Tweed Valley Weekly, March 28, 2024

Council staff at breaking point

By Jonathon Howard

COUNCIL STAFF have reached breaking point from an increased workload and demands being placed on them from several councillors who are eager to address local concerns in what they say is “slow response times” in addressing community needs.

Some council employees are reporting impacts to their “psychological health and wellbeing” according to a motion before Tweed Shire councillors last week that triggered strong debate.

Mayor Chris Chery said it was important councillors understand that their actions have consequences when making a high number of requests and she stressed that the entire organisation is doing its best for the community.

Mayor Chris Cherry read a list of primary concerns which included high workload, increased job demand and outside work hours resulting in staff not being able to disconnect, insufficient resources, insufficient time to respond, and staff being taken away from their primary duties impacting their ability to perform.

“Frequent questioning that at times has been taken to be unfair criticism, questioning their expert advice, or a personal attack leading to staff feeling concerned about job security,” Mayor Cherry read from the motion.

Cap on councillor requests

In response, both Cr Rhiannon Brinsmead and Cr James Owen expressed empathy and understanding for the staff but emphasised that members of the community are “approaching them on an increasing basis to address areas of concern they felt were taking too long or not being addressed”.

“If someone comes to me with a request to council and they feel they are not being heard, of course I’m going to follow that up for them,” Cr Owen said.

To address the workload, councillors were given three options to consider, including a cap on service requests.

After some spirited debate, it was eventually agreed that a cap on councillor requests should be set at 30 per month to council executives.

The motion outlined that “some discretion to accept additional requests from a councillor that exceed the monthly limit could be provided where the general manager or their delegate is satisfied that there are compelling reasons for responding to the request immediately”.

A workplace health and safety risk assessment will be completed to “ensure current controls implemented to manage psychological risks in the workplace

are effective in controlling the risks as intended”.

Read the response from councillors

C r Owen expressed some confusion with the requested cap and felt the motion could limit his ability to undertake his role as an elected councillor.

“I feel that if I cannot communicate all the residents’ enquiries that I receive to council, it will make it harder for me to perform my civic duties, which is to support the community as an elected member,” Cr Owen said during the meeting.

Cr Owen admitted to sending an increased number of requests for assistance or action, including customer service requests, but he emphasised he was happy to do this for residents.

“Because I receive so many, now all those requests are not going to be serviced,” he said.

“Don’t get me wrong, council has to look after the staff, their mental health is paramount, but council is here to look after the community, people are not going to stop asking me for assistance.

“That’s the service we provide. People are frustrated by responses from council taking too long or not getting addressed.”

Council provided an estimate of the number of requests that will be made to staff this year based on the number of requests made so far in 2024. The names of councillors were not listed in the assessment and were instead replaced with an alphabetical list alongside corresponding statistics — a point Cr Brinsmead wanted to be clarified.

“I’d like to know which one of these is me,” she requested during the meeting.

“In the interest of transparency, I felt that it was important to know which councillor I was. It wasn’t a confidential item, and it wasn’t a confidential report, so I didn’t understand the need for it to be anonymous. I was happy to waive my right to anonymity and have it disclosed on public record which councillor I was.

This prompted some early speculation from Mayor Cherry that was later withdrawn.

Mayor Cherry later clarified, with assistance from the staff, that the councillors’ names were not relevant to the report and instead it was about reaching an agreed level of service for the sake of staff.

For example, ‘Councillor D’ was estimated to make 5,525 requests in the 2024 calendar year, based on 850 requests made in the first two months of this year, or 14 emails per day.

The workload has become so challenging, according to several sources within council, that staff are stressed and the workload needs addressing.

The motion outlined, as a main area of concern, “resource levels and/or councillors not utilising adopted channels for lodging customer service requests”.

“It has become evident over the last several months that the currently adopted resources to service from councillor requests is not meeting the demand generated by councillors,” the motion read.

Cr Owen said he would support the cap on requests but stressed that the demands of residents will not change.

“It’s incumbent on me to help these residents if I’m approached to do so, I will not cease my attempts to have residents’ concerns addressed,” he said.

Cr Brinsmead said she voted in favour of the motion, however, she did have concerns about having to ‘triage’ the requests for assistance coming to her from the community now that a limit would be placed on the number of councillor requests that she could make per month.

“As an elected member I feel very strongly that my job is to serve the community,” she said.

“A councillor request cap could limit my ability to perform my civic duty. This is about finding the balance between staff wellbeing and ensuring that councillors can perform their elected role.”

The motion was carried via a unanimous vote.

The number of requests sent by councillors to Tweed Shire Council staff so far this year one councillor has sent an average of 14 emails per day

Weed management is disgraceful

Many areas of the Tweed are in great need of a general clean-up.

The area from the Queensland border past Southern Cross University is a third-world disgrace.

There have been weeds and grass over the fences for many years.

Beautification of this area would be a nice welcome to visitors to the area.

Tweed Shire Council must work with the state government to get this underway. This is just one area, many more need lots of care also.

Alan Rolph, Tweed Heads

Spare valuable farmland for food

I would like all the non-rural people in the Tweed Shire Council area who are of the erroneous opinion that allowing secondary dwellings on rural land will use up valuable farmland.

1. Nearly every farm has an area which is not suitable for farming (even on RU1 land) where a secondary dwelling can easily be placed.

2. We farmers are an ageing population. Most farms in the Tweed Shire would not meet the current requirements for provision of a dwelling for farmhands. Our family members cannot afford to farm and live off farm. What you are doing is ultimately forcing me to sell my farm.

The outcome of this is simple — my farm (RU1 land) will sell to someone from Sydney or Melbourne who at best will run a few horses on it.

No longer will it grow vegetable crops sold to local produce shops and restaurants.

This will truly mean good land is lost. Well done you lot.

Meg Houghton, Uki

A thank you to council

Thank you Tweed Shire Council for the lovely play and picnic area in Recreation Street.

People are often quick to criticise but forget to say thank you.

Jenny Greenwood, Tweed Heads

Hoons need proper approach

I can only wish the residents of Banora Hills Drive, Banora Point good luck in their endeavours to get the local authorities to do something about speeding/hooning cars and bikes in Banora Point. Over the last four years, I have written and/or spoken to everyone possible about this issue.

They include NSW Minister for Police, NSW Police Commissioner, NSW Member for Tweed, Tweed Shire Mayor, Tweed Shire Traffic Engineer, Tweed-Byron Police Local Area Commander, Tweed Shire Local Traffic Committee and Tweed Highway Patrol Supervisor.

Despite receiving pseudo offers of support, no one has done a thing to address the problem, mainly on Leisure Drive and Darlington Drive. The Highway Patrol/council did organise a traffic speed counter, but placed it in the wrong area and then refused to release the results.

Typical for a politician, the mayor has agreed that something needs to be done, but quickly bats the problem away to the police and the Local Traffic Committee, both of whom have presided over four years of inaction.

All I can say is don’t hold your breath.

Garry Parsons, Banora Point Don’t change motherhood

“Motherhood – A Vocation of Honour” was the title of an article printed in Decision Magazine a long time ago, which I read with interest.

God had, at the beginning of time, given to women a special place, a place of honour.

They were to be the ones who had the most important job of all which is motherhood.

The ones to nurture the children, to be the homemakers, and the ones who would teach and rear the children for many decades.

This was the way it happened.

Dad was the breadwinner who went

out to work and grew most of the fruit and vegetables we ate.

Mothers ran the house and created happy homes and taught the children right from wrong.

I was taught by my mum to be truthful and if we were found to lie we were disciplined.

There were consequences for wrongdoing but rewards for good behaviour.

In my life I have had two important steps, firstly to love and serve God, and to love and care for my family to teach them all that is good.

Sadly, some of our children are now being taught differently.

I heard of a five-year-old being taught that we don’t have mums and dads anymore — only parents.

Do we have to follow this trend?

Because some people want it this way. No, we don’t, be strong and stand up for what you think.

Mother will always be a name I hold in reverence and love.

I had the most wonderful mother and I hope that my children will be able to say the same of me. Then I will be able to say being a mum was truly a vocation of honour.

‘M’ is for the million things she taught me.

‘O’ means only that she is growing old.

‘T’ is for the tears she shed to save me.

‘H’ is for her heart of purest gold

‘E’ is for her eyes that shine like diamonds.

‘R’ means right and right she always will be.

Put them all together and they spell ‘mother’ a word that means the world to me — words of an old song.

Mary Townsend, Dum Dum Gaza atrocity needs to stop

The atrocity we see in Gaza is not an accident. It fits in with the overall strategy of the Zionists, who coined the slogan “A land without people for a people without land”.

It was a lie and the Zionists knew it.

The question was how to achieve it.

First you have to see the occupants as a lesser breed and therefore convince yourself and the world that you are more worthy occupants.

Over time a steady migration from Europe and a clever propaganda machine achieved this.

At the 1938 general Zionist convention a strategic plan was developed for mass ethnic cleansing, the opportunity came in 1948 when the British mandate had ended.

Zionists had an embryo army, Haganah and two offshoots Irgun and The Stern Gang. They were well trained, well-armed and well-financed, there was a war which the Zionists won. Then the terrorising of the Palestinians began.

The first massacre was at a village named Deir Yassan. The village was destroyed, the people killed, 750,000 Palestinians were driven from their homes.

Ethnic cleansing had begun! (for more information read: Illan Pappe, “10 Myths About Israel”.

October 7 was an uprising against worsening living conditions in Gaza, 24/7 surveillance, destroyed infrastructure, restricted diet allowed into Gaza plus continual settler violence and land theft on the West Bank. There is no end to this conflict until the 75-year settler occupation ends.

The two-state solution is an impossibility. Palestinians at present occupy 10 per cent of the land. Israelis have 90 per cent.

There can only be a solution when there is one land for both people with equal rights and an end to the apartheid system.

Frank

Ball, Tweed Heads Easter message from The Salvos

With Easter approaching, The Salvation Army would like to extend an invitation to all and ask you to join us for one of our special upcoming Easter services.

With more than 300 local Salvo

churches throughout Australia, we welcome you to connect with your local Salvos and experience the community and hope that The Salvation Army offers.

The Salvos are passionate about caring for people. Each year, across our services, we help over 250,000 people. Our passion for helping others comes from the heart of what Easter is all about — Jesus.

On Good Friday, we commemorate the death of Jesus Christ. It was the most incredible sacrifice for all humankind. But the story didn’t end there. God had a wonderful plan: to bring salvation and hope to the world. On Easter Sunday, we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection, and the new life he offers to those who believe in him.

Before his death, Jesus promised his followers that they would have peace. In the Bible, John chapter 14, verse 27 says: “I am leaving you with a gift — peace of mind and heart! And the peace I give isn’t fragile like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

So, what does the peace of Jesus look like? It comes in the form of hope — even when times are tough.

We all face challenges in life — hardship, injustice, pain, sorrow — but Jesus can turn your life around through the hope he brings.

Let me encourage you to find peace, hope and an authentic faith community at the Salvos this Easter.

The Salvation Army Commissioner Miriam Gluyas

Please

Council succession planning

By Jonathon Howard

COUNCILLOR JAMES Owen says he is eager to discuss and implement a new succession plan for senior staff within Tweed Shire Council, highlighting that “fresh leadership can bring fresh ideas”.

Cr Owen’s motion comes during a challenging time for both council management and council staff, who are dealing with the flood recovery, general council duties, balancing the books, and the additional workload from councillor requests.

Cr Owen raised a motion during council’s meeting on Thursday, March 21, calling on his fellow councillors to discuss the implementation of a succession plan for council’s general manager and senior directors.

“I asked the question on notice because in my (almost) eight years on council I haven’t ever seen a succession plan,” he told The Weekly.

“Succession planning is important because it means that council has a plan to refresh its leaders to ensure that we continue meeting the challenges of a constantly evolving and changing Tweed Shire.

“It’s about ensuring that council serves the needs of the Tweed Shire community in the best way possible.”

Cr Owen said councillors are responsible for recruiting the general manager and the general manager is responsible for recruitment of all council staff, including the directors.

“So I believe it is good governance for the board (councillors) to have oversight of the organisation’s succession plan,” he said.

“It is standard practice for many organisations to update their succession plans every 12 months and report it to the board

(or councillors), so I’d like Tweed Shire to start doing this.

“We have elections every four years for councillors and if the community don’t think that they are doing a good job, or they choose not to run again, then new and fresh councillors will replace them.”

He said every “general manager will leave their organisation, sooner or later — he or she may move to another organisation, resign, be replaced by the board (councillors) or retire”.

“When this happens, the elected body is expected to be well-prepared and ready to avoid any disruption when it occurs,” he said.

“The aim, as I see it, is to have the right person able to fill the vacancy when needed.

“Harvard Business Review states that it is “rare to find an organisation that performs better after a CEO has been in the role more than 10 to 12 years” and other studies have found that the optimum tenure is eight to 12 years.

“In Australia around 90 per cent of CEOs stay less than 12 years.

“Council’s general manager has been in the role for 10-plus years, so based on the above it makes sense that council has a succession plan.

“With any change in leadership, including in the mayoral position, there are exciting opportunities for fresh perspectives, new ideas, and innovations in approach to the many challenges and opportunities that lay ahead for the Tweed Shire.”

Council’s general manager Troy Green read a prepared statement to councillors during the meeting and outlined that the council does take its role in succession planning and training seriously.

“The general manager and other senior

staff of a council are employed under contracts that are performance-based,” he said.

“This relates to me as the general manager and the current four directors referenced in the question.

“As councillors would be aware, I was recently reappointed to the general manager role by way of council resolution on December 13, 2023, for a period of five years, with a contract being signed to reflect this appointment.

“This was carried out pursuant to section 334 of the Local Government Act 1993.

“This extended term provides stability and continuity in leadership until at least December 2028.

“I am looking forward to working with the elected body to implement the strategic direction of council for the period of my contract.

“Now to succession planning relating to the general manager position, when I am on leave or should circumstances arise that I am no longer in the general manager role, I have full confidence in our current directors, their knowledge and experience after many years working in the local government sector.

“They are positioned well to act as the general manager and indeed to apply for the position and be competitive in a merit selection process, if the need arises.

“You will note there are strict requirements in terms of the appointment of staff on merit under the Local Government Act which sets council apart from private enterprise and limits what can and can’t be done in succession planning.”

Murwillumbah Public School

Every Day Matters at Murwillumbah Public School

At Murwillumbah Public School we believe that consistent attendance improves student outcomes, increases career options, and helps students build relationships and con dence.

Being at school on time, every day gives students the best opportunity to fully engage with the whole school curriculum and ensures that they do not miss out on important learning events.

Murwillumbah Public School implements a range of incentive programs to encourage students to attend every day. These include weekly draws, principal awards, class rewards and 100% attendance certi cates. It is also important to ensure student absences are explained and recorded correctly to assist identifying students who may be at risk.

Parents also play a vital role in ensuring students get to and stay in school every day. The more a child attends

school the greater their opportunity to learn, create social connections and improve their well being.

Parents can help build positive attendance habits by helping children learn the importance of punctuality and routine and ensuring they are at school on time and ready to start the day. It is also important to reduce disruption to learning by planning necessary appointments out of school time. Explaining absences is also important so full support for students can be provided.

At Murwillumbah Public School we encourage regular attendance by providing an engaging rich curriculum and a wide range of opportunities for students to experience success. By having a safe and friendly learning environment we are able create a space where students want to be because Every Day Matters at Murwillumbah Public School.

Summit track talks

By Jonathon Howard

THE FIRST in-depth ministerial assessment to determine the long-term future of the Wollumbin (Mount Warning) summit track is currently underway and the minister in charge said she’s eager to make a full recommendation soon.

Debate around the summit track has reignited since Australia Day this year, after several residents and visitors defied the closure and chose to climb to the summit.

Petitions have been launched and protests staged, with many calling for a compromise on the once popular site.

The closure has even prompted some residents and visitors to seek permission to climb from Indigenous Elders.

Minister for Climate Change, Heritage and Environment, Penny Sharpe, spoke to The Weekly recently and stressed that she’s listening to all sides of the debate and she’s not averse to a compromise on the track.

“I’m talking to a wide range of stakeholders around access to and management of the Wollumbin summit track,” she told The Weekly.

“It’s been a long-running issue and I’m hearing a lot of input around the access to the site.

“I recently visited and spoke to the Wollumbin Consultative Group and Tweed Shire Council and stakeholder groups.

“I’ve also had another meeting with a large group of people who want to keep the summit track open, including local Indigenous people.” Minister Sharpe said she could not speculate about her recommendation, but she stressed a recommendation “is coming soon” and would not take years to determine.

“I’m still having conversations around the access to the track and I think it’s important that we note the site holds important cultural significance,” she said.

In response to whether Minister Sharpe would

consider guided tours up to the summit of Wollumbin, she again referred to consultation taking place in the background.

“I wouldn’t want to commit to a tour-based guided tour,” she said. “Some of that is ongoing and discussions are underway.

“We’re working through a range of different views.”

The minister acknowledged there has been a lot of uncertainty around access to the mountain and she stressed that the Wollumbin summit track is currently closed whilst the Wollumbin National Park remains open.

“You cannot go up the mountain (summit track),” she said.

“The summit is closed and is not safe, there are a whole lot of alternative walks around the area. It’s not just about the summit and we need to understand the needs of all stakeholders.

“I ask for a little bit more time to go through the process before a recommendation.

“It’s taken several years to have their conversation, but it will not take several more years to make a final decision.”

Minister Sharpe confirmed the site employed private security guards at the site periodically to restrict access, which is at a cost to taxpayers.

YOUR THOUGHTS: Do you think the Wollumbin summit track should reopen, reopen with conditions, or remain closed? Send your thoughts and letters to editor@theweekly.net.au

DR RICK SERFONTEIN

Dr Rick enjoys all aspects of general practice & prides himself in providing quality care to his patients.

Areas of interest:

Skin Checks, Skin cancer management, Paediatrics, Family medicine, Men’s health.

Dr Rick uses an intelligent dermatology software for analysis of skin conditions including skin cancer.

Dr Rick is now available 4 days a week! Book your appointment by calling Kingscliff Doctors on (02) 6674 1304 or by visiting the Kingscliff Doctors website.

Thousands allowing fire ant treatment

By Jonathon Howard

A TOTAL of 3,000 Tweed residents have so far granted fire ant treatment on their properties, with less than two per cent raising concerns over the treatment since the outbreak in November last year, according to the latest update from the Department of Primary Industries (DPI).

The DPI is yet to reveal how it will proceed with those properties that deny the fire ant treatment, which is a requirement under the Biosecurity Act 2015 (NSW).

A DPI spokesperson said it is currently “reviewing appropriate measures on a case-bycase basis with the residents who have raised concerns with the planned fire ant treatments occurring on their properties”.

National Fire Ant Eradication Program (NFAEP) head of operations Graeme Dudgeon fronted the media with Tweed Shire Mayor Chris Cherry last week to ask all residents to allow the fire ant eradication team access to their properties.

Mr Dudgeon said, once weather permits, NFAEP will commence targeted aerial treatment in the Murwillumbah area, including across cane fields to cover a greater area.

The corn-coated chemical treatment will be delivered by helicopter, with support from ground crews, to ensure coverage within the 5km radius following the discovery of a colony of fire ants late last year.

“If your property is in our planned treatment area, our teams, who are authorised under the Biosecurity Act 2015 (NSW), need your

Kingscliff Doctors

SKIN HEALTH CLINIC

- Laser treatments to treat spider leg veins, facial blood vessels, age spots and sun damage

- Cosmetic treatments to treat loss of volume and wrinkles

- Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) for facial rejuvenation and hair loss

All cosmetic treatments are performed by Doctors.

Laser treatments are performed with a Doctors consultation.

Medicare rebates may apply for vascular laser treatmentst

Book your appointments online at www.kingscliffdoctors.com.au or phone Kingscliff Doctors on (02) 6674 1304

OSTEOPATH

Inaki is a dedicated osteopath that understands the interaction between the different structures and systems of the human body and their relationship to health. He has a keen interest in musculoskeletal pain management as well as sporting injury prevention and rehabilitation. He utilises a wide variety of techniques, including osteopathic manipulation and mobilisation, soft tissue massage, muscle energy technique and dry needling. He also believes very strongly in the importance of patient education and their involvement in their treatment and management.

consent to access your property,” he told The Weekly.

“We cannot risk having gaps in treatment, it is vital we reach 100 per cent of targeted properties.”

Mr Dudgeon said the spread of fire ants into NSW poses a serious risk to the ecosystem, agriculture and public safety.

“Our aerial treatment campaign is a crucial step in our efforts to eradicate these pests and mitigate their impact on the community,” he said.

“The aerial treatment involves the dispersal of specially formulated baits which is safe for people, animals and the environment and is approved by the Australian Pesticide and Veterinary Medicines Authority.”

A spokesperson for the DPI said to protect the privacy of residents it cannot reveal locations, or details, regarding property access.

“The overwhelming majority of residents in the Murwillumbah area understand the importance of eradicating fire ants from NSW,” the DPI spokesperson said.

“The consequences of the ants establishing, on our environment, economy, agricultural industries and lifestyle, would be catastrophic.

“The NSW Government is appreciative of the support and cooperation the residents of northern NSW have given to the emergency response; it has been instrumental in our success so far.”

To learn more about fire ant treatment visit fireants.org.au or call 13 25 23.

GENERAL PRACTICE

Kingscliff Doctors is a family owned medical practice aimed at providing the most professional, compassionate and up-to-date treatment and care for all of your health needs. Our services include skin checks, women’s health, men’s health, children’s health, immunisations, minor surgery, health assessments, chronic disease management.

Together, your GP and nurse team work to help you better understand and manage your health.

Hikers defied a climbing ban at the Mt Warning Wollumbin summit for an Australia Day sunrise.

Picture by Adrian Hoffman

Last week we each used

Tweed Link

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

New sports field lighting Les Burger Field

Work to install 16 new energy-efficient LED lights at the rugby league and touch football grounds at Les Burger Field at Bogangar/Cabarita will start next week. Work is expected to be completed on both the training and playing fields by the end of daylight savings on 7 April which will allow the teams to continue to play and train at night. The project will involve the removal of existing halogen lighting, installation of new LED lights, an automated lighting control system and switch board upgrade. The upgraded lighting will provide Tweed Coast Raiders Senior and Junior Rugby League and the Tweed Coast Touch Football Association an opportunity to provide higher level training and playing opportunities for its members, with a focus on growing women’s and girls’ teams.

The lighting upgrade will meet the Australian Standards’

minimum sports lighting requirements for training and club competition and will be available year-round for the whole community to use.

The $217,555 project is funded through the Female Friendly Community Sport Facilities and Lighting Upgrades program 2022/23 and Tweed Shire Council.

Switching to energy-efficient lighting will save up to 40% in cost and energy savings and thanks to the funding, Council can continue its ongoing program to install and upgrade sports field lighting to energy-efficient LEDs as part of its Sports Field Strategy. It is also part of Council’s commitment to reducing emissions by working to reduce our impact on the environment for a sustainable future.

Find out more about Council’s recreation and outdoor facilities at tweed.nsw.gov.au/recreation-outdoors

Major repairs to Rotunda Boardwalk at Anchorage Islands

Council has started significant work around the foreshores of the Anchorage Island Harbour.

Work started this week on major repairs to the Anchorage Islands Rotunda Boardwalk which is expected to take approximately 6 months to complete.

The boardwalk will be closed as a public thoroughfare for the duration of the works and will reopen in approximately late September 2024, weather permitting.

Further information about the work and timing will be made available on Council’s Your Say Tweed project page. Here you will be able to keep up-to-date on construction, timing of work and the overall project.

Council has completed significant work around the foreshores of the Anchorage Island Harbour since 2022, including the Jetties Boardwalk and major upgrades to existing rock retaining walls on the eastern foreshore to ensure that the foreshore remains structurally sound and safe for the community.

Visit yoursaytweed.com.au/anchorage-islands for more information.

It’s a wrap! Almost 5,000 cane toads given the boot

It’s been a mammoth toad busting season in the Tweed! Six in-person information and toad busting events and 3 week-long toad busting events were held since October 2023. Due to the huge community effort, more than 4,684 cane toads were removed from the environment. The ongoing warm and wet weather provided the perfect conditions for these pest animals to proliferate in the Tweed and Council would like to thank everyone involved for their efforts to remove them.

Special thanks go to the winners of the week-long toad busting events, who between them collected a whopping 1,792 cane toads. A new toad busting group and toad drop off point in Pottsville has now been set up following one of these events.

Council partnered with not-for-profit environment group Watergum Community Inc. on this cane toad program to build skills and inspire proactive environmental stewardship within the community. Without the community on board, effective cane toad control in the Tweed would not be possible.

Programs like these are one way Council is working with the community to look after the Tweed’s natural environment for current and future generations.

Find out more about cane toads and how you can help at tweed.nsw.gov.au/cane-toads

First place went to the toad busters T-Cubed from Bilambil Heights who collected a whopping 703 toads during the final round of the Tweed Toad Busting Challenge, which ran from 4 to 10 March.

Household bins will be collected as usual, even on public holidays.

Stotts Creek Resource Recovery Centre will be closed Good Friday (29 March). On Easter Monday (1 April) the facility will be open from 9 am to 4 pm.

The JUNKtion Tip Shop will be closed Good Friday and over the Easter long weekend, reopening on Wednesday 3 April.

Here’s to 30 years of friendship

A Tweed Heads over 50s friendship group has just celebrated its 30th year of connecting local seniors.

Council’s Community Care Coordinator, Joanne Watters said the group, which meets at Tweed Heads South Community Hall, had enriched the lives of many over the years and provided an important service for those combatting loneliness and changes in life such as children leaving home.

“I sincerely want to congratulate all past and present members of the Over 50s Friendship Group - who have created a sense of belonging for local seniors and provided three decades of laughter, support, and shared experiences.” Mrs Watters said.

The group, which was established in 1994, is currently recruiting new members.

Those who wish to join the over 50s Friendship Group are asked to call Merle Williams on 0413 024 341.

Native bee rescue at Chillingham

A bee-utiful good news story! A few weeks ago, Council’s infrastructure delivery crew were replacing footpaths in the Chillingham village and came across a native beehive located under the footpath. The team carefully left it alone and arranged for the bees and the beehive to be rescued.

A local bee rescuer came to site and worked with the crew who helped lift the footpath to allow for the rescue of the hive. She was able to vacuum most of the bees into the hive thus saving it and the bees in the process. The queen bee was also rescued!

The beehive will now be passed onto the local preschool and the bee rescuer will also donate a free hive to them. Could this bee a better outcome? We don’t think so.

This story is just one of many that highlights Council’s commitment to looking after the Tweed’s natural environment and its staff who regularly go above and beyond the call of duty!

Find out how Council looks after the Tweed’s environment every day at tweed.nsw.gov.au/environment

The new energy-efficient LED lighting is expected to be completed before the daylight savings switch over to allow the teams to continue to train at night from April onwards.

The Over 50s Friendship Group at Tweed Heads is recruiting new members as it celebrates its 30 year milestone.

A close up of the native bees that were rescued.

On exhibition: Child Safe Policy

Working toward being a Child Safe Organisation

The Child Safe Policy outlines our commitment to child safety and the rights and wellbeing of all children who interact with our services and activities. The policy serves as a clear guide for workers who interact with children in our workplace.

Have your say

This policy is available for review on Council’s Your Say Tweed website. Submissions can be made to Council by no later than 4 pm, 6 May 2024.

• online at yoursaytweed.com.au/childsafepolicy

• mail to Tweed Shire Council, PO Box 816, Murwillumbah, NSW 2484

• email to tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au Subject: Child Safe Policy

Enquiries: Aimee Austin, Manager People and Culture

Phone: 02 6670 2400

Draft Amended Councillor and Staff Interaction Policy on public exhibition

The aim of this policy is to provides direction on interactions between Councillors and staff to assist both parties in carrying out their day-to-day duties professionally, ethically and respectfully.

The following amendments have been made to the existing policy.

• A 30 request limit added to section 5.7 (p7) and Attachment A, section 2.3 (a)

• Treatment of CSRs captured in edits to Attachment A, section 2.3 (b)

Have your say

You can make a submission up to 4 pm, 24 April 2024 in one of the following ways:

• online at yoursaytweed.com.au/interactionpolicy2024

• email to tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au Subject: Councillor and Staff Interaction Policy

• mail to The General Manager, Tweed Shire Council, Civic and Cultural Centre, 10–14 Tumbulgum Road, Murwillumbah NSW 2484.

Enquiries: Mathew Greenwood, phone 02 6670 2400.

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

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

Entries now open for 2024 Wollumbin Art Award

Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre’s coveted $30,000 Wollumbin Art Award (WAA) is now open.

The award, named after the sacred mountain which the Gallery overlooks, is open to artists living across the Northern Rivers and nearby local government areas including Tweed, Byron, Ballina, Kyogle, Scenic Rim Shires, Lismore and Gold Coast City. For the first time, artists from the Richmond Valley will also be eligible.

Artists can submit up to two entries of any subject matter and medium. Award categories include a first prize of $15,000 and a two-week residency in the Gallery’s Nancy Fairfax Artist in Residence Studio; a $10,000 WAA Bundjalung Award for First Nations artists and a solo exhibition in the Gallery. There is also a $5,000 Emerging Artist Award.

Gallery Director Ingrid Hedgcock said the calibre of works showcased in the last Award exhibition was remarkable and gave insight into the diversity of practice across the region.

“We are delighted to present this important Award again. We sincerely thank the Gallery Foundation for their

continued sponsoring of the Bundjalung Award – and of course, Leanne and Greg Tong-Lyon for their support of the Emerging Artist Award,” Ms Hedgcock said.

The guest Judge for WAA 2024 is recently appointed Director of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Sebastian Goldspink. Aunty Joyce Summers will again join the pre-selection panel at this year’s awards.

To celebrate the artistic talent and creativity of young people living in the region, young artists aged between 5–18 years can enter the Wollumbin Youth Art Award (WYAA). Entries for the WYAA are free and open to young people who live in the areas listed.

The Gallery is honoured to have Children’s Gallery Coordinator at HOTA, Home of the Arts Jodi Ferrari as guest judge of the Youth award.

The finalist exhibition will be on display at Tweed Regional Gallery from Friday 6 September until Sunday 24 November 2024, with Award announcements on Saturday 7 September. Entries opened 5 pm Monday 25 March and close 5pm, Monday 3 June 2024. The WAA is $35 per entry.

Artist can view conditions of entry and submit via the Gallery website gallery.tweed.nsw.gov.au/prizes-awards

Please check your stormwater connection

Stormwater and wastewater use 2 separate plumbing systems that must never connect.

Wastewater is the water that’s poured into sinks, flushed down toilets and drained from showers and baths. It flows through Council’s sewer network to one of the Tweed’s 8 wastewater treatment plants.

Stormwater runs off roofs and pathways through stormwater pipes to local waterways.

Water and Wastewater Operations Manager Brie Jowett said at some homes, stormwater downpipes illegally connect to sewer pipes.

“These connections are illegal because they can cause sewage overflows when it rains, impacting the health of our community and natural environment,” Mrs Jowett said.

“Our crews detect incorrect connections when doing visual checks and through smoke testing, when we pump a small amount of safe smoke into wastewater pipes.

“If one of your downpipes connects to a sewer pipe at your home, please contact a licenced plumber to get it fixed.”

Mrs Jowett said an important piece of plumping that prevents sewage overflows inside homes was frequently covered up by pot plants, mats, concrete or paving.

“It’s called an overflow relief gully and if yours is covered up, it won’t be able to do its job and you could find sewage

Development application determinations

overflowing inside your home should your sewer pipes get blocked,” she said.

“Again, a licensed plumber is the best person to help you fix the problem.”

Find out more at tweed.nsw.gov.au/keep-stormwater-outof-your-sewer-pipes

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

Application details

Approved

DA23/0481 – Alterations and additions to existing dwelling including above-ground pool and associated decking

Lot 476 DP 785160, No. 78 Cominan Avenue, Banora Point

DA23/0658 – Alterations and additions to an existing dwelling including carport forward of the building line

Lot 581 DP 217268, No. 7 Grevillea Road, Bogangar

DA24/0011 – Carport within the front building line

Lot 15 DP 800344, No. 35 Cassidy Crescent, Bogangar

DA23/0409 – Tennis court

Lot 101 DP 1134560, No. 540 Duranbah Road, Duranbah

DA23/0357 – Alterations and additions to commercial premises (Kingscliff Shopping Village)

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

CDC24/0021 – Council CDC for a swimming pool

Lot 1 DP 336933, No. 36 Condong Street, Murwillumbah

DA23/0498 – Alterations and additions to existing dwelling including a carport, swimming pool, driveway crossover and a 2 m boundary fence

Lot 1 SP 43166, Unit 1/No. 8 Edward Avenue, Pottsville

DA23/0464 – Dwelling house and above-ground swimming pool

Lot 102 DP 1255992, No. 141 Sleepy Hollow Road, Sleepy Hollow

DA23/0598 – Retaining walls

Lot 15 DP 32024, No. 30 Lalina Avenue, Tweed Heads West

DA24/0024 – Alterations and additions to existing dwelling including pool and shed

Lot 16 Section 2 DP 9025, No. 190 Kennedy Drive, Tweed Heads West

DA23/0619 – Pontoon

Lot 293 DP 30961, Lot 488 DP 30961, No. 71 Gollan Drive, Tweed Heads West

DA23/0326 – Amalgamation of existing 4 lots (Lots 15 DP 551311, 3, 4, & 5 DP 240226) and subdivision into 3 lots (Proposed Lots 20, 21 & 22)

Lot 15 DP 551311, Lot 3DP 240226, Lot 4 DP 240226, Lot 5 DP 240226, No. 6–8 Mayfield Street, South Murwillumbah

Approved – deferred commencement

DA22/0145 – Earthworks and associated drainage works

Lot 21 DP 1082482, No. 2 Altona Road, Chinderah

Refused

DA23/0632 – Construction of a 4 storey mixed use building comprising one ground floor office premises and car parking and 3 levels of shop top housing comprising 12 residential units and landscaping

Lot 181 DP 259164, Lot 182 DP 259164, No. 100–102 Hastings Road, Bogangar

DA22/0508 – Retention of the existing dwelling, construction of a new 3 storey dwelling to create detached dual occupancy development, new detached garage with storage for each dwelling and associated works

Lot 9 Section 2 DP 3123, No. 7 Kennedy Drive, Tweed Heads

DA23/0501 – Demolition of existing structures and erection of a centre-based child care facility including associated signage, landscaping and car parking

Lot 3 DP 618703, Lot 4 DP 618703, Lot 2 DP 618703, No. 97–99 Ducat Street, Tweed Heads

The above development determinations are available for public inspection free of charge at the Planning and Regulation Division, Murwillumbah

datracker.tweed.nsw.gov.au

Installation view of the 2022 Wollumbin Art Awards. Photo: David Toyer.

The downpipe on the far left is illegal, directing stormwater to the home’s sewer pipes. It’s been fixed, as shown on the right.

Photo credit: Unitywater

By Jo Kennett

THEY SAY there is no such thing as a free lunch, and so it turned out for a Tweed Heads South man who was arrested after trying to run off with a lot of tucker from a local grocery store before being nabbed by an off-duty policeman.

The man was charged with larceny at a local shopping centre in Tweed Heads on Sunday, March 17.

An off-duty police officer arrested the 54-yearold, who attempted to leave the Tweed Heads grocery store without paying for $250 worth of meat.

The man was arrested and held at the scene until police arrived.

The Tweed Heads South man was issued with a court attendance notice to appear at Tweed Heads Local Court on April 15.

Concerns over temporary housing

By Jo Kennett

A KINGSCLIFF man says locals have been threatened by people staying at the temporary housing village, who he said shouldn’t be residing at the premises and he wants the Reconstruction Authority (RA) to keep their promise to not renew the site’s lease beyond June 2025.

“It’s not about the people that are genuine flood victims,” the man, who didn’t want to be identified, said.

“We are all for helping out the genuine flood victims, but all the trouble we are having is with people who are not from here.

“There are people in there that shouldn’t be in there, they are not flood victims and they are taking spots from genuine people.

“People are living there for free, they only have to pay for internet and they have friends coming and staying with them.”

The local resident alleged that a resident had death threats that had been reported to police.

“That resident had a woman screaming in the night that she was coming back with friends and they were going to do a home invasion and kill all his family,” the man said.

“He went out because she was screaming and he thought she was in trouble.

“After that he was worried about going away on the weekends and leaving his family on their own; he said he had lived here for 20 years and loved it and was never going to leave but now he wants to leave.

“The RA people went and apologised to him

and said they had kicked the woman out that threatened him — she wasn’t a flood victim.

“There was also a meth lab police busted operating in the middle of the village.”

The resident said it was the only one of 11 hubs built next to a residential area, but he doesn’t want this to be about the people in the village versus the local residents.

“The Reconstruction Authority, which was NSW Resilience, had two damning inquiries against them,” he said.

“Their whole job is to find homes for genuine flood victims and both inquiries have found they haven’t been doing their job.

“That’s what it’s all about; the whole thing was set up by the RA on a temporary basis while they found permanent homes for people.

“The people in the village signed tenancy agreements for up to 12 months, but there have already been residents there for 18 months that they haven’t found homes for.

“The RA are using it as a social housing village now and letting people just live there and that is wrong.

“They signed a lease agreement with council with a bit of time on either side to set it up and take it down again.

“The state government had to write emergency legislation to use that land and the legislation stipulates it must be returned to its original state after two years.”

The Weekly has sought further comment and insight from the RA, which we will print in full next week.

The temporary housing village at Kingscliff

Regional crime action Flood response boost

By Jonathon Howard

THE NSW Government has introduced a new, faster funding pathway to make it easier for Northern Rivers communities to rebuild vital roads and transport infrastructure following natural disasters such as floods.

The Tripartite Agreement between the NSW Reconstruction Authority, Transport for NSW and seven local councils will ensure a speedier rollout of reconstruction funds after floods, fires or other natural disasters.

Prior to this agreement, councils had to finance the rebuilding of infrastructure before they could access additional funding from government.

Now, councils can access critical funds upfront at each stage of reconstruction, easing financial burdens and making it easier to undertake reconstruction work more quickly.

Tweed Shire Council is one of the seven councils included in the agreement.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority and Transport for NSW are now developing supporting documentation, administrative arrangements and some initial training to implement the agreement with the councils.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said the new approach provides greater certainty that support is on the way and faster.

“What we are doing through this agreement is providing certainty that these councils will receive the money when they need it,” he said. “The agreement will accelerate reconstruction works and allow funds to flow quicker for future events.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said, “This agreement will help communities recover faster by giving councils access to the funds they need to get vital recovery work underway.

“Getting critical infrastructure rebuilt and in place to support the recovery effort as soon as possible is precisely what this agreement will

facilitate.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said, “The damage after floods, fire or any natural disaster can be significant, and this initiative will help speed up the restoration of essential road and transport infrastructure.

“The agreement is a clear demonstration of our proactive approach to helping councils get on with the job after natural disasters and build in greater resilience to future events.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said the deeds between councils and the NSW Government have been signed.

“Funding will soon start to flow, relieving the cash flow impacts on flood-affected councils,” she said.

“Quickly restoring our roads and transport infrastructure is vital to setting up the regions for recovery from the floods.

“I have been personally meeting with these councils, alongside the Reconstruction Authority and Transport for NSW to help resolve their issues, and I am pleased this will see the quicker restoration of essential roads and transport infrastructure in Northern NSW.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said one of the lessons learned from the devastating floods of 2022 is that “councils need an injection of funds immediately after a flood event”.

“So they can get to work straight away and get communities functioning again,” she said.

“This new approach is designed to get the money flowing to councils quicker, so they can get on with the work that needs to be done, fixing roads and bridges and essential public buildings and facilities.”

By Jo Kennett

THE COMMANDER of the Tweed-Byron Police District said that while there are still issues, crime is down in the shire, particularly around the Kingscliff and Salt area which had been targeted by thieves, as the NSW Government unveiled its youth crime strategy.

“If you’re a victim it may feel like there are more issues but crime is not as bad as it has been,” Tweed-Byron Police District Superintendent Dave Roptell told a packed house at a recent business meeting.

“Two years ago there were Queenslanders coming down, stealing cars and breaking into houses so crime around the Kingscliff area is going okay.

“I’ve been here for five years and it’s pretty bad from Ballina south but here we have it pretty well under control.

“There is an average of about 17 legal actions on young people every year.”

Supt Roptell said that “while it does feel there are a lot of homeless people, many of them are destitute with nowhere to go.”

“We are engaging with council and other services to help deal with the issues,” he said.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said he knew there were no easy solutions to crime rates, particularly youth crime, as the government announced a $26.2 million package of reforms and initiatives to support community safety in regional NSW, with a focus on early intervention and prevention programs for young people.

“We will not leave regional communities behind, and we will ensure regional communities are safe and appealing places to work, live and raise a family,” Premier Minns said.

Data from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research shows that crime rates in regional NSW remain higher than in metro areas.

There are also reports of an emerging phenomenon of offenders posting recordings of their offending behaviour on social media, par-

ticularly in relation to motor vehicle offending.

New legislation is being tabled to make that an offence, along with new bail legislation for juvenile offenders aged from 14 to 18. Bail authorities such as police, magistrates and judges will need to have a high degree of confidence that the young person will not commit a further serious indictable offence while on bail.

The NSW Government will invest $12.9 million to fund a new range of state-wide regional crime prevention initiatives including expansion of Youth Action Meetings (YAMs) in nine police districts.

MURWILLUMBAH EAST PUBLIC SCHOOL

Celebrations seemed to be the theme last week at MEPS with lots of opportunities to dress up and participate in amazing activities.

Our school was a sea of orange on Wednesday 20th March when we acknowledged Harmony Day with activities celebrating our cultural diversity and showing respect for everyone who calls Australia home.

What a wheelie good time we have at MEPS! “Ride at School

Day” was held on Friday 22nd March where our students had the opportunity to not only ride their bikes to school but participate in several activities including bike maintenance, rainforest riding, helmet designing, safe riding and obstacle courses. The highlight of the day was the hotly contested Teacher Bike Race which was taken out by the very competitive Mr Woolford and Ms Condie was the ‘best dressed teacher’! It was so impressive watching our students wheeling and scooting around having fun on our beautiful MEPS fields.

Lots of Socks was also held on Friday, celebrating World Down Syndrome Day. Lines of ‘socks’ that had been coloured in by our students were pegged up around the front of the school. Bright socks, odd socks, frilly socks, all

kinds of socks were worn by staff and students acknowledging that we are all different and to #endthestereotypes. Former student Bonnie Taws and her sister Amity spoke to our assembly giving us facts and what is like to have a sibling with Down Syndrome. We are also celebrating some of our students’ sporting achievements. Axl, Brax and Luke successfully made it through the District Rugby League trials and are now trialling again for spots on the Far North Coast side. Trinity was successful in making the squad for the Far North Coast Hockey team and she now travels to Grafton to trial for the North Coast side. Congratulations and good luck to our students.

Murwillumbah East PS is so proud to celebrate the achievements of individual students and participate in the extra-curricular events which make every day at East memorable and enjoyable.

Tweed-Byron Police Superintendent Dave Roptell

The Minns Government is investing in measures to support you and your family including:

First Home Buyers Assistance - saving thousands for young families by cutting stamp duty

Funding rental assistance programs including Rent Choice, Advance Rent, Bond Loan and the Shared Equity Home Buyer Helper trial.

$250 Pensioner Concession Rebate Scheme to reduce pressure from council rates and charges.

$500 long day care fee relief to reduce the cost of long day care for three-year olds.

A record increase to the Family Energy Rebate, Seniors Energy Rebate and Low-Income Household Rebate.

The NSW Government is helping reduce the cost of living with more than 70 rebates and vouchers.

Visit the Online Cost of Living Hub for information

https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/savings-finder or phone 13 7788

Funding for Tweed veterans’ hub

By Jo Kennett

THE MINISTER for Veteran Affairs and Australian Defence Force personnel visited the Tweed Shire to announce a federal government grant for a $5.4 million local Veterans’ and Families’ Hub, with a focus on mental health and wellbeing, .

Minister Matt Keogh was joined by Assistant Minister for Social Services and Richmond MP Justine Elliot, veterans, servicemen and women and families at Jack Evans Boat Harbour on Wednesday, March 13, for the announcement.

Ms Elliot said the area has a large ex-service population, “including many older veterans and war widows.”

“Having tailored veteran support and services accessible locally is so important to improving the health, wellbeing, and economic outcomes of those who bravely served our nation,” she said.

Mr Keogh said the Albanese government is committed to providing the best services and supports possible for defence personnel, veterans and families.

“Today we’ve reached a new milestone,” he said.

“More than 25,000 veterans and their families will be better off, with the Albanese government today announcing a $5.445 million grant has

been awarded to RSL LifeCare, working with RSL NSW, to establish a Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in the Tweed/North Coast region of New South Wales.

“Veterans who live just over the border will also benefit as RSL LifeCare and RSL NSW have established a firm relationship with RSL Queensland to best support veterans no matter which side of the border they are on.

“Following significant community consultation and demographics analysis, the services at the Tweed/North Coast Hub will focus on providing access to physical and mental health services, home care assistance, access to fee-free training, housing assistance, transition, social and family support.”

Kingscliff RSL sub-branch called it a “great announcement from the Department of Veterans Affairs and will provide invaluable support to our local veteran community across the Northern Rivers and southern Gold Coast.”

The expansion of the Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs’ network in the Tweed/North Coast region is part of the government’s $46.7 million commitment to deliver ten new Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs across the country.

For more information about Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs, visit www.dva.gov.au/vfhubs

Minister for Veteran Affairs Matt Keogh with Justine Elliot MP, veterans and defence personnel

Hospital is still on track despite mould

By Jo Kennett

THE NEW Tweed Valley Hospital is on schedule to open on time on May 14 this year, despite a mould outbreak and rectification work being done by builder Lendlease.

The Weekly had received unconfirmed reports that the whole kitchen had to be ripped out a week before the open day on March 16.

A Health Infrastructure (HI) spokesperson told The Weekly that during “operational commissioning activities” for the new $723.3 million Tweed Valley Hospital, mould has been identified in some areas of the new hospital facility”.

“This followed some minor water damage and the prolonged high humidity conditions experienced over the summer period,” the spokesperson said.

“Mould was identified above some ceiling tiles in isolated areas of the building and was caused by a build-up of condensation in pipes during extreme humidity conditions during summer when the building was not in use and there was an absence of the full air conditioning load.

“Rectification works are being completed by Lendlease and include removing and replacing the affected building materials.

“Temporary modifications have also been made to adjust the air conditioning to reduce humidity in the air.

“There is no risk to patients, staff, visitors, neighbours or contractors.

“Work is expected to be concluded in the coming weeks and prior to the scheduled May 2024 opening of the new $723.3 million Tweed Valley Hospital.”

In March 2023, NSW HI denied reports that building materials containing black mould were

put into the new hospital and then had to be removed.

The Weekly had been contacted by and spoken to several people who said that building materials for the Tweed Valley Hospital under construction by Lendlease were left out in the open, uncovered, for weeks on end.

Those residents said the materials used for the interiors were put straight into the new hospital building before having to be removed due to the growth of black mould.

“No defective materials have been installed in the Tweed Valley Hospital development,” a HI spokesperson said at the time.

“During 2022 there was unprecedented wet weather conditions, which resulted in minor water damage to some internal finishes within the building.

“The affected areas were isolated, and hygienists were engaged to rectify the issues.

“Damaged materials were removed and replaced in accordance with legislative requirements.”

Never bin your batteries – just B-cycle them

Batteries disposed of in bins are causing fires in waste trucks and facilities across the country, endangering workers, damaging equipment and wasting a valuable resource that could otherwise be recovered. To prevent battery fires occurring – Never bin your batteries! Here’s how to dispose of batteries safely

• Remove from appliance

• Tape terminals with clear sticky tape to prevent short circuiting

• Place in ventilated glass container

• drop off promptly at your nearest B-cycle drop-off point B-cycle drop off points are available at many large local high street retailers. To find your nearest, visit bcycle.com.au/drop-off/

Alternatively, you can drop them at council’s Community Recycling Centre (CRC), located at the Stotts Creek Recycling and Recovery Centre, Ledday’s Rd, Stotts Creek. For very small quantities, drop them at one of council’s small drop off stations (CRS) located at the Murwillumbah and Tweed Heads Administration, Civic and Cultural Centres or Pottsville Beach Neighbourhood Centre. To find out more visit www.newaste.org.au/crc or contact Tweed Shire Council on 6670 7400.

This project is a NSW Environment Protection Authority Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy initiative, funded from the waste levy

One of Tweed Shire Council's Community Recycling Stations, where small quantities of handheld batteries and other items can be dropped off for recycling.

Tweed Valley Hospital is set to open in May despite a mould outbreak

By Jonathon Howard

The event is named in honour of his veteran friend Shaun Spain who tragically took his own life on January 7, 2023.

He’s now calling on veterans and current serving members to get in contact and sign up to star in a one-time special show at Seagulls on Sunday, June 23.

Mr Grace, who has helped many dreams come true for young band members over the past 14 years, said his latest initiative aims to provide a platform for our often under-recognised veterans to come together through the universal language of music.

With a passion for both music and social inclusion, Mr Grace seeks to bridge experiential gaps by inviting military veterans to join this unique venture.

“Through a series of eight free workshops, jam sessions and collaborative performances, participants will have the opportunity to share their stories, talents, and experiences in a supportive and empowering environment,” he said.

“Music has an incredible ability to connect people from all walks of life.

“The Veterans Music Venture is not just about making music; it’s about building relationships, fostering understanding, and honouring the contributions of our veterans.”

The initiative comes at a time when many veterans may feel isolated or disconnected from their communities. Mr Grace said by providing a creative outlet and a sense of belonging, the Veterans Music Venture aims to improve overall wellbeing and quality of life for participants.

“I believe that everyone has a song to sing

and a story to tell,” Mr Grace said.

“Through this venture, we hope to amplify those voices and create meaningful connections between veterans and community!”

Veterans who are interested in joining the Veterans Music Venture are encouraged to reach out to Mr Grace and his team for more information.

“Whether they are seasoned musicians or talented beginners, all are welcome to participate and contribute to this inspiring musical journey,” he said.

As the Veterans Music Venture gains momentum, Mr Grace remains committed to promoting inclusivity, diversity, and the transformative power of music in bringing communities together.

“With veterans and defence force personnel at the forefront, this initiative promises to strike a chord that resonates far beyond the realm of music,” he said.

To find out more please phone 0424 143 140 or email: amazing@iangrace.com.au

‘Two Flogs’ a big hit

By Jonathon Howard

KIRBY AND GIBBO, hosts of the popular podcast ‘Two Flogs’, are captivating audiences around the world with their unique blend of humour, insight, men’s health advocacy and unabashed honesty.

If you haven’t heard the dynamic duo in action — do yourself a favour and laugh out loud with these lovable local blokes.

The pair, Andrew Kirby and Blair Gibson, have an on-air knack for discussing a wide range of topics from observational comedy, sporting highs and lows, as well as tackling life’s many quirks.

Whether riffing on current events or sharing personal anecdotes, Kirby and Gibbo create an atmosphere that feels like catching up with old friends over a milkshake.

Through their chats, the pair has amassed a loyal following with millions of views spanning 72 countries, making them one of the top ten podcasts in Australia.

“We stumbled into the podcast as a joke initially,” Kirby told The Weekly, while enjoying a milkshake at the famous Austral Café.

“We’re the same age but are from two different groups and schools in Murwillumbah, so did not know each other well growing up.”

Gibbo has done a lot of media and tipping through his horse racing background and took to the podcast platform like a duck to water.

“Ladbrokes have come on board as a major sponsor which has been great support,” Gibbo said.

“We release two shows per week, a Wednesday sports show and our Friday show, which is the main one.”

From dissecting the latest trends in pop culture to delving into light-hearted debates, Two Flogs offers listeners a refreshing view of a challenging world. Their candid discussions, peppered with witty banter and infectious laughter as well as guest appearances have earned them praise for their authenticity and relatability.

“Subscriptions are going really strong and we now have a manager who said the podcast is one of the fastest-growing independent ones in Australia,” Kirby said.

“Our target audience is everyone, but it seems to be resonating with hard working miners and mostly blue-collar workers around the world.

“It’s wild having fans approach us for photos and autographs, never experienced anything like it.

“We also have a serious subject we like to tackle, and that’s men’s health and well

being, which has been at our core since the beginning.”

Kirby said what sets Two Flogs apart is its ability to strike a balance between entertainment and thought-provoking dialogue.

As Two Flogs continues to grow in popularity, Kirby and Gibbo remain committed to staying true to their roots and providing a platform where listeners can feel heard, understood, and entertained.

“We both grew up in Murwillumbah and we love our area,” the pair agreed.

“We want to feature our backgrounds in the Tweed and share them with the world.”

With their infectious energy and genuine camaraderie, the duo shows no signs of slowing down, promising even more laughs and insights for fans old and new alike.

To have a listen, search Two Flogs Podcast and follow the links.

An

could be your solution!

Paid parental leave boosted

MEMBER FOR Richmond Justine Elliot has announced that the Albanese Labor government will expand Paid Parental Leave to a full six months after new legislation recently passed the Federal Parliament.

That means new parents will be eligible for more Paid Parental Leave from July 1 this year, with more than 180,000 Australian families expected to benefit.

This will increase the number of weeks reserved for each parent on a use it or lose it basis to four weeks to encourage greater sharing of care and household responsibilities. It also provides more flexibility by increasing the amount of leave that parents can take at the same time, from two to four weeks.

“This is the biggest boost to Paid Parental Leave since it was created by the former Labor government in 2011,” Ms Elliot told The Weekly.

“From 1 July, two more weeks of payment will be added each year until the overall length of the Paid Parental Leave scheme reaches 26-weeks by July 2026.

“This complements our plan to pay superannuation on Paid Parental Leave from 1 July 2025.

“This will give families on the North Coast more leave and more flexibility, to ensure the system works in a way that’s best for them.

“A parental leave system that empowers the full and equal participation of women will be good for business, good for families and good for our economy.

“As your local Labor MP, I’m proud to be delivering on our commitment to build a better future for North Coast families.”

Kirby and Gibbo host the popular podcast 'Two Flogs' is well worth a listen

EXCELLENT GROWING conditions have continued this month with showers and heat which have resulted in both cane and soybean crops looking very good.

The taller one-year-old and two-year-old crops are starting to lodge (fall down).

This is due to the cane being heavy, the moisture-laden soil, and recent strong winds. Downed cane makes harvesting more difficult, but it’s a ‘nice’ problem to have.

Concerns about flood mitigation and associated drainage issues continue to be a focus of many organisations, not least the Canegrowers Association.

Unfortunately, some sections of the NSW Government bureaucracy appear indifferent to the welfare of agricultural industries, concerning issues around the very important matter of flood management and associated drainage of floodplains.

Not only agricultural land managers, but also industrial, semi-urban and residential landowners have serious concerns about the future impacts of flooding on their properties and their livelihoods.

The NSW Government recently released a document titled Coastal Floodplain Drainage Project — Options Report (December 2023), compiled by several NSW Government agencies.

The report was meant to identify ways to reduce the regulatory complexity surrounding the maintenance of drainage systems in coastal floodplains and to improve the quality of water within these systems.

However, the document has been strongly rejected by the councils of the Northern Rivers as well as community and farming organisations, including NSW Canegrowers, because it

fails to address the problems faced by so many floodplain managers who are unable to maintain drainage infrastructure, because of the complex and onerous regulatory red and green tape.

This quagmire of regulations has gradually become more complex over several decades to the point now that environmental laws and regulations are having the opposite effect to their intended purpose.

Ineffective drainage can contribute to poor quality water (deoxygenated water) and cause significant crop losses in wet seasons.

Farmers of sugar cane, tea tree, macadamia nuts, pulse crops and grass pastures can experience severe financial economic losses due to prolonged and unnecessary water logging.

Other effects of dysfunctional drainage systems are increasing midge and mosquito populations and proliferation of the mosquito-borne diseases such as Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses, which appear to becoming more prevalent.

Giving managers of drainage systems effective pathways that enable them to maintain drainage infrastructure will expedite the swift drainage of excess water from floodplains, which is essential during flood events.

I welcome feedback on this issue.

Bye for now, Rob Hawken.

There's some good looking crops out there

IT’S EASTER, SO TIME FOR FUN AT THE MARKET! THIS WEEK ENJOY FREE CRAFT, OUR FAMOUS GOLDEN AVO HUNT & A VISIT FROM THE TWEED MUSEUM ON WHEELS & OF COURSE GREAT LOCAL PRODUCE

SATURDAY 8AM-11AM

29 DURANBAH ROAD, DURANBAH

Tweed Shire’s

Top Tradies

WHEN YOU use one of The Weekly’s Top Tradies and Services (see here and pages 4245) you know you are booking a trusted local operator who is qualified, has an outstanding local reputation and can offer competitive quotes.

These days the Internet is flooded with information that can make a simple task of booking a local tradesperson extermely complicated.

By using The Weekly’s

dealing with a tradie

understands the local area, has a track record and solid qualifications.

Remember, local tradespeople provide lasting employment, understand the local conditions and are just around the corner when you need them.

So, the next time you pick up the phone to call on a tradie, think local and reach

By Jo Kennett

A

coveted 2024 Australian Idol after an action-packed finale on Monday night, March 25.

Dylan Wright wasn’t expecting to win but after an amazing performance of ‘What About Me’ with Shannon Noll, Dylan made it into the top three alongside Denvah Moller-Baker and Amy Reeves.

Dylan moved with his family from the Sutherland Shire to Pottsville but now lives in Bangalow, however he still has family in the Tweed including sister Marissa in Pottsville.

The father-of-two went through to the top two with Reeves before being announced the winner.

The 31-year-old said he was shocked to take

the win from Reeves when his name was called as the 2024 winner of the title, a recording contract and $100,000 prize money.

Dylan’s sister Marissa was at the finale watching along with the rest of his family.

“He’s amazing, it’s about time, and the rest of Australia is seeing it now,” she told The Weekly.

“I’m just a proud sister.”

Richmond MP Justine Elliot posted a video on social media with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese congratulating Dylan.

“Big congratulations to Dylan Wright from Bangalow who last night won Australian Idol,” Justine said.

“Dylan, you’re a superstar.

“Well done Dylan, you nailed it,” Prime Minister Albanese added, giving a double thumbs up.

Dylan Wright finds out he is the 2024 Australian Idol winner. Images by Seven Plus

CLUB BANORA

All invited to ‘The First Easter’

By Jonathon Howard

FOLLOWING THE popularity of the Nativity Play with Carols by Candlelight last Christmas, St James Church at Kingscliff is staging performances again this Easter — the most important religious event of the year.

The picturesque little white church at 122 Marine Parade will present a series of free public performances for the community, staging the story of Easter over four days, from Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday.

Anglican Parish of Kingscliff churchwarden Jason Saltearn said the performance titled ‘The First Easter’ will dramatise the events of the first Easter nearly 2,000 years ago with adult actors, designers and technical crew drawn from the congregation.

“Maundy Thursday is ‘The Last Supper’ from 5.15pm to 6pm,” he said.

“Good Friday is the ‘The Trial of Jesus’ from 8am to 8.30am and finally Easter Sunday ‘The Empty Tomb’ from 8.15am to 8.30am.

“Each performance takes place outside in the church grounds before the Communion Service inside.

“By attending all three performances people can follow the whole Easter story, experience its power, and be reminded of (or learn for the first time) its true significance.”

Mr Saltearn said the creative force behind the performances is ‘APOKALYPSE’, a group made up of actors, designers, musicians and technical crew who share their talents with the aim of spreading the gift of love, and the mysterious peace of God.

“The group’s mission is to stage engaging performances that share the wisdom

of God with people who may have lost touch with it,” he said.

Mr Saltearn said each production aims to bring the power of the timeless Christian message back into focus for the community.

“As many people today realise, the traditional Christian festivals of Christmas and Easter have been commercialised to the point where many people know little or nothing about the events they celebrate,” he said.

“Here at St James, we are keen that people have the opportunity to learn, or be reminded of why the holy days we all enjoy so much were established in the

“These performances tell the story of the first Easter in a simple way, that is both educational and entertaining, to people of all ages and backgrounds.

“They aren’t preachy or professional but profound and priceless — in the sense of both free to all, and full of the treasures of divine wisdom.”

Ms Saltearn wanted to emphasise that all are welcome to its family-friendly shows.

“Biblical foods will be served free at the performance of the Last Supper on Maundy Thursday,” he said.

“Should anyone wishing to attend need to reserve seating in advance, please contact the churchwarden on 0406 450 056.

Anxious wait for nurses

By Jonathon Howard

THE NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) is working with Murwillumbah District Hospital staff impacted by the recent announcement of the inpatient surgical ward closure to ensure they have the time and information to make an informed decision about where they work in the future.

Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) made the tough decision to close the overnight surgical ward which has impacted around 20 employees.

“Nurses at Murwillumbah Hospital are feeling betrayed and blindsided by the lack of notice and consultation around the closure of the surgical ward in just nine weeks,” NSWNMA branch secretary Angie Gittus told The Weekly.

Ms Gittus said NSWNMA Murwillumbah District Hospital Branch is deeply upset with the way the ward’s closure was communicated.

“There is a great deal of anxiety about the future for many nurses who feel they have been displaced by this decision,” Ms Gittus said.

“NNSWLHD chief executive has apologised to staff for the lack of communication about the closure of the inpatient surgical ward, but it has not yet provided the reassurance staff are seeking. “Management has agreed to extend the consultation period with affected nurses and we are hopeful that by the end of the week we will have the information and assistance needed to make informed decisions and choices on their careers moving forward.

“We have been assured there will be positions available at the new Tweed Valley Hospital when it opens, but members are concerned they won’t be inpatient surgical roles or like-for-like positions.

“For those wanting to stay at Murwillumbah Hospital, they will have to move into alternate roles, and the third option is working be -

St James Church at Kingscliff is hosting special Easter performances from today

8

Walsh and i’m still unsure.

WHAT A weekend of footy and plenty to digest.

Cleary put on an absolute clinic at the foot of the mountains on Thursday night to dismantle the Broncos.

It is hard to believe he is still only 26 and is getting better and better.

The hamstring injury is a big blow to them for the next four weeks or so as they are really starting to hit their straps.

The injury blow to Walsh is a bigger kick in the guts for the grand finalists as he sits on the sidelines with Haas and Reynolds with a few big weeks ahead and only one win on the board.

Lots of discussion about the May tackle on

It was a headclash and that happens, I don’t think you can say May needs to or has a responsibility to aim lower, it was just ‘one of those things’ however, the head contact needs some sort of charge I would assume.

The Warriors look similar to 2024 and continue to cruise along winning the games they should.

The derby game has caused plenty of talk, and it was more ‘What’s wrong with the Rabbits?’. As opposed to ‘How good were the Chooks!’.

The drums are beating at Redfern there is no doubt about that. JD has some work to do and the big guns aren’t firing one bit.

A loss this week to the Bulldogs will be disastrous and they need to get back on track asap.

The boys from the GC are in all sorts of Barney Rubble.

Round 1 was super underwhelming and round 3 was nothing short of diabolical.

I’m not sure what the problem is but they are miles off and now Tino is done for the year with an ACL it will take all of Des’s magic to turn this around and they need to asap. I hope for everyone’s sake they do.

The Dragons have done it again giving their fans false hope at the start of the year with a poor defeat after leading well. It must be tough to support the Saints at the moment.

Benji is on the board! How good for the Tigers and what a great sight to see Wayne Pearce Hill choc a block with 16,000 jammed into the ‘8th wonder of the world’.

Api Koriasau was awesome and would be in front as NSW hooker on the back of that performance.

The Eels Manly game was semi final standard and a quality contest, the loss of Moses for 12 weeks from it is a massive blow for the Eels. The Conaghan Shield was a wonderful event for the juniors at the Colts ground on saturday and has given all the young up and comers a taste of footy for the year. Easter will see a break and we return after the long weekend with the competitions along the way.

A shout out to the ref’s who do a great job every week, we are a bit light on with them at the moment and would love more to give it a go - and more people to give them a go without being armchair critics as well.

See you at the footy and enjoy the Easter Eggs.

NRL LADDER

RIP: Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) Chairman Peter V'landys AM this week paid tribute to a legend of Rugby League media, Ian Heads OAM, who died this week following a long illness.

To our dear followers, readers and food lovers, I hope that you are all well. Somehow, we are already at the Easter break even though it feels like two minutes since our Christmas holidays!

Just in time for Easter, at Contento Chocolate Mayda has got something truly special for all of us. They are now introducing their very own mini eggs, which is so incredibly egg-citing!

This month we have seen a couple of returns to the market. First, Tim and the team at Sourdough Crumpet Co with their usual line up of take-home crumpets, muffins, curds and preserves and also hot crumpets to eat at the market.

Second, we also saw Nadia from

Breadicine back at the market. Breadicine is a family run local micro bakery. It currently provides a range of activated and sprouted breads, cookies and bake-at-home premixes that are all hand made using the best possible organic raw ingredients, all natural, free from additives, preservatives, numbers, gums and gunk.

As you may have all noticed, work’s commenced on the toilet blocks. Both the men and women’s toilets will be out of action for the duration of the works, which is expected to take a couple of months or so (I will keep you updated). Toilets will now be temporary toilets at the rear of the usual toilet block. Unfortunately, the disabled toilet was unable to be saved as

planned in the demolition so this toilet will no longer be available.

Thank you for your co-operation and extra care while these works are carried out. We are all very excited to have a new toilet block for the future!

With love and gratitude, Claire What’s in season, tasty and interesting at the market this month?

Over at the market, we love the concept of eating fresh, local and seasonal produce, which makes it so exciting when a fruit we have missed comes back into season and we get to indulge once more. This time of year sees the return of dragon fruit, which you will find at Jumping Red Ant. Dragon fruits come in either the hot pink or the white – at the moment we are seeing the hot pink. Dragon fruit is also great for our health and wellbeing. Dragon fruit is high in vitamin C which means that it is good for your immune system. It also contains prebiotics, which is great for our gut health.

It is also the season for pomegranate! Over at Avocados from Burringbar pomegranate’s are in. Pomegranate’s are great for our health as they are full of vitamin C, anti-oxidants and fibre – all

meaning that they’re great for our immunity, gut health and also urinary tract.

Pomegranate’s are enjoyed as part of a salad, eating fresh (though tedious!) and also as a juice.

In more exciting news, Granny Smith apples and quince are in at Costanzo Apples.

It feels like so long since Granny Smith apples were in season so do make the most of the new season apples that are in now! These Granny Smith’s are such a vibrant green colour, crunchy and sweet/ tangy.

Over at Byron Fermentary Katerina has let me know that she will have amazake soap in stock. Yes, you heard right, soap made from our amazake! Katerina is so incredibly passionate about avoiding waste in her operation and that is the life force behind her new creation.

Katerina tells me that she makes amazake for us all fresh each week and what she doesn’t sell ends up being waste so now she is turning this waste into soap.

What a great initiative over at Bryon Fermentary – not only reducing waste for Katerina’s operation but also helping to keep the market as environmentally sustainable as possible. Thank you Katerina, we

cant wait to try this one!

Lastly, figs are in season at the moment over at Blueberry Fields and they are incredibly delicious. Figs have been known historically to have many health benefits.

One of those benefits is for our digestive health. Figs also contain a number of essential vitamins and minerals including, vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, potassium and magnesium so they’re great for our immunity and bone health too.

There is also so much to do with figs – you could eat them fresh as a snack (of course with a drizzle of honey from Caldera Honey), toss them in a salad or if you’re looking for a sweet treat you could add to a cake or dessert.

When and where?

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

Market contact details:

Market Manager: Claire Strodder

Email: manager@murwillumbahfarmersmarket.com.au

Mobile: 0415 328 672

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

Where: Mur willumbah Showground (via gate 5)

Special Mt St Pats Mass

IT WAS A ‘great day for the Irish’ on Wednesday, March 20, when Mount St Patrick College students and staff celebrated St Patrick’s Day.

Students were able to wear green mufti by making a gold coin donation to the Lenten charity Project Compassion.

A special mass was celebrated at 9.30am in the Sacred Heart Church led by Parish Priest Father Peter Wood, with special prayers, hymns, colour and energy echoing throughout the sacred space.

St Patrick’s Day is significant in the college calendar and is a day where certain traditions usually occur.

Following Mass, twelve former and two current students were inducted into the Wall of Excellence.

This photo gallery acknowledges exceptional achievement in various aspects of school life including sporting, academic and cultural pursuits.

Current Year 10 student Alexander Wellm was inducted for his prowess in swimming in 2022 and his brother Timothy Wellm, currently in Year 8, was inducted for his outstanding swimming achievements in 2023.

Another St Patrick’s Day tradition is adding the names of staff who have given 20 years of service to the Staff Commitment Honour Board, which is located in Presentation House. Sports Coordinator and PDHPE teacher Timothy Whitney was the only addition for 2024.

A surprise acknowledgement on the day was the presentation of flowers to two staff members who have given thirty years of service this year, Miss Mary-Anne McShane and Mrs Jenny Power. Principal Gavin Dykes expressed his gratitude to these staff, highlighting their invaluable

contributions to the college’s ethos and their tireless efforts in nurturing students. The formalities were concluded with an Irish jig led by Miss Grace Molloy and 26 Year 12 student leaders. After some normal lessons there were staff versus student male and female cricket games held on the oval at lunch time. A barbecue stall with soft drinks and lime spiders were sold during the break to raise funds for the purchase of materials for use in the August 2024 Solomon Islands Immersion.

Slip slop slap rap

A NEW hip-hop song by local Indigenous Australian artist JK-47 (pictured below) is set to become an anthem for sun protection and reducing skin cancer.

JK-47, Jacob Paulson, grew up in Tweed Heads but also spent time in Cabarita where he was part of local outfit Gratis Minds. Other band members still perform and produce with him.

He linked with Cancer Council Australia and the Australian Government to create a song promoting sun safety to young people during this year’s festival season.

Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer globally, with two in three Australians facing a skin cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. Spreading the sun safety message at outdoor events where people may not be thinking about it can save lives.

JK-47 made his debut at Laneway Festival last month where he played his original song End the Trend which blends infectious beats with a powerful message, entertaining and educating festival goers and music enthusiasts on the five crucial sun protection steps – Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide.

“It’s really cool that I could play such a big part in creating this track and spreading awareness around sun safety to our young people,” JK-47 said.

“I have a little boy and I have to keep him safe while he’s out in the sun, so I pay more attention to setting the example and making sure that we are sun safe.”

The sun safety partnership with Laneway Festival also included promotion of the current End The Trend skin cancer prevention campaign. The campaign harnesses influencers, media publications and brands loved by young Australians to challenge pro-suntanning attitudes and normalise the use of sun protection.

The Laneway Festival grounds in 2024 featured End The Trend carts providing hats, sunscreen and an opportunity for festival goers to pledge to End The Trend of skin cancer.

TO BE SURE: Mt St Patrick College students put on a great show for their peers and staff after Fr Wood led the special mass for Paddy's Day

Autumn Autumn

AutumnGlow AutumnGlow

Conductor - Marco Bellasi

Soloist - Tamaryn Mirabito

JOHANNES BRAHMS Tragic Overture

JOSEPH HAYDN Trumpet concerto in E Flat ROBERT SCHUMANN Symphony No. 4 in D Minor, Op.120

Above: In The Valley Of Love, 2001

Left: An Afternoon Gathering With My Friends, 1985

Right: Mirka Mora in her 30s

Date: Sunday 21st April 2024

Time: 2.30pm

Venue: Tweed Heads Civic Centre, Brett Street, Tweed Heads NSW

Tickets: Adults $50 I Concession $45

Students $20 I Children 18 years & under, free of charge (when accompanied by an adult)

Tickets can be purchased at:

www.nrso.com.au

or at Murwillumbah Music

02 6672 5404 (credit card facility)

Tickets also available at the door if not sold out (cash or credit card)

Enquiries 0478 012 324

NORTHERN RIVERS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA www.nrso.com.au

Mirka Mora comes to The Tweed

By Julia Collingwood

THIS YEAR’S Autumn Soiree exhibition opens on Saturday, March 30, at Mist Gallery and will highlight Mirka Mora, one of Melbourne’s most revered and treasured artists.

Mirka Mora was born in 1928 in Paris to a Lithuanian Jewish father and a Romanian Jewish mother.

Having narrowly survived the Holocaust, Mirka and her husband Georges Mora migrated to Australia in 1951 and settled in Melbourne.

It wasn’t long before they became an important part of the artistic scene of Melbourne and became friends with leading artists, including Charles Blackman, Author Boyd, Joy Hester and Albert Tucker.

Through her bright and bold symbolist paintings, Mirka contributed significantly to the development of contemporary art in Australia. Known for her use of colour and repeated

motifs, Mora’s works are often naive, depicting angels, children, animals and hybrids of animals and humans.

Her work celebrates humanity, life, love and the eternal wonder of the imagination.

She worked with oils, watercolour, gouache, charcoal and ink on paper or canvas.

“Whilst we are known for celebrating local art,” Helen Otway, owner, artist and curator at Mist Gallery, explained to The Weekly, “we also want to bring other exciting and interesting art to the Tweed.”

This new exhibition has a focus on figurative art and includes invited artists Toni Clarke, Peter Berner, Laurie Mckern, Helen Oprey, Tammy Stoneman and Kylie Findlay.

Autumn Soiree exhibition is on from March 30 to April 27 at Mist Gallery, 1B 51 Tweed Coast Road, Cabarita Beach. Check the website mist-gallery.com.au for opening hours.

Images of Uki turns 15

By Julia Collingwood

ONCE AGAIN Uki is gearing up for its popular annual art exhibition: Images of Uki. The theme and title this year is Resilience and over 35 local artists will be exhibiting their work throughout the Easter weekend in the Uki Hall.

Jenny Sayer, who is a local artist, will be curating this year’s exhibition.

This hugely popular event began as part of the Ukitopia Festival.

“I love being part of Images,” Lyn Naismith, a local artist, told The Weekly. “It’s always been a fabu lous exhibition and a wonderful opportunity for local artists to showcase their works to the wider community.”

All exhibiting artists live within the 2484 postcode. Despite the name ‘Images of Uki’ there is no restriction on subject matter or medi um.

Apart from the art ex

hibition, there will be plenty more going on in Uki over Easter, including art workshops at the Little Gallery in The Buttery.

The exhibition opening is at 6pm on Good Friday and everyone is welcome. There will be plenty of delicious finger food, a free glass of wine to kick the evening off and live entertainment.

Visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite work of art in the People’s Choice Award. The winning artist will be announced at 2pm on Easter Monday.

“An event like this is only possible when the local businesses and community get behind it,” Heather McClelland, the exhibition’s coordinator, told The Weekly.

“I can’t thank our local sponsors enough for their generous support.”

Images of Uki will be held in Uki Hall, 1462 Kyogle Road, Uki. It is open from 9am-4pm Easter Friday, Saturday, Sunday and 9am2.30pm Easter Monday. The opening ceremony is at 6pm on Easter Friday.

91521

Marlena Basser, the MC at the opening

Images of Uki last year

Hotshots to sizzle Court House Hotel

By Julia Collingwood

LOOK OUT ladies, the hunks from Sydney Hotshots will be at the Court House Hotel on Thursday, April 4, to sizzle and seduce you for one night only with a brand-new killer show. The two-hour high energy production boasts the perfect mix of killer dance routines, eyecatching costumes, acrobatics and jaw dropping athletic male physiques.

“It will be the ultimate ladies night out right here at the Court House Hotel,” venue manager

specials, champagne specials. People can come for dinner first and then head down to the back beer garden for the show. The back bar will be open.”

This totally interactive production will have the ladies up from their chairs screaming for more.

The sexy guys are selected from hundreds of men nationwide and come from various backgrounds: tradies, cops, farmers and even firemen to tour Australia and entertain the ladies.

Hosted by seasoned professional Paul Reynolds (original cast member of Manpower Australia and Las Vegas headliner), Reynolds’ showmanship and cheeky banter with audiences makes for an extra entertaining evening.

It’s the most fun a girl can have standing up!

The Sydney Hotshots have graced television screens, appearing on Studio 10, Sunrise, AGT and Good Morning New Zealand to name only a few, as well countless radio interviews and newspaper articles.

The Sydney Hotshots are at the Court House Hotel in Murwillumbah from 7.30pm, April 4. For tickets please visit: sydneyhotshots.com

Freestyle rap tonight!

By Jo Kennett

CABARITA BEACH Surf Club is hosting

Off the Top, a dynamic freestyle open mic rap night hosted by local talent Dre Dub, who often shares the stage with his mate JK-47, on Thursday, March 28.

The high energy show had its genesis when Mike DiCecco moved up from Melbourne and bought Caba music school Yodelay Music (formerly The Creative Jar) from Scotty Fairclough.

“Drew Flannagan (aka Dre Dub) came in for some drumming lessons and his teacher Ben said he was a really good rapper, he performs with JK-47” Mike said.

“There is a culture of jam and open mic nights in Melbourne, so all the pieces were there to do a hip hop open mic night at Caba surf club.

“The great thing about it is that lots of the teachers from Yodelay make a band and Drew hosts the evening.

“The success of the evening is largely due to Drew. He brings that stadium energy, he’s an amazing performer.

“Then we get a guest rapper and play a few of their songs and then we open it up for anyone that wants to get up and freestyle.

“We have had JK-47 as the special guest and some great local legends get up with Drew.

“It’s really fun and entertaining and families with young kids, teens and regular adults all come along so it’s been really great for the whole community to get involved in.”

Mike says the best part is having no idea what is going to happen.

“There are about seven artists; a five-piece band and two rappers,” he said.

‘It’s very dynamic and exciting to see from an audience perspective and exciting from our perspective as we don’t know what’s happening a lot of the time.

“It’s improvised and it’s exciting to watch and

to be a part of.

“A lot of Yodelay students go along; we had a young student from Pottsville school come along with her parents and she loved it and she was blown away when she went to her first music lesson and her teacher was the keyboard player John Finkel from Off the Top.”

Mike won a grant for Off the Top from Create NSW to run the night.

“The surf club is not-for-profit so it was great when we got it and one of the provisos is that we increase access to the arts for under 25s and for people living in regional NSW,” Mike said.

“We prepare a lot for the night and rehearse and we started off not being paid, but it’s good to be paid like musicians to present a show.

TONIGHT ONLY: Thursday, March 28, Cabarita Beach Surf Life Saving Club 6pm8pm $5 at door. Also check out Roll with the Punches by Dre Dub (ft JK-47)

The Sydney Hotshots performing

1.

JUNIOR CROSSWORD

1

2

3 Who lives in Toytown?

4 A word for language and speech

5 What animal is Master Shifu?

6 Once a planet, now a dwarf planet

7 Organs in your ribcage

8 T V show, – and Friends

happening locally is

Leaf or Devil’s Fig?

2. What is a female Peacock known as?

3. When did the Murwillumbah Lions Club begin their International Student Exchange Program?

4. What is the theme for the Tweed Seniors Festival this month?

5. What is the collective noun for a group of echidnas?

ACROSS

1 Mischievous (6)

4 Tranquillisers (7)

7 Rotorcraft (10)

11 Scribe (6)

12 Ultimate (7)

13 African livestock enclosure (5)

14 Gem (4)

15 Pay back money (6)

18 Mocking (10)

19 Cheese (4)

20 Drives back (6)

21 Soft powder (4)

22 Neat (5)

24 Causing surprised indignation (8)

27 Paradise (6)

28 Sickness (6)

31 Popular aquarium fish (5)

34 Tags (6)

35 Basil-based sauce (5)

37 Raging fire (7)

38 Cell division (7)

41 Eternal city (4)

42 Information (4)

43 Concerning weddings (7)

44 Outlaws (7)

45 Region in the Alps (5)

47 Furrow (6)

48 Male singer (5)

50 Deep valley (6)

52 Timepieces (6)

53 Transparent quartz pieces (8)

55 Urge (5)

58 Land measure (imp) (4)

59 Deceived (6)

61 Narrow opening (4)

63 Baked earth (Lat) (10)

64 Offensive odour (6)

66 Satellite (4)

67 Common bacterium (1.4) (5)

68 Body-structure science (7)

69 Of Troy (6)

70 Empirical (10)

71 Influence (7)

72 Duds (6)

DOWN

2 Reflector (6)

3 Attention (8)

4 Vast sea (5)

5 Plane hubs (8)

6 Sternutation (6)

7 Walkers (6)

8 Sloping type (7)

9 Wasteful (10)

Can be Reversed or Diagonal

10 Gospel, faith (8)

16 Savoury flavour (5)

17 Resolve (6)

23 Fancied (9)

25 Journalist (9)

26 Intermediate (2-7)

29 Female name (5)

30 Protection in the kitchen (5)

31 Squad (5)

32 Evidence (9)

33 Cancellation (9)

36 Grave marker (9)

39 Not drunk (5)

40 Of sound (5)

41 Royal rule (5)

46 Event (10)

49 Entrails (6)

51 Overeat (5)

52 Outfits for actors (8)

54 Dodge (8)

56 Fungus (8)

57 Italian potato dumplings (7)

59 Lunatic (6)

60 Seasoned sausage (6)

62 Get (6)

65 Herb (5)

LETTER

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

19 words: Good 29 words: Very good 39 words: Excellent

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

629785143

178324596

543169827

897453261

462871935

351692478

986217354

735948612

214536789

THIS WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

Junior: Money, Piano, Noddy, Lingo, Panda, Pluto, Lungs, Tilly (MONOPOLY)

9 Letter Puzzle: ADVERSITY, airy, dairy, daisy, deity, diary, dietary, dirty, dray, drays, dyes, easy, estray, rayed, rays, ready, satyr, stay, stayed, steady, stray, strayed, stye, tardy, teary, tidy, tray, trey, tyre, variety, varsity, vary, verity, very, vestry, yard, year, yeast, yeti

Owner/upholster

media/ interiors, and Lisa Young, sales and in-home stylist, work together to create their customer’s visions.

With more than 40-years’ experience in upholstery, Phil focuses on repairing and recovering furniture from daybeds, statement chairs, dining chairs, ottomans, cushions, window seats, caravan cushions and custom upholstery.

“We have a range of fabrics in store to choose from or we can source what you are looking for from our Australian fabric houses or overseas,” he said.

“We believe quality furniture has a far greater

life span than cheap imports.”

Phil said investing in a quality piece of furniture will serve you better including family heirlooms. “They don’t make furniture like they used to,” he said.

“Lisa is our home stylist and is in store, or she can visit clients to help create their visions with more than 20 years’ experience in the fashion and interior styling industries.”

Seaside Interiors & Upholstery offer a free pick-up and delivery service from within the Gold Coast and Tweed Coast areas.

Visit the friendly team at 2/84 Hastings Road, Cabarita, call 0435 116 897 for a free quote or visit the website: www. seasideinteriors.com.au to make an appointment.

Calling

THE TWEED Tourism Company was proud to take The Tweed to Darwin recently, alongside Potager and Husk Farm Distillery, for the prestigious Australian Tourism Awards.

The gala event is the tourism industry’s peak national awards, with more than 1,000 people in attendance from across Australia and over 180 leading tourism operators vying for top honours across 26 award categories.

It was an incredible honour for The Tweed Tourism Company to be awarded GOLD on the national stage in the category of Tourism Marketing & Campaigns and we were thrilled for Potager, taking out SILVER for Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services and Husk Farm Distillery, a FINALIST in the Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries category.

These brilliant outcomes are a shared celebration of the hard work, innovation and tenacity of The Tweed’s amazing tourism operators - by working in partnership and supporting one another we’re elevating the region’s opportunities in tourism, now and into the future.

In celebrating these accolades, we also recognise our great partnership with Tweed Shire Council and thank them for their support of tourism in the Tweed.

Another important partner for the region is the Gold Coast Airport - while a skip across the border in Queensland it’s our nearest major airport with a commitment to supporting the Northern Rivers region of NSW and helping to grow domestic and international visitation.

Last week, the Gold Coast Airport launched its important Masterplan to guide the future direction of the facility, especially over the next 8 years as preparations ramp up for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

As a region, it’s key for us to collaborate with partners that have shared values; this Master-

plan outlines the Gold Coast Airport’s commitment to serving the communities of northern NSW, incorporating a wellness hub within a new airport precinct and elevating a focus on sustainability, with a range of actions to reduce emissions by 2030.

The continued success of the Gold Coast Airport brings many benefits to The Tweed, providing a great boost to tourism and our local Tweed economy and also making travel for Tweed residents more accessible.

We wish you and your loved ones a wonderful Easter break ahead and hope that you’re planning to get out and explore our beautiful Tweed region, in between hot cross buns and Easter egg hunts!

For more detail and regular communications contact the TTC team at info@thetweed.com. au to be added to their regular eNewsletter list.

TTC General Manager Sally Scott

For Sale

Excellent

call 0448552336

Scrap Metal Removal

PICK ME UP SCRAP METAL We collect white goods, heavy gauge, steel light gauge, steel farm machinery, trucks, cars, all metals copper lead batteries. We pay for batteries. You call we collect! Contact Wayne Leveridge on (02) 5616 8017 or 0434 431 461.

HLTAID009

Car for Sale

2003

330,000 km. $49,000 phone 0467 723 824

Car for Sale

2008

2001

lady

New clutch, very clean little car. Has Rego C150YU. $5,995. Taylor Made Car Sales (DL/16862), 5 Prospero Street, South Murwillumbah. Ph: (02) 6672 5454.

BRAND NEW unused optimum

reclining electric power chair, genuine reason for sale. Paid $7000, including $1000 accessories. Ideal for travel, folding with adjustable head and footrest. Drive range 20km, max capacity 100kg. Please contact Adam 0405 152 253 to make an offer.

Positions Vacant

GARLIC PLANTERS WANTED! Garlic Planters

Wanted to assist with garlic planting at farm near Murwillumbah. $25 per hour, expected 5-8 hours per day. Commencing Mid-March, first in best dressed. Please contact Anna on 0420 249 925 for selection inquiries

TWEED HEADS COOLANGATTA TAXIS

LOOKING FOR WORK?

NEED EXTRA CASH?

All training provided. Join our friendly team right now. Phone 07 5536 3371

owner.

HONDA JAZZ VTI HATCHBACK: 5 door2019 - 51,000km, rego till June 2024. $18,500. Ph: 0408 600 124

SHEA OAK, Hard wood table and chairs. Outdoor setting. Seats 10, Located Tweed Heads. $2,000. No offers, Phone 0438 545 813

KIMBERLEY KAMPER PLATINUM 2009

condition. $23000. Tweed/Coolangatta area. Please

ELECTRIC BLACK LEATHER LOUNGE two seater but can be converted to three seater. Foot rest and back rest reclines, drink holders and lights. $999. Please phone: 0456 767 248

MOTORHOME 2003 Mercedes Sprinter, 12

Months Rego, Dec 2024, shower, toilet, towbar, aircon, inverter, full equip kitchen, TV, lots of extras,

HALL Ayden Walter Issac 09/03/2024

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

O’BRIEN Codey James 14/03/2024

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

O’CONNELL Dawn Lorraine 15/03/2024

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

KIRBY Michael 19/03/2024

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

BURLEIGH John Sinclair 20/03/2024

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

AUKINO Jean 23/03/2024

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

Richard Andrew Tartan

Late of Ellwood Avenue, Warwick Formerly of The Tweed Valley July 1955 - March 2024

Aged 68 years

Son of Milan

MITCHELL Agnes (Una) 23/03/2024

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

WELHAM Peter James 23/03/2024

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

Christine Margaret BEECROFT 14/3/2024

Heritage Brothers 07 5599 1500

Stephen Kenneth CRAWFORD 14/3/2024

Heritage Brothers 07 5599 1500

Edward “Eddie” ROGERS 15/3/2024

Heritage Brothers 07 5599 1500

William “Bill” MACKENZIE 15/3/2024

Heritage Brothers 07 5599 1500

Loretta Fay FLAHERTY 17/3/2024

Heritage Brothers 07 5599 1500

Lynnette Susan OAKLEY 17/3/2024

Heritage Brothers 07 5599 1500

Tony Charles MAIDMENT 22/3/2024

Heritage Brothers 07 5599 1500

Norma Carol HART 22/3/2024

Heritage Brothers 07 5599 1500

There are special people in our lives who never leave us, even after they are gone. You lived, laughed and loved. Remembering you 2 years on Eat, Sleep, RAVE, REPEAT!

Potty surfer takes down best in world

By Jo Kennett

POTTSVILLE SURFER Dale Taylor has won the inaugural 2024 Blackmores Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing S2 Championship in small, clean swell and sunshine to match the good vibes at Byron Bay on Friday, March 22.

The 60-year-old was the oldest competitor and took down the best S2 (below knee category) surfers in the world.

“The Blackmores Australian Pro was the biggest para surfing event to be ever held in Australia and the first leg of four championship events to be held throughout the world,” Dale said.

“It had 90 competitor’s from 17 countries and had a total prize pool of $62,000.

“It was by far the biggest para event I’d ever seen let alone competed in and I was overwhelmed and nervous in my first heat, which contained the Japanese and British champions.

“It was held in extremely bad conditions. Very small and onshore.”

It was a very tight heat and Dale said he was lucky to get through, saying he was nearly knocked out on the first day.

“I had so many close heats through the course of the week, heats where the lead continually changed,” Dale said.

“In one heat l went from first place to last and back to first place twice.

“The level of competition was something I’d never experienced before. These guys were all the para surfing champions of the respective countries and they compete on a whole different level than I’m used to.

“I like to stay busy in heats and catch lots of waves because it seems to work for me and focus on me during the heat and not what the other competitors are doing.”

The final was held in very clean,very contestable 1-3 offshore waves at The Pass.

“I started off very badly and didn’t complete my first wave,” Dale said.

“That really dented my confidence and l sat for nearly ten minutes before I caught my next wave.

“I was so nervous paddling into it. I kept saying to myself, don’t fall, just complete the wave.

“My second wave scored a 7.50, then my third wave put me into second position and my fourth wave gave me the lead with six minutes to go.

“That was the longest six minutes of my life.

“I was so stoked to hear the announcer say, ‘Dale Taylor you are the 2024 Blackmores Australian Pro Surfing Champion’.”

Dale said he put a lot of effort in leading into this event surfing every day, training and staying on a strict diet.

“It all came to a head at the end of the final as the emotion of what I’d just achieved set in,” he said.

“I’d done it, I’d beaten the very best para surfers from around the world.

“It’s by far my best result ever and I’ve never been happier and so proud to be an Australian.

“Also, one of the best things about the event was the support l received from my local community.

“They really turned out in force and it helped me get through some tough heats knowing l was the local boy and that l had all this support.

“It spurred me on to win as l didn’t want to let them all down.

“So many times after each heat,friends and locals would just appear and congratulate me. It was so humbling and now I’m the Para Surfing World Tour rankings leader. Yieeeeew.”

“The next three events are in Hawaii, USA and Costa Rica and at the end of the world tour a Para World Surfing Champion will be crowned.”

Dale is already the five times champion of the Australian Para Surfing Titles.

Local girls bring home gold

By Jo Kennett

TWO TWEED Shire hockey players have been part of the team which took victory in the Under 21s national championships in Newcastle on Wednesday, March 20.

Fiona Laybutt and Nina Murphy represented Queensland in the championships held in Newcastle.

Fiona, from Cabarita Beach, plays with the Kingscliff Hockey Club while Nina, from Piggabeen, plays with the Casuarina Hockey Club.

Cabarita Hockeyroo Savannah Fitzpatrick was assistant coach.

The Queensland Flames team went through undefeated, beating the ACT, South Australia and Western Australia in their pool matches.

In the quarter final they defeated Tasmania 3-0.

In the semi final they met NSW and managed a win in a shootout 4-2. In a nail biting final they defeated Victoria 2-1, scoring the winning goal with just over one minute remaining in the match.

Jeff’s ride for cancer

By Jo Kennett

LOCAL CYCLIST Jeff Collier has ridden 500 kilometres in five days to raise funds for research into Rare Ovarian Cancer (ROC) with the support of Kool Bikes and Hire and Pottsville Beach Public School.

Jeff joined a group of cyclists to ride around the mountains of Victoria from March 18 to 23 with a combined goal of raising $200,000. There is currently no recognised treatment or cure for this type of cancer and due to its rarity, research funding is very limited.

As well as donating $500 towards Jeff’s fundraising campaign Julian Thurlow from Kool Bikes and Hire donated a BMX bicycle to the Pottsville Beach Public School to help support National Ride2School Day on Monday 18 March which coincided with the start of the Ride4Research.

Jeff is from Murwillumbah and has lived in the area most of his life and recently retired from his career working and managing swimming pools for Tweed Shire Council.

“I have always been involved with local sporting clubs and in particular the Murwillumbah Cycle Club and the Tweed Valley Triathletes,” Jeff says on his fundraising page.

“I managed to train and race while working full time for both

road cycling and Olympic distance triathlon with my greatest success coming with winning the World Olympic Distance Age Group Championships in Auckland in 2012.

“Although (wife) Cate and I have ridden our bikes all over the world, I have never been too Bright so when I heard about the Ride for Research I thought why not.

“It presented a great opportunity to support the scientific staff in the work that they do and ultimately females who may be diagnosed with this life-threatening cancer all while riding my bike with like- minded people.

“My philosophy on life is always be generous, be grateful, show respect to other people, maintain good health through food and exercise, contribute to society, keep learning, nurture happy relationships and be confident in my own ability.”

If you would like to make a donation directly to this campaign go to: www.rocinc.org.au/campaigns/jeff-collier

Dale Taylor in his favourite place. INSET: Dale Taylor in white with the other finalists

Julian Thurlow with Jeff Collier

Under 21 national champions Fiona Laybutt left with Nina Murphy

Fiona Laybutt in action for Queensland at the Under 21s womens national titles

Real Estate Estate

City buyers still keen on Tweed

By Jo Kennett

CITY BUYERS are still strongly represented in the local market, as are downsizers, with many first-time buyers also entering the market, but some agents are seeing a slowing of interest in higher maintenance rural properties.

DJ Stringer Property Services principal David Stringer said that the inquiries he is seeing at the moment are “largely local buyers upsizing and downsizing, as well as many first-home buyers entering the market.”

“In addition, there is still quite a large influx of buyers from Sydney and Melbourne with a large percentage looking at retiring and seizing lifestyle options,” David said.

“Investors are back in the market full swing on the back of higher rents being achieved and expected capital growth.”

David said the market is still strong.

“The market across all spectrums remains strong and prices on reflection are continuing to impress

due to a shortage of stock levels and strong demand,” he said.

“This is evident for both the southern Gold Coast and Tweed districts, with overwhelming demand for homes under $1 million and units under $800,000.

“Interest rates haven’t played too much of a part in the current market.

“However, signs are showing that interest rates are likely to come down and lenders facilitating more borrowers that may have had difficulties in the past.

“In addition, banks are becoming far more flexible with offering rate cuts, only if one asks, due to direct competition from other financial institutions.

“Given this, buyer enquiry will likely only strengthen throughout 2024 which is heading towards another bumper year for the property industry.”

Schmith Estate Agents principal Justin Schmith said most of the inquiries he was seeing were coming from Victoria.

“We are seeing most buyers from Melbourne,” Justin said.

“Victorian-based buyers are the

Open Homes

Saturday, March 23

JET

• 48 McLeod Street, Condong, 12:30-1pm

LJ Hooker Kingscliff

• 236 Old Lismore Road, Byangum, 10-11am

Tate Brownlee

• 8/13 Parkland Plc, Banora Point, 9am-9:30am

• 99 Winders Plc, Banora Point, 9am-9:30am

flavour of the year as they were last year.

“Besides a few locals from the Gold Coast and Tweed area, some from Byron Shire and some from Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie and northern Qld, the biggest standout buyers are from Melbourne and Victoria.

Justin said the market was still extremely strong.

“It’s the best I’ve seen it since COVID for sellers with the tightest stock levels ever and high buyer

demand,” Justin said.

“Our market is literally defying all economic logic.

“However, our stuff in Byron is not doing so well and rural stuff has really slowed down in the Tweed Shire, particularly price and days on market.

“Everyone appears to be heading back to the city or no one wants to work or do Sunday lawns and maintenance.

“Suburb downsize properties and properties close to medical and

• 3/140 Kennedy Drv, Tweed Heads West, 1010:30am

• 81 Jacaranda Ave, Tweed Heads West, 10-10:30am

• 10 Bushranger Rd, Terranora, 11-11:30am

• 11 Sexton Hill Drv, Banora Point, 11-11:30pm

• 150 Kennedy Drv, Tweed Heads West, 11:4512:15pm

• 11/39-45 Tweed Coast Rd, Bogangar, 12-12:30pm

• 29 McLeod St, Condong, 1-1:30pm

• 57 Thoroughbred Plc, Bungalora, 2-2:30pm

• 47 Bimbadeen Ave, Banora Point, 2-2:30pm

• 29 Oyster Point Rd, Banora Point, 3-3:30pm

• 19 Seaview Rd, Banora Point, 3-3:30pm

Our Community Comes First

infrastructure are hot, thanks to the baby boomers downsizing.”

Justin said the only effect he was seeing on interest rates was mainly borrowing capacity being cut.

“For example, before, if you were getting approved up to $1.2 million, now it might only be $800,000 or $900,000, but everyone is still buying and or consolidating,” he said.

“Consolidation is a common occurrence in the common market due to the higher interest rates.”

• 3 Carla Crt, Varsity Lakes (Qld), 4-4:30pm

DJ Stringer Property Services

• 245/20 Binya Ave, Tweed Heads, 10-10:30am

NSW Time

• 17 Karingal Ave, Bilambil Heights, 10-10:30am

NSW Time

• 1/231 Golden Four Dr, Bilinga, 10:15-10:45am

Qld Time

• 2/5 Foxhill Dr, Banora Point, 11-11:30am NSW Time

Qld Time

• 6/24 Dutton Street, Coolangatta, 11:15-11:45am

• 110 Caloola Cres, Tweed Heads, 1:15-2pm

NSW Time

We all live and work here in the beautiful Northern Rivers and we’re serious about doing right by our community.

We value the relationships we form with our clients and potential buyers and personally communicate all the way through the sales process. After all, we’re going to be neighbours.

Homes under $800,000 like this Tweed unit with DJ Stringer are popular with first home buyers

This newly designed Hamptons Home! offers a relaxed and stylish lifestyle, for the fussiest of homeowners. With open plan living flowing out to the gorgeous alfresco area and garden – perfect for entertaining!

Brand new dream Kitchen, Asko appliances dishwasher, cooktop, oven and rangehood. Country style kitchen cupboards, draws and pantry.

Lounge room will fit all your furniture with plenty of room to move. Feature V-jay wall adds to the ambience. Mounted flat screen LG smart tv 75”.

The dining room is the hub of the home, enjoy sharing meals and making memories. New wide timber planks throughout in White Oak and new Plantations shutters.

The Bathroom – is simply stunning and brand new as well. Beautiful vanity and mirror with light feature. Shower screen with two way sliding doors. Top quality fittings all new Shower Head and Vanity “Who” brand.

Main bedroom has built-ins fitted out, reverse cycle air

conditioning, ceiling fan and beautiful bedside pendant lights. Second bedroom has built-ins and ceiling fan can fit a queen size bed.

Two car tandem parking, Spacious external laundry. Fully fenced with side gates. PET FRIENDLY COMMUNITY.

Everything has been done to the highest level by professionals and carefully monitored by the owners. New electrical wiring, Light Fittings, PowerPoints (4 socketblack) and black Ceiling Fans throughout. Freshly painted throughout internal and external. New Crim safe screens. Undercover entertainment area, beautiful gardens.

BONUS!

Dual Living Country Style

236 Old Lismore Road, Byangum NSW

A LARGE FAMILY HOME IN EXCELLENT CONDITION

Multiple living spaces including separate private living for the extended family.

Modern kitchen and bathrooms with country and mountain views from every window.

For Sale

With almost an acre of outdoors room to play and situated in a quiet, low traffic area only minutes to town schools and shops, this is a country escape with benefits.

Best of Both Worlds

226 Round Mountain Road, Round Mountain NSW

RURAL LAND WITH OCEAN VIEWS

They’re not making any more of this coastal land so close to the surf in popular, Northern New South Wales.

A development opportunity approx. 2ks from the beach.

$1,500,000 -$1,600,000 View

Sat 30th Mar at 10-11am For

33 acres mostly cleared with gentle slopes affording ocean views. RU2 zoning, spring-fed dam, bitumen road frontage, flood free.

2

Ju Ju’s Cafe is renowned for exceptional Botero cof fee and great food. This established business is ready for a new owner to take it to the next level. With great plant and equipment, awesome location and potential plus.

Murwillumbah is a foodie hub with an arts and culture vibe that is one of the Northern Rivers emerging hotspots. Only 30 mins to Gold Coast, Tweed Coast beaches and Gold Coast International Airport.

Established over 20 years this solid per forming business is ready for a new owner to take it to the next level. Centrally located in the CBD of Murwillumbah with the freehold for sale also could represent the per fect opportunity to secure both. The Tweed Valley is per forming above the state

average in growth and is the per fect location to live and work. Located in a high exposure location right opposite a busy shopping centre. There is a rear loading area and customer parking available. This business would be hard to fault and full financials available on request.

Motivated

110 Caloola Drive Tweed Heads

From the moment you step inside you will truly appreciate the cozy living and simple elegance that originates from the rustic accents of the internal brickwork, complimented by raked ceilings with exposed timber beams of this Australian Country style inspired (3) bedroom residence.

A lovely welcoming home with real character and charm that also offers upside to those that may wish to add value by modernizing to the current era, if so desired.

Properties within this area are extremely tightly held and with good reason.

Likely to attract strong interest.

• Formal living w/ traditional open fireplace

• Air-conditioned meals area

• Colonial style kitchen w/ a safe watch over the pool area

• Master bedroom w/ ensuite, built in robes & access to rear garden

• Bedrooms (2) & (3) are also generous with built in robes

• Double garage (one side automatic) w/ painted flooring, internal & side access

• In-ground swimming pool (brand new chlorinator)

• Fully fenced sectioned rear yard, garden, entertaining area & pool enclosure

17 Karingal Avenue Bilambil Heights

From the moment you arrive home you will be drawn towards a kaleidoscope of scenic views that span well beyond 180 degrees over the Terranora Inlet and out to the Pacific Ocean.

Your spacious split level (3) bedroom residence has the added bonus of a self-contained versatile studio below, which would appeal to the independent extended family or home business.

• Spacious open plan living w/ raked ceiling & bamboo flooring

• Central social kitchen with island bench & plenty of cupboard space

• Master bedroom w/ ensuite & water views

• Main bathroom w/ spa bath & separate WC

• Large entertainers deck commanding exceptional views

• Double automatic lock up garage w/ internal access

• 20 Solar panels

• Newly restored tiled roof

322

Buyer Range $1.450M-$1.5M

Open

Saturday 1:15 - 2:00 (NSW TIME)

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

Buyer Range $1.250M-$1.295M

Open

Saturday 10:00 - 10:30pm (NSW TIME)

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