The Northern Rivers Times Newspaper Edition 293

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Councillor warns rising fees are making community halls unusable

By Tim Howard

A Clarence Valley councillor has warned that rising hire fees and bond requirements are making community halls across the Clarence Valley effectively unusable for local groups, with some already cancelling bookings or placing activities on hold.

Cr Lynne Cairns will bring a Notice of Motion to this week’s meeting of Clarence Valley Council calling for a review of hall hire fees and the creation of a new “Community Beneft” category aimed at keeping community-run activities affordable.

She has also said the community has raised concerns that the hire fees may have been increased so as to not be competitive with the recently constructed Treelands Drive Community Centre. And there appears to be functional shortcomings in the new $18 million facility.

Cr Cairns says she had heard that the centre was unable to host this year’s Citizen of the Year Awards because its kitchen could not cater for the number of people attending, forcing council to hold the event at the Yamba Bowling Club instead.

She says planning

documents, business cases and tender material provided in a GIPA request for the Treelands Drive project originally specifed a commercial kitchen of over 90 square metres with a walk-in cool room, capable of catering for large events, but this was downgraded during construction to a “community kitchen” of about 31 square metres, without a walk-in cool room or industrial-scale appliances, including a large gas cooktop.

She said patrons hiring the current kitchen are required to use four single portable plug-in hot plates and an oven, microwave and dishwasher no larger than those in a domestic kitchen to prepare food.

Cr Cairns has questioned how the centre can function as a major civic venue or emergency facility under those constraints. She said council documentation had previously identifed the lack of adequate kitchen facilities as a limitation at older halls such as Wooli Street.

She has also raised concerns about whether changes to the project, including the kitchen downgrade and the removal of car parking from the main construction contract, as well as serious limitations being able to function as a

community refuge during natural disasters, were formally approved by the NSW Government funding body, Department of Regional NSW, as required in the funding deed executed on April 6 2022.

Her motion is supported by letters from users of the Wooloweyah Community Hall describing the impact of the fees and bonds on their groups.

A children’s yoga and learning respect and mindfulness program operating on optional donations said higher hire costs were making it diffcult to continue weekly sessions and were threatening plans for community events such as holiday gatherings.

A men’s support group that meets fortnightly at the hall said the fat hourly rate had forced it to operate like a business, requiring frm attendance commitments to cover costs, which ultimately led the group to put meetings on hold.

Another regular user said she had cancelled a weekly yoga class run for family and friends after the price rise made the booking fnancially unviable, while a facilitator of women’s gatherings for expectant mothers said she could no longer personally cover the cost

a

of monthly hall hire.

A gardening group that relocated to Wooloweyah after being displaced by redevelopment elsewhere warned that increased fees were already causing some users to cancel bookings, raising concerns the hall could become under-used despite its long history as a community hub.

Under the current Fees and Charges schedule, many community halls require bonds of up to $520 regardless of the size or purpose of the booking, a requirement community users say is as prohibitive as the hire fees themselves.

Council will consider the Notice of Motion at its February 19 meeting.

North Coast Show and Shine Returns to Ballina

expected to attend, with travelling clubs already booking local accommodation.

The North Coast Show and Shine Ballina event will roar back into town on Sunday 22 February 2026, with organisers promising another major community fundraiser at the Ballina Jockey Club. Running from 9am to 2pm, the popular charity event will showcase an impressive display of cars and motorbikes, ranging from historic classics to modern performance machines. Enthusiasts from across the Northern Rivers, Queensland and regional NSW are

The North Coast Show and Shine Ballina is organised by the Northern Rivers Rescue Helicopter Support Group Events Committee and has already raised more than $70,000 across its first two events for the Northern Rivers Rescue Helicopter Service.

Event Coordinator and Support Group President Michelle Bailey said community backing has been a driving force behind the event’s growth.

“The interest and support from local businesses, car

and motorcycle clubs, and visiting enthusiasts has been extremely positive,” Ms Bailey said. “We’re excited to bring the event back to Ballina and continue supporting such an essential service.”

The day will feature multiple judging categories for vehicles and bikes, alongside trade displays, market stalls, food trucks and live music. Families are well catered for, with children’s rides and face painting included in the entry price. The Ballina Jockey Club will operate a licensed bar throughout the event.

Organisers are currently

calling for additional local business support. Donations of cash, vouchers or promotional items are being sought for raffle prizes and category awards. Volunteers are also needed to assist with coordination and ensure the smooth running of the day.

Premium partners B-Line Auto and Cherry Street Sports Group headline the sponsorship lineup, supported by Gold sponsors Total Towing, Greenstar Hire and Rooftech Roofing, along with numerous other local businesses participating in sponsorships and trade displays.

To help manage traffic and parking, Ballina Bus Lines, in partnership with B-Line Auto, will provide free shuttle services around Ballina for the duration of the event. With parking at the venue expected to fill quickly, attendees are encouraged to use the allday shuttle service. Route information and timetables are available via the event website.

The North Coast Show and Shine Ballina was recently nominated for Community Event of the Year at the 2025 Australia Day Awards, highlighting its growing impact across the region.

Panel rates GM performance good but ‘room for improvement’

By Tim Howard

After a year where there have been plenty of hard markers for the Clarence Valley Council general manager, Laura Black, her official report card has rated her efforts as good with room for improvement.

Mayor Ray Smith will present the results of the general manager’s performance review to Thursday’s Clarence Valley Council, with a recommendation the report be noted.

Despite ongoing criticism of Ms Black’s leadership from some councillors and sections of the community, the review panel found the general manager had performed strongly over the 2024–2025 period, highlighting improvements in organisational stability, asset management and the

delivery of major projects.

The review was conducted on January 15 by a three-member panel comprising Mayor Ray Smith, deputy Mayor Cr Greg Clancy and Cr Peter Johnstone. The process was facilitated by Christian Morris, Manager of Management Solutions at Local Government NSW.

The panel had included another councillor, Allison Bryant, but it convened without her after she resigned from the council in December.

According to the report, the panel concluded that Ms Black demonstrated “strong leadership and resilience” during the review period, with a particular focus on organisational modernisation and workforce stability.

“The primary theme of this review is the

GM’s successful focus on organisational modernisation and workforce stability,” the report stated.

Across four key performance categories, the panel awarded aggregate scores ranging from 3.25 to 4 out of 5.

Workforce leadership received the highest rating at 4.0, reflecting improvements in staff development, change management and the council’s award-winning “Grow Your Own” workforce initiative.

Personal attributes were rated at 3.5, with the panel citing Ms Black’s resilience, stabilising influence and maintenance of positive relationships with unions.

Focus capabilities received a rating of 3.6, driven by improvements in asset monitoring and customer response times,

while specific projects were rated at 3.25.

The panel highlighted a “vast” improvement in staff turnover rates over the past 12 months, noting the council’s receipt of the 2025 LG Award for Excellence in People and Workplace Wellbeing. While progress was acknowledged in the staff satisfaction survey, the panel said there remained “room for improvement” to reach peak engagement levels.

Asset management was identified as a standout area of performance, with the panel stating that monitoring of community assets had improved significantly under Ms Black’s leadership and exceeded expectations.

The review also credited the general manager with overseeing the completion of the Clarence Regional Aquatic Centre on time and within budget, as

well as the successful implementation of new corporate systems, including the DA Portal and CiA integration, which the report said positioned council as a leader in digital modernisation.

In the area of governance and integrity, the panel commended Ms Black’s handling of workplace investigations and the implementation of council-mandated probity checks, describing her as a stabilising influence within the organisation.

The general manager did not seek a performance bonus this year.

Under her contract, Ms Black is entitled to an automatic increase in her total remuneration package in line with determinations of the NSW Statutory and Other Officers Remuneration Tribunal.

The increase for 2025 was 3.5%.

The mayoral minute also proposes that council select a councillor representative for the 2026 general manager performance panel, noting that the mayor and deputy mayor are automatic members and that the general manager may also select a councillor as a fourth panel member.

The findings come amid continuing debate within council and the broader community about the general manager’s performance and the composition of the performance review panel itself, issues that have proven contentious in recent months.

The motion before councillors on February 19 is that council note the report on the outcome of the 2025 annual performance review and appoint a councillor representative for the 2026 assessment process.

$14mil drug bust in cocaine laced timber

By Tim Howard

A cross-border drug syndicate accused of hiding cocaine inside timber planks has been dismantled following a joint NSW–Queensland police investigation that stretched from Sydney to the Northern Rivers and the Gold Coast.

Five men have now been charged as part of Strike Force Capulin, an investigation led by the NSW Police State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearms Squad into the alleged large-scale supply of prohibited drugs in northern NSW.

Police allege the syndicate was responsible for extracting up to 100 kilograms of cocaine— worth an estimated $14 million—from timber planks that had been chemically impregnated with the drug.

The investigation began in August last year after detectives received intelligence that cocaine was concealed inside four tonnes of timber planks

destined for extraction by an organised criminal group.

The first arrest came on Friday, January 2, when detectives arrested a 33-year-old man in Kingsford, allegedly in possession of two kilograms of cocaine and $6,800 in cash. Police will allege the man had flown

from Ballina to Sydney to collect the drugs.

He was charged with multiple drug supply and proceeds-of-crime offences and initially refused bail before being granted strict conditional bail to appear at Downing Centre Local Court later this month.

Further inquiries led investigators to a car parked at Ballina Airport, where police allegedly found a duffle bag containing 723 grams of cocaine, 112 grams of ketamine and almost $400,000 in cash.

A forensic examination of a mobile phone allegedly uncovered photos and videos showing what police believe to be about 100 kilograms of cocaine embedded in wooden planks. The origin of the timber remains under investigation.

Police then traced the storage locations of the timber to sheds in Lismore and on Queensland’s Gold Coast.

On Thursday, January 22, detectives executed a crime scene warrant at a property in Lismore, seizing approximately six tonnes of wooden planks. At the same time, Queensland Police executed a search warrant at a property in Molendinar, where officers allegedly located a clandestine cocaine

extraction laboratory and a large quantity of timber planks.

Four men aged 42, 45, 46 and 55 were arrested in Queensland and charged with producing dangerous drugs and possessing items used in drug manufacture, including a cocaine press.

The investigation continued into the Northern Rivers, culminating in the arrest of another 33-year-old man at a home in Ocean Shores early on Tuesday morning, February 10.

He was taken to Tweed Heads Police Station and charged with supplying prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis, supplying a large commercial quantity of drugs and knowingly directing the activities of a criminal group. He was refused bail and appeared in court on Wednesday.

Detective Superintendent John Watson said cooperation between NSW Police and the Queensland Police Service was critical to the outcome.

“Cross-border crime requires cross-border

policing,” Det Supt Watson said.

“Information flowed quickly, resources were shared, and the result is a major disruption to organised crime.

“Criminal groups continue to evolve their methods, and this attempt to conceal cocaine within timber products was highly calculated.

“Our teams were ready for it, and their action ensured drugs never made the streets.”

Acting Detective Superintendent Brad Phelps said the case highlighted the sophistication of modern drug syndicates.

“This investigation shows the lengths organised criminal groups will go to in order to avoid detection,” he said.

“This concealment method—impregnating cocaine into timber planks—had not previously been detected in Queensland.”

Police said investigations under Strike Force Capulin are continuing.

Work Begins on Key Bridge Upgrades Across Lismore Area

Work has commenced on the first of five essential bridge upgrades across the Lismore local government area, marking a significant step toward improving road reliability and flood resilience in the region. The upgrades are jointly funded by the Australian Government and the NSW Government, with the project replacing several low-lying concrete causeways with modern small bridge structures. These upgrades are designed to improve

stormwater flow during heavy rainfall, reducing the likelihood of road closures and travel delays when existing culverts become impassable. Council says the new bridges will significantly improve access for residents, freight operators and emergency services, particularly during severe weather events.

Construction company Fulton Hogan has been appointed to deliver the works on behalf of Lismore City Council. Subject to weather conditions, construction across all sites

is expected to be completed by July this year.

Safety, access and environmental benefits

Beyond improving road safety and reliability, the bridge upgrades are also expected to deliver important environmental outcomes.

Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg said the project would support healthier waterways while improving transport connections.

“It’s not just road users who will benefit,” Mayor Krieg said.

“These works will also help improve creek health by making it easier for fish to move and waterways to function naturally. It’s a win for the environment as well as the community.”

Replacing culverts with bridge structures allows waterways to flow more naturally, reducing erosion and improving habitat connectivity for aquatic species.

Locations of scheduled upgrades

The culverts scheduled for replacement are located at:

• Leeson Road, Whian Whian (currently in progress)

• Cross Road, Numulgi

• Davis Road, Jiggi

• Two locations on Tuntable Creek Road, Tuntable Creek Council has confirmed it will continue to work closely with Fulton Hogan to minimise construction impacts on nearby residents and road users. Further information, including construction timing and access

arrangements, will be provided directly to affected residents ahead of each stage of works.

Lismore City Council has thanked the community for its patience and cooperation and acknowledged the ongoing support of the Australian and NSW Governments in rebuilding safer, more resilient infrastructure across the region.

Residents can keep up to date with major projects via Council’s Online Project Schedule and Map.

Half of NSW Homelessness Services Forced to Close Doors as Demand Surges

Robert Heyward

Homelessness services

across New South Wales are being pushed to breaking point, with half forced to close their front doors due to overwhelming demand, according to new research commissioned by Homelessness NSW.

The research, conducted by Impact Economics for Homelessness NSW, surveyed 22 homelessness services across the state over a 12-day period in November. It paints a stark picture of a system struggling to cope as homelessness numbers escalate rapidly.

The report found that:

• Half of services were forced to close their front entrance at least once, for an average of two hours

• Three quarters were unable to answer the phone on at least one occasion

homelessness in NSW reaches unprecedented levels. The report estimates 80,000 people are now experiencing homelessness across the state — more than double the 35,011 recorded in the 2021 Census. A further 700,000 people are considered at risk of homelessness.

Homelessness NSW Chief Executive Officer Dominique Rowe said services are overwhelmed from regional centres to major cities.

“From Bega to Byron Bay, homelessness services are facing overwhelming demand all over our state,”

Ms Rowe said.

“Frontline workers are doing everything they can, but the system has stretched so far it is now breaking. Behind every missed call could be a woman trying to escape domestic violence or a teenager in desperate need of a hot shower or a meal.”

rings out or the front door has to be shut, our staff are heartbroken,” Ms Clifton said.

“We know someone is reaching out at the most difficult time of their lives, and we simply don’t have the capacity to help. People are coming to us exhausted, frightened and out of options.”

The research also revealed NSW has the lowest per-person funding for homelessness services in Australia, at just $37 per person, compared with $75 in Victoria and $91 in Tasmania.

“Current funding levels are not allowing our brilliant services to do their jobs,” Ms Rowe said.

Homelessness NSW is calling for a 50 per cent increase in core funding, equivalent to an additional $247 million per year, to stabilise services and meet demand.

Nine-Time Glenfiddich Champion to Perform at Maclean Highland Gathering

Jeff Gibbs

The Maclean Highland Gathering 2026 will feature one of the world’s most decorated pipers, with nine-time Glenfiddich Invitational Champion Willie McCallum set to perform during this year’s Easter celebrations.

The Lower Clarence Scottish Association has confirmed that McCallum will present a free public recital at 7.30pm on Saturday 4 April 2026 at the former Maclean Services Club, 36–38 River Street, Maclean. No bookings are required.

A native of Campbeltown in Kintyre, Scotland, McCallum comes from a long line of champion pipers. He began competing in 1973 and entered the professional ranks in 1979, immediately winning the Piobaireachd at the Inveraray Highland Games. Since then, he has compiled one of the most impressive solo records in piping history.

McCallum holds a record nine overall titles at the prestigious Glenfiddich

Invitational Piping Championship. He has also won the Glenfiddich MSR title eleven times and the Piobaireachd four times. His achievements include the Inverness Gold Medal (1989), Oban Gold Medal (1995), three Silver Chanters at Dunvegan, four Bratach Gorm titles from the Scottish Piping Society of London, and multiple Argyllshire Gathering victories.

Beyond solo success, McCallum has performed with leading Grade One pipe bands including Babcock Renfrew, British Caledonian Airways, Scottish Power and Spirit of Scotland, contributing to numerous championship wins.

He has also performed

for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Balmoral Castle and regularly for His Majesty King Charles III.

Lower Clarence Scottish Association Chief Peter Smith said the community was honoured to welcome a piper of McCallum’s calibre.

“This is a rare opportunity for Maclean and the Clarence Valley to hear one of the world’s finest exponents of the Great Highland Bagpipe,” Mr Smith said.

The 121st Maclean Highland Gathering is expected to attract visitors from across the Northern Rivers and beyond, with the McCallum recital a standout feature of the Easter program.

• Three fifths could not read or respond to emails, social media or other messages during the day On average, services were forced to shut their doors on almost one in four days they reported. In the most severe cases, two organisations had to close their doors for seven to eight hours, while three services were forced to close every single day during the reporting period.

The findings come as

Ms Rowe said the human cost of service closures is severe.

“When services have to shut their doors for hours at a time, people fall through the cracks, and the human cost is devastating.”

Frontline providers echoed those concerns. Salvation Army representative Kristie Clifton said staff are deeply distressed when they cannot respond to people seeking help.

“Every time the phone

“This is a modest amount that would make a real difference to people’s lives,” Ms Rowe said.

“There are few better ways to spend taxpayer money than making sure people aren’t forced to sleep on the streets.”

The report warns that without urgent investment, service closures will become more frequent, placing vulnerable people at greater risk and deepening the state’s homelessness crisis.

Papped lifesavers inspire prize winning photo

By Tim Howard

The Clarence Valley’s landscapes, communities, and everyday moments have been brought to life in the 2026 InFocus Photography Competition, with five winning images celebrated for their creativity, energy, and sense of place.

The overall winner is Sydney photographer Christine Sweeney, whose striking image Morning Glare captures members of the Yamba Surf Life Saving Club walking into the surf bathed in the golden light of an early morning.

described the photograph as “a serendipitous moment” captured

The photograph, entered in the Plunge category, will feature on the cover of the 2026 Plunge Arts & Culture Festival program and serves as a radiant introduction to the festival’s celebration of local creativity.

Sweeney, who recently returned to Australia after seven years in London,

during a visit to friends in Wooloweyah and Harwood.

She and her friend, who love to swim at beaches at Angourie, decided a trip to Yamba’s Main Beach was in order to enjoy a coffee as well as a swim. But the coffee shop was shut and they were about to leave, when the group of lifesavers arrived.

“I saw the crew arriving for their early morning swim, and I thought, ‘that’s the photo,’” she said. “It talks about friendship, connection, and the beauty of an early morning. That’s why I named it Morning Glare.”

Sweeney’s passion for photography began in her father’s darkroom and continued through an artistic practice that blends photography with embroidery.

While she has previously received recognition in international competitions, Sweeney said her primary motivation in entering the InFocus competition was to critique her work and connect with the local arts community.

“Acknowledgement helps spur you on in the next direction,” she said.

The photographer is no stranger to the Yamba and the Clarence Valley, coming regularly to the region over the past 35 years to visit close friends.

It’s her first entry for the InFocus competition and she submitted if for the community category.

“It ended up winning the overall prize, which made me feel quite chuffed,” Sweeney said. She said she might enter the competition again, “if the right shot comes along.”

Other category winners include Jake Murray, whose Cane Burn, Woodford Island transforms the annual sugar cane burn into a dramatic interplay

of fire, smoke, and landscape, taking out the Environment Category.

Martin Rohde’s Crabbing at Dawn on the Clarence River captures a quiet, misty moment between a man and his dog and wins the People Category.

Gary Nichols’ energetic The Ultimate Mud Bath, depicting a local football team mid-scrum, takes the Community Category, while Kim Talento’s aerial view Jacaranda Drive won the Landscape Category.

All five winning photographs will be exhibited at the Grafton Regional Gallery and the Community Gallery at the Yamba Community Centre during April, running alongside the Plunge Festival.

The competition and festival together highlight the creativity, diversity, and connection of the Clarence Valley community, inviting locals and visitors alike to see familiar places in a

new light.

Sweeney hopes her photograph encourages

and Iluka, with something for everyone, from art exhibitions to music and

festival-goers to engage with the region and its people.

“I think it got printed or circulated this week, and I hope it attracts attention so people will pick up the program and support the festival,” she said.

The 2026 Plunge Arts & Culture Festival promises a wide array of events across Grafton, Yamba, Maclean,

community events.

For Sweeney, whose work now sits at the intersection of art, culture, and community, the timing feels perfectly aligned.

“It’s quite serendipitous that the Plunge Festival is about arts and culture,” she said.

For more of Christine Sweeney’s work, visit her Instagram @_ _papd.

Tweed Shire Council Seeks Community Feedback on Single-Use Materials Policy

Robert Heyward

Tweed Shire Council has placed its new Single Use Materials and Packaging Policy on public exhibition, inviting community feedback on proposed changes aimed at reducing waste at events and markets held on Council land and facilities, as well as Council-sponsored events.

The draft policy supports Council’s Towards Zero Waste strategy, which sets a target to reduce waste generated through Council operations and associated events by 25 per cent. To achieve this, the policy proposes a gradual transition away from common single-use items — including cups, cutlery, straws and takeaway containers — over the next three years.

While many single-use plastics have already been phased out, Council

says they are often replaced with other disposable materials such as cardboard, fibre, sugarcane and so-called “compostable” products. In many cases, these alternatives cannot be

recycled locally and still end up in landfill, limiting their environmental benefit.

Council’s Resource Recovery Unit Coordinator

Rodney Dawson said the policy has been designed

range of different groups,”

Mr Dawson said.

“By proposing a phased approach, we would be giving organisers and vendors time to plan ahead, access support and make informed, sustainable choices that work for their situation.”

Focus on Waste Reduction and Environmental Protection

The draft policy places a strong emphasis on reducing waste to landfill, preventing pollution in waterways and natural environments, and increasing the use of reusable alternatives.

to balance environmental outcomes with practical considerations for those affected.

“We know events, markets and sporting groups all operate differently, so it’s important we hear from a

It also aims to lower greenhouse gas emissions associated with waste generation and disposal, while encouraging broader community action to avoid unnecessary waste.

Council is particularly keen to hear from market operators, event organisers, sporting groups and food vendors, and is seeking

feedback on whether the proposed changes are clear, fair and practical. Stakeholders are also encouraged to identify what support they may need to successfully implement the policy if adopted.

An implementation guide has been released alongside the draft policy to help affected groups understand how the changes could be applied in practice.

How to Have Your Say

The draft policy and implementation guide are available online, and community members are encouraged to review both documents before providing feedback. Submissions close at 4.00pm on Wednesday, 25 March 2026 and can be made via Your Say Tweed at:

www.yoursaytweed.com. au/single-use-materialspolicy

No Hard Knock Life for this little performer

By Samantha Elley

Don’t let her diminutive size fool you, Violet Knight is a ball of energy who recently just finished a season in her part as orphan Duffy in Annie the Musical which showed at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) in Brisbane.

The Evans River K-12 student, who is in Year 6, spent her summer school holidays, not at the beach like many of her classmates, but on stage in front of hundreds of theatre-goers, singing, dancing and acting her heart out.

“Including rehearsals, it went for about eight or nine weeks altogether,” said Violet.

“I was nervous but I was really excited.”

Violet was chosen out of 2,000 original auditioners to become one of the orphans to perform in Annie, with many of her cast mates coming from Melbourne, Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast, Townsville and Brisbane.

“I always knew she was so talented and she would be able to but I also know there are a lot of other talented girls as well,” said

mum, Amy.

“So, when the auditions rolled around, I thought, we’d give it a go but try not to get our hopes up.”

It didn’t help that Violet was sick when the auditions were held as she had a nasal infection.

Application for Appointment of Board Members

Tunglebung Public Recreation Reserve Land Manager

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

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

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

The Tunglebung Public Recreation Reserve Land Manager manages the Reserve No. 83448 at Tunglebung notifed on 22-Sep-1961 for Public Recreation. The term of appointment will be for a period not exceeding 5 years.

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

All applications are required to be lodged by 20 March 2026

For further information contact Chrissy Haslem on 02 6642 9213 or go to www.crownland.nsw.gov.au/reserve-manager

“We went up to Brisbane for the auditions and she was panicking because she couldn’t sing properly,” said Amy.

“We were trying all these (Vapor) sticks and steam and when she kept getting the next call back, I thought, maybe the nose isn’t a bad thing.”

From the original 2,000, this was whittled down to 250 until there were 40 kids, then 20 in the final round where Violet took on the role of orphan Duffy.

“I had a big singing part in a song called ‘Never Fully Dressed’,” said Violet.

“Then we had a lot of lines where I was mimicking Miss Hannigan when she does a little dance and listens to the radio.”

Viole has always wanted to do musical theatre and first heard about Annie the Musical through her musical theatre classes at JC Dance in Wollongbar.

“My singing teacher

(told) me about this mini production of Annie and

that’s when I got more into the acting and singing and I really enjoyed doing Annie,” she said.

“We decided to wait until the big (production) came out and I auditioned for it then.”

During the performances over the holidays many of Violet’s family, school mates and friends went to Brisbane to watch her perform.

“They all went up, it was so good,” said Amy.

“They made signs and everything. It was so nice.”

Violet had so many favourite parts throughout her performances.

“Definitely (liked) hanging out with my friends and performing with them on stage,” she said.

“After the first show the nerves kind of went away and it was more just excitement.”

Amy said she was a super proud mum at seeing her daughter on stage.

“I’ve always known she’d be good at it and when she did the mini production last year, it was awesome to see her up there,” she said.

The final performance was very sad for Violet as she knew her theatre experience for this show was over.

“I really liked the bows at the end when you’re singing the final song, that’s when I was crying in the last show,” she said.

“The curtains come down while you are singing it.”

Violet performed alongside the experienced musical talent of Anthony Warlow, Debora Krizak and Greg Page to name a few.

And what does the future hold for Violet and her talent?

“I think she wants to see where it takes her,” said Amy.

“More musical theatre, more dancing, more singing.”

Violet has recently auditioned for the combined school musical of Mary Poppins and managed to get the role of Jane Banks.

“That’s up at Murwillumbah High in August,” said Amy.

“She will really love it as it’s a bigger part.”

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Seeing more EVs drives home tipping point is close

By Tim Howard

One day, we parked and noticed electric vehicles on either side of us. That small moment struck me — what was once rare was becoming commonplace.

It’s the kind of everyday sight that signals critical mass is near, the point when change stops being a novelty and starts becoming inevitable. It was just before Christmas and were getting to know our first electric vehicle, an XPeng G6. And, seeing three EVs parked alongside each other struck me as a milestone.

Getting your first EV is an experience.

There were the initial jitters of adjusting to a new car — for us, the blinker switch appearing on the left of the steering wheel instead of the right caused the occasional coarse word.

But from the outset, the experience of driving an EV has been mostly euphoric.

The first thing we noticed was the silent, effortless power. When you accelerate, there’s no engine clatter as revs build to climb a hill or overtake.

Instead, the car simply moves forward, smoothly and instantly. Hill climbing feels less like driving and more like levitation.

I was never an EV sceptic. As a teenager, I learned that electric vehicles were an early and successful part of automotive history, but fell behind with the rise of internal combustion engines and the growth of the oil industry.

Once that system was in place, it became selfreinforcing.

Skills, investment, culture, and politics aligned around petrol.

For the next 100 years, extraordinary effort went into refining a technology that was inherently inefficient and polluting, while electric car

ecosystems of work and profit.

Mining, refining, shipping, servicing, repairs, spare parts, and fuel distribution all generated economic activity.

Electric vehicles, by contrast, are simpler.

development was largely sidelined.

One can’t help wondering what might have happened had even a fraction of that ingenuity been directed toward electric transport from the outset.

Internal combustion engines didn’t just move cars; they created entire

Fewer moving parts. Less maintenance. Lower running costs.

Once electricity networks exist, powering an EV is largely passive — especially if you have solar on your roof.

Systems built on complexity tend to resist simplification. That

resistance helps explain the stridency of many anti-EV arguments.

Concerns about range, charging, batteries, or grids are often less about technical reality and more about discomfort with a low-friction alternative.

inflated into deal-breakers because normal use no longer supports the objection.

This is how critical mass works. Once a technology becomes visible and familiar, objections evaporate. Decisions stop being ideological and become obvious.

So what could stop anyone buying an EV for their next car?

Battery degradation has become an attack line.

Here again, critics deploy contradictory claims interchangeably.

On the one hand, they argue EV batteries will “clap out” suddenly and need replacing.

On the other, they claim batteries slowly degrade through normal use, charging, or bi-directional power supply.

Both can’t be true in the

A useful parallel is Kodak. For decades, it dominated photography by controlling film, processing, and printing. Digital cameras threatened not just a product, but an entire business model. Kodak hesitated, and the industry vanished almost overnight. Dominance is no defence against technological shift.

We are clearly approaching a tipping point.

Two years ago, spotting an EV on the road felt noteworthy. Now they are everywhere. And this is when resistance becomes loudest.

People point out that EVs can’t drive 1000 kilometres without recharging — as though that were a common human behaviour. Most EVs comfortably do 400–500 kilometres, and most drivers stop to recharge both car and themselves well before that. Edge cases become

is that humans “can’t do anything” about climate change. Electrifying road transport alone exposes how hollow that claim is.

Road vehicles account for a substantial share of emissions, and unlike many sectors, they are entirely within human control.

Replace an internal combustion engine with an electric motor and emissions fall immediately. Power it with rooftop solar and they fall to near zero. As electricity grids decarbonise, every electric vehicle becomes cleaner without changing the car itself.

This is not symbolic action or theoretical. It is mechanical substitution at scale.

Once EVs reach critical mass, emissions reductions become automatic — embedded in the system rather than dependent on constant moral effort. There is also a blind spot in many critiques: petrol infrastructure itself is fragile. As EV adoption accelerates, demand for petrol will shrink.

Service stations will close, supply chains will consolidate, and access will become less reliable. At that point, internal combustion vehicles will face their own form of “range anxiety.” Producing petrol at home is difficult. Powering an EV with sunlight is not.

way they’re asserted.

In reality, modern EV batteries degrade gradually, not catastrophically. Realworld data now shows many retaining 80–90% of their capacity after eight to 10 years — well beyond typical ownership cycles.

Battery management systems tightly control charge levels and temperature, preventing damaging extremes.

The same conflation appears in criticisms of bidirectional charging.

Drawing modest amounts of power to support a home uses only a fraction of a full charge cycle, and smart systems can limit depth of discharge to protect battery health.

Ironically, gentle managed cycling is often better for batteries than long periods of inactivity.

What’s being sold here is not technical insight, but anxiety.

Another familiar refrain

Add bi-directional charging and EVs become more than transport. They become mobile batteries — capable of backing up homes during outages and stabilising the grid by soaking up excess renewable energy and releasing it when needed. The internal combustion engine has had a free ride for a century. Its environmental costs were socialised, its profits privatised.

Electric vehicles represent not just a cleaner technology, but a correction long overdue.

The closer we get to that correction, the louder the objections become. That, more than anything, signals proximity to change.

And perhaps one day, when today’s EVs become antiques, future car enthusiasts will look back with nostalgia — not for engine noise or exhaust fumes, but for the moment we finally chose simplicity, silence, and common

over smoke and

Clunes Master Plan Adopted After Community Consultation

Jeff Gibbs

Clunes Master Plan

adopted by Lismore City Council marks a major milestone for the historic Northern Rivers village, following more than 12 months of structured community consultation.

Endorsed at Council’s February Ordinary Meeting, the long-term framework will guide growth in Clunes over the next 10 to 20 years while protecting the village character, landscape and environmental values residents strongly support.

Importantly, the Master Plan does not fast-track development. Instead, it establishes a staged roadmap that sets out how and when change may occur. The approach is designed to provide clarity and certainty for residents, while ensuring future growth aligns with local priorities.

Mayor Steve Krieg said the final plan reflects a genuine community-led process.

“This plan was shaped by what people told us mattered most — protecting Clunes’ character, improving safety and amenity, and planning carefully for the future,” he said.

“It gives Council a clear mandate to manage growth

responsibly, not to rush it. The outcome is a future shaped together.”

Clear planning framework for staged growth Council’s Director of Planning and Economy, Graham Snow, said the adopted Master Plan now provides a structured planning framework to guide future decisions.

“This is about sequencing, safeguards and certainty,” Mr Snow said.

“The Master Plan sets out staged growth options and the planning tools needed to manage change properly.”

A key element is the future Development Control Plan (DCP),

which will sit beneath the Local Environment Plan. The DCP will detail design controls, character guidelines and technical standards to ensure development remains consistent with the village identity.

By clearly mapping out growth pathways and planning controls, Council aims to remove uncertainty and avoid ad hoc decisionmaking.

Environmental safeguards strengthened One of the most significant outcomes is the establishment of the Clunes Urban Green Corridor. The corridor is designed to strengthen ecological connections and protect waterways,

vegetation and biodiversity.

Mr Snow said the Urban Green Corridor demonstrates how the plan balances environmental protection with sensible planning outcomes.

“It protects and strengthens ecological connections and waterways while guiding development to appropriate locations,” he said.

Environmental safeguards were a consistent theme raised during consultation, with residents expressing strong support for maintaining Clunes’ rural character and natural assets.

Safer movement and improved amenity

The Master Plan also

prioritises village safety and accessibility. Proposed improvements include:

• Gateway treatments at village entry points

• Traffic calming measures

• Pedestrian crossings and lighting upgrades

• Intersection improvements in partnership with Transport for NSW

In addition, the plan outlines upgrades to footpaths, seating, shade structures, public toilets and play spaces. It also provides clearer direction on open space planning and the location of sporting facilities.

Council confirmed it will not pursue sewer feasibility

investigations for existing homes, providing cost clarity for current residents.

Extensive community engagement

Community engagement for the Clunes Master Plan began in November 2024 with open drop-in sessions, supported by an online survey and virtual ideas board via Council’s Your Say platform.

Further consultation continued from December 2024 through to late 2025, including additional drop-in sessions at the Clunes Coronation Hall. These sessions tested the draft vision statement and planning themes before refinement.

Engagement and planning support was provided by Ethos Urban, Living Lab Northern Rivers and Barker Ryan Stewart, working alongside Council’s project team. With adoption now formalised, the focus shifts to implementation. Council will move into detailed design work, agency partnerships and a prioritised program of works delivered progressively over time. The Clunes Master Plan sets the framework. The next stage is turning that framework into on-theground outcomes that reflect the village’s shared vision for the future.

Lismore Council moves to unlock flood-free housing

Jeff Gibbs

In a decisive move to accelerate housing supply, Lismore City Council will investigate issuing dwelling entitlements to vacant rural lots with suitable building sites across the local government area.

The proposal, supported at this week’s Ordinary Council meeting, aims to rapidly increase flood-free housing by unlocking land that already exists, without the need for new largescale subdivisions or major infrastructure upgrades.

Fast-tracking flood-free housing supply

The initiative aligns with the NSW Government’s broader housing priorities and reflects community calls for more diverse and accessible housing options, particularly in floodresilient locations.

By granting dwelling entitlements to eligible

rural lots, landowners would be able to seek development approval to build homes on properties that have remained vacant for decades due to planning restrictions.

Councillor Andrew Gordon, who moved the motion, said the plan represents a practical and financially responsible solution to the region’s housing challenges.

“This is about unlocking housing that already exists in our rural areas and doing it in a way that is financially responsible,” Cr

Gordon said.

“We have been making great progress in delivering desperately needed flood-free housing for Lismore. New residential subdivisions are under construction across this city and many more Development Applications are in the pipeline,” he said.

“However, we have vacant flood-free rural lots that already exist right across our LGA without a dwelling entitlement. Without this entitlement, landowners cannot obtain

approval to build a home, with much of the property sitting vacant for decades.

“By enabling a dwelling entitlement for suitable, flood-free building sites, we can deliver more housing faster, without the cost and complexity of new subdivisions or major infrastructure investment.”

Using existing land and infrastructure Council says the approach could significantly expand flood-free housing supply while making better use of existing infrastructure such as local roads and utility networks.

Importantly, the investigation will examine how dwelling entitlements can be applied in a way that protects rural character and environmental values. Safeguards are expected to ensure that productive farmland, biodiversity corridors and scenic landscapes are not

compromised. If successfully implemented, the measure could potentially deliver more flood-free housing capacity than all current residential subdivisions combined, according to Cr Gordon.

The proposal also reflects the Community Strategic Plan’s focus on responsible planning, sustainable growth and resilience following the devastating 2022 floods, which left thousands of homes damaged or uninhabitable.

Addressing the housing shortage

Like many regional centres, Lismore continues to face significant housing pressure. Demand has outstripped supply in recent years, driven by population shifts, rental shortages and rebuilding efforts in safer, elevated areas.

By removing planning barriers that prevent development on suitable

rural land, Council hopes to stimulate faster housing delivery without placing additional financial strain on ratepayers.

The model is being positioned as a way for local government to play a proactive role in tackling the housing crisis, particularly in regional communities where infrastructure expansion can be costly and timeconsuming.

Council will now undertake further assessment and reporting before any final policy decisions are made. Community consultation and environmental considerations are expected to form part of the process. If adopted, the framework could serve as a blueprint for other flood-affected councils seeking to unlock existing land and boost housing supply without expanding urban footprints unnecessarily.

First Major Pump Station Upgrade Completed in Lismore

Jeff Gibbs

A major upgrade to the Gasworks Creek pump station in East Lismore has been completed, marking an important milestone in strengthening the city’s flood resilience and longterm recovery.

The finished works form part of Lismore City Council’s broader commitment to improving operational resilience, with the Gasworks Creek site the first in a series of planned pump station upgrades scheduled to continue through 2026.

Council said the project builds on emergency repairs carried out across the network following the devastating 2022 floods, which restored basic operations and stabilised the system.

Key improvements completed

The Gasworks Creek upgrade involved raising pumps and electrical infrastructure above the record 2022 flood level, significantly reducing the risk of future flood damage.

Mechanical trash screens were also installed to prevent debris blockages

during heavy rain events, while upgrades to pumping systems have improved efficiency and reliability.

Minor site refinements will continue over the coming weeks to finalise the project.

Works were delivered by Northern Rivers-based contractors Steady State Pty Ltd and Engineered Project Solutions Pty Ltd.

More pump stations planned

Council has confirmed that construction will begin later this year on further upgrades at Browns Creek, Magellan Street, and a new pump station in

South Lismore. Start dates for these projects will be announced in the coming months.

All projects are funded by the Australian Government through the Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program, administered by the NSW Reconstruction Authority.

Leaders highlight longterm flood protection

Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg said flood recovery required long-term planning and sustained investment.

“Flood recovery isn’t a quick fix – it’s a long-term commitment,” Mayor

Krieg said.

“These projects are part of a bigger picture that will make Lismore better prepared for whatever nature throws at us.”

Minister for Recovery and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said pump stations play a critical role within the city’s flood protection system.

“The pump stations, in essence, act as the lungs of the Lismore flood levee system,” Ms Saffin said.

“They actively work to keep the city as dry as possible when the river rises during big rain events, extracting

stormwater from behind the levee and pumping it back into the Wilsons River to minimise damage to homes and businesses.”

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the upgrade demonstrated the value of targeted recovery funding.

“This upgrade reflects how investment through the NRRRP is delivering practical improvements to Lismore’s flood-mitigation network,” Ms McBain said.

“Modernising ageing pump stations with more powerful, reliable and remotely operated systems

Picture-Perfect Retirement at Lincoln Lifestyle Northern Rivers

Jeff Gibbs

A picture-perfect retirement at Lincoln

Lifestyle Northern Rivers is proving to be more than a marketing slogan for Gulmarrad resident Pam Birell, who has embraced a creative and connected new chapter of life.

After downsizing into the secure over-50s community at 85 Sheehans Lane, Pam says retirement has opened doors she long hoped to explore — including an award-winning passion for painting.

Operated by Lincoln Place, and formerly known as Northern Rivers Lifestyle Estate, Lincoln Lifestyle Northern Rivers has attracted strong interest from locals looking to stay connected while simplifying their living arrangements.

A Creative Chapter Begins

Already living in Gulmarrad, near Yamba and Maclean, Pam was among the first residents to move into the new community.

“I was very interested when I first heard about the community being built. It was an ideal option for me, close enough to stay connected with my friends and continue the activities I love,” she said.

A long-time member of the Lower Clarence Arts & Crafts Association and a contributor at a nearby gallery, Pam only began

painting after retiring.

“I’d always said that when I finally settled down after travelling, I’d learn to paint — and that’s exactly what I did,” she said.

Inspired by the Northern Rivers landscape, she developed skills in both oil and watercolour techniques. Recently, her dedication paid off with first and second place awards, along with Grand Champion of Show honours at the North Coast National Show.

Two of her works have since been purchased by a fellow resident and will be displayed in the community’s new clubhouse when construction is completed.

Downsizing Without

Compromise

For Pam, downsizing did not mean giving up space or independence. Her three-bedroom home doubles as a personal art studio.

The garage houses her oil painting equipment, complete with shelving and framing tools, while the third bedroom is dedicated to watercolours.

Beyond her creative pursuits, Pam says the greatest benefit has been connection.

“My husband has passed and my two sons live interstate, so I don’t see them often. But here, I always have company. It’s a wonderful, friendly community that feels like family.”

Lifestyle and Amenities Expanding Community Manager Rebecca Woodleigh said residents like Pam highlight the lifestyle benefits available within the growing estate.

“We offer activities including yoga, Pilates,

bowling, line dancing, pickleball and craft workshops that bring residents together and support an active lifestyle,” she said.

Additional homes and a new clubhouse are currently under construction, with

completion expected in late 2026. Planned amenities include a theatre, golf simulator, library, craft and games rooms, lounge and dining areas, gym, bocce court, sauna, heated pool, pickleball courts, BBQ pavilion and bowling green.

The community operates under a land lease model. Residents own their homes and retain capital gains while leasing the land. There are no stamp duty costs, body corporate fees, exit fees or council rates. A weekly site fee covers maintenance and access to amenities.

New homes are available from $565,000, with private tours offered by appointment.

Court Levies $40,000 in Fines Over Unapproved Dam Works Near Eungai Creek

Jeff Gibbs

Unapproved dam fines North Coast have been imposed by the Coffs Harbour Local Court after unlawful works were carried out on a significant creek within the Nambucca River catchment.

The prosecution was brought by the Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR), the state body responsible for enforcing water laws across New South Wales.

Blueberry farmer Pawandeep Dhillon and contractor Reibel Earthmoving each pleaded guilty to two offences relating to the construction and enlargement of an irrigation dam at Eungai Creek, between Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie.

The court heard that between February and November 2023, the existing dam on Kesbys Creek was substantially increased in size and storage capacity without the required water supply work approval. In addition, the defendants carried out a controlled activity on waterfront land without approval.

Each defendant was fined $20,000 plus costs, bringing the total penalties

to $40,000.

Sensitive Waterway in Major Catchment

Kesbys Creek is classified as a third-order stream and forms part of the Warrell Creek catchment, which ultimately flows into the Nambucca River near its mouth at Nambucca Heads.

NRAR Director

Investigation and Enforcement Tim O’Connell said works on waterfront land and watercourses carry inherent environmental risks.

“Anything constructed on waterfront land is particularly sensitive and carries a risk of potential negative impacts further downstream,” Mr O’Connell said.

He emphasised that responsibility rests with both landowners and contractors to ensure proper approvals are in place before commencing construction.

“It is the responsibility of both the landowner and the earthmoving contractor to ensure they have approval to construct any dam before starting work,” he said.

NRAR told the court the farmer engaged the earthmoving company to undertake the works without first obtaining the

necessary authorisations. Continued Enforcement on the North Coast

The case marks NRAR’s second successful prosecution within 12 months relating to unlawful dam construction on the North Coast.

In February 2025, Kempsey-based company Greenleaf Australia and one of its directors were fined close to $300,000 for constructing and using dams without approval and undertaking prohibited activity in a wetland.

A third prosecution involving alleged unlawful dam construction is currently before the NSW Land and Environment Court, where potential total fines could reach up to $6.5 million.

NRAR said the state’s licensing and approval framework exists to minimise risks to waterways, downstream users and the broader environment, while ensuring water is shared fairly and used lawfully across NSW.

The regulator confirmed it will continue active compliance and enforcement across regional NSW to address unauthorised water infrastructure and protect sensitive catchments.

To Be Memorialised or Not To Be

Title: Hamnet

Author: Maggie O’Farrell

Price: $19.99

Distributor: Booktopia

No, the name hasn’t been spelt wrong.

It is what the son of William Shakespeare was called before he died a much too early death at the age of 11 years old.

Despite his short life, his name has been memorialised in one of the most famous plays of the western world.

That’s because his father was a playwright, although his name is never mentioned once throughout the story.

And that’s because the story is about Hamnet and his twin sister Judith and their mother, Agnes (pronounced Anyes) and their older sister Susannah.

It is life in the late 16th century the reader gets a taste of in this story using very rich prose

NSW Boosts Tobacco Enforcement With 30 New Inspectors

Robert Heyward

NSW tobacco enforcement boost is underway, with 30 additional full-time equivalent inspectors being recruited to strengthen compliance efforts across the state.

NSW Health’s newly established Centre for Regulation & Enforcement will expand to a total of 78 dedicated staff, following additional Commonwealth Government funding.

More than half of the new inspectors have already commenced or are about to begin, while the remainder are currently being recruited.

The announcement was made by Ryan Park, who said the additional resources will help address the growing illegal tobacco and vaping market across New South Wales.

66 Stores Closed Since November

Under tough new state laws introduced in November 2025, NSW Health Inspectors — working alongside NSW Police Force — have intensified enforcement activities.

Last week alone, five tobacconists in Sydney’s Inner West were closed, bringing the total number of stores shut down to 66 since the laws came into effect.

and poetic imagery.

Hamnet’s mother is a healer while his father is away in London working.

His sister Judith gets sick with the plague and he desperately needs to find an adult to help her, however, it is he who will not survive the week.

This is a very emotional story with themes of love, loss and tragedy, all underlined with yet the tiniest spark of hope and the future when obstacles of mistrust and despair are overcome.

Maggie O’Farrell has written best selling memoir I Am, I Am, I Am and eight other novels and she lives in Edinburgh.

Hamnet was the winner of the 2020 Women’s Prize for Fiction.

You can order your copy of Hamnet from booktopia.com.au

illicit tobacco products

• More than 6,000 illegal vaping goods

The combined estimated street value of the seized products is around $830,000.

In addition, four successful prosecutions were finalised in January, resulting in total court-imposed fines of $41,300 for e-cigarette and tobacco offences. A further 20 matters are currently before the courts.

Tougher Laws and Closure Powers

The crackdown follows sweeping reforms designed to disrupt the illegal tobacco supply chain.

Recent legislative changes include:

• New offences for breaching closure orders

• Lease termination powers for landlords where a closure order applies

• Nation-leading offences for falsely claiming to be licensed, resisting seizure or attempting to retake seized products

The Public Health (Tobacco) Amendment (Landlord Offences) Bill 2025 is currently before Parliament and is expected to be debated in the coming weeks.

Federal Excise Under Scrutiny

Park said. He added that while enforcement will continue to intensify, long-term funding certainty remains critical to sustaining the crackdown.

“Our approach to illegal tobacco is more boots on the ground; tougher penalties; and more powers to close down bad actors,” he said.

Evolving Tactics From Retailers

Between 1 January and 31 January 2026, inspectors conducted 131 inspections across NSW. During that period authorities seized:

• Approximately 560,000 cigarettes

• 98 kilograms of other

• A new offence for possession of a commercial quantity of illicit tobacco, carrying penalties of over $1.5 million and up to seven years’ imprisonment

• Equivalent maximum penalties for the sale of illicit tobacco

• Short-term closure orders of up to 90 days and long-term closure orders of up to 12 months

Minister Park said the federal tobacco excise remains a contributing factor to the black-market trade.

The NSW and Commonwealth governments have discussed how high excise rates may be driving some consumers toward cheaper illegal products.

“I am very grateful for the additional support from the Commonwealth Government to assist in our tobacco enforcement efforts,” Mr

Authorities have also identified evolving tactics used by some retailers to circumvent enforcement. In some cases, QR codes and social media platforms are being used to continue sales of illicit tobacco and vaping products after closure orders have been issued.

NSW Police and NSW Health are adapting enforcement strategies to identify and shut down these methods.

The expanded inspector workforce is expected to play a key role over the next two years in strengthening compliance and disrupting illegal supply chains across the state.

“Leemo has views on just about anything”

‘LETTER OF WISHES+STUFF’

Oooh Nooo! Yet another bothersome intrusion JUST when me & the Buddies were having a meeting of VIP$$ making ideas – the uncouth voice of ‘Mum Jane’ snappily saying ‘Leemo, get in here now ‘cos you were supposed to have your ‘Letter of Wishes’ done by to-day but I note on your writing pad you’ve only written 1 line?

EXPLAIN PLEASE ‘cos it must go in the special fle with your Will & Stuff & sent to your Executor Uncle Michael. ‘Errms, hmmm, oooh…’Letter of Wishes’ – crikeyyou’d best remind me what it’s about Mum.’ Her visage took on a meanie look & the eyebrows lifted to her WHITE hair line –

GROSS!! ‘LISTEN this time Leems, your ‘Letter of Wishes’ is a document set out in your own words & goes with your Will which you’ve done. It is NOT Legally binding, but in the hands of a trusted Executor like Uncle Mike, will provide him with a clear indication of your personal preferences when you die that a Will does not cover. Like your funeral event & other wishes stuff. Gottit?’ Hmmm? ‘Mum, I’ll need to consult with the Buddies about this. I’ll report back in one hour so GO OUTSIDE & weed, chop down a tree or something. 1 hour passed & in she came in right to the second. ‘OK Leems, have you done it? Finished your ‘Letter of Wishes’? With

the Buddies around me I said ‘YEP, all done (you old Bat) you can read it ’. She did: ‘Letter of Wishes by ‘Leemo Cat’ made on Feb 17th 2026 in Lismore NSW. It is my wish that when I die I request that: My burial service be conducted with sombre dignity, pomp & ceremony: I wish my casket of burial be hand-made of Camphor Laurel (‘cos it repels moths bugs & stuff) & adorned with R L brass fttings. I ask that my Buddies be appointed as my ‘Casket Carriers’ and that the burial take place at the top of our street, on the Lookout. I would like someone who plays Bagpipes to be present & play ‘The Bonnie Bonnie Banks of the Wilson’. After my ceremony & speeches & stuff I request that nice TREATS & liquid refreshments be provided for all attendees & they watch my fav. 3 episodes of ‘Bluey’. Signed: ‘Leemo Cat’. I watched Mum’s face. She loo ed a trife dumbstruck but came out of her trance in the end. ‘Oooh, Leems my boy, I AM SO PROUD of you…well done!! I shall put your ‘Letter of Wishes’ into your document fle send it to Uncle Mike. But please share Leems: what was the $$making plan you & the Buddies were discussing before I interrupted? ‘Well Mum, you know at times when you’re stressed & crabby & stuff & I bring you Tea & Gingernuts to calm you & you become ‘nice’ again? Well, me the buddies fgured we could make lotsa $ by doing the same thing when tempers erupt in those ‘House of Parliament’ meetings? What a difference it could make? All those Members would be so happy they would all hug & not shout any more. We’ll charge $8 in CASH per cup+2 gingernuts. ‘Leems, that is something I’ll consider & is a clever nifty plan then fainted.’ Whoohoo, nitey with purry hugs. Leemo & Buddies

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

Australia Day (page 14-Edition 291)

Each year people carry on about changing Australia Day. They should check history and fnd that up until late 1940s everyone living in this country were still classes as British subjects! It wasn’t until the Australian government passed the Nationality and Citizenship ct that we offcially became Australians!

The Bill received royal assent on -you guessed itThe 26th January!!

And that you turkeys why it will always be celebrated on 26th January every year.

A Freeman, Ballina

History Repeats

The sad reality when reading Tim Howard’s article ‘vertremdungseffekt’ is that no matter what we know, history repeats. Woody Guthrie’s song on the racist slum lord Fred Trump ‘old man Trump’, didn’t seem to ring any alarm bells for voters electing his narcissistic son Donald, not once but twice. Populist demagogues such as Trump, Orban or Pauline Hanson use our natural prejudices to their own gain and of course, their quiet backers are the privileged elite, not the common people they claim to represent!

I hope enough people realise this to stop the extreme rightwing tide.

S Alderton, Byron Bay

Under the Bridge, Under Our Skin

The Long Way Home competition is a wonderful Clarence Valley tradition. The theme “Under the Bridge” feels made for our river towns, full of memories and hidden stories. I’m glad it’s open to all ages,

not just seasoned writers. Seeing locals published in the anthology is some-thing special.

J. McAllister, Grafton

A Theme That Fits the Valley “Under the Bridge” captures the spirit of this region perfectly. Our bridges aren’t just crossings — they’re landmar s tied to foods, fshing, friendships and growing up. This competition en-courages people to slow down and notice their surroundings. That’s a valuable thing in itself.

K. O’Donnell, Maclean

Not Just for Writers

Too many people say they’re “not writers,” but everyone has a story. The Long Way Home gives locals permission to share theirs. The new theme is broad enough for humour, mystery or heartfelt refection. hope plenty of frst time entrants give it a go.

S. Bennett, Yamba

A Record of Who We Are

Eight anthologies in is no small achievement. These books are becoming a record of what life in the Clarence Valley feels like. I love that the competition spans generations and invites diverse voices. Under the Bridge might reveal more about us than we expect.

R. Wallace, South Grafton

Watchdogs Shouldn’t Need to Bark This Loud

If NCAT found there’s no documentary evidence an investigation ordered by council resolution was ever done, that’s not a “process hiccup” — that’s a governance failure. Add claims about misrepresenting grant compliance and the use of council resources in what looks like private legal action, and ratepayers are right to demand answers.

P. Harrison, Yamba

Time for the OLG to Step In Properly

Craigh McNeill’s complaint reads like a checklist of what councils must not do: missing inves-tigations, shifting stories about grant rules, and serious allegations about testimony under oath. Clarence Valley Council can’t stay silent while trust drains away. If the documents support this, the OLG should investigate swiftly and publicly.

L. Chen, Maclean

Scrutiny Is Not an Attack hen N T fndings show no evidence a required investigation was conducted; that’s not a minor oversight — it’s a serious governance concern. Craigh McNeill is right to escalate this to the OLG. Ratepayers deserve transparency, lawful process and honest advice to councillors. This isn’t politics; it’s accountability.

D. Russell, Yamba

Questions That Demand Answers

Allegations of misrepresented grant compliance and possible misuse of council resources are deeply troubling. If documentary evidence

contradicts what councillors were told, the commu-nity has every right to ask why. Silence from council only fuels mistrust. A clear, public re-sponse is overdue.

H. McKay, Maclean

Governance Must Be Beyond Doubt

The complaint to the Offce of Local Government is backed by N T fndings and depart mental correspondence. That alone warrants serious review.

Good governance isn’t optional in local government — it’s the foundation of public confdence. f mista es were made, they must be acknowledged and corrected.

R. Talbot, Grafton

Ratepayer Money Requires Respect

Claims that council resources may have been used in what appears to be a private legal matter are particularly concerning. Every dollar spent comes from the community. If processes have blurred, the OLG must clarify where boundaries lie and ensure they are enforced.

S. Walker, Iluka

Transparency Is the Only Way Forward

Whether one agrees with Mr McNeill or not is beside the point. The documented fndings ref erenced in the complaint deserve independent scrutiny. Council should welcome that scrutiny if it is confdent in its processes. Public trust cannot survive in a fog of unanswered questions.

L. Jennings, South Grafton

Leadership Means Accountability

Local government carries serious responsibility.

Allegations of false testimony, failure to inves-tigate, and internal misrepresentation strike at the heart of that responsibility. The OLG must act swiftly and publicly.

Clarence Valley residents deserve certainty that their council operates law-fully and ethically.

M. Carter, Lawrence

Important Information for Families

Thank you for publishing the NSW Health warning about high-dose MDMA tablets. Too often these alerts circulate quietly online and never reach parents or young people in regional areas. Clear information about the risks, symptoms and support numbers could genuinely save lives. This was responsible, community-focused reporting.

C. Harding, Byron Bay

Public Health Over Silence

I appreciate the paper bringing attention to the statewide drug alert. With festivals and large events attracting many local young people, awareness is critical. Including the Poisons Infor-mation Centre and support contacts was especially helpful. This is exactly the kind of practical information a local newspaper should share.

M. Ellis, Coolangatta Words Matter More Than Labels

I appreciated the depth of this piece. The argument that “Verfremdungseffekt” is more useful than casually throwing around the word “Nazi” is a timely reminder of how language shapes thought. The references to Bertolt Brecht, Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen show that protest art works best when it forces refection rather than easy outrage. Naming names, stretching syllables, refusing abstraction — these are techniques that demand we think instead of reacting. In a political climate dominated by slogans, that call to critical engagement is welcome and necessary.

A. McKenzie, Yamba

Art as Conscience, Not Entertainment Alone This article makes an important point: music can still function as moral witness. From Guthrie’s “This Machine Kills Fascists” to Dylan s unfinching “Masters of War,” and now Spring-steen’s “Streets of Minneapolis,” the tradition is clear. Protest songs are not about theatrics; they are about accountability. The explanation of Verfremdungseffekt — forcing the audience to pause and examine power — felt particularly relevant. We are too often swept up emotionally without examining systems or intent. Art that unsettles us into thinking may be one of the few correctives left.

L. Davenport, Grafton

A Timely Reminder to Listen Properly

What struck me most was the closing idea that listening properly makes us witnesses too. That is a challenging thought. It’s easy to stream a song and move on; it’s harder to sit with the dis-comfort of what it is naming. By linking Brecht’s theatrical device to modern protest music, the article suggests that alienation is not coldness but clarity. In an era of performative outrage, slowing down to consider language, intention and consequence is radical in itself. Silence may be comfortable, but conscience rarely is.

R. Ellis, Maclean

Enough speeches — cut the red tape and the rip-offs I’m tired of politicians telling small business owners to be “resilient” while piling on costs from every direction. Power bills soar, insurance premiums jump, compliance gets thicker, and then the Reserve Bank squeeze comes along like it’s a harmless tweak. It’s not. e eep hearing that infation is the enemy, so rate rises are the cure. Fine — but why is the cure being administered li e a one si e fts all hammer? In regional towns, those higher borrowing costs don’t just “cool demand”. They kill investment, cut staff hours, and push good operators over the edge. Business NSW is calling for reforms like payroll tax relief, insurance levy reform and red tape reduction — and that should be acted on yesterday. If leaders can’t

deliver practical fxes, then they should stop pretending they “support small business” every election cycle.

M. Houghton, Ballina

Stop treating regional towns like collateral damage

Every time interest rates go up, we’re told it’s “necessary” — but it’s regional Australia that pays frst and hardest.

Small businesses in towns like ours can’t just “absorb the hit” when energy, insurance, wages and compliance are already climbing. Add higher debt costs and you’ve got a recipe for empty shopfronts and job losses.

What frustrates me is the polite hand-wringing from decision-makers who act shocked when the damage shows up in insolvency fgures. This isn’t a mystery. Regional businesses have smaller customer bases and less room to pass costs on without losing trade. That reality gets ignored in the bigcity policy bubble.

Mayor Margot Davis is right: councils don’t set interest rates, insurance levies or power prices — yet councils and communities are left cleaning up the mess when businesses fold and town centres hollow out. If governments are serious about “supporting the regions”, start by fxing the settings that are choking them.

J. Rourke, Tenterfeld

He’s Not the Only One With Claws

As a long-time reader of Leemo’s adventures, I feel compelled to defend poor Mum Jane just a little. While His Furry Majesty may believe claw trimming is an assault on his masculinity, I suspect Mum Jane’s arms — described so delicately as looking like they’d been “mauled by jumping ants” — might tell a slightly different story.

What makes the column so delightful is that it feels entirely real. The negotiations, the dramatic speeches, the feline outrage over “ballet

slippers” — anyone who has ever lived with a cat knows this isn’t fction. It’s documentary journalism. And Mum Jane’s calm, longsuffering responses? Every pet owner in the Northern Rivers is nodding along in solidarity.

Please tell Leemo that while he may have polished fangs, Mum Jane has patience — and that’s the sharper weapon.

H. Wallace, Yamba

Mum Jane Deserves a Medal

I read Leemo’s latest column with tears of laughter — and a strong sense of sympathy for Mum Jane. As someone who has also been tricked into placing a beloved pet in a “Travel in the Car” carrier under false promises of fshing trips, I salute her bravery.

Leemo may believe he runs the household meetings, but we all know who’s really in charge. The image of Mum Jane attempting to discuss grocery prices and caulifower at $12 while a room full of uninterested felines plots an escape to a tree was comedy gold. What I love most is the affection beneath the banter. There’s exasperation, yes — but also warmth. It reminds us that even the most crabby cat is someone’s “precious.” More Leemo, more Mum Jane, and please — no more claw drama.

C. Donnelly, Ballina

Leemo’s Humour Hits Home

I always turn to Leemo’s column frst, and this week was no exception. His observations about everyday life in our region are both hilarious and painfully accurate. It’s that gentle nudge — the kind that makes you laugh before realising you’re part of the joke — that keeps me reading. We need columnists who can poke fun at ourselves without turning everything into outrage. Leemo reminds us

not to take life — or ourselves — too seriously. That’s a public service in my book

S. Donnelly, Evans Head

Nigel’s Steady Voice of Reason

Nigel’s column this week was thoughtful, balanced and refreshingly grounded. While others shout from the sidelines, Nigel takes the time to explain the issue clearly and calmly.

I appreciate that he respects readers enough to present facts and context rather than trying to infame. His writing encourages refection rather than reaction, and that’s something increasingly rare in media commentary.

Thank you for continuing to publish voices that value reason over noise.

P. Cartwright, Murwillumbah

Buttermilk Pie –Waistbands Were Harmed

At 78 years of age, I thought I had seen — and eaten — just about everything life had to offer. Then along came that Buttermilk Pie on page 38 and proved me gloriously wrong.

First of all, whoever described it as “looking innocent and absolutely is not” deserves a medal. That pie sat on my kitchen bench with all the quiet charm of a church social — and then absolutely knocked me sideways. I took one polite slice after dinner. Then a slightly less polite one. By 9pm I was standing at the fridge, fork in hand, whispering, “Just to even it up.”

The instructions were so calm and confdent I felt like I was being gently supervised by someone who knew exactly what they were doing — which is rare in my kitchen. I appreciated the advice about the “gentle wobble” in the middle. In my day, if something wobbled we assumed it had gone wrong. Now I understand it’s confdence, not failure. I may apply that philosophy to my

own knees.

The favour? Good heavens. Tangy, creamy and just rich enough to make me loosen my waistband “by one brave notch,” as promised. I can confrm that two notches may be required if one is not careful. My late husband would have called it “dangerous.” I call it “worth it.”

I even dusted it with icing sugar as suggested, purely for presentation of course. The fact that I then ate a slice standing up at the bench, directly from the plate (again, as predicted), is nobody’s business.

Please pass on my compliments to whoever shared this recipe. It is old-school comfort with just enough mischief to keep a retiree entertained. If this is what modern chaos tastes like, I approve wholeheartedly.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I believe there’s seven left and I don’t trust the grandchildren.

E. Thompson, Alstonville

A Recipe That Brought Us Together

We tried the featured creamy beef recipe with the kids helping, and it turned into a full family affair. The method was easy to follow and the favours were spot on. There’s something special about cooking from a local paper — it feels like sharing a meal with the wider community. Thank you for giving us something delicious and doable.

K. Nguyen, Goonellabah

Finally, Recipes That Work! I’ve clipped many recipes over the years that looked good but disappointed. Not this one. It worked exactly as written, and the tips included were genuinely helpful. It’s refreshing to see a cooking page that doesn’t overcomplicate things. Good, honest food done well — that’s what keeps readers coming back.

L. McBride, Yamba

Tranquility of mind…

by Nigel Dawe

LIKE me, you could be excused if you thought upon first hearing the word ‘ataraxia’ that it was something that referenced a phobia of places where atrocities had been committed. But it’s actually a term that hails from ancient Greece, and it relates to the concept of tranquility, or unruffledness, if not the state of being undisturbed.

Ataraxia is most associated with the philosopher Epicurus, and attaining this state was considered by him to be the ultimate purpose of all knowledge. It was also considered to be the most desired state for soldiers in ancient Greece prior to going into battle. Epicurus once noted, “Tranquility and rationality are the cornerstones of happiness.”

If ataraxia weren’t impressive enough, then how’s the related Ancient Greek term ‘euthymia’, which also refers to tranquility, but it more pertains to having a joyful disposition, and to feelings of contentment. The term actually predates ataraxia, and was first coined by Democritus, who was also known as ‘the laughing philosopher’.

It’s little wonder he was known to have said, “No power and no treasure can outweigh the extension of our knowledge… Happiness resides not in possessions, and not in gold, it dwells in the soul.”

Centuries later, the noted Roman thinker Seneca mentioned euthymia in a dialogue titled On Tranquility of Mind: “What we are seeking is how the mind may always pursue a steady, unruffled course, may be pleased with itself, and look with pleasure upon its surroundings,

and experience no interruption of this joy, but abide in a peaceful condition without being ever either elated or depressed: this will be “peace of mind.”

Right throughout human history, the quest for the attainment of tranquility has accompanied, if not somehow distinguished those that have had the most to offer.

Having a calm, tranquil disposition is seemingly the beginning and the endpoint of actions, albeit individuals, that have achieved the greatest good (for not just their own person, but for everyone in general).

Relatedly, Amit Ray once noted, “If you are driven by fear, anger or pride, nature will force you to compete. If you are guided by courage, awareness, tranquility and peace, nature will serve you.”

And arguably, one of history’s greatest servants of humanity, the Dalai Lama once suggested, “Only the development of compassion and understanding for others can bring us the tranquility and happiness we all seek… A heart full of love and compassion is the main source of inner strength, will power, happiness, and mental tranquility.” Negative emotions, and dark, limited world views are eventually no match for ones that derive their gleaming impetus from the opposite end of the tranquility scale.

As if providing a map as to how to best reach, albeit attain a state that is genuinely defined by the centred calm of tranquility, Thomas a Kempis once outlined: “First keep peace with yourself, then you can also bring peace to others… Great tranquility of heart is theirs who care for neither praise nor blame.”

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ENTERTAINMENT

February 19, 2026

CRIME 101

Jeff Gibbs

In an era of noisy blockbusters, Crime 101 (2026) stands out for its restraint. This is not a smash-and-grab action spectacle, but a precise, characterdriven crime drama built on tension and discipline. For Australian audiences, the drawcard is clear: Chris Hemsworth delivers one of the most controlled performances of his career.

Hemsworth plays Davis, a meticulous jewel thief who operates by a strict personal code known as “Crime 101.” His targets are high-end properties along the Californian coast, and his method is flawless timing—jobs executed in minutes, no unnecessary violence, no emotional attachments. Hemsworth sheds his larger-than-life screen persona in favour of stillness and calculation. The performance is subtle, driven by watchful eyes and deliberate movements rather than dialogue.

Opposite him is Mark Ruffalo as Detective Lou Lubesnick, a seasoned investigator convinced that a string of luxury jewellery robberies is the work of a single disciplined operator. While others suspect organised crime syndicates, Lou

sees a pattern. Ruffalo plays him with quiet persistence, portraying a man driven less by glory and more by instinct.

Supporting roles strengthen the narrative. Barry Keoghan appears as a volatile criminal intermediary whose unpredictability threatens Davis’s carefully ordered world. Halle Berry features as an insurance investigator who begins piecing together financial irregularities tied to the robberies. Each character adds pressure to the tightening vice between thief and detective.

The film is directed by Bart Layton, whose background in grounded, semidocumentary storytelling shapes the film’s realism. Layton avoids flashy set pieces. Instead, he builds suspense through pacing, silence and proximity. Scenes linger just long enough to create discomfort, especially during the meticulously staged heists.

The screenplay adapts a novella by Don Winslow, known for his morally layered crime fiction. The adaptation preserves Winslow’s lean storytelling, focusing on psychology over spectacle. The narrative alternates between Davis planning robberies and Lou methodically closing in. Each believes in a code—one criminal, one legal—yet both operate in moral grey zones.

Filmed largely along the Pacific Coast Highway and Malibu coastline, the locations are sunlit yet sterile. Lavish mansions contrast with the cold interiors of police departments. The setting reinforces a key theme: beneath wealth and order lies vulnerability. Interestingly, the title refers to an unwritten rulebook among elite thieves—work cleanly, avoid ego and leave no trace. Hemsworth reportedly undertook technical training to ensure the safecracking sequences felt authentic. Much of the tension comes from what is not shown. Extended quiet sequences replace bombastic scores, forcing audiences to lean in.

The climax avoids predictable fireworks. Instead, it delivers a confrontation rooted in ideology. Is discipline enough to justify crime? And does obsession blur the moral high ground of law enforcement? Crime 101 rewards patience. It is deliberate and at times stark, yet consistently compelling. For viewers expecting high-speed chases, it may feel subdued. However, for those who

appreciate intelligent thrillers, it is one of 2026’s strongest offerings.

Final verdict: Star rating: (4 out of 5)

A polished, mature crime drama elevated by strong performances and confident direction.

Now showing at Palace Cinemas and Lismore Cinemas

SPECIAL SCREENINGS

JEAN VALJEAN (M FRENCH FF PREVIEW Sun: 3:30PM

PAUL MCCARTNEY: MAN ON THE RUN (M SELLING FAST! Thurs: 8:00PM THE TESTAMENT OF ANN LEE M) Tues: 6:00PM

FAMILY FILMS

LITTLE WONDER

BEAR (PG Sat, Sun: 11:20AM

ZOOTOPIA 2 PG) Daily except Wed: 11:15AM. Wed: 10:45AM

ALL FILMS

AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH ( 2D) (M Daily: 1:30PM

CRIME 101 (M) Daily: 11:00AM, 4:30PM, 7:15PM

EPIC: ELVIS PRESLEY IN CONCERT PG) NFT Daily: 11:10AM, 1:15PM, 4:20PM, 6:15PM, 8:20PM FACKHAM HALL M) NFT Daily: 11:00AM, 3:50PM, 6:00PM

HAMNET (M Daily except Tues, Wed: 11:10AM, 1:50PM. Tues: 11:15AM, 1:50PM. Wed: 11:00AM

IS THIS THING ON? M) Daily: 1:50PM

JIMPA (MA15+) NFT Daily except Tues: 11:20AM, 1:20PM, 3:45PM, 6:10PM. Tues: 11:00AM, 1:20PM, 3:45PM, 6:10PM MARTY SUPREME M) Daily: 11:00AM, 2:00PM, 7:15PM MISS KOBAYASHI'S DRAGON MAID: A LONELY DRAGON WANTS TO BE LOVED (M) NFT Daily except Tues: 5:00PM, 8:30PM. Tues: 5:00PM, 8:15PM PILLION R18+) NFT Daily except Tues, Wed: 1:45PM, 4:00PM, 6:15PM. Tues: 1:20PM, 3:40PM, 8:30PM. Wed: 2:00PM, 4:00PM, 6:15PM

SEND HELP (MA15+) Daily except Thurs, Tues: 8:30PM

SOMEBODY TO LOVE (M) Daily except Sat, Sun: 11:10AM THE HOUSEMAID (MA15+) Daily except Thurs, Tues: 1:10PM, 8:10PM. Thurs, Tues: 1:10PM WUTHERING HEIGHTS M) Daily except Thurs, Sun: 11:10AM, 1:45PM, 3:20PM, 4:30PM, 5:15PM, 6:30PM, 7:15PM, 8:10PM. Thurs: 11:10AM, 1:45PM, 3:20PM, 4:30PM, 5:15PM, 6:30PM, 7:15PM, 8:30PM. Sun: 11:10AM, 1:45PM, 4:30PM, 5:15PM, 6:30PM, 7:15PM, 8:10PM

CRIME 101 M) Daily: 2:50PM, 5:10PM EPIC: ELVIS PRESLEY IN CONCERT (PG) NFT Daily except Sat, Sun: 10:10AM, 12:45PM, 2:40PM, 7:50PM. Sat, Sun: 12:45PM, 2:40PM, 7:50PM FACKHAM HALL M) NFT Daily: 10:00AM, 5:30PM

JIMPA MA15+ NFT

Daily except Sat, Sun: 12:10PM, 7:40PM. Sat, Sun: 2:40PM, 7:40PM

LITTLE WONDER BEAR (PG Sat, Sun: 10:30AM SONG SUNG BLUE (M Daily except Sat, Sun: 2:30PM

WUTHERING HEIGHTS M) Daily: 10:00AM, 12:00PM, 4:45PM, 7:30PM

ZOOTOPIA 2 PG Sat, Sun: 12:20PM

PUZZLES

TIME FOR TRIVIA

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

1 Which famous song includes the line, “Open your eyes, look up to the skies and see”?

(a) Over the Rainbow (b) Bohemian Rhapsody (c) Good Vibrations

(d) Stairway to Heaven

2 Margaret Thatcher served as prime minister of the United Kingdom from 1979 until which year?

(a) 1989 (b) 1990 (c) 1991 (d) 1992

3 A fife is similar to which of the following instruments?

(a) Piccolo (b) Organ (c) Banjo (d) Trumpet

4 Paraguay shares its southernmost border with which country?

(a) Chile

(b) Argentina

(c) Uruguay (d) Brazil

WHICH WORDS

Which

Reigning

Sorrowful

Considerate

5 Players compete in which sport at the annual WGC-HSBC Champions tournament?

(a) Golf

(b) Snooker

(c) Archery (d) Badminton

6 Platelets are also known as what?

(a) Macrophagocytes

(b) Erythrocytes

(c) Leukocytes

(d) Thrombocytes

BEST ON THE BOX

SATURDAY

NEIL

AND MARTIN’S BON VOYAGE

SBS, 7.30pm

Viewers likely know actor Martin Clunes as the star of Doc Martin or as the host of countless travel series, but they might be less familiar with his coconspirator on this French sojourn. Neil Morrissey (above left with Clunes) is not only the voice of Bob the Builder, he has also appeared in crooked cop drama Line of Duty and starred alongside Clunes in ’90s sitcom Men Behaving Badly. This cheeky travelogue sees the mates celebrate four decades of friendship by road-tripping around France. Reuniting at Morrissey’s farmhouse in Lot-etGaronne, the pals are en route to Bordeaux in this first leg, visiting one of the country’s deepest wine cellars and sampling a few goods along the way.

FRIDAY, February 20

TUESDAY

SBS, 8.35pm

AUSTRALIA’S GREATEST CONMAN?

This two-part documentary has all the hallmarks of an espionage blockbuster: helicopters, parachutes, politicians and even the CIA. However, the man of mystery at its centre is no Jason Bourne or Ethan Hunt – rather, John Friedrich was an everyday engineer. After building the Victorian branch of the National Safety Council into an advanced civilian search and rescue operation, the ambitious and charming Friedrich rose to the upper echelons of Australian society – before a spectacular fall from grace. Over two nights, intrepid investigator Marc Fennell (right) sets out to discover the truth behind the fraudster and the enormous anomalies left in his wake. You couldn’t make this up.

WEDNESDAY ELSBETH

TEN, 9pm

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

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Australia’s Wild Odyssey. (R)

11.00 Solar System With Brian Cox. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Muster Dogs. (PG, R) 2.00 Dog Park. (M, R) 2.30 In Limbo. (Ml, R) 2.55 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 3.25 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 4.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Gardening Australia. Costa Georgiadis gets expert snake safety advice.

8.30 Professor T. (M) Professor T investigates when a bride is found dead on her wedding night oating in the hotel swimming pool.

9.15 Hard Quiz. (PGa, R) Presenter Tom Gleeson grills four self-declared experts in a comedic quiz show.

9.50 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (PG, R) A satirical news program.

10.20 Dog Park. (Ml, R)

10.50 ABC Late News.

11.05 Smother. (Mal, R)

12.55 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)

5.00 Rage. (PGadhlnsv)

Often cast as the kooky yet devoted sidekick, Arrested Development star Tony Hale (right) gets to exhibit a sinister side as this unconventional crime series’ villain of the week. And that’s no spoiler – it’s obvious from the get-go that paranoid fintech billionaire Craig Hollis (Hale) is behind the disappearance of his crisis communications specialist Anders (Jayce Bartok). Elsbeth (Carrie Preston) just has to figure out how. Entrepreneur Hollis is wary of the dangers of the outside world so has equipped his home with lethal, hi-tech defence mechanisms. As Elsbeth gets closer to the truth, Hollis amps up his menacing behaviour– he’s one of the show’s scariest baddies yet.

6.00 WorldWatch. 7.30 France 24 English News. 8.00 WorldWatch. 9.20 My Unique B&B. (R) 10.10 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGal, R) 11.00 China On Stage. (R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 12.55 PBS News. 1.55 The Hospital: In The Deep End. (Ma, R) 3.00 Nula. 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Building The Impossible. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 MOVIE: Happily Never After. (2022, Masv, R) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. 6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (Return) 8.30 Super Ships: A Revolution At Sea. (R) Looks at how cruise lines launch new ships.

9.35 Harrods: The Rise And Fall Of A British Institution. (Ma, R)

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 Sisi. (Mav, R) 11.55 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+s, R)

1.40 The Lesson. (Mals, R)

4.05 Barkley Manor. (PG, R)

4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 2.15pm Peter Rabbit. 2.45 The Makery. 3.05 Play School. 3.30 Wiggle. 4.10 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 4.35 Vida The Vet. 5.40 Kangaroo Beach. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.25 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.40 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.05 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.35 My Adventures With Superman. 8.55 BattleBots. 10.00 TKO: Total Knock Out. (Final) 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)

Morning Programs.

DW The Day. 12.30 Patriot Brains. 2.20

Aust. 3.25 BBC News At Ten. 3.50 France 24. 4.20 PBS News. 5.20 Mysteries From Above. 6.15 Curse Of Oak Island. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over. 9.25 Stacey Dooley: Rape On Trial. 10.25 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. 11.15 Homeland. 1.15am Sex Before The Internet.

6.00 7News Local. 6.30 7News @ 6:30.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Charlie Albone xes a shady corner in the garden.

8.30 The Marlow Murder Club. (Mav) When a man with no identi cation or connection to Marlow is found dead in the middle of a suburban road, Judith, Becks and Suzie investigate.

10.30 To Be Advised.

12.15 GetOn Extra. A look at the weekend’s best racing.

12.45 Dare Me. (MA15+asv) Colette feels the pressure of Regionals looming.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

5.00 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters. (PG, R)

7TWO (62)

2.00 Home In WA. 2.30 Weekender. 3.00 Room For Improvement. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Wildlife ER. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 11.30 Late Programs.

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current A air.

7.30 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 14 – Night. Coverage includes men’s biathlon and women’s curling, ski cross quali ers and nal. Hosted by Allison Langdon and James Bracey.

12.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 14 – Post Midnight. Coverage includes women’s curling and 1500m speed skating nal and men’s 15km biathlon and ice hockey. Hosted by Leila McKinnon.

3.00 Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 14 – Overnight. Coverage includes men’s ice hockey and curling and two-woman bobsledding heats. Hosted by Leila McKinnon, Sylvia Je reys and Dylan Alcott.

9GEM (82)

6am Olympic Winter

(5)

9GO! (83) 6am The Movie Show. 6.50 Master Cheng: A Spice For Life. (2019, PG) 8.50 Discovering Film. 9.30 The Silver Brumby. (1993, PG) 11.15 Once Upon A Time In China III. (1993, Cantonese) 1.15pm Tai Chi Master. (1993, MA15+, Cantonese) 2.55 The Movie Show. 3.30 The Ideal Palace. (2018, PG, French) 5.30 The Third Man. (1949) 7.30 Proof Of Life. (2000, M) 10.00 Boogie Nights. (1997, MA15+) 12.50am Ali. (2001, M) 3.30 Once Upon A Time In China II. (1992, Cantonese) 5.25 The Movie Show.

6am Children’s Programs. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.00 Bewitched. 11.00 Rugby Heaven. Noon Parental Guidance. 2.00 Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 6.00 Golden Girls.

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

7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG) Hosted by Rebecca Gibney. 7.30 Selling Houses Australia. (R) A couple are desperate to sell their home. 8.40 Love It Or List It Australia. (R) A couple must decide whether to stay or leave after nding they work and play a distance from their home.

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

10 News+. (R)

The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

TARGET TIME

N A T

F A T

S

C I Today’s target: 16 words average 22 words good 29+ words excellent

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

STARS & PUZZLES

ASTROLOGY

ARIES (Mar 21 - Apr 19)

LEO (July 23 - Aug 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 - Dec 21)

Auspac Media

On Tuesday there’s a Solar Eclipse in innovative Aquarius (in your hopes-and-wishes zone) and its Chinese New Year of the Fire Horse. So it’s the best week of the year to make a fresh start in an important area of your life, and gallop into fresh green pastures as you follow exciting new dreams. Then practical Saturn and inspirational Neptune join up in your sign on Friday/Saturday, so it’s also the perfect time to turn creative ideas into concrete projects.

TAURUS (Apr 20 - May 20)

Calling all ambitious Bulls … are you confident enough for big time success? With the Solar Eclipse, Mars, Pluto, Mercury and Venus activating your career and aspirations zones, a golden opportunity is waiting for you. But don’t waste time dithering! You must grab good luck when it appears, or it will promptly pass you by. Tuesday favours original ideas and innovative plans, whereas the weekend is wonderful for creative projects and spiritual pursuits.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 20)

You’re super busy and raring to go but are you achieving anything of substance? This week your ruler Mercury trines Jupiter (which increases impatience), so make sure you double-check details and leave plenty of time to get to appointments. But it also increases good judgement and philosophical ideas, as you communicate with energy and enthusiasm. Tuesday’s Solar Eclipse heralds an insightful realisation about yourself or a welcome midweek getaway.

CANCER (June 21 - July 22)

Tuesday’s Solar Eclipse encourages reinvention, while the Mercury/Jupiter trine highlights adventure, foreign places and international connections. And the Saturn/Neptune conjunction encourages following your professional dreams and turning them into reality. Be inspired by writer and birthday great Anais Nin: “Throw your dreams into space like a kite, and you do not know what it will bring back, a new life, a new friend, a new love, a new country.”

On Monday, a romantic relationship or a professional partnership could veer off in an unpredictable direction as disruptive Uranus squares your ruler, the Sun. When it comes to your career, don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater! Try to get the balance right between keeping what works and exploring exciting new options. Then Tuesday’s Solar Eclipse and Chinese New Year are all about refreshing stale relationships and starting bold joint ventures.

VIRGO (Aug 23 - Sep 22)

The planets could generate a lucky break involving a partnership, joint venture, travel opportunity or educational project. So get your ideas out there (in person and online) as you inform and entertain others with your mercurial mind. A major relationship (with a friend or work colleague) could go through a Solar Eclipse and Pluto metamorphosis. Do your best to air any concerns in a compassionate way, as you work through problems that have been holding you back.

LIBRA (Sep 23 - Oct 22)

Expect the unexpected, as Monday’s stars stir up a problem involving friends and/or finances. Then Tuesday’s Solar Eclipse energises your family and friendship zones, so focus on the important people in your life who make your world go ‘round. Make sure you love, nurture and appreciate them to the max. Your weekly motto is from birthday great Yoko Ono: “Remember love. Even when we are fighting with each other, our hearts are beating in unison.”

SCORPIO (Oct 23 - Nov 21)

This week the Solar Eclipse, Mars and Pluto (your boss planet) are stimulating your domestic zone. So it’s a good time to refresh a relationship with a family member, start plans to renovate your home or initiate a DIY project. And the Mercury/ Jupiter trine jump starts your creative process. Your motto for the moment is from writer and birthday great, Anais Nin: “You should not give anybody the power to decide what is right and wrong in your creativity.”

On Tuesday, the Mercury/Jupiter trine and the Solar Eclipse fire up your brain power. So it’s a good time to communicate your ideas, research a subject that has always fascinated you or enrol in a course of study. But think before you speak (and act) otherwise you could upset someone, especially at work. When it comes to love, be romantically proactive. If you are attracted to someone, aim to be bold and make the first move. Fortune favours the brave!

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 - Jan 19)

The Solar Eclipse, Mars and Pluto activate your cash zone. Letting finances take their own course seems tempting but you need to keep up to speed with money matters. If you increase your financial literacy then it will pay off handsomely further down the track, as you replace shortterm whims with long-term strategies. The Mercury/Jupiter trine is fabulous for social media connections and internet endeavours as you talk, text, tweet and post up a storm.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 - Feb 18)

The unpredictable Sun/Uranus square (on Monday) could stir up a domestic drama. And remember – just because you’ve thought of a brilliant idea (and talked about it endlessly) doesn’t mean you’ve achieved anything. Then, on Tuesday, there’s a Solar Eclipse in your sign and its Chinese New Year of the Fire Horse. So this week is all about ch-ch-changes as you swap outdated old habits for exciting new horizons. Be proactive about turning dreams into reality.

PISCES (Feb 19 - Mar 20)

Tuesday’s Solar Eclipse lights up your spirituality and solitude zones. So put aside some special time where you can meditate, contemplate, ruminate, slow down, calm down and re-calibrate. Then the Sun transits into Pisces and Saturn hooks up with your ruler, Neptune. Which is wonderful for manifesting dreams – taking an abstract concept from your imagination and turning it into a doable, concrete project in the real world. If you can dream it, you can do it!

Northern Rivers Community Gallery

Public Programs Expand Creative Season

Jeff Gibbs

The Northern Rivers Community Gallery public programs will take centre stage in Ballina from February to April 2026, offering a rich lineup of artist talks and immersive workshops designed to connect audiences with contemporary creative practice.

Hosted across the Northern Rivers Community Gallery (NRCG) at Cherry Street and Ignite Studios on Crane Street, the new season reflects a strong focus on creative exchange, experimentation and hands-on participation.

The program blends visual art, mixed media exploration and independent publishing, providing both free and ticketed opportunities for community involvement.

Gallery Coordinator Imbi Davidson said the program was carefully curated to

encourage meaningful engagement between artists and audiences.

“These programs allow people to connect directly with the ideas and processes behind the exhibitions,” Ms Davidson said. “Whether through conversation or practical workshops, participants can gain insight into contemporary art in a welcoming, communityfocused space.”

The season begins on Saturday 21 February at

1pm with a free artist talk by visual artist, curator and ritual practitioner Linsey Gosper. In conversation with Ms Davidson, Gosper will discuss her exhibition Temporal Collapse, which investigates the intersection of art and magic. Working with analogue photography and darkroom processes, Gosper’s practice explores themes of the occult and material transformation. The exhibition remains on display until 1 March,

and the talk is open to the public without bookings.

On Saturday 28 February, artist Jacqueline Scotcher will lead Abstract Rhythms, a four-hour painting workshop at Ignite Studios from 9.30am to 1pm. Participants will begin with a guided walkthrough of her exhibition Boundary Rider, before experimenting with abstract drawing and acrylic techniques. Drawing inspiration from natural rhythms such as tides, daybreak and the Northern Rivers hinterland, the workshop encourages participants to translate sensory experiences into expressive canvas works. The session costs $180, with all materials provided.

In March, Brisbanebased multidisciplinary artist Eliza Adam will present Observing the Macro and Micro on Saturday 14 March from 10am to 2pm. This mixed media workshop focuses on repetition, markmaking and layering using gouache, oil pastels and other materials. Participants will produce

multimedia works on paper while exploring how material processes shape movement and form. Adam’s exhibition

A Light Hold is currently on display at NRCG until 1 March 2026. Workshop tickets are $140, inclusive of materials.

The season concludes on Saturday 18 April with Instant Zines! Self-publish Your Ideas, facilitated by Northern Rivers-based academic and artist Darren Bryant. Running from 10am to 2pm at Ignite Studios, the workshop introduces participants to

the accessible and lowcost world of independent publishing. Bryant’s exhibition The Time Traveller’s Manual will be exhibited at NRCG from 5 March to 26 April 2026. NRCG is located at 44 Cherry Street, Ballina, and is open Wednesday to Friday from 9am to 3pm and weekends from 9.30am to 1pm. Ignite Studios operates for scheduled programs. Both venues are wheelchair accessible. Bookings and full program details are available via the NRCG website.

Refreshed Walk to Work Day Puts Mental Health in the Spotlight

Jeff Gibbs

Australia’s long-running Walk to Work Day has been refreshed for 2026, with a renewed national focus on mental health and wellbeing and a new partnership supporting the Black Dog Institute.

The Pedestrian Council of Australia has confirmed the updated campaign will take place on Friday, 27 March 2026, encouraging Australians to walk more often and to use movement as a practical tool to support mental health.

Now scheduled earlier in the year, Walk to Work Day will again encourage people to make walking part of their daily routine — before, during or after work — while also fundraising to support evidence-based mental health research, education and clinical care.

Pedestrian Council of Australia CEO Harold Scruby said the partnership with Black Dog Institute was a natural and timely evolution of the campaign.

“We are thrilled to partner with Black Dog Institute,” Mr Scruby said.

“Given the benefits a simple walk can have on mental health issues like anxiety, depression and stress, we hope this reminder will go a long way in getting Australia’s working population to walk more — not just on Walk to Work Day, but every day.”

Mental Health and the Workplace

The refreshed focus

Health Disclaimer

comes amid growing concern about mental health in Australian workplaces. Research from Black Dog Institute estimates mental illness costs Australian businesses more than $39 billion each year through lost productivity, absenteeism and staff turnover.

Around one in five Australians experience a mental illness each year, yet almost half do not seek professional help.

Black Dog Institute Fundraising Director Laura Edwards said regular physical activity plays a powerful role in supporting mental

wellbeing.

“Exercise has been shown to significantly reduce symptoms of depression, including major depressive disorder,” Ms Edwards said.

“Studies have found that walking for an hour a day can reduce the risk of major depression by up to 26 per cent.”

She said walking supports positive changes in the brain, including neural growth, reduced inflammation and activity patterns that promote calm, focus and overall wellbeing.

Simple, Inclusive and Low-Cost

Walking is being promoted as one of the most accessible and affordable ways for people to support their mental health as part of everyday life.

Ms Edwards said workplaces also have a critical role to play.

“Initiatives like Walk to Work Day are a simple and cost-effective way for organisations to prioritise wellbeing while supporting sustainable habits,” she said.

“The result is a happier workplace, stronger engagement and long-term savings to the bottom line.”

Mentally healthy

workplaces are consistently linked to improved staff retention, stronger organisational performance and higher morale.

How to Get Involved

The 2026 campaign encourages everyone — not just commuters — to take part on Friday, 27 March, whether that means walking all or part of the journey to work, joining a group walk, holding walking meetings or simply taking time during the day to get moving.

Individuals, workplace teams and businesses are also encouraged to fundraise between now

and Walk to Work Day, with funds supporting Black Dog Institute’s research translation, education programs and digital mental health tools.

Mr Scruby said active transport remains one of the easiest ways to embed walking into daily life.

“There are so many benefits to walking more every day,” he said.

“As an added incentive, we’re asking Australia’s workforce to come together to raise funds for Black Dog Institute, using Walk to Work Day as a catalyst for positive change.”

Even small contributions can have an impact, with a $20 donation helping fund mental health resources, education and support tools nationwide.

Collective workplace fundraising also helps reduce stigma and expand access to evidence-based support.

Now in its 27th year, Walk to Work Day continues to promote benefits well beyond mental health, including improved physical wellbeing, reduced car dependence, less congestion and environmental gains.

“Walking supports healthier, more productive workplaces while benefiting the broader community,” Mr Scruby said.

“It’s a simple action with wide-ranging benefits.”

More information, including how to register and fundraise, is available at walk.com.au.

First home buyers are making a decisive return to Australia’s property market, with new lending data showing their share of home loan activity has climbed sharply as government-backed schemes reduce upfront costs and reshape purchasing behaviour.

New analysis from Mortgage Choice reveals that first home buyers now account for a substantially larger proportion of new loans written through its national broker network compared with a year earlier. The figures suggest policy support is playing a critical role in enabling entry to the market at a time when property

What It Means for Northern Rivers Residents

While the main announcement outlines the broader initiative, the implications for local communities across the Northern Rivers are significant. Key local impacts include:

• Stronger regional economic activity

• Increased support for rural and farming communities

• Improved environmental and sustainability outcomes

• Greater collaboration between councils, producers and industry groups

• Long-term resilience planning for changing seasonal conditions

Importantly, the program encourages practical action rather than theory.

Local landholders and community groups are being urged to engage early, attend information sessions and explore funding or mentoring opportunities where available.

Across towns including Casino, Lismore, Ballina, Byron Bay, Murwillumbah and Grafton, initiatives such as these contribute to economic stability while strengthening environmental stewardship.

prices remain elevated and borrowing costs are still significantly higher than during the record-low rate era of 2020–2021.

Government guarantees lowering deposit barriers

Central to the renewed momentum is the Federal Government’s expanded Home Guarantee Scheme, administered by Housing Australia.

Under the First Home Guarantee, eligible buyers can purchase a home with as little as a 5 per cent deposit without paying lenders mortgage insurance (LMI).

Normally, buyers with deposits below 20 per cent must pay LMI, which can add tens of thousands of dollars to upfront costs. The scheme effectively allows the government to act as guarantor for the portion of the loan above 80 per cent of the property’s value, reducing

both entry costs and the time required to save a full deposit.

In addition, some single parents qualify for the Family Home Guarantee, which permits deposits as low as 2 per cent.

State-based stamp duty concessions and first home owner grants — particularly for new builds — have further improved affordability at the margin.

Mortgage Choice reports that many first home buyers using its services are leveraging these schemes to enter the market sooner than they otherwise could.

Rate stability boosting confidence

While interest rates remain well above pandemic lows, the pace of tightening has slowed compared with the rapid increases seen during the most aggressive phase of the cycle led by the Reserve Bank of Australia.

Clearer signals around rate stability, combined with modest wage growth and steady employment conditions, appear to be restoring buyer confidence. Brokers say first home buyers who had delayed their plans during periods of rate volatility are now re-engaging with the market.

However, serviceability assessments remain stringent. Lenders continue to apply an interest rate buffer above the advertised rate when assessing borrowing capacity, ensuring borrowers can manage repayments if rates rise further.

Changing property preferences

Mortgage Choice data indicates first home buyers are adapting to affordability constraints by adjusting property expectations.

Rather than targeting

standalone houses in innercity suburbs, many buyers are opting for apartments, townhouses or properties in outer suburban and regional areas where price points are lower.

In some states, buyers are carefully navigating price caps attached to eligibility criteria for government schemes and stamp duty concessions. This has influenced purchasing patterns, with increased demand at specific price thresholds.

Brokers also report a stronger focus on new builds in markets where grants apply exclusively to newly constructed properties, aligning first home buyer demand with broader housing supply objectives. Market implications and risks

The growing presence of first home buyers is helping to underpin

overall housing demand, particularly in segments below median price levels. Owner-occupier participation typically contributes to more stable turnover compared with investor-led activity. However, supply constraints remain a structural challenge. New dwelling completions have struggled to keep pace with population growth and migration, limiting available stock in many capital cities.

Industry observers caution that while government incentives stimulate demand, they do not directly address the underlying housing shortage. Without sustained increases in construction and planning reform, stronger first home buyer activity may add competitive pressure in lower-priced segments.

A reshaped entry point The resurgence of first home buyers highlights how targeted government policy can materially influence housing market dynamics. By lowering deposit hurdles and offsetting upfront costs, support measures have accelerated entry timelines for many aspiring homeowners. Even so, long-term affordability will depend on a delicate balance between demand-side incentives and supply-side reform.

For now, first home buyers are once again a driving force in Australia’s property market — and government support is playing a central role in reshaping how, when and where they buy.

2026 Mazda 6e Review

The all-new Mazda 6e marks a decisive turning point for Mazda, replacing the long-running Mazda6 with a fully electric fastback sedan that blends striking design, impressive performance and competitive driving range. It represents not only a fresh chapter for the nameplate but also a significant step in the brand’s electrification strategy.

Sleek Design With Fastback Flair

At first glance, the 6e stands apart from its predecessor. Rather than a traditional threebox sedan, it adopts a sleek five-door fastback silhouette. The low nose, sweeping roofline and sculpted rear end give it a coupe-like profile, while slim LED lighting and

a clean grille treatment reinforce its modern identity.

Flush door handles and aerodynamic detailing contribute to both efficiency and visual sophistication. The design language remains distinctly Mazda, yet it feels more progressive than anything the company has previously offered in this segment.

Modern, Minimalist Interior

Inside, the 6e delivers a tech-forward cabin that aligns with the expectations of premium electric vehicles. A large central touchscreen dominates the dashboard, complemented by a digital instrument cluster. The layout is minimalist but not stark, with quality materials and soft-touch surfaces elevating the overall ambience.

Space is generous thanks to the dedicated electric platform, with ample rear legroom and a practical liftback-style boot that improves versatility over a conventional sedan. Comfort has clearly been prioritised, with supportive seats and a quiet, refined cabin environment.

Powertrain and Performance

The 2026 Mazda 6e is offered with rear-wheel drive, delivering around 190kW of power in its standard configuration. Acceleration is brisk and smooth, characteristic of electric vehicles, with instant torque available from standstill.

Two battery options are expected globally, offering competitive range figures suited to both daily commuting and longer-distance travel. Official driving range varies depending on

specification, but estimates place it comfortably in the mid400km to over 500km bracket under WLTP testing. Ride quality is a highlight. The 6e maintains Mazda’s reputation for driver engagement, offering balanced steering and composed handling. Despite its electric weight, it feels agile and planted through corners. The suspension tuning strikes a commendable balance between comfort and control, absorbing road imperfections while maintaining stability at speed.

Charging and Practicality

Fast-charging capability allows the 6e to replenish a significant portion of its battery in around 30 minutes under optimal DC conditions. Home AC charging remains the most convenient option for most owners, with overnight top-ups providing ample range for daily use.

Storage practicality extends beyond the rear cargo area, with thoughtful cabin storage solutions throughout. The liftback design makes loading larger items easier than traditional sedans, broadening its appeal for families and professionals

alike.

Safety and Technology

Mazda has equipped the 6e with an extensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems. Features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring and autonomous emergency braking. A 360-degree camera system and advanced parking aids further enhance ease of use.

Infotainment supports smartphone integration, over-the-air updates and connected services, ensuring the vehicle remains current as software evolves. The user interface appears intuitive, with responsive graphics and logical menu structures.

Market Position

The Mazda 6e enters a competitive electric sedan segment dominated by established players and emerging Chinese brands. However, its blend of style, performance and brand reputation positions it strongly. Pricing is

expected to undercut some premium rivals while offering a more refined driving experience than many budget-focused alternatives.

Importantly, the 6e signals Mazda’s ambition to compete seriously in the electric vehicle space. It combines emotional design with practical usability, avoiding the overly clinical feel that can characterise some EV competitors.

Verdict

The 2026 Mazda 6e is a confident and compelling electric sedan. It brings bold styling, strong performance and meaningful driving range together in a well-finished package. For buyers seeking a stylish electric alternative to traditional mid-size sedans, the 6e deserves serious consideration.

Mazda’s transition from combustion-powered heritage to electric innovation appears well underway—and the 6e may well become one of its defining models of the decade.

NSW CROPPING AND LIVESTOCK SURGE

Welcome rain across the district sparked strong buyer competition at Bartholomew and Co’s Beaudesert Store Sale on Saturday, with cows and calves topping the market at $2,500 and quality restocker steers selling to dearer rates.

A large run of store cows came forward and met solid demand, while well-bred restocker steers attracted spirited bidding throughout the sale.

The improved seasonal outlook underpinned buyer confidence, particularly for younger lines suited to backgrounding and future trade markets.

Steers in Strong Demand Leading the steer section were Martin and Angela Watkinson, Dugandan, who sold Droughtmaster cross steers, two years, for $2,140. Angus cross steers, 18 months, from Eurara Pty Ltd, Innisplain realised $1,920. Dean Bauer, Imbil, received $1,850 for Droughtmaster steers, 20 months, while Limousin cross steers, 14 months, sold by Jagroop Randhawa, Cryna made $1,570. James and Rachel Hardgrave, Palen Creek, achieved $1,510 for Charolais cross weaner steers. Santa cross steers, 15 months, on account of Tammy

Lambkin, Maudsland, sold for $1,490. Kevin and Ann Venz, Laravale, received $1,400 for Droughtmaster cross steers, 12 months. Angus cross steers, 12 months, from William and Patricia Hester, Stapylton, sold to $1,310, while Ayden Hogan, Cainbable, realised $1,250 for Angus cross weaner steers. The competition for quality feeder and backgrounding types remained consistent, reflecting renewed optimism following rainfall across southern Queensland. Heifers and Cows Sell Well

Charbray heifers, 15 months, on account of SGO Agri Co

TAMWORTH STORE SALE:

Tamworth penned 2,793 head for its fortnightly store sale, with young cattle dominating yardings and only limited numbers of cows and calves offered.

A large consignment from the Hunter Valley bolstered numbers, alongside vendor support from Manilla, Barraba, Coonamble, Gunnedah and Niangala. Buyer demand extended across northern and central regions, with competition from Taroom and Goondiwindi in Queensland, as well as Mungindi, Dubbo,

Armidale and Gunnedah. Market trends were mixed.

However, heavy weaner steers and light calves under 200kg recorded stronger values, while heifers across most descriptions eased.

Steers Lift in Key Categories

Bos Indicus steers under 200kg sold from $800 to $1,100 per head.

Black baldy weaner steers to 280kg were cheaper overall, ranging from $820 to $1,580 per head. Angus steers in the same weight range followed similar trends, making $890

Pty Ltd, Darlington, made $1,290. Droughtmaster cross heifers, 15 months, sold by Emily Beaman, Greenbank, reached $1,200. Cows and calves drew particularly strong competition. Darren and Ingrid Morgan, Darlington, topped this category with Santa cross cows and calves selling for $2,500. Their Charolais cross cows and calves made $2,100.

Droughtmaster cows and calves from Ross Wernowski, Greenbank, sold for $1,830, while Santa cows and calves on account of Trevor Marsden, Beaudesert, realised $1,780.

In the cow section, John and Donna Mounsey, Moogerah, sold Charolais cross cows for $1,700. Hereford cross cows from Margaret Thomson, Kingsholme, made $1,620. Lucas Garden, Tabragalba, sold pens of Droughtmaster store cows for $1,400.

A highlight in the bull section saw Ayden Hogan, Cainbable, sell a Black Limousin bull for $4,500. Seasonal Confidence Returns

The overall market reflected renewed producer confidence, with welcome rainfall improving pasture prospects and supporting restocker interest. Store cattle categories in particular

benefited from the improved outlook, while breeding stock attracted solid support from buyers looking to rebuild or expand herds.

With strong clearance rates and competitive bidding across most descriptions, the Beaudesert Store Sale demonstrated the impact seasonal conditions can have on confidence and pricing. The next Beaudesert Sale is the Annual All Red Show and Sale, scheduled for Saturday 21 February. Award presentations will commence at 9:30am, with the sale to follow at approximately 10am.

2,793 HEAD YARDED AS HEAVY WEANERS LIFT

to $1,725 per head.

Angus steers to 330kg were dearer, returning $1,650 to $1,780 per head. Medium yearling Angus steers sold from $1,390 to $1,640, while black baldys in the same category made $1,500 to $1,610 per head.

Heavy Angus steers topped the section at $1,840, with returns ranging from $1,630 to $1,840 per head. The lift in heavier weaner and yearling steers reflected sustained restocker interest, particularly from northern buyers seeking quality lines

suited to backgrounding programs.

Heifers Trend Lower

Heifers showed a generally cheaper trend across most weight categories.

Hereford weaner heifers under 200kg sold from $450 to $580 per head. Comparable Angus heifers ranged from $250 to $730 per head.

Angus heifers to 280kg made $640 to $1,310 per head, while black baldy heifers in the same weight bracket sold from $580 to $1,310 per head.

Charolais heifers returned

$660 to $1,240 per head.

Yearling Angus heifers sold from $1,180 to $1,250 per head, with black baldys reaching up to $1,350.

Breeding Cattle

Heifers with their first calf made from $1,175 to $1,800 per unit, depending on quality and presentation.

Mature cows sold from $950 to $1,960 per unit. PTIC cows ranged from $1,325 to $1,865 per head.

Regional Competition

The presence of Queensland buyers added depth to

competition, particularly in steer categories suited to northern operations. Meanwhile, central west and New England buyers supported the heifer and breeding sections.

Overall, the Tamworth sale reflected mixed trends, with heavier steer categories strengthening while most heifer descriptions eased. The larger yarding and broad geographic buying support underlined Tamworth’s continued importance as a key store cattle selling centre in northern New South Wales.

Data shows NSW farming’s record-breaking growth across cropping and livestock

Ian Rogers

New South Wales has recorded a historic surge in agricultural production, with fresh data confirming record-breaking growth across cropping and livestock and a sharp rise in farm incomes.

According to figures released by NSW Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty, the state’s primary industries Gross Value of Production (GVP) reached a new high of $25.5 billion in 2024–25, marking a 114 per cent increase — or $13.6 billion — over the past five years. The results reflect a strong rebound from the severe 2017–19 drought, with sustained seasonal improvement across central, coastal and northern districts driving higher yields and record livestock turnoff.

Cropping and livestock lead the surge Cropping GVP rose 33 per cent to $11.6 billion, supported by above-average yields and record pulse production across much of the state. Strong grain and pulse output contributed significantly to the overall uplift, underpinned by

improved soil moisture profiles and favourable growing conditions in key agricultural regions. Meanwhile, livestock GVP increased 28 per cent to $7.2 billion, driven by record meat production volumes and firm pricing conditions. Exceptionally high lamb prices played a central role in lifting overall returns, while solid demand across domestic and export markets helped maintain price strength.

Global demand for NSW agricultural products reached $13 billion, highlighting the state’s

continued role as a reliable supplier of high-quality produce to international markets.

Minister Moriarty said the figures demonstrate the resilience of NSW producers.

“These numbers show that NSW producers have not only recovered from the 2017–19 drought, they have persevered through the volatility of environmental conditions and foreign trading surprises, and emerged stronger than ever,” she said.

Record farm incomes and stronger balance sheets

The financial position of NSW farm businesses has also strengthened markedly.

Average broadacre farm cash income is estimated to have reached a record $419,000, representing a 24 per cent increase on the previous high recorded in 2021–22. Forecasts for 2025–26 suggest farm cash incomes will remain relatively elevated, staying above both five- and 10year averages.

Farm equity ratios have improved substantially over the past decade. The average NSW broadacre farm equity ratio increased from 84.5 per cent in 2014 to 91.9 per cent in the latest data, reflecting stronger asset positions and reduced exposure to debt.

Average broadacre farm capital has climbed to $13.7 million, underscoring the growing scale and financial strength of regional agricultural enterprises.

Farm balance sheets across the state remain in solid condition, positioning producers to better manage future risks, including potential drought cycles.

Investment in research and biosecurity

The Minns Government has committed significant funding to underpin the sector’s performance.

According to the release, $100 million has been invested in agricultural research and development, alongside $1 billion allocated to biosecurity systems and programs.

Minister Moriarty said sustained investment in innovation, research capability and biosecurity systems was critical to protecting the gains made in recent years.

“Our Government

NRLX PRIME CATTLE SALE – 1,741 HEAD YARDED

Strong Steer Market Lifts

Overall Average

The Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange (NRLX) yarded 1,741 head for its Prime Cattle sale on 11 February 2026, with steers leading a frm market across most categories. According to offcial sale statistics , the overall perkilogram average across all stock types settled at

378.7c/kg, with a total sale turnover of $2,369,459.51. Steers and Bullocks Drive Demand

Steers were the standout performers, with 527 head sold across 247 lots. Prices ranged from 280c/ kg to 564.2c/kg, averaging 454.5c/kg. The category generated more than $626,258 in value, refecting strong processor and feeder

competition.

Bullocks also sold well, with 62 head averaging 434.1c/kg, topping at 464.2c/kg, and returning a category total of $155,914.96.

Cows and Heifers Hold Firm

Cows accounted for the largest yarding, with 488 head offered. Prices ranged

from 60.2c/kg to 395c/ kg, averaging 343.9c/kg, producing a total return exceeding $826,704.

Heifers were well supplied at 577 head, averaging 359.6c/kg and peaking at 450c/kg, delivering a total of $611,477.35.

Bulls averaged 361.8c/kg, topping at 400c/kg, while vealer bulls reached a high of 500c/kg, averaging

366.3c/kg. Overall Market Snapshot

• Total head yarded: 1,741

• Average price (c/kg): 378.7

• Highest price recorded: 564.2c/kg (steers)

• Total sale value: $2.37 million

A small offering of cows and calves sold for $1,300

NRLX STORE CATTLE SALE YARDS 1,070 HEAD

Steers Top 550c/kg as 1,070 Head Change Hands

The Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange (NRLX) yarded 1,070 head for its Store Cattle Sale on 13 February 2026, with strong competition for steers pushing the market to a top of 550c/kg.

Offcial sale statistics show 1,006 head sold in the per-kilogram section and 64 head in the per-head

categories, generating a combined turnover of $1,396,276.91. Steers Lead the Sale Steers were the dominant category, with 523 head sold across 130 lots. Prices ranged from 262.2c/kg to 550c/kg, averaging 501.3c/ kg. The category returned a total value of $760,396.84 . Heifers were also well supplied, with 464 head

offered. Prices ranged from 240c/kg to 448.2c/ kg, averaging 387.7c/kg, producing $495,675.52 in total returns .

Other Categories

Vealers (12 head) sold from 370c/kg to 524.2c/kg, averaging 478.4c/kg, with a total value of $10,620.68. Bulls (2 head) averaged 335.5c/kg, topping at 336.2c/kg, returning

$3,589.34. Cows (5 head, per kg) sold from 252.2c/kg to 290c/kg, averaging 282.4c/kg, with a total value of $5,154.53 . Across all per-kilogram sales, the average price settled at 448.1c/kg, with total turnover of $1,275,436.91 . Per-Head Results

In the per-head section (64 head total):

has invested heavily in supporting, protecting and developing our primary industries so that there is a helping hand and shared knowledge on innovation and biosecurity,” she said. She added that a strong agricultural research team enables government to monitor seasonal conditions and better understand impacts on farm businesses and regional communities. Positioned for future conditions

The latest performance data suggests NSW agriculture has entered a period of renewed strength, supported by favourable seasons, sound business management and continued public investment.

While seasonal variability remains an everpresent risk in Australian agriculture, stronger balance sheets, higher equity ratios and sustained global demand provide producers with greater resilience than during the drought-impacted years.

Backed by record production levels and improved financial health, NSW farm businesses appear well placed to respond to changing seasonal and market conditions in the years ahead.

per unit, while a single heifer sold at $45 per head in the per-head category. The solid throughput and competitive bidding indicate continued processor demand, particularly for well-fnished steers and heavy cattle suited to current market specifcations.

• Cows & calves (55 head) sold from $1,360 to $3,000, averaging $1,955.27, totalling $107,540.

• Cows (3 head) averaged $1,633.33, totalling $4,900.

• Heifers (6 head) sold at $1,400, totalling $8,400.

The per-head section returned $120,840 overall .

Market Overview

• Total head yarded:

1,070

• Overall per kg average: 448.1c/kg

• Top price: 550c/kg (steers)

• Total gross value: $1,396,276.91

The sale refected strong demand for quality steers, with heifers also attracting consistent competition, resulting in a solid overall average across the yarding.

WARWICK LIVESTOCK MARKETS REPORT

Dry seasonal conditions across the Warwick district and further afeld continued to shape supply this week, with cattle numbers lifting as producers moved stock in response to tightening feed. Sheep and lamb numbers were near identical to the previous sale, however market momentum improved in several sections, particularly where fnish and weight suited processor and feeder orders.

Across the cattle yarding, most categories held frm.

The main soft spot was the cow market, which was slightly back on the week, refecting a larger offering and more selective processor demand. Even so, lighter feed-on and processing types were reported frm to dearer, suggesting buyers were still competing for cattle that could be turned off quickly or suited shorter feeding programs.

Cattle yarding: 1,936 head averages $1,509

The Warwick cattle sale yarded 1,936 head, with an overall average of $1,509.16 per head. Buyer activity was steady across feeders, processors and local competition, with pricing strongest on cattle presenting with condition and weight.

Bulls averaged 378.5c/kg and topped at 435c/kg, producing returns from $1,991.53 to $4,474.17.

Cows averaged 312.5c/kg,

topping at 378c/kg, with values from $1,660.86 to $3,024.00. While this section was slightly easier overall, the top end still held up where cows were well presented and met processor specifcations. Feeder categories remained a highlight.

Feeder steers averaged 446.6c/kg, topping at 504.20c/kg, with returns from $1,704.88 to $2,424.03. Feeder heifers averaged 377.6c/kg and sold to 460c/ kg, returning $1,285.37 to $1,840.58.

The steer section also remained strong on better quality lines.

Steers averaged 434.6c/ kg, topping at 488.2c/kg, and returned $2,511.44 to $4,161.00.

Manufacturing steers averaged 358.5c/kg, topping at 372.2c/kg, returning $1,989.86 to $2,382.08. Young cattle trends refected solid processor and feeder demand where cattle had weight and fnish:

• Vealer steers averaged 471.5c/kg, topping at 588.2c/ kg, returning $1,206.46 to $1,691.08.

• Vealer heifers averaged 370.8c/kg, topping at 420c/ kg, returning $904.57 to $1,604.56.

• Yearling steers averaged 438.3c/kg, topping at 496.2c/ kg, returning $1,172.58 to $1,958.00.

• Yearling heifers averaged

384.6c/kg, topping at 466.2c/ kg, returning $1,133.90 to $2,181.00.

The heifer category overall averaged 350.6c/ kg and topped at 472.2c/ kg, producing returns from $1,541.74 to $2,715.15.

Sheep and lamb yarding: 2,961 head averages $180.83 APL/McDougall & Sons reported a yarding of 2,961 head, virtually unchanged on the week. The market strengthened for most categories, driven by better processor and feeder competition on heavier and well-fnished stock.

Export-weight and fnished lambs were described as stronger, while light trade lambs were frm to a shade dearer. In contrast, light unfnished trade lambs were cheaper, consistent with buyers discounting lambs lacking fnish. Mutton was described as stronger across the board.

Sale indicators were:

• Lambs topped at $310 and averaged $190.25 ($9/ head down).

• Hoggets topped at $226 and averaged $176.13 ($65/ head up).

• Ram lambs topped at $220 and averaged $196.50 ($55/head up).

• Ewes topped at $245 and averaged $169.37 ($47/head up).

• Wethers topped at $255 and averaged $166.56 ($21/

head up).

• Rams topped at $460 and averaged $135.12 ($21/head up in the summary; $17/head up in the APL paragraph).

The overall sheep and lamb yarding averaged $180.83/ head, lifting $25/head weekon-week.

Notable sheep and lamb pens and buyers

A number of standout sales were reported across Dorper, crossbred and Australian White lines:

Camrose P/L sold:

• Xbred lambs 55.6kg to Ryan Meats for $301

• Xbred lambs 47.5kg to GR Prime for $205

• Ram lambs 55kg to Warwick Meats for $192

• Ewes to Eversons for $165

• Rams to Carey Bros for $142 and McIntyre Meats for $110

• Xbred wethers to Fletcher International for $255

• Merino wethers to Eversons for $255

• Xbred ewes to Eversons for $230

White Family sold:

• Dorper x lambs 44.3kg to McIntyre Meats for $212

• Dorper x lambs 36.6kg to GR Prime for $161

• Dorper ewes to Fletcher International for $212

Val & Trev Lindenmayer sold Dorper lambs 51.3kg to GR Prime for $225.

Rory & Kathy Frost sold:

• Dorper lambs 47.7kg to Eversons for $246

• Charolais x lambs 46.3kg to Tony’s Supa Meats for $252

• Additional lambs to restockers for $226

Mick & Katrina Gibbs sold:

• Sucker Dorper lambs 39.2kg to GR Prime for $200 (noting the reported “$2000” appears to be a typo)

• Dorper lambs 32.5kg to GR Prime for $141

• Ewes to Eversons for $88

• Rams to Whites Trading for $152

Gramac Ag sold Dorper lambs:

• 38kg to GR Prime for $180

• 33kg to Carey Bros for $130

Peter Gray sold:

• Dorper lambs 61.2kg to Eversons for the sale top of $310

• Ewes to Fletcher International for $212

• Rams to restockers for $460 and $200

Rod & Rita Hilton sold Australian White lambs 44.3kg to restockers for $230.

Burilda P/S sold Merino ewes in the wool to Eversons for $245, and Merino rams to Fletcher International for $118.

The Ridge sold Xbred lambs 40.2kg to Shelley F/T for $202.

Pigs and poultry: solid offering, mixed trend

Pig numbers were described as solid. Better processing types were frm, while lighter sorts eased.

Reported pig prices were:

• Boars: $175–$225

• Sows: $220–$400

• Baconers: $180–$225

• Gilts: $180–$240

• Pork: $120–$302

• Light pork: $170–$180

• Stores: $34–$200

The poultry and small stock section also saw broad interest, with:

• Groups of chicks to $25

• Guinea fowl to $25

• Ducklings to $15

• Duck and ducklings to $30

• Hen and chicks to $25

• Gander to $50

• Ducks to $17.50

• Pullets to $26

• Roosters to $22.50

• Hens to $55

• Chicks to $25 Market wrap

With dry conditions persisting, Warwick continues to see supply patterns shift toward higher turn-off cattle and stronger competition for well-fnished lambs and hoggets. While cows eased overall, the frmer tone in light processing and feed-on cattle suggests buyers remain active on stock that can be marketed effciently. In the sheep run, stronger mutton and restocker competition for rams helped lift the average return across the yarding.

WHATS ON THE MENU

TONIGHT ?

These sausages woke up one day and chose flavour. Not content with being slapped on the BBQ next to sad white bread and some onions, they packed their bags, discovered satay sauce, and returned transformed. Creamy, nutty, slightly sweet and just a little bit smug, satay chicken sausages are what happens when comfort food decides to dress up and still be incredibly easy to deal with. They’re weeknight-friendly, crowd-approved, and dangerously good at disappearing faster than you planned. If sausages had passports, these would have several stamps and a confident attitude.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 8 chicken sausages

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small brown onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, crushed

• 2 tbsp crunchy peanut butter

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tbsp lime juice

• 200 ml coconut cream

• 1 tsp mild curry powder

• ½ tsp ground ginger

• Cracked black pepper, to taste

• Chopped coriander, to serve (optional but fancylooking)

Method (low effort, high reward)

1. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the sausages and cook, turning often, until browned all over and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside, trying not to eat one immediately “for quality control.” 2. In the same pan, add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes

This pie shows up pretending to be polite dessert, then quietly spikes the conversation. Chocolatey, creamy, cloud-topped and laced with Baileys, it’s the kind of sweet that makes people lean back in their chairs and say, “Ohhh… wow,” like they’ve just remembered something scandalous. The base is rich, the filling is smooth and boozy enough to raise an eyebrow, and the meringue is piled high like it’s auditioning for a dessert runway. This is not a children’s party pie. This is a “just one more slice” pie that somehow keeps proving you wrong..

Ingredients (It's OK if it Serves 1)

• 1 sweet shortcrust pastry case, blind baked

• 60 g dark chocolate, melted

• 3 eggs, separated

• 100 g caster sugar

• 40 g cornflour

• 375 ml milk

• 125 ml Baileys Irish Cream

• 30 g unsalted butter

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Meringue

• 3 egg whites

• 165 g caster sugar

Method (dramatic results, manageable effort)

1. Brush melted chocolate over the pastry case and chill until set. This is insurance against soggy bottoms.

2. Whisk egg yolks, sugar and cornflour until smooth. Heat milk gently, then whisk into yolk mixture.

SataySausagesChicken

until softened and slightly golden. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

3. Reduce heat to low. Stir in the peanut butter, soy sauce, brown sugar and lime juice until smooth and glossy.

4. Pour in the coconut cream, then add curry powder and ground ginger. Stir well and let the sauce gently simmer for 5 minutes until thickened and luxurious.

5. Return the sausages to the pan, spooning the sauce over them like they deserve it. Simmer for another 5 minutes so everything gets properly acquainted.

6. Season with cracked black pepper, scatter with coriander if using, and prepare for compliments.

Try this

Slice leftover sausages and toss through noodles or rice for an

Tips for Success (sausage wisdom)

• Don’t rush the sauce. Peanut butter needs time to relax and become creamy, not claggy.

• Crunchy peanut butter = texture. Smooth works, but crunchy brings personality.

• Too thick? Add a splash of water. Too thin? Give it another minute and trust the process.

Leftovers (if that ever happens)

Slice leftover sausages and toss through noodles or rice for an instant upgrade. They’re also excellent in wraps, sandwiches, or eaten straight from the fridge at midnight like a champion. These sausages don’t judge. They just deliver.

Baileys Meringue Pie

3. Return to heat, stirring until thick. Remove from heat, stir in Baileys, butter and vanilla. Pour into pastry.

4. Beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar and beat until glossy and dramatic.

5. Spoon meringue over filling, making swoops like you mean it.

6. Bake at 180°C for 15–20 minutes until golden. Cool completely before slicing.

Tips for Success

• Glossy meringue = victory. Grainy meringue = overthinking.

• Cool fully or the filling will spill secrets everywhere.

Leftovers

Keeps overnight in the fridge. Improves with confidence. Best served with coffee, gossip, or both.

Native Selection: Choosing Local Native Varieties for Each Northern Rivers Shire

Across the Northern Rivers, native selection is critical to building stronger, more resilient ecosystems. Choosing local native plant varieties suited to specific Shire conditions in Ballina, Clarence Valley, Richmond Valley, Kyogle, Byron Shire and Tweed directly supports local fauna and improves long-term environmental outcomes.

The Northern Rivers region spans coastal dunes, floodplains, river systems, agricultural flats and subtropical hinterland. Because these landscapes vary significantly, plant species that thrive in one Shire may struggle in another. Selecting species that naturally occur within each local government area ensures better survival rates, lower maintenance and stronger habitat value.

Ballina Shire

In Ballina Shire, coastal exposure and sandy soils dominate much of the landscape. Salttolerant and wind-hardy species perform best.

Coastal banksia (Banksia integrifolia), coastal she-oak (Casuarina equisetifolia) and lomandra varieties are well adapted to these conditions. These plants provide nectar for honeyeaters, seed for black cockatoos and shelter for small mammals, while also stabilising dune systems.

Clarence Valley Clarence Valley includes extensive floodplains and river corridors, particularly along the Clarence River. Species that tolerate periodic inundation are essential. Swamp mahogany (Eucalyptus robusta) and paperbark (Melaleuca quinquenervia) thrive in wetter soils and support koalas, gliders and waterbirds. Native sedges and grasses planted along waterways also reduce

erosion and improve water quality.

Richmond Valley

Richmond Valley features open woodland, grazing land and alluvial soils. Forest red gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis) is a keystone species in this region, offering habitat hollows for birds and arboreal mammals. Native flowering shrubs such as bottlebrush (Callistemon species) attract pollinators, while incorporating native pasture grasses improves soil health and biodiversity on rural properties.

Kyogle Kyogle’s higher rainfall and elevation support subtropical rainforest species. Trees such as lilly pilly (Syzygium smithii) and brush box (Lophostemon confertus) provide dense canopy cover and fruit for birds and flying foxes. A layered planting approach — canopy, mid-storey and groundcover — is particularly effective

in recreating natural rainforest structure and enhancing habitat diversity.

Byron Shire and Tweed Byron Shire and Tweed contain a mix of coastal heath, rainforest remnants and hinterland slopes.

Tallowwood (Eucalyptus microcorys) grows well in well-drained soils, while wallum heath species support specialised insects and small ground-dwelling birds. Importantly, even widespread species vary genetically between regions. Using plants grown from locally collected seed — known as local provenance — ensures compatibility with local wildlife and climate conditions.

Supporting Local Fauna Native fauna have evolved alongside specific plant communities. Many insects feed only on particular native species, and those insects in turn support birds, reptiles and mammals.

John James 21.10.1935 – 13.2.2026 Passed away peacefully, at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Lismore, aged 90 years. Late of Alstonville.

Loved and loving husband of Bethney, for 69 years. Adored father of David (dec), and Jennifer. John travelled extensively throughout NSW with his employment with the State (Rural)Bank, he will be respectfully missed by his many friends and colleagues.

Family & friends are invited to attend the service of thanksgiving for the life of John, to be held at The Chapel, of the Lismore Memorial Gardens, Skyline Road, Goonellabah, Tuesday 24th February 2026 commencing at 10:00 am. Followed by private cremation.

NOTICE OF AGM

Notice is hereby given on the 19th February 2026 for the Annual General Meeting of SSAA Northern Rivers Branch Inc

This meeting will be held on Monday 23rd March 2026

6.30pm for a 7pm start at the Lismore Heights Bowling Club 181A High Street, Lismore NSW 2480

Business to be transacted at the meeting includes:

• Confrmation of minutes from AGM 2025

• Business arising from minutes of AGM 2025

• 2025 Treasurers Report

• Presidents Report - Achievements of the Branch in 2025

• Agenda Items Election of Committee

• Election Branch Discipline Panel

• General Business

* Appointment of disciplines Captains

* Appointment of Accountant

* Annual Return to Department of Fair Trading

• Set the date for 2027 AGM

PLEASE NOTE: Members attending MUST produce their current S.S.A.A membership card and be a Member of the S.S.A.A- (NSW)-Northern Rivers Branch Inc.

Any member wishing to submit items for the agenda, must be submitted by 5pm March 9th 2026 to secretary@ssaanrb.com.au

The Returning Offcer is Scott Wagner SSAA No: 356343

Email: returningoffcer@ssaanrb.com.au

In accordance with CI 9.6.3.1 the Returning Offcer calls for Nominations of candidates to fll the vacant offces on the Nominated Forms must be received on or before the 13th March 2026 by 5pm, either by email to the returning offcer, or by mail to the Branch at PO Box 899, Casino NSW 2470.

This AGM Notice and Nomination forms are available at http://www.ssaanrb.com.au

Remember… the AGM is important…no less than***50*** people are required to come along and participate to make the AGM work…All members are encouraged to attend.

Be seen in every town of the northern rivers, the Northern Rivers Times is the only newspaper in the northern rivers that sells newspapers each week in every town on the northern rivers, from Coolangatta to Woolgoolga and west to Tenterfield.

WEATHER

Northern Rivers District:

Sunny. Chance of fog morning, mainly inland. Light winds northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h afternoon then light evening. Thursday. Mostly sunny. Chance of morning fog. Slight chance of a shower in the south afternoon. Chance of a storm in the south afternoon. Light winds east to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h afternoon then light evening.

Northern Tablelands District:

Partly cloudy. Chance of morning fog. Slight chance of a shower. Winds northwest to southwesterly 15 to 25 km/h becoming southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h in the day then light afternoon. Thursday. Sunny morning. Medium chance of showers morning and afternoon. Chance of a storm afternoon. Light winds easterly 15 to 20 km/h afternoon.

New South Wales:

A few showers in the south spreading to central and northern districts in the day. Chance of an afternoon storm across southern and central eastern districts. Mostly sunny in the northeast and southwest. Patchy morning fog on the northern ranges. Daytime temperatures above average, most notably in the east. Northeast to northwesterly winds, freshening along the coastal fringe and on the southern half of the ranges in the day. A south to southwesterly change spreading across the far west in the day and moving along the southern half of the coast as a fresh southerly change. Thursday. A shower or two and Chance of storms across central and northern districts. Chance of a shower along the southern half of the coast and adjacent ranges. Patchy morning fog possible on the southern ranges. Daytime temperatures above average. Southeast to southwesterly winds across the southern half and in the far west, and northeast to northwesterly winds elsewhere. Winds tending easterly along the coast in the day.

Byron Coast:

Winds: Variable about 10 knots becoming northerly 15 to 20 knots in the day. Seas: Around 1m, increasing to 1 to 1.5m inshore afternoon or evening. Swell: East to southeasterly around 1m inshore, increasing to 1 to 1.5m offshore north of Cape Byron. Weather: Sunny.

Coffs Coast: Winds: Northerly 15 to 20 knots. Seas: Around 1m, increasing to 1 to 1.5m offshore south of Coffs Harbour morning. Swell: Southeasterly around 1m. Weather: Sunny. Gold Coast Waters: Winds: Variable about 10 knots. Seas: Below 1m. Swell: Easterly around 1m inshore, increasing to 1 to 1.5m offshore. Weather: Sunny.

Sports Results Vital games reduced to one dayers

Jeff Gibbs

James and Skirrey Take Honours on Casino Greens Midweek bowls at Casino on Wednesday, February 11 delivered another enjoyable and competitive afternoon, with close games and steady teamwork across all rinks.

Annette James and Raelene Skirrey claimed overall honours, finishing with the lowest winning aggregate of the day. The pair produced a composed performance to defeat Sandra Guthrie and Mary Mead, controlling key ends and maintaining consistency to secure the result.

Also posting a strong win were Maryanne Chandler and Helen Lavelle, who overcame Jan Cooke and Denise Skinner. Chandler and Lavelle built pressure throughout the match and converted their chances to finish ahead in a wellcontested encounter.

In the third winning match, Tanya Maxwell, Maria Hellyar and Ivy Watson combined effectively to defeat Valda Jennings and Julie Creighton. The trio worked well together across the green, delivering timely bowls to edge out their opponents and round out a solid day of competition.

With friendly rivalry and steady form on display, the standard of play once again highlighted the depth within Casino’s bowls ranks.

Players now look ahead to upcoming fixtures as the season continues to gather momentum.

Strong Finishes and Close Margins at Cherry Street Croquet Club

Competitive play and several tight scorelines highlighted the latest round of matches at the Cherry Street Croquet Club, with both Association and Ricochet formats delivering entertaining contests.

Association Croquet

The closest result of the day saw S. Hume edge out G. Drew 13–12 in a match decided on the final hoops. It was a finely balanced contest throughout, with both players trading control before Hume secured the narrow victory.

P. Hume recorded a strong 26–23 win over B. Hardy in another closely fought encounter. Both competitors showed precision in long clearances and hoop-running, but Hume maintained just enough advantage to finish ahead.

L. Sampson claimed a 13–10 victory over P. Waters and G. Porter, demonstrating steady positional play to build a consistent lead.

R. Chapman delivered one of the more dominant performances of the session, defeating L. Turner 26–5 with confident stroke play and effective break-building.

Ricochet Croquet Ricochet competition again proved evenly matched, with several games decided by a single point.

M. Field and P. Scott narrowly defeated G. Drew and R. Allen 11–10, while G. Kerr and G. Porter edged H. Young and D. Scott 9–8 in

another tight finish.

M. Russell and B. Wellings secured an 18–14 win over J. Doust and N. Watts, combining well to control the latter stages of play.

J. Hannigan recorded a convincing 22–8 victory over C. Edlund, and P. Scott followed up with an 18–9 win against B. Wellings.

Phyllis Waters defeated D. Scott 13–5, while H. Young and J. Hannigan combined to defeat C. Edlund and G. Kerr 10–9 in yet another nail-biter.

In the final match listed, M. Russell and N. Watts edged R. Allen and J. Doust 10–9, rounding out a day defined by close margins and steady performances.

Monthly Badge Winners

Congratulations to this month’s badge winners: J. Doust, R. Offley, C. Gale, N. Watts, Bev Bill, Brenton Bill and G. Porter.

The Cherry Street Croquet Club continues to welcome new players of all experience levels. Those interested in joining the friendly and active club can contact Club Captain Ray Chapman on 0439 240 251.

Clarke Leads the Way in Coraki Veterans Stableford

A solid field turned out for the Coraki Veterans Golf 18hole single stableford event on Thursday, February 12, with players tackling dry course conditions and summer heat.

Despite the warm weather, numbers held strong, and competitors were rewarded with a welcoming clubhouse atmosphere after their rounds. The dry fairways presented challenges, with many players commenting that a few inches of rain would quickly freshen conditions across the layout.

L. Clarke delivered the best performance of the day to claim the stableford honours, producing a consistent round to finish on top of the leaderboard. T. McBurney secured second place, while S. Reddell rounded out the top three with a steady effort across the 18 holes.

The free game went to P. Smith, while the chicken and ball winners list reflected the depth of competition across the field. Those recipients were M. Quinlivan, B. Collyer, P. Martin, T. Newton, P. Bruggy, B. Miller, R. Mackay, I. Welsh, M. Bruggy, E. Reddell, R. Rodda and B. McDonald.

Nearest the pin prizes were also keenly contested. M. Stafford claimed the honours on the 3rd and 12th holes, while B. McDonald was accurate on the 6th and 15th to secure those awards.

Players will return to the course this Thursday, February 19, for another 18hole single stableford event, again teeing off at 8.00am. Members are also reminded to enter Jimmy Nilsson’s popular lucky numbers draw, which continues to grow each week.

With competitive golf and strong camaraderie once again on display, the Coraki Veterans competition continues to provide an enjoyable outlet for local golfers.

Until then — good golfing. Max

By Tim Howard

Clarence Valley cricketers must revert to oneday mode on Saturday after rain washed out the opening day of the scheduled round of two day games.

It is the penultimate game of the season before the semi-fnals and for the teams placed two, three and four it could be critical.

Tucabia Copmanhurst’s win over Maclean last game edged it into third place on quotient from Maclean.

Sharing 42 points they are just three ahead of GDSC Easts on 39, but have the bad fortune to have drawn the ruthless Harwood outft for this game at Harwood Oval. And adding further spice to the weekend’s matches, Maclean has home ground advantage when hosts Easts at Barry Watts Oval, Maclean.

The other game of the round is almost inconsequential.

Iluka are playing for pride against a Lawrence outft unable to close the gap to front runners Harwood, but determined to maintain momentum for the fnals.

Looking at this game and the fnal game before the semi-fnals begin on March 13, there could be some changes in table positions if teams lose focus.

Easts have drawn the short straw, facing Harwood, unbeaten so far in three seasons in the local competition, in the fnal game

Tucabia have Iluka at Iluka and need to be wary of a team that claimed its only win of the season against Easts in the frst game after Christmas. And Lawrence will need to concentrate to avoid slipping up against Maclean when it plays them on their home turf at Barry Watts Oval.

At Harwood it’s hard to see how Tucabia can toss Harwood.

For three seasons the premiers have demonstrated an ability to win from almost any position on fat tracks and minefelds.

But let’s say it one more

time: cricket can be a funny game.

What if a couple of Tucabia’s batters – Jamie Firth and Matt Pigg spring to mind – and Brad Chard with the ball, run amok.

It’s a scenario that all three players are capable of producing. But it would have to be in the same game and that’s the problem.

Harwood’s XI on the other hand consistently turns up with big names and lesser lights all making their presence felt.

It’s hard to see them slipping up.

It’s the game between Easts and Maclean where most is at stake.

Here Easts have a trump card up there sleeves, with their dynamic all rounder Shannon Connor.

His explosive batting can take the game away from an opponent in half an hour and with the ball he is always economical and often penetrative.

His stamina is crucial in the longer version of the games and his explosive hitting a threat at any time.

Maclean play a steadier game and the captain Dan McColl has been a consistent performer batting in the middle order.

If he can get a few of his team to bat with him, then they can score enough runs to pressure Easts.

They bowl as a team with six or seven players regularly used in an innings, which gives them depth should one of the top bowlers fnd themselves in trouble.

Lawrence will be keen to avoid any slip ups during its visit to Iluka on Saturday.

While the home team has only won once this season, its victory was a beauty and showed on its day they can be a threat.

Lawrence has a base of experienced players

Nathan and Mark Ensbey and Doug Harris. They like nothing better than grinding out competitive scores and putting pressure on their opponents. Iluka have been more miss than hit this year, but are not a team that people can ignore.

Dean Bartlett with a ton and another score in the 40s since Christmas, is a dangerous player who could cause some grief.

But it’s hard to go past Lawrence, who would hang onto second spot on the ladder, no matter what happens.