TVW 5 June 2025

Erosion smashes Tweed Coast

By Jo Kennett

THE MOST serious erosion seen for decades has devastated Tweed Coast beaches, from Fingal to Wooyung, making many parts of the coast inaccessible to beachgoers.

Australian Lifeguard Services Scott MacCartney says the erosion started with Cyclone Alfred and a low pressure system two weeks later.

“Those events weakened the dune systems quite dramatically so all we need is a little bit of water to smash up against that fresh sand and it’s just collapsing in,” Scott said.

“Now the swell is coming straight from the south so it’s the perfect direction to get straight into those open back beaches.

“We are going to need a lot more wind to blow the sand back, and that will take months but if we get another big low system, it’s only going to keep eating away at it unfortunately.

“We are just lucky we haven’t built on the beach like Sydney and those places where houses are falling in.”

Scott says a lot of the debris washing up is from the cyclone and swell earlier this year.

“There are benches, trees and wooden materials that were washed into the ocean then,” he said.

A local surfing at Hastings Point was shocked when a large tree stood up high out of the ocean in front of him, where before he could see nothing, and Scott says anyone going in needs to beware.

UNSW Coastal engineering expert Kristen Splinter said it could take months for the beaches in the area to recover. Some people think Council should pump sand back onto the beach like the Gold Coast Council - which the Mayor said could cost at least $10 million and was not being considered - or put rock walls up to stop erosion, but Scott doesn’t agree.

“I think the way the world works now is that everyone just wants a quick fix but that could create issues down the track,” he said.

“If you build a groyne or you pump sand in here somewhere, how is that going to affect the rest of the coastline?

“You don’t know until it’s too late so I’m a big fan of letting nature do its thing; it will sort itself out a lot of the time as long as we’re not contributing to that.

“We get consistent northerlies in September/October, so that will help build the blow the sand back around and the fallen trees will trap the sand and rebuild the dunes.”

Fingal Head

Fingal Head Coastcare’s Kay Bolton said Dreamtime Beach has lost at least seven metres from the hind dune, “and it’s still receding.”

“This is beyond our 2009 erosion line which was our last huge loss of beach,” she said.

“Also we’ve lost 17 metres of foredunesome of this had accumulated since 2009 but it has taken all that away and even more.

“Fingal Head Beach fared better during the cyclone but since has lost foredune, and sand has been lost so that we now have a rock beach instead of a sandy beach.”

Fingal Head Coastcare president Richard Roberts said recovery could take years.

“The shire needs to ensure the extent of sand pumping (from the Tweed Sand Bypass) to Queensland beaches does not threaten the timely recovery of Tweed beaches,” he said.

“Beachgoers need to be aware of the dangers at Dreamtime Beach, with a high drop down to the beach in many places, debris on the beach and in the water as debris is drawn off the beach and into the sea during high tides.”

There has been an army of locals collecting beach rubbish every day at Fingal.

“We need this constant clean up, so if everyone takes a bag with them to the beach when they go and pick up rubbish it will really help in the long run,” Kay said.

Cabarita Beach

CABARITA BEACH Dune Care’s Suzi Bourke says Cabarita back beach, “continues to suffer and worry locals as bigger

waves pull the sand away which makes recovery longer.”

“The constant rain softens the ground and weakens the tree’s support system,” she said.

“Roots act as a kind of underground ‘net’ to trap sand and soil in position,” Suzi said. “This is evident as Cabarita Dune Care members report established trees still falling over weeks after Alfred.

“A king tide also ate away at the unprotected vegetation where the primary dune system has melted into the sea; usually in calmer weather sand is returned to the beach in a process known as accretion but it never returns to its original state.

“Cabarita Beach Dune Care will be adding more dune vegetation as a natural way to reduce and prevent beach erosion however currently the edge of the beach is the bushland so we encourage visitors to stay off these fragile dunes, and stick to purpose built tracks.”

Suzi said people “need to realise the root cause is climate change.”

“This means we are all responsible for doing our best to reduce factors that contribute to global warming and sea level rise,” she said.

Find a local Landcare or Dunecare group: tweedlandcare.org.au/tweed-care-groupspage

MAIN PHOTO: Erosion between Hastings Point and Cabarita. Photo by Annie Boland. INSET: South beach Cabarita

You

First time letter writer longtime reader

This is the very first time in my life I have written to a newspaper publication, but I have been compelled to do so after reading the report on Mr Tom Evans (TVW, May 29) and the horrific injuries he suffered from an e-bike rider at Casuarina recently.

I, like many others I’m sure, feel shocked and saddened that this sort of incident happened in our beautiful Tweed coast community and a good man and his family have been so badly affected.

This problem of unruly and totally unsupervised young people is growing by the day and sadly will only get much worse.

The police have no authority as it’s been systematically taken from their hands. Our court system is laughable and the perpetrators know this. There is no accountability.

My thoughts go out to Mr Evans and his family. I do hope he makes a complete recovery and I hope and pray that changes are made regarding e-bike legislation.

Trish Jones, Pottsville Heart goes out to e-bike accident victim

What an awful situation Tom Evans and his family are in. After reading the article about his horrific injuries, my heart aches for them.

Last week I had to complain to a school regarding the use of an e-bike by teenagers in their uniform riding on the footpath tandem and no helmets.

I was casually walking on Pearl Street at Kingscliff just outside the St Anthony’s Church when I heard a loud beep from an e-bike behind me and I did not have much time to get out of the way.

I felt the wind from the speed they were doing past me. I was a little freaked out. Someone could have been seriously hurt here.

Plenty of parishioners come and go in that area. I am in total agreement

with change in legislation to e-bike laws.

There is no road sense with some of these teens. Even adults who do have been seen to be entitled on these bikes.

I hope Tom recovers quickly and his life can get back to normal.

A Palin, Tweed Heads E-bike legalisation has failed already

The NSW Government may be advancing its safety-focused framework for e-scooters and e-bikes, but are they enough?

There are so many categories of e-bikes and e-scooters, and most do not require a licence or registration.

Some will soon be allowed on lowspeed roads, but most will still not require licensed riders or registration.

Driving along Minjungbal Drive at South Tweed last week, there was a teenager doing an extended ‘mono’ on the road.

When I drove past him doing another mono I gave him a 15 second blast on my horn. He glanced at me and switched to the footpath only to do yet another mono!

Last week’s article in the TVW about the Byron Bay pedestrian injured in an e-bike collision is unfortunately another statistic connected with e-bikes.

A quick search online reveals an increasing tally worldwide of injuries — some life threatening or life changing.

Any accident involving a car has registration and compulsory insurance, so who is legally liable for the damages when there is no registration or licence?

I have often cycled to work, and I am certainly in favour of getting cars off the road. However, when e-bikes are allowed legally on roads this is all expected to work with rider education and enforcement by police.

Sorry, I’m not convinced.

Peter Norman, Crystal Creek

Pottsville caravan park refusal

A great sigh of relief from residents in both Koala Beach and Seabreeze estates with the rejection of the DA for over 270 housing lots in an area sandwiched between them and adjoining farmlands.

This proposal was an overdevelopment of a very sensitive parcel of land and would have had significant impacts to the environment, the character of Pottsville and residents’ quality of life.

The Northern Regional Planning Panel agreed and unanimously rejected the proposal.

The area of the proposal is well known to flood and stay flooded for considerable time after the event.

The plans to disperse sewerage overland, due to council’s inability to provide sewerage infrastructure for that area, was also a key point for rejection.

Future housing growth has been earmarked for Pottsville, west of Pottsville Road, in the Tweed Draft Growth Management and Housing Strategy.

Thank you to those councillors who supported the rejection and listened to the local community who overwhelmingly objected to the proposal.

Irene Tims, Pottsville Tick action needed

In response to your article “Nationals Demand Tick Action”, TVW, May 29.

There is no doubt that more investment is urgently needed to curb the escalating problem of cattle tick and the associated rise in cattle deaths from tick fever in our region.

We came close to eradicating cattle tick in NSW when dipping was compulsory — back when it was more convenient and cost-effective. Reintroducing similar measures would be a major step forward in controlling outbreaks, which are often the result of human-assisted cattle movement. There’s a strong case for offering

greater incentives for producers to dip cattle en route during transport, particularly as resistance to some pour-on treatments — used extensively for over 30 years — seems to now be emerging.

Dips have historically received some negative press, but the era of harmful chemicals like DDT and arsenic is long gone. Modern dips use rigorously tested chemicals with no long-term residue and far fewer risks, making them a safe and viable option once again.

Dipping is just one of several critical tools we need to manage cattle tick effectively. The more management options available, the better we can protect animal welfare — which is, for most farmers, the core motivation. Once infected with tick fever, cattle rarely recover and often suffer a painful death. I’ve received reports of around 30 tick fever deaths in our shire over the past six months. The problem is both real and urgent.

Unfortunately, the NSW DPI tick control program has not kept pace with the scale of the issue. It must be better resourced to help even the smallest of producers understand and meet their biosecurity obligations.

Failing to meet them can undermine the entire industry, resulting in widespread animal suffering and economic damage to neighbouring and regional farmers.

Craig Huf, Chair, Far North Coast Branch NSW Farmers Association

Liberal Party must evolve

After a historic defeat, it’s time for the Coalition to face reality, the recent election result wasn’t just a routine loss — it was a landslide, a historic shift, and a clear mandate for Labor’s policies.

Voters overwhelmingly rejected the Coalition’s platform, particularly its outdated stance on energy and the environment. To ignore this message and continue down the same path — clinging to nuclear fantasies and resisting renewables — is to wilfully ignore the will of the electorate.

The Nationals seem determined to dig in, but the Liberals have a choice.

If the Liberal Party hopes to regain relevance, it must seriously consider severing its formal ties with the Nationals, in my view, and rebranding as a forward-looking, centrist party — something more akin to the ‘Teal independents’ who surged in support. Australians are demanding action on climate, integrity in politics and long-term thinking.

A bipartisan approach to environmental policy is not just possible — it’s essential. The question now is: will the Liberals evolve?

Christian James, Casuarina Business and politics

US Billionaire Elon Musk has learnt the first rule of politics: never trust anyone.

T Sharples, Tweed Heads Nominate a Tweed mental health leader

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Australian Mental Health Prize — a decade of recognising important Australians changing lives through their work in mental health. From researchers and clinicians to lived experience leaders and local community advocates, past recipients have helped shape policy, challenge stigma and deliver better mental health support across Australia. Nominations are now open across four categories: Lived Experience, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, Professional, and Community Hero. I encourage you to nominate someone in the your community making a difference. Please visit: www.australianmentalhealthprize.org.au. Nominations close July 23.

Adjunct Professor Sophie Scott OAM, Chair, Australian Mental Health Prize Advisory Group

Please note the views on the letters page are those of the letter writer and not of the Tweed Valley Weekly. Letters must include a suburb and contact number for verification. Letters may be edited for length or legal reasons. Send your letters to editor@theweekly. net.au or phone: (02) 6672 4443

Telco complaints up

By Jo Kennett

COMPLAINTS TO the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) were up slightly in the third quarter, from January to March 2025, with small business issues due to poor mobile service as Pottsville businesses and others in the Tweed know only too well.

The biggest issue in the Tweed was ‘no or delayed action’ by telecommunication companies (telcos) to address complaints, up from 36 last quarter (September to December 2024) to 43 this quarter.

Lack of phone coverage and internet were the next biggest issues in the Tweed.

“What we’re hearing from small businesses is how serious the impact of persistent mobile and internet problems is on their ability to provide good customer service and operate efficiently,” Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman Cynthia Gebert said.

“It’s impacting people’s livelihoods and something telcos should be working closely with their small business customers to address.”

The Tweed Shire is in one of the higher LGAs for complaints, with 76 received by the ombudsman, after customers failed to resolve their complaints directly with telco providers.

In the final quarter of 2024 there were 73 complaints received from the Tweed, up four per cent, which might not seem like much, but there are many customers who have just given up.

Sadly, there is no sign of a new phone tower at Pottsville, as the landowner was apparently waiting to see if his caravan park gets the green light before going ahead and signing up with the telcos.

The ombudsman received a total of 15, 385 complaints, of which 4,139 remained

unresolved, as well as receiving over 4,000 queries.

Amid rising cost-of-living pressures, consumers contacting the TIO with issues relating to financial hardship or repayment arrangements have leapt 71.9 per cent compared with the same period last year but de creased by 8.1 per cent against the previous quarter. Recurring themes within financial hardship complaints include telcos refusing payment plans or extensions, offering unsuitable or unaffordable payment arrangements and service disconnection or suspension.

Complaints made by small businesses are up compared to the previous quar ter by 6.9 per cent with a total of 1,767 complaints.

The increase in small business complaints can be partly attributed to service issues following the 3G network shutdown, with the most significant increases in complaints related to poor mobile coverage and intermittent service or dropouts, as has been reported by local residents to The Weekly, despite denials from the telcos that the shutdown has seen any drop in services.

When compared to the December quarter, six of the top ten providers have experienced a rise in complaint numbers. Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone maintain the highest share of complaints.

More consumers are making complaints involving inadequate fault testing, where a provider’s fault testing doesn’t work, or it’s too difficult or impractical, up by 26.9 per cent.

Poor mobile coverage problems are on the rise for both residential and small business consumers, increasing by 25.3 per cent across the board — the second increase since last quarter.

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Complaints made by small businesses have risen for the second consecutive quarter, up 6.9 per cent.

For small business, the most significant increases in complaints related to poor mobile coverage and intermittent service or dropouts.

The highest number of issues customers had with a telco was overwhelmingly with Telstra, which copped 5,823 complaints, up by a couple of hundred from last year and way more than Optus, which had 3,587, which was down by nearly 300, although Optus has a 10 per cent less market share than Telstra.

Aussie Broadband only had 242 complaints, down by six, though they have one fifth of the market share that Telstra has at eight per cent and growing. Telstra has 38 per cent, which still means percentage wise, Aussie Broadband had a fraction of the complaints that Telstra did.

Dodo received relatively few complaints but has a smaller market share again.

A montage of the phone tower proposed for 1126 Pottsville Road, Pottsville

Old school now new Aid Pencil Tree

By Jonathon Howard

MURWILLUMBAH HIGH School is beginning Term 2 with a fresh new look following the completion of stage 2 of its major refurbishment project, School Infrastructure NSW confirmed this week.

The end of Term 1 marked a significant milestone for the school, with all construction and refurbishment works officially completed and handed over for use.

The upgrade has transformed the campus, providing students and staff with a revitalised environment designed to support 21st-century learning and wellbeing.

The works delivered a host of new and improved facilities, including freshly refurbished classrooms and specialist learning spaces, a redeveloped front office, administration area, and updated staff facilities, a relocated and enhanced Inclusive Education Hub, an upgraded library and hall, a brand-new canteen and improved outdoor areas featuring new landscaping, seating, and murals.

School Infrastructure NSW praised the completion, saying: “We are thrilled to have been able to give Murwillumbah High School a new lease of life and to see students and staff enjoying their new spaces.”

Murwillumbah High School Principal Zoe Tiernan echoed this sentiment in her message to the school community this week, highlighting the excitement and positivity the upgraded facilities have brought.

“The Murwillumbah High School community is thoroughly enjoying our refurbished facilities,” she said.

“From the fresh classrooms to the expansive outdoor playground spaces; the brandnew canteen to the renovated gymnasium — students and staff are reaping the benefits of our updated school.”

She noted the importance of the newly improved multi-purpose centre, now supporting a wide range of school activities including sport, creative projects and performing arts.

“The improved outdoor spaces, with landscaping, murals and seating, provide our school with a spacious and open environment for students to enjoy during breaks,” she said.

Ms Tiernan also commended the collaboration between the school and School Infrastructure NSW, saying the project team was “incredibly supportive and accommodating,” with a clear focus on maintaining

safety and learning continuity throughout the upgrade process.

Now fully settled into the modernised campus, Ms Tiernan said the school community is eager to focus on the future.

“As we start Term 2, we are clearly focused on building on our incredibly solid foundations, collaborating with families, working as a team and inspiring every student, every day,” she said.

YOUR THOUGHTS: Do you or your children attend Murwillumbah High School? The Weekly would love to hear your thoughts. Please write to the editor via email: editor@theweekly.net.au

FAVOURITE NOT-FOR-PROFIT

The Pencil Tree is holding a special fashion parade at The Nook Cafe in Hastings Point on Saturday, June 7, to raise funds for children living in poverty in northern India and there are still a few seats available.

The Pencil Tree started in a very small way in 2014 when it was discovered that many children were going to school without a pencil to write with and now from little things big things have grown with Pencil Tree now building schools.

The Hastings Point event starts at 4pm and features lucky door prizes including specialty wines from Salty Grape Cabarita, a fashion parade, live music, gifts, raffles and some amazing food. The event is BYO and ends at 7pm so you can be tucked up for a Saturday night movie nice and early.

Tickets are $45 and are available via: events.humanitix.com/ pencil-tree-fashion-parade-fundraiser.

Murwillumbah High School was reopened this year and works are now complete

The Pencil Tree fashion parade is on at The Nook on Saturday afternoon. Inset is students receiving their first school uniform in India

Pharmacy theft charges

By Jo Kennett

LOCAL PHARMACY owners will be relieved to hear that a young man has been extradited from Queensland to Tweed Heads and charged with outstanding warrants for alleged aggravated break and enters at pharmacies in Banora Point, Pottsville and Casuarina.

In December 2023, Tweed Byron Police detectives formed Strike Force Bibil to investigate a big increase in break, enter and stealing offences on pharmacies in the Tweed-Byron area. Some were hit multiple times.

Between November 25 and 26 in 2023, three pharmacies in Banora Point, Pottsville and Casuarina were broken into.

Casuarina Health & Lifestyle Pharmacy in Casuarina Village Shopping Centre, Ramsay Pharmacy Pottsville Beach in Coronation Avenue, and United Chemist Banora Point at Banora Point Shopping Village were broken into and prescription medication was stolen, with the two culprits getting away in a silver Audi hatchback.

Each time, entry was gained by smashing a front window with a hammer, with damage also caused to the automatic door at Casuarina resulting in the loss of the insurance excess and the loss of revenue for all three stores, as well as inconveniencing customers.

It was the fourth time that Pottsville’s Ramsay Pharmacy had been targeted.

On January 16, 2025, Casuarina Health & Lifestyle Pharmacy in Casuarina Shopping Village was again targeted, with prescription medication allegedly stolen. Entry was, once again, gained by smashing the front window.

Tweed-Byron Police District officers responded to the break and enter at Casuarina and engaged in a pursuit with a blue Toyota Echo sedan, which was seen to leave the pharmacy. That pursuit was terminated at the Queensland border due to safety concerns.

Following extensive investigations by officers

from Strike Force Bibil, early on Monday, June 2, detectives travelled to Brisbane Magistrates Court, where they applied for and were granted extradition of a 21-year-old man.

The man was taken to Tweed Heads Police Station where he was charged with four counts of aggravated break, enter and steal in company. The man was refused bail and appeared before Tweed Heads Local Court on Tuesday, June 3. Inquiries continue under Strike Force Bibil.

It’s FREE to drop off these items at: Stotts Creek Resource Recovery Centre Leddays Creek Road, Stotts Creek Mon to Fri: 7am–3:45pm; Sat, Sun, public

4-8 BELLS BOULEVARD

HAVE YOUR SAY

Podia has acquired the site at 4–8 Bells Boulevard, Kingscliff, and is working alongside renowned architects SJB and local town planners, Newton Denny Chapelle, to revitalise this landmark site.

The vision is to deliver a thoughtfully designed mixed-use precinct that offers a diverse range of housing – including affordable housing – along with a vibrant mix of retail that complements the existing amenity at Salt Village.

We’re now undertaking community consultation for Stage 3 of the proposal and would love to hear your feedback.

WHAT STAGE 3 WILL INCLUDE

A mixed-use precinct with shop-top housing, designed to reflect

Community consultation (Stage 3), 4-8 Bells Boulevard Kingscliff.

Kingscliff’s relaxed coastal lifestyle

A diverse mix of 1, 2, and 3bedroom apartments

A vibrant ground floor retail offering Rooftop gardens and a communal central courtyard

Two levels of basement parking, including approx. 200 car spaces

We’re preparing to lodge a Stage 3 State Significant Development (SSD) application for the project. Before we do, we want to hear from you. Help shape the future of Salt Village

YOUR VOICE MATTERS

You’re invited to

Review the proposal

Learn more about what’s being planned

Ask questions and speak with the project team

Share your feedback

Tuesday 17 June

Kingscliff Beach Hotel 102 Marine Parade upstairs, Babalou room 5.30pm-6pm

Formal presentation by Podia 6pm-7pm

Engage and ask questions of the project team

An RSVP is essential for seating and catering purposes. CONTACT US

bellsboulevardkingscliff@gmail.com by June 15, 5.30pm.

Casuarina Health and Lifestyle Pharmacy was broken into twice, with windows smashed both times.

Construction starts on new council depot

By Jonathon Howard

CONSTRUCTION IS officially underway at the new Tweed Shire Council depot in South Murwillumbah, following a ceremonial sod turning on Friday, May 30, at the Lundberg Drive (Industry Central) site.

Set on flood-free land, the $33 million project is scheduled for completion by June 2026, and the sod turning marked a significant step in relocating critical council infrastructure away from the flood-prone Buchanan Street depot, which was severely impacted during the 2017 and 2022 floods.

The new purpose-built facility will consolidate council’s operations into a modern, sustainable hub equipped to support both field and office-based teams.

It will house more than 50 trucks, 60 operational vehicles, and 30 large plant items, including backhoes and excavators. Sustainability features include solar power and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.

Funded through a joint $10 million contribution from the Australian and NSW governments’ Infrastructure Betterment Fund, with a further $23 million from council, the project marks a major step in council’s broader land swap initiative.

The land swap program, developed in response to re -

peated flooding, reallocated flood-prone businesses to higher ground at Industry Central.

The new depot sits on 14 hectares of employment-zoned land acquired with $11.3 million from NSW Government agencies. The site’s strategic location will enable faster emergency response, better service delivery, and future operational growth.

Tweed Shire Council General Manager Troy Green, a driving force behind the project, described the depot and Industry Central as cornerstones of the region’s climate resilience strategy.

“This project shows that businesses can invest with confidence in the Tweed,” he said.

“It’s about building back better and providing flood-riskfree, employment-generating land.”

He acknowledged the support of local, state, and federal representatives, including Member for Richmond Justine Elliot and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin, for helping secure the funding and policy backing.

“Justine and Janelle have both left a legacy with this project,” Mr Green said. “They understood the need. After the 2017 flood, we lost our fleet. We relied on neighboring councils just to keep operating. This new facility changes everything.”

Tweed Shire Mayor Chris

Cherry said the depot’s relo cation was vital to protecting essential services.

“Ensuring that our Murwil lumbah Depot is safe from floods means that we can serve our community better when they need us most,” she said.

“I’m so pleased it will be the first construc tion in this groundbreak ing land swap development.”

The land swap initiative has already demonstrat ed its value.

When Tropical Cyclone Alfred threatened the region earlier this year, businesses were able to temporarily relocate vehicles and equipment to the flood-free site — even before full development was complete.

cy,” she said.

“This project is exactly the kind of infrastructure we need to build to prepare for that future.”

Ms Elliot called the depot a “game changer” for the region.

“Our funding ensures the new depot is built to last and better withstands future disasters,”she said. It’s about supporting council so they can support the community.”

Janelle Saffin, NSW Minister for Recovery, emphasised the importance of long-term adaptation and mitigation.

“Weather events are increasing in intensity and frequen-

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain praised the project as a key step toward greater resilience.

“This investment will help protect crucial heavy machinery, vehicles and facilities from extreme weather, ensuring council can respond and assist communities during an emergency,” she said.

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty echoed the sentiment, calling it a “smart investment” for the region’s future.

“Moving the depot to a single, elevated site protects vital infrastructure from future floods and ensures council can keep essential services running when they’re needed most,” she said.

Construction is being delivered by McNab with the company’s CEO Kunjan Ganatra attending the sod turning and

expressing his enthusiasm for the project.

“We are thrilled to deliver a facility that enriches lives, improves services, and embodies smart, resilient design,” he said.

The depot is expected to be completed by the end of June 2026.

MAIN PHOTO: It's been a team effort to future proof council's assets at the new depot site. BELOW: Dignitaries turn the sod to get works underway.

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Riverside General Practice strives to provide high quality healthcare for all patients who require treatment or medical advice, regardless of background or nancial means. Our primary focus provides healthcare services to patients who are disadvantaged or underprivileged in some way, or who are members of a recognized minority group. Ethical healthcare practices and respect for the rights of patients are at the core of our philosophy.

Our quality of care and commitment to high standards are critical to the ongoing professionalism and continuing success of this surgery. We are welcoming new patients to our surgery and o ering same day appointments. Please call us on (07) 5599 3993 to make an appointment with one of our female Doctors below.

Marine Rescue NSW vessel Point Danger 31 takes on the swell offshore. INSET: A NSW Ambulance Critical Care Paramedic was on board the Westpac Rescue Helicopter which took part in the search and rescue exercise.

Wild rescue exercise

By Jo Kennett

SIXTY MARINE Rescue NSW crew members and radio operators searched for a boat crew and two missing spear fisherman at Tweed Heads on Saturday, May 31, during a simulated multi-incident offshore search and rescue exercise (SAREX).

The driving rain and rough seas made it more challenging to find the targets — a 10-metre vessel with five people (manikins) on board, who set out that morning on a routine fishing trip around Cook Island.”

“The crew had logged their departure with Marine Rescue NSW and were scheduled to return later in the day, however, a couple of hours into their trip, Marine Rescue NSW radio operators received a faint mayday call from the vessel,” NSW Police Marine Area Command Inspector Dave Carlin said.

Marine Rescue NSW, Marine Rescue Queensland, Surf Life Saving Queensland and NSW members, and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, led by NSW Police Marine Area Command, searched for the missing crew.

Marine Rescue NSW Northern Zone Commander Darren Hulm said the conditions added to the challenge.

“It was wet, unpleasant, and visibility was poor,” he said.

“Drift modelling was conducted by Marine Area Command, with the search area extending from Kingscliff Beach to Currumbin and up to five nautical miles (9km) offshore — covering an area of 102 square nautical miles.

“Multiple manikins and PVC pipe targets were deployed earlier this morning and were the targets crews were searching for.”

During the initial search, an additional simulated tasking was introduced, and a successful search was completed for two spear fishers reported missing off Cook Island.

“This additional tasking highlights the unpredictable nature of emergencies and provided an excellent test for our volunteers, who responded swiftly and professionally,” Zone Commander Hulm said.

NSW radio operators from Point Danger, Brunswick, Ballina, Evans Head and Iluka Yamba units also sharpened their crucial skills.

NSW Police Marine Area Command Inspector Carlin thanked the volunteers “for their dedication to saving lives on the water”, calling the exercise “very successful.”

Dr. Greg Hunter graduated from the University of Queensland in 1977 and trained at e Southport Hospital before commencing General Practice in Wauchope, NSW, and then Coolangatta in 1980, continuing in General Practice until the present in this area with attachment to e Tweed Hospital from 1980, and local private hospitals. He established Riverside General Practice in 1996 and has been involved with medical work from pre-conception to Palliative Care and hospital involvement with obstetrics, surgical assisting, ED, and inpatient care as well as sports medicine; the latter included being part of the medical team at many Australian rounds of MotoGP since its inception in 1989. He aims to provide informed guidance in a caring and respectful manner for patients in all aspects of healthcare available through their journey with General Practice and with any of their interactions with tertiary and allied healthcare.

Dr David Engel graduated from the University of New South Wales with a bachelor of medicine and surgery in 1990. A er 5 years working as an emergency physician in the UK, he returned to Australian in 1995 and has since

worked across both emergency medicine and general practice. He holds a diploma of child health and maintains a strong interest in paediatrics, palliative care, antenatal care, family medicine, and acute surgical and medical conditions. Dr Engel has also spent nearly 20 years teaching medical students and has served as an events doctor with Surf Life Saving Australia. Outside of work, he enjoys long hikes, anything to do with the ocean and spending time with his family and dog.

Dr Rachael Eddywing is a compassionate and experienced general practitioner with over 20 years in medicine, o ering patient-centred care to individuals and families. A local who studied at e University of Sydney, she has a broad interest in general practice, with special focus on adolescent and sexual health, women's health including IUD insertion and menopause and neurodivergent care. She provides a medical termination of pregnancy service. She is also passionate about chronic disease prevention and the role of low-carbohydrate diets. Known for her empathetic and evidence-based approach, Dr Eddywing fosters a supportive environment for her patients.

Dr Hilda Steele originally from Canada, Dr Steele has called Australia home for nearly 20 years. She completed her medical training in Melbourne and has been living and working in the local area since 2014, with experience at both Tweed Valley and Murwillumbah

hospitals. She is a proud to be a part of the local community and values the string connections she has built here. Dr Steele has a special interest in antenatal care, and is pleased to o er GP shared maternity care in collaboration with her team midwife at Riverside General Practice. She has completed maternity alignment programs with both Gold Coast University and Tweed Valley hospital. Additionally, She is trained in obstetric ultrasound through the Australian Institute of Ultrasound and is able to perform in room scans to assess fetal position and movements. Another key area of Dr Steele's practice is skin cancer medicine. She has undertaken additional training in skin cancer diagnosis and surgery, and o ers comprehensive skin checks and minor surgical procedures onsite. Dr Steele enjoys the full breadth of general practice, from paediatrics to palliative care. Outside of work , she can o en be found at the beach with her

2 daughters or playing league tag and oztag with her local club.

Dr Emma Carroll a graduate of the University of New South Wales (2013), has been providing compassionate care in the local area for over 7 years. Originally from the far south coast of NSW, Emma completed her training at John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle, including a paediatric year. She has a special interest in Paediatrics and Women's Health, and holds a Diploma in Child Health from Westmead Children's Hospital (2014). Emma is passionate about all areas of general practice and is dedicated to o ering personalized care to individuals and families. Previously, she worked at Wollumbin Street Medical Centre in Murwillumbah and is excited to continue serving the local community. In her free time, Emma enjoys hiking, spending time at the beach, Pilates and relaxing in her garden.

Locals give helping hand

By Jo Kennett

IT’S HARD to keep our good volunteers down.

As flood waters recede on the Mid North Coast, leaving a trail of devastation behind that Tweed residents are, sadly, only too familiar with, local residents have been heading down to help out with the clean up.

Local State Emergency Service (SES) units have been on the ground and last week Far North Coast Strike Team Alpha was deployed to Port Macquarie to assist with the flood clean-up. Crews are actively engaged in the difficult, muddy work, just as they were in the Tweed in the wake of the 2022 floods, getting on the tools to clean mud-filled streets and homes.

Local legend Mark ‘Min’ Eglington, Group Captain NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Far North Coast, was one of those on the ground, literally.

As you can see from the photo, the well-respected fire-fighting leader and Cudgen RFS stalwart is quite happy to get in and do the hard yards, which explains all the awards he has garnered over his firefighting career. Men and women half his age would struggle to get down on their knees like that and once they did, would need a hand to get back up, but not our Mark. Obviously volunteering keeps you young.

He’s just one of the many volunteers and workers from the Tweed Shire helping our southern friends get back on their feet after a terrible month.

“We had volunteers go down as part of a combined strike team from the Far North Coast,” Cudgen RFS captain Troy Middlebrook said.

“We supplied two trucks, two volunteers went from Cudgen — Min Eglington and Maddison Prichard — Dave O’Loughlin from the Tweed Coast RFS and Slav Sostarko from Uki RFS went too.

“With cost-of-living pressures and lower rates of volunteering it’s harder to get people to give

up their time. Rents and mortgages are extortionate so people can’t afford the time off work to go down so half of them were retirees. Maddy’s a student and Harry Bunton from Byron is a TikTok influencer.

“It’s a real mix, but we have an ageing volunteer force which the service is really mindful of and looking at how to engage this next generation.”

The NSW Government teams included 2,220 SES volunteers assisting with recovery efforts, 350 people supporting from the RFS, 250 people from Fire and Rescue NSW and 650 staff and contractors from Transport for NSW.

TOP: Group Captain Mark Eglington getting down and dirty. BOTTOM: Far North Coast Strike Team Alpha busy on the clean-up

Winter fire warnings

By Jonathon Howard

TWEED SHIRE households are being urged to check smoke alarms and be prepared for winter dangers such as heaters and other electrical appliances.

As temperatures drop and winter sets in, the NSW Government is urging all NSW households to check their smoke alarms as part of Fire and Rescue NSW’s annual Winter Fire Safety Campaign, launched on Sunday, June 1, the first day of winter.

Each winter, Fire and Rescue NSW crews respond to a sharp increase in residential fires — on average, a 13 per cent spike compared to other times of the year.

From 1 June to 30 August 2024, more than 1,000 fires broke out in NSW homes, tragically resulting in 12 deaths and injuring over 100 people.

A disturbing trend persists: 44 per cent of winter home fires involved either no working smoke alarm or an alarm that failed to alert occupants. Nearly half (42 per cent) of winter fires in 2024 began in household kitchens.

Throughout the year, NSW recorded 3,674 home fires, claiming the lives of 25 people. In 45 per cent of these cases, the homes lacked a functioning smoke alarm.

Tweed Shire residents are encouraged to act now by testing their alarms and booking a free fire safety visit with local Fire and Rescue NSW teams. A working smoke alarm remains the most effective early warning system, giving people the vital seconds needed to escape and call triple zero (000).

Another growing risk is the unsafe use of

lithium-ion batteries, particularly in e-bikes and e-scooters. So far in 2025, there have been 115 battery-related fire incidents, including 42 linked to personal transport devices.

Fire and Rescue NSW urges everyone to follow safe practices when charging, storing, and disposing of lithium-ion battery devices to avoid fires, explosions and other hazards.

To support the community, firefighters will be door knocking across NSW, including in the Tweed region, offering free home fire safety inspections and advice on reducing winter fire risks and safely managing battery-powered devices. Where needed, new smoke alarms will be installed at no cost.

Residents can also request a free home fire safety visit at any time by visiting www.fire. nsw.gov.au/visits.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said this winter the NSW Government want every NSW household — from Bankstown to the Tweed — to have at least one working smoke alarm.

“That small device can mean the difference between life and death by giving you time to escape safely,” he said.

“If you’re unsure about your alarm or need help, contact your local fire station or book a free visit through Fire and Rescue NSW.”

Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said as residents use heaters and cook more hot meals in winter the risk of fires at home rises.

“Always keep an eye on your cooking — never leave the stove unattended,” Mr Fewtrell said.

“And remember: never use water on a fat fire. Instead, use a fire blanket or extinguisher.”

Avoid disaster this winter by checking your smoke alarms

Illegal tree clearing

By Jonathon Howard

ILLEGAL TREE and vegetation clearing will be a key agenda item when Tweed Shire Council meets on Thursday, June 5, with councillors set to consider proposed changes aimed at strengthening protections for the region’s natural environment.

The NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Industry are proposing changes to deter illegal tree and vegetation clearing and are seeking council feedback on a range of reforms designed to close policy loopholes and enhance enforcement capabilities.

The proposed reforms include increasing fines and penalties, ensuring enforcement of restrictions in areas where illegal clearing has occurred and empowering local councils to issue orders to halt or reverse unauthorised clearing.

A key focus is clarifying regulations and tightening rules around the removal of dead, dying, or dangerous trees — often cited as a grey area in the current framework.

Key proposals include higher on-the-spot fines to deter illegal activity, stronger compliance tools for councils including stop-work and replanting orders, requirements for tree clearing permits to include replanting conditions, clearer

guidelines to reduce misinterpretation of policy and closure of loopholes around exempt vegetation removal.

The changes would amend several existing planning frameworks, including Chapter 2 of the State Environmental Planning Policy (Biodiversity and Conservation) 2021, development control orders under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, penalties and certificate requirements in related regulations and associated updates across other State Environmental Planning Policies.

These new measures apply to non-rural zones across New South Wales, including all urban areas in Greater Sydney, Newcastle, and other designated zones statewide.

They cover vegetation clearing not linked to development applications, particularly where council approval is already required or where activity exceeds biodiversity offset thresholds.

Tweed Shire Council is expected to endorse a draft submission supporting the changes as part of the public consultation process.

The final recommendations, once submitted, will contribute to the state’s ongoing review of environmental protections aimed at preserving biodiversity and deterring unlawful land clearing.

Service NSW Tweed Heads is moving

We’re relocating to a bigger, better space in the Tweed Mall Shopping Centre.

We’ll be closed from Monday 16 June and will reopen on Friday 20 June

You can still access many of our services online or visit our Murwillumbah Service NSW Centre

We apologise for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.

Visit service.nsw.gov.au or call 13 77 88

An example image of illegal tree clearing and its impacts

World Environment Day Festival

Sunday 8 June, 10 am – 3.30 pm | Knox Park, Murwillumbah

Join us for a fun and free community event to celebrate and protect the Tweed’s environment. Hosted by the Caldera Environment Centre and Tweed Landcare, the World Environment Day Festival features live music, kids' activities, great food and hands-on ways to get involved.

Visit Council’s stall to:

• Learn how to support local wildlife like Bush Stonecurlews and Glossy Black Cockatoos

• Take home free stickers, postcards and a bag of compost

• Play 'Pin the Curlew on the Tweed'

• Nominate a local champion for the Sustainability Awards

• Make your 'Choose to Reuse' pledge

• Explore our new Reusable Party Kits, coming soon to Tweed libraries

For the full program, visit calderaenvironmentcentre.org/world-environmentday-2025

Learn how Council looks after the Tweed’s environment at tweed.nsw.gov.au/environment

Now open: Council’s Community Grants Program open

Local community groups and not-for-profit organisations are invited to apply for project funding of up to $5,000 through Council’s 2025 Community Grants Program, open from Monday 2 June to Sunday 29 June.

The program supports grassroots initiatives that strengthen community wellbeing, connection and inclusion, and address issues like homelessness. Projects that bring people together or activate public spaces are also encouraged. Past recipients include Mongrels Health and Wellbeing–which supports men’s mental health through creative, down-to-earth approaches–and the Brain Injury Community, a peer-led group using storytelling and art to promote understanding and resilience.

To help applicants put their best foot forward, Council is offering free workshops and drop-in support sessions in Murwillumbah and Tweed Heads, covering project planning and grant writing.

Find out more and book your spot at: tweed.nsw.gov.au/community-grants

Caravan Park at Pottsville refused by independent planning panel

The Northern Regional Planning Panel (NRPP) recently announced their decision to refuse the application (DA 25/0011) at Pottsville. The Development Application for 1183 Cudgera Creek Road, Cudgera Creek included the building of a caravan park containing 267 long term sites and 12 short term sites, clubhouse, outbuildings and associated roads.

The NRPP was the deciding body for the application as it was valued at more than $30 million dollars, a higher amount than can be approved by Tweed Shire Council.

Ultimately their determination - which was unanimous - was based on the idea that a key part of the infrastructure (the effluent dispersal area) required for the caravan park was located on land

the traditional owners and custodians of the

its Country and to care for its traditional

that was not zoned for such a use. However, they also considered a wide range of concerns outlined by the Tweed Shire Council in their submission to the Panel.

The NRPP considered that the development was not consistent with Council’s desired outcome to promote sustainable management and conservation of the Tweed, which includes providing special protection and suitable habitat for the recovery of the Tweed coastal Koala and other threatened species.

The NRPP also noted that there were 155 community submissions received objecting to the proposal and the issues raised had not been adequately addressed or mitigated by the developer.

For further information about the NRPP's decision, go to: planningportal.nsw.gov.au/planning-panel/ caravan-park-1

In brief...

Last week, we each used

184 L a day

Resilient Homes Program: house removal begins in Burringbar

Demolition of the next flood buyback property at 6067 Tweed Valley Way in Buringbar is starting next Tuesday 3 June and is expected to take around 6 days. Wherever possible, building materials will be recycled or reused.

This project is part of the Resilient Homes Program (RHP) where the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) is removing properties from high-risk flood areas. A further 8 demolitions are scheduled for the area with an update expected in the next 3–4 weeks.

For more information or community enquiries, contact the Resilient Homes Program team by phoning: 1800 844 085 or email: resilienthomesprogram@reconstruction.nsw.gov.au

Better brews now pouring at TRAC Murwillumbah

There’s a new reason to stop by TRAC Murwillumbah — the Starting Block Café has just welcomed a fresh batch of premium coffee beans, and the reviews are already glowing. Whether you’re heading in for a swim or just passing by, it’s the perfect excuse to enjoy a quality cup.

Coffee lovers can also take advantage of the café’s Happy Hour, with coffee priced at just $3.50 between 9 am and 10 am Monday to Saturday.

The Starting Block Café also participates in the Pay it Forward Scheme, where visitors can donate $5, $10 or $15 to provide a drink or meal credit for someone in need.

Great coffee and a welcoming community — all at your local aquatic centre.

Postponed: Emergency Services Expo

Tweed Shire Council was excited to host the Emergency Services Expo last Saturday 31 May, but the weather had other plans. Heavy overnight rainfall left the Jack Evans Boat Harbour park grounds too wet for the event to go ahead, especially with all the heavy vehicles planned for the day.

The popular community event aims to help the community be more prepared for disasters and to show emergency services in action, from live rescue demonstrations to displays from agencies including Police, Fire and Rescue, Ambulance, Marine Rescue, and more.

Many were looking forward to this fun and educational day, and we were overwhelmed by the interest and support. Council is now working with emergency services to find a new date for the event. An update will be shared as soon as rescheduling details are confirmed.

Explore events hosted across the Tweed at whatsontweed.com.au

Look after what makes the Tweed the Tweed. Our water.

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

land and waters within the Tweed Shire boundaries. Council also acknowledges and respects the Tweed Aboriginal community’s right to speak for

Country in accordance with its lore, customs and traditions.

Members of local group Mongrels health, past recipient of Council's community grants program.

Koala protection was one of the considerations in the recent NRPP decision.

New Tweed Shire Council Depot keeps equipment dry - and the community safe.

The new Council depot in South Murwillumbah is a step closer to completion with work starting onsite at flood-free land at Lundberg Drive (Industry Central).

The depot, which is due to be complete in June 2026, will see Council shift from its current location in Buchanan Street in South Murwillumbah which was

severely impacted by flooding, particularly in 2017 and 2022.

Currently the depot houses a variety of Council equipment including 50 trucks, 60 operational vehicles and 30 pieces of large plant equipment including backhoes and excavators.

The new depot will be a modern, purpose-built facility designed to support both field operations and office-based teams. Its sustainability features include solar panels and EV charging stations.

This project is part of Council’s innovative land swap agreement which saw 5 local flood-prone businesses, plus Council, allocated sites following an expression of interest process. While the Council is the first to start building works, plans are already in place for many of the businesses to begin construction of their facilities soon.

For more information please visit: tweed.nsw.gov. au/1586124-new-tweed-shire-council-depot-inmurwillumbah-will-help-keep-the-community-safe

Raising Clarrie Hall Dam: What’s next?

We’re in the final stages of assessing the impacts of raising Clarrie Hall Dam by 8.5 metres. which would nearly triple its capacity—from 16,000 to 42,300 megalitres—meeting our region’s water needs through to at least 2065.

From 25 September to 6 November 2024, Council’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was on public exhibition.

Tweed Shire Council and the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) are now reviewing all feedback and working with consultants KBR to address key issues. This includes one-on-one discussions with state agencies to resolve concerns. Next steps:

• A Response to Submissions report will be submitted with the EIS to the NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces for a decision.

• If approved, Council will decide whether to move forward.

• Future stages would involve a business case,

detailed design, and securing final approvals.

Stay updated or read the EIS summary at: yoursaytweed.com.au/RaisingClarrieHall

Help keep Hastings Point beautiful for years to come!

Do you enjoy spending time at Hastings Point headland? So do we — and we want to keep it that way!

Tweed Shire Council has developed a draft management plan to help protect this special place now and into the future. We’re inviting you to check out the plan and share your feedback.

The plan was developed following extensive community consultation in 2023 and outlines key actions to manage car parking, camping, walking paths and more.

With visitor numbers growing each year, even the most careful visitors can have an impact, which is why this plan aims to preserve the headland’s natural beauty and cultural heritage while ensuring it remains a great place to visit.

View the draft plan and submit your feedback by 27 June 2025 on Your Say Tweed: yoursaytweed.com.au/hastingspointheadland

For more information, contact Coast and Waterways Team Leader Tom Alletson on 02 6670 2400 or email tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au

Timeline showing stages involved in assessing the effects of raising Clarrie Hall Dam.

Even the rain couldn't stop the sod from being turned.

The plan outlines proposed changes to car parking at Hastings Point headland.

Development application determinations

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

Application details

Approved

DA25/0182 - Inground pool and 1.8m high front fence

Lot 917 DP 800084, No. 2 Sequoia Court, Banora Point

DA25/0170 - Swimming pool with associated decking and 1.8m front fence

Lot 2 SP 74952, No. 16 Pheeny Lane, Casuarina

DA25/0072 - Dwelling and swimming pool

Lot 60 DP 1300756, No. 55 Bowen Loop, Cudgen

DA25/0149 - Two storey dwelling with attached garage and associated earthworks

Lot 100 DP 1301249, No. 19 Sugar Mill Road, Cudgen

DA25/0157 - Inground swimming pool

Lot 8 DP 262412, No. 168 Bakers Road, Dunbible

DA25/0085 - Swimming pool and front fence

Lot 509 DP 1137688, No. 4 Forster Avenue, Kingscliff

DA25/0154 - Inground swimming pool

Lot 2 Section 14 DP 758571, No. 11 Surf Street, Kingscliff

DA25/0178 - Inground swimming pool

Lot 42 DP 1227115, No. 22A Seaside Drive, Kingscliff

DA25/0184 - Swimming pool

Lot A DP 414453, No. 8 Kingscliff Street, Kingscliff

DA25/0210 - Deck extension

Lot 7 DP 404319, No. 14 Quigan Street, Kingscliff

DA25/0022 - Use of gazebo

Lot 9 DP 818099, No. 6 Elvadale Place, Nunderi

DA25/0176 - Inground swimming pool

Lot 31 DP 863486, No. 6 Benson Street, Tweed Heads West

DA25/0187 - Inground swimming pool and 1.8m high front fence

Lot 29 DP 1011993, No. 50 Gollan Drive, Tweed Heads West

DA25/0137 - Demolition of the existing dwelling, removal of vegetation and the construction of a new primary dwelling and secondary dwelling

Lot A DP 414453, No. 8 Kingscliff Street, Kingscliff

DA24/0560 - Erection of LED pylon school information sign

Lot 2 DP 225827, No. 143 Murwillumbah Street, Murwillumbah

DA24/0137 - Staged subdivision and erection of two dwellings

Lot 151 DP 1281855, No. 20 Merlot Court, Tweed Heads South

DA24/0571 - Use of unapproved metal roof over rear parking area and second storey addition to existing storage building

Lot 35 DP 258721, No. 42 Industry Drive, Tweed Heads South

DA25/0025 - Two lot strata subdivision

Lot 10 DP 22375, No. 210 Kennedy Drive, Tweed Heads West Refused

DA24/0291 - Secondary dwelling

Lot 376 DP 249774, No. 38 Leeward Terrace, Tweed Heads

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

Get the Tweed Link early

Be one of the first to see all the latest news from Tweed Shire Council each week.

Subscribers to the Tweed Link receive it by email each week on Wednesday mornings, in addition to it appearing in print in the Tweed Valley Weekly on Thursdays. But that’s not all – you can also subscribe to Council job alerts, media releases and a range of e-newsletters and Council facility program alerts. Sign up at tweed.nsw.gov.au/subscribe

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

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

Have your say

Add your voice to decision making in the Tweed

Proposed amendments to the Business Investment Policy and Tweed Road Contribution Plan

Following a review of our Business Investment Policy, we are proposing changes to make more businesses eligible for discounts to development contributions. The proposed changes clarify what discounts businesses are entitled to and when a quote for a development contribution is required. The proposed amendments also relate to Council’s Tweed Road Contribution Plan, which will need to be updated in line with the revised policy. Businesses and development professionals operating in the Tweed are invited to provide feedback on the proposed changes to the Business Investment Policy and Tweed Roads Contribution Plan, which is now on public exhibition.

Have your say

Amendments to the Business Investment Policy and Tweed Road Contribution Plan are open for review and feedback until 4 July 2025. You can provide your feedback in one of the following ways:

Online: yoursaytweed.com.au/business-investmentpolicy-2025

Email: tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au

Subject: Proposed changes to Business Investment Policy and Tweed Roads Contribution Plan

Mail: Tweed Shire Council, PO Box 816, Murwillumbah, NSW 2484

Council confidentiality policy: On request, any submission including identifying particulars will be made public. Council will give consideration to the ‘Public Interest’ and requests for confidentiality however, the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 may require confidential submissions to be released to an applicant.

Roaring Success: Dinosaurs extended

Due to overwhelming popularity Tweed Regional Museum’s current exhibition How to Draw a Dinosaur has been extended until 19 July 2025. Since opening in December last year, over 13,000 people have visited How to Draw a Dinosaur — a record breaking number for the Museum.

As part of the exhibition, you can now see prehistoric creatures come to life in the Tweed River from Murwillumbah Bridge via Tweed artist Craig Walsh's groundbreaking artwork, ENCOUNTERS, which has been brought to the Tweed for the very first time.

ENCOUNTERS continues Craig’s series of interventionist projects which explore public waterways, and the vast histories and stories associated with them.

Creatures appear every night from 5.30 – 8.30 pmjust follow the dinosaur footprints and make sure you share your encounter with us by tagging @TweedRegionalMuseum in your posted photos..

Planning Committee meeting agenda Thursday 5 June 2025

The Planning Committee Meeting Agenda for Thursday 5 June 2025 is available on Council's website tweed.nsw.gov.au/councillors-meetings

The meeting will be held at the Harvard Room, Tweed Heads Administration Building, Brett Street, Tweed Heads commencing at 3:30 pm.

Agenda

Reports for consideration

Confirmation of minutes

Reports from the Director Planning and Regulation

8.1. Modification Application S96/0049.13 for an amendment to Development Consent S96/0049 for a 37 lot industrial subdivision at Lot 2 DP 569304; No. 60 Tringa Street Tweed Heads West; Lot 1 DP 1011625; Parkes Drive, Tweed Heads West

8.2. Modification Application DA09/0466.03 for an amendment to DA09/0466 for the RISE concept plan comprising residential retirement living retail commercial school and open space precincts (Department of Planning Application MP08_0234 MOD 4) - Submission to Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure

8.3. Burringbar Character Statement and the Burringbar Conservation Area

8.4. Submission on "Changes to deter illegal tree and vegetation clearing"

Council meeting agenda

Thursday 5 June 2025

The Council Meeting Agenda for Thursday 5 June 2025 is available at tweed.nsw.gov.au/councillors-meetings . The meeting will be held at the Harvard Room, Tweed Heads Administration Building, Brett Street, Tweed Heads commencing at the completion of the Planning Committee Agenda.

Agenda

Reports for consideration

Confirmation of minutes

3.1. Adoption of Recommendations from Planning Committee meeting held Thursday 5 June 2025

Reports from the Director Corporate Services

12.1. Northern Regional Planning Panel (NRPP) - Expression of Interest (EOI) Panel Members Decision

Reports from the Director Planning and Regulation in Committee

22.1. Failure to comply with a Development Control Order for unlawful buildings at Lot 155 DP 755724 No. 554 Kyogle Road, Byangum

22.2. Prohibited Development at Lot 1 DP 304576 No. 200 Warwick Park Road, Wooyung

22.3. Compliance Strategy at Lot 31 DP 755749 No. 853 Tumbulgum Road, Tygalgah and Lot 32 DP 755749 No. 871 Tumbulgum Road, Tygalgah

The agenda for these meetings, which may also include any late or supplementary reports, will be updated prior to the date of the meetings and is available on Council’s website. It should be noted that confidential items are considered in closed session, which excludes media and public. Also, the minutes of these meetings will be available as soon as practical following the meetings and are unconfirmed until they are formally adopted at the next Council meeting.

Please be aware that meetings are livestreamed, and video recordings will be available on Council’s website following the meeting. A person’s image and/or voice may be broadcast. Attendance at the meeting is to be taken as consent by a person to their image and/or voice being webcast.

Murwillumbah NSW 2484

tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au tweed.nsw.gov.au

Subscribe to the Tweed Link at tweed.nsw.gov.au/subscribe or follow Council on:

Catch ENCOUNTERS by artist Craig Walsh every night from 5.30-8.30 pm at Murwillumbah Bridge. ENCOUNTERS is part of the now extended exhibition How to Draw a Dinosaur on at Tweed Regional Museum.

Give birth in Murwillumbah Hospital

By Jonathon Howard

IT’S NO secret that many women are choosing the all-new Tweed Valley Hospital to give birth, with a staggering 1082 births, or almost three per day, in the first 12 months since opening.

But did you know that for lowrisk pregnancies, you can take advantage of Murwillumbah Hospital’s Midwifery Group Practice (MGP), which comprises five dedicated midwives who offer an invaluable continuity of care.

The Weekly recently met with these passionate local midwives, who are urging women to consider their personalised service and give birth in Murwillumbah.

In fact, Mother’s Day was extra special for midwives working in Murwillumbah’s MGP, with two babies born on the day.

The two bubs — baby Nellie and baby Lola — were birthed with the support of the dedicated team of midwives based at the birth centre in Murwillumbah.

Midwifery Unit Manager Debra Young said the Murwillumbah Midwifery Group Practice operates on a 24 hour, seven day a week basis and is comprised of five dedicated midwives.

“The centre operates according to the Midwifery Group Practice model, which sees women get to know their midwives, and backup midwives, as they enjoy individualised care throughout their pregnancy, labour, birth and postnatal period,” Ms Young said.

“This offers wonderful continuity of care for the expectant mother and helps make the birthing process easier to navigate, especially for first-time mums.”

In the 2023/24 year, the Midwifery Group Practice assisted with the birth of 43 babies in Murwillumbah.

The Murwillumbah MGP model caters for women with low-risk pregnancies with no pre-existing health issues, allowing them to give birth in the centre before returning home shortly afterwards to recover.

Their midwife will then provide follow-up care for four weeks after birth, ensuring mum and bub continue to thrive in the comfort of their own home.

Under the MGP model, any women needing specialised medical support will be transferred to Tweed Valley Hospital, with their midwife accompanying them to provide continued care.

Ms Young invited any newly-expectant mums considering birthing with the Murwillumbah MPG to attend a ‘Meet the Midwives’ morning tea attended by all the group’s midwives.

Held every fourth Wednesday, the next ‘Meet the Midwives’ morning tea will be held on Wednesday June 11.

To find out more and reserve your spot at the next morning tea, visit Murwillumbah Midwifery Group Practice or call (02) 6672 0108.

World Environment Day World Environment Day

FESTIVAL 2025 FESTIVAL 2025

Husk Speakers & Performers Stage

Chels Hood Withey MC / Community Organiser & Advocate

Sunday 8th June

Rainbow Power Company

Inspiring people-led clean energy futures, supporting climate adaptation in the Northern Rivers

Prof. Brendan Mackey (Griffith University)

Helping build capacity for community-centred climate adaptation planning for biodiversity in the Northern Rivers

Dr. John Grant (Southern Cross University)

It is time for people to re-establish their connection to our soils

Andrew Turbill

Hoopla Circus!

Learn bird language with a bird language specialist

Birren Slabb

Ocean-inspired rhythms and rootsy sounds

The Seeding Band

Heart warming sounds

•What a Mess Toasties Stall

•Sri Govinda Dham

•Good Kefi and delicious chai

•Coffee Vans

• Local Environmental Groups

•Kids Learning Space

•Climate Justice and Rising Tide

•Save Wallum • Frogprints

•Rainbow Power Company • Recycle Everything

•Organic Landcare • ReForest Now

•NorthEast Forest Alliance

•Nimbin Environment Centre

•Wollumbin Dreaming

•Northern Rivers Guardians • North East Waste

•Tweed Shire Council Sustainability

living things and taken for granted. John has over thirty years of experience in soil related research, soil interpretation and land and soil mapping and will speak to us on why its important we re-establish our connection to our soils, and how to better understand the linkages between soils, food and farming. It is time for people to re-establish their connection to our soils, our developing understanding of soils as an ecosystem and what that means when thinking about soils, food and farming.

•TSC Waste and Recycling

•Tweed Water Alliance • Soil Life

•Team Koala • Birdlife Northern Rivers

•Friends of the Koala

•Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers

•Murwillumbah Community Garden

12:45 pm – 1:30 pm Learn bird language With bird language specialist, Andrew Turbill - The Bird Guy Birds are our gateway

•C.E.C Children’s space

•Friends of Tweed Regional Botanic Garden

•Caldera Environment Centre

•Tweed Landcare • Bee Abodes

•Wild BnB Wildlife Habitat and Wildlife Projects

•Activated Charcoal

ABOVE: Meet the amazing midwives who can help you on your birthing journey in Murwillumbah

FAR RIGHT: Chloe O'Connell and baby Lola

RIGHT: Steph, baby Nellie and dad Adam Taylor

VICTORY FORD IS PROUD TO UNVEIL ITS BRANDNEW SIGNAGE, OFFICIALLY INSTALLED ON THURSDAY, MAY 29 — A MAJOR MILESTONE IN THE EXCITING JOURNEY OF OUR NEW FORD SHOWROOM. BOLD, MODERN AND UNMISTAKABLY FORD, THE NEW SIGNAGE REFLECTS OUR COMMITMENT TO DELIVERING AN ENHANCED CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE WHILE CELEBRATING THE STRENGTH AND INNOVATION OF THE FORD BRAND. VISIBLE FROM AFAR AND SHINING BRIGHTLY BOTH DAY AND NIGHT WITH ADVANCED LED LIGHTING TECHNOLOGY, THE FORD SIGN MARKS A NEW CHAPTER FOR VICTORY AUTO GROUP AND SERVES AS A WELCOMING BEACON FOR OUR VALUED CUSTOMERS. AS WE PREPARE FOR THE GRAND OPENING OF THE NEW SHOWROOM, THIS MILESTONE SETS THE TONE FOR WHAT’S AHEAD. BIG THANK YOU TO THE TEAM TO CAMDEN SIGNS TEAM AND LOCALS BEN VALDIVIA AND NICK O’DONNELL. WE INVITE EVERYONE TO STOP BY, TAKE A LOOK, AND SHARE IN OUR EXCITEMENT AS WE CONTINUE BUILDING THE FUTURE OF VICTORY FORD — ONE STEP AND ONE SIGN, AT A

atch up with Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin

Fresh Start rolled out

THE STATE electorate of Lismore stretches across five local government areas — Tweed Shire, Lismore, Kyogle, Tenterfield Shire and Byron Shire — and I am all too aware of the problems our local councils have filling staffing vacancies and attracting and keeping skilled staff.

So, I am thrilled to see the Minns Government’s Fresh Start program being rolled out to all councils in the electorate. Through this program’s landmark $252.2 million investment, the NSW Government is funding the wages of an additional 1300 apprentices, trainees and cadets in local government across the state over the next six years.

The government recognises the difficulties facing rural and regional councils and more than 60 percent of these trainee positions are in regional and rural councils.

The program means councils can recruit and train staff in the areas they specifically need, with the NSW Government footing the bill.

In the first two rounds this year, a total of 44 new positions have been approved for

councils in the Lismore electorate, with a third round to be announced in July.

Tweed Shire Council has filled nine of the 10 first round positions — with one building surveyor position to start after July.

The positions filled include an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander position for a catchment and management trainee, two GIS trainees and two social media and digital content creator trainees, one apprentice plumber and one apprentice carpenter, and two graduate cadets — building surveyor and engineer.

A further nine training positions have just been announced.

Along with the13 positions in Lismore, six in Kyogle, seven in Byron Shire and two in Tenterfield, across the region there are opportunities for young people to secure great training opportunities and the first step of a career in local government.

This is great news for young people who want to stay in our region. And it comes at a critical time as the local government sector has an ageing

workforce which can mean a loss of essential skills when people retire.

Through Fresh Start, councils can confidently get on with planning for services and infrastructure, knowing they will have the skilled staff to deliver. Our local TAFE networks are a key part of this project and will be key to the training of these recruits.

On this note, it was a relief to see the Albanese Labor Government returned to office with its pledge to continue fee-free TAFE courses. These fee-free courses have been popular in our region, with a total of 2845 enrolments in fee-free courses in the Lismore electorate since the program began in 2023.

Janelle Saffin with the crew from Local Land Services staff at Primex where they had information talks

Financial Advice

Geriatricians available

By Jonathon Howard

CONCERNS THERE are a severe lack of geriatricians in the Tweed Shire are unfounded, according to a spokesperson for Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD).

The Weekly was recently approached by several elderly readers who were concerned the Tweed, one of Australia’s biggest retirement capitals, lacks the specialist doctors who care for the elderly, and that it forces many residents into Queensland.

The Weekly put several questions to the NNSWLHD to find out more and the spokesperson firstly acknowledged the district as a growing population of older persons.

“Ensuring our older population can access the right health services to meet their needs, is a key priority for us and our service delivery partners,” the spokesperson said.

“By 2041, it is projected that nearly one in four people in the district will be aged 70 years or older.

“Across the district, multidisciplinary teams, including medical, nursing and allied health, work collaboratively to provide geriatric care.”

The spokesperson refuted suggestions there are no local geriatricians.

“Currently, there are four specialist geriatricians working across hospitals in the district, including at Lismore, Maclean and Tweed Valley hospitals, while a psychogeriatric specialist is also available,” the spokesperson said.

“These clinicians are specialised in looking after frail and aging patients and consider a patient’s physical, mental and social wellbeing through a holistic care model.

“All of our medical units also have access to a specialist geriatric unit if a patient requires it.” It was also highlighted that care and treatment are also provided outside of hospital wards, including in outpatient clinics, the community and through other outreach service models.

“This helps ensure older people receive timely care in the most appropriate setting for their care needs,” the spokesperson said.

YOUR THOUGHTS: Where do you receive geriatric care and what has your experience with NNSWLHD been? The Weekly is eager to hear your thoughts and letters via email: editor@ theweekly.net.au

Willowhite

Despite some concerns from residents, the NNSWLHD says local geriatricians are available

Exploring stress in kids

By Jonathon Howard

THERE ARE many invisible pressures that modern life puts on today’s kids that make them more anxious than previous generations, according to Australia’s favourite parenting author Maggie Dent, who’s visiting the Tweed this month.

Fresh from her role in the ABC TV Series about parenting, The Role of a Lifetime, Maggie is hosting a public event for parents and anyone who works with children at Banora Point on Tuesday, June 10.

“Children’s brains are immature and unable to cope with the stressors of modern adult living and our world is busier, noisier and far more overstimulating than it used to be,” Maggie, a former Uki resident, said.

“Although anxiousness is a normal healthy emotion, essential for our survival in fact, it becomes a problem when it impairs our wellbeing.

“Angry outbursts, heightened emotions, sleeplessness, concentration problems, missing a lot of school, defiance, perfectionism, silliness and restlessness can all be potential signs that a child is stressed and struggling.”

Maggie said by better understanding stress and anxiety, and knowing what helps (and what makes it worse), parents could be empowered to deal with it.

She said many parents she speaks with are struggling and overwhelmed themselves, and her goal was to help support families and teachers with simple, doable strategies that can help reduce tension and create more calm at home and school.

Exploring Children’s Anxiety is happening at St Joseph’s College, Banora Point, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm on Tuesday, June 10. Tickets are $40 and available via: maggiedent.com

Tattooing

rejuvenation

Maggie Dent is coming to Tweed to talk on the tough topic of children's modern stressors

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Beach plastics

By Jo Kennett

LOCAL RESIDENTS have gone to war on the tonnes of plastic and rubbish that has washed up on our once pristine Tweed beaches over the last week, or has been uncovered as dunes collapse with erosion.

Hasting Point’s Robbie Johnson and his partner Racquel went for a beach walk but were so shocked by the amount of rubbish, they decided to clean up instead, collecting enough rubbish to fill a wheelie bin in just a couple of hours.

“There was so much styrofoam, lollipop sticks, water bottles and bottle lids, plastic toothpicks, and lighters,” Robbie said.

“There was stuff off ships like ropes and Aqua bottles from Indonesia, as well as some from Fiji, there were pots, thongs, footballs, poly pipe, construction materials, glow sticks, bait bags, a wheelie bin lid and a fire extinguisher.”

“That’s just the big stuff,” Racquel said. “That doesn’t go anywhere near the amount of small plastic on the beach.

“We were talking to a lady who was picking up rubbish and her husband said, ‘Why bother? because there was so much, but it’s one less piece for marine life and seabirds to eat.”

“It doesn’t belong in natural areas,” Robbie said.

“We really need everyone to pick up some rubbish every time they go to the beach and if everyone does a little bit it will have a big effect overall.

“I’ve seen netting over where stormwater outlets flow into rivers and I wonder if they could do that at Jack Evans; I’ve seen a lot of stuff washing up there.

“If they could stop it getting into the waterways, there would be less washing up on beaches.”

Pottsville’s Jean MacDonald is also helping to clean her local beach.

“This rubbish was in a 300 metre stretch of flotsam and jetsam near Black Rocks,” she said. “I’d say most of the larger rubbish washing up has been floating around for a long time, plus there’s plenty of micro plastics too, and I’d encourage everyone walking the beaches anywhere to take a bag with them and take at least, “three for the sea”.

Robbie Johnson with some of his beach haul

Look Ahead workshop

By Jonathon Howard

THIRTY YEAR 10 students from across the Tweed Shire are set to put their creativity and problem-solving skills to the test as part of Look Ahead Murwillumbah, a two-day workshop where students take on real-world town planning challenges posed by local government. The event, running this week and culminating in a pitch showcase at 2pm on Friday, June 6, invites students to imagine flood-resilient futures for their town, tackling pressing issues like housing design, transport and revitalising the city centre — all through the lens of flood recovery and climate adaptation.

As Murwillumbah faces ongoing recovery from recent flood events, Look Ahead Murwillumbah is not just an educational opportunity — it’s a step toward shaping a safer, more inclusive and more resilient community. Held at the Murwillumbah Civic and Cultural Centre’s Canvas & Kettle Room, the initiative is delivered through the Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) program in collaboration with Living Lab Northern Rivers and Young Change Agents, with strong support from Tweed Shire Council.

As part of the experience, students are asked to consider key questions, such as: What makes a home feel welcoming and resilient in a floodprone community? How could local homes be reimagined to better serve residents’ needs? What kinds of creative spaces are missing in Murwillumbah? And finally how can the town centre come alive after school and on weekends?

“This workshop is about much more than just ideas,” Tracy Bolt, RIEP officer, said.

“It’s about giving students practical entrepreneurial and design thinking skills, showing them how STEM and innovation careers can shape the future of their own community.”

Throughout the two days, students will be guided by industry mentors from a range of professional backgrounds, including town planning, architecture, engineering and the creative industries.

After pitching their ideas to a panel on Friday, selected students will be offered work experience placements, giving them hands-on exposure to industries aligned with their projects.

The initiative also gives local government decision-makers a rare opportunity to hear directly from the region’s youth about the kind of future they want to build in a changing climate.

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

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

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

In the Tweed Area, our three groups are BNI Aspire at Cabarita Beach on a Wednesday morning, BNI Eagle at Tweed Heads on a Thursday morning and BNI Pinnacle at Tweed Heads on a Friday morning. All and anyone are welcome to visit!

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

Students will workshop how to make Murwillumbah more flood resilient

World Environment Day

By Jonathon Howard

ONE OF the biggest events on the Tweed’s calendar, World Environment Day Festival at Knox Park in Murwillumbah, is on this weekend, with expert speakers, live music, markets and community action.

The free festival, held on Sunday, June 8, kicks off from 10am and will celebrate biodiversity and climate solutions in the Northern Rivers and is hosted by the Caldera Environment Centre and Tweed Landcare.

This year’s festival will shine a spotlight on the region’s unique biodiversity while promoting practical solutions to climate and conservation challenges facing the Northern Rivers.

Community advocate and organiser Chels Hood Withey will MC the event, with an impressive line-up of expert speakers addressing critical environmental issues.

Key speakers include Professor Brendan Mackey (Griffith University) presenting on the Northern Rivers Adapts project — a collaborative research initiative working with Jagun Alliance to build community-led climate adaptation planning for biodiversity.

Dr John Grant from Southern Cross University will explore why deeper soil connections are vital for food security and sustainable farming practices.

Finally, Andrew Turbill, aka ‘The Bird Guy’, will demonstrate how bird language can deepen our connection to country and the natural world.

The festival program features ocean-inspired music from Birren Slabb, heart-warming sounds by The Seeding Band and performances by the much-loved Hoopla Circus.

Rainbow Power Company will present on the topic of inspiring people-led clean energy futures.

More than 20 information stalls will showcase renewable energy solutions, waste reduction initiatives, wildlife care programs and Tweed Shire Council conservation projects.

Food vans will provide refreshments throughout the day, with dedicated kids’ activities ensuring entertainment for all ages.

“Raising global awareness of environmental issues of our time is important to educating the public and promoting collective action towards a larger global movement for change,” Tweed Landcare community officer Isabelle Oude-Egberink said.

“We are a part of nature, and nature is a part of us. This festival brings people together on World Environment Day to spark the conversations and connections vital for real change in our region.”

World Environment Day is celebrated internationally on June 5 each year as the United Nations’ principal vehicle for encouraging awareness and action for environmental protection.

The Murwillumbah festival extends this celebration locally, highlighting the Northern Rivers’ extraordinary biodiversity and the community’s commitment to its protection.

The event emphasises practical solutions, community collaboration, and the vital role of local action in addressing global environmental challenges. From soil health to songbirds, renewable energy to wildlife conservation, the festival demonstrates how individual and collective efforts can create meaningful environmental impact.

For the complete program and more information, please visit: calderaenvironmentcentre.org/ world-environment-day-2025

World Environment Day is a must-visit event

with the Broncos?’.

As a Brisbane fan and Rugby League tragic there are some real concerns about what is happening.

The performance on the weekend was just not up to standard, let alone that of a club with the stature of the Broncos.

They looked disinterested, disjointed and lacked effort and direction.

The effort of Haas and Carrigan was impressive, moreso the line break late in the game but the effort made to get back and scuttle a try scoring opportunity at the death shows one person who is heavily invested.

Maybe Kevvie wasn’t the problem but currently Maguire isn’t the answer either.

They are one from seven and the run ahead gets no easier as the drums beat louder.

The only thing helping Maguire is the form of the Knights and the Titans.

Origin one was far from a

quality contest and raised more questions than answers but the Blues always looked in con -

The scoreline didn’t indicate how dominant they were and some changes need to occur for the Maroons to be

Personally, I’d move Holmes to the centres and Tualagi on the wing, push Hamiso to fullback and have Ponga at 14.

Dearden needs to start at 7 and Cotter has to move back to the middle pushing big Mo to the bench or out after a tough game on the weekend.

Fermor or Su’a are suited to that left edge and need to fire for Qld to have any chance.

The Maroon girls were a different team in game 3 and got the cash.

A dead rubber, although an

Origin, still has a mental game to deal with more so than physical.

Qld were better and played tougher in game 3 and that was the end of the story.

The quality of the contest was the pleasing part of it all and the women’s game goes from strength to strength.

The Galvin situation has reached a resolution to an extent with him donning the Dogs colours soon.

Does it rock the boat or does he strengthen the favourites. I think he is quality and can only add value.

I’ve also been super impressed with Ricky’s Raiders who can be rocks and diamonds but continue to win.

Hopefully some dry weather this weekend will see the junior games and the NRRRL power on.

See you at the footy.

Quinny

The Broncos are looking for answers in 2025. Image by NRL.com

Local Uki cafe wins national award

By Madeleine Murray

GARY WALL was only 36 years old when he bought the newsagent/post office in the little village of Uki, population 679.

That was in 2017, and the former marketing whiz had caffeinated dreams. Now, eight years later, he has won the Best Latte in Australia award at the Royal Adelaide Coffee Show.

When Gary first arrived, he transformed the space. He stripped the 1909 building back to its basic structure. Out went the racks of newspapers and office supplies. In came a gleaming La Marzocco Strada machine and baristas who consider each coffee a work of art.

He put in mirrors, little marble and wood tables, and parquetry wall panels.

After he moved the post boxes from the front of the building to the side, light poured in, illuminating the place that now looked like a Paris café.

His parents, in their 60s, came down from Malanda in the wet tropics to paint the entire interior, including the ceilings, white.

Then he had a huge, bright pink Diedrich roaster shipped from Idaho, ordered coffee beans from South America and, voilà! Bastion Lane Espresso was born!

In April 2025, Bastion Lane Espresso won the Champion Latte award at the 2025 Royal Adelaide Coffee Show, recognised as the best latte in Australia, beating out 42 other top companies around the country.

The judges praised the coffee for “its excellent consistency of roast colour across various sizes. Roast degree is optimal for sugar browning with dry fragrance of honey and dried fruits. Milk chocolate caramels, red fruits, and dark fruits are present in the cup and are notable through the milk. Very harmonious, clean, sweet, and

well structured.”

“I’m still on a high from winning this award,” Gary told The Weekly.

“Starting a small business takes a lot of hard work and involves significant risk, so this recognition means a great deal,”

Gary has created a great vibe where people can just sit at stools along the counter or at little marble tables, relax, mingle, make new friends, and have interesting conversations while drinking the best latte in Australia.

Everyone always seems to be in a great mood and the loudest noise is often Gary and the staff laughing.

Ryan Brown, the shire’s best barista, sometimes morphs into Buttery Chard, star of outrageous, sold-out drag bingo shows in Murwillumbah and the Gold Coast.

So what’s next?

Stay tuned for more developments, including an awesome espresso bar in the Roast Office. Uki Post Office and Bastion Lane Espresso coffee shop is at 1464 Kyogle Road, Uki. Open 7am–5pm Mon-Fri, 7am–12:30pm Sat, 8am12:30pm Sun. For more info go to bastionlane. com

Youthful Gary outside the restored building. INSET: The beautiful glass award from the Royal Adelaide coffee show

Twin Towns hosts Kate Ceberano

By Madeleine Murray

KATE CEBERANO, the legendary singer, songwriter and performer is coming to Twin Towns on Saturday, June 14.

Winner of five ARIAs and three Countdown awards, Kate celebrates 40 years as an icon of the music industry with The Australian Made Tour. The tour covers over 20 cities in Australia — some shows are already sold out, and more have been added. That’s how popular Kate is. The Weekly asked Kate some questions, and even though the tour was beginning in 10 days, and some of her media team were dealing with the floods in Port Macquarie, the generous artist found time to give some sincere and thoughtful answers.

What is the secret to longevity in the music business?

“The secret to my longevity would be best described as hunting down joy where and when I find it, really playing and harvesting it and finding ways to live in it.

“Life tries to compress the heart. Creativity allows you to stay young simply because there are no real right or wrongs. There are no successes or failures, it is just experience and play. “Seriousness is a real vibe killer, and I try to avoid it when I can. But if I get lost in it, I cure the fallout with creativity. Painting, singing, cooking — all the arts.”

What is your favourite song/ music at the moment and why?

“ I’m really enjoying listening to Megan Washington’s Lazarus Drug, and adaptations of Australian artists with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. We don’t allow ourselves to be grand much as Australians and sometimes you need to have all those colours to truly express yourself.”

How do you like the Northern Rivers?

“I’ve been touring and performing in the Northern Rivers for 40 years. So many memorable gigs and so many die-hard music fans in the region! I can’t wait to bring this show to Twin Towns and celebrate four decades of Australian classics!”

Kate is joined by two brilliant young musicians, Kathleen Halloran and Harts, who was a protégé of Prince for many years.

The evening features some hits from her 11 Platinum and eight Gold albums such as Brave, Bedroom Eyes, and Pash. She will also perform classics from The Models, Divinyls, INXS, Silverchair, I’m Talking, Renee Geyer, Sia, Split Enz, Oz Crawl, Icehouse, Paul Kelly and more.

This will be a great night in the beautiful showroom of Twin Towns, with its state-ofthe-art lighting and sound.

Kate Ceberano Australian Made Tour 2025 is on at 7pm, Saturday, June 14, at Twin Towns, 2 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads. For more info and tickets, go to twintowns.com.au

Don’t miss Cinderella

TWEED THEATRE Company is set to enchant audiences with its latest production Cinderella, opening Saturday, June 14 at 2pm at the Tweed Heads Civic Centre.

Booking manager Rod Drummond said the team is buzzing with excitement as opening night approaches.

“Our cast are amazing for our Cinderella production,” he told The Weekly.

“The costumes are also incredible this year, and we’re excited to present the show to both locals and visitors to the Tweed Shire.”

The classic fairy tale follows Cinderella, a kind-hearted young woman whose life is turned upside down after her father is lost at sea.

Living under the rule of a cruel stepmother and two lazy stepsisters, she’s forced into servitude — until a fairy godmother transforms her fate with a wave of her wand.

Cinderella heads to the royal ball in a golden coach, where she captures the heart of Prince Alexander.

But when she flees at midnight, leaving behind only a glass slipper, the Prince embarks on a

kingdom-wide search to find the mysterious girl who stole his heart.

Rehearsals are in full swing, with sneak-peek photos hinting at a magical performance. Tickets are on sale now — don’t miss your chance to witness the fairy tale come alive.

See advertisement above (right).

Kate has added more cities to her popular tour

Cinderella is played by Jemima Merrell

Style sold sustainably

By Andia Cally

HAVE YOU got designer clothes, shoes, or accessories that feel too special to drop at the op shop? Maybe you’ve been meaning to sell them, but the thought of photographing each item, writing listings, dealing with time wasters, or setting up a market stall feels overwhelming. Don’t despair, Burringbar Collective has your back. Nestled inside Burringbar’s beloved go-to for general store essentials and takeaway The Barn, this newly launched second-hand store offers a stylish, sustainable solution known as ‘rent-a-rack’.

The rent-a-rack concept was pioneered in Finland in the ‘80s. Finnish entrepreneurs who missed the strong reuse culture from their homeland brought the concept to Australia in 2018 when the iconic Mekko Market & Café opened in Adelaide, blending a cozy café with this unique resale retail model.

Mother-of-two and Burringbar local Crystal Palmer was so inspired by what she saw in Adelaide she decided it was time to bring the concept home. “My background is in aged care, not fashion,” Crystal tells the Weekly, “but I’ve always had a passion for pre-loved clothing. When I saw rent-a-rack in Adelaide, I felt it could work here. There was nothing like it in the area, and I wanted to create something that was accessible and community driven.”

A full rack for children and adults costs $60 per week and includes space for 40 clothing items and 10 accessories (bags, shoes, et cetera), plus up to 20 additional pieces to top up when items sell. Half racks are $40 weekly and fit 20 items and five accessories. Coat hangers are supplied. Sellers tag their own stock with brand, size, and price. Stock is refreshed every Sunday and all unsold items must be collected before 5pm.

Getting your clothes on a rack is super easy, simply fill out the online form and write an item

list. You set the prices and style your rack and Barn staff handle the sales for a modest 10% commission. “It’s a low-fuss, sustainable way to clear space, earn money, and be part of a movement that celebrates reuse, creativity and local connection,” Crystal says. Book a rack and sign up to Crystal’s newsletter where she shares upcoming offers, events and the opportunity to buy renters’ top-up items online before they hit the rack www.burringbarcollective.com.au

Help your community prepare

By Andia Cally

MURWILLUMBAH CORE (MCORE) is a registered charity and grassroots, community-run organisation that was created during the 2022 floods. Its mission is to support local response and recovery efforts during emergencies like floods, storms, cyclones and bushfires.

The recent impact of ex-Cyclone Alfred highlighted the critical roles MCORE plays in keeping the community safe and the urgent need for more volunteers to strengthen Murwillumbah’s local safety net.

“We are a volunteer-led organisation, including all our committee members,” MCORE President and Treasurer Katrina Semple tells the Weekly. “Our strength lies in the dedication of our extended network of community volunteers who are essential to recovery, healing, and restoration.”

MCORE is looking to fill several critical volunteer positions to build disaster resilience, strengthen community ties and improve coordination with local authorities. These roles include:

• Street Coordinators: When streets are cut off and external help is delayed, neighbours are often the first responders. Street Coordinators help build strong personal relationships within their streets, coordinating communication, checking in on vulnerable neighbours and ensuring no one is isolated.

• Communications crew: Vital for keeping critical information flowing when phone lines are down.

• Administration: This indispensable team coordinates volunteers, equipment, and job requests.

• General volunteers: There are a range of jobs on offer, including IT management, staff

induction, equipment management, community welfare outreach, liaising with SES and council and operating mobile barbecues during emergencies.

MCORE invites interested community members to attend Plan C’s free five-day Community Carers and Responders Training, covering essential skills required for many of its volunteer roles, including first aid and psychological first aid.

Plan C’s Community Carers and Responders Training:

• June 13th, 14th, 20th: Core Responder Training (9am to 3pm)

• June 21st: Psychological First Aid (9am to 1.30pm)

• June 27th or June 28th: First Aid (9am to 4.30pm)

To register for the training contact: renee@ planc.org.au.

Come and join a great team of locals working to make our community stronger, safer and more connected. Email hub@mcore2484.org or visit www.mcore2484.org for more information.

TOP: Store Manager Crystal Palmer at Burringbar Collective in Barn building. BOTTOM: Shopper at the newly opened Burringbar Collective

MCORE committee members Jennifer Booth and Lisa Murphy, supporting Murwillumbah Community Centre, showing local students how to "be prepared"

FEATURED BUSINESS

LIFELONG TWEED locals Luke and Katie McDonald are proud to have launched Tweed Valley Hire recently.

The McDonald family have the skills and equipment to tackle a wide range of excavation and drainage jobs both big and small and with or without an operator.

Luke and his wife Katie both grew up in the Tweed Valley with Luke originally from Pottsville and Katie from Banora.

“My great grandparents, grandparents and parents are also from Tweed Shire,” the couple said.

“We moved away for work when we were young and ended up in Darwin.

“We moved back in 2019 and now live in Chillingham with our two teenage daughters.”

Luke has been working in construction across excavation and drainage works for the past 20 years with one of Australia’s largest civil contractors.

“I recently started Tweed Valley Hire in

TWEED VALLEY HIRE 0472 575 014

March 2021 and I have been working in the business full time since April this year,” he said.

Tweed Valley Hire offer a 1.7-tonne excavator for hire and offer drainage and driveway installations and maintenance. As well as trenching and excavation services.

“We currently have a special offer on driveway crossovers and open drain clearing,” he said.

“Please give us a call to find out more.”

The couple are planning on expanding their fleet in the future to include other small equipment including a tipper and bobcat. The feedback from their customers has been outstanding and the couple are eager to help with your small or big jobs.

Give them a call to find out more: 0472 575 014.

Position Vacant

ASSISTANT STORE MANAGER & FULL TIME/CASUAL TEAM MEMBERS

· Are you passionate about cars?

· Are you a people person, with some retail experience? · Do you enjoy speaking with people who are passionate about cars?

· Do you live in or around Tweed Heads?

If you have answered yes to the above, we would love to hear from you! Here at Autobarn, we are a bunch of friendly, passionate, experts & we have opportunities to join our Tweed Heads store as it grows, where you can bring your passion for cars, customer services and retail to life!

Working with us you will be:

· Providing great customer support and services to our customers

· Sharing your passion about cars with customers

· Working with the team to achieve store sales targets

About you - You don’t need to tick every box, but we are looking for a good combination of:

· Face to face customer services retail experience

· Great communication skills

· An interest or passion for auto products!

· An interest or passion for customer services!

We offer great training and

For Sale

HONDA CRF, 250F. Under 10 hours on the clock, Near New. Regrettable Sale. $6,200. Ph: 0455 936 050

For Sale

FOR SALE: Jigsaw Puzzles in very good condition. Complete and boxed. 15 x WASGIJ Series and 17 x assorted. Selling the

For Sale

CAMPERVAN FOR SALE: IVECO DAILY 1997 Turbo Diesel, fully off grid Solar/Gas, Ensuite, New 12v Fridge, 4x new batteries recently serviced excellent condition. NSW Rego, ready to go. $37,500, will consider swap/trade classic custom car. Ph: 0409 209 246

LES FARRELL Breeder of Finches,

CARAVAN FOR SALE 4.4m long, unregistered, reasonable condition, still able to be towed. $4,500 - Open to offers. Call 0423 525 493

SALE Viper Scooter, first offer over $2,500 Cost new $4,500 - 1 week old. Unwanted gift. Banora Point. Call: 0449 766 896 Email: peterhanson3306@gmail.com

Public Notice

MONTHLY MEETING

The Lions Club of Cabarita Beach / Pottsville Beach welcomes you. Our monthly meeting is held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. Our social dinner is held on the 4th Wednesday of each month. Please contact President Bill Brodie on 0411 406 143.

Position Vacant

Newspaper Delivery

Tweed Valley Weekly is seeking a newspaper delivery driver & walker in Murwillumbah & Tweed Heads CBD. The role is every Thursday morning, approximately 3 hours work. Pays well. Must have an ABN, reliable car and be courteous with both driving and delivery. For more information, please phone: 0447 300 258.

convection trays. Gas bottle needs replacement. $200. Phone: 0459 098 873

Garage Sale

HUGE GARAGE SALE Sat 7th & Sun 8th June, 8am-3pm 8 Banksia Ave Cabarita. Motorcycle leather vests, Pants, Harley & Sturgis Jackets, T-Shirts, Bike Accessories, Model trains, Power & Air Tools, Camping Gear, 6 Burner BBQ, General Tools, lots of Bric-a-Brac. Worth a look. Moving Sale: Furniture and misc, Tools, Fishing and Camping Gear, 2 Recliners, Lounge Chair, TVs, TV Cabinet, Coffee Tables. 47 Pioneer Pde, Banora Point. Sat 31st May 7am - 1pm

Weekly In Memoriam

Funeral Notices

In Loving Memory of Shirley Margaret Grice (Lange)

23 Apr 1941 - 31 May 2025

Wife and soulmate to Bob (dec).

Much loved sister of Norma (dec), Max, Ben (dec), Barry (dec), Elizabeth, Keith, Merle (dec).

A loving mother to Sonia, Debbie and Robert (Jr).

Cherished grandmother to Shelley, Crystal, Aaron, Cara, Christopher, Aidan, Kayleesha, Dave, Tina, Melissa and loving great grandmother to Josiah, Nitika, Chanelle, Malakai, Penelope, Lacey, Ivy, K-Teila, Dustin, Hendrix, Jess & Aida.

A service for Shirley will be held at Tweed Valley Cemetery, 813 Eviron Road, Eviron on Wednesday 11th June at 11am.

The family would like to thank everyone for their kind words, flowers and support during this difficult time.

In loving memory

GRAHAME ERIC MARR

Late of Kingscliff.

Formerly of Nowra.

Passed away peacefully Saturday 31st May, 2025. Aged 85 Years.

Dearly loved Husband of Barbara.

Loved Father and Father-in-law of Sarah & Graham, Brad & Karen, and Craig & Kylie.

Cherished Grandad of Lachlan, Hannah, Jerem, Layla and Coen. Family and Friends are warmly invited to attend Grahame’s Funeral Service to held at the Tweed Valley Lawn Chapel & Crematorium Eviron Road, Eviron on Friday 13th June at 11am.

In

loving memory

Luigi Leonardo Santamaria

Late of Banora Point.

Passed away peacefully on Monday 26th May 2025. Aged 90 years.

Dearly loved Husband of Maria (dec’d).

Loved Father and Father-in-law of Silvia & Toby and Tony & Sonya. Cherished Nonno of Cooper and Bronte.

Family and Friends are warmly invited to attend Luigi’s Requiem Mass to be held at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Tweed Heads on Wednesday 11th June 2025 at 10:30am.

After the service the cortege will leave for the Tweed Heads Lawn Cemetery, Kirkwood Road Tweed Heads South.

Funerals Ph: (02) 6672 2144 Murwillumbah

Death Notice

In Loving Memory of Dr Richard ‘Dizzy’

Gillespie

10 August 1940 ~ 19 May 2025

Aged 84 years

Born Tongala, Victoria. Late of Adelaide. And formerly a long-time resident of ‘Dizzy Heights’, Stokers Siding. Passed away peacefully on Monday 19th May 2025. A private funeral was held in Adelaide.

Known for his pioneering committed work on radiocarbon dating around the globe, to his huge love of New Orleans trad jazz and John le Carré novels.

May you remember him with fond memories of his many exploits, anecdotes, hospitality, along with more than a wee dram of Tully.

Death Notices

FREW Grace Ellen

27/05/2025

McGuiness Funerals (02) 6672 2144

WALLIN Paulette Desiree 10/05/2025

Paperbark Deathcare & Funerals 0466 526 156

BARRY Alexander 10/05/2025

Paperbark Deathcare & Funerals 0466 526 156

JENKINS Margaret 14/05/2025

Paperbark Deathcare & Funerals 0466 526 156

The Holy Fire Event

By Jonathon Howard

THE HOLY Fire event at St James Church extends an invitation to local families and individuals to participate in a Bonfire Night - with a difference. The event takes place from 5.30 – 7.30 pm on June 7 at 122 Marine Pde, Kingscliff. Presenting a free live performance telling the Biblical story of Pentecost, the day that ‘Holy Fire’ ignited the mission of the

ORME Katrina Louise 15/05/2025

Paperbark Deathcare & Funerals 0466 526 156

PERKINS Mark Peter 18/05/2025

Paperbark Deathcare & Funerals 0466 526 156

SCHILD Nelly 19/05/2025

Paperbark Deathcare & Funerals 0466 526 156

JAMES Marcelle Sheree 19/05/2025

Paperbark Deathcare & Funerals 0466 526 156

McGuiness

Mick Fanning Charity Golf Day

By Jo Kennett

SURFING LEGEND Mick Fanning is back with his Annual Charity Golf Day presented by Balter, and this year’s edition to raise funds for disaster hit residents of the Northern Rivers is set to be the biggest and best yet.

On Friday, June 13, the Coolangatta and Tweed Heads Golf Club will host a huge line-up of Australian sporting legends and celebrities, including Hamish Blake, Glenn Robbins, Ellyse Perry, Dylan Alcott, Sally Pearson, Pat Rafter, Karl Stefanovic, and big name surf stars.

Now in its fourth year, the event unites Aussie icons and generous supporters to raise vital funds for the Northern Rivers communities, still recovering from the 2022 floods and recent disasters like ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Fanning, who was personally involved in the rescue and recovery efforts along with mate Joel Parkinson, says the event is about keeping the momentum going.

“We’ve seen how tough it’s been for families, but we’ve also seen their strength,” Mick said.

“This day is about showing we’re still here, still backing them.”

Since the golf day launched in 2022, nearly $2 million has been raised.

“We’re pushing hard to make this our big-

gest fundraising effort yet,” Mick said.

The fun starts with players putting for a pallet of Balter beer, before hitting the course to play for amazing prizes from event partners Balter, Mercedes Benz, Lululemon, Rip Curl, Tito’s Vodka, Yeti, and Adidas.

The 2025 Mick Fanning Annual Charity Golf Day promises to deliver moments that matter and unmatched vibes as participants get a crack at $1,000,000 and a Mercedes Benz if they can jag a hole-in-one.

All proceeds go directly to charities working on the ground, including Givit, Human Nature, Hands On Hearts, and other grassroots initiatives.

Fans can get involved in the online auction which is live now, with exclusive, one-of-a-kind items up for grabs, including a signed Eddie Vedder guitar and ukulele; custom Mark Richards surfboard; a year’s supply of Balter beer; or a spot to play alongside the celebs on the day

The auction closes on Friday, June 7. For details and to place your bids, visit: www.mickfanningcharitygolfday.com

Hockeyroo call-up for local Jesse

By Jo Kennett

CASUARINA HOCKEY Club junior Jesse Reid has been selected to play for the Hockeyroos squad for the United Kingdom/Europe Pro League tour, replacing an injured player. Jesse is the daughter of Olympic gold medallist Sharon Buchanan and joins the squad after standout form in the AUS Practice Series.

She was four when she first started playing, played representative hockey in U13 to U21, state, and with Brisbane Blaze and Perth Thundersticks, winning multiple titles. Jesse, her mum and the family have had a huge impact on the Casuarina Hockey Club. More recently she has been playing in Western Australia with the Perth Thundersticks, saying that a bucket list wish was to take the

team to a grand final win in the Hockey One league, which she achieved last year.

The talented 24-year-old also has a law degree from the University of Western Australia.

According to Hockey One, she gets pumped to Olivia Rodrigo, Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift or Zach Bryan before a game and her favourite pre-meal snack is peanut butter and honey. Her selection will help strengthen what Hockey Australia calls “a confident Hockeyroos squad heading into 2025 and beyond as head coach Katrina Powell names a 24-strong lineup with an eye to the LA 2028 Olympic Games.”

She joins Cabarita sisters Savannah and Maddison Fitzpatrick who have both played for the Hockeyroos and in the Olympics.

Mustangs draw with Ballina, LLT Tweed beats Hornets

By Jo Kennett

IT WAS Round 7 of the NRRRL with plenty of games played in tough, muddy conditions, but there were some good wins from Tweed teams, a gritty draw against Ballina from the Mustangs, while the Hornets girls suffered their first loss against Tweed Heads. There was no backing down for Murwillumbah who played with plenty of determination in tough conditions to fend off Ballina for an 8–8 draw.

The Mustangs girls got the win 34–8 in the LLT, the Under 18s won 12–8, while the Reggies went down 40–22.

The Cudgen Hornets took out a hard fought rain-affected local derby against the Tweed Heads Seagulls, 18–12, to retain their spot on the top of the ladder, although they are a couple of games up on the rest of the teams.

The Hornet’s Reggies won 32–12, the Under 18s 34–0 and the ladies went down in a shock loss, their first for the year after looking unstoppable. Both teams are on equal points but

the Hornets girls have had six games while the Seagulls have only played four, so that could change.

The Bilambil Jets took down Marist Brothers 26–22 in a hard fought clash, to keep them in second place on the ladder although they have only played five games so extra points could be on the way with some makeup games.

The Bilambil Jets ladies tackle team got a big win over Kyogle in muddy conditions 8–4, the Under 18s went down to Marist Brothers 32–18, the reggies smashed it with a 52–4 win Tweed Coast went down 24–14 to Byron Bay, and have dropped three spots to ninth place on the ladder.

The Raiderettes killed it in the LLT, taking the Devils down 32–0, and the Under 18s had a great 22–14 win as well, but the Reggies went down 24-16.

It looks like there are some Round 4 catch-ups this weekend. Tweed Coast is hosting Marist Brothers on Saturday afternoon but check with your club closer to the weekend for more details.

Hamish Blake will be back for the Charity Golf Day

A Hornets player making a break in the Ladies League Tag. Photo Cudgen Hornets

Photo by Cudgen Hornets

ACROSS 1 Winter squash (6) 4 Warrior (7) 7 Slit (5)

9 Part of the eye (4) 11 Represented (9) 14 Girl (4) 15 Spotless (10) 16 Record’s grooverunner (6)

Kookaburra (10) 20 Nocturnal insect (4)

(6) 22 Socialised (9)

African burrowing mammal (8)

Substitute (6)

Glower (5)

(4)

Snuggle (6)

Fruit (5)

Poison (7)

Boxes (5)

Young horse (4)

Imprecise (7)

Fluid secreted by female mammals (4)

(7)

Platform (5)

Globe (6)

Location (4)

Condition (5)

A songbird (6)

(5)

57 Starchy vegetables (8) 58 Sluggish (9)

Split (6)

Cogitate (4) 65 Indoctrinating material (10) 66 Firm (6) 69 Bookkeeper (10) 70 Unexciting (4) 71 Fast water vessel (9) 73 Agreeable (4) 74 Class (biol) (5) 75 Fizzy candy (7) 76 Grain (6)

2 Short, interesting or amusing account of an incident (8) 3 Two-wheeled

order Strigiformes (3)

25 Terrible lizards (9) 26 Aide (9)

29 Someone who travels by bike (7)

30 Hit (5)

32 Effective (9) 33 Cleansing agent

State of

(8)

Cabinet (6)

On fire (6)

Bird from the

Minimum

Real Estate

Agent of the week

By Jo Kennett

THIS EDITION’S Agent of the Week is The Agency Kirra Tweed’s Toby Sandell

With over 20 years running real estate businesses, Toby and the team at The Agency are highly experienced and dedicated to the local community, whether you are buying, selling, investing or renting.

The Agency’s second office opened in October last year conveniently located at Wharf Street, Tweed Heads, complementing the company’s existing office in Kirra Village in Musgrave Street, Coolangatta.

We caught up with Toby to find out more and get some tips on buying and selling.

What is your favourite part about being an agent?

The diversity, being in a trusted position where we get to help people. Often buying and selling a home is one of the biggest decisions they will make in their lives and it is a privilege to be a part of it.

Before you were a real estate agent what was the most interesting/unusual job you had?

I started my working life as a

soldier in the army, then moved from Sweden to Australia working for Armaguard, working in the armoured trucks picking up and delivering cash – oh the stories I could tell!

Are there any changes in the supply/demand equation in property in the Tweed Shire?

Demand still by far outweighs supply.

Where are people looking for properties at the lower end of the market and what type of properties are they after?

We are seeing many first home buyers targeting the up and coming suburbs, with strong buyer demand in the smaller units in Tweed Heads, Tweed Heads South and Tweed Heads West as these are seen as more affordable. This segment of the market is also targeted by savvy investors looking to build their property portfolios with good yields.

What about the top end of the market? Any favourite spots or property types?

We are seeing strong demand for waterfront apartments with many buyers still moving up from the southern states where they often sell properties for much

Open Homes

Saturday, June 7

MANA

• 6 North Heads Road, New Brighton, 9–9.30am

• 14 North Head Road, New Brighton,10–10.30am

• 9 Wattar Court, Ocean Shores,10–10.30am

• 4/2 Arika Avenue, Ocean Shores,10.30–11am

• 38 Banool Circuit, Ocean Shores,11–11.30am

• 15 Muli Muli Avenue, Ocean Shores,11–11.30am

JET Real Estate

• 2469 Kyogle Road, Terragon, 9–9.30am

• 5 Tweed Valley Way, Condong, 9.30–10am

We

We

We understand that

Our

higher and move into the Gold Coast/Tweed Shire for a better lifestyle and or retirement. There have been a number of fantastic sales in this segment of the market.

What sort of buyers are you seeing and where are they from?

We are seeing a mix of buyers across property listings, from first home buyers, local families, investors, couples, self managed super funds and retirees. We are also seeing a positive response to off-the-plan purchases for developments yet to be constructed.

What’s something people can do without spending a fortune to make their property more saleable? Also what is the best investment you could put into a house you want to sell?

Something that people can do is ensure that the property is presented neat and tidy, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression. With regards to renovations/improvements this would be a case by case scenario and who your target market is, as in some instances it is best to sell “as is” to allow buyers the opportunity to make the home their own.

• 102 Shara Boulevard, Ocean Shores, 9.30–10am

• 130 Brooks Road, Kynnumboon, 10.30–11am

• 323 Nolans Road, Stokers Siding, 11.30–12pm

• 114 Booka Road, Upper Crystal Creek,11.30–12pm

Tate Brownlee Real Estate

• 51 Kingscliff Street, Kingscliff, 9–9.30am

• 39/87-111 Greenway Drive, Banora Point, 9–9.30am

• 4/47 Enid Street, tweed Heads, 10–10.30am

• 702/38 Enid Street, Tweed Heads, 10–10.30am

• 40 Cominan Avenue, Banora Point, 10-10.30am

• 2/85-93 Leisure Drive, Banora Point, 11-11.30am

• 19 Magnolia Circuit, Banora Point, 11–11.30am

• 8 Captains Way, Banora Point, 11–11.30am

• 143 Botanical Circuit, Banora Point, 12– 12.30pm

Hot property

THIS WEEK’S Hot Property is another beauty with stunning waterfront views in the Anchorage Island community, which offers a tranquil lifestyle in a great location.

Overlooking the marina, the spacious top-floor apartment at 20/5 Island Drive, Tweed Heads, offers the best in waterfront living with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, the main with a walk-through wardrobe and ensuite with a bath in the main bathroom.

The modern kitchen has stone bench tops, a double wall oven and the light-filled living area flows out to an enclosed sunroom with breathtaking water views.

The gated estate offers resort-style amenities including a sparkling swimming pool, lush landscaped gardens, and a private beach.

The best thing about this lovely home, apart from the views, is the location, just minutes the pristine beaches of Coolangatta and Rainbow Bay, the scenic walking trails of the Tweed River, and the vibrant cafés, restaurants, and shopping precincts of Tweed Heads.

This lovely property is for sale now with Toby and Jacinta at The Agency Kirra Tweed, with a price guide of $1,250,000 - $1,300,000.

• 1 Honeymyrtle Drive, Banora Point,1– 1.30 pm

• 19 Ocean Grove, Currumbin,1-1.30pm

First National Murwillumbah

• 93 Tweed Valley Way, Sth Murwillumbah, 9.30–10am

• 46 Barlee Drive, Fernvale, 9.30–10am

• 4 Hope Street, Bray Park, 10–10.30am

DJ Stringer

• 305 Casuarina Way, Kingscliff, 9:00–9:30am

• 3/4B Chitticks Lane, Fingal Head, 10:00–10:30am

• 24 Blue Waters Cres, Tweed Hds West, 11:00–11:30am

• 1/13 Biby St, Tugun, 12–12:30pm

Evergreen Exclusive Estates

• 89 Chowan Creek Road, Chowan Creek Uki, 12–1pm

The Agency Kirra Tweed 16/48 Musgrave Street, Coolangatta and 46B Wharf Street, Tweed Heads

Coming soon

Caillon Place - Ivory Crescent, Tweed Heads

Don’t miss the opportunity to secure your place in this exclusive collection of just 14 thoughtfully designed two-bedroom apartments, nestled within a boutique complex currently under construction and anticipated for completion mid-2026.

Perfectly positioned in a peaceful pocket of Tweed Heads, this lifestyle-focused address is just moments from the serene Tweed River, Tweed Mall shopping precinct, Club Tweed and world class beaches.

Register your interest today and step into a future of effortless coastal living.

FOR SALE 3 bed 1 bath 1 car

102 Shara Boulevard, Ocean Shores

$1,150,000 to $1,240,000

FOR SALE 5 bed 3 bath 10 car

5 Tweed Valley Way, Condong Auction: Bidding Guide $1,400,000

FOR SALE 2 bed 2 bath 4 car

114 Booka Road, Upper Crystal Creek

Currently set up as a charming 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom Queenslander with incredible potential, stunning views, and a perfect blend of comfort and nature all set on approximately 5 acres. Situated in a picturesque location, this property o ers breathtaking views of Springbrook, and an abundance of space, making it the ideal place to call home.

High ceilings and fans throughout ensure comfort and airflow. The generous living room comes complete with a wood burner fireplace, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. Timber and glass doors open up to the central hall, providing a seamless flow of space.

Open for inspection this Saturday 7th June 11:30 to 12:00pm $1,450,000-$1,500,000

Murwillumbah Real Estate Agency Recognised for Excellence in State Awards

First National Real Estate Murwillumbah has been recognised for outstanding achievement during a glittering state awards event held at e Star Brisbane. e awards celebrated the accomplishments of First National’s estate agents throughout the state in 2024, with First National Murwillumbah taking out one of the top awards — Lifestyle Sales O ce of the Year

Principal Scott Reading said it was his team’s honour to be recognised for the results achieved over the past 12 months.

“To be named Lifestyle Sales O ce of the Year is a tremendous achievement and a re ection of our team’s dedication to delivering outstanding service in the lifestyle property market,” he said.

“ ese awards are a testament to the commitment, expertise, and resilience of my team. eir focus on customer service, even in the face of challenges, is truly commendable. Each accolade re ects not only their individual talent but also our shared goal of setting new benchmarks in real estate. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together.”

“For local property owners, this award is more than just a title — it’s recognition that when you work with us, you’re working with one of the bestperforming lifestyle property teams in the state,” Mr Reading added.

“Whether you’re planning to sell soon or just exploring your options, you deserve a team that understands the market, knows how to attract the right buyers, and delivers on what they promise.”

At the awards presentation, First National Murwillumbah received the following recognition:

• Lifestyle Sales O ce of the Year

Key sta members were also recognised for their individual performances:

• Anne Besgrove received the Diamond Award

• Scott Reading received the Gold Award

Mr Reading said the First National Real Estate State Awards are an important event, as they encourage agents to strive for continual improvement in a way that bene ts customers and the wider community.

inking of Selling Your Property?

Here’s why this award matters to you.

Winning Lifestyle Sales O ce of the Year means First National Murwillumbah has been recognised for exceptional results in selling properties just like yours — lifestyle homes, rural properties, tree-changes, and scenic retreats.

With a proven track record, deep local knowledge, and state-level recognition, the team knows how to market your property to the right buyers — and get the best possible outcome.

Ready to talk about your next move?

Call First National Murwillumbah for a no-obligation chat today.

OPEN HOME

Saturday 7 June th 12pm to 1pm

SERRA LUMA

‘A sanctuary above it all’

89 Chowan Creek Road, Chowan Creek - UKI

Perched high on a spectacular ridgeline, Serra Luma spans 134 acres of pristine wilderness with panoramic views to Wollumbin, Springbrook, and the Border Ranges.

This timeless, architect-designed bush pavilion home with a self-contained studio offers seclusion, soul and stunning craftsmanship.

With 500m of permanent creek frontage, 10 acres of grazing pasture and exciting potential for a wellness or ecoretreat (STCA), Serra Luma is an invitation to live with depth, presence, and possibility.

A place to breathe, connect, and create.

1 Tree Street, Murwillumbah

3 Bed | 1 Bath | 7 Car | 971m²

Vendor Committed Elsewhere-Make an Offer.

345 Chilcotts Road, Chillingham

2 Bed | 1 Bath | 6 Car | 34.32 ha Dream Acreage Escape with Mountain Views.

Thinking of Selling?

Over the past 4 weeks, we’ve helped fantastic buyers and sellers close successful deals. We currently have a high demand from qualified buyers. If you're thinking of selling, now is the perfect time—buyers are waiting!

Contact Wendy today!

Coast to country, we have your property needs covered.

Wendy Rosenbaum

Licensee-in-Charge Murwillumbah 0437 709 993

wendy@manare.au Murwillumbah 15 Commercial Rd Murwillumbah (02) 6672 4477

Head Office Byron Bay 50 Parkes Ave, Byron Bay (02) 6680 5000

COASTAL INSPIRED BEACH RETREAT – 350M to the surf!

After a memorable day at the beach, stroll home to immerse yourself within this generously apportioned & immaculate low maintenance residence.

KEY FEATURES (ground level):

• Spacious tiled living & dining areas

• Stunning hostess kitchen w/ soft closing two pac cabinetry, German quality Siemens appliances including pyrolytic oven

• Full length sliding doors seamlessly flowing out to covered entertaining / alfresco dining area

• Separate powder room

• Double automatic lock up garage w/ epoxy flooring, storage & internal access

KEY FEATURES (first level):

• Open family/study area (easily converted to a 4th bedroom)

• Extra-large master bedroom w/ stylish ensuite & two-way walk-in robe

• Two additional large bedrooms w/ built in robes

• Ducted air-conditioning (installed October 2021)

• High quality Redbook carpets (100% Triexta fibre)

CAPTURE THE SPIRIT OF DREAMTIME BEACH

Nestled within an exclusive seaside enclave, you will enjoy solace from this (3) bedroom 165m2 coastal inspired town home (just one of 3 only) within 250m to access Fingal Head Beach & the beautiful Dreamtime Beach.

KEY FEATURES – ground level:

• Covered garden entry & courtyard

• Laundry, powder room & main bathroom w/ walk through shower

• Overly spacious 2nd bedroom w/ access to large lower deck & pool

• Bedroom (3) w/ built in robe & access to c/yard

• Inviting communal in-ground pool w/ rear gate to Fingal Road & through to the beach

• Automatic lock up garage for (1) vehicle, as well as (3) communal external car spaces for the (3) residents use

KEY FEATURES – upper level:

• Generous open plan living w/ timber flooring

• Large master bedroom w/ ensuite & walk in robe

• Coastal kitchen w/ dish drawer, stainless steel benches & gas cook top

• Covered entertaining deck w/ Tweed River views filtered by tropical surrounds

VINTAGE KIRRA BEACH HOUSE – 440m to the surf!

Experience the laid-back lifestyle of yesteryear from this tidy (3) bedroom low set residence within a (5) minute stroll to the beach and Kirra's barefoot café precinct.

KEY FEATURES:

• Polished timber flooring throughout

• Well-appointed social kitchen & meals area

• Modern bathroom, separate WC & laundry

• Rear covered entertaining area

HOTNEWLISTING

• Large garden shed

• Double carport

• Fully fenced w/ established planting

• Zoning Medium Density Residential (could suit duplex / town homes or units to 3 levels – please refer to GCCC for advice)

WATERFRONT HOME & HUGE GROUND LEVEL GRANNY FLAT

After 27 years, the proud owners have decided to downsize from their beloved home that holds many fond memories. This solid dual level (4) bedroom residence is anchored on a prime 613m2 allotment & offers an abundance of lifestyle & living options.

• Overly spacious ground level fully self-contained granny flat, including bedroom, huge living space, bathroom & kitchen

• Upper section of home comprises of 3 bedrooms, master with ensuite, generous living w/ cathedral ceilings opening on to full length balcony / deck

• Drive through boat ramp

• Auto garage plus external space for another 4 cars / boat / caravan etc

• Scope to add value & ample room for a future pool

• Walk to local shopping & 5 minutes to Kirra Beach