TVW 27 November 2025

By Jonathon Howard

Deck your shops!

By Jonathon Howard

TWEED BUSINESSES are invited to embrace the Christmas spirit and join this year’s Christmas light and window display competition set to launch on Monday, December 1.

Among the early standouts this year is Anderson’s Treasure Store in Murwillumbah’s CBD who won last year’s competition and has produced another stellar display this year.

Anderson’s staff have wrapped more than 1,000 recycled gift boxes for their display — a marathon effort that took several days and plenty of Christmas enthusiasm.

“We went a fraction early this year,” owner Peter Anderson said.

“The team felt it was important to be organised and ready. Decorations get everyone excited, and they add something special to our product range.

“We love that Christmas spirit — it gives us something to look forward to and we’d encourage other businesses to get involved and register.”

Councillor Meredith Dennis OAM is hoping this year’s competition will encourage other businesses across the Tweed to make time for Christmas and embrace festive creativity using simple and sustainable ideas.

“It doesn’t have to be elaborate,” she said. “Just fit your theme, or create your own style and register on the website.”

This year’s Tweed Festive Shopfronts campaign is a collaboration between Tweed Shire Council, Tweed Valley Weekly, Business Kingscliff, Business Murwillumbah and the Tweed Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with the shared aim to celebrate local business and reinforce the message of shopping locally during the festive season.

Businesses can enter the competition by decorating their shopfronts and submitting a photo through an online portal. Entries will appear on the new Tweed Festive Shopfront interactive map, dis -

played alongside the Tweed Festive Glow Guide on the council’s website.

The campaign is designed to be light hearted, community focused, and fully inclusive.

Judging will take place district by district, with each chamber selecting one winner based on creativity, effort, recycling and upcycling, Tweed-centric festive

spirit, and overall “wow” factor.

Each winner will receive a prize pack worth around $1,000, including a year’s chamber membership, a $500 council voucher, and a quarter-page advertisement donated by Tweed Valley Weekly.

The competition winners will be announced in The Weekly’s second Christmas double edition on December 25.

Car park plan stalled

By Jonathon Howard

THE LONG-RUNNING partial closure of the Queen Street multilevel car park in Murwillumbah will stretch into its third year, with Tweed Shire Council confirming it has postponed repair works until March 2026 to avoid further disruption during peak Christmas trading.

The car park, which has been partially

closed since December 2023 due to a unexplained vehicle fire, was expected to finally undergo repairs this month. But after a fresh assessment by the insurer’s contractors and council’s engineering team last week, additional constraints were identified, forcing changes to the propping plan designed to support the building during construction.

The revised plan would require closing significantly more areas of the already-closed structure while works were underway.

Faced with the likelihood of even tighter parking constraints in the Murwillumbah CBD, council met with local businesses to gauge the potential impacts. Continue reading on page 10.

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When not doing dentistry you can find her surfing the Gold Coast, snowboarding in the Rockies with family or laughing with her sons and 4 grandsons.

You

Students are deserving of an ATAR review

I write in support of the students demanding a review of their ATAR as a consequence of the demerger/ merger of Murwillumbah and Wollumbin High Schools as featured in Tweed Valley Weekly (Nov 20, page 3). The demerger was imposed upon the students without consultation and was vigorously opposed by the local community.

Their Year Seven was further disrupted by Covid and their Year Nine by the 2022 flood. The demerger created a very crowded student population at Wollumbin which led to widespread behavioural issues which diminished classroom learning.

The situation was very disruptive to students where resources and teaching staff were stretched and stressed to deal with the new environment. Therefore a favourable adjustment of ATAR is a reasonable demand to recompense these students for the disruption to their education. Moreover, there are precedents for a sympathetic solution to this issue.

Previous Year Twelves have had their ATAR modified as a consequence of Covid and the 2022 flood.

Congratulations to the students who have organised this demand. As a grandfather to one of those affected students, who witnessed the disruption caused by the demerger/merger, I wish them every success.

Simon Dawson, Bogangar Limit Tweed short stays

I believe Tweed Shire Council should follow the path of other councils and limit the total nights of availability for short-term accommodation to 60 nights maximum (TVW, Nov 20).

There are many around my area and they could be housing people permanently. A lot of workers have told me they had to give up their employment in the Tweed because of the lack of accommodation.

It is about time Tweed Shire Council stopped dragging their feet on this

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one and took action.

This is affecting the local economy leading to a skills shortage.

Oliver Bode, Tweed Heads E-bike saga rolls on

The sad e-bike sage continues. How can it be legal to import e-bikes that are never going to be roadworthy and be able to be registered?

How is it that Tweed Shire Council, Brisbane City Council and Sydney City Council have nil in writing for the community to access regarding safe storage in buildings and housing as well as disposal of e-bikes? They refuse to endorse any policy.

Now the police say any bike going over 25km per hour is a potentially a motorbike that needs to always have a licensed rider with a helmet.

To have a licence the rider must be over 17. Today the kids are under 17, unlicensed and go way over 25km/h daily. Some as fast as 50km/h-plus have been recorded. Many of the e-bikes on our roads are illegal in design and age of rider.

Many e-bike deaths have already occurred, which has been a waste of life. Hospitals have seen a major rise.

Why not immediately ban all unroadworthy e-bikes? When the rider is under 17 and unlicensed get those bikes off all the footpaths and roads.

No one at any level of government seems able to resolve this current situation.

Why allow these illegal bikes to be imported they should be asking. And why are they able to upgrade these e-bikes with illegal devices to achieve high speeds? There are more questions than answers.

Erno Kritzler, Kingscliff Is the Tweed River alive?

I’m reading a book by Robert Macfarlane called ‘Is A River Alive’ where the author, who spends a big part of his life studying the health of our planet, questions the vitality of the major rivers of the world.

As I read his book and cross the bridge over our Tweed River and

stare down at the swirling brown water heading for the coast, I naturally ask a similar question: “How alive is the Tweed?”

I don’t doubt that there is life in the Tweed River. I’ve seen bass swimming under the crossing near Mt Wollumbin, although not as plentiful as 20 years ago when my kids would swim in the river every afternoon after school.

But just how alive is the Tweed River now? I’m no scientist so I can’t answer that question.

Mike Baartz, Dum Dum Messiest site indeed

Many of the areas of the Tweed are in great need of a good clean-up (TVW, Nov 20) ‘Tweed’s messiest block’. The area from the border past the airport is a positive disgrace and has been for a good number of years. The grass is over the fences, and now with the new entry to the airport this must be a priority for Tweed Shire Council to address.

If the council cannot do the work maybe it could be something to take to the NSW Government to address.

Alan Rolph, Tweed Heads

In a flood of love, hope floats

I was left floored and near speechless by the premiere of Josh Northeast’s movie at Murwillumbah CORE’s recent event at The Regent.

To the degree that I then forgot everything I meant to say that night. Firstly, thank you Josh, for your incredible support and contribution to our night. You helped bring the people in the door and I believe there will be more screenings in the near future at the Regent for anyone that missed it.

Thank you to Tom Cornish for your input and skills, both in 2022 and with this film too. I hope you are always close by. Thank you to Troy (M|Arts Café), Mandy Nolan and The Rewinds for a smooth run.

To all past presidents and committee members that have worked tirelessly

since 2022 and coordinated so much in the response and recovery stages, building relationships and networks and holding a vision for us to follow, I applaud you! We follow in your very large footsteps. I would also like to bow to the current committee for all the hard work you have put in over the last year and rallying for every meeting and deadline. You are a fantastic team to work with and am so proud to stand with you.

A massive thank you to the generosity of local businesses who helped us create a door prize on the night and a raffle with over $5000 worth of prizes. We kicked off raffle sales at the event with the draw date on December 12 at our Hub Grub BBQ trailer during Carols in the Park. Sincere apologies for any disappointment in it not being drawn at Hope Floats, as we wanted to allow the whole community the chance to enter

For those that missed out, we are selling raffle tickets each Monday morning at Sunnyside Mall till December 8 and also at the carols on December 12. Check out our socials for the prize packs and our fabulous sponsors, and come down to say hi to our wonderful volunteers. All funds raised help to continue our operations.

To our beautiful community for showing up on Saturday night, thank you for making it a successful night. We hope you enjoyed it and appreciate your support. The spirit of this town helps drive our resilience. We are stronger together.

Katrina Semple, Murwillumbah CORE Inc

Wind farm concerns

Councillor Kimberley Hone is right to be concerned about renewable energy development in the Tweed Shire (TVW, Nov 20).

I am not opposed to the construction of wind turbines and their related transmission lines — they should help reduce our reliance on coal-fired power and lower Australia’s carbon emissions. However, what many NSW

residents don’t realise is that we already have a NSW Government agency (EnergyCo) recklessly constructing, or proposing to construct, wind farms and solar farms throughout NSW by demolishing pristine biodiverse environments, forcibly seizing prime agricultural land, and destroying hundreds of farmers’ livelihoods as well as their mental health in the process. You only need to visit the “Walcha High Country Guardians” Facebook or Instagram pages for recent instances of EnergyCo bullying the local Walcha farming community. It is not beyond the realm of possibilities that the Cudgen Plateau farms or the pristine Tweed Valley caldera could be next on EnergyCo’s hit list for wind farm development. I expect that most Tweed shire residents would not like to see that happen.

Tweed Shire Council should do everything in its power to send a message to EnergyCo and the NSW Government that we do not want wind farms which adversely impact our shire; and that EnergyCo should take better care of the local environment and the affected communities regarding where and how it currently chooses to implement its renewable energy construction projects.

P Thew, Pottsville

No wind farms for Tweed I absolutely agree with Cr Kimberly Hone (TVW, Nov 20), there should be no wind farms anywhere, ever. We need small, safe, clean nuclear stations to save Australians from net zero brainwashing. Cut pollution, save us all. That is the solution.

Karen Border, Pottsville

Please note the views on the letters page are those of the letter writer and not of the Tweed Valley Weekly. Letters must include a suburb and contact number for verification. Letters may be edited for length or legal reasons. Send your letters to editor@theweekly. net.au or phone: (02) 6672 4443

Check latest flood map

By Jonathon Howard

HOMEOWNERS ACROSS the Tweed need to check Tweed Shire Council’s latest Interim Flood Planning Levels Policy after more than 1,600 homes now no longer meet the higher flood-planning benchmarks.

This figure was revealed last week after a councillor’s question on notice during last week’s council meeting found hundreds of Tweed Shire homes may soon fall short of new flood-planning standards, as the shire considers updated requirements aimed at improving resilience to future flooding and climate impacts.

Councillor James Owen asked council staff to detail how many homes in each suburb or locality would be affected under the proposed Interim Flood Planning Levels Policy, which is currently on public exhibition.

Responding to the question, council’s Director of Engineering Tim Mackney told councillors that approximately 9,200 residential buildings in the Tweed Shire are considered potentially flood prone.

Of these, about 3,300 homes already fail to meet current flood planning floor-level requirements.

However, if the proposed policy, along with associated amendments to Development Control Plan A3 (DCP-A3) is adopted, the number of non-compliant homes will rise to around 4,900.

“This represents an increase of roughly 1,600 houses that would no longer meet the higher flood-planning benchmarks,” council’s meeting notes read.

Interactive mapping showing suburb-by-suburb impacts is available through council’s Your Say Tweed website.

Council staff emphasised that the pro-

posed updates are designed to ensure that new homes and buildings are constructed above known flood levels, reducing flood risk and improving long-term resilience as climate change intensifies rainfall and flooding events.

As part of the package, DCP-A3 also includes allowances for minor additions to existing dwellings that sit below the required floor level.

This provision aims to offer homeowners reasonable flexibility while preventing large-scale expansions that could expose additional floor area to flood damage.

Mr Mackney said that it is important for residents to be equipped with the most up-to-date information, even if it isn’t easy news to hear.

“The flood levels we’ve proposed in the new Interim Flood Planning Levels Policy have been developed after modelling and data analysis which included many important weather events and levels from the 2022 floods,” he told The Weekly.

“We understand that these changes could have impacts for some homeowners in the Tweed and as part of this consultation, we’re seeking feedback from industry and residents about this.”

The Interim Flood Planning Levels Policy and accompanying materials remain on public exhibition for community review and feedback until December 2. For more information or to have your say visit: https://www.yoursaytweed.com.au/ flood-planning-controls

Objection over DA process

By Jonathon Howard

A MAJORITY of councillors have voted

to write a strong response to the NSW Government’s sweeping Planning Reform Bill, formally demanding the reversal of changes that remove elected councillors from all development application (DA) determinations.

During their November 20 meeting, councillors voted on a detailed response outlining their concerns and next steps, passing the resolution with four votes to three.

Mayor Chris Cherry said councillors were blindsided by the overhaul, which passed through NSW Parliament on November 11.

“None of us knew this was the intention of the bill,” she said. “There was zero consultation with the community on this.”

The bill transfers all DA decision-making powers to Local Planning Panels (LPPs) made up of four members, three appointed by the state and only one representing the local community.

“This is unbelievable that this has been rushed through and hidden in the way it was,” Mayor Cherry told The Weekly.

“We need this reversed and we’re speaking with Minister Janelle Saffin to see how she can help us achieve this.”

Although around 94 to 95 per cent of DAs are already determined under staff delegation, councillors currently retain the ability to call up contentious or high-impact proposals. Those decisions, often the most sensitive and significant, will now be removed entirely.

“With only one community representative on a four-person panel, there is no meaningful local voice,” Mayor Cherry said.

Councillors voted four votes to three to formally respond to the government’s reforms, with Mayor Chris Cherry putting forward the motion.

Council will now write to the Premier Chris Minns, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully, Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig , Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin and Member for Tweed Geoff Provest “to express council’s deep disappointment at the removal of councillors from DA determinations, noting the change was introduced without consultation with peak local government bodies such as Local Government NSW, the NSW Country Mayors Association, or Regional Cities of NSW.”

The letter will also challenge the NSW Government’s decision and call for “the immediate retention of councillors’ DA determination role as it existed prior to the Planning Reform Bill.”

Council will include that it has “serious concern it was never advised” of the impending removal of its DA powers and urge the government to work with councils and sector bodies to review the change,

aiming to restore councillor involvement. Government defends the reforms

NSW Planning Minister Paul Scully rejected the suggestion that councils were unaware of the changes and stressed that councillors maintain a role.

He said the bill passed with “almost universal support” and that the reforms reflect Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) recommendations.

“Councillors will of course continue to play a role in local planning decisions,” he told The Weekly, arguing their influence will remain through strategic planning, policy setting and community representation.

He also said more than 140 briefings were held by the department and that planning panels already operate in Greater Sydney, Wollongong and the Central Coast.

YOUR THOUGHTS: Do you believe councillors should retain the power to call up a DA for determination? Send your thoughts and letters via email: editor@ theweekly.net.au

By Jo Kennett

NORTHERN NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) is urging residents to take precautions against tick bites, following three recent cases of tick-related anaphylaxis in local hospitals.

Tick anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can occur immediately after being bitten by an adult tick. Symptoms may include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, hives, dizziness and fainting. Immediate treatment with an adrenaline autoinjector (such as an EpiPen) and calling Triple Zero (000) is critical.

People who know they are allergic to ticks should carry an adrenaline autoinjector and have an anaphylaxis action plan.

Most tick bites are harmless but they can lead to meat allergies and rare bacterial illnesses.

Robin Auld, Associate Director of North Coast Population and Public Health, said pre -

venting tick bites and knowing how to remove ticks safely were key to preventing illness.

“Protect yourself when outdoors by applying insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants, especially in bushland or areas with tall grass,” Mr Auld said.

“Check your body for ticks after outdoor activities, particularly your scalp, underarms and groin, and avoid sitting or lying in long grass or leaf litter.

“If you are bitten by a tick, leave it in place and do not disturb. Freeze the tick using ether containing sprays such as Medi Freeze before removing. Ticks should be removed as soon as possible to prevent allergic reactions.

“For smaller ticks, a permethrin-based cream like Lyclear can be applied. Both are available over the counter at pharmacies.”

For more information visit: tick bite diseases and symptoms attributed to tick bites | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

We need your help to create an independent Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)!

Labor has introduced legislation to establish Australia’s first ever independent Federal EPA. But last time we tried to create a Federal EPA, the Greens and the Liberals & Nationals teamed up to block it.

Labor needs the votes of other Senators to get this legislation passed. Show your support by asking the Greens, and the Liberals & Nationals Senators to listen to our community and PASS the legislation to create an EPA.

Show your support and use your voice to make

Varroa smashes bees

By Jo Kennett

LOCAL BEES are being hit hard by Varroa mite, with hive collapses being reported across the shire.

Many hobby beekeepers in the Hastings Point, Bogangar, Round Mountain, Nunderi and Clothiers Creek areas have had their hives collapse in the last two to three weeks, with bees either dying or abandoning their hives.

Varroa mites weaken adults and larvae, making them vulnerable to hive beetle and spreading deadly viruses which can kill bee colonies if left untreated.

Experts say if you have more than four or five mites in a test (to 200 bees) you should start treating your hives with chemicals.

Hastings Point beekeepers Robbie Johnson and Paul Young only discovered a couple of mites when they first tested in August.

“A month later we had four or five and we should’ve started treating but we tried other methods,” Robbie said.

“We used ventilated bottom boards with oil trays underneath so when the bees are cleaning the hives or themselves, a beetle or Varroa will fall through.

“We just underestimated how quick it was going to take over, it was probably two months from when we first detected Varroa.

“Two hives had swarmed and produced another queen but they were really weakened from Varroa and then hive beetle had overtaken and slimed the hive out.

“Hive beetles lay their eggs in the

honey cells and it turns the hive into disgusting slime.

“We put Varroa mite chemical strips in two remaining ones but it was too late — within 12 to 24 hours there were thousands of Varroa mites in the oil trays.”

Varroa testing can be done using an alcohol wash, with half a cup of bees (200 to 300) shaken in a bottle of methylated spirits; it’s the most accurate but kills the bees.

A sugar shake is gentler: place 200 bees in a jar with holes in the lid with two teaspoons of icing sugar, roll for a minute, then shake the sugar into water to reveal the mites.

Hive beetles are common, but healthy colonies can manage them if controls are used.

Robbie said their hives collapsed within a week from the first hive to last.

“We lost five hives in seven days,” he said.

“We didn’t want to use chemicals and then we left it too late.

“It was devastating. We love our bees.

“We’ve never had to use chemicals, and ideally you don’t want to, but if it means the survival of the hive I’d use it every day of the week.”

Worker bees only live for around 30 days and fly up to three kilometres to forage for nectar and pollen.

Biosecurity failures

B ee hives can be imported into Australia, but strict biosecurity kept Australia safe from hive beetle and Varroa until recently, with the deadly Varroa mite first detected at the Port

of Newcastle in 2022.

A review of Australia’s biosecurity — once considered the best in the world — by the Inspector-General of Biosecurity released last week revealed shocking enforcement failures inside Australia’s federal biosecurity agency and staff concerns about political and industry influence on biosecurity decision-making.

The CSIRO just announced 350 job cuts, with the Health and Biosecurity unit losing 43 staff and the Agriculture and Food Research Unit losing another 30, shocking farmers, fishers devastated by white spot disease in imported prawns, and beekeepers.

The future Tweed’s bees E xperts say around half of all beekeepers will be put out of business after scientists decided Varroa mite eradication was no longer possible last February, despite authorities spending $100 million over 14 months trying to stop the spread of the deadly parasite.

Southern Cross University bee and Varroa expert Dr Cooper Schouten said the cost of honey production was expected to increase by around 30 per cent, which he says will hit hobby beekeepers the hardest.

Dr Schouten said research shows around 95 per cent of wild European honey bees die from Varroa mite, so farmers will have to get more bees to pollinate crops.

“When Varroa hit NZ and USA, they lost 50 per cent and 60 per cent of their registered bee businesses within four years respectively,” Dr Schouten told The Weekly.

“There is evidence that within three to four years, 95 per cent of feral bee colonies die out.

“So, we can assume that for any beekeeper out there who doesn’t know how many Varroa are in their hives and do something about them when they exceed thresholds, they’ll be lucky to have those bees for more than a year.

“Concerningly, there are mites

worse than Varroa, they just haven’t made their way to Australia or many developed nations yet, so few are talking about them.”

YOUR THOUGHTS: The Weekly is eager to hear from apiarists in the Tweed Shire and surrounds experiencing this challenging Varroa issue. Please share your story and thoughts to the editor via email: editor@theweekly.net.au

Established in 1945 by Clarrie and Mollie Anderson, Anderson's Treasure Store has remained a proud Murwillumbah institution for eight decades. What began as a small jewellery workshop founded on honesty, craftsmanship, and community service has grown into one of the region's longest-standing family businesses.

Their son, Lawrence Anderson, and his wife Rina carried the business into its second generation, continuing the tradition of quality repairs, custom design, and genuine customer care. Their dedication built a reputation that has supported weddings, anniversaries, milestones, and generations of families who have trusted Anderson's with their most precious pieces.

Today, the third generation Peter Anderson and his wife Rebecca continue the legacy with the same commitment to craftsmanship and personalised service the store was built on. Peter's hands-on expertise as a jeweller keeps the heart of the business exactly where it has always been: at the bench, creating, repairing, and restoring jewellery with skill and care.

As Anderson's Treasure Store celebrates 80 years, the Anderson family proudly honours

the past while looking to the future. To thank the community for its decades of loyalty and support, the store is hosting a special Christmas Diamond Giveaway, offering customers the chance to win a 50-point diamond pendant simply by shopping in store.

Thousandsofgifts throughoutthe years.Many more come!to

From 1945 to today three generations, one tradition: family, craftsmanship, and community.

Child approach appeal

By Jo Kennett

POLICE ARE appealing to the public for information after a child was allegedly grabbed by a masked man at Tweed Heads and another child from the same school was allegedly followed on Tuesday, November 18, with a white van seen on both occasions.

In the terrifying incident, a 12-year-old boy had just got off a bus near the intersection of Ourimbah Road and Miles Street, Tweed Heads, when he was approached by a man wearing gloves and a balaclava who allegedly tried to grab him.

The boy managed to fight the man off and escape, saying he saw a white van nearby but didn’t know if it was related to the incident.

Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School principal Stuart Marquardt issued an alert to the community following the incident.

“The student was understandably distressed, as are the family,” Mr Marquardt said, adding that the school had offered

counselling services to the boy and his family, as well as the school community.

He then provided an update a day later after a parent provided a report to the school about a different incident.

“Following yesterday’s alert, another middle school student has come forward to report a concerning interaction in the Tweed Heads area on the same afternoon,” Mr Marquardt said.

“The student advised that they were followed by a man driving a white van.

“The student was able to make their way safely home, and this information has been passed onto New South Wales Police, who are continuing their investigations into both matters.

“We are offering support to this student and their family, and we will continue to work closely with us authorities as inquiries progress.

“These incidents are understandably unsettling for our community. I again encourage all families to discuss personal safety with their children, including stay-

ing aware of their surroundings, travelling with others, where possible, and reporting anything that feels unusual or unsafe.

Mr Marquardt urged the community to report any incidents or concerning behaviour in the area to NSW Police and the school.

“If your child is failing, anxious, I would like to speak with the staff member, our pastoral and well-being teams remain available to assist,” he said.

A police spokesman said a search of the area failed to locate a person matching the description and no one police had spoken to in the area at the time witnessed the incident.

“A canvass of the vicinity where the incident is reported to have taken place has also failed to find any vision of the incident, and investigators are now keen to hear from any witnesses, or anyone with relevant dashcam vision,” the spokesman said.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers confidentially on 1800 333 000.

Work delayed for Christmas

Continued from page 3.

The consensus was clear: any additional closures before Christmas would be untenable.

Council’s Manager of Parks and Active Communities, Murray Smith, said the decision to delay repairs was made squarely with local traders in mind.

“The decision to delay the car park repairs has very much been guided by our conversations with local businesses and the impacts that any additional closures would have on them over the Christmas period,” Mr Smith said.

Council acknowledged community frustration, noting in previous updates that it had been preparing to begin the long-awaited restoration works.

However, the newly identified risks have further complicated an already drawn-out process.

Council apologised for the continued inconvenience and said it would keep the community informed as the revised timeline approaches.

Cops snowed under

By Jo Kennett

TWEED-BYRON Police have been flat out again, with numerous charges laid for shoplifting, domestic violence, driving under the influence with several repeated offenders charged for driving unlicensed and one for sexually touching a child.

Between November 13 and 19, 21 people were arrested and charged at Tweed Heads and Byron Bay Police Stations with a variety of offences, with 64 people having legal action taken against them.

Twenty-seven people were charged with traffic-related offences, including 12 charges for driving with a prescribed concentration of alcohol, four charges for unlicensed driving (all were repeat offenders), three charges for driving while suspended, three charges for driving while disqualified (all were repeat offenders and two were also driving with a prescribed concentration of alcohol) and three drivers were charged for driving under the influence of drugs and two were repeat offenders.

Two people were charged for driving stolen motor vehicles and two for police pursuits.

One driver was charged for driving with a licence that expired more than two years ago. Eleven people were charged for shoplifting and larceny.

Ten people were charged with domestic violence-related offences, with six charges for assault in a domestic violence context, five charges for contravening apprehended violences orders, one charge for stalking/intimidation and one charge for damaging property.

Nine people were charged with drug possession and cultivation and two people were charged for possessing knives.

One person was charged with a sexual touching offence against a child, which follows on from the attempted abduction of a child at Tweed Heads, and two people charged for child sex offences the week before.

A 35-year-old male of no fixed place of abode was charged on November 14 and 16 with shoplifting offences at a Tweed Heads Shopping Centre. He will appear at the Tweed Heads Local Court on December 12.

A 44-year-old male from Tweed Heads was charged on November 14 with stealing a motorised scooter and possessing a black face covering with intent to commit an indictable offence. He will appear at Tweed Heads Local Court on January 19, 2026.

A 54-year-old male from Terranora and a 52-year-old male from Banora Point were both arrested and charged on November 19 in Byron Bay.

Police responded to calls from members of the public at Main Beach regarding an aggressive male who got into a vehicle and left the scene. Their vehicle was stopped soon after, with the driver holding a Queensland learner licence,

and the supervising passenger a Queensland driver’s licence.

Both were affected by alcohol, with the driver having a prescribed concentration of alcohol of 0.068 and the passenger 0.148.

The driver was also charged with being in possession of a prohibited drug.

Both men had their licences suspended and will appear before the Byron Bay Local Court on January 12.

Operation E-Voltage

O ur local police have been keeping up the enforcement crackdown on e-bike riders, particularly around Schoolies Week, to ensure the ongoing safety of riders, pedestrians and other road users.

A 13-year-old boy was stopped by police on November 18 for riding an illegal e-bike in the Banora Point area.

Police saw the boy riding the illegal bike at a speed of 50km/h and twice was seen to be riding negligently by performing a wheelie.

The boy will be dealt with under the Young Offenders Act for using an unregistered vehicle, using an uninsured vehicle on a road, driving on a road without being licensed and negligent driving. The illegal e-bike was seized and towed from the scene at the owner’s expense.

DV charges

Tweed-Byron Police have undertaken more than 100 compliance checks, with six people charged with domestic violence offences as part of the statewide Operation Amarok XII which targets domestic violence offenders.

The operation ran from Wednesday, November 12, to Saturday, November 15, with 752 offenders charged with 1,629 offences across the state.

Police executed 275 arrest warrants, conducted 1,464 bail compliance checks and 13,369 apprehended domestic violence order (ADVO) compliance checks with 395 breaches of ADVOs identified.

There were 120 firearm prohibition order (FPO) searches conducted with 87 firearms seized and 30 weapons seized.

In the Tweed-Byron Police District, six people were charged with 10 domestic violence offences, 23 apprehended violence orders were sought and over 100 apprehended violence order compliance checks were undertaken to ensure the ongoing safety of victims and their families.

Police posted on social media several wanted domestic violence offenders, and thanked the members of the community who contacted them with information on the offenders’ whereabouts.

To keep up with the latest matters affecting your community, follow the Tweed-Byron Police District social media page on www.facebook. com/TweedByronPD

New Releases Antiques

The Caldera Environment Centre

Cook Island

By Jo Kennett

THREE MEN have been rescued from a 14-metre former pilot boat which ran aground on Cook Island off Fingal Head, after the vessel broke from its mooring as the crew slept early on Sunday morning, November 10.

Tweed Heads Water Police NSW Marine Area Command Coordinator Sergeant Andrew Parker said they were notified by another boater at 6.23am that the Melville was up on the rocks. They raced to the scene with Marine Rescue Point Danger and Surf Life Saving (SLS) NSW Rescue Services.

“A passing vessel reported them on the rocks and they could hear the engines running so they knew there were people on board,” Sergeant Parker told The Weekly.

“We got out and made contact with the crew who were still attempting to get it off the rocks.

“We were planning to get a line to the boat to get it off when the hull was breached and the engine room was flooded and so the vessel had to be abandoned.”

On board the Melville was the 46-year-old captain, and a 37 and 32-year-old man.

SLS NSW Rescue Services had a jet ski and sled for the rescue with a Westpac Rescue Helicopter on standby.

“Our evacuation plan was to have the rescue sled go in and take the people one by one from the stricken vessel to the police boat,” Sgt Parker said. “They had to jump into the water and climb up on the rescue sled.

“It was pretty ordinary conditions on that south-east corner of the island — it was the exact spot that other boat [the Tribasa Cross] ran aground on that rocky shelf.”

Sgt Parker said the jet ski rescue operator did an “incredible job” of getting in over the reef.

“There was half a metre of tide still to come

The Wollumbin / Mount Warning shield volcano and its erosion caldera is a unique volcanic landform which has functioned as a refugium, over the 20 million years since it’s formation, for a core area of Gondwana rainforest flora.

In 1823 John Oxley was the first European to see the Tweed Valley, and he wrote of it: “A deep rich valley clothed with magnificent trees, the beautiful uniformity of which was only interrupted by the turns and windings of the river, which here and there appeared like small lakes. The background was Mt. Warning. The view was altogether beautiful beyond description. The scenery here exceeded anything I have previously seen in Australia.”

They are removing the environmental protections from the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act. they are rewriting it so that they can ignore sustainable development and community participation and environmental protection.

Join Tweed Landcare and Michelle Chapman on the 3rd of December for an engaging and informative seed collecting safari bus trip. Contribute to the North Coast Regional Seedbank Project, creating a vital, genetically diverse native seedbank for the entire NSW North Coast region.

We Are All Ingesting Plastic – Plastic does not decompose back to its original naturally occurring elements. The plastic existing today, if exposed to sunlight, temperature change or abrasion, will degrade into smaller particles, though those particles will still exist, hundreds of thousands to millions of years from now.

in, but the reef was coming out of the water so the rescue operator was picking the points where the waves were and riding them in over the rocks,” he said.

“He did a spectacular job of getting in and out of there and was absolutely instrumental in the safe transfer of the crew.

“They were uninjured and in fairly good spirits, just a bit cold, and we took them on the police boat back to Tweed Heads.”

Sgt Parker said the crew pulled the mooring line up the night before and were sleeping when the line broke.

“It’s undetermined how that happened,” he said.

“The boat’s been around on the Tweed River for about a year and a half and had extensive work completed.

“It was a very good boat in very good order. It is currently still aground on Cook Island, but it will be very difficult to salvage because you have to get it across two reefs, so you would hole it again.”

Surf Life Saving NSW Far North Coast Duty Officer David Rope said the SLS NSW Rescue Services volunteer, “one of the most experienced operators in the area” who was driving the jet ski didn’t want his name released.

“There were three separate rescues and they were quite large guys so he shuttled them to the police vessel each time,” David said.

“He pulled up next to the boat and they jumped onto the sled.

“It was a treacherous rescue and there was a significant timeline because the water was shallow where they were on that rock shelf.

“Our jet ski actually sustained some minor danger with the extra weight on the ski [going across the rocks].

“It was another good example of agencies working together, using their skills and experience to get a good outcome.”

NSW Maritime said the 20-tonne timber hulled vessel has diesel and hydraulic oil on board.

“Due to the current conditions and the location, NSW Maritime personnel are unable to access or recover the vessel,” NSW Maritime said on Monday morning.

“NSW Maritime personnel are closely monitoring the vessel and conditions throughout the day and into the night. There is no evidence of pollution in the area.”

“She would have been built in the 90s and was an ex-government [Queensland] boat going by the colours,” he said.

In April a middle-aged couple were winched to safety by a Westpac Rescue Helicopter crew in a dangerous night-time rescue from the double masted yacht Tribasa Cross, which had run aground in the same spot.

Salvage teams managed to get on board the yacht to assess the damage but were unable to drag it off before it broke up in relentless heavy seas, with much of the debris floating up to Letitia Spit at Fingal Head and the rest cleaned up and choppered off the island.

The former pilot boat was built by Brisbane boat builders Norman R. Wright and Sons. Norman R. Wright and Sons Operations Manager David Fussell said the hull was cold-moulded with three layers of plank “two diagonal, and one fore and aft” with glass sheath on that, “quite a strong construction.”

Damaged

Celebrate local this Christmas with Tweed’s Festive Shopfronts!

This holiday season, Tweed Shire Council, local business chambers, and the Tweed Valley Weekly invite businesses across the region to spread festive cheer and showcase their creativity.

The Tweed 2025 Festive Shopfronts campaign is all about bringing our community together—encouraging businesses to decorate their shopfronts and inspiring residents to shop local. By joining in, you’ll help transform our streets into vibrant, festive precincts— and participating businesses could win one of 3 business prize packs worth $1,000!

Every display will be featured on the Tweed Festive Shopfronts interactive online map, making it easy for locals to discover and support businesses throughout the region.

Getting involved is simple:

• Decorate your shopfront with festive flair

• Snap a photo of your display

• Submit your entry at tweed.nsw.gov.au/Christmas

Entries open 1 December and close at 12 midnight on Sunday, 14 December. Winners will be announced in the Christmas edition of the Tweed Link, in the Tweed Valley Weekly, and via email for subscribers.

This initiative is part of Council’s Succeed in the Tweed business support program and is proudly supported by Tweed Valley Weekly, the Tweed Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Business Kingscliff and Business Murwillumbah.

So, get creative, get festive, and help us celebrate the best of local business this Christmas!

Stay connected with Tweed Shire Council this festive season!

While many of us are wrapping up the year, Councils work continues. We'll keep sharing updates to help you stay informed.

Follow Tweed Shire Council on social media for community news and summer alerts via: Facebook

How to dispose of batteries safely

Batteries power so much of our daily life – from phones and toys to vacuums and cars. But tossing them in your household bin can spark dangerous fires and cause serious harm to the environment. Why? Because they contain hazardous chemicals and valuable metals like lithium, mercury, and lead. Proper disposal isn’t just important – it’s essential. Removable Batteries

Keep them stored safely out of reach of children, then drop them off at Community Recycling Centres (including Stotts Creek Resource Recovery Centre)

• Supermarkets and hardware stores: Woolworths, Coles, Aldi, IGA, Bunnings

• Any B-cycle accredited location (up to 5 kg) Car Batteries

Recycle car batteries at the Community Recycling Centre at Stotts Creek Resource Recovery Centre. Good news: the CRC now accepts lithium batteries up to 20 kg! Note: Lithium EV batteries cannot

be accepted. These should only be removed and replaced by an authorised service centre or the manufacturer, who will arrange safe recycling. Embedded Batteries

Found in items like smartwatches, Bluetooth speakers, vacuums, and vapes, these batteries are tricky to remove. Thanks to a new NSW EPA trial, Tweed Shire residents can now drop off products with embedded batteries at:

• Lismore Recycling and Recovery Centre – 313 Wyrallah Road, East Lismore

• Kyogle Landfill Facility – Runnymede Road, Kyogle

• Ballina Resource Recovery Centre – 167 Southern Cross Drive, Ballina

This trial is open to all NSW residents, including those in Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley, and Tweed LGAs.

Learn more about safe battery disposal at the NSW EPA website. epa.nsw.gov.au/

From cyclone waste to fish habitat

Development application determinations

Notification of development application determinations for the purposes of Section 4.59 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (as amended). Application details

Approved

DA25/0332 - Shed and carport within the front building line

Lot 44 DP 881261, No. 15 Botanical Circuit, Banora Point

DA25/0451 - Pontoon and gangway

Lot 132 DP 263367, Lot 32 DP 263366, No. 29 Captains Way, Banora Point

DA25/0497 - Alterations and additions to existing dwelling Lot 924 DP 877658, No. 24 Riversdale Boulevard, Banora Point

DA25/0330 - Construction of a two storey attached dual occupancy, with separate pools with associated earthworks and two lot strata subdivision

Lot 3 Section 6 DP 29748, No. 59 Tweed Coast Road, Bogangar

DA25/0392 - Secondary dwelling, swimming pool and removal of shed

Lot 622 DP 216389, No. 28 Tamarind Avenue, Bogangar

DA25/0453 - Inground swimming pool

Lot 28 DP 261141, No. 38 Oleander Avenue, Bogangar

DA25/0269 - Attached dual occupancy with swimming pools and strata subdivision

Lot 110 DP 1301249, No. 10 Sugar Mill Road, Cudgen

DA25/0460 - Alterations and additions to existing dwelling including inground pool

Lot 38 DP 807596, No. 137 Glenock Road, Dum Dum

DA25/0511 - Dwelling alterations and additions including carport

Lot 24 Section 4 DP 20361, No. 28 Harwood Street, Murwillumbah

DA25/0362 - Dwelling alterations and additions including swimming pool, detached dwelling addition with storage, carport forward the building line and use of existing flyover roof

Lot 105 DP 263154, No. 18 Victoria Avenue, Pottsville

DA25/0400 - Swimming pool

Lot 238 DP 1082837, No. 151 Overall Drive, Pottsville

DA25/0344 - Inground swimming pool

Lot 4 DP 1292703, No. 252 Rowlands Creek Road, Rowlands Creek

DA25/0317 - Two lot strata subdivision

Lot 286 DP 246199, No. 89 Companion Way, Tweed Heads

DA25/0520 - Swimming pool

Lot 134 DP 246854, No. 64 Companion Way, Tweed Heads

DA25/0373 - Swimming pool and associated decking

Lot 247 DP 30961, No. 32 Jacaranda Avenue, Tweed Heads West

DA25/0472 - Carport

Lot 302 DP 30961, No. 53 Gollan Drive, Tweed Heads West

DA25/0288 - Dwelling and detached garage

Lot 10 DP 864034, No. 47 Majestic Court Upper Duroby

the

Sometimes the simplest ideas make the biggest impact!

These photos show hardwood tree trunks and root balls—recovered after Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred—now repurposed in an innovative bank erosion stabilisation project, to enhance fish habitat along Hopping Dicks Creek at Limpinwood.

Incorporating large timber and root structures into bank stabilisation works slows water flow during floods, reduces erosion, and creates valuable fish habitat. Each trunk is buried to keep it secure during high flows, while the exposed root balls help reduce water velocity. Although the bank may look like it’s simply built from river rocks, large boulders have been installed throughout for added stability. The bank will be densely planted with native trees and shrubs to provide additional habitat.

Sourcing native tree trunks and root balls for habitat projects can be challenging. Thanks to forward thinking and collaboration between Council’s Sustainability & Environment, Infrastructure Delivery, and Resource Recovery teams, these cyclone remnants were recovered and put to good use. This project was delivered in partnership with a private landowner through Council’s River Health Grant program—turning disaster debris into environmental benefits.

Road closures

Rolling Sets music festival – Wednesday 26 November to Monday 1 December 2025

Affected roads include Coral Street, which will be closed to the public between Eden Street and Hill Street

Parking along a section of Boundary Street will not be permitted from 12 noon on 28 November to midnight on 29 November.

For any issues or feedback please contact Cooper on 0426 885 227 or cooper@noisygroup.com.au

Current vacancies

Visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/job-vacancies to view current vacancies. Subscribe to receive Job Vacancy Alerts via email at tweed.nsw.gov.au/subscribe

WATER WEEK 9

Check when your water meter is read at tweed.nsw.gov.au/meter-reading

Get the Tweed Link early

Be one of the first to see all the latest news from Tweed Shire Council each week.

Subscribers to the Tweed Link receive it by email each week on Wednesday mornings, in addition to it appearing in print in the Tweed Valley Weekly on Thursdays. But that’s not all – you can also subscribe to Council job alerts, media releases and a range of e-newsletters and Council facility program alerts. Sign up at tweed.nsw.gov.au/subscribe

Cow Sh*t Bingo

By Jonathon Howard

IN WHAT could be the funniest and certainly the quirkiest fundraiser of 2025, Murwillumbah Mustangs is inviting residents to place their bets, brace their noses and enjoy the chaos of Cow Sh*t Bingo on Saturday, November 29, from 12pm at the Murwillumbah Leagues Club

For the uninitiated, Cow Sh*t Bingo is exactly what it sounds like.

“Cow Sh*t Bingo — three cows stand in a field and we all stand around until one of the cows sh*ts,” said event organiser Andrew Kirby, “and that’s essentially the whole game”.

“Participants can purchase a $100 Paddle Pop stick, write their name on it, and stake it in their chosen patch of the field.

“If a cow performs its natural duty and the pad lands closest to your stick, you walk away with a very tidy $5,000.”

The afternoon will also feature roaming appearances by local characters Two Flogs, Buster Kirby, who will be wandering the grounds

providing commentary and questionable moral support.

Three beefy competitors for the big drop have been generously supplied by beef cattle baron

Tim Gilliland, who has ensured each bovine athlete is in peak digestive condition and ready to deliver.

The event serves as the major annual fundraiser for the Murwillumbah Mustangs, with all proceeds supporting the club.

Organisers say syndicates are welcome for those who want to share the gamble — and the glory.

“So, if you’re feeling lucky, have a strong stomach, and enjoy a good laugh, head to Murwillumbah Leagues Club at noon this Saturday,” Kirby said.

“The cows are ready. The paddock is marked. And someone’s about to become five grand richer — thanks to a very well-timed sh*t.”

For more information please email: murwillumbahmustangs@gmail.com

Murwillumbah Public School will introduce a whole-school wellbeing program in 2026 with a strong focus on building student resilience. The initiative follows staff participation in specialised wellbeing sessions in Brisbane and Sydney through The Resilience Project, where educators gained valuable skills and insights to strengthen support for students.

Based on the evidence-based principles of Gratitude, Empathy, Mindfulness (GEM) and Emotional Literacy, the program aims to equip students with lifelong wellbeing habits, build educator resilience and empower families to continue this support at home.

Moving forward, the school is committed to teaching every student how to feel safe, grateful and empathetic as they navigate their journey into adolescence and adulthood. With GEM at its core, the program re ects the school’s dedication

Harvest update

By Jonathon Howard

THE 2025 HARVESTING and milling season has once again been shaped by variable weather conditions, according to the latest update from Sunshine Sugar.

The company has updated The Weekly readers as it approaches the end of the harvest season, highlighting that alternating wet and dry periods throughout the year have presented “both challenges and opportunities”.

“One of the most significant positives has been the favourable conditions during planting, resulting in strong establishment of a substantial amount of new cane now in the ground,” CEO Chris Connors told The Weekly.

Despite an early run of fine spring weather, more than 570 hours, or three and a half weeks of wet weather stoppages have been recorded since the season commenced in late June.

“Outside of these weather-related delays, the performance of the three NSW sugar mills has remained relatively good,” Mr Connors said.

“Tweed and Richmond districts have now processed over 80 per cent of their combined crop.

“At Harwood, where the crop this year is larger, approximately 30 per cent remains to be crushed.”

Condong Mill is expected to complete crushing operations at the end of November.

“Once finished, additional haulage capacity will be directed to Harwood, allowing more cane to be transported between mills to accelerate season completion,” Mr Connors said.

Broadwater Mill has around 120,000 tonnes left to crush from a total district crop of 590,000 tonnes. The target is to have the Broadwater crop completed by mid-December.

Mr Connors said to capitalise on Broadwater’s substantial crushing capacity, the transfer of Harwood cane to Broadwater will increase over coming weeks.

“Harwood’s forecast crop for the season is 650,000 tonnes, with around 200,000 tonnes still to be processed. The expected completion for Clarence growers is later in December,” he said.

“The mills continue to work closely with growers and the harvesting sector to ensure all available cane is harvested and processed efficiently, supporting a coordinated and balanced finish to the season.

“Once again, local cane growers, harvesting crews, and milling teams have worked tirelessly to keep cane moving and maintain throughput across the NSW mills. Their combined efforts have positioned the Sunshine Sugar Refinery to deliver a reliable suite of high-quality finished products to customers right across Australia.”

to nurturing con dent, connected and emotionally aware learners. MPS are looking forward to proactively supporting our

to strengthen their overall life satisfaction and reduce anxiety symptoms throughout 2026 and beyond.

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the wonders of Egypt and Jordan on this immersive journey. Explore Luxor’s iconic temples and royal tombs, cruise the Nile, and marvel at Abu Simbel. In Jordan, tour ancient cities like Jerash and Petra, ride camels in Wadi Rum, and unwind with a float in the healing waters of the Dead Sea. Experience the magic of Spain and Portugal on an exciting 13 Day experience. Explore Madrid's Gran Via, discover UNESCO-listed Avila, admire Porto's icons, visit Coimbra's Fado birthplace, and see Lisbon's icons on a city tour. Journey through Seville, Cordoba, Granada's Alhambra Palace, and the historic streets of Toledo.

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Unlimited Arts event for all

By Jonathon Howard

TWEED UNLIMITED ARTS will host its highly anticipated Christmas Fair this weekend on both Saturday (9am–4pm) and Sunday (9am–3pm).

The event is the biggest sales and open day of the Tweed Unlimited Arts for the year and members have been extra busy refining their artworks to present to the community.

The event also serves as a vital fundraiser to support Tweed Palliative Support Wedgetail Retreat, as well as boosting Tweed Unlimited Arts.

Longtime volunteer turned secretary in 2023, Noela Miller, said she wanted to extend an invitation to everyone and hopes to share the Christmas spirit and creativity of this outstanding local group.

“From a few dedicated people with a strong desire to promote their craft to local artisans, and to teach and introduce new people to these crafts, Tweed Unlimited Arts has grown into

the wonderful organisation it is today,” she said. “Spinning and weaving, knitting, crocheting, embroidery, sewing, pottery, painting and art in all its wonderful various forms, cake decorating, quilting and felting, there’s something for everyone at great prices and knowing these items are handmade.”

Tweed Unlimited Arts has come far since it was first established in 1971. In 1973 it moved to its current location at 154 Pioneer Parade, Banora Point.

“We are so happy to still be here today to share all our wonderful crafts with the people of the Tweed Shire and surrounds,” Noela said.

“We invite you to join us this coming weekend at our annual Christmas Fair for gift ideas, sausage sizzle, kids activities, live alpacas and demonstration.”

To find out more, or to get involved with Tweed Unlimited Arts, please visit the new website: www.tweedunlimitedarts.com.au/ and select your art interest for contact details.

Tweed Unlimited Arts

Great day at CARE Easy

CARE EASY’S open day at Tweed Heads on Saturday, November 22, drew more than 100 guests, giving locals the chance to learn more about the organisation’s services and meet its dedicated staff.

The lively community event showcased the growing interest in Care Easy’s support programs, with many visitors eager to connect with team members and explore new offerings.

Care Easy’s passionate owner Tracey Hamilton said she was “thrilled by both the turnout and the enthusiasm shown on day”.

“I was amazed by the attendance numbers and the feedback from our clients, new and continuing,” she said.

“We had a fabulous time, with performances from Elvis and the barbeque, and it was an amazing day, thank you everyone who attended”

Attendees praised the welcoming atmo sphere, entertainment and opportunity to chat directly with staff.

Organisers say the success of the open day highlights strong community confidence in Care Easy’s services.

To find out more about Care Easy, vis it the team at 2/47 Greenway Dr, Tweed Heads South, or phone: (02) 6602 9422

Tableau time

THE 64TH annual Sacred Heart Church Christmas Carnival and Nativity Tableau is set to light up Murwillumbah on Saturday, November 29.

Residents are invited by the parish to join in the festive celebrations at this iconic local event.

The carnival will take place at the Mount St Patrick school grounds, inside the Gilbey Multipurpose Centre, with the event starting at 4pm and the performance at 7pm.

The highlight of the evening will be the Nativity Tableau, which portrays the story of Jesus’ birth.

The tableau will be brought to life on stage with performances by the combined schools choir and the Mount St Patrick College band, providing a magical musical backdrop to the story.

The atmosphere will be further enriched by glow candles and carol singing, spreading the joy of Christmas throughout the venue.

Since its inception in 1961, the Sacred Heart Church Christmas Carnival and Nativity Tableau has become a beloved local tradition

Starting at 4pm, the fete stalls will open, offering a wide variety of goods.

Admission to the event is free, and everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy the festive spirit.

Saturday 29 November 2025 from 4:00 pm

Mt St Patrick School Grounds & Gilbey Centre

Parking available on grounds, enter from Mooball Street

• Well stocked traditional fete stalls • Chocolate Wheels

• Children’s activities and games • Food and refreshments

7pm: e story of Jesus’ birth enacted on stage in Tableau form with narration, choir, band, glow candles and carols.

2025 Parish Christmas Raffle

Supporting the pastoral works of the Sacred Heart Parish Murwillumbah Buy Tickets | Online | QR | Paper https://ra elink.com.au/2025-parishchristmas To be drawn at Parish Christmas Carnival & Tableau | 8pm Saturday 29 November 2025

Safe Havens to stay Fundraiser for

By Jo Kennett

LOCAL RESIDENTS will continue to have access to free, drop-in mental health support, with funding extended for three Safe Haven sites, including one in Murwillumbah, to operate until June 30, 2026.

Commissioned by Healthy North Coast for the NSW Government in response to the 2022 floods, these sites are operated by The Buttery in Lismore, Mullumbimby and Murwillumbah, offering the community “a friendly, safe, and non-clinical environment for immediate mental health and wellbeing support.”

Safe Havens were originally commissioned for three years by Healthy North Coast in 2022 through the NSW Government’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Flood Recovery Package off the back of the devastating floods in the Northern Rivers. The extension is possible due to an additional $1.1 million in NSW Government funding.

CEO of The Buttery, Leone Crayden, has worked in many mental health programs in her career.

“The Safe Haven model is one of the best in terms of its flexibility and providing a safe non-clinical alternative to emergency department admission,” she said

“It provides mental health services, wellbeing and suicide prevention to all members of the community. A true no wrong door approach. We’re pleased to be able to keep offering this service until mid-2026.”

Between July 2022 and April 2025, Safe Haven’s on-site clinicians delivered over 18,500 counselling hours and supported nearly 19,000 people. Between July and September 2025, service demand rose sharply, with a 26 per cent increase in people seeking support compared with the previous three months.

CEO Healthy North Coast, Monika Wheeler, thanked the NSW Government.

“We’ve seen just how much the community values these welcoming spaces — where people can drop in, speak to someone, connect with peer workers and take a breath,” Ms Wheeler said. “That’s even more important as the region continues its recovery journey.”

Northern NSW Local Health District Chief Executive Officer, Tracey Maisey, said the extended funding “means we can continue to offer a space where people feel safe, respected and understood at their most vulnerable moments.”

“They show people that they matter, that help is close by, and that they are not alone,” she said.

“For our Northern NSW communities, where distance and isolation can make accessing support harder, Safe Havens provide a lifeline and a sense of belonging when it’s needed most.”

The Safe Haven sites operate Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm and provide both clinical and non-clinical support.

They also collaborate with other local services to connect attendees with housing support, flood recovery assistance and community activities.

The Murwillumbah location is Shop 10-12/4145 Murwillumbah Street. For more information visit safehavennc.org.au

MURWILLUMBAH GOLF CLUB

By Jonathon Howard

A GROWING group of Murwillumbah grandparents is preparing to host their second annual Christmas market to raise funds and awareness for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) — the most common muscle disease of childhood, affecting approximately one in every 5,000 boys each year.

What began last year as a modest effort by three grandmothers from the Presbyterian Church has now blossomed into a dedicated team of grandmas, nanas, great-grandpas, omas and poppies who have spent months crafting handmade goods for the market.

Their first event in 2023 raised several thousand dollars for DMD research, and organisers say they hope to build on that success this year.

The expanding volunteer group has grown through word of mouth, walking groups, art and craft classes and local social circles — all united by a desire to help children living with a devastating and often misunderstood condition.

This year’s Christmas Market will take place at Jesse McMillan Hall, 16 Wollumbin Street, Murwillumbah, on Friday, November 28, and Saturday, November 29, opening from 9am both days.

On offer will be a wide variety of handmade items, Christmas gifts and high-quality preloved homewares.

Market founder Jewel Patch said: “I love the Christmas market. It touches the lives of many. Not many people know about Duchenne and I want to change that by raising funds and awareness.”

Duchenne muscular dystrophy has no cure and remains poorly understood. Children with DMD lack the gene required to produce dystrophin — a protein essential for protecting muscle cells.

Without it, muscles deteriorate progressively from childhood, affecting mobility, breathing

and heart function.

Ms Patch said the community response had been heartening.

“It has been such a joy to see so many generous people contributing their crafts to the market,” she said.

“I’m sure it will be a wonderful success with such a wide range of things for sale. I look forward to meeting everyone who comes along.”

Kids program wins big

By Jo Kennett

A LOCAL program developed to help young people with mental wellbeing in the wake of the devastating 2022 floods, which saw families trapped in floodwaters and homes and schools destroyed, has taken out a prestigious national resilience award.

Social Futures staff were thrilled to find out that their Resilient Kids: Empowered Young People Can Weather Life’s Biggest Storms program had won the Australian Institute for Disaster Recovery’s Resilient Australia Award for Mental Health and Wellbeing.

The federal government recognition reflects, “the extraordinary resilience of children and young people across the Northern Rivers who helped shape the program through their lived experience after the 2022 floods.”

Social Futures CEO Tony Davies said the award acknowledges “the deep collaboration that underpins Resilient Kids and the shared commitment to supporting young people after disaster.”

The Resilient Kids program was conceived by Primary Health Network, Healthy North Coast, through close consultation with the community to address the unique needs of young people aged eight to 18.

Funded by Healthy North Coast via a $10 million National Emergency Management Agency federal government grant, Social Futures, along with partners The Family Centre and Human Nature Adventure Therapy, brought the Resilient Kids vision to life, in parallel to Lives Lived Well.

Healthy North Coast CEO Monika Wheeler said the award was a testament

“to the honesty, strength and vision of the children and young people of the Northern Rivers who opened up about their experiences and aspirations after the 2022 floods.”

“It’s inspiring to see how their voices have shaped how our region prepares for and recovers from disasters,” Ms Wheeler said.

“We’re delighted that Resilient Kids has been being acknowledged as a leading model and that one of our service delivery partners, Social Futures, has been recognised for their exemplary leadership in delivering this innovative program.”

The program has engaged 5,924 young people from across the Northern Rivers since 2023, tailoring services to each young person’s unique needs, empowering them to build confidence, connection and practical coping skills post disaster.

Support has been delivered through various formats, including up to nine months of one-on-one counselling, art

therapy, adventure therapy, group work, family supports, community connection activities, sports and games.

Social Futures Senior Manager Specialist Disaster Resilience, Shoshannah Oks, said, “the level of positive impact and recognition reinforces the value of investing in community-led solutions.”

The national recognition caps off an exceptional year for the program, which received the state Resilient Australia Award for Mental Health and Wellbeing in September.

Resilient Kids was also honoured at the Wayahead Mental Health Matters Awards in September, where the team accepted the Mental Health Matters Youth Award, highlighting the impact of the program’s trauma-informed, strengthsbased approach.

Social Futures provides a range of support services for communities impacted by natural disasters. Visit socialfutures.org. au/disaster-recovery or call 1800 719 625.

Introducing Rada

THE WEEKLY team is please to introduce Rada Campbell to the team covering arts, entertainment, food and lifestyle, bringing a fresh, community-focused eye to the paper’s many stories.

A fashion stylist, photographer and writer based in the Tweed Valley, Rada has a long history of working with local creatives, small businesses and community events.

Born in Murwillumbah, she has a passion for the shire and has extensive life experience having ventured far and wide.

After spending a decade exploring the world, she returned home to raise her daughters and reconnect with the land-

across the Tweed,” Rada told The Weekly.

“If you’ve got a great story, a new venture or someone in your community doing something special, please feel free to get in touch.”

With a background in storytelling across fashion, photography and community projects, Rada brings a warm, curious approach to arts, entertainment, food and lifestyle stories that shape the Tweed. She’s passionate about uncovering the human heart of things — be it a new small business, a local artist, a community event or the everyday characters who give the Tweed its colour and charm.

When she’s not writing, she’s usually behind a camera, at her sewing desk or chasing good coffee somewhere between Uki and the

To share your story with Rada please drop her an email via: radacampbell@

New look IGA Tweed Heads

By Jonathon Howard

IGA LOCAL Grocer Tweed Heads has entered a new chapter, with new owners unveiling major plans to revitalise the much-loved neighbourhood supermarket.

The store was described as “looking a little tired and in need of love,” but is now in the hands of Andy and Katie Sutcliffe along with business partner Rhys Davy — a trio determined to bring fresh energy and significantly expand what the store offers the community.

“To achieve this we are doubling the produce and grocery range, renovating, adding new equipment and dropping the prices on more than 1000 items,” Rhys told The Weekly. The group already operate the Bottlemart Bay Booza, a business they’ve run “with great pride and enthusiasm,” and say the decision to acquire the IGA was a natural extension of their commitment to revitalising Kennedy Plaza.

“We have Rebecca Foster as our Bay Booza manager and who was also nominated as a national manager of the year by the National Retail Drinks Association,” Andy said.

“The Bay Booza was also nominated for retailer of the year in the same awards.

“We want to acknowledge Bec’s exceptional customer service and work ethic, she’s a friend who cares.”

With strong leadership and a unified vision, the new owners say they’re focused on elevating the supermarket experience under their guiding motto: “best store in town”.

“We look forward to taking your IGA Tweed Heads into 2026 with a fresh vision, competitive prices, exceptional services and a making it the best store in town,” Katie said.

Shoppers can expect major upgrades early in 2026, including a new deli, hot food displays, refreshed front of house and further improvements aimed at enhancing convenience and quality.

“Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and remember to shop with us at IGA Tweed Heads,” the team said.

Visit the friendly team at IGA Local Grocer Tweed Heads and Bottlemart Bay Booza at Kennedy Plaza, 99 Kennedy Drive Tweed Heads, or phone ahead on (07) 5536 1455.

Strong growth for Tweed

By Jonathon Howard

TWEED SHIRE has recorded some of the strongest land value growth in coastal NSW, according to the latest figures released by the NSW Valuer General this week.

The NSW coastal region as a whole reached a record $582 billion in land value for 2025, which is a two per cent rise on the previous year, but Tweed outpaced the average across several major categories.

Valuer General Sally Dale said the coastal market had shown “a slight overall increase over the last year across the residential, commercial and industrial sectors while a slight reduction was experienced in rural land values,” based on almost 23,000 property sales.

Residential land values across coastal NSW rose 2.3 per cent, with Tweed recording a significant 6.6 per cent increase, placing it among the strongest markets in the Northern Rivers.

Byron led the state with 13.8 per cent, followed by solid growth in Lismore (5.3 per cent) and Clarence Valley (4.7 per cent).

Ms Dale said Tweed’s growth was driven by demand in more affordable coastal areas.

“Continued interest rate reductions and the continued need for more supply have also led

to increases…with Wingecarribee, Newcastle and Tweed all having 7 per cent increases with strong demand from first home buyers,” she said.

Commercial land values rose 1.9 per cent overall. Tweed posted a 3 per cent increase — stronger than Lismore (–5.1 per cent) but behind Ballina (5.3 per cent) and Nambucca (4.1 per cent).

Ms Dale said commercial demand was lifting as confidence returned to coastal centres.

Industrial land values grew 4.7 per cent across the coast, but Tweed recorded a standout 19.1 per cent increase — one of the highest in NSW. Ballina (8.7 per cent) and Lismore (7.6 per cent) also saw solid gains, while Byron dropped 9.1 per cent.

Rural land values fell 0.7 per cent overall, yet Tweed bucked the trend with a 3.8 per cent increase. Lismore (4.3 per cent) and Bega Valley (4.2 per cent) led the gains, while Shoalhaven and Kiama recorded steep declines.

The new land values will be used to calculate 2026 land tax, with assessment notices issued from January 2026. Councils receiving updated valuations will notify residents between November 2025 and April 2026.

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Tommy is one of the best

By Jo Kennett

A TWEED Valley Hospital health care worker has represented the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) as a finalist in the NSW Health Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards, presented in Sydney on Monday, November 24.

Thomas Mull-Mathers is a registered nurse at the Tweed Valley Hospital Emergency Department and was one of three finalists in the New to Practice Nurse/Midwife of the Year, nominated by the NNSWLHD.

He won a NNSWLHD 2025 Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Award earlier this year, and while he didn’t take the win at the state level, Thomas was one of only 27 statewide finalists across nine award categories to represent their local health district at the prestigious awards.

A spokesperson for the NNSWLHD said that, since joining the Tweed Valley Hospital (TVH) emergency department as a graduate nurse in March 2024, “Tommy has quickly become a valued member of the team.”

“He is a genuinely kind, compassionate, and hardworking nurse who demonstrates maturity well beyond his early career stage,” the spokesperson said.

“Always smiling, Tommy brings warmth to patients and colleagues alike.

“He has excelled in the fast-paced emergency environment, showing exceptional communica-

tion and clinical assessment skills and always keeping the patient at the centre of his care.

“He has shown strong commitment to becoming an emergency nurse by taking responsibility for his learning, completing all his competencies and continuing to pursue self-directed education.

“In recognition of his outstanding performance, commitment to learning, and the positive impact he has made in our department, Northern NSWLHD have proudly nominated Tommy for the NSW Health Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Award in the New to Practice category.”

NNSWLHD Director of District Nursing and Midwifery Katharine Duffy said Tommy is “a much-loved member of Tweed Valley Hospital’s emergency department, who joined us as a graduate nurse in March 2024.”

“Tommy has excelled in the fast-paced ED, showing exceptional communication and clinical assessment skills, while completing all of his competencies and continuing to pursue self-directed education.” Ms Duffy said.

Minister for Health Ryan Park congratulated the 27 finalists for their “incredible achievements in providing the very best care to patients, women and families across NSW.”

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson described nurses and midwives as “the backbone of our health system, delivering exceptional care in every setting from maternity to mental health services.”

Eat Well, Live Well: How Smart Nutrition Keeps Seniors Thriving

When families think about elderly care, the conversation often starts with visible needs like mobility aids, medication management and home modifications. These are all important steps for safety and quality of life. Yet, there is another key factor that can sometimes be overlooked: nutrition.

Memory and cognitive function are not just determined by genetics or luck. Eating nutritious meals and getting enough protein can play a role in supporting clear thinking and maintaining independence as we age. Every meal is an opportunity to influence wellbeing. When older adults eat balanced, nutritious meals, their bodies and minds are better supported for daily living. Nutrition is not just about general health, it’s about making daily life a little easier and more enjoyable. At 25, your body forgives nutritional mistakes. At 75, it keeps score. Ageing affects metabolism and nutrient absorption, so seniors often need fewer calories but more nutrient-dense foods. Diminished senses of taste and smell can also make food less appealing, right

when good nutrition matters most. Many older adults face challenges in getting enough of the right nutrients, which can impact overall health and quality of life.

Nutrition can influence how long someone is able to live independently. Eating well helps maintain muscle mass, which can help prevent falls. It supports energy and makes daily life more manageable. Poor nutrition, on the other hand, may increase frailty and fall risk. Every food choice becomes a choice about independence.

Gourmet Meals makes it easier to meet individual needs. Snap-frozen meals go straight to your freezer, giving you convenient access to dietitian-approved options whenever you need them. Each meal is balanced and cost-effective, with choices to suit a wide range of health requirements, from high protein and low fat to gluten free and vegetarian. Discover the full menu of nutritious meals at Gourmet Meals and see how simple it can be to get the nutrition you need, every day. For a copy of our menu contact us on 1300 112 112 or sales@gourmetmeals.com.au

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CAROLS BY THE COAST CAROLS BY THE COAST

By Rada Campbell

THE BLACK SORROWS are playing at Twin Towns on December 6. Joe Camilleri has never stood still. After more than 40 years, millions of albums sold and a catalogue that has shaped the soundtrack of multiple generations, the Black Sorrows frontman is still restless, curious and very much in love with the craft.

Their new release, The Quintessential Black Sorrows, is a double vinyl and double CD that blends the hits people know with songs that “never got their moment.”

“It’s a record that deserved to exist after 40 years,” Joe told The Weekly. “People can listen to their favourites, but maybe they’ll find something new too.”

When asked how he chose what made the cut, he laughs. “Some songs didn’t like each other. I’m romantic — you put the needle on the groove and you don’t take it off until the record’s finished. Then you flip it. That’s a seamless record.”

He admits if he curated it weeks later it might have looked different.

“Music hits differently depending on where your mind is. One day a song moves you, the next day it annoys you. That’s the magic.”

Despite the meticulous work that goes into the recordings, his live shows are the opposite of rigid.

“I don’t have a set list,” he told The Weekly. “When I’m playing, it’s not about me, it’s about you.

My job is to make a thousand people feel like one voice. That’s when you’re surfing the wave together.”

He wants people on their feet. “Most of these shows are sit-down. I want people to stand up because it’s a feeling. Otherwise,” he jokes, “you’ll walk out with a square bum when you came in with a nice round one.”

But moments of humour sit beside something

deeper. Joe shared a story from a recent Enmore show, where a woman with stage four cancer approached him after the performance.

“She said she just wanted to feel good for a night. Music can do that. It’s a healer. It lifts people out of their world for an hour.”

He still signs vinyl after gigs — “the whole 34kg of the luggage allowance” — because the connection matters.

“People tell you what the songs meant in their lives. It stays with you.”

His advice for young regional musicians? “Don’t take the easy road. Avoid reality shows. You need to learn disappointment, that’s what makes you brilliant. Have something to say. That’s what lasts.”

The Black Sorrows play 8pm Qld time, Saturday, December 6, at Twin Towns, 2 Wharf St, Tweed Heads. Tickets via twintowns.com.au

The Mushroom Whisperers

By Rada Campbell

SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY is coming to The Citadel this December — and it’s unlike any performance the Tweed has seen.

The Mushroom Whisperers, created by acclaimed musicians Romano Crivici and Carla Thackrah, merges live improvised music with breathtaking time-lapse footage of mushrooms filmed in the forests of the Northern Rivers and beyond.

The project began with the fungi themselves. After being invited to compose the score for Follow the Rain — the Netflix documentary by world-renowned fungi filmmakers Planet Fungi (Stephen Axford and Catherine Marciniak) — Romano and Carla were captivated by the unseen world unfolding in the filmmakers’ time-lapses.

“This was the first time we had seen their mushroom footage,” Carla told The Weekly. “We thought it was amazing and would make a wonderful backdrop to the music we create.”

What followed was a one-of-a-kind collaboration: an hour-long sensory experience where audiences are immersed in the secret rhythms of the fungal kingdom. The show has since travelled from Adelaide Festival to Woodford Folk Festival and the Four Winds Fungi Festival, consistently leaving audiences spellbound.

Murwillumbah audiences will be treated to the stunning footage that didn’t make the final cut of the documentary.

“It’s not just a few snippets,” Carla explains.

“It’s almost an hour of extraordinary images. Couple this with music improvised directly to the visuals and you have a unique sensory experience.”

One audience member described it simply:

“Your performance was stunning. I could feel your music inside my chest...I wanted to cry. One of the two best music experiences of my life.”

The Mushroom Whisperers is more than art, it’s an invitation to see the natural world differently. With each glowing cap, unfurling stem and spore-bursting bloom, viewers find themselves sinking into the quiet intelligence of the forest.

This Murwillumbah presentation is organised by local musician Kym Stanhope in collaboration with Tweed Landcare, with profits supporting local environmental projects — a fitting echo of the show’s deep connection to nature. If you’re looking for something beautiful, immersive and completely unexpected, this is it.

The Mushroom Whisperers play 3pm & 7pm, Sunday, December 14, at The Citadel, 21 Queen St, Murwillumbah. Tickets: via Humanitix (“The Mushroom Whisperers”)

Marvellous Melodies

Marvellous Melodies

Christmas Festival

Community Carols and a selection of tunes performed by NRSO String Ensemble

Santa on the farm

FEATURING: Ar�st MATT OTTLEY with his “ Sounds of Picture Book Series” & NRSO Ensemble

Featuring guest ar�sts: The Tweed District Youth Orchestra

Conducted by Felicity Moran

Date: Sunday 7th December 2025

Time: 2:30pm/1:30pm QLD

With conductor Marco Bellasi ROBERT SCHUMANN Piano Quintet in E flat Op. 44

Venue: Tweed Heads Civic Centre Corner Bre� St & Wharf St, Tweed Heads NSW

Date: Please Note, SATURDAY 19th OCTOBER 2024

Time: 2.30pm NSW / 1.30pm QLD

Tickets: All Adults $40 | Students over 18 years $20 Children under 18 years free of charge (when accompanied by an adult ticket holder)

Venue: Tweed Heads Civic Centre, Brett Street, Tweed Heads NSW

Tickets can be purchased at:

Tickets: Adults $50 I Concession $45

Or at Murwillumbah Music (02) 6672 5404 (credit card facility)

By Rada Campbell

SOMETHING DIFFERENT is happening in the Tweed Valley this year, thanks to two local mums with a love of all things Christmas.

Tweed Valley Santa Photos is more than a photo session — it’s a celebration of belonging, connection and home-grown magic.

For founders Jennifer and Jacinta, the heart of the project has always been people.

“We’ve both had Christmases where we felt on the outside looking in,” they said. “We wanted to create something that gives people the feeling we sometimes missed...belonging and togetherness.”

and stocked with light refreshments for warm days (plus dog treats to keep the pups focused). Sessions run with intention, giving children space to settle in and Santa time to coax out natural smiles.

Jennifer and Jacinta first met through child-rearing four years ago and quickly became close friends. Their shared values — connection, family, and showing up for one another — shaped the heart of the project.

“We wanted to create something local for Tweed families because this is where our own families are growing up,” they said.

“There’s something special about the land, the people, and the stories that live here. We want the work to acknowledge and honour that.”

Enquiries: 0478 012 324 www.nrso.com.au

NORTHERN

School Students $10 & Students 18 years & over $20

Children under 5 years free of charge (when accompanied by an adult)

Tickets also available at the door if not sold out (cash or credit card/EFTPOS)

Tickets can be purchased at: www.nrso.com.au or at Murwillumbah Music 02 6672 5404 (credit card facility)

Tickets also available at the door if not sold out (cash or credit card)

Enquiries 0478 012 324

NORTHERN RIVERS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA www.nrso.com.au

The experience begins the moment families turn into the drive at Bellingdale Farm, greeted by resident cattle and horses drifting through the paddocks. Step out of the car and you’re met with rolling green hills, eucalyptus on the breeze and the buzz of cicadas — a quintessentially Australian Christmas backdrop that instantly slows the pace.

This year, each group receives a Polaroid keepsake to take home while waiting for their digital gallery, a nostalgic touch that families adore.

“We hope families can see their own magic through our lens and hold onto it,” Jennifer and Jacinta said.

The set-up is wheelchair-friendly, shaded,

With Wollumbin rising quietly in the background of the images, the photos become a subtle homage to place, a reminder of the region’s deep spirit and history.

Local businesses are welcome to pop in for relaxed team photos, and travellers are invited too; a Christmas moment with the caldera’s iconic mountain behind them makes for a uniquely Tweed keepsake.

Tweed Valley Santa Photos. Location: Bellingdale Farm, Nunderi. Dates: Nov 19 to Dec 21, Wed-Sun. Bookings: tweedvalleysantaphotos.org. Instagram/Facebook: @tweedvalleysantaphotos

Rock ’n’ roll legends

By Rada Campbell

THE GOOD old days of Australian music history will take centre stage when one of the country’s most enduring rock ’n’ roll tours arrives to Twin Towns on Sunday, December 7.

The Good Old Days of Rock ’n’ Roll brings together the last remaining original hit-makers from the late ’50s and early ’60s, offering audiences a rare chance to experience the artists who helped shape Australia’s early music identity.

The final tour features Little Pattie, Jade Hurley, Dinah Lee, Digger Revell and Lucky Starr — a line-up that has sold out theatres across Australia for three years. For Jade Hurley, Australia’s “King of Country Rock”, this last lap is both nostalgic and deeply meaningful. Hurley wrote and produced the original show decades ago. “When I dreamt up the title, I had to sit down and figure out who was still around who could still perform,” he told The Weekly. “Dinah came on board straight away, Pattie was excited, and Lucky Starr was a guaranteed yes. It’s been an amazing run.”

With each artist bringing their own legacy of TV performances, chart hits and stage charisma, the tour has become known for its energy,

humour and intergenerational appeal. “It’s a fun show for all the family,” Hurley said. “We’re the last of the tried-and-true performers who can still get up and do it. Every act is so different, and that diversity is what makes the show.

Little Pattie, who burst onto the charts at age 14 with her surf-era single “He’s My Blonde-Headed, Stompie Wompie, Real Gone Surfer Boy,” said stepping back into those songs still feels natural. “I can’t remember a time in my career where I haven’t sung that funny little song,” she told The Weekly. “The moment we all appear together at the beginning of the show, we see the audience smiling. They remember every song.”

After more than six decades performing, she still approaches each show with the same professionalism she learned as a shy teenager. “I had to work hard at my craft,” she said “I’ve always treated every performance as a challenge and tried to improve with every show.”

Presented by Bob McKinnon, this is not a tribute act it’s the real icons performing their original hits one last time.

The Good Old Days of Rock ’n’ Roll show is at 2pm Qld time, Sunday, December 7, Twin Towns, 2 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads. Tickets via twintowns.com.au

Hope for a future of peace

By Julia Collingwood

‘THROUGH THEIR LENS’ is a unique exhibition of photographs revealing the city of Hebron on the West Bank through the eyes of eight Palestinian girls.

It is showing at Holy Trinity Church, Uki, on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 November.

The photographers are all aged between 12 and 17.

Their photographs do not focus on the destruction and violence of the occupation but on the city of Hebron: an ancient city; a city they love and have grown up in; a city that has been occupied by a foreign army throughout their entire lives.

The photographs reveal ancient walkways and old stone buildings. The images draw the viewer through archways, into courtyards and along cobblestone pathways trodden by these girls and their ancestors.

Tahreer, one of the photographers, explains “When photographing childhood memories returned to me of the times I bought small things from its streets and shops. A deep sadness overwhelmed me, knowing that today no one shops there anymore, due to the checkpoints imposed by the occupation.”

We hear of the plight of the Palestinians on the West Bank but apart from photos of conflict we have little idea of what life is like for the children and young people living in this ancient city.

This exhibition gives the viewer a glimpse of their city.

‘Through Their Lens’ began in 2019 by Community Peacemaker Teams (CPT) Hebron. The name came from the desire for others to see the world through the eyes of children — to understand their perspective and daily reality. Each child was given and taught how to use a camera to capture their everyday lives. These photos became their visual voices.

Ms Al Jundie from CPT explains: “This age

group was chosen because it’s a stage when children begin to form their own identity and personality. We wanted to offer them the opportunity to talk about their lives, emotions and experiences in their own way.”

The exhibition is sponsored by The Holy Trinity Church and is free. Any donations made will be given to Community Peacemaker Teams Hebron to continue their vital work.

The exhibition is on Saturday, November 29, 10am–3pm and Sunday, November 30, 11am–3pm at Holy Trinity Church, 1473 Kyogle Road, Uki.

Christmas is coming

By Jonathon Howard

CHRISTMAS IS coming to the Tweed from Monday, December 1, and it’s set to be a cracker!

Tweed Shire Council has revealed its plans for the festive season after Councillor Rhiannon Brinsmead raised a question on notice during council’s monthly meeting last week.

In response, council’s director of corporate services provided a detailed rundown of community programs, decorations, lighting displays and events scheduled to bring festive cheer.

The Tweed Festive Glow Guide is back again, which is an interactive map that allows residents to showcase their Christmas light displays, helping families locate the best festive streets across the shire. The guide launches December 1, with wildlife-friendly lighting information also included.

The Tweed Festive Shopfront campaign returns following its 2024 debut, encouraging businesses to decorate and activate their precincts. Run in collaboration with Tweed business chambers and the Tweed Valley Weekly, the campaign awards three regional winners, each receiving a $1,000 prize pack, including a $500 voucher, advertising and chamber membership.

The Tweed Tourism Company will again publish the annual Tweed Gift Guide, highlighting local gift ideas.

Business Kingscliff will be lighting a pine tree in Rowan Robinson Park this year.

BAREFOOT BOWLS

The shire will switch on several festive lighting features from December 1, including Murwillumbah Bridge lighting in Christmas colours, the year-round Kingscliff Fig Tree lighting and after-hours installation of decorations in Murwillumbah, Tweed Heads and at Murwillumbah Railway Station and the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, where Santa will make surprise appearances handing out merchandise.

Christmas events

Council-sponsored community celebrations will again play a major role in the local Christmas calendar. Under the 2025–26 Events Sponsorship Program, supported events include:

• Carols by the Coast – Lions Club of Kingscliff – Tuesday, December 9.

• Carols in the Park – Murwillumbah Rotary Club – Friday, December 12.

• Community Christmas Party – Lions Club Cabarita Beach & Pottsville – Saturday, December 13.

The What’s On Tweed platform will also feature a full program of festive activities across the region.

Mayor’s Christmas appeal:

This year, the Mayor’s Appeal will focus on homelessness, encouraging donations to local support services Fred’s Place and Agape Outreach Inc.

FRIDAY 1PM - 5PM SATURDAY 4PM - 5PM SUNDAY 1PM - 5PM

ACROSS

1 Person employed to tend cattle (7)

4 Defeat with brainpower (8)

8 Follow (3,5)

11 Hallucinogen favoured by sage Patanjali (9)

14 Bar frequented by cowboys (6)

15 Exploitable ambiguity in the rules (8)

17 Genre favoured by musicians Brian Eno, Apex Twin (7)

18 To sell items separately (8)

20 Absolutely precise (8)

21 Worthy of great respect (9)

25 One who writes 40-down (8)

26 Temporary technical malfunction

28 They fix cold feet in the bedroom (8)

30 Atmosphere (7)

32 Apprentices (7)

34 Film-making boards (13)

38 One who came before us (8)

42 Portray a feeling (5)

43 Mistake (5)

44 Spiritual being, guardian – (5)

45 Search (5)

46 Discoloured with age (8)

49 Disbelievingly (13)

52 Unicellular organisms (7)

55 Citizen of Santiago (7)

57 Long purple fruit

(8) 58 A set of six (6)

59 Sleepless condition (8)

60 US fantasy author, Brandon – (9)

64 Storage unit for information (8)

66 Somebody pretending to be someone else (8)

69 From the distant past (7)

70 Avian (8)

71 Run DMC’s 1968 hit It’s – (6)

72 Nuisance (9)

73 Suburbs of New York City (8)

74 He plays with pawns (8)

75 Dummies (7)

DOWN

1 Friend of Marx (7)

2 Second-largest city in Orange County (7)

3 A slow, continuous movement (5)

5 A state of chaos and confusion (5)

6 Dodge (5)

7 Type of mandarin (9)

8 Mind to mind, psionically (14)

9 Sleep tight! (8)

10 Synthetic material used to make stockings (5)

12 Wooden peasants’ shoe (5)

13 Ooze (5)

16 Indiana resident (7)

19 Pesto herb (5)

22 Canal blocked by vessel in March 2021 (4)

Can be Reversed or Diagonal

23 Pronunciation style (6)

24 Desire (4)

27 Audio tape container (8)

29 If the – fits! (4)

31 Put in danger (7)

33 To stamp (6)

35 Unpleasantly bright, vivid (5)

36 The removal of all traces (7)

37 Ring-shaped bread (5)

39 Moniker (8) 40 Parody (6)

41 Quality that restrains expression (14)

47 Delayed (6) 48 Almost a circle (4) 50 Australian dairy company (4)

Ctrl+Z (4)

Of the outside (7) 54 Unjustly exposing or revealing (a secret) (9) 55 Intellectually dishonest (9)

Minimum word length 4 letters. No plurals allowed. Every word must contain the centre letter (once only).

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Shop at Caldera Environment Centre

“WELCOME TO the Caldera Environment Centre and Shop,” says long-time volunteer Brian Summers, standing with fellow volunteers Karen, Eric and Barry at the front of the organisation’s Wollumbin Street store in Murwillumbah.

“It’s a nice place to stop when you’re in town— to spend some time looking at books and other things that might be for gifts, or something for yourself.”

“A Caldera is the outer rim of an ancient extinct volcano,” Brian explains to The Weekly. “In our case, it’s the rim of the Mount Warning/ Wollumbin volcano, within which we are all so lucky to live, here in the Tweed Valley.”

“We’re inviting everyone to drop in for Christmas shopping. We’ve stocked up especially,” Brian said.

The shop is now located at 43 Wollumbin Street, next to Fresh Wholefoods.

This Christmas marks 36 years since the CEC first opened its doors in Murwillumbah in 1989. “The founding members of the Caldera Environment Centre, with others, worked to challenge and to stop the ‘development’ of Mount Nullum, the first mountain on the left as you head to Uki. It’s a nature-protected area now,” Brian said.

It was the time of the well-known developer–council corruption scandal, which ultimately saw the Tweed Shire Council dissolved following ICAC investigations, and the Tweed Shire placed under administration for several years. Brian, who has been a member and volunteer for 15 years, says one of his most memorable

moments was the community campaign that stopped an international rally car race from being run through the roads and national parks of the Caldera.

“It was authorised by the State Government— they even changed national park environmental protection laws so they could race cars through the national parks,” he says.

“But that day, slow driving became very popular on the route from Murwillumbah through Uki and beyond, delaying the event.

“When the drivers finally reached Uki, they were met with a solid, well-organised community protest and beyond Uki, on the roads looping through protected forests, police scrambled to contain direct actions aimed at disrupting the race.

The drivers themselves complained to the racing federation that they’d been put in that position by the organisers. “It was supposed to be a bi-annual event,” Brian says, “but they never came back.”

Brian recalled the words of the first European to see the Tweed Valley who wrote: “... a deep rich valley clothed with magnificent trees… The view was altogether beautiful beyond description. The scenery here exceeded anything I have previously seen in Australia.” “Not much of that original ecology is left now,” Brian says. “But

what remains is absolutely worth protecting and there is a lot of very successful regeneration work happening.”

Brian hopes people will drop by. “By shopping at the CEC,” he said. “You’re encouraging an environmental culture and supporting the future of the Centre.”

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0427 005 377

Jayco Freedom 16’ Pop Top 2001 model, Registered until Nov 2026. Full Annex, 3 way fridge, single beds, complete Kitchen. Van 12 volt wired, Outdoor shower / toilet tent. Brand new porta potty. Many other extras. Murwillumbah$12,000.00 Phone: 0475 311 550 2017 SEE-DOO

Only 43 hours, Excellent condition. 6 Life Jackets Marlin brand, 3 caps, Ski Tyre tube + ropes, cleaning accessories, Registered. $11,000 ONO Phone 0428 753 080

FOR SALE Hisense 280 litre vertical Freezer, excellent condition $470. Tisira Twin-tub washing machine, good condition $50. Ph: 0407 524 580

Regent Cruiser Mk2 - $48,000 22ft Caravan 2016 model

Lots of extras including 2 Satellite TVs, washing machine, rear driving camera. Registered till Oct 2026. Phone: 0408 491 484

RARE AMERICAN GOLD COIN FOR SALE

1924 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle Gold Coin. 33.34g in weight. 22ct Gold, $20 dollar USA coin. Largest Gold Coin of America. Uncirculated condition. $250,000 - Buyers Only. Ph: 0400 892 757

19ft Jayco Heritage Caravan Air Con, TV, Microwave, Shower, Toilet, Vanity, Solar, New Battery, Gas/Electric Stove

$19,600

Weekly In Memoriam

Notice Funeral Notice

Frederick Ray Meehan ‘Ray’

Life Member Coolangatta Bowls Club

Passed away peacefully on 17th November 2025 at The Tweed Valley Hospital, late of Tweed Heads. Aged 95 years.

Beloved husband of Barbara (deceased) much loved dad of Vicki, Margaret and Allan, loved poppy to his 8 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

Loved and remembered by all his family and friends

Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral service for Ray to be held at the Tweed Heads Crematorium, Kirkwood Road

Tweed Heads on Thursday 27th November 2025 at 1:00pm (NSW time)~12:00pm (QLD time)

Tweed Heads Ph: (07) 5599 1500

Bertram Boyd Janes ‘Bert’

Late of Crystal Creek. Died on Monday 17th November 2025. Aged 92 years.

Dearly Loved Husband of Alison.

Loved Father of Stephen, Karen, Ruth & Sally. Cherished Grandfather and Great-grandfather.

Family and Friends are warmly invited to attend Bert’s Funeral service to be held at the All Saints Anglican Church on Byangum Road Murwillumbah on Friday 28th November at 2pm (NSW time)

Death Notices

Heritage Brothers 07 55 991500

BUDD Heather 18/11/2015

FINDLAY Annie 18/11/2025

BANNING John 18/11/2025

MEEHAN Frederick 17/11/2025

Dolphin Funerals 0427 743 817

SALES Vicki 18/11/2025

COTTLE Paul 21/11/2025

POWELL Lois 21/11/2025

WOOD Dudley Hossack 21/11/2025

APEL Molly Sheila 23/11/2025

Beloved husband of Barbara. Cherished father of Raymond and Ardeena, Terry & Kim and Jan & Mark.

Much loved Pop of his 7 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, we would all walk up to heaven and bring you back again. In loving memory of

Funeral Directors

Paperbark Deathcare & Funerals 0466 526 156

BENNET Annie 14/11/25

ZIPSIN Lore 23/11/2025

Simplicity Funerals Twin Towns (07) 5599 1800

GOODWIN Christopher James 18/11/2025

ROBINSON BETTY 06/11/2025

Tiare Funerals 0416 389 587

LEER VAN YANI Leo 22/11/2025

LEES Dianne 25/11/2025

SILVER Kallistar 17/11/2025

Dane wins Newy Pro Five for Mison, Mostert

By Jo Kennett

FINGAL HEAD surfer Dane Henry has taken out his first World Surf League Qualifying Series (QS) event at Newcastle Beach on Sunday, November 23, with a thrilling buzzer beater in the dying seconds to win the Newcastle Surfest QS 2000, with Cabarita's Kyan Falvey making it through to the top 16.

Dane Henry won the Frame Promotional Products Men’s Pro — a World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) 2000 event. Due to the prevailing conditions, the three days of competition were all held at Merewether Beach, with finals day offering clean, offshore three-tofour-foot conditions for the majority of the day.

Henry delivered highlights throughout the contest. The 19-year-old won every four-man heat and posted the two highest scores of the event leading up to the final, earning a pair of 8.83s for exciting airs.

He pulled off a last minute victory in the quar ter finals with Ben Lorentson leading most of the heat. Dane needed a decent backup, and with about one minute to go, he got it. A big floater and a couple of vertical backhand hits nabbed him a 6.33 for a 11.5 total to take the win.

He wasn’t leaving anything to chance in the semi-final, catching eight waves to Kobi Cle ments’ four, building on his score and pulling off some great airs on top of big fins out laybacks to win

easily on 15.83.

Dane saved his best for last. With barely 30 seconds on the clock, and in need of a 7.04, Henry delivered two crisp vertical turns, polished off with an air reverse, to post a massive 9.14 and take the win.

“It’s pretty surreal, I’ve been coming to Newy since I was about this big,” Dane said.

“It’s a really special one for me, my first QS win, and I really need the points too.”

Dane recently won both the ISA World Surfing Games gold medal and ISA U/18 World Junior Title.

His regional Junior Champion title secured a place in his first WSL World Junior Championship, set for January in the Philippines, while last week’s win lifted him to number nine on the Australia/Oceania QS regional rankings, as he looks to lock in a position on the 2026 Challenger Series.

Bogangar’s Kyan Falvey also surfed in the event, with a brilliant run to the Round of 16 to finish in 17th, and he did the same at the Siargao International QS 6000, where he can’t get enough of those barrels, to finish

After three previous runner-up finishes, Sarah Baum (RSA) at last claimed a win in her adopted home of Newcastle, competing against her close friend and fellow Novocastrian Philippa Anderson.

By Jo Kennett

TWEED BANORA Colts have jumped to second spot in the LJ Hooker League, after an epic win against Alstonville on Saturday, November 22, with Lachlan Mison taking five wickets, a feat matched by Zeke Mostert for Cudgen.

The Colts played away and won the toss, electing to bowl. Hamish McFie ruined all the fun for Alstonville, taking 4/20, while Tom Byrnes and Ben Thoms took two each, with the hosts all out for 107.

Jamie Bennett top scored for the Colts, 50 not out when they overtook Alstonville on 109 with the loss of only two wickets.

Pottsville in ninth place pulled off a great victory (8/139) against Marist Brothers in fourth (10/119) at Seabreeze.

Pottsville lost the toss and were sent in to bat, with Kagisho Pedi making 40, Nathan

Lakes 6/68. After an outstanding partnership from the stand-in skipper Josh Kinneally and Sandeep Chauhan clawed it back, with also some important runs in the tail, including a quick fire 25 from James Taylor scoring his first runs of the season. The Lakes finished 8/173 after their 40 overs.”

Tintenbar were settling in and scoring runs, 3/137 at one point.

“After Josh and Zahaan Hussain came in to the attack, they halted the scoring massively, only scoring four boundaries during their spells. After more outstanding bowling from Sandeep and Lachlan Mison, the home side needed 14 from the final over. After some tight bowling in the final over from Lachlan, The Lakes came home as the victors in a huge comeback win bowling Tintenbar out with the final ball of the game for 167. Lachlan finished with 5/41, the first five-wicket haul this season for first grade.” Third placed Cudgen Hornets went down to competition leaders Goonellabah in a tight game, with Cudgen being sent in to bat first. The Hornets steadily put on the runs, with Zeke Mostert top scoring on 37 not out, Hayden Wilson on 31 and the Hornets finishing 8/168 was the two Goonellabah openers that did the real damage, scoring 123 between them before getting out. It was Zeke Mostert who nearly stopped the hosts in their tracks again, taking an incredible 5/33, but the damage was done and they were overtaken at 8/169

Celebrating Mount St Patrick College Formal

RAIN MAY have soaked the grounds but it did not dampen the spirits of Mount St Patrick College’s graduating class of 2025 as students gathered for their Year 12 Formal on Friday, November 14.

Principal Gavin Dykes praised the students for their achievements and resilience, sharing the following message: “I am absolutely delighted to share the wonderful success of our Year 12 Formal, which was held on Friday, November 14th,” he said in a statement to The Weekly.

“The formal was a perfect occasion to acknowledge and congratulate all our students, particularly those who have excelled and been recognised with awards.

“Despite a rather persistent downpour, the spirit of our students was not dampened in the slightest and they all arrived in style!

“I extend my warmest congratulations to all the achievers and award winners. Your dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence are an inspiration to the entire school community.

“We celebrate your success, not just in academic and extracurricular pursuits, but also in the outstanding character and leadership you have demonstrated throughout your time here.

“We offer our deepest gratitude for the tremendous support provided by our dedicated staff and families, and we extend a special acknowledgement to those families whose student is the last to leave the college, marking a bittersweet end to their generational connection with us.

“The Mount St Patrick Year 12 Formal was a fitting, elegant, and joyful send-off. We wish our Year 12 cohort every success as they embark on the exciting adventures that lie ahead.”

The event served as a heartfelt farewell to a cohort celebrated not only for its academic and extracurricular success, but also for its strong character, leadership and contribution to the school community.

Real Estate Estate

Agent of the week

By Jo Kennett

OUR AGENT of the Week this edition is Kaeren Smith from Tweed Coolangatta Real Estate, who has a wealth of experience in real estate and a true passion for the Tweed.

We caught up with Kaeren to find out more.

Before you were a real estate agent what was the most interesting job you had?

I have been in real estate for 40 years, first when I lived in Lismore before moving to the Tweed in 2001. My first job at 15 was as a chocolate maker and I also worked at Strandbags part-time and did part-time bookkeeping at The Italo Club in Lismore.

What inspired you to go into real estate?

My girlfriend I worked with at The Italian Club was aware of a change of ownership at a small agency in Lismore so I applied for the new position as receptionist and was accepted. I worked my way up to sales consultant and spent five years of night school obtaining my real estate licence, including business sales, stock and station and auctioneering. After

finishing my diploma I worked at Lismore TAFE lecturing in property management in night classes. During these years we had a young family and worked six days a week and nights. I look back now and realise what a busy time it was for our family.

What sort of properties are most in demand at the moment?

Any property is in demand at present — from the low end of the market to the top end, homes are in short supply. Are you seeing any impacts from interest cuts and the first home buyers 5 per cent

deposit scheme?

First home buyers are certainly back in the market which is wonderful — I love the opportunity to assist them into their first home. As prices continue to increase it makes it hard for everyone to get a foot into real estate.

What sort of properties are first home buyers and investors looking for?

Open Homes

All times are DST unless specified.

Saturday, November 29

DJ Stringer

• 501/85 Golden Four Dr, Bilinga, 10 – 10.30am QLD Time

• 4/74 Pacific Pde, Bilinga, 10 – 10.30am QLD Time

• 1/39 Wyuna Rd, Tweed Heads West, 10 – 10.30am

• 1091/14-22 Stuart St, Tweed Heads, 11 – 11.30am

• 10 Lawlor Pl, Terranora, 12 – 12.30pm

We

We understand

We understand that

Our

Definitely the lower end, even now considering areas they may not have considered previously just because of the prices. As prices rise and the returns are not as high as in previous years, investors are looking for a balance of future capital gain. Renting a property is certainly not an issue.

Do you have any tips on how people can get a foot on the property ladder?

Give your details to as many real estate agents as you can, keep a close eye on what is new to the market and don’t wait for the open house. Contact the agent and try to get a look as soon as possible and have your finance ready — pre approved.

Any advice for buyers or sellers or anything else you want to add?

There are a lot of people who would sell but it’s finding their next property to purchase, they are worried they will have nowhere to live. But if you don’t sell you cannot buy unless you can afford to buy before you sell, so it is a very big decision.

JET Estate

Agents

• 16 Lamington Way, Murwillumbah, 9 – 9.30am

• 17 Charles Street, Murwillumbah, 10 – 10.30am

• 45 William Street, Murwillumbah, 10 – 10.30am

• 27 Tumbulgum Road, Murwillumbah, 11 – 11.30am

• 187 Tweed Valley Way, South Murwillumbah, 12 – 12.30pm

• 18 Flinders Way, Ocean Shores, 12 – 12.30pm

• 45 Fernvale Road, Fernvale, 1 – 1.30pm Schmith Estate Agents

• 241 Alcorn Road, Knockrow, 11 – 12pm

• 49 Dixon street, Coolangatta, 11 – 11.30am QLD time

• 22 Stanley Lane, Tweed Heads, 1.30 – 2pm

Hot

property

OUR HOT property this week is a spacious family home with luxury features and amazing views over the water. 29 Townsend Crescent is in Terranora’s Altitude Estate and has five bedrooms, three bathrooms and plenty of storage for cars, boats and caravans.

It looks out over Terranora Broadwater, Kirra, and the Gold Coast skyline, and features a gourmet kitchen with a butler’s pantry, north-facing alfresco dining and a lovely solar heated magnesium pool.

The home sits on a large corner block and also has a dedicated office, a spacious master suite with freestanding bath and separate toilet, two additional full bathrooms, and multiple living zones — perfectly balancing luxury and everyday comfort.

This move-in-ready family home offers privacy, security and functionality, all just moments from top schools, parks, major shopping centres and the M1, and is on the market with Kaeren Smith at Tweed Coolangatta Real Estate with a price guide of $1.95 million to $2.09 million.

Tweed Coolangatta Real Estate

• 76 Wommin bay Road, Chinderah, 12 – 12.30pm

Tate Brownlee Real Estate

• 40a Seaside Drive, Kingscliff, 9 – 9.30am

• 68/5-7 Soorley St, Tweed Heads South, 9– 9.30am

• 7 Coach Rd, Terranora, 9 – 9.30am

• 1 Chadburn Lane, Chinderah, 10 – 10.30am

• 14 Lennox Circuit, Pottsville, 11 – 11.30am

• 6 Carrington Court, Terranora,11 – 11.30am

• 13 Bongaree Rd, Terranora,12 – 12.30pm

• 4/14 Kingston Dr, Banora Point, 12 – 12.30pm

• 1/14 Tamarind Avenue, Bogangar, 1 – 1.30pm

• 2/14 Tamarind Avenue, Bogangar, 1 – 1.30pm

3/2 HILL STREET, TWEED HEADS

3 3 2

One of the best pieces of real estate on the east coast of Australia, with front row seats to the beach action, this unique two-level penthouse celebrates the beauty of its idyllic beachfront setting with awe-inspiring views that stretch across from Duranbah Beach all the way down to the headland of Cabarita and Northern NSW. This luxury entertainer in a small complex of only 3 apartments, is sprawled over the top two levels via internal stairs or lift access and offers open plan living throughout. Unbeatable location with unsurpassed irreplaceable views! FOR SALE - MOTIVATED TO MEET THE

BOUTIQUE PENTHOUSE WITH PANORAMIC VIEWS ONTOP ICONIC HEADLAND

5 2 3

RIVER VIEWS, SUNSET RETREATS AND LUXURY COASTAL LIVING FOR SALE

Tucked away in one of Tweed Heads' most sought-after laneways, this address captures the best of coastal living! Thoughtfully designed two-storey, freestanding home blends space, elegance and a riverside lifestyle - the perfect balance of style and convenience in a prime coastal setting. Expansive 5 bedroom, 2 bathroom home with ironbark timber floors, river views and epic sunsets! Quiet and centrally located, this property delivers a relaxed riverside feel with everything you need right at your doorstep.

DREAM COASTAL ACREAGE – THE PERFECT BLEND OF COUNTRY SERENITY AND COASTAL LIVING

Discover the best of both worlds – peaceful rural living just minutes from the pristine beaches of Cabarita and only 30 minutes from Byron Bay and Coolangatta Airport. Properties of this size, in such a sought-after location, are truly rare.

Step into a world where the air is fresher, the skies are wider, and time slows down just enough to let you breathe deeply and dream freely. Tucked away in the fertile heart of the Northern Rivers, this spectacular 57-acre rural haven offers more than just land and luxury-it offers a lifestyle that city dwellers only fantasize about. Welcome to your surreal escape from the city. This beautifully restored and immaculately maintained homestead is ready for its next chapter-and for the next family to write theirs. Here, life is lived

This expansive acreage invites you to create your dream lifestyle. Multiple elevated building sites capture sweeping easterly views with ocean glimpses, offering the perfect setting for your dream home – and even space for a second dwelling (STCA). The gently undulating, flood-free

Step into a world where the air is fresher, the skies are wider, and time slows down just enough to let you breathe deeply and dream freely. Tucked away in the fertile heart of the Northern Rivers, this spectacular 57-acre rural haven offers more than just land and luxury-it offers a lifestyle that city dwellers only fantasize about. Welcome to your surreal escape from the city. This beautifully restored and immaculately maintained homestead is ready for its next chapter-and for the next family to write theirs. Here, life is lived outdoors and in full colour.

land is not only beautiful but practical, with excellent access and power already available.

Friday 20th June 1pm

Whether your vision is a luxury country retreat, a working hobby farm, or an income-generating rural business, this property offers endless opportunity. The RU2 Rural Landscape zoning supports a wide range of uses – from equestrian pursuits, animal grazing, and crop production to agri-tourism, farm stays, boutique accommodation, or even a charming café or market garden.

UNMATCHED LOCATION

Jessica Murphy 0434 644

A tranquil retreat just minutes from the Tweed Coasts beaches, shops and key amenities: - 12mins to Cabarita Beach/Bogangar

Jessica Murphy 0434 644 238

- 5mins to the M1 motorway

jessica.murphy@raywhite.com

- 19mins to Kingscliff & the New Tweed Hospital - 22mins to Gold Coast Airport - 30mins to Byron Bay

Jessica Murphy 0434 644 238 jessica.murphy@raywhite.com

Mr Property Services

Phone: (07) 5523 3431 | Mobile: 0403 713 658

Email: enquiries@mrpropertyservices.com.au

TWEED COOLANGATTA REAL ESTATE

RIVERSIDE HOME

Only meters to the river & Chinderah commercial hub & flat easy bike ride or drive to Cudgen & Kingscliff. Private north facing yard with a beau�ful outlook. Flat 920m2 block development poten�al for Commercial & residen�al, zoned MU1 mixed use, the property offers a number of opportuni�es for the astute investor/ developer (STCA).

76 Wommin Bay Road, Chinderah

One of the original homes in the area, this cute co�age has been refurbished offering fresh paintwork, polished �mber floors and large light filled living room. New kitchen, recently replaced bathroom/ combined laundry with two way access to main bedroom. 2 bedrooms plus study nook.

The home owner has an opportunity to extend the exis�ng home or build a

Townsend Crescent,

LUXURY FAMILY HOME - FLAT BLOCK, POOL, VIEWS & CARAVAN PARKING

Just one year young, this Al�tude Custom Homes crea�on redefines modern family living and effortless entertaining in Terranora.

Set on a rare, level 593m² corner allotment, the home features five bedrooms plus a dedicated office, a spacious master suite with freestanding bath and separate toilet, two addi�onal full bathrooms, and mul�ple living zones-perfectly balancing luxury and everyday comfort.

Inside, enjoy bright, open spaces complemented by 2.7m ceilings and 2.4m doorways, a stunning gourmet kitchen with butler’s pantry and seamless connec�on to the north-facing alfresco area overlooking a heated, inground magnesium pool.

The oversized double garage includes a workshop space, while remote-controlled secure-gated-side access provides extra parking for a caravan, boat,

trailer or jetski, an uncommon advantage in this loca�on.

Every element has been finished to an excep�onal standard, with CCTV security, Crimsafe screens, zoned ducted air condi�oning, premium fixtures, and immaculate landscaping.

Designed for outdoor enjoyment, the property offers beau�fully cra�ed garden spaces and elevated views spanning the Terranora Broadwater, Kirra, and the Gold Coast skyline - all just moments from top schools, parks, major shopping centres and the M1.

Price $1,950,000 - $2,090,000

Kaeren Smith J.P.

Licenced Real Estate Agent NSW & QLD 0412 454 150

kaeren.smith@tcre.net.au

535

beau�ful large home on this generous flat block (STCA). Easy side access to rear yard - room for trades vehicles/caravans/boats/trailers. Covered back deck overlooking the fully landscaped fenced yard. A rare opportunity to purchase in a sought-a�er loca�on.

AUCTION ON SITE 7TH DECEMBER AT 12 NOON (DST)

kaeren.smith@tcre.net.au

3/13 Margaret Street, Tweed Heads

TWEED

HEADS TOWNHOUSERIVERSIDE

Tastefully renovated, spacious light filled north facing open plan living and dining with �mber look flooring and air-condi�oning.

House sized kitchen with stone bench tops

Downstairs offers, separate laundry, 2nd toilet, access to �mber decked courtyard, internal access to auto lock-up garage.

Upstairs features very generous main bedroom, deck access & huge walk through robe, 2 way access to modern bathroom with bathtub, shower & separate toilet. 2 addi�onal bedrooms, all with fans, �mber

look flooring throughout. Lifestyle loca�on, only a short walk to the Tweed River & local shops. Close to Coolanga�a, Kirra & major retail & shopping centres.

Price $899,000

Kaeren Smith J.P.

Licenced Real Estate Agent NSW & QLD 0412 454 150

kaeren.smith@tcre.net.au

311

Architecturally Designed & Crafted by a Master Builder

Privately positioned in one of Terranora's most

too spectacular to be real - offering sweeping views

Carrington Court.

This property not just a

high on Terranora hill.