Tweed Valley Weekly Double Edition, December 15 to December 29, 2022

Victims want justice for car theft scourge

By Jo Kennett

THE JUSTICE system is failing victims of car theft crimes, according to locals who have become the latest victims in the Tweed Shire’s car theft “epidemic”.

Several cars have been stolen on the Tweed Coast in the past week, and a Casuarina mum who had two vehicles stolen said she feared for her family’s safety knowing the alleged thieves entered their home while their children slept nearby.

The mother-of-three, who did not want to be named or have some details of the incident made public, said the family were asleep in their single-storey Casuarina home at around 6am on Thursday, December 8, when their neighbour saw the couple’s two cars being driven away.

“They came in through the kitchen window and took our car keys,” she said

“We were asleep with our bedroom doors open and our neighbour rang and said the cars had been stolen.

“They had crashed my husband’s car just around the corner, and when they jumped out of the car our neighbour tried to tackle them, then they jumped in my car and took off.”

The neighbour said there were four alleged thieves aged “about 17 or 18 years old.”

“My husband ran out and it had just happened and there was smoke coming out of the car,” the woman told The Weekly.

“My daughter’s phone, which has a tracker, was in my car and we saw after-

wards that they drove to Sandpiper Avenue in Tweed South near Kennedy Drive and stopped there for a while.

“We gave the police that information but then they dumped the phone off the M1.”

The police arrived at their home shortly afterwards, telling the family there had been “a bit of a spree” that morning.

“One was involved in a chase and they got that car back,” she said.

“I’m a bit scared because when I went to go to work on Monday morning my car door was open and my sunglasses and credit card were gone and they have been through my husband’s car.

“I think they have been scoping the area; I said to my husband on Tuesday night (before the cars were taken), ‘We are being watched. I can feel it.’ I asked him to fix one of the blinds that was broken.

“We had a fake surveillance camera and two weeks ago we found it ripped off and on the ground.

“They got into our kitchen so quickly and lightly; they definitely knew where the keys were.”

The woman said they were about to purchase security cameras, lights and alarms.

“I’ve got three kids and they are scared, they don’t feel safe,” she said.

“It was scary to see our car smashed up with smoke coming out and have the police fingerprinting our home and knowing there was more than one of them in here.

“I feel so violated. All the Christmas presents were in the car because my youngest child kept going through them.

“I spent a lot because this is when I buy them all the clothes for the year so they’ve all gone.”

The police found the woman’s car on Saturday afternoon with one teenager taken into custody, however it will be several days before the family gets the car back.

“Since this happened so many people have reached out to me saying the same thing had happened to them recently,” she said.

“It really does seem like an epidemic. We are all feeling pretty terrorised.

“Everyone is saying, ‘You should have hid your keys’ but to be honest it might be good that they just took the keys and left. Imagine one of the kids waking up with four guys in the house.

“Another thing I’ve learnt from people reaching out and talking is that absolutely nothing will happen to these guys. They have absolutely zero consequences.”

Tweed Police officers have previously told The Weekly that all they can do is put the alleged perpetrators before the justice system, which then decides the penalty, in a justice system victims believe is failing the public.

Commercial unit fire

By Jo Kennett

FIREFIGHTERS WERE called in to extinguish a fire which threatened to cause serious damage to a commercial building at Tweed Heads South on Friday, December 9.

Emergency services took the call to a building fire on Corporation Circuit at about 2.45pm after Fire and Rescue NSW Newcastle Communications Centre received a triple zero (000) call stating that smoke was issuing from the roller door and they could hear explosions from inside.

Fire crews from Banora Point and Tweed Heads arrived shortly after to find the incident as described.

Firefighters commenced an offensive fire attack and despite poor visibility and hot conditions, were able to locate the seat of the fire.

Firefighters were quick to contain the fire before it could spread through the rest of the commercial unit.

Salvage and overhaul operations soon followed, then ventilation using a PPV (Positive Pressure Ventilation) fan.

The fire had been contained to the front of the unit, but unfortunately there was severe smoke damage.

Residual smoke had also travelled into the coinciding unit, which also required ventilation.

Fortunately there were no occupants at the premises during this time.

Firefighters also discovered bottles of acetylene gas in the rear of the building, which if the fire had reached, could’ve resulted in a larger incident.

The great work of our local crews and a collaborative effort by local firefighters resulted in the fire being contained in the unit of origin.

CAR THEFTS: A Peugeot similar to the one stolen from the Tweed Coast recently

Firefighters gaining entry to the building

Why You Need Solar & Batteries Now!

Power Prices Rise by 18%

Australian electricity prices have risen by up to 18.3 per cent under a decision by the Australian Energy Regulator due to increased cost of generation due to global rises in coal and gas prices. The increases, which came into effect from July, amount to more than $250 a year based on ACCC figures putting the average residential electricity bill at $1,434.

Feed in Tariffs for Solar Crash

Electricity retailers are in a price squeeze and have slashed the amount they pay for your excess solar, now paying zero - 8c per kWh, down from the 21c we were paid in 2020. Unless you have solar and batteries you are facing serious increases in energy costs. 888 Solar Tek have installed hundreds of solar battery systems in the last 8 years and can help you with great deals on the most reliable and long lasting solar batteries in Australia.

Thanks from Southport

It was a standing ovation from music lovers in sincere appreciation of the Northern Rivers Symphony Orchestra’s Christmas Festival held at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Tweed Heads, on December 4.

Featured with the premier NRSO ensemble were the vocally dynamic Coolamon Singers, a perfect partnership of talent.

Conductor extraordinaire was the masterful Maestro Marco Bellasi who also injected a Santa’s sleighful of fun into the occasion — a wonderfully joyful afternoon.

Last, but definitely not least, the three young violin students who joined in during the second half of Sunday’s program must be warmly applauded. They are the future of classical and all genres of music and, if their enthusiasm and abilities were anything to go by, I for one look forward to future concerts where they take part.

A big thank you to all who would have put in a huge amount of time and effort in the organisation and production of the Christmas Festival for the benefit of the local community. Please do let the world know if CDs and/or DVDs are to follow.

March 2023 re-election campaign — of ever being asleep at the wheel.

What’s motivating Warren’s enthusiasm is that not only is the seat of Tweed ‘red hot’ in play but the entire Liberal/National NSW Government survival could very well depend on Geoff holding it, as a ‘bloodbath’ occurs down Sydney way on the conservative side.

However, the elephant in the room up here is the kamikaze dive of a whopping 13.5 per cent of the National party vote at the recent May 2022 federal election, with the Green vote up a further 5 per cent from their 2009 result to a quarter (25 per cent) of the total primary vote, which vote is steadily seeping into the seat of Tweed with the greater Murwillumbah region vote almost a third green.

Added to the above woes for the majors is that in the state system you don’t have to vote for who you don’t want to vote for and your vote is valid.

Roosevelt — the Aussie troops would chant, “Where’s Joe, where’s Joe?”

Indeed, where was the leader of the nation doing most of the fighting in Europe?

I recently looked at a list of countries in NATO or aspiring to NATO membership.

I then downloaded a list of countries that had active SS units in SS uniform fighting against Russia and USSR Bolshevism.

Nearly every single European country in NATO, with few exceptions, had their own SS units.

As an example, the Dutch had two divisions.

The French SS Charlemagne Division was the last SS unit to surrender, Berlin 1945.

Don’t take my word for it — do your own homework.

Our major ally in the Asia theatre, the people that did the majority of fighting against Japanese fascism were the communist Chinese.

Test Drive a Nissan Leaf EV! We have 24, 30 & 40 kWh cars at half the new price.

The Best Technology in Solar Power, Off Grid, Residential & Business

Who is responsible you ask?

D Weston Allen asks “Who is responsible for the short supply of gas now needed in NSW...?” in The Weekly’s Letters (December 8). The short answer is John Howard.

His government was responsible for the Renewable Energy Target Act, which taxes generators of electricity using fossil fuels (ie, coal and gas) to subsidise renewable energy generators. His government also banned power reactors.

As a result, coal-fired generators have been put out of business and their shortfall has had to be replaced by gas-fired generators.

The tax has meant that domestic supplies of gas have also been squeezed.

I see the evidence

A couple of things need correcting before we get to Christmas.

Finland is not yet a NATO member, but like most of Russia’s neighbours, they applied to join after the invasion of Ukraine. Australia and its allies need to stand by Ukraine until Putin’s barbarians are defeated.

Secondly, those who lost homes, crops, stock, even loved ones may disagree with DW Allen’s views (TVW Letters) on climate change, in my opinion.

There are almost daily reports of record fires, floods, storms and droughts throughout the world.

Donna

Mroz

Turcic, Southport Political praise before Christmas

Warren Polglase (OAM) won a couple of well-deserved movie tickets for his letter last week (TVW Dec 8, Letters). It was a political masterpiece.

Praise was splashed all about the place, even Mayor Chris Cherry copped a bouquet.

The only ones who missed out were the Greens, but I guess a red line has to be drawn somewhere.

Warren’s mantra was that we are all in this together standing up for the Tweed, not doing it for medals.

I’ve known some pretty wily politicians in my time and no one could ever accuse Warren — who’s driving middle-of-the-road Geoff Provest’s

With over 25 per cent of the electorate in the recent May 2022 federal election casting their primary vote to independents and minor parties, should the same occur again, which is likely, a lot of these votes will extinguish in the optional preferential state voting system, making the surviving preferential vote absolutely beyond critical. The Greens will hold the biggest bag full of these with a solid history of an 80 per cent flow to Labor.

Whilst Labor desperately hunts about for the ‘fastest gun in town’ it can come up with for Tweed.

Terry Sharples, Tweed Heads Strange bedfellows we keep

My dad was a World War II veteran, actively fighting Nazi fascism, Italian fascism and Japanese imperial fascism.

He recounted to me that later in the war when the troops saw newsreels showing the King, Churchill and

Not Chiang Kai-Shek’s troops as the US later claimed.

Chiang Kai-Shek was later given Formosa/Taiwan as a prize for fighting...you guessed it, communist China!

Another important ally in the fight against Japanese aggression in ‘French’ Indo-China was the Viet Minh — who we got to know as the Viet Cong.

After the Japanese surrender in 1945, both the US and UK rearmed the Japanese troops still in Indo-China to battle the Viet Minh until France could get together another military force to regain their colony.

It is no accident that the force contained within the French Foreign Legion were many former SS. So here we are today.

Our nominated enemies are Russia and China. Our former allies.

Strange bedfellows we have accepted as allies today — our former enemies.

Bill Collins, Murwillumbah

It does not help that NSW has been sitting on approvals for a new gas mine at Narrabri, and Victoria has decided to lock up its known gas resources. ANSTO (Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation) had to shut down its very small power reactor.

Dr Allen also asked (Nov 17) “Is [Brian] Bycroft’s ‘study after study’ seriously flawed, failing to factor in the cost of providing energy when the wind dies after dark or when prolonged extensive cloud cover blocks the sun?”

Probably, but also the likely failure to cover the cost of new transmission lines to access the multitude of wind and solar farms needed.

However, since the studies are usually based on models, the most likely answer is ‘GIGO’.

If the estimate of the increase in temperature due to a doubling of CO2 is 2.5 to 5 degrees, this will be reflected in any output from the models, and accepted as gospel.

But a better estimate is about 1.1 degree, which explains why virtually all climate models ‘run hot’. GIGO = garbage in garbage out.

Dudley Horscroft, Banora Point

While we currently cope with floods, the Rhine and Danube are close to unnavigable (one in 500 year drought) and the Mississippi and Colorado rivers are drying up. Just a taste of what lies down the fossil fuel road. We have the technology to counter climate meltdown: renewables, storage and green hydrogen. If modular nuclear plants were any good there would be more than one in operation. There isn’t. It’s a furphy along with carbon capture and storage. Coal and gas companies made at least $120 billion this calendar year from digging up our resources and paid bugger-all tax. We will continue to be taken for mugs until we have a government which can wean itself off fossil fuel donations.

Alan Watterson, Hastings Point

Thank you for reading

Wishing our contributors, letter writers and dedicated readers a Merry Christmas.

Jonathon Howard, Editor

Please note the views on the letters page are that 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.

Kunghur Hall crunch time

By Jonathon Howard

THE LONGSTANDING debate around the use of Kunghur Hall will be discussed by Tweed Shire Councillors during their monthly meeting on Thursday, December 15.

The hall, which has been in operation for the past 107 years, was run by a group of locals known as the Kunghur Hall Management Committee.

According to Council records, the committee stopped meeting in 2009 and since that time the Kunghur Community Preschool has been “exclusively using the space rather than Kunghur Hall being a shared community hub”.

This has created some tension within the community and Council’s report stresses the need for Councillors to make a decision on the hall’s future.

Council’s records state that the preschool was originally using the hall three days per week for more than 35 years.

“This agreement worked well with the arrangement that the preschool would be packed up when the large room in the hall was hired,” Council’s report reads.

Council said the arrangement was in place until 2009, at which time the Kunghur Hall Management Committee stopped meeting and the hall became largely for the preschool.

The report said Council has been working with local stakeholders to find a harmonious outcome to this complex issue to meet the community’s needs, “Including understanding the constraints, requirements and opportunities available.”

Mayor Chris Cherry said it was a difficult issue but one that needed a resolution.

“We need to look towards the needs of the whole community,” she said.

“I believe we need to take it back to a community asset and something we can all access and use.

“We’d be asking the pre-school to enter an lease for a small annual fee of around $500 per year.”

The Kunghur Community Hall Action Group was formed four years ago and a petition was launched with the title ‘Give The Kunghur Community Hall, Back To The Community’, via Change.org.

The petition has so far garnered 221 signatures and Council staff said ongoing stakeholder mediation has taken place.

“Through meetings with Council staff and local stakeholders, it was apparent that no agreement could be reached between Kunghur Community Preschool and local community members,” Council’s report reads.

“In 2022, a community consultation was conducted to determine the needs and wants of the general community.”

Council survey opened on Monday, August 8, 2022, and closed on September 2, 2022.

“The survey comprised questions about the future of Kunghur Hall to hear the views of the wider community.

“The majority wants the hall to return

to being a shared community asset.

“Putting aside the intense emotional involvement from some of the most vocal of the stakeholder groups, the recommendations for the future use of Kunghur Hall are based largely on the input of the main key stakeholder group which is the general community within Kunghur and surrounds.”

Councillors have two options upon which they can vote.

Option one calls for Council to commence the processes of assuming management of Kunghur Hall from January 31, 2023, and making it available for community use outside of the Kunghur Preschool use commencing on July 1, 2023.

Council would seek the signing of a formal licence agreement with Kunghur Community Preschool for use of the hall each week from Wednesday morning until Friday afternoon, commencing on July 1, 2023.

Option two is that Council does not commence processes to assume management of Kunghur Hall from January or change the current hall arrangements.

Option one is the preferred option according to Council’s report.

DECISION TIME: Kunghur Hall is at the centre of much debate

How can I look after my pet in my will

Sometimes we are concerned our beloved petbe it a dog, cat, lizard, budgie, parrot, rat, horse, pig, sheep, fish, cow or cockatoo - will outlive us and we want to make sure they are cared for when we are gone.

Sure they are going to miss us, but can we leave our close family animals something in our will to ensure their wellbeing?

With 63 per cent of Australian households caring for a pet, amounting to 38 million furry, feathered or scaly animals, it is a major concern.

Wills and estates legal expert Josh Crowther at Stacks Law Firm says you can’t make your pet a beneficiary of your will.

“In Australia our pets are in legal limbo, as the law does not recognise them as family and they have no rights of their own,” Mr Crowther said.

“Under NSW law a pet is categorised as property, not a living entity or member of the family. They can’t receive money in a will, as property can’t inherit property. As a result, beloved pets come under the same legal category in deceased estates as a car or a sofa,” Mr Crowther said.

“But there are ways to ensure your will provides for a pet.

“One is by creating a foundation which has the sole purpose of taking care of the animal. A foundation director would be charged with using the funds left to it in the will to care for the pet.

“You could also set up a trust for the care of your pet, but there are problems, as pets can’t take action if the trustee doesn’t fulfill their duties. Courts have held that a trust for the care of an animal is no more than a non-binding direction, a request to the executor.

“You could leave money to an existing animal charity, stipulating that the funds be used for your pet’s welfare. The NSW Animal Welfare League and RSPCA operate legacy programs that look after pets of owners who have passed away or can no longer look after them.

“Or you could give the pet to a trusted person and leave money to them, specifying they should use the money to look after the pet.

“But what happens if that person then dies, or can’t look after the animal and gives it away? What if the charity’s policies don’t suit your pet? How can you be sure the foundation or trust will look after your pet?

“It would be necessary to get experienced legal advice to insert specifications in your will to ensure the beneficiary does look after your pet in the way you want.”

State election countdown

AFFORDABLE HOUSING, health services, police presence, education and recovery from natural disasters are all topics of debate as candidates go head-to-head in the lead-up to the NSW State Election on March 25 next year.

Whoever wins the seat of Lismore will represent the voters of Murwillumbah and the Tweed Valley in what for many years was Nationals-held territory under longtime former member Thomas George.

even stronger during our tough times, securing significant wins that benefit the entire Northern Rivers region.”

Ms Saffin is a member of the Australian Labor Party. She has been the Member for Lismore in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly since March 2019.

education, we should be investing in our smaller schools to deliver education based on the individual needs of each student and growing population.”

The Greens will push for tax reform, raising Centrelink payments, and adaptation plans to deal with the changing climate.

Incumbent Labor member Janelle Saffin told The Weekly that voters must decide on who could best represent the needs of vibrant and diverse communities, and deliver services that were sustainable.

“People are concerned about adequate services, infrastructure, and economic and environmental recovery,” Ms Saffin said.

“The latter given the past few years where we have been hit by a series of floods, bushfires, the COVID-19 pandemic and the humanitarian disaster brought on by the 2022 floods.

“As 2023 approaches, I maintain optimism and confidence in our communities to not only recover, but to thrive. I am committed to continue to drive this, working together hand in glove with community leaders and elected representatives.

“I have listened to local communities and I share their vision to ‘build back better’ to stay vibrant, prosperous and sustainable.

“My track record of strategic, sustained advocacy against the odds stands me in good stead. I am a fighter and I have been able to demonstrate strong leadership,

Greens candidate for Lismore, Adam Guise, has lived in the electorate for decades and is a serving councillor.

“I understand the challenges our region faces,” he said.

“I’ve been a Lismore City councillor for the past six years and that has given me the experience and understanding of how government works and the mechanisms to deliver for the community.

“Having previously worked in the NSW Parliament and taken a leading role in the successful community-led Gasfield Free Northern Rivers campaign, I have experience in listening to and fighting for the community.

“With a law degree and experience in teaching and community advocacy, I am motivated to ensure the laws our Parliament makes are just and put our community first.”

Mr Guise told The Weekly that public services had been hollowed out by government neglect and a privatisation agenda.

“This has led to the health and education system being in crisis with too many not receiving the care and quality service that they deserve,” he said.

“We value our nurses and teachers and believe the government has got its priorities upside down. For example, in Murwillumbah, instead of building a mega school that reduces the quality and diversity of

Nationals candidate for Lismore, Alex Rubin, a first-time campaigner, says the main issues that have emerged in the Murwillumbah region during his doorknocking are water security, education, and the state of roads and bridges.

“The issue of rebuilding educational facilities and the amalgamation of public schools has been a hot topic. However, not everyone is opposed as amalgamation will have many benefits for educational opportunities for students in the region, such as more course options in the senior certificate period, and that will lead to better opportunities for tertiary education,” he said.

“The number one concern people are speaking to us about is the ongoing poor condition of roads, as well as bridges, and the delays in restoration.

“As a first responder in both the bushfires and most recently the flood crisis, I am disappointed by what I see as a lack of tangible action to prevent the next crisis and address climate change.

“I bring experience to the table to deliver practical solutions and tangible outcomes after 26 years of doing this as an army officer around the world.

“I care, I want change; and a safer, sustainable and smarter future for our families.”

Special report by Yvonne Gardiner

Greens for Lismore Adam Guise said he's eager to listen and fight for the community

Nationals candidate for Lismore Alex Rubin wants to address water security, education and roads

Incumbent Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin has proven her abilities in tough conditions

David Crossan Lawyer

Responsibility for comment is taken by Stacks Law Firm

Justine Elliot MP Federal Member for Richmond Assistant Minister for Social Services and the Prevention of Family Violence

Authorised by Justine Elliot, ALP, 107 Minjungbal Dr Tweed Heads South

Tweed Link

190L a day

Council Christmas closure

Council's offices at Tweed Heads and Murwillumbah will be closed from Monday 26 December to Friday 6 January and re-open at 9 am on Monday 9 January.

For anything urgent over this time please phone 02 6670 2400 for the after hours service or report a problem online at tweed.nsw.gov.au/report-problem

In brief ...

TRAC Christmas hours

The Tweed Regional Aquatic Centre’s 3 facilities will operate on reduced hours over the Christmas and New Year period.

Murwillumbah, Tweed Heads South and Kingscliff centres will be closed on Sunday 25, Monday 26 and Tuesday 27 December. Check each centre on the TRAC website for their opening hours at trac.tweed.nsw.gov.au

Mapping web address change

On 12 December 2022, Council upgraded its mapping software and the mapping website addresses have changed.

Please visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/mapping-zoning to access our maps at their new web addresses.

Construction underway on mountain bike track

Trail bike enthusiasts get ready: construction of the Tweed’s first mountain bike track recently commenced at Uki in the Tweed Valley.

Tweed Shire Council, in partnership with Tweed Valley Mountain Bike Riders, has engaged outdoor trail design and construction specialists Trailworx to build more than 8.5 km of mountain bike trails on Councilowned operational land adjacent to the Uki Wastewater Treatment Plant on Smiths Creek Road.

A Beach Stone-curlew egg for Christmas

We recently shared a story about new educational signage and a permanent enclosure for the Tweed’s pair of critically endangered Beach Stone-curlews at Hastings Point.

Well, there is more good news but also some unfortunate news. The good news is that the breeding pair have laid an egg. However, unfortunately due to an increase in people disturbing the protecting vegetation to observe the birds in their nesting site, they have nested in another area of Cudgera Creek Park.

To help protect this important breeding pair of Beach Stone-curlews (one of only 7 known breeding pairs in the state) and their egg, Council has erected a temporary fence around the nesting parents. Read the full story at tweed.nsw.gov.au/latest-news

Work on the track began in late November and is expected to take about 6 months to complete, with the park expected to be opened to the public in mid-2023, weather permitting.

The project has been made possible thanks to a $430,000 grant awarded through the NSW Office of Sport – Regional Sports Facility Fund 2021-22.

Read the full media release at tweed.nsw.gov.au/latest-news

Reduce water use now

Everyone in the Tweed is asked to save water as new figures show water use has increased in the past 3 weeks to 190 litres per person a day (see top right).

Water and Wastewater Business and Assets acting manager Elizabeth Seidl urged all residents and holidaymakers to save water and get back to using just 160 litres of water per person a day.

Find out more about the Tweed’s Target 160 campaign at tweed.nsw. gov.au/target-160-litres or go to tweed.nsw.gov.au/latest-news

Christmas bins as usual

Council is here to help get your waste sorted this Christmas! Bin collections will continue as usual, there are no changes - even on public holidays! Make sure your bins are out on your regular collection day.

Check out the opening times and information about waste drop-off and the Tip Shop below.

Stotts Creek Resource Recovery hours:

Monday to Friday 7 am – 3:45 pm Weekends and public holidays 9 am – 3:45 pm Christmas day CLOSED

The JUNKtion Tip Shop hours:

Wednesday to Friday 8:30 am - 3 pm Saturdays 9 am - 3 pm

Public holidays CLOSED

Top 5 tips for a waste-less Christmas!

1. SORT while the present opening is happening. Get a very special elf to help you! Have a box for each: recycling and landfill.

Flood recovery update

For all the latest road and community flood recovery updates visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/flood-recovery-update

See you again next year

This is the last issue of the Tweed Link for 2022.

Thanks for reading about the latest news about Tweed Shire Council and across the community.

Did you know you can receive the Tweed Link by email? It’s delivered to your inbox on Wednesdays and appears in print in the Tweed Valley Weekly on Thursdays. It’s easy to subscribe at tweed.nsw.gov.au/subscribe

While you’re there, you can also sign up to receive Council job vacancy alerts, media releases, e-newsletters and more.,

The first Tweed Link of 2023 will be emailed to subscribers on Wednesday 11 January and be printed in the Tweed Valley Weekly on Thursday 12 January.

Have a safe and happy holiday season from the Tweed Link!

Roof repairs to Council

If you are visiting Council’s Tweed Heads administration building from early next year, you might be surprised to see it looking like a construction site.

Repairs to the building’s roof will commence from mid-January 2023 and completed in April 2023, weather permitting.

The roof needs to be replaced due to extensive rust issues and ongoing leaks and will increase the life expectancy of the building.

The entire building will have scaffolding erected however, the main public entrances and fire stairs will remain open, and signage will be in place to assist staff and the community.

Minor disruptions may occur, including noise, dust and restriction of some car parking spaces to allow for construction vehicle access.

Updates about the project will be provided in future editions of Tweed Link in 2023.

Dogs on leads in public, no woofs about it

In

Naming of road in subdivision

subdivision of Lot 1 DP601049 & Lot 1 DP1084992 (DA06/0897) in Tanglewood, Tweed Shire as shown below:

• Emerald Mountain View

Authorised by the delegated officer, General Manager, Tweed Shire Council, PO Box 816, Murwillumbah, 2484.

2. FREE drop-off for oversized cardboard at Stotts Creek Resource Recovery Centre to be recycled. Or rip cardboard and put in the green or yellow bins (no tape, no staples) to be recycled.

3. FREE drop-off for old TVs, computers, mobiles, tablets, smart watches and accessories, and household batteries at Stotts Creek Resource Recovery Centre to be recycled.

4. EXTRA waste and too many visitors? Why not go for a nice quiet drive to Stotts Creek Resource Recovery Centre!

5. FREE - yellow bin recyclables: glass bottles/jars, hard plastic containers, paper/cardboard and metal/aluminium cans.

6. RED bin landfill waste charged as per the standard disposal charges.

7. Why not go to a Return & Earn drop-off point when most people are socialising (i.e. Friday night)! Eligible cans and bottles can free up space in your yellow bin and put some money in your pocket!

8. POST old items on community buy, swap, sell sites for money back in your pocket.

Need to find information about waste and recycling? Visit www.tweed.nsw.gov.au/waste-recycling

Getting a puppy for Christmas? Make sure you’re up with the dos and don’ts of responsible dog ownership.

If you remember only 2 things, these are the most important:

• Your dog needs to be on a lead from the moment you leave the house until you reach a designated off-leash area.

• Ensure you aren’t taking your dog to a ‘dog prohibited area’.

Council is reminding the community that rangers regularly patrol our beaches. Don’t risk being fined for letting your dog off-leash.

Please take the lead when you’re at local beaches to:

• protect our local wildlife and habitat areas

• keep our local beaches safe and enjoyable for all people and pets.

Did you know it’s a $330 fine for letting your dog off-leash in the Tweed unless in designated off-leash areas?

Find one of our designated off-leash exercise areas by visiting tweed.nsw.gov.au/where-can-I-walk-my-dog

Thank you Tweed dog owners for being responsible dog owners.

The Take the Lead campaign is part of Council’s commitment to work together to reduce our impact on the natural environment.

Tweed

recognise

Council staff with members of the Tweed Valley Mountain Bike Riders Club and outdoor trail design and construction specialists Trailworx at the location of the new mountain bike track.

One of the nervous Beach Stone-curlew parents at Hastings Point recently. INSET: The Beach Stone-curlew egg laid on 4 December 2022.

Meeting Agenda - Thursday 15 December 2022

Post Exhibition Report 16.2 Update on Recommended Strategies to Reduce DA Backlog and Processing Times 16.3 NSW Government Planning Reform - Agritourism 17 Reports from the Director Sustainable Communities and Environment 17.1 Kunghur Hall Future Use Analysis and Recommendations 18 Reports from the Director Engineering 18.1 Classification of Land as Operational for Sewer Pump Station, 1 Amber Road, Tweed Heads South (Lot 12 DP 258721)

18.2 Adoption of amended Section 7.11 Contribution Plan No. 5 - Local Open Space

19 Reports from the Director Corporate Services 19.1 Council Meetings 2023 and 2024

19.2 Legal Services Register Report for period 1 July to 30 September 2022

19.3 Conflict of Interest Policy (Council-related development) - for exhibition

19.4 Flood monitoring camera policy - for adoption following public exhibition

19.5 Disclosure of Interest Return

19.6 Child Safe Standards - Draft Policies - Child safe code of conduct, Child safe reporting policy and Complaints Management Policy

19.7. Submissions to Local Government Boundaries Commission (for 15 December, 2022 meeting)

19.8 Monthly Investment Report for Period ending 30 November 2022

21 Reports from sub-committees/working groups

21.1 Minutes of the Tweed Coast Koala Advisory Committee Meeting held Tuesday 25 October 2022

21.2 Minutes of the Floodplain Management Committee Meeting held Friday 28 October 2022

21.3 Minutes of the Local Traffic Committee Meeting held 17 November 2022

23 Confidential items for consideration

26 Reports from the General Manager in committee

27 Reports from the Director Planning and Regulation in committee

27.1 Illegal dog ownership in breach of restriction on title at Tanglewood, Pottsville and Casuarina

29 Reports from T he Director Engineering in Committee

29.1 Proposed purchase of land at 77 Commercial Road, Murwillumbah (Lot 1 DP 114799)

At its meeting on 18 March 2021 Council resolved to resume public attendance for Public Forum in line with the meeting room’s COVID-safe plan and a Council Public Forum is for speakers on agenda items being considered will be held at 2 pm prior to the meeting.

The agenda for the meeting, which may also include any late or supplementary reports, will be updated prior to the date of the meeting and is available on Council’s website.

It should be noted that confidential items are considered in closed session, which excludes media and public. Also, the minutes of this meeting will be available as soon as practical following the meeting and are unconfirmed until they are formally adopted at the next Council meeting.

Please be aware that this meeting is webcast and will be available on Council’s website following the meeting.

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

DA22/0126 - Use of existing roofed deck and enclosed pergola

Lot 1 SP 38402, Unit 1/No. 71 Glen Ayr Drive, Banora Point

DA22/0282 - Two lot subdivision and demolition works

Lot 29 DP 263366, No. 2 Mariners Crescent, Banora Point

DA22/0661 - Home industry - distillery

Lot 1 DP 1115284, No. 142 Plantation Road, Cudgen

DA21/0632 - Staged development comprising of swimming pool and deck (stage 1) and additions to existing dwelling and construction of a new dwelling to create an attached dual occupancy (stage 2)

Lot 2 DP 1118876, No. 30 Crams Road, Pumpenbil

DA21/0595 - Light industrial development

Lot 211DP 1122768, No. 7-19 Honeyeater Circuit, South Murwillumbah

DA22/0204 - Alterations and additions to existing commercial premises (medical centre)

Lot 60 DP 237806, No. 56 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads

DA22/0382 - Change of use of two existing shops to food and drink premises and associated fit-out

Lot 9 SP 14262, Lot 10 SP 14262, Unit 9/No. 31 Stuart Street, Tweed Heads

DA21/0946 - Alterations and additions to educational establishment (two storey extension to existing school hall)

Lot 1LP 1247160, No. 3A Acacia Street, Tweed Heads South

DA22/0037 - Secondary dwelling

Lot 1 DP 213414, No. 8 William Street, Tweed Heads South

DA22/0604 - Alterations and additions to existing dwelling Lot 4 DP 213664, No. 30 Park Avenue, Bray Park

DA22/0680 - In-ground swimming pool

Lot 270 DP 755685, No. 1 Cougal Road, Carool

DA22/0270 - In-ground swimming pool

Lot 112 DP 1186602, No. 5 Laceflower Parade, Casuarina

DA22/0668 - In-ground swimming pool

Lot 207 DP 1202098, No. 13 Central Park Lane, Casuarina

DA22/0590 - In-ground pool, deck and pergola

Lot 1 DP 789618, No. 138 Cobaki Road, Cobaki

DA22/0265 - Alterations and additions to existing dwelling including in-ground pool

Lot 38 DP 1180878, No. 286 Casuarina Way, Kingscliff

DA22/0534 - Raising of existing dwelling and ramp Lot 1 DP 701606, No. 9 Pottsville Road, Mooball

DA22/0641 - Dwelling with attached garage

Lot 121DP 1284746, No. 67 Castle Field Drive, Murwillumbah DA22/0663 - Deck extension and carport

Lot 23 DP 818099, No. 47 Elvadale Place, Nunderi

DA22/0671 - House raising and alterations and additions to existing dwelling

Lot 23 DP 18451, No. 91 Tweed Valley Way, South Murwillumbah DA22/0666 - Deck

Lot 29 DP 737064, No. 75 Parkes Lane, Terranora

DA22/0669 - House raising and alterations and additions to existing dwelling

Lot 41 DP 812273, No. 94 Riverside Drive, Tumbulgum

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

Programmed, in partnership with Tweed Shire Council, has opportunities for Apprenticeships commencing January 2023 these roles will work throughout the Tweed Shire.

Kick start your career in the following trades:

• Parks and Gardens Apprenticeship (4 years full-time)

• Arboriculture Traineeship (Tree Maintenance) (3 years full-time)

Be rewarded with:

• Paid full-time wages

• 4 weeks annual leave per year

• Certificate III level qualification training

• PPE and uniform supplied

• Tools all provided on the job

Applications close 16th January 2023 at 2.00pm AEST.

Break and enter assault

By Jo Kennett

TWO MEN have been arrested after an assault during an alleged break and enter at Salt in broad daylight on Thursday, December 8, less than an hour after a car theft at Casuarina.

Tweed Police said at about 6.50am, officers attached to Tweed-Byron Police District were called to a home on Cylinders Drive, Kingscliff, after reports a person was assaulted during a break and enter.

Police were told three males left the property in a stolen black Audi Q7.

Lisa (last name withheld) is a neighbour of the man who was assaulted.

“I didn’t realise what had happened until I checked the security footage,” she said.

“I took the dogs for a walk around 7.25am and when I came back my neighbours were talking and later they said he had just been assaulted.

“He came back from walking his dog at the beach and there were young people in his garage trying to get into his house.

“My neighbour has young kids so he wanted to protect them.

“He yelled at them and one of them picked up a screwdriver and then he was hit — he didn’t know what with — and then the three blokes took off.”

Later when police caught the two men they were armed with a large knife, a saw and the screwdriver which they had taken from the victim’s garage.

“We checked the footage and it was an Audi I believe they stole from the Gold Coast,” Lisa said.

“They saw me leaving, then got out of their car and then went through our neighbours property.

“Then they came down to the empty block beside us and tried several times to jump over the fence into our property.

“The guy that assaulted my neighbour had a mask on but the other two didn’t and you can see their faces clearly in the security footage.

“They were parked up the road and people were all walking past and they were trying to rob people.”

The police later told Lisa they got a call at 6am and were incredulous that they were “so brazen”.

“I think that was the black Audi being reported,” she said.

“They headed back up the coast and the police deployed road spikes at Currumbin.

“They got two of them, one was 18 and 6’5” (196cm) and the other was 17 and 6’ (182cm).

Tweed Police said they spotted the Audi and commenced a pursuit along the M1 at Chinderah after the vehicle failed to stop.

Road spikes were deployed in the M1 Tugun Tunnel, but the vehicle continued on into Queensland, and officers from Queensland Police Service were notified.

NSW Police assisted Queensland Police in the arrest of two males aged 17 and 18 at Currumbin Creek Road. The stolen vehicle was located nearby.

Lisa said she would like to see more security measures to keep residents in the area safe.

“They seem to come down from Queensland because they think it’s easy pickings here,” she said.

“It would be fantastic if Neighbourhood Watch was put in place.

“It’s just terrible this type of thing is happening.”

Investigations into the incident are ongoing and further enquiries are being conducted to identify the driver of the vehicle.

Anyone with information or dash cam footage from the area is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Tweed Police on (07) 5506 9499.

Four fresh officers

By Jo Kennett

FOUR NEW Tweed-Byron Police District probationary constables were part of the final class of 2022 that attested at the Goulburn Police Academy on Friday, December 9.

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Police, Paul Toole, and NSW Police Commissioner, Karen Webb APM, welcomed the new recruits, who come from diverse backgrounds and professional experience.

Many are from a non-English speaking background, while a number were born overseas in countries including the Philippines, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mexico and Sudan, with recruits aged between 19 and 46 years.

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said she is looking forward to the future of policing in New South Wales encompassing a diverse and adaptable workforce.

“Each of the 151 new recruits here today will play a pivotal role in keeping our community safe and I commend the dedication and commitment all the recruits have shown to get to this point, which has set a benchmark for their careers within the NSW Police Force,” Commissioner Webb said.

“Class 356 commenced their studies in May this year, with the students required to undertake a significant period of session 1 via

long-distance education due to C OVID -19 restrictions.

“To see our recruits come from a range of different communities and backgrounds and champion our organisation within their own communities, I am excited to see where their careers take them and what they can achieve.

“I am confident the 151 officers being sworn in today will bring the enthusiasm, drive and commitment that will take us forward.

“I wish each and every student all the best in their policing futures and I hope they find the experience of serving the community as rewarding as I do.”

Four of the recruits will also receive awards for outstanding academic, physical, marksmanship and practical policing achievements.

“I am proud to welcome the 151 new recruits into the NSW Police Force, who have taken up the incredibly challenging but rewarding responsibility of serving and protecting the people of NSW,” Mr Toole said.

“These probationary constables are among 1,046 recruits to NSW Police this year, helping strengthen the ranks of our modern and worldclass police force.”

If you’re interested in a career as a police officer or want to apply, search ‘NSW Police Jobs’, call 1800 222 122 or visit our website: police.nsw. gov.au/recruitment/

Big changes at Uki Café

By Madeleine Murray

THE CYCLONE fencing and demolition signs in front of the Uki Café have been attracting a lot of interest and speculation lately.

The prime site, the highest in the village, has long been a white elephant.

Ever since the 1990s different people have bought the café and tried to make a go of it.

Yet no one ever really had the knack and flair for food that a café needs. It limped from owner to owner, starting each time with great fanfare, and ending in quiet disappointment for owners and patrons alike.

Now, at last, it seems as if something significant but secretive is happening.

The Weekly visited the site this week and was told, “No comment”, by the builders.

However, we have been able to find out that the building has been bought by people from

it into a high-end licensed restaurant, leased out to an operator.

It will be ready about mid-April, so the suspense, anticipation and speculation are huge.

Uki changed significantly five years ago when 35-year-old Gary Wall bought the malingering Uki Post Office and turned it into a beautiful, stylish, café that serves spectacular coffee roasted on the premises.

Now people are coming from all over, from the Gold Coast to Nimbin to Byron to drink the coffee, absorb the vibes and make new friends at the Uki Post Office.

Even though there is a great takeaway next door called Pure Love, there is still no place in Uki to have a luxurious lunch or dinner, except the pub.

So the village is very excited about the new development. The Weekly will keep you posted

NOW TAKING

COMING SOON: Mystery at the Uki Cafe

La

By Jo Kennett

WILD WEATHER and an unseasonably cold start to summer came close to breaking records just as life saving organisations have put out safety warnings to swimmers and beach goers.

The Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) is urging swimmers to be careful with dangerous conditions expected this holiday season.

“With warm and wet weather expected this summer as a result of La Niña, there will be an increased risk of drowning in our rivers, lakes, dams and swimming pools,” RLSS CEO Justine Scarr warned in a media release.

“Tragically, drowning deaths in 2021/22 were the highest recorded in 25 years.

“The Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report 2022 recorded 145 drowning deaths during the three months of summer alone, which represented 43 per cent of all drowning deaths across the year.

summer safety warning

“We want people to enjoy the water safely.

“After a challenging two years for many families and communities, water safety messages are more important than ever.”

Northern NSW Lifeguard Coordinator Scott McCartney called it “a very different summer.”

“It’s the first summer that everyone has been free since COVID, with a lot of international visitors as well, so it’s back to normal which is great,” he said.

“When those big lows came through with the big swell we had to close the majority of beaches.

“Our main warning is always to swim between the flags and to come up and chat with the lifeguards before you go in the water. It helps us to get information across to keep you safe.”

Mr McCartney said they often get call outs on hot days when patrols have finished in the late afternoon, between 5.30pm and 6.30pm.

“Summer keeps us on our toes because there are so many hot days and the ocean is very unforgiving,” he said.

“We want people to come down during patrol hours, so if they can time that better it would be very much appreciated.

‘Don’t go swimming after hours where you might be the only person on the beach.

‘We have our Beach Safe App we would love people to download and you can type in the beach you want to go to and it will give you details about that beach.

“There was a guy from Kingscliff that got sliced pretty badly from a foil yesterday when they were on patrol.”

Two swimmers also had to be rescued from the notoriously dangerous Dreamtime Beach on the south side of Fingal Head last month after they got into difficulty and were swept out to sea.

The two men in their 20s were rescued at the drowning hot spot after a woman activated the Emergency Response Beacon (ERB), alerting the Surf Life Saving NSW State Operations Centre that the men were drowning.

Lifeguards from the Australian Lifeguard Service were tasked to the

incident when the call came through from the distressed young woman.

“We asked for more details from the operator in the State Ops Centre but there weren’t any because one of the girlfriends had activated the beacon and she was upset and panicking,” Lifeguard Supervisor, Lachlan Field said.

“That’s where the beacons are life-saving because you have the location and you have cameras so you’re not reliant on the informant, you can find out for yourself whether the person in trouble has gone round the headland or not, for instance.”

A member of the public grabbed an angel ring flotation device attached to the beacon, and raced into the water

to attempt to save one of the men. The second man was picked up and returned to shore by Mr Field aboard a surf rescue jet ski from Kingscliff. Fingal Rovers SLSC also assisted at the scene.

“Those two people are really lucky, I doubt we would have gotten there in time without the beacon,” Mr Field said.

The beacon and angel ring are at the beach access entry point on the south side of the headland, with more angel rings positioned around the top of the headland that can be thrown to anyone in the water in danger of drowning.

They were placed there after a spate of drownings over the last few years.

HOLD ONTO YOUR HATS! Summer has kicked off with wild winds and surf conditions and a reminder to stay safe

TWEED HEADS SOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOL

þ New permanent learning environments.

þ A new library.

þ New student canteen.

þ New out of school hours care (OSHC) facilities.

þ Improved playground and outdoor spaces.

Geoff PROVEST TWEED

TWEED RIVER HIGH SCHOOL

þ New learning spaces

þ New library.

þ New technical and applied studies building.

þ Improved canteen.

þ Enhanced hospitality teaching facilities and new commercial kitchen.

þ Specialist vocational education facilities.

KINGSCLIFF PUBLIC SCHOOL

þ New flexible learning environments.

þ A new canteen.

þ A new library.

þ New administration and staff facilities.

þ New outdoor spaces

KINGSCLIFF HIGH SCHOOL

þ

Flexible learning environments.

þ A new library.

þ New senior learning environment.

þ Refurbished hospitality teaching facilities.

þ New creative and performing arts building.

þ New sports pavilion.

Tyalgum Hotel open

THE LONG-AWAITED reopening of Tyalgum Hotel will take place today, Thursday, December 15, after months of delays.

The iconic hotel will open its main bar, bottle shop, bistro and pool.

Tyalgum Hotel manager Maddy Christie said it was upsetting to have the hotel closed for so long, but the team was eager to get back on track.

“We know the community loves its local hotel and we were just as eager to get it open,” she said.

“We’re back in business and looking forward to celebrating Christmas in Tyalgum.” Ms Christie said the community should ex-

pect the same great service and an exciting new menu.

“We also have some new renovations to show off, there’s been a lot of work done,” she said.

“We’re encouraging everyone to come to Tyalgum and enjoy this fantastic venue.”

Ms Christie said the new owners have invested in major renovations including the upstairs accommodation.

“It looks amazing now,” she said.

“It’s a great place to visit and you can now stay in really comfortable accommodation.

“We’re open from 10am to late and ready to party.”

To find out more please phone the Tyalgum Hotel on (02) 6679 3994.

By Jonathon Howard

BACK IN BUSINESS: Tyalgum Hotel is ready to throw its doors open with some new surprises

Local legend George Anderson passes

By Jonathon Howard

MURWILLUMBAH LEGEND, World War II veteran and master woodworker George Anderson has passed away at age 97.

Mr Anderson leaves a lasting legacy having been a friendly face in Murwillumbah for more than 60 years.

Long-time friend and colleague Bob Stainlay helped The Weekly piece together some of Mr Anderson’s extraordinary life achievements, including his war service and daredevil attitude.

Mr Stainlay spoke highly of Mr Anderson, describing him as the “gentleman’s gentleman” who will be sorely missed.

“Everything he did, he took great pride in doing,” he said.

“Of particular note was George’s time as a crewman on Lancaster bombers in World War II.

“This was an exciting and dangerous time for George, particularly during Operation Manna, which was a special food drop mission over war-torn Europe, mostly over Holland.”

After the war ended and life returned to some normality, Mr Anderson decided to make the shift to Australia.

“George and his wife Betty came from England in 1959 with their two children,” Mr Stainlay said.

“The family quickly settled in Murwillumbah and worked for Frank Cook & Co selling electricals, including servicing some of the first televisions in the Tweed.”

Mr Anderson moved on from electrical sales and eventually settled at the Tweed Daily News, where he worked as a photographer and advertising sales representative.

“Another area people may not know is that George volunteered as the operator of the Daily News’ credit union within the newspaper industry for many years,” Mr Stainlay said.

“He was a very active member of the Lions Club, Legacy, RSL and Woodcrafters.

“He was extremely adept at making wooden items for people, including anything for raffles and gifts for young people.

“He will be sorely missed in the community and leaves an indelible mark.”

Not content with sitting still, Mr Anderson undertook many high-flying adventures, such as backpacking in Turkey and skydiving in his 90s three times in 2015, 2016 and 2017.

Bob Treadwell, another friend of Mr Anderson, spoke highly of his character and sense of community.

“He was a quintessential English gentleman and an outstanding Tweed Valley community worker,” he said.

“We will miss him as a good, loyal friend.”

The Weekly editor Jonathon Howard said he felt fortunate to have spent time learning about Mr Anderson’s life and was saddened by his passing.

“I would always stop to say hello to George and his trusty dog Boondie,” he said.

“I was able to meet Betty before her passing and I will always remember George’s advice and the stories he shared with me.”

Mr Anderson was the 2015 Tweed Shire Senior Citizen of the Year for his services to the community and as a life member of the British Royal Air Force. Recounting to the Daily News, Mr Anderson said during his service in WWII as a radio operator in a Lancaster Bomber, the plane lost three of its four engines.

“I was so ready to jump,” he recalled, prior to his skydive in 2015.

But a second engine started back up, negating the need to bail out.

“I’ve always been looking forward to it but never thought I’d do it,” Mr Anderson said of jumping from a perfectly good plane.

Mr Anderson was a long-time member of the Tweed Valley Woodcrafters Association, of which he attended weekly up until the week of his passing.

A special tribute memorial service will take place at Murwillumbah All Saints Anglican Church on Wednesday, December 21, at 2pm.

Koala Beach turns 25

By Jo Kennett

KOALA Beach just turned 25 and residents celebrated the wildlife-friendly Pottsville estate with a big party.

Event organiser Irene Timmins said they wanted to celebrate “the wonderful environment and wildlife the estate supports, as well as giving residents and friends a good reason to come together and have fun.”

“Koala Beach Estate is one of only a handful of residential areas in NSW that has been established and designed on principles that protect the natural environment and native wildlife in perpetuity,” she said.

“Those principles include no dogs or cats, 40 km/h speed zones and the requirement of a fencing gap to allow wildlife free passage between lots.

“After 25 years it was time to take stock, reflect

on how well we are doing and raise the bar.”

Volunteer groups Friends of Cudgen Nature Reserve, Friends of the Koala, Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers and Birdlife Northern Rivers all attended.

“Local snake catcher Sarah Mailey had a display of all things reptile and gave out useful tips,” Irene said.

“Koala Beach Estate holds great significance to the Bundjalung people and Uncle Franc gave a fabulous Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country.

“The event was supported by the Koala Beach Wildlife and Habitat Management Committee.”

The Koala Beach Heroes awards went to Chilli Powell and her family who won a generous gift voucher donated by Pottsville Village Hardware and Emma Madders who helped out and won a voucher from Northern Rivers Natives.

Koala Beach families joined in the funSome fun-filled face-painting took place for kids

A Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country Produce and gift ideas were also available

Portal for lost items

By Jo Kennett

LOST YOUR phone, your pushbike or any other personal items?

You can now file a police report for missing property safely and easily on the NSW Police Force Community Portal.

Your report will increase the possibility of your property being found and returned.

As well as lost property, you can file a report for theft, intentional damage or graffiti, fraud and minor traffic crashes, or with Crime Stoppers.

You can also use the portal when you require a NSW Police Force event number for insurance purposes, after you have cancelled any lost credit or debit card or where the description or identifying features of the property may increase the possibility of its return, should it be located or handed to police.

You should not use the portal if you have reason to believe that someone has taken the

property with no intention of returning it.

You will need your current, valid email address, your personal details and the personal details of the owner of the property.

You will also need to state when the property was last seen and when it was discovered missing, possible locations for where the property may have been lost, a description of the property and any identifying details, for example serial or IMEI numbers and a description of how the property was lost.

You will need to validate your email address, using a verification code sent to your email account to commence a report.

You can save your report as draft prior to submitting it to the NSW Police Force.

Once you submit your report, you will receive an email confirming the successful submission, with a reference number. Then you should receive an email reply within 48 hours which will contain your NSW Police Force event number.

Apply now for defib

COMMUNITY SPORT clubs and organisations

across Tweed can now apply for up to $9,000 to access life-saving defibrillators, as part of the NSW Government’s Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program.

Member for Tweed Geoff Provest said sport is part of the fabric of life in the community, with more people participating in sport and active recreation.

“Medical experts say the first eight minutes following a cardiac arrest are critical, so early access to CPR and a defibrillator is essential to increasing a patient’s likelihood of survival,” Mr Provest said.

“This funding will enable our local sporting organisations and Tweed Shire Council to in-

stall these defibrillators so they are equipped to respond to life-threating emergencies.

“I encourage all our sporting clubs to apply for these grants that will help prevent the trauma, and the heartache, that cardiac arrest can cause families.”

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said the NSW Government has committed an additional $2 million over four years to the program.

“Whether you’re at your local sailing club or playing footy with your mates, when someone has a cardiac arrest, time is crucial — they can happen to anyone, anytime, or anywhere so it’s vital that a defibrillator is readily accessible ” Mr Henskens said.

THE FALLS MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL is being held at North Byron Parklands, Wooyung, on Friday 30th December (11am to 2.00am), Saturday 31st December 2022 (9.00am to 2.00am), Sunday 1st January (9.00am to 1.30am) and Monday 2nd January 2023 (9.00am to 1.00am). Please note, music will commence from 11.00am each day. Bands will cease operation at midnight each evening with the exception of New Year’s Eve at 1.00am. Audio testing will take place for the main stages on Saturday 31 st December between 5.00pm and 8.00pm with a mandatory minimum one-hour sound check being imposed to test the system.

CHANGED TRAFFIC CONDITIONS INCLUDE:

•Reduced speed limits of 40km/h along Tweed Valley Way between Yelgun Road and Jones Road, and off-ramps from the Pacific Motorway at the Yelgun interchange.

• The majority of Festival patrons coming from the north to the Festival site will travel via Mooball using Cudgera Creek Road, Pottsville Road and Tweed Valley Way. The majority of Festival patrons coming from the south to the Festival site will travel via Brunswick Valley Way.

•Local Resident Only access checkpoints will be in operation for Yelgun Road and Jones Road at Tweed Valley Way.

• Traffic control personnel will also be in place at the intersection of Tweed Valley Way and Jones Road.

• Please be prepared for POSSIBLE SHORT DELAYS.

•Festival camping patrons will begin to arrive at North Byron Parklands from 8.00am Friday 30th December,2022, and depart by 5.00pm Tuesday 3rd January, 2023.

PARKING & ACCESS

There is NO PARKING along Tweed Valley Way or in the streets surrounding North Byron Parklands. Special Event Parking restrictions will be in place and Council Parking Rangers will be on patrol throughout the event. Fines will apply.

Camping or sleeping in vehicles within the Byron and Tweed Shires is not allowed. Maximum Penalty exceeds $1000. Council Rangers will be on patrol throughout the event period enforcing this regulation.

There is NO PEDESTRIAN access into North Byron Parklands. NSW Police will continue to issue significant fines to any persons trespassing and/or entering the event without a valid ticket.

Local residents wishing to drop off or pick up Falls Festival patrons are strictly required to use the event’s drop-off and pick-up zone located in the Southern Car Park via Entry Gate C. Use of the Yelgun Rest Area is prohibited for this purpose. There will be no inbound vehicle movement allowed into NBP between 6.00am and 1.00pm on Wednesday 3rd January, 2023.

COMMUNITY HOTLINE

An event Community Hotline will be in operation from 8.00am Friday 30th December, 2022, to 5.00pm Tuesday 3rd January, 2023. The Hotline will be attended during the approved event hours of operation.

THE COMMUNITY HOTLINE NUMBER IS 1300 899 440.

Local residents with parking, noise or litter concerns during the Festival should contact the Hotline and we will send our Community Response Team to assist you.

Residents can also email community@northbyronparklands.com

Classic cars at Terranora

By Madeleine Murray

THIS IS a Christmas market with a twist. The Terranora end-of-year market will feature a classic car meet-up, as well as Santa on a fire truck provided by the Banora Point Fire station.

“This will be the third year we have done this event,” organiser Tess Easton told The Weekly.

“We are expecting a bumper classic car crowd in the downstairs car park of The Pavilions marketplace and have 20 market stalls booked in for the top car park.

“This has become an annual tradition for the Terranora community.

“We really appreciate the Banora Point Fire Station’s involvement. It’s going to be a fantastic day.”

Car organiser David Sunter is expecting over 150 classic cars.

Jerome Williams will provide live music with his eclectic collection of instruments and evocative songs.

Memphis Mayhem Radio will be broadcasting live from the marketplace.

“Like many others, we are slowly rebuilding after the COVID crazies.” Tess said.

“I expect with the combined markets, classic cars, and Santa, we will have between 500 and 1000 people on site on the day.”

The Community Christmas Market is on from 9.30am to 1pm on Sunday, December 18. The Pavilions Marketplace is at 2-14 Henry Lawson Drive, Terranora.

Devil’s fig - the bad news

By Madeleine Murray

THE BAD news is that the fast-growing giant devil’s fig, an environmental and agricultural weed, is proliferating in the Tweed Shire following major flooding and land disturbance.

The plant (Solanum chrysotrichum) is easy to identify through the prickly stems and leaves and clusters of small white flowers. Numerous round yellowish berries contain about 50 yellow-brown seeds.

If not removed or controlled, giant devil’s fig can form large dense thickets, up to four metres in height.

Seeds are spread by water and contaminated soil, and through birds, flying foxes and other animals eating the fruit.

The giant form looks similar to devil’s fig (Solanum torvum) – height smaller, with smaller leaves and whitish/yellowish flowers; and tropical soda apple (Solanum viarum) – height smaller, large fruit of mottled appearance when immature. Smaller flower clusters of flowers, with longer prickles.

All these weeds have the potential to outcompete native plants and pasture grasses, and adversely affect livestock if eaten in large amounts due to steroidal glycoalkaloids that cause spine injury to people and stock.

The good news is that it can be controlled by physical removal and chemical control.

The plants are shallow rooted, so quite small seedlings can be carefully pulled out using gloves.

Larger seedlings can be dug out with a mattock and established plants can be spot sprayed with herbicides or the cut-stump method.

However, spraying will not kill the seeds in the fruit, so it is important to collect the fruit for proper disposal.

Rous County Council Weed Biosecurity Officers (02) 6623 3800 will provide advice on how to dispose of the fruit and other control measures.

For further information and identification tips, please visit: weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/Weeds/Giantdevilsfig

Banora Point Fire station will bring their truck

The market is great for families

Organiser Tess Easton with Santa

DEVIL WEED: giant devil's fig is springing up everywhere and we can all help stop the spread

Cabarita Cabarita CabaritaChristmas Christmas Christmas

ONE OF the highlights of Christmas on the Tweed Coast, The Lions Club of Cabarita Beach Pottsville Beach Christmas party, held on Saturday, December 10, was back after a threeyear COVID-19 hiatus and it was a smash hit with locals. The popular event included Christmas carols from local school children, live music, a barbecue, raffles,

a visit from Santa that just about caused a stampede with kids screaming, “I love you Santa” as if he was the Beatles, and fireworks donated by the Cabarita Beach Hotel.  A big shout out to the amazing volunteers from the Lions Club as well as Tweed District Rescue Squad VRA, Tweed Coast SES, Tweed Coast RFS and the Cabarita Beach Surf Life Saving Club, who all worked hard to make the day loads of fun.

By Jo Kennett

The Johnson family and friends

Some Caba locals enjoying the party

The Laidlaw family

Tweed District Rescue Squad VRA volunteers

Local Lions Club and surf club volunteers

Santa's in there somewhere!

Santa's arrival caused scenes of mayhem

Rechargeable, in-the-ear hearing aid.

Beltone Imagine 6

Natural sound experience.

Portable charger: 24 hours of use on a single charge.

Hands-free phone and FaceTime calls for iPhone and iPad*.

Weather-proof and sweatproof. Comfortable all day long.

Rely

Agape Christmas appeal

By Jonathon Howard

AGAPE OUTREACH INC is celebrating its annual Client Christmas Party this Thursday, December 15.

This year has been a difficult year for the community and Agape continue to seek donations and extra assistance to help those most in need.

Agape volunteer event organiser Jo Franklin and a small team have used their varied skills to assist in preparation for this special client only Christmas party.

The event will take place at the newly-named Coolangatta Community Centre (the old Scout Hall).

“The hall has recently undergone some renovations and we are very fortunate to be able to hold our event there,” Ms Franklin said.

Agape Outreach Inc has successfully offered a free Christmas Party to community members for more than 10 years and needs more donations to help spread the Christmas cheer.

“We still need some new items such as Christmas gifts for adults and children delivered to our outlet at 56 Recreation Street, Tweed Heads

South, even after our client party,” Ms Franklin said.

Agape Outreach Inc supports the homeless and needy between Byron Bay and Runaway Bay in Queensland.

The service provides 1000 hot meals per week on the streets and through its venue in Tweed Heads, provides free food hampers to families in need, case management to assist in finding housing, psychologist access, shower and laundry access, and basic life skills training classes such as barista, cooking and budgeting, along with drug and alcohol support programs.

“Our client Christmas party is primarily for community members that are marginalised and disadvantaged, who sadly experience difficult times,” Ms Franklin said.

“We are so excited to gift a Christmas dinner, presents and entertainment with Santa, jumping castle, face painting, the ‘Blenders’ Choir and Cudgen Fire Brigade will be popping in this year.”

Anyone wanting to find out more, or to get involved with the important work of Agape, please phone: 0414 693 670.

Church gives 400 hampers

By Jonathon Howard

MEMBERS FROM the Seventh Day Adventist Church at Kingscliff have undertaken a mammoth effort this Christmas to help those in need.

The church community under the coordination of Judy Fua formed a production line and packed around 400 hampers.

Ms Fua said the hampers were packed from donations and financial support through the Tweed Valley Adventist Op Shop.

“We spent a total of $20,000 shopping at Coles this year,” she said.

“Coles gave a good percentage off the total figure for the products and we included some Christmas treats as well as some essentials in the packs.”

Ms Fua said the hampers will go to families and individuals struggling to make ends meet.

“Some of hampers go to Yahwah House which is a charity of single mothers,” she said.

“Some go to women’s shelters. Tweed Police officers are also circulated some.”

Ms Fua said she understands that a hamper is not going to change someone’s life.

“But it lets them know that someone cares about them,” she said.

“Giving them a basket means they may have a little extra this Christmas.”

“We’re all equal in God’s sight and people who give are just as blessed as those who receive.

“I’d like to thank our 150-member congregation for their support and efforts this year, and a Merry Christmas to all.”

Share

love

Christmas by supporting Agape Outreach Inc this Christmas and New Year period

Seventh Day Adventist Church at Kingscliff went big for Christmas. Pictured is Judy Fua

Cane harvest update

THE NSW Sugar Milling Co-operative, which is a 50 per cent stakeholder in Sunshine Sugar, held its 44th annual general meeting for members recently, with some good news for cane growers.

Sunshine Sugar continues to operate at a profit with the refinery delivering valuable returns.

A recent return to higher sugar prices globally has helped deliver strong pricing for refined sugar domestically, according to Sunshine Sugar’s annual report.

In other sugar news, two of the industry’s long-standing ambassadors have announced their retirement.

Outgoing chairman Jim Sneesby has stepped down in order to enjoy a well-deserved retirement.

Jim has been an active and influential member of the NSW and Richmond River cane growing communities all his life with he and his family making a significant impact on the shaping of the industry as it stands today.

New to the board representing the Richmond River is Stephen Wagner.

Stephen joins the board as both a canegrower and former lead engineer at Broadwater Mill. Board director and Clarence canegrower Alan Munro has also decided to step down from the NSW Sugar Milling Co-operative Board.

Having served on the board for over 30 years, Alan is handing over the reins to Evan Lewis.

Evan joins the Board with a wealth of experience in both cane farming and local small business.

Crushing update

Fo llowing a late start due to flooding and ongoing processing issues due to flood-damaged sugar cane, all mills are now operating on a continuous crushing basis.

To date, the Harwood Mill has crushed over 360,000 tonnes with some 160,000 tonnes yet to be harvested. This will see harvesting continue into the new year.

Condong Mill has crushed more than 330,000 tonnes and will continue to operate as it processes Tweed sugarcane as well as cane from the Richmond area and Rocky Point to assist in getting those crops crushed following late starts.

Broadwater Mill has been crushing since mid-September and is coping well given the flood-damaged and deteriorating sugarcane it is processing.

It has already crushed over 250,000 tonnes (as of late November) and will continue to crush until the remaining forecast crop of 246,000 tonnes is completed.

Growers can expect exceptional pricing for their cane this year and into the next 12-to-24month period.

The NSW cane price is around $43 per tonne for the current season and is expected to jump to between $43 and $47 next year.

This will not only help those growers recovering from crop losses in the March 2022 flooding but is seeing some former and new areas being planted to sugar cane.

A strong raw and refined sugar market is also supporting improved pricing in the food and beverage manufacturing market.

Sunshine Sugar chief executive officer Chris Connors said customers see us as a reliable supplier of good quality sugar and are demonstrating a willingness to pay higher prices to secure supply.

“This is not only good news for the profitability of our growers and the Sunshine Sugar business, but it means that money stays in the Australian economy given our 100 per cent Australian grown, made and owned model,” Mr Connors said.

“The next couple of years will continue to be a recovery process for the NSW sugar industry as crops are replanted and infrastructure rebuilt.

“With over 150 years’ experience, this is one industry that knows how to survive and thrive the ups and downs of agriculture and mother nature.”

Desperate for drivers

THE NSW sugar industry is putting out a call for truck drivers, in a race to finalise the harvest and crushing of this year’s Northern Rivers sugar cane crop.

Thousands of tonnes of sugar cane remain unharvested due to a shortage of truck drivers.

Sunshine Sugar CEO Chris Connors said the situation is “dire”.

“Our farming community has endured so much this year, and now they are worried about the effect a prolonged season will have on the crops that remain in the paddocks unharvested,” he said.

“And of course, an unharvested crop means no income.”

The cane crushing season is scheduled to run into late January following a late start due to flooding earlier in the year and protracted wet

conditions.

“What we need is for qualified heavy and multi-vehicle drivers to come on board and help us, help our farmers,” he said.

“With more drivers, we hope to shorten the season by a couple of weeks.”

Whilst a couple of weeks may not seem like much to people outside of the industry, it means a lot to the productivity of cane growers and the efficiency of the local sugar milling operations.

“With the festive season upon us, we’re hoping there are some capable truck drivers out there with capacity to help fill the gap,” Mr Connors said.

Anyone with the skills and availability are encouraged to contact SCT by calling (02) 6620 8223.

DRIVERS: Join the outstanding local truck driving team at the Condong Sugar Mill

Merry Christmas from the MANA team.

From bricks to books

By Madeleine Murray

In October, Stevie travelled to Himachal Pradesh to receive the significant award for ‘Transforming the lives of the children of India and Nepal’.

Stevie has packed a lot into the last seven years.

He retired from a successful career in construction and in 2015 he founded The Pencil Tree (PT), a charity dedicated to helping children escape poverty.

Since then, PT has helped hundreds of children in the Himalayas get an education and even built the Tong-Len school that opened in 2019.

The charity raises money through donations and sponsorship. Volunteers give their time, skills, and ideas, and pay their own expenses.

Pencil Tree groups travel to Dharamsala in northern India twice a year and deliver packs of pencils, pens and exercise books to over 650 children at the start of the school year.

“In October we take fun stuff to the schools like skipping ropes, cricket sets, balls and

games,” Stevie told The Weekly.

“This is also the time when we buy whiteboards, tables and chairs, seesaws, and sitting mats.”

-

Many travellers are from northern New South Wales, and go to visit their sponsored child.

Stevie has a way of inspiring people to follow his dream. Duke Albany from Cabarita joined the group to take photos.

“Visiting the schools with the Pencil Tree in 2018 and 'being on the ground' presently I can really see the changes that are made,” Duke told The Weekly. “To support the potential of these amazing children and this caring community is immensely gratifying.”

Stevie is passionate about helping children escape the cycle of poverty by getting out of the slums and into school.

“I saw a need and believed that I could help, never dreaming that Pencil Tree would transform the lives of hundreds of underprivileged children,” Stevie said.

“I am most fortunate and very blessed.”

https://www.facebook.com/thepenciltree https://thepenciltree.com.au

For more photos: https://www.facebook. com/PhotoDuke.au/

CABARITA LOCAL Stevie Bellamy has gone from working as a Brisbane site fore

man to winning a Governor’s award in India.

Pam Zions and Austin McKee talking with students

Roxy Davies gives out stickers

Tendill Sangmo schools coordinator, left, and Stevie Bellamy, centre

Stevie Bellamy receives award from the Governor of Himachal Pradesh

The Tong-Len award for

Barry Harding’s milestone in earthmoving

By Madeleine Murray

DECEMBER 16, 1962, was a big day for 14-yearold Barry Harding because he put a deposit down on his first bulldozer.

Sixty years later, Harding’s Earthmoving employs up to 34 people, building dams, roads, retaining walls and various engineering projects in several shires.

Winner of many business awards, Harding’s did the exploration work and built 13.5km of roads at the gold mine in Drake. They built the rock sea wall at Byron, worked on the Clarrie Hall Dam and built or repaired much of Kyogle Road, to name a few achievements.

“We also do a lot of work to help get roads open for residents in the shire where there are major flood events and bushfires,” Barry told The Weekly.

“There’s 120 machines here all up,” Barry said, as we toured the Harding’s Earthmoving yard by car. Trucks, dozers, excavators and other machines were parked in the huge area.

At the edge of the yard is a beige wooden house where Barry grew up from the age of seven when his parents moved from Byrrill Creek.

“I went to Byrrill Creek School with my sister Jan. We had to walk three miles to school,” he said.

After the 1954 flood, the family moved to Uki, to the little cottage beside the company office. Barry, Jan, and brothers Trevor and Paul went to Uki Primary, but Barry was busy outside school as well.

His dad, Alf, had a logging truck and taught Barry to drive a truck when he was seven. His

feet couldn’t reach the pedals, but he managed somehow.

“I started working with Dad from seven years old, cutting firewood and felling dead trees with a cross-cut saw,” Barry said.

“Next job, at age nine, was cleaning out the Uki pub Saturday and Sunday mornings for Stan Young.

“By the time I was 11, I was working weekends at Harry Worley’s sawmill at Smiths Creek and driving trucks.” (This is now the Uki Sawmill

Alf used to drop his son at the foothills of Mt Warning, and young Barry would go into the rainforest by himself to cut ‘walking stick palms’ to sell in Murwillumbah.

Working all these jobs, Barry managed to save enough for his dream.

Nine days before his 15th birthday, Barry got a lift to Rocklea, Queensland where he put the

deposit down on that first bulldozer, which now sits under a tree in the Harding’s yard.

“The years have flown by and our business has grown to be the biggest employer in our area,” Barry said.

Barry, Trevor and Paul have been helping the community for many decades.

“Our group of companies sponsor all sporting events in Uki and Murwillumbah, and are the longest-serving sponsors of most sports,” Barry said.

This includes The Colts, The Mustangs, The Vulcans and Hockey in Murwillumbah, plus The Pythons soccer in Uki.

Along with others, Barry got funding that helped create the Uki Sports Ground.

Barry and Jack Dalton started the Uki Fire Brigade in 1970. Barry was first secretary and captain for 14 years from 1978, a fireman until 2000 and now a life member.

In 1968, he and Jim Browning formed a tugof-war team for fun called The Nimbin Tug-ofWar team.

They were Australian Champions six years in a row and were considered professionals.

In 1977, Qantas/Harvey Norman sponsored the team to represent Australia in Europe and England where they were runners-up in the heavyweight world championship.

“Most of all, I could have never have achieved this if it wasn’t for the help and hard work my wife Diane has given me for the last 54 years,” Barry said.

This is just a glimpse into the life of a legend. The Tweed Valley Weekly salutes the great work Barry Harding has done for the past 60 years

operated by Trevor Harding. The Uki Quarry is close by as is Terragon Mobile Crushing run by Paul Harding.)

Barry's first dozer, bought when he was 16

Celebrating Business of the Year at the Uki pub

Conscripted 1969 Special Citizen Military Forces

The 1973 Nimbin Tug-o-War team

Harding's cater for all manner of excavation

What a year, especially for those of us who have been affected or displaced by the floods and not knowing whether we can go back to our homes.

May this Christmas bring us the hope we need to be able to endure with resilience the challenges that come our way beyond our control. The greatest sign of ‘Hope’ to dwell among us in the Child Jesus can offer us the gift of faith centred on a relationship with Him. Let us be witnesses of hope in what has been a trying year for each of us who have been struggling with life and the difficulties that it presents.

I pray that this Christmas will give us a little consolation for those of us who are still doing it tough and look with confidence for the New Year ahead.

With God’s blessings Fr Peter Wood Parish Administrator Sacred Heart Catholic Parish

Lighting up Christmas

FIRE & RESCUE

SANTA RUNS

Banora, Dec 17, at 3pm.

Murwillumbah, Dec 23, at 2pm.

Kingscliff Christmas Eve. Bilambil is Christmas Eve at 3.30pm.

Tweed Heads, Dec 17, at 3pm.

Despite numbers being slightly down on previous years, properties have still embraced the Christmas spirit with some outstanding light displays.

Some of the street highlights across Murwillumbah include Tulip Wood Court, Riveroak Drive and don’t forget Castle Field Drive.

You can also see a large Santa with elves at Lalina Avenue, Tweed Heads West.

There is a light display at Banora Point on Avondale Drive.

Swing past Kildare Drive, 53 Federation Drive and Jumbuck Crescent, all in Terranora for some more amazing light displays.

Take a cruise in Nunderi, as many residents in that suburb embrace the Christmas spirit with some amazing light displays.

Simpson Drive at Bilambil Heights and Marana Street are also worth a look.

For more information and to find out where Christmas festivities and activities will be happening across our community, visit whatsontweed.com.au

With Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to get ready for the joyous family get togethers. There’s nothing more to bring the family closer than home style cooked meals. Gourmet Meals have a huge variety of traditional and non-traditional mouth-watering Christmas delights.

simply can’t go past our succulent sliced oven roasted Turkey Breast with apple and sultana stuffing,

roast potatoes, green beans and carrots. Or our famously delicious glazed Ham and Turkey served with gravy, pumpkin and potato bake, Brussels sprouts and carrots. For something a bit more exotic why not try our Cajun Barramundi with Prawns served with a creamy tomato sauce, rice and a medley of asparagus, green beans and broccoli. For the traditional Christmas pork lovers, succulent pork fillet with prunes, rich gravy,

braised potatoes, carrots, cabbage and green beans Now it’s time for dessert, oh how lovely… our berry trifle, a summer favourite, comes with mixed berries, biscuit and crème brûlée. Or for the cheesecake connoisseur a classic zingy lemon dessert with a crumbly biscuit base. And for our lovers of all things Christmas our Christmas Cake is packed with fruit and is served with a delicious custard.

Riva View Estate is worth a look for outstanding displays

21 Castlefield Drive is one of the best displays on the Tweed

Another Riva View Estate home looking amazing this year

The reindeer look awesome!

53 Federation Drive Terranora will have their lights on every night till Christmas and the New Year. The property will host Christmas music and a free sausage sizzle/candy canes on their driveway on Saturday, December 17.

Help celebrate 100

MURWILLUMBAH FESTIVAL of Performing Arts (MFPA) is celebrating its 100th birthday in 2023 and the committee is planning a special tribute.

Long-time MFPA member and heritage coordinator Kay Robinson is appealing to the community for any heritage items and trophies for a tribute magazine to mark the milestone.

“Can you believe it?” she said.

“One-hundred years of Murwillumbah Festival of Performing Arts.”

Ms Robinson recently took The Weekly on a trip down memory lane with some outstanding historical records and a scrap-book collection of past performances.

The photos and records are extraordinary from both the Tweed Daily News and Tweed Valley Weekly, highlighting MFPA’s achievements and performances.

From outstanding performers, who have gone on to Broadway and West End, to giving children the chance to perform on stage, MFPA has been a leader in overcoming the fears of performing.

“MFPA has achieved a lot in the past 100

years including helping thousands of children to perform on stage, in front of a live audience,” she said.

“It is well known that the performing arts increases confidence, self-esteem and self-discipline, which are wonderful skills to have in life.”

This festival was first launched in 1923 as The Murwillumbah Musical Festival, but quickly widened its reach.

“As time went on, it included sections for dance and speech and drama, to include those genres the name was changed to the Murwillumbah Festival of Performing Arts in 1986,” Ms Robinson said.

“The present committee is appealing to Tweed Shire and surrounding residents to share any heritage items such as photos, trophies, stories and memorabilia which might be included in a magazine to be published early next year.

“We are particularly interested in items prior to 1991, but we’re happy to have a look at anything members past and present have.

“Your support would be most appreciated.”

Anyone wanting to submit their photos, trophies or memorabilia from MFPA can email Ms Robinson via pacgolf@bigpond.net.au or phone 0419 655 900.

By Jonathon Howard

HISTORY MAKING: Kay Robinson wants anyone connected to the history of the Murwillumbah Festival of Performing Arts to get in touch for a special year in 2023

LIKE THE final birth squeeze, the intensity of the year seems to be at its peak now, the transition from 2022 to 2023 firmly in the passageway, as we collectively celebrate the birth of Christ, regardless of religious persuasion. Consumerism dominates, and Santa is a world away from Biblical beginnings. Carols are playing in public spaces, perhaps being sung on doorsteps (do people still do that? Or is it only in American movies?) or, as in my own cherished memories, with the family, decorating the tree. The December days flicker by like some strange vintage movie, with gaps-in-the-frame animation. I feel time slipping, quicksands of the finest dust in the hourglass, accelerating as we enter the pointy end. I’ve been crazily programming, getting everything right for the full holiday period and beyond, with some incredible live gigs coming up! Firstly, my favourite witches, Mandy Nolan & Áine Tyrrell bring their carefully-brewed cauldron of comedy. With a pinch of historical lessons in the “Old Ways” - Celtic Pagan traditions - and spiced with a flavoursome dose of

feminism, these two will put the best kind of spell on you on the 22.12.22….a very auspicious date! I’m looking forward to working for our NYE celebration, Bring The Funk, with JB & the Mmmm’s and DJ Sahar SeaStar. Catch me on the dancefloor during my breaks! Then, January 8th King Bunny arrives, giving our kids a rockin’ good time for 45 fast and furious minutes with Bunny Racket. These guys are secret rockstar royalty (have a google!) so adults are guaranteed to love them too – I know I do! The postponed one-woman play, starring Madeleine West, “The Very Last List of Vivien Walker”, will go ahead on 27th January instead. Book ahead, and support local live theatre at The Regent. I’m super stoked that Ed Kuepper & Jim White will grace our stage on another great date, 2/2/23, with special guest Darren Cross. We are currently booking dates in March for some more seriously impressive artists, including William Crighton & Liz Stringer returning on March 31st. So… there’s much for us to look forward to!

Get down and funky

WONDERING HOW to wrap up 2022? Look no further than a funkin’ good time at The Regent!

Bring the Funk is a funtastic way to wave goodbye to this funked-up year, and shake your booty to call in the jivin’ vibes for 2023!

Featuring local legends, JB & the Mmmm’s playing their funky music, plus Sahar SeaStar Dj-ing after, you’ll be dancing the night away, shaking off all the stress 2022 has slung at us!

With over 10 per cent of these exclusive tickets already sold for this extra special New Year’s Eve celebration, pre-bookings are essential.

Catering of fine finger food (vegan and vegetarian options available) and delicious, locally-sourced cheese platters, plus a glass of champagne to toast the midnight countdown, are all included in the ticket price.

With four hours of groovy music to get down and funky to, the fabulous foyer will become the dancefloor for the night.

Frozen margaritas and mango “Sloshies” will be flowing, keeping your spirits up and the heat at bay, along with selected organic wines and craft beers, if that’s your tickly tipple.

Because fun is the key to feelin’ Funky, dust off your platform shoes, slip into your flares, and come on up to The Regent for a funked-up way to ring in the New Year!

By Jonathon Howard

Spotlight with The Regent

JB & the Mmmm's will bring the fund to The Regent

THE WEEKLY in conjunction with Murwillumbah & District Business Chamber is proud to announce the winners of the 2022 Murwillumbah Christmas Window Displays.

There were some amazing entries this year, but some clear winners emerged in the festive pool from this year’s selection.

The Weekly would like to thank our Christmas Elf Sarah and everyone for taking part and wish the whole community a very Merry Christmas.

SECOND PLACE: Bambam Kids Toys owner Tiffany Rainford won second place for her business display. "I love Christmas, it's a great time of the year," she said. "We like to have unique toys that inspire children in play and learning."

THIRD PLACE: Paradise Living owner Jason Bolt said he was stoked to win third place on Murwillumbah's southside. "Merry Christmas and thank you to everyone that helped us in the floods," he said. "Hope everyone has a great festive season with their families and Happy New Year."

Armageddon Time (FINAL) 10:00AM

Avatar: The Way of Water 12:25PM

Avatar: The Way of Water 4:05PM

Avatar: The Way of Water 7:45PM

Avatar: The Way of Water 10:00AM

She Said (FINAL) 1:40PM

The Velvet Queen 4:20PM

Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris 6:20PM

Waiting for Bojangles 8:40PM

BOOK NOW for CWA: SUMMER SOLSTICE (22.12.22) and have a fantastically funny & marvellously magical night out with your fellow witchy women, for pre-Xmas cheers! Tickets are selling fast, so get on your broom, go online, and secure your seats.

AVATAR: THE WAY OF THE WATER flows onto our screen as the star of our holiday showreel. Remember to enter the competition to win a Family trip to NZ when you collect your tickets!!

This week offers up a last chance to see our wonderful line-up of independent films, with FINAL screenings for ARMAGEDDON TIME + SHE SAID + THE LAND STRANGE WORLD joins in the fun for the younger ones, from Saturday 17th.

PLEASE NOTE, WE ARE CLOSED ON CHRISTMAS EVE + CHRISTMAS DAY.

COMING SOON:

BRING THE FUNK for our NYE Party – BOOK NOW!!

Only 88 tickets available for this exclusive event.

Boxing Day, TAD THE EXPLORER begins for some funny mummy G-rated adventures!

THE MENU – from Dec 29th + PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH – from January 1st 2023!

January 8th – spend your Sunday arvo with BUNNY RACKET and join in the raucous fun with the most rockin’ kid’s entertainment band around! Adults assured to rock out too!

BOOK NOW!! Early bird prize – FREE CD for the first 20 ticket holders! Get in quick!!

More magnificent movies coming in January…

A MAN CALLED OTTO + TRIANGLE OF SADNESS + EMILY + LYLE, LYLE, CROCODILE + BLUEBACK

Just announced!! KUEPPER WHITE & special guest DARREN CROSS 2/2/23 ON SALE NOW!

Avatar: The Way of Water 11:00AM

Country Witches Association

Summer Solstice Meeting 8:00PM

Avatar: The Way of Water 10:00AM

Strange World 1:40PM

Avatar: The Way of Water 3:55PM

Avatar: The Way of Water 7:35PM

Closed for Christmas Eve 10:00AM

Closed for Christmas Day 10:00AM

Tad the Explorer:

The Mummy Adventure 10:00AM

Avatar: The Way of Water 12:00PM

Strange World 3:40PM

Strange World 10:00AM

Tad the Explorer:

The Mummy Adventure 12:10PM

Avatar: The Way of Water 2:10PM

Avatar: The Way of Water 5:50PM The Menu 9:30PM

Avatar: The Way of Water 10:00AM

Strange World 1:40PM

Tad the Explorer: The Mummy Adventure 3:50PM

Avatar: The Way of Water 5:50PM The Menu 9:30PM

Avatar: The Way of Water 10:00AM

Strange World 1:40PM

Avatar: The Way of Water 3:50PM Bring the Funk!! NYE Party 2022 8:00PM

Strange World 10:00AM

Avatar: The Way of Water 12:15PM

Avatar: The Way of Water 3:55PM Balcony Sessions (LIVE MUSIC)

MOHINI COX 6-8PM

Avatar: The Way of Water 7:35PM

Avatar: The Way of Water 10:00AM Strange World 1:40PM

Balcony Sessions (LIVE MUSIC)

M.E. BAIRD 3-5PM

Avatar: The Way of Water 3:50PM

The Land (FINAL) 7:30PM

Avatar: The Way of Water 10:00AM

Avatar: The Way of Water 1:40PM

Strange World 5:20PM

Avatar: The Way of Water 7:35PM

Strange World 10:00AM

Avatar: The Way of Water 12:10PM

Avatar: The Way of Water 3:50PM

Avatar: The Way of Water 7:30PM

Avatar: The Way of Water 5:55PM

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish 10:00AM

Strange World 12:10PM

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish 2:10PM

Avatar: The Way of Water 4:20PM The Menu 8:00PM

Strange World 10:00AM

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish 12:00PM

Tad the Explorer: The Mummy Adventure 2:10PM

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish 4:10PM

Strange World 10:00AM

Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris (FINAL) 12:15PM

Avatar: The Way of Water 2:40PM

The Velvet Queen 6:15PM

Avatar: The Way of Water 8:15PM

Tad the Explorer:

The Mummy Adventure 10:00AM

Strange World 12:00PM

Avatar: The Way of Water 2:15PM

Waiting for Bojangles (FINAL) 5:55PM

Avatar: The Way of Water 8:20PM

Avatar: The Way of Water 6:20PM

Tad the Explorer: The Mummy Adventure 10:00AM

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish 12:00PM

Avatar: The Way of Water 2:10PM

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish 5:50PM The Menu 8:00PM

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish 10:00AM

Tad the Explorer: The Mummy Adventure 12:10PM Puss in Boots: The Last Wish 2:10PM The Menu 4:20PM Avatar: The Way of Water 6:40PM

Celebrating life member

By Graham Callaghan

COOLANGATTA BOWLS Club members packed their clubhouse to help life-member Ray Meehan, 92, celebrate his 50 years’ membership last Thursday.

Club chairman John Rossiter said Ray was “somewhat embarrassed and reluctant to be honoured by the gathering.”

Mr Rossiter said Ray was very deserving of the honour and presented him with a plaque for his 50 years of tireless work and dedication to the club.

He said Ray joined the club in November 1972 and his late wife Barbara was ladies’ secretary for a period and a keen bowler.

Ray’s first position was selling raffle tickets during the afternoon tea breaks in 1973 and always being generous with his time he became bowls coordinator in the 1980s.

“The bowls office then became his second home for 30 years and he teamed with Charlie Mitchell and they got on really well because they loved what they were doing,” said Mr Rossiter.

Ray was club president in 1990-91, 1991-92 and 1997-98 and he won the club’s premier event, The Coolangatta Bonanza, in 1976.

He was in the winning triples’ team in 197879, 1979-80 and in 1984-85 and won the club’s fours championship five times.

“Ray was honoured with club life-membership

20 years ago in recognition of his dedication to the club and his service to the sport of bowls,” Mr Rossiter said.

“In June 2010 the Australian Sports Commission presented him with an award for his services promoting the sport of bowls.

“The Queensland Government’s office for seniors awarded him a commendation for his voluntary services in August, 2010.

“Ray ran the Coolangatta Bonanza for about 25 years, which was a great manual task before the introduction of computers.

“Keith Clark, a frequent visitor from Victoria, came up for many years to help Ray with the bonanza.”

Ray gets a sparkle in his eye when he recalls the Saturday mourning games started by Gary Shadforth which catered for juniors.

Running these popular games for juniors soon became Ray’s “baby” and he has great memories of these mornings.

Games ended up with 42 players filling three greens with many interstate players returning annually.

Ray lives in Tweed Heads and Covid-19 forced him to stop many of his club activities but he is still hopeful that the Saturday morning bowls for juniors will return one day.

“I’ve seen a lot of changes at our Coolangatta club over many years and I still love the club which has a great atmosphere,” said Ray.

LIFE MEMBER: John Rossiter awarding life membership to 92-year-old Ray Meehan

JUNIOR

1

Grossed out (9)

Astronomical calendar (7)

A religious tradition (7)

Made in Microsoft Excel (11)

Where it all started (6)

Measure (8)

Talked under one’s breath (8)

NYC’s Park ---- (6)

Chocolate egg holiday (6) 19 Suffocation (12) 22 Set off (7) 25 A female deer (3) 27 Piercing a wound (7) 30 Rashy illness, ---fever (7) 32 A continuous, unoccupied area (5) 33 Create (4) 34 Halt suddenly (5) 35 Little critter (3) 36 Part of a shoe (3) 37 Coffee and chocolate (5) 38 Paper dents (12) 41 At the same time (12) 44 Kingdom (5) 46 Little white lie (3) 48 Star Wars character, ---- Dameron (3) 49 Garment (5) 50 Birthday or tea, for example (4) 51 Concur (5)

Can

Not excited

A kid’s book: – Bear, –Bear, What Do You See?

1. How long is the Tweed River? 2. Which Shakespearean tragedy is being produced by the Murwillumbah Theatre Company? 3. What colour are the lights on the Murwillumbah Bridge this month? 4. Where did a new inclusive playground recently open? 5. Tweed Shire Council is one of 122 cities to receive top score on climate action from environmental impact non-profit?

This girl sat down at the Mad Hatter’s tea party cow, goat, pig,

TEST YOUR TWEED SHIRE KNOWLEDGE SUDOKU

DOWN 2 Better than good (5) 3 Spiky marsupial (7) 5 Snake-haired Gorgon (6) 6 Twelve (4) 7 Level (7) 8 Floating (7) 9 Cost of an item (5) 10 Genuine (7) 11 One who works with DNA (10) 12 Polynesian island (5) 17 Unpleasant dream (9) 18 Etches in wood or stone (8) 584671923 623784159 897416235

20 Save (7) 21 Actor, ---- McKellan (3) 23 With hesitation (11) 24 Turns down (7) 25 Food selection (4) 26 Respect (6) 28 Suppress an emotion (11) 29 Megacorporation (5) 31 Appendage (3) 38 Clairvoyant, medium (7) 39 Heart of the home (9) 40 English university city (6) 41 Alarms by surprise (8) 42 Sucker (5) 43 Dirty (7) 45 Small rug (3) 47 Cook in an oven (4) 48 Having five sides (10) 54 Ingested (3) 57 Rum, gin and vodka (7) 58 Tease mercilessly (7) 59 An event sparking public outrage (7) 276839541 419563872 345928716

THIS WEEK’S SOLUTIONS Junior Crossword: Wonka, Selma, Roahl, Bored, Rings, Draco, Brown, Alice (WARDROBE)

chicken, sheep, lamb,

duck, horse, alpaca,

bull, dog, goose,

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

60 Activities Thursday, December 15 & 22, 2022 Tweed Valley Weekly Locals Supporting Locals 5 927 316 712 6

READIT,READIT, READ INTHE...

bees, cat

35 2 26 4 43

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

DE08GI

45 12 9 67 3 LAST WEEKS ICONS newspaper p. 4, airplane p. 23, wild dog p. 14 Is this your number plate?

LAST WEEK’S SUDOKU 1. Approximately 80km, 2. Macbeth, 3. Red & Green, 4. Fingal Foreshore Park, 5. Climate Disclosure Platform (CDP) Rufus Foster Dog FD1643 $600 Peggy Staffy X Jack Russell D.O.B. 09/05/2022 Desexed Female M/C # 991003002012995 Peggy is a delightful young pup. She is sweet natured, keen to learn new things and very affectionate. Peggy would suit an active family with older kids. Location: Murwillumbah For more information contact Yvette on 0421 831 128. Interested? Please complete our online adoption expression of interest. https ://friendsofthepound.com/ adoption-expression-of-interest/

Display our Weekly Sticker on your car to win. The winning number plate will be published each week! Locals”

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

Sunnyside Mall (02) 6672 3158

FEATURED BUSINESS

KB’s TROPHIES and Engraving have been creating and personalising trophies for all types of events and competitions around the Tweed Shire and have a proud history of helping sporting and community organisations with their trophy needs. They have a proven track record of producing quality trophies on time for events around the community.

Local family Geoff and Jillian Wotherspoon have been the owners of KB’s Trophies and Engraving for 22 years. Geoff has lived in Murwillumbah his entire life while Jillian has lived in Murwillumbah for over

40 years.

KB’s Trophies & Engraving was previously owned by local Ken Baldwin (KB) before Jillian and Geoff purchased the business from the late KB who was well known in the community.

“We have four children that went through school and grew up and were part of the local community here,” Jillian told The Weekly. “We were heavily involved with our local hockey association and enjoyed following our children around the country

watching their hockey achievements”.

“We offer a wide range of trophies and engraving ranging from, but not limited to; indoor and outdoor plaques, one-off trophies, club trophies, school trophies, social competition trophies, end of season/year trophies, medals, medallions, name badges, clocks, glassware and drink bottles”.

If you are involved with a Sporting, School and community organization, reach out to us about trophies and engraving for your next occasion – you can have confidence we can deliver on time for your big event.

Car for Sale

Coast to Country Classifieds

For Sale

RHINO

Rear ender, excellent condition, fitting kits available. $750 ono, phone (07) 5523 2862

MOVING BOXES from $1.50. Phone Glen. 0428 003 055

Free

FREE!

Sing For Fun 9:30-11am NSW time Mondays, at South Tweed Sports Club Phone Margaret: 0438 819 809

Garage Sale

HOUSEHOLD ITEMS, books, ceramics, Blue mountain pottery, Bendigo Pottery and German pottery. Great Christmas gift ideas, Sunday 18th December, 8.30am. 1507 Kyogle Rd, Pioneer Garage Uki.

Massage Massage

Tweed Heads South Wed-Thurs, Sat, Sun Ph 0473 512 021 www.goodhandsmassages.com

TWEED HEADS Original Thai Massage. Phone Yah: 0477 594 800

Positions Vacant

FARM WORK CASUAL LABOUR needed for farm work. P/time casual. Weeding, mulching, general farm labouring. Own transport. Ph: Pamela 9am-1pm Mon-Fri: 0417 682 276

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

Positions Vacant

Joey’s Pouch Early Years

Centre seeks passionate educators to join our team.

Be supported to make a big impact on the lives and learning of our little people.

In working with us you will:

• Work with a passionate team to deliver an innovative program that values diversity and is centred around play, exploration, and investigation

• Develop collaborative and supportive relationships with families and colleagues

• Holistically integrate Aboriginal perspectives and nurture a connection to country, self, and others

• Foster strong relationships with children in a safe, nurturing environment that feels like a home away from home

• Be part of a small, community-based, not-for-profit service where all fees and fundraising are reinvested into the service

At Joey’s Pouch we offer:

• Full time and part time positions

• Childcare discount for all permanent employees

• Pay above the award rates

• Additional hourly rate for educators while in the role of the responsible person on duty

• Generous resources budgets

• Generous professional development budgets

• Paid First Aid and CPR, WWCC, and Child Protection

• An inclusive workplace culture that values wellbeing

To be considered for the role, you must meet the selection criteria:

• Diploma of Early Childhood

• Experience developing and implementing and evaluating programs using the EYLF and National Quality Framework

• Demonstrated knowledge of theories of early childhood development

• Experience building positive and professional relationships with children, families and colleagues

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

• Current First Aid and Asthma & Anaphylaxis certificates

• Current Child Protection certificate

Please address the selection criteria and submit your CV to the Director: director@joeyspouch.com.au.

Positions Vacant

DRIVERS WANTED Are you on the pension and looking for extra cash, why not drive a taxi. Unemployed and got a good driving record. For more information contact Ken 0412 899 145

Snake Relocation

Social Group

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

To Let

GRANNY FLAT Short term rental located on small acreage. Semi detached, self contained. 5 mins from Murwillumbah CBD. Furnished with separate outdoor area. $300 p/w incl water, power & wifi. Off street parking available. 2 weeks rent required as Bond. Not suitable for someone with pets. Text only to 0439 332 378 for details.

To Let

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

Travel

PHUKET HOLIDAYS FOR OVER 55’S $85 per day includes- 4-star accommodation, 1 hour massage, English speaking tour guide with motorcycle hire. For further information phone0434 712 735

Wanted

FEMALE PEACOCK, can pay cash or can exchange for a male peacock. Phone: (07) 5524

Death Notices

HEAPHY Bernard Robert 06/12/2022

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

HAMBLY Clare 07/12/2022

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

McLEAN Wilma Lillian 07/12/2022

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

WALLACE Donald James 07/12/2022

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

PEEL Karen May 09/12/2022

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

ANDERSON George 10/12/2022

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

READ Kevin James 7/12/2022

Heritage Brothers 0755 991 500

AMOS Aubrey Blake 10/12/2022

Heritage Brothers 0755 991 500

McMILLAN Wenda Constance 11/12/2022

Heritage Brothers 0755 991 500

IN LOVING MEMORY

Pui Thong Chow

Late of Pottsville. Passed away peacefully on Sunday 11th December 2022. Aged 66 Years.

Dearly loved Husband of Apa Songsue Loved Father and Father-in-law of Wan Lin & Ryan, Jing Hao and Jing Peng. Beloved Brother of Sally, Phui Kheong, Pui Wah (dec’d) and Jessica. A Private Cremation has been held.

Ph: (02) 6672 2144 Murwillumbah McGuiness Funerals

In loving memory

Malcolm Campbell Black

Late of Murwillumbah. Formerly of Sydney. Passed away Sunday the 4th of December 2022. Aged 76 years.

Loved Father of Kate Black. Brother of Henry Black. beloved brother-in-law of Joyce Brett. Beloved friend of Diane Kupsch. Former husband of Lorraine Black.

Family and Friends are warmly invited to attend Malcolm’s Funeral Service to be held at Tweed Valley Chapel at Eviron. Service will be held on Friday 16th of December 2022 11.00 am (NSW time). In Lieu of flowers, donations to Parkinson’s Australia parkinsons.org.au

Ph: (02) 6672 2144 Murwillumbah McGuiness Funerals

READ Kevin James “Kev”

Passed away peacefully on 7th December 2022 Late of Bogangar. Aged 84 years

Beloved husband of Judith, dearly loved dad and father-in-law of David & Norina, Simon & Vicki , proud and loving “Par” of Ashleigh, Zoey, Corey and Sarah-Jane and loving Great Par to Jayden, Jackson, Beau and Annabelle, loved brother of Joyce, Jan (deceased) and Stanley (deceased).

Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral service for Kevin to be held at the Tweed Heads Crematorium, Kirkwood Rd Tweed Heads on Friday 16th December 2022 at 1.00pm (NSW time) 12.00pm (Qld time) then leaving for the Tweed Heads Lawn Cemetery.

Tweed Heads Ph: (07) 5599 1500

Wenda Constance McMillan

Passed away peacefully on 11th December 2022 at John Flynn Hospital, surrounded by her children. Late of Tweed Heads. Aged 89 years.

Much loved Wife of Wal (deceased) Dearly loved Mum and Mother-in-Law of Robyn & Jim, Garth, Laurence & Catherin, loved Grandma of Samuel, Ella, Rhiannon and Penelope and Great Grandma to Ivory, loving sister of Ian & Joy Nichols and loved sister in law of Jean Brindley and family.

Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral service for Wenda to be held at the Tweed Heads Crematorium Chapel Kirkwood Road on Tuesday 20th December 2022 at 10.00am (NSW time) 9am (Qld time).

Tweed Heads Ph: (07) 5599 1500

Rex Howard

19/09/1929 – 05/12/2022

“Forever in our Hearts”

Rex’s family would like to thank the staff on the Medical ward at Murwillumbah Hospital for all their help and support and to all our family and friends for their kind words during this difficult time.

Love from Marie, Wendy & Paul, Cliff & Sue, Sue & Jim and all the Grandkids.

A service has been held for Rex.

Ph: (02) 6672 2144 Murwillumbah McGuiness Funerals

George Anderson

Peacefully at Home, Murwillumbah on 10th December 2022.

Dearly loved Husband of the late Betty Anderson and loving Father of Brenda and Barry.

Family and Friends are invited to George’s Funeral Service at the All Saint’s Anglican Church, Byangum Road, Murwillumbah on Wednesday 21st December at 2pm. No flowers please. Donations to Tweed Palliative Support appreciated.

In loving memory Noel John Waugh

Loving Husband to Diane (dec) and Jan. Cherished Dad to Natalie, Joanne and Matthew. Step Dad to Robbie. Much loved Poppy to Lauren, Campbell, Joel and Lexie. Father in law to Alan, Callee and Nathan. Brother to Bob. Will be sadly missed.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend Aubrey’s funeral service to be held on Friday 16th December 2022 at the Tweed Heads Memorial Gardens 176 Kirkwood Rd, Tweed Heads commencing at 11:30am NSW.

Tweed Heads Ph: (07) 5599 1500

Real Estate

FROM COAST TO COUNTRY

Shire best buys and 2023 outlook

By Jo Kennett

THERE ARE some great buys to be had as prices steady and some of the heat goes out of the market after a pretty crazy last year or two.

There are units in the Tweed Heads South area now nudging down around the $400,000 market and a couple even under that, great entry level properties considering that interest rates are still relatively low at 3.1 per cent (they were 17.5 per cent in the early 1990s).

Best budget buys

A two-bedroom at 1/6 Morley Street, Tweed Heads West, is on the market for $369,000 to $405,000, one of the cheapest buys in the shire.

It’s on a cul-de-sac just off the Kennedy Drive off-ramp, so has great access to the airport, M1, beaches and shops.

It’s on the ground floor and unusually for a unit is pet-friendly, with both bedrooms facing north and a good sized kitchen.

A lovely two-bedroom duplex at 2/6 Pontresina Avenue, Tweed Heads, is on the market for $560,000.

It’s at the end of a cul-de-sac off Ducat Street with a lovely yard

and just a short drive to Kirra.

Best median price buys

DJ Stringer has a beautiful apartment for sale for $780,000 to $790,000 in Tweed Ultima at 1102/14-22 Stuart Street, Tweed Heads.

It’s modern and stylish but it’s the sensational views over Jack Evans Boat Harbour and up to Coolangatta that make this one to check out.

Best top end buy

One of the most beautiful rural properties on the market is 49 Pine Log Road, Doon Doon, on the market with Elders Tweed Valley Coolangatta for $2.7 to $2.8 million.

This 98-acre (40 hectare) property is surrounded by National Parks, with views to Mt Warning, Doughboy Mountain and surrounding ranges.

It has a three-bedroom timber home and the original renovated farmhouse, dams, shed, and a saltwater pool, a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle.

2023 forecast

DJ Stringer Principal David Stringer thinks the market will lift next year.

“It is looking as though there

Open Homes

Saturday, December 17

First National Real Estate Murwillumbah

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

7 Amethyst Place, Murwillumbah, 10-10:30am

2 / 14 Somerville Circuit, Murwillumbah, 10:45-11:15am

DJ Stringer

8 Castle Ct, Tugun ‘Interest Over $895,000’ 9-9:30am QLD Time

181 Tweed Valley Way, South Murwillumbah ‘Price Guide $695K-$745K’ 10-10:30am

may be another 0.25 per cent interest rate increase in early 2023 which could be the last increase for some time,” he told The Weekly.

“At such time, the real estate market should see a lift in buyer confidence with property prices back on the up.

“With an increase in buyer enquiry and listings still quite limited, it will also be a fruitful time for sellers during 2023.”

For 2023 I believe we will start to see an increase in buyer activity from February. At the moment we are seeing some hesitancy in the market but with a forecast of interest rate rises coming to an end we should see more confidence in the market which will result in house sales picking up.

First National Real Estate Murwillumbah licensee Scott Reading is optimistic about the market in 2023.

“I believe we will start to see an increase in buyer activity from February,” he said.

“At the moment we are seeing some hesitancy in the market but with a forecast of interest rate rises coming to an end we should see more confidence in the market which will result in house sales picking up.”

Best Agents Buys

DJ Stringer Principal David Stringer says a three-bedroom home for sale between $700,000 and $750,000 at 3 Lakes Drive, Tweed Head West, is ideal for first-home buyers.

It’s a few minutes’ walk to Terranora Creek, and a short drive to Cooly, Kirra, Snapper and Duranbah Beach.

On a big, flat, fenced block, this place has a really lovely backyard with room for a pool.

David also has a great investment or first-home owner property on the market for $420,00 to $450,000 at 3/12 Marian Street, Tweed Heads West.

This two-storey two-bedroom 82 square metre townhouse has a courtyard and a balcony, and is in a cul-de-sac just off Kennedy Drive, a prime location a short drive to the M1, the airport, beach or shops.

It has a low body corp and a lock up garage.

First National Real Estate Murwillumbah licensee Scott Reading says one of his best buys at the moment is a lovely threebedroom home at Dulguigan.

This newly-renovated beauty on a big 1,012 square metre

1054/14-22 Stuart St, Tweed Heads ‘Price Guide $770K-$790K’ 10-10:30am

1102/14-22 Stuart St, Tweed Heads ‘Price Guide $780K-$790K’ 10:30-11am

2/2 Ivory Cres, Tweed Heads ‘Contact Agent’ 11-11:30am 26/6-8 Thomson St, Tweed Heads ‘Price Guide $895K-$945K’ 11:30-12pm

1603/22 Kirkwood Rd, Tweed Heads South ‘Price Guide $1.295M-$1.350M’ 12-12:30pm

3/12 Marian St, Tweed Heads West ‘Price Guide $420K-$450K’ 12:30-1pm

JET Real Estate

32 Ewing St, Murwillumbah, 9.30-10am

Dreams to reality

block at 257 Dulguigan Road, Dulguigan, has a big shed and Mount Warning views and is on the market for $680,000.

It doesn’t get much better than that.

Mr Reading also has a threebedroom home in the Hundred Hills Estate at 2/14 Somerville Circuit, Murwillumbah, for sale for $795,000.

It has Balinese style gardens with a spa and a beautiful covered outdoor entertaining area accessed through stacker sliding doors.

It is located in a family friendly area and there’s a spa to soak up in on a winter’s night.

1/34 Beryl St, Tweed Heads, 11-11.30am

Tate Brownlee Real Estate

108 Ash Drive, Banora Point, 9:30-10am (Auction 10am)

17 Pulkara Court, Bilambil Heights, 11-11:30am

1/85 Henry Lawson Drive, Terranora, 12-12:30pm

37 Illawong Crescent, Terranora, 12:30-1pm

37 Australia Drive, Terranora, 11:30-12pm (Auction 12pm)

20 Bosun Boulevard, Banora Point, 1-1:30pm

MANA Real Estate

34 Chevell Place, Smiths Creek, 9-9.30am

51 Garden Avenue, Nunderi, 10.15- 10.45am

10 Flintwood Street, Pottsville, 11.15-11.45am

1D Short Street, New Brighton, 12.30-1pm

1/3 Haylard Court, Ocean Shores, 1.15- 1.45pm

4/2 Nunyar Court, Ocean Shoes, 2-2.30pm

257 Dulguigan Road, Dulguigan

Beautifully presented, large 4 bedroom home has 5 separate living spaces providing ample room for a large family. Brand new pool house & separate studio. Great location, quiet area, 12km to the beach, M1 to commute north/south. 8.15 lush usable acres with spring-fed stream, ideal for kids, pets, golf or livestock. This home is a rare opportunity in the coastal rural market to get so much living amenity, ready to move into and enjoy. Genuine seller is committed elsewhere and requires immediate sale.

David Tammy Deb Simone

Andrea Dana Gianetta Jade Terri Nikki

Courtney

Leisa

Dani

Kellie

enneale Mary Pete Susie

il Val Annie