By Tim Howard
Clarence Valley Mayor Ray Smith has hit back at what he called a “blatant misuse of parliamentary privilege” following a scathing speech about his council’s performance in the NSW Parliament last week.
Speaking at a volatile extraordinary meeting on Monday night, Cr Smith tabled a Mayoral Minute condemning comments by NSW Greens MLC Dr Amanda Cohn, who used parliamentary privilege on October 23 to allege misconduct and dysfunction within Clarence Valley Council.
Cr Smith said Dr Cohn’s claims— based on discussions she confrmed having with Deputy Mayor Greg Clancy—were “unsubstantiated allegations” and “totally irresponsible,” adding that only the mayor is empowered to speak for the council.
He said he would lodge a formal Citizen’s Right of Reply with the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly to correct the record and “ensure that Parliament has on record the achievements of Clarence Valley Council under the general manager.”
The Mayoral Minute also called on councillors to support a complaint to the Parliamentary Ethics Committee over Dr Cohn’s conduct, alleging she failed to check facts, contradicted matters before the courts, and “demonstrated a lack
of understanding of the democratic process of local government.”
The meeting—called solely by the mayor—descended into disorder almost immediately.
General manager Laura Black declared a confict of interest as the discussion concerned her performance and left the chamber,
prompting an outburst from a member of the gallery that forced a 15-minute adjournment.
Two members of the public were later named and ejected, while deputy mayor Greg Clancy questioned whether the meeting was lawful, arguing that under the Code of Meeting Practice two councillors must sign a request for an extraordinary meeting.
Cr Smith dismissed the claim, saying “there is nothing in the code preventing the mayor from calling a meeting.”
Cr Clancy and Cr Lynne Cairns then left the chamber, briefy sat in the gallery and departed soon after.
But their votes were recorded from the gallery in support of an amendment from Cr Cristie Yager.
The remaining councillors voted to support the mayor’s motion, with only Cr Yager moving an
amendment to restate the council’s legal duty to hold its general manager to account.
The amendment, passed unanimously, and incorporated into the fnal resolution, overwrote a call for unconditional support for the general manager.
In a heartfelt speech, Cr Yager said
she would “always fght for truth and fairness and accountability,” warning that the chamber had become divided by “tit-for-tat politics.”
“We must begin from an honest and decent place,” she said. “Let’s make this the frst step in moving forward to address the issues before us in a professional, democratic and respectful way.”
Cr Peter Johnstone followed with an extended address defending the council’s record and the general manager, arguing that Dr Cohn’s speech was “inaccurate, unjust and biased” and that her allegations were based on one-sided information.
Cr Johnstone also produced a letter from the OLG Deputy Secretary Brett Whitworth, dated November 21, 2023, recording “it was the Ofce of Local
Government’s understanding that the action taken under the Defamation Act has been undertaken at the General Manager’s personal expense and that the council has not contributed to the cost of that action.”
Both Cr Cairns and YambaCAN chair Col Shephard, are on the record as saying they have not received personal concerns notices from Ms Black.
The only documents they have seen refer to Clarence Valley Council as the client and YambaCAN as the respondent.
Monday’s proceedings continued a pattern of volatility at Clarence Valley Council meetings this year, with repeated disputes over legal advice, confdential documents and the handling of code of conduct complaints.
Cr Smith ended the meeting by reafrming his “full support” for general manager Laura Black, who has faced sustained criticism from some councillors and community members over transparency and governance issues.
Despite the heated exchanges, the mayor said he hoped council could “move forward without negative distractions and focus on our real objective of creating a community of opportunity.”
The council recorded a vote of 7-2 in favour of the amended mayoral minute, however, Crs Clancy and Cairns said they had abstained from voting on the motion and had left the chamber.
By Tim Howard
A 50-year-old South Grafton man has been charged with murder after a former police ofcer was killed in an alleged hit-andrun.
Lisa Ward, 55, was taking her dog for a walk around the showground on Coldstream St, Ulmarra on the afternoon of October 28, when she spotted a car she reportedly previously reported to police for reckless driving.
Ms Ward had allegedly taken a photo of the car’s licence plate before it struck her, then drove of, media reports said.
She was treated for serious injuries, but could not be saved and died at the scene.
Police said a 4WD was seized and a 50-year-old man was arrested in South Grafton on Wednesday morning. He was later identifed as
Dion Anthony Craig and according to media reports he took exception to Ms Ward photographing him doing burn outs in his car
at the showground. It’s alleged that following an argument between the pair his car accelerated towards Ms Ward and
struck her, before driving of.
He has since been charged with murder and owner not disclose identity
of driver/passenger.
A police media statement emerged on last Wednesday.
“A man has been arrested following a fatal crash in the state’s north yesterday,” it said.
“About 4.50pm (Tuesday) ... emergency services were called to a showground.
Ofcers attached to Cofs/Clarence Police District attended and were told a white 4WD had struck a pedestrian, before it was seen driving along Big River Way towards Grafton.
NSW Ambulance paramedics treated a 55-year-old woman for serious injuries, however, she died at the scene.”
Ms Ward is understood to have joined the NSW Police later in life and retired a few years ago.
Detective Acting Superintendent Guy Flaherty told reporters he
would not comment on the alleged victim or the arrested man, other than to say it was believed they had an “altercation”.
“Witnesses have informed detectives that the vehicle has moved towards the 55-year-old female and there has been an altercation,” he said.
“The vehicle has left the scene and we believe the 55-year-old has been struck by the vehicle.
“The crime scene at Ulmarra Showgrounds remains active with extensive inquiries being done by forensics.
“Detectives will be recanvassing the area today.”
The detective urged anyone who might have seen the white 2000 Nissan Patrol vehicle acting suspiciously in the area in recent days to contact police.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
By Samantha Elley
On the NSW State parliament fles, Gwen Beeson is a name with the date 1984 next to it.
In reality, Gwen Una Beeson was a woman living in Casino, NSW who was murdered in that same year.
It was 7pm on 25th January that her body was found in her home at 66 Convent Parade in Casino. She had sufered multiple head injuries, possibly caused by a large, heavy, blunt instrument which caused her death.
Gwen had been a machinist/seamstress at Casino & District Memorial Hospital, only a four minute drive from her home. It was at her work that she was last seen alive on 23rd January. Her body was found two days later in her bedroom.
She was born Gwen Una Bancroft in 1933 in Casino and married Maxwell Charles Beeson in 1955. Max was a rigger in the Royal Australian Navy. He had joined the navy in 1952 and put his father Charles as his next of kin. By the time Max and Gwen got married, she became his next of kin and was living at 1 Marine Parade, Towradgi, near Corrimal. He fnally left the navy in May 1958 and the couple moved back to Gwen's home town of Casino. By 1968 local polling lists have both Max and Gwen owning a local garage and running it together and living at their Convent
Parade address.
After the murder, police canvassed the neighbours to see what they could fnd. Detective-Sergeant
Mike Sullivan of Casino police was one of two local detectives who worked tirelessly on the case.
"Gwen was a seamstress at the Casino Memorial Hospital and when she didn't turn up for work, people wanted to know what happened," said the now-retired detective.
After the discovery of Gwen's body Mike said the police force mobilised.
"An enormous investigation commenced and we were assisted by the homicide squad in Sydney for the frst few weeks," he said.
"We interviewed lots and lots of people in town and the best forensic eforts were thrown at it.
"The people were very good but we didn't have DNA (testing) but we had expert fngerprint people and no stone was unturned."
Mike admits that days ran into weeks and then months and fnally years and they hit a rockface. But they didn't give up, even after the homicide squad pulled out. However, even with a $50,000 reward, leads ran cold.
"We had to look after nine police stations as well as the Gwen Beeson murder, which consumed us all," he said.
"After a number of years, still with Gwen in our heads, we decided to do a reenactment.
"In 20 years as a criminal investigator I don't ever remember doing a reenactment on anything and we did it as a television production, CrimeStoppers in 1989/1990."
The story went to air and within a very short time, two people came forward as very crucial witnesses.
Mike holds a lot of respect and admiration for them, as their testimony brought a man by the name of Stanley Henry Morley to the realms of justice.
"(The witnesses) had a boarder (Morley) staying with them and about
2am one of the witnesses observed this person covered in blood and with scratch marks on him," said Mike.
"She enquired as to what happened and he said he was in a fght down the street."
Five years later, the witness reported what she had seen on Crimestoppers and her experience at the time of Gwen's death. It opened a whole new line of investigation.
"It was a circumstantial case, what we considered very reasonable," said Mike.
"He was arrested, he was
brought back to Casino and eventually came to court and was committed for trial after several days of evidence."
Morley then absconded on bail and he wouldn't be brought back to court for another two years. He was tracked down in Melbourne, brought back and went to trial at East Maitland in 1992.
"I've got to pay the greatest tribute to the two crucial witnesses," said Mike.
"They could have chosen to walk away or be silent.
"They stood up and gave their evidence under relentless crossexamination."
Sadly, the court did not fnd Morley guilty as there was reasonable doubt in the evidence.
One crucial piece of evidence was the murder weapon, which was believed to be an old iron used to press clothes, that had been at Gwen's home and was missing after her body was discovered.
"We always suspected it was an old heating iron," said Mike.
"Gwen Beeson had it as a doorstop and that was missing.
"As a result of the reenactment it was located in someone's backyard but it had been painted and all evidence lost."
Casino was in shock, according to Mike, at the murder of Gwen. Fear, trepidation and anxiety were emotions that were very evident.
"I don't think in the
history of Casino they'd had anything so horrifc as this," he said.
"Certainly not in my time and I'd been there for eight years. Unfortunately, it was not brought to an absolute conclusion.
"The people that investigated it did their level best and I think we were relentless over the years."
No-one has ever been charged with the murder of Gwen Una Beeson. She is buried in the Casino Lawn Cemetery.
• 'Unsolved Homicides and Missing Persons Cases', Parliament of New South Wales, accessed 27th September, 2025, 991
– Police and Counterterrorism – UNSOLVED HOMICIDES AND MISSING PERSONS CASES
• 'Suspected Murder', Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales, Friday 28 Sep 1984, Page 4839
• 'In the Supreme Court...'Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales, Fri 25 May, 1984, Page 2712
• 'Beeson', Births, Deaths, Marriages, accessed 27th September, 2025, Family History Search Results
• 'Maxwell Charles Beeson', Australia, World War II Military Service Records, accessed 30th September, 2025, Ancestry.com.au
• 'Gwen Beeson', Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001) Fri 28 Sep 1984, accessed 30th September, 2025
• 'Beeson', Australia, Electoral Rolls, 19031980, accessed 1st October, 2025, ancestry. com.au
• 'Audio interview with retired DetectiveSergeant Mike Sullivan', recorded by Samantha Elley, 23rd October, 2025. This story frst appeared in talesfromthegrave.org.au
Ian Heyward
A creative education initiative is helping students across the Northern Rivers build resilience, awareness, and confdence in the face of future natural disasters.
Future Feast in Schools, an innovative project by Northern Rivers Performing Arts (NORPA), is combining arts, storytelling, and disaster preparedness in classrooms across the region. Supported by the Australian and NSW Governments through the Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program, the project is being delivered in partnership with the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Ofce
Workshops are being held from 15 October to 12 November at Broadwater, Empire Vale, Stokers Siding, Main Arm, and Palmers Island Public Schools
Led by professional artists in drama, dance, and visual and video arts, students are exploring themes of disaster, resilience, and renewal, translating their lived experiences into creative performances.
The program is built around four regional preparedness principles
know your river and your risk; know the warnings; have a plan; and look after each other. The students’ artistic responses will also contribute to NORPA’s upcoming
major work, Dinner Party at the End of the World, inspired by community experiences of foods and recovery.
Minister for Recovery and the North Coast,
Our next market is December 6 from 10am to 3pm Gift your
Janelle Safn, said the project empowers young people to be proactive and resilient.
“We recognise the need to harness the skills and voices of young people
to be better prepared for disasters,” Ms Safn said.
“This creative learning experience empowers students to know the risks, have a plan, and look out for each other.”
NORPA Artistic Direc-
tor Julian Louis said Future Feasts allows students to channel their imagination into a powerful and positive learning experience.
“The idea of climate change is often abstract and hard to grasp, but this gives young people a way to express themselves and make sense of what has affected their communities,” he said.
NSW Reconstruction Authority Executive Director, Graham Kennett, said the program is teaching essential life lessons.
“In the Northern Rivers, knowledge of the land and clear thinking are vital,” he said. “Future Feasts helps young people put these skills into practice while learning the value of community strength.”
Do your xmas shopping early
By Tim Howard
As the National Party formally drops its commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050, the record of its deputy leader and local MP for Page, Kevin Hogan, shows a steady alignment with the party’s changing climate narrative over the past decade.
When Hogan entered parliament in 2013, his frst target was the carbon tax.
In his maiden speech he declared it “a jobdestroying tax” that “was never going to change the climate,” setting the tone for an approach that has always framed climate and energy policy through the lens of household costs and regional industry.
After the tax was repealed, Hogan issued a 2014 media release celebrating what he
called a “record fall” in electricity prices in Page, attributing the decline to the removal of “Labor’s carbon tax,” which he said had “broken household budgets, particularly those of our ageing population on fxed incomes.”
By 2019, with climate politics shifting, Hogan acknowledged the science but not necessarily the policy direction.
Asked locally about the issue, he said, “I agree climate change is a real risk that needs us to respond accordingly,” though without spelling out what that response should entail.
federal party room adopted what it called
net-zero by 2050,” after internal bargaining over safeguards for regional jobs and industries.
Hogan backed that compromise, consistent with his own public emphasis on regional impacts rather than emissions targets alone. His parliamentary record refects the same caution.
According to the voting database They Vote for You, Hogan voted against motions to bring the net-zero date forward to 2035, placing him frmly within the Nationals’ mainstream on climate ambition.
Albanese government’s proposed carbon border tax on imports as “nothing but a tax for tax sake,” arguing it would fuel cost-of-living pressures and undermine competitiveness—again echoing the Nationals’ cost-frst framing of climate policy.
When Hogan was elected deputy leader in May 2025, he described climate policies as one of several areas due for review.
“We have no timeline… we’re going to have a review of it, get an audit,” he told the ABC, adding that any plan should consider “what’s achievable” and the efect on afordability and reliability—language that foreshadowed the party’s next move.
voted to remove the 2050 net-zero target from its platform.
Hogan, present as deputy leader, told The Guardian there was “a majority view in the room that climate change was real, emissions had to be reduced and that afordability and reliability had to be taken into account.”
Two years later, in 2021, the Nationals’
“in-principle support for a process towards
As shadow minister for trade and tourism in 2023, Hogan attacked the
That move came this month, when the Nationals’ federal council
From repudiating the carbon tax, to conditional acceptance of a net-zero “process,” to today’s open review of the target itself, Hogan’s public comments have kept pace with the Nationals’ incremental retreat from long-term emissions commitments. Throughout, his message has been consistent: climate change is acknowledged, but the costs of addressing it— particularly for regional Australia—remain the overriding concern.
By Jef Gibbs
Countdown On for Norco Eat the Street 2025 in Lismore
With less than a month to go, excitement is building for Norco Eat the Street 2025, returning to Keen Street and the Lismore Quad on Saturday, 15 November from 12pm to 7pm. All food and beverage traders have now been confrmed, promising a feast for all senses.
This year’s festival will feature nearly 40 food traders and 14 local drink suppliers in the popular Quad Bar area, showcasing the best of the Northern Rivers’ thriving food and drink scene. Visitors can sample everything from gourmet BBQ and Asian street eats to Italian favourites, vegetarian creations, and indulgent desserts.
Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said the event continues to prioritise local business participation.
“We’ve given priority to traders within the 2480 postcode to ensure local cafes, producers and hospitality businesses are well represented,” he said. “It’s also a great opportunity to explore our CBD, with many shops open and trading throughout the day.”
Alongside the culinary delights, festivalgoers can enjoy live music, a Pie Eating Competition, Barista Competition, Waiters Race, and music curated by Holiday Maker Records in the Quad.
In keeping with Lismore’s sustainability values, the Quad Bar will run a reusable cup system, with on-site washing to minimise waste.
Proudly supported by Norco and the NSW Government’s Vibrant Streets Package – Open Streets Program 2025–2028, this year’s event is set to be one of Lismore’s biggest yet.
For the full line-up of food and drink vendors and event details, visit www.visitlismore.com.au/ eatthestreet.
Robert Heyward
Byron Bay’s Fletcher Street Cottage is celebrating the success of Maddi Powell, Assistant Manager and Community Support Worker, who has been awarded the Zonta Young Women in Business Leadership Award for the Northern Rivers.
Presented by Zonta Northern Rivers, the award recognises exceptional young women demonstrating leadership and dedication to empowering others in their communities. Maddi’s commitment to supporting women facing domestic violence, homelessness, and fnancial insecurity through Fletcher Street Cottage’s Byron Women program earned her this prestigious recognition.
Zonta Northern Rivers President Bobbi Crane praised Maddi’s contribution, saying her leadership has “brilliantly addressed issues afecting women in the local area.”
Refecting on the honour, Maddi shared: “Since I was a young girl, I’ve felt a strong calling to support vulnerable women.
Working at Fletcher Street Cottage alongside a team who share the same passion
Women, Fletcher Street Cottage provides vital, compassionate support to women in need across the Byron Shire, including emergency relief, domestic violence assistance, housing support, and access to essential services. The Women’s Space also ofers a safe environment for connection, care, and advocacy, helping women rebuild independence and stability.
is an incredible privilege. The women we support are my greatest teachers — their strength inspires me daily.”
Through Byron
Fletcher Street Cottage, operated by the Byron Community Centre, is a welcoming hub in the heart of Byron Bay, providing meals, showers, laundry facilities, advocacy, and specialist support. Its work is built on compassion, dignity, and community collaboration. To learn more or to support their programs, visit www. fetcherstreetcottage.com. au
Samantha Elley
What would you spend if you knew you could have a Sydney Roosters 2000 Grand Final signed jersey or some Muhammad Ali and Elvis memorabilia?
Not only that, but the money you spend would be going towards the fght against domestic violence.
Well, this opportunity will soon be available on November 9 when Ballinaon-Richmond Rotary Club host their Sports Memorabilia Auction at Cherry Street Sports Club, starting at 2pm.
There will be 30 items
going under the hammer and they include framed photographs, limited edition memorabilia and signed jerseys, covering rugby, cricket, boxing and horse-racing.
The items have been generously donated by Brendan and Lyn Byrne from their private
By Samantha Elley
There are not many grandchildren who have a book written specifcally for them, but Jessica Lynn had that privilege when her grandfather, David Davis, wrote The Tasmanian Adventures of Paloona the Penguin.
collection of many years.
The Rotary Club will receive 40% of the funds raised, which will support Rotary’s Domestic & Family Violence Campaign, an initiative focused on promoting awareness and education within the community. Funds raised through
the auction will help Ballina-on-Richmond Rotary to raise awareness and advocate for a safer, more respectful society through visible community engagement, including Purple Friday and the Community Awareness Walk on Friday, 28 November at 12:30 PM,
starting from the Ballina Visitor Information Centre.
It will help to educate young people about Respectful Relationships through the Love Bites program, delivered in partnership with NAPCAN, helping to shape healthy attitudes and prevent violence before it begins.
It will also encourage reporting and provide support for individuals afected by domestic and family violence, ensuring more people feel safe to seek help.
You can view the catalogue online at
www.rotaryclubofball
inaonrichmond.org.au/ auction.
Now at 33 years old, Jessica is excited at the prospect of the book being published for the general public to read.
“I think it’s beautiful, a little bit surreal,” she said.
“It’s very touching to know something my
grandpa wrote for me is to be brought to life.
“Makes it feel like he’s back with us in a way.”
David passed away 20 years ago and in honour of this anniversary, his daughter and Jessica’s mum, Judy Leale, has decided to publish the book
for other children to enjoy his talent.
“We lived in Tasmania at the time, my husband is Tasmanian and our two children were born there,” said Judy.
“Dad was very creative and he wrote the book when his frst granddaughter (Jessica) was born.”
David wrote the A5 soft page book about a little penguin called Paloona who is in the Antarctic with his family but gets separated.
On his way to fnd his family, he meets many characters who try to help him get back home.
“There is Sofala, the seal, Karang the killer whale and Dajarra, the dolphin,”
said Judy, who eventually moved to Casino and has owned and run Casino DIY Home Timber and Hardware for the past 21 years with husband Mark.
“There are 16 characters and my father named all of them after towns throughout Australia and so, for example, I’ve sent a copy to Sofala Primary School for the children to read.”
Illustrations for the book were done by Jonika Pinon-Beaumont, also of Casino.
“She is a young mum and it is a passion of hers to draw,” said Judy.
“And the book was published by Inhouse Publishing in Brisbane.
“I got 250 copies done
and we will sell some here (Casino DIY).”
Jessica said while her kids are still a bit young, she is looking forward to be able to read the story to them.
“I never thought it would be brought to life,” she said.
“Mum’s always wanted to do that.
“My grandpa was a very gentle man and loved to read me stories.
“If he was here right now, knowing a girl my age did the illustrations, he would be really happy.”
Copies of the book will also be available at Clay by Smegg, Casino, The Northern Rivers Times ofce and can even be bought online at amazon. com.au.
By Tim Howard
The key fgure in Whitlam’s downfall, Malcolm Fraser, emerged in 1975 to seize the Liberal leadership — and the moment.
To many Australians, he seemed to appear fully formed as the ruthless architect of the Dismissal. But Fraser had been circling for years, a man unafraid to get his hands dirty in the service of power.
From the late 1960s, Fraser had been the Liberal Party’s restless conscience and occasional rebel — ambitious, articulate, and coldly strategic.
A wealthy Western District grazier with a patrician bearing, he nonetheless possessed a temperament better suited to trench warfare than drawing rooms.
He resigned from John Gorton’s ministry in 1971, accusing the prime minister of “disloyalty” and efectively helping to bring him down.
It was an early sign of Fraser’s political instinct: when authority lost its moral or strategic compass, he would not hesitate to strike. When the Whitlam
Government faltered amid economic turmoil and scandal, Fraser sensed another opening. As Opposition leader Billy Snedden foundered, Fraser positioned himself as the Liberals’ man of action — disciplined, decisive, and willing to do what others would not.
His ascent in March 1975 was swift and brutal. Within weeks he was
opposition leader; within months he would bring down a government.
Fraser understood that politics is not a debating club but a contest for power, and that the Senate’s capacity to block supply — though rarely used — was a weapon waiting to be unsheathed. Behind the scenes, Fraser’s stafers made no secret of their objective.
They feared that Labor’s new Treasurer, Bill Hayden, might restore the government’s economic credibility and deny the Coalition its opening.
“If Hayden gets control of economic policy,” one adviser reportedly warned, “we may never get back in.”
The decision to deny supply, then, was not only about principle but timing.
Fraser’s critics called it a coup; his supporters called it constitutional courage. Either way, his gamble paid of. When Governor-General Sir John Kerr dismissed the Whitlam Government on November 11, 1975, Fraser was ready, waiting in an adjoining room to be installed as caretaker Prime Minister within hours.
It is that time of the year again.
It seems to come around faster than 12 months, but it is annual and it is never late. That most expensive time of the year and I am not talking about Christmas, although our family has been working hard at simplifying our yuletide cheer and not depending on consumerism to get us through.
No, I am talking about the annual house insurance payment. Some of you may already be getting on your keyboards to tell me to pay monthly as it is more digestible fnancially, but I’ve
worked out the monthly payment and that is still enough to fnd hard to chew.
When we took up insurance for our house, we opted out of food cover as it was just laughably expensive.
We knew we lived in a food prone area and so were not surprised the rates were exorbitant, but when it hits fve fgures, that was a hard pass from our bank account.
We took the risk. We aren’t sure if it paid of as now we are still rebuilding from the 2022 food but we did get some money back for storm damage and we didn’t have to wait until the insurance companies
were happy with our quotes, before we got to rebuild.
Now our company has told us of some policy changes which includes all Home and Contents Insurance policies efective from 14th January, 2025 will have a standard food inclusion. We are ‘special’ though as we don’t have food cover and they are making it very clear, not only do we not have food cover, but neither do we have runof cover anymore, which is rainwater that has collected on, or has fowed across, normally dry ground or has overfowed from a swimming pool or spa.
If we do choose to take up the food and run of cover, we will not be able to op-out of this cover in the future. However, if we don’t take the cover we will be eligible for a Disaster Resilience Payment. This payment of $10,000 provides a limited beneft for loss or damage to a building caused by a food or runof event and no excess is applicable. If you’re not sure what your insurer provides, make sure you read your renewal policy carefully when it comes around to make sure it is suitable and afordable for you, otherwise shop around. Little steps.
The December election delivered him an overwhelming mandate, and for a time, he appeared unassailable.
But Fraser was no simple ideologue. While he preached fscal restraint and dismantled elements of Whitlam’s program, he also presided over a surprisingly humane foreign policy — welcoming Vietnamese refugees, opposing apartheid, and standing frm against nuclear proliferation. In ofce, the man who had played the ruthless tactician became something more complex: a conservative by instinct, but one with a moral compass that often pointed beyond party lines.
By the end of his life, Fraser had drifted so far from the Liberal mainstream that he resigned from the party altogether, lamenting its surrender to hardline populism.
Malcolm Fraser remains one of the most paradoxical fgures in Australian politics — the man who brought down a reforming government only to spend the rest of his career seeking moral redemption for it.
Debates about the legality of Sir John Kerr’s decision to dismiss a democratically elected government using the “reserve powers” of his position, continue to this day.
By Tim Howard
On Tuesday it will be 50 years since the dismissal of the Whitlam Government, and still we are feeling the shockwaves from it.
Political historians continue to debate the legality of the actions and the motives of those involved.
For those at the political coalface, the Whitlam years remain both a lesson and a warning — of how quickly power can shift and how fragile democratic norms can be when ambition overrides restraint.
From an ecstatic victory in 1972 that ended 23 years of Liberal–Country Party rule, Whitlam’s government ended just three years later in the most decisive of defeats. Political disasters do not come more emphatically than that.
The events of that day — November 11, 1975 —
were scarcely believable, which only added to their shock value.
That morning, Prime Minister Gough Whitlam had gone to Government House expecting to sign documents for a halfSenate election to break the budget deadlock.
Instead, GovernorGeneral Sir John Kerr handed him a letter terminating his commission.
Waiting in an adjoining room was Opposition Leader Malcolm Fraser, ready to be sworn in as caretaker Prime Minister.
By early afternoon, chaos had reached the heart of Parliament. The Senate resumed sitting at 2pm Labor senators, unaware their government had been dismissed, voted on the budget bills — and were stunned when the Coalition suddenly waved them through.
Within minutes the
incredible news fltered through: the government had been sacked. Fraser was Prime Minister.
In the House of Representatives, Whitlam quickly secured a vote of no confdence in Fraser and a motion afrming confdence in himself.
The Speaker, Gordon
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And when the votes were counted, the verdict was crushing — the largest electoral landslide in Australian history.
For those who had watched the conspiracy unfold — the Senate obstruction, the state premiers’ manipulations, and the GovernorGeneral’s secretive role — it was a bitter outcome.
The plotting and the treachery seemed to mean nothing to the majority of the country.
Scholes, set of to Government House to convey the result — but Kerr refused to see him until after he had dissolved both houses of Parliament for a double dissolution election.
Outside, thousands of stunned Australians gathered on the lawns of Parliament House shouting “we want Gough”.
As the GovernorGeneral’s ofcial secretary read the proclamation ending Whitlam’s government, he closed with the words “God save the Queen.” Whitlam, standing before the crowd, famously replied:
“Well may we say ‘God save the Queen,’ because nothing will save the Governor-General.”
I was in England when it happened, walking into school on what seemed an ordinary morning. A cheeky Pommy greeted me with, “What’s it like to have a fascist for a Prime Minister?”
I was stunned.
“Whitlam’s not a fascist,” I said.
“He’s not your Prime Minister,” came the reply. “He’s been sacked. Fraser’s your Prime Minister now.”
Even on the other side of the world, the sense of disbelief was instant and deep.
Among Australians overseas, it felt like something sacred had been broken — not just a government, but a trust in the rules of the game.
In the weeks that followed, the fury in the streets gave way to a grim anticipation. Australia would have its say on December 13.
were fgures who steadied the storm.
Deputy Prime Minister Lance Barnard, often overshadowed, served as Whitlam’s ballast — loyal, methodical, and essential in balancing Whitlam’s restless energy.
The pair governed together for two weeks after the 1972 victory, famously known as the “two-man ministry.”
Even as a 16-yearold political novice, it was clear to me that the Opposition had created a narrative to suit itself.
Conservatives turned every controversy into a talking point, every difculty into proof that Whitlam had to go. Fear of change, more than reason, seemed to be their driving force.
For many Australians retreating to the comfort of a bygone era appeared an attractive option.
History has judged the cast of 1975 unevenly.
Sir John Kerr, whose signature brought the government down, spent the rest of his life shunned by former colleagues and hounded by the public.
Malcolm Fraser, once triumphant, spent his fnal years living down the Dismissal, eventually disowning his party’s modern incarnation.
Queensland Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen’s career ended in farce — his “Joh for PM” campaign wrecked the Coalition’s 1987 election and his reputation collapsed amid revelations of corruption. He escaped conviction only because his jury was tainted and he was too old to be retried.
Reg “The Toe Cutter” Withers, the Coalition’s Senate tactician, rose to become a minister but fell over electoral scandal.
Albert Field, installed as the Coalition’s pawn in the Senate, was used and discarded with indecent haste.
And Tirath Khemlani, the mysterious London money broker whose loans afair provided the pretext for crisis, became a footnote — a name that symbolised the murky undercurrents of political ambition.
On the other side, there
Looking back, the three years of the Whitlam Government were like diamonds thrown into the gutter — tarnished, mistreated, and discarded, yet still shining through the grime.
Whitlam’s government dragged Australia into the modern world: free university education, universal health care, recognition of China, Indigenous land rights, the end of conscription, family law reform, sewerage and infrastructure for neglected suburbs — the list still astonishes.
The way his government was treated exposed the myth of the “fair go.”
The conservative establishment, convinced of its divine right to rule, could not bear the audacity of real change.
And yet, the Whitlam legacy endures. The forces that tore him down have faded; the reforms he championed remain the foundation of modern Australia.
Postscript Journalists are tasked with being objective, but that does not mean ignoring the obvious.
Looking back at the Whitlam years and their aftermath, it’s striking how the reforms his government enacted have endured, while the reputations of those who obstructed or brought him down have faded into ignominy or obscurity.
Whitlam went on to live a distinguished life after the Dismissal, continuing to serve his country on the world stage with his towering intellect and unshakeable belief in Australia’s potential. By contrast, the qualities that drove his opponents to destroy him proved of little value once the dust had settled — and history has revealed that to be so.
By Tim Howard
In the pantheon of Australian politics, Bill Hayden stands as both one of its worthiest fgures and one of its unluckiest.
Elected to Parliament in 1961 at just 28, he was part of a new Labor generation — serious, policy-driven, and already looking beyond the tribal certainties of the post-war era.
From the beginning, Hayden showed a grasp of economics uncommon in a party still shaped by wartime memories and industrial loyalties.
When he raised concerns about Australia’s balance of payments, Arthur Calwell — then Labor leader and old guard standardbearer — publicly scolded him.
“Why worry about the balance of payments when you should be worrying about your electorate?” Calwell asked.
The rebuke spoke volumes. Hayden was already thinking about the future of government, while much of Labor was still thinking about the past.
By the time the Whitlam Government came to power in 1972, Hayden was among its
most capable ministers.
As Social Security Minister, he introduced the single mother’s beneft, laid the groundwork for universal healthcare, and earned a reputation for quiet competence amid the whirlwind of Whitlam’s reform program.
But his real test came in 1975, when he was handed the poisoned chalice of the Treasury portfolio in the dying months of the government.
The economy was reeling from global infation and the fallout from the oil crisis.
Inside Parliament, the Opposition — determined to bring Labor down — was sharpening its knives.
Hayden’s response was a model of level-headed economic management.
His August 1975 Budget confronted infation running at nearly 18%, which he described as Australia’s “most menacing enemy.”
He rejected both panic and ideology.
“We are no longer operating in that simple Keynesian world in which some reduction in unemployment could, apparently,
Bill Hayden resurrected Labor after the disaster of the Dismissal. Within three years of his appointment to lead Labor in 1977 the party was within striking distance of government. Such was his decency and loyalty he did handed over leadership of the party to Bob Hawke, for the “drover’s dog” election of 1983.
always be purchased at the cost of some more infation. Today, it is infation itself which is the central policy problem – more infation simply leads to
more unemployment,” he told Parliament.
His budget slowed the growth of government spending, called for restraint in wages, cut company tax, and simplifed the personal income tax scale.
Yet Hayden was careful not to punish ordinary Australians, rejecting “a policy of deliberately creating massive unemployment and widespread business failures in order to stop infation abruptly.”
Ironically, that competence made him dangerous.
Coalition stafers later admitted they feared Hayden’s appointment as Treasurer might allow Labor to “get control of economic policy.”
Denying supply became, for them, a political necessity — not simply an act of opposition, but a way to stop Labor from fnding its economic footing.
The Dismissal ended that possibility. When the nation went to the polls in December 1975, Hayden was one of the few Labor MPs to increase his majority.
Elected to lead the ALP in 1977 when Whitlam retired after
another election loss, he rebuilt the party, setting it up for a period of political dominance.
The fgures that emerged in that period: John Dawkins, Ralph Willis, Peter Walsh, Susan Ryan, Lionel Bowen, John Button, Neal Blewett, Don Grimes, Gareth Evans, John Kerin, Chris Hurford and Paul Keating, read like a “Who’s who” of the Hawke government.
But instead of leading his party to victory, he relinquished the leadership to Hawke in 1983 for the “drover’s dog” election, which ushered in 13 years of Labor government.
While politics was not kind to “the best prime minister we never had”, history has been.
Many of the reforms and fscal principles that stabilised Labor and modernised Australia in the 1980s trace their roots to Hayden’s pragmatism in 1975.
Bill Hayden turned out to be a positive Labor was able to take from the ashes of the dismissal.
He bridged the old Labor of ideology and the new Labor of economic discipline — a bridge others would later cross with greater fanfare.
Tim Howard
Sir John Kerr’s name is forever linked to one day — 11 November 1975 — when he dismissed the Whitlam Government and triggered the most divisive constitutional crisis in Australia’s history. Born in Balmain in 1914 and brilliant from the start, Kerr rose from modest beginnings to become a leading barrister, civil libertarian, and fnally Chief Justice of NSW before his appointment as GovernorGeneral in 1974.
Kerr’s defenders argue he acted from constitutional duty, not political ambition. He saw himself trapped in a
deadlock where government could not secure supply, believing the Crown’s reserve powers obliged him to act.
“I was in the grip of history,” he later said.
Yet critics saw something else — an insecure man drawn to the spotlight, eager to prove his relevance.
He relished the company of the powerful, particularly Opposition Leader Malcolm Fraser, whose counsel he sought more often than Whitlam’s.
That search for afrmation
has led many historians to view the Dismissal less as a cool constitutional act than as the tragic misjudgment of a man overwhelmed by circumstance and attention.
Kerr’s decision tore the country apart. Once feted, he left ofce in 1977 amid public hostility; his reputation never recovered.
His departure came just weeks after he appeared drunk at Flemington racecourse to
present the Melbourne Cup — a moment that sealed his fate in public ridicule.
The combination of foppish dress and alcoholic folly made him an irresistible target for satirists, who rarely missed their mark.
Historian Phillip Knightley noted that Kerr eventually moved to London to escape the public’s disapproval, where he “could be seen most days, usually the worse for wear, at one or other gentleman’s club.”
Whether viewed as an overreaching legalist or a vain seeker of validation, Kerr remains the man who turned a constitutional footnote into a national trauma.
“Leemo has views on just about anything”
‘THE BATTERY BUS TOUR PLAN’
‘Mum-Jane’ you’re lookin’ crabbier than normal? Shall I invite the Buddies over to put on a concert to cheer you up – ‘Scarlet’ does a voluptuous feline Belly Dance (she has a ‘cat’s eye belly-button’ jewel) & ‘Brutus’ plays a mean electric guitar - Whaddya reckon? ‘Leemo, just shut it please, I’ve have quite enough of rubbish talk lately & I don’t want you or the Buddies exacerbating things. Gottit?’ ‘Oooh, poor old old Mumsie, do tell me what’s bothering you?’ (and said to myself YET AGAIN!)
Once I’d presented the requisite tea & ginger nuts she told me. ‘Well, Leems (sip slurp gurgle sip. GROSS!) I should let you know in truth that this gettin’ old stuf sucks. Here’s an example. Like MOST households, we use batteries in many ‘essential’ items like our torches, our emergency radio, our TV & audio system remotes, my toothbrush, my leaf-blower, my ‘old lady’ chainsaw, ‘old lady’ lightweight mower, your fur brush, our air-con remote & on it goes. NOW LISTEN Leems. Whilst I totally appreciate the ability to be able to use these ‘tools of living’ by simply popping a battery in, I DO NOT LIKE what occurs when the batteries run out. Advice I’ve heard on radio tells me I CAN (living in Lismore) take dead batteries to the Lismore or Ballina Recycling Centres or to ALDI stores who
have dead battery drop-of bins.(Thankyou ALDI) However, Leems, whilst I do drive & all is fne right now, what happens when (particularly with new Elderly Driving Rules) I can’t drive? And what about all the elderly people who DON’T drive already & haven’t for some time? Are they sitting on some sort of explosion waiting to happen with buckets full of old batteries in their homes that Councils no longer take responsibility for collecting? Well? Get the wise buddies here NOW! Treats were served & the situation explained. Much feline pondering with sage advice & wisdom exchanged. ‘Flufy Bum’ (not generally known for ANY good ieas) spoke. ‘WELL, you lot, ‘I’ have a most excellent plan. We’ll get the Council to start ‘BATTERY BUS’ tours to the local tip: the bus will be painted to look like a battery on wheels - attracting attention & getting everyone thinking about safe battery disposal; I know elderly people like bus adventures. The BATTERY BUS would pick residents up with their buckets of batteries, go via the NORCO Ice Cream Factory for treats, then take the scenic route to the Lismore Tip where the battery buckets could be emptied & all the bus travellers taken home safely.’ (the bus may even let passengers take their empty buckets to the Tip Re-Cycling Centre & fll them up with stuf.’) Oooh, the Buddies were gobsmacked & burst into loud paw claps. ‘Flufs’ was given shoulder hugs & words like ‘Well done old Chap’ resonated. Hmmmm! Next Step? A brief Buddies meeting. ‘Mumsie, you wonderful old woman. Could you either write a letter or go visit the Council and present ‘Flufy-Bums’ proposal please?’ Eeek. She fainted with a look of terror on her face so I’ll bring you all up to date next issue. Nitey, Leemo.
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.
Reviving Our Local Pride
The reopening of the Grafton Brewery is exactly what our region needs — a revival of something proudly ours. My grandfather used to roll kegs there in the 1960s, and I remember the smell of hops wafting through town. Seeing those tanks shine again under local ownership gives everyone in the Clarence Valley a boost. It’s not just about beer; it’s about community spirit and reclaiming our story after years of losing local icons. Congratulations to Rick Firth and his team for believing in heritage and proving that old bricks can brew new dreams.
– J. Turner, Junction Hill
Magpies in Peril
I found Tim Howard’s story on the magpie paralysis frightening but necessary. These birds are part of every Australian’s childhood — their songs wake us up, their swoops keep us alert. If even they are succumbing to toxins in our environment, then something is deeply wrong. We talk about environmental protection like it’s a choice, but this proves it’s survival. The
scientists need every bit of support they can get, because if our birds are warning us, we’d better listen fast. I’d rather hear magpies warbling than silence hanging over our backyards.
– L. Morgan, Ballina
Questions for Norths
As a Bangalow resident and long-time Bowlo member, I’m furious and heartbroken at Norths Collective’s arrogant closure of our club. No notice, no consultation, just padlocks and a cold statement. That building isn’t just a bar — it’s where families celebrate milestones and friends gather after work. We voted on an amalgamation under the promise of security, not secrecy. Norths have underestimated how deeply locals love that place. The Bowlo belongs to the people, not to a Sydney boardroom.
– K. Houghton, Bangalow
Grafton Brewery’s New Life
What a terrifc comeback story! The Grafton Brewery reopening has already become the talk of town, and rightly so. There’s something joyful about seeing local industry reborn after decades of silence. I’ll be frst in line for their new Jaca Juice brew. Between the Jacaranda Festival and this brewery launch, Grafton feels alive again. It’s not just beer on tap — it’s a toast to resilience, hard work, and homegrown success.
– D. Maher, Grafton
GoodSAM Angels Among Us
The story about the GoodSAM responders at Zeebras Café had me tearing up. These are the people who truly keep our communities alive — literally. To think ordinary locals can be trained, equipped and ready to save a life before paramedics even arrive is extraordinary. It’s one of those programs that reminds us how kindness and quick action can make all the diference. I’ve already signed up to learn CPR after reading that piece. To Paul and Nate, and everyone who volunteers their time, thank you — you are proof that good hearts beat strongest in small towns.
– P. Reilly, Casino
Cheers to Grafton Revival
What a joy to see a Grafton icon return! The brewery’s reopening is proof that
heritage can be proftable and that locals can bring old buildings back to life. The Jaca Juice sounds like the perfect festival companion.
– D. Maher, Grafton
Locked Out of Our Bowlo
I’m furious that Norths Collective slammed the doors shut on the Bangalow Bowlo without a word. That club was our gathering place, our social centre. Big-city management never understood smalltown soul. Give it back to the community where it belongs.
– K. Houghton, Bangalow
Betrayal in Bangalow Locals trusted Norths to protect the Bowlo, not padlock it. That merger vote was sold on false promises. Now we’ve lost a piece of Bangalow’s heart. The new advocacy group has my full support.
– S. Jamieson, Byron Bay
Nature’s Warning Lorikeets, now magpies — the environment is shouting at us. We should treat these bird deaths as urgent alarms, not curiosities. Clean up toxins, protect native trees, and take responsibility.
– E. Daniels, Coraki
Farewell to a Racing Great Beautiful tribute to Rex Kelly. He was a bush racing legend — ferce, fair and full of wit. The sport won’t see his kind again. Rest in peace, Rex.
– T. Evans, South Grafton
Roadworks at Last
At long last, Nimbin Road’s being fxed properly. It’s been rough for years, so credit to Council for fnally tackling it. Just keep the communication clear and the lanes open!
– R. Collins, Nimbin
Protecting Our Kids
As a teacher, I see daily how screens are rewiring young brains. The social media ban might fnally give families a reset. Kids need connection, not constant comparison. It’ll be tough at frst, but long-term, this could be one of the healthiest policy moves in years.
– D. Hill, Lismore
Young Voices Matter
While I understand the reasons for the under-16s social media ban, I wish teens had been properly consulted. They’re more digitally literate than most adults and could have helped shape a smarter
policy. Cutting them of completely risks alienating them further. Balance, not bans, is what we need.
– A. Petersen, Ballina
Too Much Construction
Roadwork fatigue is real. Every major route in the Northern Rivers seems to be under repair at once. While I appreciate Council’s efort to fx things properly, maybe they could stagger the projects better. Locals are patient, but patience has potholes too.
– F. Richards, The Channon
Michael Beattie’s tribute to Rex Kelly was a gem. I never met the man, but through those words, I felt I had. Country racing is built on personalities like Rex — hardworking, witty, and endlessly resilient. His name deserves to be remembered at the next Grafton Cup.
– M. Scott, Glenreagh
A Toast to Grafton’s Revival
With the brewery reopening and Jacaranda Festival in full bloom, Grafton feels reborn. It’s good to see history honoured rather than demolished. Let’s hope this sparks more heritage projects — we can’t keep tearing down what made us.
– R. Matthews, Waterview Heights
Too Many Closures
It feels like every month we’re losing another local venue — a pub here, a club there. Each closure chips away at our sense of community. The Bowlo story is just one example of how corporate takeovers don’t always equal progress. Let’s keep ownership local where it belongs.
– C. Lane, Byron Bay
The Lincoln Lifestyle Estate sounds like a dream for anyone entering their next chapter. The idea of community, ftness, and friendship all in one place is something Australia needs more of. Ageing gracefully shouldn’t mean fading away — and this proves it doesn’t have to.
– E. Morton, Iluka
Celebrating Our Unsung Heroes
The Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards are such a great reminder that community spirit is alive and well. We all know someone quietly making life better — the coach, the volunteer, the neighbour who always shows up. I’ll be putting
in a nomination this week.
Recognition matters.
– S. James, Lennox Head
Keep Our Data Safe
It’s about time regional NSW got more help with online safety. The ID Support NSW sessions are a brilliant idea. Scammers are getting smarter every day, and older people are prime targets. Education like this saves heartache.
– R. Peachey, Ballina
Guardians of the Clarence The citizen scientists deserve medals for their work on the Clarence River sediment survey. This is what real environmental care looks like — locals getting their hands dirty to protect their river. I hope the government takes their lead seriously.
– T. Walters, Grafton River Wisdom
Loved the Clarence River Guardians story. Returning sediment samples to Country after analysis — what a beautiful gesture of respect. Science and culture walking side by side. That’s the future of conservation.
– C. Martin, Copmanhurst Latin Fire in Byron
The Byron Latin Fiesta has to be one of the happiest weekends of the year. So much energy, colour and community. Even if you’ve got two left feet, you can’t help but smile watching that joy in motion.
– L. Ramirez, Mullumbimby
Country Spirit at Its Best I’ve been going to the Murwillumbah Show since I was a kid, and it never loses its charm. Horses, freworks, and that smell of chips and sawdust — pure nostalgia. Thanks for keeping country life alive.
– P. Hughes, Murwillumbah
Markets that Matter
Loved the What’s On guide! It’s exactly what visitors need to see — our markets are cultural gold. You can learn more about the Northern Rivers by walking through Bangalow or Yamba markets than in any tourist brochure.
– A. Clarke, Yamba
Leemo Is Northern Rivers Royalty Leemo and “Mum Jane” had me wheezing this week. A cat calling his human a “walking maize broom” is pure theatre. That column’s become our Thursday ritual in our place — kettle on, NRT open, giggle. Please never retire him. And tell Mum Jane she looks fabulous with white hair.
— K. Swain, Alstonville
Sunny’s Knockout Spirit Woodburn should be bursting with pride. Sunny Maclean’s world title shows what grit, family and coaching can achieve. To come back from a knockdown and still win — that’s heart. A true local champion.
– B. Thompson, Evans Head
A Champion’s Journey
Sunny Maclean’s story gave me goosebumps. His coach, family, and sheer determination are what sport’s all about. That kind of discipline will take him anywhere.
– J. Allen, Woodburn
Ale and Aromas
The Lamb Shank & Ale Hot Pot recipe deserves its own trophy. My kitchen smelled like an English pub — in the best way! These cooking pages get better every week.
– G. Nolan, Beaudesert
Good Food, Good Laughs I love that your recipes are written with humour. “Convince them to move in” — gold! Cooking should
be fun, and you’ve nailed it. Keep them coming.
– H. Farrell, Kyogle
Nominate a Neighbour
Reading about the Ballina Awards reminded me to appreciate the quiet helpers. There’s a lady down my street who cooks for neighbours every week. She’ll be getting my vote for Citizen of the Year!
– E. Barker, Wardell
Cooking Page Perfection
Every week I fip straight to the cooking section. Between the cheeky writing and the hearty meals, it’s the perfect mix of humour and hunger. Whoever writes those is a genius.
– V. Kelly, Ballina
Heart of the North Coast
The entertainment pages reminded me why we live here — creativity, connection and community all in one place. The Northern Rivers really does have soul.
– T. Whittaker, Lismore
Bravo to the Paper
This week’s edition hit all the right notes — sport, art, food, community and science. It’s why The Northern Rivers Times stands above any other regional paper. Keep shining the local light.
– J. Malone, Goonellabah
Not Every Slip Is a Scandal
I read the same story and felt a bit sorry for council staf. People write clumsy, even silly, emails in-house every day. Turning every of-key message into a front-page drama risks scaring good people out of local government. Yes, ask for proof, but let’s not make the whole council a punching bag — they’re rebuilding after foods and still copping it.
— J. Armitage, Maclean
Nigel Dawe Nailed It
That piece about news being too heavy was spot on. I work in aged care in Tenterfeld and our residents hate turning on the telly because it’s car crashes and stabbings. Your mix — a bit of hard council accountability, then Leemo, then food — is what people actually want. Keep showing the big-city media how it’s done.
— S. Peck, Tenterfeld
Cooking Page Was Perfection
That Lamb Shank & Ale Hot Pot — stop it. The headnote alone made me want to invite neighbours I don’t even like. Your food writer understands the Northern Rivers: slow cooks, a bit cheeky, not fussy, feeds a crowd. Keep the “leftover” ideas coming — that’s gold for families.
— E. Gorman, Ballina
NRT Is Doing What ABC Used To Do
The combined letters on the Clarence saga showed real editing — diferent angles, diferent towns, no one voice drowned out. That’s proper regional journalism. ABC North Coast barely scratches it now. Keep centralising community letters — it makes us feel less alone in what councils get up to.
— F. Doolan, Evans Head
Give That Chef His Own Photo
Whoever is behind the chocolate mint mousse and that firty lamb hot pot deserves a little headshot and a name. You’ve created a character now — let us meet him! Readers love to attach a face to a column, just like we did with Leemo.
— S. Kettle, Murwillumbah
– one, two, three...
By Nigel Dawe
SOMETHING that’s intrigued me for years is the fact that two of history’s greatest minds fourished within a whisker of one-another (on the opposite sides of the world). That Confucius died in China around 10-years before Socrates was born in Greece, is one of the most incredible occurrences in the history of human culture. Add the fact that Buddha also lived around this time, and you can’t help but wonder in utter bafement. What was it about the 5th century BC that gave rise to individuals of such refective and infuential natures? Were their times more conducive to thought, or was there just something in the water that is no longer a part of this element today? I guess we’ll never know, but comparing what they had to say to what gets mostly said today, voices like theirs are still just not common, they are rare beyond all reckoning.
That so much of what these three sages said over two and a half thousand years ago still rings true, defes all attempts to explain how that remains the case. But similar to exceptional behaviour, profound thought transcends the restrictions of time, and instead begins to occupy the realm of ever-accessible example.
“Study the past if you would divine the future,” once said Confucius in such a way that makes such a task just about seem easy. Similarly, Buddha once noted, “All that we are is the result of what we have thought: it is founded on our thoughts and made up of our thoughts....With
our thoughts we make the world.” He also said, “If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.” Which begins to shed light on the exceptional nature of the way the thought processes of these three worked, and how they continue to infuence the minds of so many.
Chidingly, Confucius once remarked, “If you are the smartest person in the room, then you are in the wrong room.”
So much that can’t be conveyed in any other way can be directly imparted through the usage of humour, and light-hearted allegory. As such Confucius once said, “The hardest thing of all is to fnd a black cat in a dark room, especially if there is no cat.” While at face value such a scenario might leave any observer with nothing to see, it also reveals so much about the process of how we see, not to mention what can and can’t be seen when we begin to look for things in particular.
Subsequently, all three thinkers acutely fathomed the connection between knowledge and its ever-lurking shadow – ignorance; to the point they seemingly identifed more with the latter.
Reafrming that stance, Socrates once said, “I know nothing except the fact of my ignorance.” And as if singing from the same self-efacing hymn sheet, Confucius also once confessed, “Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance.” Which in all fairness, wasn’t too extensive in any of these three individuals. Or as Socrates well knew, “I cannot teach anybody anything. I can only try to make them think.”
Following the Remembrance Day service at 10.45 a.m. on Tuesday, 11 November, at the Maclean War Memorial, the Maclean RSL sub-Branch will ofcially open its newly established Veterans and Families Space in the old Maclean Services Club
building on River Street.
After the Maclean Services Club went into liquidation in 2021, the property was purchased by the Bennett family, who have generously allowed the RSL subBranch — a registered veteran’s charity — to continue providing
vital wellbeing and compensation support to veterans and their families from the site. Thanks to the Bennetts’ commitment to the veteran community, a renovated section of the building will now be known as The RSL Room — a welcoming space where veterans can gather for camaraderie, peer
support, and connection. All current and former members of the Australian Defence Force, along with their families, are warmly invited to inspect the new RSL Room from 11.30 a.m. on Remembrance Day and join fellow veterans for light refreshments following the morning service.
Jef Gibbs
The Sandhills Wetlands are nearing completion after one of Council’s most ambitious environmental restoration projects, and a proposal is now on the table to declare the area a wildlife protection zone — making it a dog-free space.
The Sandhills Restoration Project represents one of the most signifcant ecological undertakings in the region’s history. Once complete, it will restore vital wetland habitats that were destroyed during intensive sandmining operations in the 1960s and 1970s.
Extensive ecological surveys carried out during the project have already revealed the presence of several threatened species,
including the Sooty Owl, Wallum Froglet, Grey-headed Flying Fox, and both Little and Large Bent-winged Bats. Council expects biodiversity to further fourish as the wetlands mature into a fully functioning ecosystem. During the construction phase, many residents called for the area to be designated a dog-free zone to protect native fauna. In response, Council is now considering formalising the wetlands as a wildlife protection area, ensuring vulnerable species can thrive without disturbance. Community members are invited to have their say on the proposal. Information and submission details are available on Council’s website, with feedback open until 2 December 2025
love and friendship will not be ignored
Title: Birds of Passage
Author: Robert Barclay
Price: $26.34
Distributor: Amazon
Retired novelist and recluse, Robertson Sinclair has been content to let the typewrite go dusty and spend his days walking his dog Clara and chatting to only a very select few friends. His life of love, emotion and loss has been packed away to never be disturbed, until one day he receives a visit from Katie, who has a strange request.
She wants him to dust of his keyboard and write the story of the grand-daughter of his only friend in the village.
Cassie Spencer was an environmentalist with a fre in her heart for rainforests of Borneo where she was brutally murdered.
Cassie was Katie’s step-daughter and her own daughter’s, also Clara, best friend.
Robert Heyward
A new generation of frontline nurses from TAFE NSW Kingsclif is ready to boost the Northern Rivers’ health workforce following their recent graduation with a Diploma of Nursing. The graduates completed intensive training and hands-on clinical placements at Tweed Valley Hospital and the cutting-edge Learning, Development and Research (LDR) Building, gaining vital experience across diverse healthcare settings.
As Robertson teases out the story of Cassie into a best-selling novel, he is confronted with his own memories and past life, while experiencing a new world of love and friendship with those who had the joy of calling Cassie their own.
Birds of Passage covers great distances from a quiet, picturesque English village to the grandeur of the Swiss Alps and even to the steamy rainforests of Borneo.
The reader can only be swept along with the lives of those whose stories and adventures are in this novel.
Robert Barclay was brought up in a small Hampshire village, has swum the depths of the Mekong Delta in the Vietnam War, travelled Asia, run a charity to rehabilitate trafcked children in Cambodia and now resides in Australia.
This is his fourth book and it is available at www.amazon.com.au
The graduation comes at a crucial time, with Australia projected to face a shortfall of more than 70,000 nurses by 2035 The program’s 18-month structure combines over 400 hours of clinical placement with classroom and simulation-based
learning, equipping students with the skills and confdence to deliver highquality patient care.
TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Allied Health and Nursing, Danita Wetterling, said the training model ensures graduates are ready to step directly into the workforce.
“Access to the Learning, Development and Research Hub at Tweed Valley Hospital strengthens TAFE NSW’s ability to prepare students for roles in local industry,” Ms Wetterling said.
“Our practical, handson training at Kingsclif means graduates are jobready from day one — and can stay in the region to build their careers.”
The LDR Building, located on the Tweed Valley Hospital campus, provides students with a world-class education environment featuring immersive simulation
labs, skills rooms, research spaces, and collaborative learning hubs. The facility is part of the Northern NSW Academic Health Alliance, a partnership between TAFE NSW, Grifth University, Southern Cross University, Bond University, and the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD)
This collaboration ensures an integrated clinical education model that links vocational and higher education with realworld hospital practice — a critical step in addressing local workforce demand.
For 23-year-old graduate
Carter Smith, clinical placements were key to building confdence.
“Most of our placements were right across the road at Tweed Valley Hospital,” he said.
“Everything we learned in the simulation labs
clicked into place. Our class was tight, and the teachers were always there to support us — we never felt alone.”
Many graduates have already secured enrolled nurse positions at Tweed Valley Hospital and with local homecare providers, directly contributing to regional health capacity.
Local training pathways like the TAFE NSW Kingsclif nursing program are essential to meeting workforce demand across Northern NSW, where population growth and expanded hospital services are driving record health employment needs. As Tweed Valley Hospital, the largest regional health investment in NSW history, continues to expand, locally trained nurses will be crucial to ensuring communities receive the care they deserve.
Robert Heyward
The tragic death of a young humpback whale entangled in a shark net of Coledale Beach this week has reignited Byron Shire Council’s push for a statewide ban on shark nets, urging other coastal councils to follow Byron’s lead in rejecting the outdated and lethal program.
The eight-metre whale, caught in netting from the NSW Government’s Shark Meshing Program, was discovered dead on Tuesday morning before washing ashore.
The incident marks yet another loss in a string of marine life fatalities linked to shark nets. Data from the 2024/25 season shows 89% of all marine life caught in NSW shark nets were nontarget species, including dolphins, turtles, and rays.
There are still 51 netted sites along the NSW coast.
Byron Shire Mayor Sarah Ndiaye
Byron Leads the Call for Change Byron Shire Mayor Sarah Ndiaye said the death underscores why the council has long opposed shark nets and promoted safer, non-lethal alternatives.
“There are far more
Jef Gibbs
The streets of Grafton will shine a little brighter this Jacaranda Festival, with Assistance Dogs Australia (ADA) puppies joining the famous Jacaranda Parade for the very frst time on Saturday, 1 November Resplendent in purple crowns, the pups will march proudly alongside the ADA team, community carers, and Serco staf from the Clarence Correctional Centre, delighting festival crowds and showcasing a remarkable local partnership.
The ADA and Serco-run Assistance Dog Training Program pairs specially selected inmates at the Clarence Correctional Centre with puppies in training. These inmates serve as carers and trainers, helping raise the pups to become future lifechanging Assistance Dogs for people living with
disability.
Every three weeks, the dogs rotate between the correctional centre and the homes of community volunteers. During their home stays, they experience everyday activities — from family life and supermarket trips to visits to local parks — helping them gain confdence, social skills, and adaptability for their future roles.
Festivalgoers can meet the adorable pups at the ADA market stall, chat with the ADA team, and hear from community carers about the rewarding journey from playful puppy to professional Assistance Dog.
Those interested in becoming a community carer volunteer can also fnd out how to get involved and support this inspiring program that’s changing lives across Australia.
(drones), and we need proper investment from the State Government in these proven technologies. Nets threaten our magnifcent sea creatures — and worse still, they don’t work.”
The mayor added that Byron Shire Council has demonstrated that public safety can be maintained without harming marine ecosystems, with drone patrols and real-time shark detection systems already in use along local beaches.
Protecting “Bawaii” —
The Spirit of the Sea
efective and less damaging ways to make our beaches safe,” Cr Ndiaye said. “This heartbreaking incident is one of many — 15 whales have already been entangled this season. Our Surf Life Savers do an incredible job using UAVs
Byron Greens Councillor Delta Kay said removing shark nets would also honour the deep cultural and environmental connection local First Nations people share with the ocean.
“We must remember when almost no whales — or Bawaii, as we call them — came to Byron,” Cr Kay said. “Their songs had fallen silent because
of whaling. Now, they’ve returned, singing once more as they travel up and down the coast. These nets threaten that harmony — the whales, dolphins, turtles, and all the living spirits that make our ocean Country sacred.”
The Evidence Against Shark Nets
Only 11% of animals caught in NSW nets during 2024/25 were target shark species.
67% of all captured marine animals died.
Queensland’s shark control program killed over 980 animals in 2024, including 22 whales and dolphins
Experts say these fgures show shark nets are not efective at preventing shark encounters and instead create a false sense of security. Recent footage of a shark feeding frenzy at Snapper Rocks supports claims that nets do little to keep sharks away from swimming areas.
A Statewide Shift Needed
Cr Ndiaye said it’s time for all NSW councils to take a stand and for the State Government to overhaul its approach.
“Byron should be the example for coastal councils across Australia. We’ve shown that protecting people doesn’t have to come at the cost of killing marine life,” she said. “The NSW Government must listen to the science, listen to the community, and move toward non-lethal shark management.”
The councillors are now calling on the NSW Agriculture Minister to immediately review the Shark Meshing Program and work with councils to transition toward drone surveillance, sonar detection, and ecofriendly barriers that protect both people and marine life.
Jef Gibbs
Nicholas Hytner’s The Choral — released in Australia as part of the BFF25 British Film Festival — strikes all the right emotional notes, blending humour, history and music into a moving wartime drama. With a screenplay by the
legendary Alan Bennett, this flm ofers the kind of storytelling that feels both timeless and distinctly human.
Set in Yorkshire in 1916, during the thick of World War I, The Choral follows a small community struggling to keep its local
choral society alive as the war drains the village of its men. Into this fragile setting steps Dr Guthrie, played by Ralph Fiennes, a strict and somewhat mysterious choirmaster recently returned from Germany. He’s tasked with training a group of adolescent boys — and a handful of reluctant adults — to perform Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius
The flm delicately balances the village’s emotional scars with the resilience of those left behind. As Guthrie demands discipline from his ragtag singers, we see young voices tremble not just with song but with uncertainty about their futures. Beneath its polished surface, The Choral becomes a meditation on loss, endurance and the redemptive power of music.
Fiennes delivers a
measured, quietly commanding performance as Guthrie, managing to reveal the humanity beneath his stoic exterior.
Roger Allam and Mark Addy bring warmth and humour as long-serving choir members trying to keep spirits high, while Sonia Braga’s ethereal cameo as a war widow adds emotional depth. The younger cast, led by Taylor Uttley and Emily Fairn, provide authenticity and youthful energy that contrast beautifully with the older generation’s weariness.
Every performance feels grounded in truth — a testament to Hytner’s theatrical background and his deft ability to draw emotional honesty from ensemble casts.
It’s the music, however, that gives The Choral
PG) Sat, Sun: 1:00PM
THE BAD GUYS 2 PG) Daily except Sat, Sun: 11:10AM. Sat, Sun: 10:50AM ALL FILMS
AFTER THE HUNT (MA15+) Daily except Wed: 10:45AM. Wed: 10:30AM
BUGONIA MA15+ Daily: 10:45AM, 2:10PM, 8:15PM
CHAINSAW MAN –THE MOVIE: REZE ARC ( SUBBED) (MA15+) Thurs, Sat, Sun, Mon: 3:20PM, 8:40PM. Fri: 3:20PM, 8:20PM. Tues: 3:20PM, 8:30PM. Wed: 3:20PM, 6:20PM
DIE, MY LOVE (CTC NFT Daily except Fri, Wed: 1:10PM, 5:50PM, 8:15PM. Fri, Wed: 1:10PM, 5:50PM, 8:30PM
FRANKENSTEIN (MA15+)
Daily except Mon: 10:45AM, 3:20PM, 8:00PM. Mon: 10:45AM, 3:00PM, 8:00PM GOOD FORTUNE M)
Daily except Sun, Mon: 1:00PM, 8:30PM. Sun: 1:00PM, 6:30PM, 8:30PM. Mon: 12:50PM, 8:40PM
JOURNEY HOME, DAVID GULPILIL (M Daily except Sat, Sun: 11:00AM, 1:20PM. Sat, Sun: 11:00AM
KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN M) NFT Daily: 12:20PM, 3:00PM, 5:45PM
ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER M)
Daily except Mon: 11:00AM, 3:10PM, 7:00PM. Mon: 11:00AM, 3:15PM, 7:00PM
PREDATOR: BADLANDS (M NFT
Thurs, Sun, Tues: 1:40PM, 4:40PM, 6:00PM, 8:40PM. Fri: 1:40PM, 4:40PM, 6:15PM, 8:30PM. Sat, Mon: 1:40PM, 4:40PM, 6:00PM, 8:30PM. Wed: 1:40PM, 4:40PM, 6:30PM, 8:40PM PRIME MINISTER (M NFT Daily except Mon: 10:50AM, 3:40PM, 6:20PM. Mon: 10:45AM, 3:40PM, 5:50PM
REGRETTING YOU (M Thurs, Sat, Sun, Tues: 1:30PM, 4:00PM, 8:00PM. Fri, Mon: 1:30PM, 3:50PM, 8:00PM. Wed: 1:20PM, 3:50PM, 8:00PM
its true heartbeat.
Edward Elgar’s soaring compositions echo through the flm, transforming from background score into a character of their own. The choral sequences are shot with reverence and grace, showing how song can unify a community even as the world outside falls apart. The cinematography, with its soft Yorkshire light and muted tones, enhances the sense of both beauty and melancholy.
The Choral marks Alan Bennett’s frst original flm script in over two decades, reuniting him with Hytner after their acclaimed collaborations on The History Boys and The Lady in the Van. The flm was shot on location in Saltaire and along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, grounding it frmly in its northern roots. It also premiered at the
SIGNORINELLA: LITTLE MISS (PG Thurs, Mon: 11:15AM, 4:00PM. Fri, Tues, Wed: 11:15AM, 4:00PM, 6:00PM. Sat, Sun: 4:00PM, 6:00PM SPRINGSTEEN: DELIVER ME FROM NOWHERE (M Daily: 1:00PM, 3:30PM, 5:30PM, 8:30PM TRAIN DREAMS (M NFT Daily except Mon: 1:10PM, 6:20PM. Mon: 1:10PM, 6:30PM
Toronto International Film Festival before heading to Australian screens through the British Film Festival, where it’s already gaining acclaim for its emotional depth and musical splendour.
For Australian audiences, The Choral is more than a period drama — it’s a tribute to resilience and the shared joy that comes from creation in hard times. Viewers will fnd echoes of their own communities in its celebration of togetherness and cultural pride. Though deliberate in pace, the flm rewards patience with emotional crescendos that linger long after the credits.
Rating: «««« (4.5/5)
A beautifully sung, deeply felt flm that reminds us — even amid chaos — harmony can still be found.
A PAW PATROL CHRISTMAS (G) Thurs, Fri, Mon, Tues: 10:30AM. Sat, Sun: 10:15AM BLACK PHONE 2 (MA15+ Daily: 2:45PM DIE, MY LOVE (CTC) NFT Thurs, Fri, Mon, Tues: 12:00PM, 7:30PM. Sat, Sun: 11:45AM, 7:30PM. Wed: 2:45PM, 7:30PM PREDATOR: BADLANDS (M NFT
Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun: 12:30PM, 5:10PM, 7:30PM. Mon, Tues: 3:10PM, 5:10PM, 7:30PM. Wed: 12:15PM, 5:10PM, 7:30PM
REGRETTING YOU (M Thurs, Fri, Wed: 2:30PM, 5:00PM, 7:20PM. Sat, Sun: 5:00PM, 7:20PM. Mon, Tues: 2:30PM, 5:00PM, 7:30PM
SIGNORINELLA: LITTLE MISS PG) Daily except Sat, Sun: 10:15AM. Sat, Sun: 10:00AM
SPRINGSTEEN: DELIVER ME FROM NOWHERE M) Thurs, Fri: 2:40PM. Sat, Sun: 2:20PM. Mon, Tues, Wed: 12:15PM
THE AFRICAN QUEEN (PG MATINEE MEMORIES Wed: 10:00AM
THE TRAVELLERS M) Thurs, Fri, Wed: 10:20AM, 5:15PM. Sat, Sun: 10:00AM, 5:15PM. Mon, Tues: 10:20AM, 5:30PM
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 Ian Paice is best known as the drummer of which famous band?
(a) Dire Straits
(b) Deep Purple
(c) Bon Jovi
(d) Led Zeppelin
2 Which of the following words describes a very rich businessman with a great deal of political influence?
(a) Autarchy (b) Mien
(c) Fiduciary
(d) Oligarch
3 How many teams played in the first AFLW season?
(a) Four (b) Six (c) Eight (d) Ten
WHICH WORDS
Which is the correct meaning for these words?
1 ATROPHY
(a) A courtyard surrounded by colonnades
(b) A wasting away
(c) Tendency to develop allergic reactions
2 EMANCIPATE
(a) To make lean
(b) To free from restraint
(c) To render effeminate
3 FISTIC
(a) Capable of being split (b) Pugilistic
(c) Relating to the public treasury
4 ONEROUS (a) Burdensome
(b) In progress
(c) Looking on
5 VACUITY
(a) The conduct of a vagrant
(b) The state of being empty
(c) Estimated worth
4 In February 2019, Gitega became the capital city of which country?
(a) Guatemala (b) Burundi
(c) Zimbabwe
(d) Finland
(a) Gregor Mendel
(b) Nikola Tesla (c) Johannes Kepler (d) Ernest Rutherford
6 LKR is the currency code for the official currency of which country?
(a) Sri Lanka
(b) Luxembourg (c) Sweden (d) Lesotho
5 The SI-derived unit of magnetic flux density was named after which scientist?
FRIDAY
ABC TV, 8.35pm
Whether your memories of ctional French detective Jules Maigret feature Richard Harris, Michael Gambon, Gérard Depardieu or even Rowan Atkinson, this modern British adaptation o ers an enticing update for Georges Simenon’s iconic character. This time, Benjamin Wainwright (Belgravia: The Next Chapter) brings a deadpan sense of humour to his Maigret, a relatively young chief inspector who prefers not to play by the rules of the Parisian police. In Friday’s premiere, he’s tasked with investigating a series of bank robberies, but instead is drawn to the murder that his colleague Foulon (Jack Deam) is working on. He decides to juggle both cases, racing to solve them before he gets himself red.
SATURDAY
10 DRAMA, 4.30pm
For reigning A-League Men champions Melbourne City and premiers Auckland FC, the rst three rounds of this season have almost been a warm-up for Saturday’s dynamite derbies. Each faces their ercest rivals (Melbourne Victory and Wellington Phoenix respectively) in an unmissable double-header. Auckland managed to top the table in their rst season, coming out ahead of their neighbours in all three of their matches. While the Kiwi rivalry is just getting started, the Melbourne clash has a long and storied history, with the crowd antics almost as electric as what unfolds on the pitch. The action is live from Sky Stadium at 5pm (AEDT), before the 50th Melbourne Derby kicks o at AAMI Park from 7.35pm (AEDT).
MONDAY
ABC TV (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (6)
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Portrait Artist Of The Year. (R) 11.00 The Following Events Are Based On A Pack Of Lies. (Ml, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon.
1.00 The Newsreader. (Ml, R) 1.55 Grand Designs Australia. (R) 2.50 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery. (PG, R) 3.25 Grand Designs Revisited. (R) 4.10 Long Lost Family. (R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.00 QI. (PGals, R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.35 Gardening Australia. Costa Georgiadis supercharges veggie soil.
8.35 Maigret. (Premiere, M) Maigret must choose between his sense of justice and his career when a burglar is found murdered.
9.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Tom Gleeson grills four fan favourites who are experts on topics in a comedic quiz show.
10.00 Crime Night! (PG, R) Hosted by Julia Zemiro.
10.30 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)
11.00 ABC Late News.
11.15 Silent Witness. (Mad, R)
12.15 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.20 Boswell And Johnson’s Scottish Road Trip. (PGal, R) 10.10 Confucius Was A Foodie. (R) 11.00 The Adriatic Sea. (PGaw) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 The Cancer Killers. (R) 3.00 Nula. 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Michael Palin In Nigeria. (PGaw, 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 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Why Cities Flood. (PGa)
8.30 Nick Knowles Into Death Valley. (PG, R) Nick Knowles explores Death Valley.
9.25 Ancient Builders Of The Amazon. (PG, R) A look at the Amazon’s ancient civilisations.
10.25 SBS World News Late.
10.55 Sisi. (Mansv, R)
11.55 Rogue Heroes. (Mlv, R)
2.05 London: 2,000 Years Of History. (PG, R)
3.00 Curious Traveller. (R)
4.30 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
(31) 6am Children’s Programs. 11.55 Thomas And Friends. 12.45pm Vida The Vet. 2.15 Thomas And Friends. 2.50 Gardening Australia Junior. 3.05 Play School. 3.55 Stan Can. 4.10 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 4.25 Super Monsters. 5.30 Peter Rabbit. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.00 TBA. 8.30 Hard Quiz Kids. 9.00 Robot Wars. 10.00 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Morning Programs. 11.45 DW The Day. 12.15pm Birdsville Or Bust: Untold Australia. 1.20 The Bee Whisperer. 2.10 A Fork In Australia. 3.10 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. 10.30 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. 11.25 Liam Gallagher: Knebworth 22. 1.05am Letterkenny. 3.35 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.
6.00 7News Local.
6.30 7News @ 6:30.
7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.
8.30 MOVIE: The Bourne Legacy. (2012, Mav, R) A top-secret government project, involving the creation of super soldiers, is threatened with exposure when one of the operatives escapes their clutches and sets out to ensure his survival. Jeremy Renner, Rachel Weisz, Edward Norton. 11.15 GetOn Extra. A look at the weekend’s best racing.
11.45 Motorway Patrol. (PGadl, R)
12.15 Healthy, Wealthy & Wise. (PG, R)
1.15 In Plain Sight. (Madv)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
5.00 NBC Today.
6am Surf Patrol. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Animal Rescue. 8.30 Gatecrashers. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Healthy, Wealthy & Wise. 1.00 DVine Living. 1.30 Weekender. 2.00 House Of Wellness. 3.00 One Road: Great Australian Road Trips. 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 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 11.30 Late Programs.
ABC TV, 8.30pm
Every three years, Australians make their way to the school, church or community centre to line up, number a couple of slips of paper and sco down a sausage in bread –civic duty done. But there’s a lot more to our democracy than what goes down on election day. In this informative three-part series, Annabel Crabb (Kitchen Cabinet) explores the more unique aspects of our electoral system, with help from politicians, experts, journalists and even some former PMs. In Monday’s premiere, “Fairness”, Crabb examines the preferential voting system and the distinctly Australian invention of an independent, permanent election authority. It’s more fun than it sounds.
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current A air.
7.30 David Attenborough’s Asia: Crowded Continent. (PG) Presented by Sir David Attenborough.
8.40 MOVIE: The Dry. (2020, MA15+alv, R) A federal agent returns to his home town in regional Victoria to attend the funeral of a childhood friend. Eric Bana, Matt Nable, Genevieve O’Reilly.
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)
6am Danger Man. 7.00
6.00 10 News+. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer.
7.30 The Dog House UK. (Premiere, PGa) Breeze the American bulldog meets Charlotte.
8.30 House Hunters Australia. (R) Newlyweds must decide between inner-city Sydney and suburban North Shore for their rst home. 9.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Ml, R) Graham Norton is joined on the couch by Bruce Springsteen, Amy Adams, Vanessa Williams, Bill Bailey and St. Vincent. 10.30 10’s Late News. 10.55 10 News+. (R) 11.55 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R)
Of
Restless. 1.30
9GO! (83) 6am Dean Spanley. (2008, PG) 8.05 The Movie Show. 8.35 Spit re. (2018, PG) 10.25 Brother’s Keeper. (2021, M, Kurdish) Noon Blue Jean. (2022, M) 1.50 All Quiet On The Western Front. (1979, PG) 4.35 The Chaperone. (2018, PG) 6.35 Enigma. (1982) 8.30
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 Pretty Little Liars. 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: The Addams Family 2. (2021, PG) 9.20 MOVIE: Chaos Walking. (2021, M)
SATURDAY, November 8
6.00 Rage Charts. (PG) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Beyond Paradise. (PG, R) 1.30 Maigret. (M, R) 2.20 All Creatures Great And Small. (PG, R) 3.10 Last Night Of The Proms. 4.50 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 5.25 Landline. (R) 5.55 Australian Story. (Final, R) 6.00 WorldWatch. 9.05 Matched. (R) 10.00 Beyond The Beaten Path. (PG, R) 10.55 Travel Quest. (R) 11.55 BBC News At Ten. 12.25 France 24. 12.55 Soccer. Australian C’ship. Round 5. Sydney Olympic FC v Moreton City Excelsior FC. 3.00 Soccer. Australian C’ship. Round 5. South Melbourne FC v Broadmeadow Magic FC. 5.30 The Irish Civil War. (PGaw, R) 6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. Five Diamonds Ladies Day and Charity Raceday. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)
6.25 I Was Actually There: Cronulla Riots. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Beyond Paradise. (Final, PG) Chaos ensues at Humphrey and Martha’s wedding. 8.30 Return To Paradise. (Final, Mav, R) Mackenzie investigates when a mine owner is found dead in his locked bedsit.
9.25 The Following Events Are Based On A Pack Of Lies. (Final, MA15+l, R) Cheryl and Alice discover that in order to really challenge Rob, they will have to stop playing by the rules.
10.30 Neighbours Does Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 11.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Royal Homes. (PG)
8.25 A Year At Kylemore Abbey. 9.25 Japan: World’s Most Punctual Train. (PG, R)
10.20 The Hospital: In The Deep End. (Ma, R)
11.25 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Mv, R)
2.50 Curious Traveller. (R)
4.25 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
(31) 6am Children’s Programs. 3.30pm Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge. 3.45 We’re Going On A Bear Hunt. 4.20 Millie Magni cent. 4.45 Gardening Australia Junior. 5.10 Daniel Tiger’s. 6.30 Paddington. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.30 Hard Quiz Kids. 8.00 Kids BBQ Championship. (Final) 8.40 Chopped Jnr. 9.20 Fresh O The Boat. 10.05 Abbott Elementary. 10.25 Speechless. 10.45 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Morning Programs. 2.30pm A Fork In The Road. 3.40 WorldWatch. 5.40 Mastermind Aust. 6.40 Mysteries From Above. 7.35 Impossible Engineering. 8.30 Eddie Murphy: Hollywood’s Black King. 9.30 The Idea Of Australia. 10.30 Big Fat Quiz Best Bits: Ultimate Jokes. 11.30 Snowpiercer. 1.20am Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over USA. 4.00 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.
ABC ENTERTAINS (23)
SBS MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm ER. 2.15 My Family. 3.05 Heartbreak High. 3.50 Portrait Artist Of The Year. 4.40 MythBusters. 5.30 Amazing Spaces. 6.15 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent Down Under. 7.05 Spicks And Specks. 7.35 QI. 8.05 Live At The Apollo. 8.50 The Stand Up Sketch Show. 9.15 Ab Fab. 10.40 ER. 11.25 My Family. 12.15am Rage. 1.15 QI. 1.50 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Healthy, Wealthy & Wise. (PG) Presented by Chrissie Swan.
8.00 MOVIE: Independence Day. (1996, Mv, R) The US president and his motley group of allies battle to save Earth from an armada of attacking aliens. Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Je Goldblum.
11.00 MOVIE: 65. (2023, Mv, R) An astronaut crash lands on prehistoric Earth. Adam Driver.
1.00 In Plain Sight. (Madv)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R) Hosted by Simon Reeve.
5.00 House Of Wellness. (PGa, R)
(62)
6am Shopping. 8.30 Travel Oz. 9.30 Better Homes. 11.00 Harry’s Practice. 11.30 GetOn Extra. Noon Hornby: A Model Empire. 2.00 Better Homes. 4.30 Harry’s Practice. 5.00 Horse Racing. Five Diamonds Ladies Day and Charity Raceday. 5.30 Animal Rescue. 6.00 Dog Patrol. 6.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 11.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 1.30am The Great Australian Doorstep. 2.00 Late Programs.
7MATE (64)
6.00 Getaway. (PG, R) The team holidays in Hawaii. 6.30 A Current A air. (R)
6.00 NBN News.
7.00 A Current A air.
7.30 MOVIE: Speed 2: Cruise Control. (1997, Mv, R) A computer genius disables a cruise ship. Sandra Bullock.
9.55 MOVIE: Exit Wounds. (2001, MA15+lv, R) Steven Seagal. 11.50 Next Stop. (R)
12.30 Australia’s Top Ten Of Everything. (PGal, R)
1.30 Rugby League. Ashes Tour. Third Test. England v Australia.
3.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Dr Chris Brown. 7.30 Selling Houses Australia. (PGa) A woman with too many items wants to sell her house. 8.30 Ambulance UK. (Ml, R) Multiple crews, including police and re, are dispatched after a suicidal patient phones in a bomb threat. 9.45 Gogglebox Australia. (Final,
9GO! (83)
6am The Movie Show. 6.15 Enigma. (1982) 8.10 Dean Spanley. (2008, PG) 10.05 Only The Brave. (2017, M) 12.35pm The Heartbreak Kid. (1993, M) 2.25 Spit re. (2018, PG) 4.15 Under The Cover Of Cloud. (2018, PG) 5.55 Thirteen Days. (2000, PG) 8.30 Six Minutes To Midnight. (2020, M) 10.20 Bang Gang (A Modern Love Story) (2015, MA15+, French) 12.10am Late Programs. COMEDY (52)
6am Morning Programs. 11.30 Life O Road. Noon Garage 41. 12.30 Timbersports. 1.00 Blokesworld. 1.30 Dipper’s Destinations. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 Football. AFL Women’s. First elimination nal. Carlton v West Coast. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Football. AFL Women’s. Finals Series. 9.15 MOVIE: Spider-Man: Far From Home. (2019, M) 11.55 Late Programs. 6am
6am Morning Programs. 9.00 MOVIE: The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part. (2019, PG) 11.00 NHL. Detroit Red Wings v New York Rangers. 2pm English Premier League. Nottingham Forest v Manchester United. Replay. 4.00 Hot Wheels. (Final) 5.00 Young Sheldon. 5.25 MOVIE: DC League Of Super-Pets. (2022, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug. (2013, M) 11.10 Late Programs.
(53) NITV (34) SBS FOOD (33)
9.40 The Layover. 10.30 Late Programs.
SUNDAY, November 9
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Brekky. 9.00 Insiders. 10.00 O siders. 10.30 World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PGa, R) 11.30 Songs Of Praise. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 2.30 Miriam & Alan: Lost In Scotland And Beyond… (PG, R) 3.15 Long Lost Family. (R) 4.10 The Role Of A Lifetime. (PGns, R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.00 Grand Designs Australia. (R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Spicks And Specks. (PG)
8.00 Portrait Artist Of The Year. Nine artists compete to create celebrity portraits.
8.50 The Forsytes. (Premiere, PG) Looks at the lives of a wealthy late Victorian family.
9.45 MOVIE: Priscilla Queen Of The Desert. (1994, Mals, R) Drag queens travel across the Australian desert. Guy Pearce. 11.25 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 11.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.00 Ask The Doctor. (R)
3.30 The Art Of... (Ml, R)
4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (R)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Morning Programs. 11.40 MOVIE: Happy Halloween, Scooby-Doo! (2020, PG) 1.05pm Tales From Zambia. 1.55 Nula. 2.25 Black Angels. 3.25 Tales From The Daly. 3.45 The First Inventors. 4.35 Homesteads. 5.05 Paci c Island Food Revolution. 6.05 Amplify. 6.40 The Other Side. 7.30 Alone Australia. 8.30 MOVIE: Friday The 13th. (1980, MA15+) 10.10 MOVIE: Under The Cherry Moon. (1986, M) 11.55 Late Programs.
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.10 Matched. (PG, R) 10.05 Beyond The Beaten Path. (PGal, R) 11.00 Paul O’Grady For The Love Of Dogs: India. (PGa, R) 12.00 APAC Weekly. 12.30 PBS Washington Week. 1.00 Motorcycle Racing. Australian Superbike C’ship. Round 8. 4.00 Gold Stars: The Story Of FIFA World Cups. (Premiere) 5.10 Freedom Is A Verb. (PG) 5.30 The Irish Civil War. (PGaw, R) 6.00 NBC Today. 7.00
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 JFK: One Day In America: Manhunt. (M) 8.25 The Castle: Rebuilding History. 9.45 Watergate High Crimes In The White House. (Mas, R) 11.25 Ancient Superstructures. (R) 12.25 MOVIE: The Endangered Generation? (2022, PGal, R)
2.00 Sue Perkins: Along the US-Mexico Border. (PGadlv, R) 4.15 Curious Traveller. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 APAC Weekly.
VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 3pm Play School. 3.30 Super Monsters. 4.45 Gardening Australia Junior. 5.10 Octonauts And The Amazon Adventure. 6.30 Paddington. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.35 The Mysterious Benedict Society. 8.05 Crongton. 8.35 Fresh O The Boat. 9.15 Abbott Elementary. 10.00 Speechless. 10.20 Merlin. 11.05 Late Programs.
ABC ENTERTAINS (23)
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 My Kitchen Rules. (PGl)
8.30 The Girl Who Caught A Killer. (Premiere, MA15+av) Looks at the tale of Rachel Watts, who at seven-years-old, miraculously survived being abducted, assaulted and left for dead.
11.20 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous. (MA15+av, R)
12.30 MOVIE: Secrets By The Shore. (2022, Mav, R)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62)
6.00 NBN News. 7.00 The Golden Bachelor. (PGas)
8.20 60 Minutes. Current a airs program.
9.20 9News Late.
9.50 Social Media Murders: The Murder Of Bianca Devins. (MA15+al)
10.50 Mobsters. (Madv)
11.45 World’s Most Dangerous Prisoners. (Mlv, R)
12.35 World’s Greatest Journeys. (PG, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
4.30 The Garden Gurus. (R)
5.00 Today Early News.
5.30 Today.
9GEM (82)
Morning Programs. 7.30 In Touch. 8.00
6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace.
7.00 Big Brother Australia. (Return, PGals) Hosted by Mel Tracina. 8.30 Ghosts Australia. (Ms) Kate’s renovation plans are derailed by a treasure hunt for Joon’s lost gold. 9.00 NCIS: Tony & Ziva. (Premiere, Mlv) With their family in danger, a couple must nd out who is behind a nefarious cyber-attack. 10.00 Matlock. (PGl, R) Matty helps Olympia.
10 News+. (R)
Home Shopping. (R)
DRAMA (51)
1.20 Secrets Of America’s Shadow Government. 2.10 Normal People. 3.00 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 9.30 The Great Australian Doorstep. (Return) 10.00 House Of Wellness. 11.00 Healthy, Wealthy & Wise. Noon Escape To The Country. 1.00 The Surgery Ship. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Escape To The Country. 3.30 Hornby: A Model Empire. 4.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 The Marlow Murder Club. 8.30 Vera. 10.30 The Thief, His Wife And The Canoe. 11.30 Late Programs. 6am Shopping. 8.00 Reel Action. 8.30 Camper Deals. 9.30 Navigating The World. 10.30 Judge Judy. 11.00 JAG. 4pm I Fish. 4.30
9GO! (83)
6am Under The Cover Of Cloud. Continued. (2018, PG) 6.30 The Movie Show. 7.00 The Chaperone. (2018, PG) 8.55 Thirteen Days. (2000, PG) 11.30 Six Minutes To Midnight. (2020, M) 1.20pm The Assistant. (2019, M) 2.55 Enigma. (1982) 4.45 It All Began When I Met You. (2013, PG, Japanese) 6.40 Loophole. (1981) 8.30 Ka Whawhai Tonu. (2024, M, Maori) 10.45 Late Programs.
COMEDY (52) 7MATE (64) SBS MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 2.10pm ER. 2.55 Heartbreak High. 3.40 A Bite To Eat. 4.05 Would I Lie To You? 4.40 MythBusters. 5.30 Amazing Spaces. 6.15 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent Down Under. 7.05 Spicks And Specks. 7.35 QI. 8.05 Louis Theroux: Under The Knife. 9.05 Planet America: Wknd Ed. 9.55 O siders. 10.25 ER. 11.10 My Family. 11.40 Rage. 12.45am Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 1pm Fishing Addiction. 2.00 Red’s Fishing Adventures. 2.30 Al McGlashan’s Fish’n With Mates. 3.00 Football. AFL. Women’s. Second elimination nal. Adelaide v St Kilda. 5.00 Cricket. Women’s Big Bash League. Match 2. Sydney Thunder v Hobart Hurricanes. 8.30 Cricket. Women’s Big Bash League. Match 3. Perth Scorchers v Sydney Sixers. Midnight Late Programs. 6am Deal Or No Deal. 8.00 King Of Queens.
6am Morning Programs. 10.30 English Premier League. Tottenham v Chelsea. Replay. 12.30pm WNBL. Adelaide v Sydney. 2.30 Cards And Collectables Australia. 3.00 Big Rigs Of Oz. 3.30 IndyCar Series. Milwaukee Mile. H’lights. 4.30 Young Sheldon. 5.00 Dinner With The Parents. 5.30 MOVIE: The Lego Batman Movie. (2017, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Batman. (1989, PG) 10.05 Late Programs.
TD I Today’s target: 10 words average 14 words good 18+ 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
ARIES (Mar 21 - Apr 19)
Finances, joint ventures, secret deals and trust issues are on the table! The Super Full Moon (on Wednesday night) highlights hiccups involving self-esteem and/or financial management. Strive to be less impulsive and extravagant, and more cautious with cash and credit. And Uranus also opposes Mars, so don’t spoil a potentially positive week by being physically reckless or making inappropriate comments. Slow down and consult with others along the way.
TAURUS (Apr 20 - May 20)
The Super Full Moon (in your sign) emphasises your practical side, so do your best to handle current situations in a suitably sensible and pragmatic fashion. When it comes to a romance, work partnership or joint venture, avoid getting stuck in a rut. The planets push you to find creative ways to express yourself personally and within relationships. But is someone exaggerating or trying to manipulate you? Keep your Bulldust Detector switched onto high.
GEMINI (May 21 - June 20)
With the help of the Super Full Moon, use the power of your imagination and intuition to get to the bottom of a problem that’s been bothering you. If you listen to the wisdom of your inner voice (and pay attention to the symbolism in your dreams) it will point you in the right direction. Be proactive about working constructively with a colleague or communicating creatively with a friend. But don’t get carried away and promise more than you can deliver.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
The silvery, ever-changeable Moon is your power planet, and many sensitive Crabs feel emotionally volatile and vulnerable around the time of the Full Moon. This week’s Super Full Moon is in earthy, stable Taurus, so you’ll probably feel more grounded (and less moody) than usual. But you still need to be extra careful and consistent in the way you communicate with other people –especially children, teenagers, work colleagues and close friends.
LEO (July 23 - Aug 22)
Get cracking, Cats – especially at home and work!
It’s one of the most proactive and productive weeks of the year as the Sun, Super Full Moon, Venus, Mars and Uranus fire up your career and domestic zones. Relationships with colleagues and relatives should improve, as long as you’re not being a right royal bossy boots. Catching up with delayed chores and overdue DIY projects in your Lion’s den is particularly favoured, so strike while the iron is hot.
VIRGO (Aug 23 - Sep 22)
When it comes to romance, do you have ridiculously high expectations? Have you placed your partner (or imagined partner) on a towering pedestal? With Neptune and Saturn both transiting through your relationship zone, stop expecting the perfect soulmate and, instead, be prepared to love a real flesh-and-bones person … faults and all. As singer, songwriter (and birthday great) Joni Mitchell sings: “I’ve looked at love from both sides now, from up and down …”
LIBRA (Sep 23 - Oct 22)
Stylish Librans appreciate quality and luxury, but don’t overdo it or you’ll end up being the most beautiful bankrupt on the block! This week, the Sun, Super Full Moon, Venus and Mars stimulate your money and self-esteem zones. So, it’s time to get your finances in order, work out a new budget, and plan to live in a more sustainable way. On the weekend, the Venus/Pluto square could stir up obsessive thoughts or jealous feelings about a lover or friend.
SCORPIO (Oct 23 - Nov 21)
What a dramatic week! There’s a Super Full Moon in your relationship and joint ventures zones, and then Venus (transiting through your sign) squares Pluto (your ruling planet). So, start flexing your adaptability muscles and expect some thrills and spills along the way. Your motto for the moment is from Scorpio singer-songwriter-musician Neil Young (who turns 80 next week): “As you go through life, you’ve got to see the valleys as well as the peaks.”
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 - Dec 21)
You’ll be at your chatty and charming best, as Mercury and Mars both transit through your sign. So, it’s a wonderful week to create, collaborate and communicate in your friendly Sagittarian way. As writer (and birthday great) Albert Camus wrote: “Charm is the way of getting the answer ‘yes’, without having asked any clear question.” But avoid making impulsive, half-baked relationship decisions. Slow down, take your time and think things through.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22 - Jan 19)
Attached Caps – with Jupiter transiting through your relationship zone, maintain your independence within the partnership. Singles –love and travel are linked. The planets also highlight professional and volunteer work plus long-term career planning. Success will be more satisfying if you are patient and disciplined, as you follow your chosen path. Be inspired by actress (and birthday great) Sally Field: “Your journey is unique; don’t compare it to others.”
AQUARIUS (Jan 20 - Feb 18)
The Super Full Moon and fiery Mars/Uranus opposition could stir up your restless and reckless side, as you unleash your Inner Rebel. But try to do so in appropriate ways that don’t upset loved ones, antagonise authority figures, or endanger your personal safety! A professional or domestic change could also test your mettle. Be inspired by birthday great, singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell: “Life is a series of changes. Don’t resist them – that only creates sorrow.”
PISCES (Feb 19 - Mar 20)
You’re in the mood to book an adventurous holiday or plan a new course of study. But – on the weekend – hidden tensions could bubble to the surface with a family member, neighbour or work colleague. Be extra diplomatic and try not to take criticism personally. Social media is also a potential minefield, as Uranus and the Super Full Moon stir up your communication zone. So be careful you don’t send the wrong message to the wrong person at the wrong time!
Jef Gibbs
The spirit of giving is alive and well in Byron Bay, with the Byron Community Centre launching its annual Adopt a Family Christmas Hamper Appeal — a heartfelt initiative helping local families in need celebrate the festive season with dignity and joy.
Running from 1 November to 12 December 2025, the campaign invites locals, businesses, and community groups to “adopt” a family doing it tough by preparing a festive hamper flled with gifts, vouchers, and food valued at around $100. These hampers will be distributed to families identifed through partnerships with Fletcher Street
Cottage and Liberation Larder, two vital community support services.
Renuka Nicail, Customer Service Coordinator at the Byron Community Centre, said the annual appeal brings out the very
best in the community.
“Every year, we see people go above and beyond to create something special for a family in need. It’s incredibly moving and truly refects the spirit of Byron.”
Each hamper represents more than just Christmas essentials— it’s a symbol of kindness and connection. Bec Robinson, Relationships Manager, said the campaign gives people a chance to make a tangible diference.
“Every hamper is a message of care, dignity, and solidarity with those facing tough times. It reminds families they’re not alone.”
For many families supported by Fletcher Street Cottage, Christmas can be a difcult and isolating
time. Damian Farrell, Manager of the Cottage, highlighted the powerful emotional impact of the program.
“A simple hamper can bring back a sense of hope and create a moment of joy when it’s needed most, especially for children.”
How to Get Involved:
l Adopt a Family – Contact the Byron Community Centre on (02) 6685 6807 or email reception@byroncentre.com.
au to be matched with a local family.
l Create a Hamper – Fill it with family-friendly gifts, nonperishable food, and vouchers valued at approximately $100.
l Drop It Of – Deliver hampers to the Byron Community Centre
by Friday 12 December, ready for distribution before Christmas.
From 24 November,locals can also share messages of kindness on the Kindness Tree in the Centre’s foyer—another simple but powerful way to show support.
Those unable to assemble a hamper can still contribute to the Byron Cares Christmas for All Appeal for Fletcher Street Cottage. Donations go directly toward emergency relief, meals, and housing support for vulnerable individuals and families.
For details or to donate, visit www.fetcherstreetcottage.com.au www.byroncentre.com.au.
From glamorous galas to gourmet gatherings, the Northern Rivers is buzzing with events that celebrate community, creativity and local favour this November. Here are some highlights to pencil into your diary.
When: Saturday, November 8, 2025 – 6 pm to 11 pm
Where: Lismore Workers Club, Keen Street, Lismore
The Women Up North 2025 Spring Gala will see the Lismore Workers Club transformed into a dazzling venue for a night of glamour and generosity. Hosted by multi-award-winning performer Charisma Belle, this annual fundraiser supports women, children, and young people experiencing domestic and family violence. Expect an elegant evening of entertainment, fne dining, and community spirit — all for a vital local cause. Guests are encouraged to embrace the theme “Full Bloom – Glam Squad.”
When: Saturday, November 8, 2025 – Doors open 6 pm, show 6:30 pm
Where: Byron Theatre, Jonson Street, Byron Bay
Byron Theatre plays host to one of the most anticipated charity nights of the year — the Stars of Northern Rivers Gala, supporting the Cancer Council. Local personalities will take to the stage in a night flled with dazzling performances, inspiring stories, and community pride. Guests can enjoy pre-show cocktails and mingle in the VIP lounge before the main event. The dress code is cocktail attire, and tickets are
expected to sell quickly.
Oysters & Sparkling with a Side of Science – Clarence Valley
When: Saturday, November 8, 2025
Where: Clarence Valley Gallery
Food lovers and science bufs unite at this unique Clarence Valley event combining fresh local oysters, sparkling wine, and insightful talks on oyster reef restoration. Learn how the region’s pristine waterways support a thriving oyster industry while enjoying gourmet tastings and live discussions from marine experts. It’s a refreshing and distinctly Northern Rivers way to spend a
afternoon — blending education, favour and fun.
With festival season approaching, the Northern Rivers will continue to come alive with
local music, art exhibitions, open-air markets and live theatre. Whether you’re in Byron Bay, Ballina, Lismore, Kyogle, Tweed, or the Clarence Valley, there’s something happening in every corner of our creative region.
Jef Gibbs
Australia’s housing market could be on the verge of another major upswing, as demand surges, supply tightens, and homebuyers return to the market with renewed confdence. With prices already at record highs and further interest rate cuts on the horizon, economists are forecasting strong growth through 2025 and 2026. Rising Confdence and Record Prices
Consumer confdence in property is soaring, with Westpac’s latest sentiment survey showing the highest housing optimism in 15 years. Threequarters of Australians now expect home prices to rise over the next 12 months.
That optimism is matched by the numbers. National home prices reached new record highs in September, with the median house now valued at $935,000 and
the typical unit approaching $700,000. Even Melbourne— long considered a laggard— has clawed its way back to record levels.
The PropTrack Home Price Index confrms growth is accelerating since the Reserve Bank of Australia began cutting interest rates earlier this year. All four major banks have since upgraded their forecasts, now tipping a 10–15% combined rise in national home prices over the next two years. Westpac, the most bullish, expects growth of up to 9% in 2026, noting that “if demand rises 10–15% from here, sparks may fy.”
Interest Rate Cuts Fuel Borrowing Power
The Reserve Bank has cut rates three times this year, and markets are pricing in another reduction in November. Mortgage Choice data shows four quarter-point cuts could boost a household’s
borrowing power by more than $58,000 on a $500,000 loan—and over $175,000 on a $1.5 million loan.
This increase in spending capacity comes at a time when listings are historically low. Nationally, total housing stock is down 8% year-on-year and 17% below the eight-year average. Some cities are facing even tighter conditions, with listings 40% lower than average in Perth, 37% lower in Brisbane, and 33% down in Adelaide. Darwin, the standout performer, has seen property prices jump 11.4% in 12 months amid an extreme supply shortage.
Regional Markets Lead the Charge
Beyond the capitals, regional
Australia continues to outperform. Townsville remains the nation’s hottest market, with prices up 15.7% in the past year and an 80% gain since 2020. Regional Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia are all grappling with stock shortages of between 38% and 45% below average levels, further driving up prices.
First-Home Buyers Back in the Game Government policy is also helping to stoke demand. The expanded Home Guarantee Scheme now allows unlimited eligible frst-home buyers to purchase with a deposit as low as 5%. According to Westpac, one in six young Australians now has enough savings to buy a medianpriced home under the scheme— quadruple the share who could aford a 20% deposit.
Agents report a resurgence of
frst-home buyer activity, with many rushing to buy before prices climb further. The new buzzword among this group is “COMO”—compromise or miss out—as competition forces buyers to adjust expectations on property features rather than location.
The Suburbs to Watch PropTrack data highlights 70 suburbs where search activity has more than doubled in a year, largely in afordable regional pockets. In these markets, homes are often selling in under a week, a key indicator of soaring demand and limited supply.
While economists expect prices to keep rising nationwide, afordability constraints will likely temper the kind of explosive growth seen in past booms. Nonetheless, with interest rates falling, listings tight, and buyer sentiment surging, Australia’s property market looks set to remain red-hot heading into 2026.
Jef Gibbs
Interest-only home loans have climbed to their highest level in fve years, sparking renewed concerns from fnancial regulators about the rising risks of investordriven debt and its potential impact on Australia’s housing market.
According to new research by CoreLogic’s Eliza Owen (published via Cotality Australia), interest-only (IO) loans accounted for 20.4 per cent of all new housing fnance in the June quarter—the highest share since 2019. Of these, 71 per cent were issued to investors, who now make up nearly 38 per cent of all new mortgage lending, up from 25 per cent fve years ago.
Investor Activity Driving the Surge Owen said the trend had fown under the radar until recently but had now caught the attention
of the Council of Financial Regulators, which includes the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) and the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA)
“They’ve fagged that they’re monitoring this activity and the rise in potentially risky lending,” she said. “When you alter access to housing fnance, you alter the housing market itself.”
Interest-only loans are typically favoured by investors because they allow repayment of interest only—usually for the frst fve to ten years—before principal repayments begin. These loans ofer greater tax benefts under negative gearing, as investors can deduct interest payments from taxable income but not the principal.
Lessons from 2017’s Crackdown
The latest fgures have prompted comparisons with 2017, when
APRA imposed lending caps after IO loans peaked at 45.6 per cent of the market. Back then, regulators restricted interestonly lending to 30 per cent of new loans, introducing tighter serviceability and risk measures to cool excessive speculation. This time, the danger lies in the ease of access. The interest rate gap between IO and principaland-interest (P&I) loans has narrowed dramatically—now just 0.2 percentage points, compared to up to 1.8 points in 2017. That smaller premium has made IO loans more appealing to investors,
who can borrow more and delay paying of their debt.
Economists Warn of Market Exposure
AMP Chief Economist Dr Shane Oliver said the renewed investor surge echoed the “excessive risk-taking” of the last decade.
“Now that lending standards have been relaxed, we’ve seen a huge surge in investor and IO loans for the negative gearing benefts,” Dr Oliver said. “It means people are taking on more debt and not servicing that debt. While not excessive yet, it’s something the RBA and APRA are watching closely.”
Mortgage broker Rebecca Jarrett-Dalton of Two Red Shoes added that families were also using interest-only loans creatively—purchasing investment properties with plans to transfer them to children later.
“For frst home buyers,
though, these loans are harder to qualify for and more expensive over time,” she said. “Once the interest-only period ends, repayments can jump dramatically.”
Possible Ripple Efect on Property Prices
If regulators decide to act again, restrictions could push some investors out of the market, reducing demand and potentially cooling housing prices— particularly in investor-heavy areas like Sydney and Melbourne, where prices have recently returned to record highs.
For regional markets such as the Northern Rivers, where investors continue to compete with local buyers for limited stock, tighter lending conditions could bring some welcome relief. But experts warn that any regulatory tightening must strike a careful balance—supporting stability without stalling growth.
Jef Gibbs
Australia’s largest accounting body, CPA Australia, is calling on businesses to avoid cutting junior accounting and fnance roles in favour of artifcial intelligence (AI), warning that overreliance on technology could harm long-term competitiveness.
The appeal follows the release of CPA Australia’s 2025 Business Technology Report, which revealed that 19% of businesses across the Asia-Pacifc have reduced or stopped flling entry-level accounting positions due to AI tools. In Australia, that fgure is 8%, but it is expected to rise as businesses ramp up their AI investments in 2026.
CPA Australia’s Business Investment and International Lead, Gavan Ord, said the challenge lies in striking the right balance between technology and talent
“Harnessing AI for routine tasks can improve efciency, but turning over fnance functions that require accuracy and assurance to technology alone raises signifcant risks,” Mr Ord said.
“Businesses must keep people in the loop — human oversight remains essential.”
The survey of 1,117 accounting and fnance professionals also found that only 6% of businesses
are actively recruiting AI-skilled talent, despite increasing reliance on digital tools. Respondents expressed concern that organisations may be “becoming too dependent on AI with reduced human oversight.”
Mr Ord warned that losing entrylevel positions could create a future knowledge gap that AI cannot fll.
“There’s a clear link between AI adoption and business success, but without investing in people, businesses risk creating a chasm of experience and capability,” he said.
He added that while Chinese frms have led the region in automation, Australian businesses are now “catching the AI bug” — but should avoid chasing the latest tech trends without proper strategy.
“The key is to understand the problem you want AI to solve, not just adopt technology for its own sake,” Mr Ord said.
Robert Heyward
Australia’s annual infation rate has climbed sharply to 3.2 per cent in the September quarter, up from 2.1 per cent in June, as the nation grapples with higher living costs and surging energy prices. The unexpected rise has efectively dashed hopes of an interest rate cut by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) at its upcoming November 4 meeting.
According to data released
by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), consumer prices rose by 1.3 per cent in the three months to September — the fastest quarterly increase since March 2023. The main driver was a steep rise in electricity costs, which soared 9 per cent over the quarter and a staggering 23.6 per cent over the year, following the expiry of state-based power rebates across much of the country.
Energy Costs Lead Infation Surge
ABS Head of Prices Statistics Michelle Marquardt said the quarterly spike was largely driven by electricity price reviews that came into efect from July.
“Annual electricity price reviews and the end of government rebates across Queensland, Western Australia and Tasmania contributed signifcantly to the overall increase,” she said.
The RBA’s preferred measure of underlying infation — known as the trimmed mean — also rose, increasing from 2.7 per cent to 3 per cent. This was notably higher than the central bank’s forecast of 2.6 per cent by December, signalling that price pressures are proving stickier than anticipated.
Economists Rule Out Melbourne Cup Day Rate Cut
Economists across the board now agree that a Melbourne Cup Day rate cut is of the table.
Marcel Thieliant, Head of Asia Pacifc at Capital Economics, said the fgures were far stronger than expected.
“With infation vastly
overshooting the RBA’s forecasts, the bank won’t cut rates at its November meeting,” he said.
“In fact, it’s now more likely that the RBA will keep monetary policy tighter for longer to contain infation expectations.”
Ben Udy, Lead Economist at Oxford Economics Australia, described the infation data as a “knockout blow” to hopes of an imminent rate cut but said the increase was temporary rather than structural
“As electricity rebates unwind and wage growth continues to cool, we expect infation to ease meaningfully over the next 12 months,” he said.
“We’ve pencilled in two rate cuts in the frst half of 2026 once labour market conditions soften and underlying price pressures subside.”
Experts Urge Calm as Monetary Policy Holds Firm
BDO Chief Economist Anders Magnusson agreed that the spike in infation should not trigger panic, emphasising that the price surge was due to supplyside factors rather than excess consumer demand.
“There’s no need for a knee-jerk reaction,” Mr Magnusson said.
“This reinforces that the current restrictive cash rate setting is appropriate. The RBA will likely hold steady to maintain downward pressure on infation.”
Meanwhile, EY Chief Economist Cherelle Murphy said the central bank would remain cautious, balancing its infation target with growing concerns about employment.
“The RBA wants to see infation moving back to the middle of its target band,” she explained.
“If unemployment rises signifcantly, that will complicate future rate decisions — but for now, the board sees the labour market as still a little too tight.”
What It Means for Northern Rivers Households For households across the Northern Rivers,
the rise in infation means continued pressure on energy bills, fuel, groceries, and housing costs through the end of the year. While the RBA is expected to hold the cash rate at its current restrictive level, any relief in the form of rate cuts is unlikely before mid-2026
Local economists note that while infation remains a national issue, regional communities like those in Lismore, Ballina, Tweed Heads, Casino, Kyogle, and Grafton are feeling the brunt through higher household operating costs and tighter business margins.
The RBA’s next move will depend heavily on data from the December quarter — and whether infation begins to ease as energy and wage pressures moderate. Until then, both borrowers and consumers can expect the cost of living to remain a central challenge heading into the new year.
Jef Gibbs
North China is where the nation’s ancient soul meets its modern strength. From the Great Wall snaking over misty mountains to the imperial palaces of Beijing, this vast region tells the story of dynasties, philosophy, and resilience. Travellers fnd a landscape of contrasts — deserts and grasslands in Inner Mongolia, sacred peaks in Shanxi, and lively hutongs flled with laughter and aroma in the capital. Each step here reveals a chapter of Chinese history, a taste of authentic culture, and a deeper connection to one of the world’s oldest civilisations.
• Beijing – The political and cultural heart of China. Explore the Forbidden City, walk the Great Wall at Mutianyu or Jinshanling, and relax in the historic Summer Palace. Stroll through traditional hutongs for a glimpse of local life and sample Beijing’s iconic roast duck.
• Datong, Shanxi Province – A city rich in Buddhist heritage. The Yungang Grottoes feature thousands of ancient statues carved into sandstone clifs, while the Hanging Temple clings dramatically to a mountain face near Hengshan.
• Pingyao Ancient City
– A perfectly preserved Ming dynasty town surrounded by intact walls. Its cobblestone streets, red lanterns, and traditional courtyards ofer a journey back in time.
• Inner Mongolia Grasslands – Experience the vast steppe, where nomads still herd sheep and horses. Stay in a Mongolian yurt, ride horses across the plains, and attend summer Naadam festivals featuring wrestling, archery, and horse racing.
• Qinhuangdao and Beidaihe – Coastal escapes known for beaches and seafood, where the Great Wall meets the sea at Shanhaiguan Pass, an iconic symbol of China’s ancient defences.
5 Best Deals and How to Save Money
• Travel in Shoulder Season – Late spring
(April–June) and autumn (September–October) ofer mild weather and reduced accommodation costs.
• Use China’s HighSpeed Rail – Fast, comfortable, and often cheaper than fying between cities.
• Eat Where Locals Eat – Noodle houses and dumpling shops serve hearty meals for under $3 AUD.
• Metro Cards – In cities like Beijing and Tianjin, day passes save money on unlimited rides.
• Book Online – Platforms like Trip.com often have better deals for hotels and attractions.
5 Essential Travel
• Language Barrier –English is limited outside major cities. Download ofine translation apps and carry hotel cards in Chinese.
• Internet Access – Some sites are restricted; use apps like WeChat, Baidu Maps, and Ctrip for local navigation and booking.
• Respect Local Customs
– Always use both hands when giving or receiving items, and avoid sticking chopsticks upright in bowls.
• Air Quality Awareness
– Carry a light mask in urban areas during winter
• Luxury: The Peninsula Beijing (5«) – Grand suites, impeccable service, and close to Wangfujing shopping.
• Mid-Range: Shanxi Grand Hotel (4«, Taiyuan)
– Ideal for business and leisure, featuring modern comforts and local cuisine.
• Budget: Pingyao Harmony Guesthouse (2«) –Traditional courtyard charm with afordable rates.
The Chinese Yuan (CNY) is the local currency. As of 2025, 1 AUD equals about 4.7 CNY.
• Budget Travellers: $60–90 AUD daily covers hostels, street food, and public transport.
• Mid-Range Travellers: $120–180 AUD includes boutique hotels, trains, and restaurant dining.
• Luxury Travellers: $250+ AUD for fve-star hotels, private guides, and exclusive excursions.
or pollution peaks.
• Cash and Cards
– Mobile payments dominate; however, cash is still useful in smaller towns. Alipay and WeChat Pay accept foreign cards through verifcation.
High-speed trains efciently link major cities like Beijing, Tianjin, Datong, and Hohhot. Within cities, subways and buses are modern and cheap. Taxis are metered, but apps like DiDi are more convenient. For rural or remote areas, hiring a driver is worthwhile for fexibility and comfort.
North China embodies the essence of the nation— ancient, enduring, and endlessly fascinating. From imperial wonders to vast grasslands, travellers uncover both the majesty and humility of a civilisation that shaped the world. Whether exploring bustling Beijing or peaceful Pingyao, every journey here is a bridge between China’s past and present. 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)
Jef Gibbs
The long-awaited Tesla Roadster 2025 is fnally gearing up for an Australian debut, bringing cutting-edge technology and record-breaking performance to local roads. As Tesla’s fagship sports EV, this model promises to redefne what’s possible in electric motoring — though for Australian enthusiasts, the journey to ownership may still involve a bit of patience.
Tesla describes the new Roadster as “the quickest car in the world,” and early fgures support that bold claim.
The tri-motor, all-wheeldrive setup is said to launch from 0–100
km/h in under two seconds, with top speeds exceeding 400 km/h. Such performance, once thought impossible for an electric car, places it frmly among the world’s elite supercars.
This EV rocket doesn’t just boast raw power — it combines precision aerodynamics with a lightweight body and a removable glass roof for open-air thrills. The model also features Tesla’s advanced software ecosystem, including over-the-air updates and adaptive systems designed to evolve over time.
Perhaps even more remarkable is the Roadster’s projected 1,000 km driving range on a single charge under ideal conditions. If achieved in Australian models, it would make the Roadster the longest-range production EV ever sold locally — an important advantage for drivers navigating regional and longdistance routes.
However, Tesla has yet to confrm whether this fgure will hold true under Australian testing standards or what fnal specifcations local buyers can expect.
The two-seat design, while sleek and performance-focused, makes the Roadster more of a weekend powerhouse than a
daily commuter.
While the Tesla Roadster 2025 is listed on Tesla’s Australian website, a frm delivery date remains unconfrmed. Industry sources suggest the car could cost around AUD$318,000, though Tesla has not ofcially released Australian pricing or option details.
As with previous Tesla launches, local buyers may face a waiting period as the company prioritises global rollouts before fulflling Australian orders. Import and compliance with Australian Design Rules will also play a role in timing. Despite these uncertainties, excitement is building. For EV enthusiasts across the Northern Rivers and beyond, the Roadster symbolises the next leap in performance motoring — a glimpse into the all-electric supercar era that’s edging closer to reality.
Whether it’s the speed, the silence, or the science, the Tesla Roadster 2025 is a statement piece for the future of automotive design. When it fnally arrives, it won’t just be another car on the road — it will be proof that sustainability and adrenaline can share the same driveway.
Jef Gibbs
A bold new player from China is turning heads in the of-road world — and it could soon give the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series and Nissan Patrol a serious run for their money. Electric vehicle maker Leapmotor has unveiled its latest creation, the Leapmotor D19, a massive 400kW of-roader built to conquer deserts, mountains and everything in between — including, potentially, the rugged terrain of the Northern Rivers.
The Leapmotor D19 is not your typical SUV. Built on the company’s new “Architecture 3.5” platform, it comes with two powertrain options — a full battery-electric version and a rangeextender electric (REEV) variant. The REEV model is especially interesting, pairing twin electric motors with a petrol engine that acts as a generator to recharge the large 80.3kWh battery. This setup delivers more than 400kW of power, allowing the D19 to move with the kind of instant torque and force only electric drivetrains can produce. The system also promises an electric-
only range of around 500km, and thanks to its 800V fast-charging architecture, drivers can charge from 30% to 80% in just 15 minutes under optimal conditions.
Physically, this vehicle is a giant — over 5.2 metres long, nearly 2 metres wide, and with a 3.1-metre wheelbase, putting it right alongside traditional of-road heavyweights. Leapmotor says it’s “desert-ready” and built to take on the “crazy champions” of the of-road
segment.
While the D19 has been confrmed for export, Leapmotor has yet to announce an Australian release date. If it arrives, it will compete directly with established icons like the LandCruiser 300 and Nissan Patrol, both favourites across rural Australia and the Northern Rivers region.
Australian buyers will be watching
closely to see if the D19 meets local safety and compliance standards under the Australian Design Rules (ADR), and how the brand supports servicing and spare parts.
Still, for drivers looking toward a cleaner, more high-tech future in the bush, this new 4WD could mark a turning point. The Leapmotor D19 may just prove that brute power and sustainability can coexist — even when the road ends.
You know how some days you just want to feel fancy and lazy at the same time? Like, “I could have gone to Russia and dined with aristocrats, but instead I’m standing in my trackies holding a frypan that’s seen better days”? Well, comrades, meet Beef Stroganof Rissoles — the glamorous cousin of the humble meatball who’s just come back from a Contiki tour and won’t shut up about it.
This dish is what happens when comfort food meets midlife crisis. It’s rich, creamy, and slightly questionable — just like your dating history. One bite and you’ll forget your troubles, your ex, and your calorie count. The sour cream makes it luxurious, the paprika adds drama, and the mushrooms? They’re here for moral support and umami therapy.
Ingredients
• 500g beef mince (or whatever’s on special, we’re not judging)
• 1 small onion, fnely chopped and crying
• 1 garlic clove, crushed like your will on a Monday
• 1 tsp paprika (extra if you’re feeling spicy)
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1 tbsp oil (preferably not the mystery one next to the sink)
• 200g mushrooms, sliced seductively
• 1 cup beef stock
• 2 tbsp sour cream (and one for emotional support)
• Salt and pepper, to taste (or to fx your life choices) Method
• In a bowl, mash together mince, onion, garlic, paprika, egg, breadcrumbs, and parsley. Mix like you’re trying to erase your gym membership guilt.
• Roll into rissoles—roughly palm-sized or “half a stress ball.”
• Heat oil in a pan and brown those bad boys on both
sides until golden and smug-looking.
• Toss in the mushrooms and sauté until they whisper secrets.
• Pour in beef stock, bring to a simmer, and let it bubble away like your family group chat.
• Stir in sour cream at the end—don’t boil it unless you enjoy heartbreak and curdling.
• Serve with mashed potato so creamy it could get you a sponsorship deal.
• Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce if you like things mysterious.
• Leftovers? Warm them up tomorrow for lunch — they taste even better when you’re hungover and questioning your life decisions. These Stroganof Rissoles are proof that even meatballs can have a glow-up. Comforting, ridiculous, and just a little bit extra — like every good dinner should be.
This Strawberry Vanilla Whip is the lovechild of a milkshake and a cloud — light, creamy, and guaranteed to make you sigh louder than a rom-com ending. It’s sweet, sassy, and ready in minutes — perfect for when you need dessert now and dignity later.
Ingredients
• 250g fresh strawberries, hulled and looking pretty
• 1 tbsp icing sugar (or more if you like it scandalously sweet)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract — pure, like your intentions (sure they are)
• 300ml thickened cream
• Extra strawberries, to garnish and show of Method
• Toss strawberries and icing sugar into a blender. Blitz until they look like a pink smoothie with confdence issues.
• In a chilled bowl, whip the cream with vanilla until soft peaks form — not stif, just perky.
• Gently fold the strawberry purée into the cream. Don’t beat it like your ex’s new car — swirl lovingly.
• Spoon into glasses, add a few fancy strawberry slices on top, and chill for 30 minutes (or fve if you’re impatient).
Result: A light, dreamy whip that’s part dessert, part firtation. Serve it cold, serve it proud, and prepare for people to lick the bowl — and possibly you — clean.
Robert Heyward
The Family First Party has thrown its support behind a new bill introduced by Liberal MLC Susan Carter, which seeks to restore protections for faithbased aged-care facilities from being compelled to permit euthanasia on their premises.
Family First NSW Legislative Council candidate Lyle Shelton welcomed the proposed legislation, describing it as a necessary safeguard for religious organisations and the elderly residents in their care.
“New South Wales should never compel faith-based aged-care homes to open their doors to what the
Catholic Archbishop of Sydney, Anthony Fisher, rightly calls ‘kill teams’,” Mr Shelton said. “Family First will be closely examining MPs’ voting records on issues of life and human dignity when deciding preference recommendations ahead of
the coming election.”
Concerns Over Current Legislation
Since voluntary assisted dying (VAD) laws came into efect less than two years ago, Mr Shelton said nearly 400 people have died within the frst seven months of
the scheme’s operation. He argued that NSW laws go further than any other state in compelling religious institutions to accommodate euthanasia.
“Even Victoria does not force Catholic or other faith-based homes to permit euthanasia on site,” he
said. “Our laws undermine the dignity of life and expose vulnerable elderly people to subtle and overt pressures to end their lives. Every human life matters — regardless of age, disability, or despair. The answer to sufering is better care, not killing.”
Call for Conscientious Protections
Mr Shelton called on the NSW Parliament to align with other states such as Victoria, Western Australia, and Tasmania, which allow conscientious objection for faithbased institutions. “It is unconscionable that our state forces people of faith to violate their deepest convictions in the very places where people
should feel safest,” he said. He also criticised what he described as a growing “totalitarian streak” in social policy. “Free societies don’t force people to kill or ban prayer, as NSW currently does,” Mr Shelton warned. “The public needs to wake up to what is happening in our parliaments.”
Family First reafrmed its position alongside Archbishop Fisher, faithbased care providers, and families seeking dignity and peace for elderly residents. “We stand with every person who deserves to live out their fnal days in comfort, not under the shadow of a statesanctioned death regime,” Mr Shelton said.
Robert Heyward
A new report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has highlighted serious gaps in care for people living with heart failure, showing that many patients are returning to emergency departments within a year of their initial hospital admission. The report, Hospital to Community: How Australians with Heart Failure Receive Health Care, analysed data from 71,500 Australians admitted to hospital for heart failure and found that 65 per cent of survivors revisited an emergency department within 12 months. Alarmingly, nearly one in four (24 per cent) patients died within
a year, with 40 per cent of these deaths linked to cardiovascular disease.
Heart failure is a chronic condition in which the heart cannot pump blood efectively to meet the body’s needs. It is often incurable and requires lifelong management with medications and ongoing monitoring to maintain quality of life.
Heart Foundation Healthcare Programs Manager Natalie Rafoul said the fndings reveal an urgent need to improve post-hospital support and community-based care.
“This report is the frst comprehensive look at the heart failure patient journey through the healthcare system and its fndings are concerning,” Ms Rafoul said.
“Heart failure can be detrimental to a person’s quality of life and a costly disease burden to the healthcare system. We must understand why people are not receiving the support they need to avoid premature death or re-hospitalisation.”
The Heart Foundation has already made patient support a key priority under its Health for Every Heart strategic plan, which aims to reduce preventable deaths and improve long-term management of chronic heart conditions over the next 25 years.
For more information on heart failure, including symptoms, treatment, and management advice, visit the Heart Foundation website.
Jef Gibbs
Australia’s aged-care system will enter a new era this week, with the new rightsbased Aged Care Act coming into efect on Saturday, 1 November 2025, promising greater independence, autonomy, and choice for older Australians.
The sweeping reform follows the Royal
Commission into Quality and Safety in Aged Care, whose number one recommendation was the creation of a new Act framed around the rights of older people
The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) has welcomed the changes, describing them as “long overdue generational reform” to meet the rising demand for aged-care services as
Australia’s population ages.
OPAN CEO Craig Gear said the centrepiece of the new Act is a Statement of Rights that puts older Australians at the heart of every care decision.
“This is an exciting new chapter for the sector, older Australians, carers and providers,” Mr Gear said.
“At its core is the
recognition that older people remain at the centre of their care, supported by those they trust — whether that’s a family member, friend, advocate or provider.”
Mr Gear described the legislation as a transformational shift in power dynamics, ensuring that older people are empowered to make informed decisions and that their voices are heard.
The new Act also introduces stronger quality standards, enhanced protections, and the launch of the Support at Home Program, which ofers more fexible packages, restorative care pathways, and greater endof-life support for those wishing to die at home.
Mr Gear acknowledged there may be teething issues during the transition but urged
anyone afected by service or payment changes to contact My Aged Care (1800 200 422) or the Aged Care Advocacy Line (1800 700 600) for advice.
“The spirit of the new legislation refects modern Australia,” he said. “We look forward to working with the Government and the wider sector to ensure older people live with dignity and respect.”
NRLX Prime Cattle Market Report29 October 2025
A smaller yarding of 618 head went under the hammer at the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange (NRLX) prime sale on Wednesday, 29 October 2025, with quality mixed and prices generally frm to slightly dearer on the better-fnished drafts. Total throughput weighed 212,085kg for a gross of $738,481.53 at an all-sale average of 348.2c/kg (low 55.0, high 534.2). Market at a glance
l Bullocks: averaged 381.6c/kg, topping 426.2c/kg; to $2,983
STEERS STRONG AT NRLX STORE SALE
Friday 31 October 2025 - Casino By Rural News Staf
The Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange (NRLX) hosted a well-attended Store Cattle Sale on Friday 31 October 2025, with a total of 1,691 head yarded. The market continued its strong trajectory, with steers and heifers commanding the highest returns, while cows and cow-calf units also saw solid buyer interest. The total gross of the sale topped $1.85 million, refecting both volume and competitive pricing across all classes. Steers Dominate in Numbers and Returns
Steers once again led the sale in both
l Bulls: averaged 346.8c/kg, topping 392.2c/kg; to $3,297
l Cows: largest portion of the yarding; averaged 338.9c/kg, topping 404.2c/kg; to $2,930
l Heifers: averaged 324.2c/kg, topping 426.2c/kg; to $2,416
l Steers: strongest on the day; averaged 404.3c/kg, topping 534.2c/kg; to $1,807
l Vealer bulls: averaged 275.5c/kg, topping 426.2c/kg; to $1,990
l Yearlings: limited numbers, sold at 330.0c/kg
Buyer enquiry and trends
l Processors were active on well-fnished cows and bullocks, underpinning the cow average in the high-330s with tops just
volume and value, with 252 head ofered , averaging 477.7c/kg and topping at 596.2c/kg. The average return per steer was an impressive $1,222.62, with topend steers bringing in up to $2,149.83 per head. With a total weight of over 235,000kg, steers brought in more than $1.12 million in sale value, reafrming their position as the cornerstone of local store sales.
Heifers Impress With Consistent Demand
Heifer prices remained frm throughout the yarding, with 193 head averaging 399.1c/kg and topping at 462.2c/kg . Per-head returns ranged from $192.00 to $1,832.66, with total gross earnings for heifers exceeding $666,000 from 166,930kg traded.
Cow & Calf Units Strongly Supported
Cow and calf pairings attracted strong
$2484.00).
l Heifers averaged 356.3c/kg, topping at 413.2c/kg ($1721.20–$3786.96).
l Manufacturing steers topped and averaged 247.2c/kg to return $905.37/ head
over 404c/kg
l Restockers showed strongest interest in steers, pushing the top to 534.2c/kg, and selectively competed on heifers to 426.2c/kg where weight and frame suited.
l Heavy bulls met consistent competition, averaging mid-340s and peaking just under 400c/kg
l Veal pens were variable; milk and grass vealers of better condition drew bids into the low-to-mid 400s, while plainer lines tracked to the reported average. Notable results (selected)
l Steers: up to 534.2c/kg; pen averages commonly 390–420c/kg across medium weights.
competition from producers looking to rebuild herds. 34 head across 93 lots sold to a top of $2,425 per unit, averaging $1,870.86, for a total value of $173,990. Their inclusion bolstered confdence that demand remains strong for breeding stock in the Northern Rivers region.
Cows and Bulls Backed by Restockers
While bulls were limited in numbers, they achieved strong individual results, with top sales hitting $5,250 and averaging $4,066.67 across three head. Cows continued to generate interest with 12 head sold per head, averaging $1,863.33. Per kilogram, cows achieved an average of 294.2c/kg, with heavier types reaching 338.2c/kg and generating $55,263.20 from just under 19,000kg
Vealer Bulls Still Attracting Value
head (down $42).
l Wethers topped at $182, averaging $142.09/head (up $5).
l Cows: bulk sales 330–350c/kg, heavy cows to 404c/kg
l Bullocks: most sales 370–400c/kg, top 426.2c/kg on prime, four-tooth types.
l Heifers: better-fnished 310–360c/kg, with premium pens to 426.2c/kg Outlook
With scattered storms improving feed confdence, expect restocker demand to remain supportive on quality lighter and medium steers and heifers. Processor grids should hold cows and bullocks steady provided kill space remains available. Next week’s numbers will hinge on weather and on-farm access; frm to slightly dearer on the better-bred, better-fnished lines is the likely tone.
Although numbers were light, vealers sold to 446.2c/kg, averaging 409.9c/kg for three head, and delivering over $9,700 in total. These fgures show that despite lighter weights, the vealer bull category remains competitive and proftable.
Sale Totals
l Total Head: 1,691
l Total Weight Sold: 423,715kg
l Overall Average Price (kg): 438.1c/kg
l Top Price (kg): 596.2c/kg
l Gross Sale Value: $1,856,259.91
Next NRLX Sales
The next scheduled store and breeder sales at the NRLX are expected to see continued buyer interest, with recent rain and spring conditions prompting renewed restocking eforts. Producers are encouraged to book early. For bookings and sale listings, contact your preferred livestock agent or visit the NRLX website.
l Poggio F/T: Dorper lambs 44.7kg to McMahon Bros $210
Week Ending 31 October 2025
Welcome rainfall across the region saw numbers ease at the Warwick and District livestock markets this week. Only 889 cattle and 1306 sheep and lambs were yarded as producers held stock back due to wet yard and road conditions. Buyers remained active, with the cattle market generally frm, while lamb prices fuctuated—softer at the top end but stronger for light-weight replacements. Pork and poultry numbers were also limited, with prices frm to dearer Cattle Market Overview
Despite smaller yardings, competition was solid across all categories.
l Bulls averaged 371.4c/kg, topping at 418.2c/kg or $2043.94–$4407.50
l Cows averaged 329.5c/kg, topping at 410c/kg or $1727.95–$3444.00
l Feeder heifers averaged 372.3c/ kg, reaching 450.2c/kg ($1226.37–$1733.27).
l Feeder steers averaged 447.1c/kg, topping at 496.2c/kg ($1766.94–
l Steers averaged 415.1c/kg, topping at 452.2c/kg ($2427.20–$3174.43).
l Vealer heifers averaged 390.7c/kg , topping at 454.2c/kg ($948.04–$1402.24).
l Vealer steers averaged 460.1c/kg, topping at 480c/kg ($1162.64–$1368).
l Yearling heifers averaged 400.1c/ kg, topping at 450.2c/kg ($1187.13–$1778.48).
l Yearling steers averaged 438.3c/ kg, topping at 500.2c/kg ($1184.03–$2013.62).
Total cattle yarding averaged $1655.50/head.
Sheep & Lamb Market
The sheep and lamb yarding totalled 1306 head, with mixed trends across categories.
l Lambs topped at $270, averaging $201.37/head (up $8).
l Hoggets topped at $210, averaging $193.31/head (up $4).
l Ram lambs topped at $200, averaging $172.74/head (up $34).
l Ewes topped at $180, averaging $113.67/
l Rams topped at $186, averaging $156.75/head (down $27). Overall, the average for all sheep and lambs was $176.44/head, down $6 weekon-week.
APL / McDougall & Sons Sheep & Lamb Report
Rain held back many vendors this week, but the smaller yarding still drew strong buying interest from across the South West, Maranoa, and surrounding districts. Top sales included:
l RD Pastoral: Dorper lambs 52.7kg to GR Prime $270; 49.9kg to Jock Young Meats $260
l Rubie Family: Poll Dorset lambs 65kg to Warwick Meats $260; 47.7kg to GR Prime $245
l Rothman F/T: Dorper lambs 47.8kg to GR Prime $219; 44kg to McMahon Bros $210
l Will & Chris Drennert: Dorper ewes to Fletchers International $122
l Keys Family: Dorper lambs 55.6kg to MacIntyre Meats $268; 46.7kg to McMahon Bros $230
l Stanthorpe SHS: Poll Dorset lambs 43.8kg to GR Prime $200; ewes to Fletchers International $180
l Peter Gray: Dorper lambs 61.5kg to Warwick Meats $260; ewes to Fletchers International $176
l Webster Ag: Dorper lambs 52.4kg to MacIntyre Meats $245; wethers to Fletchers International $180; rams to Whites Trading $158 and Fletchers International $162
l Bill Land: Aussie White lambs 36.6kg to GR Prime $147 Pigs & Poultry
l Sows: $150–$300
l Baconers: to $180
l Stores: $90–$260
l Silky chickens: to $45
l Ducklings: to $35
l Hens: to $30
l Roosters: to $20
l Silky hens: to $40
l Guinea fowl (laying): to $40
l Peacocks: to $15
l Ducks: to $20
Summary
Despite wet conditions limiting numbers, Warwick’s livestock market remained frm overall, particularly for quality fnished cattle and lighter lambs. Vendors are expected to increase numbers in coming weeks if the fne weather continues.
Ian Rogers
Australia’s bold and sustained agricultural reforms are providing a roadmap for developed countries seeking to reduce subsidies and tarifs, according to a new ABARES Insights paper
Over the past 50 years, Australia has transformed its agriculture sector by focusing on innovation, productivity, resilience, and open markets, turning what was once a highly protected industry into a globally competitive powerhouse.
ABARES Executive
Director Dr Jared Greenville said the Australian experience ofers valuable lessons for other nations.
“Like many developed countries today, our sector once relied on high levels of distortionary support and rigid marketing systems,” Dr Greenville said. “These structures restricted productivity and international competitiveness. Reform changed that.”
Before the shift, Australia operated
around 60 marketing authorities controlling the pricing and sale of
agricultural products. Today, the industry is market-driven, adaptable, and more resilient to global changes.
“Our journey demonstrates that reform is achievable,” Dr Greenville added. “Through consensusbuilding, coherent policy, and redirecting agricultural support into research and innovation, Australia built a thriving, sustainable farm sector.”
The results are clear: between 1990 and 2024, real incomes grew 1.6% annually for broadacre farms and 1.5% for dairy, while the real gross value of farm production rose by 80% over the last fve decades.
The report encourages policymakers worldwide to explore how repurposing subsidies towards innovation can drive similar success stories in their own countries.
For the full report, visit www.agriculture.gov.au/ abares/products/insights/ repurpose-agriculturalsupport.
Ian Rogers
The New South Wales primary industries have delivered a milestone result for regional communities, with the sector’s Gross Value of Production (GVP) reaching a record $25.5 billion in 2024–25 — the highest fgure ever recorded. The results highlight the resilience, innovation, and hard work of farmers, fshers, and foresters across the state, including throughout the Northern Rivers region, where agriculture remains the economic heartbeat of many towns. According to the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional
Development (DPIRD) Performance, Data and Insights Report 2025, the sector’s value jumped 22% on last year, surpassing the previous record of $23.1 billion set in 2021–22. The total is 16% above the fve-year average and more than double the $12.5 billion achieved a decade ago.
The report shows major gains across nearly all agricultural categories.
• Cropping rose 31% to $11.6 billion, the second-highest on record. Wheat led the surge with a record $4.3 billion,followed by chickpeas with
a remarkable 675% increase in production, worth $1.1 billion.
Barley also hit a new record of $1 billion, while cotton contributed $2 billion despite softer prices.
• Livestock lifted 19% to $9.5 billion, driven by record red meat and poultry production. Beef reached a record $3.9 billion, sheepmeat $1.7 billion, and poultry $1.2 billion. Dairy and wool also remained strong contributors.
• Horticulture climbed 8% to $3.7 billion, thanks to a bumper nut crop and recovery in wine grapes.
• Forestry increased 6% to $468 million, while
fsheries, including aquaculture, rose 4% to $223 million
The value of NSW’s agricultural exports hit $12.8 billion, the secondhighest ever recorded.
• Beef exports surged to $2.8 billion, driven by U.S. and Chinese demand.
• Sheep and goat meat exports climbed to $1.5 billion, and wheat reached $1.9 billion, buoyed by strong markets across Asia.
• Broadacre crops led total export earnings at $6.9 billion, followed by livestock at $5.4 billion.
• Asia remains the key destination, accounting for 69% ($8.8 billion) of all NSW primary industry exports.
Minister for Agriculture
Tara Moriarty said the results are proof that rural and regional producers continue to deliver worldclass outcomes.
“If NSW primary industries were in an Olympic event, they’d win Gold, Silver, and Bronze,” Ms Moriarty said. “These results are a credit to the determination of
the men and women working across the state, especially in regional communities like the Northern Rivers.”
She said the Minns Government had invested $100 million in agricultural research and over $1 billion in biosecurity systems over the past year, ensuring producers have the tools and knowledge to adapt to challenges and seize new opportunities.
Across regional NSW, producers are optimistic.
• Canowindra farmer Michael Payten said improved breeding programs and strong lamb prices delivered record results.
• Guyra beef producer Sam White said rainfall and strong global demand have placed the industry “in a favourable phase.”
• Mid North Coast oyster farmer Brandon Armstrong praised the resilience of aquaculture businesses after recent foods, and commercial fsher Paul Aquilina credited DPIRD for supporting innovation and sustainability in local fsheries.
Northern Rivers Connection
From the cane felds
of Broadwater and the beef producers of Kyogle and Casino, to macadamia orchards across Alstonville and Clunes, the Northern Rivers is part of the state’s agricultural success story. Local producers are benefting from stronger commodity prices, expanding export markets, and renewed investment in research and agtech.
DPIRD’s Performance, Data and Insights Report 2025 confrms what regional communities already know — agriculture is not just surviving, but thriving . With improved weather conditions, strong export demand, and ongoing government support, NSW’s rural industries are on course to meet their $30 billion farmgate goal by 2030
See the full report by scanning the QR Code or follow the link: https:// thenorthernriverstimes. com.au/wp-content/ uploads/2025/10/ DPI-perf-datasummary-2024-25.pdf
Jef Gibbs
Spring is when the Northern Rivers region truly comes alive — warm days, mild nights, and rejuvenating rain make it one of the best times of year for planting vegetables. Stretching from Byron Bay and Lismore to Ballina, Kyogle, Casino, and the Clarence Valley, the region’s subtropical climate allows gardeners to enjoy both temperate and tropical crops. Whether you’re growing in raised beds, backyards, or pots on the balcony, spring is the time to get planting for a bountiful summer harvest.
The rise in temperature means it’s time for heatloving plants to fourish.
l Tomatoes – A Northern Rivers staple. Choose hardy varieties such as Tommy Toe or Sweet Bite and plant in full sun with stakes or cages for support. Enrich soil with compost and water deeply twice a week.
l Zucchini – These fast growers love the region’s warmth. Sow seeds directly into the ground and harvest young for the best texture and favour. Regular picking encourages more fruit.
l Cucumbers – Perfect for garden beds or trellises, cucumbers thrive with consistent moisture and mulching. Try Lebanese or Continental varieties for crisp, juicy results.
l Capsicums and Chillies – Both relish the warmer weather. Start early in spring for strong plants that will fruit right through summer and into autumn.
l Eggplant – Loves heat and sun. The long growing season means planting early ensures an abundant crop by late summer.
These vegetables thrive in the milder part of spring before the intense summer heat sets in.
l Carrots – Direct sow in light, loose soil. Smaller varieties like Nantes do particularly well in Northern Rivers conditions.
l Beetroot – Easy to grow and rich in nutrients. Plant every few weeks for a continuous supply.
l Lettuce and Asian Greens – Choose heattolerant varieties like cos, buttercrunch, or mizuna. Mulch well to keep roots cool and prevent bolting.
l Silverbeet and Spinach – Productive greens that handle partial shade.
Harvest outer leaves regularly to keep them growing strong.
l Radishes – The fastestgrowing crop in the garden. Perfect for quick results between slowergrowing vegetables.
Plant sweet corn in blocks for better pollination and stronger cobs. Give it rich, welldrained soil and full sun. Pumpkins and melons love the expansive space of rural gardens — plant along fences or edges and let them sprawl. Beans, whether climbing or bush, are ideal for beginners and will reward you with abundant harvests within weeks.
l Mulch generously to retain moisture and deter weeds.
l Feed your soil with organic compost or manure before planting.
l Water early in the morning to prevent fungal diseases.
l Watch for fruit fy and caterpillars as temperatures rise — use traps or organic sprays. Spring in the Northern Rivers is about abundance and renewal. With the right choices and care, your garden will burst
with colour, favour, and life from Byron Bay to Grafton — celebrating the region’s rich growing heritage and fertile soils.
CASE IH FARMALL 60B 4X4 TRACTOR, OPEN CAB
CHALLENGEPRIME LIFT 25C FRONT END LOADER ATTACHMENT, WITH 4 IN 1 BUCKET DIGGA PALLET FORKS
DIGGA HAY SPIKE ELECTRIC GARDEN MULCHER
ALL WAYS SHEDDED EXCELLENT CONDITION
UNIGRIP ROUND BALE GRAB JARRETT REDBACK 5FT HEAVY DUTY
SLASHER HONDA FOURTRAX 300 QUAD BIKE
DIGGA POST HOLE BORER WITH AUGERS
SILVAN FERTILZER S PREADER, WITH POLY HOPPER
4 LEAF PASTURE HARROWS STIHL MS 180 CHAINSAW
DIAMOND PASTURE HARROWS WITH WIRE CABLE TO PULL
MASSEY FERGUSON BOG & BUSH PLOUGH
7 TYNE SPRING TYNED PLOUGH WITH SEEDER ATTACHMENT
MOLDBOARD PLOUGH STEEL FENCE POSTS WIRE SPINNER
TIMBER FENCE POSTS MURRAY RIDE ON MOWER, 12 5 HP, 38”CUT
TILT TRAILER FOR A RIDE ON 2 X PUSH MOWERS
SILVAN 100LTR TOWABLE ELECTCTRIC SPRAY UN IT
PASTURE SILAGE ROUND HAY BALES (PASTURE)
PLAIN WIRE ROLLS, IOWA BARBED WIRE
FENCING GEAR STEEL PICKET DRIVER STEP THROUGHS
ENERGIZER TAPE INSULATORS HANDTOOLS GARDENING EQUIP
See website for listing & images www
iddin card s stem ill a l ill e re uired for re istration erms strictl Cash Che ue rior a ro al or S on the a u ers remium S
SATURDAY 22ND NOVEMBER
*KIOTI CK4210M PLUS FRONT END LOADER
*MASSEY FERGUSON 135 TRACTOR
*CARRYALLS *FIRE UNIT ON CARRYALL SPREADER
*SLASHER OFFSET 4’X8” * SLASHER 5’X8” *SQUARE BALE FEEDER
*MF BACK BUCKET *ROUND BALE FEEDERS *PIPE BENDER
*CONCRETE MIXERS *LAWN ROLLER *4” AJAX PUMP NO MOTOR
*LARGE GALVANISED TRAILER PLUS CAGE *HARKAN SAW+ BLADES
*SPRAY UNIT HIGH PRESSURE *JIB * TILLER VICTA 100
*ANTIQUE CHAFF CUTTER *BACK BLADE HARROWS
*FIRE UNIT ON TRAILER WITH 1000LTR TANK *SPRAY UNIT & HOSE
200 MTR *AI TANK AND EQUIPMENT *MULCHER * WELDER
*ELU SAW AND TABLE *DROP SAWS *DOG TRAPS
*CHAINS BAR *HAND TOOLS *AIR COMPRESSOR *GARDEN TOOLS
*FF PUMP 6 5 HP *FF PUMP 5 5 HP * MARINAR 2 5 HP OUTBOARD
*STIHL CHAIN SAWS *STIHL BRUSH CUTTER *STIHL BLOWER
*ACROW PROPS * POWER TOOLS *FLOOR JACKS *ELECTRIC FENCE
EQUIPMENT *PRESSURE SPRAY UNIT *HARDY BACK SPRAY
* BEDS *DRESSER *BEDSIDE CABINETS *OFFICE CABINET DRAWERS
*WOODEN CHAIRS *LOUNGE CHAIRS *FOLD-OUT SOFA *GLASS CABINET
*OPERA HOUSE TILES *TABLE + CHAIRS *RECLINER *BOOKS *PICTURES
*REMOVALIST BLANKETS *DINGHY *CANE LOUNGE *OUTDOOR SETTING
*FRIDGE *FIRE IRONS *ANTIQUE COAL SCUTTLE *ANTIQUE FIRE SCREEN
*1500 BRICKS *TREATED PINE PALINGS *TEAK TIMBER & CEDAR TIMBER
the group to experience the personal cancer stories told which give a great opportunity for all to share, learn and benefit from each other - Partners and Carers are also most welcome to attend as family are very much involved with the process and treatment of those with this diagnosis This will be another morning of quality sharing on health and wellbeing updates Enquiries Bob Corney 0493 075 612
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.
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.
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. At our November 5 meeting we welcomed Guest Speaker Michelle Ryan, Senior Therapy Consultant at Niagara, a company specialising in medical therapy techniques that support blood flow, mobility, and relief from oedema. Following the meeting, many of us continued the conversation over lunch. Don’t miss our fun-filled shopping trip to Robina on Wednesday, November 12—a perfect opportunity to grab a bargain, enjoy a day out, and share plenty of laughs. The cost is just $35 for the bus, with pickups at 8:45 am in Alstonville main street, and 9:00 am at the Ballina RSL. We still have vacancies on the bus, so why not join us? We also
currently have vacancies for new members and warmly welcome visitors to come along to a meeting or outing. Join us for friendship, fun, and fellowship at our monthly meetings, social outings, and special events. For more information, please contact our President, Jeanette, on 0407 417 470
Australian Independent Retirees
Please note that the usual meeting of Australian Independent Retirees will not be held on the first Friday of November but has been transferred to the second Friday because of other groups meeting on 7th. We will meet as usual at the Ballina RSL Club, 1 Grant street, Ballina on Friday 14 November 2025, with friendship commencing at 9.30am for a 10.00am meeting. The guest speaker will be Geo Hutchinson, who will be giving us a step back in time to the mid 1800’s. should be very interesting. Any enquiries to the President, Mrs Jill Huxley 6686 8958.”
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 our President Lyn on 0412 758 697
Ballina Meals on Wheels
Knitting and Crochet for Charity Group run by Ballina Meals on Wheels. Group held Monday mornings in Ballina and open to people who are 65years and older. $5 includes morning tea. Call Kristen on Ph: 0419 679719 for more information.
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
CASINO
CWA Casino Day
Our next meeting is Thursday 13th November (2nd Thursday of the month) at the Casino Community & Cultural Centre. The Land Cookery entries for November are a Chocolate Butter Cake, Gluten Free Magic Bean Cake and the Apple & Cranberry Chutney (recipe supplied). All cookery/recipe enquiries -Ellie Maloney 0421595398. Everyone is welcome, come and have a cuppa see what we are doing in our community Enquires Jennifer 0438932060, Jane 0427 707 669.
DYRAABA HALL BUS TRIP
The Dyraaba Hall committee will host a bus trip to Robina Shopping centre on Saturday 22nd November. Cost is $30 and includes morning tea. There will also be ra les. Bus departs Dyraaba Hall 7am, Charcoal cnr. 7:20 and Casino Post O ice 7:30am. We can also pick up in Lismore. Bookings and enquiries PH. Veronica on 66671101. All profits after expenses will go towards the maintenance of the hall.
Fairy Hill Craft group meets again on Thursday 6th November, 10 a.m. at the Fairy Hill Hall on the Summerland Way. As well as working on our usual craft projects, we will have a shared lunch and “mad” hat day. Please bring a plate to share and wear a “mad/ funny / silly hat” related to the Horse Racing theme. We’re too late for the Melbourne Cup but Nov 6 is VRC Oaks Day (aka Ladies Day). Ph 66633233 for more details.
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
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
WEEK 2
MONDAY
B.McEnerny & C.Moulden
R.Baker
TUESDAY
B.Bennett
WEDNESDAY
M.&M. Ayshford
G.Mannix
THURSDAY
J.Crooks
S. Garrard & E. Grogan
FRIDAY
M.Anderson
J.Connell
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 PARKINSONS SUPPORT GROUP
Evans Head Parkinson’s Support Group will meet at Evans Head Thyme Lifestyle Village Great Room in the Community Hall, 74 Currajong St, Evans Head at 10 am to 12 noon on Thursday, on Thursday, 27th November. Our special guest speakers will be Martin Corkery who will speak on Making a Will and Powers of Attorney and Paul Manning who will address Advanced Care Directives. We may also have one of our Parkinson’s Specialist Nurses in attendance. Ivonne will lead a caregivers break away session.
All members of the Parkinson’s community, family and friends are most welcome to attend. Tea and co ee and a small snack are available for a gold coin donation. For further information, contact 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 member’s 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 CWA
Look for the Grafton Country Women’s Association selling ra le tickets in Grafton Shopping World on the 6 & 7 November. You could win First prize: A Hamper with a Ham and many Christmas Goodies, and a Voucher from Farmer Lou’s Second Prize: Electrical Goods- a slow cooker donated by Harvey Norman and a Co ee Maker from Lesley McFarlane Third Prize: Hair Products from LV Hair and a Voucher from Country Nails Shopping at Bunnings on Sunday 9 November? Fancy a cake for a tasty snack or some Christmas goodies or a sausage sandwich for lunch? Grafton CWA are hosting a Cake Stall and Sausage Sizzle at Bunnings, South Grafton from 8 am. Cash or card!
GRAFTON SENIOR CITIZENS, Grafton Senior Citizens recently held their October meeting, attendance 33 apologies 8. No guest speaker, some jokes read in lieu. New members: Glenn Richards; Sue Adams; Ken Long; Judy Foster. Deceased: sympathy to Robyn Jackson on death of brother. Correspondence: In, letters from Westlawn Investments, Red Cross, new South Grafton aged care, Richie Williamson on Seniors week. Out, sympathy cards, welcome letter, letters to membership enquiry. Coach Trips: Next day trip to Evans Head area, 14 Nov, 40 already booked. Trips for next year now being considered. Christmas lunch: now on sale, $25,2 course meal, & entertainment. General Business: grocery items for Christmas party competition welcome; next newsletter to be distributed, November meeting; latest scams mentioned. Meeting competition winners: J. Ireland; Y. Cooney; D. Handley; J. Johnson; P. Cooke; D. Baker; J. Preston; A. Ellem. Next meeting: 10am, Tuesday, 11 November. Guest speaker to be confirmed. Enquiries: Sandra, 6642 7720 or 44fi 464 946.
GRAFTON AL-ANON FAMILY
Our meetings are held 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 and friends 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. Al-Anon is selfsupporting 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 and friends 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
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
and
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
has 2 days remaining this year, 9th November and then our Christmas Party on 14th December. We have a break till February 9th when we resume for 2026 with AGM. All days held at Wiangaree Hall, and all commence at 11 am. All welcome.
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
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:MONDAY11:00am - 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 14 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
Lismore Parkinsonism Support Group for all Parkinson related disorders. We meet every third Friday of the month. Next group Meeting is 21st of November 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 CWA. Activities Update Stall at the Lismore City Bowlo markets on the 3rd Sunday of each
month. Monthly Branch Meetings are held at the CWA Rooms in Spinks Park on the 2nd Friday of each month. Craft Meetings (learning & friendship) are held at the CWA Rooms each Tuesday with a 10:30am start. Christmas Gift Wrapping will be held at 2 locations from the 15th to 24th December. Lismore Shopping SQ. and downtown outside ‘Little Polli & the Blackbird’ Cnr. Carrington & Magellan Sts in Lismore. For Membership enquiries contact our President Aliison Kelly on 0428 216 079: for Craft call Vicki Boyle on 0437 465 642. We look forward to hearing from anyone interested in Membership to come along as a ‘guest’ to either of our meetings
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 freeplay 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 9.30am12.30pm. We do Patchwork, Quilting & all Crafts. We also have night group, who meet at McLean Ridges Hall, Monday evenings, 5.30pm9pm. 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 mindfulnessbased 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.
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
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.
www.bom.gov.au
Warnings See www.bom.gov.au/australia/warnings
New South Wales Isolated showers on the southern slopes, adjacent ranges, and eastern Riverina. Snow on the alpine ranges above 1300 metres. Dry and sunny elsewhere. Daytime temperatures below average, most notably in the south. Northwest to southwesterly winds, fresh on the southern ranges, tending southeast to southwesterly in the northwest.
Northern Rivers District:
Sunny. Light winds becoming east to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day then becoming light during the evening. Thursday. Mostly sunny. Light winds becoming easterly 15 to 20 km/h during the afternoon then becoming light during the evening.
Northern Tablelands District:
Sunny. Winds west to southwesterly 15 to 25 km/h becoming light during the evening.
Thursday. Sunny. Light winds becoming east to northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the evening.
New South Wales:
Isolated showers on the southern slopes, adjacent ranges, and eastern Riverina. Snow on the alpine ranges above 1300 metres. Dry and sunny elsewhere. Daytime temperatures below average, most notably in the south. Northwest to southwesterly winds, fresh on the southern ranges, tending southeast to southwesterly in the northwest.
Thursday. Isolated showers in the far south. Dry and mostly sunny elsewhere, but increasing high cloud through the day. Daytime temperatures near average. Light and variable winds
at first, tending east to northeasterly in the east and north to northeasterly in the west during the day.
Byron Coast:
Winds: Southwesterly 10 to 15 knots shifting east to southeasterly during the day. Seas: Around 1 metre. 1st Swell: Southerly around 1 metre. 2nd Swell: East to northeasterly around 1 metre. Weather: Sunny.
Coffs Coast:
Winds: SW 15 to 20 knots shifting E/SE 10 to 15 knots during the day. Seas: Around 1 metre. 1st Swell: Southerly below 1 metre inshore, increasing to 1 to 1.5 metres offshore during the morning. 2nd Swell: Easterly around 1 metre. Weather: Sunny. Gold Coast Waters:
Winds: Southwesterly 10 to 15 knots shifting east to southeasterly during the day. Seas: Below 1 metre. Swell: East to northeasterly around 1 metre. Weather: Sunny.
By Michael Beattie
Wednesday’s Grafton race meeting will be dedicated to the memory of one of the Clarence Valley’s most loved racing fgures, Rex Kelly, with the Clarence River Jockey Club (CRJC) — in consultation with the Kelly family — announcing a race in his honour and a special day of remembrance.
Traditionally held as Life Members Day, the meeting will still feature the Life Members Cup, but this year’s event will take on extra signifcance as the club and the wider racing community come together to celebrate the life and contribution of a man who devoted more than 50 years to Grafton racing.
A short remembrance ceremony will be held between races, and in a ftting gesture, the CRJC has declared the meeting a free day, with free entry and full access to the members stand for all patrons, especially Rex’s many friends and colleagues.
Rex Kelly’s name is synonymous with Grafton racing.
A ferce competitor in the saddle through the 1970s,
Wednesday, 29 October 2025
It was a great day on the greens with top form and plenty of friendly rivalry! The day’s winners, taking out the title with the highest margin, were:
Helen Lavelle, Sandra Guthrie and Denise Skinner, who defeated Janine Robards, Julie Creighton and Raelene Skirrey in a spirited match.
The second victorious team for the day saw Marlene Jordan and Tanya Maxwell claim the win against Carmel Doyle and Maria Hellyar
New members are always welcome at Casino Bowls — come
Rex rode around 1500 winners at a time when country racing was largely a weekend pursuit and dominated by visiting city jockeys.
He will always be remembered for one of the great upsets in Australian racing history. In 1977, aboard the unheralded flly Mistress Anne for Cofs
Harbour trainer Dudley Wilson, Rex led all the way on a heavy track to defeat the champion colt Luskin Star in the Northern Slipper Stakes at Newcastle.
The pair later contested the Golden Slipper at Rosehill, where Luskin Star turned the tables.
After hanging up
the saddle in the early 1980s, Rex stayed deeply involved in the sport as the trackwork supervisor at the CRJC and later as ofcial starter for the Northern Rivers Racing Association (NRRA) — roles he performed with trademark professionalism and care. He briefy left Grafton in 2012 to assist his son
David as stable foreman on the Gold Coast, but the pull of home proved too strong.
On returning, he resumed his post as NRRA starter, a position he held until his retirement during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
In 2023, the CRJC recognised his lifetime of service by awarding him
along, join in, and enjoy the camaraderie!
Sunday, 2 November 2025
A perfect morning for golf saw John Vinecombe dominate the Casino course, taking home the Monthly Medal with a superb net score of 32, plus the putting trophy with only 19 putts, and even winning the players’ draw — a clean sweep! Runner-up: Jef Olive (36).
Nearest to Pins:
l 8th, 12th, 16th & 17th: D. Hampson
l 9th: Vinny
l 10th: D. Olive
l 11th & 18th: J. Rankin
l 13th: R. Francis
l 14th: W. Jackson
Next Sunday’s event,
proudly sponsored by Madsen Meats
Casino, will be a Single Stableford over the bottom 10 holes
. Visitors are most welcome! Hit-of from 6:30am to 7:30am — see you on the fairways.
Association Croquet
l P. Waters 26 def. L. Turner 11
l D. Scott 23 def. G. Porter 14
l T. Hume 17 def. S. Hume & P. Hume 14
Ricochet Croquet
A busy week on the lawns saw close scores and great sportsmanship:
l R. Poynting & N. Watts 12 def. N. Barnes & N. Poynting 9
l J. Doust & D. Scott
9 def. P. Scott & J. Hannigan 9
l H. Young 12 def. R. Allen & M. Russell 12 (countback)
l P. Scott & W. Gilmore 10 def. J. Doust & N. Watts 9
l P. Waters & B. Wellings 15 def. R. Poynting & N. Poynting 6
l J. Dorward & M. Russell 15 def. J. Hannigan & Brenton Bill 14
l D. Scott & H. Young 15 def. C. Edlund & R. Chapman 12
l M. Field 26 def. W. Gilmore 23
Twilight Golf Croquet
The social evening game produced some lively competition: G. Porter 19, R. Poynting 15, C. Edlund 13, M. Rennie 13, W. Anderson 13, D. Toghill
13, B. Nelson 12, G. Trim 10, J. Saunders 10, D. Jones 8, L. Wesley 7, R. Ofey 5, J. Hannigan 5.
Next Club Meeting:
Thursday, 6 November at 12 noon — all members welcome!
Thursday, 30 October 2025
After recent rain, the Coraki course was in fantastic condition — lush greens, frm fairways, and perfect lies made for some outstanding golf.
Winner: S. Ormond
Runner-up: D. Bullock
Third: K. Rogers
Free Game: S. Dawson
Chicken & Ball
Life Membership.
Rex Kelly may have passed, but his presence will always be felt at the Grafton track he called home.
Wednesday’s meeting will be both a tribute and a farewell, celebrating a man whose life revolved around the sport of kings and the people who make it great.
l 3rd/12th: B. Ross
l 6th/15th: T. McBurney
This Thursday, 6 November, is the November Monthly Medal — shotgun start at 8:00am. Be early, grab a cuppa, and enjoy a chat before tee-of. Congratulations to all who participated in the NRDVA Championships last week. The event was a huge success, with the course looking immaculate thanks to our amazing volunteers. Until next time — Good Golfng!
– Max
Winners: A. Pilling, T. McBurney, J. Weaver, G. McClymont, B. Ross, T. Doyle, J. Braby, D. Vagne, B. Micheal, W. Henwood, M. Bruggy, J. Kelly, J. Celich. Nearest Pins:
By Tim Howard
Wet weather has played havoc with the latest round of the Clarence Valley frst grade cricket competition, forcing two of the three games to be abandoned.
In the only result of the round, Lawrence vanquished Maclean United in imperious fashion at Barry Watts Oval, Maclean.
Lawrence applied the screws to Maclean from the outset, restricting them to just 88 from 36 overs then strolling to 1-89 in just 16.4 overs.
Only Nathan Murray and veteran Craig Moran, with 19 apiece, made meaningful contributions against the seven bowlers Lawrence skipper Ben Shaw deployed.
Each took at least one wicket, with Shaw proving the best of them snaring 3-9. Opening bowler Nathan Williams was next best with 2-23.
At Ulmarra a typically savage 63 from Matt Dougherty had put Tucabia Copmanhurst in
the box seat in its game against Iluka.
Dougherty hammered three sixes and seven fours as Tucabia raced to 8-195 in 40 overs.
Dougherty had good support from Bohdi Henwood, 36, and opening batter Matt Pigg, 31.
Dean Bartlett had the miserly fgures of 2-8 from eight overs and his wickets were those of Pigg and Dougherty.
Iluka looked to be making a good fst of the run chase when the weather intervened.
They had reached 0-44 with Ed Burton 24no and Aidan Daniels 15no when the players were forced from the feld.
Iluka had got of to a fyer, but the introduction of spin via Pigg slowed the scoring rate. It was building toward a good contest, until the rain came.
Harwood looked to be in command in their game against GDSC Easts at Ellem Oval, Grafton, when rain stopped play.
Harwood had battled its way to 8-134 with six of its top seven making
double fgures, but only Josh Lane, 23 and Alex Mofatt, 20, made a score
by The Northern Rivers Times Lifestyle Team
When Katelin Vincent asked her online community if fve men could help her with a small project, she never expected what came next. Within hours, her inbox overfowed with messages — not from men ofering to assist, but from men desperate to talk. They shared stories of struggle, isolation, and pressure. They wanted to be heard.
That moment changed everything.
Already the founder of You Go Girlfriend — a platform empowering women to speak openly about topics like periods, pleasure, and relationships — Katelin saw a new mission taking shape. The response from men made one thing clear: they were yearning for a safe, judgment-free space to share what’s really going on beneath the surface. And so, You Go Bro was born.
With a background in education as a Life Design teacher, Katelin has always been passionate about helping others fnd purpose and direction.
Transitioning from guiding young people to working with men came naturally.
“I’ve always had a soft spot for supporting boys and men,” she says.
“Growing up surrounded by male friends, I’ve seen how much they carry silently.”
What began as a spontaneous moment on social media has evolved into a powerful coaching movement that’s breaking barriers and reshaping conversations about
masculinity, emotion, and worth.
Building Mental Fitness Through GRIT
Through her GRIT
Coaching method, men’s workshops, and her signature event The Reset , Katelin has reached men across Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Her work blends practical mindset strategies with emotional ftness, encouraging men to release pressure, reconnect with purpose, and rebuild confdence in their relationships and within themselves.
“I’m not here to fx men,” Katelin says. “I’m here to remind them they’re human — they’re allowed to feel, lead, and be supported.”
A Movement That’s More Than Gender Katelin’s message is clear: the conversation isn’t about men versus women — it’s about humanity. “Men have emotions, too. They don’t need to ‘man up,’ they
need space to be seen,” she says.
Her mission through You Go Bro and You Go Girlfriend is to replace blame with understanding and isolation with connection, creating a bridge between men and women through empathy and honest dialogue.
A Global Ripple of Change
What began with one Instagram story has now sparked a worldwide community. Men from all backgrounds are stepping forward — from tradies and teachers to fathers and business owners — ready to redefne what strength truly means.
“I’ve seen frsthand how men transform when they’re fnally given permission to talk,” Katelin says. “And I’ve never looked back.”
You Go Bro isn’t just a brand — it’s a movement, a message, and a reminder that behind every man is a human being who deserves to be heard.
or more.
The Easts bowlers kept the batters under control, with Archie Pope taking 3-6 as wickets tumbled late in the innings.
Left-arm spinner David Duroux took 2-33 and Elijah Waites 2-29.
Easts started the run chase solidly with Shannon Connor typically aggressive scoring 18 with a six and a couple of fours.
Luke Hayman, 14 and Max Forwell, 17, took the total to 46, but no-one had any answers to the leg spin of Jacob McMahon who ran through the middle and lower order to take 5-27.
Harwood appeared on track for victory until rain cut short the day’s play.
The weekend results have Harwood and Lawrence equal on 14 points, but Harwood tops the table on with a superior quotient of 3.245 to Lawrence’s 3.060.
GDSC Easts is in third spot with 12 points and a quotient of 1.007, but there is a decisive gap to the bottom three teams.
Tucabia is on four points and Maclean and Iluka are each on two.
On Saturday the top two teams battle for the outright lead when Harwood hosts Lawrence at Harwood Oval.
The two Grafton teams Easts and Tucabia meet at Ellem Oval and Iluka and Maclean clash at Iluka Sportsground.
By Gary Nichols
By Tim Howard page 47
As this picture shows, Grafton rugby teams have played in less than ideal conditions. Yet two weekends ago North Coast Rugby cancelled a big weekend of footy on a technicality and grassroots rugby fans are furious.
