Tweed Valley Weekly, May 4, 2023

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El Niño could mean dry spell

around

Council has adopted a new Drought and Water Restrictions Policy to secure the Tweed’s water supply in the hope of avoiding a repeat of the drought seen in 2019... read more inside.

Rescue in savage seas

By Jo Kennett

A FATHER and daughter were rescued by Marine Rescue Point Danger (MRPD) volunteers after their boat broke down off Point Danger in big seas on Sunday, April 30.

The surf has been massive this past week and MRPD public relations officer Aaron Ashley said they were just closing after their normal weekend patrol when they got a call from a seven-metre vessel.

“A father and his daughter had gone offshore, across the bar, and their engine had failed,” Aaron said.

“We’ve had some really big swell and the bar has been really, really messy.

“We got our crew on PD20, the smallest vessel that can tow in anything of the same size and double its weight.”

The rescue boat crossed the bar skippered by Guy Youngblutt with volunteers Aaron, David and Katie crewing.

“We’ve been across in similar adverse conditions before so it’s no problem for us as a rescue crew,” Aaron said.

“The vessel was safely at anchor about a nautical mile offshore and the conditions were quite calm once we got out there and took it in tow.

“It was just navigating the bar with them in tow that was the risky part of the operation and we ensure a nice long tow when you have conditions like that.

“The skipper (Guy Youngblutt) did a brilliant job managing the rescue and towing through the bar.”

The stricken vessel was towed to Fingal boat ramp.

“It’s a good reminder to observe the bar and make sure you are making a safe

decision based on your ability and your vessel’s ability to cross the bar safely,” Aaron said.

“Marine Rescue Point Danger is now getting its crew up to date with rescue water craft (jet skis) so we are training up and will be looking at getting a couple of RWCs so we can expand our capabilities to respond to emergencies in the river and in the bar area.

“It’s for cases where we can’t get a boat in, for instance, we have had young teenagers stuck on rock walls that we can’t get the boat to, or up into tributaries.

Federal MP urges ‘Yes’ vote

By Jonathon Howard

FEDERAL MEMBER for Richmond Justine Elliot is urging Tweed Shire residents to get behind the Voice to Parliament, which she says is a chance to write a new chapter in Australia’s history.

As debate rages on The Weekly’s letters page and in articles, Ms Elliot said she strongly supports a Voice to Parliament and is urging locals to vote ‘Yes’ in this year’s historic referendum.

“Labor went to the last federal election with a clear commitment to implement the Uluru Statement from the Heart, including holding a referendum on the Voice to Parliament,” she said.

“The Voice to Parliament referendum will give us all a chance to write a new chapter into our Constitution.

“The 2023 referendum will be a unifying moment — it’s about taking Australia

forward, for everyone.”

Ms Elliot said for the past 122 years, Australia’s Constitution has not recognised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

“This referendum will give us the opportunity to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in our Constitution through a Voice to Parliament,” she said.

“Constitutional recognition through a Voice is about two things: recognition and listening.

“Recognition of the 65,000 years of shared history and continuous connection to this land by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

“Listening because listening to communities leads to better policies and better outcomes.”

Ms Elliot said the Voice would make a practical difference on the ground in

areas like health, education and housing.

“That’s what the Voice will help deliver,” she said.

“There is already massive support right across the country for the Voice to Parliament, including the business community, unions, sporting organisations, and faith groups.

“Voting ‘Yes’ is the best chance we have had to address the injustices of the past and create change that will deliver a better future.”

Ms Elliot said the referendum will be a defining moment in Australia’s history.

“I have great faith in the Australian people to vote ‘Yes’ at the referendum.”

Justine Elliot MP

Skipper Guy Youngblutt with David

Marine Rescue Point Danger volunteer Katie with the tow line

Letter of the Week

Why Solar Owners are Fuming

double pass* to the film of your choice

You have won

Road is disgraceful

Who is responsible for the disgraceful state of the road from Murwillumbah to the Pacific Motorway? Apart from the woeful attempts to bandaid the potholes, someone seemed to have forgotten that a properly built road has a camber, to allow rainwater to run off. The frequent sheets of accumulating water pose a serious risk of aquaplaning, even at or below the speed limit, turning the road into a potential death trap.

Johann Schröder, Nobbys Creek

Slow down in Tumbulgum

When you get to Tweed you start to slow down. It’s the country, life is slower, even the dogs go slow. And the scenery across the river is magnificent. So, what is your hurry? You want to go fast? Use the highway. So yes, bring the speed to 40km per hour across all of Tumbulgum, please.

Rita Marie Chippindall, South

Tweed

Time to slow down

I definitely believe a 40 kilometre per hour speed limit should be all through Tumbulgum, as I drive through there regularly, and when I saw the signs for 40 I was so happy for the people, but unfortunately people don’t like to be told what speed limit to do. It is such a beautiful spot driving along the river, watching families having a lovely time together fishing and just enjoying been out with family. Everybody needs to get behind the people of Tumbulgum and give them the respect of driving through their beautiful village.

Pamela O’Brien, Tweed Heads

Questions around rates

We live in a truly special part of this country and we need to protect it sensitively for the ratepayers and residents who call it home.

I wish to respectfully suggest that the Tweed Council should redirect educational resources allocated to federal government issues to rather

educating us fully and transparently on how rates are calculated and, importantly, apportioned. The commentary that property valuations are a small part of the rates assessments is simply not true. My rates notices over the past five years reflect that 70% is calculated on property valuation. There is misinformation out there which could be addressed at information sessions for ratepayers to fully understand the complex system in view of the current disproportionate increases in property valuations and consequently disproportionate rates increases for some and reductions for others. This is apparently not the only NSW Government approved rating system and we should be informed on the options.

We can all accept the need for CPI increases (and perhaps small adjustments as currently envisaged) but to further penalise those of us in certain locations because of abnormal demand from Sydney buyers during Covid is simply unfair. Be warned, we are not all subject to the same percentage rates increase and you may be shocked.

It is probably time we all joined our local ratepayers associations and collectively demanded some transparency on how rates are calculated, based on where we live, even which side of the street, despite the fact we all supposedly get the same services.

Leigh Kealton, Casuarina

Where’s the money for Rail Trail?

In reply to deputy mayor Meredith Dennis saying in The Weekly (April 20) that Council has no funding for Rail Trail maintenance.

Council always said from day one that the Rail Trail would cost ratepayers nothing, yet they have employed a woman at our expense to handle Rail Trail matters.

Council has received $600,000 for three years’ maintenance and now say they have no money left.

Do you have solar panels yet find your bill is now twice as much as it was last year? The electricity market is broken and retailers have attacked solar users with a double whammy - Slash the amount they pay for your solar energy and increase all the other charges. More pain is on the way -The federal budget is forecasting a 56 per cent increase in electricity prices in the next 18 months.

Unless you have solar batteries you are facing serious increases in energy costs. 888 Solar Tek have installed hundreds of solar battery systems in the Northern Rivers in the last 8 years and can help you with great deals on the most reliable and long lasting solar batteries in Australia. Get a Hybrid inverter and 4.8 kWh battery installed for as low as $7,888.

There are so many ratepayers who are struggling severely to even put food on the table and really cannot afford huge rate increases.

I believe Council has over $435 million in investments, so I feel this is not fair by any means.

In regards to Meredith saying about bike riders crossing roads when it is not safe, I feel this is a severe issue, with a bad accident about to happen at the Smiths Creek Road crossing at Stokers Siding. I believe there are many near accidents there, something needs to be done before this happens.

Marie Luxford, Dunbible Giant devil’s fig

I am so surprised at the lack of participation by our local and state governments regarding this seriously invasive plant that provides all the nourishment a flying fox needs.

Forget about renourishing the forest. Devil’s figs are like McDonalds to flying foxes.

Council should get rid of the silly 40 hectare rule. Smaller lots at least may be able to help with the acres of land infected with this nasty weed. If you don’t recognise what is going on on your property, it is the very nasty plant that can grow in your lawns covered in thorns even at birth.

Greg Church, Nobbys Creek Why you should vote ‘Yes’

Congratulations to Tweed Mayor Chris Cherry for her positive leadership on the issue of the Voice to Parliament. As an independent, she joins former Liberal Ministers Ken Wyatt and Julian Leeser in taking a principled stand on this issue. It is gratifying to see people with such integrity supporting the ‘Yes’ case. Regarding the debate about letters to the editor on this issue, we need to see a range of opinions being published. Reasoned arguments from both sides need to be aired.

We keep hearing about the alleged “divisiveness” of the Voice proposal but do not hear about the divisiveness

caused by the fact that our constitution never properly recognised our Indigenous peoples. We hear from those who want “more detail” about the proposal, which sounds very much like a delaying tactic. Rarely do we see evidence that these commentators have read the Uluru Statement from the Heart, the Prime Minister’s Garma speech, or the Langton/Carma Report on the Indigenous Voice Co-Design Process.

In recent weeks, the Solicitor General has concluded that concerns about the wording of the Referendum are unfounded, arguing that the proposed wording of the referendum question would be “an enhancement” to our system of representative and responsible government.

Perhaps we should look at the wider international perspective. How will the international community respond if they see, later this year, that the Australian people have been misled into rejecting an eminently sensible proposal? We need to acknowledge First Nations people in our constitution and provide them with a democratic mechanism for commenting on legislation that directly affects their lives.

Neville Jennings, Murwillumbah

Don’t be afraid to say ‘Yes’

There would be a perverse and inexplicable reason to celebrate if the ‘No’ campaign wins the referendum on The Voice to Parliament.

The Frontier Wars are still in the minds of some culture warriors from the conservative past, conflating a host of unrelated grievances and misinformation to bring it down.

Realigning a constitution written in the dim, dark colonial past, which explicitly excluded Aboriginal peoples based on their race and the concept of terra nullius, is a positive and gracious thing to do. What’s the problem that has not been answered by the best legal and constitutional minds in the country who have found an

enshrined Voice would enhance governance and work towards removing barriers to Indigenous participation in the democratic process?

If anyone is moved by Paul Kelly and Kev Carmody’s song, ‘From Little Things Big Things Grow’ penned 30 years ago, and by the continued plight of First Nations Peoples, then to vote ‘Yes’ is a given.

After the Aboriginal Land Rights Act, Mabo, Wik, the Native Title Act, the Apology by Kevin Rudd, which conservatives cried would lead to all sorts of calamity that failed to arise, we are here with the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

An invitation to share, to talk and to listen, “…to walk with us in a movement of the Australian people for a better future”.

That’s not something to be afraid of, to undermine, or resist.

Mark Baxter, Street Kingscliff No Council funds on Voice

There should be no councillors’ involvement across Australia to influence rate payers regarding the Voice. One Tweed councillor is right with his concern (TVW, April 20). Tweed Shire councillors need to concentrate on the infrastructure problems across the Tweed, mainly roads and congested traffic, and stop passing the buck to the state government to resolve their problems. There is money available to maintain thoroughfares across the Tweed — it’s a mess.

If the councillors have time to push their Voice views towards the ratepayers, then they have time to make executive decisions for the rate paying communities across the Tweed, and leave the grandstanding to others.

Peter Lazer, Terranora

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

Start saving water now

By Jonathon Howard

DESPITE A good lashing of rain in the past week, Tweed Shire Council is gearing up for another long dry spell and is calling on residents to reduce their water consumption as El Niño returns.

A part of Council’s El Niño warning is for each resident to reduce their daily water usage to around 160 litres of water per person per day, or less. We’re currently using around 174 litres each a day.

Council has adopted a new Drought and Water Restrictions Policy to secure the Tweed’s water supply in the hope of avoiding a repeat of the drought seen in 2019, which was the driest year on record and resulted in deep water restrictions being imposed.

Council’s Water and Wastewater Business and Assets Manager Anthony Burnham said Council has updated water restrictions, water-use targets, and compliance and enforcement measures.

Mr Burnham said the current consumption rates cannot last.

“Since December, we have been using too much water,” he said.

“At the moment, we’re using 174 litres of water per person a day, on average. I urge everyone to save water at all times, indoors and outdoors.”

Mr Burnham said there are fears of a repeat of 2019, which saw the Clarrie Hall Dam reduced to less than a third of its capacity.

“And yet the 2022 flood was the worst in our recorded history and the dry El Niño looks set to be arriving soon,” Mr Burnham said.

“Extreme weather events are increasing in severity, putting our supply of drinking

water at risk.

“We have learned from these events to come up with a better approach to saving water whenever we are at risk of running out — it’s an approach that everyone can readily understand and follow.

“People won’t immediately feel any impact from the new policy until we need to trigger water restrictions, but it is important that everyone knows the key changes so they can prepare and readily follow the revised restrictions in the future.”

Certified gold for plain language, the new policy clarifies when Council will introduce and lift water restrictions, based largely on water levels at Clarrie Hall Dam.

Other triggers exist, such as poor river water quality and issues with the water supply network.

Four levels of water restrictions remain for the Tweed and Uki water supply systems.

Tyalgum follows a two-level approach due to its unique operating conditions.

Each restriction level aims to help the

Tweed community achieve a specific water-use target.

After level 4, Council can introduce emergency measures that will limit water use to 100 litres per person a day, for essential use only.

Water-based businesses that do not directly support public health and safety may have to find other ways of doing business, such as not using town water. Water carting remains banned from the Tyalgum and Uki water supplies at all times.

Carting water from the Tweed to other local government areas is banned whenever water restrictions are in place.

Council can issue fines anyone for breaching water restrictions — the maximum penalty currently is $2,200.

If someone repeatedly misuses water, they may have their water service restricted or even disconnected.

Even when there are no water restrictions, Council asks everyone in the Tweed to limit their water use to 160 litres per person a day.

SAVE WATER: Clarrie Hall Dam forms part of the Tweed's water supply

THE LEGAL LIGHT!

I’ve been called up for jury duty. What happens now?

Before there were juries to determine the guilt or innocence of an accused, the fate of the person before the court was usually decided by a priest, in the belief that God would intervene on behalf of the innocent.

There was no presentation of evidence, and confessions could be extracted by torture. Women accused of witchcraft were thrown into lakes. If they floated, they were decreed to be witches and executed. If they sank, they were innocent.

The first record of jury decisions came shortly after the Normans invaded England in 1066, and in 1215 the phrase “by the lawful judgement of his peers” was written into the Magna Carta. But these juries were composed of witnesses who passed judgement based on what they themselves knew.

Over the next hundred years this developed into impartial juries of peers chosen at random to decide the guilt or innocence of the accused, based on evidence produced to the court.

Molly Hayter at Stacks Law Firm says if you have been called up for jury duty, you are following a long and noble tradition.

“You have been chosen at random and must turn up at the court on the notified day, unless you have told the sheriff you are unavailable,” Ms Hayter said.

“Many others whose names were chosen will be there. Not all of you will end up on a jury.

“While jury service is a serious obligation to our society and can be very interesting, some may have reasons not to serve.”

You can be excused from jury duty if it would cause undue hardship or serious inconvenience to you or your family.

You could be excused if you are a sole trader or contractor, emergency worker, doctor, dentist, member of the clergy; or you need to attend exams or lectures, have a pre-booked holiday or travel, have no means of transport to court, or don’t understand English.

Police, politicians, military, lawyers and criminals can’t serve.

In NSW jurors are paid $106.30 per day. If the trial lasts longer than 11 days, jurors who are employed get $247.40 per day. Employers are required to pay full-time or part-time staff for the first ten days of jury service. Jurors are also paid 30.7 cents per kilometre for travel to court.

“Before the trial, the court sheriff briefs jurors on what they can and can’t do. It is vital jurors never conduct their own investigations or research or consult others outside the court.

“Your decision must be based only on what is presented in the court room. Juror misconduct usually results in a mistrial, and the juror can be fined up to $5,500 and/or spend two years in jail.”

Poverty hits mortgage holders

By Jonathon Howard

POVERTY AMONGST Murwillumbah homeowners with a mortgage has officially doubled since 2016, and it’s not the only location according to the latest data from the National Centre of Social and Economic Modelling (NATSEM)

In fact, much of the Northern Rivers has experienced a doubling of poverty rates for mortgage holders since 2016, and experts say without more affordable housing and more affordable rentals it will only get worse.

NATSEM’s research revealed the poverty rate for regional NSW is higher than Greater Sydney, with young people (1524) and older people (65+) seeing the biggest average increases in the last five years.

The research was commissioned by peak social service body NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS) and conducted by NATSEM at the University of Canberra.

It found that the housing crisis is a key driver of poverty in regional areas, with mortgage holders experiencing the biggest increase in poverty, up by more than 80 per cent since 2016.

Murwillumbah’s poverty rates for homeowners with a mortgage has doubled since 2016 where it was 6.8 per cent, and now is 14.6 per cent.

NCOSS CEO Joanna Quilty said the report is a wake-up call for the state’s leaders, urging the NSW Government

to respond quickly.

“These statistics are devastating, showing the grim reality of poverty reaching into every suburb and town in NSW — but with some communities really bearing the brunt,” Ms Quilty said.

“What we are seeing is a housing crisis on multiple fronts — people experiencing poverty in rural and regional areas are most likely to be in the private rental market, but it’s those still paying off a mortgage who are increasingly struggling.

“And while public housing tenants in rural and regional NSW are small in number, the majority of them (more than 58 per cent) live below the poverty line.

“We know that the situation has only got-

ten worse since 2021, with relentless rate hikes and soaring cost of living pressures.

“People living in poverty are resourceful and do whatever they can to survive. But we know for some, this can mean forgoing medication, healthcare or food to cover housing costs, or living in overcrowded or unsafe situations because there is no other option.

“We are pleased the newly elected NSW Government has recognised the urgent need to address the state’s housing crisis.

“To help, we have put forward a set of actionable and practical recommendations for the NSW Government to consider, and we look forward to working with the government on these solutions.”

Air traffic controllers on duty

By Jonathon Howard

AIRSERVICES AUSTRALIA has quashed any concerns that Gold Coast Airport is operating without air traffic controllers from 9.30pm.

A Tweed Heads resident, whose name has been withheld, recently wrote to The Weekly raising concerns that Gold Coast Airport was operating without the crucial air traffic controllers from 9.30pm.

“I have been horrified to discover that from 9.30pm every night there are no air traffic controllers on duty at the Gold Coast Airport,” the resident, who is new to the area, alleged, .

“Pilots must make the decision as to take off and land, whilst also focussing on flying the plane.”

The resident called on The Weekly to

confirm the situation with Airservices Australia, who was quick to correct the resident and address any concerns.

“The Gold Coast Airport Tower is staffed by air traffic controllers from 5.55am to 11pm daily to cover the busiest operational periods for the airport,” a spokesperson for Airservices Australia said. “It does not close at 9.30pm.

“These are standard operating hours for many airports with similar air traffic patterns.”

The reassurance comes as Gold Coast Airport continues to ramp up its flight schedule following the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The airport has recently launched direct flights to Bali with Virgin Australia.

Queensland Airports Limited Chief Commercial Officer Adam Rowe said the

direct link will make it much easier for locals wanting to holiday in Bali.

“This new connection makes Bali holidays quicker and easier for Gold Coast and Northern NSW locals, removing the need for connecting flights, or long and unpredictable trips up the motorway,” Mr Rowe said.

Tony Mitchell Lawyer

Airservices Australia says it's on duty

MORTGAGE POVERTY: No one is immune to poverty and a recent study proves just that

Justine Elliot MP

Your Federal Member for Richmond

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 laws, customs and traditions.

Last week we each used 182L a day

as at 1 May 2023

In brief ...

Help your business succeed in Tweed!

Keep up to date with all that is happening across business in the Tweed by subscribing to Council’s free business newsletter, Succeed in the Tweed.

The online newsletter is aimed at providing information on business assistance programs, schemes, support packages and changes to laws and rules on all levels of government, and much more.

To gain your free subscription, simply head to tweed.nsw.gov.au/subscribe and fill in the details and select which newsletters you wish to receive.

Everything you wanted to know about composting

Learn the magic of compost during International Compost Awareness Week (7–13 May).

Use green waste to nourish your plants and reduce your household waste – it’s simpler than you think.

Join Council and our friends at North East WasteNEWaste at one of our Compost Workshops.

Without rain, the Tweed will head into water restrictions again. Council will need to release water from Clarrie Hall Dam when the flow of the Tweed River at the Bray Park Weir falls too low. Inset: While currently there are no water restrictions in the Tweed, water is a limited resource. Make every drop count – meet Target 160L from today.

Revised water restrictions respond to climate change

Tweed Shire Council has adopted a new Drought and Water Restrictions Policy to secure the Tweed’s water supply in the face of operational issues and extreme weather events brought about by climate change.

Water and Wastewater Business and Assets Manager

Anthony Burnham said Council had updated water restrictions, water-use targets and compliance and enforcement measures based on community feedback following recent droughts and floods.

“The year 2019 was our driest year, yet the 2022 flood was the worst in our recorded history and the dry El Niño looks set to be arriving soon,” Mr Burnham said.

“Extreme weather events are increasing in severity, putting our supply of drinking water at risk.

“We have learned from these events to come up with a better approach to saving water whenever we are at risk of running out – it’s an approach that everyone can readily understand and follow.

“People won’t immediately feel any impact from the new policy until we need to trigger water restrictions, but it is important that everyone knows the key changes so they can prepare and readily follow the revised restrictions in the future.”

Certified gold for plain language, the new policy clarifies when Council will introduce and lift water restrictions, based largely on water levels at Clarrie Hall Dam. Other triggers exist, such as poor river water quality and issues with the

water supply network.

Four levels of water restrictions remain for the Tweed and Uki water supply systems. Tyalgum follows a 2-level approach due to its unique operating conditions.

The revised water restrictions detail what people and businesses can and cannot do and prescribe water-use targets that everyone in the Tweed must follow when restrictions are introduced.

The restrictions aim to initially reduce water use outdoors and focus on water used at home rather than in businesses, as water is used mostly at home.

Water-based businesses that do not directly support public health and safety may have to find other ways of doing business, such as not using town water.

Water carting remains banned from the Tyalgum and Uki water supplies at all times. Carting water from the Tweed to other local government areas is banned whenever water restrictions are in place.

Mr Burnham said these, and other measures outlined in the new policy, aimed to ensure the community always had water.

Even when there are no water restrictions, Council asks everyone in the Tweed to limit their water use to 160 litres per person a day.

For more information for everyone visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/ water-restrictions-everyone and for water restrictions for business, visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/business-water-restrictions

Flood restoration roadworks and road closures

Motorists are advised a section of Byrrill Creek Road at Byrrill Creek will be closed to all traffic next Monday 8 May to Friday 12 May 2023 as flood restoration roadworks continue (weather permitting.)

Contractor Civil Consult will undertake test borehole drilling at a large slip on Byrrill Creek Road between Cedar Creek and Kyogle Roads, as part of its investigations to repair the slip. Medium-sized drilling machinery will be in operation.

Tweed Shire Council has notified nearby residents of the temporary road closure. Arrangements are in place to allow emergency vehicle access.

The road will be closed for six hours from 9 am to 3 pm during the onsite investigations, ensuring the safety of motorists and on-site crews.

Byrrill Creek Road is an alternative route used by motorists to access Tyalgum. Another alternative route must be taken during the working periods.

At Smiths Creek, southeast of Uki, contractor Pan Civil has begun onsite work to repair a slip on Hazelbrook Road.

Motorists are advised the road is closed to public access with local traffic only permitted. Electronic signage is in place, informing of the changed conditions. Tweed Shire Council is delivering a safe and connected local road network while building resilience to natural disasters and the impacts of climate change.

Murwillumbah and surrounds, join us on Tuesday 9 May from 10am at the Murwillumbah Library. Book your place at compost-murwillumbah.eventbrite.com.au

Kingscliff and surrounds, join us on Friday 12 May from 10am at the Kingscliff Library. Book your place at compost-kingscliff.eventbrite.com.au

In these free community workshops, you will learn:

• how to make your own compost bin

• the basics of composting effectively

• how to use your compost to nourish your plants and garden naturally.

Our composting expert will also trouble-shoot and help resolve common composting issues to ensure you will come away with home composting skills and knowledge that you can apply straight away.

Using green waste to nourish your plants and reduce your household waste is easier than you think.

Fill out cross-border community survey

Do you live, work or play in the NSW/Queensland crossborder community?

The Office of the Cross-Border Commissioner is conducting its annual survey and would like to hear about the cross-border issues that are important to you and your experiences interacting with the Cross-Border Commissioner’s Office.

The feedback you provide will help improve how the office collaborates with you and will help guide priorities in working with other government agencies to solve cross-border issues.

Collaborating with the community and with all levels of government on both sides of the border to help resolve any challenges for border communities is at the heart of what the Commissioner’s office does.

The survey is very straight forward and should take no more than 10 minutes to complete.

This survey is open now and will close at 11:59 pm on Sunday 14 May 2023. Visit nsw.gov.au/have-your-say/crossborder-community-survey

Byrrill Creek Road, Byrrill Creek, will be closed to traffic next week due to flood restoration works

Prince Charles’ Tweed Show visit in 1977

As the world watches the coronation of King Charles, many people on the Tweed will recall the young Prince’s visit to open the Tweed Silver Jubilee Show.

Have your say

Add your voice to decision making in the Tweed

Help shape the vision for Hastings Point headland

Council is seeking community feedback to inform a draft Management Plan to preserve Hastings Point headland and Cudgera Creek.

A management plan for the area will be designed to protect the natural environment and preserve the beauty and vitality of the area for generations to come.

Have your say

Members of the public are encouraged to provide feedback by completing an online survey which will inform the draft plan. An online mapping tool is also available to pinpoint specific areas for feedback.

Visit yoursaytweed.com.au/hastingspointheadland to learn more about the project.

Planning proposal to introduce Conservation Zones to Tweed LEP 2014

On exhibition 2 to 29 May 2023

Draft planning proposal PP23/0001 to add the planning controls for the C2 Environmental Conservation and C3 Environmental Management zones into the Tweed Local Environmental Plan 2014 is currently on exhibition and open for community feedback.

Have your say

Landowners and community members are invited to review the draft proposal and make a submission before 4 pm Monday 29 May 2023.

Visit yoursaytweed.com.au/czones to learn more.

Submissions can also be made in writing to the General Manager, Tweed Shire Council, PO Box 816, Murwillumbah, NSW 2484

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

Help us make decisions with you

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

Flying into Coolangatta, the Prince was escorted by the Deputy Prime Minister and Murwillumbah resident Doug Anthony to the showgrounds where he was greeted by show President Ken McDonald and a huge crowd.

The day was a very warm one with the temperature soaring to 30°C and the reception from excited showgoers was equally as warm.

The Prince passed through side show alley on his way to the pavilion to inspect exhibits and view various demonstrations.

To delight of competitors in the showring, Prince Charles presented a commemorative trophy to the owner of the Grand Champion horse of the show and ribbons to winners of the woodchop as well as life membership to ringmaster Neville McCabe and show Society member Merv Salmon.

Before departing, the Prince and Mr McDonald planted a hoop pine near the show entrance which still stands tall today.

The border marker monument at Tweed Heads will be illuminated this Friday and Saturday evenings in a special tribute to the coronation of King Charles III.

Development application determinations

Naming of roads in subdivision – Kings

Forest Precinct 5

Council has approved the names of the roads dedicated in a plan of subdivision of Lot 2 in DP1270901 (MP08_0194) in Kings Forest, Tweed Shire as shown below:

• Kings Forest Parkway

• Attunga Street

• Berida Street

• Bimbi Lane

• Boorabee Street

• Corunna Lane

• Breeza Street

• Coneac Street

• Coopernook Lane

• Culgoora Street

• Dorrigo Court

• Boorum Way

• Enmore Crescent

• Fifield Lane

• Janewindi Street

• Midyim Street

• Oakwood Avenue

• Penrose Street

• Peisley Street

• Spirabo Street

• Torrington Street

• Timbarra Street

• Ungarie Street

• Bunburra Lane

• Yarammie Lane

• Bombala Drive

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

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

DA23/0079 – Patio and carport within the front building line

Lot 88 DP 830352, No. 20 Tallowood Avenue, Bogangar

DA22/0453 – Temporary sales office and signage × 3 Lot 46 DP 1264557, No. 6 Grand Parade, Casuarina

DA21/0787 – Dwelling, swimming pool and decommissioning of existing dwelling

Lot 3 DP 806575, No. 175 Crabbes Creek Road, Crabbes Creek

DA21/0530 – Alterations and additions to an existing dwelling and change to dual use including dwelling and visitor accommodation as well as installation of glamping tent for tourist accommodation

Lot 3 DP 611094, Lot 6 DP 882836, Lot 7 DP 882836, Lot 8 DP 882836, Lot 9 DP 882836, No. 973 Kyogle Road, Dum Dum

DA22/0076 – Demolition of existing dwelling, construction of multi dwelling housing (3) including one detached 2 storey dwelling with carport, and 2 attached 3 storey dwellings

Lot 11 Section 8 DP 758571, No. 93 Kingscliff Street, Kingscliff

DA22/0125 – Secondary dwelling

Lot 201 DP 1232786, No. 46 Cylinders Drive, Kingscliff

DA21/0948 – Secondary dwelling

Lot 8 DP 709675, No. 26 Seven Oaks Drive, Nunderi

DA22/0689 – Alterations and additions to existing dwelling including carport and covered verandah

Lot 65 DP 30845, No. 24 Oceanview Crescent, Kingscliff

DA22/0781 – Two storey dwelling with attached garage

Lot 601 DP 1076975, No. 34 Marsupial Drive, Pottsville

DA23/0134 – Patio roof

Lot 1 SP 69291, Unit 1/No. 44–48 Elanora Avenue, Pottsville

DA23/0140 – Demolish of existing awning and new patio roof

Lot 208 DP 1037521, No. 8 Benaud Place, Pottsville

DA22/0444 – Construction of a pontoon and use of existing boat ramp

Lot 5 DP 1160811, Lot 0 RIV Sth M'Bah, No. 239 Tweed Valley Way, South Murwillumbah

DA23/0013 – Two storey dwelling with attached garage and retaining wall

Lot 139 DP 1233026, No. 2 Altitude Boulevard, Terranora

DA22/0757 – Alterations and additions to existing dwelling including deck, double carport and second driveway crossover

Lot 118 DP 575031, No. 34 Margaret Street, Tweed Heads

DA22/0792 – In-ground swimming pool and partial demolition of patio roof and retaining wall

Lot 129 DP 246488, No. 74 Companion Way, Tweed Heads

DA22/0231 – Secondary dwelling and alterations, additions to existing dwelling house and use of existing outdoor cooking facilities and front fence

Lot 12 DP 25241, No. 30 Parkes Drive, Tweed Heads

DA23/0133 – Alterations and additions including swimming pool, deck, 1.6 m front fence and carport within the front building line

Lot 86 DP 238224, No. 38 Wyuna Road, Tweed Heads West

Refused

DA21/0803 – Alterations and additions to existing attached dual occupancy

Lot 2 SP 32600, Unit 2/No. 26 Gibson Street, Kingscliff

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

Planning Committee meeting agenda – Thursday 4 May 2023

The Planning Committee meeting agenda for Thursday 4 May 2023 is available on Council’s website at tweed.nsw.gov.au/council-meetings . The meeting will be held at the Council Chambers, Murwillumbah Civic & Cultural Centre, Tumbulgum Road, Murwillumbah commencing at 3:30 pm.

Agenda Reports for consideration

Reports from the Director Planning and Regulation

8.1 Development Application DA21/0830.02 for an amendment to Development Consent DA21/0830 for a 2 lot subdivision at Lot 30 DP 1092500 No. 6 Sunnycrest Drive, Terranora

8.2 Variations to Development Standards

Council meeting agenda –Thursday 4 May 2023

The Council meeting agenda for Thursday 4 May 2023 is available on Council’s website at tweed.nsw.gov.au/council-meetings . The meeting will be held at the Council Chambers, Murwillumbah Civic & Cultural Centre, Tumbulgum Road, Murwillumbah commencing at the conclusion of the Planning Committee meeting.

Agenda Reports for consideration

Confirmation of minutes

3.1 Adoption of Recommendations from Planning Committee meeting held Thursday 4 May 2023

Reports from the Director Planning and Regulation

12.1 Calls for Expression of Interest to Conduct Community Markets

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

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

The then Prince Charles planting the hoop pine near the entrance of the showground. Image: Tweed Regional Museum

Four new coppers

By Jo Kennett

TWEED-BYRON Police District has four new cops on the beat who were part of Class 357 — the first class to attest in 2023 at the Goulburn Police Academy on Friday, April 28.

A total of 221 probationary constables officially joined the NSW Police Force and commenced their careers. The four probationary constables joining Tweed-Byron Police District started work this week.

Minister for Police and Counter Terrorism Yasmin Catley joined NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb APM in welcoming the new recruits.

Minister Catley thanked them “for the important work they will be doing protecting and serving the public.”

“Congratulations on being sworn in today as the newest members of our Police family; the enthusiasm, drive and commitment you will

bring will be a great asset for many years to come,” Ms Catley said.

“There’s no escaping the reality that policing can be challenging — it is a role like no other and you are entrusted with great powers and responsibilities, but with the right support to guide you I look forward to seeing you all develop and thrive.

“To be a NSW Police officer takes great courage, resilience and compassion, but is also an important and satisfying job and I urge anyone considering it as a career to come forward and put yourself to the test.”

First five crucial

THE FIRST five minutes of a house fire is critical towards saving lives, according to new research released by Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW), which shows that while accidental house fires are less frequent, they are becoming more lethal.

As the Tweed Shire moves into the cooler months, residents are firing up their warm appliances and FRNSW is urging locals to heed the warnings and be prepared.

The Adverse Fire Outcomes Report used predictive analysis of 30,891 FRNSW structure fire reports from 2016 to 2021 to identify the risk factors of structure fire fatality, preventable fatality, injury, evacuation, and fire extension. These fires led to a total of 109,592 persons

evacuated, 2,346 injuries, and 88 fatalities of which 52 were deemed preventable.

Fire extended beyond the room of origin in 5,417 incidents.

Response time is a critical factor in saving lives, preventing injuries, and mitigating fire extension.

When a structure fire extends beyond the room of origin, the odds of fatality increase 4.3 times, the report stated.

When structure fires occur at night, the odds of fatality increase 1.8 times.

Hoarding was highlighted as a major concern in the event of a fire, with increased risk factors of fatality, injury, evacuation and fire extension.

Class 357's Passing Out Parade

Potty Hall vandalised

By Jo Kennett

VANDALS HAVE caused close to $2,000 damage at the Pottsville Beach Community Hall (PBCH) since November, with hundreds of dollars of damage done sometime on Sunday, April 23.

Window panels in the bathroom were smashed, and hall volunteers believe that something was thrown at them from the car park.

PBCH volunteer Leah Burgess said that several panels in the bathroom had been broken.

“They smashed two in November, then another one in April, then another two panels literally after we got the other two fixed,” Leah said.

“Historically there had been vandalism but this has been particularly annoying because it’s so close together.”

Leah said the committee will probably have

to save up for a security system now.

“We have line dancers who use the hall and we have the Pottsville Groovers — seniors that do dancing — as well as Life Ball, which is an exercise program for the elderly,” Leah said.

“It’s a community hall so someone turns up from Pottsville Groovers and there is glass all over the floor so it’s a bit dangerous.

“It’s more just what it symbolises though. We have so many beautiful people that run all these programmes for the community.

“I know the tennis clubs have had a bunch of kids that regularly break in, but it’s just sad that someone would go to that trouble to break stuff.

“We want to be solution focused. People are feeling disillusioned and obviously don’t feel any connection with that community space and I don’t know how you deal with that.”

M1 truck fire chaos

By Jo Kennett

THERE WAS traffic chaos across the shire as a truck fire saw part of the M1 Pacific Motorway shut down on Thursday, April 27, but luckily the driver escaped injury.

Drivers reported waiting in traffic jams for up to six hours in some cases as they tried to find alternate ways north to Tweed Heads.

Emergency services were called to reports of a truck fire at 1.30pm and arrived to find the first trailer of a B-double on fire in the northbound lane of the M1 at Chinderah.

A spokesperson from Fire and Rescue NSW said the driver pulled over and escaped without injury. He was seen trying to extinguish a small fire in the front of the first trailer, but by the time emergency services arrived the trailer was in flames.

“The M1 was initially closed causing significant disruption to traffic flow and traffic diversions were enacted,” the spokesperson said.

Local resident Glenda Henderson lives across the highway in Homestead Holiday Park.

“We heard a massive boom and then saw a big plume of black smoke to the east,” Glenda said.

“By the time my husband (who took the photos) got there, the firemen had already arrived and were fighting the fire, and the driver was out of the truck.”

The Fire and Rescue spokesperson said the truck was carrying “foodstuffs, not dangerous goods.”

“There was a fire in the first trailer and a diesel spill had occurred,” he said.

‘There were water supply problems so we had bulk water supplies from local Rural Fire Service crews and Fire and Rescue NSW crews.

“There was a significant fuel spill that had to be contained, and the truck and first trailer were gutted.

Firefighters had extinguished the blaze by 3.50pm when a recovery and clean-up operation began, with one lane northbound open.

Talina Forde was one of hundreds of residents caught up in traffic jams, with traffic diverted through Clothiers Creek and then through Tumbulgum to Terranora.

“We were at Wommin Bay Drive (Chinderah)

at a standstill and a man came out with his children to have a look,” Talina said.

“He saw me with the five kids in the car and asked if we needed any water or snacks.

“I asked if he had any nappies as my daughter is toilet training and I thought it was only going to be a short afternoon out so I had none in the car.

“He said yes, sure, and went inside to get them and came out with nappies, snacks and poppers for the kids.

“The kids were so happy and I was very thankful as we were only halfway through the journey and had already been in the traffic for an hour and a half but had only travelled probably two kilometres at this point.”

Many drivers were caught in the traffic chaos with parents unable to reach children for school pick-ups. Some drivers took more than five hours to get to the Tweed Heads area from the south of the shire.

By 9.30pm all three northbound lanes of the M1 were reopened.

The Fire and Rescue spokesperson said heavy vehicle inspectors will assist the investigation into the cause of the fire.

The broken windows at Pottsville Beach Community Hall

Fighting to extinguish the truck fire

The fire above a wheel in the first trailer. All images by Colin Henderson

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Get involved with Story Dogs

By Jonathon Howard

DID YOU know the acclaimed program Story Dogs first launched in Murwillumbah and now brings nearly 600 volunteers and their dogs into primary schools across the country.

In 2009, inspired by a similar American program, locals Janine Sigley and Leah Sheldon introduced Story Dogs to their children’s school, Murwillumbah East Public School.

Since then, the successful Australian program has spread quickly, with more than 3,000 children participating last year.

Janine, now the National Managing Director, said, “The Story Dogs mission is to make reading fun for children, so they become confident lifelong readers.

“When children read to a dog, the outcomes are amazing!

“It is a non-judgemental setting.

“The children’s focus improves, their literacy skills increase and their confidence soars.”

Uki Public principal Rachel Watkins can attest to that and said children light up when they see Story Dogs.

“Our students love seeing Ginger and Alison each week,” she said.

“We’ve had the Story Dogs program running here for many years, and the benefits across the school are enormous.

“Not only do children develop greater confidence with their reading, but having a beautiful dog in the school helps all our kids develop sensitivity and empathy.

“Ginger keeps everyone calm and makes us all smile!”

The Story Dogs team are now calling for more volunteers to take up this great local cause.

Before starting weekly visits to a school,

each volunteer and their dog are assessed by an experienced dog trainer and a vet.

Volunteers must have a NSW Working With Children Check and be prepared to undertake some training.

Story Dog teams are sponsored by individuals or businesses who have a heart for children’s literacy and catch the enthusiasm for this simple concept.

Brian Mayberry from local accounting firm Mayberry Meldrum & Anderson said, “We are very proud to be a long-time sponsor of the Story Dogs Program.

“We truly believe that this program offers the opportunity to young people who are not accomplished readers to have a reading session with the Story Dog and volunteer in a non-confronting environment, and this promotes a love of reading,” Brian said.

“Results show that this love of reading then manifests in the improvement of the young person’s confidence and academic results which has lifelong benefits for the young person as they progress through life.

“It is a great privilege to be part of this program and give back to the community in such a positive way to assist young people to prosper.”

If you are a dog owner keen to support children’s reading and have a few hours to volunteer each week, Story Dogs would love to hear from you. Your dog needs basic obedience training and a kind temperament.

Please find out more by visiting www.storydogs.org.au or contact local coordinator, Margaret Potter by phoning: 0420 464 524 or email: margaretp@storydogs.org.au.

Tweed dredging

DREDGING WORK to provide a clearer and safer channel in the Tweed River will begin in May, according to Member for Tweed Geoff Provest.

Mr Provest said this essential work is part of the Tweed Sand Bypassing Project, a joint government initiative of the NSW and Queensland governments.

The project’s twin objectives are to establish and maintain a safe, navigable entrance to the Tweed River and restore and maintain the coastal sand drift to the beaches on the southern Gold Coast.

“Dredging of the Tweed River entrance supports the long-term viability of the local commercial fishing fleet and assists with safe passage for recreational boaters,” Mr Provest said.

“The primary focus of this dredging work, which will involve the removal of approximately 260,000 cubic metres of sand, is to maintain a clear and safe channel for the Tweed River entrance. “The aim is to keep the Tweed River entrance navigable and deliver a long-term average of 500,000 cubic metres of sand each year to maintain sand supply to the Gold Coast’s southern beaches.”

A sand transport system collects sand from the southern side of the Tweed River entrance at Letitia Spit and pumps it under the river to outlets on the northern side.

Sand accumulated at the Tweed River entrance is removed by a dredge vessel and deposited offshore from Bilinga, Snapper Rocks, Duranbah, Fingal and Dreamtime beaches.

All of the dredging work is subject to environmental controls and monitoring.

Boaters in the area are advised to exercise caution when using the Tweed River entrance during this time.

For more information on the project, please visit: tweedsandbypass.nsw.gov.au/

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Tweed River mouth dredging will kick-start this month

Join Meals on Wheels

By Jonathon Howard

EACH DAY there are 14,000 Meals on Wheels volunteers that help feed and check on thousands of clients.

Without their help, Meals on Wheels would not be able to continue this vital service that’s often more than just a hot meal.

During National Volunteer Week (May 15-21), Meals on Wheels Tweed is putting the call out for more volunteers to join the friendly team and help in this vital work.

The service here in the Tweed is growing and more volunteers are needed.

Meals on Wheels Tweed has been a part of the local community on the Tweed Coast since1986.

The service operates from premises in Kingscliff and provides more than just a meal to clients from Tweed Heads to Pottsville and out to Terranora.

Volunteers can play an important role in the lives of many who depend on the service to be able to stay in their own homes.

In addition to providing meals, the volunteers check on clients’ welfare, share a joke or a story, or even just a smile.

Meals on Wheels volunteers know that the work they do is really important within the community and they also understand that they are really appreciated by their elderly clients.

It’s not only clients whose lives are enhanced by Meals on Wheels, people who give time to Meals on Wheels say volunteering has added a new dimension to their lives.

Volunteers are crucial to the operation of every Meals on Wheels organisation. They drive the cars and deliver the meals, and also enjoy social lunches in groups with clients, as well as helping run the service by serving on the management committee.

Meals on Wheels Tweed is currently accepting volunteer applications.

If you are interested in finding out more about the benefits of volunteering, please contact the office by phone on (02) 6674 2205 or by email to socialsupport@tweedmeals.org.

Ukraine war lifeguard ban

By Jo Kennett

SALT, CUDGEN and Cronulla lifesavers were ordered off a beach in Vietnam recently when an Oceanman event was suddenly cancelled due to the sponsors’ opposition to the war in Ukraine.

Eleven Cudgen and Salt SLSC lifesavers were taking part in Cudgen’s fifth tour of Vietnam from April 10 to 24 to train lifeguards, run children’s water safety activities and compete in Vietnam’s first international Oceanman swim event.

Cudgen Headland Surf Life Saving Club’s David Field organises the trips and said the lifesavers were due to either compete or provide water safety for the Oceanman event when it was suddenly cancelled by the Vietnamese government.

“Oceanman is a Spanish company and had asked all competitors from Russia and Belarus to sign a waiver opposing the war in Ukraine,” David said.

“We presume some competitors complained to their embassy who took the matter up with the Vietnamese government.

“Russia and Vietnam were allies all through the Vietnam War so the government responded by cancelling the entire event and ordered all events involving foreigners to be stopped.”

David said activities with local lifeguards including Nippers and lifeguard certificate presentations were included in the ban.

“However, we were allowed to hold a low key Nipper event away from the lifeguard centre which we organised on the beach in front of our hotel,” he said.

“Our Nippers arrived and we set up the area and began with an all-age relay warm up.

“The lifeguards even provided SUPs and other equipment unofficially, but 20 minutes into the Nippers, our lifeguard liaison arrived looking harassed and told us to stop due to a complaint.

“We took off our uniforms and tried to con-

tinue but this was also not allowed. We tried to give directions from the steps but that was also not allowed.”

David said the Vietnamese parents were “irate”, saying they also worked for the government and “let the police come”, but “we decided to save our liaison much discomfort and left the beach.”

Julie French was travelling with the group and said, “It was really disappointing for the kids and their parents that we couldn’t run the water safety activity in full.”

“It’s a shame that politics gets in the way of these types of activities.”

Afterwards, David travelled to Phuket in Thailand for lifeguard training (which he said was full of military-aged young Russian men) before heading back for more training in Vietnam. Despite their troubles, both David and Julie said they were warmly welcomed and had a great time in Vietnam.

Cudgen lifesavers teaching Vietnamese about ocean safety. Photo Julie French

STEM challenge

By Jo Kennett

KINGSCLIFF HIGH School hosted students from primary and high schools across the Tweed Shire for the 2023 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Challenge Day on Friday, April 28.

STEM Project Officer (Secondary Education) at the Coastal Academy of STEM Excellence Mark Wiggins said the day was all about “having fun, and learning a little bit about STEM careers”.

“We link with local industry and universities to show students pathways into the workforce,” Mark told The Weekly.

Some of the challenges included making balloon cars, coding a drone to fly an obstacle course and programming a robot.

Pottsville Public School STEM science teacher Michael Mirana said it was a great opportunity for local primary students to see what high school is like, to learn from other kids and to inspire students into STEM careers “if they like designing, building and experimenting.”

Red Pine Chip Mulch, Cyprus Mulch, Tea Tree Mulch

Tweed River High School Technological and Applied Studies teacher Albert Cassar with students programming a robot

Pottsville Beach Public School students Mirabai, Charleigh and Dixie designing a space lander

Kingscliff Public School students Evie, Maggie, Mia and Abbee making a balloon car

Kingscliff High School students programming a robot

Volunteer firefighters honoured

By Jo Kennett

TWEED SHIRE firefighters have been recognised for years of dedication to keep our communities safe, with Tyalgum Rural Fire Brigade firefighter Bruce Bartrim awarded several medals for his 63 years of service.

Bruce was among 40 members of the Rural Fire Service (RFS) Far North Coast District recognised for their dedication and achievements at a special ceremony in Ocean Shores on Saturday, April 22.

RFS Assistant Commissioner Mathew Smith said the medals recognising more than 1,200 years of combined service, were “a proud acknowledgement of the commitment shown by these individuals over the years.”

“I know that the community is thankful for the world-class level of fire protection and assistance afforded to them by volunteers across the Far North Coast District,” Assistant Commissioner Smith said.

“I personally extend my gratitude to all of our dedicated firefighters for their continued service.”

Assistant Commissioner Smith acknowledged the contribution of Bruce Bartrim,

who was awarded the National Medal 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Clasp and the Long Service Medal 5th Clasp.

“Bruce has served with the RFS for most of his adult life, performing a variety of roles with the Tyalgum Brigade where he is a current member,” Assistant Commissioner Smith said.

“As a great mentor to fellow members, Bruce is always happy to share the wealth of knowledge garnered during so many years in service to the Tyalgum community.”

Maree Rosolen received the Long Service Medal 3rd Clasp for 40 years of service with Chillingham RFB and her husband Jim also received the Long Service Medal 3rd Clasp for 42 years of service.

Burringbar Rural Fire Brigade’s Lloyd Warren was awarded the Long Service Medal 2nd Clasp for 35 years of service.

Cudgen RFB’s Judith Eglington was awarded the Long Service Medal 2nd Clasp for 31 years of service while husband Mark (Min) Eglington received the Long Service Medal 2nd Clasp for 32 years of service.

Volunteers from the Murwillumbah, Tyalgum, Burringbar, Cudgen, Bilambil,

Kunghur and Tweed Coast brigades were also awarded Long Service Medals for over ten years active service.

They included Murwillumbah’s Johnny Taylor (21 years), Darren Pearson (15 years), Adelaide Campbell, Jake Swift and Alexander Hetherington; Darrell Todd (Cudgen and Tyalgum); Bilambil’s Adam Watherston, Dominic Edwards and Carly Stansell; Cudgen’s Christopher Cole; Kunghur’s David Vincent, Mitchell Paron (19 years), and Michael Stansell (23 years).

Fun trivia night

THE TWEED Gold Coast Family History and Heritage Association is holding a fundraising trivia night with raffles, lucky door prizes and plenty of fun on Saturday, May 13, at South Tweed Sports Club.

The association is a local not-for-profit club run by volunteers and members dedicated to promoting interest and participation in family history.

The association runs research classes and has a raft of resources for anyone interested in finding out about their forebears, including a research room on the ground floor of the South Tweed Sports Club.

Tweed Gold Coast Family History & Heritage Association’s Sharon Carr said they are excited to be hosting their first fundraising trivia night.

“Doors will open at 6pm for a 6.30pm start,” Sharon said. “We warmly invite anybody interested in a fun and possibly competitive evening. There will be raffles, a mystery game prize and lucky door draw. So get family and friends to make up teams of six at $10 per player and book a table.

“If you prefer, you can join another table if you can’t get six players. Each member of the winning team will win a prize.”

A courtesy bus is available at the club, phone: (07) 5524 3655 for details. Drinks and meals can be purchased at the bistro — please note no BYO is permitted.

For further information or to make a booking, please contact either Sharon on 0402 839 883 or Jan on 0422 253 794. Trivia night: Saturday, May 13, 6pm for 6.30pm start at the South Tweed Sports Club.

THANK YOU: Tweed Shire RFS volunteers were honoured for their years of service to their communities

Member for Richmond Justine Elliot with Bruce and Auriel Bartrim

The Tweed Gold Coast Family History and Heritage Association's Sharon Carr

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Colourful local Bruce Weston had zest for life

By Jonathon Howard

TRIBUTES ARE flowing following the passing of one of the Tweed Valley’s most colourful characters, the always smiling Bruce Weston, who passed away last week following a battle with cancer (Angioimmunoblastic T-cell Lymphoma, or AITL).

Bruce, 81, lived an extraordinary life in the fast-paced world of Sydney industrial relations, as well as running small businesses and dedicating his life to his soulmate Susan Weston.

The Weekly spoke with Susan about Bruce’s amazing journey earlier this week.

“He was fine up until a few weeks ago with the AITL and sadly he just deteriorated,” she said.

“He will live in my heart for forever, he was my soulmate.”

Bruce was born in Orange on October 10, 1941, which was the same year Australia declared war against Japan in World War II.

He started off his working life as an accountant at the Rural Bank in Katoomba in the Blue Mountains, but it wasn’t long before he made the move to Sydney.

“He moved to Sydney to take up a role as secretary of the Employers’ Federation, handling 18 industries himself,” Susan said.

“He managed the industries against the unions. A very clever man and became an industrial lawyer in the role.”

Bruce met the love of his life, Susan, in 1978 at a charity event in Sydney and they were married in 1980 in Melbourne where Susan’s parents lived.

The couple had two sons in the 1980s, both of whom now work overseas, Lindsay in Poland and Wesley in Thailand.

Susan had a big salon in Sydney at the time of their marriage and Bruce was busy travelling around the world for his role as the Employers’ Federation secretary.

“Around this time, Bruce decided he wanted to reduce his travelling as he was flying overseas at lot,” Susan said.

“So, he moved into a carpet cleaning business where he innovated the machines and the chemicals and grew a small business into a big carpet cleaning company in Sydney.”

Susan said Bruce was a ‘methods engineer’ and used his broad skill set to find efficiencies and ways to improve businesses.

The couple sold the carpet cleaning business and made the move to the Northern Rivers in 2004.

“We purchased The Gallery Motel in 2005 after selling the carpet cleaning company in Sydney,” she said.

“This started a new passion for us in South Murwillumbah.”

Having travelled extensively, the couple knew how to make a comfortable place to stay and established a outstanding reputation through The Gallery Motel (formerly Poinciana Motel).

“He was a man who wore many hats,” Susan said. “But mostly he was a wonderful husband and father.

“He encouraged all young folk to follow their dreams. He inspired young people.”

Although Bruce and Susan loved

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their life at the motel, they’ve faced more than their fair share of adversities.

“We have faced a lot of adversities, from our home in Sydney burning down before we left and having to rebuild it, to the multiple floods.

“We’ve had three floods here, including the 2022 flood which was the worst we’ve experienced.”

In fact, the 2022 flood was so severe, Bruce and Susan had only re-established the business in March this year.

“The business has been open since March again following the flood,”

Susan said.

“Bruce became the project manager to rebuild The Gallery Motel twice and only really finished the motel in March.”

The family are hosting a special service through McGuinness Funerals at the Tweed Valley Lawn Cemetery in Eviron on Monday, May 8, from 2pm.

Please wear your best colourful or Hawaiian shirt.

“He loved wearing bright colours which suited his personality,” Susan said.

This way, you don’t have to worry about sacrificing health or taste when trying to stay on top of your busy lifestyle. With good time management, you can take charge of your life and reach your goals faster than ever before. Plus, if fitting meal-prep into your day is an issue for you, Gourmet Meals has got you covered with our healthy and tasty ready meals, delivered straight to your door! Check out our menu here or call us at 1300 112 112 to place your order. Minimum

smiles have been.”

MARK TWAIN

An image of Susan and Bruce taken in 2020 after reopening from COVID-19 lockdowns. Inset is Bruce's beautiful smile

Electronic claiming for

Potty tennis icon passes

By Jo Kennett

POTTSVILLE LOST one of its most beloved community members on April 20 with the passing of 92-year-old John Rose, who was renowned for his contribution to the Pottsville Beach Tennis Club (PBTC).

Club president Claude Williams said they wanted to express their condolences “and profound gratitude to (John’s wife) Marie and John’s family, and thank him for his incredible contribution, and share in the sadness of his passing.”

“John was active at the courts continuously from 1995 up until his recent ill-health,” Claude said.

“A continuous period of 28 years of service is amazing and we are so grateful.”

PBTC Secretary Helen Flood said John and Marie became members of the club around 1993 when they moved to Pottsville from Brisbane.

“He had played tennis most of his life,” Helen said.

“Born in Tasmania, John was active at the courts continuously from 1995 up until his recent ill-health.

“A continuous period of 28 years of service is amazing and we are so grateful. John served with distinction as an office bearer and ordinary committee member from 2003 until 2021.

“The club honoured him with Life Membership in 2006 and presented him with a commemorative plaque in December 2020 when he celebrated his 90th birthday.”

Helen said John will be remembered for his sometimes wicked sense of humour, the club arranging his first ever tennis lesson in June 2021 at age 90, when he played with his son

Cameron against club members in January 2022, and his faultless organisation of and leadership of social tennis on Tuesday nights and Sunday afternoons for so many years and right up to 2023.

Helen said John was still able to ace much younger club members at age 90 and used to drive his white car down the path behind the oval to park behind the clubhouse.

“We all come and go, in time, but John’s legacy is one that will never fade; and always with his cheeky and inclusive smile beaming down,” Helen said.

“The Tweed Valley Weekly reported on his 90th birthday and quoted John’s sage advice: ‘Don’t get too depressed about minor or even major setbacks because it will pass and you will go on to bigger and better things. There are always opportunities ahead for happier times for everybody.’”

“Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be.”

ROBERT BROWNING

Vale John Rose

John Rose said we shouldn't get upset about setbacks as there are always happier times ahead

Our snooker champions

By Twin Towns Club Banora Snooker Club

TWIN TOWNS Club Banora Snooker Club once again made history with an unprecedented level of success at the recent NSW State Junior Championships.

Four players made the journey down to Sydney. Luke Bofinger (15) and Adam Grunsell (12) made their first appearance at this event, whilst Christiano De Azevedo and Cooper Thomson (both 16) have been here before.

All four players performed well over the two days of snooker and billiards as they competed in various age categories. They all participated in the U18 Snooker and U18 Billiards Championships, with Luke also playing U16 and Adam at U12. Adam almost made it to the semi-finals of the U18 Snooker even though he was one of the youngest participating. However, his crowning moment was becoming the U12 NSW Snooker Champion with a 2-0 win in the final. Luke made it to the U18 Snooker semi-finals before losing 2-0 in the final of the U16 NSW Snooker Championship.

Christiano and Cooper continued their friendly rivalry in the U18 Snooker and U18 Billiards and both were to achieve incredible success.

In the U18 Billiards Championship, both were undefeated in the group stages and faced each other in the final. After a competitive 60 minute battle, there was only four points in it when time ran out and Christiano became the U18 NSW Billiards Champion.

In the U18 Snooker, Cooper managed to beat Christiano 2-0 in the semi-final. After losing the first frame of the final, Cooper fought his way back into the final and took control to record an impressive 3-1 win against a very good opponent in Zac Hilton.

Three champions and two runners-up medals across the four players is an unprecedented achievement and is a testament to the fantastic work in our free Junior Coaching Programs along with financial support of the Twin Towns Community Foundation in recent years.

Chris De Azevedo

Luke Bofinger

Cooper Thompson

Adam Grunsell

Photos by Jonathon Howard

Hitting the High Notes at Murwillumbah Public School

modern world.

The provision of high quality music programs has been a priority at Murwillumbah Public School for over three decades due to the high level of support from the school and community and the dedication of music teacher Vikki Armour.

The school is thrilled to be able to feature one of the most highly regarded and awarded recorder performance ensembles in all NSW Public Schools. The ensemble, which includes descant, treble, tenor, bass and sopranino recorders, boasts the incredible record of performing for 28 successive years at the Sydney Opera House as part of the NSW Public School’s Festival of Instrumental Music.

The ensemble, which involves selected students in years 4,5 &6 will again head to Sydney in June where they will join around 700 other students to be involved in rehearsals and performances with world class orchestras and conductors. In addition to having this amazing musical experience students have the opportunity to be immersed in a cultural experienced that focuses on Australia’s ancient and modern history. Visits to sites such as The Rocks, Fort Denison, Cockatoo Island, The Observatory and Hyde Park Barracks allows them to develop a better understanding of their place in the

The Murwillumbah Public School Recorder Ensemble also makes considerable impact in the local community performing regularly at the Oxley Club, churches and for Legacy groups. They participate at the Tyalgum Festival of Music and the annual Murwillumbah Festival of Performing Arts where since 1993 they have placed first in every year in every section for recorder ensembles. They have received the award for most outstanding instrumental group of the festival on multiple occasions. The recorder ensemble certainly embodies the Murwillumbah Public Schools values of Respect, Responsibility and Learning. The students make a great commitment to their rehearsals and performances and with parent support will be well prepared for their adventure in June.

The Murwillumbah Public School Website displays videos of past student performances that can be accessed by the community. Have a look and see what our students can do when everyone involved is focused on ensuring they are given the best opportunity to hit the high note.

COASTLINE BUILDING CERTIFICATION GROUP PTY LTD BUILDING CONSULTANTS & ACCREDITED PRIVATE BUILDING INSPECTORS

Potty author goes global

By Madeleine Murray

POTTSVILLE AUTHOR John Gardiner is stunned by the success of A Hitchhiker’s Triptych, his first major book.

The book is selling well internationally, book clubs across the United Kingdom are enjoying the memoir, and sales are strong in Ireland, Germany and South Africa.

“I had no idea A Hitchhiker’s Triptych would travel this far in five months,” John told The Weekly.

“In the USA, department store Target is promoting the book across all 50 states.

“I remember Pottsville Newsagency owner David McDowell and I placing a few copies on sale in his store when the book was first released on November 30 last year.

“It sold out, then started to attract interest from international retailers.”

A Hitchhiker’s Triptych tells the adventures of a young traveller through England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland in the early ’70s, in the days before internet and mobile phones made travel much easier.

John had a different and sometimes dangerous adventure every day.

Travelling up through hot spots in Northern Ireland during the height of The Troubles was often tense and terrifying. He witnessed guns, bombs, extreme violence and murder.

He describes intense searches at border crossings, car bomb roadblocks, night fires in Belfast, roaming street gangs, and a journalist friend wounded in the chaos.

In more peaceful places, John went surfing in Cornwall, followed in the footsteps of King Arthur at Tintagel, explored a stone age village older than the pyramids in the Orkney Islands, and wandered where Jesus is said to have walked through ancient ruins in the south of England.

John describes beautiful road trips through the wonders of Wales, taking in the magic of faded

COASTLINE BUILDING CERTIFICATION GROUP PTY LTD ACCREDITED PRIVATE BUILDING INSPECTORS

Victorian seaside elegance in Aberystwyth, and the timeless, ancient beauty of the tiny stone village of Betys-y-Coed.

He explored Scotland with poet Robbie Burns, walked with warrior king Robert the Bruce, and revelled in the scandals of Lord Byron, before escaping to the magic of Skye and living the ancient, shared farming life of the crofters.

Apart from these adventures, John worked as a journalist and media adviser for more than 40 years.

A Hitchhiker’s Triptych is available in Australia online via a search of the title.

Pursuant to Section 4.59 Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, Regulation 124 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000

The following Complying Development Certificates have been determined and are available for public inspection, free of charge, at the Tweed Shire Council Offices, Murwillumbah, during normal office hours.

Property Description

Pursuant to Section 4.59 Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, Regulation 124 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000

Development Description

Property Description

The following Complying Development Certificates have been determined and are available for public inspection, free of charge, at the Tweed Shire Council Offices, Murwillumbah, during normal office hours.

Lot 68 DP 253699 No. 5 Durigan Place Banora Point

Lot 72 DP 801668 No. 50 Glen Ayr

Drive Banora Point

Lot 1027 DP 804509 No. 72 Glen Ayr Drive Banora Point

Lot 118 DP 716555 No. 6 Oakland Parade Banora Point

Lot 2 DP 1258400 No. 5B Peter Street Banora Point

Lot 5 DP 236820 No. 32 Summit Drive Banora Point

Lot 9 DP 565751 No. 30 Terranora Road Banora Point

Lot 11 DP 731494 No. 50 Terranora Road Banora Point

Lot 135 DP 258995 No. 11 Westray Avenue Banora Point

Carport

Secondary Dwelling, Retaining Walls and Additions to Existing Dwelling

Garage and Retaining Wall

Swimming Pool

Swimming Pool

Swimming Pool

Alterations and Additions to Existing Dwelling

Roof over Existing Deck

Dwelling Alterations and Deck Enclosure

Lot 25 DP 731767 No. 7 Karingal Avenue Bilambil Heights

Lot 132 DP 1202149 No. 57 Sailfish Way Kingscliff

Lot 134 DP 1284746 No. 5B Mount Ernest Crescent Murwillumbah

Lot 3 DP 603670 No. 520 Nobbys Creek Road Nobbys Creek

Lot 212 DP 1122768 No.24 Honeyeater Circuit Sth Murwillumbah

Lot 508 DP 1132400 No. 191-193 Lundberg Drive South Murwillumbah

Lot 3 DP 250210 No. 194 Stokers Road Stokers Siding

Lot 65 DP 825938 No. 1 Eureka Crescent Terranora

Lot 11 DP 719950 No. 21 Mahers Lane Terranora

Development Description

Alterations to Existing Dwelling

Inground Spa

Dwelling

Swimming Pool

Industrial Building

Factory Building

Alterations and Additions to Existing Dwelling

Swimming Pool

Fly Over Roof

For further information on approval and inspection services carried out by Coastline Building Certification Group, please contact the office at 23/8 Corporation Circuit, Tweed Heads South, or phone (07) 5523 2629.

Writer John Gardiner, left, with Pottsville newsagency owner David McDowell

Thank you from the Fun Day Committee

By Jennie Parratt

WELL, WHAT a wonderful day it was for the Family Fun Day at Murwillumbah Showgrounds, hosted by the Murwillumbah Hub Baptist Church following the Anzac Day services.

After two years of COVID and then a flood, we were finally able to shower our community with love through the fun day.

Despite last minute apologies and intermittent rain it was a wonderful day and it would not have been possible without our volunteers.

On the day, when we counted all the stallholders and set-up and pull-down helpers, food servers, cleaners, hospitality people, entertainers — all volunteers that created the caring and generous at-

mosphere of the day — we numbered just over 120 people on the field.

Do you know we ended up with a conservative estimate of about 3000 people coming through the gate during the day.

We’re sure every one of them loved it — we have had so much positive feedback from visitors all looking forward to next year already.

Our regular visitors and volunteers are quite the experts now at handling the crowd, but our many new volunteers are probably feeling the pressure of being so rushed and swamped with so many people.

Before the event, our prayer was that no one would walk out the gate without having experienced the love and goodness of God. We can be fairly certain that they did.

We believe that together we are laying a

foundation, and building on it year after year, to impact and transform our com munity.

We would like to invite you to dinner at 5.30pm on Wednesday, May 17, at Murwillumbah Hub Baptist Church as a thanksgiving and as a thank you to our supporters and volunteers.

We are really interested in your feedback so come with a story to tell and ideas and suggestions for next year.

We are still basking in the glory of the day, and we hope that you will come to join in this closure celebration and define and lay the course for the future.

PICTURED RIGHT: Zion Zambelli (speech giver) and Emily Walton (bugler)

Vegemite book by local

By Jonathon Howard

LOVE IT or loathe it, Vegemite is an Aussie icon. An historic revised book that delves into the fascinating history of the much-loved spread is launching this month by local author and grandson of the inventor, Jamie Callister, who lives at Casuarina.

The book is titled Vegemite: The True Story of the Man Who Invented an Australian Icon, published by Murdoch Books, and will hit the shelves on Tuesday, May 2.

Jamie’s grandfather Cyril Callister invented the delicious dark brown spread in Melbourne in 1923.

The product was made from leftover brewer’s yeast extract, with various vegetable and spice additives.

Published to coincide with Vegemite’s 100th anniversary, this revised edition features a collection of photographs, a new introduction, and an epilogue that shares the little-known story of how Vegemite returned to Australian hands in 2017 under Bega.

Callister was the master of invention who also invented long-lasting packaged cheese, which ironically would someday marry well together with Vegemite on bread.

“Vegemite is a great Australian story of overcoming the odds, and of how extraordinary things can happen to almost ordinary people,” Jamie said.

Vegemite was not always as popular as it is today and the story of its rocky road to acceptance is one of a fascinating look at the Australian public.

Jamie is hosting a series of special school talks as part of the school curriculum for STEM and History during early May at Pacific Coast Christian College at Tweed Heads South.

The school is also planning a Vegemite fun day.

Jamie’s hopes for the book is to share his

grandfather’s incredible achievement and story with the public and especially students.

“Everyone knows the product but no one knows the fascinating story behind it. It wasn’t an overnight success but rather the determination and perseverance from my grandfather that saw it grow into the success it is today,” Jamie told The Weekly.

“I think it’s important to understand our history and this is a great Australian story. Hopefully people will continue to have Vegemite in the pantry and a book on their shelves.”

You can order a copy of Vegemite: The True Story of the Man Who Invented an Australian Icon via local bookstores or online by searching the title.

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WE LOVE OUR VEGEMITE: Jamie Callister tells Lily Klein of Kingscliff (8 months) the story of how her great-great-grandfather Cyril Callister invented Vegemite

atthe Footy

w i t h Quinny

THE TIGERS are on the board and more to the point they rolled the premiers. It took a trip to Bathurst and pouring rain but after 9 rounds the Tigers finally sung the song and good luck to them.

It was inevitable that they would find a win somewhere but not even the most ardent fan would have suggested it be against the Panthers juggernaut who were simply ‘off’ and seemed a bit shocked.

Ricky, Jack and the Raiders dominated the headlines over the week and probably fair enough. People swap jobs all the time and change organisations, I think just when it comes to your footy side and your star player we take

it to heart a bit more.

Jack will earn less money apparently but wants to win a comp before he finishes and thinks the Rabbits are a good chance.

They have a good chance this year given the form they are in early. The big stars Latrell, Cookie and Cody are playing well and Campbell Graham is a moral for NSW given his form in 2023. The unlucky man in all this is probably Isaiah Tass who might get squeezed out now with Wighton’s arrival.

Once again Nicho Hynes produces a 10/10 performance on and off the field with his touching tribute to Paul Green’s children after winning the inaugural medal in honour of the legend that was Greeny. On that game, the Cowboys are a shadow of the side they were in 2022 and what everyone thought they might produce this year.

The Titans put the demons of last week’s capitulation behind them with a strong victory over Manly. I’m really not sure what to make of Manly regardless of their position high on the table, they are just lacking consistency for me.

Magic Weekend this week in Brisbane in what will be a ripper event. All the games at Suncorp in what is a festival of footy. Hopefully the field holds up alright for the 8 games as it looked a

bit dodgy last week. It’s a great concept and I’m a real fan of it for the diehard footy tragics to watch plenty of footy.

I was lucky enough to play in the Magic Weekend in Scotland at Edinburgh whilst playing for the Crusaders in Super League. We got hammered by Huddersfield but the event was simply superb and something I’ll remember forever.

A big weekend in the NRRRL with the ‘back to back’ phrase being thrown out down in the valley early on after the Jets defeated Evans Head away with several players out in the grand final rematch.

Cudgen got on the board with a solid victory against Murwillumbah who are getting desperate for a win in 2023. It doesn’t get any easier for the Mustangs who take on the Bombers this week at Murbah.

Good luck to Kyle Kennedy (Mens’) from Evans, Beau Hartman (Grafton), Phoenix Hipp (Ballina) and Kaliyah Browning (Mullumbimby) who represent the region and Northern Rivers Titans in the Country v City games in Sydney this weekend.

See you at the footy.

Quinny

Image by NRL

Singing star at Twin Towns

By Madeleine Murray

INTERNATIONAL SINGING star Mirusia will perform at Twin Towns on Saturday, May 13, the day before Mother’s Day.

The brilliant soprano is known to millions around the world as the ‘Angel of Australia’, a name given to her by the famous Dutch violinist André Rieu.

Mirusia will sing songs from her illustrious career including classical favourites, Broadway musical hits, new original music and songs she has performed together with André on their global spectaculars over the years.

Mirusia’s career began years ago with a bold move by her Dutch aunt, who contacted the famous violinist to tell him about her niece’s talent.

André listened to Mirusia sing on her website, phoned her in Australia, and two days later she was in his studio in Holland.

It was the beginning of an extraordinary partnership. Mirusia has been touring with André since 2007 as his star soprano.

In 2013, Mirusia performed with André at the coronation concert of the King of the Netherlands, Willem-Alexander.

“Having Dutch heritage, to be asked to perform at the King’s Coronation was a real honour for me,” Mirusia told The Weekly.

LIVE MUSIC

“There were over 90,000 people in the Museum Square in Amsterdam that evening and it was such a brilliant event, televised live to millions around the world. It was definitely a career highlight.”

The 38-year-old beauty has made many hit albums and toured the world, so it is a great treat to be able to see her at Twin Towns. Her many awards include winning the Best Holiday Song at the Hollywood Music in Media Awards last year.

“To have a song like Snowflake recognised is an absolute dream come true and a huge accolade,” Mirusia said.

“This song is a beautiful waltz about a snowflake, a diamond lady who floats down from the sky dancing as she goes.

“I love singing it and it is quickly becoming a Christmas classic in many households worldwide.”

Some of Australia’s finest musicians will join Mirusia, including special guest JD Smith from The Ten Tenors.

JD, who has an Indigenous heritage, has released his debut album titled Soul Searchin’, produced by Michael Cristiano who worked with The Seekers and Gene Pitney.

Mirusia, Live in Concert, will be on at Twin Towns at 2.30pm, Saturday May 13. Tickets from www.twintowns.com.au

Hit the Harvest Trail

By Madeleine Murray

farming machinery and equipment. No refreshments or amenities are available on these sites.

The Tweed River House in Murwillumbah is next. Enjoy an afternoon soirée on the riverside lawn as you listen to the soulful vocals of local musicians. Each two-hour session includes a welcome drink and a local Australia Bay Lobster roll.

Next is The Gin Experience in Eungella, on the Baker family’s sugar cane and cattle farm 10 minutes out of Murwillumbah. The menu will feature handcrafted cocktails and locally produced gins, as well as canapés, open flame feasts, and fine dining options.

THE NORTHERN Rivers Food Trail is on this weekend, and eight of the 37 venues are right here in the Tweed.

Our region is getting more diverse and creative each year, with many places winning regional and state awards.

First stop is the absolute waterfront Oyster Shed in Tweed Heads West. Enjoy a dozen fresh oysters with Stokers Siding finger limes, along with a beer from local brewers Earth Brewery or a glass of wine for $50.

Next is Potager Restaurant in Carool. Enjoy a three-course menu and a glass of wine at this award-winning fine dining haven. Potager recently won Silver at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards.

Number three and four are the Sunshine Sugar sugar cane farms. Get a firsthand introduction to the NSW sugar industry, and see some key

Over at Pottsville, Pipit showcases the best of Tweed and Northern Rivers’ local produce, sustainable seafood, wood-fired cooking and fine dining. As part of the Harvest Food Trail, guests will also receive a Pipit Produce Map in order to visit some suppliers directly.

Mavis’ Kitchen near Uki is the last stop in the Tweed shire.

Saturday is Family Fun Day, with barbeque breakfast and lunch from the smoker. There will also be a cocktail bar, Black Hops bar, gelato stand, produce and nursery stall, all to live music.

Sunday is the three-course Whole Pig Long Lunch of locally sourced whole pig cooked over fire in the smoker.

For more information, or to book your ticket, please visit: northernriversfood.org.

Fine dining at Pipit is divine

Lawn Bar at the Tweed River House

Beautiful gardens and food at Mavis' Kitchen

May has arrived in record speed, and I am continually marvelling at how fast time moves these days.

Everyone I speak to seems to be in the same state of slight shock that we have already zoomed through the rst third of the year – I’m still getting used to writing ‘23 at the end of the date.

Our Balcony sessions have moved accordingly, presenting the perfect postwork wind-down on Fridays, or early dinner entertainment on Saturdays. The heaters are on, and our talented local artists are sure to warm your cockles and keep the soul- res burning.

\The best way to pause this time-warp, is to step into another world for a few hours, cosied up on our comfy couches in the cinema. The May movie program showcases delightful documentaries, including the best of the Bangalow Film Festival this weekend, and a special preview of Johnny Farnham’s insightful story Finding the Voice for Mother’s Day. The Giants continues to please crowds,

and is joined by hard-hitting Aussie dramas, Limbo, starring Simon Baker, and an allegorical tale of racism, The Survival of Kindness, plus family lm, The Secret Kingdom, for the Independent Cinema Association’s “Australian Made” week, midmonth. It’s no secret that my inner ame is fed fervently by live music, and I’m all lit up for the return of powerhouse performer, Áine Tyrrell, back on The Regent’s stage, this time ying solo, with her new show, Irish as F@#k – Not Irish Folk!

Interweaving stories with heart-hitting songs, she’s spellbinding even when not being overtly witchy! Balcony favourite, Felicity Lawless steps inside the theatre, joined by Paul George, of Tijuana Cartel fame, in the guise of Black Rabbit George, for some glorious Guitar Journeys. Legendary alt-country star, The Whitlam’s, Tim Freedman, and Ollie Thorpe, combine forces for the Black Stump Duo, touring in early June and landing at The Regent on Sunday 11, for a 5pm show. What a wonderful array of entertainment to warm your heart and ignite your mind.

One of Us Lying at Balcony

The Regent Spotlight

LOCAL DUO, One of Us Lying, features vocalist Ellie Styles and Jorge Pereira on Latin-Jazz guitar this Saturday, May 6.

With unexpected improvisations and a soulful approach to blues, country, jazz, pop, rock, and a little bossa-nova, Styles said that the pair connected over a mutual love of jazz and show tunes.

“The night we met and busted out Sarah Vaughan, Peggy Lee and Doris Day tunes people assumed we had been playing together for years. It’s a very natural collaboration,” she said. The singer said Pereira’s background in Latin and jazz, and her opera and musical nerdom,

raised on country, folk and pub-rock, allows her to be raw and creative across Pereira’s virtuosity.

“Nothing brings me more joy than to perform in my hometown,” she said. “Murwillumbah never fails to bring out the most wonderfully eclectic people, and we are blessed to have a beautiful venue such as the Regent supporting live and local music.”

As for which one of them is lying and how we can we tell, Styles tells it with mercurial candour. “Jorge is cool, calm, collected and a bit suave. I am a bit of a flaky pastry with my heart on my sleeve. The audience will work it out.”

Visit The Regent’s Balcony on May 6 for a cracking show of soulful interpretations and a classic cocktail or two.

Uki School art show

By Madeleine Murray

THE CHILDREN of Uki Public School may be little, but they have put together a big show at the Uki Post Office.

Art Post Uki features the work of children from kindergarten to Year 6 and it’s well worth checking out.

The work is a wonderful range of animals made of hand-painted papers, cats on checked backgrounds, paintings of vases, underwater scenes, woven God’s Eyes, and many budgies using the Indigenous art technique of dot painting.

Librarian Jo Spiller curated the show of more than 50 works by the young artists.

“Throughout the term I visit the classrooms watching the artworks evolve,” Jo told The Weekly.

“Eye-catching works are then chosen for the exhibition. The works are mounted and we plan the layout.

“Hanging the exhibition is always an entertaining afternoon’s work with lots of comments from Post Office customers. All positive of course!”

“I started thinking about this while I was on maternity leave, I was looking for art and planning ideas,” Year 5/6 teacher Renee Mills told The Weekly.

“When I got back we started. We looked at the work of certain artists and some stories, as well as our studies.

“It makes art more meaningful when it’s linked to the curriculum.”

An Indigenous teacher’s assistant who is an artist did a master class for Year 5/6 in dot work.

The work comes from the children’s imagination, and is also related to their studies in English, maths, history and geography.

“Uki Public School is an integral part of the local community and having Art Post is a great way for us to share our talents and abilities with the rest of the community,” Jo said.

Gary Wall bought the Uki Post Office in September, 2017, and he launched Art Post Uki with the help of two local artists in February 2018.

The exhibits, which feature a different Northern Rivers artist, turn over every six weeks. The openings are a fun affair with wine and speeches.

This is the 40th show at Art Post Uki, which has raised more than $70,000 for local artists.

Uki Public School show will be on at the Uki Post Office, 1464 Kyogle Rd, Uki until Wednesday, May 10.

This week features the BEST OF THE FEST – a curated selection of brilliant films from Bangalow Film Festival, including WADE IN THE WATER + THE PHYSICS OF NOSERIDING, DESCENDING THE MOUNTAIN and THE HIDDEN LIFE OF TREES

The stunning THE LAST VIOLIN features a live performance for piano and violin celebrating the film’s music,with esteemed violinist Romano Crivici and pianist Roland Adeney. Join a special Q&A with coproducer and star Crivici, and director/producer Dr Carla Thackrah AGE OF RAGE: THE AUSTRALIAN PUNK REVOLUTION is an invitation to punk it up and come in costume to win best dressed prizes! The stunning ode to the work of Bob Brown, THE GIANTS, continues and Bill Nighy tugs at the heart with a career-defining performance in LIVING

Get ready for diverse and exciting movies with Rolf De Heer’s epic of compassion and endurance in THE SURVIVAL OF KINDNESS, and family-style escapism with THE SECRET KINGDOM. For fans, young and old and all in between, join us for a special Mothers Day preview screening of JOHN FARNHAM: FINDING THE VOICE, a moving film that documents the life of one of Australia’s greatest.

The BALCONY SESSIONS feature our soul songstress MOHINI COX and talented guests every Friday night from 5pm. Gracing the balcony on Sat 6 May is the gorgeous guitar/vocal duo ONE OF US IS LYING and NINA RAE SAUNDERS taking you through a tuneful sunset on Sat 13 May.

BOOK TICKETS NOW FOR:

Áine Tyrrell - Sat 12 May | Felicity Lawless and Black Rabbit George - Sat 26 May

Tim Freedman and Ollie Thorpe - Sun 11 June

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE LIVE SHOWS and EVENTS!

CREATIVE KIDS: Ava, Tom, Ebony, Rose and their Uki Public School teacher Renee Mills

34 Resulted from (6)

35 Smith’s block (5)

37 Camper (7)

38 Type of paint (7)

41 Further (4)

42 Expression of mild dismay (4)

43 Term expressing an attribute (7)

44 Associate (7)

45 Animal protection group (1,1,1,1,1)

47 Fasten (6)

48 Pilfer (5)

CLUES

1 When you go back around in a car

2 Heroes: Wonder and Cat something

3 A song on How to Train Your Dragon 2: – –Fantasy

4 A film and a musical: The Sound of what?

5 Where Ariel, Ponyo and Nemo live

6 Someone whose job is to pretend to be someone else

7 A green Mr Man from Tiddletown

8 Small made-up, humanlike creatures

TEST YOUR TWEED KNOWLEDGE

1. There is a new support group in the Tweed that has the initials TWR. W hat does it stand for?

2. How long is the Tweed River?

3. What year was most of Murwillumbah’s businesses destroyed by fire?

4. When was Fingal Head lighthouse erected?

5. What year saw Murwillumbah’s infamous bank robbery of the now Wespac bank?

1. Tweed Welcomes Refugees 2.

THE WEEKLY’S LOOK AT LIFE WITH PAUL DORIN

50 Natural aptitude or skill (6)

52 Holy (6)

53 Sidewalk (8)

55 Desert animal (5)

58 Wildcat (4)

59 Godlike; sacred (6)

61 Overpromotion (4)

63 Thin noodle (10)

64 Fume (6)

66 African river (4)

67 Book of maps (5)

68 A branch of mathematics (7)

69 Magic potion (6)

70 Relating to the body (10)

71 Perceived by the senses (7)

72 Natives of Stockholm (6)

Down

2 Swiss city (6)

3 Backer (8)

4 Bucolic (5)

5 Zero altitude (3,5)

6 Cease (6)

7 Assert without proof (6)

8 Everlasting (7)

9 Contemplation (10)

10 Charm (8)

16 Sarcasm (5)

17 Sound system (6)

WORDSEARCH: BREEDS OF CAT

23 Drinks poured in offering (9)

25 Animals that prey on others (9)

26 Breach again (9)

29 Gems (5)

30 Beautiful girl (Fr) (5)

31 Welsh breed of dog (5)

32 Coffee drink (9)

33 Romance (9)

36 Premium paid to protect against loss (9)

39 Part of a jacket (5)

40 Unit of weight for precious stones (5)

41 Declare invalid (5)

46 Bypass (10)

49 Supermarket lanes (6)

51 Cavalry weapon (5)

52 European country (8)

54 Oblivious (8)

56 Glue (8)

57 Many master composers (7)

59 Fuel oil (6)

60 People who abstain from all animal products (6)

62 Fool’s gold (6)

65 Rub out (5)

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

14 words: Good 21 words: Very good 28 words: Excellent

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

LAST WEEK’S SUDOKU

367592184

589461732

241738695

892154367

674389251

135627849

453276918

718943526

926815473

Junior Crossword: U-Turn, Woman, Into a, Music, Ocean, Actor, Nosey, Elves (UNICORN)

9 Letter Puzzle: flow, flown, flows, folk, fool, fools, fowl, fowls, loft, lofts, look, looks, loon, loos, loot, loots, lost, lows, slot, slow, solo, stool, tool, tools, TOWNSFOLK, wolf, wolfs, wool

PET OF THE WEEK

Ruby

Foster Dogs 1604

Mastiff/ Bull Arab/ Lab X D.O.B. 18/11/2021

Desexed Female

SUDOKU

HIDDEN ICONS

LAST WEEKS ICONS newspaper p.31

Dame Edna P. 16 Uluru p.28

M/C # 991003001419738

Acquired: 11/03/2022

Ruby is a lovely looking girl who is still waiting for a home of her own. She loves playing with her brother Rufus, racing him around the paddock. She would suit

a quiet household with older children.

Location: Murwillumbah

For more information contact Yvette on 0421 831 128 or complete our online adoption expression of interest. https:// friendsofthepound.com/ adoption-expression-ofinterest/

JUNIOR CROSSWORD

BENGAL CHINCHILLA BURMESE

TABBY PERSIAN RAGDOLL SIAMESE TONKINESE RUSSIANBLUE

I DIG IT EXCAVATIONS

I DIG It Excavations owners and local couple Bec and Josh Cole have been living in the Northern Rivers for the past 10 years and have moved to the Tweed Shire in the past 12 months.

The couple are passionate about delivering quality work to their clients with an outstanding track record and honest and reliable service.

“We moved to Tweed Shire just over a year ago with our two children partly to be closer to their school, also for a lifestyle change,” Bec said.

“We love the lifestyle here and the kids have more of an opportunity to join lots of community activities, sports and events.

I Dig It offers an excavator that is just under 1,800mm wide which means it can get into tight spaces.

“With the machine we can dig, scrape, trench, post holes, landscaping, driveways and terracing,”

Josh said.

“The machine has rubber tracks which means it won’t damage your driveway and it is not as hard on your lawn.

“We have three different sized buckets, a ripper and a post hole auger which are all easily

interchangeable with a power tilt hitch.

“The tilt hitch allows you to dig or scrape at different angles, which makes it more efficient when working on uneven ground.

“Having the four-tonne tipper allows us to also remove rubbish or soil if the job requires it.”

Josh has 20 years’ experience in excavation and landscaping and can offer competitive rates, fully licensed and insured.

Read some of the testimonials from their clients:

“

Just a shout out & thank you for the professional job done recently, sinking holes on our property.

Very appreciative of the attention to maintaining the integrity of our lawn area despite the extremely wet conditions no damage etc. Job well done, cheers.” Alan & Wendy.

“I Dig It is a great company to work with. Josh’s friendly attitude makes him easy to talk to and explain what you are after. He is a safe operator on site and always comes up with a solution for any situation. Highly recommended.” Michael (Builder) Terranora.

“ Bec and Josh from I Dig It Excavations are wonderful to work with. They are always punctual and reliable with excellent communication, finishing all projects to exceptional standards.” Scott Adams Liquid Pool and Landscape. “We can offer fast response, obligation free quotes, great customer service and friendly advice,” Josh said.

“No float fee. We do a Dial Before You Dig assessment before starting any job and provide a copy to the customer for their reference.

“We are part of a community and as owner operators we make sure quality and service are above and beyond every time.”

Business

Car for Sale

Caravan for Sale

MAZDA 2, 2012 5 speed manual. 1 owner, garaged all it’s life. Only 21,500km’s. 6 months Rego. $14,800 ono. Ph: 0403 887 986

Car for Sale

WANTED Pre 2007 Car, Ute or Trailor - 7 x 5 plus. No roadworthy or reg required. Ph 0493091677

MERCEDES Veteran 1974 W123 series 300d, Mag wheels, 5 cyl diesel, engine perfect, gearbox needs exchange (Merc parts). Body near perfect. Perfect diesel engine, good for boat. Ph: (07) 5590 7029.

Courses

First Aid Courses

2015 VOLKSWAGEN POLO 281 TSI comfort line, 6 speed manual, 5 door hatch back. 138,000km, Rego till Oct 2022, very well maintained, one lady owner. $11,700 Phone 0439 067 981

Car

1997 BMW E36 323I SEDAN , 5sp auto, cruise control, sunroof, 211000kms, log books, 11 months reg, unmodified, very good condition, great drive, smooth, quiet & economical, $7500, Ph 0412 493 980

Caravan for Sale

X-TRAIL ST-S 24x4 Silver 210,000kms. Auto, Air, Power Steer, Full Electrics, Sun Roof, Mag Wheels, Airbags, ABS Brakes,Cruise Control, Radio/Cd. Just Serviced Engine & Transmission, New Tyres, Suspension Etc. Rego Jan 2023. $7,700. Ph 0407 120 113

White Card Engraving

FOR SALE Pop-Top Caravan Gazel 14.6ft. Double island bed. Good Condition, New roof. $11,000 phone 0457 247 862

Positions Vacant

or Harwood Sugar Mill sites. Excellent seasonal pay & conditions. Send resume

FARMER NEEDS HELP Excellent Remuneration. All enquiries welcome. Ph: (07) 5590 7029

Legal Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE OF PEOPLE, TACIT ACCEPTANCE

Felicia Gunhild Engstrom of Tweed Heads West, New South commerce, and is the irrefutable Holder in Due Course of protected Trade Names Felicia Gunhild Engstrom, FELICIA GUNHILD all relevant variations of Naming Conventions since unrebutted jurisdiction of Terra Australis also known as the Commonwealth 2022, Public Recording Number RPP4463900051001677183605. ties with the occupying corporate government of Australia any further infringement upon these copyright protected misaddressing Felicia Gunhild Engstrom in fraudulent debased

Experience BNI

BNI TWEED Heads hosted a special visitors day recently and they’re inviting local business to come and experience the benefits of Business Network International.

The BNI Tweed Heads chapter currently has 29 members and is growing fast.

Members meet every Friday morning and pass around $3 to $4-million dollars of business between members each year.

Long time BNI member Jeannie Anderson said the network is “such a positive way for local businesses to help each other grow”.

“We would love for you to come along one Friday and see for yourself how wonderful this is,” she said. There are also BNI chapters in Murwillumbah, Cabarita and Kingscliff.

To find more please phone: 1300 029 197.

8418 Tweed Valley Way Free Sing For Fun Benefit for Health and Mind. Phone Margaret: 0438 819 809

For Sale

2018 OFF-ROAD MARS Camper Trailer, f orward folding, pull-out kitchen, full annex. Registered to February 2024. $13,500 Ph: 0449 165 780.

Positions Vacant

CASUAL BUS DRIVER POSITION

J&B Buses Murwillumbah. Variable hours, local charter work, suit local. Must hold a MR license, NSW driver authority. Current working with children check. Phone John: 0427 453 091

TWEED HEADS COOLANGATTA TAXIS NIGHT DRIVERS REQUIRED. All training provided join our friendly team right now.

Phone 07 5536 3371

DENTAL ASSISTANT Tweed heads south, 2 days a week. Office and chair side duties, Dental or Medical or Health experience required. Reply to gavannmit@bigpond.com

Public Notice

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

For lease – Café & kiosk at the new Tweed Valley Hospital. Contact Jillian Cressey 0412 940 088 (jillian@cresseyproperty.com.au). Closing date for the Expression of Interest – 25th May, 2023

Rubbish Removal

NEW GRANNY FLAT never been set up, opens to 6x6 building. Built by Same Day Granny Flats. I’m in Tweed area. $29,500 Contact Peter 0419 702 409

Lost

LOST 25th April Anzac Day dawn service at Tweed Heads. Set of miniature RAAS medals World War II. Please phone Tweed RSL- Belinda07 5536 1164

Massage

Massage

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

Piano Tuner/Removal

Do you need to Tune a piano? Move a Piano? Call Jed the Piano man

Cheapest and the best.

35 years in the biz

Complimentary Piano tune

With every removal

Also offering the best piano lessons in town (07) 5590 5778 0448 985 778

Positions Vacant

SEEKING a positively minded, dog loving, flexible female to accompany a visually impaired, self assured, x-professional female on social and shopping excursions. Preferably a coastal dweller with her own vehicle who enjoys cooking and beach walks and who is familiar with an iPad and iPhone. Call 0404 225 819

TRUCK DRIVERS National Transport & Logistics company requires HC/MC seasonal cane truck drivers at Condong, Broadwater & Harwood Sugar Mill sites. Competitive pay rates. Send Resumé/CV to Wendy.Keel@sctlogistics.com.au or call 0409 568 795 during office hrs.

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

Social Group

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

To Let

PRIVATE HOUSE rental available on 5.5 acres, Piggabeen. 4 bdrm large country style home, plus 1 bdrm flat (sub letting available). 10 mins to GC Airport. Inspection 20th May, 2023. $1,200 p/w. Contact via email: meredithchapman63@gmail.com

COOLANGATTA Room to rent 200 metres from the beach, Club, shops, fully furnished, cooking facilities, No lease and No bond. Over 50’s from $280 per week. (07) 5599 1089

COOLANGATTA room to rent 200 metres from the beach, Club, shops, fully furnished, cooking facilities, No lease and No bond. Over 50’s from $280 per week. (07) 5536 3233

Wanted

WE BUY, SWAP AND SELL QUALITY SECOND HAND BOOKS

309

Wanted

WANTED TO BUY ANTIQUE FURNITURE.

Fine China, garden tools, LP Records, Doc Martin boots, jewellery, general furniture, quality clothes, fishing gear, old bottles, garage oil bottles eg Castrol fuel & Esso, old prints & paintings, anything old and interesting. Happy to come and look. Phone 0417 606 052

WE BUY GOOD & BAD TRUCKS, VANS, 4X4’S, UTES, CARS & MACHINERY condition up to $12,500 Free Tow as Needed. Call now to discuss 0403 118 534

Death Notice

TOBY FLETCHER

(Lawrence John)

Toby died peacefully after a short illness on 18th April, 2023.

Adored Husband of Elsie

Much Loved Father and Father-in-law of Mandy and Wayne, Suzie and Mark, and Kirsten and Chris.

Loved ’Toby’ of Lauren, Peter, Callum; Seon, Zac, Luke; Byron, Dylan, and Siena. Great Grandfather of Xanthe and Ronan. A private celebration of Toby’s life has been held.

PAULINE ELLEN McCONNELL

Passed away peacefully in Southport on 26th April 2023.

Aged 82 years

Beloved Wife of Gregory. Much loved Mother, Motherin-law and Step-Mother of Garry & Leanne, Anthony, erese, Mark, Maxine, Fiona & Manuel, Leeanne & Anthony.

Adored Nana, Great-Grandmother, Aunt, Sister and Friend.

Pauline was privately interred.

GERALD FRENCH

4/10/37- 28/4/23

Loved & cherished husband of wife Joan.

Adored by his children, Grand children & 29 Great Grand children.

Will be sadly missed.

Privately Cremated.

Death Notices

Funeral Notice

In Loving memory of Margaret

Helen Moore

(nee Everingham)

Late of Bupa Pottsville.

Formerly of Eungella.

Passed away peacefully on Saturday 29th April 2023. Aged 88 Years.

Dearly loved Wife of Robert (Bob) (dec). Loved Mother and Mother-in-law.

Cherished Grandmother, Loving Great-Grandmother and Sister-in-law to their Families.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend Margaret’s Funeral Service to be held at the Tweed Valley Chapel , Eviron Road,, Eviron on Friday 12th May 2023 at 12noon.

Followed by a Burial at Tweed Valley Lawn Cemetery.

Ph: (02) 6672 2144 Murwillumbah McGuiness Funerals

In Loving memory of

Je rey Allan Treadwell

01.09.1948 - 26.04.2023

Late of Kingscli formerly from Murwillumbah.

Passed away suddenly on Wednesday the 26th April 2023. Aged 74 years.

Beloved son of Allan and Faye Treadwell. Loved brother of Philip(dec’d) and Gary.

Loved uncle of Myles, Faith and Vanessa. Loved nephew of Elaine Moore. A private cremation to be held.

LAING LEHFELDT

Late of Pottsville.

Formerly Publican of the Court House Hotel, Murwillumbah and e Chinderah Tavern.

Passed away peacefully on Tuesday 25th April, 2023. Aged 83 years.

Dearly loved Husband of Dell.

Loved Father and Father-in-law of Tony & Linda, Kris & Marie, Dean & Cathy.

Cherished Grandfather of Emerald, Grace and Kyle. Loving Great-Grandfather to Lola and Orlando.

Loved Brother of Joy (dec’d), Bill (dec’d) and Lesley. Family and Friends are warmly invited to attend Laing’s Funeral Service to be held at the e Tweed Valley Lawn Chapel & Crematorium, Eviron Road, Eviron on ursday May 4th, 2023 at 11.00 am.

Ph: (02) 6672 2144 Murwillumbah McGuiness Funerals

FOR SALE

3 Bed 2 Bath 3 Car

3 Cougal Street, Tyalgum

Well presented, and currently leased until Dec 2023, this property is an attractive option for those seeking an affordable home as well as a readymade investment. Fully re-conceptualised in 2022, there is much to appreciate in this bright, modern and inviting home.

FOR SALE

3 Bed 1 Bath 2 Car

1061 Smiths Creek Road, Stokers Siding

Built in 1920, and constructed from locally sourced timber, you are met with a welcoming veranda from which to sit and enjoy the peaceful surrounds. You will be further delighted by the solid timber flooring, pot belly fireplace, claw-foot bathtub, inviting ambience and the original, period touches throughout.

FOR SALE

2 Bed 1 Bath 1 Car

28 Eyles Avenue, Murwillumbah

Situated in a quiet elevated pocket of Murwillumbah, this partially updated residence represents a sensational opportunity for renovators and investors alike. This 98-year young, high-set property resides on a 788m2 fully fenced, tiered garden allotment with rear lane access.

FOR SALE

4 Bed 3 Bath 2 Car

476 Tweed Valley Way, Sth Murwillumbah

This exceptional, contemporary country residence invites you to enter, put your feet up and stay for a lifetime. Located only 2.9km from Murwillumbah’s CBD, this 13-acre property, with an additional guesthouse and swimming pool, is surrounded by sweeping north easterly views over rolling green hills and cane fields, offering private country living.

Hickey

Sheppard

Shop 1/41-45 Murwillumbah Street, Murwillumbah

Record rental growth

By Jo Kennett

TWEED COAST suburbs have experienced some of the strongest growth in rental prices in the state in the last five years according to the latest data from PropTrack, which won’t come as a surprise to anyone who has been paying attention, or rent.

The new data reveals that some suburbs have increased in price by as much as 200 per cent. Beachside locations were popular for tenants seeking units, especially during Covid, which led to big price increases.

Senior PropTrack economist Paul Ryan said fierce tenant competition for available rental properties is leading to price increases across the country, with no relief in sight.

“Conditions at the moment point to continued strong rent price increases, and the lack of rental stock relative to continued strong demand means that in the short term, we will continue to see rents increase strongly all across the country, but particularly in capital

cities,” he said.

“This is tough news for renters, with these financial pressures adding to the cost-of-living increases from high inflation.”

Since 2018, regional areas have recorded the biggest rental increases nationally and Tweed Coast suburbs once again made the top ten list for growth.

Casuarina has been named as one of the top ten suburbs with the highest five-year rental price growth for houses in NSW.

Tenants in the beachside suburb were paying a median rent of $755 per week five years ago but now they are paying a whopping median of $1,295 per week.

That’s great for owners and investors, but if you are a local tenant, well, ouch.

Bogangar/Cabarita Beach came in at number two in the list of NSW suburbs with the highest five-year rental price growth for units, jumping from $420 per week five years ago to $690, an increase of 64.29 per cent.

Kingscliff came in at number eight in the top ten list for units,

jumping from $450 per week to $700, a great increase on an investment of 55.56 per cent, while houses were up 50.4 per cent from a median of $665 to $1,000.

Pottsville units were up 40.7 per cent from $430 to $605 while house rents jumped 45 per cent from $573 in 2018 to $830 now. A house in Murwillumbah rents for less than a Pottsville unit these days, up from $423 five years ago to $600, while units have jumped nearly 43 per cent from $280 to $400.

Tweed Head units have gone from $393 to $550 with homes increasing from $565 to $788.

JET Real Estate director Jason Dittmar said that the median rental for houses in Murwillumbah is up 5.4 per cent from March last year.

“What happened was in the first half of the 12 month period, rents rose dramatically, which was based on the rapid increase in property growth,” Jason said.

“They can’t increase the rent during those six or 12 month

lease periods so the catch up is really just the catch up with the value of property prices.

“The rental market in Murwillumbah has always been quite strong and vacancy rates have always been quite low.

“Until the area gets more land opened up for residential housing it will always be a supply and demand issue and that is why property prices will remain high; we don’t have enough properties to sell or to rent.”

Jason said people needed to take a longer term view of the market.

“Everyone looks to the property market in the next 6 or 12 months but a lot of people still want to move here,” he said.

“We are only half an hour from the Gold Coast Airport which puts us in a good location for anyone that wants to work from home.

“One of the first things renters want to know is how good the internet connectivity is, but the new Starlink internet means wherever you want to live you can work.

“Technology is changing the way we work and the way we live.”

Tate Brownlee has this lovely rental overlooking Cabarita Beach

65 COMINAN AVENUE, BANORA POINT PRICE GUIDE $1,600,000

6 3 2

RESORT ENTERTAINER COMPLETE WITH VIEWS, POOL & BAR

Commanding an immediate sense of space, a revelation of quality, style and entertainment excellence unfolds from the moment you enter the property via the secure front gate. Impressive in size and features, nothing has been overlooked in creating this summer masterpiece with versatile indoor/outdoor living options that captures sweeping 180' hinterland, ocean, and Surfers Paradise skyline views within ten minutes' drive to shopping and famous beaches.

PRICE GUIDE $1,000,000

15 DALLIS COURT, DUNBIBLE

COUNTRY RETREAT WITH PICTURESQUE VIEWS ONLY MOMENTS TO TOWN

Privately positioned in a quiet cul-de-sac country lane setting with only one neighbour. A feeling of seclusion yet uber close to in-town convenience, with ideal northeast facing views of the surrounding farmland set on a manageable 1.87 acres. The single level, easy to maintain brick and tile residence offers open plan living, with two separate areas and undercover alfresco patio for entertaining and relaxation. Featuring an American style barn shed for plenty of secure storage. Two minutes' drive to Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre and Guinea's Fruit, Veg & Asian Grocery Store. Ten minutes to renown Mavis' Kitchen and Cabins.

4 Maria Court, Condong

Spacious 4 brms | 2 living areas | media/office | pool

This immaculate and beautifully maintained family home will be a joy to come home to. Taking in an elevated position overlooking the parkland setting offers a protective position without losing your stunning river & mountain view. Spacious throughout with a beautiful modern kitchen, 2 separate living spaces plus a media room/office, ensuited master brm and a private, fully fenced yard with large covered outdoor living area & inground pool. This home had just a small amount of water seep up through the floor waste in bathroom in Feb 2022.

31 Yalambee Avenue, Cudgera Creek

3 bed | 2 bath | pool | extensive shedding | 8km beach

Open Home Sat 11-11.30am

Price Guide

$1.2 - $1.295m

199 Tweed Valley Way, South Murwillumbah

3 bed | 2 bath | boatramp & timber jetty | mountain views

This solid home has been completely renovated by a builder, from the inside out and retains original timber floors & decorative plaster ceilings. Full privacy fencing from road with room to manoeuvre in back yard, the property has a boat ramp and timber deck where you can fish, kayak or row, launch the tinny or push the ski boat in. Covered outdoor living area for relaxed entertaining ,open plan living, sunroom/entry, 3 nicely proportioned bedrooms (ensuited main), sep. toilet, remote garage & storage/workshop area. Updates: New roof & sisalation, plumbing & wiring, plaster linings, fixtures & fittings, windows & doors, 2 bathrooms and kitchen. All asbestos & lead paint removed. No upper level flood inundation in 2022.

Open Home Sat 10 - 10.30am

$945,000

Ready to Negotiate

Privately positioned 3.08 Ha (7.6 acres) in a quiet cul-de-sac 8km to Pottsville beach, this low-set brick home offers 2 separate living areas, large kitchen & dining, lush lawn area fully fenced, outdoor deck, firepit & seating, pool with timber deck surrounds, a large solar array (battery ready), core-filled besser shed/workshop plus a separate Colorbond shed, vege patch with fenced paddocks. Genuine sellers want this sold - Submit offers please.

Open Home Sat 12.30-1.30pm

$1.795m Must be Sold

Submit Offers - Now $2.295m

973 Reserve Creek Road, Reserve Creek

4 king brms | 8.15 acres| pool | shed | studio | orchard

Ready for your self-sustainable lifestyle? Wake up to the sound of the Kookaburras from this beautifully spacious 4 bedroom home with 5 huge living spaces providing ample room for a family. Brand new pool house & approved separate studio. 8.15 lush usable acres with shed, established fruit orchard, spring-fed stream. Ideal for kids, pets & livestock. Coastal breezes assured, 12km to beach, M1 to commute north/south. Generous living amenity in a quiet and peaceful location. Genuine motivated seller has purchased elsewhere and requires immediate sale

Belinda Franks - 0409 152200

Ray White Rural Murwillumbah

Great Value

Extensive Infrastructure

Now $2.295m

Must be Sold Offers Please

Mr Property Services

1/14 Dandaloo Drive Currumbin

TROPICAL TRI-LEVEL TOWN HOME - Currumbin Hill

Immerse yourself under a tree lined canopy to experience this coastal inspired tri-level town home, within a small cluster of (3) dwellings only. Offering 215m2 of total indoor/outdoor space and spread over three distinctive levels, there is ample room for the independent family wanting to relax in comfort.

FEATURES

• Family / Tv room or home office area

• Bedroom (3)

• Laundry & W/C

• Durable epoxy flooring

• Single automatic garage with internal access + exterior open space for 2nd vehicle (Common property)

• Spacious light filled open plan living w/ cool easy care flooring

• Dining zone

• Kitchen w/ Caesar stone benches & d/washer

• Full length balcony w/ native outlook

• Access to rear private courtyard w/ timber deck

• Master bedroom w/ stunning ensuite, walk in robe & access to full length upper balcony

• Second bedroom w/ built in robe, split system airconditioning & access to balcony

• Stylish main bathroom

For Sale

Interest Over $995,000

Open Saturday 6th 1:00 - 1:30pm

David Stringer 0418 150 731

david@djstringer.com.au

8 Ivory Crescent Tweed Heads South

IDYLLIC GREENBANK - dual living with development appeal'

Outstanding opportunity to acquire this solid (3) bedroom dual level residence aloft a prime 664m2 allotment, surrounded by major amenities and offering redevelopment appeal for boutique apartments up to 22m (7) levels.

You will enjoy water views of the Tweed River from the existing home and if re-developed, spectacular 180-degree water views above the (3) story buildings in front that are restricted to a height of 9m only.

GROUND LEVEL:

• Large self-contained flat with kitchenette & bathroom / ideal for extended family or home occupation

• Double lock up garage with internal access

UPPER LEVEL:

• Full length enclosed sunroom with Tweed River views

• 3 generous bedrooms

• Colonial style kitchen with heaps of cupboard space

• Tidy bathroom with separate toilet

Land Size 664m2

For Sale

Buyer range $1.6M - $1.650M

Open By Personal Appointment

David Stringer 0418 150 731

david@djstringer.com.au

the home of real estate

Garden

Competition

PRIZES FOR EACH CATEGORY PLUS EVERY GARDENER THAT ENTERS GOES INTO THE DRAW TO WIN THE MAJOR PRIZE!

You don’t have to be a professional gardener or possess a green thumb to enter!

THE CATEGORIES ARE AS FOLLOWS (YOU CAN ENTER UP TO 3 CATEGORIES)

Meet our special guest, garden guru & ABC Radio ‘Good Gardening’ celebrity Phil Dudman at our exclusive awards event, THURSDAY 19TH OCTOBER 2023, 3PM - 5PM (QLD Time)

30th of September 2023... Judging dates will be announced early September Visit:

Entries - now open & close

www.djstringer.com.au/garden to enter, or scan and email the form below to: reception@djstringer.com.au

1) SMALL SPACE GARDEN – BALCONY, COURTYARD/PATIO For gardens with balconies, courtyards or patios.

2) GENERAL SIZED GARDEN All general gardens up to 1000

m2 of land space.

3) LARGE GARDENS & ACREAGE Gardens larger than 1000

m2 of land space.

4) EDIBLE GARDEN & VEGIE PATCH

Edible gardens including vegie patches.

5) SUSTAINABLE GARDEN Sustainable Gardens/Eco friendly and the use of natural/organic products – no size limit.

6) PRETTY GARDEN We’re looking for pretty flowering gardens in this category big or small.

Or scan the QR Code to enter

7) COMICAL OR QUIRKY GARDEN For that garden that oozes personality & or charm in any shape or form, big or small.

8) SCHOOL GARDEN Edible, sustainable, flowering , students gardens & or just beautifully maintained grounds.

9) BEST WATER FEATURE Special fish pond & or general water feature of any size.

10) BEST MAN CAVE Can be attached or unattached to home, sports bar area / billiard room or workshop but it must represent its owners personality.

11) BEST TENANTS GARDEN Tenants must have been renting the home & maintained all gardens for in excess of 12 months.

12) BEST COMMUNITY GARDEN Community garden with various participant gardeners.

OPEN TO SOUTHERN GC - PALM BEACH TO COOLANGATTA & TWEED TO KINGSCLIFF RESIDENTS

Perched high on the hill

AUCTION FOR SALE

Open home: Saturday 6th May 1:00-1:30pm

25 Drift Court, Kingscliff

Open home: Saturday 6th May 9:30-10:00am

T. 07 5513 0300

Tate Brownlee

Brad Kopcikas-Yates 0408 251 988 brad@tbre.team

4 2 2

| $2,350,000

| $900,000 - $990,000 price guide

17 Kinross Close, Banora Point

to capture cool breezes, ocean views and city skyline views

Designer Brently Reid of Ecosphere Design, in collaboration with the current owners created a true statement to modern coastal living