TVW feb 12

First 2026 council meeting

Hodges, farmer Robert Quirk and Council’s Eli Szanala at

“I had amazing teachers at my local public high school. They truly inspired me, shaped the person I am today, and influenced my career.”

Jemma, Class of 2018 at a NSW public school

Find out how your local public school is

Tyalgum on edge as police hunt wanted man

By Jo Kennett

TYALGUM COMMUNITY leaders have reached out to reassure worried residents that the Tweed Byron Police are working hard to find a wanted man that has been seen around the village recently, with police calling on the public for assistance.

Police issued a warrant for the arrest of Vaughan Cumming on December 30, 2025.

Mr Cumming is known to frequent the Tweed Heads, Murwillumbah and Tyalgum areas, where he is apparently widely known, and was seen on Tuesday afternoon on Reserve Creek Road driving a white dual cab ute with smashed side mirrors held on by green tape.

On Friday, February 6, Tweed Byron Police posted online asking for public assistance on Cumming’s ‘current’ location, saying he was “wanted on seven outstanding warrants.”

“There is a lot of information being shared on social media about his activities in and around Murwillumbah and outlying areas. He should not be directly approached,” police said.

He was reportedly seen around Tyalgum last week, where he is believed to have acquaintances, with CCTV footage of the wanted man casing properties.

One resident reported to police that he was seen at a home in Tyalgum on Monday, February 2. He walked up to the home and yelled out but was seen by the occupants who recognised him and locked the door.

He continued to scope out the property, apparently not worried about being seen or caught.

The resident called Triple 000 and the police arrived in less than 10 minutes. They found him hiding in a shed on the property but the shed was full of gear and Cumming managed to escape out one of several exit points.

He ran out and down a hill and the police chased him but just missed catching him.

They stayed searching for hours, according to residents, even launching a drone to help find Cumming but they lost him in the dense bush behind the property.

One Tyalgum resident told The Weekly that locals were very concerned.

“We are all worried about him being around here coming on to people’s properties,” the resident, who didn’t want to be identified, said.

“It’s definitely scary for me and my children as I knew he was wanted from seeing a lot of posts on Facebook.

“I hope they find him soon.”

Police searched into the evening, to no avail.

Locals reported a man fitting Cumming’s description allegedly took a quad bike from a property at Tyalgum Creek on 6.45am on Tuesday, February, 3.

He was seen riding down Wollumbin Street in Tyalgum around 7am, before being seen on Tyalgum Road a short time later with a passenger.

Police update

Tyalgum District Community Association (TDCA) Media Officer Solar Chapel said they had contacted police for an update because of community concerns on Wednesday, February 4.

Police advised them Cumming is not considered violent or aggressive, but does have several outstanding warrants relating to vehicle theft.

“There’s been a strong police presence in the village since Monday evening,” Mr Chapel said on Thursday, February 5.

“They have been coming into the village each day since then.”

“There are quite a few older residents in the village who don’t get their information from social media so they aren’t seeing any Facebook updates or anything like that.

“They are much more concerned because they don’t know what’s going on.

“We just want to reassure the community that the police are very much aware of the situation and they are being very vigilant in trying to catch him.

“We are advising the community to be vigilant at all times, to lock their doors and their garages and if they see any suspicious activity to not approach but to call the police straight away.”

Neighbourhood Watch

The TDCA is re-establishing the Tyalgum Neighbourhood Watch program.

“We are currently looking for someone to be the coordinator of that Neighbourhood Watch,” Mr Chapel said.

If you are interested in helping out with a Tyalgum Neighbourhood Watch program email admin@tyalgum.org.au or contact the Tyalgum Post Office.

Cumming was last seen wearing a black t-shirt and black shorts.

If you know his whereabouts, please contact Murwillumbah Police Station on (02) 6672 9499 or Tweed Heads Police Station on (07) 5506 5499 and speak to an officer.

In an emergency contact 000. If you have other pertinent information that is not time

sensitive, please consider reporting to NSW Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or nsw. crimestoppers.com.au. Police reference number to quote is REF: 744206423

Cumming was seen on CCTV scoping out a Tyalgum property last Monday

A man believed to be Cumming on a quad bike stolen from Tyalgum Creek

Police are seeking assistance to find Vaughan Cumming

CONGRATULATIONS

You

Dog lovers please help

Previously when a dog was not collected at the pound and their holding period was up, you could adopt that dog directly from the pound.

This process allowed the community the opportunity to provide the dog with a loving home at a very reasonable price.

This also meant that the council could recoup costs for housing the dog during that holding period. That makes sense.

What I don’t understand is why Tweed Shire Council is no longer doing this? Why did this change, especially now we the ratepayers have paid for a new pound capable of keeping dogs a little longer.

I will be lobbying council to change this policy which appears to have had no consultation with the community. We have the facility to keep them for a week or two longer.

They are gifting these dogs to Friends of the Pound and don’t get me wrong their volunteers do a great job finding homes for surrendered dogs, but they are also inundated with dogs.

There should be time and an opportunity for dogs to be adopted directly from our pound as has always been the case and is common practice in other rural pounds and was in ours. Obviously, the priority is to get these dogs back to their owners, but unfortunately some people for whatever reason do not collect their dogs.

Ratepayers paid for this facility, it’s for our dogs and we should be given the opportunity to give them a home. We waited six years for this facility. I will keep the community updated after I receive a response from council and may also launch a petition.

Vicki Barnes, Murwillumbah

Let’s celebrate Community Transport

It was late last year that I found

out about this magnificent service provided by the volunteer Community Transport in NSW, that enables frail, aged, disabled and people with transportation problems to gain some independence.

This service is not limited to NSW area but goes into Queensland and wherever the passengers need takes them.

Initially I thought it was only for medical related appointments, but to my surprise I found out it also takes us to social appointments, shopping, hairdresser, or wherever the passenger wants to go.

And people are also taken to community service arranged socials, as outings that include teas, lunches, tours and even overnights to attend theatre entertainments.

The service is run by volunteers, which are now diminishing and creating increased hours of driving to those soldiering on.

Drivers are always on time and no matter how tired the driver is, after a long day of driving people to numerous locations, have always been greeted with warm, wonderful smiles and eagerness to be of help in taking care of my bags and walker, ensuring I am safe and comfortable when picked up from home and then returned home.

I have met the most kind, friendly, patient and helpful drivers, much better than commercial ones in my view.

These services not only allow us to feel cared for and supported but in a way helps us remain longer in our homes, while fostering social connections.

I am surprised I have never seen articles applauding this great service and the wonderful volunteers that gift us their time from the goodness of their hearts.

I do hope this letter will bring awareness and encourage those able and willing to volunteer a day or two a

week to make the lives of others a better place.

There are not enough words to praise their work and give thanks Maria Barreda-Hanson, Banora Point

Dementia Australia is here to help

In New South Wales, there are an estimated 145,700 people living with dementia in 2026 and without a significant intervention, this is expected to increase to an estimated 252,800 by 2054.

That’s why Dementia Australia is calling for further investment from the Federal Government in implementing the National Dementia Action Plan, a ten-year government framework aiming to improve the lives of people living with dementia and their carers.

Dementia Australia is here 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. If you or someone you know have a diagnosis of dementia, or mild cognitive impairment, or you’re concerned about changes to your cognition or that of a loved one, contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 or visit dementia.org. au. (Read more on page 26 of this week’s edition)

Professor Tanya Buchanan, CEO Dementia Australia Tumbulgum Fishing Club update and winners

Well January was a cracker! The first competition of the year was outstanding with 68 NEW members!

I have no idea where these new people are coming from but it’s pretty cool to think our club is still growing. With 144 participants that was one of our biggest comp days ever. Well done to Max and Wayne taking out the junior and senior champions. Mystery fish went off at a 50cm flatty, well done Ben Prestwich. Mem-

WILLS WEEK

Book now for an appointment via

Bookings close 22 February.

bers Draw will be back in action this month.

I hope you all enjoyed the presentation in the afternoon.... I know I did.

Thanks to Tumbulgum Tavern for hosting our event. O’Connors Transport for our stage, Fat Albert as our band, Addict Tackle for our awesome prizes and Tweed Coast Marine for the boats! Thanks to our team for all the hard work to make it happen, and to those that supported the raffles.

To give away two boats this year was pretty special. Well done Hugh Flattery (junior boat draw) and Sarah Moore (all members draw). Thanks again to the guys at Tweed Coast Marine.

Our February competition is just around the corner (February 15), so get your rigs ready and I’ll see ya there. Tight lines!

Nathan Day, Tumbulgum Fishing Club Inc, Tumbulgum

Homeless frustration response

You Have A Friend Inc convenor John Lee writes (TVW, Letters, Feb 5) the homeless having to wait ten years for a modern $900,000 home is frustrating for them. Frustrating? If ten years is frustrating waiting for a $900,000 home how frustrating it must be for Mr Average to work five days every week for 35 years before being free of their 35-year $900,000 mortgage!

Encouraging idlers to wait on the North Coast for a gift of a home by providing them with the dole, food, tents, sleeping bags and the washing and drying of their clothes whilst they sit on their bums only encourages more to arrive from the cities – in my opinion. It is not the responsibility of council (its working citizens) to provide accommodation.

It’s citizens are finding it hard enough working every day to pay off their own home without paying to

Wills Week is a great opportunity to have a professional solicitor in your local area provide advice to establish your first Will or update an existing one. Wills Week is made possible thanks to the generous support of solicitors who donate their time to ensure that 100% of your booking fee is donated to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

Booking fee - $160 for a single person - $300 for a couple making mutual Wills

provide a home for idlers.

Ian Pratt, Bilinga Climate deniers face facts

The global temperature over the last three years have been the hottest on record. Australia’s oceans were the warmest on record in 2024/25, with widespread marine heatwaves causing coral bleaching on the east and west coasts, fish kills in Western Australia, and algal blooms in South Australia which wiped out the offshore ecosystem, killing everything in it.

Record downpours have caused fatal landslides on every continent and most recently in NZ. Floods washed cars and caravans into the ocean in Victoria.

There have been out-of-control bushfires all over the nation in the last few months and this was topped off with record heatwaves last week.

Antarctic ice is melting at a “gobsmacking” rate, Greenland has lost over one metre of ice pack and within a decade the Arctic will be ice-free in summer.

This will cause the collapse of the Arctic ecosystem. To pretend this is all just coincidence and alarmism is wilful ignorance.

These events are a result of our warming the planet by around 1.5⁰C. If we continue along this insane business as usual path there is no upper limit. The planet has been above 5C several times, but none of these periods would allow human survival. It’s way past time for deniers to face facts. Alan Watterson, Hastings Point

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

Book now to secure a meeting with a solicitor to receive advice about having a simple* Will drafted. Full details, including *terms and conditions can be viewed at rescuehelicopter.com. au/willsweek. Wills Week appointment fees do not include the drafting of Power of Attorney or Enduring Guardianship documents. PARTICIPATING SOLICITORS

Jet skis for shark response

By Jonathon Howard

AS DEBATE continues around the safety of swimmers following an increase in shark encounters and attacks, Tweed Shire Councillor James Owen will raise a bold new motion calling for the expansion of jet-ski rescue capabilities along the Tweed Coast, with council’s support.

The motion calls for council to write to Surf Life Saving New South Wales (SLSNSW) seeking a collaborative multi-club jet ski program to be rolled out across Tweed Shire ahead of the 2026–27 surf lifesaving season.

Cr Owen says the proposal responds to growing safety challenges on local beaches, including increased shark activity during peak swimming and surfing periods.

“Summer 2024–25 has witnessed unprecedented shark sightings, including bull sharks in Cudgen Creek, historically a rare occurrence,” Cr Owen’s motion read.

“While shark attacks remain statistically uncommon, the responsibility to maximise community safety and protect visitors and swimmers remains paramount.”

Cr Own’s motion highlighted the tragic fatal shark attack at Salt Beach in 2021, which he said underscored the real risks present and the critical importance of rapid, effective response capabilities.

“Many beaches in Tweed Shire, including Salt Beach, present unique operational challenges for traditional rescue equipment due to exposure, large swell conditions, and significant shore breaks,” the motion read.

“These characteristics demand more agile and responsive rescue assets.”

The motion highlights that Tweed Shire has 36 kilometres of coastline, currently serviced by jet ski operations based primarily at Cudgen Creek.

Cr Owen argues that relying on one or two vessels to cover beaches from Duranbah to Pottsville and Wooyung creates significant op-

erational challenges.

The motion follows increasing shark encounters recently and a Tweed sharkattack death in 2021

Under the proposal, council would advocate for SLSNSW to work with local surf lifesaving clubs to establish a coordinated program, including procurement guidelines for clubs wishing to acquire jet skis, standardised operator training and certification, funding and maintenance protocols and strategic placement of jet skis at multiple coastal locations to improve response times.

Potential staging locations include Salt, Cabarita, Fingal Rovers and Cudgen Headland surf clubs, which would reduce response distances and therefore response times.

The motion notes that jet skis complement existing safety measures such as inflatable rescue boats and drone surveillance, offering faster, single-operator deployment and improved manoeuvrability in large swells and heavy shore breaks.

“Jet skis are faster than IRBs and critically are single-operator vessels capable of rapid deployment and superior manoeuvrability in surf conditions,” Cr Owen’s motion read.

But Cr Owen’s motion could struggle to gain buoyancy as council staff acknowledge the intent of the motion but advised that surf lifesaving operations fall outside council’s legislative and operational responsibilities.

“Council has no legislative authority, operational responsibility, or governance role in the management, resourcing, training, deployment, or strategic planning of surf lifesaving services,” council’s management notes read.

Continued on page 11

Community Recycling Centres

Stotts Creek Resource Recovery Centre

Leddays Creek Road, Stotts Creek

Stotts Creek Resource Recovery Centre

Mon to Fri: 7am–3:45pm Sat, Sun, public holidays: 9am–3:45pm (closed Good Friday, Christmas Day)

Leddays Creek Road, Stotts Creek Mon to Fri: 7am–3:45pm Sat, Sun, public holidays: 9am–3:45pm (closed Good Friday, Christmas Day)

Byron Resource Recovery Centre 115 Manse Road, Myocum

Byron Resource Recovery Centre 115 Manse Road, Myocum Mon to Fri: 8am–4pm Sat, Sun: 8:30am–11:30am (closed public holidays)

Mon to Fri: 8am–4pm Sat, Sun: 8:30am–11:30am (closed public holidays)

Concerns over 5-storey Salt proposal

By Jo Kennett

SUBMISSIONS TO the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure close next week for a proposed $52.9 million five-storey retail and residential development at Salt, which exceeds current height limits and has some locals concerned.

The proposal for the ‘gateway site’ at 4-8 Bells Boulevard, Kingscliff, the vacant land in front of Mantra beside the roundabout, includes 69 residential units with ground floor retail and residential apartments.

The proposal is being assessed as State Significant Development (SSD) and includes a concurrent rezoning application to support the proposed scale and mixed uses.

Bells Boulevard Pty Ltd is applying for the rezoning of the site to increase the maximum permitted building height from 13.6 m to 21 m and allow permanent residential rather than the tourism or mixed-use currently permitted in the precinct.

Levels 1 to 4 would be residential and the building would include two ‘affordable housing’ units, basement parking, a communal open space and a swimming pool

Local resident Mihaela Soar has concerns about the proposal and the application for SSD designation, which would almost certainly see it go ahead as the state government rushes to house the increasing population.

“The area is already congested, and while there are plans for underground parking there is just not enough to cope with both the residents and visitors to the shopping precinct,” she

told The Weekly.

“Cars will be parked on a residential streets and will be a major inconvenience for the local residents already coping with the influx caused by the increase in short-term holiday accommodation.

“The only access is along Casuarina Way which was never designed for the huge increase in traffic. Nor was the bridge over Cudgen Creek.”

Mihaela called the “supposed addition” of affordable housing units “a political ploy” to gain SSD designation.

“Two units out of 69 have been allocated,” she said.

“During a discussion with the developers, I was informed that the affordable units would be restricted to one bedroom apartments and the cost of the apartments would be 25 per cent below market value.

“That equates to a one bedroom apartment at $900,000 - in which world is that considered affordable?”

Mihaela says the increasing height from 13.6 m to 21 m (“originally proposed 18 m, and it’s creeping up already) is not a minor change as the developer is framing it, but an increase of over 50 per cent.”

“Allowing the construction of a five storey building where the current height limit is three storeys is a huge change in the character of the area and will inevitably lead to a rash of similar proposals,” she said.

“Stormwater run-off will increase, the draining system barely cope with Cyclone Alfred and additional stress will almost certainly lead to flooding.

“This is not the Gold Coast, and

we do not wish to become another high-rise paradise.”

Leanne Hayward lives nearby and is advocating for no height increase and wants to see conditional approval stipulating the existing height “as per the master plan” to be no higher than nearby Peppers and Mantra.

“I think the developer could lose the ground floor retail, as there is an insufficient demand in either Kingscliff or Casuarina for our existing shops, with at least two vacant at The Commons at Casuarina,” Leanne told The Weekly.

She is also concerned about the bush stone curlews on the site and the “significant increase in additional traffic on Casuarina Way, and the lack of onsite parking.”

“Local streets around the proposed development will be impacted if this goes ahead in its current form,” Leanne said.

“The communal garden is tiny and its usability is questionable, given its size and it will be overshadowed by the apartment building and the Terrace Houses.

“Essential services, such as for garbage and a loading bay, are planned for entry from Gunnamatta Avenue.

“I understand Tweed Council has already indicated issues with their ability for garbage collection and loading bays which is a concern for residents if there are daily collections, and deliveries, at the loading dock with noise.”

Leanne said the retail section was initially planned as service businesses such as medical and hair salon but questions if there is sufficient popu-

lation to sustain those types of businesses. “There isn’t any on-site parking and Council has already flagged the 27 parking spaces temporarily moved which they have conveniently forgotten to add to their calculations,” she said.

“I think the developer should immediately start a resident communication group to keep us abreast of his plans. This would be a very positive way to garner goodwill.”

Lisa, another Tweed Coast local, shares their concerns, saying she doesn’t object to development in principle.

“Appropriate development can contribute positively to Kingscliff when it aligns with established planning controls and respects the character and capacity of the local environment,” Lisa wrote in her submission.

“However the scale and intensity of this proposal go beyond what has

historically been permitted or supported in this area and risks setting an undesirable precedent.”

Lisa said the 13.6 m height limit

“reflects a deliberate planning intent to maintain a low-rise coastal village character consistent with the built form.

“Approval of this proposal would set a precedent for future developments seeking similar or greater height variations,” she wrote.

“Once such a precedent is established, it becomes increasingly difficult to resist further departures from the planning framework.”

Lisa also had concerns about parking spilling over into surrounding residential streets and traffic impacts.

Submissions for the 4-8 Bells Boulevard proposal: NSW Planning Portal SSD-83069459

An artists impression of the proposed development

Tweed Heads Medicare Urgent Care Clinic

NOW OPEN

7 DAYS

As your local Labor MP I’m proud to be delivering on my election commitment for a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in the Tweed region.

The Medicare Urgent Care Clinic is located at Tweed Health for Everyone Superclinic, 33/35 Corporation Circuit Tweed Heads South.

This means you can get the free, fully bulk billed, urgent care you need.

Federal Member for Richmond

Tweed hospital’s new cancer transport Man injured in crash

By Jo Kennett

CANCER COUNCIL NSW has launched its newest Transport to Treatment service supporting the Tweed and Byron shires on World Cancer Day, Wednesday, February 4, at Tweed Valley Hospital.

An increased range of cancer treatments has been offered since the new hospital opened in 2024.

With on-site radiation therapy now added to the hospital’s suite of oncology services, the need of those impacted by cancer to get to and from appointments has increased significantly.

“About 150 patients a day access Tweed Valley Hospital for treatment and consultations with our oncology team and we are grateful for the additional support offered to

them by Cancer Council NSW through this fantastic new service,” Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD)

Director Cancer Services and Innovation Stephen Manley said.

“A diagnosis of cancer can have a significant impact on a person and their family from a health perspective but also from a financial perspective.

“The focus on timely, high-quality treatment while maintaining a job, family life, or running a business can all be very challenging.

“Having access to a free transport service that helps to reduce the costs and impacts of attending regular hospital visits can help patients and families focus on their treatment and minimise disruption to other aspects of their lives.”

Cancer Council NSW Byron

Bay Community Lead Caitlyn Feldmann said Cancer Council was “proud” to launch the Tweed Transport to Treatment Service on World Cancer Day.

“The service aims to meet the needs of eligible patients living in regional and rural areas in the Tweed and Byron Shires,” Ms Feldmann said.

mation and support line on 13 11 20 where an expert team of health professionals will be on hand to navigate what support is available to them.

“Access to transport can be difficult in these communities, therefore compounding the impact of cancer.”

“We thank our volunteer drivers who will be supporting this service, without them, none of this would be possible.”

Inaugural volunteer driver and cancer patient Terry Malone had a difficult time with his own treatment for cancer, having to travel to Newcastle to see his specialist. When he heard about the Cancer Council support her he got in touch. “Cait and her team took an incredible amount of pressure off me and left me with the responsibility of being a good patient and to recover as quickly as possible,” Terry said.

Patients in need of this free transport service are asked to call the Cancer Council infor-

Phone the Byron office at 02 6639 1300 or ask your doctor to refer you to Cancer Council services via the healthcare professional site.

In 2025, Cancer Council NSW services made more than 16,500 trips across the state, including existing services in Ballina and Lismore regions.

Transport to Treatment volunteer drivers are at the heart of this service. Without their kindness and dedication, Cancer Council NSW would not be able to help those impacted by cancer access treatment.

Cancer Council is looking for more volunteer drivers to help support those in the Tweed and Byron areas. If you want to apply or know more, please contact the Cancer Council Byron office at 02 6639 1300.

By Jo Kennett

A MAN has been hospitalised after a car crashed into a tree west of Murwillumbah on Sunday, February 8.

Emergency services were called to the scene of the accident at around 10.10 am.

A man in his 60s who was trapped in a van was treated at the scene by the NSW Ambulance critical care paramedic with the Westpac Rescue Helicopter then tasked to the scene.

A NSW Health doctor from the helicopter’s critical care medical team assessed the victim for multiple injuries before being transported to Gold Coast University Hospital in a serious condition.

“The accident happened on

Numimbah Road and we arrived to find a male trapped by compression in the vehicle,” a spokesperson for Tweed District Rescue Squad (TDRS) said.

“He was the only occupant.

“The vehicle had left the road and collided with a tree and as a result the driver was trapped by his lower legs.

“Crews used hydraulic rescue tools to gain access and further techniques to clear the inside of the van for extrication.”

The victim was conscious and talking.

“The ambulance did a patient assessment and after a short while rescue crews were able to release him and he was taken for further care,” the TDRS spokesperson said.

Cancer Council NSW volunteer driver

Ian Wallace after dropping off a patient at Tweed Valley Hospital

The launch of Cancer Council NSW's first patient transport service at Tweed Valley Hospital

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter at the scene of the accident

• Flyscreen & Screen Doors

• Remesh or remake, made to measure

• Sliding or Hinged doors, Stacker doors, French doors

• Drop off your screens or send us an email with measurements for a quote

January marine rescues

By Jo Kennett

IT’S BEEN a busy summer for Marine Rescue Point Danger volunteers, who, after a record number of rescues last year, performed 20 search and rescue missions in January.

Across NSW there were 668 search and rescue missions during January, including 162 emergency responses and the safe return of 1,644 people to shore.

In the Northern Rivers there were 37 search and rescue missions including 18 emergency responses.

94 people were safely returned to shore across all seven Northern Rivers units – Point Danger, Brunswick, Cape Byron, Ballina, Evans Head, Iluka Yamba & Wooli.

The number of search and rescue missions in locations of highest demand were Point Danger with 20 - always the busiest as it has many more boats to keep an eye on than the other Northern Rivers areas - Ballina 6, Brunswick 4, Iluka Yamba 4.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Dan Duemmer said the peak boating period saw volunteers respond to a wide range of incidents, including EPIRB activations, sinking vessels, medical emergencies and numerous missing person searches. “Our volunteers are highly trained

and prepared to respond rapidly to many types of emergencies on the water,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Duemmer said.

“In January alone, crews attended 19 medical emergencies on our waterways, including cardiac arrest.”

Crews also carried out more than 50 assists to grounded vessels, which Acting Deputy Commissioner Duemmer said were largely avoidable.

“Boaters must be aware of tides, their surrounding environment and prevailing conditions,” he said.

“If boating in an unfamiliar area, do your preparation, consult local charts and speak with the nearest Marine Rescue NSW unit before launching.”

Almost half of all responses across the state during January were related to engine issues.

“Boaters must ensure their vessel is in good working order before heading out, carry sufficient clean fuel, have the correct safety equipment on board, always wear a life jacket and check the weather,” A/DC Duemmer said.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Duemmer also praised the service’s radio operators for their vital behind-the-scenes work.

“Our radio operators are the backbone of Marine Rescue NSW. Their skill and knowledge are invaluable in assisting boaters on the state’s waterways,” he said.

During January, Marine Rescue NSW radio operators managed almost 27,000 calls and monitored 33,646 people on board vessels that had Logged On.

“Boaters can Log On 24/7 via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or on VHF Channel 16, so our skilled volunteers to monitor a vessel’s safe return, and if a boater becomes overdue, a search can be initiated.”

Marine Rescue Point Danger heading for the Tweed River bar

Search suspended

By Jo Kennett

THE search for a man missing overboard after he failed to return from a fishing trip, was suspended on Sunday after his inactive EPIRB was found 14 kilometres offshore from Ballina.

Marine Rescue Point Danger volunteers playing a key role in the search off the Gold and Tweed Coasts, spending three days searching for 44-year-old Ashley Haigh.

Mr Haigh left Runaway Bay Marina in his half cabin cruiser to go marlin fishing and was last seen setting out to sea from The Spit on the Gold Coast just after 6.30am on Thursday. He was reported missing when his boat, The Grey Ghost, failed to return by 7pm that same day.

Attempts to contact the boat continued through Thursday night as water police searched seaways in the area.

The boat was found around 2am, 25 nautical miles (46 km) south east of the Gold Coast Seaway, off Burleigh Heads.

Mr Haigh, a father, husband and muchloved member of the local community. was not aboard.

Police said he was known to pack multiple fishing rods but authorities only found one on board.

Police also found one of his four life jackets missing, but do not know if he was wearing one at the time.

Mr Haigh, who was a very experienced fisherman and a former president of the Gold Coast Game Fishing Club, was on a mission to catch a marlin, which is considered one of the fastest and most powerful fish in the ocean.

A rescue plane flew up from Melbourne and spent five hours circling the boat waiting for water police to arrive.

A Challenger plane from Cairns did laps from Straddie to Kingscliff on Friday looking for Mr Haigh, with a Westpac Rescue Helicopter from Lismore and Mr Haigh’s family and friends joining Queensland planes and helicopters in the search for the missing man.

Marine Rescue NSW Inspector John Murray said Queensland Water Police contacted Marine Rescue Point Danger on Friday morning and requested on-water assistance.

“A volunteer crew was assembled and Marine Rescue NSW vessel Point Danger 31 was tasked to assist the multi-agency search,” Inspector Murray said on Friday.

Point Danger 31 conducted a parallel line search with NSW Water Police with conditions offshore calm with light winds, giving searchers hope for Mr Haigh’s survival.

Point Danger radio operators assisted with communications.

By Saturday the search was focussed on northern NSW waters.

“Marine Rescue NSW vessels Point Danger 31, Brunswick 30 and Ballina 30 resumed the multi-agency search at 6.30 am AEDT,” Inspector Murray said on Saturday.

“Point Danger 31 is conducting a parallel line search offshore alongside Marine Rescue Queensland and QLD Water Police. Crews are searching waters from Tweed Heads to just north of Evans Head.

“Marine Rescue Brunswick volunteers are searching an area eight nautical miles (15 km) off Brunswick Heads, while volunteers on board

Marine Rescue NSW vessel Ballina 30 are performing an east-to-west search off Ballina.

“There are 20 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers and staff assisting the search, with volunteer radio operators from the Point Danger, Brunswick and Ballina units managing communications with our rescue vessels.”

The search area was extended as far south as Evans Head.

“If anyone is out there and they do see anything at all, retrieve it and give it to one of our rescue vessels,” Marine Rescue NSW’s John Murray said.

On Sunday afternoon the Queensland Police Service revealed an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) registered to Mr Haigh had been located inactive about 25 km off Ballina on Saturday.

“Late yesterday afternoon, February 7, an inactive EPIRB registered to the missing man was located 14 nautical miles off Ballina, however no further items or signs of life have been located,” Queensland Police said.

“The search and rescue operation has now transitioned into the recovery phase, and officers continue to be in contact with the man’s family.”

Jet skis for shark response

Continued from page 5

“These matters rest solely with SLSNSW and the volunteer surf clubs themselves, supported by the NSW Government through its statewide Shark Management Program and other funding initiatives.

“Given this, should the elected council wish to express support for enhanced lifesaving capability or encourage SLSNSW to explore the feasibility of a multi-club jet ski program, council’s role is limited to advocacy.”

Cr Hone said she planning on backing the motion.

“I support this motion because shark safety will require a collaborative approach between all sectors of the community, and nobody knows this more than SLSNSW,” Cr Hone said.

“This is an opportunity for SLS volunteers to receive support from council and seek further State Government funding for research, management and mitigation. As a coastal community that has endured the devastation of sharks attacks this should be our top priority.”

YOUR THOUGHTS: Do you support Cr Owen’s idea to use jet skis on the Tweed Coast to enable a faster response times? Send your letters and via email: editor@theweekly.net.au

The Resilient Homes Program is calling on the local building industry to help make homes safer and more flood‑resilient across the Northern Rivers.

We’re seeking builders, designers, engineers, architects, project managers and house removalists who want reliable work and prompt payments.

With projects running through to March 2027, it’s a chance to help support your community. For more information on the program and how to get involved visit nsw.gov.au/rhpbuild or scan the QR code.

Homeowners and industry can also find out more about funding available by contacting the Reconstruction Authority on 1800 844 085.

Marine Rescue Point Danger volunteer Nicole Lockie and her crew searched waters from Tweed Heads to just north of Evans Head on Saturday

Detached homes motion calls for change

By Jonathon Howard

ONE OF the most talked about agenda items to kick start 2026, and the first Tweed Shire Council meeting for 2026, is a push by Councillor Kimberly Hone to reduce the detached dual occupancy and free up regional housing opportunities.

Tweed Shire Councillors will consider a motion this week that could significantly expand housing opportunities in rural areas and, if approved, allow full-sized detached secondary dwellings on properties larger than five (5) hectares.

The notice of motion, submitted by Cr Hone, calls on council to adopt a policy position supporting full-size detached dual occupancies, often referred to as secondary dwellings or granny flats, on rural lots over five hectares.

Cr Hone says the proposal is driven by strong community support and growing pressure from the housing and cost-of-living crises.

“At least one in five submissions to the State Government’s rural housing inquiry supported reform,” Cr Hone’s motion read.

“I gathered feedback from face-toface conversations, inquiry submissions, social media comments, emails and letter to the editor – it is very clear that there is an overwhelming consensus that our locals want to be able to build a full-scale dwelling on rural properties of five hectares or more.

“The main driver for support of change is land affordability therefore housing accessibility and to keep fam-

ilies together.”

The motion argues that allowing a second full-sized dwelling on rural properties is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to ease housing pressure in the Tweed, particularly for multi-generational families and rural workers.

Cr Hone also raised concerns about proposals to double rates on secondary dwellings, saying this would unfairly burden households already struggling with rising costs.

If supported, the policy position would be reflected in Council’s draft Growth Management and Housing Strategy and its implementation plan, forming the basis for future amendments to the Tweed Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and Development Control Plan (DCP).

The motion also seeks a further report on how Council could lobby the NSW Government to explore alternative contribution or rating mechanisms, so landowners with secondary dwellings can contribute to council services in a “fair and balanced” way.

Cr Hone noted that many rural properties rely on tank water and septic systems, reducing demand on Council infrastructure.

However, Council staff have advised that the motion, as written, triggers provisions of the Code of Meeting Practice requiring a detailed officer report before any strategic policy shift is adopted. Management has recommended an alternate wording that would first bring a report to Council examining the planning, legal, financial and environmental implications of allowing full-sized secondary dwell-

UNDER 5’S PROGRAM

• PLAY-GYM (1-4 YEARS)

• JUNIORS (4-6 YEARS)

GYMNASTICS PROGRAM

• 4.5-6 YEARS

• 6-9 YEARS

• LEVELS 1-2

• LEVELS 3-6

• ADULTS GYMNASTICS

TUMBLING PROGRAM

• BEGINNER

• INTERMEDIATE

• ADVANCED PARKOUR PROGRAM

• 5.5-8 YEARS

• 8.5-11 YEARS

• 12-17 YEARS

• ADULTS PARKOUR

ings on lots over five hectares. Council’s current policy framework supports detached secondary dwellings on rural lots of 10 hectares or more, a position reaffirmed by a council resolution in October 2025.

Under that decision, about 1,879 rural lots could eventually become eligible for a detached dual occupancy. Reducing the minimum lot size to five hectares could increase that number to approximately 2,444 lots.

Staff cautioned that expanding eligibility could have broader impacts, including changes to rural character, potential pressure on natural areas and implications for farming viability.

At the same time, they acknowledged that additional dwellings could support intergenerational farming and provide much-needed housing supply.

Council is currently finalising its draft Growth Management and Housing Strategy, due to be reported to Council around March or April 2026.

The motion, or an amended version of it, is expected to be debated at this week’s Council meeting.

In response to the motion, Cr Nola Firth said the change to Tweed’s character of “so many extra houses in rural areas would be large”

“These are second not secondary dwellings so there’s no size limit or distance from primary house limit,” she said.

“The change proposed is from the current 40 hectares to a 5ha limit. Is this what the community wants?

“It is often not understood that all rural properties already have the right to have adjoining houses (dual

occupancy).

“A second separate dwelling opportunity would however be likely to increase property value and flexibility of use.

“We do need houses, but as our Growth Management and Housing Options paper states we already have thousands of housing allocations in places like Kings Forest and within already developed urban areas.

“The environmental impacts of the issue are concerning in our shire given our high number of threatened species and our responsibility to protect them.

“A big increase in rural housing is likely to result in increased tree clearing for houses, driveways and bushfire buffers.

“This concern is in addition to the concern of increased use of farming land for residential rather than farming use and increased ratepayer costs.

“Each property will be paying normal rates but have infrastructure for two dwellings served.”

In response to Cr Firth’s concerns, Cr Hone said there will be “no additional pressure applied to rural

communities than what is already allowed through attached full-scale dwellings”.

“These statements are nothing more than fear-mongering,” Cr Hone told The Weekly in response.

“Some of these properties may become Airbnbs, if that’s the case they are bound by pre-existing legislation that outlines how Airbnb must be ancillary to the income the farm generates.

“Not to mention the hoops State regulations and registrations Airbnb owners/hosts have to jump through.

“I fully support the need for our farmers to substitute their income. Very few of them are covering the costs of basic weed management let alone all other aspects involved in operating a successful producing farm enterprise in the Tweed.”

YOUR THOUGHTS: Do you believe the threshold for detached dual occupancy should be reduced to five hectares? The Weekly is eager to hear your thoughts and letters on this matter via email: editor@theweekly.net.au

Tweed Link

Innovative land swaps deal is a win-win

A pioneering land swap project in Murwillumbah has delivered significant long-term benefits for the Tweed including safer ground for local businesses to operate, land for a new works Council depot secured at no cost to ratepayers and the repayment of more than $11 million in NSW Government flood support.

The Industry Central project was established in the aftermath of the 2017 floods, which, along with the later 2022 floods, caused extensive damage to businesses in the South Murwillumbah industrial area. With the support of over $11 million in NSW Government funding, Tweed Shire Council bought more than 14 hectares of flood free land to help affected businesses relocate away from high-risk, low-lying areas.

Eligible landowners were invited to enter an expression of interest process, and 5 businesses took up the land swap offer. The move allows them to establish operations in a purpose-built industrial precinct designed to withstand future severe weather events, improving safety and business continuity. Council also used part of the site to relocate its works depot, which was inundated during both major flood events. The new depot site, now valued at more than $34 million, will house essential machinery including trucks, operational vehicles and major plant equipment used during flood response. Construction is underway and is scheduled for completion by June 2026.

Before the land could be released, the precinct required extensive infrastructure works, including access, services and site preparation. With those upgrades complete, Industry Central has become one of the Tweed’s key industrial precincts. Rising industrial land values, which increased more than 19% in the past year, according to the NSW Valuer General, also contributed to the strong financial outcome.

A financial win for the community

The sale of the 4 unallocated (spare) lots at Industry Central generated about $11.3 million after costs, allowing Tweed Shire Council to repay the NSW Government’s earlier funding without calling on ratepayer revenue, meaning the project effectively paid for itself.

The project demonstrates Council’s leadership in developing innovative climate resilience initiatives that benefit the entire community, help protect local jobs, reduce future flood disruption and support the Tweed’s long-term economic stability.

Key facts: Industry Central land swap

$11+ million Repaid to NSW Govt

Council trivia

This week's question

What’s the approximate amount of waste our community composts each week through Council’s green waste services?

a) More than the weight of 200 small cars

b) Around the weight of 100-150 small cars

c) Less than the weight of 50 small cars

Have your say Add your voice to decision making in the Tweed

Single Use Materials and Packaging Policy

Council is inviting community feedback on its draft Single Use Materials and Packaging Policy. The Policy’s scope includes:

• Council sponsored or funded events

• events and markets on Council land and facilities

• individuals and groups that hold a lease or licence in Council buildings

• Council staff and Councillors

• Council committees and volunteers such as community hall volunteers

• sporting groups using Council facilities. The Policy aims to reduce waste from single-use materials, like coffee cups, plates, bowls and platters by promoting the shift to reusable alternatives. The Policy and Implementation Guide can be viewed on the project page or provided upon request at our Customer Service Counters in Murwillumbah and Tweed Heads.

$34+ million Depot value. Land at no cost to ratepayers

$11+ million State-funded land purchase >19% Industrial land value rise 14.02 hectares Flood-free Industrial land

June 2026

Climate resilient, more jobs, flood defence and economy

Have your say

The exhibition period is open from 11 February to 25 March 2026. Tell us what you think and submit your feedback in one of the following ways:

• Online: yoursaytweed.com.au/single-use-materials-policy

• Email: tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au Subject: Single Use Materials and Packaging Policy

• Mail: Tweed Shire Council, PO Box 816, Murwillumbah, NSW 2484 Subject: Single Use Materials and Packaging Policy

• In person: attend one of our drop in sessions (register via Your Say Tweed project page)

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

Help us make decisions with you. Register at yoursaytweed.com.au

Shire

Minyungbal

Moorung

Moobah clans,

Industry Central is helping create a safer, flood-resilient space for local businesses.

Let a surprise story find you this Valentine’s Day, 14 February

Lay back with a cup of tea or a glass of wine and let your imagination wander somewhere new this Valentine’s Day. Libraries throughout the Tweed are inviting readers to discover a story they may never have chosen for themselves through the popular Blind Date with a Book initiative.

Fun fact: Valentine’s Day is also celebrated nationally as Library Lovers’ Day, the perfect excuse to treat yourself to a mystery read. Throughout February, mystery books wrapped in brown paper are waiting to be borrowed at libraries across the Tweed. Each book features a short teaser quote on the front, and sometimes a small chocolate treat, encouraging readers to explore something beyond their usual picks. It’s a simple way to unlock your imagination and enjoy a new adventure without judging a book by its cover.

Please note: Murwillumbah Library will be closed on Valentine’s Day due to scheduled works, but all other Tweed libraries will be open as usual. For locations and opening hours, visit: rtrl.nsw.gov.au

Date with a Book.

Repairs to Murwillumbah multi-storey car park begins in March

Contractors are expected to be on site from Monday 2 March to carry out essential repairs to Council’s multi-storey car park in Murwillumbah. The works will take around 3 months, weather permitting. The car park will be closed for the duration of works, with limited access at times. Please prepare to park elsewhere and check Tweed Shire Council's website for updates on parking availability.

Wooyung Road Tweed Coast Road to Tweed Valley Way

The repairs mark an important step toward restoring this key town centre facility. The car park has been partially closed since a fire in December 2023 which, combined with existing waterproofing issues, caused significant damage to parts of the structure.

Works were previously postponed after consultation with local businesses to reduce parking impacts over the busy Christmas period. While there is no ideal time to close the car park for repairs, the March start date avoids additional pressure during February, when school swimming carnivals are held at the neighbouring Tweed Regional Aquatic Centre.

Please follow safety signage and instructions if you are near the site, and allow extra time when closures are in place.

For for updates on parking availability visit: tweed.nsw.gov.au/current-planned-works

road closure14 Feb 2026, 6:00 am14/02/2026, 1:30 pm

Overall Drive Anne Street and Tweed Coast Road Full road closure14 Feb 2026, 6:00 am14/02/2026, 5:30 pm

Blackrocks Bridge Tweed Coast Road and Overall Drive Full road closure14 Feb 2026, 6:00 am14/02/2026, 5:30 pm

Elizabeth Street Coronation Avenue Changed conditions 14 Feb 2026, 6:00 am14/02/2026, 5:30 pm

Anne Street Elizabeth Street Stop/Go 14 Feb 2026, 6:00 am14/02/2026, 5:30 pm

Phillip Street Coronation Anvenue Business open14 Feb 2026, 6:00 am14/02/2026, 5:30 pm

• Hooked on Seafood Business open14 Feb 2026, 6:00 am14/02/2026, 5:30 pm

• Black Drop Business open14 Feb 2026, 5:30 am14/02/2026, 2:00 pm

• Pottsville Bait and Tackle Business open14 Feb 2026, 6:00 am14/02/2026, 5:30 pm

• Hong Fu Chinese Restaurant Business open14 Feb 2026, 6:00 am14/02/2026, 5:30 pm

• Izakaya Potts Business open14 Feb 2026, 6:00 am14/02/2026, 5:30 pm

Notification of Development Application Determinations for the purposes of Section 4.59 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (as amended). Application details

DA25/0552 - Demolition of existing dwelling, new dwelling, swimming pool, and use of unauthorised garage as pool house Lot 77 DP 30845, No. 8 Knox Court, Kingscliff

DA25/0556 - Alterations and additions including carport and deck

Lot 14 DP 13309, No. 29 West End Street, Murwillumbah

DA25/0608 - Construction of an inground swimming pool

Lot 151 DP 1025584, No. 15 Border Crescent, Pottsville

DA25/0621 - Construction of a carport to the front of an existing residential dwelling Lot 416 DP 1048763, No. 25 Suffolk Parade, Pottsville

DA25/0623 - Installation of an above ground shipping container pool & small deck extension Lot 63 DP 28337, No. 15 Sunshine Avenue, Tweed Heads South

DA04/1492.01 - Amendment to Development Consent DA04/1492 for the creation of an 18 lot community title subdivision (DIPNR DA 242-10-2004 - Mod-2) Lot 3 DP 819065, Lot 1 DP 595863, No. 4 Winchelsea Way, Terranora

Make 2026 the biggest Clean Up Australia Day in the Tweed

Clean Up Australia Day is coming up on Sunday 1 March and we’d love your help to make it the biggest one yet in the Tweed.

You can take part by registering a clean-up event and making a positive difference in your local area. Register as an individual, with friends or family, or on behalf of a business, school or youth group.

Prefer to join an existing event? We will keep you updated on all registered clean-ups happening across the Tweed.

Clean Up Australia Day is about protecting our local environment - not just on the day, but every day of the year. There are many simple ways you can make a big impact and every action counts. Switching to a reusable water bottle instead of buying bottled water is a simple place to start.

For more information or to get involved, visit: cleanup.org.au/get-involved

To learn more about recycling and reducing waste in the Tweed, visit: tweed.nsw.gov.au/recycling-reducing-waste

Community notice

Temporary Closure of Murwillumbah Library

Tweed Shire Council advises that Murwillumbah Library will be closed on Saturday 14 February while essential plumbing repairs are carried out at the Murwillumbah Civic Centre. The work requires a full shutdown of the building’s water supply, including toilets and hand-washing facilities. The air-conditioning chiller will also be offline. For community safety and comfort, the library cannot open while these services are unavailable.

We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate the community’s understanding while these necessary repairs take place. The library will reopen as normal on Monday 16 February.

For updates, please visit the Richmond Tweed Regional Library website or follow their official communication channels at rtrl.nsw.gov.au

Current vacancies

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

WATER WEEK 3

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

Get the Tweed Link early

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

Subscribe to the Tweed Link to receive it by email each week on Wednesday mornings, in addition to it appearing in print in the Tweed Valley Weekly on Thursdays.

But that’s not all – you can also subscribe to Council job alerts, media releases and a range of e-newsletters and Council facility program alerts. Just scan the QR code or Sign up at tweed.nsw.gov.au/subscribe

Works start soon on Murwillumbah’s multi-storey car park.

Will you help make 2026 our biggest clean up yet?

Wrapped, mysterious and waiting for you - Blind

TWEED VALLEY PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, with over 29,000 men diagnosed each year.

This can be a major life event and doing it without support can be harrowing and distressing. You are not alone.

Our group provides education, morale, and peer support for men newly diagnosed or managing treatment and side effects.

Learn about guidelines about PSA testing, prostate cancer staging, and treatment options.

Regular guest speakers share expert information and updates in prostate cancer care.

MEETINGS: 4th Thursday of each month, next meeting is on Thursday 26th February

TIME: 5 – 7pm

LOCATION: Tweed Sports Bowls Club, 4 Mingjungbal Drive, Tweed Heads South

ENQUIRIES: Phil Jones 0488 552 487

To connect and share. To understand more about prostate cancer, treatments, side effects and more. Partners welcome.

Welcome Dr Amany Abdel Galil

Summit Track sooner

By Jonathon Howard

A MOTION supporting the NSW Government’s decision to reopen the summit track at Wollumbin/Mount Warning will be raised in Tweed Shire Council’s first monthly meeting for 2026, with a suggestion the track could be re-opened sooner with council’s support.

Wollumbin/Mount Warning has been closed to summit access since 2020 due to safety concerns and the need to review management of the Aboriginal Place.

The notice of motion, submitted by Councillor Kimberly Hone, backs the State Government’s plan to reopen the summit track by June 30, 2027, following a media statement from NSW Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe.

The statement confirmed the extended closure of the summit and track while safety issues, cultural considerations and future management arrangements are addressed.

Cr Hone’s motion urges council to formally support the reopening of Wollumbin with a safe and culturally sensitive track, while also offering assistance to help bring forward the reopening date if possible.

The NSW Government has indicated it requires around 18 months to resolve outstanding issues and develop an appropriate reopening framework.

“I believe with Tweed Shire Council’s proactive support, the track could potentially be

reopened earlier,” Cr Hone’s motion read.

The motion also calls on council to advocate for Indigenous Rangers to manage the track, recognising the cultural significance of Wollumbin to local Aboriginal communities, and to formally acknowledge the range of stakeholders involved in the site’s future management.

Council staff have advised that management of the Wollumbin summit and track rests with the NSW Government, meaning council’s role would largely be one of advocacy.

“Any involvement beyond this would require further clarification to assess potential impacts on Council resources, budgets and delivery programs,” council’s management notes read. In response, Cr Hone said sometimes different levels of government can use the excuse that it’s “outside our jurisdiction”.

“However, all levels of Government should be working together for the betterment of their community,” she told The Weekly.

“Council absolutely has the means to offer support in speeding up this project and assisting NSW Parks and Wildlife Service. Local contractors could be put forward by council, which will support small business and employment.”

Cr Hone’s motion is up for a vote on Thursday, February 12.

YOUR THOUGHTS: Would you like to see the summit track at Wollumbin opened earlier? Send your thoughts and letters via email: editor@ theweekly.net.au

Dr Amany Abdel Galil is a General Practitioner with over 15 years of clinical experience, having worked in several distinguished hospitals across Canada, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. I hold the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) and the Diploma of Child Health (DCH) from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland.

I moved to Australia in 2019 and am currently licensed with the Australian Medical Board (AHPRA) and a member of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).

I have a strong passion for paediatrics and women’s health, including IUD and Implanon insertion and removal, iron infusions, skin checks with minor surgical procedures, as well as the management of both acute and chronic medical conditions).

Book now on 02 6676 0106 to make an appointment with Dr Amany Abdel Galil

Shadow Minister for Trade and Tourism Kevin Hogan and Councillor Kimberly Hone have called for the reopening of the Mount Warning summit track for the past 12 months

‘Sydney-centric’ planning reform slammed

By Jonathon Howard

A WRITTEN submission from Tweed Shire Council on whether to support the NSW Government’s statewide planning reforms will be discussed and voted upon by councillors this week, warning the reforms risk sidelining regional communities and diluting placebased decision-making.

The submission has also labelled the reforms as “Sydney-centric” following the release of the State Government’s three key documents late last year by the Minns Labor Government in a bid to reduce red tape in the development process.

They include A New Approach to Strategic Planning: Discussion Paper, the draft Statewide Policy for Industrial Lands and the draft Sydney Plan.

The documents are on public exhibition until 5pm on February 27.

Council staff from Strategic Planning and Urban Design have penned a response and made 54 recommendations across the three documents.

“While efforts to reform the NSW strategic planning framework for clarity and greater coordination between, State, Regional and Local planning are generally supported, in its current form the paper lacks detail and without clear justification to support the proposed a new approach,” the submission from Tweed Shire Council read.

A central concern is a proposal to reduce the number of regional plans from nine to four, including a single Regional NSW Plan covering 84 local government areas.

Council believes this “onesize-fits-all” approach would weaken effective place-based planning and overlook the social, environmental and economic differences between regions.

“The paper fails to recognise Tweed Shire’s unique economic context, including its integration with the South-east Queensland economic zone and the strategic significance of Gold Coast Airport,” the response report read.

“In summary council is of the view that the paper lacks sufficient detail to address several matters critical to planning for Tweed’s future.”

Council also questions how a proposed three-tier planning system, state, regional and local, would differ in practice from the current framework, noting a lack of clarity around responsibilities, governance and resourcing.

While the reforms promise to “strengthen” local plans, council’s response highlights there is no explanation of how this would be achieved or funded.

Concerns were outlined about its largely Sydney-centric focus and how smaller regional centres would benefit from state-led intervention.

Council also questioned the inclusion of commercial and retail land within an industrial land policy, arguing this creates confusion and fails to reflect the economic realities of regional areas where retail and commercial uses are often more significant employers than heavy industry.

In relation to the draft Sydney Plan, Council acknowledged the document’s strong data and analysis but warned it should not be uncritically used as a template for regional NSW. At 69 pages, the plan’s level of detail would be diffi -

cult to replicate meaningfully across a vast and diverse regional area, from Tweed Heads to Broken Hill.

Council expressed concern that the Sydney Plan reinforces a metropolitan growth and investment bias, with limited mechanisms to redirect housing, employment and infrastructure investment into regional centres. It also noted that environmental protection and agricultural land are not clearly prioritised, an issue Council says must be addressed if the model is extended beyond Sydney.

Overall, Council argues that strengthening regional and local planning will require more than alignment with state priorities. Comparable levels of policy detail, implementation clarity and resourcing to those applied in Sydney will be essential if regional plans are to deliver real outcomes.

Councillors will be asked to endorse the submission for lodgement on the NSW Planning Portal ahead of the February 2026 deadline.

YOUR THOUGHTS: Share your thoughts on this story via email: editor@theweekly.net.au

NSW Premier Chris Minns displays a diagram illustrating the state's current planning system

Tight squeeze for new innovative appartments

By Jonathon Howard

A PROPOSED nine-storey residential apartment building at Boundary Lane, Tweed Heads, has been recommended for approval by Tweed Shire Council planners this week, following an extensive assessment process that required innovative design and multiple variations.

The $25.5 million development, proposed by Allenstown GC Pty Ltd for Lot 1 DP 7219 at 5 Boundary Lane, outlines nine storeys to Boundary Street and five storeys to Boundary Lane due to the steeply sloping nature of the site.

The project includes 11 apartments comprising eight three-bedroom units and three four-bedroom units, including two penthouses, along with communal recreation facilities such as a lap pool, yoga deck and outdoor seating areas.

To accommodate basement car parking and storage, excavation of between five and 14 metres is proposed across the site and access to parking would be via Boundary Street, using car lifts to serve multiple levels.

“Due to the constrained nature of the site, the Applicant proposes that car lifts be used for access to the car parks located on Level 1 and Basement 1,” the development application (DA) states.

In total, the development would provide 29 car spaces and 22 secure bicycle spaces.

Council officers noted that the development is classified as a residential apartment building under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021, meaning the NSW Apartment Design Guide (ADG) prevails over parts of the Tweed Development Control Plan (DCP), including requirements relating to car parking, solar access and visual privacy.

“This limited Council’s ability to impose stricter local controls,” council’s response read.

The proposal also requires the removal of one semi-mature native Weeping Bottlebrush tree. Council determined the tree could be removed without consent under existing DCP exemptions, while all other vegetation on site is non-local or exotic.

The application was publicly exhibited twice, first between August and September 2025 and again in December 2025 following a request for further information.

Across both notification periods, two submissions were received, objecting to the development.

Concerns raised included building height and bulk, overshadowing, traffic and parking pressures, excavation impacts on neighbouring properties, privacy issues, waste collection constraints and potential loss of views.

Council officers reported that most issues were adequately addressed through the applicant’s revised plans and

supporting studies, including traffic, acoustic, geotechnical and view-sharing analyses.

While some impacts—such as minor loss of filtered views and reduced winter sunlight to neighbouring dwellings—were acknowledged, they were assessed as acceptable in the context of the site and surrounding development pattern.

“Overall, the proposal is considered to be consistent with the emerging style of development in the Flagstaff Hill precinct of Tweed Heads and will provide additional housing stock in area with access

to services and employment,” council’s report read.

“The Application is accompanied by engineering reports demonstrating that adequate capacity exists to allow for connection of essential services, including water, sewer and electricity.

“Given the above, it is recommended that the application be approved on the conditions proposed herein.”

Tweed Shire councillors will consider the recommendation and vote on the DA during their first monthly meeting for 2026, on Thursday, February 12.

View of site from Boundary Street

Free Financial Wellbeing workshop

• Scam protection

• Digital banking

• Support in times of need

Light refreshments provided

Any

Date: Wednesday 18 February 2026

Time: 10:30am – 11:30am, followed by light refreshments

Where:

Banora Point Community Centre, Banora Point NSW 2486

Limited availabilityregistrations essential

https://events.thesmithfamily.com.au/ event/fwbbanorapoint

Alternatively, contact 0413 161 686 to register

Have your say on new fire plan

By Jonathon Howard

HAVE YOUR say on how bush fire risk will be managed over the next five years following the release of the draft Bush Fire Risk Management Plan, which is now on public exhibition.

The Far North Coast Draft Bush Fire Risk Management Plan is open for feedback until 5pm on Tuesday, March 31, and covers the Tweed, Byron and Ballina local government areas.

Developed by the Far North Coast Bush Fire Management Committee (BFMC), the draft plan identifies areas most at risk from bush fire and outlines strategies to protect lives, homes, businesses, agriculture, cultural sites and the natural environment.

NSW Rural Fire Service representatives say community input is critical, with the region’s changing population, land use and climate conditions altering bush fire risk across the landscape.

Far North Coast Bush Fire Management Committee Executive Officer – Inspector Jacob de la Motte said bush fires can affect our homes, livelihoods and communities with devastating consequences.

“This Bush Fire Risk Management Plan combines the latest fire behaviour modelling technology with local knowledge and we encourage everyone to take the opportunity to review the draft plan and ensure any concerns are addressed,” Mr de la Motte said.

The plan also maps priority fuel management activities, including prescribed burns, asset protection zones and firebreaks.

The Far North Coast BFMC area spans al-

Undernewmanagement

most 239,000 hectares, with around 58 per cent bushland and 35 per cent grassland.

At the last census, the region was home to more than 82,000 dwellings and a population of nearly 180,000 people.

The most recent significant fire season in 2023–24 saw 743 hectares burned.

Under the draft plan, bush fire risk will be managed through a combination of broad measures such as vegetation management, development controls, community education and fire suppression, as well as targeted treatments in higher-risk areas.

The draft plan is available online and can also be viewed at local council offices and the Far North Coast Fire Control Centre at South Murwillumbah.

The map displays the comparative risk across the local Bush Fire Management Committee

Victory service centre now open

By Jonathon Howard

VICTORY AUTO World has officially opened the doors to its brand-new Service Centre in Murwillumbah, appointing highly experienced local mechanic Kristy McAndrew as manager of the growing operation.

Kristy brings 16 years of experience with Victory Auto World to the role and is a fully qualified mechanic and Ford Master Technician.

In a full-circle moment, she began her mechanic apprenticeship at the same Murwillumbah site in October 2009, making her return as manager both personal and professional.

“I love cars and mechanical work, and I also love Murwillumbah and the Tweed Shire, so it’s really coming home for me,” Kristy said.

“It’s a great opportunity to lead the team and support a community I’m deeply connected to.”

A third-generation Murwillumbah local,

Kristy is also a third-generation professional mechanic following in her families’ footprint.

She is passionate about both the automotive industry and the shire.

Kristy is now leading a growing team that includes apprentice Ava, qualified mechanic Nic and service advisor Ella, with the centre open and ready to service Ford and Isuzu vehicles.

“We’re here not only to support the community but to see it thrive through local employment and expert mechanical services,” she said.

“We’re open for business and eager to welcome new and returning customers.”

The new Service Centre features stateof-the-art facilities designed to complement the expanding needs of Tweed Valley motorists.

Early feedback from locals has already been highly positive, with strong praise for the new team, modern workshop and friendly service.

Victory Auto World Dealer Principal

Jason Mannix said Kristy’s appointment marked an exciting milestone for the business.

“This is a great new chapter for Kristy and our team at the Victory Auto World Service Centre in Murwillumbah,” Jason said.

“Her technical expertise, leadership and deep local ties make her the ideal person to lead this centre into the future.”

He encouraged the community to support the new operation, adding, “

Join the team in welcoming Kristy to this exciting role and book in your Murwillumbah servicing today.”

The Victory Auto World Service Centre Murwillumbah is now open, with customers invited to drop in, meet the friendly team and book in for their next service.

The centre is located at 210 Tweed Valley Way, South Murwillumbah.

Phone for an appointment (02) 5644 0700.

Open Mon-Fri: 7:30am-5:30pm.

HEADS UP - ROAD WRAP

OUR ROAD crews are working hard across the Tweed! Please allow extra travel time and drive with care. All works are weather permitting. Stay updated: https://brnw. ch/21wT8Be

BURRINGBAR, UPPER

BURRINGBAR AND CEDAR

CREEK - GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATIONS

Burringbar Road, Geles Road and Cedar Creek Road

Geotechnical investigations on bridges will take place from Monday, 9 February to Friday, 13 February 2026 between 7:30 am and 5 pm.

Traffic control will be in place and minor delays are expected.

BYRRIL CREEK ROAD

BRIDGE - FLOOD

RESTORATION WORKS

Byrrill Creek Road bridge approaches Work continues until 31 March 2026 Monday to Friday, 7 am to 12 pm

Changed traffic conditions, traffic controllers in operation Expect short delays

LINEMARKING - VARIOUS LOCATIONS

Fingal RD between Crown ST & Main R From Tuesday 10/2/26

Kent ST between Murraba Cres & Mugga Way from Tuesday 10/2/26

Kirkwood RD between Fraser DR & Philp Parade. From Tuesday 10/2/26

Kyogle RD Between Cadell RD & Lofts Pinnacle RD From (multiple sections in this section) Wednesday 11/2/26

Evrion RD between Duranbah

RD & Donalyn CT from Wednesday 11/2/26 or Thursday 12/2/26

Tweed Valley Way between Cudgen RD & Leddays CK RD from Thursday 12/2/26

Round Mountain RD at intersection of Watty Bishop RD From Thursday 12/2/26 Works from 10 February to 12 February 7 pm to 6 am Long delays. Detours in place Traffic controls operating

MOUNT BURRELL - ROAD RESEALING

Kyogle Road, between Stringybark Road and Sovereign Way Road works commence on Monday, 9 February 7 am to 1 pm

Traffic controllers in operation with intermittent stop and go operations Expect minor delays

MURWILLUMBAH - ROAD RESEALING

Tyalgum Road, between Kyogle Road and Omearas Road Road works commence on Monday, 9 February 12 pm to 5 pm

Traffic controllers in operation with intermittent stop and go operations Expect minor delays

POTTSVILLE - SPEED HUMP INSTALLATION

Cudgera Avenue in Koala Beach estate

Installation Road works from 10 February for about 2 days 7am to 5 pm

Traffic reduced to single, traffic controllers in operation Expect delays or take alternative route

VICTORY FORD

Aussie’s true grit at Dakar Rally

By Jo Kennett

THE 2026 Dakar Rally, run in Saudi Arabia in January, is done and dusted, with Australian Dakar champions Daniel Sanders and Toby Price having their hopes for another victory dashed, and a French rally champion who has an interesting history with the Tweed, coming fourth in the cars.

Defending champion Daniel ‘Chucky’ Sanders, was leading for much of the race hoping to go back to back for the win. He was expected to consolidate his lead in stage 10, when he crested a big sand dune, got airborne and went down in a heap on the other side, with his competitors stopping to help him in the spirit of the race.

Sanders had broken his collarbone and sternum, with the 31-year-old deciding to ride

through severe pain over the final three stages to complete the race.

“Mum and Dad didn’t raise no quitter, so I’m not pulling out now until someone else tells me to pull out, or they drag me out of the race. I’m not stopping,” the Victorian apple farmer said.

He said it was hard getting out of bed with one arm but maxed out on painkillers with surgery the next week he said he “might as well do some

more damage.”

Sanders somehow managed to hold onto fifth place through the final stages, giving him much needed points for a back to back win in the World Rally-Raid Championship.

Toby Price was the 2016 and 2019 champion in the motorbikes and the first Australian to win the Dakar Rally. He won in 2019 riding with a broken wrist, so everyone over there must think Aussies are either tough as nails or mad, or a bit of both.

Toby switched to four wheels last year but had to withdraw, but achieved his goal of making

the top ten this year, coming eighth, the first Toyota to finish.

The Dakar features 13 stages, with one rest day mostly spent repairing vehicles, and covers 8,000 km of some of the most spectacular country on the planet.

“Isn’t it just sand dunes in Saudi Arabia,” someone asked and yes there were plenty of dunes but brilliant drone footage captured competitors racing through the AlUla (Majestic Canyons) “immense, centuries-old rock formations, canyons, and sandy tracks.”

That was contrasted with dunes, valleys, a stunning stretch across sand right beside the Red Sea as well as plenty of camels and wildlife running for safety as bikes, cars and trucks roared through the ancient landscape. It’s worth watching (free-to-air on SBS on Demand) for the scenery alone.

Frenchman Sebastian Loeb, who came fourth in the cars this year, is one of the most successful drivers in World Rally Championship history.

He competed in the only leg of the tour to run in the Tweed in 2009, where conservationists protested about the cars racing through national parks, worried about the local wildlife.

Protesters unsuccessfully filed an injunction to stop the race. During the rally, signs were placed around the route, telling the drivers and those involved in the rally to go home.

Two stages were cancelled after rocks were thrown at the course car and the stage itself was blocked when protesters pulled a fence across the road, although organisers were warned so they could shut the route down and keep drivers safe. Surprisingly Loeb came out in support of the protestors when he found out what they were so damn cranky about.

He was crowned the rally champion at the Cudgen Leagues Club but after the celebrations Loeb was handed a one-minute time penalty due to a technical infringement and Mikko Hirvonen was elevated to first place, though Loeb still went on to win the World Rally Championship that year.

PROPRIETOR - DAVID HAMILTON

Daniel Sanders competing at Dakar

Win-win for sustainable agriculture

SUSTAINABILITY IN agriculture

can sound like a slogan—until you see it working paddock by paddock, grower by grower.

A new project, ‘Examining the benefits of multispecies cover crops in Australian sugarcane’, shows what real collaboration looks like when the goal is both environmental responsibility and long-term farm resilience.

The trial crop on Tweed Valley cane farmer Robert Quirk’s property is alive with insects like bees and is being used to build solid carbon and usable nitrogen into the soil to reduce the use of fertilisers, insecticides and diesel and improve yields.

North Queensland trials have seen Urea use cut by almost three quarters with increased yields, so it’s a win-win for the farm budget and the environment.

Tony Hodges from Williams Seed says agriculture world-wide is the greatest producer of Co2. “Tilling the soil releases the carbon back into the

atmosphere but you can use plants to do that work for you, saving money on diesel, chemicals and fertiliser.”

The project is supported through funding from the Bonsucro Impact Fund and is implemented by Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR) in partnership with the Australian Cane Farmers Association (ACFA), James Cook University, local government, agronomy specialists and seed industry innovation.

Bonsucro

Robert Quirk was a founding member and first chairman of Bonsucro, the leading global sustainability platform and standard for sugarcane.

“About 30 people, the major global suppliers and two farmers, got together in London in 2005 and formed Bonsucro and now we have 350 members including Nestle and Coca Cola,” Robert said.

“They want to say that their sugar has been sustainably grown.”

“Next month I’ll be in India to

promote this project at their world conference.”

Bonsucro believes the sector must become part of the climate solution.

“Through innovation, best practices and investment in sustainability, we support the industry on climate mitigation and adaptation to reduce the environmental impact of sugarcane production.” That commitment places practical tools behind ambition— measuring improvement, building capability, and supporting growers to adopt changes that endure rather than short-term fixes.

See more on Bonsucro’s initiatives at www.bonsucro.com.

Council’s leading role

Local leadership is equally vital.

Eli Szanala and Tweed Shire Council help ensure the project aligns with regional priorities, including water quality, soil health and broader landscape stewardship, so benefits extend beyond individual farms to the wider catchment and community.

“At Council we have small grants for farmers for sustainable agriculture to help them adopt improved practices and trial new things they couldn’t otherwise invest in,” Eli said.

“This is the first project a cane farmer has applied for a grant and we are right behind it.”

The seed for the trial was funded through Council’s sustainable agriculture initiative. See: www. tweed.nsw.gov.au/environment/agriculture-farming/sustainable-agriculture-small-grants.

Robert Quirk, supported by the Sustainable Agriculture Team, rep-

resents the heart of the program: producers willing to trial improved systems, share results openly, and demonstrate that sustainability and productivity are not opposing forces, but complementary ones.

Williams Seed Seed and systems innovation form another key pillar of the project.

Tony Hodges from Williams Seed contributes research and practical experience in multi-species systems, soil health and soil biology, with a strong focus on improving soil function rather than simply increasing inputs.

The work examines how diverse species mixes and cover cropping with “NitromaxX” can increase soil carbon, enhance nutrient cycling, reduce nutrient run-off into waterways, and build more resilient soils capable of performing under increasingly variable seasonal conditions.

The objective is not environmental gains in isolation, but measurable improvements in overall yields, productivity and system reliability.

Further information on Williams Seed and its research focus is available at www.williamsseed.com.au.

The project is an ongoing, multi-year program, with data collected across successive seasons to track changes in soil carbon, biology, beneficial insects and birdlife, water movement, and crop performance.

This allows seasonal variability to be separated from genuine system improvement, giving growers confidence that results are grounded in evidence.

“It is important that the Austra -

lian sugarcane industry has its own data on the practices we undertake on farm to defend our right to farm and showcase to the world that what we do is best practice,” Cy Kovacich, ACFA Chair and QCAR Board member said.

“This project will allow us to have the data to back ourselves, while ensuring productivity and profitability are not compromised.”

With adjudication by Lawrence DiBella of Tropical Agricultural Services, based in Ingham, Queensland, the program benefits from rigorous, independent agronomic assessment— helping ensure results stand up to scrutiny and separate measurable progress from good intentions.

Field walk invitation

As part of the project’s commitment to transparency and knowledge-sharing, landholders and anyone interested in cover cropping and sustainable agriculture are invited to attend an on-farm walk and information session.

You can see what is being trialled, why it is being measured, and how similar approaches may be adapted to other farming systems.

When global standards, local government, growers, seed specialists and independent advisors pull in the same direction, the sector does not just talk about being part of the climate solution—it starts delivering it.The community is invited to the on-farm walk on Friday, February 20, at 11.30am with a barbecue lunch provided after. RSVP to the Williams team at seed@wgau.com.au

By Jo Kennett and Tony Hodges

Farm Walk

Soil Health, Cover Cropping & Multi-Species Systems

Cane growers, small crop farmers and graziers are invited to attend an on-farm walk focused on improving soil health using multi-species and cover cropping systems.

Guest Speaker

Lawrence DiBella, QCAR SENIOR TECHNICAL AGRICULTURAL OFFICER

Lawrence will present his research results and discuss

• Soil health and sustainability in cane systems

• Practical outcomes from multi-species plantings

• Insights from the Bonsucro project

This is a practical opportunity to see what’s happening in the paddock, speak with industry and like-minded producers, and pick up ideas you can apply on-farm.

Date: FRIDAY 20 FEBRUARY 11:30AM, DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME

Location: ROBERT QUIRK’S FARM, 16 CUDGEN ROAD, STOTTS CREEK NSW

RSVP: SEED@WGAU.COM.AU OR 6672 9844 FOR CATERING PURPOSES

BBQ lunch and cold drinks provided by Williams Seed Australia

House &Garden

Tweed Coast Pool Care (Murwillumbah Pool Shop)

DO YOUR pool a favour this Spring and contact the expert team from Tweed Coast Pool Care - Murwillumbah Pool Shop.

Since opening in 2005 in a small River Street shed, Tweed Coast Pool Care has grown into a trusted community business. They offer free pool water testing on request and provide expert guidance to fix any issues—a service many locals rely on. Their store stocks a wide range of pool and spa essentials, including cleaners, chemicals, equipment, parts, accessories, heaters, blankets, toys, and more. Plus, their mobile team delivers on-site repairs and maintenance for your convenience.

“We pride ourselves on our integrity and service and would love the opportunity to help you with any aspect of caring for your pool.”

Sanitair Healthy Air Conditioning

SANITAIR TWEED Coast & Northern Rivers is an outstanding local air conditioning experts.

Headed up by passionate operators Brandon and Natalie Hancock, Sanitair Tweed Coast & Northern Rivers delivers premium air conditioner cleaning with genuine care. The duo are dedicated to helping local homes, schools, and businesses breathe cleaner, healthier air.

The team specialises in professional HVAC hygiene, providing long‑lasting results that improve efficiency, lower energy costs, and protect indoor air quality. They service residential, commercial, and educational facilities across Tweed, Byron, Ballina, Lismore, and surrounding areas.

With Sanitair you’re supporting a local business that values trust, customer satisfaction, and the wellbeing of our Northern Rivers community. Clean. Healthy. Local. That’s Sanitair Tweed Coast & Northern Rivers.

Coast To Country Tree Services

FOR EXPERT tree care across the Tweed Shire and Southern Gold Coast, Coast to Country Tree Services (CTC Tree Service) is the trusted local name. With over 16 years of hands-on experience, this family-owned business delivers professional tree care for everything from suburban gardens and large properties to resorts, commercial orchards, and even national parks.

CTC’s goal is simple: to help people connect with their outdoor spaces through high-quality, environmentally responsible tree care. Their fully qualified arborists provide safe, clean, and efficient services for families, councils, and businesses alike. From tree removals and pruning to long-term maintenance, CTC ensures every job balances your goals with the health of your trees and the environment. With cost-effective pricing and solutions designed to save you money over time, Coast to Country Tree Services is the go-to team for reliable, professional tree care.

Paradise Living Co.

BRIMS Concrete, Haulage & Materials Murwillumbah

LOCATED IN the heart of South Murwillumbah, Paradise Living Co is a truly remarkable store for anyone looking to add style, warmth, and character to their home. Specialising in unique furniture, homewares, and bathroom essentials, the store showcases a carefully curated selection of handcrafted pieces made by skilled artisans from India, Indonesia, and local makers. From cane and rattan to timber, stone, and other natural materials, every item at Paradise Living Co is chosen for its beauty, quality, and lasting value. Whether you’re after a standout furniture piece, a decorative accent, or everyday home essentials, you’ll find something special that brings personality and charm to your space.

BRIMS IS one of the Northern Rivers’ most trusted local suppliers, offering a top-quality range of landscaping materials to help your garden flourish this Spring and Summer. From gravels, soils, and mulch to mushroom compost perfect for boosting your vegetable garden, BRIMS has everything you need - at great prices and with same-day delivery available. They also stock materials for driveway repairs and other landscaping projects, making them a one-stop solution for all your outdoor needs.

Conveniently located in South Murwillumbah, you can drive in for a load or call the friendly, expert family team for delivery. Whatever your landscaping needs, BRIMS is ready to help your garden shine.

Paradise Living Co. is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of South Murwillumbah, Northern NSW, specialising in unique furniture, homewares, and bathroom essentials Þlled with "soul".

House &Garden

Tweed Decks & Carpentry

TWEED DECKS & Carpentry specialises in creating stunning and durable outdoor spaces. From decks, patios, and pergolas to home extensions and roofing repairs, their skilled team brings nearly two decades of experience to every project.

Using premium materials like hardwood, treated pine, Colorbond, BlueScope Steel, stainless steel balustrades, and insulated roof panels, Tweed Decks & Carpentry delivers practical, stylish, and long-lasting solutions for homes, resorts, and townhouses. Whether it’s a simple repair or a full outdoor transformation, their precision and attention to detail ensure every project meets the highest standards.

Proudly serving the Tweed Coast and surrounding areas, based at Carool, Tweed Decks & Carpentry combines expert craftsmanship with exceptional customer service. For outdoor spaces that are built to last, contact the team today.

MTM Mowers

IS YOUR lawn looking a little wild this Summer? Need a hand getting your garden in top shape?

MTM Mower Centre has everything you need to tackle outdoor jobs with ease. Stocking a wide range of modern outdoor power equipment and garden supplies from trusted brands like Grillo, Greenworks, and RedMax, MTM is your local destination for expert advice and quality products.

From ride-on and push mowers to chainsaws, brush cutters, blowers, generators, pumps, batteries, oils, and spare parts, MTM Mower Centre has it all. They specialise in the sale and repair of lawn mowers and other gardening equipment, with prices that won’t hurt your wallet.

MTM also carries a large selection of spare parts and safety gear, including spark plugs, oil, fuel cans, shin protectors, safety visors, and batteries, ensuring you have everything needed for any outdoor task. Their friendly, knowledgeable team is always on hand to help you find the right products and offer practical advice.

Tweed Heads Painting Service

WITH OVER 40 years of experience, Tweed Heads Painting Service is a trusted residential and commercial painting company servicing the Tweed Coast and surrounds. The team delivers exceptional results with a personal touch and gets rave reviews: “I highly recommend this company and would definitely use their services again.” “Great job and price.” “Their workmanship was brilliant.” Services include painting and decorating, airless spray painting, restorations, interior and exterior painting, roof and deck painting, commercial painting, property maintenance, and pressure washing. Advanced airless spray equipment ensures smooth, bubble-free finishes. Regular maintenance services such as pressure cleaning and retouching are also available. Fully licensed and insured, the team supplies all materials, is equipped to work at heights, and uses premium paints to guarantee durability, quality, and a superior finish.

Native Landscape Co

IF YOU’RE looking for a landscaping company that delivers exceptional results with friendly and reliable service, Ryan McLennan at Native Landscaping Co is your man. Ryan and his team create beautiful native gardens that his clients absolutely love. Here’s a couple of reviews: “Ryan did a fantastic job transforming our yard. He was professional, easy to work with, and offered great ideas. The workmanship was excellent, and everything was completed on time and left spotless. We’re thrilled with the results.” “A pleasure to deal with from start to finish. They absolutely blitzed our new yard and patio. We are absolutely pumped with how good our outdoor area looks! See Ryan and the Native Landscape Company team for all your landscaping needs.

At Tweed Heads Pain�ng Service, we offer a wide range of professional pain�ng & maintenance services including:

· pain�ng & decora�ng

· airless spray pain�ng

· restora�on

· exterior & roof pain�ng

· interior pain�ng

· property maintenance

· pressure washing

Scared

RSVP to mursc@lism.catholic.edu.au

Sweet Talk with Robert Hawken

THE CONDONG cane crop experienced good growing conditions over the Christmas and New Year period and most of the newly planted cane is looking very vigorous.

Rainfall has been adequate so far, but the weather over the last week has been getting rather dry and some follow up rain fall would be nice in the coming week.

The grass and weed control is continuing but as the cane grows taller, weed and grass growth is supressed.

A large amount of soybean has been planted in numerous fallow fields and the soy crops are looking very good.

At this time of year, sometimes referred to as the ‘slack season’, growers are still busy doing the various tasks of growing next season’s crop and conducting drainage system maintenance, machinery repairs and service to tractors.

Cane harvester groups are also busy with upkeep of harvesters and haul out equipment. This harvesting equipment is very expensive and complex and has to be kept in top condition as

it works seven days a week during the harvest season, when they cannot afford downtime.

Maintenance is also underway in the three North Coast sugar mills and refinery, as they also need to be in optimum condition for operating 24/7 when crushing cane.

Condong Mill expects a larger crop this year, compared to the 2025 season of 360,000 tonnes. The preliminary estimate for 2026 is approximately 440,000 tonnes of cane. This size crop of cane could be expected to produce in the vicinity of 50,000 tonnes of raw sugar.

NSW Canegrowers are looking to the future with confidence with the appointment of the new CEO of the milling and refinery entity, Manildra Harwood Sugars, Mr Adam Viertel. Adam has broad experience in the sugar and resource industries and the Canegrowers of NSW wish him every success in his very important role.

Bye for now, Rob Hawken

Hot glamour

By Rada Campbell

HOT GLAMOUR is no small feat when you are wrapped in wigs, lashes, makeup and spanks, which is exactly why Buttery Chard’s Drag Bin go disappears over summer. When the tempera ture climbs, even the most committed queen knows when to step out of heels and wait for cooler nights.

Now the heat has eased, Ryan Brown is slip ping back into character as Buttery Chard and bringing drag bingo back to Murwillumbah on Saturday, February 28. The return is less about the game itself and more about the release it offers. A room where the rules soften, the jokes sharpen and people remember how good it feels to laugh together without checking themselves. Drag bingo is not subtle. It is loud, chaotic and gloriously camp. But beneath the filth and fabulousness sits something gentler. A sense of connection. Profanities are encouraged, fashion is optional and kindness is the unspoken rule. Ryan has been performing in drag for under two years yet has already built a strong reputation as a host who knows how to hold a room. That skill has earned him a position at Hairy Mary’s on the Gold Coast, while still making time to bring his signature chaos back to the Tweed.

Returning as Buttery Chard’s faithful co-host is Natasha St James, a veteran of the Gold Coast drag scene who took the freshly padded Buttery under her wing from the very beginning. Known for her razor-sharp wit, fearless crowd work and years of hardearned stage experience, Natasha is the kind of queen who can read a room in

seconds and turn chaos into comedy. Joining her as special guest host is Scarlett Fever, a high energy, theatrical performer whose bold entrances and unapologetic attitude bring an extra hit of sparkle and mischief. Together, they deliver a level of industry polish and lived experience rarely seen in a bingo hall, let alone our beloved backwater town.

“Life is a little too serious these days,” Ryan said. “With so much going on in the world, it’s important to have a space where we can let go and have fun. Drag has been questioned in many places around the globe and aren’t we lucky that here in Australia we can still see it for what it is and have a laugh with a man in a dress.”

The sense of belonging is what keeps drag bingo drawing a crowd that spans ages, identities and social circles. Strangers arrive at separate tables and leave feeling like part of the same joke.

Buttery Chard’s Drag Bingo doors open 6:30pm, Saturday February 28, at M|Arts Precinct, 105 Wollumbin st, Murwillumbah. Tickets via Instagram @itsbutterychard

Buttery Chard

Kindy kicks off

By Renae Brookes

BOGANGAR PUBLIC School proudly welcomed two kindergarten classes for 2026, with 41 enthusiastic students beginning their school journey on February 2.

Our newest learners arrived with big smiles, shiny new shoes and backpacks almost as big as they were — ready to take on their first day of “big school.”

The excitement was contagious as families gathered to mark this special milestone.

We are pleased to share that all of our Kindergarten students, along with their parents and carers, have transitioned beautifully into school life.

Supported by our experienced teachers and dedicated support staff, students are quickly settling into routines, building independence and developing confidence in their new environment.

Already, our kindergarten classrooms are

buzzing with activity.

Students have been forming new friendships, exploring hands-on learning experiences and embracing every opportunity to grow.

From early literacy and numeracy to creative play and outdoor learning, our students are engaged, supported and thriving.

At Bogangar Public School, we pride ourselves on creating a nurturing, inclusive and community-focused environment where every child is known, valued and cared for.

Our strong transition programs and supportive staff ensure that students feel safe, confident and excited about coming to school each day.

We look forward to a wonderful year ahead for our 2026 kindergarten cohort and warmly welcome families considering Bogangar Public School to connect with us and learn more about what makes our school community so special.

International folk music

By Madeleine Murray

THE BEAUTIFUL FLUTTERBIES in Tyalgum presents an exciting weekend of international folk music on Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14.

The picturesque village will come alive with the sound of fierce fiddle, grooving guitar and soaring harmonies as Hearts Aflame Productions hosts two special events, bringing together international touring artists and homegrown favourites in the warm, close-up setting the village is known for.

The weekend opens with a relaxed, feel-good evening of tunes, delicious pizza, and community spirit.

Canadian, JUNO-nominated duo Inn Echo lead the night with their rich, Celtic-inspired blend of fiddle and guitar. Known for their storytelling warmth and driving rhythms, the pair create the atmosphere of a late-night session –pull up a chair, but keep your dancing shoes on.

They’ll be joined for a special pop-up set by The Heart Collectors, promoting their upcoming Leaping Off Garden show before they head to the US for another four-month tour.

An internationally acclaimed Byron Bay hinterland four-piece, The Hearts are celebrated for tight vocal harmonies, intricate musicianship and cinematic epic folk arrangements.

Finalists for Best Album at the International Folk Music Awards, the band brings intimacy and anthemic energy to every performance.

On Saturday afternoon, Inn Echo returns for a dedicated afternoon performance in the Piano Room, offering audiences the chance to experience their cinematic, high-energy sound in an intimate setting.

Blending original compositions with bold, contemporary arrangements rooted in Celtic tradition, their music feels deeply grounded and strikingly fresh.

Having toured internationally and performed at leading festivals across three continents, the

duo brings world-class musicianship to Tyalgum. Tickets include a glass of champagne on arrival. With limited capacity for both events, early booking is recommended.

Hearts Aflame Productions Artistic Director Solar Chapel says the events reflect the company’s ongoing commitment to bringing outstanding artists into regional spaces while keeping performances personal and accessible.

“There’s something special about hearing this calibre of music up close – not in a big hall, but in a room where you can see every bow stroke and every smile,” Solar told The Weekly.

“These shows are about community as much as concerts. Sharing food, stories and songs together is what folk music has always been about.”

On Friday, March 13, doors open at 6 pm, with music from 7- 9 pm at Flutterbies, 25 Coolman St, Tyalgum. The concert on Saturday, March 14 is from 2:30-4 pm. Bookings and enquiries at flutterbies.com.au or heartsaflameproductions.com.au

Kinder 2026 Bogangar Public School

Photo Renae Brookes

Tristan Dafoe, Mobius Barnaby, Reuben Loire and Kymrie Henge of Heart Collectors

Inn Echo is a duo from Prince Edward Island, Canada

Matilda takes Murwillumbah stage

By Rada Campbell

MATILDA RIDGWAY knows exactly what she has taken on.

Starring solo in Prima Facie, the award-winning actor is carrying one of contemporary theatre’s most demanding roles entirely alone, night after night, as NORPA’s acclaimed production prepares to tour the Northern Rivers.

“This is the first time I’ve ever done a one-woman show,”

Matilda told The Weekly.

“There’s the banal challenge of learning 83 pages of dialogue. I feel like I’ve swallowed a whale.”

But the challenge is not only endurance. Suzie Miller’s tightly constructed script fractures time, memory and perspective, requiring its sole performer to

shift seamlessly between past, present and reflection. “The craft of making those shifts clear for the audience has been fascinating,” Matilda said. “I’m so lucky to be working with this incredible team. We’re all trying to articulate this world together.”

Matilda is no stranger to characters whose certainty collapses under pressure. Her

Sydney Theatre Award-winning turn as Nora in A Doll’s House placed her firmly among Australia’s most trusted stage actors. Still, she says Tessa feels entirely new. “At first, you see resonances with people you’ve played before, or with yourself. But by this stage in rehearsals, Tessa feels completely unique to anyone I’ve played.”

Despite the confronting subject matter, Matilda believes Prima Facie succeeds because it allows its central character to live a full life on stage.

“Nobody wants to watch 90 minutes of torture,” she said. “What Suzie has done so well is show a whole person. When you go to those really dark places, the audience feels taken care of because they’ve

also seen joy, humour and life.”

That balance is key to what Matilda hopes audiences carry with them long after the curtain call. “I hope people leave feeling energised to make change,” she said. “A positive rage. Love and rage. People will come to this play with their own experiences ringing loudly, and I hope it makes them feel seen and like they have a voice.”

Touring the work beyond capital cities adds another layer of meaning. Rather than asking audiences to travel, NORPA’s Village Circuit brings the production directly into regional spaces. “Coming into somebody else’s community feels really special,” Matilda said.

“The intimacy of these venues excites me. I’m curious to see

how the show shifts with each town’s personality. It will be different every night.”

Offstage, the intensity of Matilda’s roles is balanced by a deliberately ordinary life. Between rehearsals, she gardens, swims, reads, visits the library and packs school lunches for her two children. “I think the rest of my life is pretty chilled,” she said. “I just hang out in the garden, do the crossword, go to the library, swim at the beach. Just being in the life.” That quiet balance may be what allows her to step, alone, into one of theatre’s most unflinching roles.

Prima Facie plays 7.30pm Friday February 20 at Murwillumbah Civic Centre, 10–14 Tumbulgum Road. Tickets via norpa.org.au

Audi�onees will be required to sing a verse and chorus of their favourite song.

Please bring a USB backing track of the song.

Matilda Ridgway will deliver her solo performance for Prima Facie to the Northern Rivers

20 Roman leader (6) 24 Prone to deletion (11)

25 Slowed down (11) 26 Loss of life (5) 27 Devilish quality (11) 28 Jane Austen’s Sense and – (11)

30 Adapts once more (9)

34 Heaven or hell, say (9)

35 Aesthetic object (7)

36 Annihilate (7)

42 Bests on the board (10)

43 Fresh as a – (5)

45 Plane (8)

48 Recording device (6)

49 Move up and down (6)

51

18 US punk rock band (6)

banorapoint

eviron, murwillumbah, kunghur

JUNIO

TRADES AND SERVICES

FEATURED BUSINESS

FOR ALL your rubbish removal needs

there’s no job too big or small for Northern Rivers Rubbish Removal.

The business is headed up by passionate local operator Ben Anderson who has been covering the Tweed for last 12 months and has recently expanded the service.

“We have extended our run which picks it up Gold Coast to Grafton and we have been looking removing rubbish for NDIS participants and elderly all through the Tweed,” he said.

Mr Anderson’s team offer free no obligation quotes on all jobs with fast turnaround.

“We also have extensive experience in difficult situations such as deceased estates and NDIS participants with mental health issues and dementia in elderly,” he said.

“Efficient hands-on approach we do the work with fast turnaround.”

Ben and his team offer an experience that is “down to earth and reliable”.

“We let the customer talk and we get an understanding of what they want removed and want to achieve with no price gouging or mess left behind,” he said.

The feedback for Northern Rivers Rubbish Removal has been outstanding. “As the owner I love getting the text message when my guys have left a job from our customer, whether it be a big contract job or a little old lady, letting us know that they are thanking us once again and let us know that they appreciate the great service,” he said.

“Remember we offer free quotes on all jobs with no job too big or small.”

Ben said he plans to extend his fleet of vehicles and trailers taking on more workers and training them up to have good physical and mental fitness and communication skills with customers.

“And in turn give what we can back to the homeless or women in domestic violence or anybody doing it tough in

any way we can,” he said. Call Ben and his team at Northern River Rubbish Removal on: 0421 493 136.

Northern Rivers

15’6” Coromal Seka 475 Poptop Van. 6/2026 NSW Rego. Island bed. Extras galore. Ring for details. Excellent condition. Located Pottsville. $17,900 ono. Phone: 0412 320 709

16’ New Age (Road Owl) Caravan. 2022 Model, All extras, Pop Top, Shower, Toilet, Rear Camera. As New $40,000 ono Phone: (02) 6672

Properties

LOOKING FOR LAND TO LEASE for a tiny home on wheels. One responsible working adult looking for some peace and quiet on host land. Required ASAP.

Contact Sarah: 0447 779 285

TO LET 10 acres, creek access, 1km to Uki, private access, self-sufficient campsite, room for several tents.

Phone 0492 164 021

Contact Wayne Leveridge on (02) 5616 8017 or 0434 431 461 www.pickmeupscrap.com.au Lic.SM-0674 Crane Truck available to

Sing For Fun Sing the 60’s and more!

Phone Lyn: 0475 116 261

Wanted: Musicians to join a Beatles Band

Proficient in early and late Beatles music and harmonies, to form a band.

Clency: 0423 451 926 or clencybprofessional@gmail.com Wanted

Call Allan on: 0497 221 371 (Was Owen’s apprentice)

Weekly In Memoriam

Late of Murwillumbah

Passed away peacefully on Friday 6th February 2026 Aged 91 Years

Dearly loved Brother of Des Scott & Half-Brother to Colleen Hull and Robert “Foxy” Graham (all dec’d) Much Loved Uncle, Cousin and Friend

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend Barry’s funeral service to be held at the McGuiness Chapel on February 2026 at 10:00am NSW time.

Hazel W cox

1941 - 2026

We regretfully advise of the peaceful passing of Hazel Irene Wilcox of Kingscliff on 30 January 2026 at Tweed Valley Hospital.

Hazel was loved & admired by many, was a prolific painter and had deep connections within the local Kingscliff community including being part of the former Volunteer Coast Guard and volunteering at Feros Care Wommin Bay Village.

Hazel is survived by six siblings, three sons & nine grand-children and will be missed greatly by all.

A memorial service to celebrate Hazel’s life will be held at Feros Care Wommin Bay Village on Wednesday 25 February 2026 at 10am, friends & associates are more than welcome to attend.

A special thank you to the loving & dedicated care given by the Nurses, Doctors & staff of Ward 4B1 at Tweed Valley Hospital. May our beloved mother rest in peace Daniel, Adrian & Bryan

22/01/2026

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

18/09/1942 ~ 07/02/2026

Aged 83 years passed away peacefully Late of Murwillumbah

Loving husband of Marion Father of Lisa and Matthew

Grandfather of Alec, Tara, Ella, Jessie, Indiana and Lucy

Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life at Tweed Valley Memorial Gardens, 813 Eviron Road, Eviron on ursday 12th February at 1pm NSW time. Attire: Smart casual (golf attire welcome)

HOUGH Gordon James 28/01/2026

ARGLES William George 04/02/2026

HILL Kenneth Rowland 04/02/2026

MOORE Digby Cathcart 06/02/2026

SHIELDS Michael Desmond 07/02/2026

THOMPSON John Welch 07/02/2026

In Memoriam

Lakes lads on a tear

By Jo Kennett

IT WAS round 14 of the LJ Hooker League on Saturday, February 7, and Old Boys Day at Terranora who got a great win over Tweed Banora Colts in front of a big home crowd, with a great day apparently had by all.

The Colts won the toss and sent the Lakes lads in to bat.

Terranora got off to a good start, and were 1-106 at drinks, according to the club scribe.

There was some great batting from the openers with Sandeep Chauhan apparently smashing them all over the ground to score 87(70) - which the Old Boys must have loved - before he was bowled by Kade Wood and caught by Tommy Byrnes.

Skipper Matt Corney scored 21 in partnership with Sandeep and Matt Sutton scored 23. Jakson Webb scored 37 and “some important

runs batting with the tail from Zac Merrion (21)” saw the Lakes finish at 10/212 at the end of the winnings, “with the 10th wicket coming from the final ball of the innings.”

In reply Keats Chips top scored on 34 while Jamie Bennett scored 32 but the Colts came up against some strong bowling,

There was, apparently, a “great runout with some sharp work from Jack McDonald and Matt Sutton” and “not long after Jack McDonald (1-19) picked up the prized wicket of Tom Byrnes, which put the Lakes firmly in the driver’s seat for the game.”

Tommy’s that good there is probably a bounty on him, or possibly a carton.

“The Colts fought hard to the end, but with three wickets each for Josh Kinneally (3-31) and Sandeep (3-26), the Lakes knocked over the final wicket with the penultimate ball of the innings, securing the 36 run win.”

The win sees the Lakes move into equal fourth with Cudgen, and only nine points out of top spot, a great achievement after a slow start to the season. Thanks for the report to the club scribe and also to Ross Stanley for the fantastic photo.

Briefly, because it’s beer o’clock, Cudgen got the win against Alstonville, despite a 74 from Kyle Yager. Cudgen bowlers Caleb Ziebell (3/32) Pat Rosser (3/33) and Jamie Wilson (3/28) were on fire and saw the hosts all out for 182.

Alstonville was chased down easily by Cudgen with the loss of just three wickets, with Alec Williams not out for 64, Callum Prichard scoring 46 and Caleb Ziebell scoring 40.

Potty (10/162) lost to Lennox Head (4/164) despite captain Kagisho Pedi scoring 74.

Every year up to 30,000 Australians suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Most won’t survive - not because help isn’t available, but because CPR isn’t started in those critical first minutes.

And with 80% of cardiac arrests happening in the home, the life you save could be someone you love.

Hands on Heart Australia, in partnership with the Cabarita Beach Pottsville Beach Lions, is inviting the community to a FREE CPR and Defibrillator (AED) Workshop.

This practical, hands-on session includes audiovisual training and real- world CPR and defibrillator practice. Delivered by Pacific Coast First Aid, this 2-hour, non-accredited workshop is designed to give everyday people the confidence to act in an emergency.

EVENT DETAILS: Monday 23rd February 5.30pm

Cabarita Beach Hotel, Pandanus Parade, Cabarita Beach

In just one year, 171 locals have already completed this trainingstrengthening community readiness and potentially saving lives.

REGISTRATION IS ESSENTIAL

Phone 0427 030 810 or Email: cabarita-pottsville@lions201q1.org.au

Great start for Ava

By Jo Kennett

KINGSCLIFF SURFER Ava Arghyros is starting to make a name for herself, coming runner-up in the Kim Burton Pro Junior, the opening event of the 2026 season for the World Surf League Australia/Oceania Junior Qualifying Series.

Merewether Beach delivered fun surf in the two-to-three-foot range for the second event in the 40th anniversary celebrations of Surfest Newcastle.

The conditions set the stage for the region’s best juniors to compete for valuable ranking points as the race toward qualification for the 2026 WSL World Junior Championships officially began.

It was Ava’s first Pro Junior final, and she won her Round of 16 heat convincingly. Her biggest weapon is her backhand and Ava kept pulling off big vertical hits on the lip, throwing spray everywhere.

The conditions on day two were glassy and the ocean looked spectacular. Ava came up against rising surf star Stella Green and Milla Coco Brown in the semi-finals and led for most of it.

With ten minutes to go Milla pretty well had

nothing on the board, Stella had a 3.33 and Ava was sitting on nine.

Then Milla got a couple of long, small rights and flared up, taking the lead from Ava. ‘ Stella took off on a wave in the dying seconds but so did Ava, and the Kingy surfer managed to hold her off for second place.

Ava was up against Milla again in the finals, as well as Ocea Curtis and Ruby Berry, a young West Aussie charger coming fresh from a third in the Florence Pipe Pro in December behind Gaby O’Brien and winner Carissa Moore.

Despite some fantastic backhand surfing, she was beaten by Milla Coco Brown, who has racked up plenty of titles already, and was runner-up in the ISA World Junior Surfing Championships last year.

Milla is being touted as the next big thing among the up and coming generation of female surfers and Ava held her own against her, a good sign for the future.

The second place earned Ava 800 points out of a possible 1,000 after her first Pro Junior event which will have the young surfer fired up going into the Phillip Island Pro at the end of February, where she has placed third before.

Terranora v the Colts Photo Ross Stanley

Rubby Berry (white), Ocea Curtis (green), Ava Arghyron (blue) and winner Milla Coco Brown (red) Photo WSL

Real Estate

FROM COAST TO COUNTRY

Agent of the week

By Jo Kennett

OUR AGENT of the Week is

Lee-Anne Klaus, a Sales and Marketing Specialist with LJ Hooker Coolangatta Tweed.

It’s all about respect, honesty and integrity with the LJ Hooker team and, with over 20 years of experience in the real estate industry, nobody embodies that better than Lee-Anne who brings dedication, expertise, and a personalised approach to the work she loves.

Lee-Anne understands that buying or selling a home is one of the most significant decisions in life, and she is committed to making the process seamless and rewarding.

We chatted to find out more.

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

I have done a vast variety of jobs. I have worked in retail, office administration for a large consulting company, office manager for a beautiful retirement village and office support for the state government. When my two boys were little

I built a strong business as a Mary Kay consultant and loved it, as I could work my own hours and help women to be more confident.

What inspired you to go into real estate?

I’ve always loved real estate and meeting people. This career allows me to genuinely do both by helping my vendors through one of the most important decisions of their lives, which is incredibly rewarding. Many of my previous clients are still very good friends in my life.

What type of properties are most sought after in the Tweed Shire property market at the moment?

Family homes, lifestyle properties and low-maintenance residences such as duplexes close to town centres and amenities are currently in highest demand across the Tweed Shire.

Are you seeing many first home buyers taking advantage of government schemes?

Yes, first home buyers are very active, particularly at the entry-

Open Homes

All times are DST unless specified. Saturday, February 14

DJ Stringer

• 25/37-43 Golden Four Dr, Bilinga, 9–9.30am QLD Time

• 33 Inlet Dr, Tweed Heads West, 10–10.30am

• 7/105 Golden Four Dr, Bilinga, 10–10.30am QLD Time

• 1/42-44 Thomson St, Tweed Heads, 10–10.30am

• 1444/6-8 Stuart St, Tweed Heads, 11–11.30am

• 16/19 Ivory Cres, Tweed Heads, 11–11.30am

• 6/311 Golden Four Dr, Bilinga, 11–11.30am QLD Time

• 7/20 Dutton St, Coolangatta, 11.30–12pm QLD Time

• 2101/20 Stuart St, Tweed Heads, 11.45–12.15pm

• 7/24 Recreation St, Tweed Heads, 12–12.30pm

• 403/53 Bay St, Tweed Heads,1–1.30pm

• 2105/9 Enid St, Tweed Heads, 2–2.30pm

• 9/23 Murphys Rd, Kingscliff, 2–2.30pm

level price points.

Do you think the interest rate rise will have much effect?

Interest rates are always part of buyer conversations, however many buyers have adjusted their expectations and are taking a longer-term view, so activity has remained steady.

Do you have any particular types of property you feel you have more expertise or interest in?

Every property is someone’s castle and most probably their biggest asset – no matter how big or small. I believe I treat all my vendors with the same respect and always work hard to get the best possible sale result for them. Every home has the perfect suitable buyer – and it’s my job to find them.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I enjoy spending time with family and friends, walks with my poodle Daisy, and making the most of the natural beauty the Tweed region has to offer.

LJ Hooker Coolangatta

• 384 Cobaki Rd, Cobaki, 11–11.30am

Tate Brownlee Real Estate

• 56 Condong Street, Murwillumbah, 9–9.30am

• 36 Firestone Dr, Banora Point, 9–9.30am

• 16/13 Parkland Pl, Banora Point, 9–9.30am

• 27 Tumbulgum Road, Murwillumbah, 10–10.30am

• 4/32 Dry Dock Road, Tweed Heads South, 10-10.30am

• 1 Chadburn Lane, Chinderah,10–10.30am

• 35 Oakland Parade, Banora Point, 11–11.30am

• 3 The Parapet, Banora Point, 11.15–11.45am

• 29 Parkes Lane, Terranora, 12–12.30pm

• 22 Sunnycrest Dr, Terranora, 12–12.30pm

• 33 Snowgum Dr, Bilambil Heights, 1–1.30pm

• 19 Ocean Ave, Tweed Heads South, 1–1.30pm

• 1/103 Old Ferry Road, Banora Point, 2–2.30pm

• 13 Cobaki Rd, Cobaki, 2–2.30pm

• 17/5 Border Drive, Currumbin Waters, 3–3.30pm

• 5 Admiralty Pl, Banora Point, 3–3.30pm

Hot property

THIS WEEK’S Hot Property is an absolutely beautiful home on landscaped acreage in the lovely village of Cobaki, just a short drive from beaches and shopping.

384 Cobaki Road is a three bedroom, two bathroom home set on 4,080m² in a family-friendly community.

The spacious home features a master bedroom with ensuite and walk-in robe, a separate garage and selfcontained studio—ideal for guests, extended family, a home office, or potential income (STCA).

The home showcases open-plan living with Blackbutt timber floors and seamless indoor-outdoor flow to an entertaining area overlooking the in-ground pool— perfect for relaxed family living or hosting friends.

The flat, fully fenced land is perfect for children and pets, with a picturesque creek enhancing the sense of serenity and there’s room for boats, caravans, and extra vehicles.

This beautifully maintained lifestyle acreage has the perfect blend of rural tranquility and coastal convenience, just 14 minutes drive from Tweed/ Coolangatta.

It’s on the market with Lee-Anne Klaus at LJ Hooker Coolangatta Tweed with inspections this Saturday at 11am.

Raine and Horne Jet

• 7/1 Castle Field Drive, Murwillumbah, 9–9.30am

• 18 Flinders Way, Ocean Shores, 10–10.30am

• 35 Park Avenue, Murwillumbah, 10–10.30am

• 629 Tumbulgum Rd, Tygalgah, 11–11.30am

• 22 McLeod St, Condong,12–12.30pm

• 176 Stokers Rd, Stokers Siding,1–1.30pm First National Murwillumbah

• 28 Tweed Street, Murwillumbah,10-10.30am

• 7083 Tweed Valley Way, Murwillumbah, 11-11.45am

• 437 Wardrop Valley Road, Wardrop Valley, 10-10.30am

• 5 Thomas Street, Bray Park, 9-9.30am Schmith Estate Agents

• 241 Alcorn Road Knockrow, 11–12pm

• 3/2 Hill Street Tweed Heads, 12–12.30pm

• 49 Dixon Street Coolangatta, 12–12.30 QLD TIME

• 18 Panorama Drive Tweed Heads West, 1–1.30pm

Positioned high on sought-after Hospital Hill, this beautifully preserved 1928 residence offers a rare blend of timeless character and modern comfort. Set on an elevated, east-facing corner block, the home enjoys sweeping valley views through to the distant mountains, all within one of Murwillumbah’s most desirable addresses.

A charming English-style rose garden and established citrus trees create an inviting first impression, leading to a front deck that captures a peaceful, elevated outlook. Inside, the home showcases classic period features including high ceilings, ornate timber detailing, and striking stained-glass windows, all thoughtfully preserved to honour its heritage.

Lee-Anne Klaus is back living and working locally in Murwillumbah – where she loves, representing LJ Hooker Coolangatta | Tweed Call 0413 435 577 for an honest appraisal or any real estate advice

“I had an outstanding experience selling my home with Lee-Anne. From start to finish, she was honest, professional, and incredibly knowledgeable. Her strategy was thoughtful and effective — she clearly knows the market inside out and guided me through every step with confidence and care. What stood out most was her genuine commitment to achieving the best possible result. She made the whole process smooth and stressfree, and her experience really showed in the way she handled negotiations and communication. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome and would highly recommend Lee-Anne to anyone looking for an experienced and compassionate real estate agent who truly delivers.”

- Jessica, Seller

“We trusted Lee-Anne and the team at LJH with our sale as they were also the property managers. We had good tenants in the house and she communicated with them to make sure that they were kept in the loop. We were interstate sellers and we trusted her insight. She kept us informed at all stages of the process and we would recommend her to anyone thinking of selling.”

- Kevin, Seller

5 Star Agent Reviews

Alroy Lane, Dunbible

Talganda Terrace, Murwillumbah Charming Family Home with Hinterland Views

Tweed Valley Way, DUNBIBLE

A SCENIC OUTLOOK WITH THE FREEDOM TO CREATE, RELAX OR INVEST

Set high with sweeping Tweed Valley and mountain views, this outstanding property offers lifestyle, flexibility and long-term opportunity just 6–8 minutes from Murwillumbah.

Featuring two fully approved homes, ideal for extended family, dual occupancy or income potential. The elevated main residence includes outdoor entertaining,

Scott 0401 938 937

scott.reading@fnmurwillumbah.com.au

gazebo and saltwater inground pool, while the separate approved 3-bedroom cottage is privately positioned at the base of the property. Set on approximately 6.48 hectares (16 acres) with sealed driveway, bore water, sheds with power, established fruit orchard and land suited to a range of rural or lifestyle uses. Sold as WIWO – farm enterprise or lifestyle option.

anne.besgrove@fnmurwillumbah.com.au

Tweed Shores - Chinderah

IN THE QUIET

Buyers are continuing to seek “off market” opportunities.

Despite the current economic situation, we can assure you that the market is still alive and we are continuing to achieve premium prices! Buyers and sellers are still transacting.

We would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to determine how we can best work together to achieve a premium result for you. NO pressure and NO upfront costs. There is nothing to lose, only more to gain! We are here to help.

We consistently strive to secure record prices for every client we have the opportunity of representing.

For a confidential discussion or an updated Appraisal contact Schmith Estate Agents 07 5607 4156

403 'Seascape' 53 Bay Street Tweed Heads

LUXURIOUS SEASCAPE - escape to paradise'

Immerse yourself into a world of tranquillity from this beautifully modernised 4th level 2-bedroom apartment, commanding picturesque water views that extend over the Boat Harbour, Tweed River system, right through the seaway and beyond to the Pacific Ocean.

• Overly generous open plan air-conditioned living & dining w/ electric blinds

• 3 sets of sliding doors leading out to large wrap around terrace style balcony

• Stylish hostess kitchen w/ island bench, stainless appliances & ample storage solutions

• Master bedroom w/ plush carpeting, stunning timber fan, ensuite, walk in robe & balcony access

25/37-43 Golden Four Dr

Bilinga

BAREFOOT BEACHSIDE LIVING – Bila Vista'

Experience the pleasures of living by the sea from this delightful, privately positioned 1 bedroom fully furnished unit.

Your new abode, is located on the mid (first) floor, overlooking the pool and commands lovely morning sun filtered by tropical palms.

Buyer Guide $795K

Open

Friday 12:00-12:30pm (QLD) Saturday 9:00-9:30am (QLD)

David Stringer 0418 150 731 david@djstringer.com.au

1/42-44 Thomson Street

Tweed Heads

BAY BREEZE - spread your wings & entertain in style'

Wonderful opportunity to enjoy open space & convenience from this generous (3) bedroom elevated terrace apartment, amassing 293m2 of combined indoor and recreational living.

For Sale Expressions of Interest

Open Saturday 10:0010:30am (NSW)

Deborah Bingle 0403 727 548 deborah@djstringer.com.au

Buyer Guide

$1.895M Open

Saturday 1:00-1:30pm (NSW)

David Stringer 0418 150 731

david@djstringer.com.au

2 2

TWO COUNCIL APPROVED DWELLINGS ON ONE TITLE - Endless options

This unique property delivers an exceptional opportunity for investors seeking strong rental income. Equally appealing to owner-occupiers, the flexible layout allows you to live in one dwelling while renting the other or comfortably accommodating extended family.

Buyer Guide $1.295M

Open

Saturday 10:00-10:30am (NSW)

David Stringer 0418 150 731

david@djstringer.com.au

7/105 Golden Four Drive Bilinga

BEACHSIDE BEACH PAD - 100m to the surf!

Tidy (1) bedroom first level unit, just one of 8 only and anchored on a prime 1012m2 allotment, which is cherry ripe for future development to accommodate medium density residential development options.

Interest Over $695K

Open Saturday 10:00-10:30am (QLD) David Stringer 0418 150 731 david@djstringer.com.au

6/311 Golden Four Drive

Bilinga

LIVING THE BEACHFRONT DREAM

Immerse yourself into a beachy lifestyle from this original 3-bedroom first level residence (just one of 9 only) situated at the rear, however, enjoys a lovely ocean vista from the living area and water views from each bedroom.

3 2 2

Interest Over $1.950M

Open

Saturday 11:00-11:30am (QLD)

David Stringer 0418 150 731

david@djstringer.com.au

16/19 Ivory Crescent Tweed Heads

TRANQUIL WATERFRONT LIVINGGreenbank Island'

Outstanding opportunity to enjoy a healthy way of life from this solid first level 2-bedroom lifestyle unit, commanding splendid water views across rolling lawns of the ever-changing Tweed River.

2 1 1

Buyer Guide $995K

Open

Saturday 11:00-11:30am (NSW)

David Stringer 0418 150 731

david@djstringer.com.au

2101/20 Stuart Street Tweed Heads

SUPER CONVENIENT LOCATION - with an ocean vista'

Enjoy stunning views by day or night from this spacious (2) bedroom (2bathroom) apartment, located on the 10th floor, right in the hub of the Coolangatta & Tweed precinct.

1444/6-8 Stuart Street

Tweed Heads

BE CAPTIVATED BY AMAZING VIEWS –Harbour Towers

Enjoy stunning panoramic river and hinterland views to Mt Warning from this impressive (14th) level (1) bedroom apartment right in the hub of the Coolangatta / Tweed precinct.

1 1 1

Buyer Range $695K-750K

Open

Saturday 11:00-11:30am (NSW)

Deborah Bingle 0403 727 548

deborah@djstringer.com.au

7/20 Dutton Street Coolangatta

CONVENIENT CBD LIVING - enjoy a healthy lifestyle'

Exciting opportunity to reside on the fringe of town with this very tidy (3) bedroom top-level walk-up style unit, within a boutique establishment of just 8 residents.

For Sale $1.350M

Open

Buyer Guide

$1.295M-$1.350M

Open Saturday 11:45-12:15pm (NSW)

Deborah Bingle 0403 727 548 deborah@djstringer.com.au 2 2 1

2105/9 Enid Street Tweed Heads

PANORAMIC SCENIC VIEWS – Bay Grand’

From the moment you arrive home, you will be drawn towards the magnificent ocean & hinterland views that can be enjoyed from most vantage points of this 10th level luxurious apartment.

Saturday11:30-12:00pm (QLD)

Deborah Bingle 0403 727 548

deborah@djstringer.com.au 3 2 2

David Stringer 0418 150 731 david@djstringer.com.au 2 2 2 (07)

For Sale $1.395M

Open

Saturday 2:00-2:30pm (NSW)

7 4 4 2 6 4

- $1,599,000

From the moment you arrive, this beautifully crafted character home makes a statement through its scale, warmth and flexibility. High ceilings, generous proportions and multiple living and entertaining zones create a home that genuinely feels built for large families and hosting, with seamless flow to outdoor spaces and the pool – making it ideal for yearround entertaining. The separate studio provides true dual-living potential, offering privacy and independence while remaining connected to the main residence. Welcome to 35 Oakland Parade.

- $2,970,000

Commanding an irreplaceable riverfront position, this extraordinary residence redefines luxury living. Set within one of Banora Point’s most exclusive Blue-Ribbon enclaves, the property enjoys complete privacy, and an exceptional 44 metres of absolute river frontage, including your own private sandy beach – a privilege reserved for the very few. Expansive open-plan living, soaring high ceilings, and panoramic water views from every window create a residence of both sophistication and serenity. Welcome to 5 Admiralty Place, Banora Point.

OPEN HOME Saturday 14 Feb 11:00am - 11:30am th OPEN HOME Saturday 14 Feb 3:00pm-3:30pm th