The Northern Rivers Times News Edition 317

Record-Breaking Casino Truck Show Sets New Benchmark

By Jeff Gibbs

The 2026 North Coast Petroleum Casino Truck Show has once again exceeded expectations, reinforcing its reputation as one of Australia's premier trucking events and a show widely recognised as the greatest truck show in the Southern Hemisphere.

A record 550 trucks rolled into Casino for the annual celebration of Australia's road transport industry, flling Casino's central business district with an extraordinary display of prime movers, vintage trucks, custombuilt rigs and heavy transport equipment. Combined with industry exhibitors, live entertainment, family activities and thousands of enthusiastic visitors, the event transformed the Richmond Valley township into a showcase of Australia's trucking industry.

The celebrations began on Friday evening with the now-iconic Friday Night Lights, where illuminated trucks lined the streets of Casino, creating a spectacular display of colour and chrome that attracted tens of thousands of spectators.

Live music, entertainment and a vibrant festival atmosphere provided the perfect lead-in to Saturday's main event.

Throughout Saturday, visitors explored hundreds of immaculately presented trucks representing transport companies, owner-drivers and enthusiasts from across Australia. More than 70 trophies were presented, recognising excellence in presentation, restoration, innovation and workmanship.

The event culminated with the presentation of the prestigious Tiny Lollback Rig of the Show trophy to Matt Haylock (pictured) of Emerald Carrying Co for his Kenworth T900, recognising it as the standout truck of the 2026 Casino Truck Show.

Casino Truck Show Volunteer Committee Lead

Darren Goodwin said the 2026 event had exceeded expectations and refected the dedication of everyone involved in making the Truck Show possible.

"Every year we challenge ourselves to make the Truck Show even bigger and better, and this year has surpassed anything we've achieved before," Mr Goodwin said.

"The Casino Truck Show has once again cemented its reputation as the greatest truck show in the Southern Hemisphere. That reputation belongs to everyone who brings their trucks here, our loyal sponsors and exhibitors, and most importantly, our volunteers.

"These volunteers have given up countless hours throughout the year and over the weekend to make this event happen. Without them, there simply wouldn't be a Truck Show.

"To see these trucks flling the streets of Casino from across the country and thousands of people enjoying the event is

something our entire community can be proud of."

The Casino Truck Show has experienced remarkable growth since its revitalisation in 2022, with truck numbers, visitor attendance and industry participation increasing each year. The event has become a major celebration of Australia's road transport industry, attracting transport operators, manufacturers, exhibitors and trucking enthusiasts from across the country while delivering lasting benefts for the Richmond Valley.

Richmond Valley Council General Manager Vaughan Macdonald said the Casino Truck Show injects millions of dollars into the local economy each year,

organisers have donated almost $100,000 to charities and community organisations, ensuring the benefts of the event continue long after the fnal truck leaves town.

This year's Truck Show contributed a further $59,000, continuing a commitment to giving back that has become one of the defning legacies of the event.

Mr Macdonald said the Truck Show had become an outstanding example of what could be achieved through the partnership between Richmond Valley Council, the volunteer committee, sponsors and the trucking industry.

"Richmond Valley Council is proud to deliver this event in partnership with our outstanding volunteer committee, whose passion and commitment have helped grow the Truck Show into an event that is recognised across the country," he said.

benefting accommodation providers, cafés, restaurants, retailers, service stations and businesses throughout the region.

"The Casino Truck Show injects millions of dollars into our local economy each year, supporting accommodation providers, cafés, restaurants, retailers, service stations and businesses right across the Richmond Valley," Mr Macdonald said.

"It also continues to put Casino on the map as a vibrant and growing regional community capable of delivering one of Australia's most successful trucking events."

The Truck Show's success extends well beyond tourism and economic activity. Since the event's revitalisation in 2022,

"The Truck Show is about much more than trucks. It's about creating lasting benefts for our community through tourism, local business and charitable giving. Every year it showcases the very best of Casino while delivering real outcomes for the Richmond Valley."

Following its recordbreaking success in 2026, planning is already underway for next year's event, with organisers looking forward to welcoming the trucking industry back to Casino in 2027.

With record truck numbers, exceptional community support and another signifcant charitable contribution, the 2026 North Coast Petroleum Casino Truck Show has delivered its biggest event to date, reinforcing its standing as one of Australia's premier trucking events and demonstrating the important role it continues to play in supporting tourism, local business and community organisations across the Richmond Valley.

Yager bows out as mayoral race begins to take shape

By Tim Howard

The annual election of Clarence Valley’s mayor is still more than a month away, but the frst public declaration has already been made.

Councillor Cristie Yager has ruled herself out of the contest.

In a candid Facebook post responding to rumours she intended to seek the mayoralty, Cr Yager admitted she would one day like the role, but said now was not the right time.

“So I would actually love to stand for Mayor, am I ready? Probably not,” she wrote.

Later, she revealed perhaps the biggest factor in her decision.

“Reality is I do not want to ask for my fellow councillors’ support, I’d like to earn it and simply understand that I have it.”

It was an unusually frank assessment from a politician and one that offers an early glimpse into a mayoral election that, while still weeks away, is already prompting discussion

numbers required inside the chamber.

Cr Yager’s decision also raises a broader question: who would want the job?

The Clarence Valley mayoralty has become one of the most demanding public positions in the region.

Since the Covid-delayed 2021 local government elections, each mayor has faced a unique set of challenges that have made the offce as politically diffcult as it has been prestigious.

scrutinised periods in the council’s recent history.

Decisions on caravan park residents, planning disputes, food recovery, major infrastructure projects and governance issues have ensured council has rarely been far from the headlines.

None of those controversies is solely the responsibility of the mayor.

probably look awkward.

But she also identifed what she saw as the position’s greatest strength.

around the council table and in the community.

Her reluctance is particularly interesting because Cr Yager was the most popular councillor with voters at the 2024 local government election.

But the mayor is not elected by the public. The position is decided by the nine councillors, meaning a strong personal mandate from voters does not necessarily translate into the

Ian Tiley inherited a council that frequently appeared divided. Disagreements between councillors were not confned to the chamber, with criticism spilling into newspaper letters to the editor and public debate. Managing personalities often seemed as challenging as managing council business.

Peter Johnstone succeeded Cr Tiley but served only a single one-year term as mayor before fellow councillors elected Ray Smith to the position.

Since then Cr Smith has presided over one of the busiest and most closely

In NSW, mayors chair meetings and provide leadership, but decisions are ultimately made collectively by councillors.

Even so, the offce inevitably becomes the public face of council, carrying both the credit for its successes and much of the criticism when diffcult or unpopular decisions are made.

Cr Yager’s comments suggest she has thought carefully about what the role involves.

She acknowledged she would fnd some of the ceremonial aspects of the offce uncomfortable, joking she would happily avoid many public-speaking engagements and that every offcial photograph would

She believes the mayor has an important role advocating for the Clarence Valley through organisations such as the Country Mayors Association of NSW and the Mid North Coast Joint Organisation, where local issues can be pursued beyond the council chamber.

That broader advocacy role is often overlooked by the public, yet it is one of the mayor’s most signifcant responsibilities.

Cr Yager also joked that she would be “super irritating” to other councillors for reasons she chose not to list, but the remark carried a serious point.

A mayor must not only represent the community and lead debate, but also maintain the confdence of a majority of councillors who may hold widely differing views.

While Cr Yager has ruled herself out this year, her comments reinforce that the mayoralty remains

an attractive ambition for many councillors despite its challenges.

Of the council’s nine elected members, only frst-term councillors Shane Causley and Lynne Cairns have not previously sought or publicly expressed interest in becoming mayor.

The other seven councillors have either held the offce, nominated for it or indicated a willingness to take it on.

That means there is unlikely to be any shortage of potential candidates when councillors gather next month to elect the mayor for the coming year.

Whether the offce remains a political prize or has become something of a poisoned chalice is a question that may not be answered until after the votes are cast.

The Northern Rivers Times will begin canvassing councillors, seeking a clear picture of who might contest the mayor and deputy’s jobs.

Business backs CSIRO report

By Samantha Elley

As communities have had their say on the recently released CSIRO Northern Rivers Resilience Initiative fnal report, businesses have stepped up to lend their support.

Chair of the Lismore Alliance, Simon Stahl, said the group formed a number of years ago as a commitment to the rebuild and regeneration of the Northern Rivers and Lismore in particular.

“We have seen the CSIRO Report and we are fully supportive of the science and the work they have done,” he said.

“We congratulate the government that they are moving to the next phase, which is feasibility.”

Mr Stahl said one important factor that came out of the community consultations was the need to compensate landholders.

“If the feasibility does go that far, it’s got to look at compensation for landholders, that’s a given,” he said.

“The second thing was a lot of talk about naturebased solutions. We’ve been supporting (them) for a number of years now.

“We’ve been doing tree planting and riparian repair but it’s going

to need some signifcant infrastructure to protect people’s homes and businesses across our region.

“Nature-based solutions do not lower food heights in a major event.”

With the Northern Rivers region generating $44.4 billion in annual economic output and supporting more than 123,000 jobs, it is not lost on the Lismore Alliance to want to reduce the risk of future foods as much as possible, hence the urgency by the business community to

support the report.

Mr Stahl said he was impressed with the report and its food mitigation solutions.

“The fact (the CSIRO Report) was science based and they did some modelling, which I understand has never done before,” he said.

“And we’ve been doing reports ad nauseum for decades now, and never doing anything with it, so it’s important now the science has been done.

“The CSIRO know what

they are talking about.”

Felicity Hyde is the owner of Scoops and Candy, who was afected in the 2022 food, reopening her doors three months after the event.

“I really applaud the Lismore Alliance as they want to see the feasibility study and the information to make an informed decision,” she said.

“We do need to move forward instead of sitting around and going ‘let’s wait until the next one’.”

Dennis Pickford, owner of a cleaning business for 19 years, had 15 family members afected by the foods.

“Two metres of the food (which the CSIRO report claims can happen with the detention basins in place) would mean none of those homes would have been afected by the food,” he said.

“It should be done as we are going to have future generations living here and without relocating the CBD, which means destroying other environments, we don’t need to do that, we just need to sort out what we’ve got here.”

Not all people were happy with the mitiga-

tion plans suggested by the CSIRO report, with a small knot of protesters stating their disapproval.

Sue Churchill, owner of Nimbin Emporium, said Nimbin is a town that would be badly afected by the retention basins, one of the key features in the CSIRO report.

“Our village will be cut on all three roads into town and Nimbin would be an island,” she said.

“The businesses would be ok but they’ve got no customers.

“We are talking about 21,000 hectares of sacrifcial lands and homes.”

Day of Rugby brings out the stars

By Samantha Elley

They say rugby is the game played in heaven and if the weather was anything to go by, God certainly was shining down on the 2026 Ray White Casino & Kyogle Alex Gibbon Cup last week.

Under sunny blue skies over 500 secondary school students from across the Northern Rivers competed at Queen Elizabeth Park, over six full-sized felds in Casino in the rugby sevens event.

Named after former Australian Rugby Sevens representative, Alex Gibbon, the event is bigger than ever for both boys’ and girls’ teams across the under-14, under-16 and under-18 age groups.

“Sevens is a very fastgrowing Olympic sport,” said Alex.

“Getting kids involved in any of these games is good, especially the women’s side of it now.

“Women’s rugby is growing and women’s rugby league is growing so it’s really good to have development pathways so when these girls get to a professional system they actually know what they are doing.

“It’s really important to get these schools involved too and make a competitive environment, not just for the area but for rugby in itself.”

Mr Gibbon said schools have come from as far north as the Tweed and down to Grafton, both Catholic and state schools.

“(My advice for players) is to listen to your coach and don’t be afraid to express yourself and work on your strengths, not just your weaknesses,” he said.

Will Campbell, zone manager for Far North

Coast Rugby Union and NSW Rugby development offcer, said it takes a couple of months of solid work to get the day going.

“The school we see out here, St Mary’s (Catholic College), they actually

“(Rugby) is in our golden decade as we had the British and Irish Lions tour last year which brought a lot of money and a lot of interest back into rugby.

“Going into 2027 we will also have the Rugby

have a dedicated weekly program, we call them academies and we’ve got a couple of those now on the Northern Rivers,” he said.

players and it starts with events like these, with kids like these.”

Year 12 student, Chloe Sivewright, is an example of the players who were out enjoying the competition of the day, playing

“I’ve been playing for four years; I just loved it.

“I just started backyard footie with friends and neighbours and then got into it and signed up and now I’m playing.

“I love getting out there

playing in a professional category.

“You’ve got to work for it and train hard, do extras,” she said.

“I’ve played for CHS and NSW, did that last year and then I made my way to

90-day reprieve for evicted art club

By Tim Howard

The Grafton Art Club has won a temporary reprieve in its search for a new home, with the deadline to vacate its Dobie St headquarters extended from 30 days to 90 days.

The extension has eased immediate pressure on the 60-year-old community organisation, but members say they still need to secure suitable premises before preparations intensify for this year’s Jacaranda Festival.

Club spokesperson Vicki Holroyd said the extra time had transformed the situation from a crisis into a determined community effort.

“It has settled everyone down a bit,” she said.

“If it had stayed at 30 days we would have been packing boxes already.”

The club, which has about 120 members aged from fve to 95, was told last month it would have to leave the former Scout Hall after Scouts NSW decided to sell the property as part of a statewide

review of buildings no longer used by Scout groups.

Members have occupied the Dobie St premises for the past 20 years after relocating when their previous clubhouse in Fry St was destroyed by fre.

Since learning of the decision, club members have been inspecting vacant buildings, approaching property owners and seeking assistance from

Clarence Valley Council and Clarence MP Richie Williamson in the hunt for a permanent base.

“We’ve got a lot of pokers in the fre,” Ms Holroyd said.

“We’re not leaving any stone unturned.”

The club is seeking premises that can accommodate children’s and adult art classes, workshops, exhibitions and its growing

membership.

Easy access for elderly members and people with disabilities is also essential, while secure storage and a long-term lease are high on the wish list.

“Our members range in age from fve to 95, so we need somewhere that’s accessible and somewhere we can really make our home,” Ms Holroyd said.

“We don’t want to be

moving every second year.”

The search comes at a crucial time, with planning already underway for the club’s annual Jacaranda Art Exhibition, one of the festival’s longest-running attractions.

The exhibition attracts artists from across the region, draws hundreds of visitors each year and relies on around 40 volunteers who contribute hundreds of hours preparing, promoting and staffng the event.

Ms Holroyd said the club hoped to know by early October where it would be based so members could focus on the exhibition rather than their accommodation.

“We’ve got a tentative plan if nothing happens before Jacaranda,” she said.

“We are still a club. We might not have a clubhouse, but we’re still a club.”

The club’s vice-president, Linda Maher, said the search for new premises was about preserving far more than a meeting place.

In an impact statement released this week, she said the volunteer-run organisation provided lifelong learning, friendship and social connection for people of all ages, while helping combat isolation and encouraging creativity across the community.

“By supporting Grafton Art Club, you are helping preserve not simply a building, but a thriving creative community that has enriched the Clarence Valley for generations,” she wrote.

Despite the uncertainty, Ms Holroyd said members remained optimistic.

“We can’t be down in the dumps. That gets you nowhere,” she said.

“We’re optimistic because if we’re positive we’ll fnd something.

“It won’t be where we are now, but it will be another place and we’ll make it ours.”

The club is inviting anyone aware of suitable premises to contact its committee as the search for a new home continues.

$1 million funding boost to improve South Grafton CBD safety

By Tim Howard

South Grafton is set for a $1 million pedestrian safety upgrade after the NSW Government announced funding to transform the town centre into a High Pedestrian Activity Area. The funding, secured by Clarence Valley Council through the NSW Government’s Towards Zero Safer Roads Program – High Pedestrian Activity Area

Sub-program, will fund a range of improvements designed to make the CBD safer and more accessible for pedestrians.

Proposed works include the introduction of a 30km/h speed zone, new pedestrian crossings, a raised intersection, gateway treatments and landscaping, with all works subject to community consultation and detailed design.

The announcement has been welcomed by the South Grafton Progress Association, which has spent years advocating for improvements to the CBD.

Clarence MP Richie Williamson joined members of the association in South Grafton to mark the funding announcement and praised the group’s persistence.

“This is fantastic news for South Grafton and a

great outcome for the local community,” Mr Williamson said.

“The South Grafton Progress Association has been advocating for improvements to the CBD for some time, and it’s pleasing to see that persistence rewarded with this signifcant investment.”

He also acknowledged Clarence Valley Council for securing the funding.

Mr Williamson said the planned works would improve safety while encouraging more people to

spend time in the shopping precinct.

“These upgrades will improve pedestrian safety and accessibility while creating a more attractive town centre that encourages people to spend time in South Grafton and support local businesses,” he said.

“I know this project has been a priority for the community for a long time, and I look forward to seeing it progress through the consultation and design phases before construction gets underway.”

Planning for the project will begin with community consultation and detailed design during the 2026-27 fnancial year, with construction expected to begin in 2027-28. The project forms part of the NSW Government’s Towards Zero road safety strategy, which aims to reduce the risk of death and serious injury on the state’s roads by creating safer environments for all road users, particularly pedestrians in busy town centres.

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By Samantha Elley

When the Schafers bought their home in Frank Street, South Lismore, they set up a motor body-building business in the backyard.

This was where father, Rudolph Schafer built a 1935 Dodge for a bakery business and where he built buses during World War Two and wooden cars.

He passed on his skills to his sons and his grandchildren would have memories of playing in the shed.

And now the beautiful home, made of rare rosewood timber, is slated for demolition unless a ‘housing saviour’ can relocate it from its present address.

Lismore local, Yani Clarke, has been a member of Community Disaster Action Group (CDAG) which was formed in 2022 as a body to help advocate for a just recovery.

She has been doing a call out on Facebook looking for a potential new owner of the property.

“(The property) is slated for demolition and its quite a valuable historical property,” she said.

“I’ve had a meeting with the Reconstruction Authority a few days ago to go over the concerns with demolition.”

Ms Clarke was pleased to say they have paused any demolition activities on Frank Street for the time being.

Having returned to Lismore after the 2022 flood and

History is being demolished

with a background in photojournalism, documentary making and photography, Ms Clarke has been working hard

Watching the history of Lismore disappear has brought about a feeling of solastalgia for Ms Clarke.

“It is a feeling of sadness

to save many of the old Lismore homes that are slowly disappearing as they are demolished due to the effects of the February 2022 flood.

“I have been watching the demolitions unfold around us,” she said.

“There are close to 170 to be demolished by this November across the region.”

when you see your home disappear around you while you are still living there,” she said.

“The sound of the excavators are triggering noises all around us.

“One friend owned a property on Union Street and she had a quote and report of fitness for the house to be relocated but it was demolished.

“It was 120 years old and there are many cases like that.”

The Frank Street property is 137 years old and Ms

interest.

“I have a few people who are looking good and capable,” said Ms Clarke.

“People have the ability to save these houses especially if gifted.

“I am pleased (the Reconstruction Authority) has paused demo.

“I am going to be sending names of people who have put their hands up (to relocate the house) to the government to do their assessment.”

While 207 homes have already been demolished the Reconstruction Authority advise that the demolition pathway is taken when a property doesn’t

Clarke said it is one of the oldest houses in the buyback program.

Aside from the rosewood timber, the house has traditional mortise and tenon joinery, beautiful high ceilings and exceptional heritage character.

A callout on Facebook for someone to save the house has had a few nibbles of

qualify with structural design, rigidity and soundness.

“Wherever possible NSW Reconstruction Authority are prioritising the relocation, reuse and recycling of buyback properties over demolition,” a spokesperson form the NSW Reconstruction Authority said.

“Before removal, each

home is assessed before a decision is made on removal pathway.

“While many homes are relocated and given a second life, some properties have sustained significant flood damage, are structurally compromised, contain high levels of asbestos or are otherwise not practical for relocation.”

The spokesperson said the Reconstruction Authority is engaging demolition contractors to recycle in line with industry standards.

“Materials that can be recycled are being directed to appropriate recycling facilities,” the spokesperson said.

“To date more than 70% of eligible material from demolished homes have been recycled, excluding asbestos containing materials, across the Northern Rivers.

“In addition, homeowners and contractors are salvaging material from properties before they are demolished.”

As at May 2026 2,128 tonnes of asbestos and 4,876 tonnes of construction and demolition waste have made their way to landfill.

There has been 55 tonnes of timber recycled, along with 375 tonnes of metal, 9,796 tonnes of bricks and 572 tonnes of organics.

Materials that have been salvaged and reused include 27km of reclaimed timber, windows, doors, beams, iron, boards, fencing, solar systems and hot water systems.

Flood Recovery Program Strengthens Tweed's Future

By Robert Heyward

Tweed Shire Council has completed the final building restoration project arising from the record-breaking 2022 flood disaster, marking the conclusion of a major resilience program that has restored and strengthened community facilities across the region.

The final project at the John Rabjones and Les Cave Sports Facility in Murwillumbah brings to a close a $6.8 million restoration program that has upgraded approximately 40 flood-

damaged community buildings since the devastating floods.

The extensive program has focused not only on repairing damage but also on improving the resilience of Council-owned buildings so they are better equipped to withstand future flooding and severe weather events.

Project Director Flood Restoration Kurt Heidecker said the completion of the building program represented a significant milestone in the Tweed's ongoing recovery.

"This program has fundamentally changed

how our community buildings withstand and recover from flooding," Mr Heidecker said.

"By building back better, we've reduced future recovery times, reduced building waste generated by disasters and ensured our facilities can reopen much sooner after severe weather."

The John Rabjones and Les Cave Sports Facility received a comprehensive range of flood resilience improvements. Works included upgrades to the canteen using floodhardened materials, improved drainage and irrigation systems,

enhancements to the grandstand, installation of flood-resistant clubhouse materials, new steel and aluminium staircases, upgraded decking and balustrades, a complete roof replacement and improvements to the car park to increase accessibility.

Funding for the project was provided through the NSW Government's Office of Sport under the Sport Priority Needs Program, Essential Community Sport Assets Program and Community Assets Program.

Across the wider restoration program,

Council incorporated a range of resilience measures into repaired buildings, including the use of flood-hardy construction materials, raising electrical systems above likely flood levels and introducing design improvements aimed at reducing damage during future flood events.

Council said these measures have contributed to the reinstatement of flood insurance across its building portfolio and helped earn recognition at the 2025 Statewide Mutual Risk Management Excellence Awards.

With all Council building assets damaged during the

2022 floods now restored, attention continues to focus on recovery following ExTropical Cyclone Alfred. Council has confirmed that 55 building repair projects associated with the 2025 weather event have already been completed, with a further four projects currently underway.

The completion of the restoration program represents a long-term investment in more resilient community infrastructure, helping ensure essential public facilities can recover more quickly and continue serving the Tweed community following future natural disasters.

Lismore’s holey roads are not a blessing

By Samantha Elley

Kelly Fontanella was on a mission to buy a new puppy from a Lismore owner when she sadly met with a massive pothole on Wyrallah Road two weeks ago.

“We live at Coramba out the back of Coffs Harbour and were on our way to purchase a puppy,” she said.

“We have a 4WD at home but didn’t think it was necessary so we took the Mini Cooper to save petrol money.”

Ironically, the damage done to the small car when it hit the gaping pothole has cost her and her wife thousands of dollars.

“We were driving through Woodburn in the 100 zone but it was so dark I kept it at 80,” Kelly said.

“We didn’t see the pothole as there was no warning or markings, absolutely nothing.

“There was a massive bang of the car as it wasn’t just the tyre exploding.”

Unfortunately, Mini Coopers don’t come with spare tyres and Kelly found herself in pitch blackness, literally stranded.

“A very big,noisy chevy ute turned up with three blokes,” said Kelly.

“These men helped us out.

“What beautiful local people there are as they got a car trailer and got us into Lismore.

“I especially want to do a big shout out to Ben Hull as he ‘s got a trucking company.

“Ben and his friend drove us to a hotel in Lismore where we stayed and we were able to put our claim through to the insurance company.”

The result of hitting the pothole was a burst tyre, a bent rim and damaged CV joints.

When Kelly called

Lismore City Council to advise of the pothole, she was told she’d have to prove the pothole had been there for three months as the council has three months to get it fixed.

“I asked her for the relevant forms to be able to fill them in and she still hasn’t gotten back to me,” said Kelly

“I posted the pothole on a Lismore Facebook page and had over 400

comments, some of them really sad stories of their experience with the same pothole.”

The Northern Rivers Times has put a request into the Director for Roads at Lismore City Council to clarify the three month turnaround.

A spokesperson for Lismore City Council has

confirmed the pothole on Wyrallah Road has been patched.

The spokesperson also confirmed, while council staff don’t always know where the potholes are, they appreciate the assistance of residents informing them.

To report potholes residents can call (02) 6625 0500 with details of the

specific location including road name and suburb. Email council@lismore. nsw.gov.au with details of the specific location including road name suburb, and photos. Submit online by logging a Road Maintenance request through the Lismore City Council website.

Luxury Retirement Living Arrives Tweed Heads

ANEW 94-apartment retirement community is set to reshape independent living at Tweed Heads, with Serene Residences offering a resort-style lifestyle designed for retirees seeking connection, convenience and security.

Currently under development at the corner of Powell and Florence streets, Serene Residences will feature one six-storey tower and one seven–storey tower (Riverside and Oceanside) comprising 94 luxury independent living apartments.

Buyers can choose from 20 floorplans, including one, two and threebedroom apartments as well as penthouses.

Construction is expected to be completed from November 2027, with apartments already on sale.

Serene Residences General Manager Linda Goodwin told The Weekly the project reflects changing attitudes

For further information and sales enquiries please contact Serene Residences Sales Manager Chris: 0448 983 193.

towards retirement, with many Australians now seeking communities that encourage active lifestyles, social engagement and peace of mind while reducing home maintenance.

"Retirement today is about choice, independence

and creating a lifestyle that allows people to enjoy every day to the fullest,”

Linda said.

“People are looking for

more than just a home; they're looking for a community where they can remain active, connected and supported.”

Residents will have access to a range of resort-style facilities including rooftop mineral and hydrotherapy pools, a spa, sauna, gymnasium, library, café, billiards and table tennis rooms, resident lounges and curated art throughout the common areas.

Serene been operating a retirement community in the Tweed region for more than 12 years, with existing residents often citing friendships, organised social activities, 24-hour staff presence and on-site maintenance as key benefits.

"We've seen first-hand through our existing community, that social connection and a sense of belonging have a profound impact on people's quality of life,” Linda said.

“Our goal is to create an environment where residents can continue pursuing their interests, building friendships and enjoying their independence.”

Tweed Grants Boost Sustainable Farming Future

By Jeff Gibbs

Tweed Shire farmers are being encouraged to apply for grants of up to $4,000 to help improve the sustainability, productivity and long-term resilience of their farming operations through Tweed Shire Council's Sustainable Agriculture Small Grants Program.

Now in its eighth year, the program supports practical on-farm projects that deliver measurable environmental benefits while strengthening the long-term viability of agricultural businesses. Funding is available for initiatives such as trialling new farming techniques, implementing sustainable land management practices and addressing environmental challenges affecting agricultural land. Since the program was established in 2018, Council has awarded 49 grants valued at approximately $160,000,

supporting a wide range of projects across the Tweed. These have included erosion control works, riparian restoration, native revegetation, improved water management and soil health initiatives.

Council's Acting Program Leader – Sustainable Agriculture, Aiden Sloman, said the grants provide farmers with an opportunity to test innovative ideas before making larger investments.

"Farmers manage much of the Tweed's landscape and are uniquely placed to deliver positive environmental outcomes alongside agricultural production," Mr Sloman said.

"The program gives farmers an opportunity to trial new approaches with less financial risk. That can help build confidence before making a larger investment or committing to a significant change in

farm management."

Mr Sloman said many of the program's most successful projects had started as simple ideas before developing into lasting improvements for both farming businesses and the surrounding environment.

"The existence and success of these grants is really a reflection of our shire's incredible farmers and their willingness to

innovate and commit to being great stewards of the land for future generations," he said.

Previous recipients have reported significant environmental and production benefits.

John, from Pumpenbil, used grant funding to fence gullies and waterways, creating wildlife corridors while improving pasture management. Restricting cattle access to waterways and providing clean drinking water through troughs resulted in healthier livestock and improved pasture condition, while technical advice provided through the program also proved valuable.

Meanwhile, Robert, from Stotts Island, reported strong results from a multispecies cover crop trial on his sugar cane farm. The trial produced about 45 tonnes of dry matter and generated around 200 units of nitrogen, eliminating the need for additional chemical nitrogen on the trial site and significantly

outperforming a soybean crop affected by wet weather.

To be eligible, applicants must be primary producers or actively farming land within the Tweed Shire. Proposed projects must demonstrate clear environmental benefits and contribute to improved soil health, water quality, biodiversity or broader natural resource management outcomes. Applications close on 30 August 2026 for first-round consideration. Applications received after that date may still be assessed while funding remains available, with any remaining applications considered in the next funding round if funds are exhausted.

Farmers are encouraged to discuss project ideas with Council's Sustainable Agriculture team before applying. Further information, program guidelines and application details are available from Tweed Shire Council.

PREMIUM RETIREMENT LIFESTYLE

 Rooftop Hydrotherapy Pool, Spa & Sauna

 Gym & Wellness Facilities

 Café & Library

 Curated Private Art Collection

 Elegant Resident Lounges

 Walk to Cafés, Clubs & the Tweed River

 Gold Coast Airport - 10 minutes away

 24-Hour Staff for Peace of Mind

Life’s best moments deserve the time to enjoy them.

At Serene Residences, discover a sophisticated, carefree coastal lifestyle in one of Australia’s most desirable locations. Wake to river breezes, spend afternoons by the rooftop magnesium pool, enjoy lunch with friends in the café, then simply lock up and travel whenever the mood strikes.

INDEPENDENT LIVING · RESORT STYLE LUXURY · PEACE OF MIND

This is retirement without compromise.

How to find the better angels

Comment By Tim Howard

People often ask just how do we find better leaders.

The answer I arrived at had nothing to do with politics, it came from my father.

I was still a young man and, like many young men, convinced I had everyone worked out. We’d been talking about people we both knew and I’d been relentlessly critical of most of them.

One after another, I’d explain their faults, their weaknesses and why they disappointed me.

Dad listened patiently before interrupting.

“Why are you putting these people down all the time?” he asked.

I don’t remember my answer. I do remember his.

“You know them,” he said. “Tell me what it is you like about them.”

The conversation was short, but I’ve remembered it for more than 50 years.

And it took a fair few of those years to understand what he was really doing.

Dad wasn’t trying to rescue the reputations of the people I was so confidently judging. He was trying to rescue me.

He knew that faultfinding had become too easy. My opinions weren’t especially perceptive; they were simply cheap.

Anyone can catalogue another person’s shortcomings. It requires no imagination, very little wisdom and almost no generosity.

He wanted me to develop a different habit.

Instead of asking, “What’s wrong with this

person?” he challenged me to ask, “What is good about them?”

Not because their faults didn’t exist.

But because if criticism became my default way of looking at people, it would eventually become my default way of living in the world.

He understood something I was still too young to appreciate. Generosity is not primarily a gift to the person receiving it. It is a habit that enriches the person who practises it.

I’ve often thought about that conversation while

watching modern politics.

We live in an age that rewards criticism. Every problem has someone to blame. Immigrants. Elites. Bureaucrats. Billionaires. Trade unions. The media. The courts. Depending on your politics, the list changes. The habit doesn’t.

There are politicians of every persuasion who have discovered that grievance is politically profitable.

They are remarkably skilled at identifying frustrations and giving them a target. It wins attention. Sometimes it wins elections.

But governing is not easy, finding fault is.

History tends to remember the leaders who understood the difference.

George Washington emerged from the American Revolution with the affection of a grateful nation and the loyalty of its army.

Few men have ever held such power. Yet he surrendered it, establishing a principle more enduring than any battlefield victory: in a democracy, institutions must always be greater than the individuals who occupy them.

Abraham Lincoln inherited a nation tearing

itself apart. He could have appealed to revenge. Instead he appealed to “the better angels of our nature” and, at the end of the Civil War, urged “malice toward none, with charity for all”. His ambition was not merely to defeat an enemy, but to heal a nation.

John F. Kennedy confronted a world divided by ideology and threatened by nuclear war. Yet he reduced the human condition to three simple truths.

“We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children’s future. And we are all mortal.”

In just a few words, he reminded us that before we are conservatives or progressives, Australians or Americans, we are human beings who share the same fragile existence.

Australia has produced leaders who also invited us to think beyond ourselves.

Robert Menzies spoke of “the forgotten people”, recognising the quiet aspirations of ordinary Australians who believed they had been overlooked.

Gough Whitlam challenged the nation to imagine a broader future through education, health care, science, the arts

and a more confident Australia. Many opposed his policies. Few doubted the scale of his ambition.

Menzies and Whitlam disagreed profoundly about how Australia should be governed. Yet both offered more than a catalogue of grievances. They asked Australians to imagine what the nation might become.

Perhaps that is the distinction we should be making.

Politics will always require criticism.

Democracies depend upon people willing to expose corruption, incompetence and bad ideas.

Dad was never suggesting that faults should be ignored. He was warning me against allowing criticism to become a habit of mind.

The same warning might apply to politics.

This is hardly a new idea.

More than two millennia ago, Socrates made a habit of asking awkward questions. He distrusted easy answers and believed that the quality of a society depended upon the quality of the questions its citizens were prepared to ask.

Perhaps that remains one of democracy’s oldest lessons.

Before we cast our vote, perhaps we should ask ourselves

Does this leader ask us to become better citizens, or merely angrier ones?

Do they strengthen our institutions, or mainly themselves?

Do they encourage us to understand our fellow citizens, or simply to resent them?

Do they offer solutions, or mostly people to blame?

Do they appeal to our fears, or to our better angels?

History cannot answer those questions for us, but is has given us examples.

Washington’s restraint. Lincoln’s generosity.

Kennedy’s humanity.

Menzies’ respect for ordinary Australians.

Whitlam’s faith in what Australia might become.

My father’s lesson was humbler than any of theirs, but no less enduring.

The quality of our democracy depends not only on the character of those who seek to lead us.

It depends on the habits of mind we choose to reward.

And really, every election is a choice about what sort of people we wish to become.

Next rung on the property ladder

By Samantha Elley

So, you’ve managed to buy a small place which you may or may not have done work on, to add value. What you are finding now is that it is too small for your needs. The family is growing, you need some backyard space and an extra bedroom or two. Or you have some equity in the property now and would like to work on your super and buy another property as an investment. The following ten properties were found using a filter of between $600,000 to $1,100,000.

9 Laihaina Crescent, Richmond Hill. 3 bedroom, 2 bathrooms, 4 car spaces, 6,500m2. $1,100,000. This property is set in a cul-de-sac, is single level and has expansive living areas. It is minutes from Bexhill village and close to schools.

1 Hidden Valley Circuit, Chilcotts Grass. 630m2, $420,000-440,000.

The property is elevated and retaining, drainage services are already installed as is the driveway and pad.

29 Commercial Road, Alstonville. 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 2 car space, 605m2. $1,050,000. Close to Alstonville shops and opposite the showgrounds and has been recently updated. There is a rumpus room and guest retreat with its own bathroom.

57 Donaldson Street, Coraki. 4 bedroom, 1 bathroom, 1 car space, 703m2. $680,000 It is a well-maintained low-set brick home with multiple living areas. There is also a covered outdoor patio for entertainment.

60 Spring Street, East Lismore. 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 3 car spaces, 806m2. $950,000

A 1950s style home that has been renovated. The main bedroom has an ensuite and the family bathroom has dual access.

13 Purcell Crescent, Townsend. 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom, 4 car space, 631m2. $745,000

There is drive through access to the backyard and a rear shed. It has a practical floor plan and an outdoor entertainment area.

14 Ashgrove Drive, Goonellabah. 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 2 car spaces, 947m2. $849,000

This house as a rear north-east aspect with elevated views. The covered deck is great for entertaining or relaxing. The master bedroom has an ensuite.

64 Flood Reserve Road, Ruthven. 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom, 2 car spaces, 8093.71m2. $850,000

If it’s outdoor space you need, this is the place. Two acres across two titles. The house is on an elevated site and is surrounded by well established trees.

20 Central Avenue, Maclean. 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom, 2 car space, 804m2. $795,000

There are two separate toilets. The living area is open plan and has air-conditioning. There is a workshop and shed on the property.

Homelessness Crisis Hits Record Levels

The Salvation Army is urging urgent national action as record homelessness and housing stress leave more Australians without a safe place to call home.

By Jeff Gibbs

Australia's homelessness crisis has reached unprecedented levels, prompting The Salvation Army to declare safe and affordable housing a national emergency as Homelessness Week shines a spotlight on the growing number of people struggling to keep a roof over their heads.

The charity says homelessness is no longer an issue affecting only those sleeping rough. Increasingly, working Australians, families with children, older people and young people are finding themselves unable to secure or maintain stable housing amid rising rents, limited housing supply and ongoing cost-of-living pressures.

More than 122,000 Australians are currently experiencing homelessness, while almost 289,000 people sought assistance through The Salvation Army's homelessness services during the past year. At the same time, almost 169,000 households remain on public housing waiting lists nationwide, highlighting the growing pressure on Australia's housing system.

Findings from The Salvation Army's 2026 Red Shield Report, based on responses from more than 4,400 people

receiving emergency relief across Australia, paint a concerning picture of widespread housing insecurity.

The report found 75 per cent of respondents were experiencing housing stress, rising to 86 per cent among private renters.

Around 60 per cent had been unable to pay their rent or mortgage on time during the previous year, while 37 per cent feared losing their home altogether.

Housing instability is also forcing many Australians into precarious living arrangements, with 16 per cent of respondents reporting they had couch

surfed or lived in their car during the past 12 months. For families, the financial strain is especially severe, with almost 64 per cent of households with children unable to afford adequate winter clothing or shoes.

The Salvation Army's Head of Homelessness, Dr Jed Donoghue, said frontline workers were seeing increasing numbers of people seeking help who had never previously imagined they would need homelessness services.

"Rising rents, limited housing and ongoing cost-of-living pressures are pushing more Australians to breaking point. We're seeing working people,

families, older women and young people seeking homelessness support because they simply can't afford a safe place to live," Dr Donoghue said.

He said homelessness extended well beyond rough sleeping, with many people living in cars, couch surfing or staying in overcrowded homes because they had nowhere else to go.

One New South Wales woman described the reality of living in her vehicle, saying she struggled to prepare meals and endured sleepless nights worrying about finding food and enough fuel to reach basic

facilities.

Despite common perceptions, rough sleeping represents only 6.2 per cent of homelessness in Australia. The most common form is severely overcrowded housing, accounting for 39 per cent of people experiencing homelessness.

Women and children make up almost threequarters of those seeking assistance from The Salvation Army's homelessness services, while more than 50,000 young people required support during the past year. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples also remain

disproportionately represented among Australians experiencing homelessness.

Over the past year, The Salvation Army delivered almost 339,000 sessions of care, provided more than 653,000 crisis accommodation bed nights, served over 1.3 million meals through residential services and supported nearly 35,000 people at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

During Homelessness Week (3–9 August), Salvation Army teams across Australia are hosting sleep-outs, community forums, fundraising activities and awareness events to highlight the issue and encourage community action.

The organisation is calling on governments to expand early intervention programs, adopt Housing First approaches that prioritise permanent housing, strengthen wraparound support services and significantly increase investment in social and affordable housing.

The Salvation Army warns that without decisive action, increasing numbers of Australians will continue to fall into homelessness despite safe and secure housing being a fundamental need for every person.

Northern Rivers Students Tackle Maths Challenge

By Jeff Gibbs

More than 25 schools from across the Northern Rivers have taken part in the 46th Newcastle Permanent Primary School Mathematics Competition, with Year 5 and 6 students putting their mathematical knowledge, problemsolving abilities and critical thinking skills to the test.

Held from Monday, 3 August, the annual competition challenged

students to complete 35 mathematical questions within 45 minutes.

Remaining true to its long-standing format, participants were not permitted to use calculators or rulers, encouraging mental arithmetic, logical reasoning and practical problem-solving.

The competition has a proud history in the Northern Rivers. In 2025, Hayden Thomson from South Grafton Public School was among

the region's standout performers, while Jj Barber from Sathya Sai Primary School received a District Award for outstanding achievement.

Now in its 46th year, the Newcastle Permanent Primary School Mathematics Competition has attracted more than half a million participants since it was first held in 1981, making it one of Australia's largest and longestrunning mathematics competitions for primary

school students. The 2026 event also marked a significant milestone as the competition was conducted entirely online for the first time, with the digital platform incorporating accessibility features such as text-tospeech technology to support greater student participation.

Newcastle Permanent spokesperson Paul Juergens said the competition continued to highlight the importance of mathematics in

everyday life, helping students build confidence while applying their skills to practical situations such as budgeting, cooking, time management and problem-solving.

Competition Director Dr Peter Howley said providing engaging mathematical experiences during the primary school years was important as students began developing future interests and career aspirations. He said the competition complemented classroom learning by

encouraging students to apply critical thinking, quantitative reasoning and problem-solving skills in practical and appealing ways.

With more than four decades of history behind it, the competition continues to give primary school students the opportunity to challenge themselves, build confidence and strengthen the mathematical skills that will benefit them throughout their education and beyond.

Condong Drainage Boost Strengthens Farming Future

A major funding commitment will

By Robert Heyward

A major agricultural drainage upgrade at Condong Creek is a step closer after the NSW Reconstruction Authority committed up to $1 million towards the project through the Tropical Cyclone Alfred Agricultural Drainage Reset Program.

The funding will support one of Tweed Shire Council's highestpriority agricultural infrastructure projects, with Council contributing up to $500,000 towards the estimated $1.5 million cost. Together, the investment aims to improve drainage efficiency across productive farmland while strengthening the region's resilience to future flooding.

The Condong Creek project is the largest

approved under the second tranche of the jointly funded Australian and NSW Government recovery program. The initiative is restoring critical drainage infrastructure damaged during recent flood events while improving long-term outcomes for agricultural

communities across Northern New South Wales.

Before construction begins, the project will undergo detailed design work, environmental and regulatory approvals, feasibility assessments and cost confirmation.

Delivery of the works

will be managed by the NSW Soil Conservation Service once the NSW Reconstruction Authority confirms the final project scope.

Supporting a Vital Agricultural Region Tweed Shire Mayor Chris Cherry said restoring and improving drainage

systems is essential for protecting the region's productive agricultural land and supporting local farmers following years of severe weather.

"Our farmers have endured repeated flood events in recent years and we know that when drainage systems are compromised, water can remain on productive farmland for extended periods, affecting crops, soil health and farm operations," Cr Cherry said.

She said Council had identified the Condong Creek works as its highest agricultural drainage priority because of the long-term benefits it could deliver throughout the catchment.

"This funding allows us to progress a project that Council identified as the highest priority for our agricultural community

and one that has the potential to deliver longterm benefits across the Condong catchment.

"We're pleased to be working with the NSW Reconstruction Authority, the Soil Conservation Service and our farming community to improve drainage outcomes and strengthen resilience ahead of future flood events."

Partnership Delivers Recovery Investment Tweed Shire Council General Manager Troy Green said the project demonstrates how all levels of government can work together to support regional recovery and improve resilience after natural disasters.

"This project is a great example of governments working together to support local communities recovering from natural disasters," Mr Green said.

Second Chance at Life Inspires Organ Donation Appeal

By Robert Heyward

A Northern Rivers woman whose life was transformed by a kidney transplant is sharing her story during DonateLife Week, encouraging more Australians to register as organ and tissue donors and discuss their decision with their families.

Tweed Heads grandmother Eve Martin spent five years undergoing renal dialysis three times a week after developing kidney failure. Her life changed dramatically two years ago when she was rushed to Brisbane's Princess

Alexandra Hospital for an emergency kidney transplant.

This month, Eve returned to the renal dialysis unit at Tweed Valley Hospital to thank the nurses and clinicians who cared for her throughout her treatment.

"I woke up from my transplant and on the first day felt almost no pain, I was filled with joy," Eve said.

"I cannot speak highly enough of the staff who cared for me. I was surrounded by nurses so sweet and efficient and doctors who made me feel wonderful. I'm living the dream now. My surgery was a total success, and I

urge everyone to register to become an organ and tissue donor."

Her story forms part of DonateLife Week, with Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD)

encouraging more people to join the Australian Organ Donor Register. Pop-up stalls are being held at Tweed Valley Hospital, Lismore Base Hospital and Grafton Base Hospital throughout the week, giving residents the opportunity to learn more about organ and tissue donation and the registration process.

NNSWLHD Organ Donation Lead Dr Michael

Do you know an extraordinary woman making a real difference in our community? I’m calling on the local community to help me find someone deserving of the title of the 2027 Clarence Electorate Local Woman of the Year. This special award recognises a woman whose dedication, leadership and service have made a positive impact across the Clarence and Richmond Valleys.

I look forward to celebrating another outstanding local woman during NSW Women’s Week 2027. Nominations close Friday, 9 October 2026

Lindley-Jones said Northern NSW continues to record organ donor registration rates well above both the NSW and national averages. More than 139,000 people across Northern NSW have registered their decision to become organ donors, with Ballina recording the state's third-highest registration rate at 60 per cent, behind only Bellingen and the Blue Mountains. Registration rates are 58 per cent in Kyogle, 57 per cent in Byron, Clarence Valley and Lismore, 53 per cent in Tweed, and 50 per cent in Richmond Valley, compared with 41 per cent across NSW and 35 per cent

nationally.

Despite these strong figures, new registrations across Northern NSW fell by 21 per cent last year, mirroring the statewide decline. Dr Lindley-Jones said it was vital that more people register and discuss their decision with family members. He also acknowledged the dedication of healthcare staff involved in facilitating organ donation across the District.

The need for donors remains significant. Around 2,000 Australians are on the transplant waiting list, while another 14,000 people are receiving dialysis treatment. Organ donation is only

possible in around 2 per cent of hospital deaths, and more than 50 Australians die each year waiting for a life-saving transplant.

Throughout DonateLife Week, Twin Towns Services Club at Tweed Heads and the Grafton Clock Tower are being illuminated in DonateLife's signature magenta to raise awareness. Health authorities are encouraging eligible Australians aged 16 years and over to register on the Australian Organ Donor Register and, importantly, ensure their family knows their decision.

Go Behind the Scenes This Local Government Week

Tweed residents are invited to discover the people, places and essential services that keep the region running during a week of free behind-the-scenes tours and community events.

By Robert Heyward

Tweed residents will have the opportunity to step behind the scenes of local government this week as Tweed Shire

Council celebrates Local Government Week with a series of free tours, demonstrations and community activities.

Running from Monday

3 August to Sunday 9 August, the program offers a unique opportunity to explore some of Council's key facilities, meet the staff who deliver essential services and gain a greater understanding of the work that takes place every day to support the community.

Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry said the annual event provides valuable insight into the many services Council delivers, much of which happens away from public view.

"Council delivers 53 services, but much of that work happens quietly behind the scenes," Cr Cherry said.

"Local Government Week gives our community the chance to step inside, meet the people doing the work and discover what it takes to keep the Tweed running."

The week will culminate with the Murwillumbah Depot Open Day on

Saturday 8 August from 10 am to 12 noon, giving residents the opportunity to explore Council's new flood-resilient depot. Visitors will be able to tour the facility, inspect Council vehicles and specialised equipment, learn about the many services that operate from the site and discover how the depot supports everything from road and park maintenance to the

production of street signs. Free coffee, sausages and plants will also be available while stocks last.

Cr Cherry said the recently completed depot represented an important investment in the Tweed's future resilience.

"The recent opening of our new Murwillumbah Depot provides an excellent opportunity for us to finish the week by inviting residents to see this exciting new facility," she said.

The new depot was built to better protect the vehicles, equipment and materials that keep the community running after previous facilities were located in floodaffected areas. The project strengthens the resilience of Council's essential operations and helps safeguard the resources needed to respond to future emergencies and maintain

everyday services.

Beyond the depot open day, Local Government Week includes a diverse range of educational and community events.

Residents can learn practical ways to reduce household energy bills and waste during a popup information session at Tweed City Shopping Centre on Wednesday 5 August.

Several guided infrastructure tours will also showcase Council's water and wastewater operations, including visits to Clarrie Hall Dam on Sunday 9 August, the Tweed Laboratory Centre on Thursday 6 August, and the Murwillumbah Wastewater Treatment Plant on Friday 7 August.

History enthusiasts can enjoy a curator-led tour of the Ritual exhibition at the Tweed Regional Museum on Tuesday 4 August,

while those planning ahead can attend the "Life ends, but paperwork continues" information session at Tweed Valley Cemetery on Thursday 6 August, offering practical guidance on end-of-life planning.

Nature lovers are also invited to a guided tour of a unique property at Kynnumboon on Friday 7 August, where participants will learn about habitat restoration projects and the ecology of flying foxes.

As several activities have limited places available, bookings are essential for some events and residents are encouraged to reserve their place early.

The full Local Government Week program, including booking details for all tours and activities, is available through Tweed Shire Council's Local Government Week webpage.

NO MORE EXCUSES. NO MORE DELAY.

Four years after the 2022 flood disaster, the longawaited CSIRO report has been released. The report provided flood mitigation recommendations that could significantly reduce future flood impacts across our region. The report models solutions including dry holding ponds and opening Boundary Creek to the ocean and estimates the 2022 flood would have been lowered by around 2 metres in Lismore, 1 metre in Woodburn and Coraki if the measures had been in place. Another flood is inevitable, the report provided us evidencebased solutions that will reduce flood risk, improve insurance affordability, encourage investment and help families remain in the region. I call on the State and Federal Labor Governments to commit funding and begin implementing the CSIRO recommendations.

It was great to present all of our regions Local Sporting Champions with a grant recently. These young athletes have been recognised for their dedication and achievements in sport. These grants help young athletes represent their communities at state, national and international competitions.

In athletics, congratulations to Cooper Dendle from Goonellabah and Lakya White from Grafton.

In baseball, congratulations to Connor

from Goonellabah, Alana McCarthy from Alstonville, Alayna Johnston from Coraki, Ava Lane from McLeans Ridges, Chelsea Gosling from Goonellabah, Chloe Keep from Shannon Brook, Clancy Jeffery from Corndale, Ebony Andrews from Wyrallah, Eloise McFarlane from The Channon, Isabella Moretti from Lismore Heights, Jasmine Kelly from Goonellabah, Kyna Rhodes from Goonellabah, Luka Green and Matilda Green, both from Green Pigeon, Mae Walpole from Lismore, Maggie Wilkie from Goonellabah, Paiten Hampson from Greenridge, Portia Studders from Geneva, Remie Campbell from Coolgardie, Sophia Hippi-Collins and Sophie Leadley, both from Casino, and Vienna Kamphorst from Alstonville.

In rugby union, congratulations to Cohen Bale, Eddie Garrard and Lachlan Elphick, all from Goonellabah, Ethan Johnston from Lindendale,

McCarthy from Caniaba.

In bowls, congratulations to Bodhi Andyrc from Alstonville.

In hockey, congratulations to Chloe Austin from Boat Harbour, Maggie Hughes from Goonellabah, Nalu Graham from Pearces Creek, and Thomas Beohm and Zayden Third, both from Grafton.

In karate, congratulations to Sion Flaherty from Goonellabah.

In netball, congratulations to Adi Mereiana Cawa

Isabelle McLean from Lismore Heights, Jaxon Williams and Toby Makejev, both from Casino, Jordy Williams from Caniaba, Kyah Rea from Sandy Beach, Macy Field and Reggie Field, both from East Lismore, and Nate Butcher from Sapphire Beach.

In skating, congratulations to Georgia Winn from Emerald Beach.

In surf life saving, congratulations to Bayley Johnson and Zara Johnson, both from Emerald Beach, Braxn Nipperess from Gulmarrad, Clarence Dougherty and Kayla Hancock, both from Yamba, Khloe Pepper from Sandy Beach, Leo Dean from Woombah, and Mostyn Brown from Wooloweyah.

In swimming, congratulations to Darcy Clare from Wollongbar, Donald Augustus Maloney and Harley Hannon, both from Woodenbong, and Isobel Johnson from Eltham.

In touch football,

congratulations to Jesse Cooper and Mali Cooper, both from Goonellabah.

In volleyball, congratulations to Ewan Clowes from Sapphire Beach.

In water polo, congratulations to Adam Nunn from Wollongbar and Harrison Wills from Korora.

BEEF AT THE BARRIERS

Beef at the Barriers 2026 drew another great crowd for the South Grafton Cup recently, bringing our community together to raise vital funds for Little Windmills: The Country Kids Charity. Congratulations and thank you to Mitch, Sophie and the team at Donovan Livestock & Property for delivering another fantastic event that continues to make a real difference in our community.

LISMORE FRIENDSHIP FESTIVAL –LISAMORE!

The Lismore Friendship Festival, 'LisAmore', once again celebrated everything Italian in our community. It was a wonderful day filled with fantastic food, market stalls, pasta, pizza, Prosecco, delicious desserts, the popular salami wheel, dancing and tug-of-war, creating a great atmosphere for everyone. Thank you to the committee members Gianpiero Battista, Julie De Nardi, Nancy Gava, Severino Daroit, Dan Jackson, Marie Best, Ernesto Angelosanto, Doris Rosa and Leanne Clark, along with the event sponsors, for bringing another outstanding community festival to life.

“Leemo

has views on just about anything”

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE ‘LOOK’

‘Mum’ when is Winter going to end ‘cos I’m just so over this protracted wet, gloomy chilly poxy weather: just look at my normally fuffy glorious tail. The old lady looked down at me and went quite pale ‘cos my tail was standing ‘straight’ up in the air (minus the fuffness) instead of having its wee curve at the end, which CAN mean some stress for the owner of such a tail being S . She spo e sharply. Leems, what have you been messing with? c’mon, out with it, which room have you been poking around in? Come closer so I can inspect your tail please. NO , m not havin any of that cos if get closer, for all her old age fatuous brain fails, she still has a nac for deducing a scenario that would ‘out-deduce’ Sherlock olmes. mmm Sorry um, am NOT going to let you near my tail. personally feel it has actually gone straight because of the free ing weather: perhaps you can buy me an electric warming coat with a 1km cord enabling me to move around, and tail cover (like an electric blan ie) that can wear when feel the cold. Whaddya reckon lovely um To my dismay she got out her book entitled ‘Every Single Thing ou Need to Know about Cats and their Habits’ I observed closely she fic ed to Section a(iii) g. which dealt specifcally with fro en at Tails. eee , m in strife

rec on. She spo e after a few minutes. O young man. ou may eep your distance for now but ust L ST N gottit Firstly, T your suck-up nonsense ‘cos it doesn’t work on me at LL Next point is that S, a feline tail N inda free e but I do not believe this applies to your mega straight tail The only deduction fnd is frostbite. O R, as we have NOT had frost this winter might I suggest you come up with a conceivable answer. O . T N Leems, T N fgured d best fess up or treats could be pretty meagre in days to come. made her tea 2 gingernuts & ‘slid’ the tray ft in her direction. I then put on my bestest loo of contriteness told her I had to tell her something. , you know how curly & fri y yu y your hair is don t you LL, as a blo e, DON T L having a tail with a curl in it either. ve O S R D you doin stuff li e applying a ‘secret lotion’ which you comb through it. ou then use a ferce roaring machine & point it to your hair whilst using a brush. ND T N, your hair goes straight. So, thin ing of your clever techniques came across a tube of stuff in the room where you do your hair. t was called From Fri y yu urls to Smooth air . as ualie helped me apply it T NO my tail just goes straight up in the air which is painful when wish to cover a wee & dig in my litter tray. hat shall I do Mum?’ She grabbed me, placed me in our bathtub & ran warm water over my stiffened tail then applied the roaring machine to it to dry it. m recovering after being bathed for the the 1st time ever but she DID ask what I would li e for dins. mmm n retrospect, a straight-up tail on a bloke CAN be pretty impressive? All is inda nifty again. Nitey, Leemo um rappy urls .

Letters to the Editor

Have your say in The Northern Rivers Times!

We welcome your feedback, opinions, praise, concerns, and refections 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 verifcation 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 refect those of the publisher, editors, or staff. Letters may be edited for length or clarity. Offensive or defamatory content will not be published

SAFER ROADS FOR OUR KIDS

Kyogle Council deserves strong community support for its campaign to seal school bus routes. Rural families rely on these roads every day, and children should not have to travel on deteriorating gravel roads when safer alternatives are achievable. Sealing these routes will improve reliability during wet weather, reduce maintenance costs over time and provide better access for emergency services. This is not an extravagant wish list; it is sensible investment in essential infrastructure for our rural communities.

P. Harris – Kyogle

A CAMPAIGN WORTH BACKING

It is encouraging to see Kyogle Council taking a proactive approach instead of simply complaining about inade uate funding. Seeking long-term support to progressively seal school bus routes is a practical plan with lasting benefts. etter roads mean safer school transport, improved freight access and stronger connections between rural communities. hope both the State and Federal governments recognise the importance of this proposal and provide the funding needed to ma e it happen.

L. Cooper – Woodenbong

A BETTER FUTURE FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES

The proposal to seal gravel

school bus routes is about much more than smoother roads. Reliable transport lin s strengthen farming, support local businesses and ma e it easier for emergency services to reach isolated communities. Council has presented a sensible, staged plan that recognises its own fnancial limitations while advocating strongly for residents. This is exactly the sort of leadership regional communities need, and I hope governments respond positively.

R. Wall – Wiangaree

ANOTHER FIRSTCLASS EDITION

Once again, The Northern Rivers Times has produced an outstanding edition that refects everything a regional newspaper should be. From local council decisions and community achievements to rural issues, sport and entertainment, there was something worth reading on every page. our coverage gives a voice to people and stories that larger media outlets often ignore. ongratulations to the editorial team for consistently delivering a newspaper that informs, educates and celebrates our region.

P. Hastings – Alstonville

PLANNING TODAY FOR TOMORROW

Tweed Shire ouncil should be congratulated for educating the community about rising sea levels before ma or planning decisions become necessary. roviding reliable information allows residents to understand the challenges ahead without unnecessary alarm. lanning for gradual tidal inundation now will help protect homes, infrastructure and future development over the coming decades. reparing early is always better than reacting too late, and ouncil deserves credit for taking a responsible longterm approach.

J. Edwards – Kingscliff

A NAME WITH REAL MEANING

hoosing iirrinba as the name for aclean s new Regional rts entre feels li e the right decision. It recognises the deep cultural connection between the aegl people and the larence River while giving the venue a distinctive identity that belongs to the region. t is also pleasing to see that the decision followed genuine community consultation rather than being imposed from above. The new centre promises to become a cultural landmark, and

its name refects both the history and the future of the larence alley.

N. Delaney – Iluka

A CENTRE THE COMMUNITY CAN BE PROUD OF fter waiting so many years for the aclean ommunity recinct to become a reality, it is wonderful to see the arts centre receive a name that has such strong local signifcance. iirrinba is more than just a title—it tells a story about the river, the Traditional Owners and the unique character of the Lower larence. also liked that councillors acknowledged the many other suggestions and indicated local history could still be recognised elsewhere within the precinct. That shows respect for all parts of our community.

G. Mercer – Gulmarrad

BE PREPARED, NOT COMPLACENT

The decision to bring forward the ush Fire Danger eriod should serve as an important reminder that we cannot become complacent after recent years of foods and wet seasons. onditions can change quickly, and many people living in rural areas rely on preparation to protect their families and properties. The re uirement to obtain permits and notify neighbours before burning is there for good reason. few simple precautions today could prevent a devastating fre tomorrow. Let s all do our part and support our local RFS volunteers by following the rules and staying alert throughout the fre season.

V. Donnelly – Coutts Crossing

SAVE

OUR ART CLUB

The rafton rt lub has been enriching the community for nearly six decades, and it would be a real loss if it were left without a permanent home. Organisations li e this bring people together, encourage creativity and provide friendship for people of all ages. hope a suitable building can be found uic ly so the club can continue its valuable wor . ommunities are measured by how well they support their volunteers and artists when challenges arise.

A. Whitmore – Junction Hill

ART NEEDS A HOME

Reading that the rafton Art Club has been told to vacate its premises was disappointing. fter surviving for almost

years and overcoming setbacks in the past, the club deserves support from the wider community. Empty halls or underused buildings should be considered before such a valuable organisation is displaced. The arts ma e our region richer in every sense, and I hope a new home is found without delay.

T. Redman – South Grafton

UNSUNG HEROES DESERVE RECOGNITION

Congratulations to the three women recognised on the NS idden Treasures onour Roll. Their stories remind us that communities are held together by volunteers who rarely see recognition. hether helping schools, supporting charities or rebuilding after disasters, their generosity has made life better for countless people. t is wonderful to see these quiet achievers receive the appreciation they have earned.

K. Ellison – Coraki

CELEBRATING LOCAL VOLUNTEERS

The idden Treasures onour Roll is a ftting way to acknowledge people whose contribution often goes unnoticed. olunteers give their time because they care about others, not because they expect awards. Recognising women li e those featured in your article reminds us how much our towns depend on community spirit. Their dedication is an inspiration and deserves to be celebrated.

M. Callaghan – Evans Head

SPORT NEEDS THIS SUPPORT

The Local Sport rant rogram offers a fantastic opportunity for community sporting clubs to improve facilities, buy e uipment and encourage greater participation. olunteers work hard to keep local clubs running, and funding li e this helps ease the fnancial burden. I encourage every eligible club to put in an application because stronger sporting organisations beneft the whole community.

S. Drummond – Nimbin

BACKING GRASSROOTS SPORT

rassroots sport teaches teamwor , ftness and resilience while bringing communities together. rants that help local clubs upgrade facilities or purchase equipment are an investment in healthier, more connected towns.

hope sporting organisations across the region take advantage of this funding opportunity and continue providing opportunities for people of all ages to get involved.

B. Keating – Dunoon

SCIENCE MUST LEAD THE WAY

After the devastation of 2022, food planning cannot be based on guesswork or political convenience. The new catchment-wide modelling gives governments a valuable opportunity to test proposals before spending millions of dollars. Community experience matters, but decisions must be grounded in reliable evidence. Tamara Smith is right to insist that science should form the foundation of future food policy across the Northern Rivers.

H. Atkinson –

Wardell

MODELLING IS NOT ACTION

Residents have attended meetings, shared their stories and waited more than four years for meaningful protection. Another sophisticated model may be useful, but it will not raise a house, improve drainage or protect a business. Governments must stop treating consultation as progress in itself. The Northern Rivers needs funded projects, clear deadlines and accountable leadership—not another lengthy process that leaves vulnerable families wondering what will happen during the next major food.

Q. Newberry – South Lismore

LOCAL JOURNALISM AT ITS BEST

Every week I look forward to reading The

Northern Rivers Times, and this edition was another excellent example of quality community journalism. The balance of news, thoughtful reporting, human-interest stories and positive local achievements makes it a pleasure to read from cover to cover. It is refreshing to see so much attention given to the people, organisations and events that shape life across the Northern Rivers. Keep up the terrifc work.

E. Chadwick – Maclean

A TOOL WORTH USING

The greatest value of the CSIRO work is that different food mitigation options can now be tested across the entire Richmond River catchment. That should reduce the risk of spending public money on projects that merely shift foodwater from one community to another. Decisions will still be diffcult, but at least they can be informed by better evidence. This is a signifcant step forward and should be welcomed.

U. Jarrett – Woodburn LISTEN TO THOSE WHO LIVED IT

Scientifc modelling is important, but residents who experienced the foods possess knowledge that cannot be reproduced on a computer screen. They understand how water moved through streets, where drains failed and which roads became dangerous. Their evidence should be treated as an essential part of the process rather than simply collected at consultation sessions. A successful strategy must combine technical expertise with the lived experience of local people.

Z. Holloway – Coraki

TOO MANY QUESTIONS, TOO FEW ANSWERS

The article lists house raising, property adaptation, planning controls and major infrastructure as possible responses, but residents still have little indication of what governments will actually fund. Every year of delay increases uncertainty for homeowners, insurers and businesses. Authorities must establish priorities and explain how projects will be selected. Consultation is valuable, but communities cannot remain trapped indefnitely between modelling, discussion and further investigation.

B. Treloar – East Lismore

ONE SOLUTION WILL NOT FIT ALL

Flood risk differs greatly between Ballina, Lismore, Casino, Kyogle and the smaller river communities. It would be foolish to expect a single project to protect the entire region. A combination of house raising, stronger planning rules, improved warning systems and carefully selected infrastructure will probably be required. The new modelling should help identify which measures offer the greatest beneft in each location while avoiding unintended consequences elsewhere.

W. Langford –Broadwater

DO NOT HIDE BEHIND THE SCIENCE

Politicians often say they are waiting for more evidence when they are reluctant to make diffcult decisions. The Northern Rivers now has advanced modelling, years of community testimony and painful experience from repeated disasters. Science

should guide policy, but it should not become an excuse for postponing action. Governments must be prepared to fund solutions, accept responsibility and explain openly why some options are chosen over others.

C. Farrow – Casino

COMMUNITY INPUT BUILDS BETTER POLICY

The strong attendance at the drop-in sessions shows that residents have not given up on improving food resilience. People are willing to engage because these decisions affect homes, farms, employment and the future of entire towns. Governments should treat this participation as a valuable resource. When scientifc modelling and local knowledge are considered together, there is a much greater chance of developing practical measures that communities understand and support.

J. Penrose – Ballina

PREVENTION MUST BECOME THE PRIORITY

For too long, governments have spent enormous sums responding to disasters while underinvesting in preparation. The new modelling provides an opportunity to change that approach. Projects should be assessed according to how many people they protect, their environmental impact and their long-term value—not according to electoral boundaries or political pressure. The Northern Rivers deserves a transparent regional plan with frm funding commitments. Without that, even the best science will remain little more than an impressive report sitting on a shelf.

R. Vickers – Kyogle

Bukowski-ing on thin ice…

by Nigel Dawe

MANY times. over the last few years, when I’ve heard that cringeworthy concept of cancel culture wheeled out and inflicted on someone, have I thought – what would history’s greatest shakers make of this damp cardboard cutout of a crusade?

As if turning your back, or trying to silence anyone by paying them no attention is a strategy to counter or deal with those you simply don’t agree with. Even the people I most loathe for their bigoted beliefs:

I wouldn’t want to ‘cancel’ them out as if I were the arch officiator or determinator of all things acceptable. Quite the contrary, I’d like to discuss, and even argue if I thought it were warranted, with those that assumed it was their right to firmly assert their outlooks over me.

“We are not [necessarily] here to fit in, be well balanced, or provide an exemplar for others,” once said James Hollis, “We are here to be eccentric, different, perhaps strange, perhaps merely to add our small piece, our little clunky, chunky selves, to the great mosaic of being.”

And without going out of our way to bring about dissent every time we take to the stage, Hollis has a valid point. Being ourselves – as best as we are able, with the lives, skills, and abilities we have, is purpose lived –pure and simple.

One writer I have always enjoyed, whilst not necessarily agreeing with him at all times, is the American barfly poet, Charles Bukowski. I love his raw, candid “tell-it-as-it-is” approach

to what he had to say in response to what he saw. Having passed away in 1994, Bukowski didn’t get to see the battalions of ‘cancellers’ targeting those like him, for not toeing every line they deem as being fit to peddle. Though he would’ve delighted in this ‘development’, it would’ve given him added ammunition to ‘up his game’, and to never quietly disappear with his tail between his legs. Under no illusions or delusions as to where he stood in life, Bukowski once admitted, “The language of a man's writing comes from where he lives and how. I was a bum and a common labourer most of my life.” And as such, it is refreshing to read him for being doggedly true to who he was, though he was much more than the sum of his self-effacements. Relatedly he also confessed, “I never met another person I'd rather be. And even if that's a delusion, it's a lucky one… The less I needed, the better I felt.” While broken clocks are said to be right twice a day, clocks that work intermittently are right at least double that amount of time. And Bukowski was one such ‘clock’, he reflected a time that better accepted difference, if not differences stated and not outright rejected for being any different to rigid agenda-set norms. Bukowski dared to speak his mind, and for that we should be grateful, because too many of us don’t. Or as he once declared, “The dead are easy to find - they are all about us; the difficulty is in finding the living.”

It is a Town-Eat-Town world out there

Title: Mortal Engines

Author: Philip Reeve

Price: $15.75

Genre: Young Adult

We are far into the future and it is known as the Traction Era.

Cities, towns, villages and even suburbs are now mobile in this post-apocalyptic time, following an event referred to as the Sixty Minute War.

Each city or town is in the fight of its life as it is a ‘town eat town’ world out there, thanks to Municipal Darwinism.

A larger city, like London, where Tom Natsworthy lives as an apprentice historian, devours smaller towns to be able to ransack the resources of food, people, metal and other materials which are all in short supply.

When Hester Shaw

NSW Government Backs Casino Truck Show

A $20,000 State Government grant will help strengthen one of regional Australia’s biggest trucking events as thousands of visitors descend on Casino over the weekend.

By Jeff Gibbs

comes aboard London, after another town is devoured, she attempts to murder the head historian, which is thwarted by Tom’s quick actions.

What happens next puts Tom into shock as he finds himself booted out of London and at the beginning of a huge adventure with the unusual and mysterious Hester Shaw on the great hunting ground.

For British author Philip Reeve, Mortal Engines is his first novel, published in 2001. It won the Smarties Gold Award, the Blue Peter Book of the Year Award and the Blue Peter ‘Book I Couldn’t Put Down’ Award.

Mortal Engines was made into a film in 2018.

You can buy a copy of the book from booktopia.com.au

The 2026 Casino Truck Show has received a significant boost, with the NSW Government awarding $20,000 through its 2026–27 Regional Event Fund to support the continued growth of one of Australia’s premier trucking events.

The funding, secured by Richmond Valley Council through Destination NSW’s Regional Event Fund, will assist with the delivery and promotion of the annual event, which has become a major attraction for both the transport industry and visitors from across Australia.

State Nationals Member for Clarence Richie Williamson announced the successful funding at the Casino Truck Show Sponsors’ Night, praising Richmond Valley Council and the Casino Truck Show Organising Committee for building an event that continues to grow in both size and reputation.

Mr Williamson said

the Casino Truck Show has developed into much more than a celebration of Australia’s trucking industry, evolving into one of regional New South Wales’ largest annual events and delivering a tremendous economic boost for accommodation providers, cafés, restaurants, retailers and many other local businesses.

The latest funding will help Richmond Valley Council and the organising committee continue delivering an event that showcases Casino and the Richmond Valley to visitors from across Australia.

The announcement

comes as interest in this year’s event reached unprecedented levels, with all 550 truck entry positions filled in less than an hour, highlighting the show’s growing popularity within the Australian transport industry.

Visitors attending this year’s festival can enjoy the popular Friday Night Lights display, the Dawson’s Haulage Street Parade on Saturday, live entertainment, family activities and a vibrant atmosphere throughout Casino.

Mr Williamson said the variety of attractions ensures the event appeals to people of all ages, not only trucking enthusiasts,

and encouraged both locals and visitors to attend what has become one of regional Australia’s signature events.

He also acknowledged the dedication of the event’s sponsors, volunteers, businesses and community members whose continued support has helped make the Casino Truck Show one of Australia’s leading regional trucking events. With record participation and strong government support, the 2026 Casino Truck Show is once again expected to provide a major economic boost to the Richmond Valley while celebrating Australia’s transport industry.

The Book

of

Evil Dead Returns Bloodier Than Ever

the Dead

is

back

By Jeff Gibbs

The Evil Dead franchise has never been known for restraint, but Evil Dead Burn (2026) pushes the series into even darker territory. Directed by French filmmaker Sébastien Vaniček, the sixth instalment abandons much of the slapstick humour that made Sam Raimi's original trilogy iconic, instead delivering a relentless, brutal horror experience built around grief, family trauma and the unstoppable terror of the Deadites.

The story follows Alice (Souheila Yacoub), who, after the death of her husband, retreats to the isolated home of her in-laws hoping to find comfort. Instead, a family gathering becomes a

SESSION TIMES

THURSDAY AUGUST 6 TO WEDNESDAY AUGUST 12

living nightmare when the Necronomicon unleashes demonic forces that begin possessing family members one by one. As loved ones transform into bloodthirsty Deadites, Alice must fight not only to survive but also to confront the emotional scars that brought her there in the first place.

Souheila Yacoub delivers a compelling lead performance, grounding the film's supernatural chaos with genuine emotional vulnerability. Hunter Doohan is equally effective as Joseph, while Tandi Wright, Luciane Buchanan, George Pullar, Erroll Shand and Maude Davey all contribute to an ensemble that feels believable before descending into terrifying madness.

Where Evil Dead Burn truly excels is its

and this time, it brings the franchise's most savage nightmare yet.

practical effects. The gore is extreme, inventive and often stomachchurning, staying true to the franchise's reputation for outrageous horror. Director Vaniček creates several unforgettable set pieces that horror fans will be talking about for years. The cinematography is atmospheric, the sound design relentlessly unsettling, and the Deadites themselves remain among cinema's most frightening monsters.

However, the film's greatest strength is also its biggest weakness. The relentless brutality leaves very little room to breathe. Unlike Evil Dead II or Army of Darkness, humour is almost entirely absent, replaced by a bleak tone that some viewers may find exhausting.

SPECIAL SCREENINGS

DIRTY HARRY (MA15+) Mon: 6:30PM – Cult Vault

NIMRODS: A GREEN DAY

COMEDY MA15+ Tues: 8:00PM

STOP! THAT! TRAIN! (M) Fri: 8:00PM

FAMILY FILMS

MINIONS & MONSTERS PG Daily: 10:50AM MOANA (PG) Daily: 11:00AM

TOY STORY 5 (G Daily: 10:45AM

ALL FILMS

COLOURS OF TIME (M Daily: 10:50AM

HOLY DAYS (PG NFT

While the emotional themes surrounding domestic abuse and family trauma add weight to the story, they occasionally overshadow the fun that longtime fans associate with the series. Critics have been divided, with many praising the practical effects while questioning whether the franchise has become too grim.

For Australian horror fans who appreciate uncompromising gore and intense supernatural thrills, Evil Dead Burn delivers exactly what its title promises. It may not surpass Raimi's classics, but it successfully carves out its own identity as the franchise's nastiest and most vicious chapter.

Showing at Lismore Cinemas and Palace Cinemas

Daily except Fri, Mon: 11:15AM, 6:00PM. Fri: 11:00AM, 5:50PM. Mon: 11:15AM, 6:15PM

ICE CREAM MAN R18+) NFT

Thurs, Fri, Tues, Wed: 3:45PM, 8:15PM. Sat, Mon: 3:45PM, 8:30PM. Sun: 1:30PM, 8:15PM

OBSESSION (MA15+) Thurs, Sun, Mon, Wed: 8:40PM ONE NIGHT ONLY CTC – ADV SCREENINGS Fri: 6:00PM. Sat: 6:15PM. Sun: 3:45PM

SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY (M NFT Daily: 11:00AM, 1:00PM, 2:00PM, 3:10PM, 4:00PM, 5:00PM, 6:00PM, 7:00PM, 8:00PM

SUPER TROOPERS 3 (MA15+) NFT Daily: 1:30PM, 3:45PM, 6:10PM, 8:20PM

TEENAGE SEX AND DEATH AT CAMP MIASMA (MA15+ NFT Thurs, Tues, Wed: 1:30PM, 3:50PM, 8:10PM. Fri: 1:10PM, 3:30PM, 8:30PM. Sat, Sun, Mon: 1:30PM, 3:50PM, 8:30PM THE BLUE TRAIL (M) Thurs, Tues, Wed: 10:50AM, 6:15PM. Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon: 10:50AM THE INVITE (MA15+) Thurs, Tues, Wed: 1:30PM, 8:30PM. Fri, Sat: 1:30PM. Sun: 6:10PM, 8:30PM. Mon: 1:30PM, 8:40PM THE ODYSSEY M) Daily: 11:10AM, 12:45PM, 2:30PM, 4:10PM, 7:30PM YOUNG WASHINGTON (M) NFT Daily: 12:45PM, 6:00PM

MINIONS & MONSTERS (PG Daily except Sat, Sun: 1:30PM MOANA PG) Daily except Sat, Sun: 12:10PM. Sat, Sun: 1:20PM ONE NIGHT ONLY CTC) – ADV SCREENINGS Sat, Sun: 7:10PM SPIDER-MAN:BRANDNEWDAY M) NFT Daily except Sat, Sun: 10:15AM, 1:15PM, 2:45PM, 4:15PM, 6:00PM, 7:15PM. Sat: 10:15AM, 1:15PM, 2:45PM, 4:15PM, 7:15PM. Sun: 10:15AM, 1:15PM, 3:15PM, 4:15PM, 7:15PM THE ODYSSEY (M) Daily except Sat, Sun: 10:00AM, 3:30PM, 6:50PM. Sat: 10:00AM, 3:45PM, 6:45PM. Sun: 10:00AM, 3:50PM, 6:20PM TOY STORY 5 G) Daily: 10:00AM

NUMBER

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.

TIME FOR TRIVIA

1 The Tiwi Bombers are the first all indigenous Australian team to play in a major competition of which sport?

(a) Australian rules (b) Cricket (c) Rugby league (d) Soccer

2 Which of the following words describes a forceful and bitter verbal attack against something?

(a) Palliate

(b) Concord (c) Abditive

(d) Diatribe

3 Amethyst Amelia Kelly is better known by what name?

(a) Lorde (b) Pink (c) Iggy Azalea (d) Nicki Minaj

4 Which Rodgers and Hammerstein musical featured the characters, Julie Jordan and Carrie Pipperidge?

(a) Oklahoma! (b) Carousel (c) South Pacific (d) The King and I

5 Minnesota has a coastline on which of the Great Lakes?

(a) Lake Erie

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

6 What are the two main components of the Sun?

(a) Hydrogen and oxygen (b) Hydrogen and carbon (c) Hydrogen and helium (d) Hydrogen and nitrogen

WEEKLY CROSSWORD

ALFAKODO

WHICH WORDS

Which is the correct meaning for these words?

1 ILLATION

(a) The act of inferring

(b) An illegal act

(c) High spirits

2 MULTIFARIOUS

(a) Of many kinds

(b) Contained in three or more languages

(c) Producing more than one at a birth

3 OSTENSIBLE

(a) Pretended

(b) Intended to attract notice

(c) Becoming rigid

4 PRECEPTOR

(a) A preceding instance

(b) A rule of action

(c) A teacher

5 SEDULOUS

(a) Diligent in application

(b) Tending to calm

(c) Requiring a sitting posture

BEST ON THE BOX

MONDAY

DEAL OR NO DEAL: CELEBRITY

JACKPOT

TEN, 7.30pm

The Traitors Australia host Gretel Killeen is no stranger to putting in the hard yards in the name of charity, having served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for seven years, directed a doco about AIDS orphans and entertained Aussie troops in war zones around the world. So hanging with Grant Denyer (above with Killeen) and opening some briefcases to win up to $200,000 for family violence support organisation RizeUp should be a walk in the park. Holding the cases is a “murder” of Traitors cast members – including Rhys Nicholson, Kirby Bentley, Gamble Breaux and Rob Farnham –all eager to help the devoted humanitarian win big.

FRIDAY, August 7

WEDNESDAY MATT PRESTON’S PLATING LOCALLY

SBS FOOD, 8.30pm

Former MasterChef (right) knows that the key to great food and wine is great ingredients. They’re also essential to this new series, which sees the food critic travel across Australia and New Zealand in search of the best local produce and meet the passionate growers and foragers dedicated to feeding us the best of the best. Preston begins his journey in WA’s Margaret River, where he heads out to sea with an abalone farmer to get some green-lip abalone. Then it’s off to Cape Mentelle to explore one of the region’s original wineries. Finally, he tries a meal of marron and coastal herb salad made by a local legend.

THURSDAY

ABC TV (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (6)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Compass. (PG, R) 10.30 Better Date Than Never. (PG, R) 11.00 Race Around The World. (M, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon.

1.00 Portrait Artist Of The Year. (PG, R) 1.45 Treasure & Dirt. (Mal, R) 2.55 Race Around The World. (Ma, R) 4.00 Murdoch Mysteries. (PG, R) 4.40 Long Lost Family. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 BBC News At Ten. 10.30 France 24. 11.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 12.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 The Royals: A History Of Scandals. (PGs, R) 3.00 Nula. 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 Your Money & Your Life. (PG) 1.30 The Great Outdoors. (PG, R) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. (R) 3.00 The Chase. (R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.35 Monty Don’s Rhineland Gardens. (Final) Monty Don ends his journey in the Netherlands.

8.35 Saint-Pierre. (Mav) Arch’s son becomes the prime suspect after a dead body washes up at a music festival.

9.20 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) Music game show, featuring Zoë Coombs Marr, Rhonda Burchmore, Zion Garcia and Brett Blake.

9.50 Would I Lie To You? (PG) Hosted by Rob Brydon.

10.20 ABC Late News.

10.40 New Zealand Spy. (M, R)

11.05 Murdoch Mysteries. (PG, R)

11.50 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)

5.00 Rage. (PG)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 The Good Ship Murder. (Return) Donna’s friend is murdered.

8.30 WWII With Tom Hanks. (Maw) Nazi Germany launches a surprise invasion of the Soviet Union.

10.10 SBS World News Late.

10.40 Guillaume’s Paris. (PG, R)

11.20 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 7.

1.50 Australia Uncovered: Bowraville Murders. (Malv, R)

3.30 Before We Die. (MA15+v, R) 4.25 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 1.50pm Kangaroo Beach. 2.30 The Makery. 3.00 Play School: Let The Music Play. 3.25 Wiggle. 4.05 Andy’s Aquatic Adventures. 4.20 Santiago Of The Seas. 5.30 Talking Tom Heroes. 5.55 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.45 HexVets And Magic Pets. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.00 Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! 8.50 Steven Universe. 9.40 BattleBots. 10.25 Merlin. 11.05 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Morning Programs.

3pm Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 6. Highlights. 4.05 BBC News At Ten. 4.35 France

SBS MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 1.15pm The One That Got Away. 2.05 ER. 2.45 Abbott Elementary. 3.05 QI. 3.35 Would I Lie To You? 4.05 MythBusters. 4.55 The

Seven News At 4.

The Chase Australia.

6.00 7News Local. 6.30 7News @ 6:30. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs and the team demonstrate some terri c ideas for the house, garden and the kitchen.

8.00 MOVIE: Shotgun Wedding. (2022, Malv, R) When a couple gather their families for the ultimate destination wedding, the entire wedding party is taken hostage, leaving the bride and groom to save their loved ones. Jennifer Lopez, Josh Duhamel, Lenny Kravitz. 10.10 The Voice. (PGal, R) The search for a singing superstar returns, with a twist.

1.10 Eyewitness. (MA15+v, R)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today. News and current a airs.

7TWO (62)

9.00 Animal Rescue. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 The Great Australian Doorstep. 2.30 Weekender. 3.00 Feel Good 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 Americas. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 11.30 Late Programs.

7MATE (64)

6.00 9News.

this week as guest presenter Paul West (right) heads

when he learns the old at may just be haunted. Arriving in town by train, West checks out the Tree of Knowledge memorial – an ancient ghost gum that played a key role in Australia’s political history – before visiting a pub being revived by a local farming family connected to a famous shearers’ revolution. After hunting for artwork on an impressive 200km sculpture trail, he meets a group of men cashing in on cans to support the town’s older residents, takes in some local footy and struts his stuff on the catwalk in an Indigenous fashion show.

(5) NBN (8, 80)

7.00 A Current A air. 7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 23. Sydney Roosters v Canterbury Bulldogs. From Allianz Stadium, Sydney. 9.55 NRL Friday Night Footy Post-Match. Post-match coverage and analysis of the NRL game between the Sydney Roosters and Canterbury Bulldogs.

10.45 MOVIE: Rush Hour 2. (2001, Mlsv, R) Two detectives investigate a double murder. Jackie Chan, Chris Tucker.

12.40 Resident Alien. (Malv, R) Harry tries to bond with Heather.

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)

9GEM (82)

CruiseAway. 8.00 TV Shop. 10.30 Pointless. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon Poirot. 1.00

Brokenwood Mysteries. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 MOVIE: The Frightened City. (1961, PG) 5.30 The Travelling Auctioneers. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Find My Country House Australia. 8.30

9GO! (83) 6am My Sailor, My Love. (2022, PG) 7.55 Time Bandits. (1981, PG) 10.05 The Great Escaper. (2023, M) 11.55 How To Get Ahead In Advertising. (1989) 1.45pm The Lady And The Highwayman. (1989, PG) 3.25 Roman Holiday. (1953, PG) 5.35 Living. (2022, PG) 7.30 Priscilla. (2023, M) 9.35 A Bigger Splash. (2015, MA15+) 11.50 Dirty Dancing. (1987, M) 1.45am Beau Is Afraid. (2023, MA15+) 5.00 Roman Holiday. (1953, PG)

6am Morning Programs. 8.30

Baywatch. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.30 Bewitched. 11.30 Jeopardy! Australia. 12.30pm Rugby Heaven. 1.30 Baywatch. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Baywatch. 7.30 MOVIE: Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 1. (2010, M) 10.25 TBA. 12.35am Seinfeld. 1.05 Legacies. 1.55 Baywatch. 3.00 Jeopardy! Australia. 4.00 Barbie: A Touch Of Magic. 4.30 Bubble’s Hotel. 4.50 LEGO Friends: The Next Chapter. 5.10 Wild Manes. 5.30 Beyblade Burst: Quad Drive. 6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 8. Perth Super 440. Day 2. Highlights. 10.00

6.00 10 News+. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer.

7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG, R) Hosted by Rebecca Gibney.

7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. (R) A couple are at a crossroads with their little house.

8.30 Have You Been Paying Attention? (Malns, R) Celebrity panellists compete to see who can remember the most about events of the week.

9.30 10’s Late News. Comprehensive coverage of local, national and international news, as well as the latest sport and weather.

10.30 The Big Bang Theory. (PGs, R) 11.30 10 News+. (R) 12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

(51)

COMEDY (52)

SATURDAY, August 8

ABC TV (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (6)

6.00 Rage Charts. (PG) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 10.30 Rage Vault

Guest Programmer. (PG) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Grantchester. (M, R) 1.15 Father Brown. (M, R) 2.00 Saint-Pierre. (Mav, R)

2.55 Gri ’s Canadian Adventure. (R)

4.35 Kitchen Cabinet. (R)

5.05 Australian Story. (R) 5.35 Landline. (R)

6.05 Kath & Kim. (PGals, R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

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

7.30 Grantchester. (PGa) A student’s death exposes dark secrets at Cambridge.

8.20 Father Brown. (PGv) Father Brown investigates when rehearsals for a play are derailed by a death.

9.05 Doc Martin. (PG, R) Martin and Louisa head to London so that Martin can present his research paper.

9.50 Believe Me. (Malv, R) Worboys is nally caught and convicted.

10.40 Little Disasters. (Mals, R) 11.30 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

6am Morning Programs. 10.00 BBC News At Ten. 10.30 France 24. 11.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 12.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Going Places. (PG, R) 3.30 Lisbon & WWII: Spies, Gold And Diplomacy. (PGa, R) 4.30 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 5.30 WWII Women On The Frontline. (PGa, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Prince William: A Life In Pictures. 8.25 Britannia: The Queen’s Ship. (PG) 9.25 MOVIE: Call Me Kate. (2023, PGa, R) 11.05 Those Who Stayed. (Ml, R)

11.45 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 8. 2.15 Those Who Stayed. (Mal, R)

3.10 Osher Günsberg: A Matter Of Life And Death. (Ma, R)

4.30 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 1.50pm Kangaroo Beach. 2.40 Fizzy And Suds. 3.00 Play School. 3.30 Isadora Moon. 3.50 Talking Tom Heroes. 4.15 Stan & Gran. 5.10 Shaun The Sheep. 5.40 Super Monsters. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.25 Emerald. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.30 Teenage Boss: Next Level. 8.00 Harry Potter: Wizards Of Baking. (Return) 9.20 Chopped Jnr. 10.00 Fresh O The Boat. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)

ABC ENTERTAINS (23)

SBS MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 2.30pm My Family. 3.00 A Bite To Eat. 3.30 QI. 4.00 Would I Lie To You? 4.30 MythBusters. 5.20 The Piano UK. 6.10 Remarkable Renovations. 7.00 Spicks And Specks. 7.30 QI. 8.00 Would I Lie To You? 8.30 Live At The Apollo. 9.15 Arrested Development. 10.20 ER. 11.05 My Family. 11.35 Rage. 12.40am The Piano UK. 1.25 Late Programs.

6am Roman Holiday. Continued. (1953, PG) 7.10 Black Narcissus. (1947, PG) 9.05 Fried Green Tomatoes. (1991, PG) 11.30 The Way Back. (2010, M) 1.55pm 55 Steps. (2017, PG) 4.00 My Sailor, My Love. (2022, PG) 5.55 Hook. (1991, PG) 8.30 Django Unchained. (2012, MA15+) 11.30 The Girlfriend Experience. (2009, M) 12.55am A Bigger Splash. (2015, MA15+) 3.10 Priscilla. (2023, M) 5.15 Living. (2022, PG)

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. The Valley at Caul eld Heath. Missile Stakes Day. Saturday Raceday. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs. 8.00 The Great Outdoors. (PG) The team soars over the Whitsundays. 8.30 MOVIE: Jurassic World. (2015, Mv, R) A genetically modi ed hybrid dinosaur escapes containment and goes on a killing spree at a theme park. Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Ty Simpkins. 11.00 MOVIE: Beast. (2022, MA15+av, R) Idris Elba. 1.00 Eyewitness. (MA15+av, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 It’s Academic. (R) 5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

7TWO (62)

(8, 80)

6.00 Getaway. (PG, R) 6.30 ACA. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday. (PG) 12.00 Drive Review. 12.30 Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. Canterbury Bulldogs v North Qld Cowboys. 2.30 NRLW Wrap. (PG) 3.15 Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. Cronulla Sharks v Titans. 5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 Getaway. (PG)

6.00 9News Saturday.

7.00 Rugby League. NRL. Round 23. South Sydney Rabbitohs v Parramatta Eels.

9.25 NRL Saturday Night Footy Post-Match. Post-match coverage of the NRL game.

10.00 MOVIE: Honest Thief. (2020, Mlv, R) Liam Neeson.

11.55 Wild Cards. (Mv, R)

12.55 Space Invaders. (PGa, R)

2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)

2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

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

9GEM (82)

6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Dr Chris Brown. 7.30 Love It Or List

7MATE (64)

6am Morning Programs. 2pm Rides Down Under: Aussie Truckers. 3.00 Motor Racing. National Drag Racing Championship. Top Fuel Championship. Round 4. Winternationals. 4.00 Football. AFL. Round 22. Sydney v Port Adelaide. 7.00 Pawn Stars. 8.00 American Pickers. 9.00 Soccer. Calcio Italiano Tournament. Juventus v Inter Milan. 11.00 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 11.40 Bill Reid Remembers. 12.05pm Paid In Full: The Battle For Black Music. 1.10 Nula. 1.40 Waterworld Africa. 2.30 Over The Black Dot. 3.00 Homesteads. 3.40 Diana Ross: Supreme Sensation. 4.30 Faboriginal. 5.00 Murder In Big Horn. 6.00 Home, Land & Sea. 6.40 The Other Side. 7.30 Alone Australia. 8.40 MOVIE: Rogue. (2007, MA15+) 10.30 Garma Sound Lines. 12.05am Late Programs.

(2001, MA15+) 11.50 Late Programs. DRAMA (51)

9GO! (83)

6am Morning Programs. 3.50pm Celebrity Ghost Stories. 4.50 The Dog House UK. (Premiere) 5.50 MOVIE: Space Jam. (1996) 7.30 MOVIE: The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King. (2003, M) 11.35 The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power. 12.45am The Purge. 2.25 MOVIE: Snatchers. (2025, MA15+) 4.00 Cards And Collectables Australia. 4.30 Barney’s World. 4.50 I Love VIP Pets. 5.30 Late Programs.

(53) NITV (34) SBS FOOD (33) 6am Morning Programs. 3pm Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 4.05 WorldWatch. 6.00 Mastermind Aust. 6.30 Record-Breaking Dams. 7.30 Record-Breaking Airliners. 8.30 Icons Unearthed: Harrison Ford. 9.20 MOVIE: Firewall. (2006, M) 11.15 Hudson & Rex. 12.05am WWE Legends. 1.40 Sex Tape Germany. 2.35 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.

SUNDAY, August 9

ABC TV (2)

6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Brekky. 9.00 Insiders. 10.05 O siders. 10.30 World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Songs Of Praise. (PG) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Monty Don’s Rhineland Gardens. (Final, R) 2.30 Race Around The World. (Ma, R) 3.30 The Assembly. (PG, R) 4.10 Grand Designs. (R) 5.00 Back Roads. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.

6.30 Compass. (PG)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Race Around The World. (Final) The winning racer is revealed.

8.30 Treasure & Dirt. (Malv) Nulla Day descends into chaos. Suspicion falls on David. Nell and Ivan discover who left Ivan at the Dead Tree.

9.30 Believe Me. (Final, Mal) 10.20 Grantchester. (PGa, R)

11.10 Father Brown. (PGv, R)

11.55 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

2.45 Poh’s Kitchen Lends A Hand. (R)

3.10 Doc Martin. (PG, R)

4.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

5.00 Insiders. (R)

SBS (3) SEVEN (6)

6.00 DW English News. 6.30 Morning Programs. 8.00 PBS News Horizons. 8.30 Morning Programs. 11.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 12.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 Going Places. (R) 4.30 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 5.30 WWII Women On The Frontline. (PGav, R)

6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Alexander The Great: Legendary Conqueror. (M) 8.25 Secret Weapons Of China’s First Emperor. (PG) 9.25 Castle Secrets. (Mav, R) 10.20 Kennedy. (PG, R) 11.10 Guillaume’s Paris. (R) 11.40 The Throwback. (R) 11.55 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 9. 3.45 Junior Doctors Down Under. (Ma, R) 4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 PBS News Horizons.

NBC Today. 7.00

10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 To Be Advised. 12.30 Jabba’s Movies. (PGhv,

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The 1% Club. (PGls, R) 8.10 7NEWS Spotlight. Focuses on long-form investigations. 9.10 The Disappearance Of Grace Millane. (Mas, R) The story of the murder of Grace Millane. 11.10 The Suspects: True Australian Thrillers. (Mlv, R) 12.10 Curfew. (Premiere, MA15+av)

1.10 Harry’s Practice. (R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 9News Sunday.

7.00 The Block. (PGl)

8.40 60 Minutes. Current a airs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues a ecting all Australians.

9.40 9News Late.

10.10 The First 48: School’s Out. (Mav)

A young man is shot while walking home.

11.10 Black Widow. (Mav)

12.00 Murder In The 21st. (MA15+v)

12.50 Drive Review. (R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

4.30 Destination WA. (PG, R)

5.00 Today Early News.

5.30 Today.

(52)

Ridiculousness. 1pm Friends. 6.00 The Big Bang Theory. 10.30 The Traitors Australia. Midnight Ridiculousness. 1.30 Home Shopping.

6.30 10 News+. Comprehensive coverage of the day’s top stories, investigative reports and stories that haven’t been heard.

7.00 MasterChef Australia. (Final, PG) The two nalists battle it out for the title of MasterChef champion 2026. 9.00 The Traitors Australia. (PGl, R) Gretel Killeen invites 22 infamous Australians to Claremont Manor to play the ultimate

NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. 6am Morning Programs. 11.30 Escape To The Country. 12.30pm Your Money & Your Life. 1.00 The Master. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Better Homes. 3.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 4.30 My Greek Odyssey. 5.30 The Great Outdoors. 6.00 Australia’s Best Backyards. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 The Coroner. 8.30 Vera. 10.30 The Thief, His Wife And The Canoe. 11.30 Late Programs.

ABC ENTERTAINS (23)

7MATE (64) SBS MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 2.45pm Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee (NZ) 3.30 QI. 4.00 Would I Lie To You? 4.30 MythBusters. 5.20 The Piano UK. 6.10 Remarkable Renovations. 7.00 Spicks And Specks. 7.30 QI. 8.00 Would I Lie To You? 8.30 Amanda & Alan’s Italian Job. 9.30 Race Around The World. (Final) 10.35 ER. 11.15 O siders. 11.50 My Family. 12.20am Rage. 1.20 Late Programs.

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 1.20pm LEGO Masters Aust Vs World. 4.00 The Toys That Built The World. 5.00 Cards And Collectables Australia. 5.30 MOVIE: The LEGO Ninjago Movie. (2017, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Meg 2: The Trench. (2023, M) 9.40 MOVIE: Deep Blue Sea. (1999, M) 11.50 Bel-Air. 1.35am Love Island Games. 3.50 World’s Greatest Transportation Marvels. 4.50 LEGO DreamZzz. 5.30 Beyblade Burst: Quad Drive.

(51) 9GEM (82) 7TWO (62) VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 2.35pm Fizzy And Suds. 3.00 Play School. 3.25 The Snail And The Whale. 4.15 Stan & Gran. 5.10 The Snail And The Whale. 5.40 Super Monsters. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.25 Emerald. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.30 The Inbestigators. 7.45 The Lady Grace Mysteries. 8.10 Epic Adventures With Bertie Gregory. (Final) 8.55 Animal Park. 10.25 Secrets Of The Zoo. 11.10 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 9.00 American Pickers. 10.00 Pawn Stars. 11.00 Athletics. World Under 20 Championships. Day 4. 2pm Fishy Business. 2.30 Fish’n Mates. 3.00 American Resto. 4.00 AFL Women’s Pre-Game Show. 4.30 Football. AFL Women’s. Round 1. St Kilda v Carlton. 6.30 Border Security USA. 7.00 Football. AFL. Round 22. St Kilda v Carlton. 10.30 AFL Post-Game. 11.00 Late Programs.

9GO! (83) 6am Living. Continued. (2022, PG) 7.10 55 Steps. (2017, PG) 9.15 Hook. (1991, PG) 11.50 Priscilla. (2023, M) 1.55pm Big Fish. (2003, PG) 4.15 Black Narcissus. (1947, PG) 6.10 The Fifth Element. (1997, PG) 8.30 Vengeance: A Love Story. (2017, MA15+) 10.20 Sin City. (2005, MA15+) 12.40am Django Unchained. (2012, MA15+) 3.40 Evil Does Not Exist. (2023, M, Japanese) 5.40 The Fifth Element. (1997, PG) COMEDY (52)

6am Good Chef Bad Chef. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. 8.00 Lingo. 1pm Friends. 6.00 The Big Bang Theory. 10.30 The Traitors Australia. Midnight Ridiculousness. 1.30 Home Shopping.

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A I C

M H A Today’s target: 8 words average 10 words good 14+ 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)

The Sun (in fellow fire sign, Leo) forms a terrific trine with Saturn (transiting through your sign). So creative ideas and a disciplined approach will help you solve problems and make satisfactory progress. Your motto for the week is from actress and activist Gillian Anderson (who turns 58 on Sunday): “Just remember, you can do anything you set your mind to, but it takes action, perseverance and facing your fears.”

TAURUS (Apr 20 - May 20)

With vivacious Venus (your patron planet) visiting your entertainment zone, it’s time to be social, Bulls! Mix, mingle, party and socialise – but make sure you also balance it with some quiet, solo time, where you can relax, contemplate and ruminate. With the Sun and Jupiter both jumping through your home zone, you could undertake an ambitious domestic project, receive happy family news or benefit from a generous relative.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 20)

Good fortune and lucky opportunities are on your side this week, Gemini, courtesy of the Sun, Saturn and prosperity planet Jupiter. The stars especially favour social media, short trips, communication, education, community connections and group activities. It’s also a good week to make a long list of your goals, hopes and wishes. Then throw your dreams into space and watch and wait as they gradually manifest into your preferred future.

CANCER (June 21 - July 22)

This week Jupiter and the Sun stimulate your financial and self-esteem zones, so it’s a good time to boost cashflow, celebrate the authentic you and embrace your so-called flaws. And some indulgent self-pampering (like an aromatherapy facial or a full-body massage) will increase relaxation and boost confidence. Friday’s Sun/ Saturn trine is terrific for powering ahead at work, applying for a promotion or receiving professional accolades.

LEO (July 23 - Aug 22)

The Sun and Jupiter (the confidence planets) are both visiting your sign, so it’s time to shine brightly and boldly – to be your authentic self! If you don’t accept yourself (warts and all) then why should anyone else? If you don’t develop your talents and follow your dreams, then others won’t do it for you. As Leo actress/ producer (and birthday great) Lucille Ball said: “Love yourself first and everything else falls into line.”

VIRGO (Aug 23 - Sep 22)

Very fussy Virgo – you can sometimes be hamstrung by your fear of making a mistake and your constant striving for perfection. This week’s Sun/Saturn trine encourages you to drive for success and use bumps along the way as a valuable learning tool. Be inspired by birthday great Barack Obama: “You can’t let your failures define you. You have to let your failures teach you. When times get tough, we don’t give up. We get up.”

LIBRA (Sep 23 - Oct 22)

This week the Sun, Jupiter and Saturn stimulate your hopes-and-wishes zone, so it’s important to have ambitious long-term goals that you’re working towards. Be patient, though, as you focus on bringing your dreams down to earth via a practical plan. Then – when everything is in place – you’ll know when to pounce. With Venus transiting through your sign (from Friday until September 10) prepare to sparkle, charm and shine!

SCORPIO (Oct 23 - Nov 21)

Have you been selling yourself short? Stop being a critical fusspot who engages in negative self-talk and sabotages success. The Sun, Jupiter and Saturn are activating your career/public/reputation zone, so it’s time to be the self-confident Scorpio you were born to be. Your motto is from birthday great, actress and producer Lucille Ball: “I have an everyday religion that works for me. Love yourself first, and everything else falls into line.”

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 - Dec 21)

This week many busy Sagittarians will burn the midnight oil, as creativity bites and inspiration strikes, especially at work. International connections could be particularly beneficial, and others are looking to you for innovative ideas. You could also receive welcome support from a friend, teacher or mentor. From Friday onwards, make a wish-list of your most desired hopes and dreams and then send them out into the Universe.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 - Jan 19)

The planets suggest a boost to finances via an increase in cashflow but be careful you don’t cancel that out by indulging in a spontaneous spending spree! Under the influence of the Sun/Saturn trine, it’s a terrific time to apply for a job, spruce up your workspace, or improve communication with colleagues, clients or customers. Business matters are also favoured, as you take an abstract idea and spin it into rock-solid reality.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 - Feb 18)

Opportunities to travel or study look promising, as the stars stimulate your innate curiosity. The Sun/Saturn trine is positive for social media connections and inter-personal relations as you talk, text, tweet, publish, post, podcast or socialise. You could also make headway with a romantic relationship or a fledgling friendship. You’ll find the more you connect and contribute within your local community, the more satisfied you’ll feel.

PISCES (Feb 19 - Mar 20) Jupiter, the Sun and Saturn activate your work and wellbeing zones. So, it’s a suitable week to revise your daily diet and fitness routine, as you choose healthier food options and a form of exercise that you enjoy. When it comes to work and finances, it’s time to catch up on the backlog of unfinished projects and overflowing paperwork. With Mercury in your friendship zone, have a catch-up lunch or movie night with your besties.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

Music, Great Food and Good Times Across the Northern Rivers

By Jeff Gibbs

If you're looking to enjoy live music, great food and a relaxed night out, the Northern Rivers has plenty to ofer this week. From local musicians performing in intimate pubs to major touring acts taking the stage, there's something happening almost every night between August 8 and August 14.

The weekend begins on Saturday, August 8, with Cherry Street Sports Club in Ballina hosting another evening of live entertainment from 7.00pm to 10.00pm. Popular with both locals and visitors, the club regularly showcases talented musicians performing a mix of classic favourites and contemporary hits. Combined with excellent dining facilities and a welcoming atmosphere, it's an ideal destination for a Saturday night out.

Also on Saturday evening, the Lennox Hotel comes alive from 8.30pm with its regular live music sessions following the popular Friday Loot rafe. The venue has built a reputation as one of the coast's favourite entertainment destinations, ofering quality local performers

just a short stroll from Seven Mile Beach.

On Sunday, August 9, the famous Hotel Brunswick presents its muchloved Sunday Brunsday session from 4.00pm until 8.00pm. Set in the hotel's spacious beer garden, the free afternoon performance combines live

While guests enjoy one of the venue's famous steak specials, live entertainment provides the perfect soundtrack to a relaxed evening with friends.

music, great food and a relaxed family-friendly atmosphere that perfectly captures the laid-back lifestyle of Brunswick Heads.

Midweek entertainment continues on Wednesday, August 12, when Hotel Brunswick hosts its popular Joker Poker and Steak Night from 4.00pm.

The action continues on Thursday, August 13, with the hotel's weekly Rafe Night. Tickets go on sale from 6.00pm, with draws beginning at 7.00pm, accompanied by live music and the venue's popular half-price pizza promotion. It's an enjoyable community night that combines entertainment, great food and the chance to win prizes.

Rounding out the week, Friday, August 14, ofers two excellent entertainment options. Cherry Street Sports Club again features live music between 7.00pm and 10.00pm, while Hotel Brunswick welcomes acclaimed Australian indie rock favourites The Jungle

Giants for a major live performance. Doors open from 6.00pm, with this ticketed event expected to attract music fans from across the Northern Rivers.

Beyond these featured events, many venues throughout the region— including Byron Bay Brewery, Ballina RSL Club, Kingsclif Beach Hotel, the Australian Hotel Ballina and the historic Eltham Hotel—continue to showcase local solo artists, duos and bands throughout the week.

Whether you're after a quiet acoustic session, a lively pub atmosphere or a headline concert, the Northern Rivers continues to ofer one of Australia's most vibrant live entertainment scenes, making it easy to fnd somewhere to relax, enjoy great music and catch up with family and friends.

Commercial Investors Shift Focus North

Queensland’s growth story is reshaping Australia’s commercial property investment landscape.

By Jeff Gibbs

Commercial property investors are increasingly looking north, with Queensland emerging as one of Australia’s strongest investment destinations as population growth, infrastructure spending and comparatively attractive yields continue to drive confidence in the market.

Despite higher interest rates and tighter lending conditions in recent years, Queensland has recorded a significant rise in commercial property investment activity, outperforming several southern markets and reinforcing its position as a preferred destination for domestic and institutional investors.

The renewed momentum reflects a broader shift in Australia’s commercial property landscape, where buyers are seeking reliable income, long-term capital growth and exposure to regions with strong economic fundamentals.

Queensland’s appeal has been underpinned by exceptional population growth. More than half a million additional residents have moved to the state during the past five years, supported by interstate migration and overseas arrivals.

This rapid expansion is creating greater demand for office space, industrial facilities, retail centres, healthcare services, logistics hubs and other forms of commercial infrastructure.

For commercial property owners, population growth can translate directly into increased demand from businesses looking to expand, relocate or establish new premises. As communities grow, so too does the need for warehouses, shopping centres, medical precincts, professional offices and

service-based businesses.

Brisbane has become a major focus for investors, with preparations for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games expected to accelerate billions of dollars in infrastructure investment over the coming years.

Improved transport links, urban renewal projects, new sporting facilities and major civic developments are strengthening confidence that the city will continue to experience sustained economic growth well beyond the Games. The trend is not confined to the state capital.

Regional Queensland is also attracting increasing investor attention, with commercial property purchases reaching some of their strongest levels in recent years.

The performance of regional markets highlights growing confidence in centres benefiting from expanding populations, improved transport connections and more diversified local economies.

Industry analysts have pointed to Queensland’s growing share of national commercial property transactions as evidence of a broader market shift.

Only a decade ago, Queensland accounted for a relatively modest share of commercial property sales. It now represents a much larger proportion of national investment activity, reflecting a significant change in investor sentiment.

Another important factor driving demand is value.

Although commercial property prices have risen across Queensland, investors can still find comparatively stronger rental yields than those generally available in Sydney and Melbourne across office, retail and industrial assets.

Higher yields can provide improved income returns while still offering exposure to a market supported by population growth, infrastructure investment and business expansion.

Industrial property remains one of the standout sectors.

Warehousing, distribution centres and logistics facilities continue to attract substantial interest as businesses respond to the ongoing growth of online retailing, supply chain expansion and manufacturing demand.

Brisbane’s industrial market has become particularly attractive to investors seeking a balance between income and longterm capital appreciation.

Tight vacancy levels in some industrial precincts have also supported rental growth, while limited land availability in wellconnected locations has strengthened the appeal of established assets.

Retail property is also experiencing renewed interest.

Regional shopping centres and neighbourhood retail assets have proven particularly popular because of the stability offered by essential services and growing regional populations.

Properties anchored by supermarkets, medical services and other everyday businesses are often viewed as more resilient because they rely on regular local spending rather than discretionary purchases alone.

Office property remains more selective.

While some investors continue to approach the office sector cautiously, well-located buildings with modern facilities, strong environmental credentials and reliable tenants are still attracting demand.

Brisbane’s improving economic outlook and business growth are supporting confidence in higher-quality office assets, particularly in central and fringe locations with strong transport access.

Healthcare and medical property are also emerging as important areas of investment.

An ageing population, expanding communities and greater demand for medical services are encouraging investment in pathology laboratories, specialist clinics, allied health centres and other healthcare-related properties.

These assets are often attractive because they can provide long leases and stable tenants operating in essential service industries.

Several major transactions during the past year have reinforced confidence in Queensland’s commercial property market.

Large institutional buyers have continued to invest in office, retail, industrial and healthcare assets, demonstrating confidence in the state’s long-term economic prospects.

Commercial property

specialists believe Queensland’s combination of economic growth, expanding infrastructure, comparatively affordable prices and higher rental returns will continue to attract both interstate and international capital.

For regional centres across northern New South Wales, including the Northern Rivers, the strong performance immediately across the border may also generate increased investor interest.

Tweed Heads is particularly well positioned because of its close economic connection with the Gold Coast, strong population growth and access to major transport routes.

Other centres throughout the Northern Rivers may also benefit as businesses and investors seek alternatives to more expensive metropolitan and coastal markets.

Lismore, Ballina, Byron Bay, Murwillumbah and Casino each offer different commercial opportunities, ranging from retail and professional offices to industrial land, healthcare facilities and service-based

development.

While higher borrowing costs remain an important consideration, investors are increasingly focused on long-term fundamentals rather than short-term market cycles.

Population growth, infrastructure spending, business confidence and limited supply in key sectors continue to provide a compelling case for commercial property investment across Queensland and northern New South Wales.

Risks remain, including construction costs, interest rate movements, insurance pressures and uncertainty in some office and retail markets.

Careful asset selection, tenant quality, lease structure and location will remain critical for investors seeking sustainable returns. However, the broader outlook for Queensland remains positive.

As Australia’s economic centre of gravity continues to shift, the state appears well placed to remain one of the nation’s most attractive commercial property markets for years to come

Inflation Eases But Pressures Still Remain

Australia's inflation battle is showing encouraging signs of progress, but households and businesses continue to face higher living costs as the Reserve Bank weighs its next move.

By Jeff Gibbs

Australia's annual inflation rate has eased again, providing cautious optimism that the prolonged surge in prices is gradually coming under control. While the latest figures are welcome news for households and businesses, inflation remains above the Reserve Bank of Australia's target range, meaning the fight against rising prices is not yet over.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation slowed to 3.8 per cent in the 12 months to June, down from 4.0 per cent in May. It marks another step in the gradual moderation of inflation following several years of elevated price growth.

Although prices continue to rise, they are increasing at a slower pace than they were earlier in the year, offering some relief for consumers who have been dealing with sustained increases in the cost of everyday essentials.

The Reserve Bank's preferred measure of underlying inflation,

known as the trimmed mean, remained at 3.6 per cent over the year. This measure removes unusually large price movements to provide a clearer picture of underlying inflation trends and suggests that broader price pressures remain persistent.

Housing continued to be the largest contributor to annual inflation.

Higher electricity costs, the ongoing cost of constructing new homes and continued pressure in the rental market all contributed to elevated housing inflation. Demand for housing continues to exceed supply in many parts of Australia, placing upward pressure on rents and accommodation costs.

Food and non-alcoholic beverages also remained a significant contributor to inflation. While supply chain disruptions have eased compared with previous years, many staple grocery items continue to cost more than they did before the recent inflation cycle.

Recreation and culture also recorded notable annual price increases, reflecting continued

demand across travel, leisure and entertainment services.

Transport costs provided some relief during the June reporting period, with lower fuel prices helping moderate headline inflation. However, economists note that recent increases in global oil prices could place renewed pressure on fuel costs in the months ahead, highlighting the ongoing uncertainty surrounding inflation.

The latest figures have been closely watched by financial markets because inflation data is one of the key factors influencing Reserve Bank interest rate decisions.

The Reserve Bank's objective remains returning inflation to its target range of 2 to 3 per cent while maintaining stability in the broader economy. Although inflation has eased, both headline and underlying measures remain above that target.

to assess incoming economic data. However, some analysts caution that further policy tightening cannot be completely ruled out should underlying inflation prove more persistent than expected.

remain cautious about discretionary spending.

Following the release of the June figures, many economists expect the Reserve Bank to leave the cash rate unchanged in the near term while continuing

For households, the moderation in inflation is encouraging, although the cost of living remains considerably higher than it was several years ago. Mortgage repayments, insurance premiums, groceries, electricity and housing expenses continue to place pressure on family budgets. Businesses are also navigating a challenging operating environment. Many employers continue to face higher wage costs, insurance premiums, freight expenses and financing costs, while consumers

Across regional Australia, including the Northern Rivers, higher living costs continue to affect both families and local businesses. Retailers, hospitality operators and service providers are balancing increased operating expenses with more price-conscious customers.

The latest inflation figures suggest Australia's economy is moving gradually towards greater price stability without a significant deterioration in employment, an outcome policymakers have been working to achieve.

Nevertheless, risks remain.

Global conflicts, energy markets, oil prices, housing shortages and domestic supply

constraints all have the potential to place renewed upward pressure on inflation during the remainder of the year.

While Australians are unlikely to see immediate reductions in supermarket prices or household bills, slower inflation is an important sign that the pace of price increases is easing.

If this trend continues, it will strengthen confidence that inflation is moving back towards the Reserve Bank's target range and provide greater certainty for households, businesses and financial markets.

For now, the latest figures offer encouraging evidence that Australia's inflation challenge is easing—but they also reinforce that restoring price stability remains a work in progress.

Chinese AI Disrupts Global Technology Markets

By Jeff Gibbs

Chinese artificial intelligence companies are rapidly transforming the global technology landscape, challenging the long-held dominance of Silicon Valley and sending ripples through financial markets as investors reassess the future of AI.

Companies including DeepSeek, Alibaba, ByteDance and Moonshot AI have released advanced large language models that rival many Western systems while offering significantly lower operating costs. Their combination of competitive

performance, open-source development and aggressive pricing has accelerated adoption by businesses and software developers worldwide.

The rise of these Chinese AI platforms has intensified competition across the sector, placing pressure on some of the world's largest technology companies to innovate faster while reducing prices. Analysts say the shift is changing investor expectations about which businesses will emerge as long-term AI leaders.

One of the biggest differences is China's focus

on open-weight AI models, allowing developers to modify and customise software for specific applications. This approach has encouraged rapid innovation and broader adoption across industries, contrasting with the more closed commercial models favoured by several major American companies. Chinese technology giants are also investing heavily in cloud infrastructure and AI services. Companies such as Alibaba and ByteDance continue to expand their AI research, cloud computing capabilities and digital infrastructure to support growing demand

for artificial intelligence across business, education, manufacturing and consumer applications.

Despite the momentum, competition remains fierce. Chinese AI developers continue to face restrictions on access to some of the world's most advanced semiconductors, encouraging greater investment in domestic chip design and alternative technologies. These efforts are aimed at reducing dependence on overseas suppliers while strengthening China's longterm AI capabilities.

For investors, the

emergence of lower-cost AI models has introduced greater uncertainty into technology valuations. While demand for AI computing power remains strong, markets are increasingly questioning whether premium-priced AI services can maintain their advantage as capable alternatives become more widely available.

The growing rivalry between Chinese and Western AI developers is also accelerating innovation. Businesses now have access to a wider range of AI platforms, increasing competition on price, performance and flexibility.

Rather than producing a single dominant winner, many industry observers believe the future of artificial intelligence will be shaped by multiple global players competing to deliver faster, smarter and more affordable technologies.

As AI becomes increasingly embedded across healthcare, finance, manufacturing, education and everyday business operations, China's rapid progress is expected to remain one of the defining forces influencing global technology markets over the coming decade.

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Zoladex Lifeline Secured For Australian Patients

Thousands of Australians living with breast cancer and endometriosis have received welcome news after a major pharmaceutical company reversed course on the future supply of a critical medication.

By Jeff Gibbs

Thousands of Australians who rely on the hormone therapy medicine Zoladex have been given renewed certainty after AstraZeneca announced it will continue supplying the drug free of charge to eligible patients indefinitely, reversing an earlier decision that would have removed the medication from the Australian market.

The announcement follows weeks of intense public pressure from patients, medical specialists, advocacy organisations and politicians after the company revealed plans to discontinue the monthly 3.6-milligram Zoladex implant from both the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and the private market from November.

The decision had sparked widespread concern among women undergoing treatment for hormonesensitive breast cancer and those managing severe endometriosis, many of whom feared they would

lose access to a medicine that forms a vital part of their treatment.

Zoladex, also known by its generic name goserelin, is a hormone therapy administered as a small implant beneath the skin every four weeks. The medication suppresses the production of oestrogen, helping slow or prevent the growth of hormone receptor-positive breast cancers while also reducing the symptoms of endometriosis by suppressing ovarian hormone production.

For many pre-menopausal women with breast cancer, the medication is an essential component of long-term treatment following surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. It can also help preserve fertility during cancer treatment and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.

Women living with endometriosis also depend on the medication to help manage chronic pelvic pain and reduce the progression of the disease, particularly when other treatment

options have proven ineffective.

When AstraZeneca announced in June that it intended to withdraw the medicine for commercial reasons, patients described the decision as devastating. Many said they had received no warning and were suddenly faced with uncertainty about whether they could continue the treatment recommended by their specialists.

The announcement prompted a strong public response.

Patient advocacy organisations, including Breast Cancer Network Australia, joined with clinicians and consumers to call for the decision to be reversed. A public petition attracted more than 40,000 signatures, while federal politicians raised the issue with both the pharmaceutical company and health authorities.

The Department of Health also entered discussions with AstraZeneca in an effort to maintain access to the medication, recognising the significant clinical need among Australian patients.

In response, AstraZeneca has now confirmed that patients who do not have a clinically appropriate alternative treatment will continue to receive the monthly 3.6mg implant free of charge through a company-funded continuity program from 1 November 2026.

The company said the arrangement would continue indefinitely while discussions about longerterm treatment options proceed.

Although the announcement has been widely welcomed, health advocates say questions remain about the future of the medicine in Australia.

The company has indicated it intends to pursue PBS listing for the higher-dose 10.8mg formulation for additional patient groups. That version of Zoladex is currently listed on the PBS for prostate cancer but is not routinely subsidised for women with breast cancer or endometriosis.

Any expansion of PBS access would require assessment by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee, which evaluates the safety,

effectiveness and costeffectiveness of medicines before recommending government subsidy.

Patient groups say securing long-term PBS access remains the preferred outcome, providing certainty for both patients and treating specialists rather than relying on a manufacturerfunded access program.

Medical experts have also stressed the importance of continuity of care.

Hormone therapies such as Zoladex are carefully integrated into broader treatment plans, and interruptions can create uncertainty for patients already coping with complex and emotionally demanding health conditions.

For women living with breast cancer, the announcement removes one significant source of anxiety at a time when treatment decisions are often overwhelming.

For those managing endometriosis, a chronic condition affecting an estimated one in seven Australian women by age 49, continued access offers reassurance that an established treatment

option will remain available.

The development also highlights the broader challenges facing Australia's medicines system.

Balancing affordable access through the PBS with commercial decisions made by global pharmaceutical companies remains an ongoing issue for governments, manufacturers and patient advocacy groups.

While AstraZeneca's reversal has been welcomed as a positive outcome, health organisations say the episode demonstrates the importance of transparent consultation whenever changes to essential medicines are proposed.

For thousands of Australians, however, the immediate outcome is clear.

Patients who depend on Zoladex can continue their treatment without facing the uncertainty that had threatened to disrupt their care, allowing them to focus on managing their health rather than worrying about whether a vital medicine would remain available.

Coffee Compounds Linked to Healthier Ageing

New research suggests your daily coffee may do more than boost energy—it could help protect cells from the effects of ageing.

By Jeff Gibbs

A new study has uncovered a possible biological explanation for why regular coffee drinkers often experience lower rates of chronic disease and healthier ageing.

Researchers found that naturally occurring compounds in coffee, particularly plant-based polyphenols such as caffeic acid, appear to activate a protein known as NR4A1. This protein

plays an important role in helping the body respond to cellular stress, reduce inflammation and

protect against age-related damage.

Scientists say the discovery offers a clearer understanding of coffee's potential health benefits, which have long been observed in population studies but not fully explained. Interestingly, the protective effects appear to come mainly from the coffee's plant compounds rather than caffeine itself,

suggesting some benefits may also extend to decaffeinated coffee.

Despite the promising findings, researchers caution that the study was conducted using laboratory models and does not prove that drinking more coffee will directly slow ageing in people. Further clinical research is needed to determine how these cellular effects translate

into long-term human health.

Health experts continue to recommend moderate coffee consumption as part of a balanced lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a nutritious diet, adequate sleep and avoiding smoking. Together, these habits remain the strongest evidence-based strategies for supporting healthy ageing.

Quality Cattle Drive Strong Beaudesert Market

Buyers compete fiercely as top-quality weaners and breeding stock attract premium prices

The Beaudesert Store Sale delivered another outstanding result on Saturday, with strong competition across the yards pushing prices higher for most descriptions and quality breeding stock leading the market.

Agents Bartholomew & Co reported widespread buyer confidence, particularly for well-bred weaner cattle and proven breeding females, with many prospective purchasers leaving the sale empty-handed after missing out on the best lines.

The strongest demand centred on a large offering

of quality one-brand Droughtmaster and Charolais-cross weaner steers, which set the benchmark for the day's trading. Buyers actively competed for cattle with weight, breeding and future performance, resulting in solid prices throughout the sale. Heifers also sold exceptionally well, while breeding cows and calves attracted sustained interest from producers looking to rebuild or expand their herds.

Among the standout sales, Warrick and Johanne Stewart, of Cedar Creek, received $2,270 for twoyear-old Droughtmaster steers. Droughtmaster steers, 18 months, from Carinya Queensland,

Rathdowney, sold for $1,980, while Paul Finch, Canungra, achieved $1,810 for his 18-monthold Droughtmaster steers. Simon and Robyn Corcoran, Canungra, sold 20-monthold Charolais-cross steers for $1,800, highlighting the strong demand for quality heavier feeder cattle. Weaner steers continued to attract spirited bidding throughout the sale. Allan and Sandy King, Mt Gipps, sold Charolais-cross weaner steers for $1,650, while Paradise Creek Pastoral Co, Glamorgan Vale, and Keira Farm, Mutdapilly, both reached $1,480 for Charolais-cross weaner steers. Paul Hawkins, Roadvale, sold Charbray weaner steers for $1,380,

while Wattle Tree Stud, Rosewood, received $1,150 for Santa-cross weaner steers. Competition remained equally strong for young breeding females. Rob Hayes and Kathy Hopkins, Woodhill, achieved $1,470 for 15-month-old Charolaiscross heifers. Paradise Creek Pastoral Co sold Charolais-cross weaner heifers for $1,050, while Allan and Sandy King received $980. Charbray weaner heifers from Paul Hawkins sold for $910, Droughtmaster weaner heifers from Warrick and Johanne Stewart made $930, and Charolais weaner heifers from Spring Creek Land Corporation, Cryna, reached $850.

Breeding stock proved to be among the highlights of the sale. Peter and Nicole Blyton, Beaudesert, topped the market when their Limousin cows and calves sold for $2,650, the highest price recorded on the day.

Frank and Sue Coghlan, Palen Creek, sold Charbray cows and calves for $2,160, while Ray and Diane Bruxner, Laravale, received $2,090 for Droughtmaster cows and calves. Speckle Park cows and calves from New Water Feedlot sold for $1,775.

In the breeding cow section, Warrick and Johanne Stewart sold Droughtmaster cows for $2,150, while New Water Feedlot received $2,000 for Charolais-

Northern Rivers Livestock Market Sees Strong Throughput Despite Softer Prices

cross cows, reflecting ongoing confidence in quality breeding females as producers position themselves for future seasonal improvement. With strong buyer competition across all categories and premium prices achieved for quality cattle, the Beaudesert Store Sale once again demonstrated the resilience of the south-east Queensland store market. The next Beaudesert Store Sale is scheduled for Saturday, 22 August, commencing at 9.30am.

By The Northern Rivers Rural News Desk

The Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange (NRLX) recorded a solid offering of cattle at its prime sale on 29 July 2026, with 1,865 head sold across 747 lots. While overall prices softened across several categories compared with recent highs, demand remained steady for quality finished cattle, with heavy bullocks and well-presented steers attracting the strongest competition.

The sale generated a total turnover of more than $2.12 million, with cattle averaging 374.6 cents per kilogram across all categories. The overall average return reached $1,139.17 per head, reflecting the continued strength of the region's livestock industry despite seasonal challenges. Heavy bullocks delivered one of the standout performances of the sale,

averaging 426.2c/kg and reaching a top price of 528.2c/kg. Returns ranged from $1,746 to $2,768.85 per head, with the 38 head yarded returning a combined value exceeding $85,000.

Steers continued to attract strong buyer competition, averaging 476.0c/kg and peaking at an impressive 600.0c/ kg, the highest cents-perkilogram price recorded

at the sale. The 517 steers sold generated more than $554,000 in value, highlighting ongoing demand for quality feeder and finished cattle.

Cows made up the largest yarding with 558 head, averaging 327.7c/kg and returning an average value of $1,443.40 per head. Bulls averaged 365.3c/ kg, while heifers averaged 367.2c/kg, with top prices of 412.2c/kg and 478.2c/

kg respectively. Vealer bulls averaged 419.7c/kg, topping at 498.2c/kg, while yearlings averaged 280.6c/ kg.

A small offering of store cattle and cows with calves also featured in the sale.

Four lots of cows and calves averaged $1,305.77 per unit, topping at $1,450, while a single bobby calf sold for $70.

Although market prices were generally easier than

recent peak sales, buyer demand remained broad across all categories, with well-finished stock continuing to command premium prices. The results suggest confidence remains in the Northern Rivers cattle market as producers continue to market livestock despite seasonal pressures.

By The Northern Rivers Rural News Desk

Warwick Livestock Market Holds Firm Despite Dry Conditions

Strong processor and restocker demand supports prices as quality becomes the key market driver

The Warwick District livestock markets continued to demonstrate resilience during the week ending 31 July 2026, with firm buyer competition maintaining solid prices despite increasingly dry seasonal conditions affecting stock quality.

Cattle numbers lifted to 1,255 head, while sheep and lamb yardings increased to 1,561 head, with agents reporting continued confidence from processors, exporters and restockers. Although cattle prices eased marginally in places, quality, weight and finish remained the biggest factors influencing returns

rather than any weakening in demand.

Across the cattle sale, processor competition remained steady while feeder buyers continued to support quality young stock. The overall market averaged $1,500.36 per head, reflecting the continued strength of the sector.

Vealer steers once again attracted strong competition, averaging 494.5c/kg and reaching a top of 584.2c/kg, returning between $1,030.59 and $1,536.73. Yearling steers averaged 490.1c/kg, topping at 550c/kg, while feeder steers remained highly sought after, averaging 481.9c/kg and peaking at 540c/kg.

Feeder heifers averaged

416.5c/kg, with sales reaching 488.2c/kg, while yearling heifers averaged 439.1c/kg and topped 500c/kg. Finished steers averaged 416.8c/kg, bulls averaged 410.6c/kg with a high of 479.2c/kg, and cows remained solid at 341.7c/kg, topping 395c/kg. Sheep and lamb numbers also increased, with all regular buyers operating strongly throughout the sale. Competition from processors seeking wellfinished stock, together with exporters and restockers targeting quality new-season lambs, helped keep the market generally firm.

Lambs topped the sale at $331, averaging $238.92, an improvement of $5 per head on the previous

week. Ewes also improved, topping at $262 to average $196.49, up $11 per head. Hoggets averaged $186.36, down $28, while ram lambs averaged $176.92, easing $38. Wethers averaged $156.24, down $19, and rams averaged $131.39, down $51. The overall sheep and lamb sale averaged $209.95 per head, a decline of $14 from the previous week.

Agents noted that dry conditions are beginning to influence the quality of stock entering the yards, with lighter and lessfinished animals becoming increasingly common. However, demand for wellfinished trade and export stock remains exceptionally strong, while quality store lambs continue attracting

keen interest from restockers.

Among the leading vendors, Alma Park Enterprises sold 61.6kg Dorper-cross lambs to exporters for $310, while Rory and Kathy Frost achieved $290 for 53.3kg Charolais-cross lambs sold to exporters, with another line of 48.2kg lambs making $290 to local processors.

Sunnymount Farming sold 48.5kg Dorper lambs to restockers for $270, with hoggets making $221 and ewes reaching $254. John and Regina Henry received $282 for 47.1kg Dorper lambs, while Ennismore Farming sold 50.6kg shorn crossbred lambs for $279.

An interesting feature of the sale saw Rex and Ros

will be used in an educational livestock program.

Pig numbers eased in the processing categories but increased for store and trade pigs. Sows sold from $170 to $260, pork pigs reached $175, while stores made between $91 and $179.

Poultry numbers declined slightly, resulting in stronger prices across most categories. Ducklings sold to $22.50, hens reached $55, roosters sold to $35, bantams to $22.50, and pullets topped $17.50.

By The Northern Rivers Rural News Desk

US Tariff Increase Deals Fresh Blow to Australian Agriculture

National Farmers' Federation warns higher United States tariffs undermine decades of free trade and create new challenges for Australian exporters

By Ian Rogers

Australia's agricultural sector has expressed deep disappointment following the United States' decision to increase tariffs on Australian exports, describing the move as an unnecessary setback for one of the world's longest-standing and most successful trading partnerships.

The new tariff of 12.5 per cent, which replaces the previous 10 per cent levy that had been due to expire, has been criticised by the National Farmers' Federation (NFF) as a step away from the principles of free and fair trade that have underpinned economic cooperation between Australia and the United States for more than two decades.

The decision has reignited concerns across Australia's agricultural sector, with industry leaders warning the higher tariff creates additional uncertainty for exporters at a time when global markets remain highly competitive.

NFF Chief Executive

Officer Michael Guerin said the increase represented a disappointing departure from the trade arrangements established under the Australia–United States Free Trade Agreement, which provides for zero tariffs on two-way trade between the two nations.

"Australian agriculture is profoundly disappointed by this announcement," Mr Guerin said.

"Rather than moving back towards the free and fair trading arrangements that have served both our countries well for two decades, the United States has chosen to further increase barriers to trade despite Australia's longstanding reputation for producing high-quality products and maintaining responsible trading practices."

Mr Guerin said the increase from 10 per cent

to 12.5 per cent places Australian exporters at a competitive disadvantage, particularly as several other trading nations received lower tariff rates of 10 per cent.

He said the decision was not simply an agricultural issue but one that highlighted the broader importance of maintaining open international markets.

"The NFF has consistently advocated

for free and fair trade across all industries because strong trading relationships drive economic growth, strengthen food security and support long-term global stability," he said.

Although key Australian agricultural exports, including beef, appear to remain exempt from the latest tariff changes, Mr Guerin said the overall announcement remained disappointing and signalled a move in the wrong direction for international trade.

Australia's agricultural sector has built a global reputation for producing premium food and fibre under some of the world's highest environmental, biosecurity and animal welfare standards.

Unlike many of Australia's international competitors, Australian farmers receive comparatively low levels of government support, relying instead on innovation, productivity and export competitiveness to succeed in global markets.

Mr Guerin said

Australia's response should remain measured and focused on strengthening relationships with trading partners around the world rather than engaging in retaliatory measures. He said maintaining Australia's reputation as a trusted supplier while continuing to diversify export markets would be critical in protecting the long-term interests of Australian farmers.

The NFF has committed to continuing its work alongside the Australian Government and industry stakeholders to safeguard Australia's trade interests while expanding access to international markets that value the quality, reliability and sustainability of Australian agricultural products.

For Australia's farming sector, the latest tariff increase serves as another reminder that international trade conditions can shift rapidly, reinforcing the importance of maintaining diverse export markets and resilient global trading relationships.

NHVR backs National Farm Safety Week with focus on heavy vehicle safety

By Ian Rogers

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is urging farmers, heavy vehicle operators and all road users to prioritise safety around agricultural heavy vehicles as National Farm Safety Week kicks off today (July 19).

The 2026 theme of the week, run by Farmsafe Australia, is Set the Standard – Show ‘em how it’s done, encouraging everyone working with or around heavy vehicles to lead by example and make safe practices part of everyday operations.

NHVR Chief Operations Officer Paul Salvati said the message of maintaining high standards should be front of mind for agricultural workers across the country.

“Many in the agricultural industry face similar pressures to the wider heavy vehicle industry with tight deadlines to manage crop harvests, long hours behind the

wheel and driver fatigue all presenting safety issues for workers in the sector,” Mr Salvati said.

“In managing these factors, a small number in the sector may be tempted to cut corners to save time or money, but we are urging them to embrace the theme of the week and prioritise safety standards at all times.

“By setting and expecting

high standards for vehicle maintenance, safe loading and fatigue management, we are setting an example to others we work with to prioritise factors that will improve safety outcomes for everyone.”

Mr Salvati said the more remote locations of many in the agricultural sector increased the severity of impacts when incidents do occur.

“Areas where agricultural heavy vehicles are in use can often be remote, so when incidents occur on the road or the farm, there is an added element of risk as emergency services are not nearby,” Mr Salvati said.

“Accepting less than the highest of safety standards is a key factor in incidents involving heavy agricultural vehicles and

can lead to severe injuries or even fatalities in rural and remote areas.”

Mr Salvati also called on light vehicle drivers sharing the road with heavy agricultural vehicles to set high safety standards to do their part in creating a safe road environment for all users.

“While residents in farming regions may feel they are familiar with heavy agricultural vehicles, interacting with them on rural roads can be still challenging,” he said.

“It’s important to give unique vehicles like gran harvesters plenty of space to operate safely as they have limited visibility, a wider turning circle and need to drive at slower speeds.”

The NHVR produces a range of resources for owners and operators of agricultural heavy vehicles including specific regulatory advice notices for the agricultural and livestock sectors which can be found by

searching: Regulatory Advice – Operating in the agricultural sector

The regulator also supports the wider agricultural industry through support from the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI). The HVSI provides funds to the Livestock Bulk and Rural Carriers Association’s (LBRCA) Heavy Vehicle Rollover Awareness Program (HVRAP).

The free program uses real-life experiences from professional drivers to deliver practical tools and resources to help reduce heavy vehicle rollovers, crashes, serious injuries and fatalities across the road freight industry. This year the program will launch new modules, case studies and content relating to grain, cotton, fertiliser and livestock transport. For more information about National Farm Safety Week, visit the Farmsafe website.

Safety Before Speed: Farmers Urged to Break the Fatigue Cycle

By Ian Rogers

Australian farmers are being urged to rethink the long-held belief that working longer, pushing harder and ignoring fatigue are signs of dedication, with one New South Wales cotton grower warning the mindset is putting lives at unnecessary risk.

As National Farm Safety Week continues, Griffith cotton producer Gavin Dal Broi is encouraging farmers to challenge the culture that celebrates working through exhaustion, saying the greatest danger on many farms is not the machinery itself, but the pressure people place on themselves to keep going.

Operating a 2,000-hectare cotton enterprise west of Griffith, Mr Dal Broi understands the constant demands of modern farming. Tight planting windows, unpredictable weather, machinery breakdowns and irrigation issues often leave little room for delays, creating enormous pressure to finish jobs quickly.

However, he believes that pressure can lead to poor decisions.

According to Mr Dal Broi, many farmers have traditionally viewed long hours and pushing through fatigue as something to be proud of, but he says there comes a point where slowing down is actually the safest and smartest decision.

He said the temptation to rush is always present,

whether it's speeding to repair machinery kilometres away or leaving a seatbelt off because the next task seems only a minute away. Those seemingly small shortcuts, he warned, can have lifechanging consequences.

For many farming families across the Northern Rivers and throughout Australia, the message is particularly relevant as winter work continues and preparations begin for the busy spring season.

Mr Dal Broi said taking extra care during busy periods not only protects lives but can also improve business performance.

While many producers worry that slowing down wastes valuable time, he believes rushing often leads to machinery failures, costly repairs and delays that ultimately cost far more than taking a few extra minutes to work safely.

He argues that safe farming practices and profitability go hand in hand, with thoughtful decision-making helping to protect workers, equipment and the long-term success of the business.

This year's Farmsafe Australia campaign, "Set the Standard: Show 'em how it's done," highlights the influence experienced farmers have on the next generation entering the industry.

Farmsafe Australia Chair Felicity Richards said periods of intense workload are when leadership becomes most important.

She said agriculture is filled with pressure points, from weather events and labour shortages to equipment failures, but these are also the moments when workers observe how leaders respond. Choosing to wear a seatbelt, stop when tired, reassess conditions or simply take

a break sends a powerful message that safety always comes before speed.

The campaign encourages farmers, contractors and agricultural workers to remember that workplace culture is built by everyday actions, especially during the busiest and most demanding times of the year.

National Farm Safety Week runs from 19 to 25 July 2026, encouraging everyone involved in agriculture to make safer choices, look after one another and recognise that no job is worth risking a life.

For farming communities across the Northern Rivers, where long hours and demanding seasonal workloads are part of everyday life, the message is clear: getting home safely at the end of the day is the most important job of all.

Farmers Told to Review Bird Flu Biosecurity

By Ian Rogers

Australian farmers are being urged to strengthen on-farm biosecurity after authorities confirmed the H5N1 strain of avian influenza has spread between wild birds on Australian soil for the first time.

The National Farmers' Federation (NFF) says the development marks an important stage in the disease's spread, although there have been no detections in commercial agriculture or reports of mass wild bird deaths.

NFF Chief Executive Officer Mike Guerin said the spread, while expected, highlights the need for farmers to review their biosecurity plans immediately.

"While this outbreak is currently a concern for wildlife, now is the time for all farmers to review their biosecurity plans," Mr Guerin said.

He urged producers to maintain accurate records of people, livestock and vehicle movements and identify ways to reduce

the risk of disease entering their properties.

There are currently 27 confirmed cases of H5N1 avian influenza across four Australian states, with all infections confined to wild birds.

The NFF said Australia has invested heavily in biosecurity preparedness and continues to work closely with governments and industry to coordinate the national response, building on lessons learned from previous H7 avian influenza outbreaks.

For Northern Rivers

producers, maintaining strict hygiene practices and monitoring poultry and livestock for signs of illness will be particularly important in the months ahead.

Farmers are encouraged to report any unusual illness or deaths in birds or livestock to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. Further information is available through the national bird flu information service.

Gardening Tips & Ideas

What You Need to Know Before Building a Shed or Backyard Structure

Thinking about adding a shed, gazebo or workshop?

Understanding NSW planning rules before you build could save thousands of dollars in fines, delays and demolition costs.

By Jeff Gibbs

Across the Northern Rivers, homeowners are increasingly installing garden sheds, workshops, studios, pergolas and other backyard structures to improve their properties. However, one of the biggest misconceptions is that every small shed can simply be purchased from a hardware store and erected without approval.

The reality is more complicated.

While New South Wales has statewide planning rules that allow many small structures to be built without council approval, every property must still satisfy a range of planning controls. Depending on where you live, factors such as zoning, environmental constraints, flood risk, bushfire mapping, heritage listings and the intended use of the building can all determine whether approval is required.

NSW Rules Apply Across Every Northern Rivers Council

Residents in the Local Government Areas of:

• Ballina Shire

• Byron Shire

• Clarence Valley

• Kyogle

• Lismore

• Richmond Valley

• Tweed Shire all operate under the NSW planning system, including the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes).

This means the basic exempt development rules for small sheds are generally the same throughout NSW. However, each council also administers its own Local Environmental Plan (LEP), Development Control Plan (DCP), flood mapping and environmental overlays, which may affect whether exempt development is available for a particular property.

What Is Exempt Development?

Exempt development is low-impact work that can be

carried out without obtaining Development Approval (DA) or a Construction Certificate, provided every relevant standard is met.

Examples include:

• Garden sheds

• Gazebos

• Greenhouses

• Cubby houses

• Small retaining walls

• Pergolas

• Fences

• Carports (subject to conditions)

The important point is that every requirement must be satisfied. If even one requirement is not met, exempt development cannot be used and further approval may be required.

Garden Shed Size Limits

For most residential properties throughout the Northern Rivers:

• Maximum floor area is generally 20 square metres.

• Maximum height is 3 metres.

• The shed must generally be located at least 900mm from each property boundary.

• It must sit behind the front building line.

• Roof water must be disposed of without impacting neighbouring properties.

• Metal sheds in residential areas must use lowreflective factorycoloured materials.

• Shipping containers are not considered exempt garden sheds.

For many rural properties (RU1, RU2, RU3, RU4, RU6 and R5 zones), exempt sheds may be up to 50 square metres, although larger setbacks—typically 5 metres from boundaries—apply.

Your Land May Not Qualify One of the biggest misunderstandings is assuming every property qualifies for exempt development.

Many Northern Rivers properties are affected by:

Bushfire Prone Land

Flood Prone Land

Heritage listings

Heritage Conservation Areas

Coastal hazards

Environmental protection zoning

Biodiversity mapping

Riparian corridors

Where these constraints apply, additional planning controls often prevent exempt development or impose extra requirements.

This is particularly relevant across Byron Shire, Tweed Shire, Ballina Shire and Clarence Valley where flood, coastal and environmental overlays are common.

Bigger Doesn't Always Mean DA

Not every structure exceeding exempt limits requires a full Development Application.

Many larger residential sheds and garages may qualify as Complying Development, which is a faster approval pathway handled by an accredited certifier or council, provided the proposal complies with all prescribed standards.

If a proposal falls outside complying development standards, a traditional Development Application (DA) through the local council is usually required.

Use Matters Just As Much

As Size

A common mistake is assuming a shed can be used for any purpose.

Planning rules distinguish between:

• Storage sheds

• Workshops

• Garages

• Home offices

• Studios

• Secondary dwellings (granny flats)

• Habitable buildings

Simply fitting insulation, air conditioning, plumbing, kitchens or bathrooms can change how a building is classified under planning and building legislation.

A structure approved as a garden shed generally cannot later be converted into living accommodation without obtaining the appropriate approvals.

Although the exempt development standards are statewide, each Northern Rivers council applies additional local planning controls.

Byron Shire

Properties frequently contain biodiversity overlays, coastal hazards, bushfire constraints and heritage controls that may limit exempt development.

Ballina Shire

Flood planning is a major consideration across many urban and rural areas, particularly near waterways and coastal land.

Tweed Shire

Environmental protection zones, landslip risk, coastal management areas and flood mapping often require additional assessment.

Lismore City

Flood planning remains one of the most significant planning considerations following recent flood events.

Richmond Valley

Many residential properties qualify for exempt development, although flood and rural zoning requirements can influence approvals.

Clarence Valley

Environmental overlays, heritage areas and rural zoning may affect what can be built without approval.

Kyogle

Large rural properties often

benefit from more generous rural shed provisions, although bushfire and environmental constraints remain important.

In every LGA, checking council mapping before purchasing or constructing a shed is strongly recommended.

Don't Forget Building Standards

Even where council approval is unnecessary, structures must still comply with the National Construction Code, relevant Australian Standards and manufacturer's installation requirements.

Poor footings, inadequate drainage or non-compliant construction can still result in enforcement action if safety standards are not met.

Common Mistakes

Planning professionals regularly see homeowners make the same errors:

Buying a shed before checking zoning.

Measuring external rather than internal dimensions.

Building too close to boundaries.

Installing a shipping container instead of a compliant shed.

Building within flood or bushfire constraints.

Converting storage sheds into bedrooms or home offices.

Ignoring stormwater drainage requirements.

Assuming neighbours' sheds were approved correctly.

Before You Build

Before ordering any backyard

structure, property owners should:

Confirm the zoning of the land.

Check flood and bushfire mapping.

Review environmental constraints.

Confirm heritage status. Measure boundary setbacks accurately.

Ensure stormwater drainage complies with requirements. Speak with council or an accredited certifier if uncertain.

These simple steps can prevent costly compliance issues later.

The Bottom Line

For most Northern Rivers homeowners, installing a small garden shed can be relatively straightforward, but there is no universal rule that every shed is exempt from approval. While NSW provides consistent statewide standards, local environmental constraints— including flooding, bushfire risk, heritage protections and biodiversity overlays—often determine whether exempt development is available.

Taking the time to check your property's planning controls before construction begins can save considerable expense, avoid legal complications and ensure your new structure complies with both state legislation and local planning requirements.

WEATHER

FORECAST

Northern Rivers District:

The chance of morning fog. Sunny day. Light winds. Thursday. Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower along the coastal fringe. Light winds.

Northern Tablelands District:

Sunny. The chance of morning fog on and east of the ranges. Areas of frost in the morning, mainly on and west of the ranges. Light winds becoming westerly 15 to 25 km/h during the morning then becoming light during the evening. Thursday. Partly cloudy. Areas of morning frost. Light winds. New South Wales: Mostly cloudy with a shower or two on the southern ranges and adjacent slopes, falling as snow above 1100 metres.

Dry and mostly sunny elsewhere. Cold morning with widespread morning frost on and west of the Divide. Morning fog possible on the ranges and southern inland. Daytime temperatures below average. Light and variable winds tending westerly along the ranges and easterly over parts of the north coast and far northwest.

Thursday. Dry and mostly sunny apart from the chance of isolated showers along the northern coast and adjacent ranges. Partly cloudy with the chance of a shower on the far southwestern slopes. Cold morning with widespread morning frost on and west of the Divide. Areas of morning fog on the southern half of the ranges and slopes. Daytime temperatures a little below average. Light and variable winds, tending south or southwesterly near the coast.

Byron Coast:

Winds: Northerly 10 to 15 knots tending northwesterly during the morning then turning north to northeasterly during the day. Seas: Below 1 metre. Swell: Easterly around 1 metre. Weather: Sunny.

Coffs Coast:

Winds: North to northwesterly 10 to 15 knots shifting south to southwesterly below 10 knots during the morning then becoming east to southeasterly during the afternoon. Seas: Around 1 metre. Swell: Southerly below 1 metre. Weather: Mostly sunny. 50% chance of showers. The chance of a storm in the morning.

Gold Coast Waters:

Winds: Variable about 10 knots. Seas: Below 1 metre. Swell: Easterly around 1 metre. Weather: Sunny.

Redmen women save club’s blushes

By Gary Nichols

The Grafton Redmen women’s rugby team saved the blushes of the senior club in a day of near misses.

First and reserve grades both succumbed to the Snappers in games that could have gone either way, but the women were clinical in their 38-7 win.

In first grade Coffs Snappers toughed it out for another come-from-behind victory against the Grafton Redmen on Saturday.

As per previous encounters between the two sides, Grafton raced to a commanding lead early in the match only to witness another late charge from the home side which resulted in a 31-19 win to Snappers.

Starved of possession, Snappers were camped in Grafton’s half mid-way through the second stanza which saw Taj Butcher cross for three late tries to put the result beyond doubt.

Grafton were their own worst enemy at times handing the ball back to

the opposition with poor kicking options.

Grafton did however cross for two tries only to be disallowed by the referee.

The reserve grade clash was arguably the best game of the season.

The Grafton Redmen

DRY SPELL BRINGS

STRONG SCORES AT BALLINA NINE HOLE GOLF

After weeks of wet weather, Ballina Nine Hole Golf members were delighted to enjoy a full week of competition on a dry course, with excellent scoring and several memorable performances.

Tuesday's event was won by Narelle Warren with 21 points, finishing just ahead of Kate Williams on 20 points, while Wendy Britton claimed third with 17 points.

The long-awaited Division 1 Nearest the Pin was won by Robyn Mace, with Paula Bale taking out the Division 2 prize. One of the highlights of the day came from newer member Lisa Martin, who claimed the Longest Putt award after escaping a bunker before calmly holing a superb putt.

Thursday's competition proved just as close, with Donna Gaertner edging Narelle Warren on a

countback after both players finished on 20 points. Maria Donnelly secured third place with 19 points. Nearest-thepin honours went to Wendy Britton in Division 1 and Jan Galletly in Division 2. Galletly also produced one of the shots of the week, holing out from approximately 55 metres on another hole to cap off an impressive performance.

With fine weather finally returning, members enjoyed a week of quality golf and are hoping the dry conditions continue in the weeks ahead.

HAPMUND CLAIMS

CASINO MONTHLY MEDAL

Daniel Hapmund produced an outstanding performance to win the Casino Social Golf Club Monthly Medal on Sunday, recording an excellent net score of 17 on a challenging course. To cap off a memorable day, Hapmund also collected the Putting Trophy, finishing with just 17 putts for the

second grade side came agonising close to pulling off the upset of the season against competition leaders Coffs Snappers on Saturday.

Looking dead and buried 10-minutes after the break, Grafton mounted a stirring comeback to come with

in a whisker of producing a major boil-over going down 32-31.

The game was however marred by six yellow cards being handed out which impacted the flow of a wonderful game of rugby.

With minutes remaining Grafton looked like

snatching victory when they made a break inside Snapper’s half only to receive a dubious penalty against them for a player “palming-off” an opposition defender.

The win sees Snappers still on top of the premiership ladder with

Grafton slipping into third place alongside Kempsey and SCU Marlins.

TheGrafton Redmen women’s side were clinical in their 38-7 win over Coffs Harbour Snappers on Saturday.

Grafton ran in six tries as they produced their best performance of the season against second-placed Snappers.

The top-of-the-table Redmen got off to a blistering start scoring two tries with only ten-minutes gone on the clock. Once again Grafton’s gritty defence was a highlight as was their dominance at the breakdown.

The Grafton forwards set the perfect platform for the backs to take full advantage. Shaniqua Williams, Zahlee Kilduff and Emily Loy at the back, were constant threats out wide.

Back-rower Arielle Hackett produced her best game of the season and not far behind were Ash Tibbett and Ade Woods whose defence was firstrate.

round. Dave Roberts was runner-up with a net score of 34, while G. Shephard claimed the players' draw prize.

Nearest-to-the-pin winners were:

• 8th & 9th: G. Randall

• 11th & 17th: F. Bruni

• 14th: Dave Roberts

• 15th: G. Skennar

• 16th & 18th: J. Rankin

Next Sunday's competition, proudly sponsored by DIY Home Timber and Hardware Casino, will be a Single Stableford played over the bottom 10 holes. Visitors are welcome, with tee times available from 6.30am to 7.30am.

CHERRY STREET

CROQUET CLUB

SPORTS RESULTS

Cherry Street Croquet Club members enjoyed another competitive week across Association, Ricochet and Golf Croquet, with several impressive performances highlighting the latest round

of play.

In Association Croquet, S. Hume produced a convincing 14-5 victory over G. Drew, while G. Porter recorded an excellent 25-17 win against the pairing of B. Hardy and P. Hume.

Ricochet Croquet saw G. Kerr and R. Chapman combine well to defeat D. Scott and J. Hannigan 18-12.

J. Doust and R. Poynting claimed a 10-7 win over P. Scott and R. Allen, while J. Dorward and N. Watts battled to a hard-fought 14-all draw with M. Russell.

The Golf Croquet Division 3 Singles Club Championships concluded with J. Dorward crowned club champion after an outstanding tournament.

Brenton Bill finished runner-up, followed by L. Hudson in third place. M. Rennie secured fourth, Bev Bill fifth, R. Offley sixth, G. Trim seventh and J. Huxley rounded out the championship standings in eighth position.

Congratulations to all players

on another successful week of competition.

CORAKI VETERANS

ENJOY WELCOME

RETURN TO FAIRWAYS

Coraki Veterans golfers were delighted to return to the course after recent wet weather, with 57 players taking part in a successful day's competition on a course that was presented in excellent condition.

Although the fairways remained long and offered little run, competitors enjoyed quality playing conditions as the course recovered well from the recent rain.

W. Swindle claimed the day's honours, finishing ahead of J. Lassig in second place and R. Rodda in third. The free game prize went to D. Knox. Chicken and ball winners were J. Kelly, S. Smith, M. Quinlivan, J. Larkin, K. Lloyd, P. Martin, D. Vagne, J. Voght, R. Earnshaw, G. Tait and K. Osborne.

Nearest-the-pin honours were shared by G. Tait, who was closest on the 3rd and 12th holes, while J. Lassig claimed the 6th and 15th hole prizes. Following play, members enjoyed the club's monthly barbecue, with special thanks extended to the volunteers whose efforts continue to make the post-round gathering a highlight of the veterans' calendar.

Attention now turns to next week's August Monthly Medal, with an 8.30am teeoff scheduled.

Golfers are also reminded that the Coraki Veterans Golf Championships begin on 13 August and will be contested over four weeks using the Stableford format, with each player's best three of four rounds counting towards the championship.

TILL THEN GOOD GOLFING

Max

By The Northern Rivers Sports News Desk

Rebels’ spirit shines through despite heavy defeat

By Tim Howard

The strengths and frailties of the South Grafton Rebels in 2026 were on full display in their final home game of the season, a courageous 44-28 loss to Woolgoolga.

It has not been a happy season for the Rebels, who will collect the Group 2 Rugby League wooden spoon.

Normally this sort of scoreline indicates a one-sided contest – and in some ways it was – but the Rebels never threw in the towel.

They made some appalling errors. Twice they failed to find touch from penalty kicks. They kicked the ball dead from the kick-off, were in front of the kicker at another kick-off, captain-coach Todd Cameron was sent off for a high tackle and there were endless handling errors when a score looked likely.

defenders for centre Sam Petch to leap high and grab the ball.

It spilled back, and the

He fended off the first tackler, crashed into fullback Dane O’Hehir and stretched out his arm

magnificent never-say-die competitiveness.

That spirit kept the Rebels in the game in the first half.

Woolgoolga scored first after eight minutes when winger Cody Major crossed after big centre Jasper Louden flicked a pass to him in the tackle.

Almost immediately the Rebels hit back in their first raid on the Woolgoolga line.

It was ad-lib stuff. On the last play of a set pounding at the line, Petch kicked ahead, but it hit the leg of a defender and bounced to McGrady.

them pay, crashing over beneath the posts to put his team back in front 10-6 after Louden’s conversion.

The Rebels were given a gift with 15 minutes to go when Perham was sinbinned for a high tackle on Torrens, but instead it was Woolgoolga who scored next.

Inside the final 10 minutes of the half, the Rebels defended multiple sets on their line before Louden got the ball close to the line and bustled through some tired tacklers to score.

But the Rebels had the final say before the break, when a delightful play close to the line put Petch in for his first try of the game.

McGrady took the first pass from the ruck and fired the ball across the face of a charging Torrens, who attracted the defence. Instead, the pass came low to Petch, who held on and sprinted across to score.

At 14-12, the game was in the balance, but the opening 20 minutes of the second half belonged to Woolgoolga.

At first, they soaked up some solid attacks from the Rebels, whose inability to hold onto the ball when a try beckoned had been a problem all season.

Woolgoolga showed them how to seize an opportunity the first time they ventured into

attacking territory.

With the Rebels’ defensive line backpedalling, hooker Jax Fuller threw a dummy and accelerated into the clear. He drew the fullback before sending halfback Michael Hart sprinting to the tryline.

Another try followed a few minutes later, extending Woolgoolga’s lead to 24-12, but a double send-off a few minutes later proved a crucial moment in the game.

Woolgoolga were on the attack when Louden took a pass and cut back inside the normally reliable Cameron, who flung out his right arm and caught the centre across the head.

He immediately signalled his mistake and moved to check on Louden. But Shayde Perham charged in, sparking a melee.

The referee had little choice. He sent Cameron off for the high shot and then Perham for his reckless intervention.

Without their inspirational leader, the Rebels’ defence looked spent and the visitors quickly piled on the points with Fuller, Duncombe and winger Sharne Perham scoring tries.

It looked as though another 50-point defeat was looming until the Rebels dug in and produced a final 15 minutes that gave the home fans something to remember.

But you have to admire the Rebels’ spirit.

Midway through the second half, they were 38-12 down and had not scored a point since halftime.

Then veteran back-rower Grant Brown turned back the clock with a dazzling chip ahead from 50m out, which he regathered.

The Woolgoolga defence scrambled to cover, but on the next play Nick McGrady kicked again, finding space behind the

referee awarded six more tackles.

But Petch did not need them. He took the first pass and strolled between a couple of rattled defenders to score.

Soon after, some shoddy defence handed Woolgoolga five-eighth Ethan Duncombe a try, but again the Rebels retaliated. This time, lanky backrower Nick Torrens grabbed a pass 15m from the line and could not be stopped.

to plant the ball on the line beneath the posts.

And in the final play of the game, after some great lead-up play, McGrady floated a long pass to the right wing, where Jack Fels hit the ball at speed and dashed into the corner to score.

Fittingly, Brown nailed the sideline conversion to give the Rebels 28 points for the game.

Of course, it was meaningless for the Rebels, but it was

He tried another kick, which ricocheted clear of a couple of defenders, and Fels pounced on the ball in the in-goal to score. Brown’s successful conversion put the Rebels in front 6-4, but their lead was short-lived.

A contentious knockon call, when McGrady appeared to charge down a kick from centre Shayde Perham, gave the Seahorses valuable possession near the Rebels’ line.

A few plays later, big prop Dylan Murdoch made

Sports

REDMEN WOMEN

BLUSHES

By