The Northern Rivers Times News Edition 275

Chase to seek legal advice as Wrecking Ball saga heads to council

By Tim Howard

Queensland Police ofcer Simon Chase says he will contact his solicitor this week after Clarence Valley Council general manager Laura Black failed to apologise for accusing him of falsifying an internal council email.

The move marks a new escalation in the “Wrecking Ball” controversy, which will come before Clarence Valley Council’s Thursday meeting when Cr Cristie Yager raises a question with notice about the leak that sparked community outrage.

Mr Chase, who also chairs the Clarence Valley Semi-Permanent Van Group, said on Monday that the deadline he had given Ms Black to retract and apologise for her allegation expired last Friday, and he would now seek legal advice on his next steps.

The business paper frames the issue as a matter of process and communication, seeking to strengthen internal protocols following the “premature sharing” of a staf concept idea for the council’s Jacaranda Festival skit.

According to the document, the nowinfamous idea — in which council staf on wrecking balls would demolish caravans to the tune of the Miley Cyrus song Wrecking Ball — was “one of three initial ideas” and “dismissed internally as inappropriate”.

However, the email’s emergence, via a leak to the media in late September, caused widespread ofence in the community, given council’s ongoing attempt to evict more than a hundred semi-permanent residents from its four caravan parks.

From the email trail on the leaked fle it appeared

it was frst circulated to staf on September 17 and again on September 27, prompting outrage from caravan park residents and social media criticism over its apparent insensitivity.

The business paper prepared for next week’s meeting makes no reference to the subsequent controversy, including claims and counterclaims over the email’s authenticity and circulation.

Instead, Cr Yager’s notice of motion seeks answers from general manager Laura Black to four questions covering: what measures have been taken to review how the idea became public, what steps are being taken to address community feedback, what assurances have been given that the concept was not endorsed, and whether internal processes are being reviewed to prevent similar misunderstandings.

Cr Yager writes that her intent is “not to criticise staf, but to encourage a strengthening of internal processes to avoid misunderstandings like this in the future and to ensure that information about how this situation will be approached is transparent”.

In her ofcial comment attached to the business paper, Ms Black says the “wrecking ball” theme was discussed and “subsequently dismissed by staf as inappropriate prior to the group undertaking its frst meeting”.

She said an internal review confrmed the concept “was not

accusation and written a formal letter to Ms Black alleging her claim is defamatory.

“The allegation that I falsifed or manipulated the email is false, defamatory, and without evidentiary basis,” he wrote.

“The email had been circulated to other persons before it was forwarded to me, and your allegations that I manipulated the email can easily be disproved.”

approved, endorsed, or circulated to all staf as has been suggested”, adding that the meeting invitation containing the suggested theme “was distributed externally on one occasion only”.

That statement appears to contradict earlier reports that the email was sent twice — an issue now at the heart of the dispute between Ms Black and Mr Chase.

Last week Ms Black accused Mr Chase of fabricating the section of the email that indicated multiple circulations and wrote to both The Northern Rivers Times and The Clarence Valley Independent demanding front-page retractions and apologies.

Mr Chase has categorically denied the

Mr Chase’s letter goes on to demand that Ms Black immediately cease and desist from repeating the allegation, issue a full retraction and apology, and confrm that she has stopped circulating the claim.

He has warned that he will consider defamation proceedings under the Defamation Act 2005 (NSW) if the allegations persist.

Deputy Mayor Greg Clancy and Cr Lynne Cairns have both expressed concern on social media about the handling of the issue.

“I am shocked and very sorry that this has occurred,” Cr Clancy wrote. “I will be making inquiries through the appropriate processes available to me as a councillor.”

Cr Cairns said she

was “so sorry this email was formulated and distributed”, adding, “I wish to put on record that I have never voted to evict the semi-permanents. I intend making inquiries about the email.”

Council’s business paper concludes that “staf remain committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and valuesbased culture, and to maintaining the community’s trust through transparency and accountability”.

The “wrecking ball” skit was dismissed, with council emphasising that staf participation in the Jacaranda Festival is a “staf-led, staf-funded activity”.

The matter is expected to be discussed at Thursday’s ordinary meeting of Clarence Valley Council in Grafton.

Cr Christie Yager will bring a question with notice to Thursday’s Clarence Valley Council meeting, seeking to “encourage a strengthening of internal processes” to avoid controversies like this from occurring again. The image contained in the Wrecking Ball email of council staf astride wrecking balls smashing into caravans has upset many people in the Clarence community.

New connection for Casino CBD and sporting facilities

By Samantha Elley

As a young school boy Richmond Valley Mayor Robert Mustow remembers crossing the Casino footbridge to make his way to the playing felds of Queen Elizabeth Park.

“Today is a very special day for Richmond Valley and Casino as there’s been talk of a higher footbridge for decades as I’d heard as a young boy but today we are actually turning the soil even though the work has started,” he said.

“It will be a great inclusion to the park and access to it.

“I recall as a young boy, in winter when you had to come over here for sport using the footbridge, even a small rise in the river you couldn’t play sport.”

The new bridge will be built by Forge Outdoors and will be a suspensions bridge, according to the Head of Construction, Robert Antonios.

“It will be 160 metres in length, which is the equivalent to one and a half rugby league felds,”

he said.

“With a bridge built on piers, they can be taken in a food.

“A suspension bridge can be out of the food waters.”

The bridge is jointly funded by the Federal

and State Governments and will form the centrepiece of a proposed new riverside precinct, which will connect the Casino CBD with Queen Elizabeth Park’s sporting facilities, river walks and open spaces.

Stronger together

Benefits of the proposed merger

Keeping it local

Same branch, same friendly team with more opportunities for you.

Staying customer owned

Committed to staying as a customer-owned regional bank for the community.

Stronger communities

More regional resources to support local initiatives, sponsorships and sustainability.

Our upcoming October Community Merger Information Evenings:

Ballina 27 October, Ballina RSL Club, 5pm

Lismore 28 October, Lismore Workers Sports Club, Goonellabah, 5pm Refreshments provided

Suspension Bridge artist impression

federal and local governments for the delivery of this project,” said Emily Suvaal MLC, representing NSW Minister for Recovery and North Coast Janelle Safn.

“We are keen to see it built back to a better standard and the new suspension bridge will be at a higher level and built in such a way to withstand river fows and future foods.”

The existing footbridge sustained repeated damage during recent food events, prompting the need for a more resilient structure in a new location.

“State government’s really pleased to have been partnering with

Member for Clarence, Richie Williamson said it wasn’t long ago that the footbridge was underwater.

“I was receiving emails from the community saying ‘When is our new bridge coming?’ and today, with the great work

of council, today is the day,” he said.

“An iconic bridge, I believe, that will bring more visitors to Casino and it does connect the CBD with the southside and that’s going to be another asset for CBD businesses.”

The project received $3,505,767 from the Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Package under the 2022 Community Assets Program. This package is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. Completion of the bridge is anticipated by the end of June 2026, weather permitting.

for more information

Opening up The Risk and waiting on Lions Road

By Samantha Elley

The almost completed Grieves bridge at The Risk got plenty of attention last week when NSW Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig visited to inspect the progress.

This $5 million project has been half-funded by state and federal government with a small amount contributed by Kyogle Council.

“What’s really impressive is that this bridge, from land acquisition to design and construction, has been delivered entirely by Kyogle Council’s own staf,” said Mr Hoenig.

“In just 15 months, they’ve turned plans into

reality, within budget and built something that will keep their community connected even in the toughest of times.”

The bridge is 4.8 metres higher than the current bridge, with a span of 60 metres and will accommodate two lanes at 8.6 metres wide keeping communities connected during times when the Richmond River is in food. It is also a key connection

for those travelling to and from Queensland via the Lions Road which is currently closed to trafc as road repairs take place.

“The 2022 foods had major land slips and Cyclone Alfred hit on top which made three of the land slips increase,” said John Burley, Deputy Mayor of Kyogle.

“We are looking towards the end of 2026 because the last three (landslips) from Alfed haven’t been assessed and we don’t have the grants to do that yet.

“While that road is closed we will do a lot of work on the surfacing to make it better.”

Wayne Carter, Director of Assets and Infrastructure

Banking for People and Community: Reflecting Northern Rivers Values

At a time when big banks can feel disconnected from the communities they serve, the proposed merger between Summerland Bank and Regional Australia Bank ofers a refreshing alternative, one grounded in mutual ownership, ethical banking, and a strong commitment to regional sustainability.

If approved, the merger would unite two customerowned banks with shared values, ensuring the organisation remains 100% owned by its customers, with no external shareholders and no compromise on principles. It’s a model that puts people before proft and prioritises long-term wellbeing over short-term gain.

For the Northern Rivers community, this is more than a business move; it’s an opportunity to strengthen values-driven banking.

Summerland Bank will remain B Corp certifed, maintaining its focus on social and environmental responsibility while amplifying its impact through partnership. Together, the merged bank would become a stronger, more resilient organisation — with 49 branches across regional NSW, expanded digital services, and more lending specialists to support personal and community goals. Customers will continue to bank with their trusted local teams while benefting from broader resources and reach. Importantly, this merger would enhance support for local initiatives, sponsorships, and environmental programs, investing in the projects that matter most to our region. This is a pivotal moment for Summerland Bank customers. Your vote will

help shape the future of ethical , community –focused banking in regional Australia. To help locals better understand what’s proposed, Summerland Bank is hosting a series of community information evenings. All are welcome to attend and ask questions about what this merger could mean for our region.

The Community Merger Information Evenings will be held at 5pm at the following venues: Kingsclif Beach and Bowls Club: Thursday 23rd October

Ballina RSL Club –Monday 27th October

Lismore Workers Sports Club Goonellabah –Tuesday 28th October

Grafton District Services Club – Wednesday 29th October

Learn more at www. summerland.com.au/ merger-plans.

for Kyogle Council said Lions Road won’t be opened until damage from Cyclone Alfred is funded and the road is fxed.

“We want to open (Lions Road) as soon as we possibly can but there are still outstanding works and works not yet funded so we are working with the Reconstruction Authority to

get that funding approved as soon as possible, so we can piggyback on the current contracts to get the work completed,” he said.

Cr Burley said the council will send media releases as the date to the road’s opening draws nearer.

A new chapter begins for Lismore City Library

Robert Heyward

Restoration of Lismore City Library has reached completion following the installation of a new lift, ensuring the facility is now accessible to all community members.

This milestone not only marks an end to the physical transformation but refects a renewed spirit within its walls – where vibrant new features and thoughtful design invite people of all ages to engage in learning, collaboration, and community life.

Restored by Bennett Constructions, with collaboration from BKA Architecture, the building is also more resilient thanks to enhanced materials, construction methods, and building services that improve water resistance and ease maintenance.

Since opening its doors to the public in early February, the library has emerged as a popular destination for residents to reconnect with friends, neighbours, and colleagues following years of disruption.

The addition of quiet zones, charging stations, and fexible seating arrangements has positioned the library as an ideal environment for focused work and study, providing an inviting alternative to cafés and co-working spaces.

Restoration of Lismore

City Library has been made possible thanks to $5.6 million investment, including:

• Flood Restoration funds shared between State and Federal Governments – $4.5 million

• NSW Government’s 2022 Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Package – Arts and Cultural Priority Needs Program –$135,821

• 2023 Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Package – $494,400

• State Library of NSW Public Library Infrastructure Grants – $325,427

• Lismore City Council –$222,000 Complementing the new children’s reading tree and the eye-catching mural in the ground foor entrance, a new stairwell artwork by Rebecca Kocass, Luke Close, and Annette Deal has also been installed, proudly standing as a tribute to the outpouring of support Lismore received following the 2022 natural disasters.

Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg said: “It’s fantastic to see the library fully restored – a new chapter can fnally begin.

It’s been a long road, but the results speak for themselves.”

“The new elevator is the fnishing touch, making sure everyone feels welcome and included in this beautiful space.”

Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said:

“The library sits in the heart of our CBD. Seeing it restored and improved, with better accessibility, and new community spaces, is something we can all take pride in.”

“This project shows what can be achieved when governments at every level work with the community.”

NSW Minister for Recovery, Small Business and the North Coast and State Member for Lismore Janelle Safn: “We’ve waited a long time for this moment. The lift is working, the shelves are full, and the energy is back. This library isn’t just open –it’s thriving. I have supported this refurbishment all the way, and with major State and Federal funding it has been able to happen.”

“I couldn’t be prouder to see Lismore Library return to the heart of our community.”

Lismore Area

Librarian Michael Lewis said: “Reopening the library has been about more than just books on shelves – it's about giving the community a space they can feel proud of.”

“The new elevator has made the building more accessible, the children’s area is buzzing again, and a new public artwork stands as a thank you to the people right across Australia who helped us rebuild.”

Blicks River Guardians honoured with prestigious environmental award

By Tim Howard

A grassroots conservation group from the Dorrigo Plateau has received one of the North Coast’s top environmental honours for its sustained eforts to protect native forests and wildlife.

Blicks River Guardians has been awarded the Triumph Over Greed (TOGA) Award by the North Coast Environment Council (NCEC) for its 84-week campaign that halted industrial logging at Clouds Creek State Forest, south of Dorrigo.

The group’s longrunning “Glider Reviver” action successfully protected the Clouds Creek Greater Glider Sanctuary from logging between January 2024 and September 2025 — a total of 420 working days, making it one of the longest forest protection campaigns in NSW history.

The protected area has since been placed under a logging moratorium and earmarked for inclusion in the Great Koala National

Park by the Minns Government — a move the group has welcomed.

“It is not very often that grassroots community triumphs over corporate greed,” said Meredith Stanton, who, along with fellow campaigner Mark Graham, accepted the award on behalf of Blicks River Guardians.

“In this instance, it’s so satisfying to know that local koalas and greater gliders, our river systems and future generations will be the benefciaries of our sustained eforts to save Clouds Creek forests

as intact habitat.”

The NCEC’s TOGA Award was last presented in 2022 to conservation visionary Ashley Love, who frst proposed the Great Koala National Park.

Ms Stanton said being recognised alongside such fgures was “deeply humbling.”

Mr Graham said ending native forest logging was vital to protecting regional water supplies and biodiversity.

“Forests deliver water security — destroying them with industrial

logging takes that away,” he said.

“We must now switch immediately from logging and destroying public native forests to the restoration and repair of forests.”

The Blicks River Guardians campaign focused on the Blicks River catchment, which drains the western Dorrigo Plateau into the Nymboida River — a source of drinking water for around 100,000 residents from Sawtell to Iluka.

The group says it hopes

the creation of the Great Koala National Park will also prevent future mining in sensitive catchments on the Dorrigo Plateau, where several proposals are under consideration.

“Unlogged, these catchment forests have a 15–20-year head start towards climate resilience,” Ms Stanton said.

“That’s why we need to stop logging all our forests now and begin the restoration process inside the 476,000-hectare park.”

The North Coast Environment Council described the Glider Reviver campaign as a “landmark example” of community persistence achieving tangible environmental outcomes.

Darley wins $140,000 costs — a warning shot for councils misusing the Code of Conduct

By Tim Howard

A Sydney councillor’s landmark court victory has taken another decisive turn, with City of Parramatta Cr Kellie Darley announcing she has been awarded $140,000 in legal costs following her successful Supreme Court challenge against her own council’s Code of Conduct ruling.

The development, confrmed in a Facebook post last week, reinforces Darley’s case as a powerful legal precedent for local government accountability — one that Clarence Valley councillors and ratepayers are watching closely.

“I have 140,000 reasons to smile today,” Cr Darley wrote. “The Supreme Court entered cost orders by consent this morning, with council and the Conduct Reviewer now required to pay me $140,000.

“This will cover 94% of the costs I was able to claim – unfortunately though this is about $60k short of the true fnancial costs of my successful Supreme Court case.”

Darley said the outcome confrmed that the council and its independent conduct reviewer had breached the Local Government Act, the Code of Conduct and the mandatory procedures — a view previously upheld by the court.

Her legal team, Stringybark Legal principal James Ryan and barrister Cameron Jackson, were praised for their “expert advice and winning hard work.”

Ryan is the same solicitor now representing Clarence Valley councillor Lynne Cairns, who has also alleged procedural unfairness and misuse of the Code of Conduct process. The cost order — made by consent — efectively concedes that Parramatta Council’s actions were not only unlawful but fnancially reckless.

Cr Darley’s case has already prompted calls for tighter oversight of how councils use public

funds to pursue Code of Conduct cases that later collapse under judicial scrutiny.

While Darley remains out of pocket by about $60,000, her recovery of almost all claimable costs makes her one of the few councillors in NSW to achieve partial reimbursement after a successful legal challenge.

Darley’s case has struck a chord in the Clarence Valley, where several councillors — including

with the Parramatta Eels — a punishment the court later found to be based on multiple procedural breaches and unequal treatment between councillors.

Justice Schmidt’s judgment described the breaches as “neither minor nor isolated.”

The ruling has since become a touchstone for councillors statewide who believe the Code has been turned into a political weapon rather than a safeguard of integrity.

In a new twist, Darley revealed that Parramatta Council and the conduct reviewer have now lodged a notice of intention to appeal the decision, giving themselves until the end of November to commence proceedings.

“Given the clear Supreme Court judgment, strong supporting evidence and arguments during the hearings, I am embarrassed as a Councillor about this course of action and frustrated for the potential of good money being thrown after bad — your money, by the way,” she posted.

Cr Cairns — have claimed to be victims of politically motivated conduct complaints.

Cr Cairns has described the system as opaque and lacking in procedural fairness, and has said the process has been used to silence dissenting voices. Her concerns echo Darley’s own experience.

In Parramatta, Darley was formally censured in 2023 for speaking publicly about a $1.1 million sponsorship deal

That frustration will sound familiar to Clarence Valley ratepayers, who have watched their own council become embroiled in costly legal disputes — including those involving caravan park evictions, code complaints, and conficts between councillors and senior management.

If Parramatta proceeds with an appeal, Darley said she was prepared to defend the original judgment: “Of course,

there is one thing better than winning once — winning twice.”

Darley emphasised that her case has already begun to beneft councillors across NSW, as legal advisers invoke her victory to ensure councils comply strictly with the Local Government Act and the Code of Conduct Procedures.

Mr Ryan, her solicitor, has been contacted by councillors from other regions seeking advice — among them Cr Cairns.

The Clarence Valley Council has faced multiple Code of Conduct controversies over the past two years, prompting internal divisions and complaints of procedural bias.

The Darley ruling, and now the cost order, give weight to Cairns’s argument that the system is broken and being politically weaponised, and that councillors deserve procedural fairness equal to that of council staf.

Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig has already fagged reforms aimed at depoliticising the role of general managers and making Code of Conduct processes more transparent.

Darley’s win — now backed by the court’s cost order — will likely strengthen his case for reform.

For Clarence Valley, the message is blunt: follow the law, ensure fairness, and stop using public money to fght unwinnable battles.

Retirement Living Proves a Smart, Afordable Option as House Prices Surge

Jef Gibbs

Retirement living is fast becoming one of Australia’s most afordable and rewarding housing options, with new research showing it not only eases fnancial pressure for retirees but also frees up much-needed housing for younger families.

According to StewartBrown’s latest Retirement Living Performance Survey Report, the median entry cost for a two-bedroom retirement village unit is equivalent to just 53 per cent of the median house price in the same suburb. Even for three-bedroom units, the average sits at around 66 per cent.

These fgures highlight a growing trend—older Australians are recognising that selling the family home and moving into a retirement community can be both fnancially and emotionally benefcial. By downsizing, retirees can remain close to their existing community, family, and friends while unlocking equity to supplement their income and improve their quality of life.

When 62-year-old

Karen Cook made the move to a retirement village at Victoria Point in Queensland seven and a half years ago, she wasn’t planning for early retirement. She was looking for a better life for

Application for Appointment of Board Members

Lynch’s Creek (R86485) Reserve Land Manager

Ever wondered who is responsible for keeping Crown reserves operating?

Countless facilities like showgrounds, local halls and parks are run by Statutory Land Manager Boards, made up of people just like you. People who understand the need and have a desire to manage public land and assets for the beneft of the entire community.

Your role as a Board Member is voluntary, but the rewards of giving something back to the community are priceless.

We are looking for a good mix of people with a variety of skills, however, sound business and fnancial management skills and objective decisionmaking expertise would be a distinct advantage.

Don’t let this opportunity to do something for yourself and your community pass you by – contact us today.

The Lynch’s Creek (R86485) Reserve Land Manager manages the Reserve No. 86485 at Lynchs Creek notifed on 27-Oct-1967 for Public Recreation. The term of appointment will be for a period not exceeding 5 years.

Application for membership can be made via portal.crownland.nsw.gov.au

All applications are required to be lodged by 16 November 2025

For further information contact Chrissy Haslem on (02) 6642 9213 or go to reservemanager.crownland.nsw.gov.au LT0776

her husband, Paul, who had been struggling with Parkinson’s disease.

“He’d become quite reclusive because of his Parkinson’s,” Karen explained. “There’s lots of activities here, and I thought it might give him some life again.”

The couple had spent 36 years on the Gold Coast before deciding it was time to make a change. “We just said, okay, this is what we need to do,” Karen said. “I got onto Airtasker, got the house ready, and we were here within 12 weeks. I’m a bit of a goer—a doer—so I just put my mind to it.”

Karen encourages others in similar situations to act early. “People often say, ‘I can’t possibly downsize; I’ve got the kids’ schoolbooks and tools in the garage.’ But it becomes overwhelming if you wait too long. Don’t wait until you can’t manage,” she advised.

Now 69, Karen’s twobedroom ground-foor unit sits among lush gardens, just a short walk from the bay where Paul once loved to fsh. After he passed away, she briefy considered returning to the Gold Coast or moving closer to her daughter in Sydney, but rising house prices and the strong sense of community persuaded her to stay.

“You can close the door, lock the unit and of you go. You know it’s safe, and people keep an eye out for you,” she said.

Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson said the

report reinforces earlier fndings showing that retirement living residents enjoy higher levels of happiness and wellbeing than the general older population.

“Retirement communities aren’t just convenient— they’re a smart, positive fnancial choice,” Mr Symondson said. “It’s not just about downsizing; it’s about upgrading to a lifestyle that ofers freedom, community, and long-term afordability.”

The Catalyst Research Report found residents in retirement villages scored 77.5 on the Catalyst Wellness Index, signifcantly higher than the average of 71.3 for all older Australians.

For Karen, that sense

of wellbeing has only grown. She now works part-time as an Uber driver, occasionally giving her neighbours lifts to appointments, and serves on her village’s Residents’ Committee, which organises social activities and community events.

“I love it—it keeps me busy and connected,” she said. “This move really changed my life for the better.”

As property prices continue to soar across Australia, retirement living ofers a genuine solution: afordability, community, and the comfort of knowing you’re not alone. For many, it’s proving to be more than a place to retire—it’s a place to truly live.

Lean Manufacturing Pilot Delivers Big Wins for Regional Businesses

Jef Gibbs

Regional manufacturers across New South Wales are reporting major savings in time, money, and efciency thanks to the Minns Labor Government’s Lean Manufacturing Pilot Program, which has helped 59 small to medium-sized businesses sharpen their operations and strengthen productivity.

Launched in March 2025, the $800,000 initiative is part of the NSW Government’s broader commitment to building a stronger, more competitive manufacturing sector—one that already generates $38 billion in sales and employs over 84,000 people across regional NSW.

Lean manufacturing, a globally recognised management approach, focuses on reducing waste, improving efciency, and empowering teams to continuously refne processes. The pilot program delivered tailored on-site audits to participating manufacturers, ofering practical guidance on how to streamline operations, optimise resources, and strengthen resilience against market changes or supply chain disruptions.

Among the standout success stories was Ant Packaging, based in the Northern Rivers. Process mapping during the company’s audit revealed opportunities to improve

accuracy and reduce rework. By introducing clearer visual controls and verifcation steps to ensure job specifcations are correctly saved, Ant Packaging expects to save around 1,620 hours and $56,000 per year

Managing Director John Clark said the program was transformative for his Byron Shire business.

“We’ve always been committed to continuous improvement,” he said. “The audits provided valuable external insights and helped us translate them into practical actions. The changes we’ve made— like clearer communication and structured daily problem-solving—are already improving

efciency and team engagement.”

Similar benefts were reported by Many Fabrication and Engineering in Gunnedah, which identifed better ways to collect and analyse operational data. Operations Manager Katie Many said the pilot gave her team time and structure to refect on their operations and make meaningful adjustments.

“We were motivated to take part because we wanted to make things better and easier for everyone,” she said. “This program gave us the tools

to do that and sparked new energy and purpose within our team.”

Across all participating businesses, the results have been overwhelmingly positive. Ninety-fve per cent of participants said they were satisfed with the audit process and found the recommendations highly relevant to their business needs. Many credited the initiative with improving team morale and communication, helping to build a culture of continuous improvement.

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the program’s success highlighted the enormous potential of regional businesses when given the right support.

“The Lean Manufacturing Pilot Program has shown what’s possible when we empower regional manufacturers to improve how they operate,” she said. “It’s not just about saving time and cutting costs—it’s about building stronger, more capable businesses that are ready for future challenges.”

For the Northern Rivers and beyond, the program has proven that even small operational changes can drive signifcant gains. As businesses like Ant Packaging continue to lead the way, the Lean Manufacturing Pilot has laid the groundwork for a more resilient and competitive manufacturing future across regional NSW.

Faster Progress on Mullumbimby Road Upgrade to Restore Two-Way Trafc Before Christmas

Robert Heyward

Byron Shire Council has announced that two-way trafc along Mullumbimby Road is expected to be restored before Christmas, with crews working extended hours to fast-track completion of Stage 2 of the vital road upgrade.

The $5.3 million project covers the stretch between Gulgan Road and The Saddle Road and is one of Byron Shire’s most signifcant infrastructure undertakings, aimed at improving safety, access, and long-term resilience.

Mayor Sarah Ndiaye said she understands the frustration the works have caused but assured residents that Council is making every efort to minimise disruption.

“We know this work has been frustrating for many people, and I’ve been working closely with staf, community, and local businesses to improve the situation,” Mayor Ndiaye

said. “That’s why we’re extending construction hours and increasing crews on-site to get the road fully open again as soon as possible.”

The Council has moved to six-day work weeks with crews now operating from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday, taking advantage of the recent dry weather that has helped recover time lost due to heavy rain in July and August.

Key Trafc Arrangements During Stage 2

•Mullumbimby Road remains open to inbound (one-way) trafc at all times.

•Myocum Road is the ofcial southbound detour for all vehicles, including heavy vehicles.

•Coolamon Scenic Drive serves as the primary northbound detour for general trafc.

•Saddle Road remains open but will temporarily operate one-way

(eastbound) for light vehicles preferring an alternative to Coolamon Scenic Drive.

To ensure safety along Saddle Road, Council will implement a 40 km/h speed limit, install temporary trafc calming measures, and conduct regular maintenance, including dust suppression and inspections.

Heavy vehicles will not be permitted on either The Saddle Road or Coolamon Scenic Drive.

Council crews will also carry out urgent maintenance on Coolamon Scenic Drive, including pothole repairs, improved signage, and enhanced safety for cyclists and pedestrians. Byron Shire Council is also consulting with Mullumbimby High School to ensure safe pedestrian access near Jubilee Avenue.

Mayor Ndiaye said the accelerated schedule and additional safety measures are designed to ease

community concerns while keeping the project on track.

“This is one of the most important roads in our Shire,” she said. “We’ve heard the community’s feedback, and staf are working fat-out to reduce the disruption and complete this upgrade. The end is in sight.”

Council will continue providing regular updates to NSW Police, Emergency Services, Transport for NSW, and local bus operators throughout the project. Once complete, the Mullumbimby Road upgrade will deliver lasting benefts to the Shire— enhancing road safety,

improving connectivity, and strengthening the region’s infrastructure against future weather impacts. For more details and ongoing updates, visit Byron Shire Council’s website: www.byron.nsw.gov. au/Mullumbimby-Roadupgrade

Be a blessing for a child this Christmas

By Samantha Elley

Challenge Community Services is providing an opportunity for the community and local businesses to provide some festive cheer for a few children who may not be able to have the best Christmas.

With many children in foster care and away from their biological families, Challenge wants to make sure they have a great Christmas too so they are running an appeal to raise $50,000 to support 450 children across NSW and 40 in the North Coast region.

“We are running the Every Child Counts Christmas Appeal until the 14th December,” said Kathryn Davies, Head of Foster Care, Challenge Community Services.

“This is not only to provide gifts for the children but also to provide our foster families with food vouchers so we are able to support a Christmas dinner this year.

“For our children in care, being from families is extremely difcult and while we know there is an emotional toll we want to be able to alleviate some fnancial pressures and we believe it will go a long way.”

$23,473 GRANT

Ms Davies said leading into Christmas many foster families support their foster children by helping them see their biological families.

“There are transport

costs going to and from and also emergency care for some children, so to have the extra money to buy crisis gifts is often a harsh reality,” she said.

“In the Ballina and surrounding area we

TO SUPPORT MUDYALA

CLEAN AND GREEN YOUTH PROGRAM

Mudyala Aboriginal Corporation from the Lower Clarence has been successful in securing a $23,473 grant under the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnerships Program, Clarence Nationals MP Richie Williamson has announced.

The funding will help establish Mudyala’s new ‘Clean and Green Team’, an initiative designed

to engage at-risk and disadvantaged youth in caring for country activities, including lawn care services and growing native bush foods. The grant will fund essential equipment to get the program of the ground.

Mr Williamson said the program would deliver real community benefts.

“This initiative will not only provide young people with practical

skills and employment opportunities, but it will also help reduce youth crime, build community pride and strengthen connection to country,”

Mr Williamson said.

“Mudyala is doing important work in our region, and I am very pleased to support them through this grant.”

Mudyala CEO, Aneika Kapeen, said the organisation was excited to be granted the funding.

“It will see room for new growth, supporting disadvantaged and at-risk youth by providing employment opportunities, teaching youth entrepreneurial skills, and providing space for community giveback. It will also support youth in learning skills for life,”

Ms Kapeen said.

Mr Williamson congratulated Mudyala Aboriginal Corporation on their successful application and thanked them for their tireless commitment to improving opportunities for young people across the Clarence Valley.

want to spread the word to local community and businesses to help with donating.

“One thing a local business can do is with a standardised cash donation, become a

matched giving partner by matching any donations we receive in a certain week.”

Once all the money is received Ms Davies said it will be divided out by every child in the state and case workers, in consultation with the children’s carers, will go and purchase meaningful gifts for each of them.

“This way it allows us to think about what our children and young people are wanting and it is meaningful and purposeful,” she said.

“Without the support of the community, we can’t achieve that.”

If you would like to become involved with the Every Child Counts Christmas Appeal visit www. challengecommunity.org. au.

Ms Davies also encouraged anyone who wants to get involved beyond the Christmas appeal or enquiring about being a carer, to also reach out through the website.

Yee-ha! Clarence Music Festival is celebrating 10 years

Country lovers are in for a real treat this coming weekend.

The 10th Anniversary of the Clarence Valley Country Muster will be kickstarting this weekend.

Gates will open on Wednesday, 15th October at 11 Coulters Lane Ulmarra NSW.

Artists include Clelia Adams, Shelly Jones band, Brendan Radford, William Alexander, Amos Morris and so much more.

The ofcial opening will be on Friday at 1pm but even before then there will be music playing for people to kickback and enjoy, along with fellow country music lovers.

Tickets are $140 per person for the entire weekend and day passes are $40 per person.

You can pay on arrival at the gates via cash or direct deposit as there is no

EFTPOS, and all sites are marked 6 x 12.5 metres. Join in on the giant rafe fundraiser, valued at over $1000.

There will be food vans and a cofee shop and a cake stall on Friday morning.

Portaloos and dump points will be available and the site is dog-friendly on a lead. For further information visit www.cvcmuster.com. au

By Samantha Elley

Critically endangered urban rainforests and rivers around LIsmore have received a boost from the Federal Government with $1.98 million being directed to the Rainforest to River project.

Lismore Mayor, Steve Krieg launched the project last week on the banks of the Wilson River by planting the frst of 35,000 plants to help repair the riverbanks.

Historically, Lismore was settled on the Wilson River as it was a mode of transport and (had) beautiful, clear waterways,” he said.

“And this program is all about restoring our riverbank health and restoring our waterways so it can be used for all the recreational activities people on the river want to see.”

The project will enhance 42 hectares of lowland rainforest across 17 sites which will protect native wildlife in the hope that it will strengthen the community’s connection to

nature.

“We’ve lost so much in terms of tree cover and soil health in the whole landscape,” said Kate Steel, Lismore City Council Environmental Strategies Coordinator.

“This project is about repairing riparian areas, like the riverbank, the vegetation and stability and get rid of weeds and doing tree planting.”

Ms Steel said it is critical that all councils work together to help repair the rivers and rainforests.

“There is a lot of work

being done and there’s organisations: councils, community groups and government coming together around a couple of initiatives,” she said.

“Over clearing of the landscape is the historic threat and weed invasion.

“More recently we’ve got some really serious weeds coming in from the more tropical systems.”

Ms Steel noted, as examples, weeds such as the Giant Devil’s Fig, coral trees which have been around for 30 years and camphor laurels for 150

years and they are still here.

“It’s the new and emerging weeds we need to look out for,” she said.

“It’s getting on top of those before they become retractable.”

The 42 hectares are located in town according to Hannah Rice-Hayes, Environmental Strategies Ofcer.

“It’s kind of hard to imagine we’ve even got that much vegetation but that’s just a small portion of the vegetation that council and key groups are managing,” she said.

“We are working on 17 diferent sites.

“So we call those biodiversity hotspots because much of the vegetation in our area is some of the most biodiverse that exists in the country.”

Culturally informed restoration activities will support First Nations involvement, ensuring cultural practices are addressed.

Key activities of the project include rainforest and wetland restoration and revegetation, cultural ceremonies and yarning circles led by the WidjabulWiabal elders and community tree planting

BE TRUCK AWARE

days and educational events.

Community events include:

• Wilsons River Landcare planting event – Saturday, 12 October

• South Lismore Duckpond planting event – Saturday, 18 October

• River Time community launch + tree planting –Sunday, 26 October River Time will be the community event to launch the Rainforest to River project and is also a featured event of Richmond Riverfest, a month-long celebration of the rivers, cultures and communities of the Northern Rivers region.

It’s Time: more than a slogan

What the 1972 campaign unleashed and why it still matters

By Tim Howard

When The Northern Rivers Times looks back nearly 53 years to 1972, it’s not just to remember that day when the Whitlam Government came to power.

It’s to rediscover a period in time when politics, culture, and public expectation all seemed to catch fre together — when so many Australians felt their patience had snapped, that “something diferent” might fnally be possible.

The It’s Time campaign was that spark.

But as electric as that victory felt, it was fragile.

A few thousand votes diferently placed in a few key electorates, and we’d be telling a diferent story.

The origin of It’s Time wasn’t top-down. It began at the grassroots.

In the 1969 federal election, John Conn, a Labor candidate for Ryan in Queensland, used a local campaign pamphlet titled “It’s Time for a Change” — listing grievances like urban decay, Vietnam, education.

He achieved a 19% swing, the biggest in Queensland. Whitlam and Mick Young saw something in Conn’s phrase.

They asked: could the simple words “It’s Time” become more? And by 1972, they had. In 1972 the campaign was professional, integrated, relentless.

The advertising agency McCann-Erickson, creative director Paul Jones, copywriter Ade Casey, art director Rob Dames, singer Alison McCallum — all played a part. A chorus of celebrities from Little Pattie to Jack Thompson performed the jingle.

The commercial pulled together political promise and visual culture — Whitlam’s own private photo collection intercut with shots of ordinary Australians.

And it struck just the right note.

As one strategist later said, “In the beginning were the words and the words were, It’s Time. Those two words perfectly encapsulated

the sentiment that Labor needed to impress on undecided voters.”

What It’s Time did brilliantly was to speak across Australia’s “anxious centre” — those voters who were restless but cautious.

Many felt unrepresented, wary of change yet weary of stagnation.

For every person excited that change was coming, there was someone worried about it and what might happen.

Paul Rodan’s 2012 analysis in Inside Story underscores that Whitlam’s win, though historic, was razor-thin.

Labor picked up 49.6 per cent of the primary vote, 52.7 per cent of the two-party-preferred vote, and won a majority of just nine seats (67 to 58) in the House of Representatives.

Without a few thousand votes in a few marginal seats, the result could have gone the other way.

The campaign promised big change — universal health, free university, an end to conscription, urban planning, reforms in education.

But with change comes risk. Many in the electorate felt that risk keenly.

The government had no “track record” yet. Critics pressed every misstep, real or minor, as proof that change would bring chaos.

And because It’s Time aimed so high, the margin for error was small.

Whitlam’s government won by unlocking something dormant in the electorate: a longing for modernity, fairness, engagement.

But that same energy exposed weak spots. Ministers often free-styled projects without tight oversight. Bureaucratic capacity strained under ambitious new programs. The government was still

learning how to govern at scale.

In many ways the seeds of later crises — disputes, leaked documents, confusion over who was responsible — were sown in those early, urgent years.

The Opposition also found new energy. After 23 years in government, the Coalition, wounded but not defeated, rediscovered a taste for combat.

Liberal Senator Reg Withers — soon to be known as “the Toe-Cutter” — dismissed Labor’s victory as “the temporary electoral insanity of the two most populous states” and vowed to use the Senate to “protect the national interest” by forcing an early election.

Within months, a plan was in motion.

By early 1974 Withers admitted that the Opposition had “embarked on a course some 12 months ago ... to bring about a House of Representatives election.”

Every weakness in the young government was exploited.

The idealism of It’s Time met the hard discipline of parliamentary tactics — and the battle for Whitlam’s mandate truly began.

Every faultline in the Whitlam Government would be seized on, mistakes magnifed, external forces like global infation and the oil shock made fertile ground for criticism. The “anxious centre” recoiled when expectations rose faster than delivery.

The It’s Time slogan felt huge, but its power lay in compressing a real social movement into a phrase — full of promise, but also vulnerable. The diference between slogan and contract.

The campaign was not just catchy; it mapped

policy, identity, culture. It said: change matters. It said: we feel it. But it also meant that expectations became sky-high.

A later campaign strategist, Bruce Hawker, remarked that It’s Time was “the birth of professional political campaigning in Australia ... the rules ... became the gold mark for future successful elections.”

Neil Lawrence noted that it turned something complex into something “approachable, fresh, and believable.”

And yet, in hindsight, we

can see both triumph and fragility.

Whitlam won a resounding mandate in the eyes of many, but not a landslide in numbers.

The Senate remained opposition-dominated, and many of his biggest reforms would stir backlash, resistances and unintended consequences.

What It’s Time taught us, among other things, is that leadership demands not just vision, but risk — not just slogans, but action.

Whitlam and later reformers like Paul

Keating pushed big policy, sometimes sacrifcing stability for reform. They were willing to burn political capital. Since Howard in the mid-1990s, small-target politics has become more common. Caution over courage. Branding over backbone. It’s partly a lesson from 1972: change is exhilarating, but vulnerable.

But It’s Time also stands as proof of what can be achieved through democratic means — persuasion, participation, and the energy of a shared civic hope.

In an age when much of the world’s political change seems to favour autocracy and strongman rule, Whitlam’s campaign remains a reminder that transformation born of democracy, not imposed from above, can still inspire and endure.

For today’s readers, It’s Time remains emblematic not just of what was done, but of what could be done again. Yes, there were missteps, narrow margins, unknowns. But there was also belief, momentum, hope. And sometimes, that is enough to shift a country.

It’s Time for reform

When Gough Whitlam stood before the crowd in Blacktown in 1972, he wasn’t just promising to change a government — he was ofering to modernise a nation. His It’s Time program outlined a bold reform agenda that would reshape Australian life for generations.

A Fair Economy Whitlam argued that economic growth should serve social purpose. He pledged to restore full employment, strengthen ties between government, industry and unions, and maintain growth of 6–7% — without raising taxes. Prosperity, he said, was not an end in itself but the means to build opportunity.

Universal Health Care Labor promised to replace a patchwork system of private health funds with a universal national insurance scheme funded by income-based contributions — the

foundation of what became Medibank and later Medicare. An Australian Hospitals Commission would modernise hospitals and fund new community health centres and nursing homes.

Education for All

Education, Whitlam declared, would be “the great instrument of national purpose.” He pledged free university tuition, federal funding for schools based on need rather than privilege, universal preschool access, and expanded childcare.

An Australian Schools Commission would oversee reform and ensure equity across the system.

Cities and Housing Australia’s booming suburbs had outgrown their infrastructure. Whitlam proposed a Ministry of Urban Afairs to coordinate national planning with states and councils, cut land and housing costs, and

end the chaos of unplanned sprawl. He promised fairer access to housing loans and shorter waiting times for public housing.

Vietnam and Foreign Afairs

Whitlam promised to end conscription and withdraw the last Australian troops from Vietnam. He sought to redefne Australia’s place in the world — upholding the ANZUS alliance but pursuing an independent voice in Asia. His decision to open dialogue with China prefgured a historic diplomatic shift.

Social Justice Whitlam’s government would raise pensions to 25% of average male earnings and introduce an Australian Assistance Plan to deliver local social services, counselling, and welfare advice. He spoke not only of fairness but of dignity — the idea that a modern society must care for all its citizens.

Australia’s conservative reflex

By Tim Howard

Australians have often been willing to tolerate a surprising amount of bad, yet too timid to create any good.

It’s a trait that has puzzled political reformers for generations — the curious inertia of a nation that prides itself on fairness, mateship, and progress, yet so often chooses caution over courage.

I recall talking with a school friend just before the 1972 election.

We were both about 14 and he was genuinely worried. He said if Whitlam gets in nothing will ever be the same again.

It was interesting. I thought the same thing, but my feelings were of elation that change was on the way.

In two boys years away from casting their frst votes, the odd split in

Australian politics was showing.

A large part of the electorate has long occupied a strange middle ground: they feel unrepresented, sceptical of both major parties, yet often prefer the familiar failings of the status quo to the risks of transformation.

It’s an instinct born of comfort and distance — an island nation that’s rarely been forced to rebuild from ruin, and whose prosperity has often insulated it from urgency.

For much of the postwar period, this “anxious centre” determined the fate of governments.

Whitlam’s 1972 victory, though historic, was razorthin.

He succeeded only when the country’s patience with stagnation fnally cracked — when hope briefy outweighed fear. But that same nervous

centre soon recoiled. The intensity of reform felt unsettling; the rhythm of change too fast.

Within three years, it swung back to the safety of Malcolm Fraser’s conservatism.

This pattern has repeated ever since. The centre rarely votes for a vision; it votes against a discomfort. It can be provoked into movement — by outrage, insecurity, or cultural irritation — but seldom inspired by idealism alone.

The result is a paradoxical national character: practical yet fatalistic, egalitarian yet risk-averse.

As a people, we endure before we innovate.

And while that endurance has often steadied the country through storms, it has also slowed its progress toward the very fairness and imagination Australians claim to value.

FUNDING SECURED TO ESTABLISH MEN’S SHED IN CORAKI

The Mid Richmond Neighbourhood Centre has been awarded $19,973 from the NSW Government to develop a Men’s Shed at its Coraki site, providing a safe, welcoming space for men to connect, work on projects, and support one another, Clarence Nationals MP Richie Williamson has announced.

Mr Williamson said the funding would make a real diference in promoting mental health, reducing social isolation, and strengthening the Coraki community.

“The Men’s Shed will provide an inclusive space where men can share experiences, learn skills, and connect with others in a supportive environment. These kinds of community initiatives are vital for improving wellbeing and building stronger, connected towns across local communities,” Mr Williamson said.

The funding will support essential upgrades to the existing building, including

the restoration of power, remediation of damaged concrete fooring to improve accessibility, and the purchase of equipment needed to run the Men’s Shed safely and efectively.

Jill Samuels, Recovery Support Manager at the Mid Richmond Neighbourhood Centre, welcomed the funding through the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnerships program.

“This support will allow us to create a space

where men in Coraki can come together, engage in meaningful activities, and feel connected to their community. We are grateful to Richie Williamson and the NSW Government for recognising the importance of this project,” Ms Samuels said. Mr Williamson congratulated the Mid Richmond Neighbourhood Centre on their successful grant and encouraged locals to support the new Men’s Shed once it opens.

BIG things

BIG things

are coming to the anct ar to the anct ar

are coming

Something wildly exciting is slithering its way to the Sanctuary — with our brand new Reptile House! Opening on 21 of October you’ll come face-to-face with some of Australia’s most fascinating cold-blooded residents, from snakes and lizards, insects and more! st

Then join us 25 & 26 of October for our birthday weekend with $10 entry with lots of FUN to be had for ALL ages! th th

Golden Wattle Mobile Service Centre Touring Northern NSW This Month

Robert heyward

Residents across Northern NSW will soon have the opportunity to access key government services closer to home, with Services Australia’s Mobile Service Centre Golden Wattle visiting regional towns throughout October.

The 20-tonne mobile centre, stafed by Services Australia representatives, delivers Medicare, Centrelink, National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), and Department of Veterans’ Afairs (DVA) services directly to rural

communities. The initiative ensures residents can receive personalised, faceto-face assistance without needing to travel long distances to larger service centres.

Golden Wattle will visit the following Northern Rivers and Northern Tablelands towns:

= Evans Head –Wednesday 8 October, near the council ofce, Woodburn Street (9:00am–4:00pm)

= Woodburn – Thursday 9 October, adjacent to the church, Cedar Street (9:00am–4:00pm)

= Coraki – Friday 10

October, near the war memorial, Richmond Terrace (9:00am–4:00pm)

= Nimbin – Monday 13 October, opposite the neighbourhood centre, Cullen Street (9:30am–4:00pm)

= Mullumbimby –Tuesday 14 October, near the library, Station Street (9:30am–4:00pm)

= Pottsville – Wednesday 15 October, adjacent to the community market park, Phillip Street (9:00am–4:00pm)

= Tumbulgum – Thursday 16 October, opposite the tavern, Riverside Drive (9:00am–3:00pm)

= Tyalgum – Tuesday 21 October, near the tennis courts, Coolman Street (9:00am–4:00pm)

= Uki – Wednesday 22 October, opposite the Buttery, Norco Street (9:00am–4:00pm)

= Urbenville – Thursday 23 October, near Captain Cook Park, Urben Street (9:30am–4:00pm)

= Kyogle – Friday 24 October, in the Visitor Information Centre car park, Summerland Way (9:00am–4:00pm)

= Tabulam – Monday 27 October, opposite the hotel, Court Street (9:30am–4:00pm)

= Tenterfeld – Tuesday 28 & Wednesday 29 October, FoodWorks car park, High Street (9:00am–4:00pm)

= Emmaville – Thursday 30 October, near the post ofce, Post Ofce Street (9:30am–2:30pm)

Services available include:

= Centrelink claims and payment support

= Medicare enrolments and updates

= Assistance with myGov accounts and online services

= Confrming and updating personal information

= Access to a self-service terminal

= Social work support and referrals

The mobile service ofers an invaluable lifeline for those living in remote or food-afected areas who may fnd it difcult to travel to major service centres. For the latest schedule updates and more information on Golden Wattle’s upcoming stops, visit servicesaustralia.gov. au/mobileofce

Start Strong, Pay Fair: Northern Rivers Preschools Join Statewide Call for Fair Funding

Robert Hewyard

A growing workforce crisis is gripping early childhood education across New South Wales, and Northern Rivers preschools are demanding urgent action.

More than 40 communitybased, non-proft preschools across the region will join a statewide Day of Action on Wednesday, 15 October, calling on the Minns Government to fx the state’s preschool funding model and support fair pay for teachers and educators.

The Northern Rivers Preschool Alliance, representing over 40 local preschools, says the sector is at breaking point. While community preschools provide some of the safest, highest-quality education and care in NSW, they are struggling to retain and attract qualifed staf.

less than their colleagues in schools and up to 20% less than those in Commonwealth-funded long day care centres,” said Bridget Isichei,Director of Byron Bay Preschool and President of the Northern Rivers Preschool Alliance. “We’re experiencing a stafng crisis that is growing by the day. We cannot fund wages without government support — the current funding is simply too low.”

“Teachers in community preschools earn up to 35%

Across NSW, more than 700 community preschools deliver vital early education for children aged three to fve years. Many are rated

Council receives $1.98 million grant for Urban Rainforest Restoration

Robert Heyward

Lismore Awarded

$1.98 Million for Urban Rainforest Restoration

Lismore’s rich natural landscape is set for a major revival, with the announcement of a $1.98 million grant to restore the region’s endangered urban rainforests and rejuvenate local waterways.

The Rainforest to River project will transform 42 hectares of lowland rainforest across 16 sites, improving biodiversity, protecting native wildlife, and deepening community engagement with nature.

Mayor Steve Krieg welcomed the funding, describing it as a signifcant environmental and community milestone.

Federal Minister for the Environment and Water

as Exceeding the National Quality Standard by the Department of Education, with exceptionally low rates of safety breaches. Despite this, the sector has faced over a year of stalled negotiations with the NSW Government in the Fair Work Commission, with calls for increased wage funding consistently rejected.

“Preschool is a fagship model with children’s wellbeing and safety at its heart — we must fght to retain it,” Ms Isichei said. “Without an increase to funding to lift pay and conditions, many

community preschools will be forced to turn families away.”

The situation has been compounded by the government’s recent plan for preschools to extend operating hours and cater for children from birth to school age, without providing any additional wage support.Local educators have described the move as unreasonable, saying it risks worsening burnout and compromising safety.

To make their voices heard, Northern Rivers preschool teachers, educators, and families will

march from Spinks Park to the Lismore Quad from 9am on Wednesday, 15 October, joining thousands of educators across NSW rallying outside Parliament House in Sydney. The event, supported by the NSW Independent Education Union, will call for fair pay and proper funding to sustain the community preschool model.

For more information, visit www.ieu.asn.au/ start-strong-pay-fair or follow the Facebook pages Start Strong Pay Fair and Northern Rivers Preschool Alliance

“This project will breathe new life into Lismore’s urban landscapes,” Cr Krieg said. “By restoring our rainforests and waterways, we’re creating a healthier, more vibrant environment for our community and future generations.”

Murray Watt said the project would deliver longlasting benefts for both people and the planet.

“The Albanese Government is proud to invest nearly $2 million into protecting and improving the incredible natural environment around the Northern Rivers,” he said. “With so many native plants and animals reliant on our rivers, creeks, wetlands, and estuaries, protecting and restoring the health of local waterways is essential.”

The Rainforest to River project is supported through the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust under the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program,with a further $1 million in cash and in-kind contributions from 17 partners, including Lismore City Council, Landcare groups, and First Nations organisations.

Focusing on the Wilsons River and Browns Creek catchments, the initiative will strengthen biodiversity corridors and improve the condition and connectivity of native vegetation. It will also enhance four threatened ecological communities and beneft numerous migratory and threatened species.

A key feature of the project is the integration of culturally informed

restoration practices, with Widjabul Wia-bal Elders leading cultural ceremonies and yarning circles to ensure environmental care aligns with cultural heritage and local knowledge.

Key project activities include:

• Rainforest and wetland restoration and revegetation

• Cultural ceremonies and yarning circles with Elders

• Community tree planting and educational events

The project will create a continuous riverside green

corridor, linking parks, wetlands, and riverbanks to strengthen Lismore’s ecological resilience.

Upcoming community events:

• Wilsons River Landcare planting event –Saturday, 12 October

• South Lismore Duckpond planting event – Saturday, 18 October

• River Time community launch + tree planting –Sunday, 26 October

The River Time event will serve as the ofcial

community launch of the Rainforest to River project and a highlight of Richmond Riverfest, a month-long celebration of rivers, cultures, and communities across the Northern Rivers. In another boost for local conservation, Goonellabah Tucki Landcare Inc. has received over $300,000 under the same funding program to restore riparian rainforest along Upper Tucki Tucki Creek

This project is supported by a strong network of local and regional partners, including Rous County Council, Wilsons River Landcare Group Inc, Richmond Landcare Inc, Widjabul Wia-bal Gurrumbil RNTBC, Ngulingah Local Aboriginal Land Council, OzFish Unlimited, Big Scrub Rainforest Conservancy Inc, and Birdlife Australia: Northern NSW Chapter

Wheelie Big News for Lismore: Council

Rolls Out New Garbage Truck Fleet

Robert Heyward

Lismore City Council has unveiled the frst of eight brand-new garbage trucks — part of a $5 million investment from the Minns Labor Government to boost the city’s waste collection services following the devastating 2022 foods. Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig and Minister for Recovery and Member for Lismore Janelle Safn joined Mayor

Steve Krieg and council workers on Friday to ofcially welcome the frst of the new vehicles into service.

The modern feet marks a major milestone in Lismore’s recovery and long-term sustainability. The NSW Government grant has enabled the purchase of eight stateof-the-art garbage trucks, ensuring the service remains locally operated and protecting council jobs rather than outsourcing to private

contractors.

“This is one of the most essential services councils provide,” Minister Hoenig said. “Having these trucks means the people of Lismore can rely on efcient waste collection for years to come, and our hardworking staf have secure jobs into the future.”

The NSW Government has already provided more than $23.4 million in additional disaster recovery funding to Lismore

City Council, helping to restore essential community services and infrastructure across the region.

Minister Safn said the feet represents a practical boost to the city’s resilience.

“Having this $5 million feet will greatly aid the ongoing recovery of Lismore,” she said. “It ensures outdoor jobs stay local and demonstrates how the Minns Labor Government is supporting Lismore City Council

to renew our civic infrastructure.”

Mayor Krieg described the new trucks as a “game changer” for council operations.

“Previously, there was hardly a day when one of our old trucks wasn’t of the road being repaired,” he said. “Our mechanics and drivers have done an incredible job keeping the old feet going, but these new trucks bring modern technology, improved safety, and fnancial sustainability.”

The feet features advanced tracking and safety systems , improving efciency and reliability across Lismore’s 15,500 residential and commercial waste services. With 45,000 bins collected every fortnight, the remaining trucks will progressively enter service in the coming months — ensuring smoother, safer, and more sustainable waste management for years ahead.

Challenge calls on local businesses to back inaugural Christmas Appeal for foster children

Challenge Community Services is urging businesses across New South Wales and Queensland to get behind its frst-ever Christmas Appeal, with funds to provide meaningful gifts and grocery vouchers for foster families this festive season.

With more than 450 children currently in Challenge’s foster care program, Executive Director of Community Services Julie May said Christmas can intensify feelings of loss for children living away from their birth families—and community support can make a tangible diference.

“While our incredible foster carers provide love and stability, Christmas often heightens feelings of sadness and loss for children separated from their birth families,” Ms May said. “This appeal gives businesses the opportunity to help create joyful memories and show kids that their wider community cares.”

How businesses can help

l Donate directly: Make a one-of, tax-deductible contribution to the Appeal.

l Become a Matched

Giving Partner:

Nominate a week to match public donations,

doubling the impact. Partners will be acknowledged across Challenge’s social media, website, email newsletters and internal channels during their campaign week.

Ms May said local businesses are “the backbone of our community,” and that every contribution— large or small—counts.

“This is a chance to not only change a child’s Christmas, but to demonstrate that local businesses care deeply about our kids,” she said.

Benefts for participating businesses

l Visible alignment with corporate social responsibility and community impact goals

l Public recognition for supporting some of the region’s most vulnerable children

l Tax-deductibility for donations over $2

Where your support goes

Funds raised through the Appeal will help deliver age-appropriate gifts to children and teens in care and provide grocery vouchers to foster families managing added expenses over the

holidays.

Challenge Community Services’ foster care teams are embedded across regional and metropolitan NSW—with ofces including Western Sydney, Albury, Dubbo, Taree, Tamworth, East Maitland, Armidale, Tuggerah (Central Coast) and Ballina— ensuring donations support children in local communities.

About Challenge Community Services

Founded in Tamworth in 1958, Challenge is now one of the largest community support providers operating in NSW and the greater Brisbane area, delivering Disability Services, Foster Care, Allied Health and supported employment. The organisation employs more than 1,000 people (including over 90 employees with disability) and supports thousands of people across more than 100 communities.

Get involved

One-of, tax-deductible donations can be made via the Challenge website. To discuss tailored giving, secure an exclusive Matched Giving week

or explore co-branded partnership opportunities, contact the marketing team at marketing@

“Leemo has views on just about anything”

GOOD MANNERS please BUDDIES!!

‘Leemo Cat’ back. Please DO have a read of the following ‘MONOLOGUE’ us Buddies were subjected to from old crabby sox ‘Mum Jane’. Me & the buddies, it seems, are in mega strife for what ‘Mum Jane’ states are our frightful failings when it comes to GOOD manners. I sneakily recorded the diatribe just in case we need it as evidence for RSPCA. She spoke: ‘Right, all of you. Leemo, Brutus,Flufy-Bum, Pasqualie,Treasure, Scarlet, MadMax,Ginger & the rest of you who have snuk into my home, just LISTEN: I was bought up to show MANNERS which is a word none of you appear to comprehend. It means stuf like ‘before’ calling to someone’s HOME ‘Notice of Intent’ to visit, should, in polite society, be given IN ADVANCE: a hand delivered note, a phone call, or these days, even a text message. THEN there are words like PLEASE & THANKYOU? But, oh nooo, not for you lot who just turn up and take over. You are ALL AWARE I’m gettin old & I had a stressy weekly shopping trip to-day: I was so looking forward to just getting home & relaxing. Imagine how I felt when I entered MY house to fnd it crowded with all of you lolling about, watching TV, helping yourselves to

treats, drinking beer & gossiping loudly? I did NOT fnd it amusing to hear you all clap & say ‘yippee, Mum Jane is home: she can open more treats & beers for us.’ Had it entered any of your tiny cat minds to put the kettle on? Get ginger bikkes out? AND, how did you all get INTO my house by the way??’ OMG, I’m gonna have to fess up..ooh, she shouted at me. ‘LEEMO’ have you been giving out secret entry codes or had keys made for your buddies to simply come into our house whenever they feel like it. WELL, it’s gonna stop right now. I will be blocking the secret tunnel with cement & changing all the locks TO-DAY! Gottit? Help mixing the cement from you lot would not go astray!’ ‘Mum, it’s OUR house, MINE & YOURS’ & I’m calling a Buddies meeting to discuss your concerns – go have a Bex Powder & a lie down.’ Oooh, much concern was expressed at our meeting. ‘Treasure’ raised a point of issue. ‘Leems, doesn’t ‘Mum Jane’ realise we enjoy coming to your house ‘cos it’s always fun & she spoils us & is nice to us? If we can’t gather here we could well become FERAL and roam all over the place & kill ants & moths & leaves & stuf – it won’t be OUR FAULT either!’ Hmmm! Mum heard all this and appeared like a Bex loaded Spectre which spoke. ‘OK guys, I hear you, & it was to my liking to hear you enjoy visiting our house. BUT NOW, rules will apply. Intent to visit must be 2 hours in advance: BYOG: SOME treats will be provided: Please & thank you to be spoken at all times – e.g, MANNERS to always be applied or you’ll be asked to leave. That’s it!’ Crikey. Another meeting might be needed. Nitey with hesitant purrsies. Leemo.

Letters to the Editor

Have your say in The Northern Rivers Times!

We welcome your feedback, opinions, praise, concerns, and reflections on local issues, events, and stories.

Send your letters to: Jeff Gibbs letters@heartlandmedia. com.au

Deadline: Fridays at noon

Please include your name, address, and phone number for verification purposes (not for publication).

The Northern Rivers Times is committed to providing a platform for diverse community voices. The views expressed in letters are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher, editors, or staff. Letters may be edited for length or clarity. Offensive or defamatory content will not be published.

Standing Up to Power Matters

Tim Howard deserves every ounce of praise for refusing to back down. His reporting exposed an attitude problem within Clarence Valley Council that many residents already suspected. Journalists are meant to make the powerful uncomfortable — that’s democracy at work. The Northern Rivers Times has done what few regional papers still dare to do: tell it straight. We need more ink like that, less PR spin. Keep swinging for truth, Tim and Jef.

— C. Rawlins, Grafton

The Council Forgot Who Pays Them

It’s galling that anyone inside Clarence Valley Council would try to bully or intimidate a journalist doing his job. Ratepayers fund the wages of those same ofcials. If they can’t handle public scrutiny, they’re in the wrong profession. The Northern Rivers Times has shown grit and professionalism where council has shown arrogance. Stand frm — the community’s got your back.

— L. Hampton, South Grafton

Thank You, Tim Howard

The “wrecking ball” image said it all — careless leadership smashing through public trust. Tim Howard’s coverage was fair, factual, and restrained considering the disrespect involved. Our local press must remain independent, not apologetic. Thank you to the Times for supporting your reporter publicly. We need truthtellers now more than ever.

— R. McGinnis, Maclean

Keep Shining the Light

Without journalists like Tim Howard, councils would spin themselves into sainthood. The Northern Rivers Times is the only paper consistently holding Clarence Valley accountable for its words and actions. Transparency isn’t a nuisance; it’s the price of authority. Keep publishing, keep questioning, and don’t waste ink appeasing the thin-skinned.

— D. Ellis, Yamba

Accountability, Not Intimidation

Clarence Valley Council should spend less time demanding retractions and more time repairing its culture. The Northern Rivers Times is doing the people’s work — calling out what others whisper about. Every time a journalist is threatened for telling the truth, the public loses a little freedom. Well done to the Times for refusing to bow.

— K. Finnegan, Iluka

The Real “Wrecking Ball” Is Arrogance

If council managers think community ridicule is entertainment, they’re out of touch. Tim Howard’s report didn’t destroy reputations — it revealed them. The Northern Rivers Times stood frm and factual. That’s journalism worth paying for. Ignore the noise, keep printing the facts.

— S. McArthur, Copmanhurst

Proud of Our Local Paper

It’s heartening to see The Northern Rivers Times refusing to apologise for telling the truth. Clarence Valley Council’s email tantrum only proved Tim Howard was right to report what he did. We’re lucky to have a newsroom that values accuracy over appeasement. Long live the free press in the Valley.

— H. Darnell, Ulmarra

Don’t Let Them Rewrite the Story Council can’t control the narrative just because it looks bad. Tim Howard didn’t create the controversy — he documented it. The Northern Rivers Times showed restraint where others might have sensationalised. Facts are not “attacks.” Keep doing exactly what you’re doing.

— P. Saunders, Lawrence

Journalism With Backbone

Tim Howard’s reporting reminded us what real journalism looks like — researched, brave, and accountable. Too many outlets chase clicks; The Northern Rivers Times chases truth. It’s refreshing to see a regional paper with integrity and courage to publish without fear or favour.

— A. Jenkins, Coutts Crossing

A Voice for the People

Our community needs watchdogs, not lapdogs. Tim Howard and the Times have done what we expect — stood up for the residents who fund the very council now complaining. Accountability isn’t hostility; it’s service. Keep the spotlight on until respect returns to council chambers.

— B. Clarke, Grafton

Free Speech, Firm Standards

Final thought on the wrecking-ball saga: papers should never bow to retraction ultimatums. Publish corrections when warranted, yes—but not because power demands it. That’s why many of us buy your paper.

— D. Ainsworth, Lismore

Stand With the Watchdog, Not the Wrecking Ball

Tim Howard’s reporting on the “wrecking ball” email was necessary, not “sensational.” When senior leaders start demanding retractions instead of ofering straight answers, something’s of. The image of staf swinging into caravans wasn’t just “too soon”—it was profoundly tone-deaf to residents who’ve already endured enough. Thank you for backing your journalist publicly. That kind of editorial spine keeps small communities from being steamrolled by big egos. Keep digging; sunlight disinfects.

— K. Donnelly, Grafton

Council Culture Needs a Service Reset

I work customer-facing in another council and was shocked that anyone thought that “skit” was clever. If morale is so warped that ridicule passes for team-building, it’s time for training, not theatrics. Residents in vans are ratepayers too. Leadership should model empathy, not meme culture. Start with an apology and independent workplace review.

— L. Singh, Maclean

Sport That Lifts a Region

Cofs’ touch footy and Phillip Island’s boardriders coverage captured the buzz beautifully. Junior sport flls motel rooms, not just trophy cabinets. Keep listing broadcast info—grandparents love a Kayo cue.

— B. O’Shane, Ballina

Warm-Weather Veg Guide: On Point

Great local timing tips— my trellised cukes thank you. Next edition, add fruit fy netting how-tos and a simple staggeredsowing calendar we can stick on the shed wall.

— A. Ngata, Kyogle

The Recipe Page Is a Riot (in a Good Way) Whoever wrote “golf ball with ambition” for rissoles deserves a Blue Ribbon. The humour makes ordinary ingredients feel special, and the sauce note actually works. More budget-friendly mains like that, fewer fddly fads, please.

— S. Parnell, Casino

Warm-Weather Veg Guide: On Point

Great local timing tips— my trellised cukes thank you. Next edition, add fruit fy netting how-tos and a simple staggeredsowing calendar we can stick on the shed wall.

— A. Ngata, Kyogle

Tip Shop EOI: Circular Economy Gold

Ballina’s Salvage Shed is the most cheerful retail in town—treasure for homes and funds for community. Requiring a charity or NFP is wise. Add a maker’s space out back for repairs and teach kids tool skills.

— J. Cavanagh, Alstonville Apprenticeships Promise Delivered—More Please Hats of: targets met, women entering maritime

roles, regional placements growing. Keep going into trades we’re desperate for—sparkies, mechanics, aged care, and digital tech. Link traineeships to council projects so our rates fund our kids’ careers.

— Z. Farrell, Murwillumbah

Maclean Hospital Upgrades: Practical Wins

A reliable lift and modern nurse call system aren’t glamorous, they’re essential. This is exactly where regional dollars should land. Please schedule lift works outside peak clinic hours and communicate detours early.

— H. Ritchie, Yamba

Jacaranda Lights: Pure Civic Joy

The See Park glow-up is the sort of low-cost, highdelight event that makes a town proud. Accessible paths, free entry, and local musos—chef’s kiss. Let’s add a quiet hour early evening for sensory-sensitive kids.

— W. Boyd, South Grafton

Spare the Purple—Save the Sleep Beautiful, yes, but residents around See Park need a strict 9:30pm cutof and real sound checks. Community celebration should not mean community insomnia for ten nights straight.

— C. Edmonds, Junction Hill

FADs Back = Dollars in Tackle Shops

Music to a fsho’s ears. FAD deployments bring mahi and money—fuel, bait, burgers in our coastal towns. Just keep the GPS map current and signage clear so

newcomers respect distances and safety. Tight lines, folks.

— B. “Bluey” Harris, Evans Head

Byron’s Single-Parent Pool Pass: About Time Applause to Byron Shire for aligning pricing with reality. Fair access to pools is public health 101—kids learn to swim, parents get respite, and community bonds strengthen. Please share the pricing model so other councils can copypaste.

— A. Vella, Mullumbimby

Ballina SRV: Pain Now, Worse Later Without It

Reluctantly, I support the 6% SRV. Roads, footpaths and drains don’t heal themselves, and the backlog is real. If we want safe streets and decent parks, we have to fund them. Tie every extra dollar to a transparent project list, publish monthly progress, and sunset the rise if targets aren’t met.

— T. O’Rourke, Lennox Head

Resilient Homes Data Breach: Own It, Fix It

The RA statement is a start, but victims don’t need corporate adjectives— they need actions. Ofer credit monitoring, replace compromised IDs promptly, and publish the independent review. Uploading a dataset to an unsanctioned AI tool is not a “whoops,” it’s negligence. Treat it that way.

— S. Hargreaves, Ballina

Don’t Scare Flood Families Twice

People already displaced by foods shouldn’t

now fear identity theft. Please create a single hotline with real humans, weekend hours, and case managers who stay with each person to the end. Trauma-informed service matters more than press releases.

— J. McKellar, Wardell

Lismore Show at 140: Heart Over Hype

Loved the preview of the Elders North Coast National. The Show is where kids still see working dogs and woodchop champions instead of screens. The Chill and Charge zone is a smart touch, but please keep the ag core: cattle, chooks, and growers. That’s our region’s DNA. See you at the rodeo gates.

— P. Rawlings, Lismore

Ticket Prices Still Bite for Big Families

Great as the Show sounds, costs add up. A family day pass is welcome, but throw in one latearvo discounted entry for locals, or a “farmers Friday” with proof of PIC number. Let’s make the 140th truly inclusive in a year when groceries already feel like sideshow alley.

— R. McPhee, Tregeagle

Culinary Comedy Gold

The cooking page had me laughing out loud again — who knew a rissole could have such personality? The mix of local ingredients, humour, and cheeky asides makes it the frst page I turn to each week. It’s not just a recipe; it’s entertainment with favour. Whoever writes it, please never tone it down. It’s become part of our Northern Rivers identity — funny, familiar, and just a bit daring.

— P. Langford, Wooli

A Dash Less Laugh, a Pinch More Clarity

I love the personality of the recipe page — it’s a true Northern Rivers gem — but sometimes the humour overshadows the instructions. Last week I got so caught up giggling that I missed when to add the eggs! Maybe include a simple “at-a-glance” recipe box for those of us who cook and chuckle at the same time. Keep the fun coming though; the taste and the laughs are worth it.

— T. Ellison,

Kyogle

Page Two Packs a Punch

Page two this week was brilliant — straight into the big issues without any fuf. The coverage of the Clarence Valley Council saga showed real journalistic courage, and Tim Howard deserves every bit of praise for standing frm. The Northern Rivers Times proves again why independent local media matters. It’s refreshing to read facts unfltered by spin. Keep that space bold and unapologetic — it sets the tone for the whole paper.

— L. Moroney, Grafton

Hard Truths, Well Told I always read page two frst, because that’s where the backbone of the paper lives. The latest piece on council accountability was sharp, fair and overdue. It’s clear the Times isn’t afraid to print what others tiptoe around. This kind of reporting keeps our community informed and our leaders honest. Please keep page two exactly as it is — fearless and factual.

— E. Drayton, Brooms Head

Audacity – how dare you do...

By Nigel Dawe

“Il nous faut de l’audace, encore de l’audace, toujours de l’audace!” or “We must dare, and dare again, and go on daring!”

Once roared Georges Jacques Danton, who was a leading fgure in the French Revolution, not to mention a man with the menacing nickname of “the thunderer.”

Danton was later falsely implicated in a conspiracy and beheaded on the guillotine, not before having said: “Let me be led to death, I shall go to sleep in glory.”

Over the centuries, the attribute of audacity has undergone many diferent takes and turns in its favourability and overall estimation. But the quality, as it was originally viewed, of audacity was a gleaming attribute when it featured (in the correct measure) in anyone’s repertoire of behavioural traits. As far back as 20BC it was celebrated in the writings of Ancient Rome’s Horace, having coined the adage: “Sapere aude” or “Dare to be wise”; “Carpe diem” was also the poetical creation of Horace as well.

In one of the western world’s frst penultimate declarations of audacity, who could go past the hurled line that remains airborne to this day, of the ancient Greek Archimedes, having once said: “Give me a where to stand and I will move the earth!” There is a felt reverberation to this comment that encapsulates the very origin of the word ‘audacity’ itself, which stems from the Latin ‘audacitis’, meaning ‘to have boldness, and daring’.

Backing yourself in, might be a more modernday defnition of this

thunderous quality, a quality that is only considered such – when, and only if – it keeps pace with your actual output and performance. As history’s greatest practitioner of audacity, not to mention the ultimate connector of ambition and ability Muhamad Ali once exclaimed, “It’s not bragging if you can back it up.” Which he was able to do, time and time again, giving actual substance to what only he could’ve gone on to say: “I am the greatest, I said that even before I was.”

While audacity can be a behavioural occurrence, albeit a psychological state of mind that erratically swings from the sublime to the ridiculous at any given moment, depending on where and when it is manifested; it is something that deserves serious attention, if not praise when it is used to bolster or reinforce one’s standing in one’s chosen feld of endeavour.

As Donna Karlin once noted, “Audacity is not rebellion or mere bravado. It is the essence of a fearless mind, a spark that ignites rebellion against the ordinary, paving the way for extraordinary possibilities.”

Whether it’s Babe Ruth in game three of the 1932 World Series, with scores level pointing to where he was going to hit his next home run, before he actually did; or Salvidor Dali when he once exclaimed, “When I paint, the sea roars. Others merely splash about in the bath.” Those that navigate the rapids of audacity best, seem to have fathomed, if not fully mastered Jean Cocteau’s notion that: “Tact in audacity is knowing how far you can go without going too far.”

Monet’s Masterpiece to Bid Farewell to the Tweed After Two Years on Display

Robert Heyward

After nearly two years captivating visitors in Murwillumbah, Claude Monet’s iconic painting Meules, milieu du jour [Haystacks, midday] (1890) will soon leave the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre, with its fnal day on display set for Sunday, 26 October 2025

Claude Monet, Meules, milieu du jour [Haystacks, midday] 1890, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, purchased 1979. The painting has been on display at the Tweed Regional Gallery since 1 November 2023 as part of the Sharing the National Collection initiative.

The luminous work, on loan from the National Gallery of Australia in Kamberri/Canberra, arrived as part of the Sharing the National Collection initiative — a groundbreaking national program designed to make Australia’s most treasured artworks accessible to regional audiences. Monet’s Haystacks was the frst major piece ever loaned to a regional gallery under the initiative, marking a defning moment for the Tweed gallery and for regional cultural engagement across the country.

Meules, milieu du jour is among Monet’s most celebrated Haystacks series, which explores the ever-changing play of light and colour across the French countryside. Its arrival in the Tweed elevated the gallery’s national profle and drew visitors from across the Northern Rivers and beyond.

Tweed Regional

Gallery Director Ingrid Hedgcock said hosting the masterpiece had been both an honour and an inspiration.

“We’ve been honoured to be the temporary custodians of this work from the national collection and are so grateful to the National Gallery for supporting us through this incredible initiative,” Ms Hedgcock said.

“The iconic nature of

this work attracted locals and visitors who might never have considered visiting a regional gallery like ours. They came for Monet and discovered so much more — including the Margaret Olley Art Centre and our permanent collection.”

The Monet loan also inspired a wider collaboration with the National Gallery in February 2024, when four additional works were displayed — including three paintings

by Margaret Olley and Natura morta by Olley’s favourite artist, Giorgio Morandi. Those works will remain on display in Murwillumbah for several more years.

Dr Nick Mitzevich , Director of the National Gallery, said the partnership with Tweed was the perfect beginning for the Sharing the National Collection initiative.

“Sharing Monet’s masterpiece with the Tweed community

was a brilliant way to begin this program,” Dr Mitzevich said. “Since this frst loan, more than a million Australians have experienced the national collection closer to home, with works now displayed across every state and territory.”

The painting’s two-year residency has drawn widespread public and media attention, with many noting the contrast between the artwork’s gentle Parisian light and the vivid hues of the Northern Rivers landscape outside the gallery’s windows.

Final day on display: Sunday, 26 October 2025

Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am–5 pm (AEDT)

Admission: Free entry; bookings required for groups and tours

Location: Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre, 2 Mistral Road, South Murwillumbah

Samantha’s Book

Love and choice can come hand in hand

Title: Jane Eyre

Author: Charlotte Bronte

Price: $14.25

Distributor: Booktopia

What a sad world Jane Eyre is born into.

She has lost both parents and is the ‘burden’ of the wife of her uncle, who has also died.

Jane’s aunt has no interest in giving the young orphan a loving life.

But where there is adversity, comes character and strength and Jane has both in spades.

She will need both as her life progresses when she is sent to a boarding school and then when she gains employment at Thornfeld Hall as a governess.

She falls in love with her employer and he with her but on the day of their wedding

Local Nimbin woman's guardian angel comes in the form of her support worker

In early 2024, Nimbin resident Heather was informed that her local aged care centre could no longer ofer support for her Multiple Sclerosis (MS). With a chronic and progressive autoimmune disease, she desperately needed support. That's when Zoe stepped in. As an independent support worker from Mable, Zoe was able to provide personalised care to meet Heather's every need – blossoming into a friend along the way.

Heather describes Zoe as being her guardian angel.

"I have primary progressive Multiple Sclerosis. It afects my left side, which means my fne motor skills in my left hand are severely compromised, as well as my left leg and foot. You've heard of someone being your right-hand man (someone who is indispensable) – well, Zoe is my lefthand woman!

This story comes as the annual United Nations International Day of Care and Support approaches on October 29. This day is an opportunity to afrm ‘disability-inclusive and agesensitive care and support systems' and to acknowledge the powerful impact of caregivers in assisting people to access the highest attainable standard of health. Mable empowers people with disabilities, like Heather, to obtain personalised, reliable and quality care

from independent support workers just like Zoe.

"Zoe provides me with domestic help, doing my cleaning, laundry, shopping, and any other jobs I need done. Nothing is too much trouble. Last Christmas, Zoe even invited me to come along with her and her Mum to our local school Christmas Carols. We had a lovely time, and Zoe was so attentive and kind. She has become an important part of my life as a friend and support worker," said Heather.

The NDIS Quarterly Report from December 2024 revealed that 80% of NDIS participants aged 15 and over who have been in the NDIS for over 2 years report having greater choice and control in their lives, up from 67% at entry to the Scheme. Support workers help clients achieve their personal and professional goals, teach practical life skills, listen to clients' needs and preferences, and go above and beyond to ensure a client's day-to-day life is more manageable.

Mable gave Heather the control and fexibility to manage her care and hand-pick a support worker who met her needs and preferences. By coincidence, before being connected through Mable, Zoe had attended one of Heather's pottery classes at the Blue Knob Ceramic Studio, which she had founded and run before being

diagnosed with MS. Now, the two have a special relationship built on trust, care, and friendship.

Mable's Chief Growth Ofcer, Matthew Cavalier, said, "We believe good support is a two-way street. Clients and support workers need to be a good match on more than just availability. We know that long-term success in support partnerships occurs when there is a genuine alignment based on personality and general interests, as well as fundamental factors such as qualifcations, location, and gender preferences.

"Independent Support Workers on Mable come from diverse cultures, backgrounds and experiences. They utilise their unique skills, knowledge, and experiences to contribute positively to Australia's support sector," said Matthew.

New report shows urgent need for flood mitigation investment

KEVIN HOGAN MP

his horrible secret is revealed.

Jane runs away into the unknown and the reader can only wonder if she will ever be happy.

Charlotte Bronte, one of four literary sisters and also one of England’s greatest literary fgures, writes with such passion and a desire for her female character to receive the recognition and freedom she deserves.

Writing in 1847, within the confnes of Victorian life, Charlotte still manages to express the desires of most women: that of freedom, equality and to be loved and to love by her own choice. It is no surprise that Jane Eyre is a classic that still resonates with a 21st century readership.

You can buy your copy of Jane Eyre at booktopia.com.au

A new report by the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has found that 77 per cent of homes in high-risk food zones are not insured for food.

Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said the fndings are another strong reminder of why food mitigation must remain a top priority.

“The best way to bring insurance premiums down is to reduce the risk itself. Every dollar invested in

mitigation saves lives, protects homes, and helps keep insurance within reach for families and small businesses,” Mr Hogan said.

“Flood mitigation is the only solution for our region. It not only protects homes, businesses and roads, but also helps make insurance more afordable.”

“Three out of four homes in food-prone areas have no food cover. That should be a wake-up call.”

Mr Hogan said the timing of the ICA’s

fndings coincides with a major milestone in the CSIRO’s food modelling for the Richmond River catchment, which has just entered its next phase.

“CSIRO has confrmed they will now model engineering solutions. This work is crucial to identifying the measures that can actually lower food heights and keep our community safer,” he said.

Two bundles of potential engineering options are now being modelled, including detention basins,

as well as upgrades to Boundary Creek, the Bruxner Highway, and Tuckean Swamp drainage. These scenarios will be tested against the 2022, 2017 and 2008 food events, with the fnal CSIRO report and recommendations due in June 2026.

“Our community fought hard to make sure CSIRO models real solution. This latest insurance data proves why this work is so important. Mitigation is not optional

Garbage Truck Fires in Tweed Spark Urgent Warning on Batery Disposal

Jef Gibbs

Tweed Shire Council is issuing an urgent warning to residents after three garbage truck fres in the past six weeks, believed to have been caused by batteries thrown into household bins

Drivers from SOLO Resource Recovery were forced to dump burning “hot loads” on several occasions to prevent catastrophic blazes, with fre crews called in to douse smouldering waste piles.

According to the Australian Council of Recycling, Australia records between 10,000 and 12,000 batteryrelated fres every year across the waste and recycling network — a growing problem as rechargeable and embedded batteries

become common in everyday devices such as vapes, toothbrushes, toys, power tools and e-scooters.

Tweed Shire Council’s Unit Coordinator for Resource Recovery, Rod Dawson, said the danger was not just operational but life-threatening.

“If you hate the thought of all your recycling going

to waste, or a load of rubbish being dumped on the side of your road and cleaned up, do not throw out anything electronic that may contain a battery,” Mr Dawson said. “It’s not only wasteful, messy and expensive, but it puts our drivers in danger of smoke inhalation, burns or injury if the fre spreads inside

the vehicle. If we lose the truck or the driver, we lose the ability to provide the service.”

When garbage trucks begin emitting smoke, drivers are trained to stop immediately and discharge the load, as continuing to compact or drive can fan the fames. Once dumped, fre and clean-up crews must be mobilised — a costly and dangerous process.

Lithium-ion and rechargeable batteries are particularly volatile. When crushed or punctured during waste collection, they can short-circuit, vent gas or ignite , and a single damaged cell can trigger a chain reaction once mixed with household rubbish.

Tweed Council is urging residents to treat all batteries as hazardous waste and follow these

Generation Bridge: 97 & 12

Celebrate at Tweed Bridge Club

Jef Gibbs

A heartwarming celebration at Tweed Bridge Club last Saturday highlighted the true spirit of community and connection that defnes the game of bridge. Members gathered to mark an extraordinary milestone — the 97th birthday of long-time club member Marie Franklin, who shared the spotlight with the club’s youngest player, 12-year-old Cayden Dickison

Held during the club’s regular Saturday session, the event brought together generations around a shared love of cards and camaraderie. Marie, one of the club’s most respected and enduring members, has been part of the Tweed Bridge family for decades, while Cayden, newly joined, represents the next generation keeping the tradition alive.

The occasion was celebrated in true club fashion — with plenty of cake, laughter, and lively games. Members gathered to sing happy birthday and share stories that refected both the club’s history and its welcoming nature.

A photo from the day captures Marie and Cayden sitting side by side, surrounded by

smiling members — a perfect image of what bridge can ofer beyond the table: friendship, connection, and a sense of belonging across the ages.

Club President David Freilich said the celebration was more than just a birthday party — it was a testament to the inclusivity and vitality of the Tweed Bridge Club.

“We are thrilled to celebrate such milestones,” he said.

“It shows our club’s friendly spirit and the appeal of bridge

safe disposal steps:

l Never place batteries or electronic devices in your red, yellow or green bins.

l Recycle small batteries, old phones, and printer cartridges at Tweed Council ofces in Murwillumbah or Tweed Heads.

l Use Australia’s ofcial battery stewardship program, B-cycle, to fnd drop-of points at supermarkets and hardware stores.

l Take larger batteries (car, lithium, laptop or power tool batteries) to the Stotts Creek Resource Recovery Centre

l If a battery is damaged or swollen, immerse it in water for safety and contact Council’s Resource Recovery Unit before transporting it.

l Embedded batteries in products like vapes, toothbrushes, toys, scooters, and robotic vacuums must be disposed of separately — fnd more information via the EPA’s Embedded Batteries website. The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is currently trialling a free drop-of service for embedded battery products, including vapes, at several Community Recycling Centres, with the nearest available sites for Tweed residents in Ballina, Kyogle, and Lismore Mr Dawson said while proper battery disposal may seem complex, it’s crucial to prevent future incidents.

“It’s worth spending time getting it right, or there can be major consequences,” he said.

Tenterfield Shire Council Expands Local Workforce Under Fresh Start Program

Robert Heyward

Tenterfeld Shire Council is strengthening its workforce through the Minns Labor Government’s Fresh Start Program, a statewide initiative providing on-the-job training and long-term career pathways in local government.

Lismore MP Janelle Safn, who played a key role in negotiating the $252.2 million program alongside Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig and the United Services Union, said the approval of 500 new positions “on the tools” marked an impressive early milestone.

to people of all ages. Whether you’re 9, 29, or 90, there’s always a place at our table.”

The club hopes the event will encourage more locals — young and old alike — to discover the joys of bridge, a game that continues to unite generations through skill, strategy, and social connection. For more information about upcoming sessions or how to join, contact Tweed Bridge Club President David Freilich.

Launched in 2024, the sixyear Fresh Start Program aims to rebuild workforce capacity across councils, with over 60 per cent of new roles placed in regional and rural areas where staf shortages have been most acute.

Tenterfeld Shire Council General Manager Hein Basson said the council has already benefted signifcantly from the initiative.

“We’ve successfully employed two trainees in our water and sewer section and have just been advised that six apprenticeship positions have been approved for

our Infrastructure Services Department,” Mr Basson said. He added that the program’s support was both timely and essential.

“Council is indeed grateful to the State Government for the Fresh Start initiative and looks forward to continuing our participation. The attraction and retention of trained and experienced staf have become a real challenge for councils— therefore, we have to grow our own.”

Mr Basson said building capacity within local government was critical to maintaining strong service delivery in small communities like Tenterfeld.

“This initiative is a longerterm investment, but we look forward to the fruit it will bear for our community into the future.”

Tenterfeld Shire Council has also called for the Fresh Start Program to become a permanent feature of government funding, citing its positive impact on local employment and service delivery.

The New England region, which includes Tenterfeld Shire, is currently funding 32 recruits across participating councils under the program.

ENTERTAINMENT

Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie – A Purrfect Adventure for All Ages

Jef Gibbs

DreamWorks Animation has sprinkled a little extra fairy dust on one of its most loved preschool hits with Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie. The flm expands Gabby’s world into a cinematic adventure brimming with charm, colour and heart — perfect for Australian families looking for wholesome school-holiday fun.

The Story

Gabby (voiced by Laila Lockhart Kraner) and her best friend Pandy Paws (Tucker Chandler) are back inside the magical dollhouse where imagination rules. When the Dollhouse begins to lose its sparkle and the Cat-A-Vator — the elevator that connects all

the tiny themed rooms — starts malfunctioning, Gabby and Pandy set of on a mission to restore the magic.

Their quest takes them through a series of fantastical rooms: Cakey Cat’s kitchen, MerCat’s spa, DJ Catnip’s disco and the twinkling Fairy Garden. Every stop brings new challenges and lessons in creativity, teamwork and kindness. Along the way, they meet Glimmer the Glow Cat, a shimmering new character voiced by Australian star Isla Fisher, who joins the adventure to help save the Dollhouse from fading forever.

Cast and Performances

Laila Lockhart Kraner captures Gabby’s warmth and optimism beautifully, while Chandler’s

SPECIAL SCREENINGS

LES MISÉRABLES - THE STAGED CONCERT (2019) (CTC) Fri, Sat: 1:00PM

REGRETTING YOU (M) SNEAKS Sat: 10:45AM, 6:15PM

SPRINGSTEEN: DELIVER ME FROM NOWHERE (M) Wed: 7:30PM

THE EXORCIST III (R18+) Mon: 6:00PM THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW 50TH ANNIVERSARY (M) Fri: 7:00PM

FAMILY FILMS

GABBY'S DOLLHOUSE: THE MOVIE (G) Daily except Thurs, Fri: 10:45AM. Thurs, Fri: 10:45AM, 3:30PM Tues, Wed: 3:15PM, 6:00PM

KANGAROO PG) Thurs, Fri, Mon, Wed: 10:50AM, 1:50PM. Sat: 10:50AM. Sun: 10:50AM, 1:15PM. Tues: 10:55AM, 1:50PM

NIGHT OF THE ZOOPOCALYPSE PG) NFT

Pandy Paws remains the perfect mix of cute and comedic. The familiar voices of Donovan Patton (CatRat), Juliet Donenfeld (Cakey Cat) and Tara Strong (Kitty Fairy) return, ensuring the flm stays true to the series’ comforting tone. Isla Fisher’s Glimmer is a standout — her soft Aussie lilt adds charm and freshness to the voice cast. Adding to the mix is Australian actor Remy Hii as Sparklebyte, a

Thurs, Mon, Tues, Wed: 11:00AM, 2:00PM. Fri: 11:00AM, 4:20PM. Sat, Sun: 11:00AM, 4:15PM

THE BAD GUYS 2 (PG

Daily except Sat, Sun: 11:10AM, 1:50PM, 6:10PM. Sat: 11:00AM, 1:50PM. Sun: 11:00AM, 1:50PM, 6:20PM

ALL FILMS

A HOUSE OF DYNAMITE (M)

Thurs: 10:50AM, 3:40PM, 6:00PM. Fri: 10:45AM, 3:40PM. Sat, Sun: 3:40PM, 6:00PM. Mon: 3:15PM, 8:30PM.

AFTER THE HUNT (MA15+ NFT

Thurs, Mon, Tues: 11:00AM, 1:30PM, 4:20PM, 5:45PM, 7:15PM. Fri: 11:00AM, 1:30PM, 4:20PM, 8:20PM. Sat: 11:00AM, 12:50PM, 4:20PM, 5:45PM, 7:15PM. Sun: 11:00AM, 12:50PM, 4:20PM, 5:45PM. Wed: 11:00AM, 1:30PM, 4:20PM, 5:45PM

BALLAD OF A SMALL PRAYER (MA15+) NFT

Thurs: 4:00PM, 8:30PM. Fri: 10:50AM, 8:30PM. Sat, Sun: 3:30PM, 8:30PM. Mon, Tues, Wed: 4:00PM, 8:00PM

BEAST OF WAR (MA15+ Thurs, Sat, Sun: 8:40PM. Tues, Wed: 8:30PM

BLACK PHONE 2 MA15+) NFT

Thurs, Fri, Sun: 1:10PM, 3:30PM, 6:00PM, 8:40PM. Sat, Mon, Tues, Wed: 1:10PM, 3:30PM, 6:00PM, 8:30PM

DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE (PG) Daily except Sat, Sun: 11:15AM

ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER (M)

Thurs, Mon, Tues, Wed: 12:50PM, 4:10PM, 7:20PM. Fri: 12:50PM, 4:10PM, 5:45PM. Sat, Sun: 1:10PM, 4:10PM, 7:20PM

clever feline inventor who helps fx the Cat-A-Vator with science and imagination. Together, the cast brings an energetic yet heartfelt vibe that resonates with both kids and parents.

Animation and Music

DreamWorks has clearly elevated the visual style for the big screen. The flm blends 3D and handcrafted textures, delivering vivid pastel worlds bursting with detail — from cupcake mountains to underwater coral cities.

Interestingly, animators drew inspiration from Australian landmarks like Sydney’s Luna Park and the Great Barrier Reef when designing new settings for MerCat’s ocean world.

The soundtrack also shines, featuring upbeat tracks from Australian musician G-Flip and producer Sarah Aarons. Their songs add a modern, danceable twist that perfectly suits the movie’s playful energy.

Themes

and Appeal

Like the original series,

ROOFMAN M NFT

Daily except Fri, Mon: 1:00PM, 3:30PM, 8:20PM.Fri: 1:00PM, 3:30PM, 8:30PM. Mon: 1:00PM, 3:30PM, 7:45PM THE CONJURING: LAST RITES (MA15+) Daily except Fri, Sat: 8:20PM THE ROSES (MA15+ Thurs: 11:00AM, 6:50PM. Fri: 11:00AM. Sat, Sun: 10:45AM. Mon, Tues, Wed: 11:30AM THE TRAVELLERS M NFT Thurs: 1:15PM, 4:00PM, 6:10PM. Fri: 1:15PM, 4:00PM, 6:30PM. Sat: 1:15PM, 3:40PM. Sun: 11:00AM, 6:30PM. Mon, Wed: 11:00AM, 1:10PM, 4:00PM, 6:10PM. Tues: 1:10PM, 4:00PM, 6:10PM

TRON: ARES (M) NFT Thurs: 11:30AM, 4:15PM, 8:15PM. Fri: 4:15PM, 8:40PM. Sat: 10:50AM, 8:40PM. Sun: 10:50AM, 1:40PM, 8:40PM. Mon, Tues, Wed: 11:30AM, 2:10PM, 4:15PM, 8:15PM

Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie champions positivity and curiosity. When faced with problems, Gabby never gives up — teaching children resilience, empathy and the power of creative thinking. These themes, combined with catchy songs and gentle humour, make it a rewarding watch for the whole family.

At a brisk 90 minutes, the flm keeps kids entertained without overstaying its welcome. Parents will appreciate the subtle messages about teamwork and emotional growth wrapped inside the glittering animation and musical fun.

Verdict

Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie is a charming, imaginative flm that perfectly captures what fans love about the series while introducing enough freshness to delight newcomers. With its Aussie touches, dazzling visuals and warm storytelling, it’s a must-see for families across Australia.

Star Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Daily except Mon: 2:30PM, 5:00PM, 7:20PM. Mon: 2:30PM, 5:10PM, 7:30PM

GABBY'S DOLLHOUSE: THE MOVIE (G) Daily except Sun: 12:20PM. Sun: 11:45AM HOUSE OF WAX (1953) (PG MATINÉE MEMORIES Wed: 10:00AM KANGAROO PG) Daily except Mon: 10:00AM, 5:00PM. Mon: 5:00PM NIGHT OF THE ZOOPOCALYPSE (

) NFT Daily: 12:30PM ROOFMAN M NFT Daily except Mon: 12:15PM, 7:15PM.

Daily except Mon: 10:15AM, 2:45PM. Mon: 10:15AM, 3:00PM THE TRAVELLERS M NFT Daily except Sun, Wed: 10:10AM, 5:10PM. Sun: 9:45AM. Wed: 5:10PM TRON: ARES M NFT Daily except Sun: 2:30PM, 7:15PM. Sun: 1:50PM, 6:30PM

PUZZLES

TIME FOR TRIVIA

Place the digits 1 to 9 in the blue squares, so that all 6 equations are correct. Multiplication and/or division are performed rst, in whichever order they appear –followed by addition and/or subtraction, in whichever order they appear.

1 The members of which organisation are called Jesuits? (a) The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (b) Society of Jesus (c) Seventh-day Adventist Church (d) The Salvation Army

2 In 1968, who had a hit with the song, Harper Valley PTA?

(a) Bobbie Gentry (b) Jeannie C. Riley (c) Loretta Lynn (d) Reba McEntire

3 What is the surname of the main family in the novel, Pride and Prejudice? (a) Bennet (b) Clancy (c) Sherwood (d) Witherspoon

4 The city of Chicago has a coastline on which of the Great Lakes?

(a) Lake Ontario (b) Lake Superior (c) Lake Michigan (d) Lake Huron

WHICH WORDS

Which is the correct meaning for these words?

1 AMERCE

(a) To alter by due formal procedure

(b) To convey to a corporation

(c) To punish by discretionary fine

2 FARCICAL

(a) Very distant

(b) Containing starch

(c) Absurd

3 OBLOQUY

(a) A slanting surface

(b) Disgrace resulting from public blame

(c) Indistinctness

4 PALADIN

(a) The roof of the mouth

(b) A palace guard

(c) A knightly or heroic champion

5 VEHEMENT

(a) Not openly expressed

(b) Relating to the vein

(c) Strongly emotional

5 Which politician delivered the speech known as “The lady’s not for turning”? (a) Helen Clark (b) Julia Gillard (c) Margaret Thatcher (d) Indira Gandhi

6 In Greek mythology, who is the twin of Apollo? (a) Artemis (b) Ares (c) Hermes (d) Hades

WEEKLY CROSSWORD

BEST ON THE BOX

SUNDAY

THE BLOCK

NBN, 7pm

As The Block marks its 1000th episode tonight, a remarkable achievement for all involved, another potential milestone is on the horizon. So far, every team who’s completed the ultimate renovation challenge has also won at least one weekly room judging. But as 2025’s nal reveal – the front garden – looms, Sonny and Alicia (pictured) are still without a win. While their fellow teams wrestled with what’s left of their budget, creativity and energy, the Queensland parents have thrown everything at their landscaping. Can a luxury caravan and life-size kangaroo sculpture impress the judges and net the couple two MGs and $50,000 o their reserve? Or will House Four miss the mark and make Block history?

FRIDAY, October 17

MONDAY

NBN, 7.30pm

THE GOLDEN BACHELOR

You’ll either fall head over heels in love with this fresh take on the reality TV dating show or get “the ick” immediately and start scouting for more suitable options. After tempting the popular franchise away from Network 10’s warm embrace, Nine gives it a much-needed glow-up by following older singletons on their determined quest to nd an authentic romance in their later years. Farmer Wants a Wife host Samantha Armytage is on hand to guide 61-year-old Barry “Bear” Myrden (pictured) as he gets to know 20 glamorous women between the ages of 51 and 66. Can the charming widower and father of three adult sons nd his soulmate among this group of accomplished ladies?

TUESDAY

END GAME WITH TONY ARMSTRONG

ABC TV, 8.30pm

Former AFL player Tony Armstrong (pictured) has had enough. Fed up with PR-friendly excuses and failed marketing campaigns, the Logie-winning journalist is on a mission to ectively tackle racism in Australian sport and spark meaningful change for the next generation of players and fans. As Armstrong shares in Tuesday’s premiere, it’s not an easy problem to solve – and he’s personally been the target of online abuse before. Armstrong checks in with his hero Adam Goodes to take the temperature of Australian sport today, before jetting o to the UK, where he nds out how the issue is being addressed in the Premier League. It’s a vital conversation to have, and Armstrong is the right man for the job.

ABC TV (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (6) TEN (5) NBN (8, 80) 6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Take 5. (Final, R) 10.30 The Paci c. 11.00 The Following Events Are Based On A Pack Of Lies. (M, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Mystery Road: Origin. (Mal, R) 1.55 Grand Designs Australia. (PG, R) 2.55 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (R) 4.15 Long Lost Family. (R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 5.55 QI. (PG, R) 6.00 DW English News. 6.30 Al Jazeera. 7.00 BBC News At Six. 7.30 France 24 English News. 8.00 DD India News Hour. 9.05 Tough Trains. (PGa, R) 11.05 Luke Nguyen’s India. (R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.05 Black West. (Mav, R) 3.00 Nula. 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.00 Who Do You Think You Are? (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.10 Blankety Blank. (PG) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies: Celebrity Specials. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. 6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE:

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.

7.30 Gardening Australia. Costa Georgiadis explores a lush rainforest garden.

8.30 Professor T. (Mav) An artisan baker is found dead after receiving death threats.

9.20 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Tom Gleeson grills four fan favourites who are experts on topics in a comedic quiz show.

9.50 Mother And Son. (PGdl, R) Arthur attempts to become a di erent person.

10.20 The Assembly: Julia Morris. (Ml, R)

11.05 ABC Late News.

11.20 Silent Witness. (Malv, R)

12.20 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)

5.00 Rage. (PG)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Amazing Railway Adventures With Nick Knowles. (PGn, R) 8.30 Lost Temples Of Cambodia. (PG, R)

9.25 Lost Treasures Of Egypt. (PGa)

10.20 SBS World News Late.

10.50 Catch Me A Killer. (MA15+av)

11.45 Rogue Heroes. (MA15+al, R)

2.00 Lady Jane Grey: Murder Of A Child Queen. (PGv, R)

3.05 Tough Trains. (Maw, R)

4.05 Urban Conversion. (R)

4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6am Morning Programs.

6.00 7News Local.

6.30 7News @ 6:30.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs and the team demonstrate some terri c ideas for the house, garden and kitchen.

8.30 MOVIE: The Bourne Identity. (2002, Mlv, R) A man sets out to discover his identity after being hauled from the ocean with amnesia. Matt Damon, Franka Potente, Chris Cooper.

11.00 GetOn Extra.

11.30 Motorway Patrol. (Ma, R)

12.00 Healthy, Wealthy & Wise. (PGl, R)

1.00 In Plain Sight. (Premiere, Madv)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

5.00 NBC Today.

(62) VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 10.10 Daniel Tiger’s. 11.00 Sesame Street. 11.25 Wiggle. 11.55 Thomas And Friends. 2.15pm Thomas. 2.50 Gardening Australia Junior. 3.05 Play School. 3.40 Fizzy And Suds. 4.10 Andy’s Prehistoric Adv. 4.25 Super Monsters. 5.20 Mojo Swoptops. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.00 TBA. 8.30 Hard Quiz Kids. 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)

8.10 NHK Newsline. 8.40 CBC The National. 9.30 BBC News At Six. 10.00 The Movie Show. Noon DW The Day. 12.30 The Rap Game UK. 1.35 The Bee Whisperer. 2.30 Everyone Else Burns. 3.00 Bamay. 3.35 BBC News At Ten. 4.05 France 24. 4.35 PBS News. 5.35 If You Are The One. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Women Who Rock. 9.35 Sex Unlimited. 11.25 Homeland. 1.25am Letterkenny. 3.20 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. 6am Surf Patrol. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Animal Rescue. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Healthy, Wealthy & Wise. 1.00 DVine Living. 1.30 Room For Improvement. 2.00 House Of Wellness. 3.00 The Great Australian Doorstep. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Animal Rescue. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Renters. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 11.30 Late Programs.

(64) SBS MOVIES (32)

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current A air.

7.30 David Attenborough’s Asia: Above The Clouds. (PG) Presented by Sir David Attenborough.

8.40 MOVIE: The Intern. (2015, Mal, R)

A 70-year-old retired widower is hired as a senior intern for an online fashion startup. Robert De Niro, Anne Hathaway, Rene Russo.

11.00 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av, R)

11.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

12.40 Pointless. (PG, R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)

Danger Man. 7.00 Cre

6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace.

7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R)

7.30 Dog House. (PGa) A sta y cross has a chance at adoption. 8.30 House Hunters Australia. (PG, R) A couple search for a house, but she wants a Hamptons-style cottage with a pool and he seeks a home with character and a toolshed. 9.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Ml, R) Celebrity guests include Demi Moore. 10.40 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather.

11.05 10 News+. (R) Hosted by Denham

9GO! (83) 6am The Snow Foxes. Continued. (2023, PG) 7.15 The Legend Of Longwood. (2014, PG) 9.05 Hail, Caesar! (2016, PG) 11.05 The Good, The Bad And The Ugly. (1966, M) 2.20pm Capricorn One. (1977, PG) 4.35 Kung Fu Yoga. (2017, PG) 6.35 The Final Countdown. (1980, PG) 8.30 Unforgiven. (1992, M) 10.55 No Country For Old Men. (2007, MA15+) 1.15am End Of Watch. (2012, MA15+) 3.15 Into The Darkness. (2020, M, Danish) 5.55 The Movie Show.

6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 Hot Wheels. 9.00 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.00 Bewitched. 10.30 Jeannie. 11.00 The West Wing. Noon Garden Gurus Moments. 12.15 MOVIE: The Wrong Roommate. (2016, M) 2.00 Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 MOVIE: Godzilla. (2014, M) 10.00 MOVIE: The Organist. (2024, MA15+) Midnight Ghost Hunters. 1.00 The Vampire Diaries. 2.45 Supernatural.

(52)

TARGET TIME

G

I L

A L

IL C

Today’s target: 7 words average 10 words good 13+ words excellent

Find words of four letters or more. Every word must include the centre letter and each letter is used once only. Find at least one nine-letter word. No colloquial or foreign words, capitalised nouns, apostrophes, hyphens. No verbs or plural words ending in ‘s’. Solution list is not exhaustive. Ref: Macquarie Dictionary

STARS & PUZZLES

ASTROLOGY with

ARIES (Mar 21 - Apr 19)

This week your partnership zone is activated by the Sun and Venus. So – when it comes to romantic, platonic and business relationships –it’s time to be more creative, curious, kind and generous as you shine brighter, communicate better and laugh more often. There are also interesting connections to be made and new friends to be found within your local community. So, get out and about as you explore fresh nooks and crannies in your neighbourhood.

TAURUS (Apr 20 - May 20)

Expect a busy, bamboozling, beautiful week, Bulls! Venus (your power planet) transits into Libra, opposes Neptune, and then trines Uranus and Pluto. So, you’re in the mood to socialise with friends but be careful how you communicate, especially with colleagues, clients and/or customers. If you are not clear and concise, then others may misunderstand your message. Creativity and compassion are high as you express your artistic side or help someone in need.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 20)

This week the Sun and Venus are visiting your creativity zone, so it’s time to write, sing, dance, perform, paint or play music as you draw on the richness of your colourful world within. And the Venus/Uranus trine will help you turn imaginative ideas into innovative projects. Travel, teaching studying and business ventures are also favoured. With adventurous Uranus transiting through your sign, keep experimenting and expanding your horizons.

CANCER (June 21 - July 22)

With expansive Jupiter jumping through your sign (until next June) it’s time to be the bold, brave, confident Crab you were born to be (like fellow Cancerians Nelson Mandela and Princess Diana). No hiding in the shadows or sulking on the sidelines. This week, crawl out of your cosy cave and take on the world. Your motto for the moment is from birthday great, writer Oscar Wilde (born on October 16, 1854): “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”

LEO (July 23 - Aug 22)

The week starts with Venus transiting into your neighbourhood zone, which favours socialising and making new friends at local community events. With the Sun (your patron planet) squaring Jupiter (planet of extravagance and exuberance), Friday is the best day for fabulous flirting and/ or frivolous escapades. Be careful not to overdo it, though, otherwise overeating, over-drinking, overspending and/or over-promising could land you in a heap of trouble.

VIRGO (Aug 23 - Sep 22)

This week the Sun and Venus are visiting Libra, which highlights your financial, business and personal values’ zone. So, you’ll be focusing a lot of time and energy on money – how to make it, save it, grow it and keep it. But don’t lose sight of yourself and your personal, creative and spiritual needs in the process. As playwright (and birthday great) Arthur Miller reminds us: “Don’t be seduced into thinking that that which does not make a profit is without value.”

LIBRA (Sep 23 - Oct 22)

You’ll feel more confident this week as the Sun and Venus both visit Libra, which boosts your sense of wellbeing and happiness. But resist the urge to judge or criticise others. Remember – you don’t have all the facts at hand, appearances can be deceptive, and no one is perfect. As birthday great Oscar Wilde reminds us: “Every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future.” Resist the urge to overdo everything on Friday. As always, balance is the key.

SCORPIO (Oct 23 - Nov 21)

Scorpios can be very intense, determined and driven – especially at the moment, with manic, fiery Mars also transiting through your sign. But, this week, the Libran Sun and peacemaker Venus are visiting your solitude and spirituality zones –so it’s time to cool down, cooperate, mediate, meditate, contemplate and ruminate. Your motto for the moment is from Libran great, singersongwriter John Lennon: “Turn off your mind, relax and float downstream.”

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 - Dec 21)

This week, prepare to inspire others with your high spirits and contagious enthusiasm. You’re at your buoyant best as Venus, Uranus and Pluto boost confidence levels and put extra wind in your Sagittarian sails (especially involving close relationships, joint ventures, goals and dreams). But a family situation with a child, teenager or friend looks rather confusing. Ask for some clarification, otherwise you could find yourself jumping to hasty conclusions!

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 - Jan 19)

With Sun/Venus in your career zone and Mercury/ Mars in your wish list zone, it’s time to make plans and dream big dreams. And don’t make them too safe and sensible! Go for gold, as the planets encourage you to be bold and brave about the future. This week is also about getting the ratio right between your busy public life and your private inner world. With Neptune in your domestic zone, make your home an oasis of comfort and calm for mind, body and spirit.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 - Feb 18)

Expect some confusing communication and relationship challenges. You’ve got plenty to say but make sure you take the time to really listen to others. Jupiter is visiting your wellbeing zone, which is good news for your physical health and emotional wellbeing over the next eight months. There’s one proviso, though – you must be disciplined. Aim to find a deliciously nutritious diet, a fun exercise program and a relaxation routine that you really enjoy.

PISCES (Feb 19 - Mar 20)

It’s not a particularly good week to take on mighty challenges or make important decisions. There’s a nebulous Venus/Neptune opposition, so life could be complicated, physical energies low and relationships confusing. A financial matter looks perplexing for many Pisceans. So, avoid tasks that require stamina and sharp thinking. Instead, pace yourself – mentally and physically. Wednesday favours memories, daydreams and domestic matters.

NORTHERN RIVERS TIMES FEATURE:

WHAT’S ON | 17–25 OCTOBER 2025

Get ready, Northern Rivers — the third week of spring promises a spectacular lineup of cinema, country show thrills, community events, and cultural highlights. Here’s your guide to the can’t-miss happenings between 17 and 25 October 2025

BYRON BAY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (BBFF25)

From Friday 17 to Sunday 26 October, cinemas across the region — Byron, Mullumbimby, Brunswick Heads, Ballina and beyond — will host the 19th Byron Bay International Film Festival

The festival opens with a red-carpet gala at Palace Byron Bay, featuring a world premiere screening and an after-party at Tokyo Doll. Expect an eclectic program of documentaries, features, and shorts — many accompanied by Q&A sessions, panel talks and immersive experiences.

Each evening brings fresh programming, with standout titles like Orwell: 2+2=5 screening on 23 October, among many others. For movie lovers and creatives alike, BBFF is both a showcase and a meeting point — where global perspectives meet local stories.

ALSTONVILLE AGRICULTURAL SHOW

Over the weekend of 24 to 25 October (with fringe events from 23 October),

Alstonville gears up for its signature agricultural show at the Showgrounds on Commercial Road.

Friday afternoon opens with working dog trials, pavilion displays, carnival rides, and food stalls. The excitement escalates on Saturday with monster trucks, FMX stunts, bull rides, horse ring events, wildlife exhibits, sideshow alley, cattle and poultry displays — all capped of with a freworks spectacular around 8:15 pm.

Sunday sees a gentle wind-down with horse

ring events and markets, free admission, and a cofee cart to set the tone. It’s a weekend where the region’s rural heart and family fun collide.

RIVERS, CULTURE & COMMUNITY

While BBFF and the Alstonville Show are the major drawcards, Richmond Riverfest continues across the region through late October. The festival celebrates the health of the Richmond River and local waterways through art, culture, storytelling, and

environmental workshops.

Many community events, walks, and creative sessions remain active through this period across Lismore, Ballina and Casino.

Meanwhile, the Lismore Show (16–18 October) may spill into early activity in this window, and Nimbin Roots Festival — typically a late-October fxture — is expected to feature performances on 25 October. Markets, popups, and artisan stalls will continue across towns such as Bangalow, Byron, and

Kingsclif, adding colour and creativity to the week.

WHY THIS WEEK MATTERS

This short window delivers a rare convergence of art, community and country. At BBFF, audiences can engage with global narratives and local flmmakers.

At Alstonville, you’ll experience traditional showground spectacle wrapped in community spirit and family excitement. Across both, there’s a shared focus on creativity, sustainability, and celebration. Whether you’re a flm buf chasing festival highlights, a family planning a weekend escape, or a local looking to enjoy the best of spring, 17–25 October ofers a rich tapestry of experiences.

Keep your calendar handy — the Northern Rivers is shining bright with entertainment, connection, and good oldfashioned fun.

Art Blooms Across the Northern Rivers: A Celebration of Local Creativity

Between 17 and 25 October 2025, art lovers across the Northern Rivers will be spoiled for choice as galleries and creative spaces burst to life with colour, texture, and imagination. From Byron to Ballina, and Mullumbimby to Lismore, the region’s thriving arts scene is proving once again that creativity runs deep in our coastal and hinterland communities.

At the heart of the scene is “Art in the Heart” in Mullumbimby, a spirited group exhibition at the H’Art Gallery inside the Mullumbimby Health Centre. This vibrant showcase features more than 30 works across painting, printmaking, and mixed media, each capturing the community’s creative pulse and love of local stories.

Over in Byron Bay,

celebrated local artist

Jan Rae is back with her new solo show “Byron Hinterland Paintings.”

Displayed at the Byron Community Centre’s gallery, the exhibition forms part of the centre’s 130-year celebrations, ofering vivid landscapes that capture the light, mood and timeless allure of the region’s rolling hills.

In Ballina, the Northern Rivers Community

Gallery continues its mission to spotlight local talent, unveiling a new rotation of exhibitions spanning painting, sculpture, textile and digital installations. Each visit promises something fresh, refecting the gallery’s commitment to nurturing artistic voices across the region.

Adding a creative twist to the season, “Adaptation Stories” — a hybrid flm

and art program — invites audiences to explore storytelling through a visual and environmental lens. Running from 23 October through December, it merges short flms, art installations, and community dialogue on sustainability and change.

From intimate galleries to community-driven exhibitions, the Northern Rivers’ art world is buzzing this October — a

reminder that creativity here isn’t confned to studios or stages, but fows freely through every town, every artist, and every brushstroke.

So whether you’re an art connoisseur, a weekend wanderer, or simply looking for inspiration, take time to explore. You’ll fnd the region’s beauty refected not just in its landscapes — but in the art that celebrates them.

SCA hails $1B guarantee as a game changer for strata housing

The Strata Community Association (NSW) has welcomed the Minns Government’s landmark $1 billion Pre-sale Finance Guarantee (PFG), calling it a critical step in unlocking housing supply and boosting consumer confdence in the strata sector.

Under the new scheme, the Government will underwrite up to 50 per cent of apartments sold of the plan in approved developments. This is expected to remove one of the biggest barriers to housing delivery—fnance access tied to pre-sale

requirements—helping projects progress more quickly from approval to construction.

Boosting supply and confdence

SCA (NSW) President Robert Anderson said the program is a major opportunity for strata communities across the state.

“This initiative directly addresses one of the greatest hurdles in getting apartments built—securing fnance. By guaranteeing pre-sales, the NSW Government is not only helping to bring thousands of new homes to market

faster, but also sending a powerful signal that strata housing is central to the state’s housing future,” Mr Anderson said.

The scheme could fast-track construction

The Biggest Barrier Stopping Downsizers from Moving

Jef Gibbs

A new report has revealed the number one reason holding many Australians back from downsizing: the hassle of packing up and moving.

Research by GemLife and Realestate.com.au found that 31% of people aged 50 and over who had either downsized or considered it identifed the difculty of moving as their biggest concern. Despite the appeal of a smaller, more manageable home, many felt overwhelmed by the efort of sorting, packing and leaving a familiar property.

that many older Australians live in large houses with multiple spare bedrooms while younger families struggle for space. He stressed that encouraging downsizing could help Australia’s housing stock better meet demographic needs.

Other key reasons included emotional attachment to the family home, the challenge of fnding a suitable property, and reluctance to leave established communities. The fndings underline the tension between lifestyle benefts of downsizing and the personal, emotional costs of making the shift.

REA Group senior economist Angus Moore said the issue goes beyond individual households, noting

“With one-third of Australians set to be aged 55 or over by 2050, the way we design and use housing must adapt,” Mr Moore said. The report also highlighted the main motivations for downsizing: easier maintenance, retirement, and improved quality of life. Around 59% of respondents said they would consider moving to an over-50s lifestyle or retirement community.

GemLife managing director

Adrian Puljich argued that purposebuilt solutions such as land lease communities can help break down barriers, ofering well-designed, lowmaintenance homes close to essential amenities.

“When the right alternatives exist, many older Australians not only make the move but wish they had done so earlier,” he said.

on some of the 13,000 approved but not yet commenced apartment projects in NSW, providing a much-needed lift in housing supply while also supporting jobs. It is also expected to give lenders and buyers greater confdence in the apartment market.

Quality assurance at the core

Mr Anderson highlighted the importance of the NSW Building Commissioner’s role in assessing eligible projects.

“Strata communities rely on trust—trust that their homes are well

built, well managed, and well supported. The Government’s commitment to pairing housing supply with strong oversight and quality assurance is exactly what is needed to rebuild confdence,” he said.

He noted that the growth in new strata schemes would also create increased demand for professional strata management services.

This, he said, underscores the importance of ongoing reforms to improve standards, transparency, and consumer protections across the sector.

A chance for sector leadership

“This is an opportunity for the strata sector to step up and demonstrate leadership in managing growth,” Mr Anderson said. “By lifting standards and supporting communities, we can ensure these new developments thrive as safe, sustainable and liveable communities.”

SCA (NSW) commended the Minns Government for recognising the role of strata in tackling housing challenges and said it looks forward to working with both government and industry partners to ensure the program delivers fair, sustainable and high-quality outcomes.

Strata Set to Surge Under Expanded First Home Buyer Scheme

Robert Heyward

Australia’s strata sector is bracing for a surge in demand as the Federal Government’s expanded First Home Guarantee takes efect from today.

The Strata Community Association (SCA) Australasia has welcomed the changes but is calling on government and industry to strengthen support structures to protect buyers and build long-term confdence in strata living, which is now the nation’s fastest-growing form of housing.

Demand and Competition Set to Rise

With the scheme removing previous caps, increasing property price thresholds, and eliminating income limits, more frst homebuyers will now be able to purchase properties with deposits as low as 5% and without lenders mortgage insurance.

For many, apartments and units will be the most accessible entry point. This is expected to drive:

l Higher demand: Thousands of new buyers targeting strata housing.

l Greater competition:

Afordable, well-located complexes set to attract intense interest.

l Building condition scrutiny: Transparency around levies, defects, and maintenance plans will be critical, particularly for buyers with limited deposits.

l Faster turnover: More frequent resale opportunities for existing owners.

A

Spotlight on Professional Standards

Joshua Baldwin, President of SCA Australasia, said strata communities would be central to the policy shift.

“By removing caps and income limits, the Federal Government has opened the door to a much larger pool of frst homebuyers, and for many of them strata living will be the only afordable option,” he said.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for the sector, but it also shines a spotlight on the importance of quality management, defect mitigation, and professional standards. Now more than ever, Australians entering strata deserve the confdence of knowing their scheme is

managed by an SCA-accredited professional.”

Scheme Details

From 1 October, the expanded First Home Guarantee ofers:

l Unlimited places (no buyer caps)

l Higher price thresholds (up to $1.5 million in Sydney and other major centres)

l Removal of income caps

l Purchases with a deposit as low as 5%, without lenders mortgage insurance Future of Strata Living SCA Australasia has urged governments, developers, and industry professionals to ensure communities are well managed and transparent, so new buyers remain protected and confdent in their investment.

“As demand intensifes, the future success of strata living depends on strong professional standards and robust management,” Mr Baldwin said.

The association has pledged to work closely with government and industry stakeholders to ensure the scheme delivers lasting benefts for buyers, owners, and communities nationwide.

NSW establishes dedicated unit to prosecute industrial manslaughter under new “zero tolerance” approach

Robert Heyward

The Minns Labor Government has unveiled a major escalation in its workplace safety enforcement strategy, announcing the creation of a dedicated prosecution unit within the Ofce of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to handle industrial manslaughter cases.

Backed by $6.9 million in funding over four years to 2028–29, the specialist team will focus exclusively on prosecuting individuals and corporations whose gross negligence leads to a workplace death. The government says the move underscores its “zero tolerance” stance on unsafe work practices and aligns with what it calls the toughest industrial manslaughter laws in the nation.

Under these laws, individuals found guilty of industrial manslaughter face up to 25 years in prison, while companies can be fned up to $20

million. This represents a signifcant increase from previous maximum penalties of 10 years’ imprisonment and $11.1 million under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 Specialist team to strengthen enforcement The new unit will form part of the ODPP’s specialised prosecutions arm and will include a senior solicitor, two additional solicitors, and a witness assistance ofcer. Its mandate will

be to pursue complex cases where a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU), or a related corporate body, has failed so gravely in its duty of care that it results in a fatality.

Attorney General Michael Daley said the new approach is driven by sobering statistics showing that one person, on average, dies at work every week in New South Wales.

“These statistics are unacceptable. Everyone

who goes to work should expect to come home safely,” Mr Daley said.

“That’s why the NSW Government is giving the Ofce of the Director of Public Prosecutions the resources to go after individuals and businesses who put workers’ safety at risk.”

He said the new unit will be supported by experienced legal and victim support staf to ensure that prosecutions are both thorough and sensitive to the needs of

afected families.

Government vows accountability for negligence

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said the industrial manslaughter ofence targets only the most serious breaches of work health and safety law — those in which gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety results in death.

“Any workplace death is a tragedy, and in cases where a person with a work health and safety duty has been careless or irresponsible, they must be held accountable,” Ms Cotsis said.

“Every worker deserves to go to work and return home safely to their loved ones at the end of the day.”

Ms Cotsis said the new prosecutorial capacity complements the government’s broader reforms to strengthen WorkSafe NSW, improve compliance monitoring, and increase workplace inspections across high-

risk industries. Stronger deterrence, greater public confdence

The Minns Government said the establishment of the unit delivers on its election commitment to ensure that industrial manslaughter laws are not only on the statute books but actively enforced. The intent is to bolster both deterrence and public confdence by ensuring that grossly negligent actors face the full force of the law.

The move comes as NSW continues to record dozens of preventable workplace fatalities each year across sectors including construction, transport, agriculture, and manufacturing.

Attorney General Daley said the government’s message was clear: “We will not tolerate reckless or negligent behaviour that puts workers’ lives at risk. These new laws and this dedicated unit mean accountability will be real — and consequences severe.”

Telcos face Canberra showdown as government moves to enshrine Triple Zero Custodian in law

Robert Heyward

Australia’s three major telecommunications companies — Optus, TPG and Telstra — have been summoned to Canberra for a ministerial dressingdown, as the Albanese Government prepares to introduce long-awaited legislation to strengthen oversight of the nation’s emergency call system.

Communications

Minister Anika Wells will meet with the telco chiefs on Tuesday, warning she will be “laying down the law” following two high-profle Optus outages, including the 13-hour blackout on September 18 that blocked hundreds of Triple Zero calls and has been linked to three deaths. The crisis has reignited concerns about the reliability of Australia’s

emergency communication systems and prompted accusations that the government was too slow to act on previous warnings.

New laws to enshrine Triple Zero oversight

At the centre of Tuesday’s meeting is the government’s plan to legislate the role of a Triple Zero Custodian — a new authority tasked with providing “end-toend oversight” of the emergency call system. The custodian position was frst established within Ms Wells’s department earlier this year, following a key recommendation from former telecommunications regulator Richard Bean’s 2024 review into the November 2023 Optus outage that afected 10 million Australians.

That review found there was “no single body that could see the whole picture” during major outages, hampering the fow of accurate and timely information to emergency services and the public.

The new legislation will make the custodian’s powers statutory and clarify its coordination with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), the independent regulator.

“Working in lockstep with ACMA, the custodian will have end-to-end oversight of the Triple Zero system to ensure things are working as they should — and that improvements are continually made,” Ms Wells said.

“We know Australians’ confdence in Triple Zero

has been shaken, and it’s vital that it’s rebuilt.”

Accountability after multiple Optus failures

The September 18 outage is the second major failure by Optus in less than two years. It left millions of customers unable to make emergency calls, disrupting businesses and vital services.

ACMA has launched an investigation into the latest incident, while Optus has appointed consulting frm Kearney to conduct an internal review of its systems.

Telecommunications law expert Dr Rob Nicholls, from the University of Sydney, said the creation of the custodian would not prevent outages but would ensure that calls can be diverted through other networks when failures occur.

“All of these outages have had a common issue — the fallback to another network to dial Triple Zero didn’t work,” Dr Nicholls said. “This reform adds an extra layer of accountability so the telcos must not only do their best, but report on how they’re doing it.”

However, Dr Nicholls also criticised the government’s delay in acting on the 2024 Bean Review recommendations, saying, “It’s just not good enough that it’s taken more than 18 months for these laws to come into efect.

Unfortunately, it took another major outage to drive action.”

Government signals “zero tolerance” for future failures

Minister Wells said Tuesday’s meeting would focus on how each telco

plans to meet new realtime outage reporting obligations ahead of the upcoming bushfre, cyclone and food season

“Australians must be able to rely on our Triple Zero system, and telcos must do better,” she said. “It’s a good time for everyone to get together, make sure expectations are clear, and prepare for the natural disaster season ahead. When there are outages, the system cannot be allowed to fail — it’s on the telcos to do better.”

The new laws, expected to pass Parliament later this year, mark a signifcant tightening of government oversight following a series of telecommunications failures that have tested public confdence and the resilience of Australia’s emergency infrastructure.

The Ultimate Travel Guide: Nepal

Nestled between India and China, Nepal is a country where mountains kiss the sky and traditions run deep. From the chaotic charm of Kathmandu’s narrow alleys to the serene beauty of Himalayan peaks, the country ofers both adventure and peace. Trekkers chase the Everest dream, while spiritual seekers fnd solace in temples and monasteries. In villages, time slows as farmers till felds beneath futtering prayer fags. In bustling squares, artisans carve wood and metal as they have for centuries. Nepal is not just about sights; it is about moments that connect visitors to nature, culture, and the human spirit.

Top 5 Places to Visit

• Kathmandu Valley –Home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Durbar Square, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), and Pashupatinath Temple.

• Pokhara – A lakeside city with panoramic views of the Annapurna range, adventure sports, and relaxed cafés.

• Everest Base Camp

– The world’s ultimate trekking goal, ofering once-in-a-lifetime

Himalayan vistas.

• Chitwan National Park

– A wildlife haven where you can spot rhinos, elephants, and, if lucky, Bengal tigers.

• Lumbini – Birthplace of Lord Buddha, with sacred gardens and monasteries representing global Buddhist traditions.

5 Best Deals and How to Save Money

• Tea Houses on Treks

– Afordable lodging and meals on trekking routes, usually $10–20 per day.

• Local Eateries (Thakali Kitchens) – Full Nepali meals at a fraction of tourist restaurant prices.

• Domestic Bus Travel – Cheaper than fights for city-to-city journeys, though slower.

• SIM Cards & Data –Ncell and Nepal Telecom ofer low-cost packages, cheaper than roaming.

• Of-Season Discounts – Travelling in monsoon or winter (excluding holidays) cuts costs by 30–40%.

5 Travel Tips

• Altitude Awareness –Ascend slowly and stay hydrated to avoid altitude sickness.

• Permits Are Essential

– Trekkers need TIMS cards and conservation area permits; arrange before starting.

• Respect Local Customs – Remove shoes before entering temples and ask before taking photos.

• Carry Small Cash –ATMs are limited outside cities, so have rupees ready for villages.

• Pack Layers – Weather can shift dramatically from hot valleys to icy peaks.

Best Ways to Get Around

Nepal’s terrain makes travel an adventure. Domestic fights link Kathmandu to Pokhara, Lukla, and remote mountain strips — though weather delays are frequent. Tourist buses are inexpensive for long journeys. Inside cities, taxis and rickshaws are common, though fares should be negotiated. For treks, walking and porters remain the most authentic way to move through the landscape.

Conclusion

Nepal is a land of soaring mountains and soulful traditions. Whether you trek to Everest, meditate in Lumbini, or drift across

Phewa Lake, the country ofers experiences that stay etched in memory. Nepal’s charm lies not just in its scenery, but in the kindness of its people and the richness of its culture.

For Australians, the government's Smartraveller website provides advisories and warnings for over 175 destinations, with levels indicating risks like "Reconsider your need to travel" (Level 3) or "Do not travel" (Level 4)

• Dwarika’s Hotel, Kathmandu («««««) – A heritage property blending luxury with traditional architecture.

• Temple Tree Resort & Spa, Pokhara (««««) –Lakeside comfort with mountain views.

• Fairfeld by Marriott, Kathmandu («««–««««) – Reliable mid-range international standard.

• Hotel Middle Path, Pokhara (««–«««) –Afordable with excellent service.

• Budget Guesthouses & Hostels (««) – Common in trekking towns, often under $15 per night.

Currency & Budget Considerations

The local currency is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). Backpackers can manage on $20–35 per day, including hostels and street food. Mid-range travellers should budget $50–100 daily, covering better hotels and activities. Luxury seekers, especially on guided treks or high-end lodges, may spend $200+ daily

GWM Tank 500 Plug-In Hybrid Targets Toyota Prado and Ford Everest

Jef Gibbs

GWM is preparing to shake up Australia’s large of-road SUV market with the introduction of the Tank 500 Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV). Due for launch in late 2025, the new variant brings electrifed performance, extended driving range and a competitive price tag aimed squarely at segment stalwarts such as the Toyota LandCruiser Prado and Ford Everest.

Industry pricing guides list the Tank 500 Ultra PHEV at $79,990 drive-away — a $6000 premium over its plugless Ultra sibling. Despite the higher cost, the PHEV promises considerably more power, vastly improved efciency, and the ability to drive purely on electric power. The PHEV maintains the rugged fourwheel-drive hardware found in the regular Tank 500, including three locking diferentials, but drops from seven to fve seats to

accommodate its larger battery. At its core, the PHEV pairs a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 180kW and 380Nm with a beefed-up transmission-integrated electric motor and a much larger 37.1kWh battery. Together, the system generates an impressive 300kW and 750Nm, representing a 15 per cent jump over the mildhybrid Tank 500. Performance improves noticeably, with 0-100km/h now claimed at 6.9 seconds compared to 8.5 seconds for the hybrid. Efciency gains are even more dramatic. GWM quotes combined fuel consumption of just 2.1L/100km under NEDC testing, alongside an electriconly range of 120km and a total combined range of 950km. Charging is fexible: the SUV supports 50kW DC fast charging (30–80 per cent in 24 minutes) and standard AC charging (about 6.5 hours from empty). Vehicleto-load capability allows up to

Mazda has sharpened its BT-50 ute range for 2025, introducing a stronger 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine and rolling out efciency upgrades across the line-up. The changes replace the outgoing 1.9-litre entry-level motor and align Mazda’s ofering with the updates announced for its close

6.0kW of external power supply, handy for camping or worksites.

The PHEV retains the Tank 500’s robust equipment list, ensuring buyers don’t sacrifce features when opting for the electrifed option.

Standard kit includes luxury-grade interior fnishes, a large infotainment display, premium audio, and advanced driver-assistance systems. The only compromise is the smaller 70-litre fuel tank, reduced from 80L in the nonPHEV models.

less power and no electrifcation. Similarly, the Ford Everest Trend 4WD starts from $67,290 before onroads but relies solely on diesel power.

With rivals Toyota and Ford yet to introduce plug-in hybrid drivetrains in this category, the Tank 500 PHEV efectively carves out its own niche. The Toyota Prado GXL, priced from $79,990 before on-roads, ofers

GWM’s timing is strategic. The brand has already built momentum in Australia with the Cannon Alpha PHEV ute, and the Tank 500 PHEV allows the Chinese automaker to position itself as an innovator in

roaders. Meanwhile, BYD is planning to enter the segment with its Denza B5, though that model is still some time away. For buyers, the appeal is clear: Prado-like capability, more power than Everest, and hybrid fexibility at a sharp driveaway price. If GWM delivers on its promises, the Tank 500 PHEV could be one of the most disruptive large SUVs to hit Australian showrooms in years.

2025 Mazda BT-50: New 2.2L Engine, Smarter Features, and Refined Line-up

sibling, the Isuzu D-Max.

The new 2.2-litre unit produces 120kW and 400Nm, ofering an extra 10kW and 50Nm compared with the old 1.9. While based on the same architecture, the engine features a redesigned head, block, pistons, crankshaft, con-rods and turbocharger, alongside improved cooling and friction-reduction

technologies. It’s matched exclusively to a fresh eight-speed automatic gearbox, helping the BT-50 deliver claimed fuel consumption fgures between 6.3L and 7.1L/100km, depending on model. Importantly, every BT50 in the 2025 line-up is rated to tow 3500kg braked. Unlike the previous 1.9, which was limited to 4x2 XS specifcation, the 2.2 broadens its reach. Buyers can now choose from 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrains in multiple body styles, including Single Cab Chassis, Dual Cab Pick-up and Dual Cab Chassis. This expansion ensures more tradies, feet buyers and

recreational users can access the new engine.

Mazda has also added a stopstart system to the 3.0-litre variants, promising fuel savings of up to 0.9L/100km. Other updates include alloy wheels for the XS Dual Cab Pick-up and standard tow bars on XTR and GT Dual Cab Chassis 4x4s. Prices across the range have risen between $450 and $1500, depending on model.

The 2025 BT-50 line-up kicks of at $37,900 before on-roads for the XS Single Cab Chassis 2.2L 4x2, while the range-topping SP Dual Cab Pick-up 4x4 commands $64,777 drive-away. Mid-spec

XT and XTR models sit between, ofering buyers fexibility in both price and equipment.

Mazda says the upgraded BT-50 range will hit dealerships nationwide in October, coinciding with the refreshed Isuzu D-Max and MU-X SUV. For buyers, the message is clear: improved efciency, more capability and a broader range of choices, wrapped in the BT-50’s familiar styling and cabin features. For tradies after a workhorse, lifestyle buyers seeking towing muscle, or feets chasing fuelefcient options, the 2025 BT-50 promises to tick more boxes than ever before.

WHATS ON THE MENU TONIGHT? Healthy Chicken Breast with Mushrooms

Some dinners whisper politely: “Eat me, I’m good for you.” This one doesn’t whisper. It struts into the kitchen wearing sequins, carrying a glass of cheap prosecco, and yells: “Look at me, I’m lean, tasty, and I’ve got mushrooms that’ll make you question all your past life choices!” Yes, it’s healthy. Yes, it’s chicken breast. But before you roll your eyes, remember: chicken breast doesn’t have to taste like punishment at a boot camp. Add mushrooms, garlic, and a saucy squeeze of lemon and suddenly this bird is sexier than a Netfix password you didn’t pay for.

This recipe proves that “healthy” doesn’t equal “boring.” It equals smug satisfaction when you’re eating seconds while silently judging anyone who ordered takeaway again.

Ingredients

• 4 skinless chicken breasts (about 600g total)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 250g mushrooms, sliced

• 1 small onion, diced

• 125ml chicken stock (low-sodium if you’re feeling virtuous)

• Juice of 1\2 a lemon

•1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• Salt and pepper, to taste Method

• Prep like a boss. Pat those chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. This is the chicken equivalent of putting on deodorant—nonnegotiable.

• Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes each side until golden and cooked through (internal temp: 75°C if you’re fancy with a thermometer). Remove and set aside.

• Add the remaining oil, onion, garlic, and mushrooms

to the pan. Sauté until the mushrooms stop sulking and release their juices.

• Pour in the stock and lemon juice, scraping up all those golden bits stuck to the pan (favour treasure!). Simmer for 3 minutes until slightly reduced.

• Return the chicken to the pan, coat lovingly in mushroom sauce, and sprinkle with parsley like you’re auditioning for MasterChef.

Tips for Success

l Don’t crowd the pan. Chicken needs space, just like you after a family Christmas lunch.

l Mushrooms shrink, so slice generously unless you like culinary ghost mushrooms.

l Leftovers? Slice cold chicken and toss with salad greens, or stuf into a wrap with extra sauce. You’ll look like you meal-prep when really you just hate wasting food.

This dish is lean, luscious, and leaves room for dessert. Healthy chicken breast with mushrooms: because even “good for you” can be downright naughty.

Baby Almond Meringues with Raspberry Dipping Cream

Some desserts firt. These baby almond meringues? They seduce. Crisp, sweet, and bite-sized, they come with raspberry dipping cream that’s so scandalous it should come with a warning label.

Ingredients

• 2 egg whites

• 110g caster sugar

• 45g ground almonds

• 150ml thickened cream

• 125g fresh raspberries

• 1 tbsp icing sugar

Method

• Heat oven to 120°C (fan-forced). Line a tray with baking paper.

• Beat egg whites until soft peaks form, then add caster sugar a spoonful at a time, whipping until

glossy and stif (like your hair in 80s hairspray).

• Fold in the ground almonds with the delicacy of a cat tiptoeing past a sleeping toddler.

• Spoon or pipe baby-sized swirls onto the tray. Bake for 45–50 minutes until crisp and dry. Cool completely (patience, darling).

• For the dipping cream, whip cream and icing sugar until soft peaks. Fold in raspberries, squashing a few for colour and drama.

• Serve meringues with the raspberry cream and watch them vanish faster than ofce chocolate. These little clouds are crunchy, creamy, and devilishly addictive. Leftovers? Forget it—your guests will leave nothing but crumbs.

Stability, Flexibility, and Mobility: The Foundations of Lifelong Fitness

In the pursuit of ftness, many people focus on lifting heavier weights, running faster, or cycling further. Yet, three lesserdiscussed components— stability, fexibility, and mobility—play a far greater role in maintaining long-term health, preventing injury, and supporting independence as we age. Understanding Stability Stability refers to our body’s ability to remain balanced and return to equilibrium after being disturbed. Biomechanically, it relies on a combination of sensory pathways, muscular strength, and even hormonal responses. For instance, when you step on uneven ground, sensory nerves in your ankle detect the

disturbance and send a message to the brain. The brain then instructs specifc muscles to contract or relax to restore balance. This fnely tuned system can be disrupted by injury or surgery, especially when artifcial ligaments replace natural ones and nerves can no longer detect changes in movement. Improving stability, however, doesn’t require complex equipment. Simple exercises such as balancing on one leg,

standing on the front half of the foot, or sitting upright on a ft ball engage stabilising muscles efectively. Even gentle upper-body balance drills—like kneeling on all fours with one hand on a foam pad—train the shoulders and core to react swiftly to imbalance.

Why Flexibility Matters Flexibility is the ability of muscles to lengthen and return to their resting state with minimal resistance. It allows free, comfortable

Top 10 household products linked to migraines, anxiety and skin flare-ups in thousands of Australians

Robert Heyward

It’s not just food that can cause a symptomatic reaction. A new national analysis has revealed that the products in our bathrooms, laundries, kitchens and living areas — from toothpaste and deodorant to laundry powder, mould cleaners and feathers — are quietly triggering asthma, rashes, migraines and other symptoms in thousands of Australians.

The fndings come from a report by FoodFit, a leading Australian provider of compatibility testing for food and household products since 1985. Each year, FoodFit receives around 5,000 symptomatology reports from natural health practitioners, and in the two years to June 2025 it analysed samples from 7022 individuals against more than 100 everyday household items. The analysis identifed the top 30 items most frequently triggering symptomatic reactions.

Topping the list is cigarette smoke, driving asthma or anxiety in 58.93 per cent; followed by mixed feathers, triggering asthma or sinus issues in 52.39 per cent of individuals; toothpaste, triggering rashes and thrush in 51.5 per cent; talcum powder, linked to rashes

and asthma in 50.66 per cent; and mould cleaners, aggravating headaches and behavioural changes in 42.72 per cent.

Among symptoms, FoodFit’s analysis shows that asthma, rashes and headaches dominate the list. However, some links are surprising. Examples are aluminium aggravating brain fog, headaches, migraines, fatigue and muscle weakness; engine oil triggering dermatitis, respiratory irritation and eczema; and anti-dandruf shampoo aggravating psoriasis.

Dennis Hodges, founder and CEO of FoodFit, said:

“Just like food, household products can also aggravate the body – especially when it’s already under stress from incompatible foods that the individual has consumed. Household products don’t have to be ingested to cause issues. They can be absorbed through the skin, inhaled into the lungs, or they can disrupt the body’s balance through ongoing exposure.

“Our data shows that everyday items like shampoo, toothpaste or feathers can become triggers when the system is already infamed or overloaded. People often can’t connect the dots between a migraine or rash and their bathroom cupboard – but these

movement and prevents excessive strain on joints and surrounding muscles. Tight muscles, especially hamstrings, can have a domino efect—tilting the pelvis, fattening the lumbar spine, and putting pressure on spinal discs, which may eventually cause pain or nerve irritation.

Limited fexibility also restricts functional movements such as walking, climbing stairs, or bending. For example, tight hamstrings reduce knee lift, making trips and falls more likely. There’s debate about how long stretches should be held, but one principle remains true: the less you stretch, the stifer you become with age. Knowing which muscles need attention is vital,

related to headaches.”

exposures can tip an already stressed body into visible symptoms.”

FoodFit uses hair and saliva to test household products for compatibility, and then guides individuals through a short-term, practitioner-led elimination process to reduce infammation and restore balance. Dennis says that many items can be reintroduced once the body resets.

FoodFit explains the body’s reaction to products in common 5 categories:

• Bathroom items. Shampoos, soaps and mould cleaners contain irritants and chemical compounds that can aggravate skin, respiratory and neurological systems. Dennis says: “Toothpaste choice is important, too. We’ve seen benefcial changes in individuals who have changed their brand. People can react to fuoride, and other chemicals can disrupt an individual’s oral microbiome.”

• Laundry products. Fragranced powders and softeners add to the body’s toxic load, with FoodFit testing showing links to headaches, rashes and respiratory problems. Dennis says: “Fragrance can often have a secondary efect on existing infammation

and professional guidance ensures you stretch safely and efectively.

Mobility: Moving Through the Right Range Mobility difers from fexibility—it refers to the movement of a joint through its normal range of motion. Good mobility prevents wear, promotes proper movement patterns, and enhances comfort during daily activities.

To improve mobility, start small. For knees, lift your foot and swing your lower leg gently back and forth. For hands, roll marbles in circles on a table to loosen small joints. Bone shape, previous fractures, and conditions like osteoporosis can limit mobility, so targeted, careful movement is key.

Working in Harmony

These three elements—

• Kitchen cleaners. Residue from dish liquids and sprays can cling to plates and cutlery, adding to chemical exposure if not rinsed thoroughly. Dennis says: “Not rinsing dishes after handwashing dishes in soapy water is quite common across households, but the key is to avoid consuming any soap residue at your next meal. At FoodFit, we don’t test dishwasher products as the dishes are usually very well rinsed and hence don’t tend to add to the toxic load.”

• Manchester. Bedding and pillows can harbour mites, microbes and dust that trigger asthma, hay fever and skin irritation. Mixed feathers, which include feathers in doonas and pillows, are a classic allergen that can create respiratory symptoms.

Dennis says: “Bedding is a very important area, as many hours are spent in bed allowing our bodies to rest and repair. If the fbre we sleep in is incompatible, use cotton or bamboo bedding.” The FoodFit test also relates directly to chickens, birds and cages. Dennis adds: “As an example, an asthma client, who tested incompatible to feathers, discovered sparrows had built a nest outside his ofce window. Once the sparrows were gone, so was his asthma.”

• Petrochemicals. Fumes from petrol and diesel contain particulates that can irritate the lungs, trigger headaches and afect the nervous system. Dennis says: “People most impacted are those who work with petrochemicals, like mechanics, truck

stability, fexibility, and mobility—work best together. Imagine tripping forward while walking. Your stability helps you react quickly, your fexibility allows your muscles to extend, and your mobility lets your joints move freely to catch yourself before falling. Losing any one of these capacities increases the risk of falls, injury, and loss of independence.

Maintaining all three not only supports daily function but also enhances quality of life well into older age. As the body’s priorities change over time, preserving these physical foundations is one of the most efective ways to ensure a longer, healthier, and more independent future.

drivers and service station or refnery workers. Petrochemicals can be difcult to eliminate, as fumes from vehicles can also trigger reactions. It might help, when flling up the car, to use disposable gloves, wear a mask and avoid breathing in the fumes as much as possible.” FoodFit’s Compatibility Program is available exclusively through qualifed practitioners and involves testing for 600 whole foods (not isolated nutrients) and household items, and a guided, practitionermonitored elimination plan. Individual results will vary from person to person, household member to household member. Top 10 items aggravating symptoms in individuals[1] (see top 30 items in FoodFit’s report)

RECENT CATTLE MARKET REPORTS

NRLX Prime Cattle Market Report –Wednesday, 8 October 2025

The Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange yarded a total of 1,104 head for its weekly prime sale, with 532 lots ofered across all stock types. The market held steady to frm, with processors maintaining strong interest on the heavier cattle and trade buyers competitive on fnished lines.

Dry conditions continue to infuence yardings, with quality mixed but overall demand remained solid across most classes.

Santa weaner steers crack $1,530 at Beaudesert

By The Northern Rivers Times Rural Report

Agents Bartholomew & Co reported another strong turnout at the Beaudesert Store Sale, where competition remained frm across all classes of cattle despite the drier seasonal conditions. Restocker interest was particularly strong, with both new and repeat buyers pushing prices slightly dearer on the day.

A standout yarding of quality replacement heifers drew plenty of attention, while pen after pen of restocker steers met enthusiastic bidding. Even lighter and plainer types sold well given the tightening feed situation across the region.

Top prices and highlights:

• Greg Arthy, Lamington sold Red Angus steers, 20 months, for $1,870

• Rahane Pastoral Co Pty Ltd, Oaky Creek presented an outstanding draft of Charolais-cross steers, 12–15 months, topping at $1,560

LIVESTOCK MARKETS

By APL/McDougall & Sons for The Northern Rivers Times

Cattle numbers held steady this week at Warwick, while sheep and lamb consignments rose sharply as producers look to move stock amid a continuing dry spell. Pork prices climbed on limited supply, and the ever-popular poultry section again provided a lively fnish to the week’s trading.

With 1,240 cattle yarded and 2,733 sheep and lambs presented, agents reported solid buyer competition across all categories. However, a lack of spring rain remains a concern, with agents noting that feed will tighten rapidly without showers in coming weeks.

CATTLE

The cattle market remained frm overall, with quality drafts meeting strong demand.

• Bulls averaged 356.1c/kg, topping at 420c/kg ($1,535–$4,263).

• Cows averaged 326c/kg, peaking at 375.2c/kg ($1,750–$3,175).

• Feeder heifers averaged 356.8c/kg, topping at 440.2c/ kg ($1,280–$1,805).

• Feeder steers averaged 442.9c/kg, topping at 512.2c/kg ($1,624–$2,311).

• Heifers averaged 362.2c/kg, reaching 404.2c/kg ($1,723–$2,628).

• Manufacturing steers averaged 319.1c/kg, topping at

Smaller yardings included:

• Bobby calves – 1 head, $70

• Heifers – 7 head, averaging $80 and topping $85

• Steers – 7 head, steady at $80

Market Summary

• Total Head: 1,104

• Aggregate Weight: 373,830 kg

• Trevor & Sue Whitehall, Mt Berryman achieved $1,530 for their Santa weaner steers.

• Rob Arnold, Veresdale sold Charolais-cross steers, 15 months, for $1,510

• Wayne Ramm, Moogerah sold Brangus steers, 20 months, for $1,480

• Barry Tanton Family Farm Pty Ltd, Rathdowney received $1,420 for Charolais-cross weaner steers.

• Meralyn Pastoral Co, Kerry sold Droughtmaster weaner steers for $1,310, while A.M. Moore Pty Ltd, Barney View achieved $1,110 for similar lines.

• Light Santa weaners from Stephen & Jane Struss, Beaudesert made $990, and Droughtmaster weaners from John & Donna Mounsey, Moogerah made $770 Heifers also sold to solid demand, with:

• Stuart & Katherine Saunders, Boonah selling Simmental-cross heifers, 20 months, for $1,500

• Rahane Pastoral Co Pty Ltd sold Charolais-cross heifers, 14 months, for $1,350

• The Drynan Family, Mt Gipps achieved $1,320 for Droughtmaster-cross heifers, 18 months.

362.2c/kg ($1,954–$2,734).

• Steers averaged 414.7c/kg, topping at 448.2c/kg ($2,550–$3,246).

• Vealer heifers averaged 368.8c/kg, topping at 422.2c/kg ($787–$1,329).

• Vealer steers averaged 435.3c/kg, topping at 510.2c/kg ($980–$1,454).

• Yearling heifers averaged 382c/kg, topping at 436.2c/ kg ($1,064–$1,923).

• Yearling steers averaged 459.8c/kg, topping at 530.2c/ kg ($1,252–$2,177).

The total yarding averaged $1,512.50 per head SHEEP & LAMB

Numbers lifted, with strong yardings of both trade and export types. Lambs were keenly sought, and the mutton market frmed on quality lines.

• Lambs topped at $376, averaging $238.18 (up $10).

• Hoggets topped at $262, averaging $229.69 (up $24).

• Ram lambs topped at $242, averaging $176.87 (down $36).

• Wethers topped at $233, averaging $211 (up $45).

• Ewes topped at $257, averaging $167.33 (up $22).

• Rams topped at $232, averaging $184.38 (down $1). Overall, the yarding averaged $217.02/head, a rise of $16 on last week.

NOTABLE SALES – APL/McDOUGALLS SHEEP & LAMB REPORT

• Geof & Marie Thomas sold Dorper lambs 68.4kg to Eversons for $376 and 47.5kg to GR Prime for $299 ; Ram lambs 70kg to restockers for $242; ewes to McIntyre Meats for $180

• Noahs Farm sold Dorper lambs 50.7kg to Jock Young

• Gross Sale Value: $1,297,169.49

Processors remained active on cows, bulls, and bullocks, underpinning the heavier end of the market. Trade steers and heifers attracted frm competition from domestic and supermarket buyers, with well-fnished lots achieving premium rates. Restocker demand was selective but held frm on medium-weight steers and heifers with good breeding potential.

The heaviest cows continued to sell above 300c/kg, while the best of the trade steers reached 554.2c/kg Vealer bulls were in mixed condition but still met sound competition, topping at 394.2c/kg

With warmer, dry weather forecast, yardings are expected to rise in coming weeks as producers move stock earlier to manage paddock feed.

Next NRLX Prime Sale: Wednesday, 15 October 2025

• Trevor & Sue Whitehall’s Santa weaner heifers made $1,240, while Rob Arnold’s Charolais-cross heifers sold for $1,220

• Other notable results included Santa heifers from The Waters Family, Tabooba at $1,200, and Charolais weaner heifers from Barry Tanton Family Farm Pty Ltd at $1,140

• Mark & Vickee Binstead, Palen Creek’s Santa weaners made $1,130, and Ralph Nixon, Coulson’s Red Brahman heifers made $1,100

• Droughtmaster heifers from Meralyn Pastoral Co and A.M. Moore Pty Ltd made $1,010 and $1,000 respectively.

• Steven Pocock, Boonah sold Angus weaner heifers for $940. In the cow section, Rob Arnold’s Limousin cows reached $1,490, and Troy Bremner of Dulbolla Beef Pty Ltd, Running Creek sold Droughtmaster cows for $1,440

The next Beaudesert Store Sale will be held on Saturday, 25th October, commencing at 9:30am

Meats for $276, 44.5kg for $250

• Carel Rothman sold Xbred lambs 61kg to Eversons for $340; hoggets 61kg to Take It Easy Meats for $240 ; Dorper ewes to McIntyre Meats for $160; rams to Fletchers International for $208

• Reilly Past Co sold Dorper lambs 54.2kg to Eversons for $302, 49kg for $289; ewes to Fletchers International for $211–$219; rams to Fletchers International for $202

• Hiscock Family sold 50.8kg frst-cross lambs to GR Prime for $271, and Merino wethers to restockers for $121

• Linview Ag sold A/White lambs 52.5kg to Fletchers International for $280

• Geof & Anne Lyons sold Dorper ewes to Fletchers International for $238

• Doug Allen sold Dorper X lambs 50.8kg to Eversons for $300, ewes to Fletchers International for $238

PORK & POULTRY

Pork prices lifted on tight supply, with buyers keen for quality pens.

• Porkers sold $160–$341/head, baconers to $258, and stores $91–$300

• No boars or sows were yarded.

Poultry highlights included: Ringnecks $120/pair, Budgies $37.50/pair, Ducklings $17.50–$60, Goslings to $75, Silky hens to $55, Roosters to $37.50, Pekin Ducks to $25, Drakes to $47.50, and Ducks to $20

The yarding refected solid spring demand across all classes, though continued dry weather may see numbers rise again in coming weeks as producers ofoad before summer.

Mental Health Groups Unite for ‘Just A Farmer’ Screening in Lennox Head

By Ian Rogers

Local mental health organisations and community groups are coming together to host a special Northern Rivers screening of the acclaimed Australian feature flm

Just A Farmer — an event designed to inspire connection, conversation, and hope across the region.

The screening will take place on Friday, 24 October, at the Lennox Head Cultural Centre, followed by a live Q&A and panel discussion with the flm’s writer and star Leila McDougall. The evening promises to be an uplifting community gathering centred around resilience, wellbeing, and storytelling.

Organised by Laticia Braving, founder of Blue Clay Creatives and the regional documentary series You Can’t Do That in the Bush, the event is part

of a growing grassroots movement that encourages rural Australians to share their stories and connect through open dialogue.

“This screening aligns perfectly with this year’s Mental Health Month theme, ‘Taking Steps on Your Wellbeing Journey’,” Ms Braving said. “It’s about recognising every small step we take—individually and together—towards better mental health and stronger community connection.”

To ensure accessibility for everyone, a ‘Pay What You Can’ ticketing option has been introduced, along with a ‘Pay It Forward’ donation system that allows attendees to support others who may not otherwise be able to attend.

“The Northern Rivers has so much heart,” Ms Braving said. “This is about showing up for each other and reminding people that they’re not

alone.”

Set in rural Australia, Just A Farmer explores themes of mental health, resilience, and hope through the story of a farming family navigating life’s toughest seasons. Its message resonates deeply with the Northern Rivers—an area built on agriculture and community spirit, but one that has also faced signifcant challenges, from natural disasters to economic hardship.

The event has drawn strong support from a range of regional partners, including ofcial sponsor Healthy North Coast (HNC), Rural Financial Counselling Service, ReBoot Rural Program, Rural Adversity Mental Health Program, and local men’s wellbeing group The Boaty Boys “Fostering mental health awareness across regional NSW is essential,” said

Monika Wheeler, CEO of HNC. “By bringing community members together, we can celebrate their strengths, reduce stigma, and create spaces where people feel confdent to seek the support they need.”

In true Northern Rivers spirit, organisers are calling on locals and businesses to help bring

the event to life through in-kind contributions such as crockery, catering items, accommodation for special guests, volunteer support, and printing services.

Tickets are now available through Humanitix, with all proceeds supporting local mental health and wellbeing initiatives

“This isn’t just about a flm—it’s about community healing,” Ms Braving said. “When we share stories, we create understanding. And that’s where change begins.” Mental health professionals will be present on the night to provide support for anyone who may fnd the discussion emotionally challenging.

NFF Welcomes Reconsideration of ‘Super Tax’ Amid Growing Concern for Farmers

Ian Rogers

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed indications from Treasury and the Federal Government that concerns raised over the proposed ‘Super Tax’ are being taken seriously, following discussions in Senate Estimates this week.

NFF President David Jochinke said the organisation was encouraged by confrmation that both Treasury and the Prime Minister’s ofce are considering stakeholder feedback on the Treasury Laws Amendment (Better Targeted Superannuation Concessions Bill) 2023

“We are encouraged by comments in Senate Estimates yesterday that the Treasury Department is considering concerns raised about the Federal Government’s proposed ‘Super Tax’,” Mr Jochinke said.

“It’s positive to hear that the Government is reviewing feedback and taking on notice questions about how many agricultural businesses would be impacted.”

The NFF has repeatedly voiced serious concern over the Bill’s proposal to tax unrealised gains on assets held within SelfManaged Superannuation Funds (SMSFs) — a move

that would have direct consequences for thousands of family-owned farms across Australia. Independent modelling from the University of Adelaide has revealed that more than 3,500 SMSFs holding farming land would be afected from day one of the legislation’s implementation. This fgure could rise signifcantly, with a further 14,000 funds expected to exceed the $3 million superannuation threshold over time, particularly as property values continue to rise — a concern amplifed by the fact that the threshold is not indexed

The NFF has stressed that the proposed measure would not only impact farmers but also small business owners across Australia. Estimates suggest around 13,000 small business operators with commercial property assets such as shopfronts, restaurants, and warehouses

would face immediate consequences.

Mr Jochinke said the organisation has been actively advocating for nearly two years, alongside a broad coalition of small business, accounting, and superannuation bodies, calling for the Government to rethink the policy.

“Farmers and small business owners should not be penalised for paper increases in asset values,” he said.

“We urge the Government to proactively consider changes that protect the viability of farming families and small enterprises who form the backbone of regional Australia.”

The NFF said it remains committed to working with Treasury and government decision-makers to ensure fair, sustainable superannuation reforms that do not unintentionally harm rural and small business communities.

NHVR Urges Drivers to Rest and Stay Safe During National Work Safe Month

Ian Rogers

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is calling on truck and transport drivers to put safety frst and manage fatigue responsibly during National Work Safe Month, after more than 5,200 fatigue-related ofences were recorded across Australia in the past fnancial year.

NHVR Chief Operations

Ofcer Paul Salvati said driver fatigue remains one of the biggest safety risks on Australian roads.

“Fatigue is more than feeling tired or drowsy— it’s mental and physical exhaustion that reduces your ability to work safely and efectively,” Mr Salvati said. “Performing any task while fatigued jeopardises not only your own safety but the lives of others on the road.”

Between July 2023 and June 2024, more than 4,900 fatigue ofences were recorded, adding to a total of over 10,000 breaches in the past two years. Salvati said the fgures were unacceptable and served as a serious reminder for the

industry.

“Almost a third of ofences recorded last fnancial year were fatigue-related, which is an unacceptable number,” he said. “If you’re ever unsure of your work and rest requirements, always err on the side of caution. No load is worth your life.”

The NHVR encourages drivers to use its website for clear guidance on work and rest compliance, including tools for counting time, record-keeping and fatigue management training.

Drivers who feel pressured by employers or clients to continue driving while tired are urged to use the Heavy Vehicle Confdential Reporting Line to report unsafe practices anonymously.

“No one should feel unsafe while at work,” Salvati said. “That’s why our reporting line exists—to ensure issues like driver fatigue, unsafe schedules, or mechanical faults can be raised confdentially.”

The NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Confdential Reporting Line (1800 931 785) operates Monday to Friday, from 7am to 4.30pm AEST.

National Work Safe Month, led by Safe Work Australia, is an annual campaign promoting health, safety, and wellbeing across all workplaces. This year’s theme reinforces the message that safety is everyone’s responsibility— and fatigue is a risk that no driver can aford to ignore.

Prosecution Begins Over Alleged Illegal Dam on North Coast

Ian Rogers

The Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) has launched legal action against a North Coast farmer and an earthmoving company accused of illegally building an irrigation dam on Kesbys Creek, part of the Warrell Creek catchment near Nambucca Heads.

The prosecution, fled in Macksville Local Court, involves two charges against each defendant — unlawfully extending a dam without the required water supply work approval and carrying out a controlled activity on waterfront land without approval. If found guilty, the parties face a combined maximum penalty of $88,000.

NRAR alleges the ofences occurred between February and November 2023, when the farmer allegedly hired the earthmoving company to signifcantly enlarge an existing dam at Eungai Creek without obtaining the necessary approvals.

Kesbys Creek is classifed as a third-order stream, meaning works on it require strict oversight due to potential environmental impacts downstream.

NRAR’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Lisa Stockley, said compliance with water laws was critical to protecting waterways and the communities that depend on them.

“It is the responsibility of both the landowner and the earthmoving contractor to ensure they have approval to construct any dam before starting work,” Ms Stockley said.

“Anything constructed on waterfront land is particularly sensitive and carries a risk of potential negative impacts further downstream. The licensing and approval system is there for a reason — to ensure those risks are minimised.” The case is listed for mention in Macksville Local Court on 20 November 2025

This marks the second NRAR prosecution on the North Coast this year concerning illegal dams.

In February, Green Leaf Australia Pty Ltd and one of its directors were fned nearly $300,000 in Kempsey Local Court after being convicted of twelve ofences, including constructing and using dams without approval and undertaking prohibited work in a wetland.

NRAR continues to urge landholders and contractors to confrm all necessary water approvals before beginning any work on dams or waterfront land.

Garden Art & Water Features: Transforming Northern Rivers Gardens

Jef Gibbs

In the lush climate of the Northern Rivers, gardens are more than just outdoor spaces—they are places of retreat, expression, and connection to the landscape. While plants form the heart of every garden, art and water features can elevate a backyard into something truly memorable. Whether you have a sprawling property near Kyogle or a compact courtyard in Ballina, incorporating these elements can bring life, tranquillity, and personality to your outdoor space.

Garden Art:

Personality in the Landscape

Garden art is a broad term that covers everything from sculptures and mosaics to recycled metalwork and handmade pottery. In the Northern Rivers, local artists often draw inspiration from the region’s rivers, forests, and coastal lifestyle. A sculpted driftwood piece or colourful ceramic birdbath can create a focal point, while mosaics or stepping-stones add charm underfoot.

Water Features:

Bringing Calm and Movement

Water features have long been valued in gardens for their cooling efect, soothing sound, and ability to attract wildlife. A gently bubbling fountain or a refective pond instantly adds atmosphere. In the Northern Rivers’ subtropical climate, water helps balance the heat and creates a refreshing sense of calm.

For small gardens, wall-mounted fountains or freestanding urns with recirculating pumps ofer the beauty of fowing water without taking up much space. Larger properties can consider ponds, streams, or even natural-style rock pools. These not only become visual centrepieces but also provide habitat for

Positioning is key—art should complement rather than clutter. A bold metal sculpture works best against simple plantings, while whimsical features such as wind chimes or hand-painted tiles suit cottage-style gardens. For those keen on sustainability, repurposed items like old farm tools or timber posts can be transformed into rustic, character-flled displays that honour the rural heritage of the region.

frogs, dragonfies, and birds.

Maintenance is important—regular cleaning ensures pumps run smoothly and algae stays under control. Choosing native aquatic plants, such as water lilies or rushes, can also help keep ponds balanced while enhancing their natural look.

Combining Art and Water

The most striking results often come when art and water are combined. Imagine a carved stone

rising from a pond, or a mosaic-lined water bowl catching sunlight and casting ripples. At night, lighting can highlight these features, turning the garden into a magical space after dark.

A Personal Touch

Garden art and water features refect the personality of their owners. They don’t need to be grand—sometimes the smallest details, like a handmade clay frog beside a fountain, can spark the most

and natural

A GARDEN EXPERIENCE

Gabriel Rae Standing 26/07/1935-05/10/2025

Late of Goonellabah formerly of Byron Bay.

Beloved wife of Hilton(deceased) and mother of Stephen (deceased), Michael (deceased), Kerry, David, Sharon and Barry. Beloved mother-in-law, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, sister-in-law and friend. Will be lovingly remembered by all. Rest In Peace.

Formerly of Casino and Yorklea. Late of Ballina. Dearly loved husband of Nola (dec). Cherished father of Neale, Anne, Christine and Karen. Treasured grandfather, great grandfather and great great grandfather.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Neale’s life to be held at Rainbow Chapel, Rainbow Avenue, West Ballina on THURSDAY (October 16, 2025) commencing at 10.00 am. After the service the cortege will leave for the East Ballina Cemetery at 12.15 pm.

ucti n

6320

100hp 2400 hrs + 8’ bucket, forks, hay grab, stick rake and extendable jib, Iseki 5470 tractor 50hp ~ 855hrs + 4 in 1 bucket, Kubota 1120D side by side + spare wheel 750hrs, C-DAX wheeled weed wiper (new wiper carpets), various poisons and adjuncts, spray tanks: 300L Sylvan and 50L spray tank both on carry all, 100L (used with water only and used 20L sprayer), firefighting pumps: Honda diesel and hoses and Selecta petrol FF pump [ used once], Berends Mulcher 2.1m, post hole digger, Oils, filters, 18 Plate Int. Disc hydraulic plough, drum pumps 200L and 20L, single tyne ripper, New pipes 3 x 450mm x 6m, 4 x 350mm x 6m, 1200L diesel fuel tank, tractor to trailer hitch, 50mm ball, Aussie 19 ton woodchopper, Ozy generator/welder, , sundry rolls 2nd hand Hi-tensile barb wire, 2 x wheelbarrows, 1 roll plain 3.2mm wire, 2 x adjustable builders trestles, 2 x 2.5 A frame trestle, 1 x 4.5m A frame trestle, 2 x 6m Aluminium planks, 1 x 5m Aluminium plank, 1 x 7m fibreglass ladder, 4.5m x 1m scaffold tower, 3m step ladder, 6-foot ladder, new 3.6m gate, 3 x 3m gates, roll 25mm poly, 2x spirit levels, 2 x high lift jacks, 2 x 4-wheel trolley, 100 2nd hand steel posts, wire unwinder, post bangers, hand trolley, 2 x workshop benches, electric drill, new 100l spray tank, 6 x hay rings, 3 x mobile back rubs, 9 x feed troughs, round poly trough 1500mm, 3 plastic square feed troughs, 5 horse feeders, 20 x 40mm cattle panels, 1 x 40mm panel gate, 3 portable electric fence units, Trolley jack for tractors etc, car stands, 3/4 drive socket set, 1/2-inch drive socket set, ¼-inch drive socket set, 2 x Husqvarna chain saws, generator/welder, McMillan air compressor, Hafco drill stand, Honda GX160 5.5hp motor checked and ready to go, wet & dry vacuum cleaner, 240L molasses tank, 2 x 6m snig chains, 2 chain dogs (load binders), 4 floor cramps, 3m Alum ladder, 3 grease guns, 4 household pressure pumps, first aid kits, fire extinguisher, block and tackle, 2 battery jumper cables HD, bolt cutters, 3.5kg gas bottle, 7 wheelie bins, 3 backpack sprayers, hydraulic jack, 4 wooden sawhorses, 12 storage cupboards, 2 bedside cupboards, electric saw 8", router, 2 drills, 5" grinder, 13” thicknesser, box files, Small electric mower, Ryobi electric ride-on mower, 2 petrol brush cutters, petrol pole saw, petrol adjustable trimmer, banana bags, banana bag device, washing machine, gas BBQ, 8 garden statues, 4 outside fold up chairs, 2 outside fold up camping chairs, cupboard in carport, 2 x 9kg gas bottles, Cattle scales, tagging guns, drench guns drenches, tags etc, chook food storage, 220L molasses, 1 x 100l poly caged tank, 2000psi pressure cleaner numerous shovels, crowbars, brush hooks, picks, 9kg gas bottles.

Lar e uantity Sundries

Oils, filters, chemicals, paints, wire, small pot plants, tables, 3 sledgehammers, 8 jerry cans, Bunk double & single bed frame, outside table and 4 bench seats, Silky oak cupboard/sideboard, dining table extendable and 10 chairs, oil heater, desk chair, Footsill soccer game, 2x glass doors, 2000l tank, mirrored vanity, occasional table, kid’s games, scooters, plastic septic tank, 6m HD aluminium ladder, gas instant HW unit, 3x rolls of insulation, lots of shade cloth, 1000L steel tank on trailer, doors, cutting discs, grinding discs, 5 stainless steel flue lengths, quantities of steel, timber, poly pipe, PVC pipe, Webber BBQ, 4 handsaw's, large 6-sided glass table & 10 chairs, 2 square glass tables, Cane table and chair set, pots and plants, 2 wood stools, 2 indoor/outdoor wood boxes, pack horse saddle and saddle bags plus many horses equipment, 3 disc mould board plough, corn husker, corn cracker, and sundries.

THE RETURNED AND SERVICES LEAGUE OF AUSTRALIA NSW Branch

ALSTONVILLE SUB-BRANCH

Alstonville RSL sub-Branch will now hold their monthly meetings on the second Wednesday of the month at 11am at the RSL Hall, 13 Bugden Ave (next door to the Alstonville Medical Centre). All ex-Service persons are welcome to attend, and we have a convivial morning tea on completion of the meeting. Alston suppliers and ranch have a ‘Lower Deck Luncheon’ at 1200 each Friday, everyone is welcome, we sit out the back of the Hall, order lunch from local suppliers, and have great conversations with good mates. There is always plenty of support & advice on any issue!

BALLINA

BALLINA LADIES PROBUS

The Ballina Ladies Probus Club meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 10:00 am at the Ballina RSL Club. We currently have vacancies and warmly welcome new members and visitors to join us for our monthly meetings, social outings, and special events – all centred around fun, fellowship, and friendship. Our October social event is a lunch at Wok Star, West Ballina, on Wednesday, 15th October at 12:00 pm – great food and even better company! Looking ahead, we’re planning a fun-filled shopping trip to Robina on Wednesday, 12th November – an outing not to be missed! For more information about our club or upcoming events, please contact our President, Jeanette, on 0407 417 470. We’d love to hear from you!

Community Kids! Precious Treasure

Children are the most precious treasure a community can possess, for in them are the promise and guarantee of the future, through our collective attention and support, we ensure a brighter future for them. Parents and community members, your involvement is vital. Years of experience, join our Lennox Head Kids group age 5 to 12 to learn about community values through project, stories and Bahá’í inspired quotes promoting Unity, harmony, and kindness. Location: CWA hall (Lennox Head cultural centre) 8 August 2025 (every Friday) to 7 November 2025 Time: 16:30 – 17:30 Contact: Parvin Mansouri, 0481390767 Fee $5

Ballina Photography Club meets on the first Thursday of the month at Northlakes Community Centre, 1 Mulloway Place, Ballina from 6pm to 9pm. We are currently looking for new members and visitors are always welcome. We are a group of enthusiastic photographers who live in and around Ballina. Members share a common interest in photography and have monthly outings to take photos and share images at meetings. Please contact

0419 679719 for more information.

HOUSE MUSEUM

This year Alstonville Public School celebrates 150 years of education on the Plateau, and Alstonville Plateau Historical Society is presenting a small and eclectic exhibition about the school, running until Friday 25th January. Crawford House Museum is an original farmhouse where you can see many interesting household objects which reflect family life from the beginning of the 20th century to the 1960s. There are also research facilities for information about Ballina Shire, as well as books about local history and other great merch. for sale. If you’re a support worker and you bring a client to the museum, your admission is free. The museum is at 10 Wardell Road Alstonville and is open on Fridays between 10am and 4pm and Sundays between 1pm and 4pm or at other times by appointment for groups

Alstonville RSL

Alstonville RSL sub-Branch meets on the second Saturday of the month, with morning tea at 10am followed by the meeting, then a light luncheon from 1200. All ex-service persons and families are welcome to attend the lunch.

WOLLONGBAR PROBUS CLUB

Wollongbar Probus Club meets on the third Thursday of the month at the Alstonville Plateau Bowls and Sports Club, 10-14 Deegan Drive Alstonville, at 10am. Our next meeting is on Thursday 16th October and our guest speaker will be Alanah Ward talking about Ballina Tourism. Visitors are always welcome to attend. For information phone Keith on 66280393.

Quilters Alstonville

We are called Plateau Quilters Alstonville we meet the 1st and 3rd

Saturdays of the Month at the RSL Hall Alstonville from 1pm until 4pm New members would be most welcome. Bonner 66298267

ALSTONVILLE PROBUS CLUB

Alstonville Probus Club meets on the last Thursday of each month at Plateau Sports Club at 10.00 am. This commences with a cupper and chat, with the formal meeting commencing at 10.30 which includes an interesting guest speaker. All visitors are welcome.

ALSTONVILLE QUOTA CLUB

A local women’s service club that meets on the 1st Tuesday of the month at the Plateau Sports Club. Quota is committed to supporting and improving the physical and mental wellbeing of the disadvantaged in our community through local projects.

EMBROIDERERS GROUP

Meetings are 9.30am-1.30pm, 1st and 3rd Wednesdays and 2nd Saturday of each month. Our venue is the Resource Centre at the rear of Crawford House Museum, Alstonville. We welcome embroiderers of all ability levels to meet, share and learn.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A NEW HOBBY??? COME AND JOIN THE HEADLINERS CHORUS We are an all-female group of all ages who love to sing “Acappella” in 4-part Barbershop harmony. We are well known in the Northern Rivers community and would love you to join us. Come along to a rehearsal on Monday nights from 7pm and for more information see our website or enquire to Tracey Ezzy on 0438 446 809

BALLINA ARTS & CRAFTS CENTRE INC. (BACCI)

We are a diverse group of Artists and Crafters that participate in wonderful group exhibitions. Over 50 members are from all over the Northern Rivers. Meetings are usually on the 1st Tuesday of every month at the Cherry Street Sports Club. Social gathering at 5, for a 5.30 start. Ph: Rosie 0438401716

BALLINA BRIDGE CLUB

Social play every Monday 9am to 11:30am.”. Sessions for all levels of players on Mon, Wed, Sat from 1pm to about 5pm. Be seated at 12:45. Restricted session (under 300 Masterpoints) Thu 1pm –about 5pm. Friday mornings, Help with Play on Fri am times 9am – 11:30. Open to anyone who would like some help with their game from teachers on duty. 9am to about 11:15pm Sessions are $5 for members and $7 for visitors at 13 North Ck Rd, Ballina Call Judy Forsyth: 0407664337.

Ballina Coastal Quilters

We meet at the North Lakes Community Hall in Whiting Way, Ballina on a Wednesday twice a month from 9 am to 2 pm. The group gives opportunities for friendship, support, and socialisation. and to celebrate our creative achievements in the area of quilting and related stitchery. We encourage our members to seek and share knowledge of their skills. New members would be most welcome. The cost is $5 per session Georgia 66876834

BALLINA EVENING VIEW CLUB

Meets on the second Wednesday of each month at the Ballina RSL Club at 6.30 for dinner at 7pm – Guests are always welcome. Our members support the education of disadvantaged children in Australia by fundraising activities and social events in our local community for The Smith Family – by sponsoring 5 Learning for Life students. Ph: Julie Stephan 0434988770.

BALLINA FREE COMMUNITY HOT BRUNCH

Ballina Free Community Hot Brunch, First Saturday of each month. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy a hot brunch of sausages, rissoles bacon & eggs, cereal, tea and co ee. Or just come for a chat. Frozen take away meals available. Held at the Ballina Presbyterian Hall Corner of Cherry & Crane St Ballina 10AM TO 12PM Carol: 0438812235

BALLINA LIGHTHOUSE RSL DAY CLUB

A Day Club for elderly and isolated people in our community, held every Thursday at the Richmond Room Ballina. Enjoy morning tea and a mental stimulation exercise like Tai Chi, followed by lunch and afternoon musical entertainment. Every Thursday 10am to 2pm cost $10 Richmond Room, Regatta

Avenue Ballina RSVP Lorraine Fox 66874350, 0439301249

BALLINA SENIOR CITIZENS BRIDGE CLUB

Social Bridge Play in Seniors Hall. Swift Street Ballina on Wednesday & Saturdays @ 12.05 pm Enquiries Phone: 0493425002 for details.

BALLINA TOY LIBRARY

Welcomes families from Ballina Shire. 9 Regatta Avenue, Ballina. Open Tuesdays 1pm – 3pm, and Saturdays 10am – 1pm. Ph. 0411719074.

IN FOCUS TOASTMASTERS CLUB

How about trying something di erent? If you would like to improve your communication and leadership skills or simply make new friends and have fun, you are warmly invited to attend the In Focus Toastmasters Club. We meet the 3rd Wednesday evening of each month. You may attend either from the comfort of your own home via zoom or join us in person at the Cherry Street Sports Club, Ballina.

BRUNSWICK HEADS

BRUNSWICK VALLEY VIEW CLUB

Brunswick Valley VIEW Club’s monthly luncheons are held at Brunswick Heads Bowling Club on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 10.30am for 11am.Apologies to Wenda on 0449 563 580 no later than the Monday before. VIEW stands for Voice, Interests and Education of Women. The club supports seven disadvantaged students in The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program. 1800 805 366

CWA Brunswick Heads

CWA Brunswick Heads branch will be holding a one-o Craft and Sewing Supply Sale on Saturday 18th October from 10am to 2pm at their hall on the corner of Booyun and Park Streets Brunswick Heads. Fabric, Lace, Yarns, Wools, Candle wicking, Threads, Patterns and much more. Tea and cakes will be available to buy, for enquiries please contact 0431 908063

CASINO WINDARA

Volunteers are excited to be holding our fundraiser, the MELBOURNE CUP LUNCHEON on Tuesday 4 November, doors open at 11.30. Glass of bubbles on arrival with sweeps, ra les and lucky door prizes to be won. Also best dressed on the day. The luncheon this year will be bu et style to your own table to serve yourself, with delicious salads and meats with dessert to follow. The cost for this delightful day out is only $45. Bookings can be made at Artisan Gift Shop in Walker Street, Casino or by phoning Windara 66623800, please book by Friday 31 October to avoid disappointment. If you require the courtesy bus, please ring Windara.

CWA Casino Day

Our next meeting is Thursday 16th October (3rd Thursday of the month). This will be followed by the AGM. The Land Cookery entry for September is a Chocolate butter Cake. All cookery/recipe enquiries – Ellie Maloney 0421595398. Everyone is welcome, come and have a cuppa see what we are doing in our community Enquires Margaret Good 66621746, Jane Flick 0427 707 669.

Casino / Richmond Valley Blind Citizens Australia Branch

Casino /Richmond Valley BCA Branch October meeting is in the Casino Baptist Church Hall on the corner of Canterbury and West Streets Casino on Monday 13 October at 10am. Come and enjoy a “Cuppa” before the meeting Special guest speaker talking on the changes to the aged care packages. Outing for the month is Monday 20th October to Evans head RSL club to Morning Melodies featuring Dean Perret. Meet at Casino Baptist Church Hall at 9am to carpool to Evans Head. New members are very welcome. Free transport is available Denise on 0448 014 682 CASINO CHARITY CASH BINGO if you would like to come along and join us each at Casino RSM Club each Thursday mornings 10.00an or Thursday evenings 7.00pm, you are most welcome! Great cash prizes! For any enquiries please don’t hesitate to contact Jan Danaher on 0414625680

casino / Richmond Valley Blind Citizens Australia Branch

Casino /Richmond Valley BCA Branch would like to invite everyone to join them in celebrating International White Cane Day on Wednesday 15th October. Meet at the Richmond Valley Council Chambers at 11.30am for a walk through the main town for lunch at the Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant. This is an activity to highlight the needs and issues facing blind and vision impaired people as they negotiate our streets. RSVP essential for restaurant booking. New members are very welcome Free transport is available Denise on 0448 014 682

Line dance Line dance classes in Casino at St Marks Hall beginners welcome 5pm every Monday first 2 classes free. Info call or sms Lorraine 0418264489

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN LEARNING to KNIT, SEW or CROCHET We are looking for interested people who would like to join a class to learn Through the School Holidays both Adults and Children are welcome Starting 6th Jan 2025 Classes will be organised once we have enough interested people Call Margaret 0488 245 029 or Jacqui 0419 404 216 to express your interest and get more information

Casino Meals are desperately needing Volunteers, to contact the o ice on 66621217. Volunteering once a month for 1hour or so

CASINO COMMUNITY MEN’S SHED Mon, Tues, Wed, attendance limited to 50 members, 8am-1.30pm. Contact 66626423

CASINO & DISTRICT FAMILY HISTORY GROUP INCW

are open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 2pm, Wednesdays from 12pm to 4pm and every third Saturday from 9 am to 11.30 am. We are in Room 5, Upstairs in the School of Arts building in Walker Street, Casino. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 10 am. For a small fee we can do research for you as well. Call 6664 1118

Cassino Gallery Inc.

148 Barker St. Casino. Open Thursday to Saturday 10am to 3pm during exhibitions. Regular exhibitions, workshops, classes, and some markets during the year. Contacts Ralph 0418 485 770, Laszlo 6662 1943, Meg 0435 111 463. Artists, professional/amateur welcome to enquire about exhibiting their work at the Gallery.

CASINO LADIES AND FRIEND CRAFT GROUP

Meets 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month. Bring your own morning tea. Names to be in by lunch time Monday. Phone Vivian on 66621838 or Jan on 66626424.

Casino & District Orchid Society

Meet the 4th Thursday each month. At St Marks Anglican Hall @ 6:30pm

CASINO MINI RAIL

Every Sunday we are now open from 9.00am to 2.30pm every Sunday (weather permitting). West Street Casino. Phone 0455673722.

CASINO MIXED PROBUS CLUB

Our Meeting is on fourth Thursday of each month at Casino RSM Club at 10:00am. Contact Kathleen Gri ins, President phone 0427622470 or Daphne Boyd, Secretary phone 0400070085.

CASINO UNITING CHURCH

CAFÉ PRAISE.... Every Wednesday @ 10-11am. All Welcome 10am Morning Tea Fellowship. Welcome and Chat 10.30am Praise and Worship

CASINO VIEW CLUB

Monthly luncheon meeting at Casino RSM Club at 11am, second Thurs of every month. Contact Jan on 0418715374

CASINO AA MEETING – ID MEETING

is held every Tuesday 12:00-1:30pm At the Casino Baptist Church, corner of West & Canterbury Streets Casino. Newcomers welcome. Contact George 0427 133 372.

CASINO AA WOMEN’S MEETINGS

Held every 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month, 12 –1.30pm at the Casino Baptist Church House, 137 Canterbury St, Casino. Contact Liz 0427133370.

LION’S CLUB CASINO

Lion’s Club meeting is held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday each month at Casino RSM Club from 6.30pm for a 7.00pm start. Denise Green 0448014682

LISMORE CASINO NAVAL ASSOCIATION

Meets bi-monthly at Casino RSM, new members welcome. Ph: Chris 66293269 or Jim 0427400625.

THE PLATYPUS RSL DAY CLUB operates every Tuesday at the Community Centre from 10am to 2pm. The day consists of gentle exercises, mental stimulation, games, and entertainment. Members are asked to pay $7 for their morning tea and lunch. Transport can be provided within the town limits. If you are feeling socially isolated or just need a day out, please contact Robyn on 66623871. New members are welcome.

Eltham

ELTHAM MASONIC LODGE – The Eltham Masonic Lodge welcomes all masons, to attend their monthly meetings, which are held on the fourth Tuesday, each month at the Eltham Masonic Centre. The meetings commence at 7.30 pm. If you are not a mason and are interested in joining Freemasonry, for more information please visit our website or phone 0416530456

EVANS HEAD

EVANS HEAD PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP will next meet on Thursday, October 23 at 10 am at Thyme Evans Head Village Community Centre, 74 Currajong St Evans Head. We are excited to welcome this month's speakers, Melanie Ward, a North Coast Exercise Physiology Coordinator and Wellness Coordinator, along with Susan Drummond, a Far North Coast Community Aged Care Manager, both from Integrated Living, Ballina. We are also very pleased that Chris Grudno , who lives with Parkinson's Disease as well as Cancer, will share some of his insights into the finer details of managing both illnesses simultaneously to maintain optimum Health. All members of the Parkinson's Community, family and friends are most welcome to attend. Tea and co ee for a gold coin donation. For further details please phone Di on 0423941119”

EVANS HEAD SEAGULLS CRAFT & QUILTERS GROUP Meet every Tuesday 9am-12noonin the Recreation Hall (opposite the Kiosk). We invite you to join us for a relaxing morning of crafting, friendship and sharing ideas. Beginners are very welcome. Finishing UFO’s, Embroidery, Gold Work, Hexagons, & Group Projects are just some of the crafts done.

The Rotary Club of Evans Head

Markets held on the Last Saturday of the month held at Cribb Reserve opposite Illawong Hotel at 8am – 1pm. A vast variety of stores from clothes, candle, Honey Photographs, books, and Organic Vegetables along with Rotary Bacon & Egg Rolls

Rotary Evans Head holds meeting the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month 5.30pm at Evans Head RSL downstairs in remembrance room. New members warmly welcomed. Cont. Sue 0438853921

EVANS HEAD CWA BRANCH meets every third Tuesday for lunch at noon new members welcome. info 0419 753 579

EVANS RIVER RSL DAY CLUB

The Evans River RSL Day Club meets each Monday in the Remembrance Room at Club Evans RSL Evans Head from 10am until 2pm Cost $10 includes Morning Tea and Lunch. We have several vacancies for volunteers and members, anyone who is feeling in need of some company are welcome to attend. Come along and join in the fun. Contact Merilyn 0401493316.

GOONELLABAH TABLE TENNIS AT GOONELLABAH

Tuesday and Thursday mornings social playing: 9am-12noon; Monday and Wednesday nights social playing: 7-9pm; Training Monday mornings: 9am-12noon; Junior coaching after school Wednesday 3.30pm-4.45pm, $6 a session. Everybody is welcome – all levels. Phone centre on 66251602. Mon-Thurs 9.00am-1.00pm

THE PROBUS CLUB of Goonellabah meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month at the Workers Sports Club in Oliver Ave. All welcome. Goonellabah Probus is solely a social club. We have a guest speaker each month and go for outings throughout the year. Meetings on Thursday commence at 10am and finish at midday. For further information, Liz 0451 020 241

GRAFTON

GRAFTON U3A

Our next Jabberfest will be held at 10:00am on 13 October 2025 at New Life Church Centre Arthur Street Grafton where our guest presenter will be Dr Bill Wynn, senior inpatient physiotherapist at Grafton Base Hospital. Bill works predominantly across surgical, intensive care and coronary care areas and his team assist patients to regain function following illness, injury or accidents to enable safe discharge and promote ongoing rehabilitation that continues in the outpatient setting of the hospital. November will be our final Jabberfest for the year and will include as guest speaker Grafton identity Je Smith of “I Scream” fame. At our September Jabberfest guest speaker and committee member Ken Woodward made reference to the upcoming 50th anniversary of Papua New Guinea being granted Independence on 16 September 1975. Ken, who was based there for 7 years from 1971, shared the extensive history of the country dating from 16th century forward. In 1884, New Guinea was divided between Germany (North) and Britain (South East) after which Ken took us through the many administration changes that the country encountered, together with its involvement in two World wars, economic developments, arrival of missionaries etc. through to the present day where health and law and order still remain significant issues as independence has not been a smooth path. A social get-together for members has been organized for 22 October for a luncheon at the Village Green Hotel. Sign-up sheets will be available at October Jabberfest 13 October, in the U3A Rooms at Dougherty House and at Men’s Shed. Aside from our monthly Jabberfest with a guest presenter and morning tea, Grafton U3A o ers a range of courses/ interest groups covering a wide spectrum of activities promoting learning for personal enjoyment and wellbeing. Keeping the brain active, making new friends and helping members to maximise their independence remaining healthy and active for longer. Course and Interest Group details are available on the Grafton U3A website, and all groups are always happy to welcome new members. Members also receive the monthly newsletter “Jabber Journal” to keep them up to date. If you are considering membership of Grafton U3A and would like more information, please contact Bruce Carle on 0409 225 536.U3A is the University of the Third Age and a world-wide movement. It is the age of active retirement coming after the ages of youth, work and home making. University is rather a loose term as there are no academic requirements for membership and no exams. New members are always most welcome.

GRAFTON AL-ANON FAMILY GROUP

Grafton Al-Anon Family Group hold their meetings weekly on Tuesdays at 12md – 1.30pm at the Salvation Army Hall, 91-93 Oliver Street, Grafton. Meetings are always confidential. The Al-Anon Family Groups are a fellowship of relatives of Alcoholics who share their experience, strength, and hope in order to solve their common problems. We believe alcoholism is a family illness and that changed attitudes can aid recovery. Al-Anon is not allied with any sect, denomination, political entity, organization, or institution; does not engage in any controversy neither endorses nor opposes any cause. There are no dues for membership. AlAnon is self-supporting through its own voluntary contributions. Al-Anon has but one purpose: to help families of alcoholics. We do this by practicing the Twelve Steps, by welcoming and giving comfort to families of alcoholics and by giving understanding and encouragement to the alcoholic. For further information or to talk to a member in confidence call 1300 252 666

GRAFTON SENIOR CITIZENS

4 DAY COACH TOUR "23 members of Grafton Senior Citizens recently had a 4-day coach tour to Inverell area. Day 1, Gwydir Highway to Glen Innes, picnic morning tea in local park. To Danthonia, a cornmune of 200 residents east of Inverell, for organised lunch, & guided tour of sign business. At Inverell, visited Gem Centre, then Tourist Information Centre, before arriving at accommodation for next 3 nights. Day 2, to Copeton Dam for view, & picnic morning tea. At Inverell, self-guided tour of National Transport Museum, then organised lunch. Finally, to Gilgai New England Woodturning & Sculptures for didgeridoo demonstration, afternoon tea, view of gallery, & time to wander sculptures throughout grounds. Day 3, Mount Russell Wyoming Lavender for talk, morning tea of lavender scones, time to view gift shop. At Inverell Pioneer Village for organised lunch & self-guided tour. Finally, to Lake Inverell to take in view of relaxing venue. Day 4, to Tingha for self-guided tour of Wing Hing Long, a historic shop, frozen to 1996 when shop closed, leaving all contents intact. After Devonshire Tea, short drive to Green Valley Farm, for self-guided tour of museum, playground, animal farm, before organised lunch. Then a drive to Guyr4 a short visit to view tomato hot houses, then joined New England Highway to Glen Innes. After picnic afternoon tea at Standing Stones, travelled Gwydir Highway home to Grafton. Sincere thanks to committee for serving morning / afternoon teas, to all for support of trip, to all who assisted in various ways, & Coach Captain, Alan R, for ensuring great safe journey. Next meeting, Tuesday, 14 October, 10am. Next day coach trip to New Italy & Evans Head, Friday, 14 November, seats still available. Enquiries, Sandra, 6642 7720; 0417 464 946.

An Amazing Event is coming to Grafton Gallery!

Our River, Our Stories, Our Song. Clarence River Guardians and the Grafton Regional Gallery present Water Talks Gathering a celebration of our river on World Rivers Day. Enjoy River Stories, hear about cutting edge river research, and be moved by the Youth Dance Mob’s Performance of Big River Song. When: Sunday 28th September, 11am – 2pm Where: Grafton Regional Gallery

Includes: Finger food, tea and co ee. Come and Celebrate Our River! Proudly supported by Southern Cross University and The Lions Club of Clarence – Environmental

GRAFTON’S MIGHTY CLARENCE TOASTMASTERS CLUB

Perhaps it’s time to find out what it’s all about! If you would like to improve your communication and leadership skills. Make new friends and have fun, you are warmly invited to attend the Mighty Clarence Toastmasters Club. We meet on the 1st & 3rd Wednesday evening of each month. You may attend either from the comfort of your own home via zoom or join us in person at the Joan Muir Community Centre: 194 Turf Street, Grafton.

GRAFTON SENIORS BE FIT EXERCISE CLASSES

Every Friday at the Uniting Church, Prince Street. Join us for gentle exercises designed for Seniors. We meet at 10.30a.m. for a cuppa and a chat with the exercises commencing at 11. All equipment is provided and there is no cost to the participants. Further information can be obtained from Chris 0400490691 or Dot on 66423248 or 0477213017

Grafton VIEW Club

Grafton VIEW Club meets on the 4th Tuesday each month at Grafton District Services Club, Mary Street, commencing at 10.30am. Please come along & enjoy yourself with a tasty meal, motivated guest speaker & at the same time you will help disadvantaged children. Please phone Helen at 6642 3867 for catering purposes no later than the Friday before the meeting. As well, a social outing is held each month. You are warmly invited to come along, have some fun & you will be helping others as well. See you there!

CLARENCE RIVER HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Clarence River Historical Society – Schae er House Museum. 190 Fitzroy Street Grafton. 2460. Phone 0266425212.We are welcoming many visitors through the museum, often from interstate and on bus trips, not only to see our wonderful collection of artefacts gathered over 90 years but also to research family history and/or places of interest in the Valley. Research Room hours are from 9 to 3 Tuesday to Thursday and Museum hours are from1 to 4 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Other times can be arranged. Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for children. If you would like to become a member of our Society and receive our interesting newsletters contact the Secretary, Robyn. Membership fees are $27 yearly.

HASTINGS POINT

HASTINGS POINT COMMUNITY CHOIR

Do you enjoy singing. Our repertoire covers a variety of music styles – both unison and part singing We would love you to join us. New members needed. You will be made most welcome When: Tuesday Evenings from 7pm – 8.30pm Where: Tricare Residential Village Community Room Tweed Coast Road, next to Shell Petrol Station. For more information, contact Jean Berry 0414794380

PROBUS CLUB OF HASTINGS POINT – The Probus Club of Hastings Point Tweed Coast meets at Hastings Point Tricare resident's lounge, on 3rd Tuesday each month, commencing with a guest speaker at 10am. Retirees and seniors are welcome to join this happy social group. Phone the Probus president Di Mills 044 732 5387 for more information.

KINGSCLIFF

KINGSCLIFF 500 CARD CLUB

Kingscli 500 Card Club. Monday and Wednesday afternoons 1pm to 4pm Cudgen Surf Club New players WELCOME Contact: GARY 0499869992

Kingscli Probus Club

First Wednesday of the month, 10am to 12 noon in the function room of Kingscli Bowls Club. We have an interesting guest speaker each month plus bus trips to various points on the map each third Wednesday of the month. Retirees and seniors are most welcome to join us in this happy social group. Ph Marlene 0428323736

KYOGLE

Kyogle Country Music's next meeting and music day will be held at 11am on 12th October at Wiangaree Hall. We'll make plans for our upcoming Christmas Party on 14th December. Be there at 12 to order our famous lunches provided by Wiangaree Store, which are delivered to the hall around about 1 am. All Welcome. $2 donation at door to go towards venue hire charge.

BORDER RANGES RSL DAY CLUB

The Kyogle Border Ranges RSL Day Club meets each Monday in the Kyogle Seniors Centre, 3 Bloore St, Kyogle, from 10am to 2pm.Cost $10, includes Morning Tea and Lunch. We welcome Volunteers and Members, if you are in need of some Company, you are welcome to attend. Come along and have some fun. Contact Oriel 0427245324.

KYOGLE WRITERS GROUP

Kyogle Writers Group meets on the last Saturday of each month and we welcome newcomers. We meet at the Roxy Lane back. entrance to the Kyogle Memorial Institute (Supper Room). Our aim is to provide support and encouragement for those new to writing, as well as more experienced writers. We practice many genres of writing poetry, memoir, and journaling to name a few. Morning tea at 9.30am is followed by our meeting from 10.00am till 12.00 pm. Throughout the year we have planned some wonderful writing workshops facilitated by local authors. For further information contact Vince on 0459 574179 or Susan on 0414 958245.

KYOGLE TIDY TOWNS FARMERS MARKET Held every Saturday morning in Stratheden Street from 8am – 12. Come along grab some local fruit & veggies, experience all Kyogle has to o er. New Stall Holders welcome. Ph: Anne 66321851

LION’S CLUB OF KYOGLE

Meeting is held on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday each month at the Kyogle Lion’s shed from 6.30–7pm.Contact Neville Moon on 0448222334.

RICHMOND RIVER BEEF PRODUCER’S ASSOCIATION

Meet on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at Kyogle Showgrounds in the luncheon room at 7pm.Ph: Jan on 0427293455.

KYOGLE BAZAAR

Fourth Saturday of every month.

See Kyogle Bazaar on social media for all the details or call 0459512249.

LENNOX HEAD

LENNOX HEAD EVENING VIEW CLUB

Meets on the second Tuesday of each month upstairs at the Lennox Hotel at 6.30pm for dinner at 7pm. Guests are welcome. “VIEW members support the education of disadvantaged Australian children by raising much needed funds for The Smith Family. Through fundraising activities and social events in local communities, members raise money that goes directly to The Smith Family’s learning and mentoring programs for disadvantaged. Students.” Lennox Head Evening VIEW Club currently sponsors two Learning for Life students': Sue Brennan 0409728814.

LENNOX HEAD LIONS CLUB

New members welcome to join our close-knit club where the emphasis is on community service in a fun environment. Meetings are on the first and Third Wednesday of each month at Club Lennox starting at 6.30pm. Members do what they can, when they can to facilitate the needs of our club.

PROBUS CLUB OF LENNOX HEAD

Meets 9.30 for 10 at Club Lennox, 10 Stewart Street, on the first Thursday of each month. Visitors are welcome, also retired, or semi-retired people wishing to join our non-service club to hear interesting guest speakers and to join in trips and outings are invited along. Ph: June Zentveld on 66871004

LISMORE

Lismore Parkinsonism Support Group –for all Parkinson related disorders. We meet every third Friday of the month. Next group Meeting is 17th of October Commences at 10am to 12pm at the South Lismore Bowls Club, 25 Wilson Street South Lismore. New members always welcomed. Any inquiries contact Marie 0448871290

LISMORE CROQUET CLUB inc

Become a NEW Member for information call PH: 02 6622 6030 & leave a message with your contact details: Mondays: 8.30 – 10.30am onwards "unless a ected by weather" Croquet Practice for members with Phyllis, call or txt to confirm. M: 0429122353 Wednesdays: 8.30 – 11am Ricochet Croquet. Thursdays: 8.30am Golf Croquet. Wednesday 1st October: 11am - Monthly General Meeting followed by the Annual General Meeting (Members only). Friday: Evening Socials 3.30pm – Each Friday for Members and their Invited guests, (cancellation ONLY if raining). Contact Jan to confirm, call 0423322064 Friday: Evening Socials 3.30pm –Each Friday for Members and their Invited guests, (cancellation ONLY if raining). Contact Jan to confirm, call 0423322064

LISMORE CWA

We will now be holding a stall at the new Lismore Markets held at the Lismore City Bowling Club on the 3rd Sunday each month Membership Enquiries Helen Dargin Ph. 0438 828 619 or weekly Craft Meeting info. Vicki Boyle 0437 465 462. NOTICE of 2025 AGM. The Lismore CWA AGM will be held at our CWA rooms in Spinks Park. Lismore, on FRIDAY OCTOBER 10th, 2025. 9:30am for a 10.00am start. All Members welcome.

Lismore Garden Club

meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at the East Lismore Bowling Club, commencing at 1pm. The Club has guest speakers, visits to members’ gardens and enjoy a morning tea and friendship whilst taking in the beautiful gardens. Day trips away are also on the agenda from time to time. There is the opportunity to display something special such as a particular flower or produce each month. New members are most welcome. For further information, contact the Secretary, phone 0416 281 365.

AA MEETINGS

Lismore RED DOVE AA Meetings, Every Monday, Wednesday & Friday 12 Noon and Sundays 10.30am. Upstairs in The Uniting Church, cnr of Keen St & Woodlark St Lismore. Disability lifts available. Newcomers welcome.

LISMORE LIBRARY Library Afterschool

Lismore Children's Library is launching a new program of after-school activities called Library Afterschool. This term, we invite local children to get involved in PAPERCRAFT and LEGO activities. All sessions will be fun, free, low-key and inclusive, facilitated by your friendly Lismore Children's Library sta PAPERCRAFT 3.30pm-5pm at Lismore Children’s Library, first and third Tuesday of the month. Papercraft will include learning to draw, making origami and scissor-and-glue crafts. LEGO 3.30pm-5pm at Lismore Children’s Library, second and fourth Friday of the month Explore our excellent LEGO collection. Alternating themed and free-play sessions. The Northern Rivers Lodge No. 77 meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month (except in January) at the Lismore Masonic Centre, 111 Magellan Street Lismore. We welcome all Masons to an enjoyable and entertaining evening. Inquiries 0412665674

LISMORE CRAFTS & QUILTERS

You are invited to join, LISMORE CRAFTS & QUILTERS. We meet on Mondays at the Lismore Uniting Church, Red Dove, Hall 9.30am – 12.30pm. We do Patchwork, Quilting & all Crafts. We also have night group, who meet at McLean Ridges Hall, Monday evenings, 5.30pm – 9pm. Cost is $30 for the year & $5 each Monday. Looking forward to seeing you. Enquiries to Margaret Boxsell 0427141425

LISMORE LIONS CLUB

Please save your used stamps to raise funds for The Australian

Lions Children’s Mobility Foundation. Stamps are collected & forwarded on to be sorted & sold at Auction, to raise money for Children’s Mobility contact Margaret Boxsell on 0427141425

Lismore City Bowling

Lismore City Bowling and Recreation Club Community BINGO every Monday morning 10 am to 12 noon. Morning tea and Progressive Jackpot. All welcome. Phone 66 21 5991.

LISMORE CITY CONCERT BAND

Rehearsals are held during school terms on Mondays, 6.15-7.45pm at Southern Cross University. If you can play a concert band instrument: brass, woodwind, or percussion, please come and join us! All ages welcome. We have some instruments available for loan. Ph: 0432575911

LISMORE MEN & COMMUNITY SHED

President: Mr Bob Greig 0404860504 publicity o icer Don Abrahams 0437576837

Opening Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 9.00am – 3.00pm We are a community based non-profit organisation. Everybody is welcome: men, women & people with a disability of all ages. We encourage social inclusion. Our aim is to promote the mental, physical & emotional well-being of people in our community. Shed Activities Members work on their own projects, Mentoring is available, General woodworking, Welding & light engineering, Repair & restoration of items for the public Constructing projects, of items for the public Constructing projects for preschools, hospitals & other organisations Assembling flatpack, Minor maintenance work for the elderly & disabled, working with the disabled, talking with other members or simply having company.

Memberships: $40-year Attendance Fee: $3 tea/co ee 15 Industry Drive East Lismore

LISMORE ORCHID SOCIETY INC.

City of Lismore Orchid Society Inc. Meetings are now at the Lismore Show Ground, In Norms Kitchen under the Members Grandstand. Alexandra Parade, North Lismore. NSW 2480 Meeting Date; the first Saturday of the month Meeting Time: 9:30am display plants set up, 10:00am meeting starts with a cuppa after. Contact President Mr. Steven Muldoon 0427789773 Orchid meeting involves the sharing of information, knowledge and friendship. All welcome. Lismore City Bowling and Recreation Club Community BINGO every Monday Morning 10am to 12 noon. Morning tea and Progressive Jackpot. All welcome. Ph 6621 5991

LISMORE SENIOR CITIZENS

Meet at the Goonellabah Community Centre every second Thursday starting at 9am where we have morning tea followed by games bingo how etc we play cards Monday and Friday and play bowls Tuesdays and craft every second Tuesday afternoons come and join our friendly group you will be very welcome.

LISMORE SPINNERS & WEAVERS

Please join us...... Weaving, Spinning, Felting, Dyeing, Knitting, Crochet, Workshops, Chat.... Sharing Craft & Ideas.From 10am, on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Fridays of each month. (Formal business meeting is 10.30-11.30 every 1st Friday) McLeans Ridges Hall Cnr Cowlong and McLeans Ridges Rds. (o Bruxner Hwy)

Morning Tea provided. Bring your lunch (and a mug) Contac: Kim: 0423935060, Linda: 0419489987

LISMORE TARGET RIFLE CLUB for .22 calibre rifles, meets Wed nights from 6.00pm (setup time) & the 1st & 3rd Sat of each month from 12.30pm (setup time). Air rifle shooting for .22 & 177 air rifles will also be available at the Saturday shoots. For more information, please phone Derek on 66282082 (ah).

CO-DEPENDANTS ANONYMOUS (CoDA)

Co-Dependants Anonymous is a Twelve Step Fellowship of people whose common purpose is to develop healthy relationships. The only requirement for membership is a desire for healthy relationships.The CoDA meeting in the Lismore area meets on Mondays from 6.30pm to 7.30pm at Riverland’s Drug and Alcohol Centre. 75 Hunter Street, Lismore. For further information call 0456178826 or 0408336143

EAST LISMORE BOWLING CLUB

Community Bingo Tuesday night 7.30pm start. 20 games of bingo + progressive jackpot Neilson Street East Lismore. Everyone Welcome

EAST LISMORE SOCIAL TENNIS

Social Tennis is played at East Lismore Tennis Club, Cnr Neilson St & Oakley Avenue every Tuesday from 8am. We invite social players of all abilities to join us, we are a mixed group who enjoy a morning’s tennis without the commitment of competition. Ph: Fay Ross 0412910487. Everyone welcome.

MAINLY MUSIC Fun, interactive, music sessions for young children [birth to school age] and their parents/caregivers in a relaxed setting on Tuesdays starting at 9:30am during School Terms. Children will be introduced to music, creativity and more. They will develop gross motor skills, as well as socialise with others in a loving, shared family environment. Morning tea with snacks included. Mainly Music at Lismore Anglican Parish Centre, 10 Zadoc Street, LISMORE. T: 0266213200

PROBUS CLUB OF LISMORE HEIGHTS

Our mixed group meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month at the Lismore Heights Bowling Club in High St. Our brief meeting is followed by morning tea and a guest speaker. Senior’s lunch for $15 at noon is optional. Guests and visitors are welcome. Ring/ text Roslyn on 0437606674 for details of our other monthly social gatherings and outings.

ROTARY CLUB OF LISMORE NETWORKING

Want to be part of an innovative, interesting, and inclusive networking group who meet fortnightly to share ideas, meet other professionals and work together to make a di erence in your community? Then Rotary Club of Lismore Networking could be the answer for you! Meets on the 2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month at 5.30pm at The Civic Hotel (210 Molesworth Street Lismore). Ph: Rita on 0413300578 or Gae 0412742095.

ROTARY CLUB OF LISMORE WEST INC

East Lismore Bowling Club each Thursday at 6pm. New members would be made most welcome. Further information available on 0428151934.

ROTARY CLUB OF SUMMERLAND SUNRISE

Interested in contributing to community? Local and international? The Rotary Club of Summerland Sunrise meets every Friday at 7.05am for Breakfast at Red Dove Café 80 Keen st Lismore. Join us please. Ph: 0435990919

SUMMERLAND AMATEUR RADIO CLUB

Meetings of the club are normally held on the second Sunday of each month at the clubrooms: 412 Richmond Hill Road, Richmond Hill at 1pm. Visitors are welcome. The clubrooms are usually open on Sunday afternoons from about 1pm onwards. We are primarily amateur radio enthusiasts and welcome persons interested in radio, electronics, astronomy, and similar subjects.

SUMMERLAND BONSAI SOCIETY INC.

Come and learn an addictive hobby with us. We provide personal support from experienced teachers as well as demonstrations and Bonsai information. Club days are held on the second Saturday of every month at 1pm in the Red Dove at Lismore Be inspired about the art of creating little trees. Ph: 0438103601

ZEN and INSIGHT MEDITATION – Lismore Heights INSIGHT (VIPASSANA) MEDITATION and practice:This mindfulness-based meditation group sits on Wednesdays from 7:00-8:30pm. The evening includes meditation instructions, sitting and walking meditation, Dharma talks and discussion. For further details, please contact Rosie – 0402 682 925. Beginners and experienced meditations are warmly welcomed.

ZEN MEDITATION and practice The Zen meditation group sits on Mondays from 6:30pm-8:15pm. If you wish to attend

MACLEAN

MACLEAN VIEW CLUB

Monthly meetings the 3rd Thursdays of each month at 11am. Contact Ruth Toyer on 0409844212 by Mondays, no later than 7pm. Numbers are required for catering purposes.

MCLEANS RIDGES

MCLEANS RIDGES CRAFT GROUP meet at the McLeans Ridges Hall, Cowlong Road, McLeans Ridges on the 2nd Saturday of each month from 9.30am to 3.30pm. Scrapbooking, card making, paper craft, knitting whatever takes your fancy. Come along for an enjoyable day. Bring your own morning tea and lunch. Co ee, tea, milk provided. A small fee to cover hall hire. Ph 0401 047 513.

MURWILLUMBAH

COMMUNITY PRINTMAKERS MURWILLUMBAH

Fine art printmakers. Meet at studio space 224 Stokers Rd, Stokers Siding. Prints, gallery, workshops and more! Ph: Peter 0498399640 or Sue 0408493253.

MURWILLUMBAH COMMUNITY GARDEN

Members and visitors are invited to join the group for activities and gardening tips most Sundays. Time 3-5pm, street parking, BYO, covered footwear, comfy clothing, hat, and water. Children ok with strict supervision. Covid plan operating. Ph: Bob Johnson (02)66225792.

POTTSVILLE

Alcoholics Anonymous: Is drinking costing you more than money? AA works and is very active in Pottsville. We meet every Thursday 7pm at St Marks 15A Coronation Ave Pottsville and local contact 1800 423 431 or 04019 45671

POTTSVILLE FUN CROQUET CLUB

Meets at Black Rocks Sports Fields on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8.30am. New members are welcome to come and join us for a hit and a bit of fun. For any further enquires please call Jean on 0431606375.

TWEED HEADS

Poets and writers on the Tweed meet every Tuesday at the South Tweed Sports Club 1.30-3.30pm. Beginners welcome. Phone 0755248035.

TWEED HEADS PROBUS CLUB

Probus Club, Coolangatta/Tweed Heads. Be at Club Tweed at 10-00am on the first Wednesday of the Month. Visitors and new members are very welcome.

TWEED PATCHWORK GROUP

Meet the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at South Tweed Community Centre from 9-1pm at 18 He ron Street Tweed Heads south all beginners welcome phone Moira on 0418686643. A friendly group of people with common interest in seeing, quilting and related craft.

TWIN TOWNS DAY VIEW CLUB VIEW as in Voice, Interests, Education of Women (Not many people are aware of what ‘VIEW’ club stands for!) AND NOT ONLY IN NAME: We are a group of ladies who care what will become of our youth! Our heritage – Their heritage – It is sad but true that many of our young people have no direction in their lives. Every morning, we wake to the news that violence has occurred overnight in what was once considered a safe neighbourhood. How do these o ending children/ youth feel the next morning knowing they have caused so much heartache – is this why we also hear of youth harming themselves so they can spread the pain? So, this is where VIEW Clubs and other similar clubs are starting from the bottom of the ladder by providing much needed funds to educate our youngsters so they will WANT to become the very best person they can not only in education but in their community and being proud of themselves and giving their parents hope for their child’s future. We at TWIN TOWNS DAY VIEW CLUB PROVIDE THE NECESSARY FUNDS to educate just 7 of these children. We know not where they come from, but someone in their community has contacted THE SMITH FAMILY and they in turn contact VIEW CLUBS OF

AUSTRALIA who anonymously contact a VIEW Club who in turn take over the responsibility for these worthy children’s fees and so year after year their tertiary fees are paid. These fees are raised by VIEW Club members who attend meetings, listen to interesting guest speakers, and regularly have days out at each other’s homes – so FUN and a tremendous satisfaction of knowing we are helping our future generation. More information can be gleaned by contacting our President Kathie on 0407709629.

WOLLONGBAR

Wollongbar Probus Club meets on the third Thursday of the month at the Alstonville Plateau Bowls and Sports Club, 10-14 Deegan Drive Alstonville, at 10am. Our next meeting is on Thursday 16th October and our guest speaker will be Alanah Ward talking about Ballina Tourism. Visitors are always welcome to attend. For information phone Keith on 66280393.

YAMBA

YAMBA LIONS CLUB

Yamba Lions Club’s meetings are held 2nd & 4th Thursdays of month at Yamba Bowling Club, commencing at 7pm for 7.30pm. For further information, please contact the Secretary Peter 0417546097. Social outings also held at various time and visitors and new members’ welcome.

ALL NORTHERN RIVERS AL-ANON FAMILY GROUPS

Al-Anon o ers help and hope for family and friends of alcoholics. If someone in your family has a drinking problem, you can see what it's doing to them. But can you see what it's doing to YOU? For information and help call 1300 ALANON (1300 252 666). Al-Anon Family Groups meet regularly across Australia and online, see Website MONDAY 11:00am – 12.30 pm ILUKA – CWA Hall (behind the Iluka Museum), 2 Charles St. TUESDAY 12.00 – 1.30 pm GRAFTON – Hall 2, Salvation Army, 91-93 Oliver St.1:00 – 2.30 pm LISMORE "The Studio", adjacent to 4 Pleasant St, Goonellabah & ZOOM ID 252 666 0000 (no password) (enter at rear of car park, cnr Pleasant & Fischer Sts) WEDNESDAY 6.30 – 8:00 pm BALLINA – Anglican Church, 24 Burnet St & ZOOM ID 252 666 0000 (no password) THURSDAY 5:00 – 6:00 pm (with Alateen) TWEED HEADS Anglican Church, 13 Powell St or by phone: 4022 9113, code 5771881# FRIDAY The Bangalow meeting meets in person on the FIRST and THIRD FRIDAY of the month at 1.00 – 2.30 pm at 17 Station St, Bangalow, (Bangalow Uniting Church, parking next to the Church SUNDAY 4:00 pm CHINDERAH Seventh Day Adventist Church, 83 Phillip St.

NORTHERN RIVES MUSTANGS

If you own a Ford Mustang and would like to do monthly drives with other members for more information, contact John 0404 884 192

NRCF WOMEN’S GIVING CIRCLE

The Northern Rivers Community Foundation (NRFC) is inviting Northern Rivers women to play an active role in empowering vulnerable women and girls in our region. The newly formed NRFC’s Women’s Giving Circle brings Northern Rivers women together to achieve equality and human rights for women and girls in our region and enable them to realise their full potential. Ph: 0499862886

The NORTHERN RIVERS HASH HOUSE HARRIERS is a non-profit community group that is part of a worldwide organisation. The Hash House Harriers meet every Monday at 6pm for a run/walk from various locations around Lismore, Alstonville, and Ballina. The run/walk lasts for approximately an hour, followed by friendship, banter and grub. We are very friendly and welcome new members.

NORTHERN RIVERS NAVAL & MARINERS ASSOCIATION

This association was formed to attract veterans for companionship, wellbeing and to supply advocacy to veterans. We hold an informal gathering every Friday, 2.30pm at Ballina Angling Club (families are welcome). Ph: Allan Watt: 0402 749 582

ALL AREAS

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS If you’re looking for help to stop drinking, you can reach out to Alcoholics Anonymous 24 hours a day. Our phone line is always answered by someone who’s been where you are – an alcoholic in recovery. We understand the challengers, and we know we’re the right people to help you. You can call AA anytime on 1300 22 22 22.

Connecting the Community in September 2025

Connect You Too has been busy helping the community get out and about during September 2025In September 2025, we did a total of 2,484 trips with a total of 82,651 service kms for 487 customers. Our popular estimations included 95 trips to Ballina; 62 trips to Co s Harbour; 19 trips to the Gold Coast; 1,073 trips to Grafton; 113 trips to Lismore and 826 trips to the Yamba/Maclean area We managed to get the community to 1,014 Specialist and GP appointments; 34 Hospital visits (Day Surgery drop o / pick-up); 554 social trips & 722 shopping trips. In September, our social trips travelled to Connect You Too’s Townsend depot for their ‘Around the World’ Safari open day. 91 customers enjoyed this outing. This month we are visiting Sawtell’s Main Street for a wander and lunch. Our monthly shoppers visited Tweed City in September and are due to visit Lismore this month. In September, we held a special trip to Whoopi to visit Curry fest. We helped 25 customers access this special outing In September 2025, our fortnightly shopping buses to Grafton Shopping world had travellers from Glenreagh (6); Brooms Head (11); Iluka (16); Wooli (9) and Yamba/Maclean (6). We also transported 72 customers from Malabugilmah and Baryulgil into Grafton for medical and shopping services during September 2025 Our Clarence Meals service delivered 2107 meals, 352 desserts and 72 soups during September 2025. We were able to do welfare checks, have a quick chat and help our customers see a friendly face. Clarence Meals provides delivered meals to Iluka, Maclean and Yamba and surrounds from suppliers including Gourmet Meals, Lite n’ Easy and Meals on Wheels Grafton. For more information call 6646 6742 If you need help with transport or meals, call Connect You Too at Townsend on 6645 3200 to see if you qualify for any subsidies or assistance

WEATHER

FORECAST

Northern Rivers District:

Partly cloudy. Chance of morning fog. Slight chance of a shower. Light winds northeasterly 15 to 25 km/h in the day then light evening.

Thursday. Mostly sunny morning. Chance of morning fog inland. Chance of a storm in the south afternoon. Light winds northeasterly 20 to 30 km/h in the day then light evening.

Northern Tablelands District:

Sunny. Chance of morning fog near the Queensland border. Light winds east to northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h evening.

Thursday. Partly cloudy. Chance of morning fog in the south. Slight chance of a shower. Chance of a storm afternoon. Winds northeast to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h tending west to northwesterly morning then light evening.

New South Wales:

Isolated showers developing along the northern coast. Chance of a shower or storm across the northern inland afternoon or evening. Dry and mostly sunny elsewhere. Morning fog patches possible along the northern coast and southern ranges. Early frost patches on the southwestern slopes. Daytime temperatures above average, most notably in the far south. East to NEwinds developing in the east and freshening along the coastal fringe afternoon. E winds in the northwest and light and variable winds elsewhere. Thursday. Chance of a shower or storm developing across the north most likely afternoon or early evening. Chance of a late showers on the southern ranges. Dry and mostly sunny elsewhere. Daytime temperatures well above average, most notably across the western and southern inland and along the southern half of the coast. Northeast to northwesterly winds, freshening along the coast and the ranges afternoon. Winds westerly in the south with a southwesterly change entering the far southwest evening.

Byron Coast: Winds: Northerly 10 to 15 knots turning northeasterly 15 to 20 knots morning. Seas: 1 to 1.5m, decreasing to 1m morning. Swell: Southerly 1.5m, decreasing to around 1m morning. Weather: Mostly sunny.

Coffs Coast: Winds: North to northeasterly 15 to 20 knots. Seas: 1 to 1.5m. Swell: Southerly 1 to 1.5m, decreasing to around 1m morning. Weather: Mostly sunny.

Gold Coast Waters: Winds: North to northeasterly about 10 knots tending east to northeasterly 10 to 15 knots morning. Seas: Around 1m. 1st Swell: Southerly around 1m. 2nd Swell: Easterly around 1m. Weather: Mostly sunny.

Rich history Cricket club to celebrate 75-years

By Gary Nichols

Westlawn Cricket Club has a long and proud history in the Clarence Valley. It has also produced some outstanding players who will be remembered as some of the fnest cricketers to ever grace the local cricket felds.

The likes of Russell Ellem and Reg McLennan (both deceased) dominated Clarence River Cricket in the 1930s-1950s and in more recent times Daniel “Charlie” Amos, Tony Blanch, Mick Morris and Andrew Firth silenced opposition sides with bat and ball.

On Saturday night, Westlawn will be celebrating the club’s 75th Anniversary at the Crown Hotel.

The late champion all-rounder Russell Ellem was once

of the North.” Russell was a special guest at the Club’s 60th Anniversary alongside father and son Ken and Simon Wilson.

“And at this stage we look like having over eighty people interested already.

“We have players in their seventies and eighties attending right down to some of our junior players.”

Like most country cricket clubs, player numbers have been an issue in recent times, and according to Ulrick, Westlawn are no diferent.

“Player numbers have dwindled in most sides in the area which is a bit disappointing,” he admitted.

87 season, is confdent player numbers are on the improve, particularly through parents’ involvement and junior cricket.

“I’m still playing cricket with my kids in the lower grades and loving it,” Ulrick said.

“There are a lot of juniors coming through and hopefully they will stick with it and make the next step to grade cricket in the future.”

historian Bret Loveday.

“Bret will be coming along for the night and will have plenty of statistics from when the Club started to present day,” Ulrick said

“Bret took time out to do a history of each Club in the Valley which included Westlawn.

“Also, we will be rafing of a Sydney-sixers shirt, signed Sydney-Sixers shirt and hopefully auctioning a signed NSW Blues cricket bat.

To mark the occasion, past and current players have been invited to a gala evening for a chance to come together and honour the club’s rich history. Club spokesman and Westlawn delegate Shaun Ulrick said the night will be a chance for the current crop of players and those from decades past to reminisce and talk all things cricket.

“First grade merged with Easts Cricket Club for a season and recently we decided to merge with South Services.”

“It should be an exciting night and a walk down memory lane,” Ulrick said

North End Boardriders Triumph at Queensland Qualifier

Jef Gibbs

North End Boardriders Club have claimed a thrilling victory at the Queensland leg of the Australian Boardriders Battle (ABB) Regional Series, overcoming challenging Sunshine Coast conditions in a closely fought fnal. The one-day qualifer brought together 16 of Queensland’s best boardrider clubs. After an intense series of heats, the fnal came down to North End BRC, North Shore BRC, Snapper Rocks Surfriders, and Noosa BRC, with momentum shifting right until the fnal buzzer.

North End’s power surfer Chris Zafs delivered a standout performance, locking in crucial scores in the dying minutes to secure the win and earn the Celsius Overall Performer Award

Team Manager Damien Healey praised the team’s determination and resilience.

“It’s been a long time since North End won one, and after fnishing second last year, we’re absolutely stoked to get the win. Up the North End!”

The Jim Beam Team Spirit Award went to North Shore Boardriders for their outstanding

sportsmanship, while Jai Nield from Snapper Rocks Surfriders took out the Boost Mobile Wave of the Day Award for his exceptional precision and control. Adding to the excitement, three-time world champion Mick Fanning competed for Kirra Surfriders Club, saying he wanted to give back to the club that supported him early in his career.

The top eight clubs have now qualifed for the Australian Boardriders Battle Grand Final presented by NRMA Insurance, set for Burleigh Heads on March 7–8, 2026

Ulrick, who started his playing career with Westlawn during the 1986-

Westlawn have won their fair share of frst grade premierships over the years and were particularly strong in the late 90s and early 2000s.

And as part of the night, former players will be able to check out their cricketing statistics thanks to the hard work of GDSC Easts president and cricket

“Those in attendance will also be able to purchase special edition shirts and caps.”

Celebrations get underway at 6pm on Saturday October 18 at the Crown Hotel Prince Street Grafton.

WEEKLY SPORTS RESULTS

Cherry Street Croquet Club Swings Back into Action with Gleaming Lawns and Great Results

It’s full steam ahead once again at the Cherry Street Croquet Club, with members thrilled to return to play following the refurbishment of their lawns by the dedicated Cherry Street Sports Group Elfco team. The freshly restored greens are looking superb — and as many visiting players will attest, they remain among the very best in all of New South Wales. There’s been no time wasted getting back into the swing of things, with a full slate of Association and Ricochet Croquet matches already producing some close and entertaining contests.

Association

Croquet

The doubles pairing of S. Hume and P. Hume showed fne form, edging out B. Bill and G. Drew 12–9 in a spirited match. In singles play, G. Porter displayed solid control and precision to secure a 14–11 win over P. Waters

Ricochet Croquet

The Ricochet matches also delivered plenty of excitement and friendly rivalry. B. Wellings and R. Allen teamed up beautifully to defeat M. Russell and B. Bill 11–7, while J. Dorward and R. Chapman proved too strong for N. Watts and P. Scott, claiming victory 12–8. In another close fnish, N. Barnes and D. Scott held of a late charge from R. Poynting and P. Waters, winning 9–8.

Tournament Success

Cherry Street’s representatives also impressed at the Sutherland Intercept Golf Singles and Doubles Tournaments. In the singles competition, C. Edlund placed 4th, followed by H. Young (5th), D. Jones (6th), W. Gilmore (7th), and J. Doust (8th).

In doubles, H. Young and F. Gale took out top honours, fnishing 1st, with C. Edlund and L. Cook close behind in 2nd

Twilight Golf Croquet Returns

With the warmer months arriving, Twilight Golf Croquet is back — held on Tuesday afternoons from 3.30 pm

The club extends a warm invitation to all newcomers to come along, have a go, and enjoy a friendly game on the fnest lawns in the state.

There’s never been a better time to visit Cherry Street Croquet Club — where great games, great company, and great greens make every match a pleasure.

Coraki Veterans Golfers Shine with Hot Scores and Big Field

The Coraki Veterans golfers turned out in impressive numbers last Thursday, with 52 players taking to a beautifully presented course for an 18-hole single stableford competition. With plenty of run on the fairways, conditions were perfect for some red-hot scoring — and the results didn’t disappoint.

Topping the leaderboard was Bruce McDonald, who claimed frst place with an excellent round. B. Collyier followed close behind in second, while T. Perkins secured third place. The free game went to L. Clarke

There were plenty of winners in the chicken/ball prizes, including T. Woods, S. Reddell, A. Parr, J. Kelly, C. Clymont, R. Gacioppa, M. Bruggy, S. Toms, J. Perkins, M. Fairfull, T. Doyle, G. O’Connor, and G. Tait — a fne list of golfers making the most of the quick greens and extra distance.

For nearest the pin, it was G. Tait who nailed both the 3rd and 12th holes, while B. Cramp claimed the honours on the 6th and 15th

A reminder to all members that during daylight saving months, hit-of time will now be 8.00 am, with a shotgun start — so please be on time for the draw. Till then, good golfng!

New-look cricket season underway

By Tim Howard

Local cricketers will need to accustom themselves to a new regime as a scarcity of administrators and players has led to big changes for the 2025–26 season.

South Services Cricket Club president Bruce Baxter, who also served a 10-year term as CRCA president, explained the changes, which have resulted in a NSW Cricket administrator being appointed to run the competition.

Baxter said the CRCA had been unable to fnd a volunteer for the role of association secretary and had therefore approached Cricket NSW for administrative help.

He said this had resulted in the North Coast Cricket Council running the frstgrade competition, which includes teams from along the Clarence.

Baxter said the move to combine the upper and lower Clarence teams into one competition had been under consideration for a couple of years.

He said it had happened 30 years ago when the original Premier League was formed, which included fve Graftonbased teams and three from the Lower Clarence. Over time, however, most Lower Clarence teams dropped out.

Now, the player base has shifted, and this season the

competition will be made up of four teams based downriver and two from Grafton.

Baxter said his own club, which had incorporated the Westlawn club’s frst-grade team three seasons ago, could not feld a frst-grade side this year.

“We had a team until last week, but it became apparent we could not feld a full side, and it’s impossible to play in a frst-grade competition with seven players,” he said.

“It’s sad. It means that for the frst time in 75 years, the Westlawn club won’t have a frst-grade presence, and likewise for Souths.”

Baxter said the shortage of volunteers to take administrative roles, and players able to fulfl commitments, was a sign of the times.

“Life is so hectic now. So many people have to work weekends, and then there are growing families, education, and other

commitments that have to come before cricket,” he said.

But the long-time player, umpire, and administrator said he was looking forward to the new season, which kicked of with a round of one-day games. Premiers Harwood have shown they will again be the team to beat in the Clarence River frst-grade cricket competition with a dominant performance in a revamped competition.

Batting frst at Barry Watts Oval, Maclean, Harwood posted 9-198 from 40 overs and dismissed Maclean United for just 71 in 33 overs. Harwood all-rounder Evan Lewis played a starring role with bat and ball, holding the middle and late orders together to fnish 56 not out. Skipper Hayden McMahon was next best with 30 batting at frst drop, while his brother Ben contributed a steady 24.

United tried eight bowlers in the face of the onslaught, but few were able to restrict the scoring below fve an over.

Opening bowler

Campbell Kelly was best with 2-29 from eight overs, while Shaun Flannery took 2-15 and Zethan Nichols 2-49.

Chasing the formidable total, United lost early wickets, forcing veteran opening bat Geof Simmons onto the defensive.

He top-scored with a patient 37, and number four Kai Brossman made 20 in a 49-run partnership. But the batting fell away suddenly after that, with seven wickets falling for 12 runs.

Lewis had stunning fgures of 4-6 from eight overs, and Ben McMahon wrapped up the tail with 3-6.

At Ellem Oval, Lawrence cruised past Tucabia Copmanhurst to record an eight-wicket win in a brisk

23.2 overs.

Batting frst, Tucabia reached 75 thanks to a second-wicket partnership between Matt Dougherty (40) and Keaton Stutt (35) and looked set to post a big score.

Stutt outshone the normally aggressive Dougherty, hitting four sixes in his 18-ball innings. But the fall of Stutt and Dougherty changed the complexion of the game.

Spinners Taj Chevalley (3-41) and Doug Harris (1-10), along with medium pacer Ben Shaw (2-23), made breakthroughs and kept the scoring under control, restricting the Tucabia innings to 161, with the fnal wicket falling on the frst ball of the 40th over.

Lawrence chased with gusto, with opener Mark Ensbey hammering three sixes and nine fours to reach 65 from 42 balls.

Opening partner Darby Rouse was more

circumspect, hitting one six and eight fours in 58 not out from 77 balls.

Most of the bowlers copped plenty, with Sarin Moran taking 1-42 from three overs.

Tim Bultitude’s fgures were the standout. Although wicketless, he sent down four overs for just four runs amidst the carnage around him.

GDSC Easts were untroubled in their match chasing Iluka’s score of 9-104 at the Iluka Sports Ground.

Sent in to bat, Iluka never got away from the Easts attack, with newcomer Ed Burton top-scoring with a patient 29 before being stumped of the bowling of Andrew Kinnane. No one else could get going, and the innings fnished after 26 overs Easts chased down the runs in less than 18 overs, with Ted Lobsey stroking 39 from 51 balls and Shannon Connor fnishing the chase with 29 not out from 16 balls, including four fours and a six.

Damian Senz (1-9) and Malaki Johnson (1-4) took the wickets.

On Saturday, Lawrence take on Easts at Ellem Oval, Tucabia clash with Maclean at Ulmarra Showground, and Harwood host Iluka at Harwood Oval. The frst fve games of the season will be oneday fxtures. The round of two-day games begins from November 15.

NSW Pride Ready to Launch Hockey One Season

Jef Gibbs

The NSW Pride have ofcially kicked of their 2025 One Active Hockey One League campaign, unveiling their season in front of two of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks — the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge — ahead of this weekend’s opening round.

Both the Men’s and Women’s teams will travel to Canberra to face long-time rivals the Canberra Chill at the National Hockey Centre this Saturday, October 11. The Women’s match will start at 2pm AEDT, followed by the Men’s clash, with both games broadcast live and free on 7plus

Rivalry Renewed

For the NSW Pride Women, the 2025 season opens with optimism after their Bronze Medal performance in 2024. When they last met the Chill in Round 7 last season, star forward Abby Wilson scored a stunning hat-trick to secure a 3–0 win in Goulburn.

Wilson, a proud Lithgow product and Hockeyroo, said the team is eager to

start strong and hopes for a strong NSW presence in the ACT stands.

“Playing against Canberra, there’s always been a tough rivalry between NSW and those girls,” she said. “It’s their home game, but it’s close to NSW as well, so hopefully we’ll see plenty of supporters there too.”

Pride Men Hungry for Redemption

For the NSW Pride Men,

the 2025 campaign is about redemption after missing the fnals last season. The Chill, who claimed the 2024 Silver Medal, edged out NSW 3–2 in their last encounter.

Newly capped Kookaburra Nathan Czinner returns to the squad after representing Australia in the FIH ProLeague and winning the Oceania Cup in Darwin last month.

“It’s been a big year — lots of learnings,” Czinner said. “I’ve just come back into the group and training’s been really enjoyable. We’re going to rip in this week and make amends for last year.”

Home Crowd Awaits

The Pride will host their frst home double-header at Macarthur Hockey Complex in Narellan on Saturday, October

18, from 2:30pm AEDT. Tickets are now available via Intix and the Hockey One website. As the 2025 season gets

underway, both teams are set on showcasing the skill, pride, and passion that defne New South Wales hockey.

By Gary Nichols