, you must be a senior.

To book call 07 5569 3110 or email Council’s Community Service’s Team at communityservices@tweed.nsw.gov.au

Have your say

Add your voice to decision making in the Tweed

Proposed classification of land Doon Doon

Council is in the process of acquiring 269 Doon Doon Road, Doon Doon (Lot 1 in Deposited Plan 1246411). Refer to location diagram below.

Council proposes to classify the land as operational land. The intended use of the land is for the raising of Clarrie Hall Dam. This is in accordance with the provisions of section 31(2) of the Local Government Act 1993

Have your say

You can make a submission until 4 pm, 27 March 2024 in one of the following ways:

• Online: yoursaytweed.com.au/doondoon

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

• Email: propertyofficer@tweed.nsw.gov.au

Submissions close: 4 pm, 27 March 2024

Council ref: PN 111279. Enquiries to Sally Curran, Technical Officer – Property, 02 6670 2768

Proposed classification of land

Council is in the process of acquiring part of 25 Tweed Valley Way, South Murwillumbah (Lot 1 in Deposited Plan 1300595). Refer to area in blue on image below.

Council proposes to classify the land as operational land with intended use for an elevated switchboard platform for sewerage purposes. This is in accordance with the provisions of section 31(2) of the

Have your say

You can make a submission until 4 pm, 27 March 2024 in one of the following ways:

• Online: yoursaytweed.com.au/tweedvalleyway

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

• Email: propertyofficer@tweed.nsw.gov.au

Submissions close: 4 pm, 27 March 2024

Council

113564.

Learn more about your cemetery options

Have you ever wondered what your memorial plaque will say, or who will select the wording for it? Did you know you can inter ashes into a grave or have a paid memorial for scattered ashes?

Council’s cemetery team will be hosting a free information session next month where they will share insights into the options available to memorialise your loved ones including plaque embellishments, colours and photos.

They will discuss pricing and inclusions and explain what memorial options are included when Council quotes you a price for a burial or ash site.

Guests are encouraged to stay for morning tea on the chapel balcony where staff will be available to answer your questions.

Details

• When: Thursday 14 March 10 – 11 am

• Where: Tweed Valley Cemetery and Crematorium, 813–871 Eviron Road, Eviron (inside the Chapel). Light refreshments will be available. Visit humanitix events.humanitix.com/cremation-talk-2024 to book your spot.

Online access

If you can’t attend the session in person, the event will be livestreamed so you can watch from your device via events.humanitix.com/cremation-talk-2024. If you need assistance with this, call Council on 02 6670 2400. This session is running as part of the 2024 Tweed Seniors Festival.

Book in to attend a free cemetery information session to discover the options available for yourself or loved ones.

Last chance to give cane toads the flick this season

Mark your calendars for the week-long toad busting challenge to be held next week from Monday 4 to Sunday 10 March.

Collect cane toads any time during the week from anywhere in the Tweed Shire to be in the running for great prizes.

First prize is a family pass plus a $50 voucher to the Crystal Castle, second prize is a $50 voucher to Sobah Brewery at Burleigh Heads and third prize is a Watergum cane toad book pack.

The race is on to see which Tweed locals can win the title of Toad Busting Champion by removing the most cane toads from their area.

How does it work? Get together with friends and family, get outside and collect cane toads from your

Development application determinations

local environment. Log your data online and the team or individual that catches the most cane toads wins!

Did you know, community participation is the most efficient way to reduce cane toad numbers? In fact, working together is critical to reducing cane toad populations and Council is urging the community to get involved.

Council has partnered with not-for-profit community environment group Watergum to remove as many cane toads as possible from the Tweed Shire. This is one way Council is working with the community to look after the Tweed’s natural environment for current and future generations.

Visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/cane-toads to register to be in it or find out more.

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

Application details

Approved

DA23/0536 – Alterations and additions to existing dwelling including in-ground swimming pool

Lot 262 DP 840595, No. 4 White Beech Court, Bogangar

DA23/0580 – Alterations and additions to existing dwelling including carport forward of the building line

Lot 6 Section 1 DP 31209, No. 6 Cypress Crescent, Cabarita Beach

DA23/0553 – Alterations and additions to existing dwelling and new block work fence

Lot 20 DP 1030322, No. 40 Collins Lane, Casuarina

DA23/0408 – Demolition of existing dwelling and structures, new 2 storey dwelling, pool and cabana

Lot 1 DP 568035, No. 531 Cudgen Road, Cudgen

DA23/0602 – Alterations and additions to existing dwelling including carport, swimming pool and 1.5 m high front fence within the building line

Lot 96 DP 260286, No. 19 Ocean Street, Kingscliff

DA23/0623 – In-ground swimming pool

Lot 7 Section 15 DP 758571, No. 4 Surf Street, Kingscliff

DA22/0788 – Alterations and additions to existing commercial development (Kingscliff Shopping Village)

Lot 101 DP 1266301, No. 24 Pearl Street, Kingscliff

DA23/0563 – Home industry (craft distillery)

Lot 5 DP 709676, No. 819 Limpinwood Road, Limpinwood

DA23/0522 – In-ground swimming pool

Lot 114 DP 1057733, No. 12 Oakbank Terrace, Murwillumbah

DA23/0636 – In-ground swimming pool

Lot 424 DP 1052083, No. 53 Sassafras Street, Pottsville

DA24/0014 – In-ground swimming pool

Lot 163 DP 263155, No. 60 Overall Drive, Pottsville

DA23/0561 – Alterations and additions to existing dwelling including use of existing rear deck

Lot 151 DP 246854, No. 14 Norman Street, Tweed Heads

DA23/0587 – Alterations and additions to existing dwelling

Lot B DP 334319, No. 55 Boyd Street, Tweed Heads

DA23/0617 – In-ground swimming pool

Lot 121 DP 246488, No. 90 Companion Way, Tweed Heads

DA23/0651 – Two lot strata subdivision

Lot 83 DP 866281, No. 39 Kiata Parade, Tweed Heads

DA22/0815 – Change of use to animal boarding or training establishment and ancillary retail and signage

Lot 20 DP 258721, No. 12 Industry Drive, Tweed Heads South DA23/0599 – Alterations and additions to existing specialised retail premises

Lot 100 DP 807099, No. 23-27 Greenway Drive, Tweed Heads South

Refused

DA23/0066 – Change of use from a registered club to a centre-based childcare facility including building alterations and signage

Lot 2 DP 1040576, Leisure Drive, Banora Point

DA21/0794.01 – Amendment to Development Consent

DA21/0794 for a 2 storey dwelling, garage and in-ground swimming pool

Lot 69 DP 1264557, No. 24 Black Wattle Circuit, Casuarina

DA23/0503 – Two storey dwelling with attached garage, in-ground pool and front fence

Lot 75 DP 1208915, No. 5 Suncatcher Lane, Casuarina

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

Current vacancies

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

WATER WEEK 8 Check when your water meter is read at tweed.nsw.gov.au/meter-reading

Tweed Valley Weekly Locals Supporting Locals

Landlord charged over smoke alarm

By Jo Kennett

A TWEED Heads landlord has been charged with not having smoke alarms installed after a fire claimed the lives of five children and their father on Russell Island in Queensland’s Moreton Bay last year.

The blaze on August 6, 2023, also destroyed three neighbouring houses.

Queensland Police will allege the 61-year-old woman is the owner of the property and was not present when the fire occurred.

The house allegedly did not have compliant smoke alarms, however the woman is not being charged over the deaths.

Wayne Godinet, 34, died in the blaze along with his four-year-old twins Kyza and Koa, his three-year-old son Nicky, and his stepsons Zack, 11, and Harry, 10, in an inferno that rocked the tight-knit Russell Island community.

He initially got out of the blazing home but returned to save the boys who were sleeping upstairs, but died when the second-storey of the Queenslander collapsed.

The boys’ mother, Samantha Stephenson, 28, managed to escape along with her sister, who had to jump out of a second-storey window

to survive.

Queensland Police have yet to establish the cause of the fire which they said was not suspicious.

The Tweed Heads woman has been served a “notice to appear in court on one count of owners must install smoke alarms”.

She is expected to appear at the Cleveland Magistrates Court on March 26.

Detectives continue to investigate the fire and a final report is expected to be submitted to the coroner in the near future.

Under Queensland law, landlords must install working smoke alarms in residential rental properties, as well as replace them when they are older than 10 years, to comply with the Fire and Emergency Services Act. Failure to do so attracts a maximum penalty of $774.

In NSW fines and similar legislation also applies.

Fire and Rescue NSW research shows that one third to a half of NSW home fire fatalities may have been prevented if the homes had working smoke alarms and had a practised home escape plan.

Information on smoke alarms can be found here: fire.nsw.gov.au/smoke alarms

Resident takes nasty tumble

By Jo Kennett

ELDERLY Tweed Heads man was seriously injured after his mobility scooter went down an embankment at Tweed Heads on Wednesday, February 21.

The 78-year-old man was riding along the footpath to Duranbah Beach when the accident happened.

Tweed District Rescue Squad captain Drew Carr said they were activated for a vertical rescue job at 12.45pm at Coral Street, Tweed Heads, with reports that a person had gone down an embankment.

“Upon arrival we found one male patient who had come off the pathway and fallen down onto the rocks about a metre and a half or two down,” Drew said.

“He needed medical attention and sustained some serious injuries.

“We used a rope and a Stokes litter to bring the patient up to the ambulance with the help of Fire and Rescue Tweed Heads firefighters.”

The man suffered a fractured femur and pelvis

and three cracked ribs. Nine News Gold Coast reported the man went to Gold Coast University Hospital for major surgery.

Getting the mobility scooter back to its owner’s home was quite an operation.

“We assisted some family members of the patient who turned up to get the scooter back to the patient’s home,” Drew said.

“We commandeered a small crane from Tweed Shire Council — a vehicle mounted crane — which one of their staff operated.

“Tweed Police brought a van around and we lifted the mobility scooter up and put it into that and delivered it to his home. Then we all went around there to unload it at his residence.

“We were grateful to the council staff members for offering their assistance with the crane.

“We have been activated for a huge array of jobs lately and we continue to train and fundraise for this vital service for the Tweed.”

If you would like to donate or become a member of Tweed District Rescue Squad VRA, call (02) 6674 4875 or email tweeddistrict@rescue.org.au

AN

The fire killed six people. Photo: Queensland Fire and Emergency Services

Tweed District Rescue Squad rescued a man and his mobility scooter after a nasty fall. Photo: Drew Carr

Longtime resident fed up

By Jonathon Howard

LONGTIME TWEED Heads resident

Stephanie Deane says she’s so “fed up” with the anti-social behaviour and squatters adjacent to Jack Evans Boat Harbour (JEBH) she’s made the tough decision to move to Coolangatta in Queensland.

Ms Deane said she read The Weekly’s recent coverage around Cr Rhiannon Brinsmead’s motion to clean up the Tweed He ads entrance, but it is “too little too late” for her.

“I’ve just finished reading this week’s paper regarding the entrance to the Tweed CBD and Jack Evans Boat Harbour areas,” she wrote to The Weekly.

“You can believe what residents are saying. I have lived in Tweed since 1974 and at my current address for 19 years.

“I overlook the harbour and started the ‘Save JEBH Group’ years ago.

“For years the vacant site on Coral Street on the northern side of the JEBH has been used by the homeless, and for years residents have called for action to clean up this location.

“I look directly at this site from my former apartment above.

“It has become so bad that I have sold my unit, and I am moving to Coolangatta next week.”

Ms Deane said her mental health has been “severely impacted” by the anti-social behaviour of the homeless, who she said have taken up residence with “little to no objections from authorities”.

“Tweed Shire Council rangers and Tweed Police are uninterested, understaffed and not willing to tackle this problem, in my view,” she said.

“I’ve given up lodging complaints and phoning both council and police only to

be told there is nothing they can do. They just pass the buck to outreach teams who are intimidated by these drug-affected violent hardcore homeless.

“I truly believe our authorities are afraid of squatters and they fear retribution, so their hands are tied, not by the laws which are being broken every day, but by their own fears and uncertainties to act.

“It’s a continual circle of buck-passing that leaves residents left to fend for themselves.”

Ms Deane heaped praise on You Have a Friend founder and homeless advocate John Lee, who recently wrote in defence of people sleeping rough at Tweed Heads.

“I respect what Mr Lee says and is doing, but I feel he is seeing the whole situation with rose-coloured glasses on, in my view,” she said.

“Yes, he might not have spotted graffiti this week because council finally painted over it all.

“But give it a month and it will be back,

as will the drugs and violence that takes place all night long with not a single person of authority attending.”

In making her point, Ms Deane wanted to share a range of photos she has taken in recent weeks to highlight the range of people squatting, from travellers simply ignoring signage, to whole families setting up and what appears to be legitimate homeless people.

“These are a few pictures from Coral Street,” she said.

“I will say at the moment they have moved on due to weather conditions only to be replaced by people living in vans that stay there 24 hours a day with no regards for the area with rubbish often left there and no one cares what the police or council think here any more.

“All of this is going on about 200m from the new playground at JEBH.

“That’s why after all these years I feel I’ve been forced to shift to Queensland.”

Murwillumbah Public School

‘Entry disgrace’

By Jonathon Howard

TWEED HEADS local Gary Sutton says residents around Jack Evans Boat Harbour are “sick to death” of witnessing violent and drunken behaviour night after night at the entry into the Tweed Shire.

Mr Sutton wrote to The Weekly in response to a range of letters and stories around the beautification of the Tweed Heads entry from Queensland at Wharf Street.

Tweed Shire councillor Rhiannon Brinsmead recently raised a successful motion to undertake an urgent audit of Wharf Street and surrounds to find ways to “clean up Tweed’s entry”.

“Firstly, Cr James Owen and Cr Rhiannon Brinsmead are to be commended for their interest in an issue we have been screaming from the top of the mountain about for ages,” Mr Sutton wrote to The Weekly.

“John Lee from ‘You Have a Friend’ is also to be commended for his ongoing commitment in assisting the homeless with meals and other support.

“But his comments challenging writers about their complaints of antisocial behaviour, graffiti, abandoned shopping trolleys, tents and other garbage left behind defies belief.”

Mr Sutton said he was eager to point out that some homeless people in the Tweed Heads area are not interested in help or support.

“Let’s get straight to the point. Don’t confuse genuine ‘homelessness’ with people who seek a lifestyle of park living, alcoholism, violence and extreme antisocial behaviour,” he said.

“We have witnessed it daily, nightly and at such random times and places that we no longer walk around the CBD at night.

“I’ve lost count of the number of phone calls we’ve made to the understaffed local police station for help.

“I’ve witnessed brawls, violent brawls of parkies drunk beyond belief, including a stabbing.

“I could go on, but I think the ordinary man in the street gets the picture.”

In closing, Mr Sutton said the entry into NSW via Tweed Heads is desperate for more work.

“The Tweed Heads CBD entry from Queensland is a disgrace,” he said.

YOUR THOUGHTS: Do you believe some people take advantage of the ‘homeless lifestyle’ at Tweed Heads? Or do you feel more help is needed? Send your thoughts and letters to editor@ theweekly.net.au

In the Swim at Murwillumbah Public School

The school sporting year at Murwillumbah Public School has started with a splash with the annual swimming carnival heading this year’s calendar. The school’s twilight carnival took place on 9th February at the Murwillumbah pool. Students were well supported by parents and spectators as they competed in the 100m freestyle and 50m freestyle, breaststroke and backstroke in their respective age groups.

A highlight was the two mixed relay events with students taking on the staff. Despite a little bit of controversy, the 1 all result was a good outcome.

From the carnival eleven students quali ed to attend the district carnival at the Murwillumbah pool on 19th February. Despite the very wet conditions the students again put in a sensational effort to place 3rd in the carnival with

Chayse taking out the junior boy championship.

There were six students selected to compete at the Far North Coast championships in Ballina and we look forward to hearing about their results. Students then have the possibility of advancing to the north coast and state championships.

The sporting focus then shifts to team sport trials in tennis, basketball, cricket, AFL, rugby

Principal: Les Daley www.murwillumbah-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

league and hockey. There are certainly great opportunities for students at Murwillumbah Public School to pursue their sporting dreams and take their skills to the highest level.

The sporting term will conclude with the Murwillumbah Public School cross country event on the 2nd April.

Several photos from the Coral Street site where one resident has reached her limit after watching the site being used "as a toilet" for years

We need your help to eradicate fire ants from South Murwillumbah

Fire ant nests were found on a vacant block in South Murwillumbah marking the first detection of fire ants in northern New South Wales.

All fire ant nests detected have been destroyed by direct nest injection.

The National Fire Ant Eradication Program will be conducting surveillance and treatment in a 5 km radius of the detection to ensure there are no more fire ants present.

While only 2–6 mm in size, fire ants can have irreversible consequences on our environment if left untreated. They can cause population declines in 45% of birds, 38% of mammals, 69% of reptiles and 95% of amphibians. Their harmful impacts have the potential to surpass the combined damage done each year by Australia’s worst pests.

Over the coming months, officers from the National Fire Ant Eradication Program will be undertaking vital fire ant treatment and surveillance activities across all properties in the target area. This work will be actioned by experienced staff and should have minimal disruption on residents and businesses.

Fire ant treatment is not a poison. It is tried, tested and approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) and is safe for humans and animals.

The treatment is made up of small pieces of corn grit soaked in soybean oil and a low concentration of insect growth regulator.

Eradication treatment is the only proven way to eliminate fire ants and protect the way of life we know and love. It is our one option to safeguard Australia against this invasive pest.

The granules are collected by foraging fire ants and the treatment prevents the queen from reproducing worker ants—if the queen cannot reproduce workers, the colony will starve and naturally die out.

Overseas, where fire ant populations are much higher than Australia, communities have been forced to change their lifestyle to avoid exposure to fire ants.

Fire ant expert and entomologist Dr Ross Wylie says we are eradicating fire ants using the best available methods internationally.

“Eradication involves treating targeted areas multiple times, over several years with an insect growth regulator. We can’t just treat once or twice, we need to keep coming back and use a systematic approach,” says Dr Wylie.

“We need to treat 100% of all targeted properties, whether fire ants are visible or not.”

The product contains pyriproxyfen, which is registered for use with:

• horticultural crops—for treating whiteflies and scale insects

• animal flea collars

• fly control spray

• pest and parasite management for horses and cattle.

Fire ant eradication treatment contains a very small percentage of active ingredient. With 5 g of active ingredient in each kilogram, this equates to only 0.5% of the total product.

This means for a:

• 500 m2 block, 100 g of product would be applied containing only ½ g of the active ingredient.

• 10 ac (4 ha) property, 8 kg of product would be applied containing only 40 g of active ingredient.

This ensures minimal impact on flora and fauna and little chance for animals to source enough of the product to negatively affect their health.

The presence of fire ants in our environment is a much greater risk to local wildlife, pets, farm animals and humans than the treatment itself.

An animal, say a horse, would need to consume every single granule sprinkled on a 3,333 m2 property to have even the slightest chance of being impacted by the treatment.

On limited occasions when treating near waterways we use a product containing S-methoprene. The product is used at extremely low concentrations—around 1/1000 of the concentration recommended as a safe level by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

It is vital every targeted property is treated, whether you see fire ants or not. Just one missed nest can jeopardise eradication efforts. Fire ant eradication is only possible if all levels of government, industry and the community work together.

Visit fireants.org.au or call 13 25 23 for more information.

Our fire ant containment area forms a horseshoe around the infestation—spanning from Moreton Bay in the north, west to the Lockyer Valley, east to the Gold Coast and south to Tweed Shire. Fire

The target area covers a 5 km radius around the detection in South Murwillumbah.

ants are highly destructive and can feed on insects, displace native species and destroy ecosystems.

Fire ant teams using hand spreaders to treat.

Flood village conundrum

By Jo Kennett

LOCAL RESIDENTS expressed their concerns over Kingscliff’s temporary flood recovery village at a meeting on Monday, February 19, with most saying they want authorities to stick to their end of the bargain and shut it down when the lease runs out.

The meeting was attended by Mayor Chris Cherry and the NSW Reconstruction Authority’s (RA) Susie George.

Despite the overwhelming support from the community for flood-impacted locals, there were a number of concerns outlined during the meeting, including that there seemed to have been little done to permanently re-house residents.

The lease of the council land was originally meant to be for two years to June 2024, but it was eventually signed for three, to June 2025.

“Local residents finally felt heard when a community conversation was held regarding the temporary flood housing on Elrond Drive in Kingscliff,” one resident, who did not want to be named, told The Weekly.

“Local residents shared their experiences and impacts of the temporary flood housing and suggested that the program to rehouse our most vulnerable flood-affected could have been

more efficient and effective.

“The NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Sculley, confirmed in writing on February 12 that the temporary flood housing is for up to two years and the director of the housing taskforce, Will Gray, confirmed on February 19 that the RA was not in a position to extend the lease or determine the future use of the site.

“The local residents are looking forward to the green space/public reserve being returned to its original state as agreed no later than the end of the current lease.”

Mayor Chris Cherry said they heard from the majority of residents that attended and live around there “that they would like their park back.”

“We did agree to the three-year lease. Originally the request was for two years, but when it was recognised how long it would take to build and get set up, it was changed to a request for three years — the legislation allows for five years,” Cr Cherry said.

“The intent of the current lease is that at the end of those three years, all the manufactured homes and the associated water and sewer infrastructure that has been installed will be removed and the land will return to parkland.”

Continue reading on page 16.

Construction on the Elrond Drive village started in 2022

The ‘purple plague’ threatening our rainforests. Miconia might look beautiful, but this highly invasive species can cause devastating environmental damage if not reported in time. Rous County Council’s Biosecurity team is dedicated to stopping the spread of Miconia and protecting our beautiful rainforests.

Together, let’s get one step ahead and stop the spread.

Have you seen this weed? Call Rous County Council on (02) 6623 3800 or visit rous.nsw.gov.au/miconia

Big Country Radio

Difficult position on pods

Continued from page 14.

“We heard from residents about how they want to be able to walk their dog there and throw a ball around,” Mayor Cherry said.

“We also heard about how residents feel that there has been an increase in dog faeces being left around and increase in anti-social behaviour in the area, but interestingly police did send a statement saying there was no more than would be expected with 33 new families in the area.”

The mayor said they heard from a former Rural Fire Service captain who is living in the village waiting for his buyback to go through.

“He said that people have a totally wrong impression of what is going on in the village and that many of the accusations being made were unfounded,” Mayor Cherry said.

“Thirty of the thirty three pods are being used by Tweed residents who were flood affected according to the RA.

“The Reconstruction Authority is wanting to have the discussion now about what will happen at the end of the three years. Do we still want them to remove everything when they go or not, considering the close to $20 million spent on building the village?”

Cr Cherry said it puts council in a very difficult position when looking at the future of

the pod village.

“On the one hand, we do everything we can as a council to advocate to the state government to help our community with our housing crisis and demand that they help provide social and key-worker housing, but on the other hand, people are asking to have the housing that they have built taken away,” she said.

“I know neighbouring shires like Byron are taking theirs on for key-worker housing, and we are going to need a lot of housing for nursing and ancillary staff when the new hospital opens.

“The future of this housing village is going to have to be a discussion our whole community has, and at the moment I do not know what the answer is.”

Residents told The Weekly they were shocked by the police statement read at the meeting, saying there were numerous problems at the village that the police attended, including the discovery of a drug lab which closed down pods. They said the ‘dog poo’ issue was human faeces on the verge of the road.

YOUR THOUGHTS: What do you think should happen to the temporary flood village when the lease expires next year? Please send your thoughts and letters to editor@theweekly. net.au

Flood pods were used following the 2022 flood, but what is the future of the temporary pods?

It’s Murbah Rumble time!

By Jonathon Howard

“We did a trial run at the Murwillumbah Leagues Club in 2023, which was a huge success,” Mr Adaway said.

“We wanted to go even bigger this year for our return and the Murwillumbah Showgrounds is a great location and venue.”

Day one will kick off on Friday, March 1, with a meet and greet from 4pm at the Imperial Hotel with live music and good times rolling until late.

Motoring enthusiasts, residents and visitors are then invited to meet at the Murwillumbah Showgrounds from 10am on Saturday, March 2, for a car cruise to Tyalgum Hotel.

“It’s going to be a great cruise and Tyalgum Hotel has kindly put on live music by Ollie Twohill, a smoker with great meats, as well as refreshments to purchase for our lunch stop,” Mr Adaway said.

“We will then cruise back to the Imperial Hotel for an afternoon meet and greet and live music by The Linelockers from 7pm to 11pm.”

Day three of Murbah Rumble will feature the big car show ‘n’ shine at the Murwillumbah Showgrounds from 9am with live music by Push from 10am to 1pm.

Mr Adaway said the event will showcase a dazzling array of classic cars, custom bikes and hot rods, including some of the finest hot rods in the world.

The highlight of the Murbah Rumble will be the jaw-dropping vehicles which are nothing short of masterpieces.

“Get down to the Imperial Hotel, Tyalgum Hotel and Murwillumbah Showgrounds this weekend for a great day out with the family and enjoy some entertainment along the way,” Mr Adaway said.

“The Sun day entry at the show grounds is $10 per per son to enter whilst the Im perial Hotel and Tyalgum Hotel events are free with lunch and drink purchases at the bar.”

Mr Adaway said Murbah Rumble is not just about the vehicles, it’s also a celebration of a tight-knit community bonded by a shared appreciation for motoring.

“Look out for some amazing hot rods this year, including our feature vehicle, Drue’s 1951 Mercury Led Sled with a famous custom paint job and all the trimmings,” Mr Adaway said.

“I’d like to also give a mention to Rod Brewer and the End of the Road Hot Rod Club, as well as Murwillumbah Showgrounds, Imperial Hotel and Tyalgum Hotel for their support of the motoring community.”

To find out more, or to get involved, please phone: 0427 576 304.

Hot rods don't get much hotter than this beauty, a 1951 Mercury Led Sled owned by Murbah Rumble co-organiser Drue Hutchinson

Record number of new graduate nurses and midwives welcomed across Northern NSW LHD

More than 190 graduate nurses and midwives will start work across Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) this year.

This is great news for the Tweed as 86 of the new graduates will have the honour of working at the brand new Tweed Valley Hospital when it opens in May.

These new nurses and midwives will play a vital role in our region’s busy health services – the work they do is at the very heart of the public health system, caring for people in our hospitals, at home and in our communities.

Great news also, a range of positions are now on offer for dedicated healthcare professionals to join the team

delivering essential health services at the new $723.3 million Tweed Valley Hospital.

More full time equivalent (FTE) roles are now being advertised in the latest round of recruitment for positions including nurses, pharmacists, security, managers, technicians, and support roles.

If you’ve ever wanted to work in one of the State’s finest health facilities now is the time to apply. Job vacancies will continue to be advertised as they become available.

All vacancies across Northern NSW Local Health District can be found on the NSW Health jobs website, with specific Tweed Valley Hospital roles available at Tweed Valley Hospital Recruitment. Visit tweedvalleyhospital.health.nsw.gov.au and follow the links to Employment.

Online bookings now taken for Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

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Flood of all floods in ‘22

Continued from front page.

Council crews and contractors have since focused on restoring major road links and public infrastructure, while building greater resilience into community assets so they can better withstand any flooding into the future.

Tweed Mayor Chris Cherry said flood survivors, particularly the many Tweed residents whose homes and businesses were inundated during the event, were in our thoughts.

“Recovery is a long journey and we walk it together,” she said.

a temporary single lane track has been built to restore access for residents while permanent works get underway.

Other major works still ongoing include the restoration of Kyogle Road where there are three major slips and multiple heavy patching is taking place, the rebuilding of Mt Warning Road, Urliup Road and Stokers Road restorations.

Council has completed its cleanout and repair of 90 inundated Council buildings, including the $1 million repair of the Murwillumbah Community Centre, which included significant works to improve the future flood resilience of the building.

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“It has been a roller coaster two years since the worst flood in recorded history impacted our community and I know today will again be difficult for many people, particularly those who remain displaced after losing their homes to the flood.

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“We have made significant progress in our flood recovery and I would like to thank all those who have contributed to that effort and who remain committed to ensuring the Tweed is better prepared next time we are faced with such a flooding disaster.

“Unfortunately, nature dealt us another blow in January this year, when we experienced new flooding which caused more than $5.7 million in additional damage at 174 sites across the Tweed. We are grateful the Federal and NSW Governments have now extended their Disaster Recovery funding to include the January 2024 flooding events.”

To date, more than $90 million has been spent on flood repair work in the Tweed since 2022, with 3,040 road jobs completed – representing more than 80 per cent of roadwork damages by number.

Some of the major road achievements completed include the restoration of Scenic Drive, Reserve Creek Road, Limpinwood Road, Numinbah Road, Nimbin Road and a landslip on Tyalgum Road.

However, work continues on the biggest and most complex restoration project in the Tweed, the extreme landslip on Tyalgum Road, where

Other flood damage projects completed or nearing completion include riparian repair of Tweed River bank near Uki, the Tweed Regional Aquatic Centre’s 50m pool and giant water slide at Murwillumbah, Murwillumbah sale yards and repairs and reinstatement of numerous sporting facilities.

For more information about Council’s flood restoration works, visit: tweed.nsw.gov.au/ flood-restoration-works.

The 2022 flood was one of the biggest on record and the recovery contiunes

Being a carer takes focus and energy, so when thinking about future planning it can be hard to find the time. Having a plan can help you and the person you care for manage changes and challenges more effectively, but where do you start?

The Planning for the Future workshop with Carer Gateway is a free workshop providing carers with the tools and information to plan ahead.

“There are many things to consider as a carer when planning for the future not only for you but the person you care for,”

“The Planning for the Future workshop will guide carers to understand legal documenta tion, lead conversations with family effectively and connect with other services and support” Carers NSW CEO, Elena Katrakis said.

If you are a carer living in the Tweed Heads region, join Carers NSW on Wednesday, 6 March 2024 for the Planning for the Future workshop. The event is free to attend and will take place at South Tweeds Sports Club

About Carer Gateway

Have you heard of Carer Gateway? Carer Gateway is an Australian Government program providing free services and support to carers no matter where they live in Australia. Services include peer support, tailored support packages, counselling, coaching and more.

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South Tweed Heads Sports Club FREE

Swifties new owner

THE DEDICATED owner of Swifties Snack Shack, Nathan MacDonald, is not just a great cook and culinary entrepreneur, he’s also a passionate advocate for supporting local businesses and keeping the community well fed.

Nathan is the new owner of Swifties and has infused his love for good food and dedication to the community into every aspect of the business, which has a long history serving the community right back to 1983.

With a background in food service and a penchant for creativity, Nathan and his trusty team of Swifties, including Jodi Morse and Karen Philp, have made this quaint eatery a haven for local tradies, locals and visitors alike.

“We serve a great range of hot and cold foods from hearty sandwiches to artisanal pastries, each dish is crafted with care and a touch of the Swifties culinary flair,” Nathan said.

“This restaurant offers great coffee, takeaway food and is great for those guests who like to have a snack on the go.

“But you can also relax and enjoy our amazing range of smoked meats from the onsite smoker.”

A local to Murwillumbah, Nathan’s commitment to supporting local tradespeople has become a hallmark of Swifties Snack Shack and is evident in his attention to customer service and satisfaction.

Aware of the long and demanding hours that local tradies endure, he ensures that the menu is not only delicious but also convenient for those on the go.

“Swifties has become a popular pit stop for workers looking for a quick, satisfying bite during their busy schedules,” he said.

“It’s been a tradition here for more than four decades and having worked here multiple times over the years, it’s great to now own the outlet and be able to employ such a great team.”

Nathan’s dedication to both his business and the community is the secret ingredient that makes Swifties Snack Shack a beloved destination in town.

To find out more about Swifties Snack Shack, drop in and say g’day to the friendly team at 22 Quarry Road, South Murwillumbah, or phone ahead on (02) 6672 4370.

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Just a reminder ...

Our team from Helloworld Main Street Murwillumbah are still operating locally and indeed are in town every Monday to meet with clients. We operate by appointment only, providing Face to Face Travel Service for our Murwillumbah/Tweed Valley clientele. Contact us now to book your appointment in the Heart of Murwillumbah CBD. We look forward to hearing from you.

Mountain of jobs

THERE’S A mountain of jobs available at the new Tweed Valley Hospital, with more than 80 full-time equivalent roles advertised across a range of professions.

Among them is positions for nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, security, managers, technicians, and support roles.

Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) has been recruiting to fill existing vacancies and secure key positions in the lead up to the opening of the $723.3 million hospital on Tuesday, May 14.

NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park said the latest round of recruitment will boost the capacity of the local workforce and support the new and expanded services which will soon be available to the community.

“It’s really exciting for a modern new facility like this to open for the community, but it isn’t shiny new buildings which provide the

The new hospital has a range of jobs on the go

healthcare, so what I am really excited about is these varied opportunities for healthcare professionals to join our workforce in the Tweed,” Mr Park said.

“I am pleased the district has already recruited some key new roles such as the Director of Cardiology Services, Corporate Services Manager, clinicians who will deliver our new radiotherapy service, and many nursing and support staff.

“We look forward to welcoming additional staff on board in the coming months.”

Free breast screening

THE MOBILE BreastScreen NSW van will be parked at Knox Park in Murwillumbah until March 21 and residents are encouraged to use the free service.

BreastScreen NSW provides free breast screening to women to support the early detection of breast cancer.

BreastScreen North Coast Acting Director Emma Cronin said a regular breast screen is one of the most important things women can do for their health.

“Detecting breast cancer early increases your chance of survival while reducing the likelihood of invasive treatment such as mastectomy or chemotherapy,” she said.

“Around 90 per cent of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history.

“This is why breast cancer screening is so

important for all eligible women.”

The BreastScreen NSW van will be located in the middle of Knox Park, Murwillumbah.

An appointment with BreastScreen NSW is free, takes less than 20 minutes and no doctor’s referral is needed.

To book a free mammogram, visit book.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au or call 13 20 50.

FREE: Breast screening is free in Knox Park until March 21

NOW OPEN 7 DAYS

University in Lismore to announce a landmark housing agreement that will deliver more than 400 homes in East Lismore.

The agreement, between the Southern Cross University, Landcom and the NSW Reconstruction Authority, unlocks a parcel of 72 hectares of university land for housing development.

Southern Cross University has played a vital role in our community’s recovery — housing emergency evacuation centres and recovery centres, schools, TAFE, banks, government offices and more, and this is yet another initiative to support a revitalised Lismore.

This announcement gives heart, hope and homes to our communities. It makes our rebuild and recovery real and gives a great lift to our economic and social recovery.

Importantly, at least 20 per cent of the development will be set aside for affordable housing, and those in the Resilient Homes Project will be

given priority access to purchase the land and housing.

This means people can move away from the floodplain and stay in their community.

This is the first housing announcement, with more to come across the Northern Rivers.

I encourage you to read more on the website where you can also lodge an expression of interest.

Please use this link: www.nsw.gov. au/departments-and-agencies/nsw-reconstruction-authority/our-work/ northern-rivers/resilient-lands-program

It was also timely to see the NSW auditor-general’s report on the 2022 disaster, which had the recurring message that there was no plan in place to respond to the temporary housing, and as we know, no plan for such a disaster.

I have said that there was no public policy framework and hence no plan and no actions.

Hence the demise of the Resilience NSW, which was charged with being prepared for such disasters.

The auditor-general’s report showed clearly that there was a lack of coordination and no plan for providing temporary housing in the face of a massive natural disaster.

The key thing was that NSW had

already faced a massive disaster with the 2019-20 bushfires and at the time set up temporary pod accommodation.

But the report found that despite that, there were no lessons learned from that disaster so there was no plan when the 2022 floods hit.

So the then NSW Government had to work out how to meet the demand for temporary housing as it was responding to the flood emergency.

Without a plan for how to manage temporary accommodation, there was no clarity about which agencies should be doing what, no land identified in advance for temporary housing sites.

It was policy on the run and led to a situation where there were more pods available than land, and lots of unmet housing demand.

I want to make it clear that it was the then NSW coalition government that had the duty to ensure that the public policy framework is in place for such disasters, and it was not in place, and of course in 2024 that duty is with the NSW Labor government and I can report action is underway.

The auditor-general makes recommendations for the NSW Reconstruction Authority to develop an all-of-government approach to temporary housing.

This is just one example of where there needs to be lessons learned. And that is happening. The NSW Labor government has just released the nation’s first State Disaster Mitigation Plan, to prepare for the threat of extreme weather before disaster strikes.

So on this anniversary it’s hard to find words to describe the journey we’ve been on. The challenges are many and one I face daily is working with bureaucracies that do what I call BAU, business as usual, when we are in a situation that is anything but business as usual.

Red Cross Australia, here locally but also a national institution, and Social Futures show that recovery is anywhere between three to five years, and beyond that in some areas. We were not told this at the outset and whilst our needs have been made clear, we were not informed what to expect in recovery.

However, the most powerful part has been working at such an intimate, interconnected level with community. There’s been a coming together that happened right across our community and that’s what is making us go forward together. We are recovering, we are rebuilding, and we’re about to reimagine our whole community and that’s a lovely thing to be part of.

Janelle Saffin making the Resilient Lands Program announcement at Southern Cross University this month

The Premier Chris Minns with Janelle Saffin and Planning Minister Paul Scully walking the site

CLUB BANORA

Raffles

Sweet Talk with Robert Hawken

EXCELLENT GROWING conditions have prevailed over the last month and the district’s cane and soybeans are looking very green and healthy.

Growers are anticipating strong yields for both crops, with an excepted cane harvest of 480,000 tonnes, well up on the previous two years.

Farmers and other landowners as well as industrial and commercial property owners and homeowners who live in the Tweed’s flood prone areas are most interested in the very topical subjects of flood studies and future strategies for flood mitigation.

Since the early days of European arrival and settlement (and most likely before) major and minor flooding have been regular events which community members have faced with stoicism.

The years 1893, 1954, 1956, 1974, 2017 and 2022 have seen the most major and catastrophic flood events.

The 1954 and 1956 floods are well remembered by many of the district’s older, lifelong residents. The cyclone in 1954 produced torrential rainfall and very destructive winds which caused many homes to be destroyed and many lives lost throughout the north coast.

The 1954 flood has been the benchmark flood to which many floods have been compared. I would be very interested to know how much rain fell in 1954 and over how large an area for the Tweed catchment, compared to other floods since then, especially in 2017 and 2022. Each flood event is different and in 1954 the peak flood height measured in the cane fields at Eviron was 10 feet (or 3.05 metres) above ground level.

In 1974, the maximum flood height in these same fields was lower at 2.7 metres. At other locations on the floodplain, the maximum flood height in 1974 was higher than in 1954.

These differing heights are due to the amount

of rain occurring in the different areas of the catchment.

At Eviron, the 2017 flood peak was greater by approximately 0.5 metres than in 1954, and in 2022, the maximum flood height was a metre above 2017 levels. This is a remarkable and unprecedented maximum flood height, at least in living memory.

Did this occur because of much more rainfall than experienced in previously recorded rain events?

Perhaps it’s evidence of climate change, or was it because of landscape modification such as the M1 motorway and Barneys Point Bridge, or the development of the lower floodplain?

These things may be restricting the natural flow of floodwater. Or is it that the river system is so silted that the efficacy of the river to discharge water into the ocean is compromised?

Or are these recent high flood heights a combination of all these things, as many people claim?

The community deserves to know the facts.

Best wishes to all Tweed Valley Weekly readers.

Until next month, stay safe, Rob Hawken.

Your thoughts on short-term rentals

TWEED SHIRE Council is encouraging residents to share their views on the impact of short-term rental accommodation (STRA) on housing supply in the Tweed Shire.

The NSW Government is seeking feedback on the planning policy and regulatory framework for short-term rental accommodation and on options to encourage the supply of long-term rental accommodation.

The discussion paper is seen as an important step to address the housing crisis in NSW.

Mayor of Tweed Shire, Chris Cherry, welcomed the release of the NSW Government’s discussion paper on this issue and urged residents to have their say before March 14.

“There is no doubt housing supply and the lack of affordable housing is among the most pressing issues facing us here in the Tweed Shire,” Cr Cherry said.

“In communities like the Tweed, where tourism is an important economic driver, the rise of short-term holiday letting through booking agencies such as AirBnB and Stayz, has significantly impacted our permanent rental supply.

“Any move to investigate policy changes to help unlock housing supply and improve housing affordability is welcome.”

Cr Cherry encouraged everyone to take a look at the discussion paper and participate in the questionnaire.

“Your feedback will help ensure the NSW Government strikes the right balance between the benefits of short-term rental accommodation, including to the tourism economy, and encouraging more supply of long-term rental accommodation in NSW,” she said.

Short-term rental accommodation occurs in legally approved residential premises, not traditional tourist and visitor accommodation

such as motels and hotels.

The discussion paper starts a public consultation process where residents can have their say and provide feedback on the adequacy of the current planning and regulatory framework for short-term rental accommodation in NSW and potential policy options, including revenue measures, to incentivise property investors to make properties available for long-term rental accommodation (LTRA).

For more information and links to the discussion paper and a questionnaire visit yoursaytweed.com.au/shorttermrental. Have your say by Thursday, March 14.

Pet-free estate action

By Jo Kennett

COUNCIL WAS forced to take action against a resident who had a dog in Koala Beach, a petfree estate designed as a haven for endangered wildlife, with unconfirmed reports from locals of other residents concealing pets.

Koala Beach and Pottsville Wildlife Watch member Irene Timmins said there was a high incidence of wildlife fatalities and injuries caused by dogs and cats.

“The koala is now an endangered species as are the bush-stone curlews and glossy black cockatoos that call Koala Beach home.

“With them now verging on the edge of extinction and with the many other vulnerable species the Koala Beach lands support, the value of Koala Beach as a cat and dog free area is key to their survival.”

Tweed Shire Council’s director of sustainable communities and environment, Naomi Searle, told The Weekly that council was forced to take legal action against a resident living with a dog in the estate.

“In October last year, council resolved to commence legal action in the NSW Supreme Court on a property owner in Koala Beach Estate for an alleged breach of covenant on title, that being having a dog on the premises, should the unauthorised dog not be removed,” Ms Searle said.

“The dog was subsequently removed so legal action in the NSW Supreme Court did not proceed.”

Koala Beach resident Yvonne Gardiner said that one of the overriding principles of Koala Beach estate from the outset in the mid-1990s “was to protect koalas, other wildlife and their habitat.”

“The main strategy was to exclude dogs and cats from the estate,” she said.

“It is unfortunate that a few residents and visitors choose to ignore this ban and waste ratepayers’ dollars as Tweed Shire Council is

forced to respond to complaints and to take action to remove the dogs.

“Many Koala Beach residents moved into the estate to be able to live safely without dogs/ cats, because of their allergies, phobias and their disability being adversely affected by dogs.

“Wildlife carers and rescuers will tell you that dogs inflict the most dreadful injuries on our native wildlife.

“Just the smell of a dog, an apex predator, is enough to instill fear and stress in a native animal.

“The stress-free environment for wildlife includes not having dogs barking all hours of the day and that happens to be good for residents too.”

The estate was conceived in 1994 in an Australian-first partnership between the Australian Koala Foundation and developers the Ray Group to create a place where threatened wildlife and humans could co-exist.

It is home to around 25 species of endangered or rare flora and fauna and has been hailed as a success by developers, residents and biologists, providing a model for other communities.

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Pets are banned in Koala Beach

Just for Cats to close

By Jonathon Howard

FRIENDS OF The Pound (FotP) has made the tough decision to close its South Murwillumbah cat adoption facility on Prospero Street from June 30 — but will return once the new pound opens.

FotP volunteers told The Weekly the cat rehoming facility was unable to hold on for another 18 months before Tweed Shire Council’s new pound facility at Lundberg Drive is opened in late 2025.

A FotP volunteer said the cat rescue facility at Prospero Street was under a lease agreement until the end of June and it will no longer be available in Murwillumbah from this time.

“We are intending to return to the new pound the moment it opens,” a FotP volunteer said.

“This means that from June 30, 2024, when our lease terminates, there will no longer be a cat facility in the Tweed Valley and residents will instead need to visit our Tweed Heads office at 17/39-41 Corporation Circuit.”

The volunteers expressed disappointment at the slow pace of the new pound, but highlighted extreme circumstances due to the 2022 flood

and subsequent recovery.

“It’s been a challenging time for volunteer groups such as Friends of the Pound, who have had a presence in the Tweed Valley for almost seven years,” the volunteers said.

“Consequently, there will be no facility in Murwillumbah district for people to acquire a cat, surrender or bring in cats that have been found, to loan a cat trap free of charge, buy good quality cat food and equipment at very competitive prices, or board cats at very reasonable rates.”

The volunteers wanted to thank Member for Richmond Justine Elliot, who expressed concern that FotP was closing in Murwillumbah and has indicated she will help in any way.

“We appreciate Ms Elliot’s assistance, but it appears our hands are tied until we get the new pound,” the volunteers said.

If your cat is missing in the Tweed Shire area, please phone the Tweed Shire Council Pound immediately on (02) 6670 2400.

In the meantime, anyone wanting to surrender a cat or dog, or to get involved with Friends of the Pound as a volunteer, please phone: (07) 5524 8590.

Enduro business boon

By Jo Kennett

IT WAS a huge weekend in Pottsville, with the Tweed Enduro providing a boon to local businesses and an opportunity for local organisations to raise some much-needed funds for Wedgetail Retreat.

Hummingbird Bakery and Gelato owner Dee Daws said there were plenty of visitors around from Thursday to the race-day on Saturday, February 24.

“We had quite a few people in on Friday that had Airbnbs and hotels for the weekend,” Dee said.

“I got in at about 2am on Saturday to start baking and we opened at 8am. From the second we opened up there was a lineup of customers.”

Dee said it was one of their busiest days ever.

“It was just a really really good vibe because everyone was in a good mood all day,’ she said.

“The two girls I had working there said they loved it.

“They said it had such a good vibe and everyone was chatty and in a good mood.

“It was just a really really good day.”

Dee said the shops near them, Hooked on Seafood Pottsville and Black Drop Cafe, were also very busy.

“The Black Drop opened around 5.30am (event registration opened at 4am on Saturday morning),” Dee said.

“They were absolutely swamped.

“There were lots of families and people coming into our community so there were only positives. It was a win-win.”

Black Drop Cafe owner James Attard said it was busy on Saturday.

“We normally trade 7am to 2pm seven days a week, so we opened early at 5.30am to catch everyone who was there (to register),” James told The Weekly.

“Once the race was finished they were keen for a meal as well.

“It was definitely busier than a normal Saturday; it was like a festival weekend.

“There were quite a few people around on Sunday as well; there were people that came in for coffee before they headed back home.

“February is typically pretty quiet because everyone is trying to get back to normality after the holidays, so it’s good to have this injection of business in these regional areas when things slow down.

“We put extra staff on so it helps the community like that and we had lots of local customers who did the enduro which is good for fitness so I think it’s great all round.”

Cabarita Pottsville Beach Lions Club were joined by Tweed Youth Service friends and members and Pottsville Sports Club members working the barbecue at the event to raise funds for Wedgetail Retreat to buy a patient lifter.

“I am sure the village gets a lift from the event,” Lions Club member Barb Cahill, who said.

“We buy as much of our product locally as possible and many people were at the shops for coffee and treats throughout the day.”

Local accommodation such as Tweed Holiday Parks Pottsville South were all booked out.

Friends of the Pound for cats will close in South Murwillumbah from the end of June

Hamish and some of the Tweed Youth Services team helped out raising funds at the event

Atthe Footy

Welcome The Weekly Footy Tippers for 2024

with a near full strength side and the second option usually involves some trialists and reward for effort for surviving a pre-season!

w i t h Quinny

VEGAS BABY! VEGAS! All roads lead to Sin City for round 1.

A few diehards from Murwillumbah have made the trip (a few might not make it back!) and what a great concept from PVL. He is a brilliant operator and has made some tough calls during his tenure and all of them have come up trumps.

Two quality NRL games to kick off the season in the US and trying to take on the American market after the SuperBowl is such a gutsy play but well worth it.

In simple dollars and cents with the market available it is a great call.

I for one think it is great and four of the game’s best entertainers in Latrell, Walsh, Turbo and Tedesco will light up the Glitter Strip this weekend.

The Broncos won the preseason challenge by running out a reserve grade side but the $100K is a good addition to make sure the teams do take it seriously. All teams would like at least one hit out

I do like watching the young kids come through and track their development.

In a boost for the English Super League the all conquering Wigan held on against the might of Panthers in a superb World Club Challenge.

It was a quality game with the weather, damp track, small field and match fitness helping the Cherry’s win another title.

The young half Smith is a very good player and former NRL player Bevan French had an impressive night out.

Penrith are now 0/2 but showed they will be about when the whips are cracking (again!!!!) in 2024.

They are just a clinical team that are so well drilled with a true superstar steering the ship it would be a brave man to suggest they cannot win again.

The Lisa Fiola and Open Women’s Northern Rivers Titans teams played their first game against the Northern Tigers on the weekend.

Both teams played well and went down in narrow losses but will be looking to bounce back this weekend in Port Macquarie against North Coast.

The Andrew Johns and Laurie Daley sides are desperate for wins as well against the Bulldogs and the Open Men kick off their campaign on Sunday as well.

The side has been strengthened by the inclusion of NRL stalwarts returning to the Northern Rivers and the grassroots footy including Luke

son.

LasVegas gamesstart Monday

It’s a real credit to these guys to put their hands up when some other younger players didn’t and they have been simply superb around the group and the whole squad have benefitted from their presence.

Local footy is on this weekend at Tugun with Tweed U17 girls playing their final game against Redcliffe.

The U19’s side are undefeated in the Harvey Norman competition with many Northern Rivers girls starring including Savannah Roberts-Hickling, Phoenix Hippi, Sienna Smith and Mia Dendle. The U17’s Cyril Connell side will look to bounce back while the 19s are aiming at 4/4 before a bye.

See you at the footy.

To our dear followers, readers and food lovers

We hope that you are all well. Over at the market things have started to settle back to some normality after the busy Christmas period and then a couple of weeks of wet weather.

In February we have had two new stalls start their 6 week trials with us. The first is Contento Chocolate, which is very exciting for the chocolate lovers out there. Contento is run by Mayda and her family who are passionate about chocolate. What started as a simple love affair with cocoa turned into a journey of crafting their own chocolate two years ago.

Delving into the world of single-origin and fair trade certified cacao, they realized their dream - creating chocolate using organic, responsibly sourced ingredients. They tell me that ensuring fairness at every step, from the cacao farmers to the final product, became their mission. This week, their collection includes 8 distinct chocolate flavours, along with indulgent hot chocolate and a delightful Almond Butter infused with dark chocolate will return to the market. Mayda is proud to say that each creation embodies their commitment to quality, sustainability, and the joy of fine chocolate. You will find Mayda under

the shed next to Yogi Nectar so do pop by to see her product and welcome her to the market.

The second new stall is, Straighten Up. Over at Straighten Up you will find James who will be offering his holistic healthcare services, similar to a chiropractic treatment. So, do pop by to see James and see if he is able to help you with anything . You will find James under the shed in between Heart and Halo and Yogi Nectar. Welcome to the market James.

In sad news, due to a change in circumstances Fair Game they will no longer be doing markets.

I am sure you will all join me in commiseration – this stall not only looked unique but the produce was delicious and the stall will certainly be missed. I would like to express thanks to the team at Fair Game, that being Jonas, Mick and also Mick’s son for their time and effort in getting venison to our market. While they may do an occasional pop-up stall if you would like to source their produce please do get in contact directly with Jonas and Mick via Instagram or their website – or you will find their produce in some of our local shops at the Gourmet Garage, IGA Tweed Valley Way, the Pasta’bah and Kat Harvey Cheese.

This month, we also got to meet the new owners of Byron Spice Pal-

ace, Tom and Bex. It was so lovely to meet the new faces behind this fantastic stall at our market. Tom and Becks will be continuing the same product lines and ‘carried farmer’ lines – so don’t worry we can still access all the wonderful products on offer at this stall. Once Tom and Becx have settled into market life we will be hearing lots more about these two – so watch this space. In the meantime, please join me in welcoming them to the market. With love and gratitude, What’s in season, tasty and interesting at the market this month?

In very exciting news, over at Smoothie Operators Bron was very proud and excited to let me know that she is now making her own coconut milk – this coconut milk is of course used in the delicious smoothies, puddings and porridge. Bron tells me that she makes this with shredded coconut, spring water, macadamia oil (sourced from Rainforest Foods) and also a dash of maple syrup. Not only does making her own coconut milk mean that Bron no longer has to trail round the local food stores for the right coconut milk but it means that she is able to make the coconut milk either the day before in preparation for the market day or on the market day itself, so,

her coconut milk couldn’t be any fresher! Bron also tells me that one of the driving forces behind them wanting to make this change was simply to reduce the amount of waste that their business produces – usually coconut milk from the supermarket comes in containers - by making their own the amount of waste coming from their stall is significantly reduced. This means there is also less waste going into the market’s bins each week. Thank you Bron and Andrew for making this more sustainable change at your stall – and of course all resulting in an even more delicious product for all of us customers.

A many of you will have noticed and may even have withdrawal symptoms, we have been missing one of our staple stalls this last few weeks – yes, I am talking about Costanzo Apples. Andy has had a well-deserved break while waiting for new season apples to come along. You will all be incredibly happy to hear that Andy is back in his usual spot with new season Royal Gala apples. These apples have a sweet taste and are crisp with a lovely vibrant colour to them.

They are great eaten fresh, in salads and of course in desserts. Welcome back Andy – and hope you all enjoy having apples back!

Ryan at Summit Organics tells

me that bull horn peppers are in season at the moment. The name of these ‘peppers’ is deceiving as they are not spicy in flavour and instead have a mild and delicious sweet taste. Instead they are in the capsicum family. You will spot this variety of the capsicum straight away as they are curved and hornshaped peppers and a vivid red colour. These sweet delights are an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin E and potassium – so they’re great for our immunity and is an antioxidant. These peppers are a great addition to a salad, roasting or even stuffing with cheese or rice and baked in the oven.

Last but by no means least, what with all of the recent summer sun around this is the optimal time for growing chillis – John at Jumping Red Ant tells me that sunshine and chillies go hand in hand.

Chillies are packed full of nutrients – in particular chillies are full of vitamin C and in fact have more vitamin C than oranges, so they are great at boosting the immune system. Chillies also contain a nutrient called capsaicin.

When and where?

When: EVERY Wednesday 7am to 11am - come rain or shine!

Where: Mur willumbah Showground (via gate 5)

Flutterbies Piano Room reopens

By Solar Chapel

HEARTS AFLAME Productions is proud to present the return of the acclaimed Flutterbies Piano Room concert series on Saturday, March 23.

The intimate musical event celebrates its milestone 10th anniversary season after a two-year intermission.

Headlining this anniversary performance at the beloved Flutterbies venue is award-winning pianist Ayesha Gough, a longtime favourite of Tweed audiences.

“The intimacy of the Flutterbies venue is its most unique aspect,” Gough said.

“It’s wonderful to connect with a small group of people, like chamber music for aristocracy in the past.

“These smaller performances feel very meaningful as I’m able to engage with the audience in a human way!”

Gough will be joined by acclaimed soprano Gabrielle Diaz of Opera Queensland acclaim. Together these exceptional artists will transport audiences with classics by Mozart, Puccini, Chopin, Liszt, Rossini and more.

After a decade of sold-out shows featuring the finest talent in our region and beyond, the return of this cherished concert series is a cause for celebration.

Treat yourself to an evening of music in the cozy beautiful candle lit Flutterbies Piano Room. Tickets are $55 per person.

Secure your spot for this special 10th anniversary event.

Seating is limited and selling fast. For more information please phone: 0488 713 241. Bookings can be made via: heartsaflameproductions.com.au

Seniors Festival

SENIORS FESTIVAL is about to kick into gear as March brings this year’s theme of ‘Reach Beyond’ and local libraries are your go to locations for free fun!

Tweed is home to thriving population of local seniors who are being encouraged to take advantage of the range of events and activities. To celebrate, the Tweed Shire libraries have the following free activities for Seniors to join in, have fun and connect with their community.

Let’s Talk About Dementia

What are the common myths? How can we help people live with dementia every day? What can our community do to help? Join Dementia Australia to talk about dementia in our communities. Morning tea provided. Thursday, March 7, 10am at Murwillumbah Library.

Chair Yoga

Try Chair Yoga at Murwillumbah Library. Chair yoga poses are modified traditional poses performed while sitting on a chair. Great for relation, flexibility, breathing and meditation. A fantastic option for people with limited mobility or recovering from injury. Suitable for all levels of fitness. Wednesday, March 13, 10am at Murwillumbah Library.

Tea Towel Printing

Personalise a tea towel with your own print design. This workshop involves carving your design using soft eraser like material and printing onto a tea towel. All equipment and materials

provided. Bookings essential.

Kingscliff Library 10am Wednesday, March 20.

Tweed Heads Library 1.30pm Wednesday ,March 20.

Murwillumbah Library 10am Friday, March 22.

Musical Memories

Join us for a trip down musical memory lane. Sing along with entertainer Chris Harvie as we relive hits from musicals through the decades. Morning tea provided. Monday, March 25, 10am at Murwillumbah Library.

Be Connected - Building Digital Skills

Murwillumbah Library can help you discover how being online can add new skills and experiences to your life. Free one on one technology sessions available Thursdays. Bookings essential. Phone Murwillumbah Library for more information.

Bookings are essential for all events. Please phone relevant library to book your place or for more information.

• Mur willumbah Library (02) 6670 2427

• Tweed Heads Library (07) 5536 3672

• K ingscliff Library (02) 6674 1607

Each week the Tweed Shire libraries hold a range of events and activities for all ages.

To find out more go to the Richmond Tweed Regional Library (RTRL) website at: www. rtrl.nsw.gov.au or the RTRL Facebook page.

Ayesha Gough is headlining

91265

Joy of the 12 Dancing Princesses

By Madeleine Murray

THE TWELVE DANCING PRINCESSES is coming to the Tweed Heads Civic Centre for six performances in March.

The wonderful family show, presented by the Tweed Theatre, is written and directed by talented Natalie Trengove.

It follows 12 lovely young girls who are looking for fun and romance, in spite of their overbearing, protective father King Albert.

The king has struggled to raise his daughters ever since his beautiful wife was tragically killed by a band of outlaws. The princesses are heavily guarded in the palace, and locked in their rooms at night.

So how is it that they seem to wear out their shoes in a single night? Maybe their visiting aunt Lady Monica, played by Donna McGlinn, can help solve the mystery – or is she a part of it?

“My presence at the palace changes everything,” Donna told The Weekly. “I use my magic powers to encourage the princesses to dance at night.”

Many young men try to solve the mystery of the worn out shoes in in order to win the hand in marriage of the princess of their choice, but it is a humble soldier who eventually solves the puzzle, bringing peace and happiness back to the palace.

Musician and composer Jim Fury has written 10 beautiful musical pieces.

“It’s great working with such talent,” Donna said. “I was lucky enough to play Lady Monica when Tweed Theatre originally staged Natalie’s show in 2015. Itvwas such a wonderful experience, made more so by the fact that my daughter played the role of Polly and my son played the role of Danny.”

Tweed Theatre is known for encouraging families to work together and connect in its productions.

“Now I’m reprising my role as Lady Monica, and I can’t wait to get back on the stage,” Donna said. “It’s been wonderful getting to know and work with a new, upcoming cast. It’s always great to see young children’s confidence and skills grow with each rehearsal.

“The Twelve Dancing Princesses has great songs, dancing, costumes and characters. Children young and old alike will enjoy watching the story unfold. I know I’m looking forward to seeing many little princesses in all their finery in the audience, enchanted by the show!”

The Twelve Dancing Princesses is on at 2pm on March 9, 10, 16, 17, 23 & 24, at the Tweed Heads Civic Centre, 17 Brett St, Tweed Heads. Cabaret seating, nibbles and drinks. For tickets, go to tweedtheatre.com.au, 1800 674 414, or at the door.

New show at Mist Cabarita

By Madeleine Murray

MIST GALLERY CABARITA presents the indigenous artist Jason King, and prize-winning sculptor and painter Andrew Cullen in a new show for the month of March.

In his show Guriaabu (A long time ago) Jason King delves into Dreamtime stories.

“Guriaabu is a journey of exploration and interpretation. The theme of creation and the distant past takes on a personal resonance, inspiring my creative expression,” Jason told The Weekly.

The First Nation artist aims to capture the timeless essence of ancestral beings by shaping landscapes, and using colours and symbols that echo sacred narratives.

“In this dance of tradition and innovation, my art becomes a contemporary conduit, weaving

the threads of ancient stories into a visual that connects past, present, and future,” he said. Andrew Cullen’s show, called Island of the Gods, is inspired by Bali. “Those lucky enough to visit or live in Bali often recount their experiences with exuberance and satisfaction, yet almost always mention civic issues that have resulted from its popularity,” he told The Weekly.

“This unstoppable, accelerating commerce brings inevitable repercussions, such as environmental pollution and the degradation of social culture.

“Island of the Gods examines how places of beauty can easily become unsanitary playgrounds for fools.”

The exhibition runs March 1-28 at Mist Gallery, 1B-51 Tweed Coast Rd, Cabarita Beach. Opening drinks are at 4pm Saturday March 2. For more info, go to mist-gallery.com.au

King Albert (Dan Benmajor) reintroduces Lady Monica (Donna McGlinn) to his eldest daughter, Princess Annabell (Kaitie Colwell) and youngest daughter, Princess Lucy (India Peters-Shaw)

Jagun Jalijaln by Jason King (left), and Chooks by Andrew Cullen

Bob Downe homeward bound with Mandy Nolan

By Madeleine Murray

PREPARE TO BE SHOCKED, outraged and insulted with the polyester king Bob Downe along with politician/performer Mandy Nolan on Wednesday March 13 at the Murwillumbah Civic Centre.

The host of the fictional daytime TV show Good Morning Murwillumbah, Bob Downe is one of the most loved and enduring characters in the Australian comedy scene.

Outrageous, offbeat, spontaneous and absolutely on point, Bob Downe is in a league of his own.

Back in 1988 the TV show Good Morning Melbourne carried a special fictional segment from regional Australia called Good Morning Murwillumbah, hosted by the naïve, gormless Bob Downe (comedian Mark Trevorrow).

Weirdly, Mark Trevorrow was actually from the town with the hard-to-pronounce name, our very own Murwillumbah.

Now he is back, for the first time, to shock the very place that spawned him!

“I’ve toured with Bob as his opening act, and he is without a doubt one of the funniest people I’ve ever seen,” Mandy said.

“But Bob has a dirty secret! He’s never done a show in Murwillumbah! So I invited him to perform a blast from the past, a tribute to the town that Bob speaks of every time he hits the stage.

“Can you join me for a night with Bob Downe, the fabulously cheesy, safari suit-wearing, dazzling white-toothed, smooth-humped Ken doll, singing and dancing alter ego of TV and radio personality Mark Trevorrow?”

When The Weekly asked Bob about Mur’bah, he said, “‘Oh Murwillumbah! I’ve been away from my home town for too long – has it really been 40 years? And now I can’t afford to live there!”

This sounds like a great show, especially for people from Mur’bah. When do you get a chance to have you and your town personally mocked and satirised by two great comedians? To see some clips of the old TV shows, look up Bob Downe Special – Good Morning Murwillumbah on youtube.com. Downe Home

is on at 7pm on Wednesday March 13 at the Murwillumbah Civic Centre. For tickets, go to mandy4richmond.com/downe_home

Man from Earth will astound

By Ken Corbitt

SCIENCE FICTION fans will be astounded by Murwillumbah Theatre Company’s latest production, The Man from Earth, showing at the Mur willumbah Civic Centre from March 8-24.

The Man from Earth is a stage adaptation of a cult sci-fi movie of the same name. Jerome Bixby originally addressed the idea of immortality in an episode of Star Trek in the ’60s and finally wrote the screen play for this story on his deathbed in 1998, dictating much of the script to his son.

The story unfolds when a group of academics gather for a farewell party for their colleague John Oldman. As the evening progresses, Oldman reveals an astonishing secret – he is a 14,000- year-old immortal who has witnessed the entire span of human history.

The narrative revolves around the intense discussions and debates that arise among the characters as they grapple with the implications of Oldman’s extraordinary claim. He is quizzed by the university dons – a biologist, an anthropologist and a psychiatrist.

of human existence, philosophy, and morality, prompting the characters to confront their beliefs and challenge conventional perspectives on religion, science, and the nature of humanity.

Director David Thomas told The Weekly he was excited to bring The Man from Earth to the stage: “This is a compelling story that is certain to tap into the interests of many people.

“With the quality of the cast, this will be a fantastic show.”

The Man from Earth is celebrated for its compelling narrative, intellectual depth, and the way it stimulates contemplation on the human condition. The play challenges preconceived notions and invites the audience to ponder the complexities of existence, leaving a lasting impact that extends beyond the confines of the stage.

The play delves into various aspects

02 6672 8265

As you may well have noticed, The Regent has been closed for February and will continue to be into early March, for much-needed projector servicing and general maintenance. There are some shifts happening behind the scenes, which will come to light when the time is right ...stay tuned!

We have some truly important special events coming up from mid March, don’t miss them!

THE TRUST FALL: JULIAN ASSANGE, documents the significance of the insights that WikiLeaks shared with the world and the extraordinary personal risk taken by Assange. With a special Q & A with Director Kym Staton for both screenings, booking ahead is recommended). Have some food and share a drink on our beautiful balcony pre, or postshow. To balance out the film fan’s menu, and particularly for the music lovers, the new Bob Marley film ONE LOVE, will be shown prior to the hard hitting Assange events.

On Saturday 23rd March the MAKERS FILM FESTIVAL will be screening brought to you by The Tweed Regional Gallery. The Makers Film Festival is a short film program, showcasing, craft, makers and making in 17 short films from 7 countries. Tickets available on our website. The Regent continues to be available for private screening bookings anytime you choose – grab some friends and let us treat you like a super star! You can put anything on a laptop onto our big screen – binge watch your fav shows and have a sleepover with your besties! Enjoy a games night cinema size!! Private cinema tours also bookable for the full film buffs and cinephiles for a complete behind the scenes sticky-beak! Our Balcony can also be reserved for your private use, whatever the weather, come celebrate your milestone, or have a meaningful meeting in true historical style. Enquire now hello@the-regent.com.au

BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE

An amazing movie that celebrates the life and music of an icon who inspired generations through his message of love and unity. On the big screen for the first time, discover Bob’s powerful story of overcoming adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music. Produced in partnership with the Marley family and starring Kingsley Ben-Adir as the legendary musician and Lashana Lynch as his wife Rita.

Friday 15/03/2024 - 3:30PM

Sunday 17/03/2024 - 3:30PM

Join us for a special screening of The Trust Fall: Julian Assange, with a special introduction and Q and A with Director Kym Staton. This documentary examines the meaning and significance of the insights that WikiLeaks shared with the world, the resulting behaviour of the governments involved, the extraordinary personal risk taken by Assange, and the wider fundamental issues around press freedom that affect all of us and our right to know.

Friday 15/03/2024 - 6:00PM

Sunday 17/03/2024 - 6:00PM

The Man from Earth will show on Fridays March 8, 15 and 22, on Saturdays March 9, 16 and 23 at 7.30pm, and Sundays March 10, 17 and 24 at 2pm. For tickets go to murwillumbahtheatrecompany.com.au, or t trybooking.com/ CNXEE, at the door or on 0498 831 575. Cabaret seating (choose your table when booking) with BYO food and drinks. Snacks and tea/coffee will be served at the canteen.

Presented by the Tweed Regional Gallery, Maker & Smith are delighted to present the 2023 edition of the Makers’ Film Festival (MFF23) to showcase craft,makers, and making in 17 short films from 7 countries in a 90 minute program. Craft, seen on the big screen, allows us to focus our attention on how we interact with crafted objects.The makers within these moving picture stories muse on the sustainable use of materials, express their cultural heritage, explore social and political change, and also make us laugh

Sunday 23/3/2024 - 4:30PM

FILM SCREENING - DAMAGE + Q and A with Filmmaker

Ali is not a citizen. He drives a taxi using another man’s license and relies on the GPS to negotiate his way around a city he doesn’t know

Sunday 7/04/2024 - 6PM 91348

The cast from left, Darren Farrell, David Lang, David Parkinson, Jim Fullerton, Yasir Assam, Natasha Jankovic, Christine Ray and Nakita Newell

MAKERS FILM FESTIVAL

THE TRUST FALL: JULIAN ASSANGE + Filmmaker Kym Staton Q&A

5 Brisba St Murwi umb

ACROSS

1 Thickset (6)

3 Theoretical (8)

5 Lessened (7)

9 Happy (7)

11 Edible seed (6)

13 Parasol (8)

15 Greek filo dessert (7)

16 Mental activities (8)

17 Kitchen time measurer (8)

18 Globetrotter (9)

21 Amaze (8)

23 Among (6)

24 Young horse (8)

27 Worship (7)

30 Chest bone (7)

33 Customer (6)

34 Woe! (4)

35 Egg dish (8)

39 To morally bind (6)

40 Studied (11)

43 Mischievous (6)

44 Sing to; woo (8)

47 Agricultural land (4)

48 Forces out (6)

51 Communal toilet (7)

54 US marsupial (7)

56 Hawaiian capital

JUNIOR CROSSWORD

CLUES

1 Meatballs fall from a what?

2 Who pretends to be a character?

3 Two words, a phone game and movie (with 8-across)

4 What goes with Bed, Flute, Dragon and Pudding?

5 James Mayhew’s books about a girl

6 Ice Age 5 is set in what?

7 First name of The BFG author

8 Two words, see 3-across

1. Over the next 20 years, the Tweed Shire population is anticipated to grow by how many people? a) 5,000–10,000, b) 15,000-30,000 or c) 40,000–50,000?

2. What is Gen Z?

3. What is the name of the movie that was filming at Taylors Corner in Murwillumbah last week?

4. What is the name of the local Koala support group, Team Koala or The Koala Team

Team

(8)

57 Slumbering (6)

58 Type of clover (8)

61 Surpass (9)

65 Travel document (8)

67 Charm (8)

68 Marine mammal (7)

69 Roughly (8)

70 Choose (6)

71 Creeping (7)

72 Trap, catch (7)

73 Alarmed (8)

74 Famous gorgon (6)

DOWN

2 Burn a body (7)

3 Examiner of accounts (7)

4 Huge statues (7)

5 Blush (5)

6 Limbless amphibian (9)

7 Bunny (6)

8 Talking bird (6)

10 Escargot (5)

11 Spotted feline (7)

12 Opposite of day (5)

14 Luggage (7)

19 Regretted (4)

20 Verge (4)

22 Type of spouse

(pl) (8)

25 Genuine (4)

26 Contraction of ‘is not’ (4)

28 Blatant (5)

29 Tests (5)

31 Debris (6)

32 Robbed (6)

36 Warm-blooded vertebrate (6)

37 Less difficult (6)

38 Prison breakers (8)

41 Juliet’s lover (5)

42 Requires (5)

45 Ancient structure (4)

46 Void (4)

49 Thunder god (4)

50 Plot (4)

52 Prized items (9)

53 Collapse inwards (7)

55 Disheveled (7)

57 Facet (6)

59 Painters, e.g. (7)

60 Oily fruit (5)

61 Twisted (7)

62 Viper (5)

63 Defiled (7)

64 Small rowboat (6)

66 Herb (5)

WORDSEARCH: EVERYTHING VOLCANIC

Can be Reversed or Diagonal

Volcanic, 20millionyearsago, shield, eons,

lava, plug, caldera, mountains,

valley, river, subtropical, rainforests,

eruption, Cauldron, erosion, ash

9 LETTER

Minimum word length 4 letters. No plurals allowed. Every word must contain the centre letter (once only).

11 words: Good

16 words: Very good 22 words: Excellent

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

LAST WEEK’S SUDOKU

258396741

163748952

947125368

812534679

376289514

495671823

634817295

529463187

781952436

THIS WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

Junior: Snore, Cloud, Actor, Angry, Magic, Katie, Space, Roald, Birds (CRACKERS)

5. What bus company has bought Murwillumbah Bus Company and Singhs Bus Services? PET

Stitch

Foster Dog FD1677 $550

Breed: Kelpie X

D.O.B. 06/07/2021

Desexed Female M/C # 900164002075887

Meet Stitch, a lovely natured girl with a stunning shiny black coat! Stitch is very energetic and loves to play games like fetch. Being a working breed, Stitch loves having a job to do and is really enjoying learning new skills in the GADAH training program. Her super smart brain means she has heaps of potential to become an awesome family dog. Stitch is looking for an active family who can provide her with space to run and lots of things to do. For more information contact Yvette on 0421 831 128.

Location: Murwillumbah

JUNIOR CROSSWORD

4.

Koala, 5. Kinetic

FEATURED BUSINESS

AFTER MAKING the move

from Victoria to Northern NSW, Joe Tarapacz settled in Tweed Heads where he met his wife Cathy.

“We love the Tweed so much, it’s got such a relaxed feel and lifestyle with beaches, rivers and bushland to enjoy, and amazing weather,” the couple said.

The couple said they know how busy life can get and how hard it is to find reliable trustworthy workers. That’s why Odd Job Joe and his sidekick Cathy have established the service.

“We’re here to help you,” the couple said. The business is here to help people with those odd jobs around the home and garden.

“Anything from gardening jobs, fence painting, picture hanging, and basic repairs, we can help,”

Joe said.

“We’ve installed a clothesline, repaired entry steps, painted garage doors and installed a new mat on a trampoline.

“Last week we dismantled an above ground swimming pool and took it to the tip along with a load of other stuff our client wanted to get rid of, she was so happy to see her back yard tidied up.

“The rejuvenation of a swimming pool deck last December was a rewarding job for us, it looks great!”

Joe has a range of experience and has worked as a handyman and cleaner for years.

“I’ve run other businesses in gardening and lawn mowing, window cleaning contractor and various cleaning jobs throughout my life,” he said.

Odd Job Joe receives outstanding feedback from clients.

“Our clients absolutely love us. We often get comments like ‘Wow, that looks amazing’, ‘I’ve been wanting to get that done for years, where have you been?’ and many have become regular ongoing customers,” Joe said. Having successfully completed a Certificate III in Disability Support, Odd Job Joe is NDIS cleared with police checks in place and offers a service with full public liability insurance for your peace of mind.

“We look forward to building our business and offering the Tweed and surrounding areas a ‘one stop shop’ to get those odd jobs around the house done in a satisfactory and timely manner,” the couple said.

For Sale

TRAILER, HANS, 7 foot x 4 foot, 500mm sides, cage, rear legs, tilt, big axle, light private use. Lots of extras, more info, Rego. $2200. Ph 0408 795 505

BLACKWOOD DINING TABLE with 6 chairs. $600, White outdoor dining setting with 4 chairs $75, Jarrah coffee table $100. Ph: 0427 758 939

Garage Sale

GARAGE SALE Saturday 2nd March, 8am. Kitchen Appliances, Crockery, Utensils, Furniture, Rugs etc. 32 Mylestom Circle, Pottsville

Massage

Massage

Cool Body Massage & Waxing Tweed Heads South 7 Days bookings only 0479 171 398 www.tweedheadsmassage.com

Positions Vacant

NEEDED J and B buses and Coach. Casual bus drivers. Minimum 20 hours per week. Call John 0427 453 091

TWEED RIVER SEAFOOD is a local seafood business selling fresh and cooked seafood to the public. We have a full-time position available to someone who is passionate about seafood and is capable of providing great service to our customers You will work approximately 38-42 hours per week and be available for weekend and evening shifts. You will be paid above award wages including weekend and penalty rates with generous staff discounts for product purchased in store. Contact michael@ tweedriverseafoods.com.au or drop your resume into the shop.

CASUAL WORKER wanted, farm work, Murwillumbah. Phone 02 6672 1145

DENTAL ASSISTANT, recent experience required. Wednesdays 8.30am- 5.30pm. extra days available from April. Located Tweed City - Phone 0409 713 879

TWEED HEADS COOLANGATTA TAXIS

FOR WORK?

training provided.

now.

SHEA

Phone 0438 545 813

Positions Vacant

Tweed Valley Weekly is seeking a new salesperson to join our team in the Trades and Professional Services section.

The role is offering a strong hourly rate and flexible hours per week, working from our head office at Queen Street in Murwillumbah.

The successful applicant will have great communication skills and is seeking something long-term.

Please apply via email to editor@theweekly.net.au or call our office on (02) 6672 4443.

Positions Vacant

McGuiness Funerals

Position:

Department: McGuiness Funerals – Murwillumbah and Billinudgel

Purpose:

We are seeking a Casual Funeral Directors Assistant (FDA) to ensure our Funeral Services run smoothly, professionally and to a high standard.

Responsibilities:

To Assist our Funeral Directors in preparing and setting up for services and being competent in the operation of equipment such as photo tributes and music.

Hours:

Needs to be flexible in their availability and work hours.

Qualifications:

The person we are seeking must be compassionate, caring and composed under pressure. Must have strong communication skills and be professional in their appearance and have a good work ethic. Must be tech-savvy with the ability to adapt new technologies.

How to Apply:

Submit resume and cover letter to info@mcguinessfunerals.com.au

About the role:

This role is an integral part of our business and your care, dignity for the deceased and attention to detail is paramount. Funeral assistant work is carried out on an as needed basis and during business hours.

The roles includes:

• Using AV and Live Stream equipment and being tech savvy

• Chauffeuring families to and from funerals if required

• Ensure funeral vehicles are clean and packed with all necessary equipment

• Ensure funeral directors instructions are followed to enable smooth running of the funeral

• Warmly greeting and welcoming all family members and funeral mourners at a funeral service

• Trimming coffins

• Setting up graves

• Transferring deceased into our care from nursing homes, hospitals etc Skills and experience: We are seeking highly motivated candidates to become funeral assistants

Public Notice

Death Notice

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of ‘Turtle’

John William Thurtell

Beloved husband of Theresa, proud father of Kara, Jill and Michael, adored grandfather of Mia, Jayson, Nicolas, Scarlet and Kyran. John passed away peacefully at home surrounded by love.

A celebration of John’s life will be held at Brothers Leagues Club on Friday 1st March at 3pm. Please join us in celebrating him.

Kerry Elizabeth MacDonald

Passed away peacefully on 20th February 2024 at e Tweed Hospital, late of Tweed Heads. Aged 72 years.

Beloved wife of Don Loving and caring mum of Eileen and Scot

“Loved and remembered by all her family and friends”

A celebration of Kerry’s life has been held

Tweed Heads Ph: (07) 5599 1500

25.12.1999 - 05.03.2018

ere isn’t a day that goes by that we don’t think of you Your laugh, your smile, your smell, your cuddles. We will never understand why you had to leave us but as long as we live, you will live through us. We love and miss you so very much.

 Love Mumma Bear, Dad, Shaun, Keira, Hunter, Charlie and your Fur Babies xx

Funeral Notice

WILLIAM (BILL) CHARLES HINDS

28.10.1931 – 23.02.2024

Passed away surrounded by his loving family. Late of Pottsville. Formerly of Canberra & Sydney. Loving Husband of Barbara for 72 years. Adored & Loved Dad to Gail & Michael, Annette & Daryl and Lynn & Brian.

Devoted Pop (The Joker) to 8 Grandchildren, 13 Great Grandchildren and 1 Great Great Grandchild. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend Bill’s Funeral Service to be held at the Tweed Valley Lawn Cemetery Chapel, 813 Eviron Rd, Eviron on Monday 4th March 2024 at 11am followed by burial. No flowers by request. Please wear bright colours.

Return Thanks

Death Notices

SEARLES Debra Gaye 13/02/2024

Dolphin Funerals

0427 743 817

BROOMHALL Mark David 16/02/2024

Dolphin Funerals

0427 743 817

LEYDON Patricia Anne 20/02/2024

Dolphin Funerals

0427 743 817

Edna Joyce Gallard

(née Skennar)

Late of Murwillumbah

20.9.1930 ~ 31.1.2024

e Irvine family wish to express our sincere thanks for the many cards, owers, messages of condolences and support following the passing of our Mother, Nanna and Nan Nan. Your kindness at this di cult time is much appreciated.

In Memoriam

In loving memory of Aileen Jean Goudie (nee Mayberry)

5.3.1924 ~ 14.3.2022

Ex Service Army Signals 1942 - 1945

Shine on you beautiful diamond

With love and grace you showed us

With quiet strength you helped us

With dignity you left us

You are loved and missed by all of us Your Family

In Memorium

BRYCE STANLEY NORTH 17/4/1970-27/2/2022

Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, so loved, so missed, so very dear.

Mum, Clayton, Renee, Ross and families

HALL Elizabeth Anne 21/02/2024

Dolphin Funerals

0427 743 817

HAYES Raymond Douglas 22/02/2024

Dolphin Funerals

0427 743 817

RICHARDS Shirley Faye 22/02/2024

Dolphin Funerals

0427 743 817

HECKSCHER John William 23/02/2024

Dolphin Funerals

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HINDS William (Bill) Charles 23/02/2024

Dolphin Funerals

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McENERY Cedric Norman 24/02/2024

Dolphin Funerals

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Kayla Alexis Hufton

IF I SHOULD GO TOMORROW

If I should go tomorrow

It would never be goodbye,

For I have left my heart with you, So don’t you ever cry.

The love that’s deep within me, Shall reach you from the stars, You’ll feel it from the heavens, And it will heal the scars.

THANK YOU

The family of Ronald James Fuller would like to thank you very much for the cards, flowers & kind expressions of sympathy shown following his sad passing.

Your support at this difficult time was very much appreciated and of great comfort to all of the family.

Cudgen goes down to competition leaders

By Jo Kennett

IT WAS Round 8 in the LJ Hooker League on Saturday, February 24, with Cudgen in third spot going down to Goonellabah, and Murwillumbah being beaten by second placed Marist Brothers.

Pottsville’s Nathan Pryke said they only got the first week of Round 7 in, against Marist Brothers on February 3 and then it got washed out so that round was a draw.

“The first day we didn’t go too well, ending on 7/296,” Nathan said.

“They batted really well all day. We bowled well at the end with different people picking up wickets but they outplayed us.

“We had Tintenbar in the T20 but they forfeited for the rest of the year. We played Casino.

“Pedi and Sebastian Parry opened and got us off to a pretty good start; we were 0/40 after four overs. Pedi got out and Jamie Tripp got 21 and Tex (Parry) got run out.

“Will Fenwick came in and got out for 12 and Nathan Wilson and I came in. Wilso got out for 28 and then Harry O’Brien came in for his first grade debut. We both finished not out at 5/142.”

Potty went into bowl with Jamie Tripp finishing at 4/15 off four, Pedi and Sam Acret picking up one wicket and Nathan 2/17 off four, getting Casino out for 143 to take the win.

“Now we are sitting pretty so we should be up there for the final. We play Cudgen and Murwillumbah on Sunday, March 3, at Murwillumbah,” Nathan said.

Pottsville had a bye in the LJ Hooker League.

Cudgen had a bye and then were rained off for the other two games this month.

Captain Alec Williams said the Hornets were supposed to be playing Goonellabah in a must-win LJ Hooker two-day game at Lismore on February 17.

“It got called off Friday night so it was just a one-day game on the weekend,” Alec said.

“We have Alstonville in the last

Khanacross launching

By Jonathon Howard

MURWILLUMBAH SPORTING Car Club

is back for 2024 and its regular community Khanacross events are scheduled to kick off from next month.

Club sponsorship and publicity manager Barry Wearing said he’s calling for new members this year.

“We have our first Khanacross at the Murwillumbah Showgrounds on Sunday, March 3, which will coincide with Murbah Rumble Hot Rod and Custom Car Show,” Barry said.

Murbah Rumble will be set up in the main arena of the showgrounds whilst the Murwillumbah Car Club Khanacross track will be set up on the grass track behind the grandstand. Barry said the club is stepping up its range of

events this year and has partnered with Gold Coast Tweed Motorsporting Club (GCTMC).

“We’re excited to be partnering with GCTMC this year, who will bring their members to our August 11 Khanacross event which promises to be another exciting day of time trials,” he said.

The Murwillumbah Car Club is also calling on new members to sign up with the club and experience the Young Driver Education Program.

“This is a highly successful and awarded youth focus driving program that helps learners to understand the dangers of driving and improve their driving skills and awareness,” Barry said.

“So get down to the Murwillumbah Showgrounds on Sunday, March 3, from 9am for the Khanacross and Murbah Rumble events.”

To find out more or sign up to Murwillumbah Sporting Car Club please phone: 0407 120 113.

round. We flogged them in the T20 so we would probably be pushing for an outright win if everything goes right.

“Pat Rosser was away on the weekend representing NSW in the National Indigenous Carnival at Alice Springs.”

Sadly the Hornets lost the game over the weekend to the competition leaders, with Cudgen batting first and Alec Williams top scoring on 65, while Zac Blattner scored 48. Cudgen were all out for 164, with the hosts chasing them down with the loss of only four wickets. That means the Hornets will travel to Lismore for the semi-finals.

“We played Ballina Bears in the T20 (February 4) and got 4/145 and they

only got 8/125.

“We will host the T20 final in Cudgen.”

Alstonville beat Murwillumbah easily in the T20. Murbah did better in Round 7 of the LJ Hooker League scoring 182 runs against Casino but it looks like that game was washed out. They played Marist Brothers on the weekend but closing at 10/85, were chased down easily, with the Lismore lads only losing four wickets.

The next T20 game is this Sunday and the finals (semi and grand finals) will be held on March 10 at Cudgen’s Reg Dalton Field. Round 9 of the LJ Hooker League is this Saturday, March 2.

Never too old for a New Years resolution

By Jo Kennett

THE CROQUET Club at Tweed Heads in Recreation Street happily accepts the young, those with disabilities and age is no barrier. A game of limited amounts of exercise but plenty of brain teasing.

Amongst recent new members we welcomed a Gentleman of 93 about to turn 94. After a couple of days of watching and asking many questions he picked up a mallet and was hooked - line and sink er! Loves the game, loves the Club and is an excellent player who appears every play day on offer.

Jack Lawfordl who not so long ago made a tandem skydive is our ‘find of the year’. A self made man. He explains in great detail of a fractured upbring ing in Christchurch and Welling ton, New Zealand.

At completion of his schooling Jack started an apprenticeship first as an electrician but soon moving into engineering. Notably working for Len Southward putting togeth er a powerful speedboat. The first model, a converted secondhand boat fitted with kittihawk engines was a distinct failure falling apart under intense vibration. The second model built from scratch was brought to Australia and won the Australasian Waterspeed Record.

Age 21 Jack flew into Rose Bay, Sydney on the Flying Boat. At the

outset of life in Australia Jack tried a number of different jobs and moved between Melbourne, Tasmania and to Melbourne again. He then tried a stint as a salesman and soon realised more money was to be made selling. He worked in a Hoover Franchise in Regent, Melbourne, which he ultimately bought. This he built up into an Emporium and sold to the friend he worked with whilst retaining a working relationship.

Retirement brought Jack and wife Jean to the Gold Coast. With the move also brought the realisation that the Tax Man was having away with far too much of their income. So for a while Jack returned to selling Benefits and ploughing the proceeds into Superannuation.

Jack had, with the encouragement of his Emporium partner, become a regular golfer. On the

Coast he and Jean took up Bowls. When Jean sadly passed Jack was a very lonely man. The Bowling had fallen by the wayside at the time of Jean’s illness. During a phone conversation with his sister-in-law in England, she being a scratch croquet player, suggested he should try croquet. And there you have it. Jack was immediately on the phone to his nearest club.

If you haven’t yet had a try at playing croquet why not give this excellent game a try. You will soon be ‘hooked’ and will enjoy the camaraderie of a group of supportive friends in a small club atmosphere. Good luck for fun and games in 2024.

Real Estate Estate

FROM COAST TO COUNTRY

Tweed home values, rents still rising

By Jo Kennett

ACCORDING TO the latest report from CoreLogic, dwelling values are now rising faster in regional markets than in the capitals, with values up 1.2 per cent and 1 per cent respectively, over the three months to January.

The Gold Coast and Tweed Heads area had the worst rental affordability in the country, with rents and home values still rising, days on market still short, and vendor discounting also decreasing over the last year, indicating the market is still pretty hot.

“Although the pace of quarterly value growth across the combined regions has eased from 1.6 per cent in November 2023, the combined capitals has seen a sharper deceleration, from a recent peak of 3.9 per cent over the three months to July 2023,” the Regional Market Update for February 2024 states.

“Growth remains relatively varied across Australia’s largest 50 noncapital city significant urban areas (SUAs).”

Gold Coast and Tweed Heads are included in the report as one SUA.

“While capital city sales activity over the 12 months to November

2023 largely normalised, regional markets continued to see weaker sales counts, with 42 of the 50 largest regional SUAs recording a decline in annual sales compared to the previous year,” the report states.

“Lismore recorded the largest increase in sales, up 73.4 per cent compared to the previous year, when the recovery from the February 2022 flood affected sales, while Ballina saw sale counts rise by 14.4 per cent.

“The CoreLogic regional rental index recorded a 2.3 per cent increase over the three months to January, up from a recent low of 0.4 per cent over the September quarter of 2023.”

Open Homes

Saturday, March 2

JET

• 51 Hall Drive, Murwillumbah 9:30-10:00

• 8 M cPherson Court, Murwillumbah 10:30-11:00

DJ Stringer Property Services

• 4/3 Island Drive Tweed Heads 10-10.30 NSW

• 5/42 Boundary St, Tweed Heads 10-10:30 NSW

• 6/24 Dutton St, Coolangatta 10-10:30 QLD

• 2/144 Kennedy Drive, Tweed Heads 11-11:30 NSW

• 2 Bolwarra Pl, Bilambil Heights 11-11:30 NSW

• U2111 Tweed Ultima, Stuart St, Tweed Heads

The Gold Coast and Tweed Heads were the worst performers on rental affordability, with the least affordable rentals in the country at a median of $805 per week.

That’s up 3.1 per cent over the quarter, 6.7 per cent over the year and 50.6 per cent over the last five years.

Gross rental yield was 4.4 per cent compared to 4.6 per cent a year ago.

The median value of homes in the Gold Coast Tweed Heads region is $928,498, an increase of 2 per cent over the quarter, 11.3 per cent annually and a whopping 68.6 over the past five years.

Vendor discounting was down to 3.8 per cent compared to 4.3 per cent discounting a year ago, meaning sellers had enough interest to hold out for a good price.

Properties were 26 days on the market before sale on average, compared to 25 this time last year, which indicates there is still plenty of competition for sales.

There were 17,696 properties sold across the Gold Coast Tweed Heads SUA over the past year, which was 11.9 per cent lower than one year ago, and 10.2 per cent below the five year average for the region.

11:00 - 11:30am NSW Time

• 202/108 Pacific Pde, Bilinga 11-11:30 QLD

• 143 Tweed Valley Way, Murwillumbah 1:15-1:45 NSW

• 35 Tweed Valley Way, Murwillumbah 2-2:30pm NSW

MANA

• 3 Kallaroo Circuit, Ocean Shores 9-9.30

• 11 Dignan Street, Burringbar 9.30-10

• 2/1 Durroon Court, Ocean Shores 9.30-10

• 2/5 Canowindra Court, South Golden Beach 10-10.30

• 1/9 Boondoon Crescent, Ocean Shores 10.30-11

• 24 Gloria Street, South Golden Beach 11-11.30

• 14 Spring Street, Murwillumbah 11-11.30

• 2431 Coolamon Scenic Dr, Ocean Shores 11.30-12.30

• 119 Commercial Road, Murwillumbah 12-12.30

• 241 Middle Pocket Road, Middle Pocket 12-12.30

Hot property

THIS

hot property is a character-filled Banora Point home with incredible views over the river and out to the ocean.

Number 29 Bimbadeen Avenue is a three-bedroom, two-bathroom house with two parking spaces that sits on a big 746 square metre block.

The two-storey home is on the high side of the street and is filled with timber features including pitched ceilings lined with timber beams. There are large windows in the living area with stunning views and the master suite upstairs has sweeping views of the water.

The property has a landscaped rear yard for easy access to the elevated entertaining deck. It’s the perfect place to entertain and to enjoy the panoramic views.

The property also has a large driveway and a large car parking area to accommodate multiple vehicles.

This unique property has plenty of space, privacy and stunning water views and is on the market with Tate Brownlee Real Estate Banora Point.

It can be inspected this Saturday, March 2, from 9am to 9.30am, Monday, March 4, from 5pm to 5.30pm or Saturday, March 9, from 9am to 9.30am.

An auction for the property will be held on Tuesday, March 12 at 6.30 pm. Contact Tate Brownlee for details.

Tate Brownlee

• 12 Amaroo Drive, Banora Point 9-9.30 NSW

• 29 Bimbadeen Avenue, Banora Point 9-9.30 NSW

• 27 Hibiscus Parade, Banora Point 10-10.30 NSW

• 38 Curtawilla Street, Banora Point 10-10.30 NSW

• X 10 Bushranger Road, Terranora 11-11.30 NSW

• 8/185 Kennedy Dr, Tweed Heads West 11-11.30 NSW

• 8/11-13 Kingscliff St, Kingscliff 12-12.30 NSW

• 3 Paperbark Court, Banora Point12-12.30 NSW

• 11/39-45 Tweed Coast Rd, Bogangar12-12.30 NSW

• 19 Birkdale Court, Banora Point 1-1.30 NSW

• 13/3-19 Amaroo Drive, Banora Point 1-1.30 NSW

• 81 Jacaranda Ave, Tweed Heads West 2-2.30 NSW

• 1/53 Charles St, Tweed Heads 2-2.30 NSW

• 34/22 Binya Avenue, Tweed Heads 3-3.30 NSW

Unit 5, 4 Mugga Way, Tweed Heads, sits just below the area's median home value

HOW TO ENTER