The Northern Rivers Times Newspaper Edition 295

Northern Rivers Floods 2022: The Deluge That Changed Us —

And the Resilience That Defines Us

Jeff Gibbs

In late February and early March 2022, the Northern Rivers of New South Wales endured one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in Australian history. Days of relentless rainfall across already saturated catchments pushed the Richmond, Wilsons, Clarence and Tweed rivers beyond anything seen in living memory.

Entire communities were submerged. Lives were lost. Thousands were displaced. Businesses built over generations were wiped out in hours.

For many in Lismore, the moment the levee was overtopped will never be forgotten. The Wilsons River surged to a record-breaking height, eclipsing the devastating 1974 flood by a significant margin. Streets turned into torrents. Power failed. Phone coverage dropped out. In the dark of night, residents climbed into roof cavities and onto rooftops as floodwaters rose with terrifying speed. But Lismore was not alone.

Murwillumbah’s main street disappeared under brown water. Coraki and Woodburn were inundated. Wardell, Broadwater and Ballina suffered widespread damage. Inland communities including Casino, Kyogle and smaller rural settlements faced swollen creeks, isolation and severe infrastructure damage. Across the Clarence Valley, floodwaters cut roads and left properties stranded.

The Northern Rivers was not just flooded — it was overwhelmed.

Rescue in the Darkness As waters rose, so too did the courage of everyday people.

The NSW State Emergency Service (SES), NSW Police, Fire and Rescue NSW and the Australian Defence

Force mobilised rapidly. Helicopters winched families from rooftops in dramatic rescues broadcast across the nation. Volunteers launched tinnies into streets. Farmers used tractors to ferry neighbours to safety. Many rescues happened in pitch darkness and fast-moving currents.

Communication breakdowns complicated coordination. Yet despite the chaos, countless lives were saved because people acted — often before formal help could reach them.

Evacuation centres were established in community halls, schools and sports facilities. Donations of clothing, bedding, toiletries and food began arriving almost immediately. Across Australia, people watched the unfolding disaster and responded with generosity.

The Aftermath: Mud, Grief and Grit When the waters finally receded, the scale of destruction became painfully clear. Homes were gutted.

Walls were coated in thick, foul-smelling mud. Family photographs, furniture and keepsakes lay ruined on kerbsides. Businesses lost stock, equipment, vehicles and irreplaceable records. Farmers faced dead livestock, destroyed fencing and contaminated paddocks.

For some residents, it was the second flood in a matter of weeks. The emotional toll was immense.

Yet amid heartbreak, something extraordinary emerged — what many came to call the “mud army.”

Volunteers travelled from Sydney, regional NSW, Queensland and beyond. They arrived in high-vis shirts and work boots, armed with shovels and pressure cleaners. Strangers worked shoulder-to-shoulder with homeowners. Streets echoed with generators and laughter as much as tears.

Cafés that could reopen did so quickly, serving free meals to volunteers and locals. Community

kitchens sprang into action. Local tradies offered discounted or donated services.

The Northern Rivers was hurting — but it was not alone.

Aid and Assistance

Disaster recovery payments were activated by the NSW and Australian Governments.

Emergency hardship grants provided immediate relief. Recovery centres were established to assist residents in navigating support services, insurance claims and rebuilding processes.

The Australian Defence Force assisted with logistics and clean-up operations. Local councils coordinated waste removal on a massive scale.

Mountains of flooddamaged debris were cleared from streets in what became one of the largest clean-up efforts the state had ever seen.

Charitable organisations including the Red Cross, Salvation Army and numerous local groups provided financial support, mental health assistance

and essential supplies. Fundraising efforts raised millions of dollars nationwide.

However, for many residents and business owners, the recovery journey was complex. Insurance claims became a significant point of stress. While some policies were honoured quickly, others were subject to lengthy disputes over flood definitions and exclusions. The process, in many cases, took months or even years to resolve. Legal advocacy played a role in helping some claimants secure fair outcomes.

Small businesses were particularly vulnerable. Without income during closure periods, and facing delayed payouts, some struggled to reopen. Others made the heartbreaking decision to close permanently.

Infrastructure and the Long Road Back Beyond homes and businesses, critical infrastructure suffered enormous damage. Roads were washed

out. Bridges were undermined. Drainage systems failed under extreme pressure. Entire sections of the region’s transport network required rebuilding.

Rural communities experienced extended isolation due to damaged access routes.

Billions of dollars in joint federal and state funding were committed to infrastructure repair and resilience upgrades. Councils undertook enormous reconstruction programs.

Temporary fixes were gradually replaced with more permanent solutions designed to withstand future events.

One of the most significant policy responses was the introduction of the Resilient Homes Program. This initiative offered voluntary buybacks, house raising or retrofitting options for properties deemed high risk. For some families, this meant leaving neighbourhoods they had lived in for generations. For others, it meant physically lifting homes higher above the floodplain.

The program sparked difficult but necessary conversations about land use planning, floodplain management and climate adaptation.

The Human Cost

While roads and buildings can

be repaired, emotional recovery takes longer.

Mental health services were expanded across the Northern Rivers in the months and years following the floods. Counselling services, outreach programs and peer support groups continue to play a vital role.

Many residents still experience anxiety during heavy rainfall. The sound of persistent rain can trigger memories of that night.

A Region Looking Forward

Today, the Northern Rivers is rebuilding not just structures, but identity.

New businesses have opened. Established operators have modernised. Tourism has rebounded as visitors return to beaches, hinterland villages and river towns. Agricultural producers have replanted, diversified and adapted.

Investment in early warning systems, emergency

rebuild, but to rebuild smarter.

The Strength of Community What defines this region is not the disaster itself, but the response to it.

In the darkest hours, neighbours checked on neighbours. Boats launched without hesitation. Food was shared freely. Volunteers travelled hundreds of kilometres simply to help shovel mud from a stranger’s living room.

"Because while the floodwaters may have receded, the story of resilience continues to rise."

For children who were rescued by boat or helicopter, the event remains a defining childhood memory.

Yet within that trauma lies resilience.

Community groups formed stronger bonds. Neighbourhood networks became more organised. Emergency planning improved. Awareness of flood risk and preparedness grew.

The floods exposed vulnerabilities — but they also revealed strength.

communication and flood mitigation continues. Discussions around levee upgrades, catchment management and climate resilience are ongoing at local, state and federal levels. There is a renewed focus on ensuring infrastructure is not only repaired, but futureproofed.

The people of the Northern Rivers understand that extreme weather events are likely to become more frequent. The challenge now is not simply to

That spirit has not faded. Markets have returned. Sporting competitions have resumed. Festivals are once again filling town centres with music and laughter. Each event carries deeper meaning — a reminder that community is stronger than catastrophe. Families continue to choose the Northern Rivers as home because of that sense of belonging. Young entrepreneurs are launching ventures. Artists, farmers, tradespeople and professionals are investing their

futures here.

The region’s natural beauty — its rivers, coastline and hinterland — remains extraordinary. But it is the people who define it.

Stories Still to Be Told

The Northern Rivers Times has emailed all Councils, Mayors and Councillors, business owners, survivors and politicians across the region, inviting them to share their reflections on the 2022 floods, the recovery process and their vision for the future.

Their stories — of loss, frustration, determination, gratitude and hope — will follow in upcoming editions.

Because recovery is not a single moment in time. It is an ongoing journey.

Four years on, the floodwaters have receded. Roads are reopening. Homes are rising higher. Businesses are trading again. Conversations about resilience are shaping policy. But the defining feature of the Northern Rivers remains unchanged.

It is a region built on community.

Tested by water. Strengthened by solidarity. Moving forward — together.

Sarah Ndiaye | Mayor | BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL

This week four years ago was one of the most intense and surreal periods of my life.

We were establishing a makeshift evacuation centre for 400 people in real time, along with their dogs, cats and even guinea pigs, while formal support was still trying to reach us. Roads were cut. Communication was patchy. Much of the assistance we expected simply could not get through.

I was on calls with the Premier seeking urgent help, coordinating helicopter access for isolated residents, including a woman in labour, and working closely with council staf, emergency services personnel and an extraordinary number of local volunteers. It felt relentless.

Mountains shifted. Rivers swallowed entire streets. The scale of the event

seemed almost biblical. Yet it was also what scientists had long warned would become more frequent in a warming climate. For us, it was no longer theoretical. Incredibly, the loss of life in our shire was minimal given the magnitude of what occurred. That is something our community should never take for granted.

What unfolded was not

just a food, but one of the most devastating disasters our region has ever faced. It moved mountains, redrew riverbanks and tested every layer of our preparedness.

In those frst critical days, when outside assistance could not reach us, it was our community that stepped into the gaps. Neighbours rescued neighbours. Local boats launched without hesitation. Volunteers

turned up with food, bedding and whatever they could carry. Informal hubs formed organically, sharing information, resources and practical help.

For many of us, this was our frst direct encounter with the intensifying impacts of a changing climate. The foods displaced families, reshaped entire neighbourhoods and left damage across Byron Shire estimated at approximately $300 million. The emotional toll was immeasurable.

Homes, businesses and critical infrastructure were severely afected. Many residents are still navigating insurance challenges, housing insecurity and the long tail of trauma that follows events of this magnitude. Recovery has been complex and, for some, remains ongoing.

Over the past four years, we have worked steadily through that recovery process, rebuilding infrastructure, restoring essential services and supporting our community

wherever possible. That work continues.

One of the most important lessons for me has been the value of small, locally connected networks. The community hubs that formed in crisis have since strengthened their preparedness and built resilience at a grassroots level. Our staf continue to work closely with these groups and, together with the NSW Reconstruction Authority, have supported practical measures such as Starlink access and UHF radios to improve communication during emergencies.

This became particularly evident when Cyclone Alfred approached.

Communities with established local groups were more informed, more connected and more confdent in their response. That preparedness matters.

As extreme weather events become more frequent and more intense, we know recovery alone is not enough. Adaptation must sit alongside rebuilding. That means strengthening critical

infrastructure, improving communication systems, planning responsibly in food and fre prone areas, and supporting neighbourhood level resilience initiatives. It also means recognising the housing pressures disasters amplify. Many families were forced to relocate. Afordable rental and purchase options have become increasingly scarce. These challenges compound vulnerability during future events. There are many lessons still to carry forward. If there is one enduring message, it is this: resilience is built locally, but it must be supported systemically. Communities can organise, connect and prepare, but they also need sustained investment, thoughtful planning and policies that refect the realities of a changing climate.

When communities are connected, informed and supported, they are far better equipped to face whatever comes next.

Squatters, social media and the Pine St flashpoint

By Tim Howard

If the buybacks symbolised managed retreat, Pine Street became the flashpoint for what happens when retreat leaves buildings behind. As flood-damaged homes were acquired under the Resilient Homes Program and residents moved on, a cluster of vacant properties — particularly around Pine Street in North Lismore — were occupied by squatters.

For some locals, it was framed as an inevitable by-product of a housing

crisis already biting before 2022.

For others, it was a breakdown in control that risked turning condemned homes into health and safety hazards.

NSW Recovery Minister Janelle Saffin said the situation was more complex than it first appeared.

“Yes, we’ve got homeless people in our midst, and yes, we know they go and do certain things. We try and help,” she said.

“But what happened was we had people putting it out on Facebook — ‘Oh,

come and squat.’ And it didn’t only go nationwide, it went global.”

The social media amplification drew outsiders into already fragile neighbourhoods.

Some of the occupied homes had been condemned. Others were awaiting demolition or relocation.

Concerns mounted about fire risk, sanitation and structural instability in flood-weakened buildings.

“It just wasn’t tolerable to have that happen,” Ms Saffin said.

The issue became politically charged.

Advocates argued vacant homes should be repurposed in a region facing an acute rental shortage.

Others countered that the properties were unsafe and earmarked for removal as part of a risk-reduction strategy.

Ultimately, responsibility for the sites fell to the NSW Reconstruction Authority, working alongside Homes NSW, police and outreach services.

Security was tightened,

temporary fencing installed and a coordinated eviction process undertaken.

Outreach teams engaged with occupants, with some offered alternative accommodation pathways.

Ms Saffin maintains the response required balancing compassion with public safety.

“Blow up’s one way of looking at it,” she said. “It was really challenging.”

The controversy has since subsided, as more buyback homes have been demolished, relocated or auctioned for removal to

higher ground.

But Pine Street exposed a tension at the heart of flood recovery: when government retreats from land, who controls the space in between?

Four years on, the lesson may be less about squatting itself and more about timing — how quickly properties move from acquisition to final outcome, and how clearly that process is communicated to a community still living with trauma.

Four years on: ‘We survived — now we have to thrive’

By Tim Howard

Four years after the inland tsunami that tore through the Northern Rivers, the mud is gone — but the reckoning continues.

On the night of February 28, 2022, thousands went to bed in Lismore believing they were facing another flood.

They woke to water surging through homes at record levels, in what NSW Recovery Minister and local member Janelle Saffin has repeatedly described as a catastrophe beyond precedent.

“It’s in the rear vision mirror now,” Ms Saffin said in an interview on Friday marking the anniversary.

“We survived — but we need to thrive. We need to focus on that now.”

The scale of change since 2022 is visible across the region. Hundreds of floodprone homes have been bought back or approved for raising or retrofitting under the $700 million Resilient Homes Program administered by the NSW Reconstruction Authority.

Entire neighbourhoods in North and South Lismore have thinned. Vacant blocks mark a retreat from the highest-risk land.

At the same time, the government has declared the “critical home rebuilding phase” now under way, with a deadline of March 31, 2027 for house raising and retrofit works to be completed.

“We’re introducing some urgency,” Ms Saffin said.

“If people are thinking about it, get in. Hurry up.”

Buybacks are now closed except in exceptional circumstances. Information sessions and “Builders’ Brekkies” are being rolled out to ensure local trades are ready to meet demand.

The numbers tell only part of the story.

Ms Saffin acknowledges some residents remain in temporary pod villages — though several sites have closed — and others are still navigating insurance, construction costs and personal fatigue.

“In an ideal world, I would have loved the land program to be lockstep with the houses,” she said, referring to the release of new flood-resilient housing land. “But timing just couldn’t align.”

The broader shift, she argued, is philosophical as much as physical. Disaster adaptation plans are now legislated. A new hazards-based State

Environmental Planning Policy is on the way.

Evacuation modelling is embedded in development decisions. Preparation is being recalibrated from “what was” to “what if”.

Historically, she said, Australia planned for past events. After 2022 — and with climate change reshaping flood baselines — that approach is no longer tenable.

“If it happened next week,” she said, “people would be far more ready than we were before.”

Ms Saffin said the experience of Cyclone Alfred in 2023 was evidence of progress: evacuations were ordered in advance, even though the worst did not materialise.

“We should always err on the side of caution,” Ms Saffin said. “It might have been inconvenient, but it was the right call — everyone got out safely, and the agencies were far more ready than in 2022.”

The Northern Rivers’ recovery now balances risk reduction with community resilience, combining early warnings, house-raising, retrofits, and buybacks to reduce exposure to future floods. “People are far more prepared, and

local knowledge is being incorporated into every decision,” Ms Saffin said.

“The 2022 flood taught us that you prepare not for what was, but for what could be.”

Yet questions remain.

Has Lismore become stronger — or simply smaller? Can a managed retreat remain voluntary and still meaningfully reduce risk? And what will the floodplain look like in 20 years?

Ms Saffin sees a trailblazer.

“How do you not only survive an inland tsunami, but prosper and lead the way?” she said. “That’s how I see Lismore’s future.”

The new CEO of the Reconstruction Authority, Kate Fitzgerald only took up the role last month, right at the pointy end of the reconstruction push.

She said the focus of the Reconstruction Authority is firmly on the work ahead, as we reach the four-year milestone of the floods.

“The year ahead is about accelerating the recovery progress of community — delivering projects, strengthening resilience and ensuring people can see and feel the results of

reconstruction,” she said.

“I would like to acknowledge that for some people the floods will feel like yesterday and for others it will feel like a lifetime ago.

“Our role at RA is to support our communities with where you are at in your recovery.”

Ms Fitzgerald said the anniversary was an opportunity to listen to communities, reflect, consolidate and move forward.

“As I meet with communities across the Northern Rivers, and more broadly across the state over the coming months, I intend to listen and consider how RA can continue to support communities in future emergencies,” she said.

“These lessons will shape significant improvements in how we plan and deliver for the future.

“We’re strengthening coordination, streamlining decision making, and focusing on clearer and compassionate communication, so communities can see more consistent and predictable progress.”

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more than repairing damage. It was restoring stability, confidence and a sense of safety and security for people whose lives were upended by disaster.

“This work matters because it is driving longterm resilience across the region,” Ms Fitzgerald said.

“This year we’re accelerating the removal of nearly 1000 high-risk homes through the buyback program, supporting 600 households with grants to raise or retrofit their properties, and moving ahead with the first land sales on higher ground sites.

“Alongside this, we’re advancing the next phase of serious mitigation and adaptation planning to better protect communities from future events.”

She said this step would build momentum and show reconstruction is not only progressing — it’s picking up pace and that RA is alongside communities doing this important work.

Four years on, recovery in the Northern Rivers is no longer about rescue boats and sandbags.

It is about risk reduction, resilience — and whether thriving on higher ground is possible after the water has rewritten the map.

Four years on from Australia’s biggest natural disaster

Kevin Hogan MP

This weekend marks four years since the floods of February 2022. Australia’s biggest natural disaster.

Important questions we need to ask. How many metres have been taken off the next flood? Do businesses in the CBD and industrial estates feel safer? Do people have

confidence to invest in our region? How much flood free land has been made available?

State and federal Governments promised new land and new housing. The Resilient Lands Program was established to unlock land, yet not one home has been built. Some examples:

• The Crawford Road site in East Lismore will have no new residents for

up to 2 more years.

• The North Lismore site will not have relocation homes for up to 2 more years.

• The Mount Pleasant Estate development in Goonellabah continues to be delayed. It will be close to six years after the disaster before a single home is delivered. The Reconstruction Authority

was established to speed up this process. If this is considered a quick process, then something is clearly wrong.

The buyback scheme has also failed. It’s moved half a street and left the other half there. How does that make the community any safer.

Flood mitigation is the only strategy that will deliver long-term safety and certainty for our

region. Yet to date there has been no meaningful engineering work done to reduce the level of the next flood.

Recovery has been driven overwhelmingly by local families, farmers and businesses who have poured their savings into rebuilding homes, reopening shops, restoring farms and getting people back to work.

We await the CSIRO

Flood Mitigation Report in June. Governments must commit to funding and delivering recommendations to take 2 metres off the next flood.

The federal and state Labor governments need to do better, in ensuring this region has a safer and prosperous future.

I can’t help but think if this disaster had been in Sydney, thing would be happening much quicker.

Buybacks — retreat by the numbers

By Tim Howard

The scale of retreat in the Northern Rivers is unprecedented in Australia.

Under the Resilient Homes Program, more than 1100 homes across NSW were approved for buyback, the majority in the Lismore LGA.

In Lismore alone, about 900 properties were deemed eligible for voluntary acquisition because they were in the highest flood-risk category.

Across the Northern Rivers region — including Ballina, Byron Bay and Richmond Valley — the program has also funded hundreds of house raisings

and retrofits, with more than 1,500 resilience measures approved statewide.

Flood Recovery Minister Janelle Saffin describes it as a once-in-a-generation shift in land use planning.

Critics say it has hollowed out neighbourhoods and shrunk the rental pool in

an already tight market. Supporters argue it is the only rational response to repeat flooding.

Four years on, most acquired homes have been demolished, relocated or are awaiting final site remediation. The longterm question is what replaces the communities that retreated.

Four years on, Lismore is stronger, safer and ready for the future

Four years after the catastrophic February 28, 2022 flood event, Lismore City Council says the city is rebuilding not only its physical infrastructure, but also the way disaster recovery is managed at every level of government.

In the aftermath of what has been widely described as Australia’s worst natural disaster, Council has restored major community facilities and embedded new systems designed to ensure stronger, more resilient responses to future events.

Mayor Steve Krieg said 133 flood restoration projects have now been completed, including the full restoration of the Lismore Memorial Baths, Lismore City Library and Lismore Regional Gallery. A further 142 projects are currently in active delivery.

“I know four years feels like a long time, and we still have significant work ahead of us,” Mayor Krieg said. “But if you reflect on the days immediately after 28 February 2022, when the waters receded and the scale of devastation became clear, you can appreciate the extraordinary effort that has gone into our recovery — from Council staff, State and Federal governments, local businesses and our community.”

Mayor Krieg said the scale of the disaster meant Lismore had little precedent to follow.

“We were the first community in NSW to experience a flood event of this magnitude. There was no existing template or roadmap in place. Much of the recovery framework had to be developed in real time,” he said.

He acknowledged that early stages of the response were slowed by administrative processes, but said Council staff relied on local expertise and practical knowledge to help shape improvements in disaster management.

“Our staff brought professionalism and local understanding to the table. That has helped inform changes to how governments respond to major disasters — not just here, but across the state.”

While recovery has involved collaboration across local, state and

federal levels, Council has taken a central leadership role. A dedicated recovery team was established to manage what has become the largest capital works program of any local council in New South Wales.

“We are a floodprone community. That reality means we must operate differently,”

Mayor Krieg said. “We have strengthened our procurement, governance and oversight systems so disaster response becomes embedded capability — not simply a short-term reaction.”

He said the reforms implemented in Lismore could serve as a model for other high-risk communities.

“Many areas across NSW face similar challenges. The standards

and mechanisms we are applying here have the potential to influence how flood-exposed infrastructure is planned and delivered well into the future.”

Since 2023, Lismore City Council has overseen a $1 billion, state and federally funded flood restoration portfolio covering 338 projects across water, roads and bridges, buildings, waste services and resilience infrastructure — the largest program of its kind managed by a local council in NSW.

At the four-year anniversary milestone:

• 133 flood restoration projects have been completed

• 142 projects are currently in active delivery

• 135 contracts have been executed

• $145 million in works are presently underway

• More than $200 million has flowed directly into local and regional businesses, supporting employment and broader economic recovery across the Northern Rivers

Key achievements to date include the early completion of a new landfill facility and the restoration of major community assets with upgraded resilience measures. These include the Lismore City Library, Lismore Memorial Baths, Lismore Municipal Building and Lismore Regional Gallery.

Eighty-two road restoration projects have been completed across the local government area, alongside major landslip stabilisation works on Nimbin Road and Woodlawn Road. Council has also delivered 10 new flood-resilient amenities blocks, urban drainage improvements, a Nimbin watermain renewal and the rollout of a fibre-optic network to strengthen wastewater pump station operations.

The $119 million Lismore Reconstruction Program contract was awarded on time and within budget, marking another milestone in the broader recovery effort.

Council leadership says a deliberate decision was made early on to build institutional capability alongside physical reconstruction.

Rather than treating the recovery as a temporary surge in activity, strengthened procurement processes, contract management frameworks, risk oversight systems and reporting standards have now been embedded into Council’s permanent operating model.

Executive Director Charlotte Foy said managing a recovery portfolio of this size required a step change in organisational maturity.

“The team recognised early that delivering a $1 billion program demanded a higher level of project governance and discipline,” Ms Foy said.

“Our enhanced procurement, reporting and assurance systems are now part of how Council operates day-to-day, not just during disaster recovery.”

She said this approach ensures funding is managed with transparency, accountability and longterm readiness.

Four years on, Lismore’s recovery is no longer defined solely by rebuilding damaged infrastructure. It reflects a broader transformation in how the city prepares for and manages risk. The message from Council is clear: Lismore is not just rebuilding — it is strengthening its foundations for the future.

Lismore is resilient. And Lismore is ready.

May

CBD rebuild — resilience or reinvention?

By Tim Howard

The Lismore CBD bore the brunt of the disaster, with floodwaters submerging shops, offices and community facilities.

More than 1000 businesses across the Northern Rivers were impacted in 2022, with Lismore the epicentre. Some never reopened. Others rebuilt at significant cost.

Recovery funding has flowed into streetscape upgrades, flood-resilient fit-outs and planning for future land use.

But business owners say insurance delays, rising construction costs and workforce shortages slowed momentum.

Member for Lismore and NSW Recovery Minister Janelle Saffin argues the rebuild presents an opportunity to “do things differently” — embedding resilience rather than restoring the status quo.

Four years on, vacancy rates have improved from the immediate aftermath, yet the CBD remains visibly changed. Whether that change amounts to renewal or contraction is still being written.

LEVEES V RETREAT — HAS THE DEBATE SHIFTED?

Before 2022, levees were often seen as the primary defence. After recordbreaking inundation, confdence was shaken.

The February 2022 food peaked at 14.4 metres at the Lismore gauge — around 2 metres higher than the previous 1974 record — overtopping the town’s levee system. More than 4000

homes were damaged in the Lismore LGA alone, with thousands rendered uninhabitable.

Since then, attention has turned to a mix of mitigation strategies: voluntary buybacks, house-raising, foodresilient design and upstream catchment management.

NSW Recovery Minister Janelle Safn says the lesson is that “no single measure is sufcient.”

Engineers are assessing levee upgrades, but wholesale reliance on barriers is no longer viewed as a complete solution.

The debate has not

disappeared — but it has matured. The question now is not levees or retreat, but how much of each.

POD VILLAGES — TEMPORARY, BUT FOR HOW LONG?

In the months after the disaster, temporary housing villages were erected across the Northern Rivers to house displaced residents.

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At their peak, the pod villages in Lismore and surrounding towns accommodated hundreds of people — many of them families who had lost everything.

Four years on, numbers have reduced signifcantly as buybacks settled and repairs were completed. But some residents remain, caught between insurance disputes, fnancial strain and a rental vacancy rate that has hovered around or below 1% in parts of the region.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority says the villages were always intended as transitional housing. Critics argue “temporary” has stretched uncomfortably long for some occupants.

The next phase is exit — ensuring remaining residents move into secure, permanent housing without simply shifting vulnerability elsewhere.

Ballina is fitness central on Northern Rivers

By Samantha Elley

It’s official! Lycra-lovers and workout warriors are prolific in Ballina.

The coastal town has officially been named fourth fittest city in NSW. This is thanks to a survey done by Net World Sports, international online retailer of sports equipment.

The data was analysed to determine the fittest and 'unfittest' cities based on various metrics.

By analysing the latest health data, activity levels, search trends and environmental factors, the study uncovers surprising results and stark differences between regions.

Anwen Davies, Gym & Fitness Expert and Personal Trainer at Net World Sports said Ballina was a standout in NSW as its performance was so balanced.

“It’s not necessarily topping every single category, but it’s doing consistently well across the board,” she said.

“Health outcomes are relatively solid, with just 8.8% reporting a longterm condition, which puts it ahead of a number of comparable regional centres.”

Anwen said the level of engagement in Ballina was particularly encouraging.

“We saw 15.4 diet and exercise searches per 1,000 people, 69% participation in sport and exercise, and an 8% increase in fitness interest over the past three years, suggesting there’s a strong community-driven fitness culture there,” she said.

“Ballina has a great opportunity to build on its strong fitness culture.

“With nearly 70% of locals already active,

the town could expand community events like fun runs, coastal walking challenges, and other fitness-related events to get even more people involved.

“There’s also potential to support beginners or older residents with tailored programs, turning that online interest and search activity into real-world participation.”

Mayor Sharon Cadwallader said the result reflected the lifestyle, environment and community spirit that defines the Ballina Shire.

“This is a fantastic achievement for our community. To be ranked fourth in NSW and 15th nationally is something Ballina can be incredibly proud of,” she said.

“It speaks to the active lifestyle our residents embrace — whether it’s walking our coastline,

paddling on the Richmond River, participating in local sport, or using our council park gym, it’s simply enjoying the outdoors.”

Cr Cadwallader said the Ballina Shire was fortunate to live so close to many lovely beaches and have access to cycleways,

parks and open spaces as a part of everyday life.

“Staying active here doesn’t feel like a chore — it’s woven into who we are as a community,” she said.

Cr Cadwallader said such recognition had the potential to further strengthen Ballina’s growing fitness culture.

“Acknowledgement like this creates momentum. It inspires pride, encourages participation and motivates people to become even more engaged in sport, recreation and community wellbeing,” she said.

“Council sees this as an opportunity to keep investing in infrastructure and programs that support healthy lifestyles for people of all ages and abilities.”

New Roof Secures Future for Tabulam Public Hall

The small village of Tabulam is celebrating a major milestone, with the completion of a significant upgrade to its historic public hall ensuring the much-loved facility will continue serving the community for decades to come.

The NSW Government has invested $86,174 through the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund to replace the ageing roof of the centuryold Tabulam Public Hall, located around 55 kilometres west of Casino in the Northern Rivers. The works included installing new roof battens, guttering and a full roof replacement

after deterioration began impacting water quality and threatening the building’s long-term viability.

Tabulam Public Hall plays a central role in village life. It hosts community markets, dances, celebrations and meetings, and serves as a critical emergency evacuation centre during bushfires, floods and other natural disasters.

Additional upgrades were delivered with support from Kyogle Council, which contributed funding for new stumps, a water storage tank, filtration system and improved drainage to further

strengthen the building’s resilience and usability.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said community halls are vital to regional towns, providing spaces for connection and support during times of need.

Minister for Recovery and the North Coast Janelle Saffin described the hall as the “beating heart” of Tabulam, noting its role in both the best and toughest times in the community’s history.

Chair of the Tabulam Public Hall Crown Reserve Land Manager, Dr Kevin Webb, said the funding represented the most significant upgrade in decades and secured the future of the facility. Without the improvements, he said, the hall may have faced closure.

The project builds on earlier upgrades following the 2019 bushfires and recent flood events, reinforcing the hall’s role as both a gathering place and emergency hub.

With the new roof in place, Tabulam Public Hall stands ready to continue bringing the community together — in celebration, in recovery and in times of need

Morning tea at Our House

By Samantha Elley

Late last year, The Northern Rivers Times reported on the efforts of Corliss Wagstaff and her neighbours from The Riverside Village, just outside Evans Head and how they raised just under $7,000 for local charity, Our House.

They had held a market stall on the village’s market day and it was well attended and well stocked.

“We thought we would get $50-$100 for raffling a basket,” Corliss had said.

“We ended up with a cheque to go to Our House for $6,786.”

Now, as a thank you from Our House, the team of ladies were invited out to see for themselves, what their fundraising went to.

They were given a tour and had morning tea with Our House Fundraising Coordinator and Lismore Citizen of the Year for 2026, Rebekka Battista.

“Eight of us managed to go and we had a beautiful spread,” said Corliss.

“We had a great chat to the manager and Becks

(Rebekka) and a tour.”

Watch this space, as Corliss is now working on another fundraising project

Valley nurse pioneers new treatment clinic model

By Tim Howard

A nurse-led health clinic that has treated more than 10,000 patients in its first year of operation in Maclean opened in Grafton on Monday, offering same-day care aimed at easing pressure on local GPs and emergency departments.

AveNüPlus Access

Health Clinic at 60 Prince Street opened for business this week, bringing what founder Hayley Hodgson describes as a new primary care model to the Clarence Valley.

Ms Hodgson, a registered nurse of 25 years and owner of Maclean Medical, said the clinic grew out of frustration at the difficulty families face accessing timely medical care in regional towns.

“If my children wake up sick in the morning, where do I go?” she said. “You ring the local GP and the books are weeks in advance.

“Your only other option is to go to the hospital and wait for hours. We wanted to create something that filled that gap.”

AveNüPlus is led by experienced nurse practitioners – registered nurses with advanced university training who are authorised to assess and diagnose conditions, order and interpret pathology and imaging, prescribe medications, develop treatment plans and refer patients to specialists.

Since changes in late 2024 allowed nurse practitioners to work

autonomously from doctors, Ms Hodgson said the model had proven highly effective.

Over a 12-month trial in Maclean, the walkin clinic saw more than 10,000 patients, many of whom would otherwise have presented to emergency departments.

“We keep detailed statistics,” she said.

“Around 80% of patients indicated they would have gone to the emergency department if we weren’t there.”

Based on average emergency department costs, Ms Hodgson estimated the Maclean service has saved the local hospital more than $2 million in a year.

If similar usage occurred in Grafton, she believes savings to Grafton Base Hospital could exceed $10 million annually.

Hospital administrators have noted overall emergency department presentation numbers have not fallen, but Ms Hodgson argues that without the clinic, growth

would have been higher.

“We’re not stopping the increase,” she said. “But if we can take even 5% of that pressure off, that’s still significant.”

She said the clinic treated minor illness and injury, chronic disease management, women’s and men’s health, paediatrics, wound care and support for NDIS and aged care patients. Services included suturing, iron infusions and chronic wound care.

Ms Hodgson said there are limits. Nurse practitioners cannot yet refer for CT or MRI scans and cannot provide workers’ compensation or Centrelink certificates.

However, she said they can manage “the majority of what GPs can do” within scope.

She said AveNüPlus was not an urgent care clinic, but occupied what Ms Hodgson describes as “the space in between” general practice and hospital emergency.

“In Lismore and Coffs there are urgent care clinics,” she said.

“We don’t have that within an hour’s drive of here. So this is about accessible, affordable, same-day care.”

The Maclean clinic recorded an average wait time of four minutes once patients were entered into the system. A team of enrolled nurses conducts initial assessments before handing over to the nurse practitioner, allowing the clinic to see between 40 and 80 patients a day.

Consultations were not bulk billed, but patients receive a Medicare rebate. The current fee was $60, with about half returned through Medicare, leaving an out-of-pocket cost of around $33.

Ms Hodgson said only a handful of patients had declined treatment due to cost.

“People are more likely to have $50 or $60 in their account than $100,” she said. “And when you put a dollar value on the time and stress saved, they’re happy to pay.”

She said the walk-in format had encouraged

more working-age men to seek care and had led to increased preventative health checks, including blood pressure monitoring and blood tests for patients who had not seen a doctor in years.

Ms Hodgson was at pains to stress the clinic is not intended to replace general practitioners.

“We’ve developed really good relationships with local GPs in Maclean,” she said. “They’re overrun. This helps take some of that load.”

Complex patients are referred back to GPs for ongoing management, and the clinic is working to establish referral pathways in Grafton.

“There’s no blowback,” she said. “GPs actually like the variety of cases, but the system doesn’t allow them the capacity to keep space free for on-theday presentations.”

The Grafton opening followed a three-week closure of the Maclean service while it rebranded and prepared the new site.

Ms Hodgson said the temporary shutdown highlighted the clinic’s

impact, with patients expressing anxiety about where to seek care.

She plans to expand to other regional centres, including Casino and Kempsey, and has identified up to 16 potential pilot sites nationally, focusing on rural towns.

The initiative has attracted professional attention.

Ms Hodgson was recently named Nurse of the Year by the Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association and has been invited to speak at Parliament later this year about expanding nurses’ roles in primary care.

She said the challenge now was securing funding to support nurse practitioner training and allow services to be expanded or bulk billed.

“There’s a huge nursing workforce ready to step up,” she said. “We just need the system to catch up.”

AveNüPlus Access Health Clinic opened on Monday and operates from 60 Prince St, Grafton as a walk-in service.

Councillor cleared of three alleged Code of Conduct breaches

By Tim Howard

An investigator (formerly a senior investigator for ICAC) has dismissed three Codes of Conduct allegations brought against a Clarence Valley councillor.

Cr Lynne Cairns (pictured) has released a statement after she was exonerated.

“I am very pleased that three recent Code of Conduct complaints against me have been dismissed.

Initially, two investigators were engaged to review and assess the unfounded allegations. One investigator was given two alleged Codes of Conduct complaints to review and the other investigator was given the other complaint.

Due to the duplication in the allegations in the three alleged Code of Conduct breaches,

the Office of Local Government intervened, and recommended one investigator assess all three of the allegations.

Finally, I was notified by the former senior ICAC investigator that further investigation of the three complaints would not lead to my conduct being found to be in breach of the Code.

I think it is reprehensible that, over the past eight months, three investigators were engaged to review and assess these unfounded complaints.

My husband and I have been subjected to considerable unnecessary worry, stress and personal expense over the past eight

months, while waiting for an outcome to these alleged Code of Conduct investigations. “

The energy consumed in addressing these Code of Conduct complaints has also adversely impacted my time and diverted attention away from my primary duties and responsibilities as an elected Councillor. However, I promise to continue to represent and advocate for the whole community to the best of my ability. I will strive to increase transparency and accountability while fostering genuine consultation and engagement, not only for those who voted for me, but for the whole

community. “

In my opinion, councillors and Council staff would be better placed focusing their efforts on more constructive matters and decisions and I ask them to think very carefully before making Code of Conduct complaints. “

I understand the time and costs involved in this process would be significant. Unfortunately, I can imagine the investigator’s legal fees would be costing thousands of dollars of ratepayers’ money, which, in my opinion, could have been avoided and would be better spent on more worthwhile community goals.”

Clancy heads to NCAT over release of Code of Conduct report

By Tim Howard Clarence Valley deputy

mayor Greg Clancy (pictured) is heading to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal next month in a bid to stop the release of an investigator’s report into a Code of Conduct complaint from the previous term of council. Cr Clancy has lodged an application with

the tribunal seeking to overturn a council staff decision to release the report under the Government Information (Public Access) Act. The report relates to a Code of Conduct investigation considered by the previous council. At the time, councillors voted 4–2 not to censure Cr Clancy after requesting further information from the investigator and receiving a response they deemed insufficient.

Following that decision, a councillor urged the Office of Local Government to pursue the matter further, but the agency declined to take action.

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More recently, another councillor lodged a GIPA request seeking access to the investigator’s report. Cr Clancy objected to its release and sought an internal review.

When staff maintained their decision to release the document, he complained to the Information and Privacy Commission NSW, which advised council to reconsider.

Council staff subsequently confirmed they would proceed with release, giving Cr Clancy 20 days to appeal — prompting his application to NCAT.

Speaking on Life FM radio last week, Cr Clancy

said he had “no choice” but to seek the tribunal’s intervention.

“I’ve got to be a bit careful because there’s confidentiality involved,” he said. “It’s to do with a Code of Conduct which was dismissed in a previous term, and a councillor has applied to make the investigator’s report public.”

He said his concern was that releasing the investigator’s report alone would present “only part of the story”.

“The report itself was rejected by the majority of council votes in th previous council term, and the Office of Local Government reviewed it and decided not to take any action,” he said.

“If anything was to be released to the public, it should be all of the information — not just the investigator’s report, which was found to be deficient.”

Cr Clancy said he was not at liberty to discuss the contents of the report, but

maintained that a number of claims contained within it were not substantiated.

“It’s just not fair to have that released. People might believe it,” he said. He noted that his solicitor’s response to the allegations and correspondence from the Office of Local Government would not form part of the material proposed for release.

“The point is that if the investigator’s report is released to the public, it’s only that report that’s released. It’s not my solicitor’s response to that or the official letter from the Office of Local Government. They’re all important factors in the whole story,” he said.

The matter has raised broader questions about the application of GIPA to confidential Code of Conduct investigations and whether similar reports would be released if requested.

The case is expected to be listed before NCAT in April.

Supporting regional arts, culture and creative industries

– by Janelle Saffin MP, Member for Lismore.

The Minns Government has launched HEARTLAND: A Plan for Regional NSW Arts, Culture and Creative Industries—the first strategy of its kind— backed by $5.2 million. It’s the result of extensive consultation around the state, including Lismore. Regional communities repeatedly emphasised how important arts and culture are for bringing people together, keeping young people connected to their towns, and helping communities recover from disasters like floods, fires and droughts.

There is a $2 million Regional Night-Time Economy pilot, supporting ten regional town business collectives to build stronger, more vibrant nighttime economies.

Around $3.2 million is being invested to build partnerships, strengthen investment and expand creative opportunities, including:

Partnerships Fund

• $500,000 to expand regional touring programs

• $1 million for the Regional NSW Strategic

• $400,000 to support First Nations arts and cultural practitioners

• Paid internships to build skills and career pathways

• Funding for producer roles to develop and deliver touring programs

• A First Nations Arts and Cultural Tourism Program

In other exciting arts news, the Minns Government is supporting the return of Groovin the Moo in 2026 with a oneoff event in Lismore on 9 May.

I’m always pushing for events in our region, so I’m delighted that the NSW Government, through Destination NSW, is providing major support to bring this much-loved festival back.

The line-up includes Denzel Curry (US), Matt Corby, Tones and I and Angus Stone’s solo project Dope Lemon among many others including home grown acts. Details at gtm. net.au

• Investment in capacity building for regional touring framework organisations, starting with Music in the Regions Eligible organisations can now apply for the Regional NSW Strategic Partnerships Program. This offers grants of up to $150,000 to deliver programs that strengthen the arts, culture and creative industries. Applications close 31 March at 2pm.

Lisa Flynn | Chief Legal Officer, Shine Lawyers

By Jeff Gibbs

As International Women’s Day approaches on March 8, one legal leader worth recognising is Lisa Flynn, Chief Legal Officer (pictured) at Shine Lawyers — a role she has grown into over 25 years with the national firm.

Based in Sawtell on the Coffs Coast, Ms Flynn began her career with Shine as a paralegal. Over the past quarter century she has risen through the ranks to oversee legal teams across Australia and New Zealand for a business that now employs almost 1,000 staff across 42 offices. The firm practises in areas including class actions, personal injury, dust disease, superannuation and disability insurance, and medical negligence. Today, her portfolio spans everything from complex class actions to

leadership of regional offices and globally recognised initiatives. She has played active roles in significant national inquiries, including the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse and the Royal Commission into Veteran Suicides —

work that has shaped legal and community responses to some of the country’s most confronting issues.

Despite the scope of her responsibilities, Ms Flynn describes success in measured, human terms.

“A successful day isn’t about how many things I’ve ticked off a list,”

she says. “It’s about whether the decisions I’ve made have helped move something forward in a way that’s fair, thoughtful and human.”

Her perspective reflects her belief that law is not simply technical or transactional. Particularly in plaintiff law, she says, the work is deeply personal. Clients often seek help at their most vulnerable moments. For Ms Flynn, professionalism does not require detachment.

“There’s an idea in law that strength comes from distance,” she explains. “I’ve never fully accepted that. Empathy and compassion are strengths, not weaknesses.”

Some of the most meaningful feedback she has received has come from survivors of child abuse she has represented. When clients say they felt believed or that the legal process helped

restore dignity, she says, it reinforces why the work matters.

If she could offer advice to her younger self on that first day 25 years ago, it would be simple: focus less on proving capability and more on being worthy of trust.

“This work is about honouring the trust people place in you — both clients and the people we lead,” she says.

Outside the courtroom and boardroom, Ms Flynn’s proudest achievement is her family.

A busy mother to Tully, Denver and Addison, she credits her children with keeping her grounded.

Weekends are often spent on sporting sidelines, while early mornings begin at sunrise, training on the beach as the sun rises over the ocean.

Living on the Coffs Coast, she says, provides perspective. “The ocean soothes the soul and reminds me to breathe.” For a leader responsible for guiding hundreds of legal professionals across two countries, there is no typical day. Yet one principle remains non-negotiable: staying connected — to people and to purpose.

“I feel privileged to lead an organisation whose purpose is to shine a light on injustice and make the world a better place — one client at a time,” she says.

On International Women’s Day, it is a purpose — and a career — that stands as a testament to steady leadership, compassion and enduring commitment.

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St Vincent’s Private Hospital Lismore to Introduce Advanced Robotic Surgical System

St Vincent’s Private Hospital Lismore will mark a significant milestone in regional healthcare this February when it becomes the first regional private hospital in New South Wales — and only the second hospital in Australia — to introduce the Medbot TOUMAI® Surgical Robotic System.

The installation of the advanced robotic platform represents a major step forward in surgical capability for the Northern Rivers, expanding access to minimally invasive procedures that previously required travel to metropolitan centres.

Hospital Chief Executive Officer Peter Fahey described the development as a transformative advancement for healthcare in the region.

“This represents an important step in delivering leading-edge surgical care locally,” Mr Fahey said. “Roboticassisted surgery supports safer procedures, quicker recovery times and improved clinical outcomes for our patients, allowing them to receive advanced treatment close to home.”

The TOUMAI® system will support a broad range of surgical specialties, including

urology, gynaecology, thoracic surgery and general surgery . These disciplines are expected to see increasing demand for robotic-assisted procedures as the technology becomes more widely adopted. Robotic-assisted surgery enhances surgical precision through high-definition, threedimensional visualisation and advanced instruments that replicate the natural movement of the human hand. The system filters tremor and allows refined control in complex procedures, particularly in confined anatomical spaces.

For patients, the benefits commonly associated with minimally invasive robotic surgery include smaller incisions, reduced pain and blood loss, lower complication rates, shorter hospital stays and a faster return to normal activities.

A key distinguishing

feature of the TOUMAI® platform is its integrated force-sensing capability, which enables surgeons to detect tissue resistance during procedures — a first for laparoscopic robotic systems. This tactile feedback provides an additional layer of safety and precision during delicate surgical work.

The system also

incorporates 5G-enabled telesurgery functionality, allowing selected procedures to be performed remotely by specialist surgeons where clinically appropriate. While such applications are carefully governed by clinical protocols, the capability reflects the

accuracy in orthopaedic joint replacement surgery. The addition of the TOUMAI® system further strengthens the hospital’s commitment to technological advancement and surgical excellence.

Importantly, the investment reinforces

on combining specialist expertise with modern technology to deliver highquality, patient-centred care.

evolving landscape of surgical innovation and connectivity.

St Vincent’s Private Hospital Lismore has an established history of adopting robotic technologies. In 2022, the hospital introduced the ROSA® Knee System, followed by the CORI® Surgical System, both designed to enhance

access to advanced healthcare for residents across the Northern Rivers. By expanding local capabilities, patients may avoid the financial, logistical and emotional burden of travelling to Sydney or other metropolitan centres for complex procedures.

Mr Fahey said the hospital remains focused

“By integrating stateof-the-art robotics with the skill and experience of our surgeons, we are enhancing safety, precision and outcomes for our community,” he said.

The introduction of the Medbot TOUMAI® Surgical Robotic System positions St Vincent’s Private Hospital Lismore at the forefront of regional surgical innovation, signalling a new era in advanced healthcare delivery for Northern New South Wales.

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TERMS and CONDITIONS:

“Leemo has views on just about anything”

‘PRE-DESTINED CO-INCIDENCE’

‘Good morning my lovely ‘Mum Jane’ what a ‘pouring with rain’ day it is – does this mean you won’t be able to do stuff in YOUR most higgledypiggledy awful garden? It is unquestionably obvious we shall have to fnd something else for you to do to-day. Wanna play Scrabble?’ (it’s ‘Leemo Cat back.) (I beyond doubt, got the undeniable look from hell which could only come from a crabby old woman. Hmmm!? She responded. ‘Leems, I am NOT playing scrabble with you ‘cos you make up your own words (aka cheating) & then try to tell me they are proper feline words “I” would not understand. Comprende? Scrabble words, the way I play it, are in ENGLISH Leems, so, N , m not playing Scrabble with you - so there! Oh deary me & crikey. I shall ponder for a bit. ‘OK Mum, what about word games? I’m interested in that word ‘Co-Incidence’ & have questions for you: are you ready? (a look of ‘mild’ interest crossed her pruney face & I got a nod for my question) ‘Mum, was it a CoIncidence you found & bought me home with you from ‘Lucinda’s Cat Shelter’ under Woolies at Centro years ago or were you STALKING me? Stalking is a crime Mum: did you KNOW this when you came by every DAY and stared at me?’ Her eyes rolled sideways & upwards followed by a loud voice. ‘Leems, might I

tell you that the reason I went to Woolies that RT L R day was to purchase a yummy HOT COOKED CHOOK. I didn’t get my chook but instead came home with a recalcitrant small black kitten. YOU! Do you recall our ‘preadoption’ interview Leems, when I told you I was investigating the ‘negative’ & ‘positive’ outcomes of having another kitten in my life I asked you if you could talk? I went on to explain that lived alone and decided having someone to talk to would be nifty –specially a small black furry ‘someone’ cat who I could lock away if I didn’t WANT to talk?’ I noted your 6 brothers & sisters had already been adopted & you were alone so adopting you was a nobrainer.’ Co-Incidence maybe? Crikey, it was then I was so close to calling for Lucinda to cancel me from the adoption list rather than go home with someone like this most strange person in front of me wearing garden clothes, dreadful hat & arry otter lasses. Aaargh! Too late – I was adopted & named ‘Leemo’. Thereby hangs a tale of pre-destined Co-Incidence. Me & ‘Mum Jane’ have coexisted for many years now:sometimes in chaos thanks to her but mostly in purry loving goodwill & companionship. I’ve learned many words over these years like ‘Yes, NO, aul, ite, Scratch, Treats. Litter ox, T, Treats, MORE, at N , uddies, ollar, laws, Wail, Fur, Rugs (for spitting on), Grass, urr, NO, aul, ail, ite, Treats, rush, owl, MORE, Cat-Nip, Fancy Feast, Fur urr. Not bad huh – are you proud of me Mum?’ I got THE LOOK!! Hmmmm! Then I got the HUG, PATS & PURRS! Nifty Nitey, Leemo.

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

HALL FEES ARE HALLMARK COMMUNITY

The story about Clarence Valley Council reviewing hall fees hit a nerve. When a hall committee says eight regular user groups have folded, that’s not a “small” issue — it’s community life quietly switching off. Yoga classes, men’s circles, mothers’ groups, U3A… these are the glue that keeps people connected, especially in smaller villages where loneliness creeps in fast.

I’m glad councillors backed a report and looked at creating a proper community beneft not for proft category. ut please don’t let this get buried in paperwork. If the bond is the barrier, fx the bond. f defnitions are wrong, tidy them up quickly. A community hall isn’t a function centre. It’s where people fnd their people. rice them out, and you’ll pay for it later in other ways.

J. McKenzie, Wooloweyah

COUNCIL: STOP NICKEL-AND-DIMING VOLUNTEERS

Reading about the hall fee blow-up, I kept thinking: how did we get to the point where volunteerrun groups are treated like commercial hirers? If councils want “resilience” and “connectedness”, they have to stop charging communities as if they’re running a ticketed arena tour.

I support Cr Cairns pushing this. And I hope staff look at real-world impacts, not just spreadsheets. When groups fold, you don’t just lose a class — you lose the informal support network that catches people when life gets rough. Councillors arguing defnitions might be right in theory, but the outcome is the same: people are walking

away. Make it simple. A genuine community group should pay a community rate and a fair bond — not something that scares them off before they even unlock the door.

T. O’Rourke, Maclean

HALLS AREN’T LUXURY — THEY’RE ESSENTIAL

As a retiree, I’ve watched small halls keep towns alive. They host meetings, exercise groups, craft circles, and those little get-togethers that stop people falling into isolation. The report that Wooloweyah lost eight user groups after fee changes is heartbreaking — and completely avoidable. I don’t mind paying a reasonable hire fee. ut when mandatory bonds and rising charges push people out, it becomes penny wise and pound foolish. You save a little on the books and lose a lot in wellbeing and connection.

I’m pleased council voted to review the structure. lease don t wait months and months. Every week a hall sits quiet is another week people miss their routine, their friends, their reason to get out. Community should be the point of local government.

S. Hart, Grafton

COUNTBACK SHOULD NOT BE A DIRTY WORD

On r sren ugh resigning — good on him for stepping aside before the cut-off to avoid an expensive by election. olitics costs enough already. If countback is the lawful system, use it, and use it confdently.

That said, I do hope whoever comes in understands the job is bigger than council chambers. angalow is only one part of the Shire, and there are plenty of communities who feel overlooked when debates become too inward-looking. r ugh s legacy sounds mixed but meaningful Rail Trail support and Aboriginal housing on Country are substantial issues. You don’t have to agree with every decision to acknowledge real work. I’d rather see honest exits li e this than councillors clinging on while they’re too busy to represent anyone properly.

K. Dwyer, Bangalow

BYRON NEEDS STABILITY, NOT ANOTHER RESET

Councillor resignations always feel like a fresh wobble in a council already known for drama. I understand “business and project commitments” — life is busy — but the community deserves steady representation, not constant churn.

The article notes a replacement will come via countbac . Fine. ut the bigger question is whether yron Shire can lift the tone and focus on delivery: roads, services, planning, housing pressures, and all the everyday headaches locals are living with.

hope the next councillor steps in ready to work across differences. Too often, people pick a side and dig in. We need less theatre and more outcomes. Than s to r ugh for serving, but now let’s see the council settle down and

get on with it.

M. Singh, Mullumbimby

THANK YOU FOR SERVING — NOW PICK A STRONG REPLACEMENT

I appreciated the respectful tone around r ugh s resignation and the Mayor’s acknowledgement of his contribution. Local government can be brutal, and people forget councillors are humans with families and careers too.

Still, yron Shire doesn t need a placeholder. It needs someone prepared to read the briefs, front up to angry meetings, and keep pushing for practical wins. Whether you loved or loathed the Rail Trail debate, it shows the Shire can get stuck in endless loops.

So here’s my plea: whoever comes in via countback, please start by listening. Not just to loud voices, but to small business owners, renters, young families, and older residents who are feeling priced out and squeezed. Representation isn’t a title — it’s a daily job.

A. Collins, Byron Bay

MAYOR VOTE: DON’T CHEAP OUT ON DEMOCRACY

Clarence Valley Council looking at how the mayor is elected is worth discussing — but the “robo call” idea sounds like a shortcut masquerading as consultation. If the report itself warns about high non-response rates and unrepresentative results, why even firt with it

If council is serious, it should use engagement methods that reach more than the usual loud . op up stalls, online surveys promoted properly, targeted outreach to villages, and community sessions that aren’t run like a lecture. lso, the ris of extra election costs if a popularly elected mayor steps down is real — and deserves plain-English explanation. ut the answer isn’t “do nothing forever.” It’s “do it properly.” Decisions about how leadership is chosen should be built on trust, not bargain-basement polling.

R. Bennett, Yamba

ROBOCALLS? NO THANKS — TALK TO US LIKE ADULTS

The mayor election debate made me laugh, then groan.

A robocall asking me to “press 1 for yes, press 2 for no” is not democracy — it’s a telemarketer with a council logo.

If councillors genuinely want to know what residents think, come out and ask. Visit halls, markets, local events. ut information in front of people and let them question it. The “representative sample” problem is real, but robocalls won t fx it. They ll just guarantee the most annoyed people respond while everyone else hangs up. Whether we keep the current mayor system or move to popular election, the process matters. If you start with dodgy consultation, you’ll end with a result no one trusts.

L. Fraser, Ulmarra

ELEMENTS OF BYRON:

A DECADE IS A BIG

DEAL

The ten-year milestone for lements of yron is one of those rare feel-good business stories that also says something bigger about the region. Love it or not, tourism keeps a lot of locals employed, and it’s notable to see talk of conservation zoning, solar investment, and donations through the Flannery Foundation. eople often paint luxury resort” as a dirty phrase, but the details here show an attempt to do it responsibly: a small building footprint across the property, signifcant conservation areas, and major solar work to cut power bills. That’s the sort of approach we should be encouraging, especially with energy costs biting everyone.

Here’s to another decade — and to local suppliers getting a fair go along the way.

D. Marshall, Suffolk Park

TOURISM SUCCESS — BUT KEEP BYRON BYRON

Happy birthday to Elements of yron ten years is impressive. ut do want to add a gentle caution: success should never turn into “more and more at any cost.” yron s magic is fragile. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. The article mentions conservation zoning and a small footprint, which is great. I’d love to see more businesses publicly committing to protecting the very environment visitors come to enjoy. And if a resort is one of the biggest non-government employers, it carries a responsibility: fair wages, good conditions, and meaningful local partnerships, not just marketing.

Celebrate the milestone, absolutely. Just keep one eye on the long game — community access, environmental protection, and the character of the place that drew people here in the frst place.

P. Keegan, Ewingsdale

CIVIC EVENTS AREN’T “WARM AND FUZZY” — THEY’RE COMMUNITY

The debate over a civic events committee in Clarence alley is exactly the ind of issue people dismiss until it disappears. Christmas trees, Australia Day, Anzac commemorations — yes, they can become political footballs. ut they re also the moments when towns breathe together. Cr Yager’s point about coordination is fair. Volunteer burnout is real. Events don’t run on goodwill alone anymore; they need planning, compliance, insurance, and sometimes professional support. If council can help without smothering the grassroots spirit, that’s a win. ut please: don t ma e events “predictable, generic, boring.” Let each town keep its favour. Support doesn t have to mean control. A good committee would empower locals, not replace them.

G. Phillips, Grafton

STOP CALLING IT A CULTURE WAR AND START MAKING IT WORK

I rolled my eyes at the phrase “culture war” because it becomes a distraction. The

real question is practical: do we want civic events to thrive, and if so, how do we share the load fairly?

Councillors worried about costs are doing their job.

But councillors who think celebrations are an optional extra are missing the point. Community identity doesn’t come from rates notices. It comes from turning up, pitching in, and seeing your neighbours in a positive setting.

A report is a sensible frst step. Now make sure the report includes what small towns actually need: support with safety plans, grants, promotion, volunteer recruitment, and maybe a pool of equipment that can travel. If council does this right, it won’t be a “paper exercise.” It’ll be a community boost.

E. Nolan, Maclean

CIVIC PRIDE NEEDS BACKING — BUT DON’T FORGET THE BASICS

I’m torn on the civic events committee idea.

I love festivals and commemorations, and I agree they help social cohesion. But locals also want roads fxed, drains working, and service delivery done well.

So my suggestion is simple: if council wants to support civic events, set clear limits.

A small budget, transparent grants, and practical support that reduces red tape for volunteers. Don’t build a bureaucracy that eats itself. If the committee can help towns run better events without swallowing local favour, brilliant. If it becomes another layer of meetings and minutes, people will switch off. Keep it lean, consult widely, and measure success by participation — not paperwork.

N. Wallace, Lawrence

PUT THE “LOCAL” BACK IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT

After reading the hall fees story and the civic events debate, the theme is obvious: councils can either nurture community life or price it out and manage it to death. When halls become unaffordable, groups fold. When events become too hard, volunteers burn out. Then everyone wonders why people feel isolated, why towns feel fat, why

community spirit “isn’t what it used to be.”

Local government has a choice: treat community connection as essential infrastructure, or treat it as a luxury line item. I’m not asking for freworks every weekend. I’m asking for fairness — affordable halls, sensible bonds, and smart support for the events that keep people connected. If councils can fnd money for endless “reviews,” they can fnd ways to keep communities alive.

C. Donovan, Iluka

GROOVE IS GOOD NEWS

Groovin’ the Moo returning to Lismore is a real boost.

After tough years, this signals confdence in the city again. Making it family friendly and more sustainable is smart. If the crowd reaches 15,000plus, local businesses will feel the beneft.

Here’s hoping the lineup delivers — Lismore deserves a win.

D. Reynolds, Goonellabah

KINGS FOREST NEEDS INFRASTRUCTURE TOO

Kings Forest sounds exciting, and it’s great to see families settling in. A well-planned community with parks and paths is appealing.

But with 11,000 residents planned, infrastructure must keep up. Roads, schools and services can’t lag behind growth.

Get that balance right and it could be a strong addition to the Tweed Coast.

L. Harding, Casuarina

CONFIDENCE RETURNING

The return of Groovin’ the Moo and the steady sales at Kings Forest both show renewed confdence in our region.

One story is about cultural revival. The other is about long-term growth.

Managed well, both could strengthen the Northern Rivers — economically and socially.

R. Mitchell, Tweed Heads South

A LIFE WORTH CELEBRATING

What a beautiful tribute to Samuel “Sam” Darke. At 93, to be honoured not

just for military service but for decades of community contribution is something special.

Standing near the Totem 1 atomic test as a young RAAF serviceman is an extraordinary part of Australian history. That he later returned to South Grafton, built a business, helped establish the Vintage Motor Vehicle Club, and remained active into his 90s says everything about resilience and character.

The vintage car display at Jabour Park was more than a celebration of vehicles — it was a celebration of a life well lived.

C. Whitton, South Grafton

HONOURING SERVICE — EVEN DECADES LATER

Sam Darke’s story is a reminder that recognition can sometimes come late, but it still matters. Receiving the Nuclear Test Medal in 2024, decades after his involvement in the 1953 Totem 1 test, shows how long some veterans have waited for acknowledgment. I was particularly moved by the Whiddon “More to Me” campaign connection. Too often older Australians are reduced to a number rather than seen as individuals with remarkable stories. Sam’s life — from RAAF serviceman to businessman and vintage car enthusiast — proves that point powerfully. Grafton should be proud.

H. Lawson, Junction Hill

ENCOURAGE OR FORCE? CLASSIC LEEMO

Leemo’s debate about “encourage” versus “force” was vintage Buddies Inc. chaos at its best. Only Leemo could turn a simple cinema request into a full constitutional summit under the Cone of Silence.

The exchanges between Fluffy Bum, Pasqualie and Brutus were hilarious, but there was a surprisingly clever message tucked underneath the comedy. Mum Jane’s reminder that the two words can blur before you realise it was spot on — for humans as well as cats.

Also, the idea of a feline 3am choir performance had me laughing out loud. Keep the treats coming —

and maybe let Leemo see the modern version next time.

S. Whitaker, Ballina

MUM JANE STEALS THE SHOW

As much as I enjoy Leemo’s presidential speeches and self-appointed leadership of Buddies Inc., this week belonged to Mum Jane. Her calm interruption and simple wisdom about kindness and letting go of past issues cut through the theatrical debate beautifully.

The popcorn-and-1962Wuthering-Heights twist was the perfect ending. Leemo plotting cinema glory only to be handed a vintage home screening instead — priceless. The column is light-hearted, but it often slips in a gentle lesson. Encourage or force? Perhaps the answer is somewhere in between — preferably with treats.

R. Collins, Lismore

MORE THAN JUST A CAR SHOW

The images of Sam sitting proudly in his vintage cars were heartwarming. But this event wasn’t really about the cars. It was about community gratitude.

To gather friends, family and club members at Jabour Park to honour a founding member speaks volumes about the Grafton Vintage Motor Vehicle Club. Sam’s contribution clearly went far beyond turning spanners — it shaped a community group that still thrives.

In a time when people often focus on what divides us, this story focused on what binds us: respect, service, friendship and history.

Well done to everyone involved in making it happen.

M. Doyle, Ulmarra SECURITY FIRST — BUT KEEP PERSPECTIVE

Tim Howard is right about SECURITY FIRST — BUT KEEP PERSPECTIVE

Tim Howard is right about one thing: panic rarely produces good policy. However, many Australians are uneasy for understandable reasons. These women chose to associate with a terrorist organisation. That fact cannot be brushed aside in the name of proportion.

National security agencies must lead this process, not political theatrics. If

Chaos theory…

by Nigel Dawe

IT would’ve had to do with choosing a subject that didn’t clash with footy practice or something I wanted to watch on tv, but I once took a subject at uni called Chaos and Complexity. What I couldn’t have imagined was how lasting the impact of dipping my big toe into that line of study would be. “Chaos is merely a transitional phase between one level of order and the next,” is a piece of bottled lightning I picked up in that period, and it’s one that has stayed with me ever since.

Many times over the years, repeating the above mantra-like definition has given me the clarity, if not the confidence to just proceed in what might otherwise seem unsurpassable chaos, albeit confusion – which is quite often, simply one and the same thing. Or as George Santayana once so aptly said, “Chaos is a name for any order that produces confusion in our minds.”

Interestingly, our modern-day concept for chaos is derived from the ancient Greek word ‘khaos’, which meant ‘abyss, emptiness, or vast void.’ In Greek mythology it was even said to be the first being to exist, and was also believed to have been the foundation of all reality. Quite futuristically, thinkers like Aristophanes and particularly Anaximander linked the notion to that of ‘apeiron’, which was thought to be the divine and perpetual substance that formed the permanent base of all things.

Whatever it is, or isn’t –chaos is a concept, if not a full-blown phenomenon that drifts, lifts and sometimes deeply afflicts our sense of equilibrium in both ourselves and our surrounds. It can be a blessing just as much as it can be a curse: ever the ultimate of a two very different sided coin. As if alluding to this facet of inter-connection between order and chaos, Douglas Hofstadter once noted, “It turns out that an eerie type of chaos can lurk just behind a façade of order – and yet, deep inside the chaos lurks an even eerier type of order.”

Perhaps the French artist Paul Cezanne said it best and most definitively when he once suggested, “We live in a rainbow of chaos.” And if not chaos, then complexity – a complexity that can leave us in the dark if we don’t develop our competencies to ‘make sense’, or simply deal with that which we encounter on a daily basis. Or maybe it’s just a simple case that: “We adore chaos because we love to produce order,” as Cezanne’s fellow artist, M.C. Escher once reflected.

Seemingly those from the most creative circles have fathomed the concept of chaos in such a way the rest of us might gain a better understanding as to what it is, or how it can at least be put to more constructive use. As such, the novelist Henry Miller once said, “Chaos is the score upon which reality is written.” Not to mention all that remains unwritten, if not still to be written, by those with the clear urge and talent to make their contributions count.

The worst nightmare is when you are awake

Title: The Long Night

Author: Christian White

Price: $25.75

Distributor: Booktopia

Here is another thriller by Christian White.

Be warned, if you have an early morning deadline, you will find this book very hard to put down if you are in the habit of reading before bedtime.

Also, it could be the stuff of nightmares. It starts out with Em going on a date, despite her preference for a quiet life in a small town.

Her night is shattered, however, when a masked man kidnaps her and takes her away to a mystery place.

Jodie is a well-known artist who is holding a show of her latest work, but she suddenly gets news that her daughter has been kidnapped.

Both women have to

ASIO assesses the risk as manageable, then manage it properly — secure housing, monitoring, prosecution where necessary. We can be frm without being hysterical. Security comes frst, but it must be grounded in evidence, not slogans.

P. Wallace, Ballina

THE CHILDREN ARE NOT SYMBOLS

Whatever people think about the adult women involved, the 23 children mentioned in the article did not choose their circumstances. That should be the starting point of the debate.

For too long, politics has treated complex human situations as campaign material. The piece correctly highlights how fear of “the other” repeats throughout Australian history. We have seen it with Chinese miners, post-war migrants, and Vietnamese refugees. Protect the community, yes. But also protect the innocent children caught in this situation. If we lose sight of that, we lose something far more important than a political argument.

J. Saunder, Lismore

POLITICS LOVES A SCAPEGOAT

The article raises an uncomfortable truth: small groups often become lightning rods for broader anxieties. Eleven women and 23 children are hardly an invasion, yet the debate suggests a national emergency.

OPTICS MATTER IN A COST-OF-LIVING CRISIS

Regarding the decision to waive the conference accommodation invoices, I understand the technical argument that the policy may have been outdated and tied to old ATO guidance. Process matters, and if staff applied the rules correctly, then a review is appropriate.

However, Cr Novak’s point about “optics” cannot be dismissed lightly. During a cost-of-living crisis, even a few hundred dollars can feel signifcant to ratepayers who are tightening their belts. The amounts involved may not be large in a council budget context, but symbolism counts in public life.

Councillors are elected to lead by example. Travelling 30 minutes to a conference venue does not seem unreasonable to many who commute further every day for work.

A policy review is sensible. But public confdence depends as much on perception as procedure.

R. Matthews, Yamba

GRASSROOTS SPORT DESERVES SUPPORT

It was great to see North Coast Road Racers launching their 2026 season at Mountain View. Grassroots sport often fies under the radar, yet it builds discipline, skill and community — especially for young riders.

Reading that almost 18,000 cases required advocacy support in just one quarter is not just concerning — it is infuriating. More than 100 days after the new Aged Care Act took effect, older Australians are still facing lengthy assessment delays, rising costs, billing confusion and the removal of cottage respite.

How is this acceptable?

These are people who built this country. Now they are left navigating algorithm-based decisions, complex hardship applications and invoices that arrive months late.

Meanwhile, politicians talk about dignity and Statements of Rights.

If the Support at Home program is failing the very people it was designed to help, then urgent funding and reform should not be optional — it should be immediate.

Older Australians deserve stability, not bureaucratic chaos.

Enough talk. Fix it.

M. O’Connor, Woolgoolga

THE IMAGE SAYS IT ALL

The photograph alongside the Support at Home story says more than any press release ever could. An elderly couple sitting in visible distress beside a suited Prime Minister perfectly captures the gap between political messaging and lived reality.

years. Enough statements. Enough process reviews. Restore respite. Fix assessment delays. Simplify hardship applications. And stop hiding behind reforms that clearly are not working on the ground.

Older Australians deserve more than sympathetic photos.

K. Harrison, Mullumbimby

COMFORT FOOD WITH CHARACTER

The Creamy French Onion Chicken Pasta Bake had me laughing before I even preheated the oven. Describing onions as “drama queens” going through low-and-slow therapy was brilliant.

Humour aside, the recipe is genuinely solid. Chicken thighs, caramelised onions, cream and stock — that’s a favour combination that rarely disappoints. The reminder not to rush the onions is exactly right. That’s where the depth happens. It’s nice to see a practical, achievable midweek meal presented with personality. Cooking should be enjoyable, not intimidating. This one ticks both boxes.

A. McLean, Alstonville

DESSERT WITH ZERO APOLOGIES

use their wits to find out what is going on and why. Will either of them make it through this long, dramatic, terrifying night?

Australian author Christian White is fast becoming known for his mastery of suspense and surprise.

He is also a screenwriter and his work includes Relic, Clickbait and many others still in the pipeline.

His debut novel The Nowhere Child was one of Australia’s bestselling debut novels ever. He has also written The Wife and the Widow, Wild Place and The Ledge.

We wait with bated breath for his next offering to the Australian reading public. You can buy a copy of The Long Night at booktopia.com.au

Of course, the government would face backlash if something went wrong. That’s the reality of politics. But governing by “what if” scenarios can lead to disproportionate responses that create more division than safety.

Australia has managed diffcult immigration chapters before. The answer has never been outrage — it has been measured law enforcement and steady administration.

M. Doyle, Grafton

The fact that juniors and seniors can share a safe, technical circuit and reconnect before competition begins shows the strength of the club structure. Events like this also bring spectators and visitors into the region, which benefts local businesses.

Clubs that provide pathways for newcomers while fostering competitive development deserve encouragement. If you want to see passion in action, head trackside in March.

T. Bennett, Grafton

OUR ELDERLY ARE NOT A BUDGET LINE ITEM

We are told dignity and respect are embedded in the new Aged Care Act.

Yet 18,000 advocacy cases in a single quarter suggest confusion, delays and rising costs are overwhelming older Australians. Assessment wait times “show no sign of abating.” Cottage respite has been removed. Invoices arrive months late. And families are left scrambling.

The image of that couple — worried, tired, uncertain — should shame policymakers into action. These are not abstract statistics. They are people who worked, paid taxes and raised families. They should not be battling bureaucracy in their fnal

The Choc Mint Rocky Road Cheesecake is not pretending to be health food — and I respect that. “Slice generously. Regret nothing.” That line alone deserves applause.

Peppermint, dark chocolate, marshmallows and biscuit pieces folded into cheesecake? It’s indulgent, yes, but sometimes that’s exactly the point. The method is simple enough that even occasional bakers could attempt it without panic. The photo made it impossible to ignore. Rich, dramatic and unapologetic — just like the description promised.

T. Gallagher, Dunoon

Jeff Gibbs

ENTERTAINMENT

March

5, 2026

EPIC: ELVIS PRESLEY IN CONCERT

More than four decades after his passing, Elvis Presley returns to the big screen in EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert (2025) — a cinematic concert experience that blends restored archival footage, cutting-edge digital enhancement and immersive sound design. Rather than a traditional biopic, EPiC is presented as a feature-length event film, designed to make audiences feel as though they are sitting front row during the King’s electrifying Vegas years. Directed by veteran concert filmmaker Paul Dugdale, the film leans heavily into spectacle while respecting the authenticity of Presley’s original performances. Dugdale avoids gimmickry. Instead, he focuses on remastering 1970s concert footage with remarkable clarity, pairing it with modern surround sound mixes that bring the TCB Band roaring back to life. The Concept and Structure EPiC is structured as a curated live show. It draws primarily from Presley’s Las Vegas residencies and major touring years between 1969 and 1977. The film opens with the iconic “Also Sprach Zarathustra” fanfare, building anticipation before Elvis bursts onto the stage in a white jumpsuit, commanding the room with that unmistakable grin.

Classic performances of “Suspicious Minds,” “Burning Love,” “Can’t Help

Falling in Love,” and “An American Trilogy” anchor the setlist. Between songs, the film incorporates brief behind-thescenes snippets, rehearsal audio and candid stage banter, giving viewers a glimpse of the man behind the legend. However, the emphasis remains squarely on the music.

Performance and Presence

Though assembled from archival material, Presley’s charisma feels immediate and alive. The camera lingers on his facial expressions, the playful interactions with fans, and the vocal power that defined his later career. His voice, deepened and matured from his 1950s beginnings, soars with gospel-inflected strength.

The TCB Band — featuring longtime collaborators — receives well-deserved spotlight moments, while backing vocalists provide the lush harmonies that characterised Elvis’s Vegas era. The editing ensures the pacing never drags; instead, the film builds like a live arena show, culminating in a rousing encore.

Visuals and Technology

Where EPiC truly stands out is in its restoration quality. Grainy footage has been meticulously enhanced without losing its analogue warmth. Lighting flares shimmer, rhinestones sparkle and the crowd’s energy becomes almost tangible. Select sequences reportedly utilise subtle visual stitching techniques to create smoother transitions between

SPECIAL SCREENINGS

AURORA: WHAT HAPPENED TO THE EARTH? CTC Sat: 3:00PM

COLOURS OF TIME (M

FRENCH FF OPENING! Fri: 6pm arrival, 6:30PM screening

OLD BOY MA15+ CULT VAULT Mon: 6:30PM

REMINDERS OF HIM (CTC Wed: 8:30PM

THOM YORKE LIVE AT SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE (CTC) Fri: 6:15PM

FAMILY FILMS

GOAT PG

SNEAK PREVIEWS Fri: 1:00PM, 4:30PM. Sat, Sun: 10:45AM, 1:20PM

ZOOTOPIA 2 PG) Thurs, Fri: 11:10AM. Sat, Sun: 10:45AM

performances, giving the illusion of a single, seamless concert night. Importantly, the production resists the temptation to create a full digital avatar. What audiences see is Elvis himself — restored, not recreated. That choice grounds the film in authenticity.

Interesting Facts

• The film coincided with the continued global interest in Presley following renewed biographical projects earlier in the decade.

• Audio engineers spent months isolating and rebalancing original multitrack recordings for cinemaquality sound.

• EPiC received limited theatrical engagements worldwide before moving to premium streaming platforms.

• Several rare performance angles appear for the first time in this release.

Final Verdict

EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert is less about nostalgia and more about celebration. It reminds audiences why Elvis remains a towering cultural figure. For lifelong fans, it is a thrilling return to form. For younger viewers, it offers a powerful introduction to the artistry and magnetism that earned him the title “The King.”

It may not provide new narrative insight into Presley’s life, but as a concert experience, it succeeds spectacularly.

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

ALL FILMS

CRIME 101 (M) Daily except Thurs, Fri: 1:00PM, 8:30PM. Thurs: 2:30PM, 5:15PM. Fri: 2:30PM, 8:10PM

EPIC: ELVIS PRESLEY IN CONCERT PG Thurs, Fri, Mon: 11:00AM, 2:00PM, 6:10PM. Sat, Sun: 2:00PM, 6:10PM. Tues, Wed: 11:00AM, 1:30PM, 6:10PM FACKHAM HALL (M Daily: 11:00AM HAMNET M) Thurs: 1:30PM, 4:10PM. Fri: 1:30PM. Sat, Sun, Mon: 8:20PM. Tues, Wed: 3:30PM, 8:20PM

HOW TO MAKE A KILLING (M NFT Daily: 11:10AM, 3:50PM, 8:30PM MARTY SUPREME (M Thurs: 11:30AM, 8:00PM. Fri: 11:30AM, 5:30PM. Sat, Sun: 3:30PM, 5:30PM.

Mon, Tues, Wed: 5:30PM MIDWINTER BREAK M) NFT Thurs: 11:00AM, 1:10PM, 4:10PM, 6:20PM. Fri: 10:45AM, 4:10PM, 6:20PM. Sat, Sun: 1:00PM, 4:10PM, 6:30PM. Mon: 11:00AM, 1:10PM, 4:10PM. Tues, Wed: 11:00AM, 1:10PM, 6:20PM PEAKY BLINDERS: THE IMMORTAL MAN MA15+ NFT Daily: 1:10PM, 3:30PM, 6:00PM PILLION (R18+) Thurs: 10:50AM, 8:20PM. Fri: 10:45AM, 8:20PM. Sun: 3:00PM. Mon, Tues, Wed: 10:50AM SCREAM 7 MA15+ Thurs, Fri, Tues: 3:10PM, 8:20PM. Sat, Sun: 8:30PM. Mon: 3:10PM, 8:45PM. Wed: 3:10PM THE BRIDE! (CTC NFT

TRUE SOUTH M) NFT Daily except Sat, Sun: 2:00PM. Sat, Sun: 1:40PM WUTHERING HEIGHTS M) Thurs: 11:10AM, 1:00PM, 3:45PM, 6:45PM, 8:15PM. Fri: 11:10AM, 12:40PM, 3:20PM, 6:45PM, 8:15PM. Sat, Sun, Mon: 11:10AM, 3:45PM, 6:30PM, 8:15PM. Tues, Wed: 10:45AM, 3:45PM, 6:30PM, 8:15PM

Daily except Sat, Sun: 1:10PM, 3:45PM, 6:00PM, 8:30PM. Sat, Sun: 10:45AM, 3:30PM, 6:10PM, 8:40PM THE MOMENT (MA15+) NFT Thurs, Fri: 1:30PM, 3:45PM, 6:15PM, 8:30PM. Sat, Sun: 11:20AM, 1:30PM, 6:15PM. Mon, Tues, Wed: 1:30PM, 3:45PM, 6:15PM THE TESTAMENT OF ANN LEE (M Thurs: 11:15AM, 5:45PM. Fri, Mon, Tues, Wed: 11:15AM

CRIME 101 (M Daily except Fri: 2:40PM. Fri: 12:20PM EPIC: ELVIS PRESLEY IN CONCERT (PG NFT Daily except Thurs, Fri: 12:40PM. Thurs, Fri: 10:10AM, 12:40PM FACKHAM HALL (M Thurs, Mon, Tues, Wed: 10:10AM GOAT PG SNEAK PREVIEWS Fri: 5:15PM. Sat, Sun: 10:10AM HOW TO MAKE A KILLING (M) NFT Daily except Thurs, Fri: 2:50PM, 7:50PM. Thurs, Fri: 12:15PM, 7:50PM

PEAKY BLINDERS: THE IMMORTAL MAN MA15+ NFT Daily except Fri: 12:15PM, 5:30PM. Fri: 10:00AM, 5:30PM REMINDERS OF HIM CTC) Wed: 7:30PM SCREAM 7 (MA15+) Daily except Fri: 5:10PM. Fri: 3:10PM THE BRIDE! (CTC) NFT Daily except Thurs, Fri: 2:40PM, 5:10PM, 7:40PM. Thurs, Fri: 2:40PM, 5:15PM, 7:45PM WUTHERING HEIGHTS M) Thurs, Fri: 10:00AM, 2:30PM, 7:30PM. Sat, Sun, Mon, Tues: 10:00AM, 7:30PM. Wed: 10:00AM

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 one of these phrases is the best description of capellini pasta?

(a) Thick flat ribbon (b) Coiled tubes (c) Very thin long strands (d) Flattened spaghetti

2 In musical notation, placing a dot to the right of a note does what to the note?

(a) Changes the pitch (b) Shortens the note (c) Lengthens the note (d) Silences the note

3 The Matterhorn is situated on the border of which two countries?

(a) Switzerland and Italy

(b) Italy and Austria (c) Liechtenstein and Switzerland (d) Italy and Slovenia

WHICH WORDS

Which is the correct meaning for these words?

1 AMPLITUDE

(a) Large or full measure

(b) Electric current measured in amperes

(c) Kindheartedness

2 ESCULENT

(a) Confidential (b) Edible (c) Reckless

3 FINAGLE

(a) To gain by effort

(b) To be excessively fastidious

(c) To practise deception or fraud

4 USURER

(a) One who illegally seizes power

(b) A money-lender who charges an exorbitant rate of interest

(c) A drug addict

5 VICISSITUDE

(a) A change or mutation

(b) Neighbourhood

(c) The office or duties of a vica

4 Who became Deputy Prime Minister of Australia in 1983?

(a) Lionel Bowen

(b) Paul Keating

(c) Brian Howe

(d) Doug Anthony

5 The Petronas Towers are a landmark of which city?

(a) Seoul

(b) Kuala Lumpur

(c) Hanoi

(d) Bangkok

6 Charlie Babbitt is one of the central characters in which classic 1980s movie?

(a) Blade Runner

(b) Back to the Future

(c) Rain Man

(d) The Breakfast Club

ALFAKODO

WEEKLY CROSSWORD

BEST ON THE BOX

FRIDAY

JAMIE OLIVER: EAT YOURSELF HEALTHY

TEN, 7.30pm

In a surprising revelation, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver (above) admits that for the first 15 years of his culinary career, he didn’t really pay much attention to the nutrition of his meals. However, over the past decade, Oliver has been studying the power of nourishing foods that don’t compromise on flavour – taking an approach to health that is about improving our diets by adding to them, not restricting or taking things away. In this five-part series, the Naked Chef shares upgraded takes on everyday classics and fresh ways to boost our meals with colour and superpowered ingredients.

FRIDAY, March 6

TUESDAY

NBN, 7.30pm

MARRIED AT FIRST SIGHT

Rolling green hills, tranquil bird song and luxurious accommodation –it might sound relaxing but there’s no surer way to ensure chaos and conflict among Sight participants than the series’ infamous Retreat Week. Like a days-long dinner party, the couples are encouraged to mingle, gain a fresh perspective and find out if their connections really work outside the four walls of their Sydney apartments. This year, it’s a bad joke that has sent the experiment into meltdown – with the fallout isolating Rachel and Steven from the rest of the group. At the final drinks night, Bec (right) is caught at the centre of the drama as the lingering tensions reach an explosive conclusion.

THURSDAY CREATIVE TYPES

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

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Australia’s Wild Odyssey. (Final, R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Muster Dogs. (PG, R) 2.00 Dog Park. (Ml, R) 2.30 In Limbo. (Mal, R) 2.55 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 3.55 Murdoch Mysteries. (PGv) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.35 Gardening Australia. Tammy Huynh visits a colourful slice of Malta.

8.35 Professor T. (PGa) Out of prison, Professor T is desperate to get back to his work at the university and with the police.

9.25 Tonight At The Museum. (PG, R) Alex Lee is joined by Alan Davies, Tegan Higginbotham, Zoe Coombs Marr and Brett Blake for a series of challenges and quizzes.

9.55 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (R) A satirical news program.

10.25 Dog Park. (M, R)

10.55 ABC Late News.

11.10 Murdoch Mysteries. (M, R)

12.00 Smother. (Mls, R)

1.45 Rage New Music. (MA15+dhlnsv)

5.00 Rage. (PGadhlnsv)

6.00 WorldWatch. 8.00 DD India News Hour. 9.25 My Unique B&B. (R) 10.15 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGa, R) 11.05 The Toy Hospital. 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. 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Marseille: Birth Of A Megapolis. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG)

8.30 Fukushima: Days That Shocked The World. Takes a look back at the 2011 Fukushima disaster.

9.25 Fly With Me. (Ml, R)

10.40 SBS World News Late.

11.10 Sisi. (PGa)

12.05 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+v, R)

2.00 El Immortal: Gangs Of Madrid. (MA15+av, R)

3.50 Mastermind Australia. (R)

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

6am Morning Programs.

12.15pm DW The Day. 12.45 Patriot Brains.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 MOVIE: Killer Condo. (2022, Mav, R) 3.00 Un ltered: Cricket. (PG, R) 3.30 Women’s Test Cricket: Pre-Game. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

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

8.00 MOVIE: Mamma Mia! (2008, PGls, R) A young woman invites three of her mother’s former boyfriends to her upcoming wedding on a Greek island. Amanda Seyfried, Meryl Streep, Colin Firth.

10.20 MOVIE: Anna. (2019, MA15+av, R) A woman becomes a feared government assassin. Sasha Luss, Helen Mirren.

12.50 Dare Me. (MA15+asv) Addy and Colette feel the heat.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.

(62) VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 1.50pm Kangaroo Beach. 2.45 The Makery. 3.00 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. 9.45 Gladiators UK. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)

7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 MOVIE: Hustlers. (2019) 10.30 Cycling. UCI Track World Cup. Day 1. 12.15am Adam Hills: The Last Leg. 1.05 Travel Man. 1.45 Night Bloomers. 2.55

Test. Aust v India. Arvo. 6.20 Women’s Test Cricket: Tea Break. 7.00 Cricket. Women’s Test. Australia v India. Day 1. Late afternoon session. 9.00 Women’s Test Cricket: Dinner Break. 9.20

VIRGINIA

ABC TV, 8.30pm “I’m not really heroes,” admits actor Hugo Weaving.

Perhaps most famous for his role as The Matrix’s menacing Agent Smith, the Sydney-based star aims to find the humanity within the fractured and complex men he plays on screen and stage – be it English cricket captain Douglas Jardine in Bodyline or monstrous father David in Patrick Melrose Strolling around Sydney with host Virginia Trioli (above left with Weaving) for this brilliant artsfocused interview series, the actor shares insights on his career, iconic roles and creative process. A fascinating figure who refuses the Hollywood life, Weaving finds a sense of place and belonging in telling Australian stories.

(5) NBN (8, 80)

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Romantic Rewrite. (2022, PGa, R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG, R) 6.00 Entertainment Tonight. (R)

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 A Current A air.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 1. Brisbane Broncos v Penrith Panthers. From Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane. 9.55 NRL Friday Night Footy Post-Match. Post-match coverage and analysis of the NRL game between the Brisbane Broncos and Penrith Panthers.

10.45 MOVIE: Sicario. (2015, MA15+alv, R) An FBI agent is enlisted to help ght the war on drugs. Emily Blunt, Josh Brolin.

1.00 Next Stop. Takes a look at desirable travel destinations.

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)

9GO! (83) 6am Limelight. Continued. (1952, PG) 8.10 Discovering Film. 9.00 Agatha Christie’s Crooked House. (2017, PG) 11.05 In A Land That No Longer Exists. (2022, M, German) 1pm Marinette. (2023, M) 2.50 The Movie Show. 3.25 Tokyo Story. (1953, PG, Japanese) 6.00 The Remains Of The Day. (1993, PG) 8.30 Black Swan. (2010, MA15+) 10.30 The Whale. (2022, M) 12.45am Gravity. (2013,

6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 Motor Racing. IndyCar Series. Grand Prix of St Petersburg. H’lights. 9.05 Nanny. 9.35 Addams Family. 10.05 Bewitched. 11.05 Rugby Heaven. 12.05pm Big Rigs Of Oz. 12.35 9Honey Hacks. 12.50 Parental Guidance. 2.00 Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00

6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG) Hosted by Rebecca Gibney.

7.30 Jamie Oliver: Eat Yourself Healthy. (Premiere) Jamie Oliver cooks meatballs.

8.30 Love It Or List It Australia. (R) Professionals Tom and Erin know it’s time to make a decision on their current Queenslander.

9.40 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 10.40 10 News+. (R) 11.10 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

SATURDAY, March 7

NBN (8, 80) 6.00 Rage Charts. (PGadhlnsv) 7.00 Wknd Brekky. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 10.30 Rage Vault Guest Programmer. (PGadhlnsv) 12.00 News. 12.30 In The Room. (Ml, R) 1.25

ABC TV (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (6) TEN (5)

Professor T. (PGa, R) 2.15 The Piano. (PG, R) 3.15 Extraordinary Escapes. (PG, R) 4.00 The ABC Of... (PGl, R) 4.30 Todd Sampson’s Why? (PGa, R) 5.00 Nick Cave And Warren Ellis At Hanging Rock. (PG, R) 5.30 Landline. (R) 6.00 WorldWatch. 9.15 Prince’s Master Crafters Next Generation. (PG, R) 10.05 Vintage Voltage. (R) 11.00 World Wide Nate: African Adventures. (PG) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Sailing. SailGP Sydney. Round 3. H’lights. 3.00 Stories From The Cities. (PG) 3.30 Going Places. (R) 4.30 Light Years: Olive Cotton. (R) 5.30 Emilie Schindler: Woman In The Shadow. 6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. The Agency Randwick Guineas Day and Super Saturday. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) 6.00 Getaway. (PG, R) 6.30 ACA. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday. (PG) 12.00 Open For Inspection. 12.30 Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 Opening Ceremony. From Verona Arena, Italy. Replay. 3.00 Explore TV. 3.30 Epic Builds. 4.30 Getaway. (PG) 5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 Surfest: 40 Years.

6.00 Kath & Kim. (PGals, R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Blue Murder Motel. (Premiere, PG) Follows two married Australian detectives. 8.20 Top End Bub. (Premiere, PG)

A couple’s perfect Adelaide life is interrupted when a family tragedy strikes and they’re forced to return to Darwin.

8.50 Death In Paradise. (Mv, R) Commissioner Selwyn Patterson is shot while celebrating 50 years of police service at the yacht club.

9.50 This England. (M, R) Looks at Britain during COVID-19. 10.35 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

Let’s Go Bananas! 7.30 Hard Quiz Kids. 8.00 Chopped Jnr. 8.40 Shaun Tan’s Tales From Outer Suburbia. 9.05 Mr Bean: The Animated Series. 9.30 Fresh O The Boat. 10.10 Abbott Elementary. 10.30 Merlin. 11.15 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)

6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Neil And Martin’s Bon Voyage. (Final) 8.25 Travels With Agatha Christie And Sir David Suchet. (R) 9.20 Shaun Micallef’s Origin Odyssey. (PGa, R) 10.25 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Strade Bianche Women. 12.20 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Strade Bianche Men. 3.15 El Immortal: Gangs Of Madrid. (MA15+av, R) 4.15 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PGl, R) 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. 8.00 Cricket. Women’s Test. Australia v India. Day 2. Late afternoon session. 9.00 Women’s Test Cricket: Dinner Break. Takes a look at the day of play so far. 9.20 Cricket. Women’s Test. Australia v India. Day 2. Evening session. 12.00 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 2. Melbourne Supersprint. Day 1. Highlights. 1.00 Devils. (MA15+av, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Tales Of Aluna. (R) 5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

6.00 NBN News.

7.00 A Current A air.

7.30 Space Invaders. (PGa)

8.30 MOVIE: Father Of The Bride. (1991, G, R) A family plans a wedding. Steve Martin, Diane Keaton. 10.40 MOVIE: Moonstruck. (1987, PGal, R) Cher. 12.35 Epic Builds. (R)

1.30 Open For Inspection. (R)

2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)

2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

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

6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGad, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. An intervention is necessary for a couple. 8.40 The Graham Norton Show. (Ml, R) Graham Norton is joined on the couch by guests Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt and Matthew McConaughey. 9.50 Gogglebox Australia. (R) TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows. 11.00 Matlock. (R) Julian makes a shocking discovery. 12.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.

Peppermint. (2018) 10.20 Cycling. UCI Track World Cup. Day 2. 12.30am Forged In Fire. 1.20 Travel Man. 1.50 Lion Dancers: The Crane And The Lion. 2.10 Dark Side Of The ‘90s. 3.05

6am The Movie Show. 6.35 Discovering Film. 7.30 The Remains Of The Day. (1993, PG) 10.00 Alcarràs. (2022, M, Spanish) 12.15pm Mass. (2021, M) 2.20 The Movie Show. 2.55 Mr. Holmes. (2015, PG) 4.50 Dean Spanley. (2008, PG) 6.35 Robot Dreams. (2023, PG) 8.30 Braveheart. (1995, MA15+) 11.50 Bang Gang (A Modern Love Story) (2015, MA15+, French) 1.35am Black Swan. (2010, MA15+) 3.30 Late Programs.

7MATE (64) SBS MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 2.15pm ER. 3.00 Nigella’s Cook, Eat, Repeat. 3.30 QI. 4.05 Would I Lie To You? 4.35 MythBusters. 5.30 Car S.O.S. 6.15 Portrait Artist Of The Year. 7.00 Spicks And Specks. 7.30 QI. 8.00 Would I Lie To You? 8.30 House Of Games. 9.00 Luka Muller: 5 Top Smells I Smelled Before. 10.05 Gavin & Stacey. 11.00 ER. 11.45 Rage. 12.50am MOVIE: Chef. (2014, M) 2.40 Late Programs. ABC ENTERTAINS (23)

6am Morning Programs. 1pm Blokesworld. 1.30 Cool Cars With Dermott And Elise. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 Night Thunder. High Limits World Tour. Night Grand Final. 4.00 Women’s Test. Aust v India. Arvo. 6.20 Women’s Test Cricket: Tea Break. 7.00 Women’s Test. Aust v India. Late arvo. 8.00 Football. AFL. Opening Round. GWS Giants v Hawthorn. 11.00 Late Programs.

9GO! (83)

6am Children’s Programs. 7.00 Barney’s World. 7.30 Lego Dreamzzz. 8.00 Sur ng Aust. 8.30 Sur ng. Australian Boardriders Battle. 6.30pm Nanny. 7.30 MOVIE: Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 1. (2010, M) 10.25 MOVIE: Three Thousand Years Of Longing. (2022, M) 12.35am Prodigal Son. (Premiere) 2.15 MOVIE: Just A Farmer. (2024, M) 4.20 Sur ng Aust. 4.50 Barney’s World. 5.10 Booba. 5.30 Hop.

5.30 Hamely Kitchen. 6.00 Cook Once, Eat Twice. 6.30 Jamie’s Food Escapes. 7.30 What Not To Eat. (Final) 8.30 Long Weekends. 9.40 Mind Of A Chef. 10.05 Deliciously Twisted Classics. 10.35 Late Programs. 9LIFE (84)

SUNDAY, March 8

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

COMEDY (52)

7.00 The Bold And The Beautiful. 9.00

Feud. 9.30

To

11.30 Ridiculousness. 2pm Friends. 6.00 The Big Bang Theory. 10.30 Ridiculousness. Midnight Home Shopping.

6am Morning Programs. 11.40 MOVIE: Happy Halloween, Scooby-Doo! (2020, PG) 1.10pm Nula. 1.40 Undiscovered Vistas. 2.30 Over The Black Dot. 3.00 The Colleano Heart. 4.30 O Country. 5.00 First Australians. 6.00 Haututu Hunters. 6.40 The Other Side. 7.30 Alone Australia. 8.30 MOVIE: 2001: A Space Odyssey. (1968) 10.55 Late Programs. SKY NEWS (53) NITV (34)

6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Brekky. 9.00 Insiders. 10.00 O siders. 10.30 World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Songs Of Praise. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 2.30 Muster Dogs. (PG, R) 3.30 The Piano UK. (R) 4.30 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli. (PGl, R) 5.00 Back Roads. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6.00 WorldWatch. 9.10 Prince’s Master Crafters Next Generation. (PG, R) 10.05 Vintage Voltage. (R) 11.00 World Wide Nate: African Adventures. (PG) 11.30 Ageless Gardens. (R) 12.00 Cycling. ProVelo Super League. Round 4. Harbour City GP. 4.00 PBS News Compass Points. 4.30 WorldWatch. 5.00 Rehabilitating. (PGa, R) 5.30 Women Of WWII: The Untold Stories. (Premiere) 6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show:

6.30 Compass: Bondi Spirit.

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Muster Dogs. (Final, PG)

8.30 Dog Park. (Final, Ml) It’s the day of Samantha and Steve’s wedding.

9.00 This England. (Final, MA15+l) The country continues to cope with COVID.

10.05 Blue Murder Motel. (PG, R) Follows two married Australian detectives.

10.55 Top End Bub. (PG, R)

11.20 MOVIE: Partisan. (2015, MA15+v, R)

1.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

3.00 Gardening Australia. (R)

4.00 Dream Gardens. (R)

4.30 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R)

5.00 Insiders. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

(PG)

Sunday Footy Feast. (Return) 2.30 Jabba’s Movies. (PGav, R) 3.00 Surf Patrol. (PG, R) 3.30 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. (R) 4.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Sydney Weekender. 6.00 Hello SA. (PG, R) 6.30 A Current A air. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Wide World Of Sports.

6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Pompeii: Life In The City With Dan Snow. (Premiere) 9.15 Ancient Empires. (MA15+v, R) Looks at the story of Cleopatra. 10.55 Roberta Flack. (PGa, R) 12.25 Jackie And Lee: A Tale Of Two Sisters. (Ma, R) 1.20 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Paris-Nice Race. Stage 1. 3.20 Mastermind Australia. (R) 4.20 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 PBS News Horizons.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The 1% Club UK. (PG) 8.00 Billy Joel Live At Madison Square Garden. (PGl, R) 10.00 The Hunters. (Mav, R) 11.30 Border Security: International. (PGadl) 12.00 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 2. Melbourne Supersprint. Day 2. Highlights.

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

1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NBN News. 7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls) 8.45 60 Minutes. Current a airs program. 9.45 9News Late.

10.15 Hunting Bundy: Chase For The Devil: Rocky Mountain Murder Spree. (MA15+asv)

11.15 The First 48. (Mav, R)

12.05 Wild Cards. (Mv, R)

1.00 Ready Vet Go: The Vet Paramedics. (PGm, R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

4.30 The Garden Gurus. (R)

5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

8.00

9.00

Sunday

6.30 10 News+. Comprehensive coverage of the day’s top stories, investigative reports and stories that haven’t been heard. 7.00 Soccer. AFC 2026 Women’s Asian Cup. Group stage. Australia v Korea Republic. 10.30 Gold Wars Downunder. (Premiere, Ml) Follows three hardcore mining teams. 11.30 MOVIE: The Lost City. (2022, Masv, R) A romance novelist gets kidnapped. Sandra Bullock, Channing Tatum. 1.45 10 News+. (R) Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 2.10 Law & Order: SVU. (Mv, R) 3.00 Home Shopping. (R)

(51) 9GEM (82) 7TWO (62) VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 3.30pm The Most Magni cent Thing. 3.55 Odd Squad. 4.20 Dino Dex. 4.45 Gardening Australia Junior. 5.10 Isadora Moon. 5.40 Super Monsters. 6.05 Knee High Spies. 6.25 Paddington. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.30 The Inbestigators. 8.00 Meet The Hedgehogs. 8.45 Amazing Animal Friends. 9.35 Fresh O The Boat. 10.15 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs.

1.40 Late Programs.

ABC ENTERTAINS (23)

6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm Medical Emergency. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Harry’s Practice. 3.00 The Amazing Homemakers. 4.00 The Yorkshire Vet. 5.00 Secrets Of Beautiful Gardens. 6.00 Escape To The Country. 7.00 Women’s Test. Aust v India. Late arvo. 9.00 Women’s Test Cricket: Dinner Break. 9.20 Women’s Test. Aust v India. Evening session. Midnight Late Programs. 6am Home

7MATE (64) SBS MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 2pm ER. 3.00 Not Going Out. 3.30 QI. 4.05 Would I Lie To You? 4.35 MythBusters. 5.25 Car S.O.S. 6.15 Portrait Artist Of The Year. 7.00 Spicks And Specks. 7.30 QI. 8.00 Would I Lie To You? 8.30 The Piano UK. (Final) 9.30 Muster Dogs. (Final) 10.30 ER. 11.15 O siders. 11.45 Not Going Out. 12.15am Rage. 1.15 A Wild Year On Earth. 4.00 The Next Step. 4.20 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Counting Cars. Noon The Fishing Show By AFN. 1.00 Fishing Addiction. 2.00 Red’s Fishing Adventures. 2.30 Hook, Line And Sinker. 3.00 Pawn Stars. 4.00 Cricket. Women’s Test. Australia v India. Day 3. Afternoon session. 6.20 Women’s Test Cricket: Tea Break. 7.00 Football. AFL. Opening Round. St Kilda v Collingwood. 10.30 AFL PostGame. 11.00 Late Programs.

9GO! (83) 6am The Movie Show. 6.25 Dean Spanley. (2008, PG) 8.15 Discovering Film. 9.00 Robot Dreams. (2023, PG) 10.50 While We’re Young. (2014, M) 12.40pm The Winter Guest. (1997, M) 2.40 Time Bandits. (1981, PG) 4.45 Mosley. (2019, PG) 6.35 Meek’s Cuto (2010, PG) 8.30 The Hurt Locker. (2008, MA15+) 10.50 Million Dollar Baby. (2004, M) 1.15am Braveheart. (1995, MA15+) 4.25 Late Programs.

6am Children’s Programs. 7.30 Rugby Sevens. SVNS Series Perth. H’lights. 8.30 Sur ng. Aust Boardriders Battle. 6.10pm TBA. 7.30 MOVIE: Rush Hour. (1998, M) 9.30 MOVIE: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. (1989, M) 11.30 Gotham. 12.25am Arrow. 2.05 Motor Racing. FIA World Endurance Championship. Round 1. Qatar 1812 km. Highlights. 3.05 Late Programs.

COMEDY (52)

6am Good Chef Bad Chef. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. 9.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. 2.30pm Friends. 6.00 The Big Bang Theory. 10.30 Ridiculousness. Midnight Home Shopping.

TARGET TIME

O F I

T N C

AE F Today’s target: 26 words average 33 words good 40+ 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

WORD

ASTROLOGY

ARIES (Mar 21 - Apr 19)

LEO (July 23 - Aug 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 - Dec 21)

Auspac Media

Rams can be feisty folk, but on Tuesday there’s a Lunar Eclipse so don’t allow yourself to be drawn into an intense argument. It would be better to stay on the sidelines. With four planets in your privacy zone, life will also run more smoothly if you incorporate a spiritual ritual into your daily routine. Something like yoga, tai chi, prayer, chanting, meditation or contemplation. After some quality ‘me time’ you’ll start to see things from a refreshing new perspective.

TAURUS (Apr 20 - May 20)

This week’s Lunar Eclipse and Sun/Jupiter trine stimulate your peer group and networking zones, so you could meet a fabulous new friend, or a work colleague (or neighbour) from the past could boomerang back into your world! Whatever happens, surround yourself with positive people who encourage your talents and support your dreams. Midweek is good for socialising, while Saturday is super for creative projects and spiritual pursuits.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 20)

On Tuesday the Lunar Eclipse (in earthy Virgo) falls in your home zone, so get your house in order and tackle domestic chores with extra Gemini gusto. But, if you spread gossip or jump to conclusions, you could end up in hot water. And avoid the temptation to take shortcuts. A slapdash attitude will only mean you have to do everything twice. With a more methodical and practical approach, you can accomplish tasks and still have plenty of time to play.

CANCER (June 21 - July 22)

Expect some emotional discussions as the Lunar Eclipse stirs up your communication zone. And are you spending too many hours cruising on your Crab posterior? The Sun/Jupiter trine boosts your energy levels and activates your aspirations/ adventure zone. So get your body moving and start exploring! Your motto for the week is from birthday great, Dr Seuss: “You’re off to Great Places, today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!”

Tuesday’s Lunar Eclipse (in earthy Virgo) illuminates your self-esteem and money zones, so it’s a good time for self-reflection and selfimprovement: to limit self-indulgence, pare back spending and increase saving; to be more financially disciplined and more emotionally selfaware. Then the mood changes on Thursday and Friday when prosperity planet Jupiter trines the Sun (your ruling planet) and a lucky opportunity comes along.

VIRGO (Aug 23 - Sep 22)

Self-belief and self-motivation are the keys to Virgo success and satisfaction at the moment, as Tuesday’s Lunar Eclipse lights up your sign. Don’t let annoying disruptions, minor matters or other people rattle you! Keep going on your chosen path, with confidence and determination. Your motto for the week is from birthday great, Dr Seuss: “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.”

LIBRA (Sep 23 - Oct 22)

This week Venus (your patron planet) makes lovely links to Uranus and Neptune, plus it also transits into independent Aries. So it’s time to experiment and explore, be creative and compassionate, while carving out some ‘me time’ as you look after loved ones. It’s a tricky juggle but if anyone can manage, it’s a well-balanced Libran like you (after all, the symbol for your sign is the Scales of Justice). Saturday is fabulous for art, beauty, romance and daydreaming.

SCORPIO (Oct 23 - Nov 21)

A child, teenager, friend or lover could shock you by making a surprise move, or a group project could suddenly veer off in an unexpected direction. If you keep your adaptability muscles well-flexed, then you’ll adjust to the constantly changing landscape accordingly. With peace planet Venus visiting your friendship and work zones, stop sulking and stewing over a perceived slight from a colleague or friend. This week, it’s time to compromise and sympathise!

When it comes to work projects and professional prospects, this week’s Lunar Eclipse is in efficient, no-nonsense Virgo. So, people don’t care how funny, friendly and fabulous you are – they just want to know you can do your job promptly and competently. With the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars transiting through your family zone, don’t neglect the needs of your home and loved ones. Accept your domestic responsibilities with a sunny Sagittarian smile!

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 - Jan 19)

Put on your problem-solving hat, Capricorn! The Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars reignite your desire to help a friend, neighbour or family member in a creative and hands-on fashion. You’re keen to tackle a problem (at home or within your local community) in a creative, strategic and compassionate way. Tuesday’s Lunar Eclipse activates your travel and adventure zones, so start planning a business trip or much-needed holiday for sometime this year.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 - Feb 18)

Many Aquarians are (or were) rebels at heart including Mozart, Bob Marley, Germaine Greer and Yoko Ono. But remember there’s a fine line between being rebellious and just plain reckless. You’re impatient for change but don’t be too hasty and throw the baby out with the bathwater! With impulsive Mars leaving your sign, and a Lunar Eclipse in cautious analytical Virgo, slow down and think things through carefully before you act and/or speak out.

PISCES (Feb 19 - Mar 20)

This week the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars are all transiting through your sign. So it’s time to be the most creative, communicative, compassionate and proactive Piscean you can possibly be. Your motto for the moment is from writer (and birthday great) Dr Seuss: “Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” Tuesday’s Lunar Eclipse shines the spotlight on partnerships of the romantic and platonic kind.

March Into Music, Movement and Community at Nudge Nudge Wink Wink

Jeff Gibbs

On Saturday, 7 March 2026, the Shed at the Billinudgel Hotel will once again come alive as Nudge Nudge Wink Wink returns for an 18+ ticketed celebration of music, movement and meaningful connection. Running from 4:00pm to 11:00pm, the March edition promises an immersive journey through sound, rhythm and community spirit. Held at the iconic Billinudgel Hotel, Nudge Nudge Wink Wink has built a reputation as more than just a dance event. It is a carefully curated gathering where quality music meets conscious community. Since launching in 2015 under the banner of Cunning Stunts, the event has donated more than $450,000 to 42 local organisations — proving that in the Northern

Rivers, a good party can also be a powerful force for good.

A Line-Up Designed to Flow

March’s line-up reflects the event’s signature approach: allow the music to unfold naturally, give the dancefloor room to breathe, and let the energy build with intention.

Headlining the closing set is respected Australian DJ Jason Lewis, whose

career spans more than two decades behind the decks. Known for his technical precision and intuitive timing, Lewis has supported international names including Dave Lee, Norman Jay, SubbAn, D-Nox & Beckers, Dave Seaman and Matan Caspi. His appearances at major festivals such as Burning Man, Subsonic and Earth Frequency have cemented his reputation

for delivering sets that balance emotion, control and momentum. March will mark his first appearance at Nudge Wink, bringing a refined, late-night energy to the Shed.

Also joining the bill is DJ SHE J, the alterego of Australian artist Sheila Finke. Her sound moves through deep house, techno and dub techno with patience and atmosphere. Hypnotic grooves, spacious textures and driving rhythms define her style. Rather than chasing spectacle, SHE J focuses on mood and movement — crafting long-form journeys that reward dancers who stay the course.

Opening the evening are Cunning Stunts cofounders and resident DJs Lord Sut and Dale Stephen. Their sets are known for teasing out the early hours, gently inviting the crowd onto the floor and shaping the night’s trajectory. It is a slow burn approach — one

that values anticipation as much as impact.

Adding a physical dimension to the soundscape, The Hoodlum Ballet returns with a live performance woven into the night. Appearing on the band stage, the dancers bring intensity and playfulness, encouraging a shared expression between performers and dancefloor.

Dancing for a Cause

Importantly, March and April’s events will raise funds for Women Up North, a specialist domestic and family violence service supporting women and children across the Northern Rivers.

Women Up North provides trauma-informed casework, crisis support, advocacy, housing assistance and long-term recovery pathways. Their work prioritises safety, dignity and culturally responsive practice, particularly for Aboriginal women and families.

By attending, guests are

not only stepping onto a well-tuned dancefloor — they are contributing directly to safer, more independent futures for women and children in the region.

Why It Matters

Nudge Nudge Wink Wink continues to draw a crowd that values respect, connection and quality music. The Shed’s intimate yet expansive layout creates space for both movement and community. The pacing of the DJs ensures the night feels cohesive rather than chaotic. There is no hypedriven rush — just steady rhythm, shared energy and the simple joy of dancing together. It is this balance — atmosphere, intention and generosity — that keeps people returning month after month.

Event Details

When: Saturday, 7 March 2026 | 4:00pm – 11:00pm Where: The Shed at the Billinudgel Hotel Tickets: This event is expected to sell out. Tickets and donation options are available at: https://bit.ly/Tickets_ Nudge_Mar7th

If you miss out, Tixel is the only recommended resale platform. Season 10 continues on the first Saturday of each month through June 2026, with the next event scheduled for Saturday 11 April 2026.

Come for the music. Stay for the feeling. Dance knowing it supports something that truly matters.

Home Medicines Review expansion

Jeff Gibbs

A nationwide push by Australian pharmacists is underway to expand the government-funded Home Medicines Review program, after experts warned demand significantly exceeds current capacity and could help prevent hospital admissions from medicine-related complications.

The home medicine review system — a Medicare-subsidised service where accredited pharmacists visit patients in their own homes to evaluate their medication regimens — is designed to reduce harmful drug interactions, educate patients about side-effects, and improve overall medicine management.

Why Pharmacists Want Change

Pharmacists involved in the program say it has life-saving potential, particularly for older Australians and people in regional or rural areas, but that current funding and

service caps are restricting access.

Under the present rules:

• Pharmacists can only bill Medicare for up to 30 home medicine reviews per month.

• Once that cap is reached, no further Medicare rebates can be claimed, even if more

patients need reviews.

• This limit applies both to individual pharmacies and individual pharmacists participating in the scheme.

Rural consultant pharmacist Deborah Hawthorne told the ABC she currently has “40 to 50 medication reviews sitting in [her] inbox waiting to

be actioned,” but cannot pursue them because she has already hit her monthly quota.

“I go into someone’s home and I’m trying to be the medicine detective,” she said, explaining the importance of understanding all medicines a patient takes — including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs and supplements — to uncover potential risks.

Why Reviews Matter

Home medicine reviews can identify problems that might otherwise go unnoticed — such as:

• harmful drug interactions

• medicines contributing to falls, confusion or lack of sleep

• medications no longer needed or that could be safely reduced

A 2019 Pharmaceutical Society of Australia report found that more than 95% of aged care residents had at least one issue with their medicines detected during a review, and many had multiple problems. Hospital admissions due to medication-related issues are estimated at

around 250,000 each year, with another 400,000 emergency department visits also likely linked to medicine complications.

Funding and Policy Challenges

Pharmacists argue that the current cap — introduced in 2014 and raised only slightly in 2020 — is outdated. The monthly cap was originally intended to manage program costs and ensure sustainability, but critics say it now undermines access for patients who need reviews most.

Medicare rebates for the service have also been frozen for nearly a decade, meaning pharmacists are still paid the same rate they were in 2019, despite rising costs and increased demand.

Associate Professor Amy Page of the University of Western Australia highlighted that while caps were initially a budgetary strategy, they now limit pharmacists’ ability to deliver services to vulnerable patients.

The federal Department of Health has defended the caps, saying they

help ensure quality and appropriateness of reviews. However, pharmacists and health advocates are urging policymakers to reassess the limits and funding model so the program can expand without compromising standards. Who Can Access Home Medicine Reviews

Anyone with a valid Medicare card can request a home medicine review through their general practitioner or specialist. After referral, an accredited pharmacist conducts a comprehensive home visit, consults with the patient, and reports back to the referring doctor with recommendations for safer or more effective medicine use.

With Australia’s aging population and complex medication regimes becoming increasingly common, pharmacists say expanding the reach of home medicine reviews could help reduce preventable hospital visits, improve patient outcomes and ease pressure on the broader health system.

Alzheimer’s Blood Test Breakthrough Offers Hope for Earlier Dementia Detection

Australian researchers and clinicians are moving closer to a major breakthrough in the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease, with blood testing technology showing strong potential to transform how dementia is diagnosed. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, a progressive neurological condition that affects memory, thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday tasks. In Australia, hundreds of thousands of people are living with dementia, and that number is expected to rise significantly as the population ages.

— measurable substances in the blood that reflect disease processes in the brain. In Alzheimer’s disease, abnormal buildups of amyloid-beta proteins and tau proteins are key pathological features. Recent advances in laboratory technology now allow scientists to detect tiny concentrations of these proteins in blood samples with growing accuracy.

support services and, in the future, potentially begin disease-modifying treatments sooner.

disease.

care.

Traditionally, diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease has been complex and costly. Specialists often rely on detailed cognitive assessments, brain imaging such as PET scans to detect amyloid plaques, or lumbar punctures to analyse cerebrospinal fluid. These tests can be expensive, invasive and difficult to access, particularly in regional and rural areas.

Health Disclaimer

However, researchers are increasingly focused on blood-based biomarkers

Studies conducted internationally and in Australia suggest that certain blood tests can identify abnormal amyloid and tau levels years before noticeable symptoms develop. This is significant because Alzheimer’s disease begins in the brain long before memory problems become obvious. Earlier detection could allow patients and families more time to plan, access

Medical experts caution that while results are promising, blood tests are not yet a standalone diagnostic tool. Most specialists emphasise that they are likely to be used initially as a screening method in primary care. A positive result would still require confirmation through specialist assessment and imaging.

The potential benefits for regional communities are considerable. Access to PET scanning facilities is limited outside major metropolitan centres. A reliable blood test could help general practitioners identify patients who need urgent referral to memory clinics, reducing delays and improving equity in

Importantly, researchers also stress that these tests must be used carefully. A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease carries significant emotional and psychological consequences. Ethical considerations include how and when to inform patients of early-stage or pre-symptomatic disease, especially when treatment options remain limited. While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, several new medications overseas aim to slow disease progression by targeting amyloid proteins. Early and accurate diagnosis becomes even more critical if such therapies become widely available in Australia, as they appear most effective in the earliest stages of

Dementia advocates welcome the progress but urge caution against overhyping early findings. They emphasise the need for rigorous clinical validation, clear guidelines for use, and appropriate counselling frameworks. If ongoing trials continue to show strong reliability, blood testing could mark one of the most important shifts in dementia care in decades — making early detection more accessible, less invasive and potentially more affordable for Australians.

For now, experts encourage anyone concerned about memory changes to consult their GP. Early assessment remains the best step toward understanding symptoms and accessing available support.

Chery dual-cab here in late 2026

Jeff Gibbs

A diesel plug-in hybrid ute is officially on its way to Australia, with Chery confirming a new electrified dual-cab set to arrive in the second half of 2026. In a bold move for the country’s most competitive vehicle segment, the brand will combine traditional turbodiesel strength with plug-in hybrid efficiency.

The model will sit under Chery’s commercial vehicle sub-brand Himla, marking a significant step into the heart of Australia’s workhorse market — long dominated by icons such as the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger.

A Unique Diesel-Electric Formula

Most plug-in hybrid systems globally pair petrol engines with electric motors. Chery is taking a different route by integrating a turbo-diesel engine with a rechargeable battery and electric drive system.

For Australian buyers, diesel remains king in the ute category. Its torque delivery, fuel efficiency under load and longdistance touring range make it the powertrain of choice for tradies, farmers and caravan owners. By adding electric assistance, Chery aims to enhance efficiency without compromising capability. While final Australian specifications are yet to be released, the expected configuration includes:

• Turbocharged four-

cylinder diesel engine

• Integrated electric motor (or dual motors for AWD)

• High-capacity lithium battery pack

• Regenerative braking system

• Dedicated EV-only mode for short urban trips

• Multiple hybrid driving modes

This setup could allow owners to complete daily commutes on electric power alone, then rely on diesel strength for towing or regional travel.

Performance and Torque Potential

Though official combined output figures are yet to be confirmed, a diesel plug-in hybrid system typically produces substantial torque — especially when electric motors supplement the combustion engine during acceleration.

Electric motors deliver instant torque from zero RPM, which is ideal for towing launches, hill climbs and low-speed off-road driving. When combined with a turbodiesel’s mid-range grunt, the result could be one of the strongest torque figures in the segment.

The big question will be battery size and electric range. If Chery delivers an EV-only range of 60–100 kilometres under WLTP testing, the ute could dramatically reduce fuel consumption for urban operators.

Charging is expected to occur via AC plug-in capability, with possible fast-charging support still

to be confirmed.

Built for Work

Importantly, this isn’t a soft lifestyle ute. Chery has signalled that genuine work capability will remain central to the design.

The upcoming dual-cab is expected to feature:

• Ladder-frame chassis construction

• Low-range four-wheel drive

• Rear differential lock

• 3500kg braked towing capacity

• Payload approaching or exceeding 1000kg

These benchmarks are essential in Australia, where buyers demand serious capability from their utes.

Battery placement and weight distribution will be key engineering challenges. The addition of hybrid hardware must not significantly compromise tray space, payload or ground clearance.

Interior and Technology Expectations

Chery’s latest SUV models have showcased modern, high-tech cabins, and similar design philosophy is expected here. Anticipated features include:

• Large central touchscreen display

• Fully digital driver instrument cluster

• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

• Over-the-air software updates

• 360-degree camera system

• Adaptive cruise control

• Autonomous emergency braking

• Lane-keeping assistance

Dual-cab utes are now family vehicles as much as work tools, so interior refinement and safety tech will be critical to its appeal.

Australian Market Significance

Australia is one of the world’s most ute-obsessed markets, with dual-cabs regularly topping monthly sales charts. Entering this arena requires serious commitment.

Chery has indicated that Australia will play an important role in development validation, particularly suspension tuning and durability testing on rough rural roads.

The timing also aligns with tightening emissions regulations. Electrified alternatives are becoming more important as brands prepare for stricter standards. Competitors such as BYD and GWM are also developing

electrified ute solutions, intensifying competition in the segment.

Pricing and Positioning

While official pricing remains unannounced, Chery has built a reputation for aggressive pricing strategies in Australia. If the diesel plug-in hybrid ute undercuts established diesel rivals while offering electrified capability, it could become highly attractive to fleet operators and cost-conscious buyers. Potential buyers will be weighing fuel savings against upfront purchase cost. Government incentives, fringe benefits tax changes and fleet emissions targets may further influence uptake.

A Bridge to Full Electrification?

Fully electric utes are on the horizon, but concerns remain around charging infrastructure, towing range and long-distance touring capability in remote Australia.

A diesel plug-in hybrid may represent a

transitional solution — combining electric commuting with diesel security for regional or interstate travel.

For rural Australia especially, this combination could prove highly practical. Electriconly operation in town, diesel endurance on the highway, and full torque for heavy-duty towing could make it one of the most versatile powertrains available.

What Happens Next?

More detailed specifications — including combined power output, official torque figures, EVonly range, charging times and battery capacity — are expected closer to its 2026 launch.

If Chery executes this strategy effectively, the diesel plug-in hybrid ute could reshape expectations in Australia’s most competitive vehicle class. One thing is clear: the dual-cab ute is evolving rapidly, and diesel isn’t disappearing — it’s adapting.

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Home Affordability Warning Despite Slower Growth

Jeff Gibbs

Home affordability warning is being issued to buyers across Australia, as experts caution that slower house price growth does not necessarily make entering the market any easier.

While national property values are showing signs of moderating, mortgage broker Alex Veljancevski of Eventus Financial says affordability pressures remain firmly in place.

“Even if growth is easing, that doesn’t mean borrowing power is increasing,” Mr Veljancevski said. “Many buyers are still facing high living costs, serviceability buffers and lending rules that limit what they can realistically spend.”

Price Growth Slowing — But Still Rising According to property analytics firm Cotality, national home values rose approximately 8.5

Alex Veljancevski - Eventus Financial

per cent across 2025. Forecasts suggest growth will soften in 2026, with KPMG predicting a 7.7 per cent rise and Cotality indicating a more modest performance ahead.

However, Mr Veljancevski warned that headlines about slowing growth can create false hope among prospective buyers.

“A lot of people see

headlines about slowing price growth and think it’s finally their chance to get into the market,” he said. “But borrowing capacity hasn’t improved in line with those headlines. In many cases, it’s actually harder.”

Serviceability Buffer Still Biting

A key factor limiting borrowing capacity remains the serviceability

buffer set by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA). Banks assess loans at three percentage points above the actual interest rate to ensure borrowers can manage repayments if rates rise. This buffer is now interacting with higher interest rates following the Reserve Bank of Australia’s February 2026 decision to lift the cash rate by 25 basis points to 3.85 per cent.

Mr Veljancevski said the combined effect of rate rises and serviceability settings can add more than $100 a month to repayments for borrowers with a median-priced Sydney home. While lower in other cities, the impact remains significant.

Cost of Living

Compounding Pressure

Importantly, affordability extends beyond property prices and interest rates. Lenders also factor in

everyday expenses such as groceries, insurance, childcare and energy bills when assessing applications.

“Groceries, energy bills, insurance premiums and childcare costs all factor into serviceability assessments, reducing the amount buyers can borrow,” Mr Veljancevski said.

This means that even as growth slows, buyers may find their effective purchasing power constrained.

The pressure is particularly acute for firsthome buyers. According to KPMG analysis at the end of 2025, just 12 per cent of housing stock was within reach for an average firsthome buyer, down sharply from 30 per cent in 2020.

Planning More

Important Than Ever

For those hoping conditions will improve quickly, Mr Veljancevski urged caution.

“Prospective buyers should consult with a mortgage broker early in the process to understand their options. Getting a clear picture of your finances before you start house hunting can save a lot of time and stress,” he said.

He also warned existing borrowers against assuming financial pressure will ease simply because price growth is moderating.

“With the RBA having raised rates, borrowing costs have increased for many variable-rate borrowers. Repayments are higher than they may have budgeted for,” he said.

Ultimately, while slower price growth may offer psychological relief, it does not change the fundamentals of lending. Affordability remains determined by borrowing capacity, living costs and regulatory settings — not just market sentiment.

NSW Pet Rental Inquiry Launched

Jeff Gibbs

NSW pet rental inquiry has been launched by the New South Wales Upper House to examine whether proposed changes to tenancy laws will genuinely strengthen the rights of renters with animals.

The inquiry, established by the NSW Legislative Council, will explore potential enhancements to pet owner tenants’ rights as part of scrutiny of the Residential Tenancies

Amendment (Protection of Personal Information) Bill 2025.

The bill is primarily designed to improve protections around renters’ data and privacy. However,

the Upper House has referred the legislation to Portfolio Committee No. 8 – Customer Service to assess possible unintended consequences for tenants with pets.

Concerns Over Unintended Consequences Committee Chair Emma

Hurst said that while the reforms appear sensible at first glance, there are concerns about how they may operate in practice.

“On the face of it, the bill appears to contain sensible reforms that will make it easier for renters with animals to live in rental

properties. But Parliament has heard that may not be what happens,” Ms Hurst said.

Under the proposed changes, tenants applying for a new rental would not have to disclose that they own a pet during the application stage. However, once a lease is signed and the tenant moves in with their animal, landlords could potentially decline consent — leaving renters in breach of their tenancy agreement.

Ms Hurst warned that such a situation could leave both tenants and animals vulnerable.

“We have heard that leaves the renter and the animal very vulnerable. It is not good for animal welfare, it is not good for tenants, but it is also not good for landlords,” she said.

Key Reforms Under Examination

The inquiry will specifically

address two proposed reforms in the bill relating to animals in rental properties:

• Regulations prescribing what information can be collected from tenants when applying for a rental property.

• Provisions allowing a tenant seven days after entering a residential tenancy agreement to apply for consent to keep an animal, during which time the pet may remain on the premises.

The committee will hold a public hearing on 16 March 2026 before reporting back to Parliament by the end of March to inform further consideration of the legislation.

Broader Rental Context Rental affordability and availability remain key issues across New South Wales, including in regional areas such as the Northern Rivers, where tight vacancy

rates continue to place pressure on tenants. As a result, clarity around pet ownership rights is increasingly important for families seeking stable housing.

Animal welfare advocates have long argued that allowing pets in rental properties improves mental health outcomes and reduces the number of surrendered animals. Conversely, landlord groups have raised concerns about property damage and insurance implications.

The inquiry aims to strike a balance between privacy protections, tenant rights and landlord interests, while ensuring any legislative changes avoid unintended negative outcomes.

Stakeholders and community members will have the opportunity to provide evidence as part of the inquiry process.

By Ian Rogers

NRLX PRIME CATTLE MARKET REPORT – 25 FEBRUARY 2026

The Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange (NRLX)

yarded 2,097 head for the Prime Cattle Sale on 25 February 2026, delivering solid competition across most categories.

The sale produced an overall average of 377.4c/ kg, with prices topping at 556.2c/kg. Total yarded weight reached 784,590kg, generating a gross sale value of $2,961,273.40

Steers Lead the Market

Steers were a standout category, with 648 head offered across 279 lots.

Prices ranged from 180.0c/ kg to 556.2c/kg, averaging 450.1c/kg. Returns per head ranged from $252.00 to $3,175.38, with total category turnover exceeding $761,167

The strong average highlights sustained feeder and processor demand.

Cows Dominate Yardings

Cows accounted for the

largest portion of the sale, with 832 head presented in 292 lots. Prices ranged from 76.2c/kg to 410.0c/ kg, averaging 353.0c/kg. Individual returns reached as high as $2,787.08, contributing over $1.48 million to the gross sale value

The heavy cow market continues to underpin overall sale strength.

Heifers and Bulls Competitive

Heifers totalled 477 head, selling from 180.2c/kg to 436.2c/kg, averaging 358.7c/ kg. The category generated more than $450,214 in turnover

Bulls numbered 57 head, with prices between 250.0c/ kg and 392.2c/kg, averaging 359.8c/kg. Top individual returns reached $3,438.59 Bullocks also performed strongly, averaging 425.3c/ kg, with returns up to $3,837.32 per head

Lighter Categories

Vealers and vealer bulls saw limited numbers but steady competition. Vealer bulls averaged 375.0c/kg, reaching 430.2c/kg

In the per-head section, a single pen of cows and calves sold for $1,725, while a lone bobby calf made $20 Market Overview

The NRLX prime cattle sale demonstrated continued strength in the Northern Rivers market, with steers achieving the highest rates and cows contributing significantly to gross turnover. Strong buyer attendance and competitive bidding maintained solid averages across most weight categories. With seasonal conditions and supply influencing yardings, the coming weeks will provide further insight into autumn trends.

NRLX PRIME CATTLE MARKET REPORT – 26 FEBRUARY 2026

NRLX Store Cattle Sale Delivers $3.66 Million Turnover

The Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange (NRLX) Store Cattle Sale on 26 February 2026 produced strong competition across steers and heifers, generating a gross turnover of $3,669,644.63.

A total of 3,155 head were yarded across 501 lots, with cattle selling to a top of 554c/ kg and averaging 449.9c/kg Steers Drive the Market

for steers reached more than 555,000kg, highlighting the strength of the offering

Steers dominated the yarding, with 2,104 head offered in 315 lots. Prices ranged from 280.0c/kg to 554.0c/kg, averaging 481.6c/ kg.

Per-head returns varied from $448.00 to $1,940.40, with the steer category alone generating $2,673,149.99 in total value. Combined weight

The strong average reflects sustained backgrounder and feeder confidence across the region.

Heifers Well Supported

Heifers were offered in both per-head and perkilogram sections.

In the per-head sale, 126 heifers sold across

18 lots, ranging from $900.00 to $1,700.00, averaging $1,404.76. This section returned a total of $177,000.00

Per-kilogram heifers totalled 1,048 head across 183 lots. Prices ranged from 270.0c/kg to 450.0c/ kg, averaging 382.6c/kg. Individual returns reached $1,449.00, contributing nearly $993,441.14 to the overall sale

Vealer Bulls

A small offering of three vealer bulls sold from 300.0c/kg to 370.0c/kg, averaging 343.1c/kg, with total returns of $3,053.50

Sale Summary

Across all categories, the sale averaged 449.9c/kg, with total weight exceeding 815,572kg and overall gross turnover approaching $3.67 million

The result reinforces the ongoing strength of the store market, particularly for quality steers attracting strong restocker and feeder demand.

With solid averages and top-end rates pushing beyond 550c/kg, the NRLX store sale continues to demonstrate resilience and competitive bidding across the Northern Rivers region.

WEANER STEERS HIT $1,970 AT BEAUDESERT ALL RED SALE

The Beaudesert All Red Show and Sale delivered outstanding results on Saturday, with weaner steers topping at $1,970 and strong competition driving a generally dearer market.

Agents Bartholomew and Co reported an exceptional yarding of heavy feeder and backgrounder steers at the 21st annual fixture. A quality line-up of Santa Gertrudis and Droughtmaster heifers also came forward, attracting intense bidding from local buyers and southern operators.

Heavy Droughtmaster steers led the market. Hills Family Pty Ltd, Chinghee Creek, sold two-year-old Droughtmaster steers for $2,350, while Droughtmaster cross steers from Michael Koplick, Veresdale Scrub, reached $2,310.

Phil and Michelle Day, Ferny Glen, sold two-yearold Droughtmaster steers for $2,290, while 20-month-old Droughtmaster steers from Simmone and Toby Ludwig, Lamington, made $2,110. Tony and Chantal Ludwig also sold 18-month-old Droughtmaster steers for $2,100.

The Teese Family, Veresdale, received $2,000 for two-year-old Droughtmaster steers. Santa steers from Oppermann Pastoral, Kerry, sold for $1,900, while Ian Sellars, Rosevale, achieved $1,810 for 18-month-old Santa steers.

A highlight of the sale saw Trevor and Sue Whitehall, Mt Berryman, secure $1,970 for Santa weaner steers. Additional strong results included Droughtmaster steers from GJ & JW

Saverin, Eagleby, at $1,800, and Santa steers from Tony and Jane Hohl, Kerry, at $1,700.

Younger lines also performed well.

Droughtmaster cross steers from Oaky Hills Pty Ltd, Bunburra, made $1,610, while Santa steers from Matthew and Caitlyn Watt and Darryn and Tricia Hester, both Allenview, reached $1,570. Droughtmaster steers from Mike Bauer, Hoya, sold for $1,380, and Vaughan Signal and Natasha Ward, Roadvale, achieved $1,370. In the weaner section, Santa cross steers from the Kleinschmidt Family, Maudsland, sold for $1,500, while Kathleen Panitz received $1,390 for Droughtmaster weaner steers.

Female lines were equally competitive. Amanda Ilka, Chinghee Creek, sold PTIC Droughtmaster heifers for $2,120. Santa heifers from the Wilson Family, Boonah, sold for $1,830, and Len Bundy, Palen Creek, received $1,700 for 18-month-old Santa heifers.

Phil and Michelle Day sold Droughtmaster heifers for $1,510, while K & G Contractors, Hillview, achieved $1,480. Jarryd Janke, Rockside, sold Droughtmaster cross heifers for $1,400. Trevor and Sue Whitehall sold Santa weaner heifers for $1,290, and the Kleinschmidt Family sold Droughtmaster cross weaner heifers for $1,100.

Cow and calf units also met strong demand. The Drynan Family, Innisplain, sold Droughtmaster cows and

calves for $2,525, while Kent and Belinda Farmer, Ferny Glen, achieved $2,300.

A two-year-old Droughtmaster bull from Simto Droughtmasters topped the stud section at $6,000.

Show Results

Judged by Mark Howard of ACC Feedlots, the show component delivered the following results:

• Pen of Steers Suitable for Future Export: 1st Hills Family Pty Ltd — 2nd Hills Family Pty Ltd

• Pen of Steers Suitable for Future Trade: 1st TD & SM Whitehall — 2nd AJ & JM Hohl

• Pen of Weaner Steers: 1st TD & SM Whitehall — 2nd Kathleen Panitz

• Pen of Females Suitable for Breeding: 1st K & G

Contractors — 2nd Eurara Pty Ltd

• Pen of Heifers Suitable for Feed-On: 1st Eurara Pty Ltd — 2nd Len Bundy

• Pen of Weaner Heifers: 1st C & MJ Kleinschmidt & Capaja — 2nd TD & SM Whitehall

• Best Pen of Droughtmaster Cattle: Hills Family Pty Ltd

• Best Pen of Santa Gertrudis Cattle: TD & SM Whitehall

• Champion Pen: Hills Family Pty Ltd

The 21st annual sale reinforced the strength of the red cattle market, with quality lines and strong buyer competition delivering excellent results across both commercial and stud sections.

ARMIDALE CATTLE MARKET LIFTS 504 HEAD 26 FEBRUARY 2026

The Armidale Market Report 26/02/2026 delivered stronger results across most categories, with numbers rising sharply and buyer competition intensifying.

Armidale yarded 1,977 good-quality cattle, an increase of 504 head on the previous sale. All regular buyers attended and operated in a mostly dearer market. The offering included a

strong line-up of prime heavy cows along with the first drafts of early, well-bred weaner calves.

Weaner Steers Surge

Weaner steers under 200kg sold from 350c to 528c/kg, attracting solid backgrounder support. Light weaner steers to 280kg were much dearer, ranging from 432c to 538c/ kg.

Medium feeder steers were

marginally dearer at 401c to 496c/kg, with backgrounders pushing to 498c/kg. Feeder steers to 480kg recorded a notable lift of 39c/kg, selling between 420c and 498c/kg.

Heifer Market Mixed but Strong

Weaner heifers to 280kg eased 10c/kg, trading from 350c to 409c/kg. However, similar yearling heifers improved 26c/kg to make

320c to 420c/kg.

Medium feeder heifers were significantly dearer at 380c to 456c/kg, while background drafts sold between 390c and 419c/kg.

Grown heifers to feed improved to 340c to 416c/kg, and those sold to processors were also dearer at 370c to 388c/kg.

Cow and Bull Categories Firm

Heavy cows improved to 340c to 373c/kg, while prime heavy cows lifted 4c/kg, selling from 359c to 389c/kg. Heavy bulls gained 8c/kg, trading between 370c and 408c/kg.

Market Outlook

The increased yarding and consistent buyer attendance reflect confidence across restocker, backgrounder and processor sectors. Early

weaner drafts are beginning to flow, and seasonal conditions will likely influence supply patterns in coming weeks. Overall, the Armidale sale demonstrated firm underlying demand, particularly for quality feeder lines and heavy cows, with competition ensuring mostly dearer outcomes across the board.

LIVESTOCK MARKETS – WARWICK & DISTRICT - W/E 27 FEBRUARY

APL McDougall & Sons

Livestock Markets –

Warwick & District

A welcome shift from damp to dry conditions brought increased yardings across the Warwick & District livestock markets, with stronger supply met by frm to slightly dearer competition in the cattle section and very solid demand throughout the sheep and lamb market.

Cattle numbers lifted to 1,862 head, while sheep and lamb yardings climbed to 3,581 head. Poultry numbers held steady, though pig and pork listings tightened noticeably.

Cattle Market Overview

The cattle market maintained strength across most categories, with restocker and feeder competition underpinning prices. Processor interest also remained consistent, particularly or well-fnished lines.

Bulls averaged 384.1c/kg, topping at 436.2c/kg and

Dubbo Cattle Market

Dearer Despite 2,000

Drop The Dubbo Market Report 26/02/2026 revealed a strong and competitive sale, despite numbers falling sharply following widespread rainfall in the far west.

Dubbo yarded 4,400 cattle, a reduction of 2,000 head. The recent good rains across western districts clearly affected supply. However, quality remained high. There were solid numbers of prime cattle in all sections, along with

Tamworth Cattle Market

Holds Firm The Tamworth Market Report 23/02/2026 confrmed continued strength in the cattle market, with numbers rising sharply as dry seasonal conditions encourage turnoff.

returning from $1,886.84 to $3,882.76.

Cows averaged 325.8c/kg, peaking at 408.2c/kg and ranging from $1,705.88 to $3,163.55.

Feeder steers averaged 462.1c/kg and topped at 508.2c/kg, making $1,767.54 to $2,516.57.

Feeder heifers averaged 385c/kg, topping at 440.2c/ kg for returns between $1,277.89 and $1,769.60.

Steers averaged 440c/ kg and reached 472.2c/ kg, returning $2,551.24 to $3,172.23.

Manufacturing steers averaged 347.4c/kg and peaked at 390.2c/kg, making $1,354.96 to $1,879.02.

Heifers averaged 372.4c/ kg, topping at 440c/kg and returning $1,709.34 to $3,096.00.

Yearling steers averaged 426c/kg and reached 500.2c/ kg, selling from $1,139.78 to $2,177.13.

Yearling heifers averaged

355.2c/kg, topping at 460.2c/kg and returning $823.86 to $2,462.07.

Vealer steers averaged 429c/kg and topped at 518.2c/kg, making $971.54 to $1,321.41.

Vealer heifers averaged 369.2c/kg, peaking at 438.2c/kg and returning $885.20 to $1,200.00.

The overall cattle yarding averaged $1,551.30 per head.

Sheep & Lamb Market –Strong Across the Board

Sheep and lamb numbers rose both in quality and quantity, providing good coverage for restockers alongside local and export processors. The larger yarding did little to soften the market, with most categories recording weekon-week gains.

Lambs topped at $333/ head to average $180.88, up $2/head.

Hoggets topped at $240/ head to average $165, rising

$43/head.

Ram lambs topped at $250/ head to average $165.12, up $19/head.

Ewes reached $260/head to average $147.38, lifting $31/head.

Wethers topped at $240/ head to average $174.24, increasing $34/head.

Rams sold to $201/head to average $146.78, up $35/ head.

The full sheep and lamb yarding averaged $166.47 per head, an increase of $7/ head week-on-week.

Vendor Highlights

Several consignments attracted strong competition:

• Bill & Trish Krautz sold 65.5kg Dorper lambs to Thomas Foods for $333, 58.7kg to Eversons for $290, and 49kg to Eversons for $233. Dorper ewes made $244 to Thomas Foods, while Merino ewes returned $185 to Eversons.

• Wood Livestock Holding sold crossbred ewes to

Thomas Foods for $260.

• The Campbell Family sold Dorper ewes to Thomas Foods for $170 and to restockers for $90, 53.8kg hoggets to Grants Quality Meats for $178 and 53.8kg ram lambs to Eversons for $150.

• Andrew Clark Dickson sold 38.3kg Dorper lambs to McIntyre Meats for $196 and Dorper ewes to Eversons for $140.

• Martin Power’s 55kg Sufolk lambs sold to Thomas Foods for $260.

• Horton Agrif sold 50.8kg Dorper lambs to GR Prime for $233 and 48kg lines to McIntyre Meats for $208, while 60kg hoggets made $220 to Eversons.

• Woodland Farming’s 46.7kg Dorper lambs sold to McMahon Bros for $248. Merino wethers sold strongly to Fletchers, with the Cusack Family receiving $185 and Clive & Margaret Smith $150.

DUBBO MARKET REPORT 26/02/2026

fair drafts suited to feeder orders. Additionally, young cattle suitable for restockers and backgrounders were well represented. All regular buyers operated strongly, and importantly, a southern trade processor returned to the buying panel. As a result, competition intensifed across most categories.

Young Cattle to Trade and Feeders

Young cattle to the trade were 10c/kg dearer, with prime yearlings selling from 412c to 478c/kg.

Feeder competition strengthened further. Feeder steers and heifers were up to 15c/kg dearer, refecting continued confdence in fnishing markets. Feeder steers ranged from 432c to 513c/kg, while feeder heifers sold from 400c to 470c/kg.

Restocker Competition Remains Strong Young cattle suitable for restockers continued to attract very strong competition. Young steers sold to a top of 552c/kg, highlighting robust demand

for lighter lines. Young heifers to restockers reached 452c/kg.

This sustained restocker interest suggests confdence in seasonal conditions following recent rainfall.

Grown Cattle Lift

Grown steers and heifers were 15c/kg dearer, continuing the upward trend seen in younger categories.

Prime grown steers sold from 423c to 482c/kg, while prime grown heifers ranged from 410c to 484c/kg.

Cow Market Strengthens

Cows lifted between 10c and 15c/kg dearer, with processor competition evident.

The 2 and 3 score cows sold from 310c to 388c/kg, while prime heavy weight cows made 372c to 414c/kg, averaging 395c/kg.

Cows to restockers sold from 234c to 340c/kg, refecting continued interest in rebuilding or expanding herds.

Heavy bulls topped at 410c/kg, rounding out a generally frm to dearer sale.

Market Outlook

TAMWORTH MARKET REPORT 23/02/2026

Tamworth yarded 4,220 head, an increase of almost 500 cattle. Quality was solid throughout, with good runs of prime cattle across all sections. There were also fair numbers suited to feeders and restockers. Most regular buyers attended and operated in a frm, competitive market.

Young Cattle to Trade Steady

Young cattle to the trade were around frm. Prime vealers and yearlings sold from 406c to 480c/kg, refecting steady processor demand.

Feeder competition strengthened. Feeder steers and heifers were 10c to

15c/kg dearer, highlighting continued confdence in fnishing markets. Feeder steers ranged from 434c to 508c/kg, while feeder heifers sold between 370c and 459c/kg.

Restockers Continue to Compete

Young cattle to restockers were also dearer. Young steers sold to a top of 560c/ kg, demonstrating strong competition for lighter lines. Restocker heifers reached

418c/kg.

The lift in restocker values suggests producers remain confdent despite ongoing dry conditions.

Grown Cattle Dearer

A better selection of grown steers and heifers saw prices lift by up to 20c/ kg.

Prime grown steers sold from 440c to 469c/kg, while prime grown heifers ranged from 420c to 438c/kg.

Pork & Poultry

Pork numbers were limited, dominated by store pigs. Pork sold to $150, with stores making between $58 and $174 per head.

Poultry numbers remained consistent. Roosters sold to $20, hens to $27.50, ducks and ducklings to $7.50, geese to $35, pullets to $22.50, guinea fowl to $55, groups of ducklings to $20 and groups of turkeys to $45.

Market Summary

Improved weather conditions supported larger yardings, while buyer competition ensured frm to slightly dearer trends in cattle and very strong gains across sheep and lamb categories. Restockers and processors alike remained active, absorbing increased supply without pressure on pricing.

The Warwick & District markets continue to re ect steady underlying demand as autumn approaches.

Despite the signifcant fall in numbers, the Dubbo sale delivered stronger price trends across nearly all categories. The return of a southern processor added further depth to the buying panel, while feeder and restocker demand remained particularly buoyant. Seasonal rainfall in western districts may continue to infuence supply patterns in coming weeks. However, underlying demand suggests confdence remains steady across trade, feeder and restocker sectors.

Cow Market Mixed but Solid

Secondary cows were up to 10c/kg dearer, while well-fnished heavy weight cows were frm.

Two and three score cows sold from 230c to 364c/kg. Prime heavy weight cows made 358c to 391c/kg, averaging 372c/kg.

Cows to restockers sold from 326c to 360c/kg, and heavy bulls topped at 389c/ kg.

Market Outlook

Dry weather continues to drive supply, yet the strong underlying market is absorbing numbers comfortably. Feeder and restocker demand remains particularly active, while processor competition is steady across prime lines. With numbers lifting again this week, Tamworth continues to demonstrate resilience across all categories.

Northern Rainfall Cuts Yardings, Impacts Prices Across Eastern States

Ian Rogers

Widespread northern rainfall has significantly reduced livestock yardings across eastern Australia, tightening supply and supporting prices in several key categories. According to industry data released by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), heavy rainfall across Queensland and northern New South Wales disrupted mustering and transport operations, particularly in northern production regions. As a result, weekly cattle yardings fell sharply, with flow-on effects seen across major selling centres.

Yardings Fall as Producers Hold Stock

Improved seasonal conditions have encouraged many producers to retain stock and rebuild herds, rather than present cattle to market. Wet paddocks and access challenges also limited the ability to move livestock to saleyards.

The reduction in supply was most evident in Queensland, where some selling centres reported substantial declines in throughput. Northern NSW markets experienced similar constraints, with yardings falling below recent averages. With fewer cattle available, competition intensified among processors and restockers, supporting prices across several categories.

Processor Demand

Remains Firm

Despite reduced numbers, processor demand remained steady. Heavy steers and cows experienced price lifts in several saleyards, reflecting tighter supply conditions.

Southern processors continued to compete for quality lines, particularly as conditions in southern regions remain more variable. The combination of constrained supply in the north and ongoing processor requirements helped underpin the market.

In contrast, markets less affected by rainfall saw more stable supply levels, resulting in moderate price movements rather than sharp increases.

Restocker Confidence Strengthens

Rainfall across large areas of Queensland and northern NSW has boosted pasture growth and improved feed availability. This has strengthened restocker confidence, with buyers willing to pay premiums for suitable young cattle.

Lightweight steers and heifers attracted strong competition in several centres, reflecting renewed optimism following improved seasonal outlooks.

The rainfall event marks a notable shift from the drier conditions experienced earlier in the season, supporting herd rebuilding intentions and encouraging longerterm planning among

producers.

National Supply Dynamics

Nationally, eastern states yardings trended lower week-on-week. However, the overall market remains balanced, with southern regions continuing to contribute to supply.

The tightening of northern numbers may continue to influence pricing in the short term, particularly if wet conditions persist and limit cattle movements.

Industry analysts suggest that while rainfall has temporarily disrupted supply chains, the longerterm impact is positive for production potential. Improved pasture conditions are expected to support weight gains and

future turn-off volumes.

Outlook

If favourable seasonal conditions continue, producers may maintain a cautious selling approach, prioritising herd rebuilding and weight gain over immediate market participation.

However, should transport conditions normalise quickly, yardings may rebound in coming weeks as deferred cattle enter the market. For now, reduced northern supply has provided price support across key eastern markets, reinforcing the close relationship between seasonal conditions and livestock market performance.

NRLX SPECIAL STORE SALE TOPS $1.1 MILLION FEB 27

The Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange (NRLX) Special Store Sale on 27 February 2026

breeding females and quality replacement stock. Competition remained steady across most pens,

genetics, with buyers clearly focused on improving herd performance. Cow and Calf Units

for proven breeding combinations, particularly with seasonal conditions supporting restocking

competition for well-bred replacement females. Producers continue to prioritise herd expansion

Sale Summary Across all categories, the Special Store Sale

Extreme Weather Batters Large Parts of Australia as Farmers Brace for Impact

Ian Rogers

A powerful and contrasting series of weather systems has swept across large parts of Australia, delivering torrential rain and flash flooding in the east while heatwave conditions and heightened fire danger grip western and inland regions.

Emergency authorities across multiple states have responded to widespread severe weather warnings, as heavy rainfall, damaging winds and dangerous surf combined to create hazardous conditions for communities and producers alike.

Flooding Rain Impacts

Eastern States

In eastern Australia, a deep trough and unstable atmospheric conditions have driven intense rainfall across parts of New South Wales and Queensland. Thunderstorm activity has produced heavy downpours over short periods, resulting in flash flooding and rapid river rises.

Emergency services have carried out multiple flood rescues after motorists became trapped in rising waters. Authorities repeatedly warned drivers not to attempt to cross flooded roads, emphasising that conditions could change quickly and that even shallow water can sweep vehicles away.

Several communities experienced localised flooding as creeks and rivers responded to sustained rainfall. Lowlying properties were inundated, and residents were urged to monitor official warnings and be prepared to move to safer ground if necessary.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued severe weather alerts for heavy rain, damaging wind gusts and flash flooding, noting that rainfall totals in some areas accumulated rapidly within hours. In already saturated catchments, additional rain exacerbated runoff and extended the

duration of flood impacts. Strong winds associated with thunderstorm cells brought down trees and powerlines, leaving thousands of properties without electricity. Crews worked to restore supply amid difficult conditions, while local councils cleared debris and assessed damage to roads and infrastructure.

Agricultural Disruption and Rural Impacts

For rural communities, the weather has brought both relief and disruption. While widespread rain replenishes soil moisture and supports pasture growth, intense falls over short periods can damage crops, limit machinery access and affect livestock welfare.

Producers in floodprone areas have moved cattle and sheep to higher ground where possible, particularly where river forecasts indicate further rises. Waterlogged paddocks can increase the risk of animal health issues, including foot problems and parasite pressure.

Horticultural growers have expressed concern about fruit quality and disease following prolonged wet conditions. Excess moisture during harvest windows can

reduce shelf life and complicate transport logistics, particularly where road closures restrict access to markets. In some regions, local roads and highways were temporarily closed due to flooding, disrupting freight routes and livestock movements. Saleyard throughput has also been affected in areas where producers were unable to move stock safely.

Extreme Heat and Fire Danger in the West

While eastern states managed flooding rain, parts of Western Australia and inland Australia endured intense heat, with temperatures soaring well above seasonal averages. Hot, gusty winds combined with dry fuels to elevate bushfire risk across several districts.

Fire authorities issued warnings for catastrophic or extreme fire danger ratings in some areas, urging residents to enact bushfire survival plans and avoid unnecessary travel. Dry lightning associated with isolated storms further increased ignition risks. The heat has placed significant stress on livestock and rural infrastructure. Farmers in affected regions have focused on ensuring

adequate water supply, shade and minimal handling of animals during peak temperatures.

Grain producers have also monitored crops closely, aware that extreme heat during sensitive growth phases can reduce yield potential and grain quality. Rapid moisture loss in soils has added to irrigation pressures in some districts.

Coastal Hazards and Storm Activity

Along parts of the coastline, rough seas and strong winds generated hazardous surf conditions. Authorities advised against swimming in exposed areas and warned small craft operators to exercise caution.

Thunderstorms embedded within broader weather systems delivered isolated hail and damaging wind gusts, contributing to property damage in both urban and rural settings. Insurance claims are expected to rise as assessments continue.

Meteorologists noted that the combination of moisture-laden air drawn from the tropics and unstable atmospheric dynamics contributed to the severity of the eastern rainfall. At the same time, high-pressure systems and continental

weather events. Climate Variability and Ongoing Monitoring Meteorologists continue to monitor evolving systems, with further rainfall possible in parts of eastern Australia and sustained heat in sections of the west. The current pattern highlights the breadth of Australia’s climate variability, with some regions inundated while others face elevated fire danger.

Experts note that such simultaneous extremes are a feature of Australia’s dynamic weather systems. However, the intensity of recent events underscores the importance of adaptive planning for rural industries and regional communities.

heat influenced western conditions, reinforcing the stark climatic contrast across the country.

Emergency Response and Preparedness

State emergency services have emphasised the importance of preparedness and community awareness.

Residents were encouraged to stay informed via official weather updates and emergency channels, particularly as forecasts suggested further unsettled conditions in some regions.

Authorities stressed that flash flooding can develop rapidly, particularly in urban areas where drainage systems may be overwhelmed. The message to avoid driving through floodwaters was repeated across multiple jurisdictions.

Power utilities deployed additional crews to restore electricity following storm-related outages, while councils worked to clear fallen trees and repair damaged infrastructure.

In rural districts, community networks have played a critical role in sharing information and assisting vulnerable neighbours. Local resilience remains a key feature of Australia’s response to extreme

For producers, this means balancing the benefits of replenished soil moisture against the risks of flooding, crop damage and infrastructure disruption. In heat-affected areas, water management and fire preparedness remain top priorities.

Looking Ahead Forecasts suggest that while the most intense rainfall may ease in some eastern districts, rivers could remain elevated for days as runoff moves through catchments. Authorities warn that additional moderate rainfall may prolong minor to moderate flooding in vulnerable areas.

In the west, sustained hot conditions are expected to persist in some regions, maintaining elevated fire danger until cooler changes arrive.

Across the country, rural communities once again find themselves navigating the twin challenges of flood and fire — a reminder of the resilience required to farm and live in one of the world’s most climatically diverse nations.

As emergency services remain on alert and producers adapt to rapidly changing conditions, the coming weeks will be critical in assessing the full impact of this latest sweep of extreme weather across Australia.

WHATS ON THE MENU

TONIGHT ?

ISalmon Patties (Crispy & Easy)

Prep 20m Cook 25m Serves 4

f you’re hunting for the ultimate salmon patties recipe, this crispy, golden classic is your new weeknight hero. These easy salmon patties are budget-friendly, quick to cook and perfect for lunch, dinner or leftovers the next day.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 415g canned pink salmon, drained and flaked

• 400g potatoes, peeled and chopped

• 120g brown onion, finely chopped

• 30g fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 15ml lemon juice

• 1 egg

• 60g plain flour (plus extra for dusting)

• 60g dried breadcrumbs

• 60ml olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Method (with a wink)

1. Boil the potatoes in salted water for 12–15 minutes until tender — or until you can stab them dramatically with a fork and feel powerful. Drain and mash like you’re working through unresolved feelings.

2. In a large bowl, combine mashed potato, salmon, onion, parsley, lemon juice and egg. Mix confidently. This is not the time for timid stirring.

3. Stir in flour and breadcrumbs. Season generously — bland salmon patties are a crime against seafood.

4. Shape into 8 patties. If they look rustic, call them “handcrafted.” Lightly dust with flour and pretend you’re on a cooking show montage.

SPrep 15m Serves 6

tep right up for Easy Apricot Balls, the snack that refuses to use the oven and still steals the show. These chewy little overachievers are sweet, coconutty and dangerously easy to “just have one more” of. No baking. No fancy skills. Just a bowl, a spoon and a willingness to get slightly sticky.

Apricots bring the fruity drama. Condensed milk plays the smooth operator. Biscuits provide crunch like a solid punchline. Coconut? That’s the glitter cannon at the finale.

Ingredients

• 200g dried apricots

• 150g plain sweet biscuits, crushed

• 100g sweetened condensed milk

• 80g desiccated coconut (plus extra for rolling)

Method

Store in an airtight container in the fridge — assuming they last that long.

Perfect for lunchboxes, afternoon tea or that mysterious 9pm craving that demands “something sweet but not too sweet but also definitely sweet.”

Apricot balls: tiny, cheerful and wildly addictive.

They’re the sort of treat that vanish at alarming speed, leaving behind nothing but a dusting of coconut and a room full of suspiciously innocent faces. Make a double batch if you enjoy domestic peace, because “Who ate the last one?” can escalate quickly. They’re fridge-friendly, lunchbox-ready and dangerously snackable straight from the container. Hide a few at the back behind the vegetables

No

6. Serve with salad, veg or tartare sauce — and accept compliments with humble superiority.

Tips for a Standing Ovation

Now we enter the part of the recipe where confidence separates the legends from the “why is there salmon on the ceiling?” crowd. When you flip those patties, commit. None of that timid wrist-flick nonsense. Slide, lift, flip — own it. If one collapses dramatically in the pan, congratulations, you’ve just invented “rustic salmon crumble.” Very trendy. Very intentional. If the mixture sticks to your hands like it’s emotionally

attached, dust them with flour and keep moving. We are shaping patties, not negotiating a hostage situation. Remember: uneven edges are charming. Perfect circles are for people with too much time and suspiciously clean kitchens.

While they’re sizzling, resist the urge to poke, prod, flip early, or otherwise micromanage. They need space. Give them room to crisp up into golden little discs of glory. That crust? That’s flavour. That’s texture. That’s the sound of you absolutely nailing dinner. Serve them hot with lemon, salad and a smug smile. And if anyone asks how long it took? “Oh, just something I whipped up.”

You kitchen icon, you.

Easy Apricot Balls

if you must — just don’t forget where you put them. That would be tragic.

The Northern Rivers’ warm, subtropical climate allows a wide range of lush ornamentals to thrive. However, many popular garden plants can be dangerous to dogs and cats. Pet owners across the region should understand which poisonous plants to pets in the Northern Rivers pose the greatest risk and how to manage their gardens safely.

Lantana

Lantana camara is widespread throughout Northern NSW and often grows along roadsides and bushland. While its bright clusters of pink, orange and yellow flowers are attractive, lantana is highly toxic to pets and livestock. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea,

liver damage and photosensitivity. Dogs are most at risk if they chew leaves or unripe green berries.

Sago Palm

The popular Cycas revoluta, commonly known as the sago palm, is extremely poisonous. All parts of the plant are toxic, especially the seeds. Even small amounts can cause severe liver failure in dogs. Symptoms include drooling, vomiting, weakness and seizures. Immediate veterinary treatment is essential if ingestion is suspected.

Oleander

Nerium oleander is commonly planted as a hardy screening shrub in coastal gardens. Despite its resilience, it contains cardiac glycosides that

affect the heart. Even chewing a small amount of leaf or flower can cause irregular heartbeat, tremors and potentially fatal complications in both cats and dogs.

Lilies

Many species of Lilium, including Easter and Asiatic lilies, are extremely toxic to cats. Even a small amount of pollen ingested during grooming can trigger acute kidney failure. While dogs may experience milder stomach upset, cats require urgent veterinary care if exposed.

Azaleas and Rhododendrons

Rhododendron species, including azaleas, contain toxins that interfere with heart and muscle function. Signs of poisoning include vomiting, drooling and

weakness. Severe cases may lead to coma.

Protecting Your Pets

Firstly, identify plants in your yard and remove highly toxic species where possible. Secondly, supervise pets in unfamiliar gardens and bushland areas. Additionally, consider pet-safe alternatives such as native grasses, camellias or bottlebrush varieties suited to Northern Rivers conditions. If you suspect plant poisoning, contact your local veterinarian immediately. Early treatment greatly improves outcomes. By choosing safe plantings and staying informed, Northern Rivers pet owners can enjoy beautiful gardens without compromising their animals’ health.

A GARDEN EXPERIENCE

IN LOVING MEMORY

Loved and loving wife of Kenneth (dec).

Cherished Mum and Mum-in-law to Deborah, David and Karen.

Adored Nan and Great-Nan. Kind, strong and deeply loved. Forever remembered.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend a casual Celebration of Life picnic to honour Patty. Frances Street, Tweed Heads NSW Friday 14 March 2026

11:00am QLD time | 12:00 noon NSW time Light refreshments provide

PUBLIC NOTICE

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE EXISTING MOBILE PHONE

1. Telstra is proposing to upgrade the existing mobile phone base stations at: On the existing 30m Monopole at Lot 7007, DP92844, Summerland Way, Casino NSW 2470. www.rfnsa.com.au/ 2470011

2. In summary, the upgrades will comprise the installation of a new Telstra Headframe, the installation of six (6) and the installation of associated ancillary equipment and associated ancillary works.

3. We invite you to provide your feedback or request further information by contacting us at: Ash Mathulla, Town Planner, 046795393, community.consult@downergroup.com and PO Box 135, Milton, QLD 4064.

We will accept submissions until 5 pm on Thursday, the 19th of March 2026.

4. For more information about the proposals, visit the RFNSA website at www.rfnsa.com.au by using the direct links provided above.

Ramsey 0428 664 927

0429

661 167

Passed away peacefully on the 10th February 2026, aged 72 years. Late of Casino.

Father of Donna, Julie, Troy, Cassandra, Timothy and Matthew.

Son of Arthur Samuel Roker (Sam) and Joan Roker (Nee Munro) Both deceased.

As per Wayne’s wishes a private cremation was held.

WEATHER

FORECAST

Northern Rivers District:

Partly cloudy. The chance of morning fog inland. Slight chance of a shower in the morning and afternoon. Light winds becoming east to northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the afternoon then becoming light during the evening.

Thursday. Partly cloudy. The chance of morning fog inland. Slight chance of a shower. Light winds becoming easterly 15 to 20 km/h during the afternoon then becoming light during the evening.

Northern Tablelands District:

Partly cloudy. The chance of morning fog on and east of the ranges. Slight chance of a shower in the south, most likely in the afternoon. Winds east to northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h becoming light during the morning then becoming east to northeasterly 15

to 20 km/h during the evening. Thursday. Partly cloudy. The chance of morning fog on and east of the ranges. Slight chance of a shower, most likely in the afternoon. The chance of a storm in the south in the afternoon. Light winds becoming easterly 15 to 20 km/h during the afternoon.

New South Wales:

Scattered showers and storms about the southeast, Alps and adjacent southern inland with possible storms about the Alps and southern slopes. Isolated showers possible elsewhere. Patchy morning fog about the northern ranges. Daytime temperatures above average across the eastern and central areas, slightly below average in the far west. Northeasterly winds along the coast, fresh at times on the coastal fringe. West to northwesterly winds west of the Divide, turning southwesterly across the far west.

Thursday. Isolated showers about eastern and central areas. Isolated storms bout the central east, possibly severe. Patchy morning fog about the southern ranges. Daytime temperatures above average across the eastern and central areas, slightly below average in the far west. Winds south to southwesterly winds across the inland, light and variable in the east during the morning. East to southeasterly winds east of the Divide by the afternoon and a west to southwesterly wind shift to the west.

Byron Coast:

Winds: Northeasterly 15 to 20 knots. Seas: Around 1 metre, increasing to 1 to 1.5 metres south of Coffs Harbour. Swell: East to northeasterly around 1 metre. Weather: Partly cloudy. Coffs Coast: Winds: Northeasterly 15 to 20 knots. Seas: Around 1 metre, increasing to 1 to 1.5 metres south of Coffs Harbour. Swell: East to northeasterly around 1 metre. Weather: Partly cloudy.

By Gary Nichols

Rugby Union grassroots have been fertilised thanks to NSW Rugby and NSW regional manager Joey de Dassel.

The Grafton Redmen Club will host its first International Game on Saturday April 4 when the Japanese and Fijian Under 20s sides clash in what promises to be highoctane game of rugby.

As a prelude to the main game, the Australian Stockmen side will faceoff against the Grafton Redmen, adding a local flavour to the day.

De Dassel, who has been an important cog in the inception of the Festival of Rugby held in Coffs Harbour last year, said the success in Coffs Harbour has culminated in expansion to other regional towns within the

Mid North Coast Zone.

“We ran the Festival of Rugby in Coffs last year and we had Japan come out. They loved it and wanted to return,” De Dassel said.

“The Fijian under-20s are visiting this year as well as the Australian Stockmen side and the Australian under 20s squad.

“The four teams will be competing over the week so there is a lot of content just to host it in Coffs Harbour” he added.

Jeff Gibbs

Casino Bowls Results – 25 February

Maryanne Chandler, Jan Cooke and Mary Mead were winners on Wednesday 25 February, defeating Julie Creighton, Denise Grice and Helen Lavelle.

In the other match, Judy Carthew, Maria Hellyar and Denise Skinner claimed victory over Sandra Guthrie, Raelene Skirrey and Ivy Watson.

An enjoyable day of bowls was had by all players.

Casino Social Golf Results –1 March 2026

Paul Day claimed the March Monthly Medal after finishing with a net 27, winning on a countback from Dave Roberts, who also posted 27. D. Hampson secured the putting trophy with 13 putts, while W. Jackson took out the players draw.

Nearest the pins went to G. Randall (8th), T. Jenkins (9th), J. Olive (10th), W. Jackson (11th, 12th & 17th), G. Skennar (14th & 15th), H. Rampund (16th) and J. Rankin (18th).

Next Sunday’s event, sponsored by Gumbo Pies Casino, will be a single stableford over the bottom 10 holes. Visitors are welcome, with hit off from 6.30am to 7.30am.

Cherry Street Croquet Club Sports Results Association Croquet:

M. Gidding recorded a strong 26–2 win over L. Turner, while G. Porter defeated R. Chapman and G. Drew 21–10. Ricochet Croquet: M. Russell and N. Barnes edged out W. Peters and R. Allen 9–8. G. Kerr and P. Scott defeated J. Doust and

R. Chapman 13–8. H. Young and N. Watts finished square at 15–all. N. Watts and B. Wellings had an 11–10 win over M. Russell, while R. Allen and J. Doust defeated G. Kerr and W. Peters 9–8. P. Waters and C. Edlund accounted for M. Field and G. Porter 14–10.

Division 2 Ricochet Golf Singles Club Championships 2026:

In the final, G. Porter claimed the title with a 19–10 win over J. Hannigan. Semi-finals saw J. Hannigan defeat P. Scott 16–11 and G. Porter overcome G. Drew 18–9. Earlier results included P. Scott defeating N. Barnes 9–6 and G. Drew winning by forfeit over R. Poynting. Congratulations to all players.

Twilight Golf Croquet:

G. Porter 22, M. Rennie 19, W. Gilmore 17, R. Offley 16, W. Anderson 11, L. Whiteman 10, L. Wesley 9, J. Saunders 9, D. Toghill 6, J. Hamilton 2.

The Club General Meeting will be held on 5 March at 12 noon at the Cherry Street Clubhouse. All welcome.

Coraki Veterans Golf

Results – 26 February 2026

A larger field turned out for Thursday’s monthly barbecue at Coraki. G. Gibson claimed the win, followed by P. Buggy in second and B. McDonald in third. T. McBurnie secured the free game.

Chicken and ball winners were J. Kelly, K. Prosser, T. Doyle, I. Welsh, A. Pilling, P. Brophy, K. Rodgers, B. Miller, D. Knox and D. Beeruns.

Nearest the pins went to J. Rose (3rd/12th) and B. Rose (6th/15th).

Next Thursday features the March Monthly Medal, commencing at 8.00am with the usual shotgun start. Till then, good golfing. Max

“I reached out to the Redmen club so they, alongside Kempsey, get an opportunity to host games.

“We brought up the team manager from the Japanese side before Christmas to check out the Redmen ground and facilities. Eddie Jones was also here, and he signed off on it as well.”

The Grafton Redmen Club has focused on grassroots rugby and improving the ground facilities for the past three years, which De Dassel said got the club over-the-line to host an international fixture.

“The new change rooms are a big plus, as are the grants the club has received from the NSW Government,” he said.

“The overall club vibe is very strong especially with the juniors and seniors on the same page and combining to ensure the long-term success of the Club.

“Grafton has a strong rugby community and NSW Rugby want to support that.

“It’s very exciting and would be great to see the stands and the hill full.”

Redmen first grade coach Gary Powell has seen a lot of changes at the club since he first pulled on a Redmen jumper in 1990.

have achieved the past few years on and off the field.

“It’s put Grafton Rugby on the map and it’s a massive reward for all the hard work.”

Powell will coach the Redmen first grade side in their curtain-raiser game against the Australian Stockmen side.

“It’s another massive achievement to have our first-grade side take the field against the Australian Stockman team,” he said.

“To play against a side of that quality in a trial game

Sports Results Easter bonanza Redmen secure international blockbuster

After hearing the news, he was ecstatic for the club, supporters and the local rugby community.

“It’s unbelievable. I don’

think the club has ever hosted an international game before,” Powell said.

“It’s a fantastic reward for the club after what we

will be enormous.”

Grafton, in recent years, has been boosted by players and seasonal workers from Fiji who, Powell believes, will no doubt be in the stands to see their fellow countrymen showcase their rugby flair and skills.

“It will be great for the Fijian boys to have a connection on the day. They will most likely know some of the players.”

Games will be held at the Grafton Redmen Rugby Fields South Grafton with the Redmen v Australian Stockmen game kicking off at 1pm followed by Japan under-20s v Fiji under 20s at 3pm.

Keeper ditches gloves, devastates Easts

By Tim Howard

When Harwood’s wicketkeeper Haydon McMahon ditches the gloves, batters in the Clarence River frst grade cricket competition need to tighten their defences.

On Saturday he had Matt Farrell don the keeper’s mitts so he could roll his arm over against GDSC at Ellem Oval, Grafton, in the last game before the semi-fnals.

The result: he turned a promising beginning for Easts of 3-85 into the dreaded Nelson – 111 all out.

McMahon’s share was 7-18 from 13 overs. It was both devastating and miserly.

Easts lost an early wicket but the top four mounted a recovery.

Shannon Connor tried to assert control and smashed three sixes and a four in his innings of 27. He and Max Forwell, 26, tried to assert themselves, but when Connor was dismissed lbw to Corey Lewis, the innings bogged down.

Forwell took 106 balls for his 26 and Tom Gerrard 107 for 31 as the bowlers got on top and then the wickets began to fall.

The fnal seven batters failed to hit a boundary, there were three ducks and none reached double fgures.

Harwood took a gamble when they began the run chase with the prospect of around 25 overs before the end of the day’s play. They promoted noted slugger Dean Carroll to open in a bid to take frst innings points on day one.

But the freworks failed to materialise with Carroll dismissed for 8 from 12 balls.

The Harwood innings resorted to steady

accumulation with Farrell, 27 from 38, and Kallen Lawrence, 10no from 63, digging in.

Farrell was dismissed about half an hour before stumps, but Ben McMahon 18no and Lawrence will resume the innings on Saturday.

Connor, 1-14 from nine overs and Gus Lobsey, 1-20 from six overs were the wicket takers for Easts.

The other two games, between Tucabia and Iluka at Iluka and Maclean and Lawrence at Yamba Oval, were washed out. They will be played as one-day games this Saturday.

Meanwhile Clarence cricket has been celebrating some milestones for some notable players in recent weeks.

This week congratulations go to Tucabia Copmanhurst stalwart Greg Mears. Association statistician Bret Loveday has run the numbers and found Mears has turned out 400 times in Clarence Valley cricket competitions, mostly for Tucabia.

On Saturday he took the feld with the Tucabia second grade side, for his 400th appearance in club cricket.

Greg’s incredible career began way back in the season of 1979/80 when he turned out for the Souths Services third grade teams.

One of his team mates that day was a youthful John Frame.

The following year he moved to the Tucabia/ Copmanhurst club, where he has been a fxture ever since.

His impact on Tucabia/ Copmanhurst cricket for over 40 years has been immense, both on and off the feld.

His on feld involvement has resulted in him

being a part of numerous premiership victories, but off the feld Mears was made a Life Member of the club in 2015 for his dedication to play, coaching, committee and the game of cricket in general.

He has tried to retire a couple of times, but the love of the game has pulled him back and this season marks the 38th of his career

During his 400 games, Greg has scored 6463 runs with three centuries and 19 ffties. His highest score was 125 against Souths in 2014/15

But most remember Mears as one of the great keepers in Clarence cricket. His work behind the stumps has resulted in 340 dismissals.

He also had some talent with the ball which resulted in 232 wickets with a best return of 5/30 against Westlawn in 2016/17.

Loveday said in the CRCA data base, which now holds the records of more than 5000 players, Greg was only the third player to reach the magical 400 game mark.

A week or so ago another

Clarence cricket star, Daniel ‘Charlie’ Amos turned out for a game in thirds for Westlawn.

It was his 300th game in CRCA matches, not including night competition of representative matches.

Amos began his cricketing career playing for Souths in 1986/87 before moving to Westlawn in 1989/90.

He has been with Westlawn ever since.

In his career, Charlie has scored 7379 runs which includes seven centuries and 33 ffties with a top score of 195 not out which he made in the 2002/03 grand fnal against Tucabia/Copmanhurst.

It was a match defning innings that allowed his team to chase down massive score in excess of 300 and had most local judges rating it among the best innings in the local competition.

Amos has occasionally rolled his arm over taking 46 wickets with a best of 6/47 vs Brothers in season 2001/02.

Loveday said in the CRCA database Amos’s run aggregate of 7379 puts him in the top 10 all time

his entire career with Tucabia.

Firth began his CRCA playing career with Brothers in 2003/04. He has scored 3468 runs with a top score of 123 not out against Coutts Crossing in 2019/20. Along with his century, he has made 14 50s.

With the ball Firth has taken 110 wickets with a best of 5/9 against Tucabia/Copmanhurst in 2015/16

CRCA run scorers.

Billy Blanch, Jamie Firth and Josh Bender brought up milestones during February.

Blanch began playing his CRCA cricketing career with Tucabia/ Copmanhurst in 2005/06.

He has made 2499 runs with a top score of 88 not out against Easts in 2020/21 and has also included another six 50s.

With the ball Blanch has taken 282 wickets with a best of 6/13 against Brothers in 2017/18. He has taken a further 9 fvefers.

Blanch has been a oneclub man, having played

Since playing most of his career at Brothers he has in recent seasons played at Coutts Crossing and this season with Tucabia. Bender joined the 200 club when he played against Coutts Crossing last month.

He played his frst game in senior cricket in 2008/09 with the Westlawn Cricket Club. He then played from 2015/16 to 2016/17 with Brothers before returning to Westlawn

Bender has scored 2535 runs with a top score of 111 which he scored against Easts in the season of 2012/13. Along with the century he has made a further 19 50s.

He has taken 105 wickets with a best of 7/12 against Easts in 2012/13. He also took a hat trick in 2017/18 against Coutts Crossing.

Sports Keeper ditches gloves, devastates

Full story by Tim Howard page 51

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